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Ward officers highlight non-compliance of procurement processes as a challenge

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chairperson for Ward 7 Mr. Nelson Wane sharing points that their group had discussed during group work session

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Chairperson for Ward 7 Mr. Nelson Wane sharing points that their group had discussed during group work session

PARTICIPANTS to a recent planning and budgeting training on Savo Island has commended the Central Provincial Government for this initiative.

In appreciating the expanded terms of references for the WDCs, Mr John Lopling, Chairman for Ward 9, highlighted during the training that it is good to have wide representation by all sectors within the community in the WDC. He said that this inclusive and participatory planning, together with the MPA, will ensure fairness, inclusiveness and transparency in decision making and development planning at the ward level.

Also. Mr Thomas Tome, Chairperson for Ward 2, expressed similar sentiments and thanked the Central Provincial Government for introducing the Participatory Planning Framework to members of the WDC. Mr Tome emphasised the need for Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) to work closely with their WDC members and ensure everybody participates fully in all development decision making within the wards. He urged MPAs to use the WDGs to implement projects in accordance with the Annual Work Plans of the Wards rather than on personal or other interests.

Meanwhile, Marvin Parina, Chairperson for Ward 1, when discussing the procurement processes, highlighted that there are some projects at the wards that are not completed and this was attributed to failures by contractors, lack of community involvement, and non-compliance to procurement procedures and principles by Provincial staff and MPAs.

Chairperson for Ward 7, Mr Nelson Wane, also re-iterated non-compliance as a contributing factor to failure of many donor funded projects at the community and ward levels. He also highlighted the probabilities of personal interests, misuse of public funds and low or lack of community contribution as other factors contributing to failures of projects.

Wane further stated that communication is also a challenge at community and ward level as sometimes the communities were not aware of projects until the contractors deliver loads of hardware materials at their villages or communities. The communities or wards were not properly and officially informed at all as there were no public advertisements or no information on how the project was awarded to the selected contractor.

All the chairpersons who participated in the training generally felt that there is a greater need for compliance to the procurement principles and procedures for projects to be successfully completed. They urged the Provincial Government and donors to continuously monitor the progress of project implementation and use of funds by the contractors if we want to see more projects completed at the wards.

The Participatory Planning & Budgeting Training for Ward Development Committee Members for Central province was hailed a success with 30 participants including four female ward treasurers. The Central Provincial Government has allocated $3,000 per ward which will be channeled through the WDCs for this purpose.

The Planning Division of the Central provincial government organised the training and pledged that it will continue to provide technical assistance to the WDC’s to ensure and secure genuine participation of the committees in the Provincial planning process.

The two days training, was facilitated by the Provincial Planning Coordinator, Mr John Rapemora, and the Provincial Capacity Development Advisor, Mr Adrian Toni, and was officially opened and closed by the Premier of Central Province, Patrick Vasuni.

Former PM stresses govt policies must come from people

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

SIR Allen Kemakeza, the Managing Director and owner of Sunset Resort in Savo, on the invitation to share few remarks with the participants of a recent workshop held on Savo, thanked the Central Provincial Government for choosing the resort to host this important training.

Sir Allen took the chance to remind the Ward Development Chairpersons and Treasurers of their roles as partners of the Central Provincial Government in rolling out the participatory planning process.

He highlighted that WDC members represent the people in their respective communities and wards in the planning process.

Thus they must perform to the expectations of the Central Provincial Government and to the expectations of the people they represent.

The former Prime Minister reminded all participants again about the saying: “Governments are from the People, for the People and by the People”.

Sir Allen stressed that government policies must come from the people.

“This is the important task of WDC members. They are to participate and inclusively plan and identify projects that represent the true needs of the people and bring it up to the Provincial Government. The people must dictate rural development rather than being dictated at the central level or by agents that can be seen as outsiders. The government is then expected to deliver services for the people. The people are the resource owners thus government is obliged to give back to the people the services they needed to sustain livelihoods and improve standards of living at the ward level in the rural areas,” Sir Allan said.

The training in question is on Participatory Planning & Budgeting for Ward Development Committee Members for Central Province.

30 participants including four female Ward Treasurers attended the training.

Central premier lauds financial training for ward development officers  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chairperson for Banika Ward Mr. John Lopling sharing one of the groups’ opinions during the training.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

CENTRAL Islands provincial government has recently held a training for ward development chair persons and treasurers at Sunset resort in Savo.

In his keynote address to workshop participants, Premier Vasuni said the training was conducted in compliance with a resolution reached by the Cabinet of Solomon Islands in September 2012, for stronger citizen participation in the Provincial Planning Process. The resolution mandated WDC members to coordinate and participate in all development planning processes at the community and ward levels.

Premier Vasuni delivering his opening address during Central Province’s Participatory Planning & Budgeting Training for chairpersons and treasurers for Ward Development Committees.

Premier Vasuni said the recently reviewed Financial Management Ordinance (FMO) and Financial Instructions (FI) emphasised the need for citizens to participate fully in all development decision making processes at the Ward and the Provincial level. He said it is therefore crucial that WDC members are trained and capacitated in order for them to perform at levels expected by the people and the Provincial Government.

This participatory planning process is hoped to make the planning processes at the community and ward level more inclusive and at the same time ensure citizens’ views are captured and reflected on the choice of projects that are considered as their felt needs instead of a centralised decision making, said Vasuni.

Chairperson for Banika Ward Mr. John Lopling sharing one of the groups’ opinions during the training.

The Central Province Premier highlighted his government’s conviction on integrated and inclusive approach to development planning and stressed that any development by government agencies, donor partners or NGO’s within Central Province must be well coordinated and organised with the province and the relevant ward committees. This, he said, is important to avoid duplication of activities and wasting of limited available resources on similar targets.

The Premier informed the participants, who are mostly the Chairpersons and Treasurers of Central Province’s WDC members, that as from next current Financial Year (2018/2019 FY), his government will be gradually devolving the management and accountability of Ward Development Grants (WDG’s) to the Ward Development Committees (WDCs).

Chairperson for Ward 7 Mr. Nelson Wane sharing points that their group had discussed during group work session

“It is therefore important that WDC members are trained on the adopted procurement procedures and methods which must be followed when implementing ward capital development projects.”

He added the training will include monitoring and reporting on the accountability of WDGs in accordance with the prescribed templates which was developed by Central Province’s Treasury Division and approved and adopted by the Provincial Executive in May 2018.

DJ Tikelz & Swizz rocks mystery cruise trip

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY Daniel Kakadi

HUNDREDS of people on-board LC Gulatatae 1 on Saturday last week were part of the Mystery cruise trip and among the guests were some Solomon Islanders who lived in Australia and flew over just to be part of the mystery cruise.

The cruise ship departed Point Cruz at around 5pm on Saturday May 19 in the evening to the mystery destination – which is at the GBR Guadalcanal resort beach.

The trip saw dance entertainments and performances from local artists.

Manahena Events coordinator, Mr Benjamin Karegua said “the cruise is special because two guests on-board were also celebrating their birthdays and with DJ Tikelz and Swiss performing it makes the cruise trip more interesting and special.”

Later that night DJ Tikelz and Swiss performed their style of music which brought all the guests to their feet and enjoyed the music until dawn.

Manahena Event group would like to acknowledge all its hard working staffs and also to the entire guest who were part of the mystery cruise to Guadalcanal resort beach.

Artist singer SWISS of Samoa putting a very entertainment performance on
the night at the Gaudalcanal resort beach.
Andrew (centre) taking a selfie with SWISS and DJ TIKELZ after he won the
ticket draw to have a selfie with them.
DJ TIKELZ during the cruise night.
A local artist who also performed during the cruise night at Guadalcanal Resort beach.Photos by Daniel Kakadi.
Cruise ship departing from Point Cruz wharf.
Dancers performing during the mystrey cruise night.

Isabel mentors voiced to teach children with culture  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Isabel dancers

BY ELLISON.T.VAHI

LOCAL organisers for the Isabel Cultural Day held at Vura have called on all members in Honiara to maintain and include the island’s culture and tradition into their extracurricular activities.

Local organisers used the cultural trade and cultural night activities at Vura to emphasise that Isabel people are unique due to their culture and tradition.

The event features diverse cultures from all ward participant groups and was a day of festivity for people of Isabel province as they took on each group with fun and joy.

There were laughter and excitement among students and families as each cultural group performed their dances in colours of costumes such as kabilatos, grass skirts, shield, axe, with an extra ordinary typical funny dancers that provide an excitement atmosphere for the audience.

Speaking during the event a participant, Darrin Tule said that Isabel’s culture and tradition is their identity.

“It is our culture and tradition that identifies us as the people of Isabel. He adds it is our culture and tradition that makes us different from other people.”

Meanwhile, the local organisers for the event are asking and urging parents of Isabel who are living in and around Honiara to teach and encourage their children about the culture and tradition whether through formal or informal education.

They also asked educators to insert the Isabel culture and tradition as an extra curriculum for Isabel children.

Meanwhile the local organisers for the event thank the forefathers of Isabel province for laying the foundation of the culture and tradition of Isabel.

Documentary filming on Solomon Islands’ climate change

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 A documentary about Climate Change in Solomon Islands will be screened at the Honiara City Council library as part of celebrating the World Environment Day.

The screening is set for June 5 starting from 5.30pm-7pm, and is opened for public.

The event is organised by the UNDP Solomon Islands through Solomon Islands Water Sector Adaptation Project (SIWSAP) and the Pacific Environmental Journalist Network.

This is an informal evening with a number of documentaries about Climate Change in Solomon Islands to be filmed.

According to UNDP, the documentaries will present a wide range of global issues with experts from around the world.

UNDP said the feature documentary will be preceded by a collection of short videos that will help public understand the challenges of climate change in Solomon Islands.
Following the celebration of World Environment Day, UNDP stated such event will open opportunities for discussion of the issues in the documentaries and how it relates to Solomon Islanders.
This is a monthly series and the first series of screening will kick off on World Environment Day, June 5.
The first documentary will be “An Inconvenient Sequel,” the updated version of Al Gore’s advocacy efforts that helps us understand the significance of the Paris Climate Accord and the latest footage of how climate change is impacting people all around the world.

WPNFSE says it will support govt

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

Gizo

 

THE Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment (WPNFSE) says it stands by to support the Western provincial government.

WPNFSE is a body set up in the province to coordinate non-government organisations in the province.

WPNFSE had a meeting in Gizo on Monday where it agreed on how it will complement the work of the province.

Speaking on behalf of WPNFSE, David Boseto said their group will carry out awareness on the proposed plastic ban the provincial government is proposing to implement in July.

Boseto said the network will render help on waste management and with small waste recycling at home.

He said their group will continue to complement each organisation with equipment and human resources.

One other big event the group will work on is the event to mark this year’s World Environment Day, World Ocean Day and Coral Triangle day.

The event will be held in Gizo next Wednesday.

Women learn their role in the church

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

A rally was recently held at Takwa Catholic parish for women representatives there.

The rally was organised by Takwa parish where women learnt their role as women or mothers in the church.

Senior catechist, Mr Eddie Kaia said the objective of the rally is to strengthen their faith and their work in the church.

He added that the programme looked at supporting women to build them from their weaknesses both in the community and with parish participation.

Kaia said the rally came under the parish programme which looked not only at women, but other gender groups and church ministerial activities under the parish.

He said there were programmes also for Sunday schools, youths, men’s groups, catechist and other areas under the parish which mainly to strengthen their faith and work in church.

Kaia said women attended the rally were representing 22 Catholic communities in Lau and Mbaelelea under the Takwa parish.

SIWIBA – a platform for creativity and opportunity

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

SOLOMON Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) has been an opportunity for women to showcase their skills and creativity while contributing to their household incomes.

This is according to Ms Gayle Ramosaea who hails from Malaita and Western provinces.

She expressed that it was back in 2014 when she signed up as a member before getting into the art of producing locally inspired accessories as a craft artist.

Ramosaea explained that she decided to join the association so that she would be able to help support her husband and children.

She stressed that one major challenge in the journey has been the essence of time in juggling her roles and responsibilities as a wife, mother, grandmother and business person.

All the more, Ramosaea proudly displays her items which range from matching earrings and necklaces, the popular Langa Langa shell money necklaces to head pieces and other accessories.

Besides producing beautiful accessories, she is also involved in two other businesses.

Ramosaea was among other women who showed up at SIWIBA’s first market for 2018 yesterday at the Girl Guides headquarter.

Formerly known as Mere’s Market, SIWIBA is set to hold a total of six SIWIBA markets this year.

Provincial schools may soon learn Mandarin

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

IT is encouraging to know that students are interested to learn the Mandarin language after finding out what it is.

This is according to Ms Li Kuei Mi who teaches Mandarin at SINU.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, she said that for this year alone, she has visited more than two schools in Honiara and has come to see that students are pretty much interested to learn Mandarin.

Ms Li explained that as part of her Mandarin awareness activity, she introduces her country, Taiwan, her culture and language through a presentation of brief video clips, songs and questionnaire sessions.

She added that with the help of her students from her Mandarin class at SINU, she also teaches basic Mandarin phrases to see if students are interested to learn the language and mentioned that while the response was overwhelmingly positive it encourages her to visit more schools.

Li stated that she plans to visit schools in the provinces and is already considering Makira and Temotu provinces as the two first provinces to visit.

She furthered that although she is aware how far Temotu province is, she is willing to take up the challenge.

“I want to share with students the Mandarin language and see if they are interested to learn about it because in one way or the other it can help open the door for many opportunities for them. Solomon Islands does not just include Honiara but all the nine provinces so that is why I plan to also visit schools in the provinces,” said Li.

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