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Sogavare calls for stronger regional intelligence network

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Acting PM and participants of the security dialogue.

ACTING Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called for the need to strengthen national and regional intelligence networks in the region.

Mr Sogavare was the guest speaker at the opening of the two-day South Pacific Intelligence Dialogue held in Honiara recently.

Sogavare said it is an important matter of concern that all Pacific island countries must work collaboratively towards.

“The successful implementation of any security decision rests on the value of intelligence recieved. Like they say, timely and quality intelligence provides better platform for states to make good decisions for the wellbeing of their country,” he said.

Acting PM and participants of the security dialogue.

However, the acting Prime Minister said he is pleased to note that our regional countries have been cooperating well on the matter concerned through the regional framework and bilateral cooperation.

He said Pacific island governments and intelligence groups must continue to work with communities and security agencies to build networks and partnerships that will help address the threat to our own national security.

“Our challenge is not made any easier by the diversity of our region and the never ending stretches of maritime boundaries and geographical features. This diversity makes our region more susceptible to crime syndicates and opportunists who are taking advantage to exploit our existence,” he said.

But Sogavare said ‘our obligations remain the same and that is national security is the plarform upon which our nations are built’.

“Keeping our region safe is our core responsibility and that demands greater cooperation from all of us,” he said.

He added that the emphasis on cooperation is a very important call and that is when it comes to security in the region the message that we must take in is we are not and should not be operating in isolation of each other.

“We literally become our brother’s keeper,” he said.

–OPMC PRESS

School bursar under fire

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SIOTA Provincial Secondary School’s Bursar recently reported being suspended will be replaced but is yet to be directed within the next two or three weeks.

This was confirmed by the school’s Administration yesterday.

It is understood that a new school bursar is already on standby for replacement having been selected from applications submitted of interest for the position, at the right provincial authority.

The school bursar who was accepted this year by the provincial Education Authority (EA) of Central Islands Province (CIP) is being seriously dealt with after being reported in failing to submit receipting of school fees and funds of the school.

According to Siota PSS School Administration speaking to Island Sun, the process is such receipting are to be submitted first to the Deputy Principal before they are forwarded to the School Principal, however, this was not the case resulting in investigation into misappropriation of funds.

“The school’s Bursar is a direct employee of the province as his situation is dealt by the Deputy Provincial Secretary (DPS) and provincial EA,” said School Principal Fr Patterson Tako.

It is understood that the school Bursar had been yet under probation before suspension adding more seriousness in CIP’s EA not tolerating such action, taking tough measure.

As the school’s administration has just been re-resurrected this year under the leadership of the current School Principal after facing a downfall over the past two years in its academic performance as a cause of poor leadership, CIP’s EA, Provincial Government and current Siota Administration do not want the Premier School of the province turning back to such experience.

CIP’s EA during recent query have stressed their disappointment over the issue because they are striving hard on a course, struggling to rebuild the school’s reputation.

Over such, the school is under heavy guidance and watchful eyes belonging to the concerned general public as well.

“He is to be given the finish signal but it will be made known in two to three weeks time,” said the school’s Administration.

Gov’t to develop national security strategy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Acting PM Sogavare addressing the dualogue.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Acting PM Sogavare addressing the dualogue.

THE government is now embarking an active approach to develop the country’s national security strategy.

Acting Prime Minister and deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare made this statement during the recent South Pacific Intelligence Dialogue that was held at the Heritage Park hotel.

He stated that the strategy should define the responsibilities all pacific island countries must take regarding regional security.

“We are also embarking on developing a National Border Strategy for our maritime borders and it should be completed soon,” said Sogavare.

He explained that the strategy will also be mindful of the borders Solomon Islands shares with neighboring pacific island countries.

The Finance Minister stated that a nationwide consultation took place with stakeholders on important matters to ensure that a comprehensive government approach is in place with consideration of the importance of community participation.

“These communities are important stakeholders in our approach and including them in such undertaking will provide more sense of partnership with our agencies, thereby addressing the issue of ownership in the process,” he said.

Sogavare referred to the dialogue as a boost to this concept because it will lead the way in helping to improve the content and focus of the strategy.

Addressing the participants, he told them that regional security rests on how pacific islands define themselves as a nation.

“We have been faced with many challenges but we can overcome them if we work together as partners. So as long as we stay true to these values, I have no doubt the pacific region will truly be a paradise to live in,” said Sogavare.

Gizo wrought by drought  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

The water level on this Dam at Leoke just cannot improve the hundreds of people in Gizo Island.

THE dry weather in Gizo town, Western province, is putting residents there on the edge, it is reported.

People have resorted to small streams and boreholes, many of which are reportedly drying up.

Some residents who have been relying on stored tank water say their tanks are approaching bottomline, while others have already been used up.

A mother of four children tells the paper yesterday that water from streams are unsafe but they have no other option.

“I am very concern and fear over any outbreak that will affect our children and families.

“People were worried over the dry season and many have seen streams and water from bore holes started to dry up.

“There is real concern about how many will manage to drink fresh rain water during the coming months and we only buying drinking water from shops daily just for drinking purposes.”

She said residents are resting their hopes on the provincial and national authorities including non-government organisations which can help.

She stresses that if there is a time for these authorities to help, it is now.

She said the only water source her family uses is located at TC and Babylon area where all the residents from Jar mountain area, TC, Top hill and Babylon use the water source for washing, swimming and cooking.

The security guard who saved the day for police

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Security guard Martin Boliko showing the boom gate which he used to foil an attempted robbery.

By Alfred Sasako

 

Security guard Martin Boliko showing the boom gate which he used to foil an attempted
robbery.

MARTIN Boliko is no different from any other young man engaged by one of the many security firms in Honiara.

Similarly, last Saturday (June 9), was no different either in terms of his daily security routine, at the Hyundai Mall where the 27-year-old Boliko is stationed.

Situated in Central Honiara, next to the main market, the Mall is usually busy with Honiarasiders looking at new clothing displays in speciality shops on the first and second floors of the seaside building.

Saturday is usually busier than on week days as bargain hunters from all walks of life mill around in search of discounts from speciality shops.

With at least four entries into the building including through the lift, it is Boliko’s routine to check that all is well.

Last Saturday was no different.

That day, Boliko’s day began with checking other work colleagues spread throughout the Mall, a multi-storey building which houses a commercial bank, office suites and speciality shops. By mid-morning, something of a commotion had broken out in the Mall’s car park.

It was a broad daylight robbery as four teenagers tried their luck on the unsuspecting shoppers. This time it was shoppers’ vehicles that were the target.

Boliko from U’ra village in Central Kwara’ae on Malaita left his colleagues inside the building immediately and headed for the car park where the loud noise from the commotion was coming from.

There, he saw two of his security men, engaged in a heated argument with someone who was allegedly trying to get away in a stolen car, a white Caldina station wagon.

The driver of the vehicle, who was some distance away, according to Boliko, was shouting that someone was driving his vehicle away without his permission.

“When I got there, the only thing that came to my mind was to close the gate boom gate. That’s what I did. I left my colleagues to engage the four people in the car and sprinted the 10 or so metre distance.

“As soon as I got there, I let down the boom gate so that no cars could get out,” Boliko said.

What later unfolded to him was that a Rav4-look-alike Suzuki, which parked in the car park that morning, had been broken into. A large bag, said to have contained some cash and a mobile phone were allegedly removed from the Suzuki.

Hunched in the back of the alleged get-away Caldina were two young girls. Two boys were also in the vehicle – one who was attempting to drive the car away, the other on the passenger seat.

Police later picked up four young people – two young girls and two boys. It is not clear whether any charges had been laid. It is also not clear whether any of the young people allegedly involved was armed.

A large crowd of curious on-lookers booed as the four suspects were thrown into the back of a police vehicle and driven away. The Caldina was also taken to the Central Police station, driven by a police officer.

Boliko’s heroic act may have saved police hours, sometimes days, of futile investigations to apprehend suspects.

It was the first time youths have staged a daring day-light robbery at the Hyundai Mall.

NRH patients to celebrate country’s 40th anniversary  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 

A special segment for this year’s anniversary celebrations has been set for patients at the national referral hospital to be able to celebrate along with the country.

The organising committee has come up with the initiative to do away with the past experience of patients at the NRH not being able to celebrate with the rest of the country.

July 6 has been set for the anniversary celebration, however, on July 5 patients at the NRH will be treated to entertainment by 10 string bands representing the nine provinces and Honiara

The Independence committee has set aside a half day celebration for them on July 5—6.

The Committee said executive of the NRH are excited about such programme taken down to sick people who always miss out from the country’s national event.

“Every year we celebrate Independence Day, we forget sick patients and people work at the hospital that provides services for sick people,” the committee said.

“So this year committee thinks its right time to include sick people in the celebration despite their illnesses.”

Country’s 40th Anniversary set for July 6

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the 40th Independence Committee during a press conference at the SIBC conference room.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 

Group photo of the 40th Independence Committee during a press conference at the SIBC conference room.

COUNTRY’S 40th Independence Day will be celebrated on July 6 at the Lawson Tama stadium coinciding with the 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFest).

The national independence committee revealed that the 40th Independence Day will be a bigger celebration than previous ones because it coincides with the MACFest.

Solomon Islands usually celebrates its big day on July 7 but has this year been moved to July 6.

The reason is July 7 falls on Saturday, thus Ministry of Home Affairs and its committee have declared a public holiday on Friday July 6 for the nation to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

Activities prepared include parading, cultural groups’ performance with a special segment set for sick patients at the National Referral Hospital.

Chairman for Lawson Tama Committee, Mr Charles Maclean said the Independence Day celebration will be held at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

One thing special about the event as well, Mr Maclean said, on July 6 straight after celebrations at Lawson Tama, there is a special segment of 10 string bands representing nine provinces including Honiara arranged for sick patients at NRH.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Home Affairs Mr George Palua said this year’s Independence Day is unique as it will involve Pacific Island countries attending the MACFest.

He said the event will not be celebrated as trade show, because Ministry of Commerce haven’t approach the committee, but there is one proposed for September this year under the Pacific Islands Development Forum.

George Herming, Director of the Government Communications Unit, said the independence celebration is organised in a way that falls with the MACFest from July 1—10 which the Independence Day falls between.

He said during this period, a set of programmes has been arranged including cultural activities, music, sports programme happen outside our villages and then the MACFest will roll out for 10 days.

Under MACFest programme there’s a minor programme of trade show where the Ministry of Commerce is responsible and it will happen during the 10 days.

Creative plastic solution competition for better change

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Saint Nicolas win the 1st Price at the Competition

By Ezekiel Talatau

MINISTRY of fisheries has commenced plastic competition as a part of the World environment day, World Ocean day and World Coral Triangle day.

Ms Anna- Marie Schwarz from the ministry of fisheries (MSSIF-Team Leader) said there are 8 groups that are taking part in the competition.

8 groups participating in the competition are, Vura youth groups, Mbua-valley Scout youths, Ghetto Youths, strive for change, Saint Nicholas youths, Green valley youths, Saint Nicholas Youth and Deaf Association.

She adds that they are judged according to their story, video and photos they create under the theme “beat plastic pollution”.

Their video is already on YouTube and is available for anyone interested to watch.

The 1st prize is awarded to the Saint Nicholas youth, the 2nd prize goes to Mbua-valley scout youths, and the 3rd prize goes to Green Valley youth and Ghetto youths.

Other participants also received an appreciation prizes for their contribution and help in the battle against plastic pollution.

Saint Nicolas win the 1st Price at the Competition
MBua-­‐valley Scout youth win 2th position.
Green Valley youth 3th in position.

Battling plastic pollution

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PS for MECDM Dr Melchior Mataki (Left) and Sylwin Do’oro (Right) join the clean-up campaign at Saint John during the world Environment, Ocean, and Coral Triangle day.Photo- Ezekiel Talatau.

By Ezekiel Talatau

PS for MECDM Dr Melchior Mataki (Left) and Sylwin Do’oro (Right) join the clean-up campaign at Saint John during the world Environment, Ocean, and Coral Triangle day. Photo- Ezekiel Talatau.

THE clean-up campaign last Saturday at the World Environment day, World Ocean day and the Coral Triangle day, was initiated by the Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster management and Meteorology (MECDM) in collaboration with the Friends Of The City.

The theme of the clean-up campaign was “Battle against Plastic Pollution”.

The area allocated during the clean-up, started from St John School outside areas to Goodview.

The groups are then split into two zones, one group cleaned up the stream at the botanical garden and the other group cleaned up just along the road and the drainage.

During the clean-up campaign, Mr Judah Suimae, said, “Friends of the City aims to keep our environment clean and green and as we all know that most Solomon Islands residence and citizens are depend on our environment for our daily needs.

“We to should look after and be manageable with our resources.
“Let us stand in hand as a good citizen of Solomon Island to help and celebrate the World Environmental Day, World Ocean day and World Coral triangle day.”

Helping hand in celebrate the world environment, ocean and coral triangle day  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Ezekiel Talatau

 THE world Environment day, Ocean day and the Coral Triangle day events last Saturday at Children’s park, show a lot of effort and enjoyable activities involving speech, clean-up campaign, lunch, and competition prize.

The groups participating in the events were, friends of the city, ministry fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Climate change, Disaster Management and meteorology (MECDM), Vura youth groups, Mbua-valley Scout youths, Ghetto Youths, strive for change, St Nicholas youths and Deaf Association.

The ministry of fisheries director said, “Today is the day that we must honour and respect our Environment, our Ocean and our Reef as we Solomon Island Citizens are dependent on these resources for our daily needs.

He also stated that the country economic income also depended on our resources and we must work together to sustain and maintain our environment, both in terrestrial and marine ocean. We need to address this issue and make awareness about how crucial the ocean plays in our life and how special the oceans connected the island states.

Solomon Island is very fortunate to be part of the World Triangle Region with highest biodiversity of marine life. This is our proud heritage that we need to protect, conserve and manage our natural resources by reducing the plastic as a theme for today.

“Gizo is 2 to 3 days ahead of us celebrating the world Environment, Ocean and Coral Triangle day in effort to join the globe in fighting against plastics to keep our environment clean and green and our ocean to blue.

Director of fisheries further stated that Plastics are greater threats to our environment and ocean. They are non-biodegradable (Non-decompose) and most of them end up on the ocean. Just imagine how many individuals use plastics and how many throw rubbish and will end up in the ocean.

Let’s not forget that we all depend on our ocean and environment for many things includes, our cultural identity, traditional values, economics, foods, livelihoods and even for environmental protection Just names a few.

Honiara is full of plastics, started from shops, homes and down along the drainage, river stream and ended up in the ocean. This creates a big problem to our environment and ocean and animals in the ocean.

Director of ministry stated that some studies have shown that an estimation of about 70 to 90 percent of marine debris is plastics. This creates threats to the ocean which leads to plastic debris or pollution. Many ocean animals are dead of being entangle of ingested plastics. This is a really big threat to our environment and our ocean and we need to address this issue as a whole country.

We must fight together against plastics and make this opportunity to promote and remind us all on 4Rs (Reduce reused, Recycle and refuse).

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