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Odd coincidence

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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This is what is left of the ABA corporation store in Chinatown after Thursday morning’s fire.

Police may be asked to investigate why SIWA hydrant “turned off” during Chinatown fires

By Alfred Sasako

 

POLICE are expected to be asked to look into why a fire hydrant closest to two fires in Chinatown last week was allegedly turned off while firemen were battling the blazes.

The first fire destroyed three buildings which once housed the Aba Corporation, known to thousands of locals throughout the nation as Aba Store.

Police are still investigating the cause of the early Thursday morning fire, which destroyed a family heritage of three generations, spanning some 70 years.

It was while firemen were battling the blaze that the fire hydrant in Chinatown appeared to have run out of, forcing a fire tank to race back to Rove – about 4km away – to get fresh water supplies for the fire engines fighting the fire.

Millions of dollars’ worth of goods were destroyed in the blaze.

The second fire gutted a nearby building in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The episode of the fire hydrant running out of water also happened while firemen were fighting the blaze, which gutted the Cheng building.

It is understood the Solomon Islands – China Association (SICA) – is taking up the matter with the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) as it is concerned about the fire hydrant drying up during fire fighting emergencies as was the case last week.

Insiders said SIWA needs to check that all its fire hydrant in Honiara are working.

It is understood this was the third time the Cheng Building went up in smoke. The building which caught fire last Saturday was built after the 2006 civil unrest. It is the third time the building was gutted by fire.

The Cheng Building was owned by the same individual who owns the large Cheng Hardware at Kukum along the Kukum Highway in east Honiara.

In response to this article, police last night gave the following: “The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Fire and Rescue Service confirms that during the two incidents of fire at China Town in Central Honiara, namely the Abba Shop and Cheng Building recently, Fire and Rescue officers had to get re-supply of water from Rove as there was no water available in the piping system that is usually available to the Fire and Rescue Service in the vicinity of both the buildings.

“The Fire and Rescue Service continues to investigate the possible cause of both fires. Anyone with any information should contact the Police.

“RSIPF Fire and Rescue Service can be contacted on phone 24476 or the Police Communication Centre on phone 23666 or the toll free 999.”

A very productive trip indeed but at whose expense?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Congratulations Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela.

YOUR trip to Japan for the PALM8 Leaders’ summit or at least the benefits from sideline meetings has given Solomon Islands what to hope for in terms of infrastructure development, largely in Honiara and climate change overall in the region.

Solomon Islands will be a beneficiary of the Y1.3 trillion regional funding initiative which Japan announced this week. Roll out of the program is expected in 2020 – just two years away.

There is more for the Solomon Islands, an initiative between Solomon Power and Hitachi Ltd to work together in developing a solar power plant in Solomon Islands. These are commendable initiatives and congratulations to the Prime Minister and his delegation.

But hang on.

All these juicy announcements were made against the background of a nation sinking deeper and deeper into what can only be described as an economic quagmire which seems to get thicker by the day.

Avid readers of our social and mainstream media would notice a lot of things do not align well with all the good announcements overseas.

Take for example the announcement by the National Referral Hospital this week. Its Chief Executive Officer Dr Steve Aumanu has told the media that the NRH would no longer be responsible for meeting the return sea fares of patients referred to the NRH.

The decision comes into force on Monday 21 May 2018. It does not mean you are barred from coming to the National Referral Hospital. No. But it does mean that you don’t expect the NRH to reimburse your sea fares or pay the cost of your return.

It simply means you will be responsible for meeting your own costs.

A look beyond Honiara on the power front paints quite a picture in terms of power supplies. The media reported this week that the Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Power, Pradip Verma signed an agreement with Hitachi Ltd to jointly develop a solar plant in Solomon Islands.

It is great news. But it is not so great news for life-saving institutions such as Atoifi Hospital in East Malaita for example. The hospital also hosts an extension of the Pacific Adventist University (PAU).

For some weeks now the Atoifi Adventist Hospital is going through a severe power crisis, denying students and hospital staff power. PAU students, and there’s more than 40 odd students there, are due to sit their exams next week. But they could not do their studies at night.

Hospital staff too are denied power supplies due largely to the fact that the Hospital is only using an 80KVA generator to run the hospital. That was about two weeks ago when I visited there then. I am not sure that things have changed since.

It is quite possible that other hospitals in the rural area, run by churches, face the same or similar challenges. Why can’t SIEA take the initiative in visiting such institutions with a view to setting up power supplies to these life-saving institutions?

State-Owned Enterprises with potential rural constituents such as the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and so on should begin looking beyond their offices with tinted glass windows to see the greater needs of the people.

We cannot expect the so-called development to take place unless government instrumentalities look beyond Honiara and or other urban centres. Eighty-five per cent of the nation’s resources are currently locked up in the rural areas.

Unless and until the camaflouge of neon lights are removed from our vision so that we could see the common good, nothing will move.

That is why I hold the view that until government leadership looks beyond the RCDF grants and its conscience-numbing effects on the way ahead we could be in for a long haul.

So Mr Prime Minister you are bringing a lot of good news for the country, but who benefits ultimately?

Honiara Temotu nurses

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor, I would like to write in response to an article sighted on Solomon Star issue no 6909 on May 18, which carries the heading “Honiara Temotu Nurses”.

As the writer Leonard Meneseng rightly stated in his heading “Honiara Temotu Nurses”, he is no mistaken as they are Temotuan who lived in Honiara and never wanted to go back to the province and serve the people of Temotu province.

Mr Leonard, I am saddened by your article as it shows you don’t understand the issue of prospecting in Temotu province and who are the pro-miners and anti-miners.

Your article will never benefit the People of Temotu particularly Nende.

And even now you serve other provinces other than your province and think you guys can do better for Temotu province.

I can assure you Leonard, that the people of Nende even the very ones who drop out from school and the ones who never attended school at all, the very people who are just home dwellers and farmers in Nende are very wise and smart.

For your information, the people of Temotu do really appreciate the support of your highly praised company “Eight South Investment Ltd” with the support they gave to Lata Hospital and of course your t’ shirts on International Nurses Day.

But the people of Temotu are not blind to see a support with hooks attached.

It’s simple Leonard, after prospecting, mining will be the next phase.

It’s simple Leonard, wisdom is not studied in any university in the world.

We the people of Temotu are not blind and to say only minority people are in the anti- mining side is totally wrong and far from truth.

The truth is all of Temotu and majority of Nende people are anti-miners.

Only a few handful are pro-miners.

The simple sense the grassroot dwellers have is “If the miners took all our top soil and leave behind craters full with water, where will we plant our Taro’s Kumara’s, Pana’s, fruit trees, etc?”, “What will our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren inherit from us?”, “Are we going to leave behind just bear rocky bushes with craters?”

And “Will Australia take us to Australia if a big famine hits Nende or Temotu province?”

These questions are simple but is very important to understand as it holds the future of Nende people.

Lastly Leonard, the people of Nende are not blind, we understand that exchanging our future, our life, and the future of our children’s children with just a few hospital equipment and just a mere t’ shirt to march and celebrate your “International Nurse Day” is a decision we will not allow to happen in Temotu.

Finally, the medical equipment issued at Lata hospital has long gone been used and your t’ shirt has long been used and near rotting away through natural process “tear and wear” and see we still here to live on for the many more thousand years ahead till Jesus comes.

Are we going to exchange our future with a very temporary equipment and just your t’ shirts?

Now you see why I said “your article is nonsense” because you’re easily got hooked while the rest of Temotu particularly Nende are not!

 

Ulysis Glass

Honiara

Quest for solidarity in civil society

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

CIVIL society characterises themselves as representing the critical mass.

However, over the past weeks civil society organisation and networks in Solomon Islands have been tested to its core when a bipartisan trip to Indonesia rocked its fundamental principles.

The work of the CS is critical in the sense where they represent interest groups with public’s interest that play a significant part in ensuring the country operates and function smoothly. They are made of community base organisations and Non-Government Organisation

While the government or public and private sector takes care of law and order, and businesses that offer goods and services, CS pride itself as driven by volunteerism, patriotism and not for profit undertakings.

The three fundamental civic principles are based on; participatory engagement, constitutional authority, and moral responsibility.

The fundamentals are therefore the kingpin of a successful CS organisation and movements, recognising the need to work together, adhere to constitutional requirements and of course the moral obligation to uplift our people and country from the snare of prevalent social upheavals.

I understand that upholding those principles is often challenge by our diverse approaches and strategies in tackling the issues of our communities and society.

In particular when it comes to political issues, CS network on many occasions been placed in wayward circumstances.

Despite that, it should not deter us from fulfilling our mandatory responsibilities in achieving the positive change we aspire for our country.

For instance, the bipartisan trip to Indonesia last month is a classic example that put to test our vibrancy and solidarity to say the least.

Observing the social media, commentators expressed diverse opinions perceived on the said trip.

Explosive as it may seem, lest we forget that we are a TEAM weaved and bonded by the principles that established that modality we uphold.

There are also times we did not see eye to eye on prevailing issues, but I believe, that is healthy for our movement if we need to create a stronger footing to counteract the societal issues we continuously face with in our modern society.

My point is this; we cannot allow ourselves to be divided, given the differences in opinions, convictions and ideals over issues that we need to explore the depth and width of it.

I have the feeling that commentators often employ reactive approaches, social media do have room for that however being knowledgeable and analytical is a good thing, hence the need to do proper research and analysis of any given issue; is a necessity.

The April Indonesian trip rocked the social and print media big time, shaking the CS Networks, creating room for disenfranchisement, although it may have impinged a little bit but that should not move our solidarity.

Now, let us reflect and gauge ourselves against the underlying principles we practise through our organisational values.

Shall we be able to rejuvenate that spirit of unity as one key variable to the principle of participatory engagement?

Note that we make up for the large sector, apart from the public and private sectors, hence our solidarity is of essence.

Therefore, I appeal to the leaders of the civil society in Solomon Islands to reconsider the values of our usefulness should we want to see the change in our Country.

Let us not allow our varying positions to jeopardise our cohesiveness as there is always a way to optimise conflicts for good rather than destructive.

Finally, I would presume we convene a meeting soon and harmonise the situation to ensure we revive the organic spirit as lessons learnt from the past experience through embracing CS fundamental principles.

For the good of our people and country, civil society shall always prevail.

 

 

REDLEY S RARAMO

Former President of FSII

 

Pacific Islands leaders welcomed to Iwaki City  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Three female Kindergarten students in Iwaki Japan holding Solomon Islands Flags at the arrival of all Pacific Island Leaders and Governors together with their deligation to Iwaki, Japan.PHOTO BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

PACIFIC Islands leaders and governors together with their delegations were welcomed to Iwaki City in Japan to participate in the two-day eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM).

The welcome ceremony took place on Friday at the Yumoto train station where they boarded a special train called Omeshi Ressha, a train which is usually used by the Emperor and Empress.

The meeting ends on Saturday 19th May 2018.

The PALM takes place every three years where leaders and representatives of Pacific Island countries (PICs) are invited to Japan to strengthen the traditional partnership of Japan and the PICs and the region through promotion of cooperation regarding various issues facing the Pacific islands region.

Japan this year is co-chairing with Samoa, and present for the PALM 8 are Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Witnessing the welcome ceremony yesterday were Japanese government officials, students from schools within Iwaki city, members of public in Iwaki city and local and international media personnel.

MID commends North Malaita MP

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MID Permanent Secretary, Mr Stephen Maesiola (left) thanks Hon Jimmy Lusibaea as they shake hands in front of the returned vehicle

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

MID Permanent Secretary, Mr Stephen Maesiola (left) thanks Hon Jimmy Lusibaea as they shake hands in front of the returned vehicle

MINISTRY of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Permanent Secretary, Mr Stephen Maesiola commends North Malaita’s Member of Parliament, Jimmy Lusibaea for leading by example, being the only MP so far, to have positively replied to the ministry’s call for the retrieval of government vehicles.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, he explained that in early May he issued a letter to former ministerial MPs requesting that they return government vehicles.

The response however was unsatisfactory as Mr Lusibaea stood out as the only MP to positively respond to the call which spanned on a two-week period.

The permanent secretary mentioned that Lusibaea even delivered the vehicle himself.

Maesiola referred to his response as that of a true leader who is understanding and transparent.

“He is a true leader and it is not the first time for him to respond to such a call. As permanent secretary for MID, I am very happy with him,” he said.

Maesiola said that while the government vehicles are in dire need of maintenance work, government ministries on the other hand also need vehicles to operate hence the issue of the letter.

He furthers that Lusibaea’s example is a reminder to former ministers or members of the crown and the general public who are still holding onto government vehicles without any proper arrangements to return them to the ministry.

PM Hou joins Japanese PM in wreath laying ceremony

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Prime Minister Rick Hou and Madame Hou yesterday joined Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madame Abe for a wreathlaying memorial ceremony for the tsunami victims in Iwaki, Fukushima.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO IN JAPAN

Prime Minister Rick Hou and Madame Hou yesterday joined Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madame Abe for a wreathlaying
memorial ceremony for the tsunami victims in Iwaki, Fukushima.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela on Friday joined Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and 14 other Pacific Island nations in a wreath-laying memorial ceremony for the Tsunami victims in Iwaki, Fukushima.

PM Hou and wife Madame Rachael Hou were present when Japan PM Abe and co-chair of the PALM 8th summit, Samoa’s representative minister, laid a wreath to remember the fallen.

The ‘great east Japan earthquake’, biggest in history of Japan occurred in 2011 killing hundreds of people and devastating the whole of Iwaki and Fukushima.

The wreath laying ceremony was held after the welcome ceremony at the Yumoto station, Iwaki which PM Hou was part of.

Auki communities call on police to ‘step up’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

POLICE in Auki have been called on by leaders of the communities in Auki to step up in their roles of keeping the town safe and secure.

This call follows observations that alcohol consumption is increasing in the town, especially in the weekends, leading to a rise in anti-social behaviour.

“We call on the police to do further actions to reduce this kind of practices along the public roads and even in our communities.

“Most times many disturbances have occurred in our communities related to the consumption of liquor but when we call the police for help their response is always, ‘Not enough fuel and no vehicles were available’.

“This is our second call on media that we want to work closely with the police in order to reduce crime rate in our communities.

“Today the people in our communities depend entirely on police concerning law and order.

“We want our communities to be safe for our women and children.

“We also call on the Auki police once more to do their operations especially for those that produce kwaso and growing of marijuana in our communities.”

Just recently along

The leaders made reference to an incident in the south road area few kilometres from Auki, in which a young man in his 20s was stabbed with a knife by a man; both are believed to be under the influence of liquor at the time of incidence.

The man was taken to Kiluufi hospital by police few hours after the incident where he received treatment.

“We don’t want such incidents to happen in our communities in the future.

“We want to live in a peaceful environment and a happy home where everybody could enjoy.”

Lanelle wraps up campaign

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

Gizo

THE only female candidate in the Gizo-Kolombangara by-election, Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada, concluded her campaign programme in the constituency on Friday.

Lanelle’s final campaign was held at Gizo’s netball court, where she launched her campaign about three weeks ago.

She now looks set for the by-election polling day next Wednesday. Four other male candidates are contesting the seat.

Lanelle used her final campaign to appeal to the packed Gizo netball court to join her as she prepares for battle.

“Fight with me with respect, dignity and humility,” Lanelle, a resigned school teacher, said.

She said she wanted to complete the work her husband (Jimson) left and to be the voice of the unheard in parliament.

The seat Lanelle is contesting was vacated by Jimson last November on the order of the high court.

The high court found him guilty of bribery during the 2014 national general elections.

Lanelle said as a girl, woman, mother and teacher, she “perfectly understands the needs” of the people.

“I am not interested in politics. I am only interested in good governance and good leadership,” Lanelle said.

A grandmother who also witnessed Lanelle’s final campaign was Gladys Fatiano.

Fatiano told Island Sun Gizo that having Lanelle in parliament will give a fresh perspective to the same old song sung by male MPs.

Fatiano, 62, said Lanelle is a humble and honest lady and teacher who can be a fine leader for them.

“Lanelle is easy to approach. Being a teacher taught her to care for those she looks after,” Fatiano said.

She said having Lanelle as their MP is a dream come true for the women of the constituency.

“This is the time that we, the women, wanted to have a voice parliament. This is our cry. We hope she’ll go through. If not, we’ll do it again. We will never give up our fight to have a woman representing us in parliament,” Fatiano added.

Where’s the cost cutting?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
George Palua.

Permanent Secretary questioned over spending of thousands of dollars on smartphones for committee members

 

By Gary Hatigeva

 

THE Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs, George Palua has been questioned over his approval for the purchase of smartphones for members of the Committee responsible for the country’s independence anniversary celebration in July.

Sources within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) believe this is against the government’s stance to reduce government costs in all line ministries including the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).

“After all the Prime Minister has already decided to cut spending, and this has resulted in officials that are given mobile phone under their contract, to just use credit instead of postpaid.

“Yet, the committee found it reasonable and decided to serve themselves with fancy phones,” sources revealed.

According to insiders, the committee, which Mr Palua also chairs, were each given an S8 smartphone, understandably one of Samsung’s latest models in the market, and this will have costed the ministry thousands of dollars.

“The 2018 Independence Committee under Ministry of Home affairs each received a new Samsung S8 this year? Last year received S7.

“Even some officer working for Home Affairs who aren’t in the committee were given an S7 last year and S8 this year by the PS,” the insider claimed.

However, in an exclusive interview yesterday, PS Palua while admitting to the purchase of the high-cost phones for around 20 members of the Independence Committee, denied any similar incentives given out last year as claimed.

He said the committee had two options, one was for the ministry to fund the credit for members, and another was to buy handsets.

“The committee has decided to go with the option, and I know that it will have some concerns and implications, however, I considered it and I think that it is an appropriate incentive for them to really get on and not waste time, as a communication tool, for when meetings are called they are there.

“And they (members) have given me the assurance that they have to perform, secondly for motivation and incentives, as they are public officers, from PMO, Foreign Affairs, Government House, MID, Culture and Tourism, Home Affairs, Head CC, SICCA, SIBC.

“Every year, it is an organised and national event, and the same people are in the committee, some of them have been in the committee for 10years and others less, so I see this as a responsibility for home affairs ministry to look after.

“And this year been 40 years anniversary there are a lot more responsibilities given to the committee by the ministry and the expectation from the Prime Minister’s office.”

It is understood that a total of $2million was allocated for the hosting of the national event, including other operational costs, and the PS has assured that based on consultations with his ministry officials and staffs, the purchase was within budget, which he also admitted to have been done under the $2million allocation.

But questions were also raised surrounding what justifications there are for the purchase of phones that created what sources described to be unnecessary costs for the government.

“Even as the chair, I did not receive a phone, because the government has already given me one under my contract, but I felt that benefits and incentives as such should not just be given to top government officials.

“These are operational staff. The very people who are doing the work and should therefore be recognised with such incentives or benefits for that matter.

“Yes, it is true these phones, S8 are expensive but these are also senior officers who have been in service for some time.

“After the event is over, these devices as tools, will contribute to their performance within their ministries, and the justification for it, for the benefit in the long term for the officers next year, the same officers will be back again.”

Meanwhile, Palua further assured that with the purchase of these costly phones, the Ministry does not pay for their (members) credits, just the handsets given, and that there is also a trade-off when considering this option.

He said following his consideration of the proposed items, he has promised to have the committee’s sitting allowance reviewed to a bare minimum as part of the trade-off for the expensive phones, which the PS said members have no issues with, “and Telekom has promised a discount for these products”.

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