Participants removing trash and other debris that can end up polluting the water.
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODKOLO
Participants removing trash and other debris that can end up polluting the water.
THE Commonwealth day beach clean-up was held yesterday at the Yacht club, Point Cruz in Honiara.
The event was supposed to have been held on March 12 to commemorate the Commonwealth Day but was postponed due to poor weather conditions.
Speaking during the opening of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the guest speaker, said the organisers of the event have been very instrumental in putting together the event.
“Bringing the students and young people to participate in today’s [yesterday] event is a small contribution towards awareness and education of young people about huge problem of rubbish and littering and waste management.”
British High Commissioner David Ward adds, tackling the problem of plastic pollution is one big new challenge for island states such as Solomon Islands in maintaining the health of the ocean.
“Despite the challenges, I am delighted that so many people today including so many young people from the schools of Honiara, have come out to do their bit to clean up the beaches of Honiara and raise public attention to this challenges,” he said.
The beach clean-up held yesterday coincidentally corresponds to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London where one main agenda among other global pressing issues before the Commonwealth leaders is ensuring that the Commonwealth countries pay particular attention and focus on tackling marine waste and litter.
Moreover, the British government extends its acknowledgement to the two major sponsors of the event, the BOC for cleaning gears and Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) for providing T-shirts.
Present in yesterday’s event were students from St Nicholas College, Bishop Epalle School, Mbokona School, staff from Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
THE Dash-8’s recent incident at Lata in which its tyres could not be engaged for landing has been blamed on ‘isolated electrical malfunction’.
Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) Acting Director Brian Halisanau told Island Sun that the tyre fault is an isolated electrical indicator malfunction issue caused by an intermittent micro switch on the loose landing gear door.
He said the pilot’s report stated that the green light was intermittent.
According to the CAASI Acting Director, the flight crew have correctly acted in accordance with their approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and this is what is expected of them.
“There are no safety concerns from what we are seeing from the regulatory side but we will be waiting for the airline to send us their report and corrective or preventive action plan so we can close our incident report,” said the CAASI Acting Director when asked if there is any assurance for the general public over concern of safety.
More than 20 passengers on board the Solomon Airlines Dash-8 aircraft flight destined for Lata were relieved after landing safely back to Honiara this week on Tuesday when the aircraft’s attempt to land three times failed because its tyres were facing a technical situation of not working for landing.
The pilots then according to passengers decided to fly the aircraft back to Honiara after the third attempt; luckily, the tyres worked when approaching Henderson Airport enabling the aircraft to land.
“It could have been a different story if the tyres did not work on our return,” said relieved passengers after landing back at Henderson Airport around 2.30pm.
Island Sun is still yet waiting for response from Solomon Airlines Limited (SAL) on its query into the incident.
Manager of Adaliua Taiwan Technical Mission, Mr Samson Hsu explains the method they use to plant cassava to the women.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Auki
Manager of Adaliua Taiwan Technical Mission, Mr Samson Hsu explains the method they use to plant cassava to the women.
LOCAL women communities surrounding the Adaliua Taiwan Technical Mission farm in Central Kwara’ae had the chance to learn farming methods from the mission.
This paper accompanied the farm learning programme yesterday, and witnessed how the programme was an eye-opener for the women, who themselves are experienced farmers.
Manager of Adaliua Taiwan Technical Mission, Mr Samson Hsu during the programme, led the women to different sections of farming in the entire area and explained how they did simple agriculture farming.
An important area Mr Hsu emphasised on is to understand all the natural elements involved farming.
He explained that in any type of farming, three most important things that would make a good harvest out of the farming activity are sunlight, nutrition and water.
“These are the fuels to make the farming as engine to flourish and make a good harvest.
“You must ensure a good sunlight for the farm or the crops you grow, a good soil with nutrition and appropriate water for the crops.
“Some more other areas to understand are the style or the method use to do planting of crops that looks at digging soil for planting, spacing of the crops when planted, appropriate vines and stalks to plan and how to care for them.”
He also emphasised that shifting cultivation is an old type of farming where people move farms from one place to another in search of good nutrition to make good harvest.
“It is not necessary that way. You can farm in just a location all year around, but that needs proper management of the type of crops and legumes to farm.
“If you planted cassava in your garden, after harvesting the crop don’t plant it again in the same garden or location.
“You might replant the area with melons, bean or other types of legume to recover the nutrition than after you might plant potatoe or the cassava again in the same areas,” Mr Hsu said.
He urged the women that ‘knowing where to do farming, what involve it and how to do it are very important as it will give you good harvest for your hard work’.
ILLEGAL selling of alcohol including Kwaso (homemade brew) is seriously increasing along Varisi District at Northwest Choiseul.
This includes the rate of consumption in the area.
Mr Nerio Ulemiki the media coordinator for Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru reporting over the concern said a contributing factor to the rate of high illegal sales and consumption is from the increase of logging companies in the area as well.
“The district is calling on Taro Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to carefully assess and arrest those involved in such illegal activities creating negative impact within the communities,” said Ulemiki.
When querying through Taro Police Station yesterday of any update over their strategies for operations or so that would include visiting Districts in Choiseul province, they referred the query to the RSIPF media in Honiara in which a respond was not made before this paper went for printing.
THERE is need for the government, churches, woman organisations and non-government organisations to help decrease family domestic violence at Northwest Choiseul.
This is according to Mr Nerio Ulemiki the media coordinator for Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru reporting.
Mr Ulemiki says the numbers of unreported cases of family domestic violence are increasing at Northwest Choiseul as from observation, there are many cases where women have become victims ending up at the rural clinics.
“Some of the main causes of domestic violence in Northwest Choiseul identified are poverty stress, excessive drinking of beer and homemade breweries situations, consumption of drugs, forced sex, gambling, outside logging activities and from other anti-social behaviours,” said Ulemiki.
“People of the area are suggesting the need for the government, churches, women organisations and non-government organisations to help control this situation.”
A man from Shortland Islands who wants to remain anonymous has raised his disagreement over the way certain landowners are wanting to sell war relics on Balalae Island.
He claimed that the landowners are currently in Honiara and are residing in an expensive hotel in town. The local from Shortland Islands says the landowners are currently having dialogue with a foreigner who is interested in buying the relics. He said the foreign businessman is paying for the expenses and hotel bills of the landowners in town.
The man said he is surprised to see the locals who see themselves as custodians of their own history, wanting to give the foreigner access to the warplanes and other heritage sites on Balalae.
“Personally, I would like to see the warplane material document on some level before it decomposes entirely again,” he said.
He said this raises an important question about heritage and culture. What exactly is heritage? He asked.
“If the people of Shortland Islands believe WWII relics are their heritage, they should appreciate and cherish it.”
War plane on Balalae island
He said historical sites like the one on Balalae should be kept for the local people to utilise as a tourist destination. He says history is important and Balalae is a crucial part of the country’s history during WWII.
He said the landowners have allowed their trees for logging and now they are allowing their history to be bought by foreigners.
“What more do they need”, he said.
Balalae has a rich history in the WWII era. From Pacific Wrecks it was said that Imperial Japanese Navy 18th Construction Battalion landed on Ballale on November 3, 1942 to begin building an airstrip with a contingent of 370 people, augmented later by 517 British POWs and local laborers. The Japanese code named Ballale Island and Ballale Airfield “RXZ”.
The island was bypassed by the Allies. After the war, the Australian Army 7th Infantry Battalion, toured the island on November 10, 1945. Australians immediately located the grave of 57 POWs buried in shallow trenches. An atrocities commission was carried out on the island, that led to the discovery of a mass grave of 436 bodies were exhumed with artifacts identifying them as British artillerymen. The remains were re-interred in individual graves at Bomama War Cemetery near Port Moresby. The remainder of the 517 British POWs have never been found.
War relic on Balalae island.
The anonymous person called on the landowners to refrain from selling their history. He said had the Famoa Council of Chiefs been in place, none of this would have happened.
He also called on the responsible authorities to quickly sort out the Famoa Council of Chiefs
Island Sun understands that 15 chiefs from the Western province will attend a workshop in Gizo next week to look at registering and restructuring of the Famoa Council of Chiefs.
Minister acting for Mines Ishmael Avui and Environment Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana being briefed on the function and status of the Mining Tailings dam during the site visitation
By Gary Hatigeva
Minister acting for Mines Ishmael Avui and Environment Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana being briefed on the function and status of the Mining Tailings dam during the site visitation
A government delegation consisting of two ministers and top level officials, yesterday held an informal visit to the Gold Ridge Mining site to see firsthand the progress in preparations done for the reopening of mining operations.
The one-day visit came as part of an invitation from the landowners represented by the Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) and Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), who have now partnered with two merging investors.
The delegation led by the Minister for Peace and Reconciliation who is Acting for the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ishmael Avui, was received with a traditional Guadalcanal welcome ceremony (Chupu).
The Minister Acting, when receiving the Chupu gift, thanked the partnering parties for the invitation and gave assurance of the government’s strong support to see that operation resumes.
He shared that the mining project is also a priority area in the government’s scope of policies and therefore follow closely on the preparations and progress of getting the site to resume.
Also present at the ceremony was Minister for Communication & Aviation and Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shannel Agovaka, who reminded the gathering to look after and properly guide the project not just into its eventuation, but so as the operation’s ongoing status.
“This is a tripartite arrangement where we work together with the government, for without one, this mining project will not happen.
“The three are equally important. We need the government, we need the landowners and the investors,” the Central Guadalcanal MP explained.
Meanwhile, the Central Guadalcanal MP stressed and requested that the directors of the company put continuous efforts in maintaining its awareness and consultation programmes with the land owners.
He said this is to keep landowners updated on the ongoing developments and progress of the initiation, which he pointed out that though with little share, land owners are a key partner in the set up.
The visit also included a meeting between the parties and the government delegation, where they were briefed on matters regarding the structure of the setup, while at the same time heard presentations on the company’s development plans once operations are up and running.
Following the chupu ceremony and the closed meeting, the delegation was taken around the mine site to see various facilities and sites, with explanations on the processes that will be involved when they become operational.
The group also visited one of the much talked about locations, which holds the operation’s tailing dam.
While on site, questions were raised especially from the government’s team, mostly on the environmental aspects of the operation and other issues related to the infrastructures and facilities used.
The acting Minister of Mines and Energy was accompanied by the Minister for Environment Dr Culwick Togamana and his Permanent Secretary, the Environment Director, Prime Minister’s Office representatives and under-secretaries.
View from Oravae Cottage’s newly completed Jetty funded by SIG through Ministry of Culture and Tourism and
Western Provincial government.
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
WESTERN province’s culture and tourism division officially has handed over one of its funded projects to Oravae Cottage in Gizo, Western province.
Yesterday’s handing over ceremony was organised at the Oravae Cottage, which is a 20-minute boat ride from Gizo Island.
The jetty is one of the tourism projects initiated by the province with support from the national ministry of culture and tourism (MCT).
From left Minister of Culture and Tourism Division Hon. Christian Mesepitu, Oravae Cottage rep Nagarita Baea, supervising Premier Hon Bruce Herick and WPTA chairman Ivan Mike cutting the ribbon to officially open the funded jetty project of Oravae Cottage on Thursday
In April 2016, Western province Premier Wayne Maepioh and his delegation submitted a $5-million proposal through the province’s tourism division to MCT.
Western province’s minister of culture and tourism, Christian Mesepitu yesterday said that a good number of projects were being funded. They include; the Njari Island Jetty, Kennedy Island, Saeragi jetty, Gizo town toilet facilities, BSP bank leaf huts and benches, MSG building extension, Gizo town Council rubbish compactor have been achieved.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Division Hon. Christian Mesepitu.
“Most of the projects was been handed to the recipients last year by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“I would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the assistance rendered in the development of tourism sector in our province.
“Solomon Island National government and provincial and the current ruling government sincerely appreciate the fostering of such partnership.”
Mr Mesepitu said the handover ceremony testifies the commitment and mutual partnership between the two governments, and this is something which the current Western province government appreciates.
The owner of Oravae Cottage Patson Baea welcoming the official and guests at Oravae Cottage during the handing over ceremony.
Owner of Oravae Cottage Patson Baea acknowledged the Western province supervising Premier, Bruce Herick, Mr Mesepitu, provincial government officials and invited guests for witnessing the handing over ceremony.
He also acknowledged the contractors for completing the project.
The project cost $220,439.24.
Oravae Cottage has one bedroom with double beds, plus an additional four single beds in the spacious living area.
The cottage also contains a kitchenette and an indoor shower and toilet, plus an additional outdoor shower.
The highlight, undoubtedly, is the over-water verandah that leads right out over a beautiful blue lagoon, complete with hammocks and deck chairs.
Prime Minister Hou meeting his Australian counterpart for the bilateral.
Prime Minister Hou meeting his Australian counterpart for the bilateral.
PRIME Minister Rick Hou and Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull have strengthened their government’s commitment in the under-sea cable project.
In a joint statement between both leaders after their bilateral meeting yesterday, both prime ministers agreed;
“Today we affirm our commitment to deliver a high-speed undersea telecommunication cable between Australia and Solomon Islands.
“Australia will deliver and majority fund the project as part of a cable system that will connect both Honiara and Port Moresby to Australia, with a financial co-contribution from both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019.
“The joint project will be a first for Solomon Islands, which is wholly reliant on satellite technology to access the internet.
“Ensuring stability, security and prosperity in the Pacific is one of the highest priorities of our two nations. Boosting connectivity in Solomon Islands will improve governance and security, and drive economic growth.
“Increased connectivity also exposes countries to risk. Through the Cyber Cooperation Programme, Australia is working with Solomon Islands to manage these risks by strengthening its cyber security architecture and combatting cybercrime.
“Australia’s strong support is a reflection of its stepped up engagement in the Pacific and commitment to promoting economic cooperation and integration in the region.
“It follows a long-standing commitment to peace and stability in the region, with Australia having led the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) over its 14 years of existence. We will continue to work together to sustain the gains made under RAMSI and support long-term stability and growth in Solomon Islands, such as through our bilateral security treaty.
“Together we can ensure these projects are transformational for Solomon Islands and foster a new phase in our strong bilateral relationship.”
PM Hou pledges SI commitment with other Commonwealth countries in the fight against Malaria.
PRIME Minister Rick Hou has joined Commonwealth Leaders around the world in advocating against Malaria by renewing the pledge to fight it.
Hou addressed the Malaria Summit London at the 8 Northumberland Avenue in a meeting that was attended by a range of heads of state as well as the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and Bill Gates – Microsoft founder, philanthropist and co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
In his remarks during the occasion, Hou said it is an historic occasion in the fight against malaria in the Pacific, a region encompassing an area larger than China.
PM hou addressing the Malaria Summit
The Prime Minister was also joined by two Melanesian prime ministers – Peter O’Neill, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
“I am delighted to be joined here by my two Melanesian brothers. As leaders of some of the blue continents’ most populous nations, we have come here together to signal our unwavering commitment to malaria elimination. And, to endorse the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance Roadmap,” he told the Summit.
Hou said in doing so, Solomon Islands has also pledged to join a powerful movement of now 21 heads of government; all united behind a common goal – to eliminate malaria from the Asia Pacific by 2030.
PM Hou and other commonwealth leaders ready to present their speeches
“Malaria negatively effects the macroeconomic performance of our countries. Growth rates of GDP per capita in malaria-endemic countries are significantly lower than those without malaria. It can trap the most disadvantaged in a spiral of sickness, and poverty,” Hou told the Summit.
Hou also informed the Summit that over the last two decades the Solomon Islands has achieved dramatic reductions in malaria.
Despite this, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea account for 92 percent of all cases in the WHO western Pacific region.
“Over the past decade, the Government of Solomon Islands has allocated 12 percent of our budget to the health sector. We are now showing stronger leadership than ever on malaria with a total of SBD$23 million of investment in 2018,” he said.
Prince of Wales calls for greater participation from Commonwealth heads.
The Prime Minister said Solomon Islands is also encouraged by the new partnership between the Global Fund and the Asian Development Bank.
He said these giants are now jointly working with countries to support sustainable financing.
“There is much to do. But, with our shared and renewed commitment, and with your support, we have no doubt we can eliminate this disease from Melanesia, and ultimately the world, for good,” he said.
Bill Gates on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, who has convened the summit and led the world in efforts to eradicate the disease, urged Commonwealth leaders to play their part.
Pakistan PM delivering his speech.
“The commitments made today, from the UK, country leadership and the private sector, show that the world is ready to beat malaria.
“It’s a disease that is preventable, treatable and ultimately beatable, but progress against malaria is not inevitable.
“We hope today marks a turning point against the disease, and that the Commonwealth takes a leading role in saving lives and ending malaria for good.”
Microsoft founder Bill Gates opening the Malaria Summit.
Prince Charles used his speech at the summit to urge leaders to think about how efforts to fight malaria go hand in hand with the guardianship of the planet.
“We know that tropical deforestation and climate change are greatly complicating our attempts to eliminate malaria but, critically, they also threaten and reduce biodiversity, which holds some of the keys to a solution,” he said.
A total of £2.9bn was pledged to fight the disease which included £1.45bn from countries affected by malaria, £700m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and £160m from the UK government.
–OPMC PRESS
Bill Gates introduced a new drone technology to rapidly and accurately map malarial mosquito habitats.
