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I want to serve this nation the best I can: Ora

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Newly graduated officer, Ms Kym Sussanne Ora with some members of her family.
Newly graduated officer, Ms Kym Sussanne Ora with some members of her family.

“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer ever since I was a kid, having grown up in a policing family,” says newly graduated Police Constable 27-year-old, Kym Sussanne Ora.

Growing up and seeing her father, who is a former police commander so dedicated and passionate about his job, Kym was inspired and motivated to fulfil her dream to becoming a police officer.

Getting married with four kids did not stop her. Police Constable Kym Sussanne Ora comes from Shortland Islands in the Western Province.

She joined the RSIPF recruit course on November 6, 2017 and endured the five months training which ended with her graduation yesterday.

“Coming through these 20 weeks of hard training is challenging. I was elected to be the head girl of the recruits and having to look after 69 adults was a very challenging task. But the training helped to mould me and my colleagues to be physically fit and qualified officers,” says Ora.

“The course was wonderful and inspiring. It has taught me to become a better citizen and a professional police officer. I believe that by going through these challenges, I am equipped with the right tools to face the frontline policing duties.

“I am proud to become a newly sworn police officer and I want to go out there and serve this nation with the best I can in any department that I will be assigned to. I want to become a good prosecutor like my late brother, Inspector Galvin Ora.

“I want to encourage the youth of our country to join the RSIPF to serve our nation in maintaining peace and security of this country. It will be challenging and tough but I have proved that it is worth trying. It is a very interesting and great career to take up with pride. You will never know until you joined the force.”

–POLICE MEDIA

MWYCFA supports gender assessment in agriculture sector

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs is pleased to work in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to support the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) carry out gender assessment in the Agricultural sector.

This was uttered to the paper yesterday by Mrs Pauline Soaki, Director for Women’s Division at the MWYCFA.

She said this is the first ever assessment carried out, and it’s important to the MWYCFA in terms of gender mainstreaming in the Agricultural sector.

“We hope that this research will inform not only MWYCF but other policy makers and decision makers on how we make decisions and we contribute to the Agriculture sector.

“Also we know from anecdotal research or current researches that women are the backbone of society which shows that high percentage of women are producers of Agricultural product but most times their work and struggle are invisible in Agricultural sector,” said Soaki.

She said most times they haven’t been acknowledged or highlighted concerning their tireless efforts.

“Hence it’s important that this research is carried to help highlight women’s contribution in this sector, also the struggles issues they faced daily.

“And as policy makers we can look at the findings and make good decisions and policies to respond to this challenge and gaps that woman faced in this sector,” Soaki said.

In addition she said she believed that this partnership will help us ensure gender consideration and issues in the sector be addressed.

The initiative was implemented through the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

SICCI marks 2018 as crucial year

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Member of the SICCI during its election for new Vice Chair and Board Members held at the Heritage Park Hotel.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Member of the SICCI during its election for new Vice Chair and Board Members held at the Heritage Park Hotel.

CHAMBER of Commerce and Industry has calendared 2018 as an important year in its operation – celebrating the country’s 40th Anniversary.

SICCI Chairperson Mr Jay Bartlett said 2018 is an important year for SICCI and its members to celebrate the country’s 40 years of sovereignty.

He said it is important for them because it’s time as a nation to celebrate 40 years and reflect on their journey.

“It’s time to celebrate our sovereign independence but it’s also a time for us to reflect on our journey and think about the path that we are heading,” Bartlett said.

As the country is moving forward, Bartlett said after 40 years he believes SICCI and its members have a big role to play as a voice platform to represent the voiceless.

“After 40 years I believe we need to push even harder in our effort to tackle some of the really core fundamental issues no matter how complex such as land reform or contention such as anti-corruption in the public and private sector.

“It will take courage, it will take strength, it will take an unwavering support from each and every one of you and support for our Chamber movement,” Bartlett said.

SICCI CEO Mr Dennis Meone in his presentation said the Solomon Islands Government remains as its key stakeholder.

He said their continuous collaboration and engagement with the Government is critical to working towards a conducive business environment.

This is where the private sector can grow and jobs are created for our growing population, Mr Meone said.

“SICCI is driven by its vision for the Solomon Islands, its own mission and the values which govern the way it goes about its work,” CEO Meone said.

SICCI 2018-19 business plan and budget in place

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chairperson for the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Mr Jay Bartlett during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Chairperson for the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Mr Jay Bartlett during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently.

COUNTRY’S Chamber of Commerce and Industry has its one-year business plan and budget already in place.

The business plan and budget is focussed on offering training of directors for emerging private sector leaders.

It aims to enable members accelerate their progression into directorship roles.

The revelation is made by Chairperson for the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Mr Jay Bartlett during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently.

Mr Bartlett said, “For 2018-2019 we have our business plan and budget already in place, and two of the initiative I would like to highlight is the Institute of Directors programme.

“This training programme targets emerging private sector leaders that will enable them to accelerate their progression into directorship role.”

Bartlett encourages more females to be part of this significant training.

He said this is a way forward to promote stronger gender balance in private sector leadership and work towards bridging the generational gap in leadership in Solomon Islands.

Another initiative SICCI is looking at is the Regional Trade Delegation.

At the moment Bartlett said they are in dialogue with PNG counterparts in the Chamber, Solomon Islands High Commission and Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

Bartlett said their team looks forward to delivering better networking opportunities, trainings and events for its members.

He also adds that SICCI is looking forward to build stronger relationships and working with elected leaders and government to promote a prosperous Solomon Islands.

Bartlett also announced that Australian Government is their major funder.

He said SICCI is fortunate to receive support from the Australian Government which keeps the Chamber operation rolling.

And this year SICCI and Australia High Commission signed additional funding as new extension of Grant Agreement on Wednesday which total up to SBD$3.2 million, he said.

“I am pleased to announce we signed an extension to the current Grant Agreement to value of approximately SBD$1 million which is in addition to three-year grant agreement worth SBD$2.2M with total value of SBD$3.2M,” Bartlett said.

SICCI announces new board members

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Solomon Islands Chamber of Comomerce and Industry this week welcomes its new excecutvie line-up. (Pictured) Back row (L-R) Charles Pearsson (Advisor to CEO), Craig Gibsone, Belindah Botha, Sir Bruce Sanders, Sohaibi Mahmood..Front (L-R) Lyn Fa’arodo, Jay Bartlett (President), David Rupokets, Dennis Meone (CEO). See story on page 8. Photo by Lynton Aaron Filia

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) announced its 2018—2019 Vice Chair and six members on Wednesday March 28.

They were elected during the SICCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Heritage Park Hotel which convened members of the government and private sectors.

The SICCI’s new Board Members comprised of diverse business professionals who understand the needs of its membership and possess energy and commitment to lead the Chamber.

Each new board member will serve a one-year term.

On Wednesday’s AGM, there was no election for chair because Mr Jay Bartlett, Director of Hatanga Limited stood unopposed as Chairperson of SICCI.

Bartlett has been with SICCI since 2015, and is described as a young visionary leader who has been an effective advocator and voice for private sector ever since taking responsibility as SICCI’s Chairperson.

Bartlett said he looks forward to working with all new elected members on board level.

“One of our aims this year was to update the SICCI constitution, this has not been done on time, so it will be something for the new board to address and take forward as a matter of priority,” Bartlett said.

“This is made possible through the guidance and dedication of new elected board members.”

These are SICCI’s new elected Board Members for 2018-2019.

Vice Chairperson is Mr David Rupokets—A current SICCI Treasurer and Co-opt Board Member. He is the Managing Director and Principal owner of Capitol Construction Pty Limited since 2016.

Members

Ms Belinda Botha—she is an owner operator of Dive Munda, a multi-award-wining SSI Instructor Training Centre business in the Western province.

Ms Lyn Fa’arodo—Managing Electronic Channels for Bank South Pacific (BSP) Solomon Islands since 2017.

Mr Craig Gibson—Current SICCI Board member elected at the 2017 AGM after taking role of General Manager of GPPOL early on the same year. GPPOL is currently a 2018 Gold Sponsor member and part of SICCI for many years now.

Mr Sohaib Mahmood—Country Head of ANZ Solomon Islands who currently 2018 platinum sponsor member of SICCI.

Sir Bruce Saunders—is a current SICCI Board Member and long-time member of the Chamber.

Mr Frank Wichham—current SICCI Board Member and was chair of the previous Board’s internal sub-committee. He re-elected to join SICCI for 2018-2019.

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Comomerce and Industry this week welcomes its new excecutvie line-up. (Pictured) Back row (L-R) Charles Pearsson (Advisor to CEO), Craig Gibsone, Belindah Botha, Sir Bruce Sanders, Sohaibi Mahmood..Front (L-R) Lyn Fa’arodo, Jay Bartlett (President), David Rupokets, Dennis Meone (CEO). See story on page 8. Photo by Lynton Aaron Filia

New board chairman for Auki Red Cross branch

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Robert Wale, board chairman of the Auki Red Cross branch delivered his speech during the AGM on wednesday.

AUKI Red Cross branch has a new board chairman and a new committee for 2018.

The newly elected chairman is Mr Robert Wale the deputy provincial secretary of Malaita province.

He was elected during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday along with new board members for 2018.

Speaking to Island Sun Auki after the AGM, Mr Wale said the betterness of any organisation or group depends on cooperation, dedication and commitment.

He appeals to all volunteers to work together with the newly elected committee and the branch officer for the future activities and programmes of Solomon Islands Red Cross.

Wale also told the volunteers yesterday that the Malaita provincial government will be looking at possible ways to assist the work of Red Cross in the province.

The Auki branch and its board committee will also work closely with the Red Cross headquarter.

“One of our priorities is to capture more volunteers to join Red Cross and to set the office into a new phase.

“We will be looking at building up good relationship with the other NGO’s and the other stakeholders in partnership through our activities.”

No space for farmers at central market

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ms Christina Misu

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Ms Christina Misu

A concerned farmer is calling on responsible authorities to deal with the lack of space at the central market.

Ms Christina Misu of Vatupilei, West Guadalcanal yesterday tells Island Sun that there is no space for farmers inside the market complex because people who purchase goods from farmers to resell them at a higher place are the ones occupying space inside the market.

Misu added that while they sit comfortably inside the market, farmers who spent time growing crops and travelling to the capital to sell them at the end of the day are left to sell those crops outside in the burning heat.

On top of that she pointed out that one other unpleasant experience she has come across at the market is being harassed by women in the capital for her crops.

Misu said that they would forcibly ask to purchase her produce at a lower price and then sell them at a higher price.

A farmer for three years now, she raised the above issue whilst attending a workshop on “Gender in Agriculture in Rural Livelihoods” yesterday at the Cairos conference room at Hyundai Mall.

Validation workshop held for women and agriculture

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Mrs Ruth Maetala

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

SPC Consultant, Mrs Ruth Maetala

THE contribution of women to the agriculture sector is immeasurable, and this was reflected on by responsible ministries and stakeholders in a workshop yesterday.

Officials from the ministries of women (MWYCFA) and agriculture (MAL) attended the “Gender in Agriculture in Rural Livelihoods” workshop at Hyundai Mall’s Kairos conference room.

Speaking to Island Sun SPC consultant Ruth Maetala said the workshop which is supported by SPC, ADB and FAO is to validate information from field research carried out on Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces in February.

“Information from the research will be used to inform policies of FAO and SPC on how they can work with SIG under the Agriculture sector,” she said.

Mrs Maetala mentioned that two teams were sent to the provinces by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Whilst presenting her findings from field study she conducted in Malaita province, she spoke of how much women in the province are engaged in agriculture to the extent that they have to juggle both farm commitment and household responsibilities day in and day out.

Maetala also highlighted how women’s participation in agriculture impacts their relationship.

She explained that in North Malaita, a place most often negatively perceived, the case of women and their partners working together is evident.

Maetala said that they came across a couple who shared roles when it comes to toiling soil in the sun and in this sense she explained that while the woman would be busy in her farm her husband on the other hand had his own farm to look after.

She added that both of them would then earn their own incomes.

Maetala furthered that the case study also found out that cash crop is something that determines what people plant for their family.

Solomon Islands access to climate change finance

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, I was very pleased to read an article in yesterday’s edition of the Island Sun newspaper (March 29, 2018) that the Solomon Islands will be able to improve its access to climate change finance now the SIG has finalised a change and disaster and disaster risk assessment report.

As I reported in the local media recently, “The Green Climate Fund is to inject $US28 million dollars into the Vanuatu Ministry of Climate Change to help the country address climate change.

“The Green Climate Fund is a fund established within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.” Its stated purpose is to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices resulting from the impact of climate change.

Like Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, coastal erosion, flooding, loss of food crops and other vulnerabilities occasioned by climate change and I would hope the SIG will now be able to access international finance to help local conditions on the strength of the Change and Disaster Risk Assessment Report.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

On the issue of affirmative resolution

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the news carried in the Island Sun issue on March 29, 2018 which said that three statesmen were contacted.

My view made to the enquiry was: in 2017 the national parliament passed an affirmative resolution in the absence of any approved budget for the year 2018.

The effect of that legal instrumentality would lapse under the authority of the constitution.

I had not seen section 103 of the constitution at the time, but I said that if the effect of the affirmative resolution passed by parliament tells of the period during which the government would be empowered to spend funds under the consolidated fund, then that would be the period during which the legal effect of the affirmative resolution would terminate.

Section 103 is quite clear as to the duration of an affirmative resolution, which is four months, meaning the end of April of 2018.

There is thus room enough to enable the parliament to enact the 2018 appropriation act.

The government in that light has ample time to enact the 2018 appropriation act prior to the end of April 2018.

This is my humble view, to make the record straight for the public’s clear understanding of the constitution (section 103).

Yours sincerely

Sir Nathaniel R Waena

Retired Governor General

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