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Aust gov’t promises support toward gender equality

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NSIHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE Australian Government promises support to Solomon Islands in its journey to press for progress toward increased gender quality.

This was according to the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Roderick Brazier yesterday in Honiara.

He said it was known that gender inequality has widespread with high rates of domestic violence in Solomon Islands.

“We all know that gender in equality is widespread in Solomon Islands shown in the high rates of domestic violence and constrained economic opportunities for women,” said Mr Brazier.

However the team for this year’s international Women’s Day Press for progress, gender equality captures this well.

Moreover the same statement was highlighted during last year’s commemoration of the International Rights Day which was part of last year’s 16 days of activism he (Brazier) joined with Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and Deputy Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare, development partners, community leaders and many chief executive officers (CEOs), they publicly pledged that together they will uphold a promise regarding the zero tolerance of violence against women.

These include zero tolerance of violence against women and girls in the home, the workplace and within communities.

Gov’t communication officers reminded of their roles

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Participants of the “SIG Information/Press Officers Workshop”

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

YOU are duty bound to provide information that is correct, accurate and is designed to educate our people.

The above statement was made by Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela who officially launched the “SIG Information/Press Officers Workshop” yesterday at the Iron Bottom Sound conference room.

Moreover, he voiced that providing proper information comes with the scope of importance in dimensions like educating the public, keeping up with the rapidly changing society and bearing in mind that information disseminated is up to date and transparent of materials that are divisive and dangerous.

Prime Minister Hou added that the above is more important given the rise of social media, which thrives on rumor, speculation and half-truths.

Regarding social media, he stressed that as a powerful source of information in the country as, press officers are guardians of information thus have the duty of providing necessary protection for our people.

Speaking on the communication officers’ roles, Hou expressed that they are tasked with the responsibility of providing people with information about the inner workings of the government particularly, on how government policies are implemented and how the implementation of these policies will have an impact on their lives.

“To that end this event is not only significant to our information and press officers but to our government and the people at large,” he said.

Hou also took the opportunity to voice his support and mentioned that the government will continue to prioritize such trainings for government press officers.

“I am optimistic that this workshop will impact the necessary knowledge and skills that will help bring about a positive outcome for your respective ministries and the government as a whole.

“You can be reassured that the Democratic Coalition for Change Government under my leadership will continue to prioritise training both locally and internationally to develop and enhance your skills,” he said.

The workshop included top government communications officers namely; Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr John Junior Muria, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr Douglas Marau, Director of Government Communication Unit Mr George Herming, Former Director of Government Communication Unit Mr Alfred Maesulia, Mr Robert Iroga of Solomon Business Magazine (SBM) and veteran press advisor Mr George Atkin along with a good number of press officers representing various ministries.

Aus Gov’t hosts breakfast to commemorate IWD

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Australian High Commissionert HE Roderick Brazier delivering his speech.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE Australian High Commission hosted a breakfast yesterday morning to commemorate the International Women’s celebration which is recognised internationally on March 8 (today).

Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands Mr Roderick Brazier said he is honoured to celebrate the International Women’s Day with such a diverse and vibrant group present yesterday.

“International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women here in Solomon Islands.

“It is not only a time to reflect on progress that has been made but also to act as a catalyst for change and to once again highlight the importance of empowering the entire population to build a better future,” he said.

On the same event Coordinator of Gender Programme Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Ms Ruth Maetala said this day presents women with another opportunity to reflect on the status of gender equality in Solomon Islands society.

She explained this day is galvanised globally by the high level activities to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, political and even religious role and achievements of women all over the world.

Present yesterday were senior government officials, representatives from Australian high commission, IFC,SICCI, donor agencies, members of Solomon Islands Professional Women’s Network.

The morning breakfast was held at the Heritage Park Hotel, in Honiara.

Aussie committed to advance SI women status

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Women having breakfast

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Women having breakfast

AUSTRALIAN high commissioner to Solomon Islands Mr Roderick Brazier revealed yesterday that his government is committed to advance the status of women in Solomon Islands.

They have already put to action the initiative through the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific development which they have committed $35 million over 10 years

He explained there are three development programmes in working areas his government has focused on to support the advancement of SI women in their circle of influence and these are women’s economic empowerment, women in leadership and ending violence against women.

On the same note Mr Brazier stressed there is also a programme funded by the Australian government, the empowering Women in Smart Business.

It was implemented through the Solomon Islanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

And it works with the private sector to influence better employment outcomes for women through “Waka Mere” challenge.

Kirakira murder accused to appear in court

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a man alleged of murder in Bauro, Makira Province will appear in court today.

This is in relation to the case against Jimmy Baukuhu who is faced with one count of murder.

Prosecution alleged that Mr Baukuhu and his associates killed a man from Bauro on May 24, 2016.

Prosecution said that the deceased was found lying dead at a seaside near Kirakira with a rope tied to his neck.

Andrew Kelesi of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown.

LOs question Mines Minister over Asian company

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

LANDOWNERS of the Kolosori Tenement in Isabel province have raised concerns on how the investors are being considered to mine areas within the province.

In a strong worded self-explanatory letter to the Minister of Mines, Bradley Tovosia, the landowning group expressed concerns and their position on the government’s proposal to issue a Letter of Intent (LOI) to an Asian Company.

The Kolosori Landowners Association (KLA) said they are very concerned after they learnt of an Asian company being a very strong contender to be issued with the LOI to mine the Kolosori Tenement.

The landowning group also highlighted in their letter that they were never consulted or given any courtesy by the investor to register its interest on their land.

The group however requested for the minister to delay the issuance of the LOI over Kolosori Tenement for a little while as they are still in talks with one of the other two companies while at the same time, meeting with other potential investors.

This revelation however puts to question the Mines Minister’s statement made on the floor of Parliament where he boldly acknowledged the status in which the Isabel Nickel Project is currently in when questioned.

The Minister also stated that his office is now holding consultations with what he described as genuine investors that have been identified for the three tenements on the Island, two of which are Asian companies.

However, the landowning group in their letter, which was also copied to the Prime Minister, his Deputy and the Leader of Opposition including other senior government officials, claimed that the Chinese company earmarked to operate on their land is in fact a logging company – not a miner.

The group said as representatives and a body that oversees the interests of the people regarding their resources, it feels it is the right time to start actively involved in equity based joint-venture arrangement with any investor.

“We want to maximise the benefits of our resources and are currently dialoguing with Axiom mining company to strike a deal.”

With this, the Kolosori Landowners Association stressed that it is an agenda they are looking to resolve within 30 days.

“As you would appreciate, Honourable Minister for any harvesting (or exploitations) of common-pool resources, example fisheries, minerals, forestry and others, to be successful, it has to take an integrate management approach.

“This means it has to involve key stakeholders and one of which is us the PLOs. In other words it should involve key stakeholders communicating (consulting, dialogue, negotiating and consulting).

“This will develop common understanding among the groups, common goals, equal/fair benefits and it helps prevent disputes.

“Unfortunately, it appears the way things are done depicts features of a top-down approach (imposing) that may not advance this development; which is not in the best interest of the country,” the KLO stated in their letter,” the letter pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Association reiterated that the KLA as principal landowners to the Kolosori tenements want to be involved and be partners to the proposed Isabel Nickel Development project.

The group then called on the government and stakeholders to be inclusive in the dealings, especially with regards to issuance of LOI from the beginning.

They said their objection to the current arrangement does not mean they don’t want development to take place, “in fact we want this project to kick off as soon as possible and addressing the above concerns,” the Association further adds.

Comments are being sought from Tovosia.

IRD responds to complaints in Auki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

COMMISSIONER of the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) within the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Joseph Dokekana, has clarified his Division’s position on complaints raised against their office in Auki, Malaita province.

Public transport owners in Auki yesterday criticised the Auki IRD office over what they claim as ‘poor services’.

Transport owners reported the IRD Auki office tend to open late and close early every day causing inconvenience to the public, especially them.

They claimed sometimes they went to the office to renew their licences they had to wait hours because no one is in the office.

They appealed to the IRD office in Honiara to address this issue as it is an issue of complacency by its personnel.

In his response yesterday, Dokekana expressed his apology to those affected, especially public transport owners who want to do the right thing in wanting to renew their licences.

He confirmed IRD has been made aware of this issue and they have identified someone to replace the officer in the IRD Auki office who is causing the setback.

“We will be sending some of our officers to Auki to identify issues of concern as well to talk to the staff concerned to account for their behaviour,” Dokekana said.

He said IRD is also aware of continually problems with its record systems especially the Transport Management System (TMS).

“We will continue to work with Information Communication Technology Support Unit (ICTSU) so that systems issues are resolved to better serve the people of Auki,” Dokekana said.

He said IRD takes these criticisms seriously and they are always contactable to receive complaints.

The IRD office is planning to set up a complaints line in the future but in the meantime it encourages members of the public who have any complaint to contact the office on phone 28245 or email [email protected].

 

HCC has no price control ordinance

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

HONIARA City Council (HCC) in its ordinances does not have a Consumer Price Index (CPI), it is reported.

A HCC officer, speaking on anonymity, also claims that the organisation has an Act which prohibits them from interfering with prices of goods in shops and in the markets.

Thus the HCC has been relying on the national ministry of commerce’s price control unit to deal with price controlling within Honiara.

The officer says that the issue of prices in the markets is an old one, and HCC in previous years had received similar complaints – but they all were referred to the ministry of commerce.

However, all is not lost as HCC is planning to include this issue in their upcoming council meeting to review ordinances.

Lately, price hikes in market produces has led to a public outcry, with many venting out their frustrations in social media.

Many blame HCC, which the council has come out earlier this week clarifying that it is not mandated to control prices in the central market.

 

Arrears rising from non BSP loan repayments

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

BANK South Pacific (BSP) Country Manager David Anderson reminds customers to ensure being aware of their loan repayments and leave amounts in their accounts when they withdraw part of their salary.

The Country Manager made this reminder following continuous concern from confusion raised by its customers over shocking arrears of thousands of dollars found in their accounts.

“Every customer signs a form for us to deduct the loan repayment from their savings account and we will do that if there are available funds in their account,” said Anderson.

“There have been a number of system changes over time but customers do not have to make a separate transaction to make their loan repayment.

In clarifying, the Country Manager said a late Payment Fee of $50 will be debited to one’s loan account if they do not pay their repayment five days after the due date.

“Should a customer continue to not make late payments then BSP will eventually act on the security held for the loan to recover the debt in full.

“An example is if a customer gets a salary of $1,000 per fortnight and their loan repayment is $200 per fortnight then they should only withdraw $800 from their savings account. This then leaves $200 in their account so loan payment can be made by BSP.

“If a customer goes and withdraws the full $1,000 or anything more than $800 then there is insufficient funds remaining in the savings account to make the loan payment in which BSP cannot make the loan payment.”

BSP customers reported to Island Sun recently that they are not fully aware of the bank’s new system for customer’s responsibility to leave certain amounts of their salaries for loan payments which is the cause for them to have huge amounts of arrears at the bank.

“The problem is we are used to the banks old system by doing loan deductions themselves in which we customers only withdraw our salaries with nothing to consider,” said concerned BSP customers.

Some school teachers reporting to Island Sun also this week said because of their arrears, there was nothing left for them to withdraw from their salaries account during their recent fortnight.

BSP’s Country Manager advice that should customers who have been affected by the change in system wish to renegotiate their loan then please call at their nearest branch and arrange for their loan account to be renegotiated.

“To assist with getting their loan back on track, BSP will waive the documentation fee for these customers,” said Anderson.

BSP strongly reminds its customers again to read and understand properly the terms in their loan agreements before signing them.

East Malaita ward 15 voters call on Maelanga to visit them

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

REGISTERED voters from ward 15 in east Malaita constituency have made a call for their Member of Parliament to visit and explain the current development plan for voters in their ward.

They said there are rumours that the current MP will not be carrying out campaign programmes in their constituency in East Malaita.

“We urge you our good MP to come down to us in our constituency and explain our current development plans and our future plans for our constituency.”

The voters said that they also want the financial report of their constituency to be during the campaign period.

“As we are your people to bring you back into the Parliament as our representative in the government, we have great concern about our development plans in the constituency for both ward 15 and 16 in East Malaita constituency.”

Ward 15 is one of the most populated wards in East Malaita which shares boundaries with East Fataleka right down to Atori and along Aluta River.

Meanwhile speaking to Island Sun, MP for East Malaita and Opposition Leader, Hon Manasseh Maelanga said campaigning is a normal process in the election process.

“When the time comes, of course, it is a must for one to participate in this important process,” he said.

He also adds that there is a development plan for his constituency and the development plan is subjected to change according to situations.

“When the need arise and when situation changes, these things can also change,” he said.

Maelanga says that the campaign period is still a long way away and when the time comes and when approval is granted for the campaign period to start, he will use that time to speak to his people.

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