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Former banker to appear in court

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFERKUSAPA

A man facing 19 counts of larceny by servant will appear in court today for mention

This is the case against former employee of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Tommy Qazobatu.

The accused Mr Qazobatu is facing 19 counts of larceny by servant in relation to incidents which occurred in 2013 while working with the Central Bank.

The allegations said that Qazobatu was stealing more than SBD$800,000 when he was an employee of the CBSI between the months of February and March of 2013.

The bail for the accused is extended until today.

A private lawyer is representing the accused.

An Australian direct aid project failing

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, in the Solomon Times newspaper, yesterday, February 12, 2018 a coconut crushing mill operator in Malaita Province, Billy Funusulia, revealed a troubling story in which a potentially income generating project is failing because of operating costs and marketing options

Quoting the newspaper article this is what was revealed: “Operating a coconut crushing mill is a great income generating opportunity for many rural Solomon Islanders.

“But keeping the operation going and maintaining the crushing mill machine can be challenging and costly.

“Billy Funusulia looks after his community crushing mill at Gwa’adingale village, Malu’u, in north Malaita.

“He said the challenges faced by rural communities operating coconut crushing mill are enormous.

“The most critical challenge is finance and keeping the operation going,” Mr Funusulia said.

“There were a lot of overhead costs that are beyond the income we are generating from this operation,” he added.

The community coconut crushing mill Mr Funusulia is managing was funded through Australia’s direct aid program more than a year ago.

Mr Funusulia said since their operation started last year, they’ve so far made three shipments.

“But we were unable to cover our costs,” he admitted.

“In fact our trend in revenue has gone from bad to worse.

“Thus, we were not able to regularly produce coconut oil as expected.”

Mr Funusulia said unlike copra producers, crushing mill operators are very selective in buying coconut fruits that are needed to extract the oil.

“So it is not that easy to get the quantity and the quality we want,” he explained.

“Furthermore, the local coconut oil market is being monopolised.

“So mill operators have no choice because the local buyer controls the selling price.”

“Mr Funusulia said he believed if there are more local buyers, mill operators will have choices to sell their oil to the highest offer.

“He also appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to assist coconut mill operators to meet the challenges.

“We are struggling to keep our operations going,” he said.

“I know there is the National Coconut Rehabilitation Program through which assistance in the agriculture sector can be sought.

“The government should come in and help us through this program.”

“When contacted, Deputy Director of Planning within MAL, Simon Iro said the Ministry can help when requests are made through the formal process.

“In the case of those in north Malaita, submissions for assistance should be channelled through the relevant offices at Malu’u and Auki.

“He said the Malu’u based agriculture officer should receive the request and send it to their Auki office for approval, before it is communicated to Honiara.

“Mr Iro said once Honiara office receives the request then they will respond to it, as it comes under Malaita Province.

“He also revealed that coconut crushing mill operators around the country have to work along with Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI), in order for them to control the costs incurred in their productions.

“If they employ more than five people in the crushing mill then they will experience losses,” Mr Iro concluded.”

The bottom line here, it seems to me, is Mr. Funusulia and others like him operating coconut crushing mill plants throughout the country needs to start making a profit and not subjected to bureaucratic rules akin to ‘passing the parcel’ or restricted practices tied to a monopoly in the coconut oil market when it comes to selling their product.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

SINCW planning new round of training programmes

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, the Solomon Islands National Council of Women (SINCW) is expecting to launch its first round of training programmes next week under the slogan “Strongem Woka blo Ologeta Merefo Jonim Politiks lo Solomon Aelans.”

According to a press a press statement from the SINCW (quote)

“The first two training programs will be delivered in the provincial centres of Auki for Malaita Province and in Buala for the Ysabel Province for those who will be supporting intending Candidates in their Campaigns.

“The next similar Training Programs will be for Honiara, Guadalcanal and Central Provinces and the rest of the Provinces where women have been identified and been trained in their preparations to stand in the forthcoming Provincial and National General Elections.

“These second series of training will be for “Train the Trainers” and are intended to train Campaign Managers and Manageress’s who will conduct Campaign Advocacy Programmes in the Provincial Wards and Constituencies where aspiring women are being identified to run either in the coming Provincial Assembly and National General Elections early next year.

“The Women in Leadership and Gender Advocator, Mr. Casper Fa’asala, who is responsible for designing and delivering of these training programs from the Solomon Islands National Council of Women has said that the series of Training of Trainers programmes will be designed to enable participants to better understand the basic concepts of democratization, accountability, the electoral processes and elections, patriotism, nationalism, citizenship, rights of citizens, including governance and leadership.

“The Training of Trainers programme will mainly focus, also, on strengthening the skills and knowledge of Campaign Managers to develop strategies for winning an election.”

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Enquiry for carved nativity set

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Enquiry for carved nativity set

DEAR EDITOR, I have received the following message from Canada via my website.

“I am writing on behalf of Monsignor Gregory Ace who came across this Nativity set on the internet. It was carved in Solomon Islands. Would you know the name of the artist who carves items like these, or are there other artists who would carve this type of Nativity set? It is for a display in the church at Christmas. Any information about this would be appreciated.”

I would appreciate the artist who carved the set getting in touch with me, please.

My email address is [email protected]

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

SI exposed ignorantly?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

Leroy private jetty opens security door wide open with questionable checks of out and in-bound ships

BY ALFRED SASAKO

WHEN Leroy private jetty was built along the Ranadi coast in early 2016, some businesses thought it was a good idea.

At the time the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) – the nation’s only declared ports – was going through some teething problem associated with its own multi-million dollar reform programme it has embarked on.

SIPA did not realise at the time the full extent of what Leroy Private Jetty had in mind. Now it seems clear Leroy Jetty is after SIPA’s revenue base from overseas ships using Point Cruz wharf and more.

Since Leroy Jetty opened for business in November 2016, SIPA had lost millions of dollars in businesses from pilotage, stevedoring and berthing charges which overseas ships avoid paying when they use Leroy Jetty.

“In 2017 alone, SIPA lost more than $10 million in revenue from overseas ships using Leroy Jetty along the Ranadi coast,” senior SIPA officials told Island Sun in an exclusive interview yesterday.

“SIPA loses more than $600,000 in charges each time an overseas vessel uses Leroy Jetty. It is a huge drain on SIPA revenue, which we will continue to lose until the government steps in,” one official said.

Leroy Jetty has applied to the Minister of Finance and Treasurer, Manasseh Sogavare to consider granting it a suffrage wharf status.

This week, officials from the Ministry’s Economic Reform Unit (ERU) held talks with SIPA management on the move.

“We have made our views known to the ERU officials. In our view it is not healthy financially for SIPA and the government and also in terms of safety and security. It is our hope that the government stands by us in this matter,” one official told Island Sun yesterday.

SIPA is planning to brief the Prime Minister, Ricky Houenipwela and his Deputy Mr Sogavare who is responsible for SIPA as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).

Apart from the revenue losses, there are several issues that are critical to the SIPA Management. These include international ship and port security (ISPS), safety and the need to comply with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements.

“These are international requirements which must be upheld or Solomon Islands risks losing its licence as declared ports. What is happening since November 2016 is that we simply do not know what sort of cargo has come in and what is going out,” one SIPA Management official said.

“Operating an international seaport is the same as operating an international airport. Every fight that comes in must first be cleared before it lands here.

“In the case of SIPA ports, it must be cleared first by the Harbour Master as well as SIMSA before an international ship is allowed in. Right now, the only government agency that clears outbound and in-bound ships at the Leroy Jetty is Customs. Now that leaves our ports vulnerable especially at a time when international terrorism, shipments of contraband items and narcotics are a concern around the world,” the official said.

Micah keeps scoring

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Micah lea’alafa being surrounded by three Hawk’s Bay united players during the Sunday’s action of the ISPS Handa Premiership.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Micah lea’alafa being surrounded by three Hawk’s Bay united players during the Sunday’s action of the ISPS Handa Premiership.

SOLOMON Islands attacking midfielder Micah Lea’alafa continues to maintain his name on the scoresheet for the New Zealand champions Auckland City in the domestic ISPS Handa Premiership.

On Sunday he scored again in City’s 3-0 thrashing of Hawke’s Bay United in Napier.

After an early goal by his teammate Alfie Rogers, Micah added the second in the 29th minute to set the Navy Blues on their way towards victory inside the first half hour before youngster Callum McCowatt chimed in with a third just after the restart.

During the previous three weekends, Micah also scored for Auckland. His latest goal on Sunday gets him to four goals in the race for the golden boot.

Speaking to SunSPORTS from Auckland, Micah said he was excited to continue with his scoring form in the New Zealand’s top flight league.

“I hope to score more goals and it feels great to win matches and be part of a great team.”

Coach Ramon Tribulietx was delighted with the result.

“We are pleased with a 3-0 win, especially with the way we played as we dominated from start to finish,” said Tribulietx after the game.

“It is another game where we have finished with another clean sheet which is great because we are not giving the opposition opportunities to score.”

The cleansheet was Auckland City FC’s fifth in succession and gives goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai the distinction of having kept the ball out of his net for a staggering 470 minutes.

The last player to score past Zubikarai was Southern United’s Ben Wade who bagged a 70th goal in their 1-1 draw with Auckland City FC on 13 January 2018 at Kiwitea Street.

The last team to keep five consecutive cleansheets in the ISPS Handa Premiership was the Waitakere United side of 2007-08 who defeated Hawke’s Bay United (5-0 and 1-0), Waikato FC (1-0), Canterbury United (1-0) and Auckland City FC (1-0) en route to the minor and grand final titles.

Auckland City FC has now conceded just three goals in its last seven ISPS Handa Premiership matches.

The win keeps Auckland City FC one point ahead of Team Wellington who defeated Southern United 3-1 in Dunedin and two in front of Eastern Suburbs AFC who turned over Tasman United 3-0 in rainswept conditions at Bill McKinlay Park.

Canterbury United’s push for the top four continued after they staged a come-from-behind 5-3 win over Wellington Phoenix to open up a six point gap between themselves and Tasman United.

The Navy Blues next match is away to Tasman United on 17 February in Nelson at 2pm before they play host to the Oceania Champions League Group C competition in Auckland from February 24.

GTC workers calls for public support

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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GTC workers pause with their rakes and spades at the old Gizo-market area on Tuesday

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

GIZO Town Council (GTC) of workers have called on the general public to support the work of GTC to clean up Gizo town, Western province.

A spokesman Mr James Co’o yesterday said they call on the general public to clean the surrounding to help GTC workers keep Gizo Town clean, safe and attractive for visitors and tourists.

“Most venders have carelessly thrown all their pile of rubbish all over the market area.

“GTC workers will not meet the right criteria of cleaning the town, but we need public helping hands and support to keep Gizo clean.

“We must be responsible and take good ownership of our township with good manner and behavior.”

Co’o said GTC have already pinned notices at the notice boards, stores, market area and along the street to keep the surrounding environment clean.

Gizo venders urged to move to new market site

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Venders displaying their products at the old Gizo Market area.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

MARKET vendors operating in and around the old Gizo market should be moved to the MSG building where it is spacious.

Members of the Gizo Town Council yesterday said the Western Provincial government has allocated the temporary site for vendors to use – not the old Gizo Market area.

A spokesman Mr James Co’o said market vendors must listen because MSG building is already engaged for vendors from Vella, Simbo, Ranonga, Gizo and Kolombangara to use for market purposes.

“This is to control the pile of rubbish and traffic and for public to move freely while waiting for construction to begin next month.

“Most vendors are still displaying their fish, betel nuts and other local products at the cleared market area which is not good.

“We call on the vendors to quickly re-locate their stalls and market to the temporary site allocated by the provincial government so that collection of rubbish can be easy for GTC workers to concentrate on. At MSG building and along the street.”

Co’o said that some vendors are not listening to instructions to move to the new site.

Meanwhile, Gizo Market Steering Committee (GMSC) said they are trying their best to deal with these issues because due to limited space at the temporary site, they will try as much as possible to re-locate the betel vendors elsewhere.

“If there is enough space then others can move their market to the right place.”

White River School plans to upgrade infrastructure and facilities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Set row of the new computers that already installed

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SCHOOL Board of the White River Community High School plans to upgrade the school’s infrastructure and facilities next year.

Coordinator of the special task force, Mr Richard Tepuke Pautangata said they plan to improve the school infrastructure and its facilities with an aim to provide conducive learning for students accessing the services.

He said the area they will look at is building staff houses; and science class should begin next year since the science lab is already in place and boreholes installed for water supply.

Pautangata also said the future plan is to have form six and form seven science and this will depend on tuition fee collection and school grants.

With the new computer lab, Pautangata said there is a plan for upgrading to 40 more computers and extension of spaces for students and tutors.

With this ambitious plan, the taskforce encourages parents, guardians and the Solomon Islands Government for support as this is important for the operation of the school administration and student’s future.

White River School Board, Caretaker Vice Chair, Mrs Hilda Rade Tango said education reform is essential to provide learners with what are commonly called 21st century skills.

White River CHS launches new computer lab for form 6 & 7

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Cr Eric Tema cut the ribbon to mark official launching of the new computer lab

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Cr Eric Tema cut the ribbon to mark official launching of the new computer lab

THE White River Community High School has officially opened a new computer lab yesterday for its forms six and seven students.

The new computer lab combines a general computer lab with 15 updated computers, colour printer and unique tutoring space – all expenses covered with the tuition fees collected this year.

The facility has a friendly space ensuring tutors and students can fully access services.

The new lab has one master computer to monitor students’ work, and White River School is the first to be introduced which this – installed by the Understanding Technology group.

The creation of the lab was primarily in response to form six and seven students’ learning need for technology with an aim to prepare them for university and knowledge and skills to work independently with computers.

The push to have a computer lab was led by Mr Richard Tepuke Pautangata as coordinator along with the School committee.

Pautangata said it had taken them three weeks to complete the project, which came from tuition fees and cost around $120,000.

He said the computer lab plays a pivotal role for students’ learning, producing quality assignments and research which will contribute to their pathway to university studies.

Mr Richard Tepuke Pautangata and tutors picture in the new computer lab officially launch on Tuesday

Pautangata adds that they had also carried out renovations in terms of a new walk way, new chairs and table and two new leaf huts for forms six and seven.

He says this feat by White River school shows how much can be done just be relying on tuition fees alone rather than depending on school grants.

White River School Board Caretaker, Vice Chair, Mrs Hilda Rade Tango urged the students to take good care of the facilities especially the computers, and feel proud for them.

“Success and failure of our school rests in our hands so let’s put aside personal differences and work together to make 2018 the best academic year.”

On her final note, Tango thanked the teachers and school management for seeing the importance of having a computer lab for the students.

Meanwhile, the event yesterday has coincided with the opening of this year’s academic programme which was attended by Counselor Eric Tema, School board and students.

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