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New opportunity website launched

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Insights Pacific Ltd Directors and the Senior Commerce Officer at the Ministry of Commerce Mr Albert Kua during the launching event at CEMA conference room on Thursday

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

INSIGHTS Pacific, a locally owned professional company, yesterday launched its flagship online job advertising service.

The launching was held at the CEMA conference room, CEMA Building at Pt Cruz, and was attended by permanent secretaries, undersecretaries and human resource managers of the government ministries.

Mr Albert Kua, Senior Commerce Officer at the Ministry of Commerce, lauded the Insights Pacific team for their achievement and assures them that the Ministry of Commerce is prepared to assist such initiatives in providing a framework conducive for small businesses to thrive through its SME Policy.

He added that startups such as Insights Pacific should be able to access assistance through the Ministry.

Founder of Insights Pacific Ltd, Mr Gordon Denty said the idea to launch this online service came about when he realised that current online services do not address the needs of most organisations – especially the Public Service.

He said organisations are not receiving feedback from most suitable candidates because jobs are not advertised extensively.

Also, candidates are not receiving enough support in preparation for submission of applications, he said.

Denty said launching of the online service will provide a one-stop shop for potential candidates to search for government employment opportunities.

However, he highlights that one of the challenges faced by online service startups like Insights Pacific is the limited speed of internet access in the country.

The Insights Pacific hopes the completion of the much anticipated undersea cable will make online services more accessible.

Among the services provided by Insights Job Advertising is free subscription for users to be notified of the posting of new jobs.

There are also job application tips, downloadable forms and a blog on employment issues.

While the launching is targeted at government ministries, Denty said they also target NGOs and private companies and will be hosting similar events for those organisations next.

The online job advertising service can be accessed at www.insightsjobadvertising.com and all queries regarding the service should be directed to [email protected].

Malaita needs proper roads

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE national government and the Malaitan provincial government have been called on to construct proper roads in the province.

A Mr Clyde Maelifo’oa makes the appeal following a huge deterioration in the general condition of roads around the province.

“What we experienced here was when the roads were damaged, the government tendered them to constructors who probably not doing much to the improvement of the roads.”

Maelifo’oa points out that Malaita needs road construction that will require the use of big heavy machines which will create permanent hardy roads.

“Not the temporary fixes which use only hand tools and wheel barrows to fix patches and so forth.”

“We want government to think beyond just giving the road maintenance projects to contractors who will never make changes to the roads.

“Because for sure, huge amount of money the government spent on those maintenance projects, but no tangible work happen on the ground.”

Maelifo’oa explained that rain is very common in Malaita and this is the main contributing factor to most road damage faced in the province.

MID requests Japan for 2nd phase of Kukum Highway upgrade

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Workers return to work yesterday after the bad weather.

BY JARED KOLI

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has submitted a request for the second phase of Kukum Highway upgrade project.

MID Acting Permanent Secretary Jimmy Nuake confirmed to Island Sun that the request was submitted to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Honiara.

“The usual process for requesting Japanese grant aid is to send the request through the JICA Solomon Islands office, Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy.

“MID has submitted a request for the second phase of the Kukum Highway Project to the JICA office in Solomon Islands,” Mr Nuake said when responding to an email query by this paper.

He said it is expected that the Prime Minister (PM) will further reinforce this request with his counterpart, the PM of Japan, at the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM-8) in Japan in May this year.

Nuake said the second phase proposal covered the rehabilitation of the main road from where the current project ends, which is Fishing Village to Henderson airport and from Central Market to White River.

“Government of Japan has been consulted through JICA office in Solomon Islands, but it is up to the Government of Japan whether or not to accept the proposal,” he clarifies.

He said the current Kukum Highway road upgrade is expected to be completed by November 30, 2018.

 

“Let them complete studies”

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga.

Opposition leader calls for return of extension students to respective institutions

THE Parliamentary Opposition calls on the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) to ensure the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) sends all Solomon Islands Government-funded tertiary extension students back to their respective institutions of study to continue and complete their studies.

Opposition Leader Manasseh Maelanga made the call yesterday after a group of Solomon Islands Government-funded students of the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University and Fiji School of Medicine arrived at his office yesterday, expressing their frustration about the National Training Unit’s poor handling of the government scholarship programme.

Approximately 149 extension students have been left out of the NTU list and are now stranded without scholarships.

This includes those studying at regional institutions as well as in-country at the USP SI Campus.

The students’ spokesperson Lenorah Kyere said when they went to the National Training Unit and asked to talk to the Director on one-on-one basis about their scholarships, he avoided them.

She said the reason for them wanting to speak to the Director on a one-on-one basis is because some are ‘deferral students’ and others ‘reinstatement’ and ‘campus transfer’.

Ms Kyere said all that the Director did was put out a list of student names and stated that the list was for ‘extension’ students, adding that it appeared that the NTU officials cannot differentiate the different categories of students that they have to deal with.

The Opposition Leader is reiterating his call on the SIDCCG to increase the number of scholarships for this year to 2,000.

He said the government must commit funding for tertiary scholarships to ensure that no eligible Solomon Islands student is denied the opportunity to pursue their education.

Maelanga said it’s time SIDCCG seriously considers exploring bilateral scholarship arrangements that is available to Solomon Islands yet remain unexplored.

He said some of the extension students have only one semester left and it would be a total waste of government resources if they are not sent back to complete their courses.

The Opposition Leader said the government must always bear in mind that students are the next generation of leaders and it is critical for them to be given top priority to undertake study and professional development.

“Those who have passed their exams the previous year must return to their respective institutions of studies quickly as the 2018 academic year has already started and the same treatment must be accorded to extension students.”

Maelanga said NTU officials like all other government officials ought to be reminded that they are employed by the government to serve the people and they must carry out their duty with utmost diligence and responsibility.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

PM appreciates NZ’s development assistance

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Hon Rick Hou during press conference with media on Monday

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has expressed appreciation at New Zealand’s continued development assistance to Solomon Islands.

PM Hou uttered this during the country’s marking of the Waitangi Day at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence on Tuesday this week.

He acknowledges the people and government of New Zealand for assistance, which covers a whole range of areas including governance, education, infrastructure, aviation, fisheries, and security.

Hou also emphasised the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and scholarships programme which has benefited so many Solomon Islanders immensely.

“Even so, for the RSE scheme it is an area we would still like to see more Solomon Islanders participate in and benefit from, and I look forward to further discussion to strengthen this scheme.

“You’re Excellency, whilst it is nice and important to talk about our two countries strong and deepening relationships.

“Especially in the areas of socio-economic development, trade, politics and other areas, it is human element or people to people relationships that are most meaningful to us islands people.”

Kingdom movement mobilises

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

THE kingdom movement in Malaita are now silent after the promises and prophecies did not eventuate as promised by their so-called leader, Kemmeul Kalani.

Or so everyone thought.

Island Sun has sighted information saying the group is mobilising to register all its members for a purported supply of wealth and riches from Israel.

The information said, “A ship is on its way from Israel carrying riches, wealth and other valuable material.

“For the unbelievers, they will be missed out from having a share from the riches that is coming on that ship.”

Even though the promises and prophesies have not come true, they still believe that something will happen with more trust on what their so called leader Kemmeul Kalani had promised.

School fee increase surprises parents

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

AN increase in fees this year by schools in Malaita province has been questioned by most parents and guardians in Malaita.

The parents told this paper yesterday that it will be more difficult especially for those who live in rural areas and find difficulties in finance.

The parents asked if the ministry of education is fully aware of the increase in school fees for this year.

“And if yes, why is this issue not put out in the media for all of us to know?” they say.

“Compared to the past years when school fees are introduced in our school it is much cheaper than school contributions introduced in this new system of free education.”

The parents also add that this is very tough for those who have two or three children doing their studies in high schools.

“We need clarification from the ministry of education on the increase of school fees in our schools.”

Chefs link agriculture and tourism

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the tourism sector in Solomon Islands are interested in linking agriculture and tourism through cuisine.

In a workshop recently, MAL and development partners highlighted the role of chefs in combining agriculture and tourism, adding that this should be included in the agritourism policy.

Chef Colin Chung, renowned across the Pacific for his skills and advocacy for local sourcing, explained the opportunities for food tourism in the Solomon Islands.

Mr Chung said there has been successful stories about the significance of chefs’ role across the Pacific, especially Fiji, towards agriculture and tourism.

“In addition to supports the diversification of the tourism offering of the country, culinary tourism can also stimulate demand for local foods and products from farmers.

“One big challenge that the Solomon Islands will have to address is the capacity gap in the food service industry, as the country currently has just a few professional Chefs.”

Staff from Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau Mrs Freda Unisi said, “Tourists want a taste of our local organic foods in their short visits, but with our lack of professional chefs, there’s no local set menu’s to be marketed to our visitors.”

She hoped the Agritourism Policy would take this into account.

CTA, SPTO and PIPSO are supporting capacity development of chefs across the region and promoting the exchange of experiences and best practices through their Chefs for Development platform.

CTA Manager and Coordinator Isolina Boto said, “We believe that professional chefs can be great promoters of local food and cuisine, and also work with farmers to improve the quality of food needed by hotels and restaurants.”

Bibimoney to provide training for post pay initiative

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

UK based Fin-Tech Company, Bibimoney will provide training for Solomon Islands Postal Corporation’s new mobile wallet service initiative.

This is according to Solomon Post’s mobile wallet service report, titled “Introducing Mobile Wallet Technology”.

The report expressed that Bibimoney’s global technical advisors will provide training for the project’s technical team which includes those from the ICT, Operations and Finance departments.

“The team will be supported by the global technical advisors from Bibimoney. These advisors will provide training to dedicated SIPC staff”, the report said.

In relation, the team will be involved in the incorporating the mobile money service with the existing SIPC (Solomon Islands Postal Corporation) structure as well as auditing costs and financial modelling.

Furthermore, the report also stated that the training and marketing team will have three specialist trainers and a marketer to run the “train the trainer” program.

They will also be responsible in arranging the marketing collateral which will be produced locally in preparation for deployment with Bibimoney providing initial training for the team.

Solomon Post’s wish to offer more services and financially include all citizens was finally answered last year when they contacted the Company.

Last month both parties launched the new payment system “Post Pay” at the Heritage Park Hotel and have since been working together on the initiative.

BirdLife eager to roll project in east Rennell

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Lake Tengano

By Mike Puia

BIRDLIFE International, a worldwide alliance of non-governmental organisations that promotes conservation of birds and their habitats, has expressed its eagerness to roll out its planned project in East Rennell, Renbel Province, this year.

BirdLife International Pacific Secretariat’s Programme Manager for Invasive Alien Species, Mr Steve Cranwell said they look forward to commencing the planned 12-month project.

Cranwell said they are working on formalities of the project and once granted the project should start around April.

The project aims to find ways to eradicate the giant rat that was recently found in east Rennell. It also seeks to identify endemic birds on the island and find out ways of protecting them.

In fact, the giant rat is a key threat to east Rennell’s world heritage site. The site, which was accorded a world heritage site in 1998, had been placed under the endangered list in 2013.

The planned project is among efforts to help east Rennell retain the world heritage status.

Cranwell said they are delighted to be working with the Lake Tegano World Heritage Site Association (LTWHSA) to be able to deal with harmful introduced species on the site.

He said they anticipated that field work on east Rennell will occur two to three months after project formalities are completed.

Cranwell said field work will focus on invasive species surveys particularly introduced rats and also survey on fire ants, yellow crazy ants and giant African snail.

Birdlife plans to conduct a census of native birds which will provide a basis for measuring the condition of the site over time.

The project seeks to establish mechanisms for reducing the impacts of these invasive species and preventing the introduction of new ones.

Cranwell said the involvement of communities in East Rennell will be an important part of the project and people’s views will be inclusive in the design.

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