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Amwata fulfills needs of Star Harbour farmers  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Namuga wharf on Star Harbour

THE commissioning of LC AMWATA recently at the historic port of Namuga, Star Habour is a dream come true and a long awaited answer to irregular shipping service to the region.

The occasion has brought together hundreds of well-wishers from throughout the East Makira Constituency and they in part have witnessed first-hand the tangible result of aspirations of AMWATA Shipping Company berthed at Namuga wharf and all ready to provide enhanced transport infrastructure and shipping service to the vastly economical area of Star Harbour region.

It is not only an important occasion but more significantly a historic achievement for the Star Harbour region to finally have its very own sons with accomplished and enterprising audacity venturing out into this complex undertaking to bring reliable shipping service to their communities of North and South Star Harbour including Santa Ana and Santa Catalina.

For many years the Star Harbour region which is a huge copra producing area with a proven potential for increased cocoa production and abundant marine resources including timber milling has long been severely serviced by irregular shipping, thus, resulting in most farmers giving up on their plantations.

Essentially, it comes as no surprise and there can, however, be no little doubt that Eddie Aife and his other Director- Partners including those within the inner-circle of AMWATA Shipping Company have deeply regretted the plight of the people and so they must be applauded for their wisdom, foresight, and altruistic heart in giving back all their individual resources to seek ways and means of providing shipping service to their communities and farmers of Star Harbour region.

On this note the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) too must be commended for the assistance it had provided for this noble venture through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

Additionally, as someone who holds close affinity to the plight of our communities and farmers of Star Harbour as well as holding firmly to the notion that the only way forward for our people is working together; I for one feel obliged by my virtuous ideals to personally congratulate AMWATA Shipping Company and not forgetting, in particular, my long time ‘brother’ Eddie Aife for attaining a historic milestone in his entrepreneurial endeavour.

Perhaps it would be noble of me to add that, while I may not be very familiar with his other co-directors of AMWATA Shipping Company, but for my pal Eddie Aife I can vouch for him as a one-time working colleague, that he is a down-to-earth brother and that he is a quiet-accomplisher, very hardworking and I know he can deliver for our people.

Clearly, the company knew what suits the people and are familiar with the geographical nature of most of the ports in East Makira where most of them are perilously located just over the fringes of the reefs making it hazardous for ships but more ideal for landing-crafts such as the LC AMWATA. Thus, the choice of a landing craft is a good choice.

Meanwhile, Star Harbour too is a renowned boat building region of Makira province with unmatched skills and I am together with the proponents of the idea to establish boat building on Star Harbour and as if he had not done enough already, Eddie Aife has further revealed during the commissioning ceremony that the second phase of his continuing plans for AMWATA Shipping Company is the rejuvenation of the existing shipbuilding skills of the few locals left to pass it on to the younger generation.

That is awe-inspiring news for the many proponents of boat building on Star Harbour; hence, we are all indebted to the visions of AMWATA for Star Harbour to continue being a boat building region and to one day see boat building become a probable future economic bolstering industry for Star Harbour and the province as a whole.

Finally, it is my conviction that if everyone could put their heads together and seek harmonious interaction, development, cooperation and support for the services provided by AMWATA I can proudly say that we can all be proud of ourselves as Amwea and Atawa people of the same origin; we are all from Star Harbour.

 

George Mackenzie Siapu

Santa Ana

Taiwan’s 106 years celebrated in Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Islands National Leaders share excitement with the Taiwan Ambassador Mr Roger Luo.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 

SOLOMON Islands and Taiwan’s Embassy in Honiara celebrated the 106th Republic of China (Taiwan) National Day at the Mendana Hotel on Tuesday.

The Double Tenth National Day marked Taiwan’s 106 years of freedom, democracy, prosperity and justice; currently led by President Tsai Ing-wen since taking office on May 20 last year.

Taiwan also acknowledged and commended its 32-year friendship with Solomon Islands as their ally country.

ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Solomon Islands HE Roger Luo in his keynote remarks said despite the various challenges confronting Taiwan; the government will continue to promote policies that benefit the country and its people.

Luo also adds Taiwan under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen works further to create a new era of freedom, democracy, prosperity, justice, and cooperate with countries around the world to make Taiwan an indispensable partner in the international community.

“Therefore, the ROC (Taiwan) should be allowed to participate in relevant international meetings and mechanisms, such as the United Nations and other UN specialized agencies,” HE Luo said.

Ambassador Luo said Taiwan treasures their 32 years of cordial friendship, development partnership and political alliance with the Solomon Islands.

Based on our strong diplomatic ties, Mr Luo adds Taiwan will continue to extend development assistance to Solomon Islands, and quite confident cordial relations will grow from strength to strength in the years to come.

“As we commemorate this occasion, the government and people of Solomon Islands reverently recognize the history to success that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has undergone during these past 106 years.”

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his speech commended Taiwan’s great achievements and praised ROC’s diplomatic relationship and friendship with Solomon Islands, which was established in 1985.

“As we commemorate this occasion, government and people of Solomon Islands reverently recognise the history to success that the ROC (Taiwan) has undergo during these past 106 years,” PM Sogavare said.

“Your greatest achievement of driving a developing country to a post-modern developed country today, speaks a high degree in the wisdom of your great forefathers and leaders, and the sacrifices that your people have invested for their country.

“We commend your country’s success, and we stand with you today to honour all your country men and women who lived their life of strive to sacrifice their endeavor for your great nation and its future generation.”

PM proud of SI Mandarin speakers and students

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare expressed how overwhelmed he was to know that more than a hundred Solomon Islands students are studying in tertiary institutions in Taiwan as they will be the country’s frontline men and women as Mandarin challenges English as a language of international business.

Sogavare made the statement during The Republic Of China (ROC) Taiwan’s double ten celebrations on Tuesday this week on their 106th national day celebration at the Mendana Hotel.

“I was overwhelmed by the more than 100 of our students studying in tertiary institutions in Taiwan who will form part of your alumni team, when they return home.

“They will become our front men and women as Mandarin challenges English as a language of international business.

“I am also impressed by the good number of Taiwanese who had tasked themselves to learn and master the pidjin language,” the Prime Minister said.

Between both the Solomon Islands and ROC Taiwan, there are on-going programmes, which are government-to-government, institution to institution and people to people.

Sogavare then added that he looks forward to both countries fully realising more business to business connections and to fully make use of the recent MOU signed between Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and Kaohsiung Seaport authorities and similar arrangements between stakeholders of our Aviation industries and in the area of meteorology.

“Our relationship is one that covers all areas of connection that matter to our two countries. Yet, through more connections, we can ensure our institutions and peoples become more intertwined.

“And then, we can be certain it is hard to let go of each other.

“Our democratic values are convergent rather than divergent, which is a good starting point,” PM Sogavare said.

He then told those present for the celebrations that our relationship with Taiwan is treated with the highest esteem.

“That is why it’s called ‘special’.

“That label germinated from our own experiences in both good and bad times,” Sogavare added.

The miracle of the dancing sun

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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ON October 13, 1917, exactly 100 years ago today, the World or at least many parts in Portugal experienced what is now known as the Miracle of the Dancing Sun.

A few newspapers in Portugal at that time covered the miracle as it happened.

So what is the miracle? Who saw the miracle? Who was responsible for it?

To begin with this brief but very important story let us explain what is a miracle? A miracle is an event or happening that cannot be explained by science or natural reasoning.

A few major events occurred during the year 1917 and I wish to highlight three important ones.

Firstly, the world experienced the First World War or at least it was coming to an end.

Secondly, was the ousting and killing of the Ruling Czar family in Russia and the beginning of communism under Lenin, and thirdly, the appearance of Our Lady, the Mother of Jesus to three little children in Fatima, a village in Portugal.

On May 13, 1917, a beautiful Lady dressed in blue with shining clothes first appeared to these three little children named Jacinta (8 years old) Francisco (9 years old) and Lucia (11 years old) at Fatima, Portugal.

They were cousins and were out in the woods to get firewood.

The beautiful Lady appeared to them above an Oak tree. The children were afraid at first but she told them not to be afraid.

When they asked her who she was, she told them to return to that place a month later on the same date, and at around the same time, and she would tell them about herself.

A month later on June 13, 1917, as she had promised, she told them she was the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus and that she is from heaven.

She told them to pray the Holy Rosary daily for World peace. If not then the world would experience another world war.

The mother of Jesus appeared to them over a period of six months from June to October 1917 on the 13th of each month.

During these six months, she showed them the visions of hell and Heaven, and that she would take Francesco and Jacinta earlier to Heaven while Lucia would remain in the world a little bit longer.

Francesco and Jacinta both died two years later in 1919 as a result of the epidemic known as the Spanish flu.

Lucia became a nun and joined the order of the religious Carmelite sisters in Spain. She died in 1995 at the age of 95.

What was the main message that the Mother of Jesus and our mother too brought to the children in 1917.

The message was and is from God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit or the Holy Trinity.

The three parts to the main message are; i) Believe in God and repent ii) Pray for the conversion of Russia and iii) Pray for the Pope not to be killed.

Russia or the Soviet Union had collapsed in 1989 and Pope John Paul 11 was almost killed in St Peter’s square in 1981 by a Muslim gunman Ali Agmet.

It is believed that Our Lady, the Mother of Jesus saved the pope’s life.

Before I close, let me briefly touch on the miracle of the dancing sun.

Many people and including the authorities did not believe in the children’s messages from Heaven.

They did not believe that the Mother of Jesus did appear to Francesco Jacinta and Lucia.

They thought the children were mentally deranged.

So on September 13, 1917, the children asked our Lady, Mother of Jesus to perform a miracle a month later on 13th October, so that the people would believe.

She told them that their request would be granted.

So on October 13, 1917, about 50,000 people gathered at the field to witness the miracle.

The miracle of the dancing sun did happen as the mother of Jesus had promised.

The miracle occurred after a torrential rain had subsided, the clouds opened and the sun started to dance.

It was moving from its stationery position, and spiralling down towards the earth.

Many thousands of people fled and thought this was the end of the world while many others knelt down and prayed.

Many people believe in the messages from the mother of Jesus and Heaven. They also believed in the children.

At this juncture, a question that can be asked is why our Lady, the mother of Jesus appeared to children.

From a layman’s view, the simple answer is that Children are more honest and innocent than adults.

When children pray, their prayers are more powerful than adults.

May be the world today is similar to the time of the early 1900s, except that we now have many more problems; climate change, natural disasters, refugees, sporadic wars, religious wars, immorality is on the rise, God’s commandments are being challenged each day, nuclear weapons and tensions for example, between Trump and the little rocket man, and the threat of war looming large.

In spite of these, we must continue to pray, and although the messages at Fatima were given to us 100 years ago, it is still relevant for us today and well into the future.

Pray for world peace, Repent and Belief in God always.

By Sam Alasia

St Nicholas college farm aims for self-reliance

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Principal Christina Vunagi (fifth from right) with accompanying teachers.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

LIKE every farmer who is delighted at how far their crops have grown, to how much they yield, this sentiment could be nothing short of the reaction given by a school principal and her team of a few teachers who paid a visit to their farm yesterday.

St Nicholas School Principal, Mrs Christina Vunagi and accompanying teachers braved the sun’s gazing heat and thick clustered soil as they toured around their farm in Lungga area.

From a plot of watermelon with vines intertwined, just beside are patches of cabbages laying bare open to the soaring heat and situated in front of the watermelons some of which have reached the harvest stage are two varieties of tomatoes.

To their left, in walking distance is a plot of corn, still in its growing stages yet to bare any fruit, it looks healthy and right next to it, an interesting scene appears. Watermelon and papaya cross planted among each other.

For a two hectare farm, there is more than enough room for more crops to graze the dark rich soil and hinting from the satisfying reactions and brief conversations exchanged under the realm of the beaming sun, the idea seems to have already been considered only awaiting an overall approval before planting tools which once plunged the soil take another dive.

The only problem discussed was water supply and the difficulty it has caused for workers, who tirelessly toil the soil as soon as morning dew steps in and finish off when the sun begins to lessen its warmth and fade, awaiting the dawn of a new day.

This challenge however only motivated the school principal, Mrs Christina Vunagi and head of the tour Mr Leonard Gore to revaluate options to curb the issue.

Crops aren’t the only tenants of this farm as plans to include poultry and piggery are on the way. With rainy seasons strong effect on the crops, Mrs Vunagi expressed that the two projects will remain solid hence contribute to sustain the farm.

Like a gardener indulged in the aim of beautifying her home with an arcade of flowers by spending time and effort planting, weeding and rooting out unnecessary soil eating grasses so is this Anglican School.

Mrs Christina briefly voiced that after the land was purchased in 1996, it was used as a practical learning site for students taking the Agriculture class.

Today, she speaks a different tune, a more intensive one to say. Mrs Christina said that with the underlying decision to have a more intensive lay out in this land, the farm came into being and will continue to grow.

While gazing out to the sight of the farm right before her, she said that it will remain as a practical learning ground for students and at the same time allow the school to be self-reliant by serving as an income generating project.

Luckily, watermelons have grown to a desirable size and will be harvested for the school’s graduation ceremony which falls this Friday.

A memory perhaps for students of St Nicholas on that day would be having a bite of the watery crop that was grown in their school’s very own farm.

SIPA tightens screw on internal financial control

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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CEO of SIPA Mr Eranda Kotelawala.

By Alfred Sasako

 

THE Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) has tightened the screws on internal financial control following forensic audit has uncovered anomalies, it was revealed yesterday.

“Most of the anomalies have now been sorted out and we have implemented (a) number of internal controls.

“There is a strong procurement/tender committee to evaluate transactions and an internal auditor for better control and discipline now,” Chief Executive Officer Eranda Kotelawala said.

A recent forensic audit undertaken by KPMG found that former CEO, Colin Yow, had deposited SIPA money to individual accounts during his time, according to Mr Kotelawala.

“This matter has gone through the KPMG forensic audit and sorted out during the last audit cycle. The subjects had to give explanations and evidence before Police,” he said.

Mr Kotelawala confirmed that $50,000 was deposited in each account.

“You are correct in the statement you made and I agree that Colin deposited SIPA money to individual accounts during his time. The only correction is the amount. It was $50,000 instead of $500,000 (as reported in your story).

“What you stated (in the paper) was correct and SIPA has taken action on it,” he said.

Mr Kotelawala said he is pleased that both the Board and Management are working together to improve SIPA’s operations and financial standing.

SI-ROC Taiwan diplomatic affiliation dubbed trustworthy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare delivering his sppech during Taiwan’s double ten celebration on Tuesday

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has dubbed Solomon Islands diplomatic relationship with The Republic of China (Taiwan) as consistent and trustworthy.

Sogavare made the statement during Taiwan’s double ten celebration at the Mendana Hotel on Tuesday marking their national day.

“Grooming a relationship between states is an assignment on its own, having both its successes and challenges, however gauging from our current relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan), Solomon Islands has the tendency to see a cordial relationship that speaks volume of true friendship and mutual cooperation, one that is consistent, reliable and trustworthy,” Prime Minister Sogavare said,

He then added that ROC Taiwan has been a good friend of Solomon Islands since both countries established diplomatic relations on June 5, 1985.

Sogavare then proudly stated that both countries have walked the path of democracy, human rights, respect for the rule of law and peaceful coexistence.

“Today, I am pleased to register Solomon Islands sincere gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for this special relationship and to further acknowledge and commend its maturity.

“Our two countries have grown and develop a partnership embraced in good faith while treasuring a rich history of success and cooperation over the past 32 years,” Sogavare added.

The Prime Minister then acknowledged that grooming a relationship between states is an assignment on its own having both its successes and challenges.

He then added that however, gauging from both countries relationship, Solomon Islands has the tendency to see a cordial relationship that speaks volumes of true friendship, mutual cooperation and consistent.

Makira-Ulawa Premier urges LOs to open land

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

PREMIER of Makira-Ulawa province has called on his people to work together and open their land for development.

In a recent interview with this paper, Hon Stanley Siapu said they have a lot of registered land in the province.

He said some of the lands are still with the commissioner of lands whilst some have been returned to the customary landowners.

Siapu said the registered lands are in place, and if funds are available and support rendered from the national government, development will begin.

He said his government is currently working together with landowners or people responsible for the registered lands to be free for development.

Siapu also said they hope to work closely with customary landowners so that they can open up their land for development.

“In our quest to province building, we’ll work together towards Public Private Partnership (PPP), so that people will benefit directly from their lands and resources.

“And we are so happy that the current ruling DCC government advocated for PPP in their policy.

“We will try to work closely with them so that we can realise the target or focus the national government is undertaking for the country,” he said.

Siapu said his government and people welcome development on their lands and will work closely with the national government on areas of need for the province.

Two senior officers escape PM’s cost-cutting measures  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

 

TWO senior staffers in the Prime Minister’s Office appear to have escaped savage cost-cutting measures taken by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare earlier this year.

Many Political Appointees lost their jobs as a result of the premature termination of their contracts.

Now it has emerged that Chief of Staff Robson Djokovich and Special Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM), John Muria Jnr are reportedly seeking improved conditions to their lucrative contracts.

Under their initial contracts, they were collecting monthly transport allowance as high as $12,000 each.

Government sources warned this might have changed since the two senior officers were seeking improved working conditions.

Both officers, while in receipt of an exorbitant monthly transport allowance, are reportedly using Government-issued vehicles contrary to their contracts.

Their actions could be tantamount to double dipping, something both men had accused former SSPM, Andrew Muaki of.

Sources pointed out that in Mr Muaki’s case, the G-vehicle he was using while in office was issued to his office and not to him as an individual.

Government sources said contracts are quite clear on who gets transport allowance and or vehicle and who does not.

“For SS4 Political Appointees the government either provides vehicle or hire one for them. If none of the above then they get transportation allowance of $12,000 per month. This only applies to SSPM, COS, and Policy Secretaries. All other Political Appointees are only entitled to transportation allowance.

“They can’t garage or use for personal purpose government vehicle or government hired vehicle,” one told Island Sun yesterday.

The sources said it is known that both the Chief of Staff and the SSPM have been renegotiating improvements in their contracts.

“In the case of the Chief of Staff he wants two things to be incorporated in his contract – business class travel when on duty travel overseas as well as his basic salary to be increased to $7, 000 a fortnight.

“The SSPM on the other hand wants an increase in his housing allowance,” the sources said.

Island Sun was unable to confirm whether the changes being sought by both officers had been approved.

Political Appointees whose contracts were terminated as a result of the cost-cutting measures are certain to be angry about this development.

Considering the plight of patients of the NRH awaiting prosthetic limbs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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YESTERDAY, I wrote to your newspaper about a claim made to me that up to 400 people in the Solomon Islands are without prosthetic limbs, mainly prosthetic legs, following surgery.
It seems as if my news merely scratched the surface for beneath that story, bad as it is, there are much bigger issues at play.
Firstly, it has been confirmed that a figure of 400 awaiting prosthetic limbs is correct and the figure is likely much higher and set to increase as a result of amputations arising from diabetic disease, foot and leg injuries.
In my time in the Solomon Islands, now nearly 20 years ago, there was a well constructed, well equipped, well staffed and efficient rehabilitation workshop at the NRH where prosthetic limbs were manufactured and fitted to patients needing them after amputations.
Today, that facility is, sadly, in a very bad state of repair and I’m told by one external charitable organisation the workshop does not have either the capability or the trained staff to manufacture artificial limbs or to fit them if donations could be made.
I somehow think ‘outsiders’ under-estimate the resourcefulness, enterprise and skill of local people and I do know that the management staff of the workshop are fully committed to their work but, clearly from my enquiries, greatly handicapped by the poor working conditions, lack of equipment and money to improve things.
I am investigating with Take My Hands (TMH) Charity Trust whether it still might be possible to acquire and send prosthetic limbs to the NRH and, while I am pretty confident, sourcing such items in New Zealand is highly likely, I am awaiting a response from the NRH to say if the hospital could cope given the workshop conditions I have described.
I can reveal that one staff member from the NRH is currently in India, having been sponsored by an Australian charity organisation, to become qualified in the manufacture and fitting of artificial limbs but will not qualify and return to the Solomon Islands before the end of 2018.
The same Australian charity is hoping to eventually have enough money donated to carry out full refurbishing of the rehabilitation workshop in the future
Dr. Hermann Oberli, a former senior surgeon at the NRH, is in touch with the NRH and with me with a view to outlaying plans for what he sees as being needed to re-built the workshop..
TMH has mentioned to me there is at least one organisation in New Zealand accommodating the needs of the limbless that arranges for its personnel to travel overseas on voluntary service.  This is an avenue that might possibly be pursued depending on whether the NRH feels the working conditions in the Rehabilitation workshop would find the idea of a volunteer acceptable,given the NRH was supplied with donated prosthetic limbs.
TMH send prosthetic limbs regularly to Pakistan where they are fitted by a local Rehabilitation Centre.
I believe that procrastination is the thief of time and am inclined to get things moving to help those 400 or more people awaiting prosthetics.
How about it NRH?
Sincerely
Frank Short

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