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From salesman to artist

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Hamid Ramokasa posed with one of his sceneries.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Hamid Ramokasa, a positive-minded young man, left his job as a salesperson at Solfish ShippingCompany Limited to pursue a vision and mission of helping others on the streets of Honiara. On the streets of Honiara, Ramokasa initiated a stencil initiative and recruited multiple young boys, teaching them how to create stencils.

In 2013, we would gather at Poma, which is now known as the Talon shop, where we sell our products. I am responsible for introducing stencil cutting,” remembered the 37-year-old.

There are many other young men in the area, but they are not engaged in purposeful activities. This is why I decided to join them on the street and begin working with Stencil. Some of the boys are now earning their income from the initiative I launched,” explained Ramokasa.

Ramokasa from Lau Lagoon spent two years creating stencils and selling them alongside his peers before transitioning his stencil expertise into painting, focusing on art.

“I began painting in 2015, and it has become my primary occupation. During that period 2015, I observed significant societal and cultural shifts influenced by outside,” revealed Ramokasa in an interview with Island.

Consequently, the 37-year-old artist primarily depicts contemporary transformations through scenic depictions in his paintings.

“I am an advocate for the environment and finding ways to preserve our historical narratives. My focus in painting is mainly on depicting landscapes that mirror the evolving state of our society today, such as the overwhelming decline of our forests, with 80 percent of our natural forests having been cleared. I consistently highlight our cultural heritage and way of life through my artwork. These are some of the key themes that I aim to promote through my painting,” explained Ramokasa.

Ramokasa, 37 years old, from Lau Lagoon, shared, “We all have different talents in life. My father was a skilled wooden carver, specializing in crafting canoes. His creations were born from his boundless imagination, a true manifestation of art. I have translated the art of carving into the art of painting. Consequently, the legacy of my father’s unwavering creativity and spirit lives on within me.”

After dedicating almost 12 years to honing his craft, Ramokasa is now planning the idea of beginning his own business.

” Typically, I calculate my daily income. When the month ends, I divide my profits and set aside my capital. I have three offerings: paintings, stencils, and I’m considering designing yoga mats,” he announced.

Passionate Ramokasa also assists church communities and government ministries within his profession whenever they seek his help as part of his service.

“I hope to motivate the youth to discover their unique talents, as we are blessed with skills from the moment we are in our mother’s womb. Once you find your gift, dedicate yourself to it and you will unlock your potential. This will help you stay motivated and make a positive contribution to your country,” Mr. Ramokasa urged.

ASILAUA’S GOV’T COMMITTED

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Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua.

Asilaua gov’t serious about transforming Malaita

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Human Resource Manager (HRM) of Malaita province, Mr Richard Misi emphasis the seriousness of Asilaua led government to transform Malaita province.

Speaking during the 9th graduation of Technical Institute of Malaita held on Thursday this week in Auki, he said Asilaua’s government stood by its vision “to connect all Malaita people with their resources and ideas for transforming Malaita economy, environment and social prosperity.”

He told TIM that Malaita provincial government has connected with them by sharing message of hope through the MPG/Jiangsu MOU to transform Malaita province into great prosperity.

Misi clarified misunderstanding by some Malaitans on the issue of China especially Malaita province’s alliance with them through the sister relationship MOU between MPG/Jiangsu.

“Our alliance with China doesn’t mean we are choosing communism in Malaita, rather we are seeking donors that are willing to render developments to us in alignment to the national government’s motto; friends to all enemies to non.

“Least to say, China is no enemy to Malaita, as we know no man is an island and we should work together and not try to behave as if we can do everything by ourselves.

“Also, it is time for everyone to put aside our differences, come together and participate in such initiatives with open heart.

“We should be working together with our leaders to address issues of concern geared towards our nation’s prosperity.

“We need such collective force instead of what has transpired now where we see ourselves in competing camps,” he said.

Misi said Malaita province has the highest population in the country and through such arrangements can help address development and economic issues of the province.

SI hosts Country Investment Roundtable to strengthen rural and agricultural finance

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BY NED GAGAHE

A one-day forum on developing sustainable agribusiness through enhanced financial inclusion and economic development was held at King Solomon Hotel in Honiara yesterday.

The Solomon Islands Country Investment Roundtable is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA).

The roundtable aimed to address the critical issues related to rural and agricultural finance in the Solomon Islands to harness the potentials in developing sustainable agribusiness through enhanced financial inclusion and economic development of all actors in the agricultural value chains.

The event was inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Derek Wasi.

In his special address Minister Wasi highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening rural finance, and improving infrastructure to support farmers and agribusinesses across the Solomon Islands.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Aziz R Arya, Regional Policy Officer, FAO- RAP, Bangkok, Dr. Prasun Kumar Das, Secretary General, APRACA, Bangkok, Mr. Shailendra Prasad, APRACA Consultant, Fiji, and all our distinguished participants.

“Today, we gather with a shared vision of fostering sustainable agricultural development and rural finance in the Solomon Islands. This roundtable presents an invaluable opportunity for us to discuss, strategize, and implement initiatives that will enhance our agricultural sector’s resilience, productivity, and contribution to our national economy.

“Our government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape is steadfast. Under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), we have outlined a comprehensive 100-day plan focusing on key priority areas. This plan includes enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening rural finance, and improving infrastructure to support our farmers and agribusinesses.

“One of our primary objectives is to increase access to finance for agriculture and value chain actors. This aligns with today’s theme of enabling policies and institutional arrangements to support rural and agricultural finance. We recognize the critical role that financial inclusion plays in empowering our farmers and fostering economic growth. Therefore, we are committed to creating an environment conducive to financial investments in agriculture through policy reforms, capacity building, and strategic partnerships.” Minister Wasi said.

Key Objectives and Scope

The primary objectives of the investment roundtable are –

1.         To share the key findings from the Rural Finance Ecosystem Assessment, which focuses on the challenges and opportunities in rural and agricultural finance in the Solomon Islands.

2.         To facilitate a dialogue between financial institutions, government bodies, private sector stakeholders, development partners, farmer organizations, and agribusiness SMEs, aiming to bridge the gap in financing for rural and agricultural enterprises.

Challenges and Strategic Discussions

The roundtable addressed several critical challenges faced by the rural finance sector, including –

•           Inefficient fund distribution mechanisms

•           Limited capacity of development officers

•           Deficits in entrepreneurship and business skills among farmers

•           Inadequate financial product variety and customization

•           Inconsistent government support

•           Underutilization of advanced technology

Sessions and Keynote Addresses

The event featured various sessions, including –

•           Session 1 – Objectives of the forum by FAO-RAP and APRACA representatives.

•           Session 2 – Enabling Policies and Institutional Arrangements.

•           Session 3 – Country Landscape Study and Proposed Projects – Presentations on rural and agricultural finance landscape assessment and project proposals.

•           Session 4 – Partnerships to Promote Rural and Agricultural Finance – Discussions on the role of private sector financial service providers.

•           Session 5 – Engagement with Private Sector Agribusiness and Civil Society Organizations

Role of Women in the Business Sector

Special emphasis also placed on the role of women in the agricultural and business sectors. Discussions will focus on the constraints women face regarding financial inclusion, such as limited access to finance, discrimination, and participation in the informal economy. The roundtable aims to explore government support mechanisms to enhance financial literacy, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives specifically targeted at empowering women.

Conclusion and Expected Outcomes

The Solomon Islands Country Investment Roundtable is expected to yield actionable strategies for improving access to finance, developing efficient agricultural value chains, and fostering economic resilience. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, the roundtable aims to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers farmers and drives sustainable agricultural development.

Man pleads guilty to trespass, threatening arson, assault

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

John Suilua, charged with one count of criminal trespass, one count of threatening to burn and one count of assault causing bodily harm pleaded guilty to all three counts yesterday in the magistrate court before Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari.

The crown and defence submitted to the court their agreed facts and they sought an adjournment for them to file their sentencing and mitigation submissions.

Court adjourned for July 25 and remand warrant for Suilua was extended.

Police prosecution alleged Mr Suilua, 38, from Veramataga village, Gboubata, Guadalcanal province, is related to the complainant as his cousin sister. Both of them reside at Veramataga village.

On June 20, 2023 the accused entered the complainant’s house and struck her shoulder with an empty bottle.

During the altercation, he threatened to return and burn the house down with the occupants inside.

The accused then lifted a 25 watts solar panel against the wall of complainant house which accidently touched the complainant’s head, causes minor bleeding to the head.

The complainant went and reported the matter to Tetere police.

Police prosecutor Able Maelanga appear for crown and Vincent Nomae appear for Suilua.

NPOA envisions the need to protect marine turtle

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Hawksbill turtles

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles 2023-2027 envisions the need to protect, manage, and sustainably utilize marine turtles in the Solomon Islands.

Revived from the National Marine Turtle Strategic Action Plan (MTSAP) 2008-2012, demonstrates the government’s commitment to meet regional and international duty under relevant pacts relating to the conservation of Marine Turtles.

“The work started in 2021-2023. We thank the WCS for leading the review and giving feedback to the Solomon Islands Turtle Technical working committee, which comprises of National Government, conservation organizations, marine turtle experts, scientists from international and local NGOs, and community-based organizations,’’ said Valentine Hubert.

The Fisheries Principal Officer said that the NPOA has called for continuing efforts to enhance the building capacity within MRMR and MECDM to deliver and implement the visions and goals of the five-year action plan.

He said that the vision of the plan is for a healthy and viable marine turtle population that continues to provide ecological, social-cultural, and economic benefits for the Solomon Islands, the region now and into the future.

“The goal is to ensure steady recovery and maintenance of marine turtle populations through appropriate management and conservation measures for their ecological services and socio-cultural and economic values for the Solomon Islands and the region,’’ said Hubert.

Mr Hubert however Solomon Islands is a party to some international agreements and legislation dose provided, there have been some challenges that pose threats to marine turtles in the Solomon Islands.

“This includes fisheries by-catch, community consumption, wildlife trade, climate change, predation, plastic pollution, ghost nets, unsustainable coastal development, and many more,’’ said Mr Hubert.

He further said that in pursuit of the collective commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of marine turtles, the turtle working committee has developed themes and objectives to guide the NPOA.

According to Mr Hubert, themes include; legislation & enforcement, education and awareness, research & monitoring, capacity building, national turtle database, sustainable financing, and collaboration and partnership.

Minister Wasi urges strong collaboration for sustainable agriculture development

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Franklyn Derek Wasi, Honourable Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

BY NED GAGAHE

Franklyn Derek Wasi Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has urged attendees during the one-day Solomon Islands Country Investment Roundtable to build strong partnerships to empowers farmers and drives sustainable agricultural development.

In his keynote remarks at the forum Minister Wasi said the roundtable presents an invaluable opportunity for partners and stakeholders to discuss, strategize, and implement initiatives that will enhance our agricultural sector’s resilience, productivity, and contribution to our national economy.

Held at the King Solomon Hotel yesterday, the forum is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA).

The roundtable aimed to address the critical issues related to rural and agricultural finance in the Island country and to harness the potentials in developing sustainable agribusiness through enhanced financial inclusion and economic development of all actors in the agricultural value chains.

“As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to build strong partnerships between the government, financial institutions, and the private sector. Together, we can create a supportive ecosystem that empowers our farmers and drives sustainable agricultural development.

“I urge all stakeholders to collaborate and harness the synergies presented at this roundtable. Let us leverage our collective expertise, resources, and commitment to drive transformative change in our agricultural sector. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous future for the Solomon Islands.

In conclusion Minister Wasi said, “I would like to express my gratitude to FAO-RAP and APRACA for organizing this pivotal event.

“I am confident that our discussions today will pave the way for meaningful investments and sustainable development in our agricultural sector.” Minister Wasi said.

Solomon, nesting site for turtle

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Hawksbill turtles

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands is considered one of the main nesting sites for Marine Turtles in the western Pacific Ocean according to the recently launched National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles (NPOA) 2023 -2027.

Based on the NPOA, whilst young leatherbacks have not been recorded in the Solomon Islands, adult females do nest on a number of beaches throughout the country.

While islands such as Isabel and Rendova are likely to have the most nesting females, all sites are worthy of protection given the critically endangered status of this species.

According to the recently launched document, Rendova and Isabel Island host the greatest number of nesting leatherbacks.

From 2019 to 2021 an average of 165 nests were recorded on Rendova and Isabel, the most productive beaches, Haveo and Sasakalo recorded 97 and 80 nests respectively from 2020 to 2021.

According to Hamilton et al. 2021, as quoted in the NPOA document, Arnavon Island is the most important site for hawksbill turtles although found to nest or forge in several sites in the country.

Olive ridleys have been recorded on Guadalcanal, Wagina, and Makira and hatching was also observed by the Wai-Hau Ranger in Malaita province, however, the number remains unknown given the rareness of observation.

Amongst the five Marine Turtle species recorded in the Solomon Islands are Loggerhead turtle and green turtle.

According to NPOA 2023-2027, most of the marine turtle species is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red list and listed in Appendix I of the CITES convention.

Two charged with housebreaking, 1 denies, the other yet to take plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against two people charged with housebreaking and felony was mentioned in court yesterday before Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari.

Prosecution informed court the accused Ron Mewa is in remand and his co-accused Junior Jack Haikiu is on bail.

Mewa pleaded not guilty.

Haikiu did not appear in court and court instructed prosection to prepare a summon for him.

Lautalo sought 14 days adjournment for Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC) for Mewa and time for Haikiu to be summoned.

Court adjourned for August 2 for mention.

Prosecution alleged on April 29, 2024 at Tasahe B, the complainant left his house under the care of his neighbour.

When the complainant returned the neighbor informed him about somebody had broken into his house.

Valuable properties stolen include a TV Screen 50 inches Samsung brand with remote that cost $14,000.00 SBD, 35 set of smart phones OPPO brand that cost $35,000, 100 Mobile phone chargers that cost $2,000 and box air pods that cost $5,000 SBD.

The two accused took part in a recorded interview at White River where both admitted that they entered the dwelling house of the victim and removed his properties.

Herrick Lautalo of ODPP act for crown and Ben Alasia of PSO act for Ron Mewa.

Man convicted for arson

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man has been found guilty of burning a dwelling house in the Foxwood area, east of Honiara.

Court convicted Jade Kekea for setting fire to his grandfather’s house at Betinivua Settlement, Foxwood, Guadalcanal, yesterday in magistrate court before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge of arson and a trial was conducted before Iomea.

Prosecution called three police constable officers and the daughter of the complainant as the witnesses. Crown also tended exhibits of the complainant and others.

After prosecution closed the crown case Kekea through his lawyer opted to remain silent.

Yesterday DCM Iomea delivered the court judgement stating that court satisfied with the evidence produced in court and the burden of proof or the standard of proof prosecution proof it beyond reasonable doubt.

Court suspended the matter for July 26 for sentencing submission by counsels. Court also extended Kekea’s bail.

The agreed facts court heard is Kekea is the grandson of the complainant.

Kekea’s parents got separated and the complainant and his wife took Jade and looked after him when he was about two years old.

Prior to December 26, 2021 there was three houses at the Betinivua Settlement.

On December 26 2021, Kekea willfully set fire to a house at Betinivua settlement, Foxwood. The house was built by the complainant in 1989 purposely as a canteen.

The house was a semi-permanent house and was completely burned to the ground by Kekea.

The house was occupied by the children of the complainant’s daughter. Two of her children would sleep in the house almost every night in the years prior to the burning. Their mother lives in town and would visit them sometimes.

Kekea did not live at the house that was burnt. He lived with the complainant and his wife at a different house.

Kekea was interviewed by Henderson police on May 17, 2022 and said he had his reasons why he did it.

Fransica Luza act for crown and Emy Rusi act for Kekea.

HUMANS THREATEN GARDENS

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Humans-biggest threat to botanical garden

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

While efforts have been ongoing to protect and serve guard the Botanical Garden people have been the biggest threat to the important site.

“The Botanical Garden is currently the largest green space within Honiara. It acts as an oxygen House for Honiara itself with the ecological role that connects to resilience to climate-related issues, thus, we have to protect the natural happening there for the interaction with flora,’’ Myknee Sirikolo.

The Director of the National Herbarium Botanical Garden told Island Sun that their role at the National Herbarium involved documenting and taxonomic of the plant species, crucial for the benefit of the country and Honiara itself.

He said that the Botanical Garden also has a nursery of plants which is usually used to supply tree planting projects for Honiara which often helps improve landscaping and improve Honiara’s resilient city.

“Our role at the National Herbarium involved documenting the type of plant and tree species we have in the country to develop its potential usages. We describe and give names to the list of plants or trees based on the different languages of our islands,’’ said Sirikolo.

“We deal with plant species classification to give their scientific names and identify different species of trees. So, our main role is to document different names, usage, where the plants grow, how they are processed for food, building material, medicine, and many more usages.  We collect the specimens and store them,’’ he said.

“Currently we have more than 50,000 specimens of leaves, fruits, park, and parts of different trees and plants at the National Herbarium Botanical Garden. We store that information and share to the general public and students who are conducting their researches,’’ said Sirikolo from Choiseul province.

Mr. Sirikolo who has been taking the leadership role as Director for almost 36 years revealed that one of the services that was also provided by National Herbarium is verification and confirmation.

“For example, in any case, for plant certification it has to come to us. For instance, in all police cases regarding marijuana, especially since marijuana is one of the illegal drugs in the country, we assist police, we report to confirm before going to court for prosecution,’’ said Mr Sirikolo.

He stated that the Botanical Garden is a public space but for quite a while people have shown no respect and appreciation it.

“But we are trying our best to provide facilities putting in endemic or rare plant species to grow because we have a collection of living plants at the botanical garden. So, at the National Herbarium, we have dried plant species to do botanical scientific studies to develop potential products we have in the country.

“However, with encroachments, people trespassing, building of houses, gardens, managing of the area is quite challenging. I want to appeal to the general public to understand the role and importance of botanical gardens and respect it,’’ said the Director.

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