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Female sports journalists from Indo-Pacific and First Nations communities to shine at FIFA Women’s World Cup  

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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(From left to right): Mavis Podokolo, Elizabeth Osifelo, Eliza Kukutu and Cynthia Seda Mewa inside one of the venues for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

A group of Indo-Pacific and First Nations women will take centre stage as trainee commentators and mobile journalists at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), under the support and mentorship of the ABC.

In collaboration with FIFA WWC, Oceania Football Confederation and the Australian Government Office for Sport, the ABC is delivering two comprehensive training and mentoring programs, one focusing on commentary training and the other on mobile journalism storytelling.

This initiative aims to increase career opportunities for women in sports media in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, amplifying women’s voices in sports and fostering professional networks through joining in a global sporting event.

Elizabeth Osifelo and a colleague female journalist from Fiji.

It also serves as a bridge between Indo-Pacific and First Nations women, to strengthen connections, exchange ideas and experiences, and work collaboratively.

“This impressive group of female sports journalists, who are committed and passionate in their training programs, are leading the charge towards a more inclusive and diverse sports media industry,” Jo Elsom, ABC International Development Lead said.

Ali Osborne, Social Responsibility and Legacy Programme Manager, Oceania Football Confederation said, “We are excited to see more female journalists and commentators being offered opportunities to cover matches in their native language, which will help to increase the visibility of the women’s game in our region.”

Over the past three months, the women have undergone intensive media development and online training with ABC specialists, preparing for their participation in this major event.

During the FIFA WWC, participants will receive immersive training to enhance their skills and industry knowledge. They will practice commentary and mobile journalism skills before, during, and after the games, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Their participation not only represents a significant step towards achieving gender equality in sports media but also contributes to the diversification of perspectives and narratives within the industry.

“They will be fostering connections between themselves and the wider women in football community both now as well as into the future. This is a crucial component for the growth and development of the game, providing opportunities and pathways both on and off the pitch,” Johanna Wood, Chair of FIFA Legacy Working Group said.

The four female journalists from Solomon Islands covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Australian Government is supporting this training as it aligns with its goal of increasing gender equality, diversity and inclusion in sport, increasing the First Nations and Indo-Pacific presence to the World Cup.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August 2023. This project has been jointly funded by FIFA and the Australian Government, through Team Up and Office for Sport.

About ABC International Development

ABC International Development (ABCID) is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s media development unit. The role of ABCID is to support storytellers through training, sharing media expertise and providing technical and program support to partners in three areas: skills and abilities, content creation and broadcast and research.

Australian minister denies reports of funding diversion from Solomon Islands

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Australian Minister Pat Conroy: Photo Supplied

Pat Conroy, the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry refuted media reports claiming that Australia is diverting funding from the Solomon Islands.

The clarification came after William Goti, a year three Bachelor Accounting student at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) asked the question in the lecture theatre on Tuesday.

Minister Conroy emphasized that the reports were not true and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment as the largest development partner for the Solomon Islands.

He expressed pride in Australia’s role and privileged position in fostering a strong development partnership with the country, which stands as the second largest in the Pacific region after Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

The Australian government’s development partnership with the Solomon Islands is profoundly moral in character, according to Conroy.

He acknowledged the obligation both as a politician and as a fellow human being to support the aspirations of the Solomon Islands people.

This support includes investments in crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Minister Conroy assured that Australia will continue to deliver on all budget commitments to the Solomon Islands, emphasizing their unwavering and increased support.

In fact, he noted that the current development budget for the Pacific region stands at an unprecedented $1.9 billion per annum, marking the largest ever investment in the Pacific.

The commitment to the development partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands remains steadfast, and Conroy expressed enthusiasm about future cooperation to foster growth, stability, and prosperity in the region.

While this statement reflects the current information available, it is essential to rely on reliable sources and official communications for further updates on Australia’s relationship with the Solomon Islands.

$150M FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Inside Tropic Builders worskhop, a company specialising in a joinery and furniture located in Ranadi, Australian Minister Pat Conroy MP smiles wjile examining a freshly dressed timber from a machine at the yard. Australian Government supported the company with grants to purchase machineries

Solomons to get assistance from UNDP, WHO, GEF project

Solomon Islands stands to benefit from a USD17.85 million (about SBD 150 million) project to support climate resilient health systems.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday launched the $150million Global Environment Facility-funded project.

The project aims to support four countries – Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

UNDP and WHO launched the new partnership to support the four countries to increase their resilience to climate change, a media statement from WHO yesterday said.

WHO reports, representatives from each country and both organisations are meeting in Suva, Fiji and online to begin planning the implementation of the five-year project.

The Health Ministry (MHMS) is representing Solomon Islands.

An injection of US$17.85 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) makes this one of the largest and most ambitious projects to date aiming to increase health system resilience in the Pacific.

Each of the four Pacific Island countries is also contributing funds to co-finance the work.

“We know that the health impacts of climate and environmental change are already being felt here in the Pacific and, on our current trajectory, things are just going to get worse,” said Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific.

“Yet, while these countries have contributed so little to the creation of the problem, they often find it difficult to access the level of funding required to counter this increasing health crisis.

“So that’s why we are grateful to UNDP and GEF for this support which will enable Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to take meaningful action to keep their health systems running, identify health threats early and save lives.”

Climate change is already causing a range of significant health impacts across Pacific island countries and areas. Increasing drought and flooding can lead to shortages or contamination of safe water sources, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases.

The increasing difficulty of growing affordable, healthy food locally is leading to poor nutrition and noncommunicable diseases in many Pacific populations.

Meanwhile, increasing climate-induced extreme weather events and sea-level rise are disrupting the operations of health facilities and the broader health system.

In response, this project has the potential to enhance the capacity of national and local health systems to manage these health risks:

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Deputy Resident Representative, Yemesrach Workie said, “Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are among the countries most susceptible to climate variability and change, which has exacerbated the health impacts from communicable and non-communicable diseases, resulting in elevated rates of morbidity and mortality.

“The adverse health effects of climate change are particularly severe in countries where health systems already struggle to cope with existing health risks.

“For these countries, the capacity to adapt to climate change-related health risks is limited.

“UNDP, therefore, is very pleased to partner with the WHO and the Governments and people of these four countries to implement this project and advance the health commitments made at COP26.

“Working to make a real difference in the lives and livelihoods of people in the Pacific, this project will help enhance the capacities of national health systems and institutions to manage long-term climate-sensitive health risks.

“The project will also foster partnerships between the four countries and beyond the health sector to promote further efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change.”

WHO’s Dr Jacobs continued, “This project can definitely serve as an entry point for further discussion and action on climate change.

“After all, while many of the effects of climate change are felt heavily in the world of health – that is, via increased injuries, illness and, sadly, deaths – a lot of the underlying causes are the responsibility of other sectors such as construction, energy and transportation.

“So, wherever we can, we will use this as an opportunity to promote collaboration and help these other sectors to gain the support they need to take the climate action that will benefit health.”

High Court to Hear Judicial Review of Constitutional Amendment Act

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The High Court has scheduled a judicial review of the Constitutional Amendment Act to take place on Thursday, 27th.

The legal challenge was filed by John Dean Kuku, the Leader of the Independent Members, against the Speaker of Parliament, Patterson Oti, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, and Governor-General Sir David Vunagi.

The challenge comes in response to the passage of the Bill on September 8, 2022.

The main purpose of the application is to address concerns related to the constitutional integrity of specific provisions within the Act and the procedures followed during its enactment.

One key provision in question pertains to the deferment of the dissolution of parliament, shifting the date from May 15 to December 31, 2023.

Island Sun received reports that the Attorney General has not filed any defense within the 14-day period after the case was filed.

In light of this, the Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Albert Kabui, refrained from making any comment on the case as it is now before the court.

John Dean Kuku and his legal team are optimistic that this legal challenge will result in a thorough examination of the Act and the parliamentary procedures in question.

The application poses seven questions seeking the court’s interpretation regarding constitutional provisions and the legality of the parliamentary procedures used during the passage of the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2022.

Prior to filing the application, Kuku expressed confidence that the judiciary’s review of the Constitutional Amendment Act 2022 would strengthen the legal framework and ensure that the principles enshrined in the constitution are respected, thus upholding the rule of law.

Notably, the Act was initially proposed by the Executive branch, approved by Parliament, and will now undergo evaluation by the National Judiciary, making it a comprehensive review involving all three arms of the government.

Billy Titiulu, a former Attorney General and senior lawyer, is representing John Dean Kuku in this judicial review case.

Kuku is also the Member of Parliament for North New Georgia in Western Province.

The hearing is expected to start at 1pm.

Chinese Ambassador describes PM Sogavare’s China trip as a success

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Chinese Ambassador Li Ming

Chinese Ambassador Li Ming has described Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s recent trip to China as a successful one with political mutual trust between two countries being consolidated

Mr Li echoed this to Island Sun Newspaper in an exclusive interview.  

He said during the visit, he met with Chinese President Xi Jingping, held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, had a meeting with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Ming said Prime Minister has also attended the inauguration ceremony of Solomon Islands embassy in Beijing and the First high-level conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development with Mr Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China.

He said Sogavare also attended the Solomon Islands-China High Level Business Dialogue, and visited Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces.

“I had the honor to participate in major events of the visit and was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of further development bilateral relations of both countries.

“The visit has yielded fruitful outcomes. The political mutual trust between the two countries has been consolidated. The leaders of our two countries agreed in a joint statement to officially establish a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era. It show that our bilateral relationships has reached a historic height, and will surely open a new chapter in the history of our relation,” he said.

Li reiterated that a number of Memoranda of Understanding in development cooperation, trade, infrastructure development, civil aviation, education, policing cooperation, customs and meteorology were signed by the two sides during the visit.

“These documents will bring more benefits to the two people.

“The people-to-people diplomatic has been enhanced,” he said.

Li adds with the opening of the Embassy of Solomon Islands in China, it will become a bond between the people of Solomon Islands and China.

He further stressed the bilateral relationship between the two countries have developed rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly four years ago.

Li stressed that Solomon Islands has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative and China has become the largest trading partner of Solomon Islands.

“Our bilateral relations has become a model of solidarity, cooperation, and joint development among countries of different sizes and developing countries. Standing at a new historic, starting point, China is ready to continue to work with Solomon Islands to firmly support each other’s core interests, strength mutually beneficial cooperation and expand exchanges at all level,” he said.

Man facing multiple abuse charges in court

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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The case of a man facing multiple counts of abuse was mentioned in court yesterday.

Joseph Tekohe was brought before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly at the magistrate court.

He is charged with three counts of Domestic Violence Psychological abuses contrary to section 4 (1) (c) & 58(1), Psychological abuses contrary to section 4 (1) (c ) & 58 (1) (2)  and lastly, Domestic Violence on Economic abuse contrary to section 4 (1) (d) & 58 (1) (2) of the Family Protection Act 2014.

The complainant and Mr Tekohe are biological siblings from Sikaiana Island, Malaita Outer Islands. They currently reside together at their family residence in Koloale.

Allegations say on May 13, 2023 between 11pm and midnight, an intoxicated Tekohe arrived at their residence in a public taxi and psychological abused the complainant, using insulting words that degraded her and her husband’s status.

He also allegedly used a timber to damage the door of the complainant’s bedroom and various household items, including plates and cups.

Tekohe is on court bail extension – he has to report every Monday from 8am to 4pm at the China Town police post office for his court bail.

Court adjourned for August 7 as Tekohe is yet to find a lawyer.

Man jailed 15 yrs for wife’s murder

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of his wife.

Raphael Sare, from Onemae Zone, Fiu village, Central Kwaraae, Malaita Province, will become eligible for parole after 15 years.

Sare was charged and convicted with the murder of his 20-year-old wife on March 27, 2022.

The sentencing was delivered by High Court judge Justice Leonard Maina during the High Court circuit in Auki.

The court proceedings revealed that on the early morning of March 27, 2022, Sare returned home to find his wife absent from their room. After searching for her, he discovered her at another house and escorted her back to their residence.

It was during their return home Sare assaulted his wife at their family home. Due to her injuries and distress, some women came to her aid and rushed her to Kiluufi hospital. Despite the nurses’ efforts, she passed away due to her injuries around 9am the same day.

The autopsy report presented during the trial indicated that the cause of death was severe internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity caused by a rupture of the spleen, resulting from blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Justice Maina concluded that the defendant had brutally kicked his wife twice in the forehead, leading to grievous injuries, excessive blood loss, and ultimately, her untimely death.

Based on the conclusive evidence and the doctor’s report, the court found Sare guilty of murdering his wife with malice aforethought and subsequently convicted him on the charge of murder.

As a result, he was handed a life imprisonment sentence with the condition that he serves a minimum of 15 years in jail before being eligible to apply for parole.

The prosecution was represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, while the defense counsel, Limeniala, represents the defendant.

‘RE-COOK THE HALF-COOKED’

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Press Release
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Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

-Opposition calls for re-draft to Honiara City Bill after all stakeholders say they were not consulted

Opposition is calling out the government over a Bill which appears to be rushed and not properly and completely drafted.

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale says all stakeholders that appeared before the Bills & Legislations Committee were not consulted on the proposals Honiara City (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2023.

Mr Wale said the stakeholders have expressed disappointment.

They include the Law Reform Commission, the RSIPF, the Corrections Service, the Magistracy, Women’s groups, & Taxi Operators Association.

He said the Law Reform Commission proposed that perhaps the Bill be amended to remove Divisions 4 & 5.

The Bill has five divisions.

Divisions 1 & 2 enable infringement notices to be issued and fixed penalties. Division 3 empowers law enforcement officers and provides for the conduct of their work. Division 4 empowers detention of suspects by the City Council. Division 5 provides for the prosecution of offences, where an accused has not taken advantage of the administrative penalty scheme.

“Given the short time to the Games, the pressure on resources, the need for recruitment and appropriate training, it is sensible to leave the functions in Divisions 4 & 5 to the Corrections & the RSIPF and that the City Council collaborate with them closely,” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader said the proposals in those two divisions are too far-reaching to be rushed upon the City Council.

He said the removal of Divisions 4 & 5 should not affect the City’s efforts towards the Games.

In terms of penalties standardisation, Wale expressed that the penalties proposed in the Bill are inconsistent with the general scheme in our various legislations, where the base is 5,000 penalty units and is equivalent to six months imprisonment.

“In this Bill 2,000 units is 6 months, 20,000 units equivalent is 5 years (instead of 2yrs); 50,000 units equivalent is 10 years – 100,000 units would be the revised equivalent. This is the same issue for the other penalties as well. This is probably just a problem with the drafters not having recourse to the standardised penalties scheme in our laws. I hope there is such a tool, readily accessible to drafters,” he said.

Wale said it is likely also a result of the lack of wider consultations, which would pick up on this important issue.

He said detention and prosecution of offences are better left to existing institutions in our criminal justice system to handle.

“An amended Bill ought to be limited to granting powers for the issue of infringement notices and set penalties for offences. Therefore, it would be prudent to withdraw the Bill and redraft it for submission to Parliament again soon,” he said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

FIGHTING CDF FRAUD

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Press Release
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MRD Deputy Secretary Technical Hugo Hebala (center) front row, Director Rural Development Division Milfred Delemani second from right with RSIPF investigators who are part of the RSIPF Serious Crime, Fraud and Corruption Course: PC MRD

MRD, RSIPF discuss potential areas of collaboration to stamp out fraud in CDF

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) through its National Crime & Investigation Department (NCID) have discussed potential areas of collaboration to stamp out fraud and corruption in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme.

This was after a team from the ministry (MRD) made a presentation on CDF to detectives/investigation officers from the NCID of the RSIPF on 28 June 2023.

The presentation was on an invitation by the RSIPF NCID to guarantee investigation officers who are part of a RSIPF Serious Crime, Fraud and Corruption Course being conducted at the Rove Police Academy in Honiara between 26 and 30 June 2023 understands the roles and responsibilities of MRD within the Fraud and Corruption space in the country.

It also provided an opportunity for both government organisations to start mapping a way forward – especially how they can collaborate to assist investigators with criminal investigations if a referral is received by Police.

Other potential areas of collaboration discussed are;

  • Reporting/investigation of official corruption cases/misappropriation of CDF funds 
  • Promote Community awareness/campaigns to educate citizens on CDF program
  • Safety and security of CDF-funded projects/assets/infrastructures  

Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) of MRD Hugo Hebala said establishing a coordination system amongst relevant ministries like Ministry of Finance, MRD and RSIPF and other pertinent institutions is important for ease of information sharing.

He said with the momentum that the ministry is now taking by reforming the CDF program to improve its delivery mechanism and governances, it is more than important that such coordination system must be recognised.

Mr. Hebala acknowledged RSIPF for the opportunity and said such undertaking requires collective action not only from relevant ministries and organisations but from citizens as well.

The MRD team also took the opportunity and informed officers on the current reforms that the ministry is undertaking towards improving the CDF programme. 

Meanwhile, Detective Constable Edward Vilaka acknowledged the MRD team for the important presentation.

Constable Vilaka was speaking on behalf of his detective colleague officers who are part of the Serious Crime, Fraud and Corruption Course.

He said they are looking forward to working closely with MRD to improve the delivery mechanism and governance of CDF and make sure the CDF program serves its intended purpose by improving social and economic livelihood of rural people.  

The presentation covered the overview of CDF, its objectives, medium-term development key focus areas, legislative framework & guidelines, governance structure, program requirements and modalities, implementation pathway – funding process, pros and cons of CDF and its challenges.

CDF is a programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) purposely to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

-MRD PRESS

Participants hail SIIVA weeklong training

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE

Participants that attended the Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (SIIVA) weeklong workshop have commended the training saying it is really useful and relevant to their work.

The weeklong training commenced on Monday 27th March and will conclude this Friday. The training has brought together more than 30 participants from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) organized by Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in collaboration with the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP), Disaster READY Program Partners and key stakeholders.

The training was aimed at equipping the participants with the relevant skills and knowledge on how to use the SIIVA tool to collect right data and information to support the Climate Change Division on climate vulnerability assessment when working across with Solomon Islands communities. 

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday a participant William Rikirongo who works for World Vision SI as a Community Development Officer and is based in Makira province.

“As a participant the training has broaden his knowledge and understanding about the SIIVA tool, its methodology, components and user interface itself. There are communities we have identified to conduct Disaster Risk Management activities.

Some of the participants who attended the weeklong workshop.

“The training is so useful because it is of similar nature to our baseline survey we have done in the communities. The baseline survey is similar because we use tablets, survey questions etc… That’s is what we are doing in our work.

“For me it’s a great learning experience and valuable one to get to know what the SIIVA tool is, how it is used and the technical aspects of it How to interact with focused groupings in the communities. I see it important that we as organizations to work with the tool in our field work. To get fair knowledge and understanding on how to use the tool to get relevant data that holistically captured the pressing issues within the community.” Rikirongo said.

Another participant, Naomi Tai is a person with disability. She is currently the Disaster Risk Reduction Officer for People with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI).

She is currently heading a disaster reduction program under the Australian Humanitarian Partners (AHP) on the inclusion of people with disability.

“The training has given me a valuable opportunity to learn about the SIIVA tool. The tool will ensure that needs of people with disabilities are captured to enable government come up with interventions which address the issues within the community.” Tai said.

Meanwhile, Principal Resilience Officer of the Climate Change Division Mr. Marlchom Zion Row, said SIIVA is an assessment tool that is crucial to assist decision makers and policy makers to see how they will intervene in terms of projects to address problems of people.

“SIIVA tool is a holistic approach that addresses the nine human security key objectives that is geared towards addressing the pressing issues faced by people in their communities.

“Decision makers can use the data collected to design policy that fits in the context we faced in the country. These data are crucial to develop interventions to address the needs of people.” Mr. Row said.

Participants of the training includes, Save the Children SI, Oxfam SI, World Vision SI, Church Agency Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) that includes, ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Agency), CARITAS & ACOM, Live and Learn SI and Plan International Solomon Islands and People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI).

Disaster Ready is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by all its Australian Humanitarian (AHP) partners in Solomon Islands.

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