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Bilateral agreements can play a role in climate accountability: Green

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA

BILATERAL agreements are a vital avenue that countries like the Solomon Islands can channel negotiations to hold countries with the highest rate of global emission accountable.

Speaking to international journalists who have engaged in climate change advocacies, Jillian Green, a decorated and award-winning Journalist from Africa said countries at the receiving end of climate change but are unable to directly deal directly with global emitters can do so through bilateral negotiations with developed countries.

She told journalists that approaches to make sure industrial companies in respective countries in the world are accountable for their action differs from regions around the global setting.

“When a country is on the receiving end of the impacts of climate change, your approach is different.

“It’s hard for you to hold a country outside your geographic location accountable but what you can do is to hold your government countable to push incentives that would hold other countries countable.

“It is important to figure out where your power lays and know that your influence is within your country in other words your government is to be held accountable for driving green-washing and accountability agendas.

“Bilateral agreements with polluting countries is one way of domesticating global agendas,” Green said.

She said the role of local journalists is to make sure the agreements can be environment-friendly.

Senior Reporter for Climate based in London, Akshat Rathi adds that another approach that small states can drive their agenda is through COP meetings.

He said Small Island States can be heard if they go into COP as a group to present their agendas and to vote for greater consideration on the 1.5 degree Celsius agenda.

These statements were made during Oxford Climate Journalism Network’s (OCJN) first session for 2023.

The topic discussed during the session was Green-washing and Accountability.

Afio AHC not well resourced: MPA Pola

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The Afio Area Health Centre (AFC) is reportedly not well equipped with medical apparatus, drugs and human capacity.

This is according to the Member of Provincial Assembly for ward 21 (Raroisu’su ward) in Malaita Province Dickson Pola.

“As one of the concern leaders, the issue of having one of our Area Health centres not well equipped with human capacity, medical drugs and equipment worries me a lot,” Pola said.

He said during the handing over event of this AHC last year there is still no effective health care services this hospital is delivering.

“It seems that the main aim of constructing this mini hospital is not being achieved.”

Pola said Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana when handing the Afio Area Health Centre assured the people of Southern Region of Malaita that within a couple of months after the handover occasion the facility would be well equipped with human resources and necessary equipment.

“I can confirm here that after the official handing over there is nothing much happen.

“Therefore, I call on the ruling DCGA and its ministry responsible to quickly consider the health care services for the people of southern region, where is the goal of universal health coverage, is the Roll Delineation policy archived its objective or just a piece of note,” he said.

Pola adds, Afio Area Health centre was built to address the issue of transporting sick patients to Kilu’ufi hospital and Honiara by Out Board Motor to prevent avoidable deaths.

He in the same note called on the current southern Region Member of Parliament and Member of Provincial Assemblies work collaboratively in addressing this issue.

12 male candidates for West Kwara’ae by-election

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A total of 12 male candidates have been nominated to contest the West Kwara’ae by-election.

This was confirmed by the electoral team at the nomination centre at Buma after the close of nominations at 4pm yesterday.

Election Manager, Mr David Filia Tuita said “as of the closed of nomination at 4pm, 12 candidates have been nominated to contest the by-election.

He said a list of the candidates will be published by the Election Commission’s office later.

According to the timeline for the by-election;

  • Wednesday 12th April 2023, last day of delivery of nomination papers (closed) [sect.59] publishing of ballot paper draw notice [sect.74 (2)(a)]
  • Thursday 13th April 2023, last day of checking validity of nomination papers (closed) [sect.64 (1)(b)]
  • Friday 14th April 2023, last day of withdrawal of candidature [sect.66 (2)]
  • Wednesday 19th April 2023, last day of ballot paper draw [set.74 (2)(a)]

The closed of nomination yesterday will begin the political campaign for intending candidates until the last day of campaigning on 22nd May 2023.

Polling day or election day for west Kwara’ae by-election will be on May 24.

So far, Malaita province held three by-elections under this current term. Two provincial by-elections for wards 18 and 28 and one national by-election for West Kwaio constituency.

Fourth for the province will be the upcoming by-election for West Kwara’ae constituency.

HCC, NHA to sign deal before release of $6m

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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City Clerk Justus Denni

By EDDIE OSIFELO

BOTH Honiara City Council and National Hosting Authority will need to sign an agreement first before the release of the $6 million to the 12 wards councillors.

City Clerk, Justus Denni explained this after he submitted the work plans of the 12 councillors to Government Services Integration Committee (GSIC) to approve last week.

Denni said HCC ‘accepts and appreciates things have to go through process’.

“We give them time and look through what we have submitted.

“Then they are going to prepare some kind of agreement to sign between NHA and HCC,” he said.

Furthermore, Denni said HCC as recipient must be accountable, therefore there needs to be proper reporting and accounting must be in place.

“That’s why MOU must be in place.

“For people to want to see the funds available quickly, that’s not the process,” he added.

Apart from that, Denni said NHA will also be allocated $6.5 million to Ministry of Infrastructure Development to purchase garbage trucks and compactor trucks, before handing over to HCC.

Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmy Rodgers assured HCC last month that the Government will give half a million each to the 12 wards, to implement regular clean ups in their respective wards, ahead of the Pacific Games in November.

Dr Rodgers said under the programme, they want to see daily clean-up programmes, a least two hours a day, in the wards by youth groups, women, schools and churches to clean Honiara.

Apart from that, the Government agreed to support the HCC enforce its bye laws on May 1.

Dr Rodgers said the legal instruments are there but what is needed is the support for HCC to enforce them.

With the enforcement, the HCC will once again re-enforce the ‘on the spot fine’.

Australia support Garanga RTC

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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APTC Country Director for the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, Abigail Chang and Garanga RTC principal, Mr. Christian Advent, signed out the handover documents with students looking on.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

AUSTRALIA through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) recently handed over tools and equipment to Garanga Rural Training Centre in Isabel province to strengthen the delivery of their Carpentry, Construction, and Joinery qualifications.

The support was part of the Solomon Islands Skills Strengthening initiative that is being implemented with ten national training providers to strengthen the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

The tools and equipment were presented by the Second Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, Christina Skoumbourdis to the Chairperson of the School Board, Bishop Ellison Quity, Bishop for Isabel Diocese, and witnessed by Honorable Minister for Education, Hugo Manegegu and Principal Christian Advent.

In her remarks, Ms. Skoumbourdis said, “TVET plays an important role in our economy, and it is critical that everything Australia does, is genuinely inclusive. Ensuring that everyone is included and allowed to reach their full potential is paramount. Our attention should not be limited to just Honiara,”

“I am confident that these contributions will add value to the important work Garanga RTC is already doing to help transform lives through training and skills for employment.”

Minister for Education in Isabel Provincial Government, Hon. Hugo Manegegu acknowledges the Australian Government for the support saying handing over of the tools and equipment demonstrates the strength and progress of the partnership Garanga Rural Training Centre establishes with APTC.

“Isabel Provincial Government fully support and acknowledge the assistance provided by the Australian Government, one of the Solomon Islands’ traditional partner. Such support will boost the social and human resource development in Isabel and wider Solomon Islands.”

Manegegu said he is confident that the tools and equipment will improve the teaching and learning capability of the staff and students who undertake carpentry, construction, and joinery qualification at Garanga.

As a pioneer student of Garanga RTC and currently, the Chairperson of the school board and Bishop for Isabel Dioceses, Ellison Quity, said the school started with challenges and opportunities, and to receive a such contribution from the Australian Government through Australia Pacific Training Coalition is a blessing.

He reflected that Garanga RTC is run by the church, and has been encountering challenges in terms of its operations, administration, and quality training delivery. This support from Australian Government will strengthen our delivery in carpentry, construction, and joinery qualifications.

“We must work hard together as a team to meet our goals. RTC students need to be fully supported everywhere in order to give real meaning to our young people in the Solomon Islands,” Bishop Ellison said.

Garanga Rural Training Centre was founded by Retired Bishop Richard Naramana in 1986 with a mission and vision to train school drop-out with life skills training. Over the years, Garanga RTC has been transforming many young people with skills and returns to support their respective communities.

Climate change projection not good for SI

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Climate change effects on the Mangrove habitat in Isabel Province

BY BEN BILUA

A study carried out by Asian Development Bank founds the Solomon Islands could lose up to 4.7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product by 2100.

The research focuses on the Economics of Climate Change in the Pacific.

It includes modeling of future climate over the Pacific region, assessments of the potential impacts on agriculture, fisheries, tourism, coral reefs, and human health, and predictions of the potential economic impact of climate change for specific sectors and economies under various emissions scenarios.

According to the report, the sea level will rise 1.74 meters meaning agriculture, fisheries and other sectors of the economy will take a severe hit in the face of more extreme temperatures and other climate change-linked events which can lead to economic losses.

The temperature will rise by 2-3 degree Celsius by 2070 meaning there will be a significant decrease in rain-fed agriculture, reduced fish catches, widespread coral bleaching, and falling tourism numbers.

According to the report, the most significant economic losses would be felt in PNG, where climate change impacts could trigger a loss of up to 15.2% of its GDP by 2100. Timor-Leste’s GDP is predicted to drop by up to 10%, followed by Vanuatu at 6.2%, Solomon Islands at 4.7%, Fiji at 4.0%, and Samoa at 3.8%.

Director General of ADB’s Pacific Department, Xianbin Yao says there is a very real possibility that climate change could unravel the significant development achievements that have been made in the Solomon Islands unless tough policy decisions are made.

Work on infrastructure projects in Mala continues

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

WORK on infrastructure projects in Malaita province is ongoing.

The projects on bridges and road upgrade come under component 1 & 2 of the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Programme (SIRAP) under MID.

Provincial Secretary (PS) acting for Malaita province, Mr David Filia Tuita said work on two bridges in West Kwara’ae are going on.

He said the work is carried out by the Reeve Company.

Tuita said still under component 1, there is a road upgrade in West Kwara’ae carried out by Exodus Trade Development company, and one more bridge to be implemented still within the area.

He said under component 2 of the programme, there will be construction of Su’u and Bira bridges in West Kwaio and two other bridges in north Malaita.

Tuita added that another bridge that needs urgent attention is Anonakinaki bridge in Central Kwara’ae. Saying, MID has informed his office on the bridge and he is waiting for MID to initiate work.

HCC AWAITS $6M FROM GOV’T

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE 12 councillors of Honiara City Council (HCC) are still waiting for their $500,000 promised by the Government.

Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers assured HCC last month that the Government will give half a million each to the 12 wards to implement regular clean-ups in their respective ward ahead of the Pacific Games in November.

The $6 million is part of a total $12.5 million the government had said it will support HCC with.

The other $6.5 million will go towards purchasing garbage trucks and equipment to support the clean-up campaign.

In order to access the money, HCC has to submit the work plans of the 12 councillors to the Government Services Integration Committee (GSIC) to approve it.

HCC is also a member of GSIC.

Rodgers said under the programme, they want to see daily clean-up programmes, at least two hours a day, in the wards by youth groups, women, schools and churches to clean Honiara.

However, Chairman of Naha 3 community, Robert Pisu calls on the government to fastrack the payments because the “message has gone wild in the community”.

He said it is only few months to go before the Pacific Games, therefore, the wards need to start doing the clean-up campaign.

Furthermore, Pisu said rubbishes are piling up at Naha 1.

“We ask the responsible authority to come and collect the rubbishes because it poses health risk to the communities,” he said.

Island Sun understands, HCC City Clerk Justice Denni submitted the work plans of the 12 wards to the Government last week.

However, when the government will response with the payments is still unclear.

Apart from that, the Government agreed to support the HCC enforce its bye laws beginning on May 1.

Rodgers said the legal instruments are there but what is needed is the support for HCC to enforce them.

With the enforcement, the HCC will once again re-enforce the ‘on the spot fine’.

MPGIS to increase funding allocations to provinces

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Premier of Isabel Province, Rhoda Sikalabu

BY BEN BILUA

THE Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening will revise the existing funding allocations to respective provinces.

An unconfirmed report states that the ministry will make 15 percent raised to existing funding allocation which respective provinces received from the national government.

It was stated that the move was made following discussion and recommendations during the recent Premiers’workshop held at Gizo last week.

Speaking to Island Sun, the Premier of Isabel Province, Rhoda Sikalabu said she welcomed the proposed review.

She told Island Sun that the proposal will give more leverage to provincial governments to deliver other much-needed services that provinces unabled to deliver due to lack of financial resources.

“I for one welcome this proposal as provinces have contributed very much to the economy of this country but continue to receive a very small portion of the benefits.

“In addition to that, provinces have been struggling to deliver their policies but fail at times due to shortage of funds,” Rhoda said.

He said Isabel province will be the next province that will hugely contribute to the country’s economy from the nickel resources that the central government is pushing to mine.

Rhoda said Isabel Province so as the owner of the resource should be treated fairly when comes to benefit sharing and other benefits.

Electoral Commission to boost its communication and public awareness

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has invested in communication and public awareness ahead of the elections in April 2024.

SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi confirmed this to media last Thursday.

Anisi said to inform and keep the public informed on these major operations, huge efforts have also been invested into developing communication public campaigns and face to face awareness programmes.

“Voter Registration materials are being produced and will be printed for distribution and to commence the voter awareness campaign prior to the voter registration update.

“Voter awareness and communication launch will be organised soon and media would once again call to be part of the launch,” he said.

Anisi said during this program, they will provide more details on some of t eh pending issues as well as confirmation on some unknown procedures at the moment.

“Things would be clearer,” he added.

Furthermore, Anisi said recruitment of civic and voter registration team is being worked on to begin constituency voter awareness programmes in the constituencies in May-June.

He said registration messages to focus more on their target audience, new registrants, 17 years old, and those who want to update their voter details.

“We will be exhausting all media available to us to give out information including public outreach programmes.

“We will be doing community visit, schools visits and engagement with key stakeholders, media, women, youths and people with disabilities,” he said.

Anisi said at the moment, SIEO has the following communication platforms that will be utilized- Facebook page, Twitter and YouTube Channel, and website.

“We will also use some web apps that will enable voters to check their registration details and as well as follow live on elections results.

“All these platforms will be updated through our Office Facebook page and we encourage all media to follow us to check for more updates,” he said.

Moreover, Anisi said they will be using radio and SMS blasts Talkback shows and live-streamed updates on social media.

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