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MWYCFA on child safety programme during PG23

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Violence against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Dr Najat Maalla M’jid says strengthening child safety and child protection during the upcoming Pacific Games in November 2023 has been highlighted during her visit this week.

M’jid echoed this yesterday during a press conference with the local media personals.

“The Pacific Games is strong moment to strengthen the child safety net because we know very well World Wide when you have a huge arrival of migrant workers or player of many persons outside the risk of violence against children mainly sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking of children and women is high.

“Our discussions have also been centred around making sure that during the Pacific Games and beyond child protection and well-being will be taken into account,” she said.

M’jid said this upcoming game has to be a big moment for strong mobilisation of all sectors and partners on child safety and investing in child protection and well-being.

Aaron Pitaqae of Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs adds that last year the National Disaster Operations Committee (NDOC) was asked to draw up a plan in preparation for the Pacific Games.

Pitaqae said during the first meeting of the NDOC two issues that will be likely to be confronting during the games are highlighted.

“One is, the games will be held in a disaster time for us. November is rainy and cyclone season for Solomon Islands so that is very critical to us.

The second one is the to do with the risk that will be coming in because we will have a lot of people coming in and so, as committee that looks after children all the committees will be activated. And we have plans to try to minimise what is happening in November,” he said.

Pitaqae said speaking about the issues, funds have been allocated for the Ministry of carry out its advocacy on the risks that will likely to happen during the games.

UN welcomes SI commitment to combat violence on children

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Minister for MWYCF Freda Rangirei (right) presents gifts to UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Violence against Children, Dr Najat Maalla M’jid

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

VISITING UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Violence against Children, Dr Najat Maalla M’jid welcomes commitment to enhance Solomon Islands’ effort in combating violence against children.

M’jid said her visit aims at building strong political commitment and important strides already taken by Solomon Islands to end violence against children.

“The visit provided me an opportunity for the SRSG to engage with key stakeholders to support and mobilise further action; promote good practices and build bridges that allow for the exchange of experience.

“Am here as a bridge builder as advocator to influence policy maker and all the key stakeholders to make sure that children in Solomon Islands are duly protected,” she said.

M’jid said during her visit this week she met with all the key stakeholders.

“Some of the people I met include Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Minister for Finance and Treasury, Chief of Justice, Minister for Education, Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, CSOs, visiting correctional facilities, meeting with survivors and meeting with children with aim to have a better understanding. It was an intensive meeting but this is important, it is a strong key moment for having a snap shot of where you are,” he said.

Minister for Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Freda T Rangirei said the visit of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Violence against Children is “really paramount”.

“Your visit is really paramount. It is very true that all line ministries that connected with us really need to put more efforts to ensure that our children are protected. Your visit is not a mistake but it really gives us more effort to strengthened our efforts,” Rangirei said.

Three suspects arrested for attack on nurse

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has confirmed that three suspects has been arrested for an attack on a nurse at the Borderline area.

Commissioner Mangau said the nurse was on her way home after work when she was confronted and attacked by the suspects.

He said their argument was related to a land dispute.

Police were alerted of the incident and attended to report in which the three suspects were arrested for the alleged attack.

Mangau said investigation is still on going and call on those who may have information about the incident to support police in their investigation.

NPF assures renovation work on unsafe 6-storey building soon

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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The current state of incomplete Anthony Saru Building.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The National Provident Fund (NPF) says renovation works on the damaged Anthony Saru building is set to begin.

NPF does not say exactly when works will begin, but points out that an assessment report is ready, upon which renovations will be based.

This report is from a newly engaged independent consultant whom NPF’s Insurance Loss Adjustor had replaced the former consultant with, NPF media statement yesterday said

NPF blames the delay in renovations on the former consultant’s failure to carry out assessments following last year’s November 7.3 magnitude earthquake, which left the six-storey building unsafe.

The Fund said it had carried out its own assessment immediately after the earthquake, but had to wait for an independent one.

“Immediately following the earthquake, the SINPF has performed an assessment of the damages in December, 2022. However, the restoration works cannot proceed as our insurance underwriter QBE appointed Loss adjuster had to engage independent consultants to carry out damage assessments.

“The Loss Adjustor’s appointed contractor has failed to perform the required engineering assessment on the ASB for more than three months. The consultant engaged by the Loss adjuster was busy with other local engagements and was not able to perform the required task by the end of March 2023.

“With the insistence of the Fund a new consultant has been appointed.

“The new consultant following their appointment has been onsite three weeks ago and has prepared their required independent assessment. On the basis of this report, restoration works will proceed and the SINPF will resume its communications to its tenants on the progress of the works and its completion date.”

An officer of one of the government tenant offices, speaking to Island Sun last night, welcomes this announcement by NPF, however urges works to take place faster.

“Following the major earthquake of November 2022, we have had few small ones to date, and it is not a joking matter when all of us have to scramble to reach the ground floor via the narrow stair case, avoiding the faulty elevator.

“NPF should begin work now!”

Only the ground floor and first level are currently being used by tenants. Second floor to the last have been rendered unsafe.

Only one exit is available for current offices operating on the first floor, which is the stairs and an elevator which tenants tell Island Sun is not working properly.

On April 12, several tenants brought the matter to Island Sun, raising concern on the high risk posed by the building and the notable lack of renovation works by its owner immediately after the earthquake five months ago.

“The lift was not functioning properly. On few occasions the lift dropped with people trapped inside.

“Another occasion people being trapped for almost 30 minutes locked up inside before being freed.

“In case of an emergency, fire or earthquake, there is no alternate escape route except for the only one lift that is working.

“But the lift is working is not functioning properly as well.

“We fear that the worst might yet to come if these issues are not urgently addressed.

“Why took so long to fix these issues,” the tenants said.

The building hosts offices of some government ministries which include, Ministry of Women Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and other private sector firms.

HIGH POLICE FUEL DEBT

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

Depot owners after their money from heavy ‘kaon’ or credit by RSIPF

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

FUEL owners in Isabel are calling on the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to pay off their credits.

Buala police, Isabel province have been without fuel since the beginning of this year.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has lashed out at Buala police, refusing to accept that they are without fuel.

Fuel depot owners in Buala station, Isabel, are complaining that their businesses are being choked by huge outstanding credits by Buala police which have not been paid for months.

One of the fuel owners said that Buala Police had borrowed fuel from his business and have not paid up despite follow-up.

He said such practice by the Buala Police is not acceptable and killing off small businesses who are trying to survive.

“It is a loss to our business,” one fuel business owner said.

Acting Provincial Police Commander of Isabel Stephen Maneleba confirmed that fuel business owners surrounding Buala have now refused to make arrangements with them to borrow fuel – because of unpaid credits.

Maneleba said Buala police are yet to receive fuel from the main headquarter.

Emails sent to the Assistant Commissioner responsible for Provincial were never replied, he adds.

Maneleba said they have been without fuel since the beginning of this year.

He said fuel shortage has caused inconvenience on their work to do policing around the island.

Meanwhile Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said fuel for the provinces for the first quarter of this year were sent in January.

“For the Buala police to say that they are now run out of fuel is not a reasonable excuse.”

Mangau said fuel borrowed from business owners should now be replaced.

“Police have various capabilities and as police officers they should know how to manage their resources, when they see that they are going to run out of fuel before the next quarter is ready they should use low-powered engines rather using the high-powered engines,” Mangau said.

He said police are now ready to send fuel for the second quarter once the payment is ready and police officers in the provinces should manage police resources for policing job not for unnecessary runs and personal use.

Therefore, Mangau call on police officers in the provinces to manage their resources properly and for police work only.

Another logging for Su’u in West Kwaio

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE Provincial Forestry Office in Auki will issue a timber right notice for a proposed logging operation within Su’u areas of West Kwaio in Malaita province.

The notice is expected to be pinned up next week to aware people/resource owners on a timber right hearing that will be held sometimes later, in progression toward the operation.

If the proposed operation commences work after all formalities are met, it would add to an existing logging operation within the area.

The current operation is contracted by Samlimsan company; they will also carry out the proposed operation, but with two licence holders.

At the moment a total of four active logging operations in West Kwaio and the inclusion of the proposed one will make it five for the constituency.

Apart from West Kwaio, West Are Are also has a high number of active logging operations.

And for the past years, the two areas have experienced high concentration of logging activities in the province include East Are Are and Small Malaita.

That shows concentration of logging activities is from West Kwaio to southern region of the province with parts of Fataleka and West Kwara’ae at sometimes.

Currently, Malaita province has a total of 12 active logging operations and the number expects to increase as logging applications are pending processes.

‘NO ONE ABOVE THE LAW’

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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East Are’are MP and Shadow Foreign Minister, Peter Kenilorea Jr.

Kenilorea reminds MPs they themselves could be corrupt

Shadow foreign minister Peter Kenilorea Junior has reminded members of parliament (MP) that “no one is above the law”.

Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Kenilorea Jr echoed this sentiment to remind MPs that they should not point fingers at criminals when they themselves might be involved in actions that are perceived to be corrupt, at the very least.

Kenilorea made this statement in response to the Governor General’s Speech from the Throne in Parliament, Monday last week.

The Governor General in his speech last week made one particular reference in terms of the challenges that we face and that we cannot continue to claim to be a democratic country when we do not respect the rule of law and the principles of representative democracy.

Kenilorea said the Governor General’s above statement is very true indeed.

However, he said MPs must be reminded that when we talk about the rule of law, “we are not just talking about rioting and those that are engaged in criminal activities.

“But we are also talking about ourselves (MPs). We know full well that no one is above the law. No one, including those of us who are privileged enough to sit in this August body to represent our people,” he said.

Kenilorea said the rule of law must be respected across the board by every single citizen of this country.

He said more work and commitment is needed to strengthen the anti-corruption framework.

Kenilorea said the anti-corruption needs further support to ensure that the framework is set up so that MPs, as leaders, are also held accountable to the people who put us in Parliament.

“We should never forget that the rule of law is the foundation of our nation. We should not point fingers at criminals when we ourselves might be involved in actions that are perceived to be corrupt, at the very least,” he said.

Specialist paediatric surgical visit set for May

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A specialist paediatric surgical visit to see children with abnormalities at the national referral hospital (NRH) is scheduled for May 8-17.

This is according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Service.

“There will be a specialist Pedantic surgical visit from 8th to the 17th of May 2023 to see children with abnormalities relating to passing urine, passing stool and kidney problem,” the Health Ministry said.

Ministry of health said new cases should see a health worker to refer them to the NRH specialist consultation clinic.

“Those who have had previous surgery may make direct appointment to Dr Rooney Jagilly’s surgical outpatient clinic at the National Referral Hospital before the team arrives.

“For enquiries please call the on 44077 or see sister Merelyn at surgical outpatient clinic,” MHMS statement said.

Reforestation is high in Malaita, authorities want this to continue

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Reforestation is on a high in Malaita province, and the provincial forestry office wants this to continue.

Malaita’s reforestation office says it will soon begin awareness programmes for farmers who want to carry out reforestation on their land.

Reforestation officer, Mr Ronnie Aiwewe told SunAuki yesterday they plan to visit farmers in the northern region soon.

He said the increase of reforestation in the province is due to the right information disseminated to farmers.

Aiwewe said there are trainings to assist farmers on reforestation, which are organised through community workshops, or one-on-one talks.

He said this has been done in partnership with other project programmes where they work together to conduct the trainings.

Aiwewe said for interested farmers who are yet to venture into the programme, the office can be notified and arrangements can be made to provide the awareness.

He said for their satellite farmers, there are also trainings.

Aiwewe said in 2022, a total of 23 training activities were conducted for farmers, including training engagements with other stakeholders in the province.

“The need to reforest is not tomorrow’s but now, and through the awareness programme people would learn on the importance of reforestation.

“Reforestation is not merely about money, but to save by reclothing the natural habitat destroyed by destructive activities and a preparation for your future.”

MHMS continues to support malaria prevention

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0
Deputy Secretary Health Improvement, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Nemia Bainivalu

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MINISTRY of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues to support malaria prevention programmes across the country by ensuring adequate supplies are available.

This was confirmed by Deputy Secretary Health Improvement, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Nemia Bainivalu on behalf of the health ministry in a recent media conference.

Bainivalu said the effort made by the Ministry is to ensure adequate supplies of drugs and other medical equipment, such a rapid test kits, are available to treat patients diagnosed with malaria.

He adds, despite the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives on malaria prevention programme the general public are urged to help reduce the number of cases through, cleaning of surrounding to avoid mosquitoes breed in empty tins, plastics and drums lying around homes, to sleep under bed nets, ensure to complete malaria doses, present to health facilities to get early test and detection for malaria.

Bainivalu said the MHMS is also trying their very best at every opportunity during clinical care educate the public on risk factors and symptoms of malaria and also advised them on ways to prevent their transmission

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