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Bigger countries fail Paris Agreement

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

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Paris Agreement is one of the important frameworks to mitigate effects of climate change through ambitions to reduce global emission.

The agreement also establishes an avenue for financial assistance to most vulnerable countries who are incapable of helping themselves due to poor financial capacity.

Solomon Islands is one of the vulnerable countries who has very limited financial capacity to fight against climate change.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Deputy Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Chanel Iroi, said decision on Long Term Finance (LTF) must be reached at the COP26 meeting.

He said endorsement of the LTF will not only provide financial leverage to struggling small island states but also honor the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage which was one of the resolutions of Paris Agreement.

Iroi said Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the effect of climate change in the coming years reemphasized the need for world leaders to endorse and roll out the LTF to vulnerable countries.

He said ground work on Loss and Damages must continue at the same time global leaders must make the right choice to reduce emissions so as facilitating financial resources towards mitigation and adaptation programs.

Iroi said priority areas for slow onset events and non-economic losses on the international stage while incorporate “limits to adaptation” in National Adaptation Plans and other GCF proposals is important.

Island Sun understands that IPCC is a piece of information that would save the world if world leaders listen and take the report’s recommendation seriously.

According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, evidence of climate change danger is irrefutable and that greenhouse gas emissions are choking the earth and placing billions of people in danger.

He said global heating is affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible.

“We must act decisively now to avert a climate catastrophe,” Guterres said.

The IPCC report was compiled by a group of scientists who the United Nation described them as the “a code red for humanity”.

Nepotism a drawback to local voices

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Solomon Islands has entered an alliance with Small Island States to voice concern over the effects of climate change at the COP26 meeting.

Head of Solomon Islands Delegation to COP26, Channel Iroi said the approach will make it easier for Solomon Islands to be heard at the international level.

He said Solomon Islands continues to face challenges when it comes to voicing its concerns as bigger countries always put their voice at the top while suppressing small island states who are more vulnerable to climate change.

“Solomon Islands is a Least Developed Country (LDC) and a Small Island Developing State that is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, voicing our issues and key positions through negotiation groups such as the LDC group and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is vital,” he said.

Iroi said Solomon Islands already submitted its revised nationally determined contributions (NDC) Agreement on the “Common Time Frame” for elaboration at the COP26 meeting.

He said Solomon Islands position is to have a “5 plus 5” time frame.

“Every five years, countries must communicate two consecutive NDCs at the same time – one is an update, and the other is a new NDC for the period starting in five years’ time,” Iroi explained.

Australia supports Temotu’s remote Reef islands

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Matema community welcomes the DAP project visit and looks forward to the completion of the project

The Australian Government through the Direct Aid Programme (DAP) has funded a new permanent pigpen project, led by Mathew Nare, to assist the Nola community in the Reef islands, Temotu province, generate income by selling their pigs.

Australian High Commission First Secretary Political Jessica Carpenter handed over the pigpen on October 19 during a wonderful cultural celebration at Nola.

The communities of Nola thanked the Australian Government for funding the project, which will encourage small sustainable economic growth and increase food security for the local community.

Father Arthur Amble and Chief John Mark Paso, the community representatives of Nola Village, expressed their gratitude for Australia’s support during the handover ceremony.

“This is the first visit from the Australian High Commission and the first Australian funded project we received in our community,” said Chief Paso. “Australia has not forgotten us.”

Ms Carpenter thanked the people of Nola for their warm and friendly welcome, proudly demonstrating their culture. Congratulating the local community for successfully completing the project, she said:

“The Australian Government is proud to be working with the people of Nola to ensure that men and women in the communities learn and acquire new skills on modern livestock and farming methods. We look forward to seeing this farm up and running soon, providing a lasting benefit for the community into the future.”

As part of the trip to the Reef Islands, on October 20 the DAP team travelled to Matema Island where the Australian Government through DAP funded four 5,000 litre water tanks. Facing the impacts of climate change, including salination of ground water, these tanks are crucial for the water security of the community going forward. The Matema community welcomed the DAP team upon arrival with song, dance, entertainment and feasting.

The High Commission looks forward to visiting Matema again in the future, once the project is complete. As a remote island, transportation of materials has been a challenge. We applaud the community for its resilience and commitment in the face of hardship.

The Direct Aid Program is a small grants fund managed by the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, which supports community-led projects and seeks to improve living standards.

–AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

Launching Digital Governance here

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Press Release
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Permanent Secretary McKinnie Dentana with Australian High Commission Counsellor Kevin Playford pictured with staff of the ICT Center, at the launch of several new ICT projects.

IN the ever-increasing global digital economy, electronic governance or ‘e-governance’ is the way of the future – more and more governments around the world are digitising their services to maximise efficiency and make government administration more transparent, quick, and accountable.

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government Australia is dedicated to working with partners to help modernise major Solomon Islands Government Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems.

The recent completion of several upgrades to Government ICT systems builds on Australia’s infrastructure investment in the high-speed fibre optic internet cable project, the Coral Sea Cable System, alongside which the importance cyber security and infrastructure resilience must be recognised.

Timely upgrades to both software and hardware ensures government services are available to citizens in a convenient, safe, and transparent manner, and the networks and devices we use are protected from attempts to damage or destroy their function.

In a world where we are increasingly reliant on technology in our day to day lives, prioritising cyber security strengthening also preserves data privacy and protects sensitive information.

To this end, recent upgrades to the Windows Server operating platform and licences now align with Microsoft support and security recommendations, making internet access and anti-virus protection function more effectively and securely.

Further, the installation of security cameras and access controls, and procurement of storage hardware from Australia for the Solomon Islands data-center, has bolstered the physical security of the new ICT premises built with Australian support in 2019.

Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded challenges to the ICT landscape, in Solomon Islands and across the world.

Yet at the same time, the pandemic has created opportunities, including for Solomon Islands ICT Services, by fast-tracking enhancements to connectivity.

Reliable access to external technical assistance, training through virtual meetings, and better ICT security enables large-scale access to the benefits of remote working.

To support remote connectivity is Australia’s investment in the upgrade of Citrix, the platform which enables users to access government ICT servers virtually.

These advancements are part of a package of eight ICT support projects supported by Australia totaling approximately SBD $8.9 million.

At the launch on 3 November, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury McKinnie Dentana congratulated the ICT Services staff and acknowledged the importance the Government of Solomon Islands places on enhancing ICT:

“In this growth industry, we need to move forward with the commitments under our ICT strategy – including enhancing security and infrastructure and expanding IT services into the provinces.”

“E-commerce and e-governance are priority areas, and we value the continued support of our stakeholders, as we continue to grow the skills of our workforce and contribute to Solomon Islands’ economic growth”.

Australian High Commission Counsellor Kevin Playford, also acknowledged the critical role ICT plays in service delivery for governments:

“ICT is such a critical part of our world these days and an essential tool for the effective functioning of the public service.

“There are changes and evolutions all the time, it’s hard to keep up, but it’s becoming increasingly vital for the effective functioning of government.”

Counsellor Playford also paid tribute to the Solomon Island Governments’ leadership and commitment in modernizing ICT systems software, and applications to improve the delivery of services for the people of this country.

“It takes time and effort to coordinate and sequence priorities and stay on the front foot of emerging changes to both technology and its supporting infrastructure, and yet Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands to date has brought significant improvements of which we can be proud, and excited.  

“We are delighted to continue partnering to harness the incredible and life-changing power of technology and help the government improve its delivery of services for the people of the Solomon Islands”.

Australia has been supporting Solomon Islands Government ICT Services since 2003.

More recently, since 2017, Australia has delivered key investments including the new ICT Services Building in Lengakiki, the Data Centre, the 5-year ICT Strategic Plan, an ICT Training Lab, Solomon Islands Government Portal and Mobile APP, the Security Operations Centre, license upgrades in the Service Monitoring Centre, and significant upgrades to the IT Service Management System.- Australian High Commission Press

210,439 DOSES TAKEN

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Only 11% of population fully vaccinated

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A total of 210,439 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far.

They include both AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, health Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil says.

She added said the 210,439 figure was recorded as of 29 October 2021.

“With this, the number of people who completed their second doses is   47,417 which is equivalent to 11.4 percent of population,” McNeil said.

“I thanked those of you who have come forward and get your full dose of COVID-19 vaccines.”

McNeil said the number of people who have received their first dose is 115,309, adding some need to come forward for their second doses.

“So that is still our call to urge those of you who have your second dose overdue to come forward.

“Those of you who are yet to get your first dose please come forward also and those in the provinces that are yet to be reached by our health teams to please be on standby.”

Attorney General John Muria Junior also urges unvaccinated people to come forward and get their COVID-19 vaccine to help protect themself, family, community, and country.”

SICCI produces paper on infrastructure development

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Islands Chambers of Commerce and Industry has come up with a Local Content Paper to guide the development in infrastructures in the country.

Chief Executive Officer, Natalina Hong explained the paper at the end of the two days’ 2021 Infrastructure Symposium at FFA recently.

Hong said SICCI is developing the paper and the outcome of this symposium is crucial to the development of the paper and for their discussion with the government.

“We the Chambers of Commerce has reached a point in its relationship with the Solomon Islands Government but also with the private sector and also with the donor partners to come together and actually seriously not just discuss but also find ways to effectively approach government in its level of now trying to understand and develop a way forward for local content.

“It is clear that there is no local content paper but the paper identified that there are some works in the level of industry, some work in the level of business, administration, medium and small enterprises that have already looked in the idea of localization or local participation,” she added.

Hong said it doesn’t mean there is a vacuum, it means there have already been some stages and platforms that have been set already out there.

“This paper begins to tell us that this is the direction we think is the best way in terms of infrastructure development and private sector to position itself so it can advocate for more local content,” she added.

SICCI said presentations and papers from contributors and panelists will be compiled and made available to the public on line or as SICCI infrastructure document and mapping of all infrastructure projects next five years.

This in turn will provide opportunities for local contractors or consultancy to gather information on opportunities on how they can be involved in major projects.

Key messages from the symposium outcome are fundamental to developing the proposals for local content to key stakeholders.

About 100 participants have participated in the Symposium organized by SICCI.

PM: no jab, no enter!

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Press Release
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Solomon Airlines airbus

ANY traveller that is 18 years and older must be fully vaccinated before they can enter the country.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his nationwide address on Monday this week said intending travellers must undertake their final vaccination dose 4 weeks prior to their travel date.

“No one 18 years and older will be allowed to enter the country if they are not vaccinated,” the Prime Minister strongly emphasized.

The Prime Minister adds as children of older age groups become eligible for vaccination, this provision will also apply to them if they are travelling to Solomon Islands.

Moreover, Prime Minister Sogavare says the National Cabinet has also approved the recommendation by the Oversight Committee to group countries into three risk categories – COVID-19 free, moderate-risk and high-risk.

“This re-categorization of risk is another measure to prepare the country on its journey toward the full reopening of our borders,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the key change is the reduction of post arrival quarantine period across all three risk categories.

He said other changes also include the reduction in pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 testing regimen based on scientific analysis and the fact that all returning adults must be fully vaccinated.

The Prime Minister highlighted the requirements for each of the three new risk categories in the regulation as follows:

  1. For travellers from COVID-19 free countries
    1. One Pre-departure test within 72 hours of arrival.
    1. 7 days quarantine post arrival.
    1. One test during quarantine on day 6 or 7 and discharge on day 7 if negative.
    1. If traveller transits through moderate risk country – 10 days quarantine and two tests.
    1. If traveller transits through high-risk country – 14 days quarantine and three tests.
  • For travellers from moderate risk country
    • One pre-departure test within 72 hours of arrival in Solomon Islands
    • 10 days quarantine post arrival.
    • Two tests during quarantine on day 2 and days 9-10 and discharge on day 10 if both tests are negative.
    • If person transits through high-risk country – 14 days quarantine and three tests.
  • For travellers from high-risk country
    • Two pre-departure test between days 9-11 days before departure and within 72 hours of arrival.
    • 14 days quarantine post arrival.
    • 3 tests during quarantine on day 2, 7 and days 13-14 and discharge on day 14 if all 3 tests are negative.

For each of the 3 categories, the IC may increase the pre-departure and post arrival requirements based on risk assessments.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare said as for children under 18 years of age that cannot be vaccinated, the duration of quarantine for families traveling with children under 18 years old will be as follows:

  1. Families with children travelling from COVID-19 free countries – 10 days quarantine and 2 tests.
  2. Families with children travelling from moderate risk countries – 14 days quarantine and 3 tests.
  3. Families with children travelling from high-risk countries – 21 days quarantine and 4 tests.

Prime Minister Sogavare has also announced that the National Cabinet has lifted the suspension on incoming international flights as part of the measures to slowly reopen our borders.

Last chance for public servants

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Honourable-Prime-Minister-receiving-his-first-vaccine-shot

THE Government has given another lifeline to unvaccinated public servants until the end of January 2022 to get vaccinated.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his nationwide address on Monday this week said public servants have been given another chance to get vaccinated between November 1st 2021 to 31st January 2022.

This week the Prime Minister also highlighted that as of 1st November 2021, public servants who have chosen not to be vaccinated will no longer attend to their workplaces.

He said they will be put on half pay with no benefits till end of January 2022.

However, he said if they get vaccinated between 1st of November 2021 and end of January 2022, they will return to the workforce.

“I still call on my good public servants and hope that they will reconsider their positions and get their vaccinated like all other public servants,” he said.

However, Prime Minister Sogavare said the government will respect their decision if they wish to remain unvaccinated.

 “If they decide to remain unvaccinated by the end of January 2022, they will self-terminate their employment with the public service,” he said.

14 in Glasgow for COP26 summit

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has sent a 14-man delegation to the 26th United Nation Climate Change summit (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, despite the economic impact caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The delegation comprises of four technical people from Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), one from Ministry of Infrastructure Development and one from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

The rest in the delegation are Government accredited members from other regional organisations and youth groups.

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Permanent Secretary, Dr Melchior Mataki, who is not part of the delegation, said Cabinet has endorsed the trip to COP26.

“We actually have lost out on range of issues because negotiations haven’t taken place in the last two years since the last one was held in Madrid (Spain),” he said.

Dr Mataki said there are critical things that Solomon Islands needs to be part of the multi-lateral process so that our voice is not lost.

He said Solomon Islands is going to raise her voice on 7 key asks through the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) on the negotiation table by end of this week.

Dr Mataki summarises that one of them is to push for the need for ambition.

“We are pressing the global emitters to cut emission down from 1.5 degree Celsius.

He said secondly, Solomon Islands want to have access to the Climate Finance because there are a lot of barriers put into it.

“We are at the frontline of climate change with little historical responsibility.

“So as the rest of the Pacific and SIDS, we must ensure the major emitters take the lead to reduce the emissions,” he said.

Thirdly, Dr Mataki said Solomon Islands want to rule book of the Paris Agreement concludes in this COP26.

He said the Rule Book of the Paris Agreement is outstanding for the last five year.

Dr Mataki said it is important to meet the key goal of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to keep temperature below 1.5 degree Celsius.

According to UNCC, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016.

Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.

Kolombangara leaders condemn child killing

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Kolombangara Island

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MORE than 50 people including chiefs, elders, school teachers and youths last week gathered at Imagination Island Resort to condemn the killing of primary school girl last month.

The meeting also gave an opportunity for chiefs, elders and youths to strengthen cooperation to assist police find the culprits to face justice.

In a statement to Island Sun Gizo office, chiefs, elders, leaders and the people of Kolombangara Island described the act as “brutal, horrendous and cowardice killing of an innocent child”.

The leaders also condemned the action in a strongest form.

“Chiefs, Elders and leaders came together on the 27th of October to mourn and also to deliberate on how best to deal with the current issue in our cultural and customary practices.

“As leaders and law-abiding citizens of our community, it is time to show strength, quality leadership and maturity in dealing with the murder of this child and also other impacts that have affected our communities and people.

“We condemn the killing, but at this stage cannot direct any blame on one particular grouping as it will be premature to do so while Police are still investigating the case.

“We value the good work of our police, who have been working around the clock to bring the perpetrators to justice and we call for support from individuals, families and community members to come forward with evidences to assist our Police with the case,” the statement said.

It states that a resolution has been agreed upon between relevant Stakeholders to ensure the security and safety of people, especially school children, girls and women are safeguarded at all levels.

One key resolution is organize a cultural and customary rite to the families of the deceased to calm and subdue the current volatile situation, while police continued with their investigations.

“We appreciate words of condolences and condemnations from Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani,  Children Affairs minister Freda Tuki, Gizo-Kolombangara MP Lanelle Tanagada, Mayor City Council, Women’s Group, Churches Groups, Youth groups, and many others who haves shared with us in their words of sympathy  and condolences to the family,” the statement said.

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