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Hou queries gov’t on visa delay to US officials

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou has questioned the Government on the delay to issue visas to United States officials under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes in the country.

Hou told Parliament yesterday the matter has now taken at least six months to be finalized.

He said it is important for the USAID officials to enter the country to set up their office, US Embassy and its other programmes like the Strengthening Competitiveness, Agribusiness, Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Peace corps.

Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Fredrick Kologeto was not available to response to the questions.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said first thing first, they have to have overall bilateral partnership framework for development cooperation and agreement.

Manele said Cabinet has passed a draft agreement, which they sent to US to comment on it and are still waiting for their response.

He said under the agreement are the details for the other agreements on the set up of US office, SCALE programme, MCC and Peace Corp.

“All these will come under the overall umbrella agreement,” Manele said.

“This is the similar arrangements we have with our development partners,” he added.

In addition, Manele said USAID William Pryor is currently undergoing 21 days mandatory quarantine.

He said Pryor will work on finalizing some of these arrangements so that they can move forward.

Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Peter Kenilorea Junior asked what is the government policy on Vienna Convention due to COVID-19.

Manele said in terms of project people, whether it is a need to give them exemptions.

He said sometimes these projects people are not diplomats but technical people.

“A point of contention sometimes.

“Important we have process in place, as much we want to work with them,” he said.

However, Kenilorea Junior, also Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee, said these USAID officials are attached to State departments.

Manele said these are the issues they are currently working, as they move to set up office, what privileges or immunity to give to them.

He said this is subject to current discussion and will be working closely with US Embassy in Port Moresby on those.

Manele said similar arrangements was made with Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Japan.

“Something that is normal with partners, not only apply to US,” he added.

Kuku queries gov’t decision on beche-de-mer opening

Written by
Press Release
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THE Leader of the Independent Group has accused the cabinet and the Ministry of Fisheries and Natural Resources of rushing into making a decision on the lifting on the ban on the harvesting of wild beche-de-mer without due consideration for the conditions required for lifting the ban itself.

Dean Kuku made the accusations following revelations that the ministry had failed to meet the core conditions needed to trigger any lifting of the ban.

“One such condition was for the ministry to carry out a stock assessment of the wild population of bechedemer, which in fact wasn’t done.”

Mr Kuku added that another condition required the ministry to put in place control measures and tighten loopholes on harvesting based on past experience under the ministry’s management plan to control this kind of fisheries species.

“Again, those requirements, nor a review of the management plan was done.”

Kuku warned that Solomon Islands is a party to the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) and as such, we are required to carry out and provide a non-detrimental finding to this international regime to confirm that we are managing our endangered species well in the likes of White Teeth, Black Teeth and Sunfish, among other types of bechedemer.

“Any non-compliance would mean that we are in breach of CITES, which puts us in a precarious situation where any export or sale of this fisheries product will be treated as unacceptable by the international community.”

Moreover, Kuku said the standard buying price for bechedemer is not ready yet as a condition for lifting of the ban.

“The price must never be determined by our so-called exporters, but should be determined after thorough consultations between the ministry and overseas buyers so that locals get maximum benefit from their resources.”

The Leader of the Independent Group went even further to incriminate the national government in lifting the ban saying that license processes were not finalized yet and the government was merely playing catch-up game on the matter to correct a fast tracked process to please our foreign export license holders.

–INDEPENDENT GROUP PRESS

Beche-de-mer warning

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Beche-de-mer

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ONLY genuine beche-de-mer buyers will be allowed to do business in the Central Province, its premier Stanley Manetiva has warned.

Manetiva issued the warning yesterday as people within the province venture out to dive for the lucrative sea cucumber.

“We don’t want to see buyers coming in to fool our people who are struggling to earn money when they have the opportunity,” Manetiva said.

The national government recently lifted ban on beche-de-mer harvest, allowing people to harvest the produce for a year.

Manetiva said buyers must obtain provincial licence in order to trade and must do so according to the correct price from the Ministry of Fisheries.

“I want genuine buyers only in Central Province, and those who have paid their business licence,” he stated. Guadalcanal Province also issued a statement yesterday, reminding buyers to obtain business licence before moving into the province to trade.,

“Anyone who buys beche-de-mer without a licence will be liable for prosecution,” the statement said.

Guadalcanal also informed its people not to rush into selling their beche-de-mer, saying the responsible ministry is yet to finalise the buying price of beche-de-mer species.

Only 6.4% are fully vaccinated

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

ONLY 6.4 per cent of the targeted population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil in a talk-back show.

McNeil said the vaccination status of the country as of Friday 17 September 2021 recorded 26,710.

“Practically this gives us about 6.4 percent of eligible population,” she said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his COVID-19 update yesterday said the targeted population is 417,327 people.

He said a total of 120,515 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered as of Friday 17th September 2021.

“Collectively this means that 93,805 people in Solomon Islands has had at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine, representing around 22percent of the total target population,” Sogavare said.

He stated these include numbers of people that have received their first doses in all the 10 provinces of the country now that the final 3 provinces – Makira, Rennell and Bellona and Temotu have rolled out their COVID-19 vaccination programs.

“I thank all provincial premiers, your executive, and all members of your provincial assemblies for leading the vaccination rollout in your provinces.

“Your leadership will bring confidence to your people to follow your example and protect the people in our provinces.

“I also thank all church and community leaders in our provinces for supporting the COVID-19 vaccination rollout programs by receiving your vaccination injections.

“Your participation will generate confidence in members of your congregations and communities to take their injections of COVID-19 vaccines.

“I also thank the Ministry of health and provincial health teams and all those that supported and made the vaccination rollout in all our provinces possible.”

PM calls for more to get vaccinated

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Photo supplied.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

IMPACT of any COVID-19 community transmission here will be far worse than what we’ve seen in Fiji, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says.

He was speaking during his COVID-19 national address on Monday.

“The impact of any community transmission in Solomon Islands will be worse than the situation in Fiji,” he pointed out.

“It will set the country back many years in development if we have community transmission of COVID-19 before we reach at least 90 percent vaccination coverage of our total eligible population,” Sogavare added, as he urges people to take the vaccines.

He said all the countries that have re-opened their borders have based their reopening dates to their vaccination coverage of more than 90 percent of their total eligible population.

“For instance, Fiji has scheduled the reopening of its borders on 1st November 2021.

“As of yesterday, Fiji has achieved 98 per cent coverage of its population for 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

“This is 587,346 people from a total eligible population of 599,333 people – achieved in five months.

“Fiji has also achieved 66 percent coverage of its population for both doses of the vaccines.

“This is 395,560 people. Fiji is confident they will achieve the 90percnet   full vaccination by 31st October 2021 to reopen on 1st November 2021,” Sogavare stated.

He said for the country to reopen its borders soon , we need to adopt a similar approach like Fiji.

Sogavare said Cabinet has directed the Oversight Committee to consult widely with the private sector, business houses and all stakeholders to propose the target date for the reopening of our borders.

“And to itemize the activities that must take place for to meet that target reopening date including achieving at least 90 percent of the total eligible population that must have been fully vaccinated with the two doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

“This is exactly what countries like Fiji are doing to ensure they can plan for the reopening of their borders ahead of time,” he said.

Japan to fund classroom building for Mala school

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Group photo after the signing of the project

BY MAVIS N. PODOKOLO

JAPAN will fund a new classroom building for Dala South Primary School in Malaita worth $516,000.

Agreement for the funding was sealed in Honiara yesterday.

Japanese Ambassador Yasuhiro Morimoto said his country is pleased to support this vital school project.

“This project is expected to improve the learning environment at Dala South Primary School,” Morimoto said.

“And the students will no longer experience attending in the makeshift classrooms made of local bush materials,” he added.

“We believe this project will have positive impacts on the development of human resources in Solomon Islands and strengthen further cordial relationship between our two countries.

“I would like to congratulate you on the official approval and it is a great honour to contribute to the development of this project.

“We would also like to emphasize that this is just the beginning for you to start implementing this project properly and we do expect strong community commitment to the success of the project.

“And, we hope it will reach its successful completion in the near future.”

Francis Loboi, the school’s project manager, signed the funding agreement on behalf of St John Dala South Primary school.

He thanked Japan for seeing it fit to fund their project.

“Never in our history have we ever received such funding from donors or from the national government,” Loboi said.

“This classroom building will provide a conducive learning environment to all our learners,” he added.

“It will also set a legacy from the government and people of Japan to the people of Dala South and nearby areas.”

People with disability mark their big day

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Cutting of cake to mark the official opening of the International week of deaf people and International day of sign language

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PEOPLE with disability residing in Honiara gathered yesterday to commemorate International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Language.

The theme of the week-long celebration was “Rights, culture and sign language for equal opportunities and accessing information”.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Neimia Bainavlu said it is encouraging to see organisations such as Solomon Islands Deaf Association (SIDA) taken the effort to organize the event.

Deaf students watching entertainments

“This indicates the realisation of your abilities and the significant evidence of empowerment by persons with disabilities in taking leading role in activities of their interests,” Bainavalu said.

“The goal of empowerment is for persons with disabilities and their family members to make own decisions and take responsibility for changing their lives and improving their communities,” he added.

Bainavalu said the effort in organising this kind of event requires different skills.

These include teamwork skill, leadership, planning, organizing, coordinating, networking, communication, negotiation, budgeting creativity, multitasking and teach savvy to name a few.

“You have demonstrated these skills by making this event a reality that brings all of us in this occasion as an approach towards community participation and community mobilization.

Entertainers

“This international week help us to promote awareness of human rights and sign language by hosting a variety of activities to the theme.”

Claude Ivupitu, President for Solomon Islands Deaf Association (SIDA), acknowledges the presence of all invited guests and people with disability.

“I am so happy to see you all today. This is our first ever event and I really appreciate all of you who have manage to spare your Monday morning to join us in the celebration,” Ivupitu said.

Rose and Nancy with their teacher Louisa Ani showing their hand made products

He stressed people who are deaf and have hearing loss have been considered disabled, have been marginalised and discriminated in all spheres of life.

“The event starting yesterday is an opportunity for them (deaf people) to raise awareness and issues they faced.”

Wilson Kini displays the dresses he made

Ivupitu adds by thanking the Australian Government funded program Strongim Bisnis for supporting the event and also UNDP through their Access to Justice Program.

The International week of deaf people and International day of sign language is celebrated annually by the global Deaf community during the last full week of September.

This is the same month the first World Congress of the World Federation of Deaf was held.

Passion keeps me going: Maetoro

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Jeffery Maetoro

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

BEING a waiter on the positive side gives you the chance to meet interesting people, sharpen your soft skills.

But, this job is physically and mentally demanding also, says Jeffery Maetoro.

Mr Maetoro who is 46 years old is a familiar waiter at the Tavanipupu Private Island Resort, located in Marau Sound, south of Guadalcanal.

Maetoro is serves his 11th year at the resort. He has been through different managements operating the five-star resort since 1997 to date.

The weekend Sun was fortunate to speak with him over the weekend. He told this paper that a waiter is often referred to as servers, take orders from customers and serve them food and drinks.

A well organised table prepared by Mr Maetoro and team for guests

He said many servers earn less than the minimum hourly wage and rely on tips for customers. The job’s duties working condition and poor pay can make it difficult to earn a decent living.

“I would say to me good server never stops moving from the beginning to the end of a shift. The waiter must remember which meal corresponds to which diner and address any dietary restrictions or a special request,” Maetoro said.

Walk way towards the Tavanipupu resort kitchen where Mr Maetoro spends his everyday duty

He said during his everyday duties he always keeps a strong sense of the kitchen’s rhythm, and the time needed for each dish.

“Between guests they restock the service area, clean as needed, and help other servers with their tables. Above all, they must maintain a friendly, professional appearance,” Maetoro said.

He said the challenging part of being a waiter is that they (servers) are literally on their feet throughout the entire shift, so comfortable shoes are necessary to prevent foot pain and potential knee or back problems.

Maetoro said despite the challenges encountered in the past 11 years what keeps him going is the passion for the job and his family members who depend on him for financial support.

Tavanipupu Bungalow that houses guests that Mr Maetoro served as waiter

“To be honest I did not have a good educational background. I only learned what I do now through work experiences, the people I meet and the managements I am working with,” he said.

With the love and passion he grows for his job and as a senior waiter he sometimes mentor and supervise young and new waiters and waitresses serving the Tavanipupu Private Island Resort.

Maetoro said this job had taught him a lot of interesting life lessons. Few of these lessons are how to speak English, how to respect and accept the different people visiting the resort.

“And also I learn to accept the different management style of the resort which had helped me a lot to grow into being a good waiter,” he said.

Maetoro adds that with the current pandemic he is blessed to continue serving the Resort.

“I know the tourism industry in the country is also affected and Tavanipupu is no exception but was crippled by the pandemic as well. But I am happy that I did not lose my job or get laid off,” he said

Maetoro lives in the Island facing Tavanipupu resort called Tawaihi and he comes to work on an outrigger canoe.

Tavanipupu Private Island Resort is located in Marau Sound, only 25 minutes east by air from the capital of Honiara; this privately owned five-star island resort is the South Pacific’s best kept secret.

The island is a tropical paradise surrounded by a vast turquoise lagoon. Manicured lawns studded with lines of coconut palms are the only remaining evidence of Tavanipupu’s colourful past.

Oibola community conduct disaster risk simulation exercise

Written by
Samie Waikori
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An injured community member is assisted on a stretcher during the simulation exercise.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

OIBOLA community in the Langa Langa lagoon on Thursday conducted a trial disaster risk simulation exercise as part of the community’s preparation for disaster.

The exercise was supported by Oxfam through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) Disaster Ready project for Australian NGOs in the country and implemented by various Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO) offices.

A mother and kid who also take part in the simulation exercise.

Assistance Provincial Disaster Officer (PDO) through Oxfam/NDMO AHP Disaster Ready Project in Auki, Mr Tony Wale said the simulation came after months of Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training and awareness.

He said the purpose of the CBDRM program is to prepare community respond when disaster strike.

Wale said during the program, the community had carried out hazard assessment to understand type of hazards; natural, man-made and other existing hazards within community.

Community members in the evacuation centre.

He said the program is also to build the capacity of their community disaster committee and to help them provide awareness within their community to understand what to do when disaster strikes.

Wale said Oxfam through Malaita PDMO also implemented similar program in other four communities in the province include; Mbira, Baunani, Anololo, and Daedaesaru.

Branch Officer PDMO Malaita, Mr Pearson Simi expressed glee for the successful simulation exercise carried out by the community of Oibola.

“Actually, this is what NDMO wants to drive every community to practice and understand process to response to cyclone or any other hazards/disasters.

Members of Oibola village disaster committee alerting people on updating peeople on the status of hazard or disaster during the mock exercise.

“Our cyclone season begins next month and the program will prepare community to response and ready in case disaster might strike the community,” he said.

Simi said the provincial government of Malaita and NDMO continue to work together in order to build the capacity of communities through partners of NDMO as Oxfam is one of them.

He acknowledged Oxfam for leading the program for Oibola community as one of other communities they had worked with in the province.

Western Provincial Assembly Meeting 2pm today

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Set-up of Speaker's Chamber at Imagination Island Conference Room.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government will sit for their quarterly Assembly Meeting today at 2pm.

Provincial Members so as head of divisions have arrived at Imagination Island for the very important session.

Speaking to the Media yesterday, Speaker of Western Province, Adrian S Gina said the Assembly meeting is a normal process where provincial assembly meets to debate and appropriate the supplementary budget for the second and first quarter of 2022.

Seats for the Assembly Meeting

He said members will debate on expected budgets that would cater for service delivery as well as incomplete development plans.

Sina adds that the Assembly Meeting has been challenged with political upheaval following a failed Motion of No Confidence which was launched against the present government of Western Province.

However he said, the Assembly will continue with a hope that leaders will address the issue between themselves.

“The important thing here is, how we can provide the needed services for our people. Dragging the political issue will boycott no only the government of Western Province but also delay the budget allocation that would see services and development continue,” Sina said.

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