SCHOLARSHIP awards for successful students will be issued before semester two, says Director National Scholarship Division (NSD) 2021.
Director Curtis Kalu yesterday said: “We have explained this over and over again previously even in radio sessions and that scholarship awards to be issued to successful students before semester two, 2021 starts.”
Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development Dr Franco Rodie explained during the launch of this SIG online scholarship that a total of 1000 in country scholarship are made available for 2021.
Rodie said the increase in the total number of in-country scholarships for 2021 is a re-alignment of awards within the current budget estimates. First, this is done in consideration of the uncertainty and re-adjustment in tertiary training following Covid-19 pandemic responses in the countries of training.
On the same matter Minister for Education Lanelle Tanangada highlighted that in terms budgetary allocation for the ministry, the reduction in the budget will have significant impact on the new 1,000 in-country scholarships allocated for this year.
“From the 2020 revised budget of $105,250,466 to $50,000,000 in 2021, sees 52.5 percent cut.
“It needs to be highlighted that this will have significant impact on the new 1,000 in-country scholarships allocated for this year.
“There is reduction in the budget by $108,053,581 which is 26.96 percent,” she said.
The 2021 Scholarship allocation by categories offered according to MEHRD are Pre-Service, Pre-Service- Constituency, In-Service – Public Sector (fully funded), In-Service – Private Sector (fully funded) and In-Service Teachers.
MEDICAL ward at the National Referral Hospital has the highest bed occupation rate with 88 percent, it is reported.
Chief Executive Officer for National Referral Hospital Dr George Malefoasi said according the hospitals statistics medical ward (adult ward) is one of the busiest department in terms of length of admissions (1,090), as well as patient day-care (13,468) in 2020.
“Medical ward has one of the highest bed occupation rate of 88 percent in 2020. Medical ward also has some of the longer stays in the hospital in 2019 it was 14 days average length of stay which slightly reduced in 2020 with 11.8 days,” Malefoasi said.
He said the National Referral Hospital death record from 2018 to 2020 shows medical ward making up 34 percent of all cumulative deaths, 1,688 in total over the three years period.
“And most of these deaths were due to end-stage and NCD complications.
“These statistics showed burden of the diabetes and other NCDs is having an impact on the limited resources and services of the NRH and MHMS,” Malefoasi said.
The sentiments were revealed at the opening of the National Referral Hospital Diabetic centre.
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation arrived in Buala yesterday evening.
Mr Sogavare and his delegation were welcomed with an Isabel traditional style welcome where warriors carried him from the wharf to the Provincial Assembly area where he was officially welcomed by the Isabel Provincial executive and Members of the Provincial Assembly.
Crowd along the shoreline watching the arrival of the Prime Minister and his delegation
Sogavare will be the guest of honour at the ceremony today and will be in Buala till June 4 before leaving for Honiara.
He is accompanied by the Minister of Provincial Government Roland Seleso along with the three Isabel members of Parliament and MP for North East Guadalcanal Ethel Vokia.
PM Sogavare welcome by the Premier Leslie Kikolo
Attending the Isabel second appointed Day 37th anniversary celebrations are premiers of Guadalcanal, Western and Deputy Premier of Choiseul province along with permanent secretaries of various Government ministries.
The official celebration of Isabel day will be celebrated today at the Provincial Head Quarter Buala.
Isabel Provincial Police Commander Leonard Tanhimana salutes the PM as he disembark from Patrol Boat Gizo
Buala chiefs welcoming the Premier Gina at Buala village
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
AN emotional reconciliation was held yesterday afternoon between the Premier of Western Province and the Buala community following the death of an Isabel man in Gizo on the afternoon of May 10, 2021.
Premier David Gina speaking at the ceremony in Buala yesterday thanked the Premier of Isabel province and the deceased’s relatives for accepting the reconciliation to be held.
He said that their initial programme was to attend the Isabel second appointed however, the unfortunate incident occurred.
Gina said he had told his delegation to cancel the trip for Isabel day, since the deceased was killed in the Western Province and rather focus on planning a reconciliation with the relatives of the deceased.
“However, the news of our trip cancellation for the Isabel day reached the Isabel premier, he called me and we talked about it, and finally we are planning to attend the Isabel day and a reconciliation will be conducted.
Gift presented to deceased relatives by Premier and his delegation
“That is why we are here a day before the second appointed celebration,” Gina said.
Gina also said the ceremony will be recorded.
Premier and his delegation came with gifts and also a token of money presented to the mother of the deceased.
Meanwhile former Member of Parliament Varian Longamei on behalf of the families and relatives of the deceased thanked the premier for their initiative to conduct the reconciliation, to mend peace between the two parties.
Mother of late deceased shock hands with PS Jeffrey Wickham of Western province
He said the ceremony will continue the strong relationship between Buala communities and the people of Gizo.
“We are so thankful for your initiative and we accept the reconciliation from our heart,” Longamei said.
HONIARA City Council Youth Division, in partnership with Plan International Solomon Islands, aims to transform Borderline Area to become a “Safe Place for Women and Girls”.
In what can be termed as “first of its kind”, Honiara City Council Club Members under the “Safer Cities for Girls”, a Project supported by Plan International Solomon Islands, carried out a Safety Walk survey to identify safety issues facing girls in the area.
Safer Cities for Girls’ Project Officer for Honiara City Council, Bratt Tohiaki Puia said the survey revealed that all women and girls in the area admitted not feeling safe in public spaces, public transport and within their own communities.
Honiara City Council, working together with the “Borderline Community Boys Club, and Girls Club” aims to re-create Borderline Setting to be a “Honiara Community Light House for the communities in and around Honiara.
He said HCC Youth Division believes that changing Borderline Community Residents’ mindset has the potential to bring about positive outcomes to Honiara City and its communities.
“Borderline”, just outside Honiara City, is a Community dominated by self-employed and unemployed people. It’s a rough neighbourhood even by local standards and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers would have difficulties entering the neighbourhood, and only do so in groups and never at night.
The “Safer City for Girls’ Project”, comes as a result of a survey conducted by an “independent team of locally –based researchers”.
The Project was executed in two phases covering White River, Rove, Mbokona in West Honiara, and Borderline, Kukum, King George School, Panatina in East Honiara.
In early May, 2021, HCC Youth Division carried out a “clean-up campaign” at Borderline communities to provide high visibility to display the Project so that people may give their support towards it.
In response, community leaders, church leaders, chiefs and people who are residing at Borderline have pledged to work closely with the HCCYD and its Youth Clubs to ensure that the course of the Project is fully implemented.
Safer Cities for Girls Project is supported by funding from Australia Non-Government Cooperation Program and implemented by Plan International Solomon Islands in Partnership with Honiara City Council and YWCA
Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Ms Pauline McNeil, Honourable Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana and New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Georgina Roberts
NEW Zealand has donated 28,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to the Solomon Islands via COVAX.
These doses are entirely funded by New Zealand, and are part of the first tranche of a package of 1.6m doses transferred to COVAX for prioritised allocation to Pacific countries.
So far 211,200 doses have been allocated by COVAX under the first tranche to six Pacific countries eligible for support under the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment, with the majority going to Papua New Guinea based on need.
The decision to share New Zealand’s doses to COVAX was made in a spirit of manaakitanga (generosity and respect) and in light of the global shortage of vaccines and the challenges related to global supplies.
Associate Foreign Affairs Minister Aupito William Sio said New Zealand was pleased its donation will save lives. “Dose sharing helps us make the best use of vaccines. We need to do all we can to increase the global supply of vaccines. This means mobilising funding, donating doses, keeping supply chains open, and removing barriers to manufacturing. We encourage all those in a position to do so to consider sharing their vaccines.”
Solomon Islands Health Minister, Dr Culwick Togamana explained that there still remains a huge gap in terms of vaccine supply with the number of eligible people we need to vaccinate and the government is working very hard to secure more supplies of COVID-19 vaccines and strategically roll out the vaccines to minimize risk of COVID-19 community transmission.
“As such, Solomon Islands is very grateful towards the 28,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines allocated by the government of New Zealand through its contributions to the COVAX facility for Solomon Islands”, stated the Minister.
The additional supplies will greatly enable us to extend vaccination coverage to our 18 years and above population in western borderline provinces, in the Western and Choiseul Provinces due to the concerning number of cases in Bougainville, neighbor to the west.
These doses are produced by the AstraZeneca manufacturing network, and follow COVAX’s Principles for Dose-Sharing, which provides a framework for economies to share vaccine doses with others that have been secured either via their self-financed COVAX allocations or through bilateral deals.
New Zealand remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands Government with its effort to protect communities from COVID-19 and to support the ongoing management of the impacts of this virus on livelihoods.
MEMBERS of the West Wainoni Council of Women in East Makira of Makira Ulawa Province have started undergoing five series of training on vegetable, fruit trees and food crop productions.
The series of training are funded by the Makira Ulawa Province’s Rural Development Program, and are facilitated by the Department of Agriculture.
Women in Agriculture Extension Services Officer, Josephine Harunari and Principal Agriculture Field Officer, Petra Urahora facilitated the first ever training on Vegetable Production and Management for 30 participants from the West Wainoni Council of Women from May 25 to 28.
They told our Kira Kira Correspondent that the participants, both men and women members of the West Wainoni Council of Women were given theoretical training in the mornings and practical training in the afternoons on Vegetable Production and Management.
The Agricultural Officers said the participants expressed happiness with the training as it was the first ever to be held for them.
Participants of vegetable production training
They explained as the training was basically on organic farming, the participants learnt soil sterilization (soil mixing) of ground and manure to improve soil fertility – thus improving vegetable quality and production.
The participants, the two senior Provincial women Agriculture Officers explained had learnt new information on vegetable farming practices and production management methods.
And they believe the participants will improve their vegetable farming so they can be able to sell quality vegetables at markets to earn incomes and improve their livelihoods.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is in provincial capital Buala to be part of the Second Appointed Day celebrations.
He travelled by patrol boat, arriving there yesterday afternoon.
Official celebrations will take place today before Sogavare and his delegation return tomorrow.
Isabel is known as “Solomon Islands’ longest island”.
It is resourced-rich, and has contributed much of its resources to the nation’s development over the last 37 years.
Its leaders and people are hardworking, simple and peaceful. They are known for their strong community spirit of working together.
But, like all nine provinces, Isabel has a long way to go in terms of economic development.
Apart from logging, and recently mining, there were no major projects in the province that would spur economic activities.
This left the people with no option but to till their land.
Small-scale agriculture projects such as kava, coffee, cocoa are some of the economic activities villagers of Isabel are being involved to make money.
Isabel also has an active and emerging youthful population.
These are young people who are ambitious and are looking forward to taking their province to the next level.
The national government needs to critically and urgently explore the potentials that Isabel has and invest in them.
This is important to keep the young people of Isabel in their province and engage them in productive economic activities.
Much of the developments we’ve seen so far basically centered around Honiara. This consequently drew everyone across the country to Honiara and Guadalcanal.
Our politicians loved to talk about rural development but as we can see today, these are mere empty political rhetoric.
For its contribution to national development, Isabel deserves better than what it is currently receiving from the national government.
Persons on Wheelchairs, Shedrack and Francis Farase at Mamana Water settlement, Central Honiara
By EDDIE OSIFELO
TWO Persons living with disability have shared their experiences living in Mamana Water settlement in Central Honiara.
Francis Farase and Noela Olo related their stories when some participants including media of the the four-days workshop on strengthening inclusion of person with disabilities in Solomon Islands through communications and outreach, visited them yesterday.
Farase, 35 years, has developed spinal injury when he fell from a coconut tree in North Malaita.
He was 13 years old when the incident occurred.
After the incident, he has spent about 20 years on wheel chair until today.
Farase said he has experienced climate change because his home is closer to sea and needs relocation.
He said accessing decent water is also a problem and sanitation plus community recognition towards person like him needs to be changed as well.
People Living With Disability making a site visit to Mamana Water in Central Honiara yesterday
Furthermore, Farase said there is no pathway for him to move around in the community and towards the road.
Farase is the first born of four in the family, which includes 3 boys and one girl.
His father, John Filia said he plans to move out with his family to a new land.
“I am still struggling to start a foundation on our new home,” he said.
Noela, 30 years, has also supported the sentiment raised by Farase.
She has also come across the similar problems experienced by Farase in the community.
However, Noela, who won about 8 medals in Para tennis competition in Fiji and different states in Australia, said there was little recognition received from the community and the government towards her achievement.
“I am still living in a small house and struggle on my own to develop tennis sport in the community.
“When I want to develop the sport in the community, there is lack of support from the community to assist with balls, bats and rackets,” she said.
Office Manager designate for People with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI) Casper Fa’asala said the constitution (Article 56) has clearly stipulated that people with disability have the right to participate fully in society as they are able and that all citizens are entitled to the same right, privileges and benefits.
Mr Fa’asala said though this country’s constitution stipulates about the rights of the people with disability, in practice people with disabilities experience multiple and compound socio-cultural and practical barriers to their participation and exercise of rights.
He said traditional and religious belief systems, negative attitudes and a lack of understanding about impairments are significant barriers to the full participation of people with disabilities and equal access to services.
The policy on disability which is currently being reviewed has been poorly implemented for almost two decades.
The training was organized through the support of the United Nations Development Programs, PWDSI and the Australian Government.
More than 50 participants from People with Disabilities and the media have participated in the workshop.
(Left to right) Stella Waioha, Nelson Lamani and Naomi Tai discuss what's wrong with a covid-19 poster
Persons with disability teach us what the word means
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
You think you’ve had a rough day? Please know that persons with disability live their lives everyday ‘rougher’.
This is mainly because they do not access what abled persons have easily.
Accessibility is a word which is heard and used often but seldom, if not rarely, put into context.
Yesterday, a group of persons with disability along with stakeholders gave a glimpse of just what it means to have access and how it affects life every day.
Day-two of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ workshop allowed participants with disability to share experiences and thoughts on how they each can access information.
Desmond (right) making a point during group discussions on a covid-19 poster
Something which abled persons usually take for granted such as a simple poster, for example, is a challenge for a person with disability.
Depending on the impairment type, the challenge varies.
In line with the purpose of the workshop, which is exploring ways aimed at ‘strengthening inclusion of persons with disabilities in Solomon Islands through communications and outreach’, several covid-19 awareness posters were discussed on how they have failed to allow persons with disability access the information they are supposed to impart.
Participants broke up into four groups, each with a different covid-19 poster, and each member contributed how he or she is finding difficulty in accessing the message intended by the poster.
Jone Raqauqau, UNDP media specialist and workshop facilitator, helping out with discussions
This simple exercise reflects how a simple poster poses as a challenge when the society fails to be inclusive in its programmes and educational activities.
Some of the challenges identified in the poster-discussions include: long and complicated word usage, animated pictures are generally incomprehensible, colours clash making it difficult to tell different pictures apart, information cramming, font sizes.
And, preferences include: use short simple words or ticks and crosses (do’s and don’ts), use real persons in pictures, arrange colours appropriately to allow easy distinction of pictures, each poster contains only two or three messages, larger font size the better.
An early afternoon field trip to the homes of four persons with disability vividly showed the utter hardship faced daily in trying to access transport, clinic or hospital for medical attention, school, water, security, hygiene and sanitation facilities.
Other findings include community indifference which give way to persons with disability facing bullying, ridicule and neglect.
Group-one visited Mavis at Banana Valley. The closest vehicle-road access is a 100-plus metre climb up a slope along a heavily gouged road, with crevasses more than a metre deep and a metre wide; result of heavy erosion. In some segments along the road there is only a feet-wide of walk-space for travellers, next to a deep gouge.
Francis Paul (right) presents discussion results in sign language as Stella Damutalau (sitting, left) interprets
Accessing water is a challenge for Mavis. Rain brings a mixture of relief and despair. Rain water is captured in storage containers, but runs empty fast. The community water source, which is some 200 metres down her home gets muddied and filled with debris when it rains. Furthermore, the steep decline to the borehole is slippery and risky.
Mavis speaks fluent sign language, however, apart from her husband, who also speaks the same, there is hardly anyone around in her community who speaks it. This means lonely days with no one to talk to when her husband goes to work in the morning.
Group-one with Mavis (third from right)
Group-two visited Ellena Kelly’s home above Tuvaruhu. Sharing their experience, group-two leader Naomi Tai said Ms Elena’s home is “faraway” from the nearest bus-stop. Where vehicles stop and the walking begins, Ms Tai shares they had to go up slopes, meeting muddy roads and rocky ones along the way.
This long walk leads to a final 60-metre climb up a steep bush road to the home.
Watching Elena climb up the steep slope on one leg supported by her crutches left other participants and the accompanying journalists lost for words.
“I was just filled with admiration, coupled with sadness and respect, watching Elena struggling up the steep slope,” says Sheryl Aumanu, reporter and presenter at SIBC.
Elena follows this path every day on her way to work kilometres away in Honiara and back.
And, with the long distance, she has to wake up earlier than most people in order to arrive at work on time. And, for her safety, she has to arrive home early, before 8pm, to avoid the risk of meeting any disrespectful persons along the road.
Back at home, access to hygiene and sanitation facilities is a task. When it rains, the pathway gets slippery, and Ellena sometimes falls, breaking their ceramic eating utensils on her way to wash them.
Ellena makes the steep climb to her home. Photo by Sheryl Aumanu
Having had a taste of Ellena’s daily experience, Ms Tai describes her as a “strong person”.
Group-three visited Fred Oge at his home in the Henderson area. Likewise, the road to the nearest public transport is a long and inconducive to persons with disability.
The home itself is not user-friendly for a person living with visual impairment.
Access to school and clinic is made challenging by the long road with its rugged conditions. Safety seems to be out of reach with the distance between his home and the nearest police station.
As for education, it is near meaningless since the nearest school does not offer education for a person who is blind. Water and sanitation are also a challenge.
Group-four visited Francis and Noella at the Mamanawata settlement, near the Mataniko river mouth. [Please see story on page 8]
The workshop continues today with day-three at the Heritage Park Hotel conference room.
It is being run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs through the Public Solicitor’s Office and People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI).
