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Agriculture sector under pressure

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE country’s State of Environment Report has highlighted that there is huge obstacle in the development of the Agriculture Sector due to natural, social and economic challenges.

The report states that production has continued to decrease in crops like cocoa and coconut over the past years.

It states that the decreased in production is due to natural disasters such as flash flooding, volatile prices in the market, lack of private and public investment and instability political and economic environment.

The report warns that efforts to enhance agricultural production should focus on managing the environmental effects as expanding croplands have a range of impacts on loss of forest cover, water quality, and cultural heritage and conservation sites.

It states that agricultural sector is the most important sector for the country’s economy, with subsistence farming being the predominant occupation of around 80% of the population.

The report states that the National Development Strategy 2016-2035 and the Agriculture and Livestock Sector Policy 2015-2019 targets have extensive proposals to sustainably increase the contribution of the sector to gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

The report is compiled by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with the help of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

The report was launched last week as COVID-19 prevented its proposed launching last year.

Responding positively to COVID -19 challenges

Written by
Ben Bilua
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supervising director for the Women's Development Division (WDD) within the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Vaela Ngai said the rate of Domestic violence has increased over the years.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SAFENET Affiliates have established women safety strategy in respond to COVID-19.

Speaking during the 14th Triennial Conference, Acting Director of Women’s Development Department in the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Vaela Ngai said SAFENET network has looked at other alternatives to make sure women’s safety is secured at this time of pandemic.

She said referral pathways have been incorporated with different COVID-19 measures such as developing and distribution of emergency call lines.

Ngai explained that the strategy is aimed at making the services available to vulnerable women during lockdown so as on a daily basis.

She adds that SAFENET Network has also utilized social media platform on Facebook to channel important information and also provide access for key stakeholders to communicate.

“The covid 19 pandemic demanded that we had to quite quickly adapt our referral pathway to the pandemic context by incorporating the different COVID 19 health measures, developing phone trees that was widely distributed showing available services during lockdown situations including developing a safenet facebook page,” Ngai said.

SICCI reassures commitment to partnership with Govt

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Press Release
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Representatives from SICCI and the Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare.

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has reiterated its commitment to continue growing the strong partnership it has established with the Solomon Islands Government.

SICCI Chairman, Mr Ricky Fuo’o in a meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted that continuous collaboration is important since the private sector plays a critical role for economic growth and jobs creations in the country.

Representative from the private sector organisation led by the Chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister yesterday and also took the opportunity to introduce its new Board Members elected during March’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The new Board Members are Namoi Kaluae (Co-founder Adkonect/Pacific Tenders), Kazi Mushfiqur Rahman (SITCO General Manager) and Dr. Lazarus Tavichikai.

Fuo’o highlighted that the composition of the SICCI Board is a diverse representation of both large companies and small businesses coming together to form a collective voice for all businesses in the country.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Natalina Hong updated the Prime Minister on some of the activities and work the Chamber has achieved so far this year including Private Sector Pathway to Recovery Strategy, the Chamber’s submission to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee inquiry and the recently successful Directorship Programme.

Chairman Fuo’o also flagged important events the Chamber has coming up like the Prime Minister’s Breakfast, Business Excellence Awards (BEA) and an Infrastructure Symposium.

He said the proposed symposium is a platform that brings together critical role-players in the infrastructure investment space as the Chamber believes infrastructure is a key factor in the country’s economic recovery.

“There are currently around SBD7.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects that are either underway or tabled for the next four to five years.

“SICCI continues to encourage Government and relevant authorities to ensure there is sufficient local content included in the billion-dollar worth of infrastructure projects that are planned to enable that economic benefit remain in Solomon Islands,” Fuo’o said.

He also added that a level playing field and compliance is important to promote fair competition across all the industries.

Prime Minister Sogavare in response acknowledge SICCI for taking the initiative to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

“The Private Sector plays a key role in financing the national budget and it is only fitting that they are consulted in this process,” he said.

The Prime Minister also made known his support towards SICCI’s upcoming events in particular the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) and the Infrastructure Symposium.

SICCI Chairman Fuo’o said the Chamber looks forward to more meaningful engagement on key impediments to growth, progressing the formalised Public Private Partnership (PPP) through the MOU with the Government.

“Government remains our key stakeholder. We will maintain the current good level of collaboration with the government,” he said.

The MoU provides a platform that complements SICCI’s advocacy towards solutions to improving Infrastructure needs, tax reforms, inefficiencies caused by bureaucratic corruption, and unlocking potential economic and land resources.

“A conducive business environment where the private sector can flourish means more contribution to Government revenue, more jobs for our growing population,” Fuo’o said.

–SICCI MEDIA

Support journalists to overcome barriers: Kenilorea

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Guest speaker of MASI Open Day Dr David Gegeo and United Nations Joint Presence representative Alicia Kenilorea

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country must support journalists to overcome barriers to their work, says Alicia Kenilorea, United Nations Joint Presence representative at yesterday’s Press Freedom Day event in Honiara.

“At this time, we must also support journalists to overcome barriers to their work,” Kenilorea told those who were present.

“This year, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO with a consortium of researchers launched a study titled the chilling: globe trends in online violence against women journalists.

“As we reflect on the theme for this year, I would like to reiterate the importance of free and independent media; providing support for the strengthening of journalism and being able to cherish verified and reliable information.

 “Today, we recognize the journalists and media workers who commit to keeping us informed and exposing injustices,” Mrs Kenilorea.

She said Journalists play a critical role in informing, to allow for meaningful participation and decision making.

“For if we say that information is a public good then it must be provided for the benefit of the community. It also means we should be bale access and use information responsibly so as not to cause harm or prevent others from accessing it.

“Media is a critical partner in all collective effort to pursue peace, development and well-being and today we salute all journalists and media workers for the role that you play,” Kenilorea said.

MASI marks Press Freedom Day

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

MEDIA Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), in partnership with the Journalism and Media School at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), hosted an Open Day as part of World Press Freedom Day event yesterday

The celebration was held at the Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) Village, Panatina.

Guest speaker Dr David Gegeo, Head of SINU’s School of Humanities, said journalists have done an excellent job in terms of keeping the public informed and updated in various issues and happenings.

MASI President Georgina Kekea with Guests of MASI Open Day.

“Today I want to congratulate journalists for reporting news especially meeting deadlines,” Gegeo said.

He said using English to communicate news and meeting deadlines is not easy as English is a foreign language brought into the country by British.

“I salute you all journalists for the great job you have done in informing the public with updated stories.

White River students
Participating students.

“Also, I congratulate them for taking a lot of risk. One moment they are happy, the next moment their lives are in danger,” Gegeo said.

He said having said that there is always room for improvement.

“Let’s create an environment where journalists can keep us informed.

“Let me say here we need to create an atmosphere free from hate, atmosphere filled with love, respect and admiration for their work.

“At the end of the day our mass media is the mouthpiece and voice of our nation as they influence, educate and entertain us,” Gegeo said.

Solomon Star staffs Andrew Fanasia and Esther Nuria explaining the roles of Journalist to students

Alecia Kenilorea on-behalf of UNFPA lauded MASI for hosting this event to mark the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on 3 May 2021.

“Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we pause to reflect on the crucial work that journalists in Solomon Islands and around the world do.

“This year’s theme ‘information as a public good’ affirms the importance of cherishing information.

“It calls for the transparent production, dissemination and consumption information that benefits all, including the vulnerable and marginalized.”

Georgina Kekea President to Media Association of Solomon Islands says she is grateful to see secondary school students, SINU students and members of the media association who turned up to be part of the event.

Kekea said the World Press Freedom Day is a very important day on MASI’s calendar.

It’s a day where media organizations, journalists and media staff come together to celebrate and reflect on their work especially inside the country.

She said there is also an increase of journalists needed inside our country especially in the news industry.

“With this theme, we believe that information is only as good as the person that writes it.” Kekea said.      

She added with the limited resources and support from MASI members they were able to host the program yesterday.

CELSUS HITS BACK

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Admin
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Malaita's Political Advisor, Celsus Irokwato Talifilu

Sasako serves his own interest

Malaita province political advisor Celsus Irokwato Talifilu has hit back at Sasako report saying he is in Taipei to hold talks with Taiwan political leaders as false.

In fact, he is in Australia to prepare health arrangement for Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani.

He said this is import because he has been referred to seek medical attention in Honiara but due to lack of proper facility in Honiara, they have to seek medical attention overseas.

Talifilu instead describes the recent front page on Solomon Star “Malaita Political Advisor Reportedly in Taiwan” as nothing but the continuation of Sasako’s litany of liars, fabrications and insensitivity.

“This is not surprising because Sasako has history of promoting propaganda and twisted stories through print media to promote his personal and self-interest agenda.

“The legacy of Sasako’s cunning approach is easily found in the public domain.

For example, Sasako’s involvement and promotion of the failed Evita investment in East Fataleka said to have operated from a tourist motel in Honiara.

Talifilu allegedly claimed Sasako twisted stories that landed him a lucrative $62, 000.00 a month salary with the ACP in Brussels then unceremoniously booted out due to double dipping. As expected, Sasako ended up blaming two other Solomon Islands MPs for the ACP decision.

“Between 2010 – 2012 Sasako was hired by Phoenix a New Zealand company to promote it’s business interest in Solomon Islands. He unleased powerful articles about the promises of the Phoenix investment but then the investment turned out not to be genuine.

“Perhaps one of the self-interest and ignorant statement by Sasako was the “Storm in a Team Cup.” Sasako arrogantly made this statement in the media as Minister of State downplaying the ethnic crisis when it started. We all know what happened but thanks to our neighbors for coming to our rescue.

“The headlines and the story Sasako made about me being in Taiwan on the front page of the Solomon Star was an eloquent one that reflects his propaganda, fabricated and twist media writing approach. But we all know that when Sasako writes or makes a statement in the media it is all about his self-interest.

“For example, Sasako spins the Taiwan and China story as way of promoting his interest with China and its presence in Solomon Islands. Sasako is a supporter and promoter of China through his connection with Pacific China Friendship Association. He was the vice president of the Solomon Islands China Friendship Association.

“So Sasako is a man on a mission who continues to promote Communist China into Solomon Islands,” Talifilu

He has taken an extraordinary attitude in using the media to mesmerize the public of Solomon Islands about all the glory that will come since Solomon Islands diplomatically switched from Taiwan to China.

“In the greater scheme of things, it is obvious to say that Sasako’s recent article about me is yet again a clear demonstration of the litany of twisted stories and propaganda in the media that Sasako continues to promote in pursuit of his self-serving interesting,” he said.

Mayor yet to name executive

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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NEW MAYOR: Edmond Siapu after being elected.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

HONIARA Mayor Eddie Siapu is yet to name his executive members despite taking office two weeks ago

Mr Siapu following his election named councillor Robert Oge as his deputy with a promise to finalize his executive members as soon as he settles down, which is yet to happen.

This raised questions over the delay in naming his new council executive members.

Honiara residence Jeffrey Walton questioned such a delay as worrying.

“We understand that the new mayor has been elected and since then people have not heard anything from the mayor over his executive line-up.

“It is the responsibility of the new Mayor to appoint new executive members of the council.

“Therefore, it is now the responsibility of Cr Siapu to appoint the new executive and City Clerk,” said Walton.

He said that Honiara City needs them and a City Clerk to re-enforce the Litter bylaws to keep Honiara a clean city, strengthen the Council’s Law Enforcement team to be tough to enforce the Litter bylaw and create new steps to make Honiara a clean city and one of the steps is to take tough measures.

Vanilla farmers benefit from training

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Vanilla farm worker

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

LOCAL Vanilla farmers from East Central Guadalcanal have benefited from their recent training and are confident to expand their farm.

The training was supported by Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal Ishmael Avui to assist farmers venture into vanilla farming.

Chief and Community Leader Joseph Sungina of Patima Village acknowledged Hon. Ishmael Avui’s vision of educating local farmers in the rural communities.

“We appreciate our MP for providing such training for farmers in the rural villages.

“I participated in similar Vanilla trainings since 2014 to 2017 and I am willing to work with other vanilla farmers in my community.

“This year, a small assistance by Hon. Avui has enabled us to put into practice what we have learned from the CSP training,” he said.

Sungina said in 2018 he planted 200 plants which now bear flowers.

He said he is expecting to sell his vanilla beans by September.

He said after attending the training he is now preparing to expand his farm to up to 1,000 plants.

Sungina added he is now establishing a Vanilla Co-operative for East Central Guadalcanal.

 “This is good for our community to grow vanilla because it is highly priced and does not cause stress on land fertility and soil erosion compared to other cash crops,” he said.

 Meanwhile, Joseph said vanilla does not need much input to grow because it is easy to manage in the rural villages.

 He said that with the skills he gained from an expert from France through the CSP programme, he is organising a training for members of his constituency co-operative society.

Meanwhile he calls on the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to support rural vanilla farmers to develop their own farm.

 “We are very grateful to our MP because the programme helped local farmers include rural people to understand the value of vanilla,” he added.

“The story of vanilla we have been hearing from other counties has now come to our doorstep.

“I believe out of the training the local farmers will put into practise what they have learnt.

He assured Hon Avui and his team that with the knowledge they gained from the training they are confident to make a difference for families and communities with his constituency.

Gizo CAUSE establishes platform for women economic empowerment

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0
One of the projects being worked under the CAUSE programme in Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

COMMUNITY Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE) in Gizo, Western Province is providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in its programme.

Half of its employees are women and it was seen as true demonstration of gender equality, especially in areas of women economic empowerment.

Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Gizo Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Penny Siliako said women are the most vulnerable in society and as such CAUSE Project in Gizo is encouraging more women to participate in various projects and training, they do.

He said most women recruited hold the position of team leaders in their respective work sites and CAUSE project Gizo will be recruiting 50 more women and girls to add to the numbers of women currently engaged in its projects.

“Our aim is to boost women’s economic opportunities, while also encouraging equality and coordinating anti-harassment and sexual violence campaigns. 

“Women eliminate gender stereotypes when they participate in activities with this type of involvement and it is a strategy that goes beyond the scope of the project.

“We believe that workers who participate in this type of work will have a more open attitude towards women in their own societies or when they leave to work on other sites.

“We continue to encourage more women and girls (16 years and older) who are doing nothing to come forward and join our 7-day ISDT training in order to be eligible to work in the small construction projects that we are implementing.” Siliako said.

Communities earn money out of poor road conditions on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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A woman takes off a bamboo after receiving $200 fee for the blockade.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

VEHICLE owners on Malaita are losing huge amounts of money on fees charged for road maintenance conducted by individuals and communities living along the north and east roads from Auki.

The practice started a few months back and continues, especially within the areas of Dala to Gwounaoa in west Kwara’ae.

The people behind the activity are claiming money for temporary patching of certain parts of the road with gravels and even soil.

On Tuesday this week, Island Sun joined a team from World Vision Solomon Islands to travel up to East Malaita and upon the team’s return to Auki, they came across a road block just before going to Airahu.

A bamboo was placed across the road and on one end of it was a paper attached with a demand of $100 written on it.

A woman in her 30s was manning the road block in a nearby canteen house and when the two vehicles used by the team stopped at the road block, she approached the first vehicle.

She said the boys who put up the road block went somewhere and she was told to look after the blockade and collect money from passing vehicles.

Without hesitation, $200 was given to her from the team for the two vehicles before the bamboo was removed.

This paper also witnessed similar incidents a few months ago within the areas of Fote to Kwaisuliniu and in certain areas along the east road.

The public of north and east Malaita especially transport owners are the ones affected the most on such practice as they provide regular transport service along the roads.

This paper also understands that the east road is currently under rehabilitation.

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