Economy

GUADALCANAL COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM RICE PROJECT

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI

Two Communities from the Guadalcanal Plains have benefited positively from rice projects implemented as part of the National Governments Rice Programme.
Bora and Sape communities marked the achievement last Friday marked the occasion by celebrating their first harvest at the Guadalcanal Plains area.
The Rice Projects funded through the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Rice Programme with assistance from the Taiwan Technical Mission is among ones aimed at decreasing Solomon Islands reliance on imported rice which is an economic drain to the country.
Speaking during a ceremony marking the event Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Hon Selwyn Riumana told those gathered rice import from the end of last year’s financial reading stands at $200 Million dollars with no prospect for improvement this year.
“However with such prospect in sight, growing rice locally can be seen as a way to counter for the huge loss suffered on its import.
“I am encouraged to see that more farmers are interested in the CNURA governments National Rice Programme, and we will continue to support to involve in such worthwhile form of development,” he added.
Hon Riumana said this year the National Rice Programme would be enhanced with a total allocation of $50 million for its implementation.
He thanked the Government of the Republic of China through its Taiwan Technical Mission for assisting the Ministry in implementing the project.

PANGA WANTS END TO LAND DISPUTE

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI

Premier of Gudalcanal Province Stephen Panga has called on people of the Guadalcanal Plains to do away with land dispute as a way to further agricultural opportunities for the province.
Premier Panga when speaking at programme to mark first harvest of the Bore and Sape Communities Rice Farm spoke out against ongoing land disputes in the area.
He said the Plains with its huge landmass is an ideal place by which agricultural opportunities such as rice farming can be utilized to its full potential.
“Rice farming is a new development initiative and landowners should seize the opportunity and involve heavily in it.
“All in all the development of the Agricultural sector within the country is important if the country is to go forward in improving its economical outlook,” he added.
Hon Panga congratulated communities of Sape and Bore for involving in Rice farming challenging others to follow suit and encouraged them to work closely with stakeholders like the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and ROC through its Taiwan Technical Mission.
“Working closely with them would enable more opportunities for communities to benefit from such project,” he added.

PM COMMEND MINISTRIES FOR WELL DONE JOB

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua commended all staff of the three Ministries he visited yesterday, for well done job in carrying out government program also implement government policies.
During Prime Minister Visit to Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Environment, Meteorology and Conservation Dr Derek Sikua thank them for the wonderful job they have done so far.
Prime Minister said no government that came into power could implement its policies without its work force, were as work force is vital to deliver serves to people.
That‘s why Sub- Sectors, Divisions and Units in the Ministry has been established he said.
Meanwhile he says “the main motive behind his visitation is to thank all for their contribution in implementing government program and policies”
However he said there are lots of problem lies within the Ministries such as lack of office space, man power and resources with this lead to slowness of government program.
Despite this CNURA government was committed to make sure that all Ministries have the full capacity so that government program and policies are implemented on time and right place intended he said.
Also Prime Minister assured the Ministries that despite this year would be a challenging year for the government due to Global Economic Crisis,
However he said the government will work closed with the Ministries especially the Ministry of Finance to make sure that the plans and program setup by the Ministries this year are implemented timely.
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua will also be visiting other Ministries on his up coming visits.

CHEATING RESULTS OUT

FORM SEVEN 2009 placements of three high schools alleged to have cheated in last year’s Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate (PSSC) have been released.
Results of form six students from Honiara High School, Panatina Community High School and White River Community were delayed due to alleged cheating involving teacher (s) and student (s).
Director of National Examinations and Standard Unit (NESU) of the Ministry of Education Mr Moffat Behulu said the South Pacific Board of Education and Assessment (SPBEA) in Fiji had withheld the results.
“The results were finally released by SPBEA this week and placements were done immediately by NESU in consultation with principals of Honiara High School and King George Sixth,” said Behulu.
He added he spent the last two weeks negotiating with SPBEA for the release of the results after the cheating saga.
“Upon SPBEA’s recommendation after evidence found during investigations, two students from one of the three schools have been disqualified for alleged cheating.
“A teacher will also be investigated for alleged disclosure of PSSC examinations paper.”
Mr Behulu reiterated that cheating in national examinations is a major problem in Solomon Islands.
“But there are reasons why teachers and students resort to cheating.
“One reason is that teachers are not preparing their students or students not attending classes due to teacher absence.
“Both teachers and students are resorting to cheating to beat the hurdle of qualification – and take advantage of it (cheating) and pass to a another level of education,” said Behulu.
He noted Honiara High School was littered with exam papers at the end of PSSC examinations last year.
“These show students actually get access to examinations papers before their examinations, and some of these papers were collected by some teachers and handed over to NESU.”
Behulu said the disclosure of national examinations papers or answers to students is punishable under SI Education Act 1978.
He said this only covers teachers and if found guilty, it may result in imprisonment, fine or both.
As for students found to be engaged in cheating, their results will be disqualified automatically, said the NESU Director.
Apart from the delayed results, Behulu said Internal Assessments (IA) of Form Six students in some schools were not submitted by their teachers.
“This really affects the examination results of the students.
“An example is that in English, there is a 50% IA and 50% in examination.
“Thus if IAs are not submitted by the English teacher, the possible score a student can get in his or her English paper is 50 which is a grade 6 or 7 - a failing grade.
“And a student needs a grade 3 and below to qualify for a university foundation course,” Behulu explained.
Furthermore the NESU Director has hinted that as of 2009, PSSC examinations along with other national examinations will be centrally supervised by the NESU.
Behulu has also recommended to his superiors in the Education Ministry that the quality of form six schools in Honiara be improved comprehensively.

General News

BELGIAN HIKER HAPPY TO BE ALIVE

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI

Fresh from a 13 days ordeal that saw him surviving on eating seeds and grains of rice, Belgian hiker Stephen Fries spoke of his gratitude towards those responsible for his rescue at a press conference yesterday.
With girlfriend Stefanie Jansen by his side the pale looking 26 year old, acknowledged combined efforts taken by both local and International teams to locate and rescue him given the grim prospect of survival on Guadalcanal’s dense jungle.
He gave credit to amongst others the Participating Police Force along with the Royal Solomon Islands Police, the British High Commission, along with the two locals who first raised the alarm of his whereabouts.
The Belgian hiker was winched to safety from dense jungle at Ohe, South West of Mbetikama on Tuesday, nearly a fortnight from when he embarked on a seven day cross- country trek across Guadalcanal.
He had just started on his planned bushwalk from the Poha River west of Honiara to Tangarare on the South West of the Island when torrential rain caused widespread flooding on Guadalcanal.
Mr. Stevens said that he became lost after floods caused streams along his path to overflow and become rivers.
“I was lucky not to have swept away by the floods that I later realized caused much damage to lives and properties on the Island,” he said.
“I have not seen anything like it before as huge volumes of water forced me to take a detour from the path chosen for this expedition.
Armed with only a bush knife Mr. Stevens was able to collect seeds to eat along with grains of rice he carried with him on his journey to sustain him after his rations ran out.
“For a total of 7 days I was without food and no hope of surviving the ordeal as the landscape with steep mountains and countless waterfalls made my hope of finding a way out seemed impossible,” He stated.
Mr. Stevens then concentrated on following a river that he hoped would take him out to sea.
He said a bright point throughout his experience came on the seventh day when sunlight came out and brought with it a helicopter that circled over him four times,”
“The joy of seeing a helicopter was exciting but the landscape made the task of locating me all the more difficult as all the green stuff I had with me blended well with the jungle,” Mr. Stevens said.
It was not until Samson Isik and Karasio Bofo from Mbabanakira raised the alarm on Monday evening after sighting him on their way to Tinghe did the PPF pinpoint his actual whereabouts.
The Belgian although shaky from his experience ruled out this being his last hiking expedition.
“I will continue to hike but next time around will be more prepared for situations like this.
The couple is planning to leave the country on the 17th of this month for New Zealand.
The British High Commissioner Timothy Smart on behalf of the European Community thanked all who participated in the search and rescue of Mr. Stevens.
“I’m grateful that Mr. Stevens can be in time to see his Girlfriend ahead of Valentine’s Day.
“I know the task is difficult but through local knowledge and modern equipments Mr. Stevens was successfully rescued.
The British High Commissioner on that note paid tribute to those who have suffered from the recent flooding on Guadalcanal adding that their thoughts and prayers are with relatives of those whose fate was unlike Mr. Stevens.

SPORTS

WHO'LL BE KOLOALE'S NEXT CAPTAIN?

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Koloale FC will choose either Henry Koto or Richard Anisua to take on the captaincy role for this year’s season.
Coach Luke Eroi said this yesterday in an exclusive interview with SunSPORTS.
Koloale has been left without a captain this year after Mahlon Houkarawa took up scholarship to pursue studies at the University of Queensland in Australia this year.
Houkarawa will pursue his Masters Degree in Information Technology.
Eroi said Koto and Anisua are the only two possible candidates that will best replace Houkarawa.
This is because of their vast experience and exposure in playing in overseas competitions and the two are also the most senior players that he has left in the team.
But Eroi said he will not jump into naming his captain quickly.
There are other things that the two must improve on before he makes any move to name the captain.
“Both players have their weaknesses which they need to improve on before I decide who gets the armband,” Eroi said.
He added that being a captain means, the player have to be everything when on the pitch.
“He is the leader on the pitch. And for someone to become a good leader, he must have good leadership qualities overall.”
“I’m not saying they both lack good leadership abilities. What I mean is something more extra-ordinary.”
“Of course the two players fit in all these, but as I’ve said, they need some more push, in everything because I want the perfect captain.”
Meanwhile, Koloale have been going through a couple of warm-up matches and Eroi said they are improving by each game.
And this was evident when they walked over Naha FC 2-0 at AE Oval on Saturday.
Koloale will play some more local friendly warm up matches this week but this is subject to confirmation from the clubs.

ART GALLERY DEVELOPMENT STOPS


BY BETTY SISIMIA

PLANS TO have a new national art gallery built has been cancelled for an indefinite period following government’s decision.
The building which was at first planned to have been constructed early last year was not built after the government decided to have hosting the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival in its top priority list.
Two architecture firms have been selected from five bidders expressing interest in designing the building, but contracts were not signed following this move, said Ministry of Culture and Tourism Permanent Secretary, Luke Eta.
The permanent secretary said this decision was made after a close look at the expense relating to both developments.
“Limited plans leave us no choice but to postpone the 8 to 12 million dollars (art gallery) development and concentrate on festivals preparations.”
He said festival amenities hits huge dollars, and need more time so the money is worth spent at preparing for the festivals now.
According to the permanent secretary, an art open theater and multipurpose halls are likely amenities for this big event.
The ministry is yet to decide on where to have these facilities constructed

SPC OPENS HONIARA OFFICE

BY BETTY SISIMIA

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) office here is now open for business.
SPC Director, Dr Jimmie Rodgers arrived here yesterday to sign the memorandum of understanding establishing the office at the Foreign Affairs conference room this morning.
A ribbon cutting ceremony would later be held at the office premises, Anthony Saru building at two o’clock this afternoon.
Foreign Affairs Regional Cooperation Branch Assistant Secretary, John Tuhaika said the office is an important step made in partnership between Solomon Islands and the SPC.
The office will manage and perform SPC technical assistance and other support services rendered to the country for the next four years.
Mr Tuhaika said the office set up comes when the government is undertaking reform which goes inline with people centered development.
SPC has been proactive in its engagement with the Country and is shown by increasing assistance for 2009 – 2012.

FLOOD DEBATE

What the experts say

BY BARNEY DEVESI

The series of floods that hit many parts of Guadalcanal have been dubbed as the first natural disaster of the New Year.
While floods are a common occurrence in larger islands of Solomon Islands, the recent flooding were said to be the worst in most recent history.
Much of the cause has been blamed on large scale logging operating inland on some parts of east and west of Guadalcanal.
It is said that reservoirs have been built upstream by logging companies and collapsed during the rainfall, having a disastrous effect.
But neither has the media nor environment specialists confirm this by conducting proper investigations, existing as a story believed by many.
Those who were affected came openly and plainly said the flood that resulted in ten deaths was not because of rapid water runoffs but extensive deforestation inland.
Most believed that the larger tree’s that has been logged absorb a significant amount of water and would lessen the flow by interfering with its path.
However in a report that seeks to separate fact from fiction when it comes to forests and floods, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) said there is no scientific evidence linking large-scale flooding to deforestation.
“Planting trees and protecting forests can have many environmental benefits, but preventing large scale floods is not one of them.
“The frequency of major flooding events has remained the same over the last 120 years going back to the days when lush forests were abundant” Director-General of CIFOR, David Kaimowitz said.
The studies showed that economic and human losses attributed to flooding are caused not by deforestation but mainly because more people are living and working in flood paths.
This has resulted in floods that have no severe effects in the past now become a major disaster.
“As far back as the 19th century and continuing to the present, the conventional view has been that forests prevent floods by acting as a giant sponge, soaking up water during heavy rain falls.
“But the massive floods that are blamed on deforestation almost always occur after prolonged periods of rains, which saturate the soil, including forest soil, so that it can no longer absorb additional water.
“Rainfall then has nowhere to go but into rivers where it fills them to the point of overflow” Doctor Pal Singh of the World Agro forestry Center said.
Meanwhile the Member of Parliament for Northwest Guadalcanal, Siriako Usa has indicated that a formal request will be made to the Ministry of Environment and Conservation to send environmentalist to properly investigate the cause of the flood.

JAPAN TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY RELIEF ASSISTANCE

The Japanese Embassy in Honiara confirmed that the Japanese Government will provide Emergency Disaster Relief Assistance through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the people in Solomon Islands affected by the recent flooding on Guadalcanal Province.
Japan has pledged about SBD 800,000 in emergency supplies in response to the floods.
The donation includes water purification units, water tanks and Gerry cans. The delivery of these items to those affected is coordinated by the National Disaster Management Office.
It will ensure that people affected by the flood have access to clean and safe water.
The Japanese Embassy and JICA will continue to monitor and work with Solomon Islands Government and responsible authorities to deliver the goods to those in need.

Commercial Coconut Oil processing initiative for ontong java

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI

A Commercial Coconut Oil processing company is expected to be established in Ontong Java that would provide better financial benefits to people from the remote islands.
Managing Director of the Akaha Copra Buying Point (Trading as Kerpa Enterprises) Gabriel Kemaiki told Island Sun that his company is qualified to process copra into oil and very soon will open up a oil processing mill.
“I have already submitted an application to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for the purchasing of machineries that would go towards the project.
“As this is a big scale commercial business, more commodity productions will be expected from this undertaking,” he stated.
He said Coconut has become the main income earner for people of Ontong Java after Berch- de-mer was banned from export.
Kemaiki also said potential copra production for the islands is 268 metric tons or $187,600 income from copra annually.
He revealed that a recent assessment from an overseas buyer had revealed that oil processed from Ongtong Java coconuts was the best in the world.
He said once the Commercial Copra Processing business starts it would be paying $5 - $7 per kilo compared to the $$2.10 charge seen today in Honiara.

MUSLIM COMMUNITY KEEN ON BUILDING SOLOMON ISLANDS

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Solomon Islands said it’s keen on contributing positively to nation building by upholding justice and peace.
In a statement the association said the recent incident in Malaita should be regarded as a conflict between two persons and not between Christians and Muslims.
It also acknowledged the decision made by Jack Rade to come forward and surrender to the Police for what he did in causing disunity between members of the two faiths.
Mr. Rade a member of the Muslim Community on Wednesday surrendered to local Police after being on the run for assaulting a local Anglican Priest on Malaita.
The Association said everyone plays a positive role to live together in peace and such conflict is not acceptable within Solomon Islands.
“We the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will consider ourselves as positive assets in this country and will respect the laws of the country.
“We would also keep the spirit of working together through religious understanding, dialogue and respect,” the association stated.
Yesterday the Acting Police Commissioner Peter Marshall told reporters acknowledged the cooperation of the Muslim community in securing the voluntary surrender of Rade.
He said while the country accepts the freedom of religious expression any breach of the country’s law will force the Police to act.
Commissioner Marshall said the kind of cooperation shown by the RSIP and the Muslim Community is important in maintaining peace within the country.

PATROL BOAT RETURNS FROM MAINTENANCE

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Patrol Boat Auki on Friday arrived back in the country after undergoing more than 3 months refitting and maintenance in Cairns, Australia.
The 13 crews who accompanied the vessel arrived back at the Maritime Police Wharf to be greeted by the Acting Police Commissioner Peter Marshall and the crew’s family members.
Acting Director of RSIP’s Maritime Department Charles Fox Sau told reporters that the repair is part of the Patrol Boats bi-annual refitting program.
He said the vessels maintenance is a joint initiative of the Solomon Islands and Australia Government through its Defence Cooperation Program, with more than $4.5 million dollars allocated for Auki’s maintenance.
Mr. Sau thanked the crew of the vessel for safely bringing the boat back from Cairns stating his admiration of their navigational skills given the bad weather experienced during the past week.
Major repairs done on the vessel includes repair to its cargo haul, painting and check up on minor defects to its engine as well as its navigational equipments.
The Auki was added to the country’s Maritime Police fleet in 1991 and has for the past 19 years served the country in conducting surveillance of the countries International Borders.
It has the services of a 16 man crew.

SELWYN COLLEGE CLOSES DOOR

BY BARNEY DEVESI

Selwyn College will not be able to start their academic year and remain closed indefinitely an assessment team hired by the Church of Melanesia that visited the school revealed yesterday.
This was because the school is out of electricity, water and is mostly covered with inches of thick mud and piles of debris as a result of the flooding. Recent flooding at Selwyn College

Related problems to the flooding are numerous and it is speculated that the school will be able to start no earlier than three weeks if things are not sorted out within the expected period.
Before any proper cleaning can commence, the schools generator which operate water pumps that supply water through tanks to the whole school needs to be fixed.
Electricians who attended to the problem yesterday said that the generator is missing an automatic voltage regulator.
This will now depend on whether this part is available in Honiara or have to be ordered overseas, which is a hindrance to the process.
It was also suspected that water has filled pipes of underground cables and all lines have to be double checked.
The school’s water pump needs replacement after being damaged by the flood and positive signs of being donated a new one have already been received.
Adding to that, the fear of an outbreak of water related diseases such as cholera and malaria was one of the reasons that will keep students from returning to begin their studies.
Sanitation problems are much of the same cause and require appropriate actions in order to avoid a further havoc.
With sewage tanks flooded and sewage pipes in place have been blocked by clay and silt deposits that entered through the toilets and Coliform bacteria (exists in human faeces) is widespread on the flooded surfaces, posing a major health risk.
All school buildings remain intact but the dormitories and staff houses that were affected were recommended for maintenance after yesterday’s assessment.
The big clean up and solving the many tasks ahead is said to begin this Saturday and the Church of Melanesia will be playing a major role in getting it done ahead of any assistance.
And with the weather easing into normalcy, it is hoped that the school can open its doors soon.
The school will however need the help of parents, guardians and supporters of the school to willingly contribute efforts to get the school running again.

TUBI EYED FOR STATE PLANT

BY BETTY SISIMIA

Foresters here are planning to have the country’s native hard wood species; Tubi, set down to be the country’s national plant.
A senior forester from the Forestry Division, Fred Pitisopa says this is something similar to Fiji, Vanuatu and other country’s national dress or costume.
Since Tubi could only be found here, it is one reason to have it set down for a state plant identity, the senior forester said.
Mr Pitisopa said foresters are yet to decide if the tree is seen fit to become a state plant, before plans would be submitted to the cabinet for final decisions.
“Tubi could not be found everywhere, but only in some places, this gives us second thoughts to have it named the national plant.”
Tubi is only found in south eastern part of Choiseul Province and San Jorge Island in the Southern Side of Isabel province.
Researchers say this endemic species is limited to a small area, and are rare.
Previous findings from the Forestry revealed a single Solomon Islands native species’ was collected as early as 1958 but has remained unnamed scientifically until recently.
A formal published name; Melanoxylon is now provided for this species in June 29, 2007.
Its growing demand as a marketable resource has more recently raised concerns from possibility of its unsustainable harvesting.
This led to a formation of a conservation strategy where Tubi species are legally protected from being cut down.

FARMERS EXPECT GOOD RETURNS FROM POTATO SCHOOL

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI


Potato farmers from the Solomon Islands are expecting huge Potato yields following the introduction of a Sweet Potato Farmer’s Field School (FFS) in the country.
The School which was officially launched on Thursday last week is funded by the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and implemented by the International Potato Center (CIP).
The aim of the farmer’s field school is to train local farmers on technical methods of planting varieties of potato designed to produce higher yields than those seen in the country today.
Local Coordinator of CIP Lawrence Atu told Island Sun that Potatoes planted for experiment by students at the center came from vines cleaned and processed at laboratories in Fiji and Australia.
“These vines underwent a yearlong cleaning process whereby different methods were used to clean plants preventing them from disease.
“Students of the school will have the opportunity to study and share ideas on how best to grow crops by experimenting and observing the 19 varieties of sweet potatoes brought in as part of their learning experience,” he said.
Last week the school launched its first programme for 17 Sweet Potato farmers from East Guadalcanal at the Don Bosco Rural Training Center at Tetere.
During its launching programme Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Alfred Maesulia said such initiative looks set to improve the country’s food security and financial outlook.
He said sweet Potato is the most important staple food crop for Solomon Islanders and the school has come at a right time.
“Changes in the climatic Conditions have impacted largely on sweet potato production in the country and the introduction of the school is a timely approach,” Maesulia stated.
He added that in 2004 production was put at 280,000 tones, which is worth around $40 million Australian dollars.
“Such is the importance of the crop that it has high priority in the country’s development plans and agency aspirations.
“The Government the Ministry will therefore support the project and assist in seeking market opportunities overseas for local sweet potato varieties,” Maesulia concluded.

HI WANTOKS

Welcome to a site commited to bringing the latest happenings in the Solomon Islands..... enjoy reading as much as we enjoy collecting information for you.....

Contributors to this blog are:

Brian Lezutuni

Betty Sisimia

Romulas Huta

Barney Devesi

Angie Wate

Richard Toke