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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Commercial Coconut Oil processing initiative for ontong java
BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI
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 $$2.10 charge seen today in Honiara.
Managing Director of the Akaha Copra Buying Point (Trading as Kerpa Enterprises) Gabriel Kemaiki told Island Sun that his company is qualified to process copra into oil and very soon will open up a oil processing mill.
“I have already submitted an application to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for the purchasing of machineries that would go towards the project.
“As this is a big scale commercial business, more commodity productions will be expected from this undertaking,” he stated.
He said Coconut has become the main income earner for people of Ontong Java after Berch- de-mer was banned from export.
Kemaiki also said potential copra production for the islands is 268 metric tons or $187,600 income from copra annually.
He revealed that a recent assessment from an overseas buyer had revealed that oil processed from Ongtong Java coconuts was the best in the world.
He said once the Commercial Copra Processing business starts it would be paying $5 - $7 per kilo compared to the $$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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
SELWYN COLLEGE CLOSES DOOR
BY BARNEY DEVESI
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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