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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 9, 2009
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.
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
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.
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.
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