To'abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD)

SIG clears SIEA power utility debt inorder for electricity to be restored in Honiara

2008-07-24T13:23:00.002+11:00

The Solomon Islands Government this week stepped in to rescue the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) after its fuel supplier, Markwarth Oil, refused to provide diesel because of outstanding debts.

Markwarth had refused to supply the Authority since Tuesday forcing it to load shed.

A spokesperson for the Authority says there was no power supply throughout the whole of Honiara City yesterday until after 4:30 in the afternoon.

The power was only restored after the Minister of Energy, Edward Hunuehu, and the Authority Board Chairman, Walton Naezon, delivered a cheque for more than a quarter of million US dollars to Markwarth.

Source: RNZI

Solomon's Opposition withdrews motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Sikua

2008-07-24T12:09:00.002+11:00

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands says the motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has been withdrawn.

Parliament says the mover of the motion withdrew the motion yesterday. The West Honiara MP, Issac Inoke Tosika, was to have move the motion in the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Parliament says the the second meeting for the year which starts today will deal with the main item of business for the first sitting day on Thursday 24 July 2008.

This will be the tabling of the Facilitation of International Assistance Notice 2003 and the subsequent motion by the Prime Minister Derek Sikua to refer the Facilitation of International Assistance Notice to the Foreign Relations Committee for inquiry, review and report.

The Government has also indicated that it plans to bring a total of seven bills to Parliament for enactment in the upcoming sitting.

However, Parliament has yet to formally receive any of the proposed bills.

Parliament says it is anticipated that amongst the proposed bills is the Secured Transactions Bill, the Correctional Services Amendment Bill and the Telecommunication Amendment Bill.

Source: SIBC

RAMSI celebrates 5 years of partnership with Solomon Islands

2008-07-23T13:16:00.002+11:00

The RAMSI this year is celebrating its anniversary with sausages and sack races, coconut husking and traditional feasts; after five years on the ground, the Regional Assistance Mission is taking its birthday party to the provinces of Solomon Islands.

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George, said that as 80 per cent of Solomon Islanders live in rural areas the mission had decided to mark the fifth anniversary of its deployment to Solomon Islands on July 24, 2003 by hosting 13 RAMSI Community Fun Days throughout the country’s nine provinces.

“The Community Days are recognition of the close and friendly cooperation that RAMSI enjoys with both the government and people of Solomon Islands,” said Mr George who heads the 15 member mission.

None of what RAMSI had achieved over the past five years would have been possible without the trust and support of the people of Solomon Islands.

“From the rapid surrender of guns in 2003 when RAMSI first arrived to the restoration of important institutions of good governance that continues today, RAMSI only works as a partnership," Mr George says.

The Community Days have been organized through RAMSI’s Participating Police Force (PPF) Posts who have formed committees with their local communities to plan special activities including children’s games, sporting competitions, dancing, singing, feasting and BBQs.

T-shirts, banners, posters and special RAMSI Children’s bags are being dispatched across the nation this week along with sporting equipment and food supplies to help make the celebrations full of fun.

Mr George said RAMSI advisers working with their Solomon Islands Police Force counterparts had been amazed by the great response from their local communities.

“The idea of a RAMSI Community Fun Day seems to have really captured people’s imagination and given them a new way to enjoy the partnership that has grown up between RAMSI and Solomon Islands over the past five years,” Mr George says.

“Community leaders have set up working groups, sports activities have been organized and there will be lots of special food from each local area being prepared!” Mr George says.

Each community day will be an opportunity for people to come together with members of RAMSI working in their area and enjoy the spirit of partnership and the theme of ‘tugeta iumi save duim.

Mr George said he wanted to thank each of RAMSI’s contributing countries for their efforts over the past five years in running Operation Helpem Fren.

“The RAMSI partnership is a unique one between the peoples of the 15 contributing countries and the people of Solomon Islands. I think everyone agrees that not only Solomon Islands but the entire region has benefited from this opportunity to work together to help a neighbour and a friend.”

Source: RAMSI

Forum Secretariat Secretary General expresses satisfaction at time in office

2008-07-23T11:52:00.002+11:00

The outgoing Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Greg Urwin has expressed overall satisfaction in his time in the top regional position.

In a message read out at the opening of the pre-Forum session of the Forum Officials Committee (FOC), the governing council of the Secretariat, in Suva, Fiji today, Mr Urwin said: “I would be completely in error not to say that my time in Suva as Secretary General has been a period of enormous satisfaction overall, one for which I can only express my thanks to all of those who made it possible.”

Mr Urwin, who is currently recovering in Australia from illness, has indicated to Forum Leaders his intention to resign from the position of Forum Secretary General after serving four years in the position.

He said for more than thirty years he has had the privilege of working in and through the region.

“That work has taken on a range of issues, much it has been rewarding, some of it has not, as time progressed, more complex and perhaps somewhat having a little less of that joyous quality which our work seemed to first possess.”

Mr Urwin described as critical the establishment of the Pacific Plan and the very broad range of activities the Plan encompasses to the setting up of the Regional Institutional Framework.

“Critical in my absolute view to the business of showing all of our regional organizations to work most effectively and concertedly with each other rather than continue to be prone to pull against one another, something which, despite a good deal of effort on our own part, we remain something of a captive to.”

He said he hoped the establishment of programmes aimed at the direct benefit of those Forum members with the clearest and most specific needs such as the Smaller Island States be further and rapidly developed.

“It has also included in a very integral way, the complex, far-reaching work we have been doing in the area of trade relations, of fisheries, as regards the EU but also as regards PICTA and further down the track the whole issue of PACER. The PACER/PICTA issues, important in themselves will again have, it seems to me, a direct reinforcing effort on the whole effort we are making to strengthen our regional integration.”

The Forum Secretary General also spoke of the critical role the Forum has played in security and political issues including the situation in Fiji, the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands, election observations and the role these developments have had on the Forum itself.

“Let me conclude by thanking you, the FOC members and the Forum Secretariat for all you’ve done in the service of our wonderful region – it has been an honour and a privilege to work with you all. Let us take this work forward together,” said Mr Urwin

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders will appoint a new Forum Secretary General at their 39th meeting to be held in Niue 19 – 21 August.

Source: PIFS

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary- General Visits Solomon Islands

2008-07-23T10:11:00.002+11:00

The Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba will be visiting Solomon Islands for the first time this week, on route to the King of Tonga's Coronation early next month.

Ms. Masire-Mwamba arrives in Honiara today and leaves for Nuku'alofa, Tonga on Friday.

During the week, she will meet with the Governor General of Solomon Islands, His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena, Prime Minister Hon. Derek Sikua, Leader of the Opposition Manasseh Sogavare, Speaker of National Parliament Sir Peter Kenilorea, the British High Commissioner Mr Richard Lyne and other dignitaries and community leaders.

Ms Masire-Mwamba will be visiting the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) South Pacific Centre on Thursday, July 23.CYP South Pacific Centre Regional Director Ms. Afu Billy said it is an honour to receive a visit from the international leader and extends a warm welcome.

"I sincerely wish her well in her meetings and discussions with the Solomon Islands Government dignitaries and hope that her visit will enhance the sound relations that the CYP South Pacific Centre has established with the government of Solomon Islands and the governments of the other Pacific countries that she will be also be visiting,

" said Ms. Billy. Ms. Masire-Mwamba is one of two Deputy Secretary-Generals to the Commonwealth, and has been in the position for two months. Originally from Botswana, she has held a number of high level positions, including those of Chief Executive of Botswana's Investment Promotion Agency (BEDIA), Group Manager of Corporate Business and Regulatory Affairs for the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and UK Business Development Manager for the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation.

Source: Solomon Time

Solomon's Pubic Service Improvement Program to start with appointment of team leader

2008-07-22T16:26:00.002+11:00

The government says a new program to improve the public service will lead to better trained workers with the right tools to improve government services across Solomon Islands.

Minister for Public Service, Hon Milner Tozaka, said that the Public Service Improvement Program is a major milestone in rebuilding the public service and a feature of the RAMSI partnership to build a better, well-governed Solomon Islands.

The program will start immediately with the appointment of the program leader, Mr David Nudd. After a long search, the selection committee of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service and the Director RAMSI Machinery of Government Program chose Mr Nudd to be the right person with the best experience.

Mr Tozaka yesterday met with Mr Nudd and said that he looked forward to working with Mr Nudd who is a strong strategic thinker and has a lot of experience of government.

“Mr Nudd has spent many years leading teams in the United Kingdom to improve their public service and more recently in other developing countries where he has proven his ability to work in partnership with Ministers, Ministries, donors and the public to achieve benefits for the country,” he said.

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George, said the Public Service Improvement Program, with its focus on human resource management, is a major step forward for a stronger, more effective government that works for the people.

“Good people are at the heart of good governance. This program will support the public service to recruit, train and manage the right people, into the right jobs so they can better advise government and deliver services to people.”

Mr George said that to improve services, people need to be given the right skills: the skills to plan, the skills to organise and the skills to work together with other areas of the public service.

“This program aims to do this and will work with organisations like the Institute of Public Administration and Management which RAMSI has supported to train government workers of a modern Solomon Islands”, Mr George said.

The Minister warned that helping the public service change the way it works will not happen overnight.

“The RAMSI supported program will run for ten years and will cost SBD$90 million or AUD$13.5 million over the first five years” he said.

At his meeting yesterday with Minister, Mr Nudd said he looked forward to working with Solomon Islands public servants and using his experience to help develop their ability to deliver better public services.

The Minister said the Public Service Improvement Program will start with the Public Service Commission and Ministry of Public Service, and later move out into selected ministries and provincial administrations.

“The program will do some important things for improving the public service like streamline government recruitment, develop a code of conduct for all government workers and provide public servants with the tools to improve public services,” Mr Tozaka said.

Mr Tozaka said that the idea for the Public Service Improvement Program came from a regional meeting of Public Service Commissioners in Fiji.

“They looked at the need to strengthen the public service across many Pacific countries to deliver better government services.”

Mr George said RAMSI hopes that over time the Public Service Improvement Program will see an improved ability to provide government services across Solomon Islands.

“RAMSI is happy that government workers are about to receive the support they need to deliver better services and adapt to a changing world,” Mr George said.

Source: RAMSI

Nike Australia and Jedok donate footwear for Solomon's athletic sprinters to Beijing Olympics

2008-07-22T13:15:00.005+11:00

Nike Australia and the Jedok sports centre in Honiara have came to the rescue of local athletic sprinters to the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games by donating footwear for the sprinters competiting in the games.

Athletics Solomon has named Francis Manioru and Pauline (pictured above) to represent the country in the Olympics which will be held from the 8th to 24th of August 2008 in China. The duo will be travelling alongside Wendy Hale and Michael Leong to the games.

It is understood the donated sports shoes were made possible through negotiation by Coach and the PPF Advisor Mr Ian Guyett from who negotiated with Nike Australia.

Source: Athletic Solomons

Naka sends Solomon Bilikiki home in style with victory over El Salvador

2008-07-22T11:34:00.003+11:00

Solomon Islands bowed out of Marseille 2008 in style by beating El Salvador 6-3 in the battle for third place in Group B. James Naka headlined the victory, scoring four goals to take his tournament tally to eight.

Naka opened the scoring in the early stages, and he doubled his side's lead 13 seconds after the first restart. Jose Ruiz and Elias Ramirez got on the score-sheet for the Salvadorans in the second period, but Naka added another two to send Solomon Islands out for the last 12 minutes holding a 4-2 lead.

Tomas Hernandez pulled the Central Americans to within one goal of their opponents, but a double from Omo put the game out of their reach.

The win capped off a memorable tournament for James Naka who was undoubtedly the standout player for the Bilikiki Boys.

"We played much better in our final game and I'm really happy with the result. We've had a great experience and it was great to finish the tournament with a victory. We'll hope to do better next year," Naka said.

El Salvador Coach Rudis Mauricio Gonzalez Gallo also had praise for the Solomon Island star.

"I was really pleased with the attitude of my players. The problem today was that we couldn't contain Naka," Gallo said.

Source: OFC

UPNG to start offering Distance Learning courses in Solomon Islands next year

2008-07-21T13:38:00.001+11:00

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) will next year be offering courses in Solomon Islands following the signing of a partnership between the UPNG and the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education.

The memorandum of understanding paves the way for the setting up of the Honiara Open Campus as part of UPNG’s expansion into the region.

The Honiara Campus director, Hugo Kop, says they will be offering a number of programmes including a Certificate in Tertiary and Community Studies as well as selected diploma and degree courses.

He says the Honiara Campus will be enrolling an unlimited number of students because of its status as a distant learning centre.

Source: RNZI

Australia welcomes Japanese participation in RAMSI

2008-07-21T13:31:00.001+11:00

Japanese troops may return to Guadalcanal. But this time, they would come entirely in peace.

As a result of the increased intimacy between Australia and Japan, both in strategic co-operation and aid co-ordination to the South Pacific, Japan has offered to send personnel to assist with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

In an interview with The Weekend Australian, Kevin Rudd hailed the Japan-Australia partnership.

"Japan is already a strong partner for Australia, not only in foreign policy but in development assistance in East Asia and the South Pacific," the Prime Minister said.

Mr Rudd said his Government was committed to increasing strategic co-operation between Australia and Japan.

On Thursday in the Solomon Islands, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith revealed that Japan had offered assistance to RAMSI. Mr Smith warmly welcomed Japan's assistance.

"From a general point of view, Australia very much encourages Japanese engagement in the Pacific," Mr Smith said.

"This is an example which in my view we're keen to encourage, provided we balance the regional architecture requirements of RAMSI itself."

Because RAMSI derives its legitimacy from the South Pacific Forum, as well as the Solomon Islands Government, the forum governments will need to approve Japanese participation. However, such approval is likely to be forthcoming.

It is not yet certain whether Japan would supply military or civilian personnel, although Tokyo is believed to be considering a small contingent from its Self-Defence Forces.

The initial Japanese contribution in terms of personnel would be very small. But the political movement it would represent would be substantial.

Source: The Weekend Australian

OPPOSITION LEADER QUESTIONS COMPUTER PROJECT

2008-07-21T12:11:00.002+11:00

Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says he was disappointed that the Ministry of Education had ignored a national project costing nearly five million dollars.

The Opposition leader and the Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, Gordon Darcy Lilo have had a row over the media about the project.The project is for the supply of computers to selected secondary schools in the country.

Both leaders have accused each other for the failure to deliver 200 computers to the schools to date since payment of four point nine million dollars was made to a local company ANTECH Computers in October last year.

The Opposition Leader says after several enquiries with the Ministry of Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry last week said nothing has been done on the progress on the issuance of computers to the schools.

But Mr Sogavare says only Su'u National Secondary school in Malaita province received one lap-top computer under the project.He says 14 other secondary schools in the country listed to receive computers under the project have yet to receive computers.

Mr Sogavare says that four point nine million dollars was paid by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands to the bank account of ANTECH Computers company in October last year.But he says immediately upon receiving the payment the company withdrew 200 thousand dollars.

Mr Sogavare says the Opposition is questioning the transaction.

source: SIBC

Naka Hat-Trick Not Enough For The Bilikiki Boys

2008-07-20T12:58:00.003+11:00

The Bilikiki Boys were overwhelmed 13-4 by Portugal in their second match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Marseille yesterday.

James Naka scored a second half hatrick for the Solomon Island team but it was not enough to come back from a five goal deificit against a classy Portugal side.
The loss effectively ends the Bilikiki Boys chances of progressing to the quarter finals with only one final game to play on Tuesday against El Salvador.

It was the joint-highest-scoring match in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup history and Portugal found the back of the net early on through Madja, Alan and Belchior who scored five, four and three times respectively to propel the Europeans to victory.

Portugal led 5-0 at the first break, but Solomon Islands, to their credit, refused to give up the fight and managed two goals of their own in the second, both courtesy of James Naka.
The lively No10 completed his hat-trick in the third period, and Franco Nee also got on the score-sheet, but Henry Koto's side could not contain their opponents.

With six points, and a hugely-favourable goal difference, Portugal are now all but sure of a place in the last eight.

Solomon Island goalscorer James Naka said that his side still had all to play for in their last match against El Salvador.

"It was a tough game for us, it was really hot. Portugal are a really good team. Maybe I scored
my last goal of the tournament today but we will do our best to win our last game," Naka said.

USP Managers to take pay cut

2008-07-19T09:16:00.004+11:00

The University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra and senior managers have taken pay cuts as part of measures endorsed by the university council to address a deficit budget.

Mr Chandra, who started work at USP on Tuesday, said salaries had been a major issue.
He said the salaries of the managers had been been reduced by 40 per cent while his salary is now 65 per cent over less than that paid to his predecessor.

Despite the reduction in salary, Mr Chandra said he believed "we have to receive modest remuneration when we are being funded by governments that are not doing that well". "I've always believed that I belong to USP. It's an institution where I've given nearly all of my working life and I believe passionately about USP," he said.

Mr Chandra said the council decided it would revert to the salary structure of 2004.
"So we believe now that the issue of those salaries is related to the period of the previous two to three years and is now dealt with and those salaries have been taken back to what they were in 2004," Mr Chandra said.

"Sometimes people could get the impression that the problems in USP were to do with those salaries. The problems at USP are much larger than the salaries of the former VC or the salaries of senior management because we are facing a budget deficit in the order of around $3million.
"There are larger issues at the university to do with the staff in general, the expenditure we have in salaries - we have the issue of large number of courses and programmes some of which are no longer viable."

Mr Chandra said the salary of the previous vice chancellor was agreed to by the council chairman at that time and the VC agreed to the salaries of the senior managers. "It's a difficult time to lead the university but it may also be an opportunity to show what we can do," he said, adding the USP was looking at cutting expenditure by not teaching courses that have small numbers.

He said the 2009 budget would not fund courses that are low in demand and could be low in demand for a number of years.

Source: Fijitimes

Bilikiki put up a brave effort despite losing 4-7 against Italy last night

2008-07-18T11:42:00.001+11:00

Italy exhausted a courageous effort from Solomon Islands to win 7-4 in what proved a fitting curtain-raiser to Marseille 2008.

Paolo Palmacci shone for the Europeans, while Gibson Hosea's brace kept the Bilikiki Boys in contention before he was sent off.

The Italians made an explosive start, scoring twice inside the first 71 seconds courtesy of Palmacci and Simone Feudi. James Naka halved the deficit, but Francesco Corosoniti's thunderous volley and a Giusepe Soria strike sent the Azzurri in 4-1 up at the first break. It was 6-4 by the end of the second period, Roberto Pasquali and Giuseppe Condorelli on target for the Italians.

The final 12 minutes proved tight, with and own goal completing the scoring and ensured that Italy went straight to the top of Group A.

Solomon Islands goalscorer James Naka was resolute in defeat.

"It was a very hard game. Although we lost I'm not too disappointed, because Italy are a really good team. It was a great honour to play in the World Cup, and I was really proud to represent my country and my island. It's our ambition to reach the second round and we still believe we can do this."

Italian player Diego Maradona - son of the World Cup winning Argentinian legend - was wrought with emotion after the final whistle.

"This was a very special day for me. I was so emotional to represent Italy, it was very important to me to do this for my mother. I'm still learning beach soccer and I enjoyed today very much, but the most important thing is that Italy win. My dream is for an Italy-Argentina final."

In the groups other match Portugal cruised to an 8-2 win over El Salvador.

Source: OFC

Bilikiki boys set to play Italy in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup opener tomorrow

2008-07-16T10:56:00.003+11:00

The Solomon Islands kick off the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup tomorrow when they play Italy in the opening match of the tournament at Stade du Prado in Marseille, France.

The Bilikiki Boys have been training for the past few days on the sand turf in Marseille to get used to the new environment and team manager Reuben Oimae said the side is fired up for the challenge that lies ahead.

It is the Bilikiki Boys third FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and their group features Portugal, El Salvador and Italy. The Solomons will need to finish in the top two in their group to progress to the Semi Finals.

The Bilikiki matches are as follows:

* Thursday July 17th, Stade du Prado @ 23.45 (Solomon Time)- Italy v Solomon Islands

* Saturday July 19th, Stade du Prado @ 01.15 (Solomon Time)- Solomon Islands v Portugal

* Monday July 21, Stade du Prado @ 01.15 (Solomon Time)- Solomon Islands v El Salvador.

Source: OFC

TARD kicks off partial school fee bursary initiative with North Malaita schools

2008-07-15T16:28:00.002+11:00

The To'abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) youth volunteer group is pleased to announce the students who have been selected to benefit from the TARD partial school fee bursary initiative for semester 2, 2008 (each worth $200):

Arnon Atomea Community High School
1. Henry Dao (Form 3) - Diula Village
2. Kurt Fioga (Form 5) - Ruagao Village
3. Elizabeth Saeni (Form 5) - Kukuru Village
4. Wallex Rilifia (Form 6) - Rebi Keru Village
5. Rose Morris (Form 6) - Irobuli Village

Anuke Community High School
1. Nathalyn Niulifia (Form 3) - Fulifo'oe Village
2. Constance Musurodo (Form 3) - Manakwai Village
3. Fenton Ara (Form 3) - Gwaiau Village
4. Joshua Ishmael (Form 3) - A'ama Village
5. Lawrence Aelesi (Form 3) - Basakana Village

Ngalikekero Rural Training Centre
1. Green Maesulia (Mechanic) - Malu'u
2. Judson Leafasia (Carpentry) - Kwai Riverside
3. Waleni Aeli (Plumbing) - Fo'ondo
4. Modesta Aevi (Home Economics) - Afufu
5. Lusia Alari'i (Home Economics) - Malu'u

TARD has already paid $1,000 directly into respective school accounts, except for Ngalikekero RTC which requested its allocation to be utilised on school stationaries, to cover for part of the selected students' school fees in semester 2 2008.

Two remaining schools that are yet to forward their selections to the TARD group include Walo Community High School and Bita'ama Community High School.

It is anticipated that for semester 2 2008, TARD will pay out $5,000 ($1,000 to each school) for the four community high and one Vocational centre in North Malaita Constituency. This is expected to assist at least 25 rural school students in the various schools.

The same intake will also be advertised throughout the five schools for semester 1 2009. TARD is very grateful to the supporter of this new community initiative in the education sector.

North Malaitans celebrates country's independence anniversary for first time

2008-07-14T07:58:00.001+11:00

North Malaita Constituency celebrated the country's 30th anniversary of independence with feasting and sports.

Lensley Kwaimani reports from Malu'u that this is the first time ever that the people there celebrated the national day in such a way.

He says money allocated by the national government was distributed among the three wards of the constituency, thanks to the North Malaita Constituency Development Officer John Suifalu who was entrusted by their M-P to take the funding down to the people.

The celebrations were held at Fo'ondo for ward 7, at Malu'u for ward 8 and at Loina for ward 9.

Mr Kwaimani says following the celebrations, the North Malaita Council of Chiefs met briefly with the C-D-O Mr. suifalu at Walo Community High School.

He says the meeting was to look at possible change to the constituency's name.

Source: SIBC

Discussion about RAMSI's operation to start in Honiara

2008-07-14T07:53:00.001+11:00

The Enhanced Consultative Mechanism meeting E-C-M between the Solomon Island Government, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands RAMSI and the Pacific Islands Forum will again convene in Honiara tomorrow (today).

This is to be followed by the Forum Ministerial Standing Committee F-M-S-C Meeting, also in Honiara on Thursday.

The meetings are to discuss issues concerning the operations of RAMSI and indicate mechanisms of strengthening relationships between the three parties.

This is the second meeting between the three partners in the Mission this year and since Pacific Islands Forum Leaders endorsed the recommendations of the RAMSI Review Forum Taskforce Report during the Leaders’ meeting in Tonga last October.

Senior officials representing the Solomon Islands Government, RAMSI and four other Forum members will attend the E-C-M Meeting tomorrow, to be followed by a meeting of the Forum Ministerial Standing Committee Thursday.

It is expected that the meetings will receive updates on the operations of RAMSI, updates on implementation of the Pacific Islands Forum RAMSI Review Report and the reporting process for RAMSI Reports to the Forum Leaders.

Furthermore, it is expected that the meetings will discuss the SIG/RAMSI Partnership Framework and work out procedures for collective implementation of this Framework.

Source: SIBC

Solomon Islanders Celebrate 30th Independence Anniversary

2008-07-08T08:01:00.000+11:00

Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara is packed with thousands of people, many there to witness celebrations marking 30 years of independence.
Thousands of spectators have flocked into Lawson Tama seeking out vantage points, many, in a display of true patriotism, holding little flags.

Garvin, a form three student at Florence Young Secondary School, found a good spot at the Southern end of the stadium hours before the show. "I came here 6am this morning, just to make sure I get the best spot," he told Solomon Times. "This important event only happens once in a year, so I must witness it."

Many boat owners say that business has really picked up in the past week. "In the last week alone I think we have transported at least three thousand people here to Honiara." Being a nation of Islands, more than 200 hundred to be exact, many Solomon Islanders have traveled by boat to Honiara to witness celebrations.

"I am here because of my granddad," said 19 year old Sandra, who had to endure a four hour boat trip to attend the celebrations. "My granddad has been attending all the celebrations since independence...he is now too old so I am doing this for him....and for myself as well...it is all worth it"

Organizers said this year's celebrations will include traditional dancing from all the nine provinces in the Solomon Islands. "We would like to display the diversity of the country to all our visiting dignitaries," said one of the organizers. "Not many countries the World over can boast of such diversity."

Source: Solomontimes

We will walk out from jobs on Friday: Public servants

2008-06-24T19:24:00.001+11:00

THE telecommunication crisis is yet to be resolved, but another potential strike action is looming.

This time it is the public servants who are planning a nationwide strike this week.

The Solomon Islands Public Employees Union general secretary Paul Belande had confirmed to the Solomon Star that all public servants across the country will walk off their jobs on Friday.

Already word is circulating like wild fire among public employees in Honiara about the upcoming strike.

Mr Belande refused to go into detail about the proposed strike but said there are some issues which are unresolved between workers and the Government.

However, sources within the Government said SIPEU is unhappy with the current Government’s performance and its failure to meet some of its members’ greviences. “One of SIPEU's unresolved claim is on the salary increase,” a source said.

"On top of that the current government miserably failed to fulfill some of its planned obligations which we, the workers, will feel and know if a certain government is not actively driving things forward.”

Sources said even ministers are not performing to the standard expected of them. "Such action would result in officers receiving no directives as to what to do,” a source said.

Sources said workers are expected to walk off their jobs on Thursday. “If the government failed to respond appropriately, then a strike will eventually follow suit on Friday,” a source said.

Solomon Star understands SIPEU had issued a 14-day strike notice to the government a couple of weeks ago to address their demand for salary increase which should lapse some this week.

Source: Solomonstar

Sogavare urge government to use reserve power to end telekom strike

2008-06-24T11:31:00.000+11:00

The Parliamentary Opposition has called on the Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua to use his reserved powers under the country’s Telecommunication Act to end the telecommunication crisis besetting the country.

Leader of the Opposition Group, Manasseh Sogavare said the crisis has now entered another week and this only goes to demonstrate that the government is not taking a bold stand to resolve the dispute between the striking employees of the Our Telekom Company and the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Martyn Robinson.

Mr Sogavare said the Prime Minister, under the Solomon Islands Telecommunication Act is vested with the power to end the crisis by temporarily taking over Our Telekom Company in the occasion of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety.

The Leader of Opposition suggested that a practical step that must be taken by the Government is to immediately launch a Commission of Inquiry to investigate and establish why it has taken the board of NPF, the major shareholder in Our Telekom Company so long to resolve the industrial dispute.

He said, in the meantime the Government should issue an order for the temporary removal of Mr Robinson and another order for the return of the striking workers so as to restore normal telecommunication services to the nation.

Mr Manasseh Sogavare said the situation warranted a bold decision and action by the Government but it now appeared the CNURA Government has drastically failed in this regard.

Source: SIBC

Increase our wages by forty-nine percent or we will strike: SIPEU

2008-06-20T11:42:00.002+11:00

PUBLIC servants are planning a nation-wide strike, a Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) source said.

The source said they were not happy with the Sikua Government’s leadership. He said Public Service minister Milner Tozaka on Tuesday summoned SIPEU General Secretary Paul Belande over the planned strike action.

Mr Belande confirmed meeting Mr Tozaka but declined to disclose the contents of their discussions. He could not confirm, nor deny, the planned strike action his Union was proposing. But the source said SIPEU was unhappy with Government ministers’ performance.

“They are performing below par,” the source said. He said SIPEU had given the Government a 14-day notice to perform and address their demand for a 49 per cent wage increase. The source said the notice will expire next week.

Source: Solomon Star

Family seek compensation of death cause by RAMSI personel

2008-06-19T12:08:00.000+11:00

The Solomon Islands and the Samoan Governments are expected to start discussing soon compensation claims over the death the late 26-year old Hilda Ilibae, a trainee nurse, killed in a tragic road accident last Friday night.

The Police are investigating the fatal accident on the Ngossi road and the involvement of a Ramsi vehicle, believed to have been driven by a Samoan member of the PPF.

Interviews with various sources say that the office of the Director of the Public Prosecution (DPP) will lay charges against the Samoan-Ramsi officer, if the investigating police find enough evidence against him.

It is also understood that there are no provisions, in the Facilitation Act governing RAMSI's operations in Solomon Islands, which prevents the DPP from exercising his power in law to lay charges against the Samoan-Ramsi police officer. The only question in relation to the Facilitation Act will be whether the Samoan police officer will be tried here in the Solomon Islands or in Samoa.

Reliable sources have stated that since last Friday's fatal accident the Samoan Government has so far, not requested its officer to be repatriated back to Samoa to await the outcome of the police investigation into the accident.

The Commander of the RAMSI PPF Dennis McDermott and Acting Police Commissioner Peter Marshall met the family of the late Hilda last Saturday and the question of compensation was raised by the family.

McDermott said in a press conference yesterday that he gave an assurance to the family that he would facilitate discussions on the issue of compensation after the funeral, but that it was really a matter between the Solomon Islands and the Samoan Governments to address.

Source: Solomontimes

Solomon Islands to host first ever Wantok Cup

2008-06-18T14:29:00.001+11:00

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) yesterday named a training squad for the upcoming Wan Tok Cup from July 1 to 7 in Honiara.

This is a tournament between Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

SIFF General Secretary Eddie Ngava said he is hopeful the first Wantok Cup will become an annual event. "I'm hoping this is the start of regular competition between Melanesian soccer teams.

"We hope this will be the inaugural start of the Wantok Cup when each of the three countries will be having a competition on each of their countries independence days," he told Radio Australia Sport.

"We are hosting the first one here and then at the end of July hopefully going to Vanuatu to help with their celebrations, and then in September, to Papua New Guinea for their independence celebrations."

The three national teams will compete for The Wantok Cup on Jul 3, 5 and 7. Players for the training squad were selected from the Honiara Football Association DJ League, Top 8 and the recent National Club championship.

Those in the squad are asked to attend a meeting at the SIFF Academy 4.30pm today.
This is to explain the strategic plans for training the squad. Besides the players, SIFF also identified four coaches. They are: Luke Eroi, Masuaku Valere, Jacob Moli and Moses Toata.

Source: Solomon star

Parents and fans welcome OFC Futsal champions in delight

2008-06-18T10:32:00.001+11:00

Hundreds of fans, supporters and families of the young Kurukuru futsal kings jam-packed the Honiara International airport terminal yesterday morning to welcome home the champions.

It was very emotional and parents were seen crying in delight as they hugged their sons.

The sound of pan-pipe music complemented the cheers from the crowd as the marched the heroes to be met by parents and friends.

SIFF President Martin Alufurai described the boys’ performance as simply awesome and thanked the coaches for a great show in Fiji.

Pastor Seru concluded the brief gathering outside the Honiara International terminal before the motorcade rolled into town to show appreciation to the hundreds of fans who lined the street to welcome the little heroes.

The motorcade terminated at Lawson Tama before the members of the team are picked up by their parents.

Meanwhile, the SIFF and its partners organized a thanksgiving and welcome ceremony for the Kurukurus and Bilikiki beach teams today at Lawson Tama.

A parade by the members of the two teams marched from the Art Gallery to Lawson Tama where dignitaries, families and friends gathered.

The SIFF President Martin Alufurai and the Minister of Home Affairs were among those who were present at the welcome event.

Source: Pipolfirst Network