.A workshop on Capacity Development Needs Assessment (CDNA) for Provincial Governments has started in Honiara yesterday at the Heritage Park Hotel.
The Workshop organized by the Ministry of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) through its Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) starts from Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August 2011.
The CDNA will be piloted in Malaita, Western, Isabel and Guadalcanal provinces. The CDNA will assess the capacity gaps within the PGs in delivering services to the communities within their mandate.
The purpose of the CDNA is to provide MPGIS and Provincial Governments with baseline information of their existing capacity at individual, organizational and environmental levels.
This baseline is the starting point for the MPGIS and the PGs towards developing their long-term capacity development strategy.
The workshop will gather participants from line ministries (Health, Education and Environment), Provincial Governments and IPAM under the facilitation of experts from UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Centre Office in Bangkok.
Dated: Tuesday, 23 August 2011 04:03
Showing posts with label SStar newspaper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SStar newspaper. Show all posts
Monday, 22 August 2011
Saturday, 20 August 2011
ADRA organize program for rural youths .
A four days training targeting youths in Guadalcanal and Malaita successful ended yesterday.
Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) organized the event under the Youth Engage Livelihood Project (YELP) at the Maranatha Hall where the youths camped together for the past four days.
The training kicked off Monday with a reconciliation ceremony where shell money between the youths were exchanged to say sorry for past problems which had affected the two islands.
Topics covered during the training included gender, accountability, disability, educational talks, and financial management .
There were open dialogues, group discussions and drama show.
The project was funded by AusAID and implemented by ADRA.
From North Malaita youths attending the program came from Musukui, Bina, Fouia, Adagege, Gwaunasuu, Kwailabesi, Ngaliwawao and Lumaluu communities.
While from North East Central Guadalcanal youths came from Geza, New Tenabuti, Tumbosa, Kaio, Tau, Bemuta, Doe, Buvi and Vasakiki communities.
Each community has 6 Participants represented their communities which totaled up to 120 participants.
Assistance project manager Patrick Mesia said it is a five years program that aims to mobilize rural youths to share their learning ability, past challenges in communities and focused on Strength Base Approach (SBA).
He said they have introduced the SBA to youths living in rural areas so that youths may understand how to manage themselves.
“Most youths have skills to do things but lack of knowledge and this program is designed to impart important skills to utilizes their resources in their own village so that they may not rely on Parliament Members (MP) and other people,” Mr Mesia said.
Huka Geneses from Vaskiki village in Guadalcanal said the program is an eye opener for him.
“I have learned alot of new issues from this program and also develop friendship.
“I usually hear about strengthen base approach but following this training I now understand the concept and idea how to go about the using my skills and resources in my communities.
“Coming to this program is not a mistake but it is a vision for me to gain some new and fresh ideas to share with my communities.”
The program ended yesterday with a display of what the youths have been doing over the past days.
Participants have also thanked ADRA, AusAID and facilitators for the training.
BY DENVER NEWTER
Dated Saturday, 20 August 2011 09:02
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Balula women tailoring project boosted .
Balula women of Temotu province are one of the many successful applicants under the Direct Aid Program (DAP) of the Australian aid program into Solomon Islands.
They were happy recipients of a set of seven new sewing equipments funded under DAP, Australia’s ongoing aid assistance to Solomon Islands to improve the livelihood of communities throughout the country.
Yesterday was a proud moment for women of Balula community after receiving the set of machines from the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands, Mr Matthew Anderson.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony Mr Anderson said this is an important day and event because it was his first time to ever involved in an aid program in the country after taking office in June of this year 2011.
Mr Anderson said best way for the Australian government and people to prove that the people of Solomon Islands is a must is to provide assistance to show you (people of Solomon islands).
“These sewing machines are for the people of Temotu to help grow your communities, to provide a livelihood and to give you every chance to makes some income and invest to your beautiful children,” said Mr Anderson.
He said he was very impressed by the investments and garments seen on display, singing and welcome given to him and his team.
Meanwhile Mr Anderson said the importance of being here is to tell you that the people of Solomon Islands matter to Australia, its people and the Australian high commission in the country.
He said his committee received a great lot of applications very year far more than they can ever approved, however must congratulate the people from the sewing project for their application.
Mr Anderson further stresses that the only way project proposals get approved is when they are of high quality written, well supported and obviously going to help and benefit the people.
He wishes every one that involved the best of luck and success in the project.
Facilitator of Balula women and tailoring project Fr Selwyn Sae was humbled to thank Mr Anderson and his colleagues for the handing over of the equipments.
He said Balula women sewing and tailoring project was so fortunate to become recipients of the project.
“The project started from a humble beginning in 1978 by Mary Sae with one foot and hand sewing machines. Both are still in good working conditions.
“The project is now boosted with seven new ones and I am convinced it will create more job opportunities and income generation for the entire community,” said Fr Sae
Balula on Minevi Island is a 45 minutes drive in an outboard motor canoe to Lata, the provincial capital of Temotu province.
Mrs Sae who spoke on behalf of the Balula women also thanked the Australian high commission for approving their sawing project.
“I stand with pride and salute your government for your great assistance and assure you we’ll look after these properly well for the benefit of our people”, said Mrs Sae.
By Daniel Namosuaia
dated Wednesday, 17 August 2011 08:48 .
They were happy recipients of a set of seven new sewing equipments funded under DAP, Australia’s ongoing aid assistance to Solomon Islands to improve the livelihood of communities throughout the country.
Yesterday was a proud moment for women of Balula community after receiving the set of machines from the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands, Mr Matthew Anderson.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony Mr Anderson said this is an important day and event because it was his first time to ever involved in an aid program in the country after taking office in June of this year 2011.
Mr Anderson said best way for the Australian government and people to prove that the people of Solomon Islands is a must is to provide assistance to show you (people of Solomon islands).
“These sewing machines are for the people of Temotu to help grow your communities, to provide a livelihood and to give you every chance to makes some income and invest to your beautiful children,” said Mr Anderson.
He said he was very impressed by the investments and garments seen on display, singing and welcome given to him and his team.
Meanwhile Mr Anderson said the importance of being here is to tell you that the people of Solomon Islands matter to Australia, its people and the Australian high commission in the country.
He said his committee received a great lot of applications very year far more than they can ever approved, however must congratulate the people from the sewing project for their application.
Mr Anderson further stresses that the only way project proposals get approved is when they are of high quality written, well supported and obviously going to help and benefit the people.
He wishes every one that involved the best of luck and success in the project.
Facilitator of Balula women and tailoring project Fr Selwyn Sae was humbled to thank Mr Anderson and his colleagues for the handing over of the equipments.
He said Balula women sewing and tailoring project was so fortunate to become recipients of the project.
“The project started from a humble beginning in 1978 by Mary Sae with one foot and hand sewing machines. Both are still in good working conditions.
“The project is now boosted with seven new ones and I am convinced it will create more job opportunities and income generation for the entire community,” said Fr Sae
Balula on Minevi Island is a 45 minutes drive in an outboard motor canoe to Lata, the provincial capital of Temotu province.
Mrs Sae who spoke on behalf of the Balula women also thanked the Australian high commission for approving their sawing project.
“I stand with pride and salute your government for your great assistance and assure you we’ll look after these properly well for the benefit of our people”, said Mrs Sae.
By Daniel Namosuaia
dated Wednesday, 17 August 2011 08:48 .
National Mining and community awareness forum a success .
The three days national mining and community awareness forum at the Forum Fisheries Agency Head Quarters (FFA) has successfully completed.
The forum was first of its kind in the country which draws key stakeholders, community representatives, government official, local NGOs, mining reps, donor partners and overseas participants.
Objectives of the forum are to create basic knowledge and understanding about issues involving the mining industry the process, risks and benefit sharing issues.
In his closing remarks to the end the forum, minister for mines energy and rural electrification, Moses Garu said without participants’ participation the forum would not turn out successful.
He said the participation of women groups was highly commended with gender balance participation in common effort to promote and successfully develop the mineral sector for the benefit of this country and its people.
Mr Garu hoped that what is learnt will assist in the mutual understanding for forward planning and progress in the mining industry sector.
He highlighted that Solomon Islands was blessed with a good geological base for which the current number of mineral licenses issued as of date to exploring companies if more than sixty and two mining leases which signifies the country’s very interesting geology.
He said Solomon Islands is part of the “Pacific Rim of Fire”, host to some of the world class mines therefore important that all stakeholders must be fairly and adequately versed with the resources and process to which it can be developed, exploited, administered and managed for a maximum benefit to all Solomon islands and its people now and in the future.
He also stressed the paramount importance of such opportunity for which all stakeholders learn from each other their issues of concerns and assist in making ways for a conducive environment for progress of the mineral sector.
The minister advices that we all need to put away our differences and out our heads together in partnership in the development of this sector.
“Also the government too needs to revisit the current mining legislations to make amendment to ensure our mining laws are conducive and attractive to accommodate mineral investors in the country” said Mr Garu.
Also speaking during the closing ceremony is the deputy director of mines Joseph Ishmael highlighted that participating at this forum signifies their enthusiasm and cooperation to ensure that mining industry is operated sustainably for the good of this country and its people.
Mr Ismael hoped that what is learnt out of this forum it will help participants go back to their various works of life and share it to bring a constructive contributions to draw up policies and framework that would bring about maximum benefits for the mining sector and to ensure that it is used sustainably for the enjoyment of our future generation as the theme says,” working together for a sustainable mining”.
Meanwhile World Bank representative Miss Endriana Eftimi said three messages identified out of this three days forum are; lack of information and misunderstanding which can lead to greater harms.
“Therefore the more we share and integrate, the better is the progress unfolding.”
Sitting together and discussing issues that affects all of us is the way forward in ensuring the development of the country, she said.
And her final message was a bird needs two strong wings to fly, therefore humanity needs both men and women to work equally together and help each other in all aspects of planning and decision making to successfully move forward.
The forum was funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the ministry of mines and energy and ministry of finance.
It was coordinated by the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT)
Participants of the forum showed great appreciation of what they have achieved and hope that more forums like this will be done in the provinces in the future.
By Daniel Namosuaia
Dated: Friday, 19 August 2011 10:01 .
The forum was first of its kind in the country which draws key stakeholders, community representatives, government official, local NGOs, mining reps, donor partners and overseas participants.
Objectives of the forum are to create basic knowledge and understanding about issues involving the mining industry the process, risks and benefit sharing issues.
In his closing remarks to the end the forum, minister for mines energy and rural electrification, Moses Garu said without participants’ participation the forum would not turn out successful.
He said the participation of women groups was highly commended with gender balance participation in common effort to promote and successfully develop the mineral sector for the benefit of this country and its people.
Mr Garu hoped that what is learnt will assist in the mutual understanding for forward planning and progress in the mining industry sector.
He highlighted that Solomon Islands was blessed with a good geological base for which the current number of mineral licenses issued as of date to exploring companies if more than sixty and two mining leases which signifies the country’s very interesting geology.
He said Solomon Islands is part of the “Pacific Rim of Fire”, host to some of the world class mines therefore important that all stakeholders must be fairly and adequately versed with the resources and process to which it can be developed, exploited, administered and managed for a maximum benefit to all Solomon islands and its people now and in the future.
He also stressed the paramount importance of such opportunity for which all stakeholders learn from each other their issues of concerns and assist in making ways for a conducive environment for progress of the mineral sector.
The minister advices that we all need to put away our differences and out our heads together in partnership in the development of this sector.
“Also the government too needs to revisit the current mining legislations to make amendment to ensure our mining laws are conducive and attractive to accommodate mineral investors in the country” said Mr Garu.
Also speaking during the closing ceremony is the deputy director of mines Joseph Ishmael highlighted that participating at this forum signifies their enthusiasm and cooperation to ensure that mining industry is operated sustainably for the good of this country and its people.
Mr Ismael hoped that what is learnt out of this forum it will help participants go back to their various works of life and share it to bring a constructive contributions to draw up policies and framework that would bring about maximum benefits for the mining sector and to ensure that it is used sustainably for the enjoyment of our future generation as the theme says,” working together for a sustainable mining”.
Meanwhile World Bank representative Miss Endriana Eftimi said three messages identified out of this three days forum are; lack of information and misunderstanding which can lead to greater harms.
“Therefore the more we share and integrate, the better is the progress unfolding.”
Sitting together and discussing issues that affects all of us is the way forward in ensuring the development of the country, she said.
And her final message was a bird needs two strong wings to fly, therefore humanity needs both men and women to work equally together and help each other in all aspects of planning and decision making to successfully move forward.
The forum was funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the ministry of mines and energy and ministry of finance.
It was coordinated by the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT)
Participants of the forum showed great appreciation of what they have achieved and hope that more forums like this will be done in the provinces in the future.
By Daniel Namosuaia
Dated: Friday, 19 August 2011 10:01 .
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
PM on growth centres .
PRIME Minister Danny Philip has defended his policy on the establishment of economic growth centres throughout the country. <.....read more........>
This idea is one of his flagship policies under his new Government’s reform.
However some critics said it was waste of money to build these economic growth centres.
But PM Philip said if his critics said that fundamental reforms don’t matter then they are defying diversity as a reality in the demography of Solomon Islands.
He was speaking at Malaita 28th Anniversary second appointed at Aligegeo field on Monday.
“If they espouse the notion that establishing economic growth centres is a waste of development funds; than I say to them that they are defying the way God had created this country with many islands and separated by sea,” he said.
“For it is not possible my friends for us to share one road, one bridge, one wharf, one powerhouse, one clinic or school.
“God created our diversity and he further created our geography,” Prime Minister said.
“These are things that we cannot change no matter how hard we try.
“The best we can do is to use our God given wisdom to harness best practices, sensible and practical policies to bring about efficiency and growth,” PM Philip said.
He said this is the way National Coalition for Rural Advancement (NCRA) Government thinks; to use wisdom to harness the best out of the situation we are in.
“We do not choose to be here by choice but by the necessity of destiny,” he said.
Under the NCRA’s new reform, it planned to build four economic growth centres in Fomamanu (East Malaita), Suava Bay (North Malaita), Wairokai in East Are Are and Afio in Small Malaita.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 14:43
This idea is one of his flagship policies under his new Government’s reform.
However some critics said it was waste of money to build these economic growth centres.
But PM Philip said if his critics said that fundamental reforms don’t matter then they are defying diversity as a reality in the demography of Solomon Islands.
He was speaking at Malaita 28th Anniversary second appointed at Aligegeo field on Monday.
“If they espouse the notion that establishing economic growth centres is a waste of development funds; than I say to them that they are defying the way God had created this country with many islands and separated by sea,” he said.
“For it is not possible my friends for us to share one road, one bridge, one wharf, one powerhouse, one clinic or school.
“God created our diversity and he further created our geography,” Prime Minister said.
“These are things that we cannot change no matter how hard we try.
“The best we can do is to use our God given wisdom to harness best practices, sensible and practical policies to bring about efficiency and growth,” PM Philip said.
He said this is the way National Coalition for Rural Advancement (NCRA) Government thinks; to use wisdom to harness the best out of the situation we are in.
“We do not choose to be here by choice but by the necessity of destiny,” he said.
Under the NCRA’s new reform, it planned to build four economic growth centres in Fomamanu (East Malaita), Suava Bay (North Malaita), Wairokai in East Are Are and Afio in Small Malaita.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 14:43
Isabel tops introduction of new crops .
Isabel Province is involved in taking the lead in the introduction and production of exotic but lucrative agriculture crops that is coffee and kava to name a few.
These words were expressed by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Connelly Sandakabatu during the farewell function held for him and the delegation following a visit to the province last week.
“Isabel is also leading other provinces in terms of rice production in 2009,” he said.
Mr Sandakabatu said so far 85 hectares of yielding estimated at 255 tonnes valued at $3.8million was produced by the province so far.
He added agriculture in the Solomon Islands remains vital to the country’s economy social prosperity.
“Agricultural products represent 24.2 percent of the national export.”
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 03:52
These words were expressed by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Connelly Sandakabatu during the farewell function held for him and the delegation following a visit to the province last week.
“Isabel is also leading other provinces in terms of rice production in 2009,” he said.
Mr Sandakabatu said so far 85 hectares of yielding estimated at 255 tonnes valued at $3.8million was produced by the province so far.
He added agriculture in the Solomon Islands remains vital to the country’s economy social prosperity.
“Agricultural products represent 24.2 percent of the national export.”
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 03:52
Solomons' corals seized in US .
A Florida university says hundreds of seized coral skeletons illegally poached in the Solomon Islands will be used for research and educational purposes.
Nova Southeastern University said it has been given 22 pallets of the confiscated corals by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A shipping container from the Solomon Islands containing the illegal corals was seized at the Port of Tampa in July 2010, a university release said Friday.
The shipment, with an estimate value of between USD$500,000 and USD$1 million, was seized on grounds it violated both the Endangered Species Act, which protects federally-listed endangered and threatened species, and the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade of fish and wildlife that has been illegally taken, transported or sold.
"This donation by CBP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will help us produce valuable scientific knowledge and educational outreach to protect corals, which are vital to the ocean's ecosystems," Richard E. Dodge, dean of the NSU Oceanographic Center, said.
Conservationists said the corals would be put to good use.
"The international trade of coral for consumer use is threatening coral species and marine biodiversity on a global scale," Jackie Marks of SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear campaign said.
"Using the seized coral for educational outreach will help corals remain in the ocean where they can continue to play a critical role in ocean health."
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 09:05
Nova Southeastern University said it has been given 22 pallets of the confiscated corals by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A shipping container from the Solomon Islands containing the illegal corals was seized at the Port of Tampa in July 2010, a university release said Friday.
The shipment, with an estimate value of between USD$500,000 and USD$1 million, was seized on grounds it violated both the Endangered Species Act, which protects federally-listed endangered and threatened species, and the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade of fish and wildlife that has been illegally taken, transported or sold.
"This donation by CBP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will help us produce valuable scientific knowledge and educational outreach to protect corals, which are vital to the ocean's ecosystems," Richard E. Dodge, dean of the NSU Oceanographic Center, said.
Conservationists said the corals would be put to good use.
"The international trade of coral for consumer use is threatening coral species and marine biodiversity on a global scale," Jackie Marks of SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear campaign said.
"Using the seized coral for educational outreach will help corals remain in the ocean where they can continue to play a critical role in ocean health."
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 09:05
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Guadalcanal fisheries centres to be upgraded
TWO major fisheries centres in Guadalcanal Province are likely to be upgraded.
Temotu Outer Islands want bech-de-mer ban lifted .
CHIEFS and elders of the outer islands in Temotu Province have backed recent calls for the Government to lift the ban on bech-de-mer to save their suffering children.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Gwaunaruú closure affects travelers
The Malaita provincial government yesterday stepped in to assist in solving the problem with Gwaunaruú Airport.
Igniting village participation, Siarana Village example .
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| Falitators and trainees with certificates after the closure of the workshop |
Twenty five leaders of the executive, vestry, health, education, youth and women committees in Siarana village on South Small Gella in the Central Islands Province have attended a week-long participatory rural appraisal (PRA) training.
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