BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Betel nut vendors of Auki, Malaita province, are questioning the province’s authorities over unfair treatment following mass removal of betel nut stalls across the town recently.
While betel nut stalls were removed, clothes vendors were allowed to continue vending, and this has not gone down well with the evicted betel nut vendors.
The Malaita Provincial Government, together with police and provincial law enforcement officers, began an operation to clean up Auki as preparations continue for the province’s upcoming second appointed day celebrations.
Betel nut vendors whose stalls were removed said the same action should also be taken against clothing vendors.
Premier Elijah Asilaua said the provincial government would address all illegal activities in due course.
“This has just started and this is the first step, and slowly it will address everything as we go,” he said.
Mr Asilaua appealed for cooperation from everyone in the province, particularly on development and waste management.
He said keeping Auki Town clean is everyone’s responsibility and requires people to work together.
“All government needs cooperation from everyone, whether in development or solid waste management. Everyone in Auki must work together.
“It’s everybody’s business. Whether you come from different communities to Auki, or you are the people avoiding your land for dump sites, business houses or citizens of Malaita,” he said.
This paper understands that Auki Town has a designated area for betel nut vendors, while construction of a designated area for clothing stalls area under the CAUSE Project has stalled.
Clothing vendors are currently using various corners of the town to sell their products, with some also selling clothes in the designated betel nut area.
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
For feedback, contact: rodrickdesuri50@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Betel nut vendors of Auki, Malaita province, are questioning the province’s authorities over unfair treatment following mass removal of betel nut stalls across the town recently.
While betel nut stalls were removed, clothes vendors were allowed to continue vending, and this has not gone down well with the evicted betel nut vendors.
The Malaita Provincial Government, together with police and provincial law enforcement officers, began an operation to clean up Auki as preparations continue for the province’s upcoming second appointed day celebrations.
Betel nut vendors whose stalls were removed said the same action should also be taken against clothing vendors.
Premier Elijah Asilaua said the provincial government would address all illegal activities in due course.
“This has just started and this is the first step, and slowly it will address everything as we go,” he said.
Mr Asilaua appealed for cooperation from everyone in the province, particularly on development and waste management.
He said keeping Auki Town clean is everyone’s responsibility and requires people to work together.
“All government needs cooperation from everyone, whether in development or solid waste management. Everyone in Auki must work together.
“It’s everybody’s business. Whether you come from different communities to Auki, or you are the people avoiding your land for dump sites, business houses or citizens of Malaita,” he said.
This paper understands that Auki Town has a designated area for betel nut vendors, while construction of a designated area for clothing stalls area under the CAUSE Project has stalled.
Clothing vendors are currently using various corners of the town to sell their products, with some also selling clothes in the designated betel nut area.
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
For feedback, contact: rodrickdesuri50@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY JOSES SAREN
KIRAKIRA, Makira-Ulawa Province
World Vision is carrying out a disaster preparedness training in Kirakira, linking community disaster committees with provincial and national response systems.
Organisers said the training began on Tuesday and will conclude tomorrow, bringing together about 20 participants, including church leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups and Village Disaster Risk Committees (VDCs).
The training focuses on the Disaster Management Cycle and the Four Stages of Disaster.
William Rikirongo, Project Coordinator for World Vision said the sessions will help communities to understand the Early Warning System and develop their own response plans.
William Rikirongo, Project Coordinator for World Vision at the disaster preparedness training in Kirakira, Photo credit- Joses Saren
“But more importantly, we are teaching them how to link with the government structure — how to coordinate from the village committee up to the provincial level, and then up to the national level,” Rikirongo said.
McQueen Bahenua, Provincial Disaster Officer (PDO) for Makira, addressed participants on Wednesday, outlining the government’s official response arrangements.
McQueen Bahenua, Provincial Disaster Officer for Makira addresses participants at the training in Kirakira, Photo credit- Joses Saren
Bahenua stressed the importance of following the correct reporting process during a disaster.
He detailed two assessment phases: the Initial Situation Overview (ISO), which gathers first-hand accounts of the immediate impact, and the Initial Damage Assessment (IDA), which follows and verifies the damage, sometimes through aerial or boat surveillance.
“We must compile a good report to send to the province.
“This report is what influences the national government to send down official assessment teams and release relief supplies,” Bahenua said.
He noted that a common challenge during disasters is when outside groups rush to respond before his office has completed its official assessment.
“We need to follow the proper structure.
“The government must understand the scale of the damage based on our official reports before relief can be properly coordinated,” Bahenua said.
The training also covers practical steps for skippers of small crafts and boats, teaching them to read the colour-coded flag system based on wind speed.
Rikirongo said the training’s goal is to ensure VDCs understand their roles and that church-based organisations are formally integrated into the provincial disaster response plan.
“By linking everyone together, we ensure that when a disaster strikes, help reaches the community efficiently,” he said.
Participants are expected to complete their community response plans during Thursday’s final sessions, which will then go to the Provincial Disaster Office for integration into the wider provincial framework.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY JOSES SAREN
KIRAKIRA, Makira-Ulawa Province
World Vision is carrying out a disaster preparedness training in Kirakira, linking community disaster committees with provincial and national response systems.
Organisers said the training began on Tuesday and will conclude tomorrow, bringing together about 20 participants, including church leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups and Village Disaster Risk Committees (VDCs).
The training focuses on the Disaster Management Cycle and the Four Stages of Disaster.
William Rikirongo, Project Coordinator for World Vision said the sessions will help communities to understand the Early Warning System and develop their own response plans.
William Rikirongo, Project Coordinator for World Vision at the disaster preparedness training in Kirakira, Photo credit- Joses Saren
“But more importantly, we are teaching them how to link with the government structure — how to coordinate from the village committee up to the provincial level, and then up to the national level,” Rikirongo said.
McQueen Bahenua, Provincial Disaster Officer (PDO) for Makira, addressed participants on Wednesday, outlining the government’s official response arrangements.
McQueen Bahenua, Provincial Disaster Officer for Makira addresses participants at the training in Kirakira, Photo credit- Joses Saren
Bahenua stressed the importance of following the correct reporting process during a disaster.
He detailed two assessment phases: the Initial Situation Overview (ISO), which gathers first-hand accounts of the immediate impact, and the Initial Damage Assessment (IDA), which follows and verifies the damage, sometimes through aerial or boat surveillance.
“We must compile a good report to send to the province.
“This report is what influences the national government to send down official assessment teams and release relief supplies,” Bahenua said.
He noted that a common challenge during disasters is when outside groups rush to respond before his office has completed its official assessment.
“We need to follow the proper structure.
“The government must understand the scale of the damage based on our official reports before relief can be properly coordinated,” Bahenua said.
The training also covers practical steps for skippers of small crafts and boats, teaching them to read the colour-coded flag system based on wind speed.
Rikirongo said the training’s goal is to ensure VDCs understand their roles and that church-based organisations are formally integrated into the provincial disaster response plan.
“By linking everyone together, we ensure that when a disaster strikes, help reaches the community efficiently,” he said.
Participants are expected to complete their community response plans during Thursday’s final sessions, which will then go to the Provincial Disaster Office for integration into the wider provincial framework.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
by Georgina Maka’a It was the middle of the night when the MV ANJEANETTE was suddenly engulfed in smoke. For sailor Staivy Ramo, the first sign that something was seriously...
The post Sailor Recounts Terrifying Escape from MV ANJEANETTE Fire appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
by Georgina Maka’a It was the middle of the night when the MV ANJEANETTE was suddenly engulfed in smoke. For sailor Staivy Ramo, the first sign that something was seriously...
The post Sailor Recounts Terrifying Escape from MV ANJEANETTE Fire appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued a strong wind warning for all waters of Solomon Islands.
The warning, issued at 4:00pm today, is Impact Based Warning No. 207, a SIMS statement said.
SIMS said southeasterly winds of 15 to 25 knots are expected over most waters of Solomon Islands.
The weather service said seas are expected to be moderate to rough, with moderate southeasterly swells of between 2.5 and 3.0 metres.
SIMS also warned that visibility could be poor in areas affected by showers and thunderstorms.
“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties,” SIMS said.
The weather service also urges people travelling by sea to take extra care, particularly those using small boats.
“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” SIMS said.
SIMS advises communities and travellers to remain alert to changing weather and sea conditions and to take appropriate safety measures.
The weather service also urges people to share the warning with persons with disabilities to ensure they receive the information.
The next strong wind warning is scheduled to be issued at 7:00am tomorrow.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued a strong wind warning for all waters of Solomon Islands.
The warning, issued at 4:00pm today, is Impact Based Warning No. 207, a SIMS statement said.
SIMS said southeasterly winds of 15 to 25 knots are expected over most waters of Solomon Islands.
The weather service said seas are expected to be moderate to rough, with moderate southeasterly swells of between 2.5 and 3.0 metres.
SIMS also warned that visibility could be poor in areas affected by showers and thunderstorms.
“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties,” SIMS said.
The weather service also urges people travelling by sea to take extra care, particularly those using small boats.
“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” SIMS said.
SIMS advises communities and travellers to remain alert to changing weather and sea conditions and to take appropriate safety measures.
The weather service also urges people to share the warning with persons with disabilities to ensure they receive the information.
The next strong wind warning is scheduled to be issued at 7:00am tomorrow.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY JOSES SAREN
KIRAKIRA, Makira-Ulawa Province
A Makira disability advocate says the colour-coded flag system used to warn communities of cyclones and tsunamis leaves blind, deaf and wheelchair-using residents exposed.
Noel Houra, 69, President of the People With Disability (PWD) Association for Makira-Ulawa Province, raised the concern while attending a three-day World Vision disaster preparedness training in Kirakira that kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on Thursday.
Houra said the training has improved his understanding of disaster management.
However, he pointed to a critical flaw in the current Flag Early Warning System, which uses green for normal conditions, yellow for bad weather and red for cyclone warnings.
“The colour coding is good, but for a blind person, they cannot see the green, yellow or red flags.
“For those who are deaf or cannot speak, how do you warn them? Unless you know sign language, communication completely falls down,” Houra said.
He also highlighted the physical challenges facing wheelchair users during emergencies.
“When a cyclone or tsunami warning comes, people in wheelchairs struggle to prepare and evacuate.
“If you cannot hear the warning, cannot see the flag, and cannot physically run, the standard system fails you,” Houra said.
Houra formed the Makira Disability Association in 2011 to advocate for the rights and protection of people with disabilities and better delivery of government services to them.
However, he said the lack of resources severely limits his ability to prepare his community for disasters.
“I can attend workshops and learn, but for us to implement programs and reach our people on the ground, it is very hard.
“I am not weak because I am lazy, but I am weak because there is no financial support or transport,” he said.
The shortage is so acute that Houra has been without a working phone for two years, making coordination during emergencies nearly impossible.
As the training enters its final day Thursday, Houra is calling for a more inclusive approach to disaster preparedness.
“A disaster plan is not complete if it leaves the blind, the deaf and the disabled behind,” he said.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY JOSES SAREN
KIRAKIRA, Makira-Ulawa Province
A Makira disability advocate says the colour-coded flag system used to warn communities of cyclones and tsunamis leaves blind, deaf and wheelchair-using residents exposed.
Noel Houra, 69, President of the People With Disability (PWD) Association for Makira-Ulawa Province, raised the concern while attending a three-day World Vision disaster preparedness training in Kirakira that kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on Thursday.
Houra said the training has improved his understanding of disaster management.
However, he pointed to a critical flaw in the current Flag Early Warning System, which uses green for normal conditions, yellow for bad weather and red for cyclone warnings.
“The colour coding is good, but for a blind person, they cannot see the green, yellow or red flags.
“For those who are deaf or cannot speak, how do you warn them? Unless you know sign language, communication completely falls down,” Houra said.
He also highlighted the physical challenges facing wheelchair users during emergencies.
“When a cyclone or tsunami warning comes, people in wheelchairs struggle to prepare and evacuate.
“If you cannot hear the warning, cannot see the flag, and cannot physically run, the standard system fails you,” Houra said.
Houra formed the Makira Disability Association in 2011 to advocate for the rights and protection of people with disabilities and better delivery of government services to them.
However, he said the lack of resources severely limits his ability to prepare his community for disasters.
“I can attend workshops and learn, but for us to implement programs and reach our people on the ground, it is very hard.
“I am not weak because I am lazy, but I am weak because there is no financial support or transport,” he said.
The shortage is so acute that Houra has been without a working phone for two years, making coordination during emergencies nearly impossible.
As the training enters its final day Thursday, Houra is calling for a more inclusive approach to disaster preparedness.
“A disaster plan is not complete if it leaves the blind, the deaf and the disabled behind,” he said.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY TONY IROGA
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has conveyed congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office today said Mr Wale extended the congratulations in a message to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
The Prime Minister conveyed the congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
Mr Wale highlighted the longstanding bonds of friendship, kinship and solidarity between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
He said the two Melanesian countries share a strong Pacific identity and common aspirations.
Wale said these shared bonds continue to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
He also said the relationship is important in advancing the interests of the people of both countries and the wider Pacific region.
“As you celebrate this national milestone, I wish you continued wisdom and success in leading your country and I wish the people of Papua New Guinea peace, prosperity and progress,” Wale said.
PM Wale reaffirmed the importance of the close relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Photo credit: PMO
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY TONY IROGA
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has conveyed congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office today said Mr Wale extended the congratulations in a message to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
The Prime Minister conveyed the congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
Mr Wale highlighted the longstanding bonds of friendship, kinship and solidarity between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
He said the two Melanesian countries share a strong Pacific identity and common aspirations.
Wale said these shared bonds continue to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
He also said the relationship is important in advancing the interests of the people of both countries and the wider Pacific region.
“As you celebrate this national milestone, I wish you continued wisdom and success in leading your country and I wish the people of Papua New Guinea peace, prosperity and progress,” Wale said.
PM Wale reaffirmed the importance of the close relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Photo credit: PMO
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com