http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/534747
Manawai and Laugwata Primary Schools will benefit from the project which amounts to about 79-thousand dollars.

The project consists of one classroom and one staff house for each of the schools.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr Iwanade said he was happy to sign the contract for the grassroots and human security projects on behalf of Japan.

He said the two schools will offer educational opportunities to many students who will create the future of the country.

In response Malaita Premier, Mr Irosaea said he was privileged and honoured for the generosity shown in funding the two schools.

He said the Japanese Government has contributed much to the development of Malaita Province in various sectors.

Premier Irosaea said Malaita places education as number one on its lists of priorities.

Source: SIBC]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/534747 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/534749
The Policy Brief titled "The Sting of Climate Change: Malaria and Dengue Fever in Maritime Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands" is written by Dr Sarah Potter.

According to the report, global climate change will intensify the already significant malaria and dengue problems in maritime Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

As a result, countries with the fewest resources and poor public health infrastructure are likely to feel the impact of increasing disease the most acutely.

The report stated that in order to address the anticipated problem, Australia should strengthen regional efforts in maritime Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands for the better quantification of the effects of climate change on the spread of mosquito-borne diseases between and within susceptible countries.

"Australia’s own risk assessments for malaria and dengue should be updated. Besides, AusAID’s increased budget allocations for climate change and public health should be leveraged to enhance impact-based research, public education and health care training programs in malaria and dengue-prone areas, especially previously unaffected ones.]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/534749 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/522429
In a letter to Obama today, Dr Sikua says it is with immense pleasure that the government and people of Solomon Islands join him in conveying the deepest and heartfelt congratulations on his historic election as President-Elect of the USA.

He says Solomon Islands and the US share a long, warm and historic relations spanning over a period of more than 62 years, which saw the 35th President of the US proudly serving his country in Solomon Islands during World War Two.

Prime Minister Sikua says Mr Obama's election comes at an important juncture when the world is facing so many challenges from climate change to financial crisis.

Dr Sikua says towards this end, Solomon Islands looks to Mr Obama's leadership with hope and confidence he will address these challenges and redefine the US relations with the Pacific region and Solomon Islands.

Dr Sikua says Solomon Islands reaffirms its keenness to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest for the benefit of the people.He wishes Mr Obama and his family and people of the US every success as he prepares to take on his new leadership role.

SOURCE: SIBC]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/522429 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521283
Redley Raramo is executive director of the Uttermost Rural Development Foundation (URDF).
This was an indigenous youth initiated rural base organisation in North Malaita.

Mr Raramo will join 44 youth leaders from around the world at the conference, organised by Timor Leste government and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Presently Timor-Leste faces substantial challenges in its nation building process. Among these challenges is the lack of an overarching national identity, inadequate women’s participation in the political decision making processes, lack of opportunities for positive self-expressions.

There’s also a feeling of disenfranchisement among its youth population.

Mr Raramo will present a paper on “Youth and access to employment” an issues that Solomon Islands too faces today.

“I will be presenting this paper in the context of rural employment based on a concept called ‘Ruralism’. This was designed and developed by my youth organisation as one of the critical options for youth employment in rural areas,” Mr Raramo said.

He said he will also use the opportunity to learn from other participants and also develop new relationship and network.

Mr Raramo said he will be joined by Susan Talisi from the Church of Melanesia. They leave this Sunday.

SOURCE: SolomonStar]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521283 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521285
Mr Haomae was reported to have met the Iranian Government officials while in Tehran where he raised with them the prospects of establishing trade relations between the two countries.

Recent media reports about the possibility of establishing some kind of links with Iran had sparked wide criticism from some prominent leaders in the country who hold conflicting views against the move.

Government has maintained that it was still holding dialogue with Iran about the prospects of developing economic and trade relations between the two nations.

Mr Haomae declined to talk to the media about his discussion with the Iranian Government officials until he had informed Cabinet.

SOURCE: SIBC]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521285 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521287
Chief James Mosuria of Matakwalao House of Chief in North Malaita says other people including those from Malaita must stay away from the abandoned lands.

Chief Mosuria says people must be patient and wait until government's proposed Commission of Inquiry into those land is set up and complete its work.

He says until the Commission has deliberated on those lands and made recommendations for authorities including both the national and Guadalcanal Province to decide what is appropriate concerning those lands, no body should trespass on those lands.

Chief Mosuria appeals to other people including Malaitans to respect the rights of the Guadalcanal people and stay away from those land and properties.

The chief also appeals to leaders of people concern to gather and talk with their people to abide by the law and stop trespassing on other peoples' land and properties.

SOURCE: SIBC]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521287 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521289
The Fiji-time reveals that the USP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rajesh Chandra, saying the university had been looking at a number of ways to reduce costs.

Professor Chandra says the USP would restructure and cut back those courses which did not have many students.He said cutting back on the undersubscribed courses would not mean students who had already enrolled in them would be forced to leave.

Professor Chandra says students in programmes would be able to complete them but the university will stop taking new students.

The university also plans to cut costs, including expenditure on travel, purchasing, internet usage, electricity and telephone calls.

In addition, Professor Chandra said, the university would try and generate additional income through consultancies.The paper also reports him saying the number of faculties will be cut from four to three.

SOURCE: SIBC]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/521289 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/518275
The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his victory by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states — Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Iowa.

A huge crowd in Grant Park in Chicago erupted in jubilation at the news of Obama's victory. Some wept.

McCain called his former rival to concede defeat — and the end of his own 10-year quest for the White House. "The American people have spoken, and spoken clearly," McCain told disappointed supporters in Arizona.

Obama and his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, will take their oaths of office as president and vice president on Jan. 20, 2009.

As the 44th president, Obama will move into the Oval Office as leader.

Source: Yahoo News]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:11:00 EST http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/518275 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/513302
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade says the Leader of Opposition’s condemnation of the move as regrettable.

A statement from the Ministry says Solomon Islands has adopted a Foreign Policy that is based on the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.

The statement says as such Solomon Islands interact with the international community beyond the 51 of the 192 countries that it has diplomatic relations with by being members of the United Nations.

Iran has diplomatic relations with 102 countries, including Australia and New Zealand.Solomon Islands is yet to establish diplomatic relations with Iran.

It has however signed a Cooperative Memorandum with Iran which basically allows for the two countries to explore specific cooperative arrangements, including the possibility of formalizing diplomatic relations.

Iran and Solomon Islands are both members of the Group of Developing Countries at the UN, hence the Cooperative Memorandum was signed within the spirit of South-South Cooperation.

SOURCE: SIBC]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/513302 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/511899
Mr Sogavare issued the condemnation when he appeared before the Foreign Relation Committee yesterday in parliament.

This was the committee tasked to review the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). It has resumed its hearing.

Mr Sogavare said the Government’s move was shocking because Iran was accused by the US of backing terrorism.

"While we are a sovereign country, and we have the right to enter into any bilateral arrangement, we have principles to follow," Mr Sogavare said.He said the tradition is for Solomon Islands to enter into bilateral agreement with countries that share common values with us.

Mr Sogavare said the Sikua Government’s decision does not reflect well on a government that boasts good governance principles.Attempts to get comments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday on this were unsuccessful.

SOURCE:solomonstarnews]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/511899 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/511420
According to Aloysious Erobaea (a local Red Cross First Aid instructor) the arrangement of that first ever training for inmates under the rehabilitation initiative of that Correctional institution has been welcomed by both the Red Cross and the inmates attending the two days training.

"Our goal is to prepare them to be self reliant when comes to work-related safety. This is a reason why we offer the training free as part of their rehabilitation.

"I on behalf of my colleagues, are thankful to the authority of the Rove Correctional Institution to have confidence in us to go that far and train the inmates in their cells. And we are looking forward for future trainings to that targeted group", he said.

At that same occasion, Mr Oligao Niniu, the SIRC Dissemination officer highlighted to the inmates the Red Cross has an important role to play beyond giving information about its activities and fund raisings. It asks the targeted groups like youths, arm carriers, public authorities, and communities (including the inmates at Rove) to respect lives and dignity of the protected groups such as the civilians, inmates, sick and wounded enemies, Red Cross and medical personnel, and religious people, even at a point when darkness covers the human hearts during wars.

"So Iam here today to tell you that Red Cross is a symbol of humanity. It is a symbol of hope to protect those are not involved in fightings and those no longer fighting because of sickness and wounds. And it must be respected at all times", commented Mr. Niniu.

The two-day training will be completed today with a certificate presentation to the 11 inmates for their completion of the Red Cross First Aid training.]]> Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/511420 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510420
From next month, Mr Sisilo will become Nauru's new foreign affairs secretary.

He replaces Iosefa Maiava who moves to Fiji in December to become the new head of the United Nations ESCAP Pacific office.

The foreign affairs secretary position in Nauru is funded under the Pacific Regional Assistance on Nauru, PRAN financed by AusAID.

Before this new job, Mr Sisilo was the Pacific Islands Forum permanent representative at the World Trade Organisation W-T-O in Geneva.

He was also Solomon Islands’ ambassador in Brussels and has been chief adviser to his government's negotiations for an economic agreement with the European Union.

Mr Sisilo will begin in his new role on 14 November.

Source: SIBC]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510420 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510422
Graeme Wilson is expected to replace fellow Australian Tim George as Special Co-ordinator in January next year.

The government consulted the Solomon Islands Government and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General on Mr Wilson’s appointment.

Mr Wilson, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Islands Branch since May 2005.

He has also had a stint as Consul-General in Noumea, from 1995-1998, and in the 1980s as Third Secretary in Vanuatu.

Mr George took up the position in November 2006.

Source: RNZI]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510422 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510424 Solomon Telekom Company limited has confirmed the appointment of Mr Loyley Ngira (pictured) as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Ngira, a Solomon Islands national from Choe, Marovo, Western Province is the first Solomon Islander to take up the role of Chief Executive for Our Telekom since its inception.

Mr Ngira commenced work in the telecommunications industry with SOLTEL, a joint venture company between Solomon Islands Government and Cable Wireless PLC of UK in 1978. He gained extensive technical and commercial experience in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors prior to taking up the position of Chief Executive in late August 2008.

Mr Ngira graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor Engineering (Electronic Electrical) degree at University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand and in 2007 graduated with an Executive Master Business Administration degree from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

Mr Ngira says the responsibilities that come with the job of Chief Executive for Our Telekom are tremendous and multifaceted yet exciting. He believes he can rise to the challenge. "I aim for Telekom to be a world class service provider in the face of immense change in our country" he said.

"I am always conscious", Mr Ngira said, "that more than eighty thousand contributors to the National Provident Fund expect an attractive return on their savings invested in Solomon Telekom Company Ltd"

Our Telekom paid the National Provident Fund SBD$28 million in dividends last year in addition to the SBD$60 million paid to the Government.

Source: Solomon Times]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510424 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510426
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural Development Fred Fono was responding to criticisms that there has been little or no signs of the money being pumped into rural areas.

But Mr Fono says that under the government's rural development policy, a lot of projects are being funded under his ministry.

He says that out of the 50 constituencies, only 28 have so far had projects funded totaling more than eight-million dollars.

Mr Fono says other constituencies will have their projects funded soon.

He says the delay in disbursing money to projects and the delay in endorsement of projects is holding up the implementation of the policy but is optimistic a lot more projects for other constituencies will be funded before the end of the year.

Mr Fono says other funding through other ministries will have projects handed over in the next few days while the funding under the ministry of Fisheries, project proposals are being screened.

He says the government is looking at diverting all funds meant for rural area developments come under one ministry in the future.

Source: SIBC]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510426 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510428 By Priestly Habru
In Apia, Samoa

Relocating the people of Ontong Java and Sikaiana in the Solomon Islands remains an option, but not the best solution according to Permanent Secretary of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, Mr Rence Sore.

Mr Sore was speaking to Pacific journalists attending the climate change reporting course in Apia, Samoa this week.

"It is not easy, but (the government) is still discussing how best to do it. We do not want to relocate them, but it’s the last option," said Sore, whose ministry recently established a climate change department for the first time in the history of the Solomon Islands.

Ontong Java and Sikaiana, referred to as the Malaita Outer Islands, are atolls facing the full effects of climate change.

He confirmed that discussions and dialogues are continuing with traditional leaders of the two islands but added that there would be no easy way out.

Traditional leaders of Ontong Java, or Lord Howe Island, which has two villages, have raised the alarm on degradation of the atoll with low fresh water supply and taro crops not growing well.

Mamanawata near China Town on the coast of Honiara city is settlement of Ontong Java people while Red Beach, east of Honiara is where Sikaiana community is currently settling.

But with increased population on the two atoll islands and the rising sea level, the people of Ontong Java have recently alerted the government of Solomon Islands on threats to their livelihoods as a consequence of climate change

Even their Manawata Settlement in Honiara is also overcrowded and cannot cater to more settlers from Ontong Java atoll.

Sore stated that relocating the Ontong Java people to bigger islands in the Solomon Islands in the future will exacerbate complex issues, issues which need to be deliberated on seriously.

"The government recognises the plight of the Ontong Java people and is prioritising this whole issue," said Sore, who is currently attending the fourth Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR) in Apia. The PCCR ends on Friday.

Source: SPREP]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510428 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510430
Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal handed over the cheque to Solomon Island High Commissioner Bernard Bata’anisia in the VIP lounge at the Jackson International Airport last week as part of the bilateral agreement to help the Solomon Island Government build their new office.

This money is part of the K7.4 million by the PNG Government to build the chancery and K2.4 million has already been given for the engineering and scoping work with the securing of the land.

Mr Abal said that the final payment would enable a joint PNG-Chinese construction team to start work soon.

Source: The National]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2008 07:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510430 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510432
Malaita Provincial Government and the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement government have recognised the importance of this reconciliation programme as significant prerequisite for true and meaningful development for long lasting peace that will achieve economic prosperity in longer term within the province.

The Government Communications Units says this reconciliation program became feasible after the translation of government's policy statement and the prioritization of Reconciliation and Rehabilitation as its number one priority to enable all levels of societies live in unity, peace and harmony.

The road map for this reconciliation programme was drawn in at a Leader’s Summit held in Auki in 2007.

The reconciliation program began with a two and half week training jointly coordinated by World Vision and staff from Ministry of National Unity Reconciliation and Peace on May 28 in Auki, Malaita Province.

The program further aimed at preparing the province for future reconciliation at all levels and especially the inter provincial reconciliation with Guadalcanal and other provinces in Solomon Islands.

Source: SIBC]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2008 06:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510432 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510434 By Henry Morabang

Star-studded Hekari Souths United go into the Port Moresby premier men’s soccer grand final tomorrow at Telikom Park as favourites over challengers Maclaren.

With six Solomon Islands reps and the cream of the PNG national team, there should be no excuses for Souths not to win back-to-back premierships.

Coach and Solomon Islander, Jerry Allan could not be reached for comment but team manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto said her boys were looking forward to the grand final tomorrow. She said training had been good and there were no major injuries to the players.

“We had a couple during the semi-final the previous weekend but nothing major to stop them taking on Maclaren,” she said.

Souths are likely to start Joachim Waroi and Kema Jack in the forwards, while Jack Samani and Abraham Iniga will man the wings.

In the midfield, Eric Komeng will partner either Andrew Lepani or little maestro David Muta to ensure the supply room is working for their strikers to score goals.

In the backline, Brian Tuhiana, Cyril Muta and Koriak Upaiga provide a formidable backline ready to go to war against any resistance from Maclaren.

Maclaren coach Lua Vagi would need a playmaker to assist midfielder Adrian Komu and Misty Andrew to create opportunities for their striker Gary Moka. As underdogs, Maclaren have a good record against Souths.

Both teams have beaten each other once during the season. In the preliminary finals, Souths stamped their supremacy by beating Maclaren to secure the first grand final berth.

It will be interesting to see if Maclaren can cause the upset of the year.

Source: The National]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510434 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510436
Reports reaching SIBC News say since the arrival of the group in Auki, local people have felt fear and doubts over the intentions of the men in Malaita.

The reports also say that the Iranian men along with some Malaitans have painted a bus in army colors to use as transport.

But Acting Police Commissioner Walter Kola says Headquarters have received reports from the Auki Police Station about the Iranian men and police have no reason to believe suspicious activities.

Source: SIBC]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510436 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510438
The People's Survey 2008 is an independent way of measuring each year what people think about progress and development issues related to the Government-RAMSI partnership.

The voluntary survey involved interviewing around 5,000 men and women in five provinces and Honiara on the work of RAMSI in the country.

Questions were being asked about whether RAMSI was making progress against its objectives, that is, if work done by RAMSI was actually leading to positive change.

Among some of the interesting results include that eighty-nine percent of the Solomon Islanders being interviewed stated their support for the continued presence of RAMSI in the country.

Fifty-eight percent had a health centre in their community, or could reach one within an hour.

Seventy-one percent had a primary school in their community or could reach one within an hour.

Forty-four percent of all respondents said law and order in their community had improved in the past year.

Seventy-four percent of the locals interviewed thought violence would, or might, return to Solomon Islands if RAMSI left soon.

Eighty-five percent of all respondents said Parliament should have women MPs - but said the reason that only male candidates usually get elected is for "kastom" reasons or because male candidates bribe voters.

RAMSI head, Mr. George highlighted that the People's Survey provides RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government with a means to consult directly with Solomon Islanders about issues that affect their lives.

He said the Survey results inform RAMSI management decisions and Government policy decisions alike.

Source: Solomon Times]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510438 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510440
In a presentation to CRGA, SPC’s North Pacific Manager, Amena Yauvoli, said a “business as usual” approach was not an option when dealing with climate change because the “cost of delays in human economic, socio-cultural and political terms will be too great.”

“The impact of climate change cuts across all sectors. In the agriculture and forestry sector, climate change could negatively affect the composition of forests and trees, and result in a loss of crops due to floods, droughts, soil erosion, salinisation, and increased risks of pests and diseases. The fisheries sector could be affected by depleting fish stocks and the distribution of tuna,” Mr Yauvoli said.

Governments in the region will have to bear the costs of climate change impacts, which include costs related to fishing safety at sea, water bourne diseases and mosquito bourne diseases, and threats to human lives posed by injuries and deaths because of increased incidences of natural disasters such as drought and flooding of low lying areas such as atolls as tropical cyclones become more intense.

“Climate change can also upset settlements and the security of a nation,” Mr Yauvoli said.

In adopting the SPC Climate Change Adaptation Plan, CRGA considered strategies in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and public health, especially those aimed at helping rural communities adapt by diversifying methods of food production and income generation.

The SPC Climate Change Adaptation Programme will address “climate ready” crops and trees varieties, encourage participatory approaches to help farmers adapt, promote sustainable land management to build resilience, and address emissions from deforestation and degradation and bio fuels that will not impact on food security, diversify how fish are produced so resilient methods can be identified and developed, increase emphasis on small pond aquaculture for subsistence fisheries, and the reduction of stresses to coastal fisheries.

There is also a new AusAID project to assess the vulnerability of fisheries and aquaculture to climate change.

In dealing with public health, SPC will work with the World Health Organization in addressing health challenges that climate change poses. A dengue vector surveillance and control programme with the Institute Pasteur in New Caledonia will be pursued and continuous assessments on the effects of climate change on malaria under the Global Fund.

There will be strong cooperation between SPC, SPREP and other CROP agencies to assist Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) to achieve the goals of the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change.

Source: SPC]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/510440 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/502849
The Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena officially received the vehicle keys from Chief Executive Officer Greg Rochford in a brief ceremony at the New South Wales Ambulance Service Headquarters.

The NSW Ambulance Service donated the vehicle after a request by Sir Nathaniel to the Governor of New South Wales earlier this year.

Mr Rochford said his organization is pleased to assist Solomon Islands improve its emergency services.

Mr Rochford also indicated ongoing support to the Solomon Islands Ambulance services, saying the New South Wales Ambulance Service is prepared to assist in future.

Solomon Islands Honorary Consul in Sydney, Trevor Garland was instrumental in pursuing Sir Nathaniel’s request for the Ambulance with New South Wales authorities.

Sir Nathaniel thanked the New South Wales Ambulance Service and highlighted the significance of the equipment in saving lives in Solomon Islands.

The vehicle is expected to be shipped to Honiara later in the year.

Sir Nathaniel traveled to Sydney for the occasion after attending a week-long International Prayer and Cultural Festival in Bundaberg.

Source: SIBC]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/502849 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/502709
Coastal Fisheries Programme Manager Lindsay Chapman told the 38th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) in Noumea that this is a medium- to long-term worry in many places, as the gap widens between the growing nutritional and livelihood needs of increasing human populations and the production capacity of coastal fisheries ecosystems.

Pacific Island communities depend heavily on fish for their dietary protein. Fish consumption in the region is about 65 kg per person compared with the average global consumption of about 16 kg per person per year.

Mr Chapman pointed out other, more immediate, coastal fishery worries such as export fisheries. He cited as an example, large specimens of certain giant clams, which are hovering on the verge of extinction.

“Most of these coastal export fisheries are the focus of, or are in need of, specific, immediate management action, either to conserve their biological status or recover their potential value,“ Mr Chapman said in his report.

He said that in some cases there would be a need for collaboration between different islands and countries for a regionally harmonised level of information-sharing and decision-making.

Source: SPC]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/502709 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333 http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/502711
This follows SPC’s Land Resources Division director, Aleki Sisifa’s presentation that food security remains a pressing issue and challenge in the Pacific.

Mr Sisifa called on governments to boost local production of traditional food, strengthen infrastructure to facilitate local food production, provide an environment that will promote economic growth and private sector development, and diversify production systems.

“This is not a matter of choice and governments must identify the challenges and involve everyone in addressing climate change, particularly women and young people,” Mr Sisifa said.

Mr Sisifa said that awareness of the importance of good nutrition and links between local production and health must be undertaken.

“The implications of inaction will mean worsening health outcomes, higher import bills, higher expenditure on treating non communicable diseases,” Mr Sisifa said.

The CRGA will relook at the policy paper and endorse the recommendations that were made at the recent Heads of Agriculture and Forestry meeting in Samoa.

Recommendations included the need to recognise the importance of a multi-sectoral approach and encourage a ‘whole of society’ and ‘whole of government’ approach to dealing with food security; supporting SPC’s work in assisting members to address the food security challenges they face across a number of sectors; and encourage development partners to provide additional support to strengthen the capacity of SPC programmes to assist members to achieve food security

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on World Food Security defines food security as the ability of all people at all times to have both the physical and economic access to the basic food they need.

Source: SPC]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:10:00 EDT http://xleetalo.tigblog.org/post/502711 -42.9166667 147.3333333-42.9166667147.3333333