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Fourth Estate, P. O Box 2476, Honiara (2025)

03/10/2024

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥

The 1984th U.S. Army Hospital Pacific (USAH-P), a brigade of the 9th Mission Support Command has installed a new ultrasound machine at the Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, Western Province.

This was an endeavour in which Lt. Col. Richard Teames, the officer in charge of the operating room and anesthesia section for the 394th Forward Surgical Team, played a pivotal role.

As an expert in ultrasound technology and a consultant to the machine’s manufacturer, Lt. Col. Teames – who is a physician anesthesiologist from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas – worked with the local healthcare team in Munda to install the brand-new ultrasound machine that had been delivered just three days prior, from pulling it out of the large wooden crates it arrived in from Japan to setting it up for use.

Following installation, Lt. Col. Teames and his colleagues worked with the doctors and specialists in Munda on various aspects of the ultrasound machine, including scanning techniques, probe use, and image management. It wasn’t long before the machine would be needed for immediate use: shortly after its assembly, a local professional needed to assess a critically ill, premature infant.

“We used the ultrasound to identify a large amount of free air in the baby’s belly, indicating a perforation in the intestinal tract,” Lt. Col. Teames recalled.

“The ability to make such swift decisions with the new ultrasound was crucial.”

The quick diagnosis enabled the timely transfer of the infant to Honiara’s National Referral Hospital, where she received appropriate care.

In another instance, the ultrasound was used to perform nerve blocks for a patient with severe diabetic infection.

Lt. Col. Teames was pleased to report that this allowed the team to “perform a toe amputation with effective anesthesia and without additional sedation. The nerve block provided 22 hours of pain relief post-operation.”

In addition to working with Munda’s medical community on proper use of the equipment, the teams focused on effective use of it.
Lt. Col. Teames added that the relationship building with the people of Solomon Islands is invaluable.

He hopes to return with ongoing U.S. Department of Defense medical missions in the future to continue working alongside Munda’s medical professionals to contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in the region.

The installation of the Munda ultrasound machine is 1984th U.S. Army Hospital’s Impactful Mission as part of its Global Healthcare Engagement (GHE) across Solomon Islands’ provinces, with particular focus on Auki, Honiara, Gizo, and Munda. -- 𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘨𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯

02/07/2024

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐈

Minister of Rural Development (MRD), Rollen Seleso recently received a courtesy visit from the Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki.

Minister Seleso said as a genuine friend Japan has contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic and rural development.

He also acknowledged the assistance that Japan continues to deliver to the country.

He said Solomon Islands and Japan’s relationship started since the country gained political independence and SI has continued to benefit from several development programs.

Ambassador Miwa said empowerment of rural people is important and that proper infrastructure development will attract development in the rural areas.

He said Japan will continue its support in the areas of forestry, fisheries, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure development.

Minister Seleso also informed the Japanese Ambassador of MRD’s roles and functions and how it delivers government services to the rural people, especially through the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program.

He also briefed His Excellency Miwa on the new CDF Act 2023 and MRD’s priorities which include the establishment of Constituency Development Growth Centres (CDGCs) in the 50 constituencies to guarantee services are accessible to the rural people.

It was a fruitful meeting as both leaders also discussed potential areas for collaboration to further bolster both countries' bilateral cooperation programs.
-- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢/𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦

28/06/2024

𝐌𝐑𝐃 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has successfully completed interviews for the constituency’s various positions on Friday 28th June 2024.

These positions include Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Constituency Project Officer (CPO) and Constituency Accountant Officer (CAO).

The final batch that concluded the interview process were CPO applicants.

Following Friday’s interview, the ministry’s recruitment taskforce will assess the interviews and make recommendations to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

PSC will make the final appointment of successful candidates for the 150 positions.

The interviews were held at the Honiara Senior High School Hall. It was prepared and formatted in the form of a ‘written interview test’ with 3-hours allocated time.

The interview methodology was vetted and approved by the Ministry of Public Service (MPS).

The ministry undertook this important process in compliance with the CDF Act 2023 and the Public Service Commission (PSC) Regulation.

It is part of the ministry’s commitment to implement the new Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 requirements.

The ministry advertised the positions in April 2024 where a total of 572 applicants were received by deadline of May 16, 2024.

Total of 300 applicants were shortlisted and sat the 'written interview test’.

This was the highest applicants the ministry ever recoded compared to its previous normal recruitments.

CDF is a program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by MRD and is implemented through the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

MRD’s vision is to ensure all rural Solomon Islanders become meaningfully participate in development activities to improve their social and economic livelihoods.

-- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢/𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦

28/06/2024

𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Derek Wasi is pushing for the availability of more funds to revitalize the cocoa industry in Solomon Islands.

Minister Wasi submitted a cabinet paper for prioritizing $5 million funding as a start to boost cocoa and copra export.

Cabinet approved the cabinet paper in its deliberation on Thursday 27th June 2024.

Minister Wasi said this is the solution to addressing the country’s tight cash flow situation.

He explained that increasing the export volume of cocoa, given the exponential world market price for cocoa, will generate much-needed foreign earnings to the country.

Current world market price for cocoa fluctuates between USD9,000 to USD10,000 per ton, the highest in history.

Local domestic price for dried cocoa beans in the country sits around $50-$60 per kilogram.

Minister Wasi believes there is sufficient level of production to boost the current level of export much further to a higher volume.
He assured both cocoa and coconut farmers that his ministry will be seriously revitalizing these two important cash crops.

“My officers are now working on an intervention strategy for cocoa to quickly accommodate for the current high global market price.”

He said Cabinet has endorsed his ministry’s intention to provide financial assistance to both the cocoa and coconut industries.
He noted that MAL recognises that the government through Cabinet has pledged to prioritize agriculture as the main backbone for economic growth in Solomon Islands.

Minister Wasi also presented a cabinet paper on establishing an Agriculture National Advisory Council.

“The advisory council will comprise of all the technical professionals within the agriculture sector and representatives from the farming and private investors.

“It will function as the main advisory body to the ministry and provide oversight on policy-related matters,” Hon. Wasi added.
He explained the advisory council has become very necessary as there is currently a huge generational gap within the ministry and the sector.

Minister Wasi added he wants to make agriculture attractive to everyone and make it everybody’s business.

The ministry is now in the process of procuring funds from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) to avail to buyers and exporters of cocoa in particular.

-- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢/𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦

24/06/2024

𝐌𝐑𝐃 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐒, 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐟 ‘𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭’

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) welcomed its new Permanent Secretary last week and has assured him of total support and commitment towards advancing the ministry’s key priorities.

MRD Deputy Secretary Corporate (DSC), Constance Wane made the assurance in a management meeting held to welcome PS Lottie Vaisekavea to the ministry on Wednesday 19th June 2024.

She said the ministry’s senior management and staff are pleased to have Vaisekavea as their new PS and she said the ministry is ready to provide necessary support in whatever way possible to progress its priorities and ensure services are delivered to our rural people.

PS Vaisekavea is from Nukukaisi village, Central Makira, Makira/Ulawa Province.

Prior to taking up his new posting at the MRD, Vaisekavea was the PS for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) since October 2022.

He swapped office with former MRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu who recently transferred to take up a similar role in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Ms. Wane also acknowledged former PS, Dr. Viulu for his service over the past two years with MRD and encouraged staff to offer the same support towards the new PS as the ministry embarks on its current reforms and priorities to ensure improved government services reach our rural communities.

Meanwhile, PS Vaisekavea thanked MRD for the warm welcome adding that he is happy to join MRD and be part of a young and energetic team that continues to deliver and support our rural people and development in the country.

PS Vaisekavea said that he is looking forward to working closely with Minister Hon. Rollen Seleso and MRD staff through the plans and priorities of the ministry for this year and onward.

“MRD is a small ministry but with the largest footprint and I am happy to join the ministry to help our country in terms of development in our rural areas.”

The senior management team also used the opportunity and inform the new PS of the ministry’s key functions, priorities, and its current reforms and ongoing programs. -- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢

𝘾𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉: PS Lottie Vaisekavea, centre, with his MRD management team

24/06/2024

𝐌𝐑𝐃 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) staff last month completed a two-day workshop training on piloting the Integrity and Ethics Agency Improvement Framework, a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the public sector.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Transparency and Accountability project funded by Japan facilitated the training to reinforce efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG 16 in particular was emphasised which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

The initiative also aimed at promoting public integrity and ethics in the Solomon Islands. It was also for MRD staff to be exposed to the practical framework, its components, and tools and replicate and use it to promote transparency and accountability in their work.

MRD thanked UNDP for the partnership and for the opportunity to lead in the piloting of the framework methodology in the Solomon Islands as an entity that is naturally situated to expand and apply the practical framework widely in the context of preventing corruption and promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Held from May 21 to 23, 2024, the workshop enabled MRD staff to learn the insights of the Integrity and Ethics Agency Improvement Framework.

The practical framework was designed to help public service agencies which include MRD to diagnose, plan, manage, and measure their integrity and ethics initiatives, ultimately fostering a culture of integrity and enhancing public trust in public services.

The MRD staff also learned about the results of two critical surveys shared during the training which are the Perceptions on Integrity and Ethics (PIE) Survey and the Integrity and Ethics Assessment Survey (IEAS). These surveys provided valuable insights into current perceptions and practices, helping to identify key areas for improvement.

UNDP trainer Gerardo Berthin commended MRD staff members for their participation and sharing their knowledge during the training.

Solomon Kalu, UNDP Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth Specialist also thanked MRD for taking the lead.

“Public integrity is the cornerstone of a transparent and accountable public system. By piloting this framework, we are not only identifying areas for improvement but also empowering government officials with the tools to address corruption and strengthen organizational ethics with the ultimate goal of improving our country’s transparency and accountability,” Kalu said.

Principal Communications and Public Relations Officer, Andrew Fanasia acknowledged UNDP for the opportunity and for choosing MRD as the first ministry to pilot the Integrity and Ethics Agency Improvement Framework in the country.

“The key pillars to strengthening the public service and ensuring strong institutional functions are integrity and ethics.

“MRD will continue to deliver government services to the people in the rural areas in a more robust delivery mechanism as guided under its new Constituency Development Fund Act (CDF Act) 2023,” Fanasia said.

He added that CDF Act 2023 itself is a testament to MRD’s seriousness in performing its mandate within the lines of integrity and in an ethical manner.

MRD is one of the 24 ministries within the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) machinery. Established on September 28, 2007, its core mandate as contained under Legal Notice 164 by the Constitution of Solomon Islands is to oversee the effective planning and implementation of government’s rural development policies.

The Ministry’s core functions focus more on the coordination of the work of fifty (50) constituencies in terms of constituency development programs for rural development and growth to improve rural people’s livelihoods. -- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢

24/06/2024

𝐌𝐑𝐃: 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟕-𝟐𝟖

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has scheduled interviews for the constituency's various positions for this coming Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June 2024.

These positions include Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Constituency Project Officer (CPO) and Constituency Accountant Officer (CAO).

The interview venue will be conducted at the Honiara Senior High School Hall in China Town.

Details about the interview and timing have already been communicated by the ministry to the successful and shortlisted candidates.

The ministry has been busy over the past weeks with screening and shortlisting of candidates for the interview process, in compliance with CDF Act 2023 and the Public Service Commission (PSC) Regulation.

MRD had advertised the positions in April and a total of 572 applicants were when applications close in May 16.

This was the highest number of applicants the ministry has ever noted compared to its previous normal recruitments.

The interview process is part of the ministry’s commitment to implement the new Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 requirements.

Meanwhile, the ministry would like to make it clear to the voters, constituents, and the public that the payment of the CDF for this financial year will be processed when the minimum standards of the CDF Act 2023 to access the funds are met.

The ministry is working very hard to make sure this will happen as soon as practicable.

This is because procurements of the CDF must be according to the recently enacted CDF Act 2023.

The CDF Act 2023 came into full force on January 5 this year.

The ministry therefore calls for understanding from voters and constituents to be patient with their Members of Parliament as due processes are being facilitated.

CDF is a program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by MRD and is implemented through the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

MRD’s vision is to ensure all rural Solomon Islanders become meaningfully participate in development activities to improve their social and economic livelihood.
-- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢

18/06/2024

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 $𝟒.𝟓𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in a single major delivery on Wednesday last week delivered project goods and materials worth $4.5 million in Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) to three constituencies.

The constituencies are East Choiseul, East Makira, and Northwest Choiseul.

East Choiseul’s project which is a Fisheries processing centre worth $1.5 million, East Makira's $1.5 million was used to purchase solar deep freezers under its fisheries program, 20 x 070 chain saws under its timber milling program, Education (school staff and classrooms), solar lighting sets, and other materials, while Northwest Choiseul's $1.5 million is for water and sanitation project for four communities namely Korua, Voza, Borovo, and Kaqaloga.
These were funded by the RSDP program of MRD, with funding support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The project materials were received by the three constituencies' respective Members of Parliament.

MP for East Choiseul Constituency and Minister of the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MoFT) Hon. Manasseh Sogavare said spoke highly of the assistance.

“We never regretted the decision in 2019 to switch diplomatic relations to China. We do not have to labour ourselves to prove to the world the kind of benefit you put to the nation in just a period of five years.

“And to be honest, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the only country that believes in ‘leaving no one behind’, they said it, and they also practice it.

“What we receive is a demonstration of that belief and commitment by your great country of ‘leaving no one behind’ and no country is too small to get the attention of the mighty PRC,” Sogavare told the Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Cai Weiming and those witnessing the handover program.

Hon. Sogavare said the ministry occupies a very strategic position when it comes to the advancement of development targeting different objectives to bridge the gap between the formal and the informal sector.

“As you all know, the strength of this country really lies in the rural area, where 85 per cent of the population of this country resides. So, MRD occupies a very strategic position to bridge the gap and to also facilitate the active involvement of our people in the rural area to participate in economic development,” he said.

He thanked PRC for the generous assistance and in partnering with Solomon Islands Government to assist rural Solomon Islanders.

Minister Sogavare also recognized PRC for taking the lead in supporting and advancing rural development across the country.
“These are wonderful gifts,” he added.

Minister of Commence and MP for Northwest Choiseul Hon. Harry Kuma also shared the same sentiments in thanking PRC for its continuous assistance toward rural development in the country.

“PRC has done a lot for us in a very short stint of time. Thank you, PRC, for this kind support and assistance. We have seen and realized a lot you have done for us. China is a fine example globally of lifting millions of poor people from poverty to a high-income earning population in the globe.

“So, it’s a fine example of a country that we should mirror ourselves with and follow their strategies in developing our rural populace and of course our economy as well. Thank you for this assistance for the benefit of my constituents,” he said.

He said the water and sanitation project will really benefit his people, especially children and women.

“One of our major problems is access to clean sources of water, which is fundamental to the lives of our children health-wise. It also contributes to education as good health leads to better health and learning. This is a very important assistance to my people, especially children and women. Our women usually walk far from the village to fetch water. Sometimes two to three hours just to fetch unclean water. So, by putting water in a number of our villages is a way forward to access clean source of water.

“Thank you for your kind assistance to us and we look forward to working together with you in the future and partnering in other areas,” Minister Kuma said.

MP for East Makira Franklyn Derek Wasi and Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) also expressed appreciation to PRC for its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development in the country.

“The generosity and support extended through initiatives like the RSDP program underscore the depth of friendship between our two countries and highlight the shared vision of progress and prosperity for all.

“The projects being handover over today for our constituency encompass a diverse range of sectors, from agriculture and infrastructure to education and healthcare. These initiatives have been carefully designed to address the unique needs and aspirations of our communities with a focus on enhancing livelihoods, fostering economic empowerment, and improving access to essential services,” Minister Wasi highlighted.

The Minister thanked PRC for its continuous support and generous assistance towards rural development in the country more especially to his constituency.

Minister of MRD Hon. Rollen Seleso said RSDP is a strong testament to the successful relations between our two countries.

“My ministry is sincerely thankful to the Chinese Government for hearing the cries of our rural people by providing the funds to enable these project materials to be handed over to the recipients. Thank you very much Your Excellency.”

He also congratulated the three constituencies and their three Members of Parliament for being the recipients of these very important project materials.

“I am sure these materials will improve the livelihoods of your people not only now but well into the future.

“For East Choiseul, they are receiving building materials for their fisheries centre. Northwest Choiseul, they are receiving water supply materials for three communities at minimum. East Makira, they are receiving solar deep freezers under its fisheries program, chain saws under its timber milling program, solar lighting, and other materials.

“I am sure your people are excited to be receiving these project items.

“My Ministry wishes you well in your leadership as you continue to lead your people and your respective ministries.

“I must also thank our good supplier, New Hope for providing these materials and the ministry looks forward to continuing partnering with the company.

“This handover ceremony is a continuation of the many other similar programs that my ministry and the PRC Embassy have continued to deliver to the people of this nation country, and I’m so impressed to witness its positive influence on our development.
“To the government and people of the great nation of the People’s Republic of China, I want to sincerely thank you for these assistances and also for being our truest friend in every situation and you will always be cherished in our hearts,” Minister Seleso said.

Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E Cai Weiming said China fully understand the development needs of Solomon Islands people in the agricultural, fishery and forestry areas.

“With these materials, we aim to support an efficient and sustainable working and living environment that will empower local communities, improve people’s skills and create new economic and job opportunities. It is also a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the living standards of people in rural areas.

“Through RSDP program, we are bringing hope, health, happiness, and the promise of a brighter future for Solomon Islanders,” H.E. Weiming said.

He also emphasized that China-SI relation is based on the One-China Principle and features mutual respect, mutual support, and win-win cooperation.

“Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, China has attached great importance to rural development in Solomon Islands and delivered tangible projects. I believe, under the comprehensive strategic partnership agreed by leaders of two sides, our bilateral cooperation will bear more fruits, benefit more people, and continue to grow and flourish in the years to come,” H.E Weiming said. -- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢

12/06/2024

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐎𝐈 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) Constituency Honiara-based communities have taken delivery of three brand-new four-ton vehicles on Tuesday.

This is funded by the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), with funding support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The vehicles which cost $1.5m were allocated to three wards of MOI, namely Luaniua and Pelau in Ontong Java and Sikaiana.

The vehicles will ease the transportation needs of the MOI communities in Honiara.

“This is a timely assistance. These vehicles will certainly help our people especially in Honiara to mobilize their economic activities and other community programs as well,” Member of Parliament for MOI and Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey, Hon. Polycarp Paea said.

Minister Paea thanked PRCC for their continuous support and generous assistance to the development needs of MOI people.

“This support is a living testimony to our two countries' true friendship as it grows from strength to strength and continues to bear fruit and benefit a lot of our rural communities throughout the country,” he said.

He also thanked MRD for the successful implementation of the RSDP program and for facilitating assistance to his constituency.

Minister Paea called on his constituents to look after the vehicles.

He added he will continue to work closely with MRD and PRC’s Embassy in the future to explore other areas of development for the benefit of his people.

Counsellor Gong Rui from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara then congratulated the recipients of the vehicles.

She acknowledged Minister of MRD Hon. Rollen Seleso, Permanent Secretary Dr Samson Viulu, and staff of MRD for their hard work and effort in delivering all the RSDP projects.

“You did a brilliant job,” Counsellor Gong added.

Ms Gong said China will continue to support Solomon Islands people and their development aspirations.

“We will continue to provide assistance to Solomon Islands in achieving independent and sustainable development,” she said.

Furthermore, Deputy Secretary Technical (Supervising) of MRD, George Balairamo urged the recipients to utilize the vehicles for their intended purposes to improve their livelihoods.

“This is the first of more support that will come for the people of MOI,” he added.

He said China is a true friend of Solomon Islands, adding it is the only donor that provide direct funding support to the ministry through CDF from 2019 until 2022 and now RSDP.

He said MRD with the support of China through the RSDP program will continue to deliver to the rural communities and support whatever development aspirations are undertaken by constituencies to improve social and economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

“RSDP has touched many lives and continue to enable people living in the rural communities’ access important services and improve their livelihoods.”

Balairamo also acknowledged PRC for its continuous funding support toward the RSDP program.

Chief Noel Aisa who spoke on behalf of the MOI communities in Honiara also thanked PRC for the funding support to RSDP and MRD for facilitating the project.

He said such assistance is historic and the first of its kind for MOI.

“This support is timely as it will certainly address our people’s transportation needs to mobilize their economic activities and also involve in income-generating activities like transport hiring, and also support other community programs in Honiara,” Aisa said.

He also acknowledged their MP Hon. Paea for facilitating the support for the benefit of his MOI communities in Honiara.
-- 𝘔𝘙𝘋 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢/𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦

10/06/2024

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, June 10, 2024 - The Solomon Islands continue to lead by example as the Governor General Residence has been fitted with new solar panels as part of
the “Solarization of Residences of Pacific Heads of State Project”.

This $1.3 million USD programme is funded by the Government of India with support from the Pacific Island Development Forum (PIDF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office of South-South Cooperation (UNOSCC) and nonprofit Solar Head of State (SHOS).

The Solomon Islands joins Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu in successfully solarizing their heads of state.

An inclusive initiative meant to develop inter/intra-regional cooperation between Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, PIDF, UNOSCC,
and UNDP are committed to fostering multi-stakeholder engagements across the Pacific.

The photovoltaic units were donated by manufacturer Solaria through a public-private partnership to highlight the benefits of solar energy and the development of green jobs.

“During interviews, stakeholders revealed that several national governments, such as those of Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tokelau, had expressed interest in replicating the project’s successful models in their public buildings.

"The project’s successful practices could also be replicated in island countries in the Caribbean and Indian and Atlantic oceans. It is likely that private buildings will replicate [this model, and the project has] made policymakers aware of the need to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy to meet energy-sector goals and climate change mitigation targets.”

Since the launch of the inaugural pilot project in Fiji, the UNDP, PIDF and their partners are carrying out similar initiatives across the region in the Federated State of Micronesia, Kiribati, Palau, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Vanuatu.

The project will also train local staff, laborers, and volunteers, who will assist with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the panel. Every aspect of the project has been created to empower local communities by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in their communities.

The Solomon Islands like many Pacific Island countries, faces multiple energy challenges, including:

● Limited range of indigenous energy resources;

● High cost of developing energy resources and extending service to remote populations;

● Poor quality of energy data and trends;

● A small base of skilled people to address the issues; and

● Weak bargaining positions with petroleum suppliers.

Many Pacific nations have set ambitious targets for reducing their CO 2 emissions by 2030 and transitioning to nearly 100% renewable energy sources.

Solar energy is particularly attractive due to its cost-effectiveness, with technology costs having decreased by 80% over the past decade and less operation and maintenance.

While the annual reduction of approximately 450 tons of CO 2 from the installation of 240 kW rooftop solar systems on these 12 buildings may not be substantial, it carries significant policy implications for promoting rooftop solar throughout the region.

Electricity production accounts for roughly 40% of petroleum fuel use in the Pacific region. High fossil fuel costs can hamper countries and remote communities, limiting their ability to electrify the region and maintain stable energy supply.

Transitioning to readily available renewable energy like solar will help reduce costs and provide energy for local communities, while also providing green jobs, encouraging sustainable development and combating climate change.

James Ellsmoor, Chairman of Solar Head of State and CEO of Island Innovation the solarization taking place in the Pacific highlights how impactful renewable energy implementation can be for island communities.

"Being able to demonstrate the benefits of solar and empowering local stakeholders through associated training programmes enables them to more effectively identify development opportunities in their communities - this is where the long-term value of this project lies. Supporting capacity and resilience-building in the Pacific is key. Policymaking and technology are obviously key, but investing in people is critical.”

Fourth Estate

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