Grade six results out today
Grade six students' results are out today. Alot of families and parents are lining up the Ministry of Education and their respective schools to check on their kids' results. The Island sun was flooded today as they are the only publisher of the results. While some kids are happy to have passed the exam, some have been unfortunate to make it.
Solomon Islands Health and Safety lauch
Last night the Ministry of Women, Youth and children Affairs along with the Statistics office and SPC launched the findings on a research conducted into the viloence of women and girls in the country at the Cultural centre. It was found that 2 out of 3 women between 15-49 years experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. Also the violence experience by our women are severe including punching, kicking, choking, burning or using a weapon against them. Alot of disturbing facts were presented which brought tears to the guests eyes. The Deputy PM Hon. Fred Fono was the guest speaker. He highlighted the importance of protecting women in our society and pledged the CNURA government's support for the fight against Violence against Women and Children. The New Zealand High Commissioner and other dignitaries were also present to witness the launching. The Minister of Public Service Hon. Milner Tozaka was also present to witness the launching. Solomon Host was responsible for the setting up of the whole venue.
(Wed 9th Dec)
EPLD 2010 candidates placements finalised
The Emerging Pacific Leadership Dialogue (EPLD) 2010 candidates' placements for the main study tour have been finalised. In an advice sent to the candidates by Brian Pickett, Executive Director of EPLD2010, the process of study tour placement is quite a complex one as they took into account a number of conditions including a balance across business, government, education, NGO, trade union,etc to reflect the employment sectors represented by the total conference participation. Allocations also aim to ensure that a gender and age balance is achieved in each study tour. The candidates for Solomon Islands will fly to Samoa for the opening, then go on the study tour for a week and half before travelling to Tonga for the closing ceremony. In Tonga they will meet Princess Anne. Placements for the successful candidates are as follows:
Fred Patison(FIJI), Hugo Hebala (KIRIBATI), Joyce Konofilia-Maetoloa (AUSTRALIA), Nanet Tutuo (PNG), George Pitakoe (SAMOA), Julian Chonigolo (TONGA) and Ronney Kenitahana (VANUATU). Roderitz Tati has been selected as the Liaison officer for the Solomon Islands Tour which other countries will travel here to participate in. Another successful Solomon Islander is Exsley Taloiburi who is currently working at the University of South Pacific in Suva Fiji however he will be part of the Fijian delegation. The EPLD 2010 will start on 9th March 2010 for a period of 2 weeks.
(Tue 8th Dec)
Phone Market Opens up
The telecommunications market is now open for competition. Yesterday saw the end of Our Telekom's monopoly when they receive a new license in exchange for the old one. The government has settled their compensation for ending Our Telekom's 15 year exclusive license and has now open up the market for more competion. Already 3 competitors have applied to provide telecommunications services in the country, Digicel being one of them.
Body of missing boy found
The body of a 9 year old PNG boy who went missing in Lunnga River on Saturday has been found. Securities of the Seventh Day Adventist Mission found the body under the Lungga bridge yesterday morning. Arrangements are now made to return the body to PNG.
Code of Conduct book promises to improve service standards
The recently launched Code of Conduct book for public servants promises to improve work ethics and standards in the public service. The code of conduct book was developed to assist public servants or government workers to improve their work performance and image. This is a positive move that will hopefully reduce frustrations encountered on a regular basis with the service being offered in government departments.
USP Graduation ceremony Today
The University of South Pacific (USP) is holding its graduation ceremony today at the SICHE Pavilion, Panatina campus starting at 2 pm. Yesterday the graduands had their rehearsals and completed final formalities such as the acquiring of gowns and caps. Around hundred students from USP Laucala campus Fiji, Emalus campus in Vanuatu and Samoa will graduate today. Due to the very formal status of the ceremony, graduands are only allowed 2 family members to the ceremony and children under 12 years of age are not permitted in the ceremony.
One People Music Show a Success
Yesterday evening the visiting One people band staged a very successful show at the Art Gallery for its fans. The original plan was to stage only one show however after the incident of Sunday night, the band decided to stage one final show last night. The fans were not disappointed as they danced to the Rhythm of Late Lucky Dubes famous songs. One crazy fan gave $100 to late Lucky Dube's daughter Nkulee Dube and not feeling satisfied, he went and got two more $50 notes and gave it to the other two female vocalists, an action which sent the crowd into a wild applause. It was clearly obvious the band members were pleased with the crowd and reacted positively with their performances unlike the previous night, adding that they have thoroughly enjoyed their tour here.
USP Avaiki boys fly high with Miss Solomons
The USP Avaiki students show cased their unique culture in support of Miss Solomons Millicent Barty in the recent Miss South Pacific Pageant. The uniqueness of their body tatoos and costume and rampant dances made the Polynesian boys outstanding and most all made us all proud again of our cultural diversity. Such diversity makes our country a potential and desirable tourism destination in the region.
Irwin Angiki and his Avaiki crew with Miss Solomons Millicent Barty
(Mon 7th Dec)
OUR TELEKOM OPEN NEW PHONE OUTLET
Our Telekom has just opened a new phone shop in central Honiara. The shop which is painted in bright red colors is situated under the Anthony Saru building next to NPF plaza. Marketing manager of Our Telekom Miss Christina Kosui Lasaqa is optimistic that the new phone shop will attract alot of customers as it is very centrally located and accesible. A privately owned phone shop is also located two rooms away from Our Telekom's new shop which will hopefully provide competition that will result in reasonably priced mobile phones for customers.
NEW DASH 8 AIRCRAFT HERE
The much awaited Dash 8 aircraft finally arrived in the country yesterday and will commence services today. The aircraft can carry 36 passengers at one time and will service the Western, Malaita, Makira and Lata. Solomon Airlines sees the arrival of the aircraft as very timely and will provide a reliable service for customers. It is also faster than the Twin Otter thus will cut back on flight time especially to the distant destinations. Solomon Airlines plans to get its own Dash 8 aircraft in the future which will continue to further boost domestic tourism in our country.
MISS SOLOMONS AND DELEGATION TRAVEL BACK HOME
Miss Solomons Millicent Barty and her crew who were recently stranded in Fiji due to full flights are now confirmed to travel back home. According to reports received by Solomon Host, most of the flights were filled by USP students travelling back home for Christmas. However, spaces have been allocated for Ms. Barty and her crew after a huge number of the USP students have travelled home last week.
ETHNIC CONFLICT INVESTIGATORS HERE
Two high prominent international commissioners who will serve with the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission (TRC) and lead investigations into the Ethic conflict are here. They are Sofia Matcher of Peru and Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi from Fiji. The TRC will investigate the root of the Ethnic unrest which resulted in loss of jobs, closure of many businesses and loss of hundreds of lives. The findings of TRC will hopefully bring justice and reconciliation to people who were affected during the Ethnic tension thus resulting in lasting peace to our country.
PNG BOY LOST AT LUNGGA RIVER
A 9 years old boy from PNG went missing in Lungga River on Saturday afternoon. The boy is believed to have travelled to the country on Friday to take part in a relatives wedding as the Bible boy. They were staying at Betikama high school with relatives when the incident happened. The body is yet to be found as we publish this story. It is believed that the father of the boy has offered a financial reward for anybody who recover the body.
NEW POLITICAL PARTY FORMED
A new political party has been formed ahead of next year's general elections. The party is called 'Sun Party' and is led by Mr. Quintales who said that their main objective is to get rid of corruption and the high dependancy on Aid money. They will also look at unnecessary tax deductions of workers except for NPF. The party is still looking for a president to lead the party. Mr. Quintales is the founder of Socred party which came into power in the last election and had Manasseh Sogavare as its President and had 20 members.
(Sun 6th Dec)
LATE LUCKY DUBE'S BAND SHOW CUT SHORT
The much awaited concert by Late Lucky Dube's band One People was cut short this evening by misbehaving fans. The show started behind schedule and was picking momentum when crazy fans forced the gate open and rushed in to the dismay of the performers. The female backup vocalists including Late Lucky Dube's daughter Nkulee Dube stopped singing and stepped backstage. The organisers then stopped the show and promised those who paid entrance fees that the show will continue tomorrow. Angry fans were seen shouting abusive words along the streets of Point Cruz. Again our people have shown bad behaviour that will paint a negative picture about our happy isles to overseas visitors, even right in front of the Central Police station. Let's hope tomorrow's show will turn out better. The band will leave on Tuesday.
NEW FAST BOAT WILL BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM
The new fast boat own by Silent World has started operating between Malaita and the Western Province last week. Name 'Discovery' the fast boat is sure to make domestic travel during this Christmas season very convenient particularly for those travelling toMalaita and Western Province. It operates daily services to Malaita Province from Monday to Friday leaving Honiara at 8 am and travel back at 12 noon. The cost of sea fare is $220 per adult. The boat leaves for Western Province on Saturdays and return on Sundays. This new fastboat will boost domestic tourism as it is fast, convenient and very economical to use as compared to travelling by air. Some expatriates have already been seen traveling on the boat last week, a good sign for our local tourism industry. As long as the boat is kept clean at all times, tourists will use this mode of transportation to move between our beautiful islands.
HUNDREDS QUEUE TO WATCH ONE PEOPLE BAND PERFORM
Hundreds of Honiara residents are queuing up outside the ARt Gallery to watch the One People band from South Africa perform this afternoon. As we publish this story, hundreds of young people are lining the streets opposite the Central Police station even to the NPF plaza waiting to catch a glimpse of Late Lucky Dube's daughter as she is expected to arrive any moment from now. The show will start shortly. Around 3,000 tickets have been sold over the past couple of days.
(Sat 5th Dec)
SOLOMON ISLANDS MUSIC ARTISTS FEATURED IN QUEENSLAND MUSEUM OF ARTS SHOW
Two popular Solomon Islands musicians have been featured in the Queensland Museum of Arts show today in Brisbane Australia. They are Messrs Schulte Maetoloa commonly known in the local music arena as 'Solid T' and Anstine of Anstine Energy, a member of the Third World Crew studios based in Gizo and owned by Schulte. The pair were featured today in the launch of the Pacific Reggae video collection compiled of various best music artists from around the Pacific. Their song is titled 'Mi Wari' and Schulte was actually present to witness the screen play of the show. A big thumbs up to 'Solid T' and Anstine for flying our colors high in the international music arena. More updates to follow shortly.
A LOOK AT THE PACIFIC BEAUTY QUEENS
As we look forward to the next Miss South Pacific Queen pageant in 2010, we would like to bring to your attention for the last time the beautiful queens that took part in the last queen pageant in Suva Fiji. The winner is Miss Fiji (white 7th from Left) next to former queen Vanessa Marsh (green centre) and Miss Solomons Millicent Barty (fourth from right). We can all agree from the photo that these girls are all pretty and winners. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
L-R: Miss Tuvalu, Miss Samoa, Miss Cooks, Miss Niue, guest, former Miss South Pacific, Miss Fiji (current Miss South Pacific), Miss Aotearoa,Kiribati, Miss Solomons, Miss PNG, Miss Tonga and Miss American Samoa (photo supplied by Sarah Nihopara)
LATE LUCKY DUBE'S BAND TO PERFORM IN HONIARA
The late Lucky Dube's daughter and band One People will be performing at the Art Gallery tomorrow from 4- 6 pm. The band is making a tribute tour on behalf of the Reggae star who was killed in a shoot out in Johanesburg South Africa in 2007. They are flying in from PNG tomorrow and will leave on Monday. Tickets are selling fast at $50 for kids and $100 for adults. The show is attracting both locals and expatriates living in Honiara.
CAROLS IN THE ISLANDS NEXT WEEKEND
The brilliant minds of DJ Graphics along with support from RAMSI are on it again this year. The popular Carols in the Islands show is on again next weekend Saturday 12th December at the Lawson Tama park. A number of groups have been invited to perform Christmas songs and other items. Popular break dancing group Tear Drops will be entertaining on stage. Unlike previous years, this year's show will go for the whole day with games planned during the day and the show to start at 7 pm. Carols in the Islands show is a popular local attraction for those who do not have the opportunity to travel back to their provinces during the Christmas season each year. Entrance is free of charge and security will be provided. So come along with your family and have fun!.
(Sun 29th Nov)
WHO CREATED MISS SOLOMONS TRADITIONAL ATTIRE?
Recently alot of comments and compliments have been made about Miss Solomons Millicent Barty's traditional attire. Anyone who watched the show or has seen pictures of Ms Barty's traditional attire would agree that it was one of the best in the traditional wear category. The creator of the attire is Mrs. Geitaba Ramosaea who hailed from Ambu, in Langalanga Malaita Province. Mrs. Ramosaea is one of the well known Malaitan shell money makers. She has designed a number of traditional wear for national and international engagements by various Solomon Islanders. Mrs. Ramosaea is also the leader of the grassroots women association, a group that is quite active in promoting its members through the making of shell money for international and tourism exhibitions. Her quality of craftsmanship has shown in the attire that made Millicent Barty stood out among the other beauty contestants thus making all Solomon Islanders proud of our culture and identity. Thumbs up to Mrs. Geitaba Ramosaea for her fine skills.
Miss Solomons Millicent Barty in her full traditional attire (photo supplied by Sarah Rove)
MISS FIJI WINS MISS SOUTH PACIFIC BEAUTY PAGEANT
Fiji’s Merewalesi Nailatikau has fulfilled the eager anticipation of her home country by winning the coveted Miss South Pacific crown, saying the win was not for one country alone but for the entire South Pacific.
Nailatikau, 24, was crowned at Suva’s Albert Park tonight ahead of four other regional finalists who all picked a question from a hat and responded impromptu to help the five-member panel of judges to decide on a winner.
Responding with her usual eloquence to the question of whether hitting children as a means of disciplining them should be outlawed in the Pacific, Nailatikau said dialogue was essential to look for alternative means in a region where it took “an entire village”, from the family to the church pastor to the school teacher to raise a child.
Immediately upon being crowned, she stepped with the same ease into the shoes of South Pacific ambassador, sending out a strong clear message on the region’s fight against climate change.
“I cannot tell you how thankful I am and I thank God for our beautiful South Pacific,” she told a crowd that had cheered her from the moment her name was announced among the five finalists earlier in the evening.
“Our challenges will shape us into better and stronger people,” she said, teary eyed and quickly regaining her composure.
She said there could have been no better reward than the unity and friendship that had been shared among the 12 pageant contestants and that the experience had proven for her that “unity is possible if you place your differences aside and work for a common goal”.
Connecting that experience with the pageant theme of protecting the Pacific environment and the threat of climate change, Nailatikau said the region needed to stand together to tell the world that “a threat to one of us is a threat to all”.
Miss Cook Islands Engara Gosselin was first runner-up, Miss Aotaroa Pacifica Paretaunu Randall was second runner-up, Miss Solomon islands Milicent Barty was third and Miss Samoa Tusisaleia Pomele was fourth runner-up.
(SOURCE Fijilive.com)
MIss Fiji scooped triple awards
Fiji’s Merewalesi Nailatikau has scooped three of the four special awards at the Miss South Pacific Pageant in Suva, Fiji.
Nailatikau, 24, has won the awards for Best Talent, Best Traditionally Inspired Attire and Best Interview.
Miss Cook Islands, Engara Gosselin, 24, has won the prize for Best Sarong.
The awards have been announced ahead of the main Miss South Pacific and four runner-up awards tonight.
(Source Fijilive.com)
MISS SOLOMONS OUTSTANDING IN MISS SOUTH PACIFIC PAGEANT
Miss Solomon Islands Millicent Barty has done us all proud with her outstanding and brilliant performances at the recent Miss South Pacific Beauty Pageant in Suva Fiji. She was third runner up against 12 participants. This is excellent performance considering the tough competition and experience of some of the contestants. She had alot of support from the Solomon Islands students studying at USP Laucala campus as well as the Solomon Islands community in Suva. One of the APTC hairdressing students in Suva Benji Leve was responsible for her hair grooming and other fellow Solomon Islanders including Sarah Rove were always at hand to help the chaperons ensure our queen looked her best. Millicent has done her country proud with her excellent performance and for flying our colors high amongst the other 12 participating countries. Millicent and her chaperons are returning to the country this week.
Millicent Barty with Solomon families in Suva (photo supplied by Sarah Rove)
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(Saturday 28th Nov)
SOCCER FINAL TODAY BETWEEN MALAITA AND GUALE
Honiara today is hyped up with soccer fans of Malaita and Guale as they look forward to the Our Telekom Solomon Cup finals this afternoon at Lawson Tama. Malaita will attract a large crowd from their fans who have been following the team from day 1 and Guale will do the same. According to a soccer fan of Guale, alot of the communities and villagers around the island have travelled to Honiara to support their team. The game kicks off at 2pm today.
QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING CONCLUDED
Yesterday Solomon Host concluded the Quality Customer service training conducted for the staff of the Public Solicitor's office and Quality hotel. A small certificate presentation ceremony was organised and attended by the Public Solicitors office manager Peter Herehura and USP officials currently on tour in the country Dawn Gibson and Lorissa Hazelman. The certificate presentation was conducted by Dawn Gibson. In her speech, Ms. Gibson highlighted the importance of providing quality customer service in the work place as it will keep them coming back for more. She also urged trainees to put what they have learned into practice. Mr.Herehura also stressed the importance of quality customer service in the organisation and added that his front office staff deal with clients on a daily basis who visit the Public Solicitor's office for legal advice and on some occasions, the clients can be rude and cause frustration to his staff. Therefore the front office staff really need the training to help them cope with any situations they come across. There were a total of 8 trainees involved in the Customer service training.
TOURISM GRADUATES HOST LUNCH PICNIC FOR LECTURER
Solomon Islands USP Tourism graduates currently working in Honiara are hosting a lunch picnic for their lecturer Ms. Dawn Gibson at the Lela beach today. This is show their appreciation to Ms. Gibson for all her help and kindness shown to them during their study tenure at the University of South Pacific, Laucala campus in Suva Fiji. Around 10 graduates have come to gether to organise the picnic. Ms. Gibson is leaving back for Fiji on Sunday.
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(Fri 27th Nov)
USP TO INTRODUCE DEGREE IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT
The University of South Pacfic (USP) Laucala campus is introducing the new look Bachelor in Commerce majoring in Hotel Management next year 2010. Tourism lecturer Dawn Gibson and Internship coordinator Lorrisa Hazelman are currently in the country talking to various education providers and prospective sponsors for future students. They have talked to NZAID and Ausaid, APTC Rep Nancy Palmer, 7th formers at St. Nicholas School, Director of NTU Selu Maezama, hotels, SIVB and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Interested individuals and organisations can contact Solomon Host to make an appointment with the officers.
SOLOMON ISLANDS ARTIST ASSOCIATION HOLDS EXHIBITIONS
The Solomon Islands Artist Association is currently hosting its Arts exhibitions at the Heritage Park hotel. The show started last night and will be completed on Saturday. The conference room of the hotel was packed with enthusiastic art lovers admiring the numerous and beautiful art work created by local artists. The president of the Association Alisa Vavataga was pleased with the outcome of the exhibition and is planning to hold it occasionally. Some of the local artists featured included Peter Kennedy, Brian Feni, Brad Pugeva, Julie Fakaia, Puia Tapuika and lots of other potential upcoming artists. This activity is seen as a tourist attraction commented the Permanent Secretary of Culture and Tourism Mr. Luke Eta who was also present at the exhibition.
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Wed 25th Nov)
SOLOMON ISLANDS TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION FORUM
The SI Tourism Industry Association (SITIA) held a forum yesterday at the Flamingo Honiara hotel. The forum featured several speakers including Mr. Charlie Panakera, Mrs. Inca Chow of DJ Graphics, Mr. Gus Kraus of Solomon Airlines, Mrs Freda Unusu of SI Visitors Bureau and Barney Sivoro of the Department of Culture and Tourism. The President of SITIA Mr. Wilson Maelaua presented his report and highlighted the challenges faced by the current executive. Some of the challenges include the lack of a permanent staff to administer the affairs of the association resulting in less achievement for the current executive and called on the government to support the establishment of a CEO to manage SITIA in the new year. The AGM that was planned for later in the day did not take place due to less number of attendants. It is now planned for early next year.
MRS. CHOW OFFER DC PARK FOR TOURISM FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
The wife of late David Chow and director of DJGraphics, Mrs Inca Chow yesterday offered her land and DC park for the upcoming tourism activities. During her moving speech at the SITIA forum, Inca told the executive and tourism operators that she is offering her land and DC park for the upcoming South Pacific Festival in 2012 and future Tourism related events. She said her land is 16 hectares in size and therefore can accommodate any big or national events. In response, the Chairman Mr. Maelaua praised Inca for her vision to help the industry grow. Mr. Charlie Panakera, a tourism lecturer at the University of Waikato New Zealand was moved by Inca's offer and acknowledged the passion and heart that she and her late husband David Chow have for the country and its people. Mr Panakera expressed his sincere gratitude to Inca and her family and DJ Graphics for their continuous support for soccer stating that as a former soccer player and national coach, he is very proud to see DJ Graphics connect soccer and tourism to promote Solomon Islands offshore.
SOLOMON ISLANDS SERIOUSLY NEED A BRAND FOR ITS TOURISM PROMOTIONS
The marketing manager of SI Visitors Bureau Mrs. Freda Unusu made a remarkable presentation on behalf of her organisation yesterday at the SITIA forum, highlighting the serious need for Solomon Islands to have a 'brand' that will promote it as one of the best tourism destinations in the region. Mrs. Unusu stated that the current Solomon Islands slogan of 'discovering somewhere completely different' is not very effective considering that we have the same environmental setting and attractions as other Melanesian countries like Vanuatu and Fiji. We need a brand that will differentiate 'us' from 'others'. She continued to share her findings in the number and type of tourists that visit Solomon Islands recently with the highest being male tourists between the age of 25-50 and stated that it is likely we have a very 'rough' destination. Mrs. Unusu recommended that we come up with a brand like FijiMe, 100% pure (NZ) that will be a catch word and an attraction of its own for visitors to identify our visit our shores. She is currently working on plans to proactively market our islands next year and hopefully attract more visitors.
CHARLIE PANAKERA HAS BIGGER VISION FOR TOURISM
One of the prominent Solomon Islanders and pioneer of tourism Mr. Charlie Panakera has acknowledged the efforts of individuals and organisations that have worked hard to develop Tourism in the country. During his presentation of the SITIA business plan yesterday, Mr. Panakera expressed his vision to continuously develop tourism as it is one of the potential industries to salvage the country's economy in the near future. Mr. Panakera is the brain behind the SICHE School of tourism, having written the whole curriculum and also the constitution and business plan for SITIA. He is a valuable asset for the local industry, having owned Gizo hotel in the past and now lecturing tourism studies at Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand.
SOLOMON AIRLINES WILL SUPPORT MORE TOURISM ACTIVITIES
The manager of Sales and Commercial for Solomon Airlines Mr. Gus Kraus has advised that his company will continue to support the movement of tourists to and from our country in the future. Mr. Kraus was presenting at the SITIA forum yesterday. He said that currently the national carrier is helping alot with the provision of discounts to visitors to our islands. However, he would like to see more cooperation by the hoteliers in ensuring visitors are not charged more than they should for accommodation. He highlighted the recent Guadalcanal marathon as an ideal example where he had approved very reasonable fares for the runners. However upon arrival in the country, they were charged more for accommodation and other services. He continued to pledge his company's support for future tourism activities and events in the country.
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(Mon 23rd Nov)
VISITORS ARRIVALS DOWN
The number of tourists visiting the country has dropped in the third quarter of this year according to SI Visitors Bureau. This is a ten percent decline from the previous quarters of this year which according to the SIVB is unexpected. A large number of tourists 69% are males between the age of 35-55 years of age. According to the Marketing Manager, Mrs. Freda Unusu, this statistics show that we have a rough market which does not really attract female visitors. She is planning to work together with other tourism stakeholders and operators to ensure we provide more activities and attractions that will attract more females and other visitors to our country. Our main tourism market remains Australia (47%), NZ(8%) and USA (7%).
SOLOMON AIRLINES BRING IN MORE TOURISTS
Our National Carrier Solomon Airlines has brought in more visitors to our country as compared to other airlines according to SI Visitors Bureau. They uplifted 35% of the total number of visitors to our shores. This is followed by Australian based Virgin Pacific Blue (34%), Air Niugini(15%), Air Pacific (9%), and our Airline (4%). Other service providers including military flights uplifted the other 3%. Solomon Airlines picked up the biggest number mainly due to the introduction of the Airbus A320 currently leased from Strategic Airlines and operates three (3) services weekly from Brisbane, Australia.
PUBLIC SOLICITORS STAFF TO UNDERGO TRAINING IN QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Front office and Administration staff of the Public Solicitors Office will undergo training in Quality Customer Service to be conducted by Solomon Host from Monday 24th to Friday 28th November 2009. Six (6) staff members will participate in the training which should help them to efficiently handle customer enquiries and complaints and relate more positively to the customer. The training is being organised by Public Solicitors Office Manager Mr. Peter Herehura and will be conducted at the Solomon Host Training centre.
JICA CONDUCTED STUDY ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Japanese International Cooperation Aid (JICA) sponsored a Waste Management study in Gizo, Auki and HOniara recently. This is part of their effort to strengthen waste management systems in the Pacific. Currently JICA is funding several Solid Waste management projects in the Pacific, a big one being in Samoa. The consultant from Samoa Mr. Faafete presented his findings to JICA officials, Ministry of Environment officials, Honiara City Council and other stakeholders from both Public and Private Sectors at the Quality Inn conference room yesterday afternoon. In his findings, Mr. Faafete stated that Solomon Islands is like Samoa about 5 years ago and that we have a lot of potential to improve our waste management system, provided we get the right people and support from the government to implement a proper waste management system. He highlighted the need for a lot more cooperation from residents in both Honiara and the provinces to work together with relevant authorities to ensure waste is managed properly. In his response, the Permanent Secretary of the MInistry of Environment Mr. Rence Sore acknowledged the findings and pledged the government support for any initiatives to manage waste with aid from JICA and other stakeholders. He called on everyone to put their heads together to ensure Honiara and other residential areas in our country is kept clean, also stating that it will be a boost for our local tourism industry.
SIFF HEAD QUARTERS BURNT TO THE GROUND
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) headquarters at Lawson Tama has been burnt to the ground on Saturday. This was the result of a disagreement by Malaitan soccer fans to a decision made the referee for the game between Honiara and Malaita on Saturday. It was reported that Malaita scored a try however referee John Saohu after allowing the goal decided against it saying that one of the Malaitan players had kicked the goal keeper. After a few minutes of play, HOniara scored and lead 1-0. This infuriated the Malaitan fans who started shouting at the referee and threw stones and eventually the grounds was erupted with fans running around wildly and kicking the grounds billboards and even chased some of the officials in the official box. Some of them were reported to have burned the SIFF building amidst the chaos. This incident is a huge blow to the development of soccer in our country. Police is investigating the matter.
USP Tourism Officials to Tour Honiara
Two officials from the School of Tourism and Hospitality at USP, Laucala campus are visiting Honiara this week. Tourism Lecturer Dawn Gibson and Internship coordinator Lorissa Hazelman are here to talk to relevant education authorities and the USP centre on tourism related issues. They will be talking to SI Visitors Bureau, The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, SICHE, NZAID, AUSaid, Hotel Operators and other Tourism and Hospitality set ups in Honiara. Solomon Host is currently coordinating activities for the officials.
Tourism Film crews robbed at Bloody Ridge
A film crew currently shooting potential tourism attractions in Honiara were robbed at Bloody ridge last week. The crew from Britain are here to document historical sites that can be promoted to potential tourists were at filming below when their female colleague who was in the bus got robbed by 4 young men in their 20's. They had asked the lady for money however when realising she did not have any, they took 2 back packs at the back of the van and ran of with them. The contents of the back packs were a camera worth 40,000 pounds. This incident is a huge blow to the growth of tourism in our country. Police is investigating the matter.
Solomon Host CEO completes Training in Japan
Solomon Host CEO Joyce Konofilia-Maetoloa completes her training in Japan this week. The training focused on the utilisation of local resources for rural development which adopted the Japanese Onpaku approach. Mrs. Maetoloa was nominated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Her participation will enable Solomon Host to design relevant training materials to be offered at the rural tourism level. Other participants include the Undersecretary of Ministry of Rural Development Mr. Clezy Rore and the SIG Food Technologist in the Ministry of Commerce Mr. Joel Moffat Konofilia. Other countries represented include Cambodia, Viet Nam, Laos, Samoa and Tonga. Coordinator of JICA Sato San has praised the Solomon Islands delegation for their input into the training and is optimistic Solomon Host will play a vital role in the succesful implementation of such an approach in Solomon Islands. It is hoped that the Ministry of Rural Development will work in partnership with Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Solomon Host to implement training programmes for rural communities next year.
