Features Archive November 2020

Gladys has been asked to feature in a one day climate change program on the BBC on Wednesday 2nd December 2020 at 7am UTC, which will be 6pm Solomon Islands time. In this program, guests from around the world will come together to discuss issues affecting their country as a result of climate change.

Miss Solomon Islands and Climate Action

Throughout this year and despite the challenges brought forward by the Covid 19 global pandemic, Miss Solomon Islands Gladys Habu has continued to perform her role in various ways.
The 16 Days of Activism is flagged with the global theme “Orange the world - Preventing and responding to GBV in times of COVID-19 Emergency”.

Side By Side Goes Virtual for 16 Days of Activism

Oxfam’s Side By Side Campaign has taken innovate measures to join the globe in celebrating this year’s 16 Days of Activism, with an online virtual program scheduled to go live from 25 November to 10 December.
Pacific governments need to start a dialogue, not just with social media giants, but with other national regulators too. They need to learn from others’ mistakes, and leverage others’ successes.

Facebook: Can’t Live With it, Can’t Live Without it

Pacific governments face a crucial dilemma with social media. How they react will define our future.
SICCI Board Chairman, Jay Bartlett, says corruption is a difficult and long-term challenge for Solomon Islands and an urgent one that needs to be addressed.

Corruption Needs to be Urgently Addressed: SICCI Chairman

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) recognise that corruption is a difficult and long-term challenge, but it is also an urgent one that needs to be addressed.
As well as being bureaucrat-in-chief of the PIF, the Secretary General is also Chair of both the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) and the Specialist Sub-Committee on Regionalism, and the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, among others.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leadership: Who and For What?

Five nations from the region have nominated candidates for the position of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat to replace the incumbent, Papua New Guinea’s Dame Meg Taylor, whose contract ends in January 2021.
While the report identified three digital literacy strategies, these all focused on the parent talking with their child about content, restricting access, and being present while the child engages with the online environment.

Sharenting and the Cost of Internet Connectivity

With fibre-optic cables being rolled out to Pacific Island countries, increased Internet connectivity has the potential to change Pacific societies in numerous ways, Stephanie Koorey writes.
The immediate concern for businesses and organisations is what to do with their workforce once a lengthy lockdown is imposed, and judging from the unpredictability and spread of COVID-19 worldwide, local HR Practitioners insists that as part of the country’s preparedness efforts measures needs to be in place now, rather than later.

COVID-19 Challenges on the Workplace

The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on our health system and fragile economy is an unfolding story that continues to cause uncertainties.
“This is a hard-won victory for Wagina Island residents who rely on their island and waters around the proposed mining site for their livelihoods,” said Richard Pearshouse, Amnesty International’s Head of Crisis and Environment.

Solomon Islands Blocks Bauxite Mine in Victory for Wagina Islanders who Feared for Livelihoods

The Solomon Islands Minister of the Environment has upheld a decision that had refused the development of an open-cast bauxite mine on Wagina Island.
Onorina Fugawai, PTI Australia Tourism and Investment Project Officer said with border closures and no definite date of reopening, the opportunity to refresh and build important skills in e-commerce and marketing tactics was met with enthusiasm by the region’s tourism sector.

Advancing The Digital Skills of Solomon Island Tourism Operators

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia, the region’s lead trade and investment promotion agency concluded its advanced online workshop series for Pacific tourism operators this week with a highly engaged session on payment solutions.
ADB's Director General-Pacific Department (Manila) Leah Gutierrez said it was a great opportunity to bring the region's central banks together to share views and experiences relating to COVID-19.

Griffith and Asian Development Bank Host Forum on Pacific Islands COVID19 Impacts

The 2020 Virtual Governors Forum jointly hosted by Griffith University and the Asian Development Bank will feature South Pacific central bank Governors.
The training that was attended by 60 farmers from the different wards in South Malaita was officiated by the Member of Parliament for the constituency (SMC) Hon. Rick Houenipwela.

Training Aims to Boost Kava Production in South Malaita

A kava training aimed at sharing knowledge to farmers on Kava production in the Southern Region of Malaita Province was recently conducted at Afio Station, Small Malaita Constituency (SMC).
On Sikaiana five key areas have been identified as urgent issues for the people. They are communication, evacuation centre, energy supply, watershed protection projects and erosion.

Five Areas in Sikaiana that Needs Urgent Government Support

The people of Sikaiana are still disconnected from the rest of the country. Sikaiana, also known as the Stewart islands, lies further to the North East of Malaita and is one of the Polynesian outliers in the Solomon Islands.