CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCATE

Climate advocacy, Taiwan to remain priorities for new Tuvalu government

Quoting Radio New Zealand – 23 September 2019

“Tuvalu's new prime minister has vowed to continue the country's climate change advocacy.

“Kausea Natano was sworn in last week, and the new cabinet met for the first time last Friday.

Mr Natano takes over from Enele Sopoga, who made a name for himself as a global champion in the fight against climate change.

“He said his government will carry on Tuvalu's leadership in the climate arena.

“However, Mr Natano is remaining in Tuvalu this week, and the country will be represented at a large UN climate summit by his deputy, Minute Taupo.

“Mr Natano also reaffirmed Tuvalu's commitment to its relationship with Taiwan, in the wake of Solomon Islands and Kiribati switching its allegiance to China.”

Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand.

HUMANITARIAN RELIEF SUPPLIES HANDED OUT IN GUADALCANAL

1 May 2020

Relief supplies delivered to victims of Tropical Cyclone Harold’s trail of destruction in Guadalcanal

When Tropical Cyclone Harold struck the Solomon Islands last month it left a huge trail of destruction, damaging homes, flooding food gardens and leaving many people in east, west and central Guadalcanal desperate for shelter and food.

Last week visiting the communities crying out for relief supplies, the US Government’s representative in the Solomon Islands, Mrs. Keithie Saunders, together with the World Vision’s Response Manager, Ms Shupayi, Mpunga-Dareen, handed out relief supplies to the awaiting victims of Tropical Cyclone Harold in Lelea Lau and Rurete.

The relief supplies were provided by the US Agency for International Development which donated US$400,000 to the Solomon Islands in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Through the USAID funding, World Vision Solomon Islands was able to further assess, procure and provide critical household relief items to the estimated target of 750 homes in parts of east, west, and central Honiara.

World Vision Solomon Islands is continuing maintaining and improving hygiene standards in the affected communities to avoid water-borne disease outbreak and limit the possibility of a COVID-19 spread should there be a potential case in the coming weeks or months.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

NEW MINISTERS SWORN IN

New Solomons' ministers sworn in after Cabinet sackings

Quoting Radio New Zealand – 1 October 2019

“Two new ministers have been sworn in by Solomon Islands' governor general today following the latest Cabinet sackings.

“Government house has confirmed that Nestor Ghiro is the new minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources replacing the former deputy prime minister John Maneniaru, who was booted for opposing the government's diplomatic switch from Taiwan to China.

“Moffat Fugui takes over the Education and Human Resource Development portfolio from Dean Kuku, who was also sacked this week.

“A third ministerial portfolio, Police, National Security and Corrections, was vacated by Lanelle Tanangada who reportedly resigned from the position.

“It was filled today by Anthony Veke, who was reshuffled from the Ministry for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.

“His portfolio will be filled by another new minister Aston Commins Mewa who will be sworn in tomorrow, according to Government House.”

Copyright © 2019, Radio New Zealand

MEETING WITH UNICEF CHIEF

 PRIME MINISTER MEETS UNICEF CHIEF ON 8 JANUARY 2018

“ Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela, has been paid a courtesy visit by Dr Zelalem Taffesse, Chief of UNICEF Solomon Islands Field Office on Monday at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC).

“In their meeting Dr Taffesse briefed the Prime Minister on the work of UNICEF in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), heath, education and child protection sector; as well as plans for continued support in the next five years.

“We are pleased to be supporting the Government and people of Solomon Islands in these areas to ensure that our children have the best possible environment to realize their potential and achieve their life’s goal and aspiration,” he said.

“Dr Taffessealso used the opportunity to call for support towards the Pasifika Call to Action for Early Childhood adopted by 15 pacific island countries including Solomon Islands.

“Across the region, an alarming 70% of 3-5 year olds do not have access to pre-primary or preschool education.

“An average of 25 children for every 1000 live births die before reaching the age of five. Around 38.3 percent of children in the Pacific are stunted,” Dr Zelalem said.

“Meanwhile, Prime Minister Houenipwela has acknowledged the continued support of UNICEF, stating that the Government will continue to work closely with UNICEF and other development and donor partners to ensure that children have access to basic health and education services.

“The Prime Minister also acknowledged that there are challenges in terms of delivery of goods and services notably the very high cost of logistics, getting goods and services to our people who live in remote and rural areas across the country.

“Other issues discussed during the meeting include high rate of open defecation, safety and protection of women and children and stunting among children.

Source:  SI Govt Press Release. (Precis copy)