WEEKEND NEWS IN BRIEF

EU CONTINUE WITH MICRO PROJECT
The European Union will increase its funding assistance to Solomon islands under phase three of its micro project scheme to 80 million dollars.

Minister for National Planning and Aid Coordination, Steve Abana says the increase is from the current 50-million US dollars in phase two of the micro project scheme which covers a period of three years ending early next year.

Mr Abana revealed this when he officially opened a new classroom and four staff houses at Belaga Community High School, on Small Gela, Central Province at the weekend.

Mr Abana told the communities of Belaga, that the successful implementation of phase two of the micro project scheme in Solomon islands funded by the European Union for the last three years had paved the way for the continuation of the scheme into phase three.

Mr Abana says his Ministry had successfully negotiated with the European Union phase three of the micro project scheme to start in early 2009 for the next three years.

He says it was the hard work and cooperation by the communities which help to build the confidence and trust with the EU in the partnership.

The Minister for Aid Coordination says Government and Solomon Islands must be thankful for the European Union for its cooperation and willingness to render the assistance.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FOCUS
Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Service Samuel Manetoali had spelt out the new approach of the revived Correctional Service.

Speaking at a ceremony farewelling Barry Apsey and welcoming Francis Haisoma as the new Correctional Service Commissioner, Mr Manetoali said the new focus is on rehabilitation of offenders and their re-integration into their communities.

He said that to achieve this the Correctional Service will need community commitment and support to assist prisoners prepare for release.

Mr Manetoali said the new correctional act and regulations will underpins the outward looking focus of Correctional Service.

He said one of the key approaches taken is to engage all stakeholders including governments, Non Government Organisations, churches and community groups.

Mr Manetoali says that because of good relationship with stakeholders,locals can now take over the helm of the service through capacity development.

He thanked RAMSI for their contribution to achieve what the Correctional service had planned which had resulted in a strong foundation being laid by the former commissioner Mr Apsey.

PROJECT APPRAISAL WORKSHOP
Solomon Islands Development Trust will facilitate four days Participatory Rural Appraisal training later this month at Paposi primary school, Savo Island.

The theme for the open forum is "Communication for Central Understanding"

The four days training and the one day open forum will be facilitated by two SIDT officers.
Leaders from twelve villages on Savo will be participating at the village forum as well as Central Islands Provincial government representative and donors.

SIDT says the purpose of the four day training is to prepare the village leaders to present some village development concerns on behalf of their villages within Savo to the Central Islands Provincial government and donor partners.
PLANNED SOLOMON ISLANDS UNIVERSITY SUPPORTED
The decision by the Education minister Matthew Wale for the country to have its university should be taken seriously by the present government.

A former school teacher and now a student at the University of the South Pacific, Ambrose Oiofa says that by having its own university, Solomon Islands will save money sending students overseas.

Solomon islands is currently sending its students to Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and even to Australia and
New Zealand.

Mr Oiofa says Solomon islands students would have easy access to university training to contribute to the country's standard and quality of education.

He says if Solomon Islands ignore this development, it's destroying its children's future.
FORMER WEST MAKIRA MP BURIED
The body of former member of parliament for West Makira the late Mathias Taro has been laid to rest at his home village of Heuru, Makira-Ulawa Province.

The late 56 -year old Taro died at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara last Wednesday after a long battle with illness.

The late Taro, an agriculturalist by profession was elected to Parliament in 2002 representing West Makira Constituency.

During his term in Parliament he had been designated crown Minister to various ministries.

He had held the position of Minister of Forestry, Environment and Conservation, Fisheries and Marine Resources and Education and Human Resources Development.

He was well remembered as one of the strong advocators of free education for Solomon islands during his time as Minister for Education and Human Resources Development.

The late Taro's body was transported home by boat and laid to rest at his home village of Heuru, in West Makira.

He is survived by his wife and five elderly children.

Source:SIBC ONLINE NEWS