Latest news with #DanielWaneoroa
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Minister Waneoroa Opens CDF Governance Workshop For Constituency Officers In Honiara
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. The Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Honourable Member of Parliament Daniel Waneoroa this morning officially opens the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Governance Training workshop and Program Implementation, welcoming 150 Constituency officers and 50 Constituency Development Committee (CDC) Secretaries members to the 4-days sessions in Honiara. The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. In his official remarks, Hon. Minister Waneoroa said, that, as the Minister responsible for the Ministry, he has the biggest task of overseeing and ensuring the delivery of the SIG largest development budget and its projects under the Constituency Program. 'This is a task that I will ensure we all work together to achieve. You all present here today play a major role to achieving and successfully deliver this program. 'As I alluded to in my response to the Speech from the Throne in the current Parliament meeting, this workshop and other activities related to the national Government's policy will guide the MRD's work program for this year and the coming ones,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa emphasized. The minister outlined that under the GNUT Policy Statement and specific to the Section 8.3 on the Resource Sector, MRD is mandated to work on the following policy areas: • Strengthen processes to improve accountability and transparency in administering CDF funds to ensure compliance with CDF Act 2023 and Public Finance Management Act and Regulations; • Promote and utilize constituency funds to decentralize development activities and improve rural livelihood and services; • Review and implement policies and legislation to strengthen constituency development and services; • Prioritize the establishments of Constituency Development Growth Centers (CDGC) in constituencies to decentralize development activities and provide government services to rural areas; and • Implement relevant organizational and functional restructuring within the ministry to align with relevant provisions of the CDF Act 2023. Hon. Minister Waneoroa told the participating officers that the introduction of the CDF Act 2023 necessitates the importance of building our capacities to work on and familiarise ourselves with the changes brought about both in the legislative and administrative aspects of our program. 'Being strategic within this new legal framework as a Ministry and making ourselves relevant in the whole of the government system is important. Thus, everything that we do today either through this workshop or other community-based trainings and administrative guidelines provided by MRD is important for our area of work and to achieving the policy directions of the national government.' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said that 'capacity development for all constituency officers in the critical areas required to improve effective and efficient service delivery in the rural communities will be prioritised for all constituency officers.' The training workshop is purposely designed to achieve the following key outcomes: • Participants will be able to explain the key provisions of the CDF Act 2023 and how it governs constituency development, ensuring compliance with legal and accountability requirements. • participate in the review of the draft of the CDF Act 2023 Regulations and provide informed feedback to ensure that constituency perspectives are incorporated into the final document. • broaden the understanding in the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) under the CDF Act 2023 and apply this knowledge in constituency governance. • Participants will be able to identify and use the mandatory templates and the development of constituency plans and reports. • Briefed on the implementation guidelines for PRC RSDP Phase Two and other related future matters on this funding. • Be able to design and implement effective civic-awareness initiatives and communications guideline and methods to improve public understanding of the CDF program and its regulatory framework. 'My good officers, as you go through the various topics of training over the next 4 days, I appeal to you to make good use of this opportunity to learn as much as you can. 'I hope that through this workshop you will develop skills and acquire knowledge which will support you to deliver your work more productively with our constituents and for our rural people,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said. He thanked everyone for making all efforts to attend this important training and also conveyed well wishes to everyone for a successful training.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Minister Waneoroa Opens CDF Governance Workshop For Constituency Officers In Honiara
The Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Honourable Member of Parliament Daniel Waneoroa this morning officially opens the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Governance Training workshop and Program Implementation, welcoming 150 Constituency officers and 50 Constituency Development Committee (CDC) Secretaries members to the 4-days sessions in Honiara. The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. In his official remarks, Hon. Minister Waneoroa said, that, as the Minister responsible for the Ministry, he has the biggest task of overseeing and ensuring the delivery of the SIG largest development budget and its projects under the Constituency Program. 'This is a task that I will ensure we all work together to achieve. You all present here today play a major role to achieving and successfully deliver this program. 'As I alluded to in my response to the Speech from the Throne in the current Parliament meeting, this workshop and other activities related to the national Government's policy will guide the MRD's work program for this year and the coming ones,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa emphasized. The minister outlined that under the GNUT Policy Statement and specific to the Section 8.3 on the Resource Sector, MRD is mandated to work on the following policy areas: • Strengthen processes to improve accountability and transparency in administering CDF funds to ensure compliance with CDF Act 2023 and Public Finance Management Act and Regulations; • Promote and utilize constituency funds to decentralize development activities and improve rural livelihood and services; • Review and implement policies and legislation to strengthen constituency development and services; • Prioritize the establishments of Constituency Development Growth Centers (CDGC) in constituencies to decentralize development activities and provide government services to rural areas; and • Implement relevant organizational and functional restructuring within the ministry to align with relevant provisions of the CDF Act 2023. Hon. Minister Waneoroa told the participating officers that the introduction of the CDF Act 2023 necessitates the importance of building our capacities to work on and familiarise ourselves with the changes brought about both in the legislative and administrative aspects of our program. 'Being strategic within this new legal framework as a Ministry and making ourselves relevant in the whole of the government system is important. Thus, everything that we do today either through this workshop or other community-based trainings and administrative guidelines provided by MRD is important for our area of work and to achieving the policy directions of the national government.' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said that 'capacity development for all constituency officers in the critical areas required to improve effective and efficient service delivery in the rural communities will be prioritised for all constituency officers.' The training workshop is purposely designed to achieve the following key outcomes: • Participants will be able to explain the key provisions of the CDF Act 2023 and how it governs constituency development, ensuring compliance with legal and accountability requirements. • participate in the review of the draft of the CDF Act 2023 Regulations and provide informed feedback to ensure that constituency perspectives are incorporated into the final document. • broaden the understanding in the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) under the CDF Act 2023 and apply this knowledge in constituency governance. • Participants will be able to identify and use the mandatory templates and the development of constituency plans and reports. • Briefed on the implementation guidelines for PRC RSDP Phase Two and other related future matters on this funding. • Be able to design and implement effective civic-awareness initiatives and communications guideline and methods to improve public understanding of the CDF program and its regulatory framework. 'My good officers, as you go through the various topics of training over the next 4 days, I appeal to you to make good use of this opportunity to learn as much as you can. 'I hope that through this workshop you will develop skills and acquire knowledge which will support you to deliver your work more productively with our constituents and for our rural people,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said. He thanked everyone for making all efforts to attend this important training and also conveyed well wishes to everyone for a successful training.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
North Malaita Constituency Tribal Reconciliation Paves The Way Forward For Development
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD Mr. Nunufia further stated that, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, settling land disputes, reuniting tribes and people, and addressing land issues remain top priorities for fostering development in the … The North Malaita Constituency (NMC) office recently conducted a historic tribal reconciliation program, signifying its readiness to progress socio-economic development for its people and the rest of the constituency. Held at Fo'ondo from 25th to 27th April 2025, the event was organized specifically for the Abua'ero tribal clan. It was successfully celebrated under the theme: ' A Journey of Reconciliation, Reunion, and Restoration of the Abua'ero Tribal Clan'. The reconciliation aimed not only to resolve grievances and disputes but also to reunite and restore family relationships, paving the way for tangible development in their land. This initiative was organized by the constituency office under its Land and Tribal Reconciliation program. It was co-funded by the constituency office in collaboration with the Abua'ero tribe, individual families, and other stakeholders. 'Development cannot happen in the air. It happens on the land. So, preparing people and their land for development is paramount,' Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Nason Nunufia said. Mr. Nunufia further stated that, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, settling land disputes, reuniting tribes and people, and addressing land issues remain top priorities for fostering development in the constituency. 'Since most of our lands are tribally owned, we must come up with models and avenues to engage people in a people-centred approach to deal with land issues and disputes, a collective paradigm,' Mr. Nunufia emphasized. He further underscored that 'The constituency office believes that for real development to happen, reconciliation must first take place. This is to ensure that people are prepared, organized, and ready to embrace development in their own land.' At the same time, Mr. Nunufia said that one of the major hindrances to development in our country is land disputes, an issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving an understanding of the complexities of our customary land tenancy arrangement, community leaders' involvement, and the implementation of practical dispute resolution mechanisms. A senior officer from the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Ben Oto'ofa, facilitated the reconciliation ceremony. The event also saw the transfer of tribal leadership titles from Elder Paramount Chief Philip Akote'e Damirara to Silas Benono Wawane, who is now the new Abua'ero Tribal Chief. CDO Nunufia described the event as emotional and historic, noting that it reunited families for the first time since their great-grandfathers left the land between 1910, some 115 years ago, 'especially our lineage from Kwara'ae.' Families gathered and reunited during the program came from Western Province, Kwara'ae, Langalanga, and North Malaita. Meanwhile, on behalf of the constituency office, CDO Nunufia acknowledged the new Abua'ero Tribal Chief, Silas Wawane, along with his family, Ben Tobis and his family, Kenley and his family, stakeholders, individual families, and everyone who contributed resources that made the program a success. He also expressed profound gratitude to Hon. MP Waneoroa for his continued support of important constituency matters and initiatives that can lead to meaningful development for the people. Mr. Nunufia also recognized Solrice Company for its generous support of 20 bags of rice for the event.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
North Malaita Constituency Tribal Reconciliation Paves The Way Forward For Development
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD Mr. Nunufia further stated that, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, settling land disputes, reuniting tribes and people, and addressing land issues remain top priorities for fostering development in the … The North Malaita Constituency (NMC) office recently conducted a historic tribal reconciliation program, signifying its readiness to progress socio-economic development for its people and the rest of the constituency. Held at Fo'ondo from 25th to 27th April 2025, the event was organized specifically for the Abua'ero tribal clan. It was successfully celebrated under the theme: ' A Journey of Reconciliation, Reunion, and Restoration of the Abua'ero Tribal Clan'. The reconciliation aimed not only to resolve grievances and disputes but also to reunite and restore family relationships, paving the way for tangible development in their land. This initiative was organized by the constituency office under its Land and Tribal Reconciliation program. It was co-funded by the constituency office in collaboration with the Abua'ero tribe, individual families, and other stakeholders. 'Development cannot happen in the air. It happens on the land. So, preparing people and their land for development is paramount,' Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Nason Nunufia said. Mr. Nunufia further stated that, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament, Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, settling land disputes, reuniting tribes and people, and addressing land issues remain top priorities for fostering development in the constituency. 'Since most of our lands are tribally owned, we must come up with models and avenues to engage people in a people-centred approach to deal with land issues and disputes, a collective paradigm,' Mr. Nunufia emphasized. He further underscored that 'The constituency office believes that for real development to happen, reconciliation must first take place. This is to ensure that people are prepared, organized, and ready to embrace development in their own land.' At the same time, Mr. Nunufia said that one of the major hindrances to development in our country is land disputes, an issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving an understanding of the complexities of our customary land tenancy arrangement, community leaders' involvement, and the implementation of practical dispute resolution mechanisms. A senior officer from the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Ben Oto'ofa, facilitated the reconciliation ceremony. The event also saw the transfer of tribal leadership titles from Elder Paramount Chief Philip Akote'e Damirara to Silas Benono Wawane, who is now the new Abua'ero Tribal Chief. CDO Nunufia described the event as emotional and historic, noting that it reunited families for the first time since their great-grandfathers left the land between 1910, some 115 years ago, 'especially our lineage from Kwara'ae.' Families gathered and reunited during the program came from Western Province, Kwara'ae, Langalanga, and North Malaita. Meanwhile, on behalf of the constituency office, CDO Nunufia acknowledged the new Abua'ero Tribal Chief, Silas Wawane, along with his family, Ben Tobis and his family, Kenley and his family, stakeholders, individual families, and everyone who contributed resources that made the program a success. He also expressed profound gratitude to Hon. MP Waneoroa for his continued support of important constituency matters and initiatives that can lead to meaningful development for the people. Mr. Nunufia also recognized Solrice Company for its generous support of 20 bags of rice for the event.
RNZ News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
China accused of foreign interference in Solomon Islands after minister quits international group
By foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic and Solomon Islands reporter Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong , ABC Photo: 123RF In short: What's next? China's Embassy in Solomon Islands has become embroiled in a foreign interference controversy after allegedly forcing a newly appointed minister in the Pacific island nation to quit an international group pushing back against Beijing's growing global influence. Rural Development Minister Daniel Waneoroa announced on Sunday he had left the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) - which draws in politicians from more than three dozen countries - saying he made the decision "in the interest of fostering stability and aligning with a collective national vision" under Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is balancing ties with China. Photo: AP / Mark Schiefelbein That drew a furious response from IPAC, which accused China of "bullying behaviour", saying Beijing had issued a "direct and shocking challenge" to the sovereignty of Solomon Islands. Waneoroa was only appointed Rural Development Minister 10 days ago. Manele offered him the position to coax him away from a broad coalition of MPs - including both government defectors and opposition MPs - which had coalesced to challenge the prime minister's hold on power. In the end Manele warded off the challenge by cobbling together a new majority in parliament, forcing his political opponents to abandon a motion of no confidence they were planning to issue in parliament last week. But the flurry of horse trading also created a diplomatic headache for Manele, because of Waneoroa's position as one of two Solomon Islands "co-chairs" for IPAC. The ABC has been told China was angered by Mr Waneoroa's position with IPAC, which maintains strong links with Taiwan and which has tried to build international pressure on Beijing over human rights abuses, including in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. The group has previously accused China of resorting to threats and blackmail to stop MPs from several developing countries joining an international IPAC conference hosted in Taiwan in June last year. Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koro Vaka'uta Over the weekend a prominent civil society group in Solomon Islands said the Chinese embassy had demanded to meet Waneoroa, and suggested embassy officials had threatened to withdraw development funding from development programs because of his links to IPAC. In a stinging statement, Transparency Solomon Islands said on Saturday that China's actions risked destabilising Manele's government, and demanded the embassy stop "interfering" in local politics. "The People's Republic of China must understand: Solomon Islands is not a satellite state like Hong Kong," it said. "No embassy has the right to issue political demands or threats to our sovereign nation." The other IPAC co-chair in Solomon Islands, prominent MP Peter Kenilorea Jr, also told the ABC that he was "aware that Hon Waneoroa had been pressured by the Chinese embassy here in Solomon Islands to quit IPAC for some time now". China has denied interfering in the Solomon Islands and said the allegations are false. Photo: AP / Mark Schiefelbein, file photo And on Sunday afternoon Waneoroa revealed he had resigned from the group on Thursday last week. He said while he "acknowledged the value" of his IPAC experience, "the current political landscape demands leadership that is responsive and united." "I believe that aligning with [Mr Manele's coalition] GNUT is not only about policies, but about building a just, equitable, and prosperous Solomon Islands," he said. In the wake of his announcement, IPAC accused China of using its investments in Solomon Islands as "leverage" against Waneoroa and the government. "For a country that boasts of not having imperial ambitions, China's actions in the Solomons have the hallmarks of neo-colonialism," said IPAC executive director Luke de Pulford. "What China fails to realise is that this bullying behaviour is fomenting deep resentment in the Solomons and everywhere else they do it. It will backfire eventually. "In the meantime, the world is watching to see if the Solomon Islands government responds to this direct and shocking challenge to their sovereignty." China has strengthened ties in the Solomon Islands and other countries in the Pacific. Photo: Xinhua / Liu Bin/EPA China's embassy in Solomon Islands did not say whether it had made any demands of the minister, but in a statement said the foreign interference allegations were "baseless". "China will never interfere in Solomon Islands' internal affairs, and also firmly oppose any other countries' interference in Solomon Islands' internal affairs," it said. "[The] Chinese embassy firmly opposes such baseless allegation, and reiterates its support to the political stability of Solomon Islands." Like his predecessor Manasseh Sogavare, Manele has been intent on building closer ties with China in the wake of Solomon Islands' decision to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019. Since then China has made significant investments in Solomon Islands infrastructure - including a massive new stadium for the Pacific Games and a large new medical centre opened this year - as well as signing contentious security and policing pacts with the Pacific nation. Meanwhile, Solomon Islands has been a vocal supporter of China's claims over Taiwan, with Manele signing a joint statement last year that said it "firmly supports all efforts by Chinese government to realise national reunification". Solomon Islands officials have also pushed to stop Taiwanese officials from attending this year's Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Honiara, risking fresh division with Taipei's remaining allies in the region. Last year Kenilorea Jr told IPAC's conference in Taiwan that he would personally like to see Solomon Islands re-establish ties with Taipei, drawing condemnation from Manele's government. -ABC
