Hardwood with carved inlay. Makira. 19c. 300mm.
Obviously used as some form of “offering” bowl as the top of the head is carved out for some distinct purpose.
This piece has every appearance of being a pre-first-contact artifact. I have very little info on it. Will send word out for more info.
Highlights include the intricate carved inlay work. Need to learn what these particular designs represent.
Posted in Makira Man, Old Things
Hardwood with shell inlay. Makira. 19/20c. 600mm x 350mm x 270mm.
“Stori” blo this bowl has it that this was made for/ used at a very early (the first?) hoe-down between the “locals” and the missionaries.
This bowl has probably been kept in a local church or by an elderly clergy or the family of. It is in very good condition.
Kakamora is the name for the “little people” of Makira. Like Leprechauns they are both good and evil. Catching one is usually beneficial but has detriments.
Highlights include the very fine inlay work. The teeth appear to have been inlay at one time. The strange symmetry of the twin Kakamoras is interesting from all angles.
Posted in kakamora bowl, Old Things
Had our company party yesterday. I guess we had 400 people show up. Had Santa giving presnets to about 150 kids. Had the Penguins play great music all afternoon. Fun was had by all.
Enjoy the picts…
When you do honest work to a high standard.
Building is a passion of mine. I guess people either are a builder or they are not. I’m a builder. Its what I do.
The project we have going on right now entails seven houses on two properties. The seven dwellings comprise a compound type living environment. I’m building this as an investment and have my old buddy, Peter Pabulu, overseeing the work.
The guys have been busy for about 20 weeks. They have gone from zero to sixty in that time. We are left with about 8 weeks of work to completion. The crew are all going home for Cmas and walk away from a project they can all have a good feeling about…
Posted in A good feeling, DATED COMMENTARY
Remember? When you were four. Christmas is coming and you really, really wanted that Lone Ranger outfit or the Superman pajamas…
You thought you were sooo dern smart with your flash gear. And the cape… you could fly if you had a cape…
I remember what must have been a Howdy-Doody outfit. The hat, a plastic vest with faux rawhide fringe. A pair of plastic chaps with a tin concha that I knew was pure silver. I rememebr thinking how cute I looked.
But, I am certain, I was never this cute…
of course, all families drag these photos out 20 years later and have a good laugh.
I dig how Superman pajamas are still cool. I wear mine very night…
Posted in remember, STORIES: HUMOR AND LIFE
New entrant in telecomms for Solomons has been decided…
for grins and giggles check this out…
Posted in DATED COMMENTARY, grins and giggles
And kinda bored. I have down loaded the users manual for the new camera I bought recently. Am playing with it to see how it all works.
Brisbane is basically a desert built on a river. They have a great ferry service that takes you most places. All in all not a bad place.
I really like the shot of the guys working on the outboard engine. I’ve been watching them for a couple hours. They don’t appear to be gaining any ground. I can sympathise as I’ve spent many hours, in the blazing sun, cursing an OBM.
Entertaining, even if I am bored.
Posted in DATED COMMENTARY, in Brisbane
For those who have spent time in the Solomons you will recall that Solomon Telekom has had a monopoly on the things here for a long time. Well, for better or worse, not any longer. The new Telecomms Act that came into effect this year is changing things in this venue. Part of the Act saw an impartial group of three individuals (positions) form an Evaluation committee that will oversee the first steps toward liberalizing the telecomms situation. As Chair of the Chamber of Commerce I got appointed to the Chair of the Evaluation Committee.
Yesterday we handed over Solomon Telekom Limited’s new licence…
Kinda cool…
Posted in DATED COMMENTARY, something new
Annie and 2yr old Amazing Grace
Posted in a very nice shot, DATED COMMENTARY
Had a few folks over for a BBQ. Of course we had a pile of kids who had a bunch of fun in the pool…
Even the dogs had a good time…
Posted in a saturday BBQ, DATED COMMENTARY
and a few picts to show for it… Some day I should take the time and put titles on the pictures but for now it’s “what you see is what you git”…
Going out West is always a treat. I had a fine weekend just hanging out. Gizo is actually good for you… I feel great. The air there is clean. The water is clean. As a package Gizo is very, very good for my Wah…
life is very, very gud…
Posted in DATED COMMENTARY
So, after a 5am wake-up, a 6am taxi ride to Henderson and the 7am takeoff then the standard hour and half flight to Nusatupe, I’m sitting in Gizo enjoying the view(s).
It is an overcast/ haze filled morning. Can’t see more than 5 NM. The seas are dead flat. Rain is in the air.
The reef below the house is telling of “weather to come”. It smiles serenely but promises vicious action in the not too distant future.
I have to do a run to Liapari. Am looking at doing it tomorrow morn. That way I can hang out here at the pad now, and watch the world go by from the verandah(s).
Some of you have visited this pad. I think all that have stayed here will agree it’s a special spot…
Built on the spine of a ridge, 10 foot off the ground. Verandahs all around. You get 300 degree ocean views. You can see Kolombangara, Choiseul, Vella, Rannonga, Simbo, The Gizo lagoon, The Vona Vona, New Georgia, Rendova… I guess the only island group you can’t see is the Shortlands.
This place got badly damaged in the 07 earthquake that hit Gizo @ 8.1 on the Richter scale…
I still want to spit when I come back and see how poorly the dern insurance company fixed the place up.
But it’s livable again and a great spot, still.
I have all the sliding doors open and it’s like being outside as I sit here and enjoy the breeze.
Have left the cable for my new camera at home. Will not be able to connect until Sunday so I’ll be the shutterbug as I run and continue the pict filled story, after I get back to the big mango.
Posted in DATED COMMENTARY, more bizness tripp'n
Have been bizzy. Not enough time to keep the blog active. Just had a lunch meeting cancelled so I have some time to, if nothing else, add something new and keep it all interesting…
Posted in keeping it intereesting
Been running around. Brisbane, Mount Isa, Auckland, back to Honiara. Have been remiss with the blogg’n. Didn’t have much of a camera with me this last trip.
Auckland has great views (I really like the fact that there are numerous sails moving in the harbor at any time. Auckland is the city of sails.) but I simply did not get the right weather nor have the right camera…
Connie has moved to Taiwan to study. We had a dinner out Tuesday eve. She looks soo thrilled to be moving to a new land and learning a new language…
Had Angelo and Dozer for an exciting Friday night at the movies…
Managed to get the SeaFox on the water today…
Life is good but there is a lot going on… off to Gizo next weekend. Have lotz of visitors coming in before the end of the year.
Yep, lotz goin’ on, and life is gud…
Posted in DATED COMMENTARY, lotz goin' on
A Private View
There has been much said about the need to focus our attention on the “youth” of our Nation. There has been much said about the need to create jobs, the need to extend the commercial base from the Nation’s urban areas into the rural sector. There has been much said about the need to engage our youthful citizenry before we lose them.
Job creation is a difficult “nut to crack”. Especially in an Island Nation like ours. An Island Nation where the majority of our citizenry are rural based, minimally educated and growing at an aggressive rate.
It may be wise to review our situation before we “jump in the deep end” and start dreaming too much about “job creation”:
� What kinds of jobs are we talking about, for the Solomons, right now? And into the future?
� What impediments are we facing that inhibit or prohibit job creation?
� Where should these jobs be?
� What skill-sets do we need to a) immediately move to increase the total number of jobs available, and b) create new jobs into the foreseeable future?
From an Employer’s point of view there are a couple very strong positives, as well as a number of strong negatives, herein:
! The employee-base we currently have is characterized by:
! The job market we currently live in is characterized by:
So, from an employer’s point of view the easiest positions to fill are those that are unskilled. Any job an employer may have that require a skilled employee means that the employer must either import the skill-set required or train employees into the required skill-sets.
Training employees is an important part of business but there are detractors here, namely, the fact that employees do not traditionally stay with a single job for their whole career. This means that an Employer must be prepared to train again and again to fill even basic jobs.
Additionally the fact that most jobs are concentrated in the urban centers means there are issues with housing, home leave allowances, wontoks, etc, etc.
This takes us back to our questions above:
� What kinds of jobs are we talking about, for the Solomon’s, right now? And into the future?
� What impediments are we facing that inhibit or prohibit job creation?
� Where should these jobs be?
� What skill-sets do we need to a) immediately move to increase the total number of jobs available, and b) create new jobs into the foreseeable future?
It has been said in the press many times: The job of Central Government is to develop and maintain basic infrastructure and services. The job of the Private Sector is to create jobs. We need good roads, and more roads. We need wharfs, airstrips, a functioning telecommunication network, water, power, law and order.
The Private Sector of the Solomons has proven itself to be resilient, adaptable and committed. Private Business fuels the Central Government. The tripartite cooperation of the Government, the Employees and the Employers is required in order for consistent forward growth and positive gains to be made.
It is not a difficult formula.
Perhaps the tripartite backbone of the Nation, the Government, the Employees and the Employers should meet and discuss the future? No one of the three can effect change on their own. It requires a combined, premeditated cooperation of all three before we will see honest and sustainable changes, growth and benefits for all.
Posted in a private view, DATED COMMENTARY
Friday, 23 October 2009
Hon. Dr. Derek Sikua
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
PO Box G1
HONIARA
Dear Prime Minister,
RE: 2009 PARLIAMENTARY ENTITLEMENTS COMMISSION
On behalf of the Board and the members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I wish to congratulate and commend you and your government for its position on the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission and in particular the 2009 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulation.
Your government’s decision to challenge this Regulation at the outset demonstrates the active leadership that the CNURA government has in upholding and promoting transparency and good governance in the Solomon Islands, and our organisation deeply respects and applauds your resolve in this respect.
As you are aware, SICCI has been keenly following the progress of the Court action and public debate on the 2009 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulation. We have attempted to be part of the public debate; a process which we believe is an integral feature of our organisation, but also an important part of demanding and promoting good governance in the country.
We are very mindful of the significance of the recent High Court decision and look forward to a whole of government reform to this entitlements system and laws by your government.
Yours Sincerely
Michael Hemmer
Chairman
Cc: Mr Gabriel Suri
Attorney General
Attorney Generals Chambers
cc: Rt. Hon. Sir Peter Kenilorea
Speaker of Parliament
National Parliament of Solomon Islands
CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer yesterday quashed the controversial 2009 Parliamentary Entitlement Regulations.
This means the $50,000 award to spouses of MPs and other massive entitlements provided under the regulations to members of parliament are null and void.
Sir Albert made the ruling after the Government took the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC) to court over the awards. The chief justice said the commission acted beyond its powers when it approved the awards. “In view of the blatant errors committed in the decision making process, the only proper thing to do in the circumstances is to order that they be quashed with immediate effect,” Sir Albert said. But he said his decision does not stop the commission from reconvening at some later stage to reconsider any or all of the entitlements. Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, who could have benefit significantly under the entitlements, yesterday welcomed the High Court ruling. In a press conference, he said the Government’s decision to take the matter to court shows his government is not prepared to accept what is unlawful. “I make this statement with all due respect to our constitutional and democratic institutions such as the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission,” he said. Dr Sikua said although the Constitution gives the Prime Minister to appoint the chairman and two other members of PEC, that does not mean his government or him was involved in decision made by PEC. “The government’s decision to seek declarations from the High Court demonstrates that we were never part of the decision making process by the PEC, nor the submissions for the 2009 Parliamentary Entitlement Regulations to the PEC. “I call for the understanding of the public and to appreciate and support the decision made by the High Court and that the matter should now be put to rest.” The Government was represented in the matter by Steven Woods of the Attorney General’s Chamber. Billy Titiulu of Pacific Lawyers represented the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission. Prime Minister Sikua has since appointed Waeta Ben Tabusasi to head the PEC. He replaced former politician Danny Philip, under whose leadership the controversial awards were approved.
2009 draws to a close. Where are we? What have we accomplished over the past 12 months? What can we brag about or be real, real proud about?
Sustained and measurable progress is important. All people need to know they/ we, are moving forward. A year’s end should not just be another turning of the calendar’s pages. It should be an inventory of goals achieved, tasks left undone and new directions or paths we wish or need to pursue.
Such is apparently primordial of nature: Hibernation, rebirth, rebuilding, procreation, preparation, and hibernation… Is it just a repetitive cycle of glorious improbables and repetitive variables?
For me the year-end means another year of growth and maturity for my family, my businesses and myself. It’s all about “the fiscal year”. I close my books. Measure my performance. Deal with the audit. With the Auditors.
When you are doing better than well you welcome the annual audit.
From a personal point of view each year means one less I have in the overall scheme of things. My sense of mortality is apparent, it must be an age thing… where it all moves too fast? Where you notice the time passing more, as you grow older.
From a family point of view it’s all about the kids. The kids rooooolllz… I’m into enjoying the kids… watching them grow. Welcoming them to life.
Got a new one this year… born under the sign of the Lion, I predict a stubborn and arrogant achiever here. Augustus… a definite keeper.
From a business point of view it’s a mixed bag… Survived another year, made a profit, had fun. But what about the future?
I watch the Solomon Islands continue to fail to “get the point”. It is heart breaking. The country is failing. The leaders are preaching anti corruption and filling their pockets. The aid agencies dump more money into the place and the leaders steal more. Basic services continue to get worse. (how much more can we see the services fail before we have absolutely nothing?) It is not a pretty scene.
From the Chinatown riots of 2006:
Mind you, this is still a glorious land. But it is a time bomb. A population problem with no visible solution. A lack of leadership so keen a soccer match results in riots.
But I smile, change my posture to a relaxed slouch and think about the “bad times”…
The shootout at the Gizo hotel.
The guns on the street.
The weird and wonderful days of “revolution” in the air. The days of knives on the belt. Being armed in public.
I still dig the idea that the kid with the SLR holds the old dawg with the neat throwing knife in awe…
Yea, romantic fantasies of a violent nature. No amount of romance or fantasy can make us wish for those days, again.
Cmas, for me… it’ s a house cleaning. A soul sweeping. A habit kicking. A wallowing, desperate endeavor. Take stock. Inventory. Assess. The physical act of rearranging your surroundings directly correlates to the mental and emotional dusting taking place at the same time.
The kicking of the nicotine addiction. A reevaluation of priorities. A 5-year plan with a well thought-out exit strategy.
Both concrete and abstract.
It all comes together with a dirty rag in one hand and a bottle of bleach in the other… our old Honiara house has served us well. But its concrete fastness is prone to mould, mildew, ants, cockroaches, rats and other uninvited nuisances. So I scrub and bleach the corners. Lay down deadly layers of long lasting poisons. Drop baits in the hard to get-to places. Tighten a plumbing fitting.
It is all very therapeutic.
The clan is all elsewhere…
Connie had midterm exams on the 25th. She reckons it’s the worse Cmas ever. I remind her though that she gets a real Chinese New Year. She tells me she is getting an apartment so I am assuming she is settling into life in Taipei. She is talking of a weekend shopping trip to Hong Kong, soon. Hard working gal, eh?
Don and Paul are up bumping around North New Georgia. They are doing some work organizing the fuel biz on Rovana. Lucky sods… they get my new 50hp 4-stroke Yamaha. They get Rovana to themselves. Man. Lucky kids.
Don is preparing for another year in Uni at Hamilton, NZ. He’s got a few more years to get his accounting qualification.
Paul has just finished his schooling to be a chef. We’re discussing his options, now, and are scheming to open an up-market eatery/ pub. I’ve taken an option on the top floor of a new building in town. May have something in place and functioning by the end of 20-10.
Grace has chose to sit in Gizo. Terry, Val and baby Augustus are there. I am sure Gracie has the baby with her right now.
Grace is also hanging around waiting for Mendozza. He flew up to the Shortlands with his mother for Cmas. They’ll be back in Gizo soon so I am sure Grace won’t budge, either back here or to Rovana, until she has her kid with her.
Did not see Annie and Tony this weekend. Half expected them to come by and dump the kids on me/ in the pool. Next weekend I should get Angelopoulos to come stay with me. He’s big enough (7 now) to be useful.
Qalo, Viola and their boys, with Ozzie and Bridget and their boys are all up on Choiseul.
If you recall… we had a big family Cmas last year. I got it in my head (after Terry and Val’s wedding) that everyone would come have a long Cmas/ nyear with me here in town.
It was a fun filled mess that required more time to cleanup after, than to prepare…
It was fun but it will be a while before I do that again. I kinda like my quiet. Being alone is good for me. People often get in the way when you’re dusting and cleaning in the hard to reach places…
I have a lot to do. Too much to even list. But I do it slowly. Cmas day I puttered all day. I sorted all those old photos from the Gizo earthquake. I sorted all the new photos we’ve taken but never managed. These were all piled up above the closet. Collecting dust. Falling apart. I have a bunch of remedial work to do. Save the old photos from the mould. Keep the new ones protected and sealed.
It’s a sad story, these pictures… For those who knew Gizo before the 07 earth quake you will recall the lifetime of pictures we had hung on the wall there. Friends and family. In-laws and outlaws.
Still a ways to go. The “important” photos are up… My granny with four great granddaughters. My parent’s wedding photo. Connie with Gracie’s father. The four generation shot we traveled to the states for. A ways to go but the new “rogues gallery” looks pretty good.
Don’t have my big camera here… One of my other projects is to properly catalogue my collection of old artifacts. Over the years the collection has grown impressively. There are a number of museum quality pieces that need some TLC and a proper measuring and recording.
Below is a very unusual “skull house” with one of the bone fide, old “ngusu ngusus”. And the prow from an old tomoko.
All are the real thing. Old, half rotten and quite fragile. All require a lot of work to ensure they don’t continue deteriorating.
The aim is to create another page on this blog with the pictures and info on the pieces. I have about 200 pieces all packed up and ready to come up to the house but the elevator in our building is not working. I don’t want to damage anything by manhandling it all down 4 stories of steps so, once the elevator is working again I’ll kick this project off.
I woke today not sure what day it was. All this time off is hard on me. I loose track of time. After another short work week and another long weekend I will be well and truly discombobulated.
#1 Housekeeper, Nancy, has come to work everyday. Grace must have said to ensure I was fed and watered… Nancy comes in, tidies up and leaves a loaf of fresh bread baking. A jug of fresh juice and a bowl of fresh fruit in the refrig. She left a nice salad yesterday. Wonder what she concocted today. I may go have a look. I can smell the bread coming close to done.
So, to one and all, to the friends and the family, to the in-laws and the outlaws… It’s been a great ride, both up and down hill, all the same.
Wishing you all following seas and fair winds…
All the best in 20-10.
and…
More later
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Posted in 2009 draws to a close, DATED COMMENTARY