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‘Election body is still independent’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Electoral Commission will still discharge its work independently although it will now operate under the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The body, which is responsible for administering and managing elections, used to be under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The commission’s Operation Manager, Freddie Bosoboe clarified this after its move from Home Affairs to PMO generated a lot of debate on social media.

Some claimed the assignment of Electoral Commission to OPMC is opened to political interference by the Prime Minister.

However, Bosoboe said the move is part of the administrative set up to fulfil the (Amendment) (Electoral Reform) Bill 2018 passed last year.

He said under the Amendment, the Chief Electoral Officer is now a constitutional post.

Bosoboe said all constitutional posts have to be aligned with the Prime Minister Office.

Furthermore, the Amendment allows the 3 members in the Electoral Commission to increase to 5 members.

Bosoboe said the Speaker of Parliament will no longer the chairman of the Electoral Commission in the Amendment.

“The Electoral Commission will consist of a Chairman, three members and the Commissioner of Elections appointed under Section 57.

“In the five members committee, there will be 2 female members,” he said.

Currently, the 3 members in the Electoral Commission are in the transition period until the appointment of the 5 new members.

Historically, Bosoboe said the Election Commission office started on ad hoc basis since the country gained Independence in 1978.

“In the past, government normally appoints workers in other Ministries to run elections.

“In 2001, the Election office moved into semi-permanent after the appointment of late John Babalu, who headed the department,” he said.

Therefore, Bosoboe said the assignment of Electoral Commission to OPMC is a sign of going into permanent administration where they will work full time.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui posted on social media that he found it fascinating that people on social media forums do not care if they are speculating or not.

He said the employment of section 37 of the Constitution by the Government to assign to the Prime Minister the responsibility for the conduct (subject to the provisions of this Constitution and any other law) of any business of the Electoral Commission, including responsibility for the administration of the Commission has drawn criticisms including conspiracy theories from commentators on social media.

Former Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Andrew Muaki said it is ‘constitutional’ because Section 37 of the Constitution gives the Governor General the power to assign departments or work to ministers and ministries upon the advice from the PM.

NHA expects plans by early 2021

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Sol 2023 NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

THE government’s Pacific Games 2023 responsible National Hosting Authority (NHA) is expecting all national sports federations to provide their guidelines by the first quarter of 2021.

These guidelines or plans are in particularly for sports federation to be entitled to receive funding support from the national government for athlete’s development under the National Sport Council (NSC) and the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI).

NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng told SunSPORTS that NHA is responsible in assisting these sporting entities to prepare Team Solomon before the games that will be hosted here in 2023

“To be able to do that NHA is setting up the High Performance (HP) center to sharpen athlete’s skills getting them prepared for competition. Under NHA policy we are not to work directly with federations, but will support NOCSI and NSC prepare athletes,” Mr. Nieng explained.

He adds that NHA relies on NSC and NOCSI to set up strategies for winning developments, a timeframe from 2021 to 2023 – governed under the two organization’s clear policies before eligible for the level of support in line with NHA HP policy program.

“NHA supposed to pay a one-off support until NSC and NOCSI establish their clear plans for support,” he added.

Therefore, any support given by NHA to Federations is on the recommendations of either NOCSI or NSC.

Meanwhile, the government’s Solomon Islands National Institution of Sports (SINIS) currently in its construction phase at the former Telekom recreational area.

MMGB’s membership grows

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Mai-Maasina Green Belt’s endeavour to save biodiversity in the southern region of Malaita province is gaining momentum. The local and green organisation continues to receive overwhelming support of membership from tribal conservation groups in the region. (Pictured) Secretary of MMGB, Mr Andrew Taraha (left) welcomes the Interim chairman of the newly shaped Nasi Tribal Land Conservation, Mr Vahid Namo (right) as a new member to MMGB. The organization is glad to welcome Nasi Conservation as its member to work together on conservation initiative in Are Are, Malaita province.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MAI-MAASINA Green Belt’s (MMGB) endeavour to save biodiversity in the southern region of Malaita province is gaining momentum.

An executive member of MMGB, Mr Flex Naitoro said at the moment the organisation has up to 28 conservation group members.

Recently, the organisation welcomed Nasi and Ohena Tribal Land conservations as new members.

Secretary of MMGB, Mr Andrew Taraha in a post congratulated Nasi tribal land conservation in ward 25 of West Are Are in Malaita province for the initiative and becoming a member of MMGB.

“Thank you so much for becoming a member of this body (MMGB) as we strive to protect the remaining forest on Malaita,” he said.

Naitoro told this paper yesterday that MMGB continues to receive new members and the organisation appreciates members’ interests of cooperation to conserve the biodiversity on the island of Malaita.

He said MMGB’s members are from both east and west Are Are and east and east Kwaio.

Naitoro said MMGB is thankful that people/resource owners are starting to see the importance of animals and plants and the imperative need to collaborate and care for them.

He reiterated that it’s a boost for the conservation initiative in Malaita province and MMGB is willing to work with interested groups in the province on this conservation initiative.

Suspects who breached quarantine protocols identified

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SUSPECTS who had breached quarantine procedures have been identified and their names forwarded to responsible authorities to deal with.

The breach of quarantine procedures happened when Camp management teams discovered forbidden items such as cigarettes and betel nuts packed and concealed in cream buns, bread, chips and cup-noodle packages at one of the Institutional Quarantine Facility (IQF).

These items were supplied by families and relatives of quarantine occupants.

This was confirmed by Attorney General John Muria Junior.

Muria Jnr said, “There are fines and penalties attached to breaches of quarantine procedures and we have identified those who are in breach and those who facilitate the breaches and their names have been forwarded to the relevant authorities to be followed up.

“to make it clear bringing of food and any item into quarantine stations is a privilege which was afforded by quarantine station occupants and it is expected for people to respect the privileges given.

“However, because of the recent breach of quarantine procedures the government has now agreed to withdraw privileges given to quarantine station occupants.

“As of the day the breach was found, no food and items from outside is allowed to go into the quarantine facilities.

“There is a total stop on that.

“Yet, government see because of our festivity on New year and Christmas season families are allowed to bring in special gifts like Christmas cake.

“After this festivity season there will be no food and items be allowed to go in until the decision is reviewed. We will communicate to the public of any update on this matter.”

Jonathan Taufiariki, deputy director National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) said some these measures have been put in place hence camp management and government are urging families and relatives of quarantine occupants to support those who will be coming to serve their quarantine period.

NPF buys new $60m Gov’t bond

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SINPF Building in Honiara

THE Solomon Islands National Provident Board has purchased a new $60 million bond issued by the Government on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 within the framework of an emerging secondary market for government debts.

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has commenced what initially can be seen as the beginnings of a secondary market for government debts, where holders of government debts can sell their assets to Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

The CBSI has also approached other SIG debt holders.

The purchase immediately followed the sale of the Fund’s recently purchased covid19 $60M Development Bond to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) on December 21, 2020.  The Bond that was sold to the CBSI was purchased by the SINPF Board in June 2020.

The $60 million proceeds from the sale of the bond were used to purchase the new bond.

Prior to the sale, the SINPF Board received its $1.5 million six months interest on December 21, 2020, before selling.

The new negotiated 10-year bond was issued by the government on the same terms and conditions as the previous bond:

  1. face value of $60 million;
  2. coupon rate of five percent pa;
  3. grace period of three years where interest only of $1.5M to be paid after every six months; and
  4. amortised principal and interest of $ 5,786,714.29 to be paid half yearly following the three years grace period.

The Fund’s current investment exposure to Government remains at $210 million representing just under six percent of the Fund’s investments portfolio.

The Board has an upper limit of 15 percent with a 10 percent target for government investments.

The new bond ensures that the Fund continues to receive an attractive annual five percent interest income as previously enjoyed by members of the Fund under the earlier bond, whilst the government will use the proceeds of the bond to finance its key priorities to keep the country’s economic engine going.

–NPF PRESS

Foreigners arrested after quarantine

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Press Release
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

POLICE have arrested and charged three foreigners for prohibition of entry of non-citizens under the SOPE regulation.

Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says the three foreigners had entered travelling in two separate yachts together earlier this month and were seen anchored at Baralau Island, Aola, east Guadalcanal.

“According to information received both yachts departed from Denarau port in Fiji on November 18, 2020 and arrived in Solomon Islands, December 1, 2020,” Mangau said.

“The matter was reported to police and Patrol boat Gizo was sent to escort the two foreign yachts,” he added.

“Upon arrival of the yachts, Immigration, Customs and Police conducted a joint search after a thorough clearance done by Health authorities.

“The crews were quarantined prior to their arrest.

“Concerning their entry, there was no application received by the Oversight Committee from the yachts and there was no permission given.

“I would like to thank officers from Immigration, Customs and Health for their tremendous support to Police in the initial investigation of the yachts’ illegal entry. 

“I also wish to thank Officers of National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) for their hard work in ensuring the matter is before courts.

“I believe the same support will continue in the near future should there be any similar incident of this nature occurs.”

The suspects were remanded at Rove Correctional Services of Solomon Islands (CSSI) as of December 23, 2020 for further ruling on bail application until yesterday.

–POLICE MEDIA

3, 5 & 6

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Dr Franco Rodie.

MEHRD prelim report reveals cheating happened in exams

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has released a preliminary report that some ‘cheating’ had taken place during the Form 3, Form 5 and Form 6 examinations last month.

A team set up in the ministry had carried out investigation following complaints of cheating by students during the exams.

Permanent Secretary, Dr Franco Rodie blamed invigilators and leakage of papers as contributing factors to cheating by students.

Mr Rodie said some invigilators normally gave answers to students during the examination.

He said sometimes the papers were leaked before the start of the exams, as such students have already seen the questions.

Because of this, Rodie says there is a need to control and manage the situation at the school-base level.

He said one way is for invigilators to be honest during the exams.

“Most schools have honest invigilators where they never give answers.

“This is the attributes we want to promote at school levels,” he added.

However, the cheating practice by students during examinations is not a new thing.

In 2009, South Pacific Board of Education and Assessment (SPBEA) in Fiji withheld results of Form 6 students at Honiara High School, Panatina Community High School and White River Community after it alleged they cheated in the exam.

However, the results were released after negotiation between SPBEA and former Director of National Examinations and Standard Unit (NESU) of the Ministry of Education, Moffat Behulu.

Behulu reiterated that cheating in national examinations is a major problem in Solomon Islands.

He blamed the situation on teachers who are not preparing their students or students not attending classes due to teacher absence.

Behulu claimed both teachers and students are resorting to cheating to beat the hurdle of qualification – and take advantage of it (cheating) and pass to another level of education.

Government concerned with new covid-19 variant

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Chairman of the Oversight Committee Dr Jimmie Rodgers

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Solomon Islands Government (SIG) is worried over the new variant of covid-19 which was recently discovered.

This has forced government to closely monitor people who will fly into the country from Japan due to the new variant.

Dr Jimmie Rodgers, secretary to the Prime Minister, confirmed this yesterday at the final radio talkback show of covid-19 in the country for 2020.

Rodgers said this new variant was picked up at the United Kingdom (UK) two weeks ago and so, more than 40 countries have banned travellers from UK.

He said however, before the ban was imposed the new variant has already affected more than 10 countries including Japan and Canada.

“With this, on our side we will closely monitor people flying into the country from Japan as they have reported to have recorded new variant of Covid-19.

“We will be very careful about monitoring the situation in Japan because this new variant have two things found in it. One is that it is spread very quickly and the other one is it is not as infectious as the previous variant so the thing is that it will spread very quickly and that is our current worry at the moment.

“This is because our engineers for who will come over to construct our new terminal and our road we be coming from Japan,” said Rodgers.

He adds, for Australia and New Zealand, both of them in low dense daily cases.

10 recovered, 3 remain positive

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Photo: Google

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

OF the 17 recorded cases of covid-19 in the country 10 have recovered and three remain positive with four still in isolation at the National Referral Hospital (NHR).

Dr Gregory Jilini, deputy secretary health improvement Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) uttered this yesterday.

“Of the 17 Positive cases have been reported to date 10 have completely recovered and have been discharged to their homes seven of them still in Isolation the good news is that only three still remain positive.

“For those who have been discharged we are following them up weekly,

“We have our health team who are keep monitoring and following up on these discharged patients who have been tested negative after diagnosed of the Covid-19 virus.

“Every month we would like them to come back and for our clinical team to review them I would like to call on the families who are related to these discharged patients that we would like if it is possible for us to contact those who we discharged because we really want to follow them up.

“We encourage their families to work with us so we can follow up on those who we have discharged,” said Jilini.

He echoed the above sentiment when speaking on the country’s covid-19 status.

Homecoming

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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288 nationals expected to be repatriated this week

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

TWO hundred and eighty-eight nationals are expected to be repatriated from Fiji on December 29 and 30.

These are graduating Solomon Islands students from the University of South Pacific (USP).

As process goes, they will serve their mandatory quarantine period upon arrival before released to be reunited with their families.

Dr Jimmie Rodgers, secretary to the Prime Minister, said as of this week the first two repatriation flights will be from Fiji.

 “So we are expecting about 288 new people coming in from Fiji, after that we will not be doing any major repatriation until the 9th of January which is the third and last flight from Fiji to bring the remaining nationals in Fiji.

“And on the 11th of January 2021 a final and third repatriation flight for Manila will be arriving in the country. And that concludes our major repatriation,” said Rodgers.

He said one repatriation flight has been scheduled for January 17 but this date will be confirmed later; the final repatriation flight is planned for February 7, 2021 and this is a high risk repatriation flight.

“When these flights arrives in the country most of our Institutional quarantine Facilities (IQF) should be emptied,” said Rodgers.

He said in between there have been a number of charter flights planned; these flights will bring people from outside who would be involved in major projects and Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has already discussed this with Solomon Airlines.

“With this, a charter flight is scheduled for 24th of January 2021 and this is a major development that the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) will welcome into the country so as soon as that one comes in they are looking at in the high thousands of houses. This company that will come on that charter flight is looking at building 2000 to 5000 houses.

“There is also probably other charter flights that will also coming into the country but dates are yet to be confirmed.

The reason of why they come in later we want to make sure that all our nationals at the quarantine sites graduated from the stations so all IQF will be available to accommodate all who will be repatriated later,” said Rodgers.

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