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Sogavare pays ‘homage’

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare pay ‘homage’ to everyone in the country for patience and ongoing support to the work government is doing to protect Solomon Islands from Coronavirus (Covid-19), and to drive its economic engine.

The Prime Minster during his nationwide address yesterday said Covid-19 Pandemic has constrained the country, however, it has also inadvertently unified the nation to fight a ‘common enemy’.

Mr Sogavare salute all front-liners, Churches, members of the Media, and also pay tribute to all development partners and donors for their tremendous support in helping the government combat Covid-19 in Solomon Islands.

“As we prepare to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us lift our Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving to our Great God, who has been our Captain and our Guide throughout this year,” said Sogavare.

“He alone granted us all the knowledge and wisdom we needed, to push on, to persevere and to protect our people and our country from COVID-19.

“Let me once again pay homage, to all citizens of Solomon Islands, and to all those that live in this country, for your patience, and your ongoing support to the work the government has been doing to protect this country from COVID-19 and to drive its economic engine.

“I salute all our front-liners, for putting your lives on the line, as you protect our country. I salute and thank all your families, for the sacrifices they have been making in allowing you to serve the people of our country.

“To our churches, thank you for uplifting the hopes of our people through your continued prayers, praise, and worship.

“To members of the media, thank you for disseminating the voices and the messages from the churches, the government and others that contributed to the fight against COVID-19 in Solomon Islands.

“Let me also pay tribute to all our development partners, and donors for your tremendous support in helping my government combat COVID-19 in Solomon Islands. Without your help, our fight against COVID-19 would have been found wanting.”

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the ‘Oversight Committee’ and thank members of the Cabinet and the Government Caucus for the political cohesion that has allowed their government to continue serve and protect the country and people.

“Let me pay tribute to a small group of people, now commonly known as the ‘Oversight Committee’ for your steadfast work to keep this nation on the front-foot in our fight against COVID-19. Your steadfast work, often in the face of negative criticisms, only strengthened your collective resolve to protect our country,” said Sogavare.

“To members of my Cabinet, and the Government Caucus, thank you for the political cohesion that has allowed our government to continue to serve and protect our country and our people. We have been put here by the Almighty God, to lead our nation, during these unprecedented and challenging times.

“To all our families, thank you for all your enduring support and prayers in our service to our nation.

“Fellow citizens, we must continue to seek God’s guidance, and protection, over our beloved country, and our people, during this festive season.”

Covid-19 positive cases drop to 4

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Covid-19
Photo: Google

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

CORONAVIRUS (Covid-19) positive cases in Solomon Islands drop to ‘four’.

This is a reduction by one (1) from the 5 Covid-19 positive cases informed to the nation last week.

These four positives include three returning UK-based soccer players and one citizen returning from Indonesia.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare informing the current Covid-19 status in his ‘nationwide address’ yesterday said he is pleased to inform the country that the total number of Covid-19 cases in Solomon Islands as of today remain at ‘17’.

“I am also particularly pleased to inform you all that the number of COVID-19 positive cases has now dropped to 4, a reduction by 1, from the 5 cases that I had informed you about in my address last week. A total of 13 cases are now negative,” said Sogavare.

“These 4 positives include 3 returning UK-based soccer players, and one citizen that returned from Indonesia.

“Of the 13 that were positive, 9 had been released to their homes after having a further 4 consecutive negative tests each. The other 4 former positives are still waiting to achieve their 4 consecutive negative tests before they too will be released.”

The Prime Minister assures public that all the previously positive cases are followed up weekly by the health team (up to 3 months), to ensure they monitor their progress over the period.

“I assure the public that all the previously positive cases are followed up weekly by our health team for up to 3 months, to ensure we monitor their progress over this period,” said Sogavare.

Covid-19 positive cases drop to 4

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Coronavirus (Covid-19) positive cases in Solomon Islands drop to ‘four’.

This is a reduction by one (1) from the 5 Covid-19 positive cases informed to the nation last week.

These four positives include three returning UK-based soccer players and one citizen returning from Indonesia.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare informing the current Covid-19 status in his ‘nationwide address’ yesterday said he is pleased to inform the country that the total number of Covid-19 cases in Solomon Islands as of today remain at ‘17’.

“I am also particularly pleased to inform you all that the number of COVID-19 positive cases has now dropped to 4, a reduction by 1, from the 5 cases that I had informed you about in my address last week. A total of 13 cases are now negative,” said Sogavare.

“These 4 positives include 3 returning UK-based soccer players, and one citizen that returned from Indonesia.

“Of the 13 that were positive, 9 had been released to their homes after having a further 4 consecutive negative tests each. The other 4 former positives are still waiting to achieve their 4 consecutive negative tests before they too will be released.”

The Prime Minister assures public that all the previously positive cases are followed up weekly by the health team (up to 3 months), to ensure they monitor their progress over the period.

“I assure the public that all the previously positive cases are followed up weekly by our health team for up to 3 months, to ensure we monitor their progress over this period,” said Sogavare.

Tax relief to logger

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

Kuma exempts Sino Capital from paying $1.9m to Gov’t

By CHARLES KADAMANA

IN a year the Government struggles to collect revenue, Finance minister Harry Kuma in June granted Malaysian logger Sino Capital tax relief amounting to $1.9 million, documents Island Sun cited show.

Mr Kuma’s decision followed a request Sino Capital, owned by Gary Cheah, submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury in May.

In its tax relief submission, Sino Capital claimed the impacts of covid-19 has impacted negatively on its efforts to clear its tax liability to the Government.

The submission followed a more than $2.86 million tax bill the Inland Revenue Department imposed on Sino Capital.

Of this total tax bill, $1.38 is for Sino Capital’s core tax liability, while $1.5 million is for penalties due to the logging company non-compliance.

Sino Capital also claimed between 2014 and 2017, it has stopped exporting logs, while continuing to incur cost until its shares were sold/transferred.

However, records from Customs Island Sun cited showed Sino Capital continued to export logs in the years it claimed it had stopped its export operation.

In granting Sino Capital its request, Finance minister Kuma used his powers to cancel two thirds of the total tax bill Inland Revenue issued to the logging company.

This is equivalent to $1.9 million in lost revenue to the Government.

As a result, Sino Capital was only required to pay $953,751.31 of the total tax bill of $2.86 million it owed this nation.

At the same time, Kuma issued directives for two bank accounts Sino Capital held at Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) that the Inland Revenue Division frozen to be lifted.

Sino Capital, a foreign logging company, has been operating in the country for many years.

Since 2009, it has been operating in various concessions in northeast and east west Guadalcanal.

However, last Tuesday, Guadalcanal Province suspended the logging company’s operation after it discovered Sino Capital never conducted timber rights hearing before starting its logging operation.

At the same time, landowners and chiefs where Sino capital was operating, wrote to the police to investigate why the company continued to operate while it failed to meet one of the basic legal requirements of conducting timber rights hearing.

They also claimed Sino Capital operated without a Technology, Management and Marketing Agreement, as well as Development Consent.

These are basic legal requirements all logging companies must meet before they can operate.

An email sent to Sino Capital for verification was not responded.

Meanwhile, Guadalcanal lawyer and adviser to landowners and chiefs, Jefferson Leua, said while every business is affected by COVID and government revenue slowing down, it was just unimaginable the Finance minister could see it fit to grant this tax relief to a foreign logger.

“Not only that but this is a logging company that has been operating illegally on Guadalcanal from the start by failing to conduct timber rights hearings.

“Yet the finance minister sees it fit to grant them tax relief amounting to $1.9 million.

“Where is the justice here?” Leua asked.

Mua, Mewa, Fika

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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(From left to right) MP for Temotu Nende, MP for Save/Russells, Mua and MP for West Kwaio, Titus Fika

Government reshuffles ministers ahead of Christmas

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has made another ministerial reshuffle this week before Christmas period.

This is the second reshuffle this year after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare removed two ministers, Augustine Auga and William Marau and reshuffled two others Ishmael Avui and Mewa in the first major “cabinet shakeup”.

Sources confirmed Environment Minister Dickson Mua, who was recently reshuffled from the Ministry of Health, has been again moved to Ministry of Forest and Research, replacing Commins Mewa.

Mewa has been demoted to Chairman of Education and Human Resources Training Committee in Parliament, replacing Titus Fika.

Fika is the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

Both Mua and Fika were sworn in at the Government House on Monday.

Inside sources claimed Mua was reshuffled from Environment Ministry after he did not give consent for mining on Wagina, which Caucus was not happy about.

Last month Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) commended Mua for dismissing the appeal by Solomon Bauxite Limited – Wagina Bauxite Mining against the decision of the Environment Advisory Committee. 

Tebukewa Mereki on behalf of the Wagina Island Residents appealed through the Public Solicitors Office to the Environment Advisory Committee that the Director of Environment did not have the power under section 24(3) to issue the development consent to Solomon Bauxite Limited – Wagina Bauxite Mining.

After hearing the appeal, the Environment Advisory Committee based on submissions and other information provided to it made the following decision:

1.         Legislative Procedure for public consultation and the publication of the EIS were not followed.

2.         That whilst the EIS submitted met the requirements of the Environment Act 1998, in substance it is but a mere listing and cursory treatment of the requirements of the Act and Regulations. It did not provide acceptable levels of measurable impacts based on rigorous and referenced science and best practice.

3.         EIS fails to meet the requirement of the Environment Act 1998 and Regulations 2008.

4.         Decision to issue development consent is inconsistent with the Convention and Biological Diversity and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

5.         The Environment Advisory Committee substituted their decision for the decision of the Director of Environment to revoke the Development Consent to Solomon Bauxite Limited.

TSI said this decision of Mua and the Environment Advisory Committee have created a ray of hope for the resource owners of this country, builds some level of trust in the public institutions of this country. 

Mua told Island Sun he received his letter on Sunday 3pm.

He said reshuffle is to effect government policies, as such it is important.

“I humbly accept the call and to give way for a new minister.

“We serve the country thus accept when called on to move. It was the choice of the groups within so I humbly accept it,” he said.

Island Sun could not contact Fika to get his comment on his new appointment.

In April, MP for North Malaita, Senley Filualea replaced Auga, while Ishmael Avui replaced Marau.

Later, Commins Mewa replaced Avui as Forestry minister and MP Gizo Kolombangara, Lanelle Tanangada replaced Mewa as Education Minister.

Island Sun understands MPs who are heading Government Parliamentary Committees are enjoying almost similar parliamentary privileges accorded to cabinet ministers.

So they may have lost their ministerial titles but not their perks.

PNG repa-flight high risk

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Papua New Guinea repatriation flight this Saturday is regarded as a high-risk flight.

This was confirmed by Dr Yogesh Choudri, technical advisor to the Ministry of Health and Medical Service yesterday.

Jimmie Rodgers, Secretary to Prime Minister, speaking on the same matter, says the PNG flight is high-risk due to community transmission of covid-19 in PNG and Philippines, and that the flight will bring in 31 Solomon Islands students as well.

Rodgers said 31 Solomon Islands students in Philippines will fly to Papua New Guinea and will be picked up by the Solomon Airlines together with some of the Solomon Islands Citizens in Port Moresby from there to Honiara.

“So, the Manila Flight will live on the 11th of October at night arrive on Saturday morning at Port Moresby and will depart for Honiara by 7am in the morning and to bring in our stranded nationals and students,” he said.

Rodger said the flights have been approved by the cabinet.

“We had about 140 arrived in country from Auckland on Sunday and we also brought in People from Vanuatu which included our students from Samoa and family of six from Fiji.

“And so, we have a total of 140 as of Sunday night.”

Rodgers said for any more repatriation flights they will have to wait until ‘all the decks are cleared’ and this will probably be after Christmas in which they will start repatriating graduating Solomon Islands students in Fiji.    

“Remember not all of them will be quarantined for 14 days some will stay in the quarantine stations for 21 days.

“When those approved flights coming in, we will have covered a thousand of our citizens and by the end of January all our citizens will either be in our quarantine centers or graduating from quarantine centers,” he said.

Motion to be moved against Renbel premier

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Willie Tuhagenga is the new Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

A motion of no confidence will reportedly be moved against the premier of Rennell and Bellona province this Full Assembly.

Premier Willie Tuhagega has welcomed the motion, highlighting the baseless nature of the stated reasons for it and the unfortunate timing of the motion during these trying covid-19 times.

He also warns that the non-executives are similarly squabbling among themselves. This is not a good sign of a group hoping to form a new government.

The two-day Assembly begins today, December 9.

The province’s speaker Lester Saomasi received notice of the motion on Tuesday, December 1, from the motion-mover, MPA for ward 10 Warren Tamaika.

On the following day (December 2) three Bellonese MPAs (for wards 7, 8 & 9) resigned from the Executive. A public notice on the no-confidence motion was also pinned up on December 2 for public viewing.

From documents given to the paper by Mr Tamaika on Monday night this week, all four of Bellona’s MPAs including the motion-mover plus two MPAs (for ward 4 and 6) from Rennell are behind the motion. This leaves the current Executive with just four (including Premier) MPAs. Renbel province has 10 wards.

In the notice-letter to the Speaker (which was not copied to the Premier), main reasons cited by Tamaika to justify the motion of no-confidence include:

-Lack of political leadership and transparency over the provincial executive and over the development direction for Rennell Bellona Province

-Uncaring lack of control over the duties and performance of the provincial administration

-Lack of capability in directing the provincial administration for the development and strengthening of the provincial establishment

-Dishonestly and lack of financial control and accountability over the proper processing of budget development, revenue collecting and budget implementation of Rennell Bellona provincial government finances

Premier Tuhagega, speaking to Island Sun on Monday night this week, welcomed the motion.

However, while conveying confidence in defeating the motion, he expresses concern over the timing of the motion which brings instability in the province’s governance in the midst of these trying times under the covid-19 pandemic.

He also labels the non-executives’ reasons as unfair to use terms such as dishonesty because he is not aware of being involved in any fraud since Tamaika does not provide any specific examples, furthermore, he has ministers and a provincial secretary who deal with areas in which he (Premier) is being targeted.

Premier Tuhagega meanwhile clarifies that there are hidden agendas not stated in the motion’s notice letter especially with several senior MPAs backing the motion who are driven by selfish motives and self-interests.

He outlines that the disgruntled MPAs never discussed their disagreements (stated in the letter) with him as matured sensible leaders are expected to.

“Instead of discussing with me they go ahead with this nonsense. A lot of the things raised in the letter, they never discussed with me prior. I don’t know, they never communicate, they never respond to my emails and texts.

“It is all time wasting really. Even they themselves do not like eachother. For example, they met earlier the MPAs from Bellona chose Japhet Tuhanuku to be candidate for premier. The Rennell MPAs did not accept this, instead choosing Eric Tangaibasa to be premier candidate. The Bellonese MPAs do not accept this.

“On the whole, I am confident that I will defeat this motion.”

High risk flight

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Solomon Airlines airbus

Second repatriation of Philippines students to arrive today

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A second repatriation flight for Solomon Islands students in Philippines is expected to arrive in the country today, says Jimmie Rodgers, Secretary to Prime Minister.

Mr Rodgers confirmed this yesterday at a workshop on strengthening capacity of Solomon Islands Journalists to report on the covid-19 pandemic.

He said this particular repatriation flight will bring in more than 100 Solomon Islands students.

“A second repatriation flight for Manila will arrive tomorrow (today) and will bring in a total of 144 nationals in the country.

“The plane has already flown to Manila for the second flight and will arrive tomorrow (today) hopeful will bring in 144.

“Manila now is very important to us because we have 311 nationals there and the plane will only take 288 so the rest are being flown on Friday night to Port Moresby and on Saturday Solomon Airlines will fly to Port Moresby to bring all our student from Moresby plus the connecting ones,” said Rodgers.

He said Solomon Islands student in the Philippines will later fly to Papua New Guinea and will be picked up by Solomon Airlines together with some of the Solomon Islands citizens in Port Moresby from there to Honiara.

Rodgers said a final repatriation flight for Manila will be on January 10.

Frigates gets okay for semis

Written by
Taromane Martin
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The Gideon Omokirio Isabel Frigates coached side are okay for their semi final clash against Malaita Eagles today after the LOC gave them the green light. Picture Taromane Martin.

By Taromane Martin

THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and the local organizing committee for the 2020 Solomon Cup have given Isabel Frigates the okay for today’s semifinals.

Frigates who finished second in Group B behind Makira Ulawa Kakamora were facing uncertainty of appearing in today’s semifinals after Honiara Warriors filed a complaint to the LOC and SIFF claiming their 5-0 win over Central Shields was fixed.

But in a statement yesterday, SIFF said the Solomon Cup 2020 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) had met yesterday evening and agreed to allow the semi-finals to go ahead despite receiving the complaint filed by the Honiara Warriors against Isabel Frigates and Central Shield for the alleged match-fixing during the group stage.

SIFF said the LOC after assessing the allegation of match fixing there was not solid evidence to stop Frigates from playing against Malaita Eagles in the first semifinal schedule for 12 PM today.

“LOC has decided that the first semi-final match between Malaita Eagles and Isabel Frigates will go ahead as scheduled following the LOC’s assessment that the level of evidence submitted by the Honiara Warriors at the close of business today is insufficient to stop the participation of Isabel Frigates in the first semi-final.

“Given the seriousness of the allegation, however, the LOC has given Honiara Warriors further opportunity should they wish to provide further evidence,” the statement said. 

“Similarly, the level of evidence is not sufficient to enable the LOC to refer the matter to the SIFF Disciplinary Committee for determination.

“Should the Honiara Warriors submit further evidence then the Isabel Frigates and Central Shields shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to any further evidence submitted against them.

“Meanwhile the LOC will inform the management of the three teams separately of the LOC’s decision before the commencement of the semi-finals tomorrow (today),” the statement adds.

Battle of four

Written by
Admin
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Malaita head coach Terry Oiaka wants his boys to keep the focus heading for today's semi and Isabel Frigates head coach Gideon Omokirio will be counting on his players determination.

Next step to the final today

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

FOLLOWING eleven days of heated competition in the Solomon Cup 2020, only four provincial teams are left out of ten that will battle it out in two semifinal matches today at the Lawson Tama stadium.

The sky raptors Malaita Eagles and Isabel Frigates will head-on in the first semi at noon while the little men Makira Ulawa Kakamora goes up against the canoe warriors Western Tomoko at 3 PM.

Eagles came off an undefeated feat throughout the group stages with three wins and a draw to top Group A while Frigates made a rather hard-fought campaign in Group B with two wins, a draw and a loss to go runners up with 7 points.

Malaita head coach Terry Oiaka whose side definitely has the advantage on time stresses the need to focus and patch their weaknesses as they are closing to defend their title.

“The boys need to settle down more, we need to look at our weaknesses identify them and work on them.

“But foremost for us is to be humble. We know it will be the tough, only thing is for us to stay focus,” the former national defender Oiaka said.

Former national defender Gideon Omokirio who is in charge of Frigates will be up for yet another challenge despite the team management being faced recently with match-fixing claims.

Despite the issue he had uttered his side will be determined in each game.

“The boys’ determination is the key in every match against whoever we up against. Qualifying for the next phase will boost the team’s morale, and we are excited to take on the challenge,” says Omokirio.

2016 Solomon Games gold medalist Makira Head Coach George Fafale following their 3-0 loss to Central Shields in their last pool game stated their need for recovery given a day to rest before the semis today.

“We did not want to take this game seriously because we only have a day for recovery before the semi-finals on Wednesday,” he said after completing their final on Monday.

“I have to bench a few of my key players for today’s semifinal for their complete recovery. I have identified few weaknesses in the team and we are working on them before the semi,” says Fafale.

Coming from their late match-winner against Lauru Kukuvojo during their final fixture, Western Tomoko Head Coach Seri Hite said he will be working on the team’s momentum to score goals.

“Finishing is our problem, what we need to fix before our game in the knockout stage is to work on how to score goals,” Hite says in a post-match interview.

“Knockout stages are always exciting and we are excited to play in the semi. Everyone wants to reach the grand final and we will give our best. And I want to continue to thank our supporters they are always coming out in numbers.

According to the competition schedule the grand final decider is scheduled for Saturday 12 at 3 PM, while the third and fourth place playoff at 12 PM at the Lawson Tama stadium.

Warriors cry foul

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Honiara Warriors Head Coach Henry Koto talks to his players and assistant coach Tbon Oge. Picture Taromane Martin.

By Taromane Martin

HONIARA Warriors have formally sent a letter of protest to the Isabel Football Association and the Solomon Islands Football Federation claiming the match between Central Shields and Isabel Frigates was fixed.

Isabel Football Association (IFA) President Lyndon Bako confirmed receiving the complaint from Honiara Warriors yesterday saying their allegations of match fixing is baseless and not true.

Isabel defeated Central 5-0 in their Group B match on Saturday to see them move into second place with seven points.

“Isabel Frigates had formally received a protest letter from Honiara Warriors today,” the President announced on Isabel Football Association official Facebook page yesterday.

“The management is handling the issue with lawyer to make defence on it. Their allegations are baseless and not true at all.

“We acknowledge Puhimana Lawyers for handling the issue on behalf of Frigates management,” President Bako stated.

Honiara Warriors were eliminated from the 2020 Solomon Cup competition after suffering two loses, 3-1 to Isabel Frigates and 2-1 to Makira Ulawa Kakamora after thrashing Central Shields 7-0 in their opening match and a 2-1 win over Renbel ibis in their final group match yesterday at the Lawson Tama.

Their loss to Kakamora on Saturday, saw Frigates qualify for the semi finals after finishing second in Group B with seven points.

The 2020 edition of the Solomon Cup tournament meanwhile will head for the semi-final stage tomorrow at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.

Semi final matches for tomorrow will see Group A leaders Malaita Eagles taking on Isabel Frigates at 12pm while the second semi final match will see Group B leaders Makira Ulawa Kakamora taking on Group A runner ups Western Tomoko at 3pm.

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