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Electoral commission set to test case holding by-election and provincial government election in one day

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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By Alfred Sasako

 

THE by-election for East Makira Constituency and the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government Election due at the end of the year are set to be used as a test case for combining two elections in one day.

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) said this week, “there is a strong preference by the SIEC to conduct the by election together with the Makira/Ulawa Provincial election to test the value of combining the conduct of both national and provincial elections together in one day.”

“To date, the Minister of MPGIS has already proclaimed the provincial election for Makira province to be conducted on 12th December. So SIEC may well go with this date because of its preference to test case the combining of both elections in one day,” SIEC’s Electoral Chief Mose Saitala told Island Sun.

It is understood that finances for both elections are an issue and holding them both in one day would help ease the financial hardships being faced by the government.

The East Makira Constituency became vacant following the death of first time MP Charles Maefai last month. There are rumours that his widow, Lily Maefai, could be asked to contest the seat.

Sympathy votes could help her win the bye-election easily, one report suggested.

Former lands commissioners appointed to the new lands board

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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By Alfred Sasako

 

TWO former Lands Commissioners have reportedly been appointed to the Lands Board, sources told Island Sun on Tuesday.

Silva Dunge and Fred Soaki were appointed by the Minister of Lands, Survey and Housing, Hon Jimmy Marau, the sources said.

Both men held the position as Commissioners of Land in the early 2000s. In their terms in office, members of public and in some cases the corporate businesses have often complained about alleged under the table land dealings as well as lost files.

The sources said their appointments have placed the acting Commissioner of Lands, Allen McNeil, in a difficult position especially in his role to clean up the mess in land allocations in urban areas both in Honiara and other provincial centres.

According to eyewitnesses, Mr Dunge and Mr Soaki were allegedly seen frequenting the premises of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Housing prior to their appointments.

“Their appointments are now seen to be in direct conflict with what the Commissioner of Lands is doing, particularly in dealing with land acquisition and allocations in urban centres.

“With executive powers behind them, the two Board Members may not cooperate with the Commissioner and so we may go back to square one in land allocation matters,” the sources said.

It is understood Mr Dunge’s and Soaki’s appointments have been gazetted. Neither men could be contacted for comments.

Sogavare misrepresents my statement: Kenilorea Jnr

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEPUTY Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee (FRC), Peter Kenilorea Jr (LEFT) and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (RIGHT).
DEPUTY Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee (FRC), Peter Kenilorea Jr (LEFT) and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (RIGHT).

DEPUTY Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee (FRC), Peter Kenilorea Jnr says the Prime Minister has totally misrepresented his statement on the determination of the China-Taiwan issue.

The FRC Chair and also East Are’Are MP, said this in response to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who ignorantly misrepresented what he (Kenilorea Jnr) had put out regarding the issue, and suggested it to be on who has the power and mandate to sever diplomatic relations.

Kenilorea Jnr pointed out that “the statement by the Prime Minister is a total misrepresentation of what I, as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Foreign Relations Committee (FRC), have publicly stated on this issue”.

He noted that the attempt to tarnish his credentials on international matters and understanding of our government processes by the Prime Minister is an attempt in cheap politics that may work on some.

“But it will not work on me. Such condescending approaches are outdated,” Kenilorea Jnr said.

The FRC Chairman stresses, “For the record, I am well aware of the role of the Foreign Relations Committee and that besides, examining and observing, we can only recommend to Parliament.

“The FRC intends to do exactly that in our report to Parliament following the inquiry for the Parliament’s deliberation.

“Following such deliberations, what happens thereon to the report is in the hands of parliament and the executive branch of government. The FRC will not usurp the powers and functions of other arms of government.

“In this particular issue, my Committee has agreed to make an inquiry into the question of ‘severing of existing ties’ with a traditional partner.

“Solomon Islands had a choice to make following independence on the One China Principle and our founding fathers decided to recognise Republic of China (Taiwan).

“Careful considering on severing this tie will need to be undertaken. This is exactly what the FRC hopes to achieve.”

He then pointed out that their terms of reference (TORs) are clear in the standing orders, and those covering the inquiry are being published in papers and online.

“I am sure the various task forces being set up by the executive also have their own TORs.

“We have invited the Chair of the bi-Partisan taskforce, the team leader of the ministerial group, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, other government ministries and authorities to appear before the FRC and air their views.

“We have also invited other interested stakeholders to the hearings from the civil society groups, as well as SICA and SI Chamber of Commerce.”

Kenilorea Jnr shares that as chair of the FRC, he is pleased the role of the committee is attracting so much attention from the Prime Minister and media.

“A positive aspect of this attention is that the public is now more aware of the FRC, one of the 10 standing committees of Parliament,” the FRC Chair said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Four more for China

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Solomon Islands and China's flag. Photo by RNZ

Prime Minister ‘denies’ request for an audience with visiting Taiwanese youths

 

By Alfred Sasako

 

THE Office of the Prime Minister has reportedly denied a request by visiting Taiwanese youths for an audience with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, throwing a new spin on the ongoing debate over switching diplomatic ties to China.

This comes amidst reports that four Members of Parliament on the five-member bipartisan Taskforce which inquired into the matter have voluntarily moved to join the government side in support of the proposed switch to China.

“The move by the four MPs, which represent 90 per cent of Members of the Taskforce, indicates their conviction that a diplomatic switch to China is in the best interest of Solomon Islands.

“These MPs have been to Taipei as well as to Beijing as part of their investigations and it would appear they are convinced about what is best for this nation,” an insider told Island Sun last night.

The insider denied the MPs were plucked from the Opposition group.

“No, no, no. There is no truth in that. All four MPs made the choice of their own accord because of what they had witnessed during their tour of Taipei and Beijing.”

“Their move to join the Government indicates their report to be handed to the Government shortly is pretty conclusive,” the insider said, counselling caution.

“We are not quite there yet, but we will be there.”

Meanwhile officials have confirmed that a request by a visiting Taiwanese youth group to meet with Prime Minister Sogavare was denied. The group which arrived on Sunday was to meet Mr Sogavare either on Monday or Tuesday.

But it appeared no meetings took place.

Officials have downplayed the incident, adding the request was denied because there is a Youth Ministry and it is only proper that the Youth Group see the Minister for Youth.

It would appear this is the first time Prime Minister Sogavare has ever denied a request for a meeting with a visiting Taiwanese group.

Some officials have linked this to events in the past two weeks, particularly the involvement of Taiwanese diplomat, Oliver Weng, in preparing or facilitating a statement for 16 senior Government MPs including 14 Ministers declaring their support for Taiwan.

Mr Weng is the Counsellor at the Taiwanese Embassy in Honiara. He emailed the two-page statement expressing support for Taiwan to both the Island Sun and Solomon Star newspapers on August 20, 2019.

Both papers published the statement on their front pages on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Island Sun has obtained a copy of the email.

Officials said Prime Minister Sogavare had every right to feel his authority as Prime Minister of a sovereign nation has been undermined by a diplomat from a close ally.

They pointed out that the diplomat’s involvement in the scandal was tantamount to planning the overthrow of a democratically elected government.

Happy fathers day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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HAPPY Father’s Day to all fathers in around the country.

You all deserved a special day to celebrate.

Father’s day is a special day celebrated around the world every year in recognition of the contribution of fathers in growth and development of children’s life.

Over the weekend many families celebrated the father’s day in different ways.

Some celebrated it with usual share of beers with friends, giving special gifts, treat their fathers with special dinner at homes or at restaurant, celebrate through sports, fellowship and thanksgiving.

We on behalf of all the children and mothers we want to say thank you to all fathers for your sacrifices and let you know that you are so special and our hero.

While we celebrate the special day it comes with responsibilities.

As the head of family we have the responsibility to manage our families with love, care and provide the necessities of life and protection for our families.

Being a father can be very rewarding and demanding but with great responsibilities we can live a happy life.

At times we heard domestic violence at homes blaming men but real men do not hit a woman or their children.

Our active involvement can affects our children and generations to come.

Children who have fathers who are involved in their lives — whether they are biological, adopted, or stepchildren — have a better chance of excelling socially, emotionally, and academically.

Children need fathers to provide them with the necessities of life, such as wholesome food, clothing, and shelter in a safe neighbourhood.

We must provide stability for our children to make them feel secure and have higher self-worth.

As father we are responsible for providing emotional, social, and spiritual protection and support for our family.

Number of terminated SIG-scholarship drops

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE number of SIG-students terminated has dropped significantly this year, semester 1.

Education Ministry (MEHRD) Permanent Secretary tells Island Sun that this semester’s number of terminated students is the lowest ever.

Every year, the number of Government scholarships is culled depending on the academic results of scholars. This follows the stringent requirement of the Government scholarship scheme which does not tolerate failures or low performance.

PS Dr Franco Rodie said in previous years, between 100 to 200 students were often terminated at the end of each semester because of under-performance.

He said 35 students were from USP Laucala campus and 30 from the Fiji National University.

“A total of 17 students have been terminated from the Philippines base institutions. Only one student was terminated from PNG base universities. One student from UNITECH/ Auckland was sent back because of visa issues.

“We in the MEHRD are very pleased with the success rate of our SIG Sponsored students in semester 1 and continue to encourage them to study hard,” he said.

Island sun understands that the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) continue to improve the monitoring and management of SIG-scholarship.

The outcome of a review conducted in 2017 by MEHRD has resulted in a reduced number of scholarships for students to study in Philippines.

Data has shown that the students’ performances have actually improved for the last four years.

In 2014, a total of 300 students were terminated or suspended from their programmes, 2015, a total of 200 students, 2016, a total of 150 students, 2017, MEHRD only have 70 students either terminated or suspended.

Candidates who failed to submit NGE campaign report referred to police criminal investigation unit  

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Mr Saitala

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

NATIONAL Generation Election (NGE) candidates of 2019 failing to submit campaign Statements of Account are now under review of the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID).

This is confirmed by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Media Unit saying that RSIPF has received the referrals from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) understood to be around 14.

Currently according to RSIPF’s Media Unit, NCID thinks it appropriate to discuss with SIEC, the Attorney General (AG) and Director Public Prosecution (DPP) to get legal advice on this referrals on which RSIPF will not progress this matter until further advice is provided.

“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has received the referrals from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) recently and the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) is currently reviewing those referrals.

“NCID thinks appropriate to discuss with SIEC, Attorney General (AG) and Director Public Prosecution (DPP) to get legal advice on this referrals. RSIPF will not progress this matter until further advice is provided,” said RSIPF’s Media Unit in response to inquiry.

SIEC’s Chief Electoral Officer Mr Mose Saitala when querying over this issue late last week said it is up to the police now to put together cases for the Court.

Before July 20 this year on the due date of submissions for campaign Statements of Account, SIEC has been calling for NGE remaining candidates who have not submitted campaign statements to file them in order for the daily $100-fine under Section 69 of the Electoral Act 2018 to cease.

If not then SIEC said the fine will continue to accumulate till the candidates are prosecuted and penalised.

It is understood that from the SIEC List of 2019 NGE candidates who had submitted their Statements of Account to SIEC, 14 candidates out of the 331 contesting the 2019 NGE have not yet submitted their statements.

Under the electoral law, it is a requirement that all candidates, successful and unsuccessful, must file their campaign Statement of Account 90 days after the publication of NGE election results.

2019 NGE results were published on April 19 seeing July 20 was when the 90 days period given for submission of statements of account lapsed.

 

Under Section 69 on campaign expenses in the Electoral Act 2018, it states;

  1. Within 90 days after the publication of an election result under section 107, a candidate in the election must submit to the CEO a statement of account specifying:

(a) All expenses incurred by the candidate in relation to the candidate’s campaign for election; and (b) the source of all funds (including the amount received from each source) used to meet those expenses.

  1. The regulations may make provision for the preparation and content of the statement of account.

Under Section 125; Campaign expenses and donations:

(1) A candidate whose election campaign expenses exceed $500,000 commits and offence.

Maximum Penalty: 50,000 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment, or both.

(2) A candidate who fails to comply with the requirements of section 69 commits an offence.

Maximum Penalty:

(a) 20,000 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, or both; and

(b) 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues.

(3) A candidate commits an offence if the candidate accepts a campaign donation from:

(a) A person who is not a citizen of Solomon Islands; or

(b) A company with at least one shareholder who is not a citizen of Solomon Islands.

Maximum Penalty: 50,000 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment, or both.

(4) In this section, “campaign donation” means any transfer of property made, otherwise than by will, without consideration or with inadequate consideration that is intended to be used, or is used, solely or substantially for a purpose related to an election.

On their website, SIEC commends the candidates mentioned in the submission of campaign statements List who have complied with section 69 of the Electoral Act 2018.

“Although some candidates have filed their statements of account later than the deadline, SIEC is still appreciative of the fact that they have complied with section 69 of the Act.

“Remember that the obligation of a candidate, who contested the 2019 NGE, to comply with section 69 of the Act, will not go away until he/she has filed his/her statement of account,” remind SIEC’s CEO.

Half of students yet to receive allowances in Philippines

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

ALMOST half of Solomon Islands government sponsored students in the Philippines are still waiting for allowances this week, as some have already received theirs last week, it is reported.

More than 300 Solomon Islands students are studying in institutions in the Philippines, and according to an email exchange to Island Sun last week, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Permanent Secretary (PS) confirmed that a little more than 95 percent of the payments have now been processed.

The same goes for final batch of payments.

“As of today, (Tuesday 27 August) a little more than 95% of the payments have now been processed by Treasury and the Philippines base students affected should receive their allowances once the funds are transferred into their bank accounts as of tomorrow (Wednesday 28 August). The final batch of payment is being processed,” said MEHRD’s PS.

SISAP students recently raised concern as to why there was very much delay in second Semester allowances, and on Wednesday last week when the NTU Director and team were said to hold a meeting with SISAP students at AMA Quezon to address students welfare and other school areas of concern, they were reported questioned much by students over this issue.

“This goes for reinstate allowances. And the NTU Director responded by saying that they will be discussing our discussions when returning to administration,” said SISAP students.

Members of SISAP students finally relieved for receiving second Semester allowances said to this paper that they will now be able to pay debts, bills, rentals and visas too.

A dead police in Renbel and a deaf HQ in Rove

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is being rocked by reports of corruption in its Renbel police post and a Headquarter which us turning a blind eye.

RSIPF headquarters at Rove is being accused of allowing policing in the province to slide to an all-time low, leading to no regulations on social behaviour and policing for people’s welfare in Rennell and Bellona province.

Many have written expressing their concerns to the RSIPF Rove HQ about deteriorating law and order in the province due to lack of policing, but have been met with silence.

Island Sun understands these include former Premier of Renbel, Mr Collin Singamoana, who had written to and paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of police in 2017, during which he voiced this concern. Several chiefs and elders of West Rennell have also written letters of concern.

Various people have come forward to Island Sun since 2017, with identical complaints of lack of policing in both Rennell and Bellona islands and the resulting hardships that people there face when they need protection, guidance and mediation.

As early as 2017, prominent Tigoa Chief Steward Taungaika warned that law and order was deteriorating in the province. Rennell and Bellona was without a provincial police commander [and still is] and elders of communities surrounding the provincial capital of Tigoa, west Rennell, also alerted of reckless and unlawful behaviour by ill-disciplined police officers.

Island Sun followed up with RSIPF Rove HQ on the matter, and police media responded, saying that RSIPF would look into the complaints. However, people living in Rennell and Bellona whom Island Sun had spoken to say there is no improvement to policing in the two islands, and it is now at an unprecedented low level.

Last year, the same complaints were raised to Island Sun, which the paper queried RSIPF about, and received the same blanket reply.

This year, the same complaints have resurfaced, and RSIPF is again giving the same textbook response of promising to look into the matter.

Police Media said, “RSIPF welcomes any criticism of how it delivers its services to the people of this nation. However, the criticism must be substantiated with evidence.

“For this reason the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Provincial has been tasked to investigate the allegations of abuse of office, misuse of assets and lack of policing in Renbel Province made by the unnamed person to the Island Sun newspaper. The ACP will report to the Commissioner of Police as soon as possible.

“Despite the numerous challenges faced by RSIPF officers in Renbel Province, the RSIPF is committed to maintaining law and order on the two islands. The recent arrest of two suspects soon after the incident of arson at Tigoa is a good example of how police in Renbel are carrying out their duties with the assistance of officers from the Rove Police Headquarters. The RSIPF continues to need the cooperation of all members of the communities in that Province to make sure people are safe and secure on the two islands.”

Allegations:

Bellona witnessed two gruesome killings within the space of eight months; the first in August, 2018 and the second in April this year, a day before the national general elections. The first was described as a direct result of lack of police presence and activity in Bellona which allowed anyone to freely indulge in drugs and alcohol, an environment where such incident has a high possibility of happening.

RSIPF carelessness and complacency was also implicated in the April killing in Bellona. Witnesses tell Island Sun that police officers were only about a hundred metres from the scene, and had been warned about the row between the victim and the accused an hour earlier but did not respond. Island Sun was also told that the youths were drinking the night before, well into the day, and police officers living near there knew about the drinking spree but did not apprehend them.

Witnesses speaking to Island Sun on anonymity, say, “From where the police officers were living, they could hear the singing, shouting and swearing from the group of youths who were drinking, but they did not bother to go and disperse them.

“In the daytime, few hours from the time of killing, the drunk youths were walking around in plain sight and the police saw them but did not react. It was as if everything was normal for youths to drink homebrew and walk around swearing, brandishing bush knives and threatening people.”

Complainants from Bellona tell Island Sun that lawlessness is rife there.

“In Bellona the Acting PPC [name withheld] resides in his village and does not enforce law and order. Youths and elderly people indulge in homebrew making and consumption, marijuana is planted, sold and consumed openly, gardens have been destroyed due to land disputes, burglary and theft is now a common occurrence, public swearing and intimidation by both drunkards and sober people is a norm. All these happen with no action whatsoever by the acting PPC.

“A young boy’s arm was nearly chopped off during a homebrew drinking session in west Bellona [just after the provincial elections], and no police case has been opened yet.

“The acting PPC has been witnessed several times using the police boat and OMB engine to transport timber belonging to his local church from Rennell to Bellona. And, we’re just wondering if it is ok nowadays to do that.”

Complainants from Rennell express similar concerns to Island Sun.

“The Tigoa police station is reportedly empty nearly everyday. Only the probationers are usually seen by public in the station. The senior constable who looks after the station in the absence of the Acting PPC [name withheld] is reportedly rarely in.

“This same senior constable [name withheld] has been witnessed several times by members of Tigoa public to be driving the police vehicle while drunk.

“The old police landcruiser has been sold to a local. The HQ in Rove is not aware of this.

“The second arson case in Tigoa (burning of Premier’s residence) was avoidable. There was no police operation after the election tie for premier. This same senior constable said there was no threat thus no need for any policing or monitoring of Tigoa town. The same senior officer also refused to stage an operation saying that there was no food rations for officers to carry out an operation.

“The Acting PPC was in Bellona during the premier’s election. Why?

“The team that was sent by Rove HQ to investigate the arson incidents were reportedly driving around in the police vehicle while under the influence of liquor. They ran over the grave of a chief in Teavamagu Village. This sparked anger among the villagers and they followed the police officers all the way to Tigoa town, demanding compensation and seeking retribution. It is understood that they are planning to open a police case.”

It is reported that public do not have any trust or confidence in the police at Tigoa. They complain that it is a waste of time reporting cases to the police, when they know that nothing will be done about it.

“Policing is dead in Tigoa capital, and throughout the province as a whole.”

Island Sun last week reported on a government landcruiser vehicle which a senior constable in Tigoa police station in Rennell had sold months earlier this year, and this same vehicle turned up in a Tender published by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development late last month. The commissioner of Police Matthew Varley had responded by promising to investigate this incident.

Whether or not this would happen remains to be seen, given RSIPF’s track record of neglecting matters in Tigoa police station.

Indonesia pushes for an umbrella framework cooperation agreement with Solomon Islands

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Ambassador Andriana Supandy (second left) pose for this photograph at Mendana Hotel yesterday on his right is former PM Gordon Darcy Lilo, Island Sun publisher Mathias Loji and Alfred Sasako (far left)

By Alfred Sasako

 

Ambassador Andriana Supandy (second left) pose for this photograph at Mendana Hotel on Sunday on his right is former PM Gordon Darcy Lilo, Island Sun publisher Mathias Loji and Alfred Sasako (far left)

INDONESIA’S Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Adriana Supandy, has revealed his country wants an Umbrella Framework Cooperation Agreement with Solomon Islands, saying such an accord would open up boundless opportunities for both countries in many sectors.

Ambassador Supandy has been in Honiara for a week. He presented his credentials to the Governor General, David Vunagi at Government House last week.

He has raised the need for an umbrella agreement in discussions with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare when both men met last week. He returns to Port Moresby 2nd September.

Ambassador Supandy shared his views with a small gathering of Solomon Islanders at the Mendana Kitano Hotel on Sunday. These Solomon Islanders had been to Indonesia on short term training and media visits in recent time.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, Solomon Islands’ first Prime Minister to visit Indonesia, attended the brief gathering.

The Ambassador said Indonesia and Solomon Islands are two island states which share a lot in common. They could use their commonalities to address issues and challenges they face.

These challenges could be addressed under a formal arrangement.

“This umbrella agreement is very important because it opens up different sectors for bilateral cooperation. Trade and investment, tourism, education and training are sectors that can be addressed under such an agreement.

“Climate change is another,” he said.

It is understood Indonesia provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honiara a Draft on the proposed several years ago now.

“It is my hope this agreement can be signed soon because it is very important to both our countries,” he said.

Meanwhile Ambassador Supandy on Sunday visited the site for the multi-purpose sports complex being built at the King George VIth Field. Indonesia is funding the 4, 000-seat complex to be used for Futsol and basketball matches during the 2023 Games.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo urged Indonesia to stay focused on what it is doing, thanking Jakarta for supporting Solomon Islands on the United Nations resolution on French Polynesia.

“Everyone else walked away from us but Indonesia and Cuba supported us to register 163 votes. I won’t forget that,” former Prime Minister Darcy Lilo said.

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