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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.

For Sogavare’s sake

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

China or Taiwan? PM to decide on whichever will keep him in power

 

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE decision to switch to China or remain with Taiwan will not be made for the good of the country, rather for the good of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Prime Minister Sogavare had promised that government will make sure that whatever decision it takes, Solomon Islands’ interest comes first.

He said that was why the bi-partisan taskforce was established costing taxpayers $6 million to investigate and report back to him, and a ministerial delegation sent to China for additional exploration and investigation.

But, it appears that all this was a sham just to buy time while he appeases his pro-China ministers and MPs.

It is now clear that whether Solomon Islands will continue with Taiwan or switch to mainland China, it will be solely on the premise of Sogavare remaining as Prime Minister.

As of this weekend, Prime Minister Sogavare is reportedly undecided on the China-Taiwan issue. He is on the fence.

Senior government officials, speaking to Island Sun on condition of anonymity, say on the party spectrum; Our Party – eight are pro-China, seven including PM are pro-Taiwan, Kandere – one is pro-China, five are pro-Taiwan, DAP all four are pro-Taiwan, People First – one is pro-Taiwan, two are pro-China, Others – undecided.

“Current numbers are with Pro Taiwan. If the tide changes, Sogavare will probably switch sides, with his Our Party MPs to China and sack pro-Taiwan MPs.

“In the meantime, he stays with pro-Taiwan so as not to cause panic and force the pro-Taiwan group to resign. If they resign it will result in a minority government.

“DCGA coalition is with 34 MPs, and 16 have come out clear with their Taipei-stance. Removing these pro-Taiwan MPs leaves 18, which means the government does not have the number to continue.

“Therefore, PM must stay with pro-Taiwan MPs for convenience sake and assess the situation before making his move.

“If China deals looks good to addressing pressing issues, PM will move on that basis. But he will only do so when the tide has turned in favour of the pro-China group. Although they say they have the numbers, insiders say they don’t so they are now lobbying Opposition MPs. Four Opposition MPs are reportedly in the mix of things.

“If Caucus decides to follow pro-Taiwan group, the pro-China group will walk. Either way, PM will continue to sit on the fence and watch. This is the style of politics that he has played over the years.”

Inside information also has it that some of the senior MPs in government who are instrumental in organising the pro-Taiwan group will be sacked any time soon. Again if this happens, PM will look to replacing them with Opposition MPs.

The way things are going, a decision will now be made by the Caucus which could see the issue decided either way. This runs contrary to what the PM said in that the process will enable the government to make an informed decision on China.

In relation, the supplementary budget had been delayed for Monday next week, and senior government officials say Sogavare is stalling the process to find compromise. Meanwhile, lobbying between pro-China and Taiwan groups internally and with Opposition MPs intensifies.

PM Sogavare being pro-Taiwan causes confusion. He is behind the pro-China group. His strong supporter, Bradley Tovosia is leading the charge and recently, Peter Channel led the delegation of ministers to China.

Reports has it that Sogavare’s son took up a Taiwanese scholarship recently. A big party was thrown for his son at the Maranatha Hall last weekend.

PM continues to pat Taiwan and allied forces on the back.

Seneviratne terminated

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Nihal Seneviratne

By Taromane Martin

Nihal Seneviratne

THE National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) has confirmed that the president for archery federation and Hockey Federation Mr Nihal Seneviratne has been terminated.

A NOCSI statement yesterday said that Mr Seneviratne’s termination was endorsed during an executive board meeting held in back in May.

NOCSI said his termination means he will no longer be involved in any sport portfolio in the country that is affiliated to NOCSI whatsoever.

“National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) which is the authentic and the legitimate body of sport in the Solomon Islands representing the interests of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), Commonwealth Games Federation and Pacific Games Council, wish to announce to the public the stakeholders and the Government and the public at large that the above named person Nihal Seneviratne has been terminated from holding any portfolios in any National Federation of sport in Solomon Islands that duly affiliated to NOCSI,” the statement said.

“His involvement in sports has been terminated by the NOCSI Executive Board and was passed and endorsed by the NOCSI Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 5th of May, 2019 with the overwhelming endorsement and approval of the General Assembly representing all sports in Solomon Islands.

“The public and all National Federations are informed by this media release that Nihal Seneviratne can no longer be involved in any sports portfolios whatsoever affiliated with NOCSI.

“NOCSI confirms that it cannot recognize Nihal’s involvement in any capacity in sports in Solomon Islands until further notice upon clearance of his termination,” NOCSI said.

Plots of land given are ‘null and void’, CPG to revisit offers

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

NEW plots of land given to ‘Smoking Residents’ at Tulaghi by the former Central Provincial Government (CPG) last year being reported, are termed ‘null and void’.

This does not mean that the current provincial government of Central Islands Province (CIP) under the leadership of Premier Hon Stanley Manetiva will be displacing residents receiving offer letters but revisiting the offer plots and doing proper remapping for equal sharing of plots.

Premier Hon Stanley Manetiva speaking to Island Sun on Thursday said the offer letters signed and passed on by the former provincial Assembly had no purpose but only for ‘election interests’, on which they will be revisiting the offers.

“This does not mean that the provincial government of CIP will be forgetting long serving residents (Smoking Residents) from different provinces that have remained choosing to earn a living and spend the rest of their days in the province. They are now part of CIP’s people,” said Hon Manetiva.

According to Hon Manetiva, the idea is they will be waiting for a mapping to take place by a surveyor before relooking into plots.

He said to note, no one will be taking a big or small share but they will be receiving equal shares of plots.

“The way the plots were offered earlier was only for election purpose, our purpose now is to do proper mapping so that everyone will have an equal share of plots and to address the generation to come as well concerning the availability of land areas to be planned,” said Hon Manetiva.

Last year, the former Premier of CIP Mr Patrick Vasuni said that the plots of land allocated for Smoking residents is being done because a new domestic wharf development is planned to be built at Smoking’s seaside. The plan was said to start develop two months ago.

From different perspectives too being earlier targeted to him over this issue’s move, he said it is not of political interest and apart from the domestic wharf planned, the relocation of residents from Smoking area at Tulaghi is part of sympathy that the province has for the people.

“Residents at Smoking area have always been effective participants in the province activities so they deserve to be relocated in a suitable environment for their livelihood.

“Many amongst the elders there have lived almost throughout their entire lives at Tulaghi seeing them being no stranger to the province and as already part of CIP’s family and citizens,” said the former Premier.

Many families settling at Smoking area are islanders from different provinces such as from Temotu, Makira, Malaita and Isabel who went to work at Tulaghi during when Solomon Taiyo and the National Fisheries Development (NFD) were operating in CIP.

The islanders ever since then to this present living amongst indigenous Ngella people call CIP as their very own home, choosing to dwell there. They continue to live and generate at Tulaghi amongst the former fishing companies’ areas after they were being relocated to Western Province.

It is understood that CIP’s former Premier and Executive Government had already met and passed the area (plots of lands) for relocation just inland (upper hill) of Smoking area, however, the offers are now ‘null and void’ according to the current CPG on which they will revisit offers.

Police to enquire on allegation of police vehicle sold in Renbel

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley has ordered an immediate investigation to enquire into the allegation relating to a police vehicle at Renbel alleged to have been sold out.

Mr Varley responding to an article published by this paper said if that report is true it will be very much disappointed.

He said when he received the report on Thursday he was quite concerned about the police vehicle allegedly been sold by Police at Renbel.

“if that report is correct then obviously I would be very disappointed on that, I can tell you that as part of a vehicle evaluation exercise last year I ordered that review of the entire fleet and number of vehicles across the RSIPF were identified as being unserviceable, or not worthy of maintenance or repair because of their age or condition”, Mr Varley said.

He confirmed that the vehicle at Renbel was one of those vehicles that were determined to be unserviceable and therefore was intended for disposal and that was the process that was going thru with MID at the moment.

“So to the best of our knowledge the vehicle was due for destruction and that was the tender and the allegation that the vehicle was dispose or sold is concerning and I have ordered immediate investigation to be led by my Assistant Commissioner Provincial to make enquires and report back to me as soon as possible”, Mr Varley said.

Mr Varley said it always a concern to him when hearing complains about RSIPF service anywhere across the country including the provinces and sometimes it’s difficult for them to maintain a close eye on what is happening around the provinces and that is why police are relying heavily communities feedback.

Mr Varley said when reports of officers not doing the right thing then that are where enquiries and investigation established to get facts before appropriate actions taken.

Undersized logs

Written by
Mike Puia
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Vanikoro-island

Logging in Vanikoro harvests trees below legal requirements

By Mike Puia

 

UNDERSIZE trees are reportedly logged on Vanikoro in Temotu Province.

An eyewitness confirms to Island Sun that the trees are logged by Gallego Resource Limited, an Asian logging company.

The eyewitness, speaking on condition of anonymity, who is a resource owner, questions authorities to confirm the size required by law to be harvested and exported.

He said what he saw on Vanikoro recently makes him worry about the future of the tiny islands’ forest.

Vanikoro is a group of islands surrounded by a single belt of coral reef. The total area of the Vanikoro group is about 170 square kilometres.

Only two islands (Banie and Teanu) are inhabited. Logging operation took place at Banie Island- the main island. This group of island belongs to the Temotu Vatud constituency.

Gallego Resource Limited commenced operation on Banie Island about three years ago. It has been issue a licence to harvest the entire island.

The company is reportedly moving to its third camp.

The resource owner said he visited a site where logs harvested on the island are piled and took photos of the logs harvested.

He said many logs are undersize.

The former logging worker said based on what he understands the required log size should have a log-head diameter of 50cm.

He said log-head size of most logs harvested at Banie Island have a diameter of 30cm.

“This size is very small. They’re almost like firewood,” the resource owner said.

He appealed to the Ministry of Forestry to clarify the harvest size of logs.

He also appealed to the Ministry and the Temotu provincial government to visit Gallego Resource Limited operation on Banie Island to confirm his report.

He said the rate and size of harvest going on at Banie Island represent a threat to the livelihood and resources of his people- especially their children.

This paper made several call to Gallego Resource Limited office in Honiara after 4pm yesterday but there were no answer.

There was no answer to calls made to the Ministry to confirm the size required in logging operation.

This report brings the question of sustainable harvesting of the country’s forest.

Reports noted, the rate of harvest to the country’s logs is more than 19 times higher than sustainable levels and if continued could denude the country and soon exhaust the single biggest contributor to the country’s economic growth.

Though the Ministry has previously said it had toughened regulations to address issues in the logging sector, there remains lack of enforcement capacity.

Allowances received

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Islands students studying in Philippines have now received second Semester allowances, but not all them yet, it is reported last night.

Some are still to receive theirs according to report reaching Island Sun and are hoping to receive them as early as today.

SISAP students last week raised concern as to why there was very much delay in second Semester allowances.

On Wednesday this week when Solomon Islands National Training Unit (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 as to why there was such delay.

“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.

Other SISAP students finally relieved for receiving second Semester allowances yesterday said now they will be able to pay debts, bills, rentals and visas too.

More than 300 students are studying under SISAP.

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

OPERATIONS at the National Referral Hospital Operating Theatre will scale down due to shortage of Terumo blood bag supplies.

Terumo blood bags are high quality, high-value blood bags designed for the collection, processing and storage of whole blood and blood components.

The Blood bank management on Tuesday issued a notice they are temporary closing down due to shortage of Terumo blood bags.

Director of Medical Laboratory at NRH, Alfred Dofai, said they are facing a tough situation at the moment but assured public that the supplies will arrive next month.

He said they are communicating with the supplier to airlift emergency order as well requesting the Provincial Health centres in the provinces to return some Terumo blood bags to subsidise the shortages.

He said they were supposed to receive 85 cartons of blood bags in July to stock up the laboratory but they only received 25.

“I think the supplier must have run short of supply that is why we only received 25 cartons,’’ he said.

Dofai said 55 cartons of blood bags are still on the way, in the next shipment.

“The situation will affect other sectors and so we have to put priority on emergency cases,” Dofai said.

He assures the general public that they are working with the supplier and the medical store to airlift emergency supplies by this weekend.

He explains the order is bit confusing on the part of the supplier.

He said order should arrive on July and they should encounter this situation.

He said due to the situation they will scale down operation and give top priorities to emergency cases.

Angry Isabel landowners ask government to cancel Axiom mining lease on San Jorge over non-payment  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

 

ANGRY San Jorge landowners on Isabel have formally asked the Government to “suspend or cancel” Axiom KB Ltd’s Mining Licence, accusing the Company of failing to fulfil terms of the Surface Access Agreement (SAA) it signed with landowners last year.

Private law firm, Whitlam K Togamae Lawyers took out a full page paid advertisement on behalf of the landowners in both newspapers yesterday. The advert appeared in the form of an open letter to the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia, and Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Board, Nicholas Biliki. It was copied to Attorney General John Muria jnr and the Provincial Secretary, Isabel Province.

The advertised highlighted specific SAA clauses, which the lawyer representing the landowners, said Axiom KB Ltd had breached.

It was signed by William K Togamae on behalf of 21 Chiefs who “are the accepted landowners of part of San Jorge Island, Isabel Province, and parties to the Surface Access Agreement with Axiom KB Limited (Axiom), dated 6 March 2018 (Surface Access Agreement)

“We are instructed to advise as follows:

  1. It is a term of the Surface Access Agreement that:
  • In accordance with clause 9.2(a), Axiom shall make payments to our clients in accordance with Appendix 2 of the Surface Access Agreement for the right to access the land;
  • In accordance with clause 9.3, Axiom shall make milestone payments to our client in accordance with Appendix 3 of the Surface Access Agreement for the right to access the land;
  • In accordance with clause 9.4, our clients shall be entitled to hold 20 per cent of the shares of Axiom and Axiom KB Mining Limited, along with other landowners; and
  • In accordance with clause 10, all payments are to be made to the nominated account of our client by Axiom within 15 working days after the end of each quarter,” the open letter advertisement said.

The advertisement said Axiom has breached the terms of the SAA by failing to make payments as well as to transfer 20 per cent of the company shares to the landowners as stipulated under clause 9.3.

The advertisement said landowners are calling on Minister Tovosia and the Mines and Minerals Board to direct Axiom to comply with the terms of the SAA or to say why its Mining Licence should not be suspended or cancelled.

“While it is entirely a matter for you, and the Board, in our view the matters warrant:

  • A direction pursuant to s.6(e) of the Mines and Minerals Act to Axiom to comply with the terms and conditions of the Mining Lease by paying our clients the monies due and issuing them the shares that they are entitled to under the Surface Access Agreement;
  • A show cause notice pursuant to s.71 of the Mines and Minerals Act to Axiom demonstrate why the Mining Lease should not be suspended or cancelled, pending the performance of Axiom’s obligation under the Surface Access Agreement.”

An employee said recently the Company could not meet landowners’ demand for payment because it has been blocked from exporting its shipment of nickel.

“How can the company pay when it has not even exported anything?”, the employee said.

Call for bosses to step down

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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It is happening at SINU, Our Telekom and …

 

By Alfred Sasako

 

THEY were once seen as “saviour” of institutions they were recruited to administer. These institutions are national icons, but none is headed by a local Solomon Islander – Solomon Islanders who possess the equivalent in qualifications, exposure and experience foreign nationals hold.

Now it seems the tide is slowly but surely turning against the experts recruited from overseas. And as the level of undercurrent rises, no one seems to know which institution will be next.

At least two national institutions – Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and Our Telekom – are reportedly feeling the heat as most, if not all, staff turn against their boss.

At SINU, staff are turning against their new Vice Chancellor (VC), Dr Ganesh Chand for alleged “abuse of recruitment process, speedy appointment and hand-picked TA from Fiji to work for SINU” while turning ignoring local TA and qualified academic staff.

“(The) VC abused the recruitment process and appointed his friends and former colleagues of Fiji National University,” staff said.

They gave an example of the recent appointment of an Internal Auditor from Fiji. He used to work as Manager Audit for Fiji National University and was terminated in 2015 for alleged abuse of process related to tender.

“The VC forced HR (Human Resources) to give an offer to (a) Fijian National for the post of Executive Officer without follow(ing) the due process of recruitment, and this is very clear conflict of interest,” according to information obtained by Island Sun last night.

The staff also accused the Vice Chancellor of “bullying and intimidation of local staff.”

Now the staff association is said to be planning a protest march to have the VC removed, they said.

The association is understood to be seeking the views of the SINU Council before making a final decision on the proposed protest march.

At Our Telekom similar undercurrents are brewing over the recruitment of its Chief Executive Officer from Fiji. Staff are reportedly unhappy and may be pushing for his exit.

There is one other State-Owned Enterprise whose Chief Executive Officer has been accused of recruiting his “wantoks”. It is not clear whether staff are doing anything about this

Island Sun was unable to get comments from individuals featured in this story.

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