Home Blog Page 1106

PM highlights urgency of Govt policies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has highlighted the urgency in the government’s policies which it wants to achieve during its four-year term.

The government had adopted 259 policies in the policy statement and translation launched in Honiara last week.

Speaking on the motion he moved yesterday to allow Parliament to beg leave to offer thanks for the Speech addressed by his Excellency to Parliament on Monday, Sogavare said they need to be ambitious if they are seen to be addressing anything.

He said Parliament over the years has been very clear of what it expects from ruling governments – the development agenda to address.

“I must admit that they are correct course that government of the day must heed.

“And among the key outcomes expected Parliament wants to see government policies create jobs for the growing job seekers in our country, “he said.

Sogavare said Parliament is also very clear in this debate that it wants government policies that are sustainable to economic growth – must be maintained above their population growth.

“The Parliament is also very clear and wants to see government policy down to effective and efficient delivery of how quality government services to the people of this country

“Parliament is also very clear and it wants to see government policies not with huge potential that are locked up in the rural economy because of the huge confidence gaps that exists between the formal and informal sectors,” he said.

Sogavare said Parliament is also very clear that it wants to see government policies that add value to the development of strategic resources like tuna, off-shore fisheries, minerals, forestry, and our land.

He said Parliament is also very clear it wants government to attract high quality Foreign Direct Investments into the country.

“Parliament is also very clear it wants to see government policies that our people are safe from the effects like climate change, and other national man-made disasters.

“Parliament is also very clear it wants to see peace process it started 20 years ago must settle once and for all,” he said.

He said it’s still outstanding.

“MPs very clears that want to see government policy guarantee a strong and uniting Solomon Islands where its citizens see themselves as one people and one country.

“Parliament is also very that it wants to see a Solomon Islands that is truly independent, sovereign and capable of looking after the development needs of its people,” he said.

Sogavare said Parliament is very clear that it wants policies of government guarantee a healthy relationship with the country’s development partners who are truly serious of helping them.

“They are correct course and government will be totally irresponsible not to heed it,” he said.

Sogavare said the country failed because they failed to address the peace, progress and prosperity of this nation.

He said it is contained in the five volumes report of Truth and Reconciliation Commission which Parliament is set to deliberate on it.

“The costs to address these recommendations run in billions of dollars,” he said.

The debate continues today at 9.30am.

Wale slams DCGA policies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
The Aoke/Langalanga MP, Matthew Wale

Very ambitious, lacks focus – achieving them in 4 years will be a challenge

 By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale says the Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) policies and strategies are very ambitious, and achieving them within a period of four years will be a challenge.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday in a motion moved by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for Parliament to beg leave to offer thanks for the Speech which was addressed by his Excellency to Parliament on Monday, Wale welcomed the government’s 100 days policy.

However, he said the complexity, ambiguity and lack of focus of some of these policies would make it impossible to achieve and deliver results, affecting the desire to progress this country.

Wale said the DCGA 100 Days policies do not reflect core elements of a broad public policy, and does not have focus on core areas the country needs in relation to growing and development the economy.

“The government needs realistic polices, plans and most importantly money to supports its implementation.

“To me, the policies are extracts from individual ministerial work plans that previous government have failed to achieve,” he said.

Wale believes that most of those in the previous government are sitting down in the DCGA camp again trying to implement what that they failed to achieve under the previous regime.

“Let’s hope they realise their mistakes and work to complete the outstanding work to fulfil the promise made to the people of this country.

“I also understand that the government is fully committed to deliver other ambitious policy priorities in the interests of national unity and stability, lasting peace and economic advancement, but this can only be achieved if their fundamental and sectoral policy and other reforms and strategies are better accommodated or pursed through a realistic long term development strategy that focus on the country’s long term development plan,” he said.

Furthermore, Wale understands that the government also have a medium term plan to compliment the National Development Strategy 2016 – 2035 that maps out a strategic direction for the future development of Solomon Islands and enabling the country to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

He said the Strategic Framework focus on Social and economic livelihoods, and comprehensive objectives that aim at addressing the country’s main challenges in the next 20 years and a mid-term development strategies that will guide the Government’s development expenditure programme.

“However, as revealed in the Performance Audit Report on the Preparedness by the National System of Solomon Islands Government to Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals released by the Auditor General’s Office (OAG) on 6th December 2018, Parliament Paper No. 53 of 2018, SIG has an existing financing framework but the framework does not reflect SDG Programmes.

“The report stated that the SIG does not have a national financing framework purposely for the implementation of the sustainable development goals, the 2030 Agenda,” he said.

Wale said the framework is a vital tool to guide the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC) in identifying the needs and the required resources and capacities for implementing the SDG.

Case of man using backhoe at Coral Sea adjourns

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a man alleged of damaging the Coral Sea Resort in Honiara using a backhoe excavator in October 2018 will be mentioned again on August 6 at the Honiara Magistrate Court.

The adjournment was made due to the Prosecutor and the defence lawyer both failing to turn up in court yesterday for the sentencing and mitigation submission.

Principal Magistrate Hollison Felix adjourned the matter to allow both counsels to deal with the case.

Dickson Irofinao is facing charges in relation an incident which occurred on the afternoon of October 11, 2018, at the Coral Sea Resort, Honiara.

Allegations said that Mr Irofinao, following an argument with his estranged wife, stole a Backhoe Excavator from SIWA Staffs and went to the hotel.

His wife was an employee at the Coral Sea Resort at the time of alleged offending while Irofinao was said to be working for the Solomon Islands Water Authority.

Between 1pm and 2pm, it was alleged Irofinao went to the hotel with the Backhoe Excavator speeding recklessly into the lobby towards the guests who were spending and enjoying the facilities there.

Following that, he allegedly went back into the Backhoe Excavator and drove it aggressively into the lobby damaging properties.

He surrendered himself to police on duty that same afternoon.

High NCD rates, more blindness

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is leading to more cases of blindness, it is reported.

And, eye health care providers have been told to work together to fight the alarming rate of NCDs in the country. This would also tackle the growing problem of blindness.

This was expressed by Programme Manager SPP Nursing division Paul Hlngei during the opening of National eye health conference in Honiara.

“In the light of increase in diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), we need to all work together to change our live style in order to save sight,” said Hlngei.

Dr Gregory Jilini, Undersecretary for Healthcare of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said, “In our context we need the support from everyone such as the health promotion team, immunisation teams, and child health teams, non-communicable disease unit, private health establishment, communities and faith based establishment to be included in the move to combat avoidable blindness.

“Blindness prevention and sight restoration is everyone’s business.”

Mabo summoned to appear in court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Prosecution has again been asked to summon a man alleged of obtaining more than $65,000 people under false pretences to appear in court tomorrow.

Yesterday defence lawyer Rodney Manebosa told the court that his client was excused from appearing in court as one of his relatives had passed away.

Mr Manebosa also sought the court’s leave to adjourn the case for tomorrow so that he can speak with his client in regards to the charges.

Meanwhile Public Prosecutor Dalcy Belapitu said that a proposal of pre-trial documents has been served and they are waiting on the defence to respond on the documents.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi then adjourned the case for tomorrow and ordered the accused to appear in court on that date; if he fails to appear by that date a warrant of arrest will be issued.

Ms Taeburi said for now the warrant will lie in the file.

She also made directions for the pre-trial documents to be prepared and file prior to court appearance.

Taeburi also mentioned in court yesterday that since the accused is a relative of her partner she will disqualify herself from hearing the case in future appearances.

The accused on the case, Mr Mabo, is facing seven counts of false pretences in relation to allegations in 2018.

Govt needs to address unemployment: Wale

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Opposition Leader Matthew C Wale.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale has urged government to address the high unemployment rate among youths in the country.

Wale raised this concern in a motion moved by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday for Parliament to beg leave to offer thanks for the Speech which was addressed by his Excellency to Parliament on Monday.

He said as mentioned earlier, the population of the country is growing, and he thinks the government is not prepared to take on the challenges that come with the anticipated population increase, especially youth?

“According to the CBSI Annual Report 2018, employment in the formal sector as reported by SINPF was 58,736, an increase of 7 percent from 55,820 in 2017.

“And I don’t think there will be any increases in formal employment if the economic base remains thin and small and unable to absorb the increase in population by creating employment opportunities and if the government continues to be hooked into self-centred polices that focus mainly on constituency development (solar, roofing iron, boat/engine, school fees, etc),” he said.

Further, Wale said absence of policies and interventions that encourage inclusive participation and contributions of their people and communities, especially investing in the productive and services would affect their intention to grow and increase our revenue base.

“The poor condition of infrastructure and the lack of it in many Provinces impeded movement of people, goods and services, increase costs of doing business and affected communications.

“With a tinny export base, mostly primary industries and commodities that are prone to disasters such as cyclones and continuous bad weather contribute to expose the economy to instability in government revenue, one that could adversely affect the nation’s prospects for economic advancement and growth in 2019/2020,” he said.

Wale said a worsened trade war between the US and China could wash down prospects for growth in the export sector and affecting the country’s economy.

He said the country also need to prepare in advance for the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country to Developing Country status in 2024, an issue that will impact on the country’s export and revenue.

Furthermore, Wale said the Government needs to strategically deal with the current China/Taiwan issue.

LET’S GROW UP: PM

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

PM Sogavare warns of bad times ahead for Solomon Islands if the country does not ‘unlock’

 

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the country needs to be unlocked in order to address the population growth in 20 years’ time.

Speaking in the motion he moved yesterday to allow Parliament to beg leave to offer thanks for the Speech which was addressed by his Excellency to Parliament on Monday, Sogavare said if the country does not address land reform, in 20 years, the people will face absolute poverty.

“I am asking, let’s grow up.

“Under current level of economic growth, we are in danger of losing our ability to look after ourselves in 20 years’ time,” he said.

Sogavare said it is a frightening scenario where no one wants to see happen.

“When we talking about getting out of business as usual, business as usual happened in 9th, 10th and 11th Parliament.

“Let think about development, let’s think about our people, let’s mature, let’s prepare to take tough decisions,” he said.

The government is pushing to table the report of the Federal system in Parliament within the four years.

Sogavare said they are still struggling to decide on the best structure for this country.

“We still talk about it, even before Independence we still talked about it what kind of structure we want.

“The Mamaloni report in 1997, people say we go into State Government, then we go into Provincial Government and when we adopted it, we don’t allow it to work,” he said.

Sogavare said they are still talking about structures; that’s why they don’t develop.

“We still find best ways to deliver government services.

“We still struggling to address the fundamental like land reforms,” he said.

The debate continues in Parliament today.

Federal system must benefit all and not few people

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNOR General David Vunagi warns that the proposed Federal system must be based on evidence and not political ambition.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Vunagi said the immediate task is to do a cost analysis on the proposed state system.

“Any decision that the Government take will be evidence based, and not based purely on political ambition.

“The Government understands that any decision it makes must be a responsible one that is based on the common good of all, and not in the interest of a few,” he said.

The Constitutional Congress, (CC) and Eminent Persons Advisory Council (EPAC) within the Constitutional Reform Unit (CRU) have finally completed the “Final (Clean) Draft” of the Federal constitution for Solomon Islands and handed over to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare recently.

The Constitutional Congress and Eminent Persons Advisory Council are mandated to promulgate a federal constitution for Solomon Islands with technical assistance from Constitutional Reform Unit.

The two bodies have finally and successfully completed the document and was printed out as required of them.

When the document is handed to the Prime Minister and government, the process will continue on, which include facilitating it through Caucus for noting and endorsement by Cabinet before tabling in parliament.

During this period, a number of important tasks will still need to be pursued by Constitutional Reform Unit on behalf of the government especially to further facilitate the implementation of the document.

This government initiative to reform the nation’s constitution is in light of a post-conflict situation that called for a change in the political governing system of Solomon Islands since year 2000.

Government developing home ownership scheme

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

By Alfred Sasako

 

THE Government is believed to be developing a new home ownership scheme whereby individuals would each be able to obtain funding of up to $150, 000 to buy or build own house.

Details of the scheme are not immediately known. Island Sun was tipped off about the scheme last week.

“The government is developing a national homeownership scheme where individuals can obtain up to $150,000 to buy or build their own house.

In his Speech from the Throne to Parliament yesterday, Governor General the Rt Rev David Unagi gave some hints on the scheme.

“Shelter is a basic human right as well. This government will continue to support rural and urban dwellers to build or buy appropriate and affordable housing that satisfies the minimum acceptable living standards,” he told Parliament.

“It is recognised that housing contributes to a decent family life and the productive output of that household. To that end the Government will develop a National Housing Policy.

“The Government will also facilitate and implement the Strata Title Act,” the former clergyman said.

It is not clear whether the housing scheme being developed is linked to amendments being proposed for the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund.

“There are a number of legislations that this Government will bring to Parliament to achieve this policy objective. These include a reformed Trustees Act, National Provident Fund Act but a more immediate one is the Credit Union Bill which will be brought to Parliament soon,” the Governor General said.

NAMES OUT SOON

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
-
0
Counting of votes in Gizo/Kolombangara.

Public will access list of NGE candidates who complied with the law

 

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

PUBLIC will soon know which 2019 NGE candidates complied with the law and which ones did not.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has assured curious members of public that it will release the List soon onto their website, and through the media.

SIEC CEO Mr Mose Saitala said yesterday that his office is currently ‘finalising their formatting’ and ‘thank you message’ with the List for their website.

According to Saitala, uploading the List is a way of saying thank you too for the 2019 NGE candidates complying with the Electoral Act.

“We will be uploading shortly to our website the ‘List’ of Candidates who have successfully and unsuccessfully filed their statements of account as our way of saying thank you for those who had tried to comply with section 69 of the Electoral Act,” said Saitala.

Earlier this week, members of public requested the SIEC to release the list of candidates who submitted their statements of account.

They demanded that merely announcing the number of candidates who submitted is not enough – they want to see names.

A total of 79 candidates out of 331 contesting during the 2019 NGE were reported last week to have not filed their campaign ‘statements of account’ before the due date required under the Electoral Act 2018.

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

Having the general public’s call, SIEC’s confirmation yesterday to Island Sun somehow meets their request.

“Report has it too that there might be a few Members of Parliament (MPs) who have not submitted their campaign ‘statements of account’ on which seeing a list provided would confirm such information,” said members of the public.

It is a requirement under the electoral law (Section 69 of the Electoral Act 2018) that all candidates, successful and unsuccessful, must file their campaign Statement of Account 90 days after the publication of NGE election results.

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.

Candidates not complying with the electoral law on submission of campaign statements are now under investigation and possibly to face prosecution says CEO Saitala.

1...1,1051,1061,107...1,690Page 1,106 of 1,690