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BIRD MAINTAINS FORM

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Under 16 female lawn tennis player Ms Prudence Bird, has maintained her winning form at the 2019 Vanuatu Junior Regional Championship in Port Villa.

Ranked third in the U-16 girl’s category Ms Bird, who is currently undertaking a tennis scholarship in Vanuatu, has won two of her matches in convincing fashion so far.

She is the only U-16 player who is part of the Solomon Islands Tennis Association (SITA) junior tennis team who are currently in Port Villa competing in the championship.

She defeated New Caledonia’s Amandine Mestre by two sets (6-1:6-0) on Monday and followed that up on Tuesday with another convincing win over Fiji’s Fareen Fazneen, defeating her 2-0 (6-0:6-0).

VJRC match three actions yesterday were forced to be abandoned following the current low depression affecting the eastern parts of the Solomon Islands which is close to Vanuatu.

If the weather permits, Prudence Bird will take on Sipiti Naomi for the U-16 girls singles 10 am today at the Korman tennis courts.

Important Bill For low income earners in Parliament

Written by
Press Release
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THE Government is expecting to debate either to impose tax exemption on low income earners or leave the tax threshold as it is.

The Income Tax Amendment Bill 2019 which was put to Second Reading on Wednesday will be a lifeline for low income earner if the bill earns more support and passed in parliament.

Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon. Harry Kuma said the amendment will increases the personal tax exemption also known as the tax free threshold from SBD$15,080 to SBD$30,080.

He said the increase in PAYE threshold will not only benefit those who earn up to SBD$30,080 annually or up to SBD$1156.92 per fortnight but it will also reduce the tax burden on the high income earners as the increase in the threshold will raise the level of which the various tax rates takes effect.

“This bill if pass will sees approximately 2,334 low paid employees become exempt from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax.

“It will also make life much easier for all low income earners to pay personal income tax at their disposal.

“This single tax amendment is the most direct way of translating economic growth the ordinary wage earners and their families as it will exempt low earning individuals from paying PAYE tax and enable them to meet their basic needs.

“It makes no sense to continue imposing tax on low income earners as doing so it will eventually lead them to poverty,” Hon. Kuma said.

He said the issue of minimum personal tax exemption is overdue and has recently become more pressing with the recent increase of the minimum wages.

Hon Kuma told parliament that the Minimum Personal Tax Exception for Solomon Islands has remained unchanged for almost a decade and it has been the lowest in comparison to other tax jurisdictions in the pacific region.

“Mr Speaker, an important commitment of any good government is to ensure that lower income earning individuals are able to support themselves and their families.

“By raising the Personal Tax threshold the government will improve incentives for Solomon Islanders to work, serve and invest.

“Reforms such as this create cost for the government by reducing the amount of revenue that can be collected.

“The government considers, however that meeting these cost is justified as the multiply effect will give birth to based tax to increase in 2020,” he said.

Hon Kuma said the government is ambitious to enforce the piece of legislation if passed as of 1st January 2020.

He said officials within his Ministry are ready to assist businesses in Solomon Islands to implement changes.

Plastic agent claims ‘payment after weighing’

Written by
Mike Puia
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A local who claimed to be working as agent for a plastic buyer has insisted that they will buy plastic after they completed weighing and data recording of plastic bottles brought to them.

Joseph Douglas said currently they are taking weights of plastic.

Douglas said as soon as they completed weighing and recording, they will proceed to do payment.

The agent is probably the first to openly talk about this operation but he did not provide further details when pursued.

Douglas also mention that they are also doing grading which some think plastic buying do not require grading.

A local who also has an interest in this business is Dr. Reginald Aipia.

Aipia said he is making contact with an interested plastic buyer from South Korea.

He said the buyer who wanted to buy plastic wanted plastic to be in crushed, pelleted or grinded form which means there is no grading.

Aipia said plastic scraps did not need to be graded as they are only required to be crushed, pelleted or grinded.

“Plastic can be paid in kilo or tonnes,” Aipia said.

Despite repeated question for evidence to prove that buyers or agents are actually giving out cash to locals who provided plastics, the agent failed to provide.

The agent however insisted buying of plastic will come after weighing is completed.

Gov’t urged to work on re-settlement program

Written by
Mike Puia
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The government has been urged to start planning and working on re-settlement programs in preparation for the threats climate change will brings.

A concern man, George Kosui, send a message to Island Sun to personally express his concern over the issue of climate change.

Kosui said during His Royal Highness address in parliament, he spoke about Climate Change and its effects on locals.

He said he has witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change.

Kosui said he was born and raised on the tiny island of Ngoliana in the Lau Lagoon in Malaita Province.

He said during his upbringing, they saw the direct impact of Climate Change.

Kosui said this is a major issue that needs to be address to protect their artificial islands from submerging.

“The island I came from is still there today but the challenge to protect it from rising sea levels remains a question,” Kosui said.

“I only hope the rising sea levels will not destroy the place I was born, bred and grown as a man,” he said.

He said the government should focus more on planning and to work on re-settlement programs for people living on atolls that will become victims of climate change.

He applauded the Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDMM) for its work despite little funding provided by the government.

“It is time the government see climate change as a very important issue that should not be ignored,”

“The Ministry needs to pursue planning and implementation of resettlement programs,”

“This should be supported by a comprehensive plan that is highly prioritized by government with serious budgetary support and commitment,” Kosui said.

He said the government must actively seek financial assistance from donors, access assistance from funding sources such as the Climate Change Fund, LDC Fund and Global Environment Fund to assist in the implementation of resettlement and mitigation programs.

Currently, this country has no national re-settlement plan.

The MEDCCMM’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Melchior Mataki, confirmed this is something his Ministry and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) will work on as part of the current government’s policy priorities.

Director of Climate Change, Hudson Kauhiona, said they will sit with the MLHS to see how best to tackle this issue next year.

Reduction in logging put pressure on Government

Written by
Press Release
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THE reduction in logging activities will put pressure on the government’s ability to earn sufficient foreign exchange to pay for the current levels of imports.

This requires the government to focus on developing and strengthening alternative export sectors.

The fall of logging industry will not only affect the economy but will also lead to around 5000 Solomon Islanders jobless.

Minister of Finance and Treasury Honourable Harry Kuma said logging industry is the second largest formal-sector that provides employment in the Solomon Islands.

He said reduction in logging activities will lead to loss of employment.

Hon Kuma adds that loss of these jobs will have flow-on impacts throughout the economy.

He said logging sector contracted -12.5 per cent in annual growths between 2018 and 2019.

“It is estimated to further contract on average at -7 per cent until 2024.

“Sixty (60) percent of exports and 32 percent of total foreign exchange receipts comes from log export,” Hon Kuma said.
He said logging export duties are key source of revenue with 20 percent contribution towards the domestic revenue at the moment.

Voting in Honiara turned out well: Official

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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VOTING for the Bougainville Referendum outside Bougainville went smoothly in Honiara, the official says.

“Hundred and fifty plus turned up for the first polling day in Honiara at the PNG High Commission in Solomon Islands yesterday.

“Unfortunately we had to turn away those people who didn’t register to vote,” the official said.

The officials said polling will resume today.

Polling in the Solomon Islands (Honiara and Gizo) and Australia (Cairns and Brisbane) started yesterday.

Meanwhile, President of the Bougainville and Solomon Association Mr Demas Parou describes yesterday as a historical day for the people of Bougainville.

“Today (yesterday) is very important day and historical day for the people of Bougainville for so many years.

“We have been looking forward for this day to cast our vote for independent.

“It was an emotional day for most Bougainvilleans living in Honiara, Gizo and Australia as they joined other Bougainvilleans across the country to casts their vote and we are all excited,” Parou said.

He said that most the people from Bougainville in Honiara usually carry the Bougainville flag around for the love of their island home and the people.

He said that those who turn up yesterday were very excited for casting their vote.

“We as Bougainvilleans, are so proud to put on the colourful and most treasured AROB flag and cast our vote in this historical Bougainville Referendum,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by other members of the Bougainvilleans who said it was an emotional day for them.

“Our thought goes to those who sacrifice their life, people that brokered peace and those involved in restoring peace on Bougainville.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to participate in this unique voting process of referendum,” they said.

Mr Paro was excited to cast his vote as it was the only chance given to the Bougainvilleans to decide their future political status.

The vote will continue today at the PNG High Commission in Solomon Island and in Gizo.

RCDF HITS THE BRICK WALL

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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THE release of China’s funding contribution to the politicians-controlled Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) grants this year has hit a snag, insiders have revealed.

China reportedly refused to sign off on the joint escrow account at the Bank South Pacific (BSP) unless its demand for a higher level of accountability is met, the insiders told Island Sun on the weekend.

Because of Beijing’s hard line, Chinese government representatives in Honiara last week reportedly rejected a submission prepared by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) – the conduit for making RCDF grants payments – describing it as below standard and hard to reconcile.

Unlike Taipei which easily accepted loose arrangements, China is demanding a higher level of accountability and transparency before it signs off for the release of some SBD90 million which is sitting in the account,” they said.

The submission was returned to MRD, the insiders said.

Beijing’s RCDF grants contribution were to have been disbursed last week, but the position by China has now delayed the payment. Its release of the payment now depends on how fast the MRD has attended to China’s concerns.

“The demand for higher standard of accountability by China is really good. This is what we need as this is public money we are dealing with. There must be a standard,” one insider told Island Sun.

Following the switch in diplomatic relations to China last September, Beijing agreed to pay Taiwan’s outstanding portion of the RCDF grants for this year. Beijing has also agreed to continue paying the portion of the RCDF grants that Taiwan contributed each year for the next three years.

According to records, Taiwan paid 20 per cent of the RCDF grants each year. This means that in an annual budget of $360 million, Taiwan contributed about $72 million while Solomon Islands taxpayers forked out the balance of $288 million a year.

The joint funding of the RCDF grants will continue until 2022.

Morning raid

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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5 injured, houses damaged as armed Samlimsan workers attack community at Henderson

A group believed to be working with a Malaysian logging company, Samlimsan (S.I) Limited as security have raided Motorpool community at Henderson, Central Guadalcanal on Sunday morning.
A community member, John Malataovio said the people were under the influence of alcohol and armed with knives, baseball bats and timbers.
Malataovio said they arrived in a three tonne truck without the knowledge of the community and destroyed more than six houses, injured five people and looted food and belongings in the canteens and homes.
He said the group attacked the community following an argument between some drunken youths and their company members on Saturday night.
“The drunkards youths do not stay in the community but normally come to visit their relatives.
“They exchanged abusive words with the security officers of Samlimsan company. However, some elders in the community intervened and sorted out the issue,” Malataovio said.
He said the community thought the situation had been resolved but to their shock, a three tonne truck arrived with many people in the morning and destroyed their properties and assaulted people.
Malataovio said the community was saved from further damage following an intervention by Nine Salachapa People Association.
“The chairman and board members of the association talked to the group and they calmed down.
“The dispute was resolved at Henderson police station, awaiting reconciliation,” he said.
Malataovio said reconciliation is planned for this Thursday to resolve the issue.
However, he called on police to arrest some workers of Samlimsan who are still at large following the incident.
Island Sun contacted Samlimsan company yesterday and its officer said they are not aware of the story and cannot make further comments.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) media said police is currently investigating the incident and cannot make further comments as well.
Meanwhile, in 2018, workers of Samlimsan also destroyed eight houses following a row on a land at Henderson.
Samlimsan claimed the settlers occupied a land it has a title over.

Miss Solomon Islands Pageant 2019 set for November

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The annual Miss Solomon Islands Pageant (MSIP) show is on again, set for Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2, 2019 with the theme “Advancing women in leadership and stewardship”.
MSIP director Joyce Konofilia in a press conference at the Solomon Host conference room yesterday confirmed that the MSIP committee is very happy to host MSIP show 2019.
“A total of six contestants will be contesting this year’s pageant show and they are in the age range of 18 to 25 years of age.
“This year’s MSIP show will be an interesting one as it has a diverse of contestants from different provinces,” said Mrs Konofilia.
During the press conference the pageant contestants also introduce themselves and explain the issues that they want to advocate on which motivates them to join the show.
The six contestants for the MSIP 2019 are Maenisa Boso (22 years old) Western province, Melissa Takanaia (25) Malaita/Western province, Gladys Habu (24) and from Isabel province, Tiare Haro (19) from Malaita/Isabel province, Bridget Igilave from Western province/PNG and (24) and Freda Maui (22) years and from Renbel province.
The objectives of this year’s show is to encourage young women to respect and realise their potentials in being part of a peaceful and harmonious society for our families, to instill a sense of confidence in our young women as leaders in all spheres of society, showcase the talents and gifts of our young women in being productive, beautiful and intelligent contributors in our communities, crowned Miss Solomon Islands 2019 will represent Solomon Islands at the annual Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2019 in PNG by showcasing and disseminating of information about our people and cultures, promote local businesses that support women endeavours in the country, continue charity work in the country and create partnership with women stakeholders to promote and advance women agendas and policies for employment.
The MSIP show will be staged on Friday (Nov 1) with a speech competition by the contestants on topics relating to the Theme by the contestants and a float procession from SICUL grounds at Town Ground all the way up to the SINU Kukum campus and back again to the National Art Gallery.
The Crowning night will be on Saturday (Nov 2) and there will be four categories; the Sarong, Talent, Traditional contemporary wear and on-stage interview.
All points from the four categories will be added up with the speech overall mark to determine the overall winner and Miss Solomon Islands 2019 and a separate award will be awarded for the best float and best speech.
Each event will have a set of judges appointed by the MSIP Committee with specific judging criteria.

Caption: MSIP 2019 Contestants. Photo By Daniel Kakadi (MSIP official photographer)

Respect each other and our laws

Written by
Press Release
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We must all take heed of the advice by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
The police yesterday appealed to Malaitans to abide by the laws of the country.
This advice should be taken seriously by all Solomon Islanders and not just for Malaitans.
Yes reports coming out of Auki this week are quite sensitive which could incite violence or riots.
This paper has also been accused of misinforming the public. If you think we are doing so, write or speak to us directly or give us the correct information.
We depend on you to give us the correct information and stop labelling us names on social media.
We know of people who like our Facebook page and make derogatory comments about our reporters. We are recording each and every defamatory comment in our Facebook Posts.
Please comment responsibly on the issues rather than shooting the messenger.
This is the same advice given by Malaita Provincial Police Commander Solomon Sisimia.
He said people should not use humiliating or defamatory statements in public or in the social media against any person which may stir up hatred and violence.
We all know that social media is a powerful platform but it is not regulated and individuals can post whatever they want to say.
We respect their freedom of speech, but that freedom must also come with responsibility and it is not absolute.
Most times, social media shared and posted news published by the mainstream media and followers dissect, comment and reinforced their personal agenda in posting those news item.
This is good, but sometimes it goes viral and comments become defamatory.
As such, we should all respect one another and do not hide behind our cell phones or computers and comment on social media disrespectfully.
Discuss and debate about issues and not about people and their personal lives. Also stop labelling people names and their provincial associations.
We are all Solomon Islanders and we also have our own customs and culture and one of these is respect.
We all need to respect our leaders and our neighbours.
If we disagree with certain things, there are proper channels to vent those frustrations.
Equally if you think we are cooking up rumours, call us up and tell us the factual side of the story.
We are governed by our laws therefore we must all respect those laws.

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