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There’s still time: SIEC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Election

Constituents complain over unavailability of provisional list with concerns over time limitation

By Gary Hatigeva

ISLANSUN Sun has over the past few days been receiving a good number of concerns and complaints from constituents, claiming they have not received or seen any activity for the providence of the Provisional List.

Constituents in East Kwaio of Malaita, including a few from the Western province, have reported that they were aware of the timeframe indicated by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) for the availability of the list, which was expected to start on October 29.

But concerns revealed that “to date [yesterday], there has not been any official around to execute the pinning up program of the Commission of the provisional list”.

This was something the Commission was also made aware of, and a follow up on Friday revealed that they too have been informed of these concerns, and are working closely with officers that were sent out to pin up these lists.

When contacted on this, Philothea Paul of the Commission confirmed that they have also received the similar complaints, but explained that the provisional voter lists have been dispatched to all provinces and should be pinned up in every polling station within the constituencies.

She outlined that the timeframe for pinning up the voter list is from Oct 29 up until Nov 4, and anyone who has not seen the list is advised to keep looking out when the officers will come around and pin up the list.

She said registration officers are there in the field with the list and with two more days still remaining, they are expecting to have the entire list up for viewing by November 4 and assured that people will still have the chance to view the list before the other phase as SIEC is still on schedule.

“The list will remain in all the constituencies for viewing from November 4 up until November 20 and everyone to take their time to check the list and awaits Omission and Objection period which starts on Nov 7 to start lodging in their complaints with Registration Officers for their respective constituencies.”

Meanwhile when questioned, the SIEC official clarified that the only factors that could hamper SIEC processes is logistic, finances and bad weather, “otherwise as said earlier, the list are out there and should be pinned up before November 4”.

“There is no reason seen to be of benefit for intending candidates to have interest in inferring in this processes.

“The list is intended for the public to inspect as part of the legal procedure that must be fulfilled before a final voter list can be compiled.

“And voters, candidates and political parties should help scrutinise and allow the process to ensue,” the SIEC Head of Media and Communications Awareness explained when questioned on the possibilities for the lists to be tempered with or manipulated.

However, people are concerned that there is a chances those who have strong influences particularly, intending candidates or their agents, in the system or over officers, can interfere for the sake of keeping names that might have higher chances of being objected.

“Especially, with regards to the mass cross-border registration that was done under the registration centres in Honiara, most of which registered for constituencies in the provinces,” one of the concerned constituents in Malaita shared when contacting this paper on Friday.

Minimum wage overseas lucrative than highly paid local wage

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Men from Pacific Islands cutting leafy green vegetables in a paddock in Queensland.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

WORKERS in Solomon Islands receive one of the lowest wages in the world. Since 2008, the minimum wage in Solomon Islands has remained the same.

The current rate is SBD$4 per hour for all workers except those working in the fishing and agricultural sector. They receive SBD$3.20 per hour.

In comparison to other countries, the yearly minimum wage for Solomon Islands is USD$1,005 in International Currency.

International currency is a measure of currency based on the value of the United States dollar in 2009.

With this comparison, Solomon Islands sits in the bottom percent of all countries based on the yearly minimum wage rate.

“There are 99 countries with a higher minimum wage then in Solomon Islands,” Minimum-Wage.org reports.

While workers in Solomon Islands are struggling to cope with the high cost of living, government on the other hand is prioritizing labour mobility as a way to send Solomon Islanders overseas to earn so called, lucrative money.

In Australia, the minimum wage rate is AUD$17.70 per hour, an estimated SBD$100 per hour. This is 25 times greater than the wages earned in Solomon Islands.

In recent interviews with seasonal workers, most alluded that money earned in labour mobility is way better than what they earn working in Solomon Islands.

Men from Pacific Islands cutting leafy green vegetables in a paddock in Queensland.

While the focus for labour mobility scheme is on unemployed youths, in some cases, skilled workers including professionals also left their job to sign up for the seasonal workers scheme.

“I go to school, I spent years in education to attain a diploma or degree in my profession, I come back to serve my country, earning less than SBD$2000 a fortnight, who wouldn’t want to go to Australia or New Zealand to earn more in their minimum wage than what we are earning in ours,” a professional employee in Solomon Islands say.

Even the Prime Minister attributed the fact that seasonal workers are being paid more than him and there is nothing much the government can do about this scenario.

He said this is not in government’s best interest yet as they are currently focusing on the labour mobility schemes.

“Let’s do one thing at a time. You can’t try and do everything at a time. Otherwise you’ll clog it out,” Hou said in response to a question raised by Island Sun during a Press Conference on the Labour Mobility scheme.

Prime Minister Rick Hou in the recent Pacific Labour Mobility Meeting revealed that he wants government to send at least 10,000 youths overseas within the next 10 years.

He said population in Solomon Islands is at a 2.6 percent growth rate and the economy is not producing job opportunities for the unemployed thus it is important government address this issue now by sending workers overseas as labourers.

Meanwhile, the employed and professionals in Solomon Islands are said to be the ones left behind in the labour market.

While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) speaks of leaving no-one behind, with SDG 8 promoting productive employment and decent work for all, the future seems brighter for those toiling the fields in foreign countries, than educated professionals in their own country.

Contrary to what the PM said, Commerce Minister, William Marau says, his Ministry is aware of the need for the increase in wages and salary and decent employment for workers in Solomon Islands.

He said since the beginning of 2018, consultations are being carried out with major industries to get feedback from the organizations because it will impact greatly on their businesses.

“Slowly and surely, we are getting there,” he said.

At the same time, Unionist, David Tuhanuku says it is a bad reflection of the government to forgo the minimum wage increase for 10 years now.

He said the issue of legal minimum wage should be addressed by government through the Labour department with relevant institutions like trade union movements involved in the process.

He said in the course of 10 years, cost of living has changed and government through the labour department should have addressed this issue already.

“All I can say, if the labour department embark on this now, the trade union movements will then be able to participate in this process,” Tuhanuku said.

He said legal minimum wage is important as it set the basis for worker’s wages.

He said it is very important government reviews this, particularly for the low paid workers.

Tuhanuku is the President of Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU) as well as President of the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI). His Associations had been vocal in labour rights issues for many years including admonition of the tax free awards for MPs in 2016.

For likeminded workers in Solomon Islands, Minimum Wage is the lowest amount a worker can be legally paid for his or her work.

No worker in Solomon Islands can be paid less then this mandatory minimum rate of pay. Employers in Solomon Islands who fail to pay the Minimum Wage may be subject to punishment by Solomon Islands’ government.

Currently it is understood that a proposed Minimum wage policy is said to be in the making.

The minimum wage policy will set the framework for minimum wage in Solomon Islands.

Furthermore SBD$8 is said to be the proposed minimum wage under review.

Inappropriate feeding leads to early NCDs in babies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

IT has been revealed that inappropriate feeding leads to early development of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) in babies.

Chief Nutrition Officer from the health ministry (MHMS), Ms Salome Diatalau raised the concern appealing to breast feeding mothers to be cautious with the practice.

She said NCD can develop in babies from inappropriate feeding or less breast feeding practice of babies.

Diatalau pointed out to mothers that infant formula feeding of babies pose very high risk to babies as it can lead to development of diseases.

She explained that infant formula is milk prepared from cow and can be given to babies on formula feeding.

“One very important thing mothers must aware is the nutrient in the cow’s milk is different from the content of human (mother) milk.

“High amount of fats, sugar and other substance contain in cow’s milk than in mother’s milk.

“And one obvious feature you can see with babies feed with infant formula is they usually big in size (fat), and that can be the early development of NCDs,” Diatalau said.

She added that how food can be prepare for babies was one area mothers must consider only to prepare right food for them.

“Because at the moment NCDs are prevalent mean they not only restricted to certain age group like what experience in the past.

“The only best I can say is to properly breast feed your babies and if babies start to test food, prepare them with right food,” Diatalau said.

Price on rice and sugary beverages to jump next year

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PRICES for rice and sweet beverages can expect an upsurge early next year.

This is the brainchild of a dialogue currently being held between the health and finance ministries – to impose tax on these food products in a move to control their use as they are rated as potential risks to health.

Chief Nutrition Officer from the health ministry (MHMS), Ms Salome Diatalau recently made the statement in an interview with this paper.

She said work is progressing on the matter as they are looking at possible ways to impose the tax considering impacts it may carry on the public.

Diatalau explained that although the two ministries are working together on the matter, they have diverse working priorities at the beginning.

She said the MHMS is only targeting beverages and other high risk healthy food like those high in fats and salt.

Adding that the initiative to impose tax on rice which at the moment is zero tax is initiated by the finance ministry (MoFT), but both ministries seem to combine it into one programme.

Diatalau said after the MHMS initiated the programme they partnered with FAO and outsourced a study task that conducted assessment on sweet sugary beverages in the country.

She said the purpose of the study was to find out the health effects of beverage use with directive to consider imposing tax on it.

Adding that the report on the study is currently with MHMS and it is the pillar on which this proposed exercise will be taken.

Diatalau said according to their schedule they should hold a meeting either on Monday or Tuesday this week to discuss areas around the proposed tax programme.

She said this meeting will however give direction on what the tax will be like under the programme.

“So for the programme, yes, we expect tax on rice and beverages as of 2019, but there will be no ban on rice as recently alerted,” Diatalau said.

She said for the MHMS side on the programme, they looked at piloting the programme with beverage than to other health risky food.

Diatalua said the MHMS is looking at possible way to tax beverage and areas under consideration are whether tax will impose on volumes or sugar ingredient of the products.

“For now, we’ll only look at both import and locally made beverages including things like coffee mix, pop drinks etc.

“Products like lolly, chocolate and other food products high in fats and salty will be at the later stage as the programme rolls,” she said.

Diatalau said for this programme the risk is for everyone as almost everyone in the country drink beverage, but the target is for children.

Diatalau said children often choose to consume sweet and sugary foods, and food high and fats and salts that give high risk to NCDs.

“So we want to prepare the products now so that in future we won’t caught up with problem with them as currently face,” she said.

Diatalau also said another idea behind the programme was to discourage people from processed food and encourage them to eat more local food.

She said it will be difficult to change people’s behaviour, but understanding the programme and by looking at facts of increase of food related disease in the country, people will change.

Tran gives constituency dues to churches

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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West Honiara CDO hands over tithes contributions

By Gary Hatigeva

West Honiara CDO hands over tithes contributions

A total of 14 churches within West Honiara have yesterday received the Constituency’s tithe contribution of $200,000, allocated through all constituencies from both the Ministry of Home Affairs and Member of Parliament, Namson Tran.

They are the White River, Mbokona, Tuvakaoni and Wind Valley SDA churches, the St Alban and St Francis Parishes of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, St Michael and St Anthony churches of the Roman Catholics, the Namuruka, Wind Valley and Forest Valley SSEC churches, the Tasahe Cell Group, Christian Life Centre, and the Apostolic church.

Churches were represented by church leaders to receive their respective donations in a low key handover ceremony.

Presenting the donations on behalf of the MP, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Brian Taupiri explained that the actual allocation from the Ministry was $100,000, a huge reduction from the usual amounts, which was always around $200,000 to $300,000, while the other $100,000 came from the MP’s personal funds.

The reduction was due to a major slash in the 2018 government budget allocations, an exercise that was heavily felt right across almost all government ministries.

However, this challenge has not stopped churches within West Honiara to receive almost the same allocations they have been receiving in the past three years, thanks to the MP who saw the importance of ensuring all church programs are not affected due to government constrains.

MP Tran also used the opportunity through his CDO, to express his continuous appreciation towards the work of churches in communities within the constituency, a matter that continues to go unnoticed.

Taupiri further explained that the MP remains grateful to churches for their crucial role in maintaining peace and unity amongst communities, and citizens within the constituency, and stressed that by having a reduction to this allocation will also have a huge impact on these good works.

The CDO added that the a lot of these churches particularly, the smaller ones, have over the years, been factoring the church allocations into their budgetary programs, many of which have been to serve the sick, the hungry, and the old people, including those that have been victims of domestic violence.

“And the MP therefore thought that with the Ministry’s allocation alone is not enough, as a lot of important programs under these churches will be affected, so he decided to put in the other $100,000 to bring the allocation status to just around normal for all,” Taupiri explained.

Speaking on behalf of the church leaders and elders present at the ceremony, Reverend Charles Soto of the Apostolic Church thank the government, particularly the MP, for continuously recognising the work of churches in his constituency, a matter that is always constrained by finance.

“But thanks to Honourable Namson Tran, we the churches in the West Honiara Constituency have consistently been receiving this allocation to, since he came in to office in 2010.

“And obviously, these donations will continue to enable the work of all churches to help the people of God not in just West Honiara, but so as in other places that need help from churches,” Reverend Soto shared.

The Church Tithe is a government allocation given to churches through constituencies annually, and the $200,000 comes as part of this year’s allocation.

Wale calls on gov’t to ensure SI’s war relics remain protected

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

By Gary Hatigeva

MEMBER of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga Matthew Wale has made a strong call for the government to take serious note of the warning given to Solomon Islands for the protection of its World War II Relics.

This comes following revelation of an open letter by the Governor of Oro Province in the Northern Region of Papua New Guinea, on a Mr Robert Greinert who is believed to be in Solomon Islands with intentions to remove world war planes from one of the country’s historical islands in the Shortlands.

In his letter, the PNG Governor revealed that the people of his province were tricked by the relic dealer, and shared how his province was a big time victim of his deals.

Governor Juffa claimed that while in Papua New Guinea, Greinert was responsible for removing dozens of planes from his country particularly, his province, where the people get very little or nothing at all.

“He removed our most famous intact plane wreck a B-17 known as “Swamp Ghost”. He paid the landowners no money – zero!”

Sadly, the Governor further stated that he had witnessed what could have make a world tourism attractions and revenue for his people, in a large museum in Hawaii, and his province particularly, the landowners who are now left with nothing.

This is something that many including Wale highlighted to be of serious concern and worrying at the same time.

He then called on law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Culture & Tourism to collaborate and look into this matter, to ensure no permits are issued for the removal of war relics to Greinert and his team.

He further called on the Prime Minister and the Tourism Minister to follow up on the highlighted issue, ensuring Solomon Islands is not ripped off by what he described as, an unscrupulous dealers.

“And if the person violates our laws, that the police act decisively to arrest and deport the individual and any persons assisting him,” the Aoke/Langalanga MP stressed.

This issue had also got the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s attention, who confirmed the groups’ intention here in Solomon Islands.

Speaking on this, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Andrew Nihopara confirmed that the individual is here under a locally registered and reputable company, with intentions to recover and remove the Betty Bomber for refurbishment or restoration purposes overseas.

Nihopara said his ministry is fully aware of the intentions and will be working through all the issues surround such interests to ensure that the country’s interest prevails.

He revealed that ministry had placed a suspension status on the salvaging project to allow for the government to properly assess the interest by the foreign company, while at the same time, accommodate all the concerns that have been raised surrounding this issue.

On the legality aspect of this matter, the PS clarified that the locally registered company is a recognised one in this particular field, and also licensed, but the Ministry will see that whatever activities under this project, are done according to the Laws of Solomon Islands.

He said the country does have a Wreck and Relic Act (cap. 150), which governs any prospect in this area, and assured that the ministry will be using it to properly guide its decisions on this case, in collaboration with the Attorney Generals Chamber.

This legislation according to the PS is intended to protect the World War II relics in the country, and this will ensure that the protection mechanisms are applied in this particular case to ensure that what happened in PNG will not happen to the Solomon Relics.

RIPEL hits back at questions over $1.5M payout

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Alfred Sasako

The controversial $1.5 million in hard cash that is the focus of questions.

THE Chairman of the Lavukal Trust Board, Oliver Salopuka, has refuted claims that $1.5 million in dividends paid out to the Lavukal tribe members over the weekend was done in secret.

Mr Salopuka was responding to media claims attributed to the Savo/Russell MP and the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-committee on RIPEL, Hon Dickson Mua, that the Government knew nothing about the payment.

Hon Mua also accused Lavukal landowners of breaching the terms of an MOU, which the Chiefs of the tribal group signed last.

“That MOU prohibited Lavukal landowners of any dealings with businessman Mr Patrick Wong and former RIPEL workers,” Hon Mua said.

Russell Islands’ tribal leader, Silas Selo, also questioned the payment saying there are sinister motive behind it.

“It is all politically motivated,” Mr Selo said.

But Mr Salopuka has hit back, saying there was nothing secret about the $1.5 million dividend payout.

“There is nothing secret about the payment. And the Government is not involved. LSL is a private company and it does not need to consult SIG when paying dividends or any company matter,” an angry Mr Salopuka told Island Sun yesterday.

“The fact of the matter is that LSL has budgeted for tax on the dividends LSL paid out on the weekend. What the likes of Hon Mua and Mr Selo forget is the fact that tax is only paid after IRD assessment,” Mr Salopuka said.

“The other thing people making these wild and baseless accusations forget is the fact that LSL and RIPEL are private entities. And we, not only are we directors of the Company but are shareholders as well,” he said.

Mr Salopuka also refuted claims that the MOU signed recently between the Government and the Lavukal representatives stopped landowners from dealing with Mr Wong and others.

“There is absolutely nothing in the MOU on this matter,” Mr Salopuka said. Mr Salopuka produced a copy, signed by the deputy Prime Minister and Salopuka said, “here. Show me where does it say Lavukal cannot talk to the Company or Wong. This is just a makeup story by Honourable Mua, to take away focus on other problems he is now facing”

Meanwhile businessman and architect of the RIPEL settlement, Mr Patrick Wong also reacted angrily about the MOU claim.

“As a company director, we know nothing about the MOU. And we are not a signatory to it either,” Mr Wong told Island Sun last night.

“If it is true, then I call on the Lavukal landowners and all ex-workers to immediately disassociate themselves from this part of the MOU,” Mr Wong said.

“If there is such a clause that prohibits associating with me, then I call on them to come out and say so publicly that they are not part of the MOU.”

Mr Wong said a lot of questions surround the signing of the MOU. First, it was signed at 9:30pm on a Saturday night. Secondly, the signing was done on the eve of the Court of Appeal on Monday 1st October, which RIPEL and LSL have subsequently won. Is there something inside this MoU SIG was going to do and take sides with John Whiteside?

“Sadly, RIPEL as a company in the centre of all these, is not a signatory to the MOU. So from the start, the MOU has no leg to stand on. I have my own interpretation for this event but that can be explained at some other time,” Mr Wong said.

Plane thief alert

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
The plane in the pic was moved from within the island to the cleared spot awaiting shipment. Picture supplied by a member of the Shortlands Forum group.

Solomon Islands warned of tricky deals to restore World War II relics

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Solomon Islands government and its people have been warned not to deal with a foreign War Relic Restoration Company, “Warbird Restoration Pty Ltd” that is currently in the country in an attempt to salvage old world war planes, in exchange for doubtful dollar.

Following revelations of the company’s intents in the Solomons after lying to his own people, in an open letter to Solomon Islands, Governor of Oro Province in the northern region of Papua New Guinea, Gary Juffa, shared that his letter was to warn the people so they don’t get tricked by this company like they did to the people of his province.

“It has come to my attention that a foreigner, Mr Robert Greinert has come to your country to remove war relics – the Betty bombers of Ballale Island. He and his company ‘Warbird Restoration Pty Ltd’ is not to be dealt with,” the Oro Provincial Governor warned in his letter.

He shared that in Papua New Guinea, this same person, Mr Robert Greinert and his company was responsible for removing dozens of planes from his country and province, for little or no benefit, and this he feared will happen again to the vulnerable rural people of Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile, the Governor added that Greinert and his group were able to remove their most famous intact plane wreck, a B-17 known as “Swamp Ghost”, which he did not pay for a single cent to landowners.

“Today, this plane is in the United States in Hawaii in a large museum and PNG, Oro Province and the landowners got nothing for a world attraction! I saw it myself with my own eyes and confronted the museum’s director,” Governor Juffa stated in his letter.

“Therefore, the People of the Solomons beware! Unless if you are receiving millions of dollars for these wrecks – upfront. I do not advise you sell them! Be wary of any leaders that are supporting a plan that is clearly wrong.

“These war relics are best left on your islands in your sea, that way foreigners will come to you to see them and pay the landowners, stay in your community guest houses and support your region,” he added.

He then reminded and called for people not to strike a single agreement or deal with Mr Greinert and his company, because they are not genuine as they may seem.

This issue has also attracted widespread concerns after it was posted on local online forums, prompting calls on the Solomon Islands government particularly, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism which is responsible for the implementation of the laws and regulation guiding war relics in the country, to take action and ensure that this company is looked into if it has already made some approaches.

In Solomon Islands, war remains especially relics are state owned, and therefore the government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has the final say in terms of approvals for removal or even for the purpose of refurbishments, so as approvals for export.

A follow-up with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism reveals and confirmed that the individual (Mr Robert Greinert) was in the country through a locally registered company, and had used it (company) to push his intention with the ministry to salvage relics from one of the country’s known historical islands in the Shortlands.

This is something that got many, including the Oro Province Governor worried, stressing that the restoration company will get millions from these tourism resources in the international market, while the country and those people whose lands host these relics, lose out big time.

Speaking to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry on this, Andrew Nihopara confirmed his ministry had in its records a project under this locally registered company, which is facilitating on behalf of the same individual who had similar relics removed from PNG, which according to the Governor, had left landowners waiting almost forever, on payments that was promised to them.

When asked about the revealed information, PS Nihopara said he was aware of what had happened in PNG, and confirmed that he is here in Solomon Islands on a mission, with intentions to recover and remove the Betty Bomber for refurbishment or restoration overseas.

The Tourism PS however stressed that regarding the highlighted matter, he had only just recently confirmed that the individual highlighted is also the same person implicated in the PNG Governor’s statement.

“The ministry is fully aware of the intentions and will be working through all the issues surround such interests to ensure that whatever happened in Oro Province of PNG will not happen to the Solomon Relics,” the PS explained.

As for the current situation, PS Nihopara revealed that a suspension notice for the salvaging operation has been issued to those involved.

The PS further explained that the suspension is purposely to give the government time to assess the interest by the foreign company, and to accommodate all the concerns raised by all the parties that are involved, including the Shortland landowners and the concerned public.

Nihopara then clarified that in any case, the Protection of Wreck and Relic Act (cap. 150), which is the law governing such interests, will be thoroughly used to guide the decision that the government will take on this case, in collaboration with the Attorney Generals Chamber.

It was further reiterated by the PS that the legislation highlighted is intended to protect the World War II relics in the country, and that is why the suspension notice was served on the current project to ensure that the protection mechanisms are applied in this particular case.

The company’s dealing in Papua New Guinea had also made international news headlines after the matter got surfaced, and 60 Minutes Australia, was able to cover this story in an episode under the name, “Plane Wrong” that detailed this struggle.

And if you are an online user and wish to see the coverage by 60 Minutes Australia of how it happened in PNG, it can be watched on YouTube, with the links provided in a two parted series, Part 1; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUKfT7pOKHEPart and Part 2; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNOUQlxJFsk

Bougainville women to maintain peacebuilding across Bougainville and nearby Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Judith Oliver Bougainville Women Federation Executive Manager.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Judith Oliver Bougainville Women Federation Executive Manager.

BOUGAINVILLE women plan to maintain peace across Bougainville and the neighbouring Pacific nations.

This was stated according to the Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) three-year strategic plan 2019-2021.

Speaking at the recent Bougainville Young Women’s meeting held at Arawa in Bougainville, Judith Oliver, BWF Executive Manager, said women in Bougainville have been very proactive in building peace across Bougainville and nearby countries in past years.

Ms Oliver said because of this good work of peacebuilding done in the past by women champions of Bougainville, the Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) is now taking the lead to continue this good work.

“We will continue to maintain the peace building work across Bougainville and the nearby islands that experience the spill over the Bougainville crisis.

“This is one way we can build effective partnership in terms of fighting common issues affecting women and girls in the Pacific,” she said.

Oliver uttered peacebuilding across Bougainville have been one the BWF main priority in its three-year strategic plan 2019-2021

She said in carrying out this peace works they (BWF) are planning to involve Bougainville young women and the Papua New Guinea National Council of Women (PNGNCW).

Oliver said in terms of the peace work background it has been started through the implementation of then Bougainville peace agreement in 2001 soon after the conflict is ended.

She said hence the strategic plan period of 2019 to 2021 is an important timeframe for Bougainville.

She said not only that but the population is getting younger and half of the total population of 250,000 are teenagers therefore they (Bougainville women) will carry on peace building work the sake of the now generation.

Local questions re-opening of Goldridge mine

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Plant Site-Goldridge.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

CHAIRMAN of the Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association (KTDA) has disproved media reports that Gold Ridge gold mine in Central Guadalcanal is about to be reopened soon.

In a statement to Island Sun, Chairman Primo Amusaea says he is calling on relevant authorities including the ministries of Mines and Energy and the Cabinet Subcommittee on Gold Ridge to verify claims by the holders of the Gold Ridge Mining Lease that they are about to reopen the mine.

He said it was claimed that significant progress has been made but he has reasons to believe otherwise.

He said what was being reported in the local media does not reflect what has been observed on the ground.

“Reports that people had moved out of the Mining Lease area is not true,” Amusaea said.

Crusher in state of disrepair and overgrown with weeds.

On the contrary, he said, people from the surrounding areas continue to move into the mining pits.

The plant site has been overgrown with grass and the area is dotted with rusted pieces of metal.

“Claims by the current Leaseholders that maintenance has been completed on the Plant Site is also not correct. Apart from very limited renovation work observed on what was previously St Barbara Head Office and Security Offices, very little work has been observed on the ground,” Amusaea said.

In short, he said, there has not been any progress in the reopening of Gold Ridge.

Meanwhile Chairman of the GCIL, Walton Naezon says work is progressing, though not at a pace which Amusaea wants.

He says the mining industry is a complex one and investors want to come and operate in an area where their operation is guaranteed.

Plant Site-Goldridge.

He says currently they have done all that needs to be done and the onus is on them to prove that Gold Ridge mining site can be operational again.

He said this takes time especially in regaining investor confidence, thus it cannot be rushed.

He made examples to previous operations done on the same site especially the number of years it takes before actual mining operations took place.

“Feasibility studies have been done. Reviews are being done. It is not simple as it looks and investors needs to be 100 percent sure,” Naezon said.

At the same time, Naezon says people in the community are slowly working in compliance with GCIL.

He said they have moved out from the mine pits as the company had bought houses for them too.

View from plant site –overgrown with grass and debris.

He said roads are being repaired and the company continues to carry out other infrastructure work, which is contrary to what Amusaea said.

He adds, Amusaea should know better the work involved in order to have mining operations done in any location.

He said if Amusaea wants to know the progress of this development, he should consult him (Naezon).

“He knows me. He knows my office. He should come and see me personally. I will be more than happy to brief him on the progress of our work,” Naezon said.

Meanwhile, Amusaea said public had been led into thinking that mining operations at Gold Ridge are about to happen anytime soon.

He added it is about time truth about Gold Ridge is brought out into the open.

He said the only way to achieve this is probably through a Government appointed Commission of Inquiry.

Part of old warehouse at the plant site- overgrown with grass and strewn rusted pieces of metal.

With his claims he also attached pictures which he said are evidence to show how slow this development had been.

Asked by Island Sun if these are recent pictures he said yes. However one of the picture is dated January 2, 2011.

Naezon said he respects and understands where Amusaea is coming from but he had hoped that he (Amusaea) should consult him first instead of coming to the media.

He said while he understands Amusaea’s grievances, the least he can do is to consult him (Naezon) instead of speaking to the media.

GCIL took ownership of the mine in 2016 after 17 years in which the mine had been owned by foreigners.

As announced in August 2017, AXF Resources reported that AXF Gold Ridge has secured additional investor funding to start the recommissioning of the Gold Ridge project.

Newest shareholder and Hong Kong publicly listed company Wanguo International Mining Group will provide additional capital and technical expertise to the project.

What remains of St Barbaras’ mining fleet (picture taken in 2011)

In the unprecedented arrangement, Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL), which comprises the local landowners, owns 10 percent of Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Refurbishment are said to commence on site and community relations activities are ongoing with one of the priorities the establishment of socially inclusive engagement mechanisms with landowners and local communities.

Island Sun also understands that Managing Director of AXF Group, Richard Gu early this month has settled a bitter supreme court dispute in Australia, with his former joint partner.

Sydney Morning Herald reports that Gu over the years has sold his property holdings to invest in Gold Ridge mine.

Meanwhile in response to Amusaea, Naezon made the assurance that Gold Ridge mine will commence operation as and when it is ready.

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