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New Crafts Market Centre to open in Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The newly built Crafts Market Centre at Mendana Avenue, next to National Art Gallery, Honiara. Photo from GCU
The newly built Crafts Market Centre at Mendana Avenue, next to National Art Gallery, Honiara. Photo from GCU

THE Ministry of Culture and Tourism will officially open the newly built Crafts Market Centre in Honiara tomorrow.

The Centre is to cater for the exhibitions and sales of local traditional handicrafts by our cultural producers and entrepreneurs.

This is part of strengthening and building the cultural industries sector in Solomon Islands.

Director of Culture and Tourism, Denis Marita said the crafts market centre will basically be used by our local handicrafts producers and entrepreneurs.

“Consideration will be given to arts and cultural associations engaged in the cultural industries sector, whereby their members can benefit through the provision of a conducive environment to market and promote their art and cultural products,” Marita said.

He said the centre will help to contribute to the country’s economy thru the cultural industries and tourism sectors.

“The handicrafts sector is also a niche market for tourism which can also be seen as part of the Culture Tourism Economy.”

Marita added Solomon Islands handicrafts and local artistic work have been rated as some of the best in world and as such, the need for a proper venue to harness the development and growth of this sector is deemed as an urgent priority.

“Currently, our unique handicraft and cultural products are displayed on street pavements and on the ground, subsequently degrading the value and respect for these authentic works of art and culture.

“The country needs a conducive and pleasant environment where our authentic products can be displayed with honour and dignity,” he said.

Marita said the crafts market centre will be run and maintained by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“Local cultural producers and Entrepreneurs will direct benefit from this centre through the sale of their products.

“Users will be paying rent to the government for its usage and as such provides direct revenue income for the government.”

The Crafts Market Centre project was initiated back in 2015 in a partnership approach between two ministries (Ministry of Culture & Tourism & Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade) through the EIF/ EU Programme and co-funded by the Republic of China Taiwan.

In 2016 a concept plan for a Crafts market Centre was acquired through public tender and in late 2017 construction on the New Crafts Market Centre commenced.

The centre took exactly one year to build. The total cost of construction is around $10 million. The building contractor is Ropiko Enterprises Ltd.

–GCU

Invest in ECD now than later: UNICEF

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

SOLOMON Islands at 33 percent has the highest childhood stunting rate in the Pacific with significant disparities between rural and urban areas and between rich and poor households.

According to UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), increasing access to improved water and sanitation also remains a key challenge in the country, particularly in the rural areas where only 30 percent of households have access to improved sanitation facilities.

Besides stunting, Solomon Islands at 54 percent accounts for the highest rate of open defecation in the Pacific.

As for early childhood education, the net enrolment is also poor, at 39 percent.

UNICEF expressed that local communities mainly run kindergartens but only about 50 percent of early childhood centres are formally registered in the country.

Moreover, as stated, while there are legal provisions, children still suffer from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect and these are experienced in homes, schools and communities.

“72 percent of parents reported having used violence or physical discipline against children in their households,” said UNICEF.

Also stressed by the United Nations organization is that investments in young children are necessary if Solomon Islands is to secure inclusive and sustainable national development.

UNICEF emphasized that ECD (Early Childhood Development) investments are one of the most cost-effective strategies for healthier and more productive populations with potential returns that outweigh costs.

“It is vital to invest earlier rather than later, because the development of brain architecture in the early years is the foundation of future learning behaviour and health,” said UNICEF.

Gov’t split over TG Bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Bills Committee recommends for it to be withdrawn

By Gary Hatigeva

IT has been revealed that the government camp was split over the status of the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation in parliament.

This was after it was noted in parliament, from the report of the Bills and Legislation Committee, of its strong recommendation for its withdrawal.

Insiders told Island Sun that the matter had got the government bench talking amongst themselves, and sources further revealed that a majority have actually supported the Bills Committee’s recommendation to have the bill withdrawn.

However, a few including two Malaita MPs and one from Guadalcanal, have insisted for it to be tabled and pushed on passing it through parliament.

The Committee had called for the withdrawal to allow for the Government to have a commission that should research into the cultural anthropology of the various traditional governance systems in our country.

At the same time, a thorough research should be made into the growing jurisprudence around customary law, customary rights, customary inheritance, tribes, sub-tribes, clans, and such other pertinent issues, and a special study to be made into the place, role, and voice of youth and women in traditional governance systems in our country.

Meanwhile, the Bills and legislation Committee also noted in its executive summary of its enquiry conducted into the Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill 2018 from September 19 to October 5, 2018.

“Forty four witnesses appeared before the Committee. Almost all witnesses expressed the desire to have the Bill withdrawn and the policy issues further developed and taken back to the public in a broader and robust consultations process.

“The Committee notes that the consultations methodology culminating in the Bill was shallow. The policy suffered from the lack of a thorough anthropological study of the customs and groups and units that exist under customary law and practice,” the Committee states in its report.

It was also noted that the Committee had come to realise during the course of the hearing that the Judiciary, the Bar Association were never consulted. “This is a serious deliberate omission”.

“As important but marginalised groups, the women and youth were not meaningfully consulted. Nor were the Churches consulted meaningfully.

“The lack of rigorous study on the subject matters has resulted in a superficial consultations process, driven by noble but shallow policy, which in turn, has resulted in a bill that is simplistic,” it adds.

The Committee according to its report had been spending much time deliberating on its recommendations to the House.

“The subject matter of this Bill is neither one to be trifled with, nor is it a candidate for experimentation. Custom is core to our tribal community and identity.

“Legislation dealing with custom must be informed by thorough research, informed policy, rigorous intellectual debate and engagement, and a robust wide and meaningful consultation. None of these exist to support this Bill,” the Committee stressed.

In applauding what they regarded as, the government’s noble intention to give legal recognition to Chiefs, and the various customs, the Committee however highlighted that they are of the considered view that the TG Bill has too many inadequacies to achieve the said noble intention.

“Consequently, The Committee begs the government to withdraw the Bill. Further, the Committee prays that the government consider the recommendations in this report before revising the policy and processes to bring legislation to Parliament on this subject matter,” the group added.

However, despite early rumours of the likely recommendation, the Minister responsible for this bill had insisted for the bill to be tabled, and had put pressure on those involved in its drafting and realisation to ensure that the bill is tabled and passed.

But a good number of MPs from the government side when interviewed have confirmed and also shared similar concerns with that of the Bills and Legislation Committee.

It was also revealed that this bill was never a priority of the current government, but was forced to make its way up through political pressure.

Sources further revealed that this bill came under the interest of one political party group within the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition Government, but not all including the Prime Minister.

Insiders also told Island Sun that while he doesn’t have the support for it to be included in the priority list, the PM because of political fears, chose to allow for the Bill to go up, knowing it will get the opposition from parliament, so he doesn’t get the direct blame for stopping it.

The Bill was enlisted for Parliament’s deliberation on Friday, pending approval from the Committee of the Whole House, but sources say calls for it to be withdrawn will remain high on the agenda.

DBSI Bill passes second reading, awaits parl debate

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

GOVERNMENT’S proposals to re-establish the former Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) through a DBSI Bill 2018, was amongst four government bills that went through their second reading on the floor of parliament yesterday.

The DBSI Bill was put in for its first reading early this month before parliament was adjourned, where it was later brought before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), for it inquiry.

After its successful scrutiny at the BLC, the Bill was brought back to the floor of parliament where it was put up for its second reading, following its resumption, and got the nod from members, for its debate and proceedings from the Committee of the Whole House.

There is excitement within the government side, with anticipation for its passage, and looks forward to its enactment.

The DBSI Bill 2018 according to the government is the way forward, which aims to give opportunity to the rural masses to contribute directly into the national economy.

It was also reintroduced with hopes to expand access to finance to support rural economies, and support economic advancement throughout the country, ensuring at least 80 percent of the rural population receives the opportunity to participate in various economic activities, at the same time enhance their participation in the rural productive sector.

The re-establishment also comes with a new approach, and that is to prevent Solomon Islanders to become excluded in economic development, while at the same time, look at the existing financial sector in this country, which is dominated by commercial banks.

The government believes that the commercial players were contended with short-term banking activities and were either not willing or not in a position to support national priorities of long-term investment outside of urban centres.

It is also within the government’s proposal that the Development Bank will become a vehicle to promote, stimulate and strengthen economic development in the Solomon Islands.

The government is also looking at expanding productive activities in the rural areas and increase participation of the indigenous population in commercial activities, under the DBSI Bill if it is passed by parliament.

The new DBSI Bill is expected to address what have been outlined as some of the underlying issues, which includes the development of a legal regime for DBSI that is in conformity with good governance and international best banking practices, and to provide transparency and accountability.

It is factored to be pushing for the enhancement of Good Governance, one of the new improvements, with hopes for it to provide an effective governance platform for the prudent running of the new Development Bank.

Objectively, the new Bill is also looking to support financial deepening and serves a place in the market that cannot be reached by other players in the commercial and financial market, and that according to experts, can be achieved through the development of a proper financial system.

The other bills that made their second reading are, the Payment System Bill 2018, the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill 2018, and the ‘2017 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018.

Following its resumption, Parliament went through the presentations of reports from both the Speaker, and the BLC Chair, but was unable to go through its Question and Answer session due to the non attendance of responsible members for both questions and answers, and was later adjourned for this morning, after going through the second readings of the four bills.

RSIPF warns communities of bomb blasting in Alligator Creek

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point, in the Alligator Creek East of Honiara today.

Officer In-charge (OIC) of EOD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki says, “The Hells Point Demolition Range in Central Guadalcanal area will be active from 8am to 12pm on November 1, 2018.

“Fishermen, farmers, hunters and the general public in the Henderson area, Alligator Creek and Tenaru School areas are kindly warned to keep out from Hells Point while the Operation is in progress.

“This is a normal EOD task aimed to reduce the amount of Unexploded Ordnances stored at the site to a minimum level.

“The Air Traffic Control Tower at Honiara International Airport will coordinate the firing of each serial. No serial is to be fired without specific air clearance and permission from Honiara Air Traffic Control Tower.

“An EOD Operator/Technician from the RSIPF EOD Team will be posted at the control tower during this operation from the actual times of the Demolition and completion time,” says Inspector Tunuki.

–POLICE MEDIA

MP Mua released on $5k cash bail

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A cash bail of $5000 was granted by the Court yesterday on the case of Member of Parliament for Savo-Russells Dickson Mua.

Mr Mua was arrested and charged by police over allegations of conversion.

The MP appeared in court yesterday and was released on bail with strict conditions.

He will appear back in court on November 14 for mention.

Mua is charged in relation to an incident which occurred in 2013 in which he was alleged to have converted a $3-million shipping grant for other purposes.

According to the Assistant Commissioner Ian Vaevaso, the allegation relates to an application that was submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development by Mr Mua, and according to the proposal document, the MP was seeking $3million from the SIG through the NTF in 2013 to purchase a ship for Savo Russells Constituency.

The proposal was processed and approved by the MID and the grant was paid on December 30, 2013.

It was alleged that on January 2, 2014 the Constituency Development Officer of Savo/Rusells collected the cheque from the Finance and deposited it in the Savo Russell constituency bank account.

Police further alleged that the MP started to make a series of withdrawals from the account when the money was deposited until that money was completely withdrawn on February 4, 2014.

Mr Vaevaso said the matter was then reported to police and an investigation was carried out which led to police interviewing the MP in February this year.

Investigation revealed that instead of using the $3million to purchase the ship as its intended purpose, the MP allegedly paid $2.8m to a local company for the purpose of items such as OBMs and other equipment for distribution to his supporters in Savo Russell constituency.

It is further alleged that $200,000 of the money was withdrawn as cash and used for other expenses not related to the purpose of the shipping grant.

“Since then the RSIPF corruption targeting team had continued to work closely with the office of the Director Public Prosecutions to finalise the case,” Vaevaso said.

Choiseul provincial assembly meeting rescheduled

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE Choiseul Provincial Assembly meeting set for this month is rescheduled to November 19-23 at the Taro provincial station.

It was previously set for November 12-16.

According to Hon Nerio Ulemiki the Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Northwest Choiseul’s Ward 12 at Varisi Lavata reporting, the main paper of the meeting is ‘Choiseul Province Revised Budget Appropriation 2018/2019’.

To add, Hon Ulemiki said the Provincial Members, Executive Members and Members of the Provincial Public Accounts Committee were informed by the Choiseul Provincial Assembly Clerk Mr Christopher Makoni over the Government Businesses of the months between October and November 2018.

“Prior to the Assembly Meeting as per schedule of the Government Businesses of the months between October and November, Executive Members will hold their meeting on the 5th to 9th of November and the Public Accounts Committee Members will hold their meeting on the 12th to 16th of November to carefully scrutinise the Revised Budget before the full Assembly meet.”

Mua arrested

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP for Savo/Russell Dickson Mua and Minister for Ministry of Forestry and Research.

-Savo-Russell MP cuffed over $3M conversion allegations

-Police Commissioner refutes rumours of a politically motivated case

 

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

MP for Savo/Russell Dickson Mua.

MEMBER of Parliament for Savo Russells Dickson Mua has been arrested and charged for alleged conversion of a $3million grant in 2013.

Police Commissioner Matthew Varley, in a press conference yesterday, confirmed the arrest, saying that yesterday’s arrest is the result of long and hard investigations by the RSIPF Corruption Targetting Team.

“This particular case that we refer to today was investigated by National Criminal Investigation Department NCID and in particular the corruption targeting team,” Mr Varley said.

He said the case is one of the ‘long term investigated case’ and has been comprehensively investigated by Assistant Commissioner Ian Vaevaso and his team.

“So today we can announce that the Royal Solomon Island Police Force Corruption targeting team has arrested and charged the Member of Parliament for Savo Russells the Hon Dickson Mua for the alleged offence of conversion under section 278 of the penal code, for the alleged conversion of the $3million of a grant from the National Transport Fund in 2013 which was paid to the Savo Russell constituency,” Varley said.

Varley said the payment of that grant was for the purpose of purchasing a ship and police alleged that the money was never used to purchase the ship.

Meanwhile, Varley also refutes rumours which claim that this particular case is politically motivated.

Speculations surrounding the case suggest that the case against Mua is politically motivated as the person who is behind the case is a police officer who had recently resigned to contest the National General Elections for Savo/Russells.

In yesterday’s conference, Varley responded to media questions, denying any form of conflict of interest on Mua’s case.

“Our investigations are thorough and subjects to checks and balances and not politically motivated at all.

“So people can make claims and I guess if that’s the claim the MP and his supporters can make that in court but we stand behind our case and we stand behind the investigators that do their job,” Varley said.

Varley said police have a large number of cases in the order of dozens of cases in front of them.

“But what we do and as I have said before we prioritize our resources our limited resources to best effect by looking at the cases that are the most serious, the cases that have the highest availability of evidence and highest likely hood of a successful prosecution.

“We can’t investigate everything but we do our very best to investigate the most important cases we have many others on our books at the moment and we will continue to investigate them.”

He also downplayed rumours that police are planning a mass scale arrest on MPs.

“I know that rumour has been going around and as I have said before that is not true I have also said before that we do have number of other cases under investigation and we will continue to proceed to finality as soon as we can.”

 

ENDS///

WC prep begins Nov 7

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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National Under 16 of Solomon Islands

BY ROMULUS HUTA

IT’S official.

The national under-16 side’s preparation for next year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Peru will begin Wednesday next week.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) confirms yesterday.

SIFF said head coach Stanley Waita held a meeting last Friday at SIFF Academy with members of the squad who are currently based in Honiara.

“Coach Stanley told the players training will resume next week and November 7th is the proposed date.”

SIFF said some members of the current squad are still out in the provinces holidaying after playing in the September qualifiers.

“Provincial players will join the team soon and SIFF to facilitate for their travelling arrangement to Honiara,” SIFF said.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands and New Zealand will take part in the 18th edition of the global biennial event as Oceania representatives after finishing as the top two teams in the regional qualifiers held in Honiara last month.

Next year’s youth world cup is scheduled to run from October 5 to 27 across eight host cities in Peru.

Four Asian teams namely Australia, Japan, South Korea and Tajikistan join host nation Peru and the two Oceania reps Solomon Islands and New Zealand, occupying the first seven slots in the 24-team tournament.

Seventeen slots are yet to be filled by teams from UEFA (Europe – 5 teams), CAF (Africa – 4 teams), CONMEBOL (South America – 4 teams) and CONCACAF (Central, North America and Caribbean – 4 teams).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rick Hou has assured the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) of his government’s support for the Solomon Islands national U-17 team towards their preparations for the world cup through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

$32M FINE

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

Court orders former RIPEL & LSL associate over unlawful land sales in Lungga

 

By Alfred Sasako

THE High Court has ordered Willem Johan Van Vlymen, a former business associate of Lever Solomons Ltd (LSL) and RIPEL, to pay more than $32 million in default judgement over unauthorised withdrawal of funds and unauthorised sale of land at Lungga in East Honiara.

The judgement was entered by the High Court of Solomon Islands in Honiara on October 16, 2018, according to court papers obtained by Island Sun

It is understood Mr Vlymen has applied to the High Court to have the judgement set aside.

The ruling stemmed from a case between LSL as first claimant and Russell Islands Plantation Ltd as second claimant with Vlymen as defendant.

In entering the Judgement against the defendant, the Court ordered:

(1)            that judgement in default of defence in terms of the claimants’ claim filed on 17th August 2018 be entered against the Defendant on the terms stipulated under paragraph 1, 2(a) & (b) and 3 of the reliefs claimed and as read with Rule 5.37(a) and (c) of the Solomon Islands Civil Procedure Rules 2007 in that:

(a)            the defendant pay to the claimants the total sum of $SBD32,318,320 for special damages;

(b)            In the alternative to paragraph 1(a) above;

(i)              SBD12,815,589 for unauthorised withdrawal of monies belonging to the First and Second claimants; and

(ii)            SBD19,502,731 for unauthorised disposal of lands belonging to the first claimant.

The High Court also granted a five (5) percent interest on the SBD32,318,320 effective from August 17 this year – the date of filing the claim.

When the Island Sun contacted him yesterday, Patrick Wong said he could not comment as the matter is before the court.

However, Mr Wong clarified that all proper notices were served by lawyers, as far back as mid-2017, and also when Mr Vlymen was present at a Company Board meeting, together with Receiver Manager.

“Till today John Whiteside, together with Mr Van Vlymen are withholding documents and records legally belonging to the company,” he said.

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