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TSI commends police operation to track down corrupt MPs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands commends the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force [RSIPF] for the work they do in following the money trail to tracking down the Member of Parliament for Savo/Russell who has now been charged for conversion of the shipping grant.

This is a clear-cut case of abuse and misuse of public funds outside its intended use. No more impunity for anyone in position of power who abuses that power.

Latest revelation this week was member of Parliament for Savo Russell Constituency Dickson Mua was arrested for alleged conversion of a $3million shipping grant in 2013.

Here we share the findings of the Auditor General:

Table 1.1: National Shipping Grant Budgets 2013 – 2015

2013 2014 2015
Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual
21.7 million 21.6 million 12million 6million 30million 28.2million

 

“There were no written policies or guidelines in place for the years 2013 and 2014 governing the expenditure of $27.6 million on the shipping grants.

“A policy and guidelines were put in place to govern the expenditure of $28.2 million on shipping grants in 2015;

“A total of $26.3 million dollars was provided to grant recipients for which vessel is yet to be purchased.

“This has resulted in no vessel registered and this indicates a high risk that the monies have been obtained but was not used for its planned purpose;

“A total of $70.3M over a period of only 3 years of tax payers’ money was allocated for this programme for vessel purchases, vessel maintenance and local boat building.

“Considering the amount of funds provided under the program it is the view of this Office that it is in the public interest to determine what was actually achieved and if the program has been worth the money;

“2013-2015 Vessel purchased and registered: $19.1M

“2013-2015 Vessel not purchased, registered and missing documentation: $26.3M

end of quote

Transparency Solomon Islands lauds RSIPF National Criminal Investigation Department and encourages them to continue the good work.

The public is behind you.

TSI says the arrest is a step in the right direction to combat corruption at the top public officials and political level and no more impunity for the misuse and abuse of public funds and entrusted power of the people and tax-payers of Solomon Islands.

Whilst TSI welcomes police operation to track down corrupt politician, it urges too, investigation on alleged abuse and misuse of the Constituency Development Funds for their own benefit.

Track down where the money belonging to the people has gone.

The arrest and charged of Dickson Mua must send a clear warning to parliamentarians to stop dipping their hands into public funds and use it for their own benefit.

TSI calls on anti-corruption task force JANUS with the law enforcers to continue tracking down public officers abusing and misusing public funds for own personal benefit.

“Now, a MP has been charged over the abuse of Shipping Grant, when will this investigation look into other MPs use of CDF”, TSI questions.

Investigation must start now and TSI stands by its call for the removal of s6 of the Anti- Corruption Act 2018 as well as its speedy enforcement.

This case calls on the government to put together the accompanying regulations for the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 and set the date for its enforcement.

Measuring the level of the alleged abuse and misuse of entrusted power for self-gain, calls on the government to enforce the Anti- Corruption Act 2018 now.

MPs urged for the full utilisation of YouSave scheme

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

MEMBERS of Parliament who contributed to the general principles of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund Amendment 2018 have suggested for people within the informal employment sector to see the new NPF Saving initiative, known as the YouSave Scheme, as a timely opportunity and should use it fully to the country’s economic benefit.

This was highlighted in parliament during the debate session of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Amendment Bill 2018, which was later passed after it was put up for its third reading, following thorough proceedings by the Committee of the Whole House.

Speaking on this, Member of Parliament for South Choiseul, Conelley Sandakabatu urged that the majority population in the informal employment sector should utilise the scheme, with hopes to see their participation in the economic development rather than being spectators.

Based on assurance from officials as highlighted in the Bill’s report, Sandakabatu pointed out that the scheme is safe and secure, and should therefore be trusted for the mass population in the informal employment sector to make direct contributions into the national economy.

Also sharing similar sentiments, MP for Aoke/Langalanga and Chair of BLC Matthew Wale Perhaps the establishment of the YouSave Scheme is the most exciting decision that the NPF Board has taken which this Bill is seeking to give effect to.

He said the YouSave scheme will make NPF truly inclusive, allowing self-employed Solomon Islanders to participate and benefit from the financial muscle of the NPF.

“For too long, many Solomon Islanders have been shut out from such participation. Farmers, fishermen, housewives, volunteers, even conmen, can now open an account with the NPF.

“YouSave enables its members to benefit from the returns generated by the much larger resources from the compulsory contribution account.

“This may seem a little unfair to those who are members under the compulsory scheme, but I don’t think that there would be any NPF member who would disagree with the social and financial objects of YouSave,” the Aoke/Langalanga MP stressed.

He further stressed that there is an estimated 110,000 people estimated to be active in the informal economy, and this represents 18 percent of the population.

“This is a significant part of our population that do not have any superannuation services offered to them. YouSave scheme must aim, over say the next ten years aim to get half of that number into membership,” Wale added.

Objectively, the SINPF Bill 2018 looks to providing for a new voluntary pension scheme to be operated by SINPF is set for today at the National Parliament House, which will allow those in the informal employment to also save for retirement.

This new scheme improves the financial inclusion of pension savings in Solomon Islands and is supported by the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme.

This change according to officials, aims to improve the financial soundness of National Fund’s decision making.

Most MPs agreed with calls for the scheme to have official set ups in the provinces particularly, in provincial headquarters for the scheme to allow for timely and cost effective transaction in payments for contributions into the YouSave scheme.

They also suggested that the SINPF Management must ensure offices are established in the provinces so that it can be well received and accessed by all who make up the majority of the informal employment sector, and also the targeted market of the scheme.

‘All the best in exams’, Malaita education sends well-wishes to its students

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

THE Malaita education Authority (MEA) has publicly wished the schools in the province the very best in the upcoming final examinations 2018.

Chief education officer Malaita province Mr Andy Siarani said, “The education Authority of Malaita believes that exams will hopefully begin next week.

“We heartedly wish all the schools serve under the Malaita Education Authority all the best in the exams.

“I appeal to the public in Auki and around malaita province that starting next week all schools will seat their examination where the authority calls out for unnecessary disturbances should not be heard around school compounds.

“I believe all the schools around Malaita and the country at large are well prepared for the upcoming exams that will soon be kicking next week.”

Siarani appeals to students who will be sitting their exams to not be involved in any activities which might jeopardise their concentration, or which might end them on the wrong side of the law during this crucial time.

Grievous harm in logging camp investigated

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE at Kirakira in the Makira Ulawa province are investigating a grievous harm incident involving a Malaysian national working at the Earthmovers logging camp at Marou Bay in West Makira on October 27, 2018.

The Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira Ulawa province, Superintendent Peter Sitai says, “Information received so far say that the Malaysian national, who is in his 50s, was allegedly assaulted by a local resulting in the victim sustaining a broken jaw.

“The motive for the alleged assault is not clear but police are investigating this matter.

“The suspect is yet to be formally arrested but police investigators are on the ground. Police appeal to the friends of the victim to remain calm as investigations continue. Anyone who may have any information about the incident is urged to come forward and assist the police.

“Causing grievous harm to another person is a serious crime under the Penal Code of Solomon Islands carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Police will not tolerate people involved in such criminal acts.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Public urged to watch out for ship

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

NGELLA Constituency’s famous purchased vessel known as the ‘Vaka Motor’ is under marine monitor to not operate.

Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA) has been waiting for the ‘Vaka Motor’ shipowners to approach them for ship registration since its arrival two years ago in Ngella Constituency over which to date, it is still not registered being the reason as to why there is an order by SIMSA to keep an eye out for it if it operates.

“If the vessel is seen operating then its operation is illegal,” stated SIMSA’s Administration to Island Sun.

In querying through Ngella’s Constituency Office this week, they did not deny the fact of being aware of the marine laws as since having problems with the vessels test runs and not yet fully facilitated with marine requirements too is why the ‘Vaka Motor’ is not yet registered.

On another scenario, Solomon Islands Parliament term is concluding and Ngella’s famous ‘Vaka Motor’ is complained over by Constituents to have never served the Constituency since its introduction in 2016.

Parliament passes SINPF Amendment Bill 2018

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
SINPF Building in Honiara

By Gary Hatigeva

THE YouSAVE Scheme and the proposed increase in the amount of contributions to Special Death Benefit (SDB) Scheme have been legally adopted under the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund Amendment Act 2018, after it made a smooth passage in parliament on Thursday.

After it was put down for debate, the Bill witnessed a lot of support from members of both sides of the house, many of which who spoke positively about the changes made to the current NPF Act, and commended the government for coming up with these important amendments.

Others have also described it to be a belonging to the people, which will directly have positive impacts on the livelihoods of the mass population, a group that many suggested to have been forgotten or left out by the major commercial financial systems and operations within the country.

NPF was usually referred to as a corporate entity of the government established to serve only those in the urban centres, mostly in Honiara, but with the new addition to its feature in the Amendment Act, the Fund now covers all, but was only advised to create mechanisms for a better access to those intended for by some of the changes included.

Submitted as the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill 2018, the bill allows those in the informal employment to also save for retirement.

This saving scheme is called the YouSAVE and the bill’s passage now gives legal mandatory status to the scheme, which has been rolled out into the provinces as part of its trial phase carried out by the Fund and its stakeholders.

This new scheme is anticipated to improve the financial inclusion of pension savings in Solomon Islands and is supported by the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme.

Other amendments are also made to bolster the financial stability of the Special Death Benefit (SBD) entitlement to NPF members.

Currently the special death benefit yearly premium has not been updated in over 40 years and is currently set too low for the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund to provide an appropriate Special Death Benefit to its members.

The amendments will update the special death benefit premium and other monetary amounts specified in the Act that have been eroded by inflation over the last 40 years which no longer appropriately reflect an appropriate monetary amount.

This was something that went down well with all members who contributed in general principle debate of the Bill, but an overwhelming suggestion from most for the Fund’s management to have the SDB accessible by families and relatives of members when they pass away.

Highlighting this, Member of Parliament for East Makira, Alfred Giro said this special benefit fund should be released when members pass away, and not wait for it to be included in the whole payout of members’ formal contributions, so to help family facilitate funeral and death related matters

He pointed out that facilitating death related activities is an expensive norm and this SDB will lighten the pressure on families of those NPF members who may have passed.

He stressed that with the many cultures there are in Solomon Islands, death is one untimely event that includes a lot of activities, many of which will include money.

These amendments have also included change in the timing for the declaration of the yearly interest to be credited to member’s accounts.

The amendments will change the timing from the end of the financial year which is in June, to three months after the end of the financial year which is the end of September.

This will allow the SINPF to make the decision of how much interest to credit to members’ accounts based on audited financial accounts, rather than on unaudited accounts that could change.

The amendments according to Members are simple and are responding to the need to ensure NPF remains vibrant, and can offer its services and benefits to a wider section of Solomon Islanders.

Parliament was later adjourned on Thursday after deliberating on the NPF Amendment Act, and is expected to resume around 9:00am this morning, but will likely be adjourned again for Monday, November 5, 2018.

Grade 6 exam likely to phase out by 2019

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE Grade 6 National Examination known as the Solomon Islands Secondary Entrance (SISE) is highly likely to be phased out by 2019.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie confirms to Island Sun yesterday that as soon as arrangements are finalised then they will inform key stakeholders of the new changes.

“As soon as arrangements are finalised, we will inform key education stakeholders, school principals, parents, students and the general public including the news media details of the termination of the Solomon Islands Secondary Entrance Examination (SISEE) particularly its current use for selection purpose.

“A new assessment regime that will focus on what students know or do not know and can do or cannot do and using information on what students know or do not know or can do or cannot do based on the subject they study in school will replace the SISEE.

“My Ministry has made the announcement in the previous year but we need to provide details of how it will be done,” said Rodie.

The plan to phase out SISE began in 2014 by the National Education Assessment Division (NEAD) on behalf of MEHRD.

Due to time factor and limited budget, the phasing out process has been delayed until next year, according to the Ministry.

If this comes to reality then students will only have to sit for the national examinations at form three.

Meanwhile, the national examinations for Grade 6, Forms 3, 5 and 6 will begin Monday next week.

RSIPF assist Forestry officers execute order to seize logging equipment

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE at the Kirakira in Makira Ulawa province have assisted forestry officers execute a Commissioner of Forests order for the seizure of all forest produce, machineries and equipment of the Earthmovers Logging Company currently conducting operation at Marou Bay in the West Makira Constituency.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira Ulawa province Superintendent Peter Sitai says, “The order was issued following the failure of the Company to fulfil the ‘show cause’ notice by the Commissioner of Forests issued October 3, 2018.

“It is alleged that the Earthmover Logging Company had committed a forestry offence in particular the extraction of trees within the Rohu customary land that is not covered under its felling license A101537.

“Felling logs on unlicensed customary land is a serious offence under Forest Resource and Timber Utilisation Act. The offence could result in a fine and seizure of forest produce and machines.

“Police appeals to company management and landowners to remain calm while government officials are executing their official and mandatory duties.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Trial date fixed on former MP’s case

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

COURT has on Thursday set the trial on the case against former MP for Central Makira Constituency Hypolite Taremae for April next year.

Public Prosecutor Dalcy Belapitu told the court that the amended PTC document was already prepared but due to a power blackout yesterday morning, prosecution was not able to print out the amended PTC documents.

Presiding Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi then made directions for prosecution to file the amended PTC and adjourned the next interim mention date on the case as the trial will be conducted next year in April.

Ms Taeburi said she will allocate the whole of April for the trial; since the trial is next year the accused through his defence lawyer will submit application to the court for bail variation to allow him travel to the province.

The case then adjourned to November 29 for interim mention.

This is the case against the former MP who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a PTC has been set he was arrested for allegation of misappropriation of fund in 2011 and 2013.

The allegation said Mr Taremae has misappropriated more than $200,000 for reafforestation project for Central Makira Constituency.

He was arrested and charged with conversion late in May this year.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for crown while Anderson Kesaka is representing the accused.

Murder accused yet to enter plea

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE accused into an alleged murder incident at the Tasimboko area in North East Guadalcanal is yet to enter his plea as his defence lawyer did not turn up in court yesterday.

This is the case of 22-year-old Fredrick Soniatavu, who is charged with one count of murder in relation to the incident which occurred in June this year.

Public Prosecutor John Zoze told court that the appearance yesterday was for the accused to be arraigned and also for the election of the preliminary inquiry; however since the defence lawyer was not present the court then adjourned the case to November 8.

The accused was further remanded in custody for the next court appearance.

Prosecution in remanding the accused said that the accused is facing a serious charge of murder in which once convicted life imprisonment was the penalty for such offence.

The Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the Crown.

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