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Isabel leads SI in post-mining rehab

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Ezekiel Talatau

ISABEL province is leading the country in post mining rehabilitation work, ensuring that the environment is restored after the extractive stage has passed.

Speaking to Island Sun, Mr Paul Ikoi, a landowner and a nursery technician for Sumitomo, said that the rehabilitation project is initiated in partnership with the ministries of Mines, Environment and Forestry.

Ikoi shares that it has not been an easy road for the company’s experts as they struggle to find suitable soil, and also decontaminate areas which have been touched by chemicals.

In 2016, former Minister of Mines Mr Samson Maneka visited the sites and said that the works Sumitomo has done impressed him a lot.

He added that Sumitomo has gone beyond the legal obligation to work with the community during the exploration stage.

Such reports is an important legal condition for any mining company to undergo rehabilitation mining areas after mining, he said.

The project was put to an end after the project is accomplished, creating a history landmark for the government and the people in Isabel province.

Ikoi reported that he is currently trying to put this area as an environmental protection site where Environmental students and researches all over the world could come and learn from this project as it is one of the success project in Solomon Islands.

He added that, he is still looking for a fund that could help him to carry out this project for the future of this country.

To date, locals are continue to look after the area and monitoring the growth of the trees planted within the area.

TSI concerned on traditional governance bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) is deeply concerned after being informed by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the ill-informed/ill-conceived Traditional Governance Bill 2018 will go before the parliament during this sitting.

TSI is of the view that should Solomon Islands government be serious about building a cohesive and vibrant peaceful society and grow the economy and the human resources of Solomon Islands, this bill will do the opposite.

TSI calls on the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change (DCCG) Government to delay this bill and carry out much wider inclusive consultation throughout the country first.

TSI is of the opinion, that the consultation SIDCCG did early this year is very selective and not inclusive.

It has ill-informed the bill and unfair because it targets specific groups of people that would agree with it and also benefit from it, and excludes women, elders of the communities who are not chiefs, youth and all members of the community.

It was mostly just chiefs. Whilst they may benefit from the foreign structure suggested, most chiefs will fall through the cracks because there is only so many that can sit in these structures.

Guadalcanal chiefs are yet to be consulted and why the rush?

Transparency Solomon Islands urges the government to accommodate or allow people with opposing views to be heard during consultation and not just what the drafters want them to hear. This is what informed decision is about.

“If this bill ends up as law it will weaken and eventually wears away the leadership systems in rural Solomon Islands, a leadership system that is inclusive and appropriate for the communities, tribes where these are accepted by them according to their tradition and practices,” TSI said.

TSI is of the opinion that when it comes to land, the proposed bill is gender biased and does not accord women the importance that custom accords them in land matters.

“As per our argument previously on this same issue, a possible solution to what this drafting instruction is trying to address is to assist tribes/communities to improve their own structures under the current legislation and the constitution.”

“The end result of the bill would be thoroughly subjected to Central Government control and regulations and call on right thinking Solomon Islanders to raise your concern on this proposed bill.” TSI said.

Transparency Solomon Islands understands government frustration when more than 80 percent of land in this country is customary land and does not directly accessible to the government for its development plans.

–TSI PRESS

Parliament passes goods tax amendment bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

PARLIAMENT has late yesterday, passed the Goods Tax (Amendment) Bill (Act) 2018 after members of both sides of the house agreed to adopt it and voted for its passage in its third reading.

The bill is enacted by the national parliament of Solomon Islands to amend the Good Tax Act in relation to the way the sale value of certain goods is calculated, and for other related purposes.

The amendment seeks to improve compliance to ensure those who are registered for the purpose of goods tax pay the same value as unregistered importers who are required to pay at the port.

The bill does this by setting an uplift value of 130% on goods imported by registered persons.

The Bill amends section 21(1) of the Goods Tax Act (Cap 122) by adding paragraph (c) so that even if a registered importer quotes their certificate at the port of entry, they will be liable for goods tax at the uplift values of 130 percent.

The commissioner of Inland Revenue according to the passed amendment Act will still be responsible for the collection of revenue from registered importers.

While supporting the bill, members of both the opposition and independent groups warned and reminded the government not to overlook key stakeholders in its consultation programmes on any changes made to what will have direct impacts to the private sector.

The government was also told that it is important works of the tax reform goes through before responsible stakeholders can start introducing other things, and was therefore cautioned that at the end of the day, one will also have low income earners that will bear the brunt of any increase or changes in taxation.

The BLC report further however pointed out that already, in an environment where Solomon Islands is a tough place to do business and also just for low incomes earners to survive, we might as we relook at this.

The government was further reminded that this taxation reform should be a holistic program that looks at three different stages.

After scrutinising the bill, the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) made strong recommendations for the government to consider, one which was that for any business entities who chose not to comply or evade the country’s taxation laws, be blacklisted, their names published, and they are barred from accessing government contracts and services

It was also suggested that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury carry out the overall reform of the taxation regime in the country to encourage compliance and avoid arbitrary taxation.

“Fairness dictates that the calculation of goods tax on goods must exclude customs duty on such goods,” the Committee states in its report.

The recommendations reiterated that important stakeholders in the economy must be consulted on any changes to any aspects of our taxation system, and for the government to ensure that in the final bill, the capital equipment imports that are not for resale are exempted from goods tax and the government to consider other tax options on such imports.

Meanwhile, the committee applauds the government’s efforts to enhance compliance with the country’s tax laws and ensure equitable treatment of importers.

The issue on tax evasion has been a government long time concern that some people who are registered for goods tax purposes are undervaluing goods at the wholesale level so to pay less or evade paying goods tax and the passage of this amended law will be embraced as the hope to stop it.

“It is hoped this bill (Act) will contribute to increase revenue to the government under goods tax.”

Traditional & custom bill in parliament

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Solomon Islands National Parliament

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill 2018, has made it through its second reading in parliament and is now set down for debates, but that will happen after it is to put before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) for its scrutiny.

This is an Act designed under the Ministry of Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, to provide for the recognition of Traditional Governance System, amending the Provincial Government Act 1997, and other related matters that deal with the traditional and custom practices in Solomon Islands.

According to its objectives, the proposed law looks to empower and allow for tribal chiefs and traditional leaders to participate in decision making on social and economic matters in the country, whiles at the same time, provides a frame work for the promotion and preservation of Traditional norms, protocols, values and practices.

The proposed legislation also aims to provide a framework for the institutionalisation, management and regulation of traditional governance systems.

Once enacted, the bill will enable the traditional governance system to become part of the formal governance system, as it will also fulfil intentions to preserve the customary governance system, for the future generation of the country.

As described and explained in the bill, the Roles of traditional governance and leadership maybe identified as an act of responsibility that is expected or vested upon them when they are in leadership levels or upon being appointed to take such responsibility.

It also identifies the Roles and matters of traditional nature or on subject issues that have direct relations to the structure and context of our society, and of which is important to the social and economic aspirations of the country.

Presenting the bill before moving a motion for its second reading, Minister for the Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, Commins Mewa explained that making this bill become realised was an agenda of the former government and he thanked the now Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDDCG) for maintaining the policy which according to the Minister, is what the people needed for the purpose of governance for the traditional system.

Mewaw further added that the subject of social harmony and stability are prominent when it comes to the roles of chiefs or traditional leaders, and therefore pointed out their roles directly complement or to a certain extent, supplement formal state’s institution’s roles particularly, in the areas conflict management and resolutions.

This form of leadership according to Mewa, has the ability to pursue in brining those contentious social matters that are detrimental to the state, or for example, security issues, with regards to law and order within the bounds and this according to the government, needed the formal recognition.

“The theme for this year’s Anniversary Independence Celebration is redirecting our journey at 40 and the introduction of this bill, which when passed, will become the flagship legislation for our traditional governance system, as it also resonates well with this theme.

“Since independence 40 years ago, we have not provided our chiefs and tribal leaders, who reside and interacted with our people on a day to day basis, the platform for them to participate in formal decision making,” the Minister added.

He then pointed out that the governance system has not fully recognised the roles of chiefs and tribal leaders in all communities and empower them to expand and increase their roles, and the minister said this bill also aims to fulfil that.

“This Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitation Bill when passed and implemented, will add meaning and value to other acts of parliament, which will initiate reforms or amendments especially laws or natural resources development aspects on forestry, mines, agriculture and fisheries.

“I believe there will be realisation by all Honourable colleagues that this bill will facilitate partnership by our people who are the resource owners on developments, instead of being spectators, and it will also build more direct and tangible benefits to our people.

“If there is a time and opportunity for us to recognise, strengthen and empower our traditional leaders and traditional governance system and structures, it is now,” Minister Mewa said.

He further added that the bill gives leaders the perfect opportunity to give a voice and power to the traditional and tribal leaders.

“We have promised our people especially, our traditional and tribal leaders that we will enact legislations to recognise, strengthen and empower their roles and responsibilities, this is the bill.

“We owe it to our people to pass this bill and this is part of the redirection of the journey as we reach 40 years, and this is also an opportunity to give a voice and empower our traditional leaders and this also adds value to the call for a redirection to our country,” he said.

The bill if passed, will also establish a ministry of its own, to develop and implement policies relevant to improving the Systems provided for in the Act, as well as facilitating the institutional reforms across the Government for the purpose of achieving the objects of the Act.

Called the Ministry of Traditional Governance, it will also consult with the Ministry of Provincial Government to assist provincial governments to make Ordinances codifying customary law, and other functions related to the administration of this Act determined by Cabinet.

Meanwhile, the Minister responsible for the tabling of the bill highlighted that before parliament debates and move to pass this very important bill, it is worthwhile to refresh the minds with the roles, conscience, and structures of traditional governance and leadership.

The bill has a major advantage according to experts involved in the its compilation, will also allow for the management of customary properties and this, they said, will give an upper hand to tribal and traditional landowners who are expected to get high benefit in return.

Following its presentation on the floor of parliament after its second reading, debates into the bill was adjourned, with no actual dates on its return to parliament for deliberation, but the government according to insiders, is anticipating its return after the ‘Goods Tax Bill’, the ‘Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018’, the ‘Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Bill 2018’, and the ‘Legal Profession Bill’ are dealt with.

Democracy vs Development in West Makira constituency

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, one notable feature of democracy is the majority always wins. This is mostly expressed during voting – a common system of electing leaders in democratic nations. These leaders in turn are elected purposely to become the mouthpiece and the voice of its people being represented in the governing house.

Equally important as well is that they are elected to facilitate, coordinate and fulfil the development aspiration and visions of the represented populace – a popular notion being widely uphold nowadays as a result of the dual function nature of our MPs better described as legislator and a development planner.

Thus we see on a general perspective that a leader has a direct link with the development of our country hence our respective constituencies. Moreover, it is interesting to see that respective leaders have different development visions, goals and objectives, plans and programmes for its followers, and that it is of their high interest to see their development dreams come true. And so is the people.

However for a leader with such development visions, the possible and probably the most favourable step to undertake towards fulfilling his or her development dreams is to get into the highest governing body – the parliament.

And this is where most have a problem with, because the key to that round house is with the people. And they cannot give you on granted purposes. They can lock you in and lock you out anytime they want or whenever they wish. Infact this peculiar right is granted to them by the legitimate principles of democracy.

However, experience tells that the way we applied these rights can either have positive or negative impacts on development initiatives we undertake.

To the West Makira constituents how we use our rights to put someone up there in the parliament is not explicit neither subtle and is quite undetectable but it can be deduced from our political history and two real practicable observable facts.

First of these two facts is, there has been too much playing around with the key to the round-house since late S S Mamaloni reign comes to an end and; secondly, we uphold psychologically, a typical development ideology that implies that major and wholesome developments are practical initiatives of life that can occur overnight.

Too much playing around with the key to parliament can be clearly comprehended when we glance back on our political history since Mamaloni’s reign ends. To be straight, since the beginning of this 21st century, we have locked in and thrown out four respective leaders successively, with full completed terms.

Each leader embarking on its own route to developing west Makira based on his development ideologies. And interestingly to note, each successive one never picks on from where his former ends – an act based on self-realisation which does not promote the “all” but the “I”. None the less, looking at this political scenario, can we draw something out that has a relative effect on our progressing developments?

In other words, what is the effect of toying around with this key on our development strive? Or to an extent, do you think we can have a consistent, logical, economically relevant and priority, and a fast-paced progressive developments?

Answering these questions will enlightened us why we need to be more careful with the key we hold to parliament, And hopefully would give us better understanding on why we need to apply key rightly in the best interest of our development strive.

In addition, how we use our voting rights appears to be rooted from a kind of development project ideology that implies that major significant developments projects can happen overnight.

And the effect of this ideology is clearly seen in the political scenario just recently described. In other words, we are often dissatisfied with every leader we appoint probably because they might have not done any major significant developments projects which can address the entire constituency socio-economical needs and wants. However we need to scrutinise such mindsets because practically it is wrong and does not conform to practical natures of project implementations.

Literally, huge projects that can have an entire effect on our constituency cannot happen in a day neither in a year except on very rare occasion, in the Solomon Islands context and setting. There are a lot of factors contributing to this and it is not the MP that delays the process or doing nothing.

Let us get informed that project implementation is a difficult task that does not demands a day to get it done. In fact development planners, project managers and implementer know all too well the difficulty and the complexity of the task. It’s not that easy as we might think as well as not too soon as we might expect. Practically four years is sufficiently not enough.

And to you all the MPs of this country whom you have managed to give in and developed your constituency with whatever resources being possibly available to you, I commend you for your hard work.

But in truth, implementing major significant development projects that could have a dynamic effect and satisfy us all (should we ever be satisfied) is a difficult task that demands time and energy. And this is one reason why only a few insignificant projects taking place in the first four years.

And as you have experienced these insignificant projects are merely community, household or personal projects. But let me tell you the truth, unless these insignificant projects were in line with the constituency development plans and policy ,they are the least of projects the MP and his team should spend their time and energy on; but somehow they were done as means to pacify our self-gratification and self-centred interests.

Huge constituency development projects that can have a whole effect on the entire constituency generally needs more than four years or so. Thus the ideology that implies that wholesome developments can happen overnight must be discarded.

These two facts then have exposed two very abstractive notions on developments which can be stated as: voting leaders one after another hinders progressive development but result only with a stagnant development.

And secondly, sufficient time is needed by a leader to fully implement his development plans and visions, thus I reckon two terms in the parliament is reasonable.

So far I have seen nothing too negatively serious about our current leader’s performance relating to his work. After all he’s far better off than the others before him. In fact he made a difference by compiling his team in a transparent and procedural manner. That is his CDO, project manager and the accountant were chosen on merit through application for the respective post while in the past hand-pick is the usual practise which is a typical of corruption.

Not only that, but already he has done some significant changes in our socio- economic development. He has invested a lot too in the education sector-a worthwhile investment in which you will see its fruit in the next ten years or so. Moreover there are still more good things yet to come and we are picking up. And though we are a bit slower, we are accelerating.

Our worst fear however, at this remaining months is, if this current development scheme and programme comes to halt once more, by electing another new MP, as we have been doing all along, then definitely we are sliding down again to square one.

Consequently the status qou is maintained and worst still (instead of moving forward, we are not only moving backward but rotating on a dead end cycle. This is why we can describe our development situation as a stagnant development situation)

It’s high time we take a serious consideration on our previous practice on electing leaders. It’s time we should focus and think more heavily on the progression of our development rather than on preferring leaders.

It is time we evaluate the effect of putting one leader after another on our development strive. And above all, it is really high time we identify and honestly state who really is to be blame for the slow development progression we are experiencing. To be frank, our MPs are totally out from any form of blames, for don’t you remember that the government is of the people, by the people and for the people.

This statement apparently states (clarify) that all responsibilities and hence blames falls on you: not the MPs. Nonetheless, in regard to changing an MP, let that be an ad hoc matter. In fact time and nature will tell exactly when to change a leader. Let us not rush hence to change a leader just for the sake of ticking somebody different.

Of course we will have additional candidates vying for that sacred chair in this upcoming national election as well definitely they are going to cause imbalance on our minds. However it is important that we know and understand that such is the ways and natures of democracy, which if we carefully considered, are just illusions and fancies of the system. To be straight, these are the deceptive parts of democracy that carry ones minds away from the current development scheme and programmes that are going on.

So let us not focus, dwell and fooled around on those impractical natures of democracy, rather let’s be pragmatic towards our development strive.

And this can be truly achieved through communicating, cooperating and collaborating with our MP which apart from other modes, can be simply shown through our ballot papers by appointing him on another second term. This might sound a bit undemocratically but this is an expedient approach for the sake of speeding up worthwhile developments in west Makira.

To conclude democracy provides legitimate principles whereby we can exercise our rights based on our free conscience to choose and elect leaders. But exercising some of these rights can have an impact on certain aspect of live, in particular, our development strive. So far we have been using these rights to prefer leader after leader that we do not realise that it has a detrimental effect as well as a hindrance to our progressive development.

It is time we turn around and exercise our rights wisely for a positive and a progressive development in our constituency.

Finally lest we forget, all our leaders envision a healthy, active, wealthy and a prosperous constituency – not bad things. They just need time to fulfil those dreams.

Long live west Makira!

Hansel Sau

USP Solomon Islands

Honiara youths empowered under Crime Prevention Strategy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
RSIPF and the Solomon Island Police Support Program.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

YOUTHS in Honiara have successfully completed a workshop on Crime Prevention Strategy held at the Honiara Youth Hub, aimed to increase young people’s awareness and engagement in issues affecting them and society.

The workshop was facilitated by the National Community Policing Team of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Island Police Support Programme (SIPSP).

The event was organised with aim to increase awareness and engagement of young people on the Crime Prevention Strategy which the RSIPF are working on.

As part of implementing the strategy, the RSIPF is also introducing a new model called SARA which is part and parcel of the Crime Prevention Strategy, and young people have a part to play in it.

RSIPF and the Solomon Island Police Support Program.

National Community Policing Programme Coordinator Sergeant (Sgt) John Manegaua said the workshop was organised with aim for the RSIPF and youth leaders to come together and learn about crime prevention and problem-solving using the SARA model.

“In any problem solving we need to Scan-by asking what the problem is, Analyse-what contributes to the problem, response-what can we do to improve the problem and Asses-did the response work.”

“We had the opportunity with the presence of former Prime Minister of New Zealand Ms Clark who spoke at the occasion and took questions from the audience which was a fantastic bonus.

“As a former NZ Prime Minister and former Head of the United Nations Development Programme, Ms Clark has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she was more than happy to share.

“Ms Clark’s message of active citizenship was well received and timely as it coincided with the intent of the workshop.”

Ms Clark encouraged young people to get involved in politics, enrol to vote and cast a ballot in the general election next year.

She noted that 80 percent country’s population is under 30 years and their voice and influence must be heard.

The City Mayor Andrew Mua during the workshop strongly supported the importance of involving and encouraging youth on the Crime Prevention Strategy.

He thanked the New Zealand Government’s support in the ongoing development of facilities for Honiara youth, including an extension to the multipurpose stadium.

Police officers picture with a youth dressed in cultural costume before the workshop.

Makira-Ulawa overdue problem addressed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
The new Kirakira market building with guests during the opening.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Makira Ulawa Deputy provincial secretary Mr Wilson Billy Rafiau.

MAKIRA Ulawa provincial government has stepped in to address an ‘overdue problem’ in constructing a new proper market facility which was launched on Monday.

Market venders across Makira/Ulawa province again have a venue to sell their products after the old market house was demolished few years ago.

Premier for Makira Ulawa province Stanley Siapu said the driving force behind this facility is the fact that market venders especially women who come with their markets are exposed to sun and rain.

Mr Siapu in his remarks assured venders that this is just the beginning of the provincial government’s commitment to continue improving the facility in the near future.

“Therefore let me assure you (market venders) this is the first step and as soon as other related matters are settled the whole area near the market building will be developed for you vendors and the people of Makira Ulawa province,” said Siapu

On the same note deputy provincial secretary Wilson Billy Rafiau thanked the current executive members led by Hon Premier for the wisdom and the vision they have for the people of the province in addressing one crucial need of market vendors.

Mr Rafiau said having this newly built facility chases away the days of being exposed to sun and rainy weather.

“To you market vendors I guarantee you today (yesterday) that the days the rain and heat chased you are all gone. You will now find a new home to do your buying and selling,” said Rafiau.

Cecilia Tagua on behalf of the market venders said, “The completion of this market building is great relief to our cries for a proper market facility also thanks to the provincial government for fulfilling its obligation in the completion of the market house.”

The opening ceremony of the market building was held at the provincial headquarter yesterday at the Kirakira town, in Makira.

The facility was successfully through the support of the Ministry of Provincial government & Institution strengthening (MPGIS) through the Makira Ulawa provincial government and was constructed by Jabez Construction, a Honiara based company owned by Mr Jason Fa’akelema Takila.

The new Kirakira market building with guests during the opening.
Makira Ulawa Premier Hon Stanley Siapu receives the handover from Jabez Construction managing director Mr Jason
Fa’akelema.

Three suspects arrested in North Malaita following store break-in

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE in North Malaita, Malaita province have arrested three suspects in connection with an alleged store break-in which occurred on Saturday, August 25 at the Malu’u station.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi says, “The value of goods stolen is estimated at around $5,000.

“The three suspects aged between 20 and 30 years old were arrested and charged for alleged store break-in and have been formally bailed.

“The three suspects are expected to appear in the Auki Magistrates Court on 8 October 8, 2018.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Court urges investigators to execute warrants of arrest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Augustine Aulanga has again urged police investigators to execute warrants of arrest issued by the court in relation to accused released on bail but never turn up for court hearing.

He made the comments in court yesterday when few cases were called for review of the warrants of arrest.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that the warrants are yet to be executed but will be checking on the investigators for any feedback in relation to the warrants.

But Magistrate Aulanga said there are many outstanding warrants yet to be executed and police investigators must follow up on the warrants.

He told the prosecutor to convey the orders from the court to the investigators so that investigators quickly execute the warrants.

Traffic accident claims one life in Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

A 22-year-old male person was killed during a traffic accident at the Ferakui Hill, near Dala North, West Kwara’ae, Malaita province on August 25, 2018.

Supervising Police Provincial Commander Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi, “It is alleged that the incident occurred when the vehicle was on its way to the North Road to do trading of cargo at villages along the road.

“Besides the cargo there were also 17 passengers on board the vehicle.

“Whilst driving up the Ferakui Hill, the vehicle engine stopped, veered off the road and overturned.

“The male person died instantly while four others have been admitted at the Kilu’ufi Hospital near Auki.

“The driver has been arrested and Police are now investigating the matter.

“I want to remind vehicle owners and drivers to properly check your vehicles before travelling.

“Some of our road conditions are in a bad state and we must be mindful of how we drive on those roads.

“Make sure our vehicles are road worthy and have a valid vehicle licence.”

–POLICE MEDIA

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