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IMF stands ready to support government

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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IMF team leader Mrs Alison Stuart

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

IMF team leader Mrs Alison Stuart

“SOLOMON Islands has made significant gains over the past fourteen years, in restoring law and order, re-establishing public institutions, and improving human development indicators. Macroeconomic and financial stability has been achieved and important structural reforms have been implemented.

This was said by Alison Stuart from International Monetary Fund (IMF) who had led a team to Solomon Islands towards the end of July.

In a report issued by IMF, Stuart said nevertheless, Solomon Islands still confronts large economic and governance challenges.

“Challenges stem from weak management of the logging and mining sectors, a lack of transparency in the Constituency Development Funds (CDFs), and the need to strengthen public financial management.

“Growth held up well in 2017, estimated at 3.5 percent, and is projected to remain at 3.4 percent in 2018 buoyed by strong performance in logging, infrastructure spending, fisheries, agriculture, and manufacturing. Growth is expected to moderate to 2.9 percent in 2019, due to a slowdown in logging. Inflation has picked up somewhat to 2.4 percent in June 2018, following increases in domestic and global prices.

“The government budget position deteriorated further in 2017 and IMF staff project a sizeable deficit in 2018. The overall deficit widened to 3.8 percent of GDP in 2017 as revenues fell short of expectations, and spending on tertiary scholarships, shipping grants and CDFs remained high. Fiscal buffers are low with the cash balance at merely 1.5 months of spending, below the two-month target. Payment arrears have reemerged”.

Stuart said that against this backdrop, IMF staff team and the authorities had discussed policies to restore fiscal buffers as well as to strengthen financial management, improve governance and invest in new sources of growth. She said IMF staff also emphasised the need to clear the backlog of financial sector regulatory reform.

“Actions are needed to rebuild the cash balance as well as to clear domestic expenditure arrears. Strengthening revenue administration and compliance, and efforts to reduce tax arrears should continue. Reducing the scope for transfer pricing by the logging and mining sectors is also important”.

She said new sources of growth are also needed to replace logging and to sustain incomes for a growing population.

“Mining is likely to be an important growth sector but other countries’ experience shows that transparency, a strong regulatory and policy environment, and a robust tax regime are needed to fully reap the benefits”.

The government’s focus on anti-corruption and the passage of the Anti-Corruption bill is a positive step, Stuart said.

The IMF staff strongly supported the authorities’ intent to move forward with resolute and effective implementation of the bill and the whistleblower bill.

IMF say they stand ready to support the government’s reform efforts through policy advice and the development of better capacity for economic analysis and policy formulation, including on monetary and fiscal policies, tax reform and revenue administration, financial sector supervision and regulation, and macroeconomic statistics.

Missing person found

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Reko local Mr Patrick (right) and the missing boy Mr Steward Ruai being retrieved by his family on Tuesday

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Reko local Mr Patrick (right) and the missing boy Mr Steward Ruai being retrieved by his family on Tuesday

THE missing local person being published in Island Sun’s last Saturday, Issue 2984, known as Mr Steward Ruai has been found after going missing for eight days.

He was found around 6pm last week Thursday by a local woman along the main vehicle road at Reko (heading up Northeast Guadalcanal side) in which they kept him with wonder all through the past days where he might had went from and not until they saw his photo in front of the newspaper.

The local woman who is reported to be part South Malaita and Guadalcanal Province quickly noticed Mr Steward as he was not a person from that area and led him to a village local at Reko who with his family took good care of him.

“Mr Steward was looked after well by the locals until they saw the missing person on the Island Sun newspaper before contacting Mr Steward’s family on Tuesday 21st August (yesterday) seeing them pick him up later in the evening being in good health,” said report.

Mr Steve Ruhasia, one of Stewards family member said on behalf of their family, they want to convey their gratitude to the locals and the people of Reko for finding and taking good care of Steward.

“Also to the Island Sun and all those who had helped in search for Steward from the day he was missing,” said Steve.

Mr Steward went missing on Tuesday last week.

LSL issues warning to unsuspecting land buyers in the Lungga area

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

THE Board of Directors of Levers Solomon Ltd [LSL] and Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL) have warned unsuspecting land buyers in the Lungga area in east Honiara, to watch out for “unauthorised” vendors selling land and issuing receipts which they say are suspects.

“Do not be fooled, do not be cheated, do not be coned,” Directors John Kapentana, Maurice Mae, Augustine Rose, Oliver Salopuka, Marion Wong and Patrick Wong, said in a full page advertisement published on Page 5 in today’s newspaper.

The directors said they were informed last week that someone was issuing sales receipts similar to the one shown in the photo below.

“This photo is an unauthorised receipt and is a fake. It is forgery and is potentially Fraudulent. This is now being investigated by RSIP,” the advertisement said.

It said someone was last week arrested by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) on matters relating to this. “Police are now trying to retrieve monies paid,” the public announcement said.

“There may also be other fake Documents, including documents like Land Transfer forms, Sales Agreement and request for Consent from Commissioner of Lands and so on.

“Be warned that LSL has not issued any such receipts in the last 18-24 months. This includes any receipts or other documents, including Land Transfer form, issued by unauthorized persons, and which could be back-dated; showing a date 18-24 months ago,” the warning said.

“The public is warned that this is a common trick to backdate receipts and documents. It is highly advisable, if you have such a document, showing a date 18-24 months ago to come forward and get a fresh document signed by current directors,” adding LSL would not honor any dealings unless money was paid to genuine LSL bank account or paid to an authorised director.

“On the contrary of honouring such dealing, the Company (LSL) may instead seek to rectify it, and you could potentially lose your hard sweat.

The Directors named the “unauthorized persons” as Wim Van Vlymen, John Whiteside, Clement Natei (or his servant), David Iro (or his servant) and others.

“These unauthorized people, still believe that they hold authority and are meeting with Government Department (Lands, Company Haus, Registrar General, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Members of Parliament as well as the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The Company says you should seek proper advice, as you are likely to be wasting your time dealing with unauthorized individuals,” the public announcement said.

“To avoid any harm to yourself, deal only with the appointed Directors, who are: Oliver Salopuka, Maurice Mae, John Kapentana, Patrick Wong, Augustine Rose or Marion Wong.”

The directors also claimed “some people are forging the signatures for the above Directors.”

“LSL will be pushing for these people to be Criminally Charged, including their accomplices. As mentioned above Whiteside, Van Vlymen and others are unauthorised.

“It is wise and prudent that anyone doing any Land Dealing, to demand from the person signing receipts and documents to show some form of identification, example Drivers Licence or Passport.

“There are staka (lots of) fake people pretending to be someone else.

Big Mountain touches down tomorrow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Big Mountain lead singer Quino.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Big Mountain lead singer Quino.

REGGAE music lovers will once again have the chance to see American reggae band, Big Mountain perform live this weekend.

The band is expected to arrive in the country tomorrow before they bring Solomon Islands fans into fun filled reggae vibe frenzy when they play live on Saturday, 6.30pm at Heritage Park Hotel’s car park area.

This will be Big Mountain’s second time to perform in the country after coming over in May 2016, the same year they released their first album “Perfect Summer” after 14 years.

Fans and those who haven’t seen them perform before now have the chance to see Big Mountain and hear their reggae songs loved by fans worldwide.

Tickets on sale are the; early Bird limited tickets at $175, and the $250 ticket which comes with two free Solbrew drinks and a snack bag.

For diehard fans, you can purchase the $700 VIP ticket which comes with an incredible package.

The VIP ticket includes a meet and greet with Big Mountain, cocktail at Club HP, one hour selected beverages and finger food with the once in a lifetime experience to enjoy the show at the VIP stage.

Heritage Park Hotel said the tickets can be purchased at their front desk, at ITA Hardware, Print Wise at Kukum, Paoa FM and DJ Graphics.

The major sponsor of the show is Our Telekom and other sponsors are Solbrew, ttv, The Island Sun, Print Wise, Paoa FM, Fangs, QQQ, Meatlovers and Umikaban.

In 1986, the band was formed in San Diego, California and called themselves “Rainbow Warriors”.

By 1991, they changed their name to “Big Mountain” and their remake of Peter Frampton’s Baby, I Love Your Way in 1994 was a top 10 hit single in US charts, reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on the Mainstream Top 40 and No.2 in the UK.

The song produced from their album “Unity” was also the soundtrack of Reality Bites, a 1994 American comedy-drama film by director and actor, Ben Stiller.

Court yet to decide trial date on Panga’s case

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE trial date on the case against the former premier of Guadalcanal province is yet to be set as the defence counsel has issues with the tentative trial date that has been set by the court.

Appeared before the Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea the Public Prosecutor told the court that a tentative date was already set and the appearance on Monday was for counsels to confirm the date.

Meanwhile DCM Iomea said that from the record in the file the Magistrate who presides over the case already set a tentative date but that date will not be convenient for the defence lawyer.

Magistrate Iomea also said the presiding Magistrate refuses to change the date and asked to re-allocate the case to another lawyer.

A lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s Office Lazarus Waroka who appeared in court then said that the accused did not want another lawyer to represent him therefore Panga’s case has not been re-allocated.

Mr Waroka also told the court that from instruction obtained from Panga’s lawyer September 10 will not be convenient but he wants the trial date to be fixed for April next year.

Magistrate Iomea then adjourned the case to Friday to allow Mr Panga’s lawyer and the prosecution sort out the trial date with the Magistrate who will preside over the case for trial.

This is the case of Stephen Panga who was charged with one count of abuse of office in relation to incident occurred when he was a premier.

Police alleged that Mr Panga allegedly misappropriated the sum of around $10,000 of money received as part of his duties.

It was alleged that he received the money as a false rate payments from a local member of the community.

Police recently said that Panga’s case was a historical case as it happened way back when he was the Premier of Guadalcanal Province.

Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda is appearing for the crown.

Man jailed for two and half years

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE man convicted for one count of grievous harm has been sentenced to two and half years yesterday for assaulting another man at Rauni village, North east Guadalcanal.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea in sentencing the accused said the maximum penalty for grievous harm offence is 14 years imprisonment and that reflects how serious the legislators view this type of offending.

Magistrate Iomea said having had the opportunity to consider the sentences that the courts have imposed in past cases where accused person had pleaded guilty to this same offence, he believes they serve as useful sentencing guidelines in considering the sentence to be imposed in the current case.

He also said that no two cases are the same so each case must be treated on its own unique set of facts, when deciding the appropriate sentence to be imposed.

He then told the accused that in deciding the sentence to be imposed in the case, he will be mindful of the court’s duty to continue to send a deterrent message to the Public that the kind of offending is totally unacceptable.

Therefore he imposed a sentence of three years and considering the accused’s guilty plea he then deducted six months and the accused will serve two years and six months in custody and his total sentence will be back dated to the time he was placed in custody.

This is the case against Reginald Eloga who was charged in relation to the incident occurred in April this year at Rauni village.

Wale wants Trust Fund on healthcare taken out

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

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Aoke/Langa Langa wants the Trust Fund on healthcare to be taken out urging the Health Section to be funded only by the Solomon Islands Government.

He said if people want to donate then donate on Solomon Islands terms.

Speaking during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing into the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill at Parliament last week with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Hon Mathew Wale pointed out that the Australian High Commission needs to take back its money and put it to any other place as it is not contributing to anything good.

“Get rid of the Trust Fund, there is a mismatch on donor funds and resources coming being not strategically deployed,” said Hon Wale.

According to Hon Wale, the Health Sector is really mismanaged in which the issues of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) are obviously the epitome of it.

He said there is no nonsense letter of ‘no objection’ so MHMS should get rid of this nonsense.

“How come medicine has come to this stage, this is a chronic perennial problem. It is not as if we are adequately funding medicine as an example. The situation we have reached is just a worst of what has been a really bad situation,” said Hon Wale.

“Perpetual crisis management on the drugs procurement, suppliers not being honest, not supplying within time and the quality of supply from the generics is not good are just a litany of all the issues.

“And, I think leave the Australian High Commission to take back their money and put it to any other place. Let us fund the health budget so that we can be serious but it starts with you.

“We must fund it in which it is you guys who must make this case. If once you start but then you just end-up shooting each other then those at the top will think that you are not persuasive in any kind over which they will just cut you back.

“This is a matter for further dialogue. It might sound unfair for me to lay down this talk on your door but then the fire in me is really stirring.

“We need not be where we are with regards to the Health Sector but we are and we have been for too long. How long more before the people of Israel will come out of the Health Sector?

Hon Wale said the nation is not demanding St Vincent quality healthcare but just a reasonable one that has all the needed medications, drugs and dressings provided.

He said the Prime Minister lied last time when checking on the medicine shortage situation.

“The PM said everything was all good being under control but he was a conman. There is no such thing. A child died and probably that was not the only death probably totally unavoidable,” said Hon Wale.

“Is MHMS okay? Is the Minister of MHMS okay? If you guys say not enough resources then more resources but strategically allocated and deployed.

“It is just not coming out what the most strategic allocation of mega resources on this sector is. Who amongst us to make that case, I lay that question on you.

“I have had this high hope that we have all the medical Doctors who knows what is best for the Health Sector but the state of it is just not as it should be according to level of funding.

“Even if we said this year that this is the level you get which was the same as last year or so is not being strategically deployed on the resources.

“So we must do something but I do not know what that something is, it is you who know.

Of course the government’s funding and so will be there but whether the next Finance Minister will put serious money on it is another area of concern reminded Hon Wale.

According to the Permanent Secretary (PS) of MHMS in response to Hon Wale in terms of trying to avoid some of the problems happening to them, their thinking now is in line with the MP for Aoke/Langa Langa to take out the donor funded budget 376 and for SIG to take over.

“Because there is a risk there if some things go wrong, for instance, this no objection letter which requires for their advisor to sign off first. If in any situation goes wrong such as the Advisor happens to be overseas or contract is expired and so will cause delay.

“So there are potential risks. My thinking is SIG must take on board next year the budget for drugs and dressings.

“Having said that however, the DFAT funding for drugs and dressings is going down because the understanding they have with MHMS is eventually the Ministry will take over.

“For us to take over now is no harm in which we will be thinking of doing this now. The budget preparation the ministry is in full swing on currently is looking on areas such as how to address this sort of things.

“In terms of mismanagement, if you look at previous years the problem has already been there. It is only fair to say that we are improving. We are trying to address this sort of issue as it cannot solve itself. We are looking at various areas such as in financial management, procurement planning and budgeting. These are some of the areas to assist the service delivery Divisions.

“If we improve this then hopefully some of the problems we find now will be minimised.

“Basically that is what it is, if you look at the donor funded mostly are on drugs and dressings, programs and primary healthcare.

On donors funding generally speaking, MHMS PS clarified that they fund to where they want to fund. They do not just give direct funding and the ministry puts it where it wants to.

“DFAT is a bit flexible with this but otherwise, it emphasise on drugs and dressings consumables mostly to those in the provinces,” said MHMS PS.

Stop politicising Solomon Games’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Premier Collin Singamoana

Renbel Premier blasts PM Hou and Gov’t over plans to postpone Solomon Games 2018

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Premier Collin Singamoana

THE Premier of Renbel province has condemned what he describes as ‘politicising of the Solomon Games to be hosted by Renbel province’ by the government.

Premier Collin Singamoana says the government’s proposal to postpone the 2018 Solomon Games (SG) being hosted Renbel province is received as a slap on the face for the Renbel people and provincial government.

Speaking to Island Sun, Premier Singamoana says the real reason behind the government’s proposed decision is political in nature, and not due to slow preparations as claimed in the statement by the Prime Minister’s Office [Read OPMC Press Release in page 23].

“There are political elements relating to the hosting of the Games in Renbel which threaten the Renbel MP. And, the Prime Minister and his caucus are backing their colleague to move the Games and at the same time make a scapegoat out of the province.

“There is no problem with preparations from our part because we have been slowed by the national government’s withholding of funds for many months, and since receiving funds a few weeks ago, we have been hell-bent on preparations, and we are absolutely confident that everything will be ready before the event begins.”

He insists that the national government has no one else but itself to be blamed for the slow preparations, since it had withheld funds for many months since last year – only releasing it few weeks ago.

However, while the national government is trying to undermine the event taking place in Renbel province, the Renbel province Solomon Games taskforce along with the LOC have been working tirelessly towards the goal of completing the facilities in time for the Games.

It is understood from a press statement by the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday that decision to postpone or allow the SG to continue in Renbel is pending, awaiting a report from NOCSI.

Premier Singamoana furthers that the ease with which government opts to move the games from Renbel is just another fine example of how the national government views the Renbel province – ‘as a minority and insignificant group’.

“I know what I’m saying when I play this ‘marginalised’ card, because it is true. The Renbel province has been second-placed everytime in national issues, and Prime Minister’s and Caucus’s latest stint just comes to show how they view Renbel, like nothing.

“I tell you, it would have been a different story had one of the bigger provinces been the host. But, since it is Renbel, they simply rush to off the SG being held there.”

Singamoana says there are past precedents which question the Prime Minister’s claim that Caucus’s proposal to move the SG is based on slow preparations.

“In previous Solomon Games in other provinces, it is a well-known fact that while the games were going on there were still work going on to complete other facilities at the same time. In Tulagi, even the soccer pitch was half grass and half ground. So who is the government trying to fool by saying that slow preparations is the basis of their proposed decision to postpone the SG in Renbel?”

He urges Prime Minister Rick Hou and Caucus to rethink what they are planning to do, because apart from Renbel’s confidence in completing preparations in time, the Renbel province and people see this as a huge honour to host a national event, and taking it away or postponing it is utter injustice for many reasons.

“To the Prime Minister and his caucus, just ensure that you play your part with releasing the rest of the funds and we will continue with our part faithfully and complete preparations well before the official opening.

“Do not bring politics into this event, because you will only do more damage than good. Already, public opinion has been negatively influenced by MP Tautai’s non-procedural Facebook post, and innocent hardworking people who have put in a lot are being made scapegoat of by your politics.”

On Monday this week, a Facebook post in MP Tautai’s page claimed that PM Hou had personally sent him (Tautai) a text saying the SG has been moved from Renbel.

PM Hou has confirmed sending the text in a press statement yesterday [see page 23].

Attempts to get the Ministry of Home Affairs response yesterday were not possible as the new Acting Permanent Secretary (PS) was in a meeting almost the whole day. This was the same for the MP of Renbel when making an attempt.

Port Vila-based Malaita community celebrates provincial day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Cutting of the Malaita Second Appointed Day Cake during the celebration in Port Vila.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

In Port Vila, Vanuatu

Malaitan Community members singing a song.

THE Malaitan community based in Port Vila, Vanuatu have come together to celebrate their provincial second appointed day last Saturday.

The celebration was held at the Church of the South Seas compound in the Vanuatu capital.

More than 30 members which includes law students studying at the University of the South Pacific’s Emalus Campus and other Malaitans working and residing in Port Vila attended the get-together.

Delivering her welcome remarks, influential community member Miltus Formani who is a Solomon Islander currently working with the Vanuatu Police Department, said the small gathering was aimed at celebrating Malaita Second Appointed Day as Malaitans although it’s unplanned and decided upon in the last minute.

“Though we are not in the Solomon Islands, but as Malaitans, at least we come up with something to celebrate our provincial day.

“I would like to say thanks to community members for making this happen despite short notice.

“It’s such an informal gathering but I hope it means something to us.”

Another Malaita community leader in Port Vila, Philip Fiuka highlights the importance of coming together as one community.

The Cutting of the Malaita Second Appointed Day Cake during the celebration in Port Vila.

He added that the Malaita community in Port Vila is proud to stand together as one family under one banner, one province and one country Solomon Islands.

The Malaita second appointed day celebration also coincided with the seventh birthday celebration of young Josiah Kofana, son of a Solomon Islands pastor who resides in Port Vila.

Young Josiah, whose father is currently in Honiara on missionary purposes hails from Kwai and Kwaio in East Malaita.

Kofana was pleased that his birthday coincides with his province’s big day.

Few leading members of the Solomon Islands Hockey team who participated in last week’s World Hockey Series qualifiers in Port Vila were also invited to the event.

They include President of Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) Nihal Seneviratne and his executive member Patteson Akipu.

The duo expressed great excitement upon meeting the Malaitan community.

MAL’s new PS with vision to redirect agri sector

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the senior officers of the MAL who attends the Senior Extension Staff conference

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of the senior officers of the MAL who attends the Senior Extension Staff conference

MINISTRY of Agriculture and Livestock’s new Permanent Secretary is looking at drawing the Agriculture Sector Growth Road Map with aim to redirect the agriculture industry in Solomon Islands.

Making her first remarks at the Senior Extension Staff Conference after taking the PS role for MAL recently, Mrs Ethel Frances said she is planning on drawing out the Agriculture Sector Growth Road Map.

She said the idea is to redirect the agriculture sector to become the country’s revenue base as well as addressing the rising unemployment rate and imported goods in the country.

Frances said she has already discussed with donor partners and is happy to lend support for developing agriculture sector, and it is important to develop the agricultural sector growth road map.

“I already have discussion with donor partners and happy to assure they wanted to come and help agriculture sector and that is we need to draw an agricultural sector growth road map.

“It’s good to export and get revenue in but we need to feed ourselves, we need to create employment—we need to work together on achieving our goals.”

She challenges MAL’s extension officers to fight agriculture sector must recognise as a sector, that this is the backbone of this nation but it’s up to us to produce something convincing and presenting them to the government.

“I have been taught that donor partners are interested in agricultural sector and that is something I will aggressively go and find all the opportunities that there for us.

“It’s going to be challenging but that’s what I have in mind. Everyone one here your single contribution will help us draw that.”

MAL’s Director Extension/Project Sub Coordinator Mr Michael Ho’ota said agriculture continues to face challenges due to ever changing global economy, social issues and climate change.

He said MAL’s extension services require the resources and manpower to overcome these challenges.

This week, MAL’s officers convened at SIBC conference room for a series of discussion on ways to develop the sector across the country.

For the five-day conference, it was built under the theme: Farmers for Better Future.

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