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Gov’t looks to commence Strata Bill March 2019

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

THE Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) is looking to have the Strata Titles Bill 2017, once passed, be commenced before the middle of next year.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey, Andrew Manepora revealed this when questioned over his ministry’s expected timeframe, based on government policy direction, during day one of committee proceedings into the Strata Titles Bill.

In his question, the Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga who is also Chair of the Bills and Legislation Committee, Matthew Wale questioned what forward planning the ministry has invested into the bill.

“Looking at the prerequisite requirements especially, the length of time that you will need and are confidence for the commencement of the act,” Wale said.

Meanwhile, Minister Manepora in his reply, revealed that the ministry is looking at around March next year for the commencement of the bill.

And that, the Minister added that it will be realised once everything especially when all the formalities and capacity trainings are in place for the implementation of the act, before we can make the act to be commenced.

“If we do all the capacity building and if we are satisfied that the ministry is ready to implement the act, the ministry is looking at next year,” Manepora reiterated.

However, those from the opposition and independent groups disagreed, highlighting that the timeframe projected is too short and needs to be expanded.

Speaking out on this, the Independent Leader, Dr Derick Sikua recalled that during the inquiry of BLC into the Bill, there were strong arguments from staff of the ministry, particularly, from the office of the Surveyor General and the office of the Registrar of Titles including those of the Honiara City Council.

He said they were of the professional view that two years will be an appropriate timeframe, long enough for all trainings and capacity strengthening programmes for all three particular bodies that will be in charge of implementing the act.

“And I therefore think March will not be enough for the capacity programme to properly equip those responsible,” Sikua said.

But the Minister thought otherwise, pointing out that there are supporting mechanisms indicated, which has given them the confident to project it to the end of the first quarter of next year.

“Certainly we are looking at March because SPC has assured us that they will assist in funding the capacity building programme and so we are thinking that if it’s fully supported, it will not need to take that long as two years will be too much for a projection.

“Therefore, we are anticipating March in our proposed programme,” the Lands Minister told parliament.

Counselling training can bring out GBV stories: Sir Nathaniel

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Former Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena.

By Mike Puia

Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena.

MOST local women and girls keep stories of rape and violence against them to themselves because such topics are regarded by most tradition as taboo.

But, former Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena, believes it is possible to get these stories out if members of the community are equipped with counselling skills.

Sir Waena made these comments during a session held by a team from the Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra.

The ODE team used the session in Honiara yesterday to present its preliminary results from the evaluation it conducted in the country over the past weeks.

The team has been evaluating Australia’s development assistance towards efforts to end violence against women and girls in the country.

During the session members of the team shared the experience of women and girls they meet.

Leader of the evaluation team, Mary Ellsberg, said there are women and girls in places they visited who wanted to talk about these issues but appeared uncomfortable to share because they are not use to openly talk about them.

When her team raised these issues, Ellsberg said, some women took the courage to talk, providing more information about women and girls’ experiences of rape and violence.

She said it appeared most women and girls have experience some forms issues relating to rape and violence.

Sir Nathaniel said issues around rape and violence are regarded taboo and many will chose not to talk freely.

He said training men and women from the provinces to deal with victims and perpetrators of violence are important so that they can help address this issue in a holistic way.

“We need expert advice so we can open doors that are being shut for too long,” Sir Nathaniel said.

The evaluation noted that there has been more media coverage about issues around rape and violence which has promoted open discussions about these issues.

Work on re-establishing DBSI progressing: Sogavare

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

By Gary Hatigeva

WORK on proposals for the re-establishing the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) is ongoing, with a draft bill now laid in parliament for the Bills and Legislation Committee to look at, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Manasseh Sogovare.

This, the Finance Minister revealed on the floor of Parliament when asked during a question and answer session when Parliament resumed yesterday morning.

In the Q&A session, Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for East Malaita, Manasseh Maelanga questioned the government on the status of its proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for the re-establishment of DBSI.

The Opposition Leader also questioned the government on who will run the operations and whether the proposal for reopening of the institution will include any private investor.

In his response, the Finance Minister explained that a draft bill on the reestablishment has been sent up to parliament for the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) to look into it.

In response to the issue of operation and shares, Sogavare further explained that the bank will be fully owned by the Solomon Islands government, with the option to give shares to any other interested party that are credible, based on the government’s assessment.

“The government will be opted to give shares, but it (DBSI) will be fully owned by the government,” the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.

Parliament was also told that the government had to look into proposals for a change in the name of the bank to the Rural Development Bank of Solomon Islands, but revealed that after reviewing the intentions, Sogavare added that the decision was to adopt the same name, “which will continue to be the Development Bank of Solomon Islands”.

Meanwhile, in a supplementary question, the Leader of the Independent group and Member of Parliament for Northeast Guadalcanal, Dr Derick Sikiua pointed out that if the bank was to be fully owned by the government as explained by the Finance Minister, he questioned how the government will be able to raise capitals to establish and run this bank

However, when responding to the question of raising capitals for the re-establishment of the Development Bank, Sogavare clarified that the issue of funds for the establishment is well covered in the bill.

“Provisions in the act will give recommendations to the minister who will then look into application but approvals will be based on guidelines in the legislation,” the Finance Minister further clarified.

Man gets 2 years jail time for stealing from boss

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to two and half year’s imprisonment after being found guilty by the Honiara Central Magistrates Court yesterday for stealing more $36,000 from his employer.

The defendant was employed by a Chinese at a shop in Kukum, East Honiara.

“On Monday July 30, 2018, the owner of the shop gave a total of $36,300 to the accused to pay cargo that he had ordered from another shop at Point Cruz,” says Provincial Police Commander Honiara City, Alfred Uiga.

“The defendant took the money, got into the company’s two tonne truck and drove off.

“The victim realises that the defendant was gone too long and did not return.

“He called his phone but the suspect did not answer.

“It was not until his [suspect’s] wife, who is employed at the same shop, contacted him that he told her that the vehicle was at the Borderline area in East Honiara.

“The company truck was found in the Borderline area but the defendant had left already.

“The matter was reported to Police during the same evening and on the next day, July 31, 2018, the accused was apprehended in the evening at Foxwood in North Guadalcanal.

“He was then arrested and charged for Larceny by servant contrary to Section 273 (a) (i) of the Penal Code. Some of the money has been recovered.

“He was taken to court this afternoon (August 2, 2018) by Police investigators from Naha Police Station and pleaded guilty to the charge. He was sentenced to two and half year’s imprisonment.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Police in Central province start zero tolerance operation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE in Central province are mounting an operation in the provincial capital Tulagi to clean up anti-social behaviour in the town.

“The operation, which will be from August 1–4, 2018, is focussed on black markets, people causing nuisance during night times, marijuana, illegal brewing of alcohol and drunk and disorderly,” says Inspector Hugo Maelasi, Operation Forward Commander.

“Police in Tulagi have received information from leaders both at the provincial and community levels as well members of the Central province Crime Prevention Council about such activities happening within the township.

“Police will not tolerate such activities and we are prepared to take stern action against anyone who commit any crime during the operation.”

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “I appreciate the fact that our community leaders of Tulagi and members of the Central province Crime Prevention Council are prepared to support this operation.

“Policing cannot succeed without the full cooperation of members of the communities in our Province.

“I sincerely thank other civilians who have expressed concern over the unnecessary loud music in the provincial capital through the social media.

“It is time for us to strive together for a crime-free Tulagi.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Drainage blockage is the problem to Kukum market: Titiulu

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Drainage at Kukum Market has stock pile with mixture of rubbish.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE challenge now to removing the pile of rubbish at the Kukum market is the drainage blockage and continuous littering from the surrounding community, it is reported.

Drainage at the Kukum market is worsening – filled with plastics, diapers, betel-nut husk, and bottles.

The area is considered a health hazardous one for surrounding community and passers-by.

The drain emits an odour which offers an uncomfortable smell for people walking by, or staying near.

Island Sun team was there on Thursday morning, and people came with their concerns saying the rubbish has been there for months now without Honiara City Council’s attention.

They called on HCC to remove the rubbish.

HCC’s Chief Inspector for Environment and Health Division Mr George Titiulu said HCC can remove the rubbish from the drainage but the challenge is the drain is blocked and people continue to throw rubbish into the already filled drain.

He adds, another problem is the mindset of the people, thinking it is a rubbish dumping place.

For HCC to apply the seven-metre by-law, Titiulu said it’s not really the shop owners only for taking the full responsibilities; it comes back to people and communities as well.

There should be a general clean-up first advice the shop owners to maintain, he said.

Currently, Titiulu said their backhoe truck is under mechanical maintenance—they will look at the issue.

Titiulu said best way to solve the problem is every shop owners there, communities and HCC need to call joint forces to clean-up the drainage because it’s an infrastructural technical problem that the drainage was block.

The rubbish rubbish end up in the drain is because of the drainage system.

When it rains, rubbish washed down from other sources and heap up in the drain followed by people’s activities surround the area.

Tribal money goes missing in Gizo treasury

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

MONEY prepared for a full timber rights hearing in Gizo last year has gone missing at the Provincial Treasury in Gizo, Western province.

A tribe in Mono, whose land will be the centre of a new timber rights hearing after a postponement was made last year at the United Church hall in Gizo, raised the alarm on the missing money.

The tribe’s spokesperson told Island Sun Gizo yesterday that they were promised by former premier Maepioh’s government last year that the money will be in safe hands until a new date will be appointed.

Members of the concerned tribe are in Gizo following up on the money, which is said to be $200,000.

The spokesperson said they have asked officers in the province’s treasury but have not received any welcoming answer.

“There was no one in there to give a clear explanation so we thought something has really gone wrong.

“Timber Rights Hearing was held at the United Church hall in Gizo last year. But it was postponed due to some further studies of the request made for a hearing.”

He explained that the missing money is needed this time round for a fresh timber rights hearing expected in a week’s time.

The tribe is seeking answers from authorities as to the whereabouts of this money.

The tribe wants their land to be logged. This paper understands that this will be a second time for a logging to operate at Mono in the Shortland Islands.

PM Hou welcomes NZ’s ODA funding boost

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and H.E Higgins met at PTC on Thursday.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and H.E Higgins met at PTC on Thursday.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has warmly welcomed the increased funding by the New Zealand Government under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme.

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands HE Don Higgins yesterday presented a letter from the Acting New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters, to Prime Minister Houenipwela on the details of the new funding arrangement.

“It is welcoming news and I sincerely thank the New Zealand Government for this huge commitment,” he said.

Prime Minister Hou said New Zealand is an important partner to Solomon Islands.

“This renewed arrangement is a reflection of the commitment the New Zealand Government has in enhancing the partnership and cooperation between our two countries,” he said.

New Zealand’s acting Prime Minister in his letter announced the approval of an indicative funding envelope of NZ $ 104.07 Million for ODA to Solomon Islands over the coming triennium (2018-2021).

On top of that, there is also an additional funding of $10.41 Million for renewable energy and other NGO activities.

“We believe that if we work together, Solomon Islands can realise its vision for improved social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders by 2035,” Acting Prime Minister Peters said in his letter.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hou has reiterated his Government’s gratitude to New Zealand’s ongoing support in the aviation sector.

He said the SIDCCG is keen on opening the Munda International Airport.

“There are bits and pieces that the Government needs to do but we are optimistic that everything will go according to plan for the September opening,” the Prime Minister said.

High Commissioner Higgins has also acknowledged that they are also facing minor hiccups but everything is on course for the opening.

–OPMC PRESS

Ministry to hold workshop on Strata Titles Bill for MPs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Opposition Leader and MP for Aoke Langalanga Hon Matthew Wale. Photo Credit; Pacificwin NZ Aus Pacific on LinkedIn.

By Gary Hatigeva

Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee and Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga, Matthew Wale. Photo Credit; Pacificwin NZ Aus Pacific on LinkedIn.

DUE to its complexness and technicality in nature, the government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, has agreed to hold a workshop for Members of Parliament over the Strata Titles Bills 2017, today.

Parliament resolved into the Committee of the Whole House for its proceedings into the Bill, and was later suspended for a quick recession where the workshop was agreed to, based on requests.

Having seen the issue with lack of in-depth knowledge and clear understanding over the bill due to its tricky nature, the Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee and Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga, Matthew Wale requested for it (bill) to be workshopped.

This was agreed upon and technical expertise and top officials from the Ministry of Lands are expected to facilitate the workshop.

Both the committee stage and parliament were adjourned to this morning, but Fridays according to Parliamentary Standing Orders, is usually Private Members Motion day.

Parliament is expected to resume this morning only for the speaker to formally suspend the committee of the whole and adjourn parliament, with anticipations that all members join what has been described as, a crucial workshop, for the sake of understanding the bill.

The committee stage on the strata bill will resume on Monday.

Fisheries Minister pleased with outcome of PNA meeting

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister of Fisheries, John Maneniaru.
Minister of Fisheries, John Maneniaru.

THE Parties to Nauru Agreement 13th Ministerial Meeting ended in Nauru on Thursday with Solomon Islands coming away satisfied following Kiribati’s decision to join the Longline Vessel Day Scheme (LL VDS) which the former had implemented since 2016.

Minister of Fisheries, John Maneniaru welcomes Kiribati’s decision to finally align itself with Solomon Islands and other PNA-member countries who have implemented the LL VDS scheme.

The 13th PNA ministerial meeting had brought together ministers from the eight PNA member countries to the birth place of the organisation to look at important issues pertaining to the organisation and the management of tuna fisheries in their waters.

The PNA Ministerial Meeting, held annually is where important issues affecting the PNA as a group were discussed.

One of the important issues discussed was the Vessel Day scheme (VDS) – a scheme implemented by the PNA countries to manage the fishing activities in their fishing zones.

The ministers heard that the implementation of the Purse Seine VDS in 2017 was successful as all Parties were fishing within their Parties Allowable Effort (PAE) for 2017.

Solomon Islands delegation comprised of Fisheries Minister Maneniaru, the Permanent Secretary Dr Christian Ramofafia and the Director of Fisheries, Mr Honiwala.

–MFMR PRESS

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