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Parliament welcomes new MP

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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New Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara Lanelle Tanaganda taking her oath of allegiance in Parliament on Wednesday

By Gary Hatigeva

New Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara Lanelle Tanaganda taking her oath of allegiance in Parliament on Wednesday

PARLIAMENT on Wednesday welcomed its newest member to the house, Lanelle Tanaganda after her election victory in the Gizo-Kolombangara by-election, May this year.

Before being welcomed by both members of the two sides of the house, Mrs. Tanaganda took her oath of allegiance before a packed parliament chamber.

In welcoming the Gizo-Kolombangara Member of Parliament, Speaker of National Parliament, Ajilon Jasper Nasiu explained that it was important the new MP took her oath to fulfil and important part or requirement under the national constitution.

“Honourable Members, we have with us today a new member who is elected through a by-election in May this year.

“But according to section 63 of the constitution, no member is permitted to participate in the proceedings of this house until he or she has taken the oath set out in schedule one of the constitution.

“On behalf of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, I welcome you as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara constituency,” the Speaker expressed when welcoming Mrs. Tanaganda.

The Speaker however reminded that having taken her oath, the new MP is now permitted to participate in the proceedings of this honourable house.

“I can only wish you well as you take up your duties to this house and your constituency,” the Speaker further added.

Following her election as the new MP, Mrs. Tanaganda joined the government side.

AC Bill 2018 in doubt?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

Parliament adjourned debates due to low turnout of MPs

By Gary Hatigva

ONLY in its first day of debates, but the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 is again facing huge doubts and confusions as parliament was forced to adjourn its deliberation on it yesterday.

Earlier yesterday morning, the Bill was put to its first reading and went to its second when Prime Minister, Rick Hounipwela opted to have it debated, which didn’t go down well with those from both, the opposition and the independent sides.

Leader of the Official Opposition, Manasseh Maelanga made an objection to a motion by the government to suspend certain standing orders of parliament to allow for the debate of the Anti-Corruption Bill 2018.

With reasons, to allow for both the independent and opposition members to thoroughly go through the bill’s report for the sake of mass contributions and inputs to what Maelanga described as a very important piece of legislation.

The Prime Minister failed to see this aspect and however called for the matter to be tested through votes, which gave the government the upper hand, having the majority number.

The Bill was then allowed to be debated, but there silence from both sides of the house, as it was evident, none was prepared to present on it (bill).

However, with the early signs of mixed feeling about getting the bill debated and deliberated on, has got many including those from the Civil Society and NGOs worried as what’s displayed could continue and eventually force the government to delay or withdraw the bill again.

A lawyer (who asked not to be named), spoken to about the cluttered indicators, also joined the many concerns following yesterday’s outcome, stressing that it is very clear because not all including some from the government want this bill passed.

“Just look at the revised bill having compared to the first one, which was withdrawn under the Sogavare led government, not many changes.

“They are but all delay tactics to prolong the debate and passing of the bill. I mean, if you look at the first bill, it was withdrawn for the said purpose of considerations to recommendations from the Bills and Legislations Committee.

“Where are the recommendations now? The Chairman of BLC has come out very clear on this, and that only 2 out of 12 recommendations were taken.

“What happened to the other ten?” the disappointed lawyer questioned.

Many including the Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga and Chair of the BLC, Matthew Wale pointed out that the bill though with many loop holes, is the best solution to the ever growing issue of corruption that many also agree, are now taking a huge toll on both the government and private sector.

Like a virus that is infecting every living thing in its path, mostly those in the rural and provincial settings of the country.

Parliament resumes 9am today, with the hopes that yesterday’s experience was not Anti-Corruption related and members are asked to think of their people and the country first.

SIDCC Government pledge to fight for Anti-Corruption Bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the DCC Group

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela says the fight against corruption must be comprehensive and persistent.

PM Hou made the statement during the second reading of the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 in parliament when it resumed yesterday.

He said the fight for Anti-Corruption Bill is crucial for people’s interest and the country’s development aspirations.

Hou said, “Unlike other criminal offences, like assaults, corruption is secretive and normally operates and thrives in the dark making it harder to prove a corruption allegation.”

“It is against this backdrop that I would like to highlight the three-prong approach Government considered to be significant in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, the three-prong approach Hou said it focuses on are:

  • The need to skilfully investigate corruption allegations and successfully prosecute them
  • The need to provide preventative measures through public education and training
  • The need for Government to work in coalition with the private sector, civil society and the international community in the fight against corruption.

Yesterday, parliament resume with second reading of the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 as well as first reading of;

  • The Constitution (Amendment) (Electoral Commission) Bill 2018
  • The Electoral Bill 2018
  • The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Bill 2018
  • The Goods Tax (Amendment) Bill 2018
  • The Payment Systems Bill 2018
  • The Development Bank of Solomon Islands Bill 2018

Beetle threat intensifies in Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

IT is reported that 90 percent of palm trees in Honiara are already damaged or dead because of the invasive Coconut Rhino Beetles (CRB),

Acting Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Mr Oswald Ramo said, over the last four years, 90 percent of the palms in Honiara area have been severely damaged or dead and this devastation is cause by CRB.

Ramo said this figure shows it is a serious matter and a challenging one for MAL and key stakeholders. He said they need strong collaboration from everyone in the country to eradicate the rhino beetles.

He adds, ‘Incursion of foreign pests into the Solomon Islands is a serious concern for our biosecurity teams under the increasing pressure from global trade and climate change.”

He also adds that currently MAL and other leading organizations are working on a project with clean-up campaign targeting the CRB larvae, remove dead palm trees and to destroy breeding sites.

On this matter, Ramo called for a unified and well-resourced response from responsible authorities, stakeholders, farmers and communities to fight the rhino beetle to save our palm trees.

Director for Pacific Community (SPC) Land Resources Division, Dr Jan Helsen said, “SPC is playing a regional role by supporting Pacific Island Countries and Territories.”

Helsen said their program aims to develop emergency response plans in the event of an incursion and assist to strengthening the biosecurity pathways that could be entry points for CRB.

“There is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to removing the threat of CRB, but using every means possible to halt its spread is critical to ensuring the threat is managed,” Dr Helsen said.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing $NZ 1 million (approx. SBD5.4m) to support a project targeting the full eradication of rhino beetles in Solomon Islands.

New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs has been working closely with MAL, SPC, CRB National Taskforce, Strongim Bisnis, GPPOL, Kastom Gaden and PHAMA.

Government decisive steps on drug crisis

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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National Referral Hospital

“Charter of an aircraft to bring drugs over, need be”

By Alfred Sasako

THE Government has taken a number of decisive steps to address the on-going acute shortage of drugs, which has plunged the National Referral Hospital into a national crisis.

These measures include a Cabinet decision in the past week to put an end to Australia’s funding for drugs in support of our healthcare system. The decision takes effect immediately, insiders told Island Sun.

The Government has taken this decision because Australia, they say, contributed substantially to the drugs crisis through insistence by Canberra that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services adhere to Australia’s own standard of procurement procedures and protocol to secure Australia’s funding.

The Australian Government however said it is committed to supporting the Health Sector Support Program, now in its third phase. Under the five-year program (2016-2020)”the Australian Government has committed to provide up to AUD47.8 million (about SBD321 million) as direct budget support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) for the delivery of health services, including the purchase of drugs and medical supplies.”

However, officials pointed out that Australia’s demand to follow its procurement arrangement has impacted rather negatively on drugs purchases and supplies to our National Referral Hospital because health officials have to redo everything. That takes time,” insiders told Island Sun on Wednesday.

“As a result, the Government has now decided it would take on the full cost of drugs purchases and supplies immediately. We know it is risky but we cannot play around with people’s lives,” senior officials said.

“The Cabinet decision also meant organising supplies immediately from Brisbane as the point of departure. Solomon Airlines has been requested to consider airfreighting medicines and supplies as the top priority.

“If we have to, we will charter an aircraft to bring the drugs over,” senior officials said.

As the rush to replenish drugs supplies at the National Referral Hospital continues, the National Medical Store (NMS) yesterday cleared IV fluids and hand cloves from Point Cruz, Permanent Secretary Dalipada told Island Sun.

“(Today) we hope another load of medicine (mostly IV medications) would be airlifted in from Brisbane,” he said.

There were indications last night the new MP for Gizo-Kolombangara, Hon Lanelle Orlandrea Tanangada could replace the Minister for Health and Medical Services as direct fallout from the drugs crisis at the National Referral Hospital.

Women’s squad to finalise this week

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Solomon Islands national women’s side.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

The Solomon Islands national women’s side.

THE women’s national soccer squad will be finalised this week.

Head Coach Diane Justus confirmed to SunSPORTS earlier this week.

“Training continues two days a week and final team will be named by Friday 20th July.”

The national women’s squad is preparing to take part in next month’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup Qualifier.

The tournament will be held at at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji and will run from August 24 to August 30.

The preliminary competition brings the senior women’s teams from Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and American Samoa together to compete for the last remaining berth in the final tournament, which will take place in New Caledonia in November.

According to released schedules, Solomon Islands will take on American Samoa in the tournament opener on August 24, followed by Fiji on August 27 and later Vanuatu on August 30.

The winner of the qualifier will join hosts New Caledonia and reigning champions New Zealand in the final tournament along with Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, and Cook Islands.

The final tournament will be held in New Caledonia between 17 November and 4 December, with the match schedules yet to be finalised.

This is the first edition of the Women’s Nations Cup which will feature all 11 OFC Member Associations. The winner of the final tournament will represent Oceania at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 and the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament 2020.

Tahiti and New Caledonia will play in the qualifier but given their current status as non-members of the International Olympic Committee, if they finish at the top, they will only play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 but not the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament 2020.

Under-16 leaves on July 25 for Japan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai.

THE national under-16 soccer will embark on another leg of their intensive preparation toward this year’s OFC Under-16 Championship when they leave on the plane July 25 for a 16-days trip to Japan.

The tour will see Head coach Stanley Waita bringing with him 23 players and another two officials.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is putting a lot of seriousness and resources into this youth side’s preparation given Solomon Islands will play host to the regional qualifiers from September 9 to 22 in Honiara.

Solomon Islands was drawn in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Vanuatu, PNG and Papua New Guinea.

The top two teams emerging from the championship will qualify into next year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Peru.

The primary aim is to have this young side qualify into the under-17 world cup.

SIFF President William Lai told the media earlier last month that the under-16 participation in the OFC qualifiers is one of their major projects this year.

“Our Executive has decided and believes that our gateway is Asia in terms of preparation and in terms of showing our best players to try to see how good we are. I think this is the most effective way of showing what we can offer to the world. It’s a definite excitement for us.

“The world cup is our target and aim.

“A dream can be fulfilled if we do the best we can to prepare our team.

“Let’s not just dream and not do something about it.”

Lai added that Japan has a very good standard in youth development and one of the best in Asia.

Over a course of two weeks, the team will engage in intensive training sessions and so as play friendlies against professional teams in Japan.

Details of the matches will be finalised either today or tomorrow, SIFF Media Officer Simon Abana stated yesterday.

The trip will also mark the beginning of their partnership and connection with Japan Football Federation.

“Japan is one of the top Asian countries in football. The trip is also an opportunity for us to establish partnership with them. If you understand, we have one Japanese volunteer working with us in the technical department. This is just the beginning,” Lai said.

The under-16 side is expected to return home after the first week of August.

Young Taiwan doctors complete 4 month medical journey

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dr Li Cheng Yu and Dr Liu Kuan Fu after delivering their presentation.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

TWO young Taiwanese doctors have completed a four month stay in the country, providing medical services and specialized skills as general practitioners to the national referral hospital and two Honiara City Council clinics in Honiara.

Dr Li Cheng Yu (Mick) and Dr Liu Kuan Fu (James) were dispatched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Taiwan government to assist the projects of the Taiwan Health Centre in the country from March 6th to July 19th 2018.

During their first six weeks in the country, both doctors worked at the national referral hospital. Dr Li worked in the surgical department and emergency department while Dr Liu assisted the hospital in orthopedics and internal medicine.

Dr Li also assisted NRH’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Rooney Jagilly in surgery and attended to patients in fast track area and resuscitation in the emergency room.

Dr. Liu is assessing a child’s health condition in Kukum clinic

Meanwhile, Dr Liu worked in orthopedic clinics, assisted in surgery operations, joined the daily ward round and helped take care of patients in terms of internal medicine.

Apart from providing services to the hospital, they also tried to find out the largest disease burdens in the country and what was lacking in terms of techniques and facilities provided for the public.

This led Dr Li and Dr Liu to discuss the above issue with several staff of the hospital of which information they obtained was sent back to the Taiwan Embassy and Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, the hospital responsible for the Taiwan’s Health Centre here in Honiara.

Dr Li Cheng Yu and Dr Liu Kuan Fu after delivering their presentation.

With that information passed on, they hope that it can better help Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital formulate their future plans so that donations made by the Taiwan government can meet the actual and overriding needs of Solomon Islands.

Work at the national referral hospital was followed by services offered to Kukum and Rove clinics in which they spent six weeks, from mid- April to May.

Whilst working at the clinics they found that medical practitioners were lacking so they cooperated with nurses and provided secondary consultations.

Their work in the clinics included review of patients who had complicated or more serious diseases, minor surgery and awareness talks on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Language for any foreigner is challenging so for Dr Li and Dr Liu, speaking Pijin in earlier days was a bit difficult especially when it came to communicating with their patients and trying to figure out if they were being understood.

The development of a “Medical terms in Pijin” booklet by both doctors eased this situation as patients easily understood them.

Dr. Li performed an abdominal scan for a patient in emergency department in NRH.

They emphasized that the booklet would, in the future greatly assist doctors from Taiwan when communicating with Solomon Islanders.

The last lap of their medical journey, from June 5th to June 14th was when they joined the Taiwan Mobile Medical team and provided services to people in Small Malaita.

Dr Li and Dr Liu expressed that people in Solomon Islands were very friendly and this was what gave the great amount of energy to contribute their services in many aspects to help the people.

It was a great honor for them to serve the country and they hope that they will have the chance to revisit the country in the future.

Both doctors delivered a presentation of their work experience at the Taiwan Health Centre on Tuesday.

(Left) Dr Li, two nurses and Dr Liu at Kukum clinic.

MUP plan to rehabilitate coconut plantations intact

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu

PREMIER of Makira/Ulawa province has reiterated his government’s commitment to rehabilitate coconut plantations in the province.

In an interview on Tuesday, premier Stanley Siapu said sometimes ago his government had set a taskforce to work with people on the plan.

He said the taskforce is yet to roll out with the work as necessary work required by the taskforce to do on the plan has already been prepared.

Siapu said for now the member of the taskforce whom they were his executive members are still busy on other works and as long as they done they will go for the work.

He explained that coming up with the plan is his government’s commitment to ensure turning the coconut plantations into something will benefit the people and the province.

Siapu said the purpose of rehabilitating the coconut plantations was to maintain the productivity of the plantations.

He said most of the plantations in the province were about 60-70 years old and they need rehabilitating them.

Adding that with idea of rehabilitating the plantations, the notion was to look at what already existed rather than going for something new.

He explained that if his government to look at introducing new kind of agricultural developments that will be either costly or demanding to his people, rather than rehabilitating the existing agricultural assert in the province.

However, in pursuant of the plan to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Siapu said the ministry has no budget for activity deal with development of coconut for this year.

He said despite that his government’s focus was still on the plan to ensure people to benefit from coconut development in his province.

Siapu also assured that his government also working on other areas of development for the province.

Reconciliation held in east Kwaio over Mr Bell killing

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ELLISON VAHI

A reconciliation ceremony was held in east Kwaio, Malaita province, last week between the families of Mr RW Bell and Mr Willies and families of those who also took part and lost their lives.

Speaking to Island Sun, a Mr Simon Palmer said their committee acknowledge the descendants of the two deceased, Robert Bell and Mr Willies, for willingly accepting to reconcile with the three tribes of East Kwaio especially the Nguda, Aieda and Furiilai who attacked Mr Bell and Mr Willies at Gweabe at Sinalangu east Kwaio in 1927.

Palmer mentioned that the three tribes played an active role leading to the reconciliation.

Palmer adds that the two-day programme was very touching, as was the coming together of the two parties in reconciling and making peace with each other.

The first-day programme on July 11 was called “Ririfuanimae” meaning to clear away what happened in the past with the dead ancestors involved in the killings.

This is done with a pig offered to the Fata’abu or chiefs to ask for their permission as well to convince them that the programme be accepted.

The next day was the “kwaigwaoinga” ceremony, the presentation of three pigs to the three reps from the three tribes involved in the killing of Mr Bell and Mr Willies, in remembering their leaders who were hanged by the gov’t for the killing.

“All these was part of the peace and reconciliation process,” Palmer said.

Palmer explains that following the two-day programme, the next move is to facilitate a peace programme as they are yet to do with the descendants of those innocent people from the highlands who were once abused and tortured by the Government.

He said that they are still working on how to facilitate and finance the programme.

Once all processes are done, then they will look at compensation matters with Mr Bell and Mr Willies’ relatives, as consultations have already been done.

Palmer adds that since they are facing financial difficulties, they are calling on all responsible authorities such as Ministry for Peace & Reconciliation for their support ‘as this is one main function of the ministry’.

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