DEAR EDITOR, as a citizen of Solomon Islands, I respectfully request all our Honorable Members of Parliament of the fifty constituencies to provide RCDF report of each constituency for this four year term.
It has been a concern for most constituents that there is no evidence of tangible developments in their constituencies.
They expect infrastructures such as proper roads, bridges, wharves including sanitation ie. toilets and water supplies plus other economic generating activities in their constituencies because they think funds received in the four year term are sufficient for these developments.
Providing RCDF reports from the fifty members of parliament is transparency and would clear many doubts.
As well, it is their right to know how and where these funds have been spent.
I once again urge all our Honorable Members of the Parliament to disclose reports of the constituency development funds received in the four year term to the people.
This is a call for transparency and accountability.
DEAR EDITOR, all Solomon Islanders know that every after four years, we are given a chance to vote new leaders into the big house, to represent every single citizens within each constituency, and by this, I mean every single individuals, whether voters or non-voters.
However, upon winning the election and being granted a position within the parliament chamber, some leaders can only serve the interests of their voters and family members whilst ignoring the needs and wants of those that do not vote for them.
This has become a common trend every time after the national election is over and the question I want to pose here is, how will this year’s intending candidates aim to change for the betterment of our people?
Will our people continue to vote for people who only serve themselves when they become someone up there?
Will this year’s election be any different from national general elections from the past years?
Most importantly, will intending candidates display clean way of campaigning to win the majority of votes without secretly distributing money, bags of rice, sheets of cooper roofing, tanks, and you name it during the ‘devil’s night’?
I am hoping this year’s national general election will be a whole different from the past years and our future new leaders will put into mind and heart the national motto of our beloved country, “to lead is to serve’ and do away with the ‘to lead is to self-serve’.
Past disasters have been blamed on artificial developments along or near rivers.
The calamitous flash-flood of April 2014 was blamed on logging activities in Mataniko’s upstream, which created a barricade of logs and debris – which gave way during the heavy rain and caused the flash flood.
Several bridges in the Guadalcanal plains, east of Honiara have had their entrances washed away.
Why? One of the contributing factors was clogged under-bridges by logs and debris, causing water to deflect sidewards and digging out the bridges’ entrances.
Current developments in the eastern side of the Lungga bridge should thus be cause for alarm.
A company is reportedly dredging the eastern side of the Lungga river banks, just metres from the bridge.
Officials from the ministry of mines have decried this development saying that it is directly compromising the bridge structure and putting the lives of surrounding communities at risk.
There’s also the allegations which challenge the legality of the company’s operations. But that is a separate matter, which might pop up in our discussions later (probably sooner than some think).
Back to the environmental aspects of this development, riverbanks are nature’s buffers which mitigate the effects and impacts of the immense force and energy in a raging river.
Take this buffer away and you’re exposing everything to raw destructive power.
The Lunga bridge structure over the years has had its foundation protected by the very gravels that are being removed.
Therefore, it won’t be far-fetched to predict that coming floods will eventually dig out the bridge’s foundations or even eat away at the east and west-end entrances.
Such results would be catastrophic.
To generalise, it would be an impeding situation for the capital’s transportation, businesses, trade and commerce, would even halt flights.
It’s even scarier to imagine the effects on the lives of people in the surrounding communities of the Lunga bridge.
It is also note-worthy that we are in the rainy season, which reinforces the need to have this operation stopped immediately.
There is no luxury of a dry season with which to linger.
Authorities responsible should step in now and not tarry.
It’s better to address it now than be forever haunted by hind-sight regrets.
Transparency International Secretariat Team with Transparency Solomon Islands Staff, Chairperson Florence Naesol
and Board Member Tony Hugh
Transparency International Secretariat Team with Transparency Solomon Islands Staff, Chairperson Florence Naesol and Board Member Tony Hugh
TRANSPARENCY International is the leading civil society organisation fighting corruption around the world, with national partners (chapters) operating in over 120 countries in all continents.
“This visit is part of an effort to increase presence and effectiveness in the fight against corruption in the Pacific region, two Berlin based experts, Nikola Sandoval and Alejandro Salas, are visiting the Solomon Islands with the aim of recognising the notable efforts developed by local partner Transparency Solomon Islands, and to better inform the regional strategy that the global NGO will pursue in the coming years in the Pacific,” says Ruth Liloqula, the Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Chapter.
So far, the team has visited Papua New Guinea and are currently in Solomon Islands. Their next stop will be Vanuatu,” Liloqula added.
Sandoval and Salas, have first-hand understanding of the damaging effects that deeply rooted corruption has on the citizens of their countries of origin, the Philippines and Mexico respectively, and several years of experience promoting anti-corruption work globally.
They have committed the support of the global organisation to boost the work of Transparency Solomon Islands, and through them to any in institution in the country that wants to enter into constructive dialogue and improve governance and the quality of life of citizens.
Mr Salas said, “Transparency Solomon Islands is doing a fantastic job by monitoring developments in the country, providing technical knowledge and advice to improve the legal frameworks and institutions that are needed to curb corruption.
“In this respect, we are particularly supportive of the initiative and efforts of the Prime Minister to pass a sound and well thought through anticorruption bill.
“We are hopeful that the legislation will be approved as a matter of national priority.”
Ms Sandoval added that “Transparency Solomon Islands follows a clever strategic approach, on the one hand contributing to reforms that will control and punish corruption, and on the other hand are actively promoting dialogue around the country to support citizens to defend themselves from abuse and making them aware of the damaging effects that corruption has in the quality of their and their families lives”.
Gizo market new re-development market house project temporary fence.
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
Gizo market new re-development market house project temporary fence.
GIZO market venders have questioned the delay in the new re-development market house project construction at the main market in Western province.
They question why work on the project funded by the Australian Government has not begun yet, even though it has been widely publicised that construction would begin in March.
A Mr James told Island Sun Gizo yesterday said that local contractors have already installed the temporary fencing at the main Gizo market area, but since then, no further work has been done.
“We understand that work on the new-redevelopment market house project should begin last month but why they fail to start?
“We are calling on Western Provincial Government, responsible Gizo market committees, and Reeves International to quickly build our market house that has been promise earlier.”
He cautions that such delays are what usually lead to projects being abandoned or prolonged beyond timeframes.
He stressed that the temporary market is becoming increasingly crowded as more people come in from the surrounding islands to sell their produce.
Gizo Market steering committee meanwhile say they are still waiting for Reeves International to respond when they should start off with their construction.
THE delicious and unique flavours of Solomon Islands chocolate will be showcased at SolChoc (Solomon Islands Cocoa and Chocolate Festival) a fun and festive event, which is set to be launched today.
SolChoc, the annual festival to support the local cocoa sector will be held in Honiara from April 30 to May 5 with industry specific events in the first half of the week, and events for the public will held from May 3 – 6.
SolChoc spokesperson and Strongim Bisnis Coconut Business Advisor, Brown Onahekeni said, “This is the first year a programme of public events will be offered alongside the annual cocoa competition which is very exciting.
“Profits from the events will be channeled back into supporting local farmers and the cocoa sector, which is showing increasing economic promise with more than 22 of rural households involved in cocoa here and a rising global demand for chocolate.”
Outline of the SolChoc public events include, Interactive Chocolate Tasting on May 3 at the Coral Sea Resort with free chocolate tasting, free entrance and live music (only paid for ice-cold glass of yellowtail NV sparkling at $30).
On May 4 will be the masquerade Cocktail Party, fundraiser for the development of the Solomon Islands cocoa industry at the Honiara Hotel with an evening of fun and festivities including entertainment, canapes, cocktails, dancing and a live auction – tickets $60.
May 5, celebrating chocolate at the SolChoc Fair for all the family at the Heritage Park Hotel, car park from 10am to 3pm, it’s a free event.
Silver Screen Chocolate Cinema will be on May 6 at the Coral Sea Resort.
Event organisers encourage families to bring kids along to see the family-favourite film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and back it up with the French village set, romantic, comedy-drama, Chocolate.
CEMA’s Chief Produce Inspector, Patterson Siliota said the one-week SolChoc Festival will showcase Solomon Islands cocoa to boutique and fine flavor chocolate-makers and cocoa and bulk buyers from the UK and the region.
Strongim Bisnis, funded by the Australian Government, is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Pacific and horticultural Market Access Program (PHAMA), the Rural Development Program (RDP) and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to bring SolChoc to Honiara.
The cocoa sector is one of three sectors Strongim Bisnis supports as part of efforts by the Australian Government to help Solomon Islands with its economic development – thus prosperity.
Ender and Atkin Rence taking part in roasting fish as well during the launching.
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Ender and Atkin Rence taking part in roasting fish as well during the launching.
NGELLA People were denied by relevant authorities when seeking for assistance to host the Pana Festival in the island.
Because authorities failed to listen to the community request, Imperial Travel Service has stepped in to support the people of Ngella after setting the idea to hold a cruise on July 6 at Ngella that will be coinciding with the festival.
According to Mrs Ender Rence the Managing Director of Imperial Travel Service, there assistance is not about competing but complementing each other in the tourism industry being in line with the government tourism policy.
“The community came and asked if they could showcase their Pana (local food crop) during the cruise in which we set our plans. It will be the community who will be organising in the village for the festival and Imperial Travel Service will assist in promotion and marketing,” said Rence.
The Pana Festival will be marked as history in the making for the first time for Ngella people to hold a festival for their significant custom food that is usually harvested more than one time compared to others provinces.
Launching for the 2018 Imperial Islands Cruise that will be coinciding with the Pana Festival took place over the weekend at Haroro Village, Central West Ngella.
Recap: Former SI PM Rick Hou speaking, former MHA PS Geroge Palua and former 2023PG taskforce chair Gabriel Suri meets female weightlifters Jenly Wini (second left) and Mary Kini Lifu (third left). Both lifters are trying to come home amidst the coronavirus pandemic spreading across the world. Picture ISNFile.
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has attended the Partnering with the Pacific gathering at the Commonwealth House in Gold Coast on Saturday.
The gathering was organised to promote businesses in the Pacific and attended by other dignitaries, Pacific Island businesses including the Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk and Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey.
During her opening and welcoming remarks, Premier Palaszczuk formally welcomed Prime Minister Hou and other dignitaries, highlighting the importance between the trade relations between Australia and the Pacific Island countries.
PM Hou addressing Team Solomon.
Senator for New South Wales and Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells also welcomed the Prime Minister and said Australia treasures its relationship with the Pacific Islands.
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Solomon Islands HE Colin Beck represented Solomon Islands as one of the panelists during the event.
Mr Beck said Solomon Islands has a lot to offer in trade and businesses in the region.
He said with the country’s second international airport in Munda to be opened soon, Solomon Islands will offer a lot for tourism and trade opportunities.
PM Hou congratulated Solomon Island’s first ever Commonwealth Games medalist Jenly Wini
Beck also informed the panel and dignitaries of the current national projects which include the Tina Hydro Project and the Submarine Cable Project.
“These projects are expected to boost trade and business opportunities in the country,” he said.
He also said that the Pacific island nations should not be regarded as small island states; however, they should be known as large ocean states since they come from the Pacific Ocean, the largest in the world.
PM Hou, Minister Mewa and H.E Colin Beck welcomed at the Games Village.
Representatives from Fiji and PNG also made presentations on the importance of doing business in the Pacific island states.
Prime Minister Hou also informally met with the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden; both prime ministers were invited by the Queensland Premier to join her in watching the opening of the Men’s Rugby 7s event at the Robina Stadium.
–OPMC PRESS
PM Hou speaking to PS Palua, 2023 PG taskforce chair Suri and female weightlifters Jenly Wini and Mary Kini Lifu.PM Hou and Minister Mewa meeting Team Solomon upon arrival. Photos by PM Press Secretary.
PM Hou addressing Team Solomon in Gold Coast on his way to London.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
PM Hou addressing Team Solomon in Gold Coast on his way to London.
SOLOMON Islands joins 53 nations under the Commonwealth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which starts on the 16th April 2018.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and his delegation are in London for the CHOGM, with the official opening ceremony taking place on the 16th April at the Buckingham Palace.
In the coming days, PM Hou will join other leaders in working sessions to discuss shared global challenges, attend a dinner hosted by Her Majesty The Queen at the Buckingham Palace and gather at the Windsor Castle for the leaders’ retreat.
This will give the opportunity for leaders including Hou and his delegation to interact and engage in frank dialogue and set the course for future Commonwealth co-operation.
The CHOGM is an opportunity for Solomon Islands to share the country’s pressing issues related to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Solomon Islands joined the Commonwealth in 1978, since then after every two years the country is privileged to participate in the CHOGM gathering.
At the CHOGM, member countries discuss and share common ideas and interests.
Across the Commonwealth, member states face common challenges such as weak global trade and investment-flow, new cross-border security threats and the effects of climate change on small islands and other vulnerable states.
Discussions will also highlight threats to the 53 nations’ shared values of democracy, good governance and inclusivity as set out in the Commonwealth Charter.
This year’s summit’s theme is “Towards a common future”.
The theme is focussed on building on the strengths of the Commonwealth to ensure this unique organisation is responsive to global challenges and delivers a more prosperous, secure, sustainable and fair future for all its citizens, particularly its young people.
In this year’s CHOGM, the forums will centre on ‘people’, ‘business’, ‘women’ and ‘youth’.
On the global context, Human Rights Advocator in Uganda, Africa Mr Opiyo called for discussions on unfinished business in Uganda’s human rights which the Commonwealth has been seen as having ‘failed to address’.
At the CHOGM, Uganda human rights advocators will bring to the table human rights abuses which continue to impede any progress towards the establishment of an accountable government and the rule of law.
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern will use this CHOGM as an opportunity to meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss bilateral and international issues, including the shared goal of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) once the UK has left the European Union (EU).
Meanwhile, Island Sun understands PM Hou will officially open Solomon Islands diplomatic office in London.
NEARLY a thousand women from the North Vella la Vella constituency are set to undergo financial training.
Virginia Pilua, coordinator of Jorio, Jawa and Dovele women’s Association (JJWDA), said 900-plus women from Jorio, Jawa and Dovele, North Vella La Vella Constituency will by the end of this month sit for the training.
She said this training would help rural women of the constituency to acquire knowledge on banking; its importance and processes.
Mrs Pilua said the training will prepare the women for the proposed bank agents which will be established throughout the constituency soon.
This plan would also remove the cost of having to travel to Gizo, the Western province capital, to do banking.
She said financial training is the heart of effective, finance management, generating, reporting and as well as to enable the JJDWA association to run effectively in terms of business perception.
“Women from North Vella La Vella are now looking forward for this financial education training, to help them recognise the importance of regular savings and expenditures, showing them how to calculate costs, profit and cash flow plans.”
She adds that the training is not only for women alone but interested men and youths in the community are also welcome.
It will be facilitated by the Gizo Bank South Pacific (BSP).
