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Rural market venders dream of a proper lodge when in the city

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Market venders lodging at Point Cruz.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

“WE have our people living in town but we are embarrassed to go to their house after market hours because we don’t want to impose on them especially since life in town is very hard,” says Peter Sela from Gela.

The number of people sleeping in public places have risen considerably, especially after Honiara City Council (HCC) has disallowed market venders to lodge at the Honiara central market.

Peter Sela, a fisherman from Gela in Central islands province, sells fish at the Honiara Central market and when Island Sun caught up with him, he was spending the night along the walkway of the National Provident Fund (NPF) plaza.

Sela hails from Sandfly and his village is called Ravu. Sandfly passage, the channel between big Gela and Sandfly Island is a destination for divers and snorkelers and boasts some of the best white sandy beaches in the country with clear crystal water.

However life is not as pristine for him as one would thought it would be coming from a place as beautiful as Sandfly.

People like Sela have to leave the comfort of their beautiful homes to spend the night in harsh and humbling conditions like this in search for money.

After a day’s work whilst some of us go back to the comfort of our homes to lay our weary heads to rest, these villagers don’t.

“Sometimes we lie in our boats at the Yacht club beach whilst other times like tonight, we come to this place to hide from the rain and wind,” Sela said.

Mothers, wives, women and girls are also amongst those seeking shelter under the rooftop of these public buildings.

“We should have left already in the afternoon but because our produce just got sold out in the evening, it is already late for us to leave so here we are waiting for daylight to come quickly so that we can be on our way,” Sela’s cousin, Lydia Durai said.

Whilst the global trend now focuses on women and girls having a private space, for these women, they surely have missed out on that and do not seem to mind at all.

“We sometimes go for a day or two without a proper shower and us sometimes we put that off till we are in the comfort of our own homes,” says both the men and women. Last time central market used to allow their taps for them to use but not anymore, they say.

They revealed that for dinner they usually have bread and taiyo and should they have access to hot water, they might have a cup of coffee or tea to keep them warm during cold nights.

However going to and fro daily just to enjoy the basic necessities one needs only at home is an exercise deemed very expensive for them.

Though the distance from Honiara to Gela is not far, (a couple of hours at least) the women usually hire a boat to bring their produce, costing them $600 a trip.

So it is eminent that they sell all their produce before they make their trip back home.

Some of them usually spend a night or two and on a weekend, when they don’t go back home, they also attended church programs same as when they would be back in their home villages, no matter what.

“We attended Palm Sunday church service at the All Saints church. We just got up from our resting place here and then we walked over to All Saints to take part in the service,” the women said.

Whilst the reason for them to spend the night in public places might not be a good one, there is not much they feel they can do about it.

Peter Sela says for one, their wantoks reside far from the city and more so, they also don’t want to intrude on their privacy.

“We do not want our people to think that we are here to finish their food or contribute unnecessarily to the increase of their water and electricity bills because cost of living is very expensive these days.

“Not only that but some of our wantoks and the people we know reside far from town and as you can see, we also have a lot of stuff that we buy so it is best we stay close to our departure area,” Sela said.

Meanwhile, he says there is so much they wish their government would do for them.

“If we sell our produce back home, who is going to buy them? We don’t have much economic activities back home and even Tulaghi is not an economical hub.

“We don’t really need the money but our children does. Back home we don’t need to buy for food.

“Everything is free but we need money for our children’s education and our other obligations that is why we have to make these sacrifices.

“If we have businesses and good infrastructural development in our province, then we don’t need to come to Honiara,” Sela said.

He continued to say that they wish government would step in to alleviate some of the problems from them.

“Even to buy a small plot of land to build a dormitory for us to spend the night when we come to town would be better.

“That doesn’t mean that it has to be free but at least a dormitory that charges us a reasonable amount, like $10, or $20 a night.

“Like now, when we have women with us, we men don’t get to sleep much but to keep watch over our relatives.

“We only have a proper sleep when we arrive back at our home village,” Peter Sela said.

Currently market venders from all provinces are faced with the same dilemma when in Honiara.

Rape accused to appear in court

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a 64-year-old man from Isabel province alleged of raping a nine-year-old girl in 2015 will appear in court today.

The old man on this case is facing three counts of rape under the Amendment (sexual offence) Act.

The allegation said the man raped his 11-year-old grand-daughter on several separate occasions at different locations in the West Maringe District of Isabel

The incident was reported to Buala Police in which the old-man was arrested and charged for allegedly raping his granddaughter at Tirotue Settlement and Ghozoruru in the Hovikoilo Ward on different dates between December 31, 2015 and February 7, 2018.

The prosecution alleges that the old man and the girl were from the same village.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

My response to Ngati’s claim

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, first I wish to request that you do not confuse your readers and the general public by keep referring to Reginald Ngati and his group as the President and executive of SINUSA.

In case you do not get what I said earlier, the SINUSA election held on October 31, 2017 in which Reginald Ngati’s Executive was voted in was declared Null and Void. This simply means Reginald Ngati does not have the mandate to remain as the President of SINUSA and his group to command the leadership of SINUSA as of February 21, 2018.

Whilst I fully acknowledge the concerns raised by Reginald Ngati on the need to improve the on campus living and learning environment at SINU to his expectations, I am at the same time surprised that he failed to also acknowledge the vast improvements that have taken place over the past five years since SINU attained its university status. These include the current and planned academic and physical infrastructure developments at SINU’s three campuses. I invite your readers to come and see for themselves.

If Ngati and his group failed to see these changes then either they are still in their sleep or are just too proud and ignorant to acknowledge these. It would be unfair on the part of Reginald Ngati and his group to say that we have not done anything about the hostels, kitchen and even the student services in the past three years. For information of your readers, I have provided below what has been achieved/done over the past three years for the students at SINU.

We have Refurbished the Institute of Maritime hostels at Ranadi Campus, renovated 5 boys hostels (P2-08, P2-09, P2-10, P2-11 & P2-12), Girl’s Hostels P2-17 all at Panatina Campus. Tenders for Girl’s Hostels (P2-03, P2-04, P2-05 & P2-06) at Panatina Campus are due and in fact Property Section is continuing with Minor Repair & maintenance works. We also have done works to Boys Hostels & Girls Hostels at Kukum Campus up to 2017. Due to SIG financial Cash flow towards end of 2017, no further planned works were carried out as we were advised by our Finance Department not to start any new works due to the cash flow problem. This includes works to the Kitchens at Kukum and Panatina Campuses. Our main issue with these repairs and maintenance work is that most of the buildings dated back to HTI/SITC and SICHE days and so renovating them can be a challenge. Also, these hostels have deteriorated due to ‘no care’ attitude by the students themselves.

The design of the student Centre Complex at Kukum Campus was completed in 2017. We were hoping to put out the Tender for Construction in the first quarter of 2018 but did not proceed as the balance of funds from the 2017 SIG Development grants are yet to be released to us. This proposed Students Centre Complex when completed will house the Students Welfare Office and the day students’ common room and other ICT and photocopying facilities and amenities for students’ use.

The designs for the extension of the Kukum Library has been completed and is awaiting tender for construction/availability of funds. Once completed, it will enhance more space for students comfort in the library.

We are not aware of any complaints about the water quality and students have been having access to running water.

We have constructed a student ablution block for day students at Panatina Campus between room 9 & 10 in 2017. We have also arranged for the construction of a students’ ablution block attached to the Panatina Library in 2017. This is also already completed and is ready for students’ use.

Amongst the on-going projects at SINU are the Panatina Complex currently being constructed at Panatina Campus and the School of Natural Resources and Applied Sciences (SNRAS) building complex at Kukum Campus. These building projects when completed will not only increase the intake/acess to SINU but will also contribute to providing a conducive teaching and learning environment at these university campuses.

We are currently engaging an architect to design the refurbishment of the X-SMITRI (Malaria Lab) building at the eastern end of the Kukum Campus which is currently an ‘eye sore’. This building when completed will provide extra facilities for the School of Nursing and Allied Health Studies (SNAHS). Again tender for construction is pending availability of funds.

To ensure security of staff, students and visitors to the university, we have installed street lightings at parts of Kukum Campus and Panatina Campus and this work is still ongoing and should be fully completed this year 2018.

Also, the fencing of the Kukum and Panatina Campus boundaries are still in progress despite the challenge of having to deal with fellow citizens who encroached and squatter along the university borders.

Work on the fencing of part of the Ranadi Campus is completed. Work on the entrance, access road and car park and security lights at the Ranandi campus is progressing and will be completed soon.

With regards to the issue of access to ICT facilities for students, SINU has at Kukum Campus one students’ general computer lab (67 PCs) opened to all students of SINU. It opens 7.00 am – 8.00 pm Monday – Friday, inclusive.

In addition, we have students’ computer labs in schools: 2 x SBM (30 PCs each), 2 x STMS (10 + 15 PCs), 1 x Nursing (17 PCs), 1 x ITH (9 PCs), 1 (old) x SNRAS (new lab with 40 PCs soon to be installed – waiting for room), 1 x Fisheries (30 PCs) and 1 x SOEH (30 PCs). Further, 100 PCs earmarked (in store) for Panatina general lab awaiting room to be ready.

A policy on internet quota system for all staff and students is awaiting approval from the Council before it can be implemented.

In addition, SINU provides free students’ email and internet services for all registered students.

We would like to say that most works are ongoing and in 2018, we will facilitate the designs for new Students Hostels and other student requested facilities including students sporting facilities, such as gym, basketball and tennis courts etc.

Lest Ngati and his group forget, there is a limit to what we can achieve given that SINU is solely dependent on the annual SIG grants and Development Budgets for its academic programmes and infrastructure developments.

Otherwise, if they are so concerned about the issues raised in their strike notice, why didn’t they first raise them with the Managers responsible for the university Properties, ICT and student’s welfare or even raise the issues directly with me?

Issuing strike notice for boycott of classes will not achieve anything and is counterproductive. If students go on strike, their lecturers will still receive their pay regardless. It is the students themselves that will suffer by missing out on their classes and on their chances of education at SINU.

Donald Malasa

Pro Vice-Chancellor [Corporate]

Solomon Islands National University

Sexual violence against children and girls is crime against humanity

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Archbishop George Takeli.

AS Chairman of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), I want to join the many concerned individuals, families, and groups who have already spoken out to condemn acts of sexual violence against our children and girls as reported by the daily media in past weeks.

In doing so, I wish to make this statement to convey the position of SICA on this immoral action committed against our children and girls in families and communities around our country: as leaders of member churches of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), we want to jointly express our serious pastoral concerns over reports of regular occurrences of cases of sexual violence against our children and girls in some communities around our country.

We strongly condemn “acts of violence in every form”, and declared that sexual violence against our children and girls is “sin by its painful dishonest exploitation, and a crime against humanity”

We strongly condemn “acts of violence in every form”, and declared that sexual violence against our children and girls is “sin by its painful dishonest exploitation, and a crime against humanity”.

We want to assure victims of these acts of sexual violence and their families of our prayers and support.

We declare that men of whatever age, status, race, or relationship in the family or community, do not have the right to freely advance their personal desires to cause violence, especially sexual violence against children and girls in their families or communities.

We are concerned that the actions of only a few men in our communities had influenced the belief that men are the perpetrators of violence in the family, communities, and nation.

We believe that in the scriptures, man is not presented as the perpetrator of violence, but as: the image of God (Gen1:26), the presence of God in the family (Gen 2:7), the manager of God’s family (Gen 2:15), and an agent of change (Gen 2:4b-21).

We believe that men are entrusted with the highest moral or spiritual responsibility to be “father leaders” witnessing the presence of God in the family, the manager protector and caregiver in the family, an agent of change and channel of healing and hope for the family.

And so, the children: both girls and boys and the whole family can find love and care and hope for the future from the man in the family.

We believe that every culture in communities around our nation also gave custodian of these same moral values on the role of men in the family and communities.

In these cultures men, especially elderly men in our families and communities are given honour and respect for their roles of maintaining unity, peace, and harmony in the family and communities.

We want to urge men and especially elderly men in our nation to recognize their true worth and their God given roles as: father leader and presence of God in the family, protector and caregiver of God’s love in the family, an agent of change for healing and growth and hope in the family.

We urge men and especially elderly men in our nation to recognize that as men we cannot do this work alone as affirmed by the Holy Scriptures (Gen2:18), but must work with our mothers and women to carry out these duties to build safe, happy, and prosperous homes for every family and communities in our nation.

It is our unceasing prayers and support that through the family life ministry work of our churches all men and especially elderly men in our nation will recognise their true personal worth and callings, and will rise up!” to take their rightful positions as men of God: father leaders, protector and caregivers, and agents of change and growth for families and communities in our nation Solomon Islands.

As we celebrate Good Friday this week, we want to offer a prayer of forgiveness for our men: Gracious God, through your love and mercy forgive the wrongdoings of every man in this nation. Wash them clean with the precious blood of Jesus Christ to make them new.

Make them become God fearing men who will rise up to take responsibility over their families: their daughters, women and themselves.

Make them strong and courageous to work together with their women to build their homes become loving, joyful, peaceful, progressive, and prosperous families in our nation for your honour and glory.

Amen!

George A Takeli, The Most Revd

Chairman of Solomon Islands Christian Association

 

$4b Budget revealed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

By Gary Hatigeva

THE government has yesterday revealed its much anticipated Budget for 2018, with high esteems to see that it is felt at all levels.

Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare following the second reading of the Appropriation Bill 2018, delivered almost an hour of the Budget Speech where he highlighted to be a credible, fully funded and balance, while at the same time fiscally responsible and grounded with the government’s policy priority as far as finances are concerned.

With a number of Key Guiding Principles, the 2018 according the Finance Minister outlined that the number one policy priority for the 2018 National Budget is to focus on creating fiscal stability and re-establishing fiscal buffers to ensure that execution of the budget is efficient and effective.

He said the second priority for the 2018 Budget is to ensure it is targeted to the priority policy areas of Government within a stable macro-fiscal framework.

“Given the total resource envelope for 2018, $26 million has been ring-fenced for unforeseen spending under the Contingency Warrant provision.

“The $26 million will also act as a contingency reserve to assist the Government with additional cash buffers against any potential revenue shortfalls,” he explained.

He added that it is also to ensure that the government’s commitment in 2017 is maintain, with around $138 million of outstanding arrears from 2017 fiscal year was transparently secured and budgeted for within the 2018 total resource envelope and to be addressed in the first quarter of 2018.

The Budget according to Sogavare also wants to ensure 2018 resource envelope is realistic, that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury through the Economic Reform Unit will work on a more realistic and credible macroeconomic forecasts and estimates than in previous years because of the use of a 2017 full years’ worth of actuals for forecasting revenue collections this year.

He further added that the guiding principles are created with intentions to support the smooth and effective execution of the budget for 2018.

“At the same time created better cash management so that Ministries receive the right amount of funding at the right times, the budget has been allocated across and between the Recurrent and Development Budgets based on what each Ministry can realistically deliver for this year.

Meanwhile, he pointed out the as for the Recurrent budget, it was determined based on costed activities and deliverables for 2018 and the Development budget was determined by projects that are ready to be delivered successfully, which witnessed the adjustments of allocations for their implementation programs.

He however revealed that most of the cuts done are to ensure that projections are realistic and credible, which he therefore stressed that all budgetary allocations have to be supported with some assurance that the resources targeted will be delivered successfully.

“It is important that ministries must demonstrate and justify that they have the technical capacity, man power and time to complete the projects. Even if ministries used up funds before the end of the year, proper implementation reports must be provided before further consideration can be sought from the government for additional funding.”

“It is crucial that funds are used properly to deliver key government priorities by the end of this year and that we only secure funding for projects within a tight fiscal framework that have contractual commitments,” the Finance Minister explained.

In the process of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing, most ministries complained that the cuts on their allocations are quite overwhelming and could threaten their programs for implementations.

Sogavare on the other hand agreed that the measures taken will certainly hurt some ministries but suggested that without the actions outlined, the government risks increasing its fiscal deficit to an unsustainable level, losing its credibility amongst stakeholders.

He also added that without actions, the country will also risk losing the support and cooperation of taxpayers and the private sector at the same time could jeopardize the country’s long-term economic growth.

“For well-being of future generations, we have no choice but to take bold actions beginning today,” the confident Minister of Finance stressed.

He then detailed that the budget presented will deliver $4.068 billion in spending to provide the services to the people of Solomon Islands.

However, he suggested and reiterated that unlike in the previous budgets since 2015, the current government now provides $26 Million in the budget to cover the potential for unforeseen and unexpected needs that may arise in the course of the 2018 fiscal year.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Sogavare reminded that the current the current house only has nine months before its dissolution and that the momentous work ahead to take this country to new heights is still enormous.

“So let us all therefore work responsibly and cohesively together, target our resources more strategically to where there is greatest need and greatest value, and focus our efforts to transformative sources of economic growth and in creating a lasting difference to the lives of our people,” Sogavare urged.

Gov’t incurs $12 Million for PAs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Prime Minister Hon Rick Hou during press conference with media on Monday

By Gary Hatigeva

SOLOMON Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) since taking over office, is expected incur just over $12million to keep Political Appointees (PAs) in office, it is revealed.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela revealed these figures when responding to the Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga and Chairman of the Bill and Legislative Committee (BLC), Matthew Wale who questioned the government in yesterday’s parliament sitting during a question and answer session.

Mr Wale was questioning the Prime Minister over the percentage reduction in salary and all other benefits for PAs since the SIDCC Government assumed office.

PM Hou pointed out that the current $12millioin is actually a reduction of around $6million having compared to the past government, which was incurring well over $19million per year to cater for the salaries and benefits of around 51 appointees.

“In terms of cost, the previous number would have cost 19 million for the government to cater for, but under the reduced number of PAs, the expenditure is around 12 million annually.

“So this is a reduction of just over 6 million, and the reduction of cost is a result of reduction in the number of PAs and the releveling of their salaries and benefits, most of which have been reduced.

“To be exact, taxpayers through the government is to pay a total expenditure of $12,926,064 annually for the salaries and benefits of the 37 Political Appointees,” the Prime Minister revealed.

It is understood that the current government was forced to take action on the number PAs as part of its promise, which PM Hou revealed when giving his victory speech in November last year.

The reduction of PA numbers according to Hou also comes as his government’s approach to cutting costs, and that had led to the relieve of some of the PAs and keeping only those appointees the government felt relevant to its policy.

He pointed out that the recruitment and reduction is a political decision based on what is relevant to the set of government priority policy areas for implementations and that Caucus as the guiding political arm of the government decided on what important positions will be kept.

He added that Caucus with its decision, also came up with a structure which resulted in the reduction from 51 to 36 political appointee positions.

He was however hesitant to go into the details of salaries and benefits for the PAs but clarified that out of the 36, 27 are from the former government, while nine are new recruits.

He said the 37 PAs were kept because of their relevant backgrounds and qualifications needed to oversee the progress and programmes within government priority policies.

To further support his response based on the PA issue, Hou recalled a decision made in 2005 for a temporary employment programme with intentions to take away the load from the Ministry of Public Service.

“So when the government comes, it appoints people to work on what it has decided on what their priorities are.”

His point on qualities and qualification highlighted came under heavy criticism from the Aoke/Langalanga MP, who suggested that many of those being appointed do not meet requirements and are becoming liabilities to the government and taxpayers of the country.

However, the Prime Minister expressed total disagreement with theBLC Chairman, stressing that there are people inside that are totally accredited in terms of their qualifications, background and skills to do what the government had engaged them for.

“They are political appointees, decided by the political government but they are people with merit in terms of their qualifications, their backgrounds and experiences.”

Meanwhile, Wale stressed that the idea of political appointee practice is worrying as it has no structure to guide the nature in which appointments are made and funds are allocated to cater for the recruitment programmes.

He then suggested for the current government to take heed the suggestions and work on setting the precedence by introducing mechanisms and criteria to guide any governments in the matter of political appointees.

There were also suggestions for a widespread representation in the recruitment of political appointees in terms of provinces and gender balance.

Important meeting for boat owners tomorrow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

RECENT findings of the Rhinoceros beetle on one of the islands of the Russell group has prompted the government and the palmoil taskforce to meet with canoe owners this week.

Last week the taskforce blew the horn on the finding in one of the islands.

In its report, the taskforce believes that since the island is too far for the insect to reach it by flying, it must have been brought there via canoe.

With this alarming news, the Bio-security Solomon Islands (BSI) is planning to meet with boat owners to discuss how they can cooperate to try to stop this from happening elsewhere.

The meeting with boat owners will be held at the Kairos Meeting room, Hyundai Mall tomorrow, March 27, at 12pm.

The meeting will discuss how boat owners can help in stopping the spread of the pest.

BSI is hoping to impart tips on how to locate and destroy stowaway insects on board their vessels.

This follows on how to ensure passengers too are not accidentally carrying beetles, BSI said.

“If effective voluntary methods cannot be agreed then BSI will have to consider imposing legal restrictions on what cargoes can be carried and perhaps imposing fines on boat owners who carry beetles, even accidentally.”

BSI advises all boat owners in Honiara or even from other provinces to attend this important meeting although they have not received an invitation.

“BSI welcomes canoe drivers to the meeting, and it is important that they too are aware of the responsibility they carry,” BSI said.

Localisation of business ownership is crucial

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Jeremiah Manele

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

TOTAL localisation of business ownership in the forestry and fishing sectors is crucial for the economic empowerment of Solomon Islands citizens said Member of Parliament Hon Jeremiah Manele.

Speaking during the Democratic Alliance Party’s (DAP) fundraising over the weekend, DAP’s Parliamentary Leader said this is one of the policies that he would like to highlight which from his view is very important.

“While I must admit it’s an ambitious policy to achieve in a short term. DAP believes that full and unreserved participation of our people in commerce and economic activities must go beyond the current participation rate,” said Manele.

“It must be the ultimate goal to ensure our people are not seen as mere bystanders but as active participants in a magnitude beyond what we are currently experiencing.”

As a party in the current SICC Government, DAP has infused some of their party policies into the current government policies as can be seen in the government policy statement.

According to Manele, there is need to strengthen the political parties of the country in order to achieve such ambitious goals and other important party policies.

“It is widely known that the current legislative framework the political parties are operating under is coming under pressure and necessitates the need for a thorough review of the framework,” said Manele.

“I understand there is work going on in this and we look forward for participating in the passage of any amendments to the current PPI act.

“As an immersing democracy, we still have the opportunity to conduct experimentation on what would work for us.

“And I must admit that this is not an easy task because we are dealing with the behaviour of our people who have different perceptions about our system of government.”

Man rubbishes house and solar projects

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

HOUSING, solar and other minor development projects national government is currently prioritising is not the pressing issues of need for the country.

A Malaitan, Mr Joe Naitoro made the statement saying the need of the country still remains to be realised by the national leaders.

He said the national government must know that before their programme on solar and housing began, people can afford those things by themselves.

“That shows people are capable to buy for iron-roofing for their houses, solar and other projects assisted by government or MPs.

“However, I should applaud that the inception of the projects had impacts on people, but fairly not economical.

“A real scenario was lot of constituents after receiving their iron-roofings, they never build a house because they luck money to build a house with those iron-roofings,” Naitoro said.

He said downplays the material help that national leaders are giving constituents, saying that the roofing irons will eventually corrode.

Naitoro said those give-outs are short term solutions.

“Thus, what I suggested the pressing need for the country is economical development.

“The national government or MPs should reprioritize their development strategy and set their focus on economical activities in the constituencies or provinces.

“Through their engagement with those developments they can build their own houses, buy their own solar or address other needs they had.

“So the pressing need of the country is not iron-roofing and solar, but projects that can look at generating income into their families,” he said.

Draft federal constitution nears completion

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Director of Constitutional Reform Unit, Philip Houlia
Director of Constitutional Reform Unit, Philip Houlia

THE process towards finalising the Solomon Islands Draft Federal Constitution is nearing completion.

The Constitutional Reform Unit (CRU) in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has been assigned to oversee the lengthy process of nationwide consultations together with the drafting process over the past 10 years.

Director of the Constitutional Reform Unit, Philip Houlia said legal and technical issues surrounding the draft have been addressed by the Government’s Draftsman and the edited document is now returned to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The remaining task now is for the Constitutional Congress and Eminent Advisory Council to endorse and hand over the document to the Prime Minister, who is also the Minister responsible for Constitutional Affairs sometime in May or June this year.

The Prime Minister will take the document to Caucus to be noted and endorsed by Cabinet with the possibility of tabling it in Parliament during the November 2018 Sitting.

Other minor tasks currently pursued by the CRU is to engage an international expert to carry out a Cost Benefit Evaluation of the two governing systems, which is the current Unitary System and the proposed Federal System of Government.

“Currently, an expert has been identified and work is being progressed to engage him. Once formalities are completed, he should start the work as soon as possible,” Mr Houlia said.

A nationwide promotion and awareness of the Draft Federal Constitution will also begin as soon as the 2018 budget is passed.

Key stakeholders in the process including the Constitutional Review Committee of Parliament, the Law Reform Commission, the national judiciary, provincial premiers and others will be informed during the process.

–GCU

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