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Perceptions hostile to political parties roles

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THERE are perceptions that are hostile to the important roles of political parties in politics and democracy, according to the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP).

DAP’s Parliamentary Wing Leader Hon Jeremiah Manele, during their political party’s fundraising over the weekend at the Yacht Club, raised two anti-political opinions not as a form of discouragement, but rather to put them on notice that there are issues with political parties that they as a party need to be mindful and reminded of.

In briefing some perceptions that are hostile to the important roles of political parties in politics and democracy, party corruption was one of the issues DAP’s Parliamentary Wing Leader pointed on.

“There is popular discourse in the public space that parties are often involved in corrupt dealings by taking bribes and support from powerful individuals and companies without due declaration,” said Mr Manele.

“This is often seen as an impediment to the ability of political parties to independently implement their political party agendas which in the end, it is often the elites that are benefiting more than the rest.

“In a survey carried out by Transparency International, the public around the world perceive political parties as the institution mostly affected by corruption. This was published by Transparency International (TI) to mark the UN International Anti-Corruption Day sometimes during the past.”

Manele added that similar argument often put forward along the same line is political parties foster contention turning their participants into unthinking followers rather than informing citizens.

“There are people out there who see this important political platform (DAP) in a negative manner,” reminded Manele.

Temotu province passes budget

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Assembly members with speaker and clerk after assembly meeting in Lata. Photo by Alan Agassi

TEMOTU province has passed its appropriation bill 2018/2019 on Wednesday last week.

The budget is however uncertain because the national government is yet to pass its budget.

Mover of the motion, Baddley Tau, ward member for Tikopia and Anuta, said he and his team will work hard in the achievement of what has been appropriated in the budget 2018/2019 in the coming financial year of the province. The financial year of all provincial governments is April to March the following year.

He said the preparation of the budget was challenging because normally the national government passes its budget before provinces prepare their budget.

This year is different because national government has not passed its budget and therefore normal revenue expected from service grant from the national government has not been confirmed.

“Adding to the challenge was the drastic reduction of PCDF support to provinces, which we heavily relay on for capital development in the province.”

“This coming financial year will see a total of 80 percent reduction of PCDF to all the provinces. Completion of capital projects already started in the province will be an issue let alone the new projects already appropriated for funding under the current budget.

“Because of these challenges, overall estimate appropriated for the province in the next financial year has been reduced by 13 percent, from 13 million in 2017/2018 to 12 million in 2018/2019.”

He further explained that funding of the budget for the first time will see local revenue contribute more than 50 percent of expected revenue in the province.

This he said will require hard work and commitment of all employees as well as local entrepreneurs.

MPAs will also be expected to identify revenue areas in each of their wards.

He said some areas the province has not collected in the past will now be pursued.

One of those areas is the passenger levy. All shipping services coming to the province will be expected to comply as provincial revenue collectors will be mobilised.

The province is calling on all private and semi-private organisations operating in the province to support the government and live up to their obligation and pay relevant revenue to the province.

Mr Tau thanked every member of Assembly for supporting the bill. Special thank you was accorded to administration staff for their hard work in making sure the appropriation bill 2018/2019 is made ready for the Assembly.

Assembly members with speaker and clerk after assembly meeting in Lata. Photo by Alan Agassi

–TEMOTU PROVINCE PRESS

SPO makes $132m profit in 2017

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SPO board chairman, Gideon Zoloveke.

By Mike Puia

THE South Pacific Oil (SPO) recorded a $132.9 million profit at the end of last year, a $16.8 million increase from 2016.

Chairman of the SPO board, Gideon Zoloveke, revealed this when announcing SPO’s historic dividend payout of $73 million to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) last Friday.

Zoloveke said the $132.9 million profit represents a 14.5 percent profit growth when compared to their 2016 operation.

Over the last 11 years, SPO paid a total dividend of $354.1 million to SINPF. The payment done last Friday increased the total dividend paid to SINPF to $427.1 million.

Zoloveke said SPO has been having a good year last year in terms of profit and volume growth.

He said operation costs have gone down and they have recorded a $3.4 million last year for interest rates and exchange rates gains.

In terms of volume, Zoloveke said, SPO sold over 105.8 million litres of fuel, an increase of 20 percent to 2016 volume.

He said when one considered the economic climate of the country in 2017; “this result is outstanding”.

SPO project further growth this year.

Ngati hits back at pro-vice chancellor

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Pro-Vice Chancellor (Corporate), Mr Donald Malasa (Left) and SINUSA President Mr Reginald Ngati.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

PRESIDENT of the SINU student association has hit back at the institution’s pro-vice chancellor (corporate) Mr Donald Malasa, saying that the current strike notice to have him (Mr Malasa) removed is based on his failure to address students’ welfare.

SINU student association (SINUSA) president Mr Reginald Ngati says Malasa has failed to address students’ welfare in his three years in office, something which Malasa has denied.

Malasa, instead says that the real reason behind the strike notice was his decision to render Ngati and his executive’s election null and void on October 31, 2017.

SINUSA executive and Student Council however insist that Ngati in his term as president has pushed for the students’ welfare, something which they say past student leaders have failed to do.

Malasa is being accused of failing to address matters pertaining to students; this includes the students’ hostel, improvement to kitchen facility, and improvement of diet.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Corporate), Mr Donald Malasa (Left) and SINUSA President Mr Reginald
Ngati.

Ngati says that one of the main reasons behind the strike notice is the dilapidated state of the students’ hostel, which he says poses risks to the students residing in them.

He said the hostel is running without clean and safe water, and that the hostels lack some basic amenities.

He also highlights the current diet, saying it is not healthy and is a direct threat to students’ health and wellbeing.

Ngati adds that another issue is facility for day scholars; internet laboratory for students, student safety and security at night and violation of discipline.

“SINU is a newly established University but has over the last 4 years failed to make providence of a student welfare office in both campuses Kukum and Panatina where photocopy and printing and other related services could be easily accessible.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor will meet with the students at the Panatina campus regarding the issue.

Students welcome the idea of meeting Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Basil Marasinghe, saying they have lot of queries to ask.

SI cracks the 25,000 international visitor mark

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

A watershed moment for the Solomon Islands tourism industry, the destination has surpassed the 25,000 international visitor mark for the first time since numbers were first recorded in 1990.

Figures released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) show a total of 25,709 international visitors travelled to the Solomon Islands in 2017, a 10.9 percent increase over the 23,192 recorded for 2016.

Australian visitor arrivals continue to dominate, the 10,161 number recorded accounting for 39.52 percent of all arrivals.

New Zealand (1694 arrivals/6.58 percent of total) and the USA (1622 arrivals/6.30 percent of total) came in respective second and third in terms of most important source markets with Fiji (1651 arrivals/6.26 percent of total) and Papua New Guinea (1487 arrivals/5.70 percent of total) in fourth and fifth position, respectively.

The biggest surprise came from mainland Chinese visitation, albeit off a small base which increased by 47.1 percent to reach 1215 (4.7 percent of total).

Acknowledging what he described as a “very hard worked for result”, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the destination still needs to maintain strong focus on growing the leisure market, currently sitting on around 35 percent of overall

“We know our weaknesses and we recognise our challenges and we use these as a strength in terms of our international PR activity and online platform utilisation,” Mr Tuamoto said.

“Our disruptive approach in 2018 will see a shift from our traditional base of wholesale to pursue with vigour the retail space – and we have already seen results of this in 2017 and we will look to enhance this in 2018.

“We are confident, with government and local industry support, this can readily be achieved.

“But we also need to see an increase in the country’s accommodation infrastructure, and particularly in Honiara where we see huge potential from the MICE sector and related business traffic.

“There is a recognised need for more resources and investment to tap into and grow this area of the business.”

New accommodation inventory in 2017 included the Coral Sea Resort & Casino in Honiara and Ginger Beach Resort a short drive from the capital.

Development of the extremely lucrative cruise sector remains a key focal area of the strategy and one which the Ministry of Culture & Tourism and the SIVB have aggressively developed in partnership with Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises.

–SIVB PRESS

Caution advised, trough lies south of SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

AN active trough lies over Solomon Islands and links to ex-tropical cyclone Iris located south of Rennell/Bellona province.

This was stated in Solomon Meteorological Service’s Heavy Warning Number issue which was made at 7pm yesterday.

People living in communities located near hill slopes, large rivers, streams and low lying areas are strongly advised to take safety measures to avoid danger, loss of lives and property as heavy rain can lead to flash floods and landslides.

Motorists are also advised to be extra cautious when travelling on the road and refrain from making any attempts to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

In addition, the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) also issued a Heavy Rain and Flooding What to Do Information Number Four yesterday 10.40am.

NEOC stated that heavy rain is likely to cause flooding in creeks, streams, major rivers and drainages and calls on people living in or close to the above areas to take safety actions seriously.

In the warning issued, NEOC advises that village leaders and families listen to their radio for emergency information, make sure that their neighbors and vulnerable people receive this advice and move to a safe location when required.

Also stated is that people in low lying areas take extra precaution measures thus when evacuated, should only take essential items like radio, mobile phones torch, food, water, torch, knife, important papers and medicine.

Storing drinking water in sealed water bottles in case water supply may be interrupted is also advised.

NEOC adds that children should not be allowed to play in the rain and in flood raising water or near drainage systems.

Further expressed is a call for motorists to take extra care when travelling in wet, slippery and flooded areas, ensure that lights are on when on the road and make sure that they drive at a speed not exceeding 40km per hour.

Mariners are also called to be extra careful when planning to travel out in the sea.

“Avoid travelling at all if you can. When going out in the sea, always inform someone of where about you are going and your expected time of travel. Take extra fuel, puddles, life-jackets, torch-light, spare batteries, water and some food when travelling,” said NEOC.

Snail scare in Rarumana

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Giant African snail

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

PEOPLE of Rarumana, western province, are concerned with the spread of the pest – giant African snail, on their island.

It is believed that the slugs were transported to the island on board machineries belonging to a logging company operating there.

The machines reportedly arrived on the island early last week.

Villagers on Rarumana spoken to, say they are surprised at how fast the snail is spreading from the logging camp in which it was first spotted to surrounding areas.

They are calling on responsible authorities for help in eradicating the pest from their island.

A Mr Junior from Rarumana Village told Island Sun Gizo yesterday, “Villagers fear over the spreading, especially our local farmers who feared the giant African snail because the snail is rated among the most invasive species in the world.

“We are calling on Gizo Bio-security Division to quickly addressing the presence of snails otherwise they will spread and damage our food gardens and crops.

“Community elders are now concern over the fear of spreading and we are all doubts what will happen next if the snails spread all over Rarumana Village.”

When contacted Gizo Bio-security Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Western province yesterday said they have received reports on the matter and are working on it.

TOL land holders given FTE title

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

THE Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) is in the process of converting temporary occupation licence (TOL) to fixed term estates (FTE).

The process is good news for TOL holders. Among other things, this process will give TOL holders the ability to secure loans from any commercial bank using the FTE title as security.

Appearing before the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week, MLHS’s Permanent Secretary, Stanley Wale confirmed this.

Mr Wale said so far their Ministry has converted about 300 TOL to FTE.

He said their Ministry is expected to deal with close to 3,000 TOL.

Wale said there are about 37 squatters or illegal settlements inside Honiara city boundary.

He said illegal squatting is a “big problem” the Ministry continues to face.

“Illegal squatter is all over Honiara,” Wale said.

The Land Board is the body within the Ministry that approves application for FTE.

The Commissioner of Lands, Nelson Naoapu, did not attend the PAC hearing because he was attending an important meeting that day.

Police make breakthrough at Koa Hill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

FOR the first time, leaders of Koa Hill community in Central Honiara have agreed to work closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

RSIPF’s Director of National Prevention Centre, Solomon Sisimia, said the community’s reaching out to them is historic.

Mr Sisimia said Koa Hill is one of the communities inside Honiara city the RSIPF has difficulty working in.

He said the desire expressed by leaders of the community to start a working relation with them is welcoming.

The relationship started after an incident in the community recently involving members of the RSIPF’s Police Response Team (PRT) and community youths.

When PRT officers entered the community and raided a home that was producing illegal spirit (kwaso), they were stoned by community youths. Two PRT members were injured as a result.

The incident leads to community leaders voluntarily coming out and asking the RSIPF to accept compensation for the action of their youths and to accept their wish to work closely with the police.

Their requests were granted. The first part of the request was done when leaders of the community presented traditional shell money to the injured officers and to their division.

For the second part of their request, community leaders have asked the RSIPF to produce a standard community by-law for their community.

A community leader, Charles Fakaia said having a set of law in their community will help them to maintain peace and order in their community.

Mr Fakaia said the incident is a turning point for their community as they don’t want to have any more issue with the police.

He said youths in their community are ones who bring problems to their community, yet elders and children are the ones affected.

In accepting the request to work in partnership with the community, Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Honiara City, Alfred Uiga, has provided a list carrying names of youths who were implicated during the incident to leaders of the community.

Mr Uiga said he trusts community leaders will hand those whose names are on the list given to them.

He said those implicated in the incident must come before the courts.

Uiga said if they failed police will continue to show up in their community and look for them and that the crimes they committed will get severe.

Allowances halved

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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All SIG-sponsored students’ stipends reduced by 50 percent in 2018

By Alfred Sasako

HUNDREDS of Government-sponsored students studying overseas will be the first victims of savage budget cuts being announced this week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Manasseh Sogavare is expected to hand down the 2018 National Budget when Parliament resumes later this morning after a week-long adjournment.

“Cuts of as much as fifty percent across the board in student allowances form large cuts being meted out to other government sectors,” sources told Island Sun over the weekend.

Students studying at AMA University in the Philippines will be the first to feel the pinch from the government’s razor gang. A 50 percent cut in their allowances will start next week, sources told Island Sun.

The number of students studying at AMA this year is not known.

Media reports said the Government spent $130 million to cover the scholarships of the 512 students studying at AMA last year.

Government-sponsored students studying in other tertiary institutions such as the Laucala Campus at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji, the Emalus Campus Law School in Vanuatu and similar institutions in the region will suffer the same fate.

Details of their cuts are being worked out, the sources said.

But it does not stop there, according to sources.

Government-sponsored students at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) as well as those studying at USP’s Solomon Islands Campus would also have their allowances slashed by half.

Up to 100 public servants undertaking in-service training locally would also be affected. They have been told that they may have to wait until June before they could collect their allowances.

Some say the Government has withdrawn a number of entitlements including rentals after they had signed their contracts with the government.

Students studying at SINU and USP Honiara Campuses are expected to meet later this week to consider the implications of the budget cuts on their studies.

The cuts are not confined to students’ welfare.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is facing a $33 million cut in its allocation this year. Permanent Secretary Tenneth Dalipada told the Public Accounts Committee last week the decrease in its development budget allocation would “exert considerable pressure on service delivery,” according to a report carried by the Solomon Islands’ Broadcasting Corporation last week.

Provincial governments have also cried foul after being told their provincial grants in the 2018 are being halved.

The cuts have forced the Western Provincial Government to threaten breakaway from the rest of the country.

Premier Wayne Maepioh told Island Sun last week his government and his people have reached “a point of no return” in the process of seeking a solution to manage their own affairs.

“You can’t keep cutting our grants and at the same time expect us to delivery services to the people,” Premier Maepio told Island Sun at the weekend.

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