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Aipia and cohort’s case in court today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DR Reginald Aipia and his American business consultant will again appear in court today.

Dr Aipia is facing charges of engaging in commercial aquaculture without valid licence and prohibition of catches and retains of beche-de-mer, and his co-accused Erik W Hagberg is facing a charge of engaging in a commercial aquaculture without valid licence.

The two already pleaded not guilty to the charges on the previous occasion.

Prosecution alleged that the two have been involving in an illegal beche-der-mer farming at the Ontong Java atolls, Malaita Outer Islands.

This is in relation to the activities done in July and August this year at Luaniua Island.

Prosecution said the two were alleged of breaching the Fisheries Act and regulations and an investigation was carried out by Fisheries and police which resulted in them being charged.

Prosecution alleged the two began constructing beche-de-mer farms in the month of July, 2017 without having a valid licence.

It was alleged that Aipia and his party began harvesting beche-der-mer on July 10, 2017 in the Lord Howe atolls.

The Luapel House of Chiefs and their MP on July 12, 2017, allegedly made a letter to the Minister of Fisheries & Marine Resources.

The letter contained a report of illegal harvesting and farming of beche-der-mer by Apia and Hagberg.

Apia is the founder and president of the Ontong Java Development Company while Hagberg works as a consultant for the company.

According to the allegation, Hagberg, from the United States of America, worked with Apia in constructing the farms.

He started working during the initial stages of the construction of the farms up till their completion and is said to be responsible for making the beche-der-mer reproduce.

Hagberg was also responsible for managing, advising and setting up the farms.

The duo were arrested and charged after a joint taskforce comprising police and fisheries officers went to Ontong Java on September 10, 2017 and discovered five farms of beche-der-mer.

The five farms are located on the islands of Kepae, Koromai, Keukua, Kelomo and Henuai.

Mr Bitibule Kaehuna of Rano & Company law firm is representing Dr Aipia and Nuatali Tongarutu represents Mr Hagberg.

SICCI Business Excellence Awards 2017

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR Editor,

Quoting the SIBC news last night, 6 November 2017, businesses large and small, including those tech-focused and those agriculturally based, were recognized at the recent Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 4th annual Business Excellence Awards.

“Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands received the Bred Bank Business Contribution to the Community Award and the Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Award.

“After accepting the Prime Minister’s award, KPSI Managing Director Bob Pollard highlighted the contribution of rural families to the company’s operations.

“We receive the award on behalf all our hardworking families that are living in different parts of some of the far corners of the country who don’t enjoy some of the privileges of Honiara life,” he said. “This is really their award.”

“KPSI aims to improve village livelihoods through the production of virgin coconut oil and other coconut products. Local workers collect the coconuts, and the company’s invention of Direct Micro Expelling technology to extract the oil allows the process to take place on a small scale in local communities.

“Mr. Pollard said the Prime Minister’s award will bring the company recognition as it continues to expand.

“Our big challenge in the future if we’re going to scale is just to be able to sell overseas, and so there’s a lot of work to be done to be able to do that,” he said.

“QBE Insurance was the runner-up for the Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Award.

“Other winners included Mathias Loji, managing director of the Island Sun, as Entrepreneur of the Year; Pacific Tenders as New Business of the Year; and Solagro as the Strongim Bisnis Agribusiness of the Year. GPPOL was named Large Business of the Year, and Tower Insurance took the award for Small Business of the Year. Kramer Ausenco received the Innovation & Technology Award.

“In his speech, during the Award Ceremony, the SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Meone, described the private sector as a beacon of hope as well as an engine of growth.

“He talked about the need for the business community and all other levels of society to work together to advance the nation.

“In order to face our challenges and work towards a better Solomon Islands, we must be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn,” Mr. Meone said. “We must show leadership and demand leadership. Knowing that things could be worse should not stop using from striving to make them better.”

 Congratulations to all the award winners.

 Yours sincerely

 Frank Short

Graduation of Cuban and Fiji trained medical doctors

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor,

THE National Referral Hospital (NRH) last Friday, 3 November 2017, held a graduation ceremony for 26 new medical doctors who are soon to begin their work as registrars.

News of the graduation was given in an article in the Solomon Star newspaper, from which I quote:

“Nineteen of the group began their journey to become doctors in 2008, when they went to Cuba to study medicine for seven years. Since arriving home in 2014, they have spent a further three years – including a bridging year – as interns increasing their knowledge and learning clinical skills to meet the particular health needs of the Solomon Islands.

“The other seven graduates studied in Fiji, and began their internship at the NRH in 2015.

“All medical graduates , whether trained in the Pacific Region or outside it ( except University of PNG graduates), are required to do an intern training program in the Solomon Islands before they are fully registered by the Solomon Islands Medical & Dental Board to practice medicine in Solomon Islands.

“All interns undertook a 14-week rotation each in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Paediatrics, while they learned the required skills and professional practices. Shorter rotations were spent in Orthopaedics, Anaesthetics, Ophthalmology, Medical Imaging, Emergency Medicine as well as a placement in a rural or regional healthcare facility.

“With these skills, the new registrars are set to begin their careers working as medical officers in provincial hospitals and health clinics, or to undertake further study to become consultants in specialist areas, such as Paediatrics or Surgery.

“The Chief Executive Officer of the NRH, Dr Steve Aumanu, said:

“The large numbers of trainees has placed significant pressure on the National Referral Hospital, mainly through the limited number of supervisors available to support the interns. However, the variety and number of patients makes the NRH an ideal training facility for junior doctors.”

I am sure we all wish these newly trained doctors much success in their chosen profession and thank them for their decision to help aid and comfort the sick.
 Yours sincerely
 Frank Short

Taiwan increases scholarships for SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
President Tsai Ing-wen

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE Republic of China (Taiwan) President has declared an increase of 18 vacancies for its six Pacific ally-countries, including Solomon Islands, in its scholarship programme.

President Tsai Ing-wen announced this in parliament last week during her state visit.

“Starting from next year we will be increasing 18 vacancies for our six pacific allies’ countries in the scholarship programme.”

She encourages young people from Solomon Islands wishing to study medicine and other professions to apply.

“We also include Solomon Islands National University in our list of partner for another scholarship programme co-funded with the Pacific Island Forum.

“Taiwan will extend and continue support young people of Solomon Islands and other pacific island nation for realising their full potential to higher education.

“We look forward to the day when these inspirational young people contribute to professional expertise through regional sustainable development goal.”

Meanwhile, President Tsai adds as part of its support, the Taiwanese government will install solar lighting facilities at the SINU campus, saying ‘this will serve as an example of our nations’ joint endeavour to fight against climate change’.

Who voted ‘for’ and ‘against’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BEN BILUA

TWENTY-seven members of Parliament have voted to remove Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during yesterday’s no-confidence motion while 23 voted against.

Under standing orders of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament went around the house to seek leaders’ votes on the motion.

Here are the result of the vote:

Voting for the motion: Hon Steve Abana, Heinz Horst Bodo Dettke, Douglas Ete, Alfred Ghiro, Sam Iduri, Martin Kealoe, Christopher Laore, Jimmy Lusibaea, Manasseh Maelanga, Samson Maneka, Jeremiah Manele, Derick Manuari, Elijah Doro Doromuala, David Day Pacha, Danny Phillip, Alex Qora, Snyder Rini, Connelly Sadakabatu, Charles Sigoto, Derick Sikua, Culwick Togamana, Peter Tom, Rick Hou, Namson Tran, Matthew Wale and David Tome.

Voting against the motion: Hon Peter Shanel, Ishmael Avui, Jackson Fiulaua, Moses Garu, Nestor Ghiro, Tautai Kaitu’u, Duddley Kopu, John Dean Kuku, Augustine Auga, John Maneniaru, Andrew Manepora’a, Samuel Manetoali, William Marau, Commins Mewa, Dickson Mua, Bartholomew Parapolo, Stanley Sofu, Manasseh Sogavare, Freda Tuki, Jimson Tanangada, Silas Tausinga, Milner Tozaka and Bradley Tovosia.

Sogavare now caretaker prime minister

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY BEN BILUA

THE Opposition parliamentary group has won the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is now the care taker prime minister of the country.

Vote on the motion received 27-23 in favour of Opposition after a hard fought debate between the two sides in parliament yesterday.

Mover of the Motion, Member of Parliament of North East Guadalcanal and Leader of Independent Group, Derek Sikua, said the mass resignation of members of parliament from the government that led to the motion demonstrates leaders’ lack of confidence on the leadership style adopted by the government.

Sikua outlined that inconsistency in government’s priority on national development, employment of Sogavare’s close friends to take up top jobs in the government with hefty salaries, lack of consultation with ministers prior to sacking and reshuffling of ministerial portfolios, ignoring advice from fellow ministers and his leadership style are some of the reasons that led to the staging of the motion.

Sikua told Parliament that the motion demonstrated democracy given the numerical strength has shifted to the opposition group.

He said the Democratic Coalition for Change Government has failed to achieve its national development programmes describing the failure as negligence of Government development priorities.

“Most of us are felt uncomfortable on the leadership precedency that has been demonstrated by the government,” Sikua said.

He said Solomon Islands needs good leaders who lead by good example and role models to represent national interests and the betterment of the country.

Sikua adds, Opposition has committed themselves to form a recognised position as a potential government.

“Each of us concerned MPs sitting in this side of the house are not taking this decision and cause of action out from proper consideration and reflection on what has happened to our country over the last three years under the leadership of the current (caretaker) Prime Minister,” he said.

Sikua emphasised that the interest of the people of Solomon Islands must be prioritised with fair consideration in the political arena.

He said the Opposition Parliament Group is not opposing the Anti-Corruption Bill but will throw their full support when the bill is tabled in parliament.

Countering the flood of accusations from Opposition, Member of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka said there is nothing wrong with government policies.

He also told parliament that nothing is wrong with the government work programme and document.

Shanel stressed that all matters mentioned by the Opposition group are administration matters that should have been dealt with by Cabinet and Caucus.

He stressed that the ongoing political issues will do nothing positive for the country but hold the country at ransom.

Police appeal for calm during current political situation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley

THE Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to the members of the public especially in Honiara, to remain calm as the country’s national politicians vote on a new government according to the National Constitution.

“Let me make it clear that the RSIPF takes no side in the politics of this country. The Police are independent of politics. Police serve the people of this nation and uphold the law at all times,” says Commissioner of Police, Matthew Varley.

“Polis blo iu (Your Police) has been deployed in and around Honiara city to ensure the rule of law is observed and no one takes the law into their own hands.

Solomon Islands is a democratic country and the democratic processes must be allowed to take their course in the country.

“Freedom of speech, which is the corner stone of any democracy, must be exercised with a greater responsibility during these times.

“The RSIPF appeals to anyone who may have any information about groups or individuals who might be planning to carry out any illegal activities to take advantage of the current political situation to contact the police on the emergency toll free phone 999,” says Commissioner Varley.”

The Police will deal sternly with anyone who might be planning to disturb law and order in the coming days.

–POLICE MEDIA

Parliament to resume after new PM is elected

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Solomon Islands National Parliament

BY JARED KOLI

LOBBYING for a new prime minister has already started as Speaker of Parliament Ajilon Nasiu adjourned Parliament after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was voted out in a no-confidence motion yesterday.

Concluding a whole day of very intense debate on the no-confidence motion yesterday, Speaker Mr Nasiu said the Parliament will resume the day after a new prime minister is chosen.

The Speaker said based on the constitution, Sogavare will continue to exercise his normal duty as PM until a new prime minister is found.

It is anticipated that candidates for the post of Prime Minister by both the Opposition and the Government will be known in the coming days.

Both are expected to inform Government House shortly after they identified their candidate for the post of Prime Minister.

According to schedule two of the constitution, anyone can be a candidate as long as they are nominated.

The Governor General will then call for Parliament to be reconvened for the purpose of electing a new Prime Minister.

UDP blamed for Skyline and Nazar mess

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

OUSTED Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, has blasted his accusers yesterday, revealing the United Democratic Party (UDP) as behind the recent Skyline and Nasser investment controversy.

Skyline and Nazar are the epitome of DCCG’s failed investment policies and undertakings.

The Skyline group of companies had claimed to be a Chinese-based brand which was interested in expanding in the South Pacific, and had proposed rehabilitating the Honiara international airport and the road from the airport to Honiara city.

The now-deposed Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) had entered an MOU with Skyline over a proposed 5,000 affordable homes in Honiara in 2015.

Likewise, the Nazar group of companies had lured the DCCG into an MOU in 2015 with the promise of a new Kilu’ufi hospital, five star hotel, housing estate, poultry farming, feed production and value added poultry products, mini cannery in Tatamba and Tulagi and value-added fresh and dried fruit processing.

However, these two deals turned out to be a farce which has left an endless cycle of blame-game.

Caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, while replying to the Motion of No Confidence yesterday, put to rest public confusion when he said the two investors had been introduced to the DCCG by the highly paid political appointees of the UDP.

The deal, he said, had led to government spending money in the form of incentives.

Meanwhile, winding up the motion, Member of Parliament (MP) for North East Guadalcanal, Dr Derek Sikua, rebuffed Sogavare’s revelations, indicating that the three individuals, who he claims had brought in Skyline, were not UDP affiliated political appointees.

He furthers that Sogavare had benefited from the ‘deals’, listing – paid medical expense for his wife, allowance during the 2015 UNGA, and the renting of his house.

Sogavare interrupted Sikua with a ‘point of order’, preventing Sikua from continuing with his lists of alleged benefits belonging to Sogavare.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday in parliament, a local political analyst stresses the importance of Sogavare’s revelations, saying, “It is not news, for it has been echoing in the corridors of the government offices. However, the significant thing is hearing a public declaration from the horse’s mouth that the UDP was behind these failed investments.”

The analyst adds it is an interesting turn of events to note that UDP, which held the majority of MPs in the DCCG then, had a hand in the Nazar-Skyline mess.

I walk out a proud person: Sogavare

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BEN BILUA

THE caretaker prime minister says he walks out from the government and as the Prime Minister of the country a proud man.

Speaking during the no-confidence motion in Parliament, the now caretaker prime minister Manasseh Sogavare told parliament that he walks out with his head up because he has done nothing wrong against the government and people Solomon Islands.

“My only mistake is to stand up against corrupt leaders and the vote will continue to entertain corruption.

“I’ve been down this road before with these very men and interestingly these leaders never changed.

“The leaders are the same opportunist who would not have a second thought, jumping on opportunities without caution of their integrity on the line visioning gaining power as the ultimate outcome,” he said.

Sogavare stressed that the reasons that led to the motion are bordered on deliberate lies and misinformation to assassinate the character of the Prime Minister.

He said the motive behind the motion is quite clear and that is for political gain.

“I find it very difficult the reason given by the Leader of Independent, it’s nothing to do with national interest judging by the points he listed.

“We are disappointed that reasons tendered by the opposition are not convincing to support a motion like this.

“Some of the reason are the same reason submitted for the motion in 2007 camouflaged with personal grazes, pretence of good governance and power hunger.”

He said most issues raised by the Leader of Independent are collectively failures of all national leaders and not the Prime Minister’s alone.

Sogavare told parliament that there is nothing wrong with the notion of appointing an aspiring Prime Minister but the manner, timing and other circumstances surrounding the motion questioned the integrity of leaders who are pursuing agenda.

He said he is disappointed that some leaders have allowed themselves to be used as easy prey by the leadership of the group that left the government.

Sogavare strongly emphasised that decision made and reasons in the cost of the motion fall short of the Parliament understanding to vote for the motion.

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