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SUMITOMO PULLS OUT

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Giant mining company withdraws from race for Nickel in the country

SUMITOMO Metal Mining Solomon Limited, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd (“SMM”) has withdrawn its interest from the nickel exploration project in the country.

The giant mining company made the announcement on Wednesday 9th August 2017.

A statement to this paper stated that SMM will no longer carry on with the project that they started but remain indolent as a result of litigation processes the company faced over the past years.

The reason(s) behind their withdrawal is still not clear but according to the SMM, the decision was made as a result of comprehensive review as the company continues to face business circumstances.

“As the result of our comprehensive review of such business circumstances, the final judgment in the legal proceedings and other factors, SMMS concluded that it is difficult for SMMS to implement the project that SMMS had sought to realize by integrating SMMS’ Own Areas with the International Tender Areas, SMMS has decided to withdraw from Solomon Exploration Project,” the statement said.

The statement further says that SMMS will withdraw from all of its pending applications for mining leases regarding SMMS’ Own Areas and SMMS will cease operation of the company except for those remaining matters arising from the withdrawal.

“We acquired the prospecting license after we obtained the surface access rights from the landowners of the prospecting areas in Choiseul and Isabel, then conducted exploration activities, employ local and also initiate other programmes during the exploration, however all these activities will be put to rest,” the statement said.

SMMS started its acquisition of prospecting licenses and exploration activities in 2005 and completed the activities under prospecting license they acquired on Choiseul province and Isabel province.

In 2014 SMM applied for the mining leases in three areas as part of integrated project (“SMMS’ Own Areas”) but the applications were pendant due to legal proceeding.

SMMS brought legal proceedings against Axiom KB Limited (Axiom) and others regarding the international tender areas in Isabel province (International Tender Areas) because the rights that has been awarded to SMMS had been cancelled.

While waiting for the result of the court decision, SMMS engaged in CSR activities with emphasis on Community Support activities and implemented 5 measures, Clean-up Campaign, Kiko-Clay Stove (a handmade efficient smoke less cooking oven made of local natural materials), Composting, Garden Vegetable Farming, and Home Nutrition Workshop toward building a sustainable healthy families and communities.

The legal proceedings lasted six years until March 2017 and ended with neither SMMS nor Axiom being granted the rights over the International Tender Areas resulting in the nickel price to tumble with market forecast prediction continue to fall into harsh market conditions that lead to a significant change in Solomon Exploration Project.

Giving his last words, the Managing Director of SMM Solomon Limited Mr Yoritoshi Ochi expressed the company’s acknowledgement to the government, provincial government, landowners and individuals who have worked with SMM Solomon Limited.

“We are proud of having completed the exploration based on the Mines and Minerals Act in Solomon Islands.

“We would like to make the following statement of appreciation.

“We greatly appreciate to assistance and help of Solomon Islands Government, Hon. Prime Minister Sogavare and other PMs in the past, Ministers and officers of Ministry of Mines and Energy and Rural Electrification and other government organizations.

“We also give great thanks to premiers and the officers of the provincial government of Choiseul and Isabel.

“We are very grateful to the landowners in Isabel and Choiseul regarding our exploration activities and CSR activities and other related matters.

“We will continue the scholarship system for the students in the prospecting areas of Choiseul and Isabel next year in 2018 as we have since 2012,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr Ochi said SMM Solomon Limited will work in accordance with the Mines and Minerals Act and other related matters after this announcement.

 By Ben Bilua

SKYEYE AND TELEKOM PARTNER IN NEW TECHNOLOGY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SKYEYE (Left to Right) Don Ross, Neil Constantine (Gamma logistics) Christopher Saili and Gibson Satu (SKYEYE). Photo from SKYEYE.

SKYEYE Solomons Ltd (SSL) and Telekom have begun working together to help deliver a GPS vehicle and vessel tracking solution for the Solomon Islands.

Over spending on fuel, vehicle accidents and passenger safety aboard boats are some of the leading concerns for customers wanting to GPS track their vehicles or vessels.

Managing Director for SKYEYE Christopher Saili said, “Every year business and government vehicles around the Pacific waste an incredible amount of money on wasted fuel, we wanted to create a solution that could save our customers money and time.”

Working with Telekom has enabled the GPS tracking technology developed by SKYEYE to work in the Solomon Islands.

The technology requires the use of Telekom’s expansive network and a SIM card is placed in each GPS device to enable the location of the vessel or vehicle to be transmitted to the client’s phone or computer.

Customers such as Markwarth Oil, Tropic Glass Builders and Solbrew can now monitor the speeds of their vehicles as well as locations the vehicles or boats spent time at.

Managing Director of Gamma Logistics Neil Constantine recently had the SS Charisma installed with a vessel monitoring system and already has seen the benefits.

He said, “Having the SKYEYE system onboard the Charisma now allows me to view the location of the ship at any time providing it is in coverage, we carry passengers and cargo to Makira so safety of the passengers is a priority.”

“Without the help of Telekom SKYEYE would have to use expensive Satellite systems and would be too expensive for medium to smaller operators.

“Telekom’s network coverage across the Solomon Islands means that SKYEYE can deploy its solutions right across the provinces.”

SKYEYE not only deploys GPS tracking technology but also specialises in the use of drone technology or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).

SKYEYE has conducted over 100 individual flights in the Solomon Islands and its applications vary, says Managing Director Christopher Saili.

“Last year we concluded a project where we counted all the organic coconut trees in Samoa using drones, last week we flew drones for a farmer wanting to measure his land so it’s hard to say what drones are particularly used for as we keep finding new ways to use the technology.”

Christopher acknowledges that SKYEYE wouldn’t be able to develop its technology without the support of the local business community.

“GPPOL in particular were very supportive of our solutions and engaged us at a very early stage of setting up here in the Solomon Islands, this has allowed us to grow and provide employment opportunities for young Solomon Islanders to learn cutting edge technology.”

Through its partnership with Telekom SKYEYE hopes that it can inspire young Solomon Islanders to be excited about technology, its possibilities and understand that technology and innovation can be developed right here in the Solomon Islands.

–OUR TELEKOM PRESS

MORE FEMALE INTEREST IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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FEMALE empowerment in the music industry is rising in the Solomon Islands as reflected in the annual Solo Icon event this year.

The Solo Icon this year engaged 20 young female contestants out 16 male contestants from total of 36 who made to second stage of elimination round.

Two contestants are returning ones from last year with one a female and one male.

It seems that females interested in the music industry is rising in the Solomon Islands compared to previous ones, with the Solo Icon providing them with the avenue to unleash their potential singing talents.

The next show down is scheduled for Sunday 25 at the Art Gallery, and would be the second elimination round—kick starting with both the children and star school category before the Icon category.

Solo Icon Coordinator; Geoffrey Alacky said it is quite interesting to note that there are potential in every single person.

He said the showdown recently was a hilarious big bang with interesting contestants and looks promising that a lot of stars will emerge from this year’s round.

There are two-times contestants participating this year, and Mr Alacky said they have proven themselves by implementing the theory and principle, if you put an energy in one thing you want in life, you will acquire it, and that’s exactly what they have proven.

There are more than eight Schools who have already booked their placement for star school competition this Sunday.

Last year’s winner for star school is Marara,West Guadalcanal, and they are set to defend their title with stiff challenge.

NEW BIOCHEMISTRY ANALYSER FOR NRH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(L to R) Mr Ansa Wate - prinicipal Laboratory scientist, Mr Li Xianbo, - Engineer, Mr Alfred Dofai – Director Medical Laboratory, Mr Romson Nuake – Biochemistry staff.

The National Referral Hospital [NRH] Medical Laboratory has installed a new biochemistry analyser on 8th August by the factory engineer, Mr Li Xianbo.

The installation of the analyser is to replace the old one which was in use for more than 10 years, said Director of Medical Laboratory, Mr Alfred Dofai.

The new analyser is much more robust and can do up to 400 tests per hour compared to the old machine processing 300 tests per hour.

The biochemistry analyser is a machine that tests for kidney, liver, heart, sugar, gout and other body chemistries.

The NRH Chief Executive officer [Acting], Dr Rooney Jagilly, says he is pleased about its installation. With the current increase of life styles diseases in the country, the availability of the biochemistry analyser will enable diagnosis of diseases for immediate treatment, he said.

Dr Jagilly, wishes to acknowledge the MHMS Equipment Committee and government in availing funds to acquire the new equipment that will improve care and lives of Solomon Islanders.

The purchasing of the analyser was part of SIG government tender CTB48/2016 whereby Premier Biomedical Engineering Limited of NSW, Australia was the successful bidder.

Meanwhile, another one bench top analyser for Taro hospital was also installed. Both equipment was purchased at a cost of SBD$1.3m.

The NRH testing does around 100 specimens per day covering NRH, private clinics, as well as for other provinces. These analysers delivery was fast tracked by the Equipment Committee.

– NRH Press

Morrinsville resident hunkers down during police shoot out

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(RNZ) A Morrinsville resident has described hunkering down in his home, after hearing a volley of gunfire in the police shoot out less than 500 metres away, with the gunman still on the loose.

Police investigators at Kuranui Road today and the two cars involved in the incident.

Police investigators at Kuranui Road today and the two cars involved in the incident. Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang

An armed police cordon remains in place around part of Morrinsville after the gunman and the police exchanged shots.

Craig Burmester and his wife woke to the intense gunfire in the early hours of this morning.

He said he initially thought the shots were fireworks, until he noticed police lights, and later officers, running down Kuranui Road towards his property.

“There was a police car down the end of our road with its lights flashing, but of course being dark and really foggy, we couldn’t see what was happening and it was hard to make out where the [shots] was coming from.

“Then a little bit later we saw four figures running towards our house.”

He then rang police, thinking the people could have been offenders on the loose, but was told they were officers and to stay inside and turn all the lights off.

Craig Burmester said he and his wife woke to the intense gunfire in the early hours of the morning.

Craig Burmester said he and his wife woke to the intense gunfire in the early hours of the morning. Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang

They stayed, hunkered down, as a police helicopter circled above them.

He said the whole ordeal was unsettling.

“Deep down you think it’s gun fire, but you don’t want to know it’s gunfire. It’s pretty scary. You could hear two different gun sounds, and quite a few shots went off.”

Another Morrinsville resident said she thought about hiding in a cupboard to escape the gunman.

The woman, who doesn’t want to be named, lives about 300 metres away from where it happened with her husband and daughter.

She said she woke to the very loud gunshots and sirens.

“You try to be really rational and calm, you don’t want to assume the worst but obviously with lots of lights, sirens and choppers, you absolutely fear the worst,” she said.

She and her husband ended up staying up most of the night.

“A lot of the time that we were awake for those six hours we certainly contemplated hiding in the cupboard, or [saying] ‘which is the safest room in the house?’

“The police actually rang us at 2am to tell us that something happened and that we needed to stay inside with our lights off, and that’s what we did, because it’s very close, you could see it [the police car] from the playroom window.”

She said the police have been keeping in touch with updates and information about road closures.

That helped ease her concerns, but she hoped life would soon be able to return to normal.

“We’re just waiting until they find the person, and we can have our lives back and stop walking on eggshells and worrying.”

Gunman still at large

The incident began, shortly after midnight when the gunman, who was speeding with two passengers in a red Holden Commodore, failed to stop for police on Avenue Road.

After an officer gave chase the offender pulled over on Kuranui Road and fired at the officer using a military-style semi-automatic weapon.

Police reinforcements arrived as the officer took shelter, and a gunfight ensued.

Police want to hear from anyone with information about this 2015 Holden Commodore registration 1AZIF1.

Police want to hear from anyone with information about this 2015 Holden Commodore registration 1AZIF1. Photo: NZ Police

Nobody was injured in the shootout, and the three officers were rescued by Armed Offenders Squad members shortly afterwards.

The police have spoken to two of the people in the car: a man and a woman, aged between 25 and 30.

However the gunman remains at large.

Waikato’s district commander Bruce Bird said a 30-strong team was looking for the man, and he asked anyone who had any connection to a red Holden Commodore with the licence place 1AZIF1 to get in touch.

Mr Bird said it was a surreal situation.

“This is quite frightening. It’s an attack of an intensity on a police officer that I have not come across in 40 years of my service.

“I think everybody should be vigilant – we just don’t know what the mindset of this particular offender is.”

Officers will now comb Morrinsville and surrounding areas for information about the offender.

Bruce Bird said anyone with any helpful information should get in touch with the police immediately.

SI GOV’T OFFICIALS ATTEND PRE-FORUM LEADERS MEETING

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chairman of the Public Service Commission says that they are yet to appoint an Auditor General

A high-level delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Milner Tozaka, attended a series of Pre-Forum leaders meetings at the Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, last week.

The Pacific ACP (PACP) Officials Meetings met on August 7, which was followed by the Forum Officials Committee (FOC) Meeting from August 8-10, culminating with the Forum Foreign Ministers Meetings (FFMM) on August 11.

These are all preparatory meetings for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit scheduled to take place in Apia, Samoa on the September 4-8, 2017.

The officials meeting discussed a wide range of issues, ranging from the EU-Pacific Partnership programs, to Regional Programs, the strengthening of regionalism and the role of Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in this context.

A number of issues were recommended for endorsement, considerations and recommendations by Forum leaders in Apia this September.

Notable issues raised at the series of meetings include the RAMSI experience in Solomon Islands, Pacific Regionalism and Financing Options, Fisheries and Oceans agenda, Climate Change related matters, enhanced EU-PACP collaboration as well as the EU/ACP Post – Cotonou Agenda.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade returned to Honiara over the weekend while the Hon. Minister and the Permanent Secretary Mr. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) will be joining the Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, on his State visit to Australia next this week.

-Gov’t Communication Unit

Police raid and uproot garden marijuana

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A joint operation between RSIPF Honiara City and Guadalcanal Province uprooted and confiscated about 3,000 marijuana plants on Saturday 12 August 2017.

Police uprooted two gardens in two different locations. One location at Mbarande and the other at Mbalesuna, East Guadalcanal.

During the raid, the joint operation apprehended an alleged suspect for farming the illegal and dangerous plant. Currently the suspect was under police custody waiting for further investigations.

Inspector William Foufaka, Joint Operation team leader says, chiefs and community elders are very pleased with this police operation and they appeal to police to do more raids and uproot marijuana around Guadalcanal plains.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Guadalcanal Province Mr Nixon Manetoga acknowledged community working together with police to which resulted in the successful operation to remove these dangerous plants.

“We work together to remove these dangerous plants from our communities to make our communities a safe place,” PPC Manetoga said.

PPC Manetoga appeals to the local communities to contact police and report any similar activities happening in our communities so that police can remove them.

Mr Manetoga commends officers involved in the joint operation for the well done job and more especially with assistance from Honiara City police.

-RSIPF Media

TOZAKA CALLS FOR EXTRA EFFORTS AHEAD OF POST COTONOU NEGOTIATIONS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chairman of the Public Service Commission says that they are yet to appoint an Auditor General

Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Milner has called on the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to beef up efforts in preparatory work and facilitating collective efforts in the lead up to the Post- Cotonou negotiations.

The Cotonou Partnership Agreement provides the bases for the EU – ACP Partnership, and was signed in June 2000 at Cotonou, Benin. However, this agreement will expire in 2020, with a successor partnership agreement expected to take its place after its expiration.

The EU-ACP Partnership has contributed to a number of developmental programs amongst its ACP partners.  Ranging from Development Financing, to Trade Agreements like the EPAs, Climate Change Programs, as well as, the European Development Fund programs (EDF).

In fact, the Pacific Island States are recipients of substantive EU development support under this agreement. Solomon Islands recently signed the EU and SIG National Indicative Program Agreement of approximately SBD $ 360 Million dollars in 2015 under such framework.

At the PACP Foreign Ministers Caucus Meeting in Fiji last week, Honourable Tozaka stressed the importance of the process leading up to the Post – Cotonou negotiations, and the need for the Forum Secretariat to take an active part in the preparatory phase.

In respect of the Three Pillars of the Cotonou Agreement, there is a need for our negotiators to highlight our region’s priorities within these areas.

He also highlighted the need for a combined effort by the Forum Secretariat and Pacific Ambassadors in Brussels to collaborate in the process of negotiations.Minister Tozaka noted that as a group, the Pacific has been a quiet partner in the ACP group. Therefore, underlining the importance of the Pacific front to be strengthened and our priorities is made clear by appointed negotiators for the Post – Cotonou process.

Negotiators for the Post – Cotonou agenda are expected to be appointed in 2018, with negotiators representing the three regions of the ACP, expected to begin consultations with the EU by then.

The Post – Cotonou Agenda is one of the agendas to be discussed by Pacific Leaders in Samoa during the PACP Leaders retreat, with a representative from the EU expected to attend the Leaders’ Summit as well.

HISTORIC HONIARA TEST MATCH ANNOUNCED

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Solomon Islands will host its first ever Rugby League Test Match when they host Vanuatu in the capital Honiara on Saturday October 21. The match will be the third Test between the Melanesian neighbours in what is turning into a fierce on-field rivalry.

The Solomon Islands will be looking for their first victory after Vanuatu has scored two late come from behind victories in their 2013 encounter in Mackay (Australia) and most recent 24-15 defeat in Port Vila (Vanuatu) in 2016.

Solomon Islands Rugby League President Jerry Tengemoana commented “We’re very pleased to be hosting the Vanuatu Rugby League after they hosted us so well last year.

We appreciate Vanuatu agreeing to come to the Solomon Islands so we can showcase Test Match rugby league to the people of Solomon Islands.

Following participating in the 2015 Pacific Games and Test Match against Vanuatu last year, this will continue the momentum of the game both internationally and raise the profile significantly domestically.”

The game will be played in the lead up to Rugby League’s showcase event the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The World Cup will feature the top 14 teams in the world beginning on 28th October in Melbourne (Australia) and concluding with the final on 2nd December in Brisbane (Australia). Vanuatu is currently ranked 37th in the world and Solomon Islands ranked 40th in the latest world rankings.

Vanuatu Rugby League President Tom Carlo added “Part of our agreement with the Solomon Islands Rugby League in hosting them in 2016 was a reciprocal arrangement in 2017 for a return game in Honiara.

Four of our previous five Test Matches have been played in Vanuatu as we’ve made a commitment and investment to promote the game locally, which the Solomon Island Rugby League also have and we’re more than happy to help them in this endeavour.

We look forward to their hospitality in October.”

2018 will potentially be a big year for both nations.

The Rugby League International Federation has recently confirmed two events that are open to both the Vanuatu Rugby League and Solomon Islands Rugby League.

There will be a Rugby League Commonwealth Nines Championships (U/23’s) featuring up to 10 teams in February in Brisbane (Australia) and a Rugby League Emerging Nations World Championships in October/November in Sydney (Australia).

Both Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have been offered entry into the Emerging Nations World Championships but the Commonwealth Nines Championships will be subject to a selection criteria dependent on the number of applications.

Both the Vanuatu Rugby League and Solomon Islands Rugby League are seeking sponsors for their respective teams and event.

HEAD COACH PLEASED

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SI-Vanuatu friendly next week

THE senior men’s soccer has kicked off their preparations for their Oceania, 2018 World Cup qualifiers match against New Zealand with a 3-1 over the Solomon Cup All Stars team yesterday.

Goals from Henry Fa’arodo, Micah Lea’alafa and Gagame Feni saw the national side defeating the All Stars, after Clement Baegeni pulled a goal back for the All Stars in the second half.

Solomon Islands national football coach Felipe Vega Arango- Alonso said he was pleased with the result and performance yesterday, as they wait to take on the Vanuatu national team in a second friendly match next week at Lawson Tama.

“Some areas needs little work but it’s a good result for the team. It was an entertaining match, for us, the players and the fans. Everyone was entertained so yes I’m pleased,” he said.

Mr Alonso said he was also happy with the performance of the Solomon Cup All Stars players who were selected for the national teams’ training squad.

“I’m happy with how they did things and they are happy they are part of the national team. Martin Rence, Andrew Raragia did a good job, Clement Baegeni and Kennedy Watemae were also brilliant.

“I would have liked to play against Clifton Aumae today because I like his game style. But I thought the selected provincial and the players from the national squad performed brilliantly despite undergoing hard training on Monday,” he said.

With Benjamin Totori still in New Zealand and the prospect of him not available for the Vanuatu friendly, Felipe said he is happy with the striking option available for him and will use the friendly to prepare Watemae and Baegeni for the World Cup qualifiers match against New Zealand.

“I want to win always and I’m happy because I will have the players who did not play with us today (yesterday) for the friendly match against Vanuatu next week.

“Totori is currently playing in New Zealand and might not be available to play next week. However, I’m happy with the options upfront for our second friendly match with the likes of Baegeni and Watemae.

“New Zealand plays at a different level so I might start with a different 11 against them in September but at least I can have these players with me. Hopefully we can take some of them with the team to play New Zealand,” Coach Alonso said.

Solomon Islands will take on New Zealand on September at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland for the first match and then will meet them on September 5 at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.

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