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PROVINCIAL GOV’T NEED BOOST

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PREMIER of Guadalcanal Province says provincial governments need more support to perform up to the required standard.

Premier Anthony Veke said all the premiers are planning to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss pressing issues facing the provincial governments, especially manpower which is critically affecting the provinces’ performances.

He announced that the recent premiers’ conference had suggested for Cabinet to increase grants to a reasonable level that would allow provinces to directly recruit specialists, whose capacities can be expanded through the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme (PGSP) phase 2.

Premier Veke furthers that the premiers are also determined to see that the funds are included in the 2018 national budget.

Speaking during the Guadalcanal Province Second Appointed day on Tuesday, Premier Anthony Veke said provincial governments continue to face impediments to progress, especially in areas of human resources.

He said each province continues to face this issue; with many still needing required staffing and service delivery from authorities.

Premier Veke said in order for provinces to meet minimum conditions and performance measures, they need skilled officers.

He said this leads to the outstanding issue of recruitment of skilled officers to assist the provinces.

Premier Veke stressed that the current recruitment system takes years to provide one officer, and that in most cases, these new recruits are often not interested in reform.

“Guadalcanal Province’s performance this year has been affected as there is no staff that can deliver service required.

“I believe this issue also affect other provinces,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare said the government is still waiting for the joint resolution made by the premiers.

He agrees that provincial governments are agents of the national government and that they have all the right to bring up issues to the national government for deliberation.

“The way we are structured under the principle agent relationship, the provincial government delivers essential services on behalf of the national government.

“It is appropriate that the provincial government and provincial government to discuss issues such as national capacity building and the importance of making provinces effectively deliver services on behalf of the people,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.

He reiterated that his office is still waiting for the documents.

SHOCK AND DISGRACE

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Parliamentary Opposition Leader Honourable Jeremiah Manele has described Government MPs lack of commitment in attending Parliament as ‘shocking and disgraceful’.

In a statement yesterday, the Opposition Leader said it was inexcusable for Government MPs not to attend Parliament especially to support the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035 Report; a motion moved by the Minister of Planning & Aid Coordination for Parliament to consider the NDS.

On Monday this week, Parliament was unable to continue with its business in the afternoon because there was no quorum.

“The government has an absolute majority of more than 35 MPs, therefore, quorum should never be an issue at all,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said the disgraceful arrogance by Government MPs only show their lack of commitment and ownership of the NDS and also other matters of national interest.

“MPs are elected by the people to represent them in Parliament and this should be their paramount responsibility,” Mr Manele said.

Two ministers who were supposed to answer questions from the Opposition in Parliament on Monday were also not present.

The ministers are Mines Minister David Dei Pacha and the Health Minister Dr Tautai Agikimua Kaitu’u who arrived late.

“This kind of attitude is unacceptable and it only shows our lack of commitment especially to our people,” Mr Manele said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader has also called on the Prime Minister to take control in making sure ministers and backbenchers attend Parliament.

Mr Manele said the Prime Minister should also restrict his ministers and even back benchers from travelling overseas while Parliament is in session.

“The Prime Minister must take a tough stand. This kind of attitude is unacceptable as the people expect more from the Government,” he said.

FIREARMS SILENT

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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TWO Solomon Islands Patrol boats in hot pursuit of wooden Vietnamese vessels allegedly fishing illegally in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) could not fire upon the foreign boats because there was no permission from Australia, it has emerged.

The incident which occurred off Rennell, Renbel Province, a week ago yesterday highlighted the risks faced by our sailors in doing their work.

Members of the rapid response group (RRG) who were deployed on the Patrol Boats for the operation had to resort to firing teargas after one of the patrol boats resorted to ramming one of the wooden vessels in the chase, disabling it, sources close to the operations a week ago yesterday, said.

“Members of RAMSI were on board the two patrol boats with arms but they could not use them as there was no permission from Canberra,” sources familiar with the operations said.

“That was when the Captain of one of the patrol boats decided to ram one of the wooden vessels as a last resort as there was nothing else to do. They had to use teargas, but the crew of the fishing vessels simply locked up their windows so no one was affected,” one source said.

“That decision to ram one of the fishing vessels stopped three of them but the fourth one managed to escape. These fishing vessels just wouldn’t stop despite verbal warnings from the crew of our patrol boats. It was a frightening experience for the crew of our patrol boats because these foreign fishing boats could be armed,” the source said.

The disabled fishing vessel is said to be listing at the Mbokona Patrol Boat Base in Honiara. Its crew along with crew members of the other two boats are awaiting court appearance in Honiara.

In the past, our patrol boats would shoot across the bows of fishing boats found fishing illegally in our waters.

The sources said the incident highlighted the risks faced by Members of the Patrol Boat Squadron.

“It’s something that the government needs to address as a matter of urgency,” the source said.

RENBEL DEMANDS OWNERSHIP OF DETAINED VESSELS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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RENBEL province’s Premier calls on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Fisheries to hand over the detained Vietnamese fishing vessels to the victimised province.

Also, the detained marine products found in their storage must be yielded to the Renbel province.

Premier Collin Singamoana says a strong message must be sent to poachers that the consequence to stealing marine resources from the Indispensable Reef does not only mean spending a few weeks in detention and monetary penalty. It should also mean losing the ship, he says.

“To give an insight on the grievances of the Renbel people regarding these poaching activities, if we had the means of monitoring the reef and it had been us who had found the boats, we would have burnt the boats and their crews along with them – that’s how bitter we are over this.”

He also understands that this is an international issue, but reminds the government that his province is also a focal point of the issue, and that the Renbel province should be considered on the national front.

“Renbel has been suffering poaching of its marine resources at the indispensable reef for many years, decades. Some poachers have been successfully captured, while many have eluded being caught by the patrol boats.

“However, in all cases of detained boats from the reef, the poachers have been allowed to escape scot-free with their vessels, paying only measly fines.

“This must stop, and the Renbel province demands that the detained vessels be handed over to the province to take ownership of, plus the marine products in their cargo hold.”

Premier Singamoana insists that the national government must not continue overlooking Renbel province on matters that involve its natural resources.

He encourages the national government to deal with the issue on the international front, but address it amicably on the national front; one in which is to give the boats to the Renbel people to compensate for their loss.

“Most times the national government ignored the Renbel province when dealing with caught poachers; and this ignorance is offensive, since we see it as our resource. This must stop. Starting from this incident, the national government must consider the Renbel province.”

Meanwhile, Hon Singamoana reinforces the call on the national government to uphold its marine Acts and legislations and not be seen as weak and fall for diplomatic appeasement decisions.

“The poachers have relinquished their rights to everything the moment they decided to illegally enter and steal resources from Solomon Waters, and Solomon Islands must follow harsh examples set by Palau.

“It would be dumbfounding if we hear that the government releases the boats in the future. It will be deemed as a slap on the face for Renbel province, on the Marine Acts and legislations of the country, and on the country as a whole too.”

Regarding the issue of poaching, Premier Singamoana says that it will continue since poachers are aware of the richness in marine resources the reef holds, therefore asks the government to step up in monitoring the reef.

“The government, Ministry of Fisheries and the police must ensure that Renbel province’s indispensable reef is monitored on a full-time basis.

“If this is hard for these authorities to accomplish, then that would be shameful, and Renbel province will be forced to look outside for someone who can help us on this matter.”

PREMIER SINGAMOANA SURVIVES MIDNIGHT POLITICAL AMBUSH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Premier Collin Singamoana

RENNELL and Bellona Premier survived unscathed a political ambush set by his Deputy and his Finance minister on Monday midnight.

The two senior executive members, who are both heavily involved in the logging and mining industries, along with a third executive member, under the cover of darkness, delivered a letter demanding Premier Collin Singamoana’s step-down within 24 hours.

However, in a twist of events, the third party to the letter, Hon Brad Pugeva, on the same day of issuance revoked his signature to the petition letter and a resignation letter which had ensued, thus was allowed to keep his portfolio as minister of education.

In response, after legal consultation, Premier Singamoana immediately removed two of the inciters effective as of Tuesday June 20, and replaced them; the swearing-in ceremony of the new executive held yesterday at the Ministry of Provincial Government (MPGIS) office.

Premier Singamoana, in an interview with Island Sun, said, “Going through their reasons for demanding my stepping down from premiership, they were found to be totally childish and baseless.”

It is understood that the two stated reasons Hon Anthony Tamaika and Hon Eric Saueha staked their demands on were; (1) Premier Singamoana’s failure to consult the executive prior to some decisions, and (2) seeking advice from non-executive members.

Premier Singamoana also highlights that no references were also cited to back their two stated reasons.

“If they were planning to remove me from premiership, then they had better give me harder and solid reasons, not childish squabbles and half-wit reasons such as the two they stated,” Premier Singamoana said.

“I would have accepted it if the reasons were in range of me having undermined the integrity of Rennell and Bellona province, or breached some serious laws that would mean Renbel losing out on major projects or funds etc.

“But to call for my stepping down due to some vague childish reasons with no reference cited to support them is just mutiny instigated by selfish individuals with no mind for the welfare and progress of Renbel province.”

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the issue tell Island Sun that the mutinous move had been a reaction to false rumours which had circulated that Premier Singamoana had removed Hon Saueha from chairmanship of the Solomon Games taskforce.

Premier Singamoana refutes these false rumours, saying “I had not removed Hon Saueha from chairmanship of the taskforce, he still is the chairman.

“I had only voiced my intention to take back the authority which is rightfully the premier’s on the spending and monitoring of the funds for the Games preparation, that’s all.

“And, I had considered this after it came to my notice that there was a string of misappropriation of funds. This is a serious offence and I am not going to allow taxpayers’ money to be misused under my watch.”

MPA Tamaika and Hon Saueha could not be reached for comments before this paper went to print last night. [See story on new executive sworn-in in page 10]

US SMALL GRANT SUPPORT CONSERVATION COMMUNITY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

SEA level rise is a global challenge for low lying Islands such as Pacific Island nation that it poses real threat to the existence of biodiversity of both marine and terrestrial life. Like in other smaller islands, Arnavon Community Marine Park has experienced severe changes in regards to beach erosion and washing away of coastal vegetation that is a breeding ground for a critically endangered species (hawksbill turtle).

In 2014, a US-based small grant programme known as Globalgreen Grant Foundation financially supported the conservation area to address an adaptive strategy to this issue. A raised boardwalk was constructed to connect the houses at the Kerehikapa research station.

This allows the on-duty rangers to safely carry out their task at any time of the day. Even just the movement between the houses at the station can be disturbed during high tide as one has to get wet by the sea to cook food prior to carrying out daily duty.

Besides, there are times when tourists took trips to the conservation area and this infrastructure addresses the issue accordingly. In general, king tides usually occur around November- February and this is a preferable date for holiday thus this support was just timely for the local organisation.

In an interview with a senior ranger Mr Dickson Motui highly appreciates the timely support that Globalgreen Grant has rendered to the conservation area. He added that the on-duty rangers are now very willing in carrying out day-to-day activities despite high tides.

From operational point of view, this climate change adaptive project has a positive influence in the overall performance of the ongoing conservation work in the Arnavon Islands.

It was confirmed by the administration that, similar support was received from Ministry of Environment Conservation Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECMD) through Division of Environment and Conservation as a key partner to the project.

Furthermore, a historical milestone for conservation was held on May 11, 2017 at Arnavon Station when Minister of MECMD Hon Samuel Manetoali declared Arnavon Community Marine Park (ACMP) as the first conservation area in the country to be registered under a national law. This is a classic example that was set and several conservation group will be heading the same direction as it will support the rangers’ work on the ground such as enforcement.

There are similar conservation sites that are encountering similar problems in sea level rise and this (Globalgreen Grant Foundation) could be an opportunity that others can consider in applying for in the future as a way forward for conservation in the country.

ARMED MEN HIRED

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

FOREIGN armed security personnel are said to have been engaged by logging operators in south-west Choiseul, after landowners in a fit of fury burned down machines and equipment last December, eyewitnesses have told Island Sun.

Six foreign armed personnel were engaged initially, when logging machines and equipment were landed in the area about 10km from Sasamuga on 20 November 2016, according to witnesses.

And landowners say the loggers are operating illegally on their land, but could do little about it because the company has allegedly engaged armed foreign security guards in their camp.

Three have since left.

“Now there are three armed security guards in the camp. They are foreigners and they are armed. They are patrolling the camp fully armed, causing fear amongst members of the communities in the area. Our children no longer feel safe to go to school or to move around freely as they used to,” one of the eyewitnesses said.

“Sometimes they shoot at our domesticated animals indiscriminately right in front of our eyes, but what can we do? We are helpless because we are not armed,” the eyewitness said.

“We do not want arms in our community. That is really the bottom line.”

One of the witnesses said the matter was reported to police in Taro prior to the burning of machines and equipment last December but since then no action had been taken to alley community fears.

One of the Community leaders also wrote several letters to the Commissioner of Forests protesting illegal logging activities on their land, but their efforts had also drawn blanks, they said.

“We know it is the same old story. These people are on the payroll of logging companies. It is not in their interest to protect community or landowners’ interests. They are more interested in protecting the interests of logging companies because they have the money to pay,” the eyewitness said.

The eye witness said resource owners and communities all over the country are concerned because it seems governments and police are no longer interested in protecting the ordinary people.

“We may be forced to take the law into our own hands,” the Choiseul community leader said.

LITERACY TRAINING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN CHOI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

TEACHERS of Taro Primary School and Poroporo Primary School of Northwest Choiseul were blessed with a three-day training on literacy from 3rd July to 5th July.

Literacy Teacher Trainer for Choiseul Province, Mr Tom Horniblow facilitated the training at Taro Primary School.

According to one of the participants, Mr Arnold Pitakere, this kind of training will equip them as teachers to deliver and teach their classes on literacy.

Mr Pitakere, who is the Head teacher of Poroporo Primary School, said it is important to up-skill and upgrade school children’s literacy levels from Early Childhood level given that reading is important and it’s a must for all levels of formal education and children must master reading in order to be successful in all their learning subjects.

According to Mr Pitakere whether you learn English, Mathematics or science you must know how to read instructions from these subjects.

Domitila PitatÖti, a grade two Teacher at Taro Primary School, also expressed similar reaction on the training.The training is timely and helpful to participants as Primary school Teacher to pass on to their students.

She said this training will assist her as a Teacher to gain further knowledge and skills in Teaching of Phonics to her students.

She urged all teachers who attended the training to apply what they have learned in their classes.

She also encouraged parents to work together with the students to assist them in learning how to read.

“It can also be helpful to students attending senior Primary classes who are not able to read properly,” she said.

A total of 15 Teachers participated in this Training.Mr Tom, who facilitated the training, is an Australian Volunteer who is engaged in Choiseul Province as a Literacy Teacher Trainer.

This Training was conducted for Teachers who teach children from prep to Grade three (3).

COURTS ‘OVERWHELMED’ BY LAND DISPUTE CASES OVER LOGGING

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

FROM Western to Temotu provinces, formerly known as the Eastern Outer Islands, their cries are the same. Landowners’ appeal for government help to sort out the ownership of their customary lands is often denied.

In most cases, landowners were never aware their land had been given away in logging concessions licences until logging equipment and machineries started arriving.

It’s a case that the Solomon Forest Association (SFA) – the self-regulatory industry body – has been working with the government to overcome in ensuring the proper process is satisfied. But SFA too is finding difficulties with the licensing authorities.

The moratorium on issuing of new logging and export licences is a case in point. The idea is to ensure orderly process in the industry when it comes to logging and export licences.

SFA wants to see every operator abides by the same rule. It never happened. For example some two dozen logging licences were issued while the moratorium was in place.

While the never ending cat and mouse race goes on without resolution of any of the issues, landowners have now turned to the court – the only avenue opened to them to seek remedy. But even there too it seems, landowners have hit a brick wall.

Not that the court refuses to deal with landowners’ cases, no. Rather, the court system, starved of resources, has hit a bottleneck.

The Magistrates Court for example – the first entry point for aggrieved landowners seeking remedy – is now overwhelmed with the number of land dispute cases and is struggling to cope, sources have revealed.

“Much of the disputes by landowners relates to logging,” they say.

The answer or potential answer(s) may come from neighbouring Papua New Guinea which in 2013 set up a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to delve into the forestry sector and the logging industry.

PNG and Solomon Islands share a lot of striking similarities regarding land issues and landowners’ concerns. An independent Commission of Inquiry cannot be overlooked.

As a result of the 2013 COI, the PNG Government cancelled all the unlawfully issued Special Agriculture and Business Leases otherwise known as SABL and in turn handed over the land back to landowners.

Based on the recommendations in the Commission of Inquiry report, the PNG Government had made “a complete overhaul of the laws and policies on land use in PNG.”

Has the time come for Solomon Islands to set up a Commission of Inquiry similar to PNG’s to inquire into the logging operations and other land related issues in the country?

The PNG Inquiry had uncovered a lot of abuses and corruptions within the forestry sector and the logging industries. Who could say it is not happening here until an independent Commission of Inquiry is set up?

It is the only way to know, isn’t there?

WHERE IS OUR MONEY: LANDOWNERS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE owners of the land where Lomlom Airport is located are seeking answers from the government regarding their money.

The government has already spent $6million as payment for landowners, however some of the landowners said they have not received anything.

According to Mr Matthew Mengo of Opoiyolo Tribe, landowners are still unaware of the payments and how the payments were shared.

He said 47 landowners are only aware of receiving $2,500 each from the first payment worth around $1.7 million for Goodwill – a payment Mr Mengo claims that more than $100,000 are missing from.

Mr Mengo adds that a second payment of $3.5 million for Environment damage and ground extraction plus $296,000 for ground breaking which never happened till now are the payments that landowners are still questioning.

He continues to say that annual rental of $40,000 which the government agreed upon sealing the Memorandum of Understanding with the government is also missing.

Mr Mengo said the landowners are confused as to where the money allocated for landowners are at the moment.

He also questions the integrity of Ngaube Landowners Association Committee, the association responsible to look after the landowners.

“We want this association and the government to explain to us about these payments,” Mr Mengo said.

He blamed Ngaube Landowners Association Committee for failing to inform the landowners about these payments.

Mr Mengo said the association has never held any Annual General Meeting, provide Financial Report and also no further consultation with the landowners.

He calls on the government to stop using Ngaube Landowners Association Committee to channel landowner’s money through.

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