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SCHOLARSHIP REDUCTION FOR 2018

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

IT has surfaced that overseas scholarships for next year, 2018 will perhaps be reduced.

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Permanent Secretary highlighted this during last week’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing.

“As of next year, we would like to see reduction in the number of scholarship that will be available to students wanting to go overseas,” the ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Franco Rodie said.

He said the government sends students to regional universities such as in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and lately in the Philippines based on the opportunity list and the skills that are required to attain

The education permanent secretary said the government is committing largely towards the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to cater for students.

He emphasized that the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) must continue to develop courses and programmes to prepare skilled people that the country needs.

“Let’s take stock of the courses and programmes that our students go over to the regional universities to take,”   Dr Rodie said.

He sternly warn leaders not to interfere in the scholarship system and let the Ministry do its job.

Dr Rodie has revealed that scholarship and payroll received most of the allocated funding in the 2016 budget.

Responding to reports that claim Fiji students are to defer studies, the permanent secretary he was assured by the ministry of Finance that there will be enough finance to support the students who are currently on scholarship in Fiji.

“But those that did not perform will be recalled.

“The problem only happens in Fiji, our students are not performing, but in other institutions such as in Papua New Guinea our students are performing very well,” he said.

He said in PNG institutions, rules are really tough and universities assess students’ GPA and if students are found below the expected GPA, concerned students will not continue.

GOV’T SCHOLARSHIP ABUSE

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon Snyder Rini

Minister reveals system abused, Ministry calls for review

THE Ministry of Finance and Treasury has disclosed that the process in obtaining government tertiary scholarships was abused and that government had continued to pour money into ‘what seems to be a black hole’.

Minister of Finance and Treasury Snyder Rini explained that the award of tertiary scholarships is an example of a DCCG policy with good intentions.

However, he says that somewhere along the road the system was abused which led to the government being faced with financial commitments beyond its capacity.

“Sadly, the process was abused, allowances inflated, students name duplicated, etc. that the government continue to pour money into what seems to be a black hole,” Mr Rini said in the statement.

The Cabinet specifically outlined how and how many students could be awarded so that the programme is managed within government’s affordability.

The statement furthers that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury in line with the Cabinet decision would therefore like to see the tertiary scholarship being reviewed.

The statement also admits that the abuse of good policies is widespread and its financial implication is a burden to the government.

“In addition those who abuse the system raise unreasonable public expectation on the government, and impedes normal service delivery,” the statement said.

FORMER PM URGES GOV’T TO GAZETTE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP elect for Central Honiara Gordon Darcy Lilo.

FORMER Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has strongly urged the Government to gazette the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) as soon as applicably possible as a step to dose the country’s current financial situation.

Lilo made the strong statement in an exclusive interview with Island Sun yesterday.

According to the former Prime Minister, if the Government were to gazette the PFMA, there would be a stronger and more transparent slant to boost its fiscal responsibility.

“If we were to gazette the PFMA, we would not be in the situation we are in right now and it would make the Government more responsible,” Lilo said.

The former Prime Minister then added that this was the exact fear he had leading up to the lapse of his term as PM of the previous government.

During Mr Lilo’s tenure as Prime Minister, as part of their fiscal consolidation reform approach, they left behind $127,000,000 worth of cash reserves for the next Government.

“It was part of our fiscal consolidation reform approach that earned confidence of donors to improve accountable cash grants and budget support.

“There is a macroeconomic effect which the Democratic Coalition for Change Government leadership including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance failed to see and that is the support on external reserves.

“Sad situation that they decided to completely wipe it out,” the former Prime Minister said.

Citizens have been heavily criticising the Government based on much concern on the unsatisfying services by the Government including the health and education sector.

Mr Lilo told the paper that the country’s current financial crisis is more than just a cash flow issue as cash flow is usually cyclical and is normal to have a pick and trench in its flow.

He added that it is clearly domestic economic mismanagement that is the issue and unless the PFMA is not gazetted as soon as applicably possible, the country’s financial situation will continue to go downhill.

Lilo then further added that the concern is that the Government may turn to the private sector when its reserves and fiscal finances do not go the way they are supposed to and that would be a worse of scenario.

The second issue the former Prime Minister stressed was to not have the Government touch the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) that are doing well and should help them to financially grow instead.

He then added that Government should also stop negligible borrowing and should do structural reforms and fix its fiscal issue.

“Discretional spending is a classic example and the failed scholarship awards.

“We are awarding scholarships left right and centre and not even based on merit.

“This must be dealt with because it is taxpayers’ money! “said Lilo

Gordon Darcy Lilo then said there are definitely tough times ahead and something must be done to avoid further exacerbating the situation.

“What the Finance Minister said about the country’s finances, I must say, this should be the last time we borrow and the Public Financal Management Act must be gazetted because it promotes transparency and also has elements of anticorruption.

“Stop feeding on our reserves and make hard reforms,” the former Prime Minister said.

Lilo then said he is not trying to point out wrongs in any way, but instead, trying to suggest ways to dose the country’s domestic economic management.

Island Sun then sought comments from the Prime Minister of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government, Hon Manasseh Sogavare yesterday and he told the paper that the country’s cash reserves are still healthy despite critics of the Government.

“We thank his (Gordon Darcy Lilo) government for that.

“The cash reserves are still healthy contrary to what critics of the government are saying,” the Prime Minister said.

In March this year, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon Snyder Rini said that the Government cash flow situation was stable.

However just last month he accepted that despite recorded under-spending of 2 percent, the current revenue shortfall of 6 percent as of May 31 is proportionally higher, that resulted in a deficit of $269,820 million.

PM UNDER PRESSURE?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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..Sogavare reportedly forced to sack two ministers under internal pressure

TWO senior government ministers stand to lose their portfolios as Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare finally relented under Party pressure to act, internal sources said.

“It is looking likely. And it could be as early as this week,” one source said.

This follows reports that one Party president told Mr Sogavare in no uncertain terms that if he did take action immediately, he would lose the support of some Party members.

The source said some coalition partners have become very unhappy about the way some ministers use public funds under their portfolios.

“These public funds are becoming like pocket money for some ministers,” the source said.

“It has created a rift of sorts within the DCC Coalition government. As a result, some Ministers have been avoiding Cabinet and Caucus meetings in recent times. That has brought pressure to bear on the Prime Minister to act,” the source said.

Officials approached yesterday were tight-lipped about the identity of the two Ministers.

Island Sun has however been reliably told that the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, David Day Pacha, is likely to be one of the two Ministers facing the axe.

Asked why, sources said it was to do with recent allegations he was seen having discussions with an Asian logger-cum-bauxite miner in a hotel car park in the dead of night.

A video clip of the encounter was published by both newspapers last week. To date there’s been no denial from either Minister Day Pacha or the miner

The other is the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon Jimmy Lusibaea, over his handling of the shipping grants.

Prime Minister Sogavare, however, may have to think twice about removing Hon Lusibaea as he could spill the beans on other senior DCC Ministers.

SOLOMONS GOLD LAUNCHES COUNTRY’S VERY OWN CHOCOLATE

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Solomon Islands Cocoa and chocolate week 2017 in collaboration with PHAMA (Pacific Horticulture and Agricultural Market Access program) programme launched Solomons Gold chocolate yesterday.

The country now produces its very own chocolate which is also in the New Zealand market with prospects of venturing into other potential markets.

Managing Director of Solomons Gold Mr Clive Carol spoke of the company’s vision in terms of developing the cocoa industry in the near future.

Mr Carol said that they are trying to foster the development of high quality cocoa.

“Our future depends on being able to secure a line of quality beans,” he said.

Speaking about the company he said that they offer and produce a pure product with quality from natural organic products.

Mr Carol said that part of their vision is to produce totally natural products that are non-dairy and gluten free.

“We have to compete on terms of quality,” he said.

The Solomons Gold managing director mentioned that last year, forty-eight tonnes of dried cocoa beans were exported to New Zealand.

He proceeded on to say that their vision is to also increase that number to about a hundred and fifty tonnes within the next two years given that they work closely with the cocoa exporters.

Mr Carol urges close working relations between cocoa farmers, exporters and stakeholders with the company.

“Work with us so we can collaborate much more and promote the Solomon Islands brand,” he said.

Guests at the program included the deputy New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr Tim Breeze, Solomons Gold Managing director Mr Clive Carol, stakeholders and cocoa farmers.

The Bulkshop supermarket will be the main distributor of the Solomons Gold chocolate.

In relation, in their support of promoting Solomons Gold they will be distributing the product to wholesalers, hotels, as well as to places in and around the capital.

POB MAKES SBD$27M PROFIT IN 2016

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PAN Oceanic Bank (POB), the Solomon Islands locally incorporated bank has recorded a willing net profit of SBD$27 Million in the 2016 financial year.

This was revealed in the bank’s financial statement, which was released earlier this year.

The net profit was over doubled against the SBD$11.8 Million made in 2015, and it is a growth of 125 percent.

In his words following the release of the 2016 financial statement a fortnight ago, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Suresh Amerasekera said;

“The bank had an excellent year in 2016.”

He said, the main driver behind the boost of the 2016 financials is mainly attributable to the bank’s loyal customer base, the commitment of staff and their dedication, the guidance they get from Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), and the board of directors.

In terms of the differences between the 2015 and 2016 financials, the CEO said;

“The advances grew by 66 [percent] and the deposits by 45 [percent] against an industry growth of 12 and 10 [percent] respectively.

“Our return on shareholder funds was 62 [percent] against 30 [percent] in 2015.

“62 [percent] is the best return in the market,” Mr Amerasekera said.

As a locally incorporated bank, the CEO said they have outperformed the market in financial indicators more than they have won the confidence and trust of the public within this short period.

Meanwhile, the bank is fully committed to support the National Financial Inclusion Strategy of the Government and the Digitalisation of payments.

The bank also highlighted that its strategies would revolve around these goals, which will also contribute towards the achievement of the vision “Empowering the Nation”.

SINPF RESERVE LEVEL BELOW $400M

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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President of Kadere party, Peter Boyers

THE Solomon Islands National Provident Fund is sustaining a reserve level that is below $400 million.

SINPF Board Chairman, Mr Peter Boyers made the statement during the end of the 2016 financial year recently.

He said the reserve level is below $400 million ($399,328,839) consisting of a general reserve of just over $329 million ($329,377,496) and a revaluation surplus of just under $70 million ($ 69,951,343).

Mr Boyers said these represent 10 percent general reserves only and 13 percent total reserves of the total funds under their management.

In the meantime, he said though in some jurisdictions where retirement funds are not required to have reserves or have at least a 4 percent reserving for total funds under management, for financial prudence the Board will continue to maintain adequate level of reserves.

Adding that this is higher than other jurisdictions to finance the guaranteed 2.5 percent annual crediting for at least 3 financial years and to absorb any future shocks to any parts of SINPF investment portfolio.

However, he said to attempt provision for a major social or economic collapse such as the recent civil unrest can never be guaranteed to succeed as SINPF had experienced.

Mr Boyers said that happened during the period of 2000-2004, when the funds general reserves had gone into negative.

UNPBF-YOUTH@WORK PARTNERSHIP OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

YOUTH@WORK (Y@W) together with UN Peacebuilding Fund project (UNPBF), implemented by UNDP and UN Women, officially launched a partnership to train more than 100 youth from informal settlements around Honiara city, who have limited to no opportunities to earn sustainable living, to be active peacebuilders while undergoing entrepreneurship and business training.

The training aims to improve the long-term economic prospects of these unemployed marginalized youths. This will be achieved through the Young Entrepreneurship Component, which includes business training, peace building sessions, mentoring, business start-up support (materials), monitoring with support from various and other activities such as the Youth Market.

At the launching ceremony, Y@W Programme Deputy Coordinator, Ms. Raywin Taroaniara extended sincere appreciation to UNPBF for the assistance rendered and said; “This will enable the Y@W to extend and cater for one hundred more youths to join the life changing programme.

Mr. Agus Wandi, Project Manager, UNBPF stressed that, “UNPBF believes and will continue to support Youth@Work to create a space that promotes youth to be actors in the development agendas”

“Solomon Island is your stage, therefore you must fully utilise your potential by acquiring new knowledge. We will support you to grow and build your future, ” Mr. Wandi said addressing the 52 youth participants at the launch.

The youth participants who will take part in the joint programme will undergo peacebuilding trainings for two weeks and further basic business training on topics that will help them develop business plans and will have their ideas funded.On the same note, Acting Permanent Secretary (MWYCFA), Mr. Hugo Hebala acknowledged the support rendered towards youth and encouraged young people to take this opportunity seriously and work hard. He also said, “this traiining is in line with economic empowerment which is aligned to the National Youth Policy launced this year.”

This partnership utilises Y@W’s Young Entrepreneurs’ Component (YEC) where the participants will have the opportunity to improve their livelihoods through running sustainable businesses and become peacebuilders in their communities.

Youth@Work is implemented by the Pacific Community, in partnership Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. The program is funded by the Queens Young Leaders Programme (UK), the Australian Government Aid Programme,

Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and to help youth of the Solomon’s find pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

NRH OVERCROWDED

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Tenneth Dalipanda.

THE overcrowding at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara is reportedly worsening.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr Tenneth Dalipanda revealed this yesterday during a ceremony to officially open the newly refurbished Labour ward.

NRH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Rooney Jagilly adds that this is due to the exponential increase in the country’s population and diseases.

Dr Jagilly pointed out that the issue stems from the fact that the hospital facilities remain the same while the number of patients and staff continue to increase.

He furthers that the National Referral Hospital also faces a lot of infrastructure challenges due to lack of technical facilities.

“The problem we are facing now is lack of space to accommodate sick patients that coming into the hospital to be treated daily. The facilities we have remained the same but the patients and staffs are increasing,” he said.

Dr Dalipanda said for now, NRH cannot relocate.

“For now we cannot relocate, we want to relocate but there are still challenges we face,” he said.

NRH in a statement yesterday said, according to data collected: in 2004, the total deliveries were 2,402; two years later in 2006, it was 4,327; in 2008, it was 4472; and in 2010, it was 5,127.

“Now, we are hitting beyond 6,000 per year. The numbers speak for themselves and all these under the backdrop of the same old facility,” the statement said, referring to the old Labour ward.

Meanwhile, a nurse of 32 years’ experience working in the Hospital’s Labour ward, Catherine Honimae said, currently, the average birth per day at the hospital is up to 20 or more.

MHMS PS Dr Dalipanda said, MHMS currently has more than 700 staff, one third of which are workers at the NRH.

“We must take all the responsibility and look after our facility,” he said.

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.

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