Home Blog Page 273

‘We need roads’ – Ugi farmers demand urgent infrastructure support

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY CHRIS ALEX

A key copra-buying agent from Ugi has raised serious concerns over the continued neglect of vital infrastructure in the region, calling on the national government and responsible ministries to prioritize road access and provide necessary tools like tractors to support farmers.

In an interview with Island Sun News, Jerry Wala, a dedicated buying agent for the Commodity Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA), highlighted the struggles farmers face in transporting copra due to poor roads and a lack of support from relevant ministries.

“What we urgently need is a proper road so we can move our products to a central point easily.

“Ships can still ramp at Marou port for now, that’s manageable. But without road access, everything becomes harder,” said Wala.

Wala revealed that Ugi Island produced more than 5,000 bags of copra in the last harvest season each averaging 85 kilogrammes but received no infrastructure support in return.

The current government allocation only supports 16 tons of copra, an amount he says only his village can produce, equivalent to around 200 bags.

Despite this, CEMA continues to rely on Ugi buying agents to drive export volumes.

“We are loyal and active agents.

“Yet we watch dishonest agents bring down production with no accountability. If the government wants real results, they should focus on those of us doing the work,” Wala emphasised.

Frustrated by continued delays and unfinished projects, Wala expressed disappointment in the performance of Ugi’s current MP, who has reportedly spent long periods away receiving medical treatment overseas.

“Our MP should now be resigned.

“I’m calling on the responsible authority to summon him and initiate a by-election. While he receives treatment in Australia and Fiji, we suffer back home with no roads and no support,” said Wala.

The ongoing hardship has even led local chiefs to welcome logging operations, a move traditionally opposed by many communities, simply to get road access a sign of growing desperation on the island.

Wala is now calling on international donors and aid agencies to intervene.

“We need quality roads, not half-done construction projects. We don’t want temporary fixes we want long-lasting solutions for our future. Now is the time for donors to step in,” he said.

With strong potential to expand copra supply to neighboring islands like the Three Sisters, Wala believes that proper infrastructure could transform Ugi into a key export hub.

“The economy of the Solomon Islands still stands on the shoulders of rural farmers. It’s time that our voices are heard, and our needs are met,” he said.

Photo: Jerry Wala

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

‘Clause 13 of public service bill is vague on SOEs’

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solomon Post, Caroline Kanoko says Clause 13 of Public Service Bill 2025 doesn’t provide clear understanding on the operation of the bill with regard to State Own Enterprise (SOE).

Speaking before the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) yesterday, she said the clause states the bill doesn’t cover SOEs, but in 13.4. a.b.c of the bill, there is a provision that the minister is allow to come to the operation of SOEs.

Ms Kanoko said upon looking through the bill, she concluded in the perspective of SOEs that the bill is a staff manual, and a more kind of operational policy to them.

“I’m trying to see that staff manual or internal policies are operational policies and they come under hierarchy that from the board we develop staff manual.

“Now, I see this clause a little vague – vague in a sense that it can be silent and it can be active.

“The silent of it is, it gives the owner of SOEs the right to just watch and they can come in under (4. a.b.c) of clause 13.4 when its necessary.

“I’m also trying to apply the condition of employment or the environment in which employment is conducted under SOEs

“So, if I’m seeing it in that lens, then it will only touch the CEOs and the general working office,” she said.

The CEO said on that perspective, the bill is purely operation and it doesn’t touch the board. Maybe in the worse situation of SOEs or situations they couldn’t help themselves, government through the bill can salvage SOEs

In the meantime, she added that if the bill is active, there is more power to the minister to come into the operation of a commercial entity.

Kanoko recalled that Solomon Post hasn’t had any experience in the situation, so they will see if it touches employment.

She also said if the bill is active for SOEs, would it mean only the condition of employment the Minister come into?

Kanako reiterated that clause 13 of the bill is vague as she is trying to understand how can it be operationalized in commercial setting, where it touches employment.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Pushes for climate action requires engagement: PM

Written by
Admin
-
0

 BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Climate change is a pressing issue, and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ push to address its impacts requires stakeholders’ engagement and involvement.

Speaking at the Troika conference during this year’s 54th PIF Leaders Meeting, Forum Chair Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said climate change remains the single greatest threat facing Pacific Island countries.

“People are talking about not only taking additional measures, but also mitigation. It is a matter that will continue to require the engagement and involvement of every stakeholder,” PM assured the local and regional journalists.

He also congratulated Pacific Islands Youth Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) on seeking the highest degree of advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ-AO).

“That shows that when you work together, as a region, including our youth, our civil society and governments, you will be much more effective, not only in terms of advocacy,” he said.

PM Manele said that he understands there is also ongoing work in terms of programs undertaken by agencies, partners in terms of renewable energy.

“That is a mitigation approach. Or in terms of addressing a coastline or building climate-resilient facilities. That’s our vision. Those activities continue to be important for us in terms of addressing climate change. We have a very small blueprint in terms of carbon emissions,” he said.

He said that it is vital for the Pacific Islands to continue to work with partners, urging them of the responsibility to assist smaller countries in managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

PIF agendas have an impact on rural communities in SI

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A question that arose with the successful completion of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIF) in Honiara was: Who and how will rural communities in the Solomon Islands benefit?

Ended successfully in Honiara on Friday, September 12, 2025 the weeklong event brought together regional leaders to discuss pressing issues and opportunities on peace, security and economic development in the region under the theme “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent”.

Responding to the question during the Troika press conference on Friday Forum Chair Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said that there is a lot in the forum agenda that directly links and impacts the lives of people in rural areas.

“Oceans, fisheries. In the Pacific, including all people in the rural areas, rely on the oceans, rely on the seas, rely on the fisheries,” PM Manele said.

He said that a healthy ocean and a healthy marine environment are critical in terms of fishing for people in the village.

He also said that one of the agendas discussed during the leaders’ event is Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).

“Similarly, we talk about UXOs. Over the years, UXOs have been a major impediment to the development of Solomon Islands, and several people have lost their lives. So, these are the real issues that we have in the country,” he said.

He said that it is important that UXOs are dealt with effectively to not remain as an obstacle to development.

“We also discuss health and education issues. And then these are issues that directly impact the sources, the life of all people in the region, including Solomon Islands and rural parts of Solomon Islands,” Manele said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

PM defends terminology used to host 54th PIF without partners

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Chair of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum defended the terminology used to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Honiara without the region’s dialogue partners.

He was responding to a journalist during the Troika press conference on Friday, September 12, 2025 who asked for clarity about what it was like to meet without the region’s dialogue partners.

According to the journalist, prior to the PIF meeting, the exclusion of the region’s dialogue partners has brought headlines, which was also the first time in history.

“Thank you, thank you, but you used the wrong terminology, ‘exclusion’. The terminology that I use is ‘defer’.  Our partners are very important. We recognise their contributions in terms of implementation, cooperation of programs and projects.

“It is also very important for this part of the region to be prepared. We need to be ready in order to effectively engage with our partners going forward. So that was the basis for that issue,” PM Manele said.

He said that different people will have their own assessment in terms of how to define the PIF meeting successfully concluded last week, without the partners dialogue.

“Several leaders told me that it has given them a bit more opportunity to talk with each other, especially attending the dialogue sessions in the private sector, with the agencies, as well as with civil society. A bit more time for us to interact and engage among ourselves. So that’s important as well,” he said.

Manele said that the leaders hoped the partnership policy that would be worked on this year and be ready before Palau going forward.

“So that comes to Palau, we can re-engage with our partners. But it’s not only through the forum process that our partners are engaged. We also engage with our partners on the Palau avenues and on forums. So that engagement continues. We will follow the engagement with our partners and on the forum, but also through ongoing arrangements and international regional arrangements,” PM Manele said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Ministry of Mines to conduct big survey on electricity planning

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Mines Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) is set to carry out one of the biggest public surveys to get vital information for national energy planning.

According to a press statement from UNDP, the ministry in partnership with UN Development Programme (UNDP) will shortly begin the survey to seek information from individuals, communities and businesses around the country about their electricity use and needs.

As stated, survey answers will give a full picture of who has access to electricity, how that electricity is used and how people will take advantage of better access to affordable, sustainable power.

Derrick Manuari, MMERE Minister as noted, says improving access to electricity and its affordability is a central platform of the GNUT administration and key to improving the lives of Solomon Islanders.

“Good planning is critical to building electricity infrastructure and policies that work for Solomon Islanders, and this survey will give us the information we need to shape the process.

“I ask anyone with an interest in the future of the nation’s electricity network – and that means everybody – to respond so they can have a say in this vital part of the nation’s development,” he said.

This survey designed and hosted by UNDP is said to be based on graphics and can be completed quickly.

“It will be distributed by a mixture of SMS messaging, social media posts and QR codes. Respondents can reply for themselves, their household or their community, and everyone who contributes will go in the draw to win mobile phones.

“Survey links will be available over coming weeks by Telekom ‘blast’ SMS messages, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Facebook page and QR codes on posters around Honiara. The organisers hope to gain responses from at least 100,000 people,” said UNDP.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Public service bill may override other laws

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Chairman of Law Reform Commission, Philip Kanairara raises concern on the possibility that certain clauses under the Public Service Bill 2025, may override provisions under other existing laws if it is to be passed.

Speaking before the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) yesterday, he signaled out clause (5) of the bill, which provides a blanket overriding provision to other laws that are inconsistent with it. Also, if the bill becomes act, it will prevail over other laws.

This is one of the areas Law Reform Commission has identified in the bill and it recommended not to take the approach.

Thus, better approach is for the bill to provide specific details of which laws, provisions in other laws the bill will override or the other way round when it comes to enforcement.

The chairman pointed out that in the context of other laws, provisions seem more relevant than under the Public Service bill 2025.

He said a classic example to spot the difference between the bill and other existing laws in the country is their penalties.

For example; the Public Service Bill, the Anti-Corruption Act and the Ombudsman Act have mentioned similar provisions of conducts like; impersonating and providing misleading information.

But they have different penalties, and it would definitely provide avenues for arguments, because laws are always about interpretation.

“So, to avoid this, it is better to have provisions and specify areas this law or this bill will override other laws,” Kanairara said.

The chairman raised the concern to at least see penalties provided under the bill is align with other existing laws.

In the meantime, he said the Law Reform Commission always supports government bills as they align to government policy and in this case, GNUT’s policy under the Ministry of Public Service in relation to providing and improving government functioning for service delivery.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Wale disappointed with Police & CSSI 2-year probation framework

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale has voiced his disagreement over the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), two-year probation framework.

Wale shared his concerns with the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Service (MPNSCS) when they appeared before the Bills & Legislation Committee (BLC) on Wednesday this week.

Speaking during the hearing, Commissioner of Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI), Mactus Forau, said the probationary period with the existing CSSI probation framework under section 12.2e and regulations 23 and 24, on clause 60 gives officers two years of probation upon enlistment.

Commissioner Forau said this is also the same with RSIPF.

He explained that this framework is different from promotion, which is six months and is covered under the CSSI and RSIPF regulations.

Commissioner Forau said that they have their probationary report submitted within a time frame to meet their competencies.

He told Wale that that is how they operate and opt to keep the framework.

“We have various duties, and we have to make these officers are competent in various roles we have in the organisation. Especially on the basic operation. Our current curriculum is framed that way.

“We have to attend. They will come after two years. That’s where they concluded and were awarded with a certificate in correctional practice,” said Mr Forau.

RSIPF Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau told Wale that it depends very much on the competency assessment after the retention and if they see fit.

“There are others who are slow learners, who will complete two years, others will complete probation,” said Mangau.

In response, Mathew Wale said that two years seems unreasonable.

“It should just be six months. Even six months is long. Come on, this is unreasonable. You employ people, get them to work. Six months, you know whether they’re up to it or not.

“This is unreasonably long. My what. That’s unfair. So, you’re saying you want to keep those two years, or you want to come to this provision, trial probation. This may override your two years,” Wale stressed.

Wale said that this is a cruel act.

He said the matter of competence is something that is built right throughout a career.

“That is to say, after two years, you’re competent. But that’s not the case. There are new things we’re learning all the time. If the probation period is only to assess competence, then I think it’s a false premise,” said Wale.

When Wale asked what the level of an officer is after the two years’ probation, Mr Forau said that it is level-five and after the completion of two years, comes level six.

In response, Wale suggested that they shorten the probation period and offer a better pay for the officers.

“Hey, man. You’re killing them.

“You’re not paying them well.  I don’t believe you can continue with this, both commissioners. You really need to make a case to shorten that probation. Or if you want to keep it for competency’s sake, but at least pay them better,” said Wale.

The Opposition Leaders also raised that while this may be okay for single men it is not for a family man.

He questioned whether this was a test for the officers.

“I think single men should be okay, but not for a family man. They are struggling,” said Wale.

“Or is that part of the test? Do they have to struggle?” Wale questioned.

He pointed out to that this is something they must address as these are men we rely on as our disciplined forces.

“You both must address it. This is the First time I heard of this. I’m sorry for them. They are men we will rely on disciplined forces. We need to be paying them much, much better than that. We can’t treat people like that,” Wale said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Mining process hijacked

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

THE signing of Surface Access Right Agreement to kick start mining operation at San Jorge Island in Isabel Province has been done in a flash.

Most landowners were kept in the dark making the signing questionable.

Report reaching this paper states that the agreement was signed on 18th September, at the Far East Mining Camp in Bugusile.

Reports indicate that the San Jorge Landowners Association hand-picked certain individuals they labelled as “landowners,” transported them to Bugusile Camp, and instructed them to sign the agreement.

In an interview, chief Paul Fota of Talise village said he was not aware of the signing.

He said a meeting was held prior to the signing but not all the people so as resource owners attended the meeting.

Fota said the signing comes as a surprise to people of Talise as the community was busy with the consecration of Anglican Priests and deacons on the day that the signing took place.

“As chiefs and also resource owners, we should be properly informed about this development. I think this process has been executed by those who are in favour of mining not the majority,” he said.

Island Sun understands that such a process undermines the spirit of genuine consultation and meaningful participation, which are the very foundations of landowner consent.

Excluding rightful stakeholders not only violates traditional land governance systems but also plants seeds of division among the landowning communities.

The land belongs to clans and tribes, and decisions that will affect generations must be made collectively, not dictated by a select few. It is still unclear how much money the landowners received.

It is obvious that the signing of the SARA was driven by a faction of individuals within the San Jorge Landowners Association, rather than being a product of consensus.

The future of the land and its resources should not be gambled away in closed-door dealings.

Genuine development requires honest dialogue, fair consultation, and respect for the voices of all rightful landowners.

When agreements are rushed or manipulated in this way, they rarely bring about sustainable development; instead, they create conflict and mistrust.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

NEW MEDICAL HOPE

Written by
Admin
-
0

Vaidam Health-Solomon Islands’ first patient recovering well after successful neck surgery in India

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A new channel to access quality medical treatment in India has seen its first patient recovering well after a successful neck surgery.

Vaidam Health – Solomon Islands is an organisation which helps facilitate medical treatment in India, covering transport to and from India, accommodation and engagements with hospitals in India.

The first Solomon Islander patient, who travelled to India under the Vaidam Health – SI, is recovering well after a successful neck surgery performed on Thursday this week at Artemis Hospital in India.

Dr Pedical Togamae, an experienced Emergency Doctor from the Togamae Private Emergency Clinic is the Vaidam Health agent in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Mr Togamae said it took only six days from arrival to surgery, which is good for the patient, and relatives are overwhelmed with the news.

“Speaking with him yesterday brought great joy to the Vaidam Health Solomon team,” Togamae said.

According to the timeline of the patient’s journey, on August 27, he was examined by a private doctor in Guadalcanal Province in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Togamae said that the patient then underwent an ultrasound and CT scan at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and contacted Dr Togamaeto to discuss his health issue.

“During our conversation, we discussed the likely diagnosis, the additional tests needed to be performed, and how soon those tests could be conducted at NRH. After our discussion, he decided to seek medical investigation and treatment in India,” Dr Togamae said.

The patient arrived in India on September 12 and met with the head and neck surgeon later that same afternoon.

“All necessary blood tests were conducted on his arrival day, while an MRI and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) were performed the following day,” Togamae said.

He was reviewed on Tuesday, September 16 and surgery was scheduled for Thursday, September 18.

He was admitted early Thursday morning, and the surgery proceeded without any complications.

Preparing the required travel documents took 14 days, and these documents included:

1. Passports

2. Indian medical e-visa (took 48-72 hours from the time we submitted to the time it was available)

3. Airlines Medical Fitness Report (for Air Niugini and Singapore) – it took 24-48 hours from the time submitted to be ready.

Dr Togamaeto, the patient, is expected to be discharged on Saturday or Sunday, 21st September 2025.

“We are excited to announce that Dr Pedical Togamae, an experienced Emergency Doctor from the Togamae Private Emergency Clinic, is now our agent in Honiara, Solomon Islands!

“Togamae is enthusiastic about enhancing healthcare options for fellow islanders seeking treatment in India. He recently toured hospitals that have successfully treated Vaidam Health patients.

“During a recent trip to India, he served as an escort doctor for a patient at Max Hospital through Medivisor, another similar scheme, gaining valuable insights into the care available for Solomon Islands patients,” said Vaidam Health – Solomon Islands.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

1...272273274...1,675Page 273 of 1,675