BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Director of the Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium, Mr Myknee Sirikolo has disproved media report on the retrieved specimen from the South Pacific Regional Herbarium (SPRH) in Suva Fiji.

The media report says that more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) dried plant specimens are flora and fauna.

The country’s specimens safely returned after decades of safe keeping at the South Pacific Regional Herbarium (SPRH), Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS), at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Lower Campus, Laucala, Fiji.

Mr Sirikolo, in setting the record straight, said the retrieved specimen were not of fauna but flora.

He explained that 2000 of the 25,809 specimens were kept at the South Pacific Regional Herbarium (SPRH) and 23,000 were retrieved.

“That is the record which has been corrected. The item of the return of the specimen as media report said, was flora and fauna. But, no we only deal with flora, plants. Fauna refers to animals, we do not deal with animals, only plant specimen,” he said.

Relocated to Fiji under an MOU, these dried plant specimens are collections since the establishment of the Solomon Islands National Herbarium during the Solomon Islands British Protectorate (SIP).

Its relocation was solely because the building accommodating these specimens was partially destroyed in the 90’s and the dried plant specimens were not properly maintained and stored under the required herbarium storage conditions.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI) has called for an increase in investment for disability training centers and individuals, as more able-bodied citizens continue to leave for seasonal work overseas.

Speaking at the first-ever National Business Forum last week, PWDSI Chief Executive Officer, Casper Fa’asala emphasized the need for stronger support for training institutions such as the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Center and other similar centers.

“They produce a lot of skilled young people, both men and women. But if we truly want to invest in them, we need to provide better support packages so that when they leave those centers, they have something to start their own businesses with,” he said.

While he acknowledges the benefits of the labour mobility initiative, Fa’asala warned that it could leave the country with an ageing population and people with disabilities who lack the economic resources to grow.

“If we don’t act now, we will be left with a less economically driven country,” he said.

“That’s why I urge investment in people with disabilities — they are the ones who will stay, be productive at home, invest in their own businesses and help grow the local economy,” Fa’asala added.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Strong wind warning is still effective for most parts of the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 4pm issued strong wind warning twenty-three.

SIMS said a strong wind warning is current for waters of Temotu, Makira, Rennell & Bellona, Guadalcanal, Central, Malaita and Western provinces.

According to SIMS, the situation is that a trough lies north of Solomon Islands and a general easterly trade wind flow persists over the country.

The expectancy of southeast winds was 20 to 25 knots over waters Temotu, Makira Rennell & Bellona, Guadalcanal, Central, Malaita and Western provinces.

SIMS said seas will be moderate to rough with moderate southeast swells of 2.5 – 3.0 meters.

As noted, people in these areas are urged to take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties and sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions, hazardous to small boats.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

The people of the Southern Region of Malaita Province are in urgent need of a courthouse to handle and resolve criminal cases locally.

This follows a recent report revealing that a magistrate in Malaita Province had to conduct court sessions under a tree and inside a kitchen at Afio Station due to the lack of proper court infrastructure.

Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou said a courthouse should be built at Afio to avoid the need for residents to travel to Auki for legal proceedings.

Hou also mentioned that under his constituency’s infrastructure development program, they are supporting a number of regional projects — including the construction of a new courthouse in Afio.

Meanwhile, David Mane, Senior Administration Officer for the Southern Region, confirmed that the Malaita Provincial Government is seriously considering the matter and plans to address it in the near future.

He said the construction of a courthouse in Afio is already included in the government’s infrastructure plans and implementation is expected soon.

“It is in the plan and it will be implemented soon,” said Mane.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Malango House of Chiefs (MHOC), have issued a public notice to settlers residing in Malango Ward 20, Central Guadalcanal, warning against unauthorized claims over customary land and natural resources.

In a statement, Paramount Chief Walton Naezon, who is also the MHOC Chairman, addressed growing concerns raised by indigenous landowners over recent claims made by settlers on land, water sources, riverbeds and other natural resources.

Naezon said the House of Chiefs had been made aware that some new settlers in the Malango area have begun asserting rights to resources within the customary area of Malango’s original inhabitants.

He said these actions are creating tension and unrest among local landowners who hold longstanding customary rights.

“We remind all settlers and members of the public that any claims to land, water, riverbeds, sand, gravel, forests, minerals or other resources within Malango must be brought before the Malango House of Chiefs for proper scrutiny and resolution,” the statement said.

He stressed that it is unacceptable for settlers to claim primary rights over these resources without the consent or oversight of MHOC.

The Chiefs have further warned that any unauthorized claims will be subject to review and appropriate action under customary law and community leadership.

“The Malango House of Chiefs strongly urges all settlers to refrain from claiming or exploiting land and resources within Malango’s customary boundaries,” Naezon stated.

He called on all parties to respect customary laws, maintain peace and work together to ensure harmonious development in the community.

“Let us uphold our traditions and collaborate for the good of everyone living in Malango,” the Paramount Chief concluded.

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– Maneniaru questions holdup as Bill awaits Cabinet approval

BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament (MP) for West Are’Are, John Maneniaru, is calling for urgent action on the long-awaited Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill, which has been stuck waiting for Cabinet approval.

In a statement, Maneniaru who is also the Chairman of Parliamentary Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC), said the legal checks on the Bill have already been completed and questions why it is still being delayed.

Maneniaru said passing the VAT Bill will boost government revenue, support the economy and demonstrate genuine commitment to national development.

VAT is a broad-based tax on most goods and services, aimed at taxing final consumption through a staged collection process by businesses.

It is a tax on the value added to a product or service as it flows through the supply chain.

Maneniaru said the VAT Bill, initially expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2023, has already passed through legal clearance by the Attorney General’s Chambers and now awaits submission to Cabinet by the Minister for Finance and Treasury.

“This Bill has cleared the legal process. It is now ready for the next step. It will be helpful to understand what remains to be done before it is brought before Cabinet,” Maneniaru said.

The BLC Chair highlighted the importance of the VAT Bill, particularly given the government’s stated commitment to strengthening domestic revenue and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

“This is an important piece of legislation. If well designed and implemented, the VAT Bill can contribute meaningfully to revenue mobilisation and long-term economic resilience,” Maneniaru said.

In May 2025, Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma told Parliament that the ministry was implementing a comprehensive tax reform agenda aimed at modernizing the country’s tax system to improve the business environment and support economic growth.

The reform is being rolled out in phases and Phase 1 focuses on the Tax Administration Act and the VAT.

Kuma said the Tax Administration Act was passed in 2022 and came into effect on 1 January, 2023. It streamlines the administration of various tax laws under the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and updates several existing tax acts.

Minister Kuma said the VAT Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament by mid-2025.

He said the first phase is nearing completion, with the VAT bill currently awaiting Cabinet approval.

Minister Kuma adds that phase 2 involves a rewrite of the Income Tax Act.

“Work has started, with Cabinet already approving key policy directions in 2024. The Economic Reform Unit, along with ADB advisers, is now developing a policy paper for this phase.” Kuma said.

Meanwhile, the MP for West Are’Are noted the rising public interest in the Bill and called for more transparency about its progress.

“Given the significance of the Bill and the public interest in tax reforms, it would be helpful for the minister to provide an update. The public deserves to know where things stand,” Maneniaru said.

He concluded by encouraging responsible authorities to give the matter due attention.

“This is an important part of our national development agenda. Progressing the VAT Bill in a timely and transparent manner will be a positive step forward,” Maneniaru said.

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