Home Blog Page 364

Climate smart development

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Trevor Mahaga, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) highlighted the importance of “climate smart development”.

He spoke about this whilst contributing to the debate on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 in parliament on Monday, May 19.

Mahaga said he supports the bill because it mandates the Environmental Impact Assessment which integrates waste and pollution controls and embed climate resilience into zone planning.

He stressed that these measures are core to long-term success and they can and should go further on this.

“Our agencies must be leading examples of climate smart development.”

Speaking on “climate smart development”, Mahaga outlined a number of initiatives under this channel.

One of them is “clean energy”, of which he said they should make as a standard and not an exception.

Mahaga voiced that clean energy is not only possible but cost-effective in the long run.

He said investors are now actively looking for clean energy zones and they should offer them one.

Other initiatives he mentioned under “climate smart development” are nature-based infrastructure, sustainable water systems, green construction materials and community driven design.

Mahaga emphasized that the SEZ Bill through its amended provisions rightly place environmental oversight within the core of existing governance.

He furthered that the involvement of his ministry will ensure that compliance is not an afterthought, but a precondition.

In this regard, he stated that they will ensure every development proposal is screened for climate risks.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

MP offers constituency for government development

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY LORETTA B MANELE

A Member of Parliament has offered his constituency for government to develop in terms of establishing Special Economic Zones in the country.

Alfred Lazarus Rimah, Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal while contributing to parliament’s debate on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill yesterday said government can develop infrastructure in his constituency if the capital is already full.

Initially, he said establishing Special Economic Zones is the way forward for accelerating economic growth, investment and national development in the Solomon Islands.

“This bill is a milestone that will redefine our economic landscape and lay the foundation for prosperity beyond Honiara.”

He expressed that apart from the main headquarters land in the provinces are also suitable and waiting to be utilized.

In this regard, he told parliament that his constituency although how far or remote it might be consists of suitable land that can be developed into an airport or port and is perfectly positioned to linking our provinces and international borders.

“This initiative will unlock economic growth, create jobs and attract investments and strengthen trade and tourism.”

He stated that they must ensure that projects are efficiently managed, transparently executed and aligned with long-term national interests.

Rimah told parliament that they must use this opportunity to lay the foundation for more economical resilience and a prosperous Solomon Islands.

“My constituency is ready”

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Government taking action amidst US tariff impacts: PM

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has assured the nation that the government is actively addressing the implications of the 10 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States, stating that both bilateral and regional diplomatic efforts are underway.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday in response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister Manele said that the Solomon Islands’ Embassy in New York is engaging with U.S. counterparts at the bilateral level.

On the regional front, he said the Pacific Islands Forum’s Troika group has also reached out to the U.S. Administration during a recent meeting in Nadi, Fiji, to initiate broader dialogue.

“The Troika has reached out to the U.S. in terms of possible dialogue between the region and the U.S., not only regarding the impact of the tariffs on individual economies, but also their implications for regional institutions such as SPC and SPREP,” he said.

Prime Minister Manele stressed on the importance of taking decisive national action in response to global trade disruptions.

“As a government, especially in terms of policy, it is important we strengthen and diversify our trade relationships. We must also reinforce domestic industries to reduce reliance on external markets,” he said.

He highlighted the need to boost regional cooperation and intra-Pacific trade to cushion against future economic shocks.

“Enhancing regional trading arrangements and investing in robust infrastructure will not only support economic growth but also build long-term resilience,” Manele added.

“We are also aware that the U.S. is currently engaged in trade talks with major partners such as China, Canada, and Mexico. Any economic impact on those nations will eventually cascade down to us through our own trade relationships,” he said.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to proactive trade policy reforms, aimed at enhancing economic self-sufficiency and mitigating the risks posed by unpredictable global market dynamics.

“As a government, we are very aware of the need to act both now and into the future to ensure we can shield our economy from external shocks and continue to grow through regional and sub-regional trade opportunities,” Manele said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

PTC for 3 people arrested for fraud

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) for three individuals charged with fraud for allegedly obtaining money from the complainant will be held this morning at the Honiara Magistrate’s Court at 10 am.

The PTC will be conducted before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly.  

The three defendants namely, Chief John Kokoro Clinty, Chief Alosi Jonah Taka and Jerry Madada Pakivai are jointly charged with one count of false pretence, contrary to section 306 (a) of the Penal Code, as read with section 21 of the Penal Code.

The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the matter adjourned to this morning for the defendants to confirm maintain their pleas before proceedings with the PTC.

Prosecution alleged on 12th of July 2022, complainant Johnny Yeh, met with the defendants Chief John Kokoro Clinty, Chief Alosi Jonah Taka and Jerry Madada Pakivai, at Coral Sea Resort Hotel to discuss matters related to the development plans of Robroy Island.

The defendants informed the complainant about the latest developments regarding the reconciliation progress with the Volaikana Soa Tribe.

It was further alleged that the defendants informed the complainant that the reconciliation process is still in progress, due to both tribes (Volaikana Soa Tribe and Volaikana Tribe) were still unable to reach an understanding on royalty sharing and other crucial tribe matters. So, they allegedly needed more time to complete the reconciliation process in the near future.

The defendant requested complainant continuous support in their reconciliation process, as it is crucial to the development on Robroy Island. Complainant upon hearing that agreed and accepted defendant requests for continuous financial support for their cause at the meeting.

On the 14th of July 2022, defendant invited the complainant to Heritage Park Hotel for a meeting.

During the meeting, defendants requested for an allowance of $ 1,500 each for the seven chiefs and elders including them, also attached a letter dated 13th July 2022 address to the complainant company requesting financial assistance for reconciliation purposes. Complainant upon seeing that, satisfied and willing to support.

The allegations further stated at that time the complainant did not know that Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) already made with Volaikana Soa Tribe and New Venture on the 8th of July 2022. The total of $ 10,500.00 was given to the defendants for reconciliation purposes as requested.

The allegation also stated, the complainant gave $ 1,500 cash to defendant Alosi Jonah and another $ 1,500 cash to Jerry Pakivai in Honiara and remaining $ 7,500 deposited into defendant Kokoro BSP personal bank account on the 16th of July 2022 from POB, Greenland Enterprise Limited.

On the 18th of July 2022, the money went into the personal bank account of defendant John Kokoro at BSP.

Prosecutor further alleged that the contents of the MOU confirmed that Volaikana Tribe and Volaikana Soa Tribe had completed their reconciliation, and both tribes agreed to allow New Venture Limited for Logging Operation on Robroy Island.

Complainant was not happy with what happened and reported the matter to fraud squad at Rove Police Headquarter on 13th of February 2025. Defendant arrested and charged and bailed.

Defendant Kokoro Clinty took part in a Record of Interview and denied receiving the amount of $ 7,500.

Jonah Taka in record of interview he admitted receiving the amount of $ 1,500 but denied meeting with the complainant at Heritage Park Hotel.

Defendant Pakivai in record of interview remained silent all throughout when allegation questions were asked to him.

Leonard Chite from Bridge Legal & Consultancy Firm prosecuting and Joseph Iroga of Florida International Legal Service represent the three defendants.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Sentence and mitigation submission for police officer for malicious damage adjourns

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The sentencing and mitigation submissions for a police officer who pleaded guilty for multiple charges of malicious damage and intimidation has been further adjourned to 27th May 2025.

Sentencing and mitigation submissions and settling of facts were supposed to be carried out yesterday, however, it was administratively adjourned and bail for the accused was extended.

The defendant Mr. Ben Kae was charged with two counts of malicious injuries and one count of intimidations and he pleaded guilty to all the charges.

The incident occurred on 10th of January 2025 around 11pm of which the accused appeared drunk at RSIPF Fire Service Station.

He walked towards the kitchen room looking for the remote controller of a TV.

However, he did not see the remote controller so he took the TV screen and threw it three times on the concrete floor until it was completely damaged.

At around 1:25am on the 11 of January 2025, the accused went into the kitchen to get his food and returned to the front of the Fire Station. He stood up and in a loud voice said that he would break the office of the Officer Commanding Station and that he wasn’t afraid of the officer of the station and the Inspector.

The accused then walked towards the entrance of the main door and slammed it before he entered.

Later, he walked out to the Fire station and threatened his colleagues saying he was not afraid of them and that he would cut them with a knife. After having left, he then returned during day break and told an officer that he had damaged the glass wall of the office.

Jeremy Oiofa prosecuting and Lazarus Waroka represent the defendant.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

KFPL disqualified from 5M ESP grant

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) was disqualified from receiving a $5 million grant under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) due to non-compliance with the policy guidelines.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale raised the issue on the floor of Parliament yesterday, asking:

“What happened to the $5 million funding support under the Economic Stimulus Package that was allocated to Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL)?”

In response, Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma, clarified that KFPL did not qualify for the funding.

“Sir, this grant was applied for, but eventually KFPL did not receive it. One of the policy guidelines under the ESP is that assistance is prioritized for companies that are at least 45 percent locally owned. Since KFPL did not meet this requirement, the grant was not approved,” Minister Kuma explained.

However, Opposition Leader Wale questioned the process, noting that KFPL had been publicly listed as a recipient in a budget announcement by the then-Finance Minister.

“If that was the case, why was it announced? I understand that other large companies that also didn’t meet the 45 percent ownership requirement received ESP funding. I don’t understand why KFPL was excluded,” Wale stated.

Minister Kuma reiterated that the policy guideline had been approved by Cabinet at the time.

“Soltuna, for example, received funding because it was more than 45 percent locally owned. In the case of some copra exporters, what they received was not a grant but subsidies,” he clarified.

KFPL was among the companies publicly announced to receive ESP support in April 2020.

However, the company claims it has not received any portion of the promised funds to date.

In April this year Opposition group visited Western Province and KFPL has urged the Opposition Group to press the matter further with the government.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

First world bee day celebrations today

Written by
Admin
-
0

Solomon Islands hosted its first-ever World Bee Day celebration today from 8am – 3pm at the Honiara City Council (HCC) Youth Hub Outdoor Court, located next to the Multipurpose Hall.

Under the theme “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All – Protectim and Strongarm Bees for Future Blo Iumi”, this event aims to raise awareness about the vital role of bees and other pollinators in food security, biodiversity and environmental sustainability, a MAL statement yesterday said.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) supported Bee Project – Strengthening beekeeping industries for production and livelihood in Solomon Islands, and the Honey Bee Working Committee as part of the work to revitalise the beekeeping and honey industry in Solomon Islands.

The programme will feature awareness and educational displays, community engagement activities, insights into local beekeeping efforts, and their impact on livelihoods and our environment, the statement said.

World Bee Day is an international event since 2018 which the United Nations has advocated and raised awareness on the critical role bees and pollinators play in the agri-food system and the health of our planet’s ecosystem. Bees and pollinators increasingly declining and threatened by habitat loss, unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change and pollution.

‘Make It 18 Report’ a call to arms

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini (SIEVAP) project, Make It 18 Report 2022 -2025, is a call to arms, said New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rebecca Williams.

Commissioner Williams said during the presentation and handover of the report to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), Friday last week at the Honiara Hotel.

In recognition of the SIEVAP work in keeping children in Solomon Islands safe and advocating for that can empower children Mrs Williams said that the task is difficult and confronting for SIEVAP as frontline responders.

“New Zealand is honoured to be partnering with you in this work,” she said.

She said that children and young people are the Solomon Islands’ greatest sources of strength, and supporting them to be safe and to harness their full potential as future leaders and innovators is essential for a more stable, resilient and inclusive Solomon Islands.

“This report is a call to arms. All children and young people deserve to grow up with a chance to reach their full potential. We know that girls and boys who get married young are less likely to stay in school and less likely to fulfil their full economic potential,” said Williams.

She also notes that the report is a great example of the value of all voices feeding into policy decisions.

“SIEVAP have shown the collective strength of children as advocates. Together with children, youth, parents, caregivers, faith-based and community leaders, NGOs, national and provincial governments, let’s make it a reality. Let’s make it a team in all communities across Honiara and all Solomon Islands,” concludes Williams.

To contribute to this effort, the SIEVAP coalition partner agencies of Save the Children, World Vision, and Child Fund undertook a series of community consultations in Honiara, Malaita, Western and Choiseul provinces on child marriage and whether the Islanders Married Act should be amended.

The Law Reform Commission Office also collaborated with SIEVAP to roll out these consultations.

After the report was drafted, the SIEVAP coalition convened an implementation and enforcement workshop with key government stakeholders and civil society to discuss possible challenges if the law is reformed to prevent child marriages and the potential solutions.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Aviation consultation successfully held

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

 A Collaboration and Consultation Meeting was successfully held between the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMET), the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) and Solomon Airlines Stakeholders.

The Aviation Meteorological Services consultation meeting was held at the Weather Forecasting Office, Vavaya Ridge in Honiara on Wednesday, 14 May.

Mr. Solomon Sammy, the Quality Assurance Manager for Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS), said the aim is to discuss the continuous improvements that would contribute to the safety, regularity and efficiency of civil air navigation services in Solomon Islands.

He said that the objective of the discussion is to provide a working paper or report for the ICAO/APAC Meteorology Sub-Group 29 Meeting in August this year in Bangkok, Thailand.

He said that the paper will provide a report and evidence to close the Open ICAO deficiency AP-MET-20 registered under the Solomon Islands since 2008.

He said Solomon Islands will provide a working paper that will allow the meeting to discuss the closing of the ICAO APANPIRG Air Navigation deficiency related to the provision of WAFC forecasts in the Solomon Islands.

“Solomon Islands already addresses and implements the ICAO deficiency by providing Pilot Briefing Meteorological information and products to the Airlines. This also includes the weather charts and forecasts from the World Area Forecast Centre (WAFC) in Washington,” said Sammy.

He said that the outcome of the meeting required:

1. SIMS to request the Secretariat for ICAO/Asia & Pacific office, in coordination with the ad hoc group on air navigation deficiencies to assist the Solomon Islands in preparing the appropriate report detailing the rectification of the deficiency.

2. Solomon Airlines to provide an evidential report acknowledging and confirming the reception of the products and services provided by SIMS for Aviation Meteorological Services.

“As part of the ongoing support, continual improvements that would contribute to the safety, regularity and efficiency of civil air navigation services in Solomon Islands. The following has been put in place:

“Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

“The Letter of Agreement (LOA) between Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) and Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIACL).

“The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) and Solomon Airlines.

“The annual stakeholder meetings between SIMS, CAASI, SIACL and Solomon Airlines,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Teacher training workshop on parliamentary resource book underway for Temotu educators

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

A three-day Teacher Training Workshop organized by the Civic Education Unit (PCEU) of the Parliamentary Public Engagement and Communication Department is currently underway at Luelta Resort in Lata, bringing together teachers from various schools across Temotu Province.

The training aims to boost the knowledge of educators particularly Social Science teachers on key aspects of the National Parliament, including its structure and functions, the principle of separation of powers and the roles of parliamentary committees.

Central to the workshop is the Parliamentary Resource Book, an educational tool developed to support the teaching of civic education in classrooms across the Solomon Islands.

In a statement Chief Education Officer of the Temotu Province Education Authority, Allen Steward, warmly welcomed the initiative and commended Parliament for bringing the training to Temotu.

“I would like to frame this training under the theme: Empowering Educators for a Stronger Civic Education,” said Mr Steward.

He added that the workshop would fill important gaps in the current curriculum and improve students’ understanding of how Parliament operates.

“Make this training a great success so that our children understand how Parliament works. This is an investment in the future. Share what you’ve learned here with fellow teachers and your students,” he encouraged the participants.

Acting Director of the Parliamentary Civic Education Unit, Alex Seama, also expressed his appreciation to the educators in attendance many of whom travelled from remote parts of the province.

He also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued partnership.

Seama said the importance of spreading civic knowledge to the wider population, noting that an estimated 70 to 75 percent of Solomon Islanders still lack a clear understanding of Parliament’s role and functions.

“The Parliamentary Resource Books were developed especially for our young people particularly secondary school students as supplementary materials that align with the school curriculum,” he said.

The workshop includes interactive presentations, discussions and practical classroom strategies aimed at equipping teachers with both the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver civic education.

This training is part of Parliament’s long-term effort to promote civic awareness through the education system.

Since 2010, Parliament has been developing civic education materials and in 2021, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) officially incorporated these resources into the national curriculum.

Three civic education resource booklets tailored for both teachers and students have since been published and distributed to all secondary schools across the country.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

1...363364365...1,660Page 364 of 1,660