BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

THE Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has slammed the response by the Minister of Mines & Energy, describing it as a mockery and lame attempt to defend the actions of the minister.

Wale’s response comes amid the Mines and Energy’s strong rejection of his concerns of procedural breaches or ministerial overreach regarding the Mines and Energy Minister’s proposed granting of a mining license to Far East Resources Company Ltd for nickel mining operations on San Jorge.

The Mines and Energy statement, in defending the Minister, assured the public that the regulatory framework governing the mining sector is being strictly adhered to and that all mining projects are subject to rigorous legal scrutiny.

The Ministry further explained that no mining license application can be processed without fulfilling the requisite statutory conditions under the Mines and Minerals Act and other relevant legislation.

The Ministry firmly stated that, contrary to the claims made by the Opposition Leader, NO mining license is issued unless these legal requirements are met in full compliance with the established legal framework.

However, Wale slams the response, stating that in light of the concerns raised, eyewitnesses have testified to seeing the Minister disembarking from a boat owned by Far East Resources Company Ltd at Kokonut Café just on Monday night this week after returning from a private trip to Kopiu village in his Constituency.

A press statement issued from the office of the opposition leader yesterday indicated that the mining company’s boat that picked up the Minister was driven by his brother.

“How can this be so? Isn’t this a clear case of conflict of interest, and isn’t this the same story that we have heard before?” Wale questioned.

Wale said in the statement that this recent incident only confirms the concerns raised by the San Jorge landowners. 

“If the Minister can travel in a boat owned by the mining company, how can they trust him to uphold the law and be neutral in dealing with the company’s pending application? What if this is just one of the many favours the mines minister is getting from the company?” Wale questioned.

According to the statement, the Opposition Leader said that this is a conflict of interest at the highest level in any democratic country upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.

Wale said that the Mines Ministry’s response in the media recently to defend the mines minister is ‘shameful’.

 “The response by the ministry deviates from the core concern raised by the landowners of San Jorge, and it is shameful when we are trying to mislead the people when the red flags are evident,” Wale said in his official statement.

Wale said that successive governments have recklessly handled the mining sector in this country for far too long.

The opposition Leader said the government’s failure to address the long-standing issue in Renbel bauxite mining is just one of many examples of the Government’s gross mismanagement and incompetence in the mining sector.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Work on the much-awaited China-funded Auki Road upgrade is expected to begin next month.

Premier of Malaita Elijah Asilaua says preparation is underway for the landmark project to start.

He said preparation of the site office is currently in progress with office buildings, road concrete works and power installation.

“It is expected that work will commence on the main road in April once the site office work is completed,” Asilaua said.

He also noted that the Auki Road network will be upgraded with asphalt concrete mix and not tar-sealing.

He said this will connect all residential zones in Auki.

Asilaua emphasised that the asphalt concrete mix is more water infiltration resistant and becomes quality, durable, safe and gives comfortable riding.

The contractor of the project, CCECC has since November last year transported machineries and building materials to Auki.

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-SICCI repeats call on private sector to adhere to labour laws

-Zero toleration for exploitation and discrimination: SICCI

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has repeated its call on the private sector to strictly adhere to the country’s laws and regulations while conducting business operations.

SICCI, the leading representative of the country’s private sector, emphasised the importance of legal compliance, urging businesses to ensure that their activities align with national regulations in a media statement yesterday.

The Chamber’s call comes in light of the Trade Union’s latest call for the protection of workers’ rights.

Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) in the past months have raised the alarm on the high rate of exploitation of workers in the country.

SICTU blamed gross government negligence, weak monitoring and protection of workers, both in the civil and private sectors.

In one of its statements, SICTU urged the two largest private sector business associations, SICCI and the Chinese association, to encourage their members to abide by the country’s labour laws.

“It has come to our attention that many employers are taking advantage of workers’ gratitude for employment opportunities by denying them access to their full work conditions, incentives, and entitlements as required under Solomon Islands labour laws and related regulations,” the SICTU statement on March 13 said.

Monday this week SICTU lashed out at a common narrative held by businesses and employers alike across the country which blamed workers as the main cause of high expenses whenever they demand for better working conditions.

“This narrative is not only misleading but also unjust. It is time to shift the focus and acknowledge the broader systemic issues that significantly impact business operations and costs. It’s time to shift the blame and focus on real solutions,” said SICTU. 

“Today, we address a critical issue that has long plagued industrial relations: the unfair burden placed on workers when employers and other stakeholders discuss the rising costs of doing business. 

“While workers’ demands for fair wages, safe working environments and improved conditions are legitimate and necessary, they are not the sole drivers of rising operational costs,” SICTU said.

SICCI, meanwhile has been also vocal urging businesses to abide by the country’s labour laws.

“SICCI firmly stands against any practices that exploit employees within our business community,” the Chamber said in its statement on March 13.

“We are committed to promoting fair and level playing field and this applies to ethical labour practices that respect the rights and dignity of all workers.

“Our organisation believes that businesses should operate with integrity, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth.

“We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or discrimination in the workplace, and we urge all businesses in the Solomon Islands to join us in creating a more equitable and just labour market for everyone.”

Yesterday, SICCI reiterated its call for businesses to abide by the law in their treatment of workers.

“Abiding by the law is crucial for maintaining a fair and ethical business environment that fosters economic growth and stability.”

SICCI highlighted the significant contributions of employees to the country’s economy, encouraging businesses to recognise and value their workforce.

It reiterated that a well-treated and motivated workforce is essential for business success and long-term development.

SICCI underscored that all business activities must be conducted legally and ethically.

It reiterated its warning against practices that may compromise business integrity, urging companies to prioritise transparency, fairness, and accountability in their operations.

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By Loretta B Manele

There is not just “peace”, because we also have what is called “positive peace” and “negative peace”.

Raki Tuiloma, programmes assistant for Transcend Oceania gave a brief take on this at the “Peacebuilding and Security Dialogue” at King Solomon Hotel yesterday.

He said positive peace aims to create a just and sustainable society where all members can live in harmony and well-being while negative peace focuses on the absence of direct violence and conflict.

In regards to “positive peace”, he expressed that it is peace emphasizing and addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting justice and equality.

Tuiloma mentioned two examples of peace building activities.

The first being “dialogue and mediation” of which is said to involve the facilitation of dialogue and mediation between conflicting parties to find a common ground and bridge agreements.

“So, we have different experiences through this dialogue. We can find very constructive ways of living with conflict in our different communities and the experiences we have.”

The other example as stated is “community-based initiatives”.

Tuiloma said this involves supporting local initiatives that promote peace and reconciliation, such as community dialogues, reconciliation projects and youth programs.

Aside from community-based initiatives, other avenues outlined are; education and awareness, supporting governments and justice and economic development.

Tuiloma went on to talk about “negative peace”.

He stressed that an example of negative peace is when people put on their happy faces and pretend to get along and avoid raising uncomfortable or difficult subjects for fear of angering the other party in situations like disagreements or conflicts.

“It’s like a yes thing. Everything we would say yes to. We would not question the authority or those that hold positions. So, this is an example of negative peace.”

On another note, he stated that in countries recovering from violent conflicts, it is often required to hold reconciliation of differences, apology and forgiveness of past harm.

Tuiloma said this includes the establishment of a cooperative relationship between groups, replacing the adversarial or competitive relationship that used to exist.

He added that there is also the normal process of advancing human rights, normalizing relations and building institutions that manage conflict without resort to violence.

“This can be applied to any sector, such as public health, or creating inclusive access to education and opening up economic opportunity.”

He stated that it is about establishing non-violent modes of resolving conflicts in any sector.

“It also includes conflict prevention and conflict management to prevent the occurrence of violence or managing crisis so that violence does not escalate.”

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By Loretta B Manele

A fundamental component of life is making sure that we are safe and stable in all aspects of our lives.

Justine Maravu, programs manager for Transcend Oceania spoke about this at the two-day “Peacebuilding and Security Dialogue” that commenced yesterday and ends today at the King Solomon Hotel.

Speaking on “security”, she said the primary goal of security is to safeguard individuals and their belongings.

“The fundamental aspect of human life, that’s what we all need every day. Ensuring safety and stability in our personal, professional and public domains.”

She went on to talk about “security” in the sense of what it is and what it means.

Maravu explained that security is protection from or resilience against potential harm.

She also stated that beneficiaries of security may be persons in social groups, objects and institutions, ecosystems or any other entity of phenomenon vulnerable to unwanted change.

Maravu said in the context of peace and security, security encompasses freedom from fear.

“Encompassing protection from violence, ensuring a person’s livelihood and well-being often viewed through the lens of human security.”

Maravu voiced that freedom of fear refers to protection from physical violence, threats and coercion whereas freedom from want addresses the protection of a person’s livelihood, encompassing economic stability, access to resources and social inclusion.

She stated that the concept of peace and security are often seen as intertwined, with peace being a state of tranquillity and security being the absence of threats and the ability to maintain that tranquillity.

“That’s peace and security as a goal. International order is in charge of the quest for peace and security.”

She noted that having looked into the Solomon Islands National Policy, the policy already highlights “security issues” as the main and important objective.

Maravu said what they are bringing is already in the national peacebuilding policy.

In regards to security she stated that we just need to have more understanding and dialogue around “security”.

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By Loretta B Manele

“We have to make peace work out today and not wait for tomorrow.”

This was the main sentiment echoed in a security dialogue supported by the United Kingdom, held in Honiara yesterday.

Lottie Vaisekavea, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs made the statement referring to Solomon Islands’ efforts in peace whilst speaking at the Peacebuilding and Security Dialogue at King Solomon Hotel yesterday.

When it comes to ensuring there is peace in the country, he voiced that “we have to make it work today and not take 10 years to make it happen with the excuse of not having enough funds”.

“There are funds there. It’s sufficient. Convert it into a seed. Make it work for us.”

Vaisekavea added that they may not have perfect peace but they are joining the peace chain where tomorrow will be better and that means giving or allowing people to take possession of their peace capacity.

Moreover, he pointed out that conflicts should not define the people and country of Solomon Islands.

Vaisekavea said Solomon Islands is the only nation in the Pacific and one of the only countries in the world that has a Ministry of Peace and a dedicated national peace building policy.

He said the policy will be changed to a national peace policy called the “National Hearts and Minds Policy”.

Vaisekavea said they are reorganising their ministry because “we cannot be a country if we do not deliver or if we do not facilitate”.

The dialogue, facilitated by Transcend Oceania and Conciliation Resources with funding support from UK-Integrated Security Fund, ends today.

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