-Workers Union allows for labour commissioner to mediate

-Grievances include covid-19 allowances not paid by Ports to its workers, no cost-of-living adjustment and bonuses

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The country’s Workers Union (WUSI) has postponed a strike which was set to begin yesterday at the Solomons Ports (SIPA).

President of the Solomon Island Council of Trade Union (SICTU) Tony Kagovai said they had postponed the strike action to allow time for the commissioner of labour to mediate between SIPA WUSI.

The postponed strike followed a 28-day strike notice issued to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI).

The strike notice took effect on January 10 and lapsed yesterday, February 6.

This action followed SIPA’s failure to provide workers with their Covid-19 allowances, a 3.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and bonuses from the previous year.

In an interview with Island Sun, Mr Kagovai said they met with the SIPA workers on Wednesday this week and agreed to postpone the strike action to allow the commissioner of labour to conduct mediation between SIPA and WUSI.

“It was endorsed in the meeting for the commissioner to negotiate. The SIPA workers, 300 employees, attended the meeting. The aim is to have a clear mind of the ongoing matter,” said Kagovai.

“If the negotiation doesn’t work then we will go on strike or refer the matter to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) and go to court. Those some options,” he said.

He said that the SIPA CEO has been isolating himself for the last six years, although the Union wrote to him about such an important matter.

“So, for us, that is enough. We extend the strike notice to allow the commissioner to negotiate,” he said.

He said that the SICTU and WUSI have done what is fair and reasonable.

Adrian Tuhanuku, WUSI secretary also shared similar sentiments when Island Sun sought clarification on the issue.

“If SIPA, as the recipient, does not agree with the notice and refers to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP), however, in this case, when the strike laps, both parties do not make a referral. So, the commissioner now mediates on the issue,” he said.

“It’s clear that we do not make referrals, and I’m hoping that they would resolve it or refer to the panel to look at the case. But, the 28 days’ notice, stands. We can strike back. That’s our view.

“We declared in a letter Thursday night, that we uphold the 28-day strike notice, and see ourselves as in compliance already. But because of the new development, where the chance of arbitration outside there, we allow the commissioner to do the work,” said Tuhanuku.

SIPA was contacted for comments but did not respond.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa provincial assembly passed a budget of $20,506,057.27 in its provincial revised budget meeting last week in Kirakira.

The budget, which is the 2024/2025 revised budget comprised of recurrent budget of $11,199,449.68 and capital budget of $9,306,607.59.  

Introducing the budget, MUP Minister for Finance, Hon Silas Wagatora highlighted the importance of passing the budget for the smooth operation of the province.

Adding that the budget will sustain the operation of the province till the assembly passes the original budget for 2025/2026.   

“I will begin by outlining the recurrent and capital revenues, follow by an overview of the recurrent and capital expenditure budgets” he said.

Wagatora also noted that there was a significant portion of additional revenue, which addressed manpower costs and overspent allocations of the province.

He furthered that the inclusion of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), LoCAL PCDF, and IEDCR PCDF funding have also reflected successful assessment results of MUP.

“Despite these increases, time constraints pose challenges for implementation before the end of the financial year.

“Efforts are underway to streamline budget execution processes to maximize resource utilization.

“Enhanced fiscal oversight will mitigate risks associated with overspending and ensure adherence to financial regulations,” Wagatora said.

He clarified the budget as follow;

Under revenue budget

The 2024/25 revised revenue budget totals $20,506,057.27, comprising recurrent revenues of $11,199,449.68 and capital revenues of $9,306,607.59.

Key contributors to the revenue increase include:

• Property rates arrears.
• Refunds from MPGIS for formation and PAMSAD costs.
• Rental income from provincial residences.
• SIG grants for PCDA salaries.

These sources highlight efforts to optimize revenue collection and manage arrears effectively. Enhanced transparency and improved systems are anticipated to sustain these gains in subsequent fiscal years.

Capital revenue

Capital revenue has increased significantly to $9,306,607.59, including $8,382,465.01 from external donors:

• SIG-PCDF: $3,978,955.25
• LoCAL PCDF: $1,923,161.70
• IEDCR PCDF: $2,480,348.07

The carry-forward amounts in the budget include:

• SIG capital for Huro Township Development: $129,610.33
• PCDF carry-forward: $194,532.24
• UNDP-EU (PGSD): $600,000.00

The capital revenue allocation underscores partnerships with development agencies and the importance of accountability in managing donor funds.

Strategic planning ensures long-term value creation for the province.

Expenditure Budget

Recurrent Expenditure

The revised recurrent expenditure is $9,179,541.38, an increase of $1,407,713.73 from the original budget. Allocations prioritize compliance with PACRA’s policies.

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure reflects participatory planning, emphasizing rural livelihoods through Ward Development Committees. Allocations include:

• 10% for general investment servicing.
• 20% for administration.
• 70% for infrastructure projects.

Under the revised PCDF manual, 60% of SIG-PCDF allocations focus on economic development and climate resilience. External funding agencies have defined specific investment areas:

• IEDCR: 70% for productive, climate-resilient community projects.
• LoCAL: development projects addressing climate change impacts.

He said this expenditure framework reinforces PACRA government’s commitment to equitable and sustainable development, ensuring that investments reach the communities that need them most.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The leader of the opposition, Mathew Wale, characterized the government of the Solomon Islands as reactionary.

Wale expressed this viewpoint during the Solomon Island Democratic Party Tok-stori podcast titled “Climate Change: How a Few Young Solomon Islanders Changed the World.”

His remarks were made in response to a question regarding the need for leadership on issues impacting both the nation and the broader region.

He stated, “We are extremely vulnerable, just like Vanuatu, and it is unacceptable that students advocating for climate change should receive significantly more support from Vanuatu to establish formal channels through the United Nations for sponsoring resolutions and ultimately directing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as required in this matter.”

He said that it is regrettable that the Solomon Islands government has not demonstrated a more substantial commitment to these matters.

“I find it disheartening that it appears our government is almost reluctantly allowing itself to be exploited. This observation is not entirely surprising, as our government tends to be reactionary, failing to proactively address the threats we face,’’ said Wale.

He said that while the government may not possess all the solutions, it should actively engage with young people in discussions about issues that are significant to the nation.

” I appreciate your solidarity with other Pacific nations. However, I am also disheartened that our country has not been allowed to voice its concerns,’’ said Wale.

He said that it would have been beneficial for students fighting climate change to have spoken more extensively, particularly in advocating for initiatives aimed at tackling the impacts of climate change from the outset.

“Furthermore, regarding the situation in West Papua, the issues are quite similar. Vanuatu has consistently maintained a principled stance on the West Papua matter, viewing it as both a moral obligation and a geopolitical concern.

“There is much we can learn in this regard, and it would be valuable if the government could approach collaboration with Vanuatu on these issues with greater humility,’’ Wale said.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says pageant contestants represent the resiliency spirit of Pacific Island women.

Manele stressed that that they are sending a “powerful message” to the world, demonstrating Pacific Island women as strong, intelligent, talented, industrious and “ambassadors of our people, our countries and our region.”

He said Pacific Islands women are always ready to lead when facing challenges.

“Your courage, your commitment and your vision for a better Pacific will inspire those around you to believe in their own power to create change,” he said.

“You stand for what you believe in,” Manele added.

He said that the country takes pride in playing a part in nurturing the potential of women across the Pacific.

“We are here to support you, not only during this pageant show or contest, but in your future endeavors in whatever way we can. Our government is committed to fostering an environment where young women can rise, achieve and contribute to our shared progress in the Pacific,” he added.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Matthew Wale, the Leader of the Opposition has expressed disappointment regarding the withdrawal of US President Donald Trump from the Paris Agreement.

This agreement serves as the global framework for achieving the goals set forth by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Its primary objective is to enhance the global response to climate change by ensuring that the increase in global temperatures this century remains significantly below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with efforts aimed at limiting the rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

During a live podcast earlier this month, the opposition leader said that the President’s decision would adversely affect the Solomon Islands and other small island nations worldwide.

“We are certainly very disappointed, as we are on the frontline of climate change, along with other small island states in various regions,” he stated.

He said that a potential positive aspect is that Trump will only be in office for four years, suggesting that a change in leadership could lead to a renewed focus on climate issues.

“If a new president is elected after four years, there is hope that they will recognise the reality of climate change. Therefore, we must not lose hope or become disheartened,” said Wale.

Mr Wale also expressed confidence that other global players, including European nations, the United Kingdom, and China, would take action to address the situation.

“I also hope they will step up and contribute to filling this gap,” he added.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Leader of the Opposition Mathew Wale criticized the inflated costs associated with the Tina Hydro project, attributing them to poor negotiation practices.

In response to inquiries regarding whether the Solomon Islands secured the best deal for this renewable energy initiative, he highlighted that the cost for a 15-megawatt project in regions with similar GDP levels, such as those in Africa, typically ranges from USD 35 million to USD 15 million.

“The 15-megawatt hydro project was overpriced for us, with costs around 260 million US dollars at that time,” Wale said during a live podcast earlier this month.

“We have been misled into signing agreements that should have cost 10% of the current figure, which is now 400 million and may increase further by the time of completion in two years,’’ said Wale.

He anticipated that by the time the project reached completion, the total cost could spiral to USD 500 million.

“At present, it exceeds USD 400 million. This is a clear case of exploitation and an indication of poor negotiation,” he said.

Mr. Wale further said that the government, along with the Ministry of Finance and Energy, has demonstrated incompetence in their negotiation efforts.

“We are committing to a 30-year agreement with a 40% reduction in tariffs, yet we remain the most expensive in the region. How can this be considered a favourable deal?” he questioned.

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