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‘LEAKED DOCUMENT POTENTIALLY LINKED TO INTERNAL POLITICS’

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Sogavare. Photo credit- MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY NED GAGAHE

Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare has expressed concerns that the recent leak of a document related to exemptions may be tied to internal political maneuvering within the government.

In an interview with the Island Sun this week, following the two leaked exemption documents totaling more than $15 million granted to a Chinese business, Xiao’s Henderson Hotel Limited (XHHL).

Sogavare suggested the leak was politically motivated aimed at causing political instability within the government.

Sogavare revealed that some ministers within the ruling Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) had recently raised demands with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, one of which proposed that exemption applications exceeding $10 million be reviewed by the Cabinet rather than the Minister of Finance.

Sogavare indicated he was aware of these internal demands but dismissed public concerns about the loss of government revenue from exemptions as “unnecessary fear.”

“I’ve issued three statements already on the issue of exemptions. It appears there are people who are not satisfied, influenced by I don’t know what,” Sogavare said.

“Despite the fact that three very comprehensive statements issued by myself on press conference again on leaked document.

“The principles are the same, there is no difference. And then the Ministerial statements I made on the floor of parliament seriously outlining the exemptions and the policies rationales behind it and the total unnecessary fear that the government lost almost 300 million dollars’ worth of exemptions granted.” He said referring to the exemptions issued since last year.

He directly linked the leak to the internal demands, suggesting that some “colleagues” within the government had signed a “log of demands” focused on these issues.

“They want the exemptions to be decided by Cabinet, anything above $10 million,” he explained.

In defense of his position, Sogavare reiterated the rationale behind the government’s exemption policies.

He addressed concerns over lost revenue, pointing out that while exemptions totaling nearly $300 million were granted, only $148 million of that was actually utilized.

“The lost revenue concern is non-sense,” Sogavare stated, dismissing criticisms that the government was losing significant amounts of money.

“Only 148 million out of 300 million dollars’ worth of exemptions was actually utilized by the applicants, so the lost of revenue concern is non-sense.

“It does not make sense what so ever. People see the fear that government is losing revenue so they come up with any sort of comments saying that we are running short of medicines.

“It is critical tactics they are using against us the government with ulterior motives. They did not think twice to use that tactic.

“So, I answered that on the floor of Parliament. So, anyone who did not understand and unsatisfied with that, I don’t know what to say. What else can we explain to the people. And I took the opportunity again during the sine-die motion in parliament to make reference to the issue.

“Still people not satisfy and I directly linked it to the log of demands that colleagues within the government put forward to the Prime Minister.” Sogavare said.

Despite his repeated clarifications and comprehensive statements issued both in press conferences and in Parliament, Sogavare said that some individuals continued to fuel “unnecessary fear” around the issue.

He accused these individuals of using critical tactics to undermine the government’s credibility, particularly with claims about a shortage of medicines or financial mismanagement.

“I don’t know what else we can explain to the people, I directly linked it to the log of demands that colleagues within the government put forward to the Prime Minister.” He said.

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Constituent Assembly bill needs to be revisited

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By Loretta B Manele

The Constituent Assembly bill was defeated today but I want to urge us that this means we will have to come back, sit down and look properly into the bill and bring it back to parliament.

Alfred Lazarus Rina, the member of parliament for East Central Guadalcanal constituency raised this on Thursday, 19th Dec last month during the Sine Die Motion in parliament.

He said this bill is the wish of some of our provinces, especially Guadalcanal province and people from the province are really looking forward to the bill.

“So, I think that the government of the day should sit down and look into the bill again because it is an important bill and we are deciding things that will affect the future generations”

He added that what they want to see is the bill to be something that will help the country’s future generations.

Rina reiterated his call for the GNUT government to find a way to bring the bill back to parliament so they can find a meaningful way to have it passed in parliament.

Gov’t must have a plan for people with mental health conditions

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By Loretta B Manele

The government must have a plan for people experiencing mental health conditions.

Alfred Lazarus Rina, member of parliament for East Central Guadalcanal constituency voiced this during the Sine Die Motion in parliament last month.

He expressed that he feels sorry seeing some of our people who are just walking along the road, sleeping at bus stops and drinking and bathing in water that is not clean.

“What I want to ask is, who is caring for these people?

Some of them might come to the provinces. They are mentally affected so my question is who is responsible for these people?

Their parents?”

He said when he sees these people, it is like nobody cares for them.

Rina stated that it is very important that responsible ministries find ways to take care of them.

He mentioned that he knows Kilu’ufi hospital is there but may be having another place will also do.

Rina stressed that these people are God’s creation thus the government must have a plan for them.

“So, I think we should find ways to take care of these people”

Some provisions in provincial gov’t act needs changing

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By Loretta B Manele

We need to change some of the provisions in the provincial government act to allow our provinces to benefit from revenue sharing.

Alfred Lazarus Rina, East Central Guadalcanal member of parliament expressed this at the Sine Die Motion, on Thurs 19th Dec last month.

He said by benefiting from revenue sharing, provinces can be able to develop themselves.

Rina told parliament that as a person coming from the provincial government, he sees the need for government to do revenue sharing.

“I urge the minister of provincial government to work hard with his staff so that we can empower our provinces”

Rina mentioned that he thinks this is also preparation for transition and is something that should be done.

He stressed that they have talked about transition government but have not prepared the provinces.

Henceforth, Rina emphasized that it is good that they empower provinces so that while the national government is working, provinces are also working in terms developing good roads and establishing their own provincial headquarters.

MEHRD approves new schools, class expansions

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has approved several new schools and class expansions at the secondary level for this year, aiming to meet the growing demand for education.

In a sine-die motion last month, Minister Tozen Leokana told parliament that the ministry had given the approval to twenty schools.  

Leokana said of the twenty schools, three are new primary schools, one Rural Training Center (RTC), nine schools to commence form one, and an additional seven schools to provide form four.

He said the trend of establishing new schools and expanding the secondary level has indicated the need to cater to the “growing school population.”

While acknowledging a significant increase in the ministry’s budget, Leokana emphasized that challenges remain.

“…although we have the biggest share, we still have many challenges that remain, particularly in education access at the early childhood education and senior secondary school level. Including  learning outcomes for girls, children, those with disabilities and students in rural areas,” he said.

Other challenges include low student completion rates, the impacts of climate change, population growth, economic constraints, and limited resources for funding essential infrastructure projects.

Despite these challenges, Leokana expressed confidence in the ongoing education reform program, which is designed to address these issues.

“Nevertheless, there is renewed efforts by the government, together with the support budget through our donor partners, to address those challenges in 2025 and beyond,” he added.

Rina lauds gov’t for support

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By Loretta B Manele

Lazarus Alfred Rina, member of parliament for East Central Guadalcanal constituency has lauded the government for its support to his constituency.

He made the remark when he contributed to the Sine Die Motion on Thursday morning, Dec 19th 2024.

“Let me thank the GNUT government for their continuous support to the development in this country and for their commitment in supporting development projects in my constituency”

He said in terms of infrastructure development, he is pleased to note the allocation of 1 million for the upgrade and construction of the Bokokimbo to Aola road.

Rina referred to the road as a “vital economic route” for his people; enabling farmers and other producers to access markets in Honiara.

However, he humbly requests that this allocation be increased to ensure the full completion of this crucial project.

“This will greatly benefit the livelihood of my people of East Central Guadalcanal and the general public”

He also stated that another project the government supported in his constituency is the rehabilitation of Mboeni Primary School.

Rina expressed that the project will ensure that their children will have access to quality education in a conducive learning environment.

He also thanked the government for the allocation of 3.8 million to his constituency under the RCDF (Rural Constituency Development Fund).

Rina said these funds are very important as it is the only funds that will benefit our constituencies.

MEHRD highlights key priorities for 2025

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has outlined several key priorities for 2025, with a focus on collaboration with donor partners, Minister Tozen Leokana announced.

“I am happy to inform Parliament that in 2025, donor support will invest in the secondary sector,” Leokana said in a sine die motion last month.

“In 2025, my ministry will commence the Secondary Sector Education Improvement Project funded by the Asian Development Bank,” he said.

Leokana explained that the project would focus on updating the senior secondary school curriculum, implementing 10 senior school infrastructure projects, and building the capacity of teachers and school leaders.

In addition, the ministry will receive grants from the Global Partnership for Education.

“..This to undertake a five-year system transformation program that focuses on teachers’ management, education information management system, and professional development for teachers,” the minister explained.

The minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with traditional allies, including the Australian and New Zealand governments, through a new partnership design set to begin in April 2025.

Leokana underscored the importance of investing in education for a “relatively young country.”

“We must continue to invest hugely to the education of our citizens, boys and girls, men and women, so they can receive quality education,” he said.

“Education, as we know, is the key part of our country and our society’s growth and progress.  When our people are educated, they can significantly contribute to their families, community, and country.” Leokana added.  

Sikaiana community celebrate Christmas with PWD members

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Persons with disability living in Sikaiana received a rare treat this Christmas as the community celebrated them with gifts and presents.

When the community on Sikaiana gathered to mark Christmas, one of the highlight parts of the programme was to present gifts to community members who were with disability.

Speaking to Island Sun this week, spokesperson for the disability committee chief Don Teui said they have five members of their community who are with disability.

And, with this round of festivities the committee wanted to make something new and special, which was to celebrate their community members with disability along with the rest of the community.

So, the committee bought gifts and packed them in gift bags.

The committee also prepared gift bags for the old people on Sikaiana, and together they made 14 gift bags. Others were also made for the children.

The occasion was staged under a Christmas tree beside the church in the village.

Chief Don said this initiative was praised by everyone, and the committee would like to continue the practice every Christmas onwards.

EMPTY PROMISES

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Despite repeated assurances, there has been no sign of genuine commitment

By Loretta B Manele

Despite repetitive promises by successive governments for the development of Guadalcanal’s provincial headquarter, there has been no reflection of commitment on this.

Lazarus Alfred Rina, member of parliament for East Central Guadalcanal constituency stated this at the Sine Die Motion in parliament last month.

Rina pointed out that repetitive promises have been made by past governments to help Guadalcanal develop their provincial headquarter however this commitment is not reflected in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

“Since 2021, there was assurance that after the challenges of the Covid 19 and pacific games, funding will be prioritized for Guadalcanal township, yet to this day we see no tangible steps of fulfilling this promise

I respectfully appeal to the GNUT government to consider this long-standing issue”

Rina said the people of Guadalcanal have hosted many major developments and it’s time to reciprocate their generosity with meaningful development in their province.

He added that while every province has their own headquarters, Guadalcanal is yet to have its own.

“I humbly urge the government to look at this”

He told parliament that this is why you see the flow of people from Guadalcanal into Honiara because they don’t have their own market place.

Rina thinks it’s high time for leaders of this great nation to recognize people from Guadalcanal province.

His appeal now is for the next budget to include an allocation for the establishment of Guadalcanal’s provincial headquarter.

“I hope the GNUT government will take this into consideration for the 2026 budget. We will be very happy if you at least put in some amount so when can start building our own headquarter”

Bina Harbor project discussed with Japanese Ambassador to SI

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During a courtesy call with Japan’s new Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Higuchi Keiichi, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the importance of the Bina Harbor project.

He emphasized that it is a key priority for the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and a significant topic in discussions with Japan’s Prime Minister during the recent Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister outlined the project’s potential benefits, including job creation and major infrastructure development for Malaita Province.

He expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing support to the Solomon Islands, including assistance with key infrastructure projects and contributions to human capital development.

PM Manele also acknowledged Japan’s timely support during the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to clear unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in the country.

He reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Japan.

In response, Ambassador Keiichi assured PM Manele of Japan’s continued support for the Bina Harbor Project and expressed a desire to collaborate with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure its success.

He also highlighted opportunities to work on education and healthcare initiatives, emphasizing his intention to build on the work of his predecessor.

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