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MFMR to implement PAC recommendations

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Minister for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Giro has reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to implement the Public Account Committee recommendations.

According to PAC recommendation 44, the Ministry should explore avenues for increasing revenue beyond the tuna sector by developing a comprehensive plan to expand seaweed and sea cucumber production and explore processing options within the country.

“This is the path my Ministry is taking, we are now in production targets for seaweed and commercial cultivation of sea cucumber, now started in earnest. The Ministry’s target is to have a privately owned seaweed processing plant in the country in two to three years.

“The target is now to increase our production by 10 metric tonnes by 2026 and 10 metric tonnes by 2027,’’ said Ghiro.

The PAC Committee recommends (Recommendation 45) that the Ministry strongly advocate to the Minister of Finance to remove and prevent future budget reservations on revenue-generating activities like seaweed production and other priority areas.

“Certainly, my Ministry will work with the Minister of Finance and Fisheries to ensure our revenue-generating activities are fully supported to generate needed revenues,’’ responded MFMR Minister.

The PAC Committee also recommends (Recommendation 46) that the Bina Tuna project prioritises fair compensation and resettlement of affected households, taking into account the loss of business and land.

Speaking on the floor of parliament recently Ghiro assured the PAC Chair and its Committee members and this Honourable House that that is the Ministry’s commitment.

“We have developed a relocation scheme guided by our principles of fair compensation, taking into account as flagged loss of business and land. I will personally see to it that our planned resettlement of households in Bina must be done by our culture and tradition,’’ he said.

The PAC also recommend in Recommendation 47 that the Ministry advocate for the inclusion of non-appropriated funds within its national budget to enhance transparency, accountability and the Ministry’s control over resource allocation, ensuring alignment with national priorities and services.

The PAC assured the Ministry that this could involve revising financial agreements and strengthening the Ministry’s capacity for project management and oversight.

“This is yet another important recommendation for my Ministry to implement. We will work together with the Ministry of Finance and Fisheries and our donors to address this concern, given that the Ministry of Finance alone is a signatory to our project financing agreements. We are implementers for these agreements,’’ Giro said.

Sentencing on December 30 in MHMS scandal

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court will deliver sentence on a man alleged in the million dollar scandal in the ministry of health on December 30.

On Tuesday this week, prosecution and defence made their sentencing submissions in court.

In the submissions prosecution relied entirely on its written submission however, highlighted the aggravating factors whilst the defence in its submissions highlight the mitigating factors.

Court adjourns to December 30 for sentence and bail for the defendant extends.

Prosecution charged Robert Manu with four counts of Official Corruption contrary to section 91 (a) of the Penal Code, Cap 26.

Manu pleaded not guilty to the four counts and trial was then conducted in Magistrate Court.

The prosecution called three witness to testify and 14 statement tendered by consent and 23 exhibits were also tendered by consent to court.

After prosecution complete the crown case, the defence called two witness to testify for the defence case, which the accused Manu and financial controller Dalipanda.

After the trial court finds Manu guilty for count 1,2 and 3 Official Corruption and for count 4, court acquitted Manu for it.

The total amount of count one is $5000, count two is $60,000 and count three $130,000. So, the total amount court convicted Manu for is $ 195,000.00 SBD.

Count four which Manu acquitted for is $10,000.

Court heard between 2012 and 2013, the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) has suffered from a 10-million -dollar conducted by officers within the ministry.

Within that same scheme between November 2012 and August 2013, MHMS also made 15 payments totaling 47,301,453.40 to two shipping companies, Eroba Shipping Services (Eroba) and Joke Shipping (Joke). Both companies were managed by John Biliki and Wesley Poloso.

An internal audit by MHMS in August 2013 uncovered significant irregularities with these payments.

The audit found all 15 payments to be fraudulent and suspected collusion between MHMS officials, as well as shipping agents, to defraud the Solomon Islands Government by bypassing application for project proposals.

The accused Robert Manu, who was a Procurement Officer at MHMS, was involved in raising12 of these 15 payments.

Sabrina Habu of Office of Public Prosecution appears for Crown and Jim Seuika for the accused Robert Manu.

PM SUPPORTS EXEMPTIONS

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Prime minister Manele says it’s crucial for investment and it grows the economy

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has strongly defended government’s recent policy decision to grant tax exemptions, saying that it is critical for attracting investment and growing the economy.

During the sine die motion in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Manele responded to concerns from critics and the public about the legality and effects of granting tax exemptions to businesses.

Manele commented on revelations from the Opposition that the government had granted $199 million in tax exemptions from January to September 2024.

The issue had sparked widespread debate in the public domain recently.

The Opposition criticized the exemptions, especially given the government’s financial challenges, calling them “outrageous and reckless”.

However, the Prime Minister explained in Parliament yesterday that the country’s taxation regime was specifically designed to include tax exemptions as a fiscal tool for encouraging investment, particularly in sectors vital for long-term economic development.

“Let me therefore first comment on a couple of issues raised by the other side and the public recently, as these are issues that our citizens need to get clarifications on,” Manele said.

The Prime Minister responded directly to claims that tax exemptions are illegal or unlawful, stating that these incentives are lawful and necessary for stimulating business activity.

“Some people are talking as if the granting of tax exemptions is illegal and unlawful. Exemptions are provided to encourage investors, and I see small businesses benefiting greatly from them,” he emphasized.

On tax exemptions, the Prime Minister stated that while they may delay immediate revenue flow, they are essential for attracting capital investment. He argued that this investment would not have been possible without such incentives, which, in many cases, are crucial for getting projects off the ground.

“Granting tax exemptions may delay the early flow of revenue, but it attracts investors who never would have injected capital into our domestic economy in the first place. This capital injection is essential to the economy, and in many instances, fiscal incentives through exemptions play critical roles in attracting investors,” PM Manele said.

The Prime Minister also clarified that the guidelines for granting tax exemptions take into account various factors, including the impact on existing businesses, employment opportunities, and export earnings.

“The guidelines used to qualify applicants for tax exemptions consider all angles relating to their impacts on existing businesses, employment opportunities, and export earnings,” he stated.

He adds that many of the exemptions granted were for essential capital equipment and supplies, critical for both existing and future projects.

These investments, the Prime Minister argued, help build the foundation for long-term growth by creating employment and generating additional taxes down the line.

“Most exemptions that were granted were for capital equipment and other critical supplies to support existing and future projects, which, in essence, is critical as it builds a base from which employment and other taxes can be further generated,” he added.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale recently demanded clarification on the exemptions, which he said benefited certain foreign companies.

Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare at that time also defended the exemptions, stating they support critical infrastructure projects, though he did not deny the Opposition’s claims.

Wale condemned the exemptions as unjust, particularly in light of the government’s financial struggles, and called on the Prime Minister to address the issue.

He accused the Prime Minister of being either complicit or too weak to take action, undermining good governance and accountability.

MPFO conducts seaweed training for farmers in Small Malaita

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Malaita Provincial Fisheries Office in Auki conducted two days training for seaweed farmers at Hepea village within Tarapaina area of Small Malaita from November 11-12.

The training is funded by New Zealand through Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF) project and implemented by Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

The training is an integral part of MFMR’s aquaculture program, where seaweed farming is high among its activities in the Solomon Islands.

MPFO officer who supervised the training, Mr Alick Konamalefo said the training aimed to engage coastal communities in the province with this economic activity.

“MPFO is privilege to offer the training to seaweed farmers at Hepea village and surrounding villages of Tarapaina.

“The farmers were happy to offer with the training, considering the importance of the fishery activity to support their livelihood.

“The training involved both theory and practical and farmers were pleased to start their seaweed nursery with about 570 seedlings.

“Resources for the nursery; includes seaweed seedlings and ropes were provided by the community. A total of 3-rafters of seaweed nursery were deployed for the community.

 “The nursery will become a breeding hub for seaweed distribution for families within the communities,” he said.

Konamalefo said the training was among many other seaweed trainings MPFO had conducted to communities and seaweed farmers across the province.

He also noted since the past years, an increasing of seaweed farming has been witnessed in the province with more people going into the activity.

Ministry sets new approach against gender violence

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) hast set for itself, a holistic approach to tackle violence against women girls, and children.

Minister Freda Tuki Rangirei emphasized that in 2025, the ministry hopes to cement its partnership with faith-based organizations, and churches through training and funding to utilize the government’s policies.

The Minister stated that this partnership will also allow going hand in hand with biblical teachings in hopes of tackling the high rates of gender-based violence in the country which is said to be one of the highest in the region.

Speaking in a parliamentary session last week, Tuki said the ministry is planning to further enhance its partnership with non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil societies through their expertise to achieve the ministry’s objectives.

Mala PPDC prepares for revised budget

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Provincial Planning Development Committee (PPDC) of Malaita has completed a one-day meeting in Auki, as preparation gears towards the provincial revised budget next month.

The meeting is to review the allocation of PCDF development projects mainly under the social and economic sectors of the province to be funded during this financial year.

The PPDC is chair by the Provincial Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon Lemuel Kevianga and consisted of chairpersons from 33 wards in the province, MPG’s Heads of Divisions and reps from Non Government Organizations in Auki.

PPDC is the highest committee in the provincial government level task with allocation of projects to implement under the PCDF program.

“The purpose of the PPDC is to allocate development for the province.” Minister Kevianga highlighted. “They are the backbone of development in the province.

“Reason for that is we don’t want politicians to politicize our projects, so the PPDC is tasked with this work instead of MPAs.

“This is so that projects are equally share among 33 wards in Malaita province,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Kevianga also highlighted that during the meeting, allocation of projects has made for the $11.8 million PCDF funding support for the province.     

He added the projects are part of some of the projects that haven’t implemented under the 3-year rolling plan of the province.

Kevianga explained the 3-year rolling plan was approved by the PPDC, blessed by the assembly and they become priority projects to implement.

According to the minister, PPDC will compile a report on the meeting and will submit to the executive for deliberation, later the PAC and finally table on the floor of the assembly.

He said Malaita province expects an assembly meeting next month to pass the 2023/2024 revised budget, to allow for the implementation of its PCDF projects.

Absence of cost analysis and financing in proposed federal system

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By Loretta B Manele

There is also the absence of the analysis of the cost and financing of the proposed federal system.

John Maneniaru, Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) chairman stated the above during the debate on the Constitution Amendment of the Constituent Assembly Sitting Bill 2024 in parliament.

He voiced that the cost analysis and financing of the proposed federal system of government is an important area for them to cover.

He stressed that they have spent a lot of money on this bill and if the cost is too high and the bill doesn’t eventually go through at the end then it will be a waste of time and resources.

Maneniaru said they should do a cost analysis and present it to the people so they know what is good and what is not good from this bill.

“We must prepare for this. This has not started yet as my committee was informed during the inquiry and to me, that is very, very discouraging and disappointing”

Maneniaru said it is an important legislation; the constituent assembly which is for us to move to a new system, the federal system.

He reiterated that the people need to know the cost of this bill and whether or not it is alright for us to move forward with it or not.

Moreover, the BLC chairman highlighted that procedural matters for the constituent assembly should also be prepared.

He added that this is so that the constituent assembly knows what to do so that when they convene, they can be able to make decisions.

“At the moment, we have not yet taken them to that level and that is from the findings of the Bills and Legislation Committee”

He said these are shortcomings that raised serious doubts from the committee in the government’s ability to ensure that a well-informed and effective deliberative process is in place.

Maneniaru stated that when the bill was passed in 2023, it became an Act and they were convinced that the constituent assembly would sit before 31st Dec 2024 however this is not the case.

“So, we should think seriously about this whole process”

Judgement for 3 men accused of burning 2 houses December 30

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of three men accused of burning two houses at Kakalu village, West Guadalcanal has adjourned to December 30 for court to deliver judgment.

Yesterday the matter was mentioned in court where defence said they were yet to file their closing submissions.

Court therefore made directions for the three defence lawyers to file their closing submissions before 3pm today December 18.

Saverio Mate, 25, Lency Raga, 40 and John Longatabo, 28, are jointly charged with two counts of arson and one count of assault causing bodily harm.

They pleaded not guilty and a trial was conducted before Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi.

The prosecution called two witness to testify, the complainant and his wife and tendered 13 exhibits.

After prosecution closed its case on December 9, 2024 defence did not call any witness however, they filed a No Case to Answer.

Court ruled that there was a case to answer to count 1 and 2 which is arson and for count 3 which is assault causing bodily harm, court acquit the three defendants because the prosecution fail to bring forward the complainant for count 3 to testify in court.

Matter was adjourned to December 30 for judgement.

The prosecution alleged that on October 12, 2022, the defendants were alleged to be part of a group of men that went and asked compensation from the complainant at the Kakalu Village, West Guadalcanal Province.

They claimed the complainant stole their live pig and that he must give them some money, if not they will return and burn down his house.

Later, the defendants went and set a fire to the complainant two dwelling houses.

With regards to charge of assault causing bodily harm, the three defendants on 11th and 12 of October, 2022 at around 1800hrs to 0400hrs, between Kakalu village and Matakao village, West Guadalcanal, did unlawfully assaulted another person there by occasioning the said person, actual bodily harm by grabbing, kicking his face and also struck his back with the side of a bush knife and shot him with a sling striking his foot with a piece of galvanized iron pipe.

Paul Junior Fanasia from Office of Public Prosecution appear act for the Crown and Delilah Kukura, Ron Dicky Pulekera and Lazarus Waroka from PSO act for the defendants.

HCC passes $60.7m budget for 2025

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Honiara City Council (HCC) has successfully passed its 2025 Budget during its final sitting for the year on December 13, 2024, with a total allocation of $60,700,200.

This marks a decrease of approximately $3.35 million compared to the 2024 budget, which was passed on December 19, 2023, at $64,054,323.

Last year’s budget increase was notably due to additional budget support provided by the National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the Pacific Games 2023.

The HCC budget session ended with a Sine Die Motion, during which Lord Mayor Cr Eddie Kasute’e Siapu thanked the councilors, management, and staff for their hard work and strong support throughout the year.

In his remarks, Lord Mayor Siapu emphasized the importance of the 2025 Budget in advancing Honiara’s development priorities and delivering essential services to its residents.

He commended the councilors for their collaborative efforts and commitment to ensuring a transparent and inclusive budget process.

“This budget represents our shared vision for a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive city,” said Lord Mayor Siapu.

“I am deeply grateful to our councilors, management, and staff of HCC for their tireless work and dedication to the people of Honiara. Your unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in making this possible.”

The Lord Mayor also highlighted key achievements of the Council over the past year and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing critical challenges in the city, including urban development, waste management, and improving public services.

The passing of the 2025 Budget sets the stage for continued progress in Honiara, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and fostering community well-being.

The HCC looks forward to working closely with stakeholders, development partners, and the community to implement the budget’s priorities and ensure a brighter future for all residents of Honiara.

Opposition slams deadline in constitution, calls for removal

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale, has strongly criticized the government’s decision to include a deadline in the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill 2024, arguing that it could lead to ongoing amendments and unnecessary delays in the constitutional reform process.

During the second reading of the bill in Parliament yesterday, Wale raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of setting a fixed deadline within the constitution.

The Constitution (Amendment) Constituent Assembly Sitting Bill 2014 went through its second reading yesterday in Parliament.

The bill aims to amend the Constitution Amendment Act of 2023 by increasing the number of assembly members from 80 to 100, thereby expanding representation across various demographics.

The bill seeks to amend the provision on the date for the convening of the Constituent Assembly from 31st December 2024 to 31st December 2026.

When introducing the bill in Parliament Monday last week, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele explains that the bill seeks to amend the provision on the date for the convening of the Constituent Assembly from 31st December 2024 to 31st December 2026.

He highlighted that the Constitution Amendment, Constituent Assembly Act 2023 remains a continuous standing commitment of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

However, the Opposition Leader pointed out that no other country’s constitution has such a provision, making the Solomon Islands’ constitutional reform process unique and potentially problematic.

“It is sensible not to place deadlines in constitutions,” Wale stated.

He warned that by including a deadline, the government is setting up a situation where further constitutional amendments will be required to postpone the deadline.

This, according to Wale, could create a cycle of delays, each necessitating yet another amendment to extend the deadline, leading to a prolonged and inefficient process.

The committee had already recommended removing the deadline, but Wale expressed frustration that the government had ignored this advice.

He emphasized that a fixed deadline could force constitutional changes based on arbitrary timelines rather than on the necessary preparedness and consensus of the people.

“This could result in a situation where the government is forced to amend the constitution repeatedly, simply to buy more time,” he explained.

Wale warned that financial and administrative challenges might push the government to seek further postponements, making the situation even more complicated.

By urging for the complete removal of the deadline, Wale stressed that it would allow for a more flexible approach to constitutional reform, one that aligns with the evolving needs of the country.

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