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Tagini expresses strong support for Constitutional Amendment Bill

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BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola, Makario Tagini, voiced his full support for the passing of the Constitution Amendment (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill 2024.

The bill, which seeks to extend the timeline for the Constituent Assembly’s work from 31st December 2024 to 31st December 2026 and increase its membership from 80 to 100, is seen as a critical step in advancing the nation’s constitutional reform process.

Contributing towards the debate on the second reading of the Bill yesterday in Parliament, Tagini emphasized the significance of the bill in ensuring that constitutional changes reflect the will and aspirations of the people.

“This bill is “straightforward” and necessary for the ongoing work of the Assembly. It provides the time and resources needed to ensure that the changes we make reflect the will of the people,” he said.

Tagini who is the Minister for Forestry pointed out that the extension of time and the increase in membership would provide the Assembly with the necessary resources and representation to effectively tackle the reforms that are crucial for the nation’s progress.

“With an extended timeline, the Assembly will have more time to thoroughly examine the proposed federal system and other critical reforms. The increase in membership will allow for more diverse representation, ensuring that all sectors of the country are included in the process,” Tagini said.

The MP for Baegu/Asifola reiterated that the bill is essential for ensuring that the constitutional reforms align with the needs of the people.

“The Constitution is the supreme law of our nation, and it must be shaped by the people. This bill will help us ensure that the reforms are representative and inclusive, and that the process truly reflects the aspirations of all Solomon Islanders,” Tagini said.

State government system ideal for Solomon Islands

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By Loretta B Manele

The state government system is ideal for Solomon Islands given the cultural diversity it embodies.

Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, minister for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) stressed on this during his contribution to the debate on the Constitution Amendment of the Constituent Assembly Sitting Bill 2024 on Tues, 17th Dec in parliament.

He said looking into the draft, he realized that the state government is ideal for distinctive cultures.

Bosawai pointed out that Solomon Islands is a country that has diverse cultures hence the federal system will enhance local governance and community engagement.

“When we look at our country, our cultural diversity is one factor to consider and so, the federal system can accommodate our cultural diversities and geographical challenges and of course the historical contexts we have”

Bosawai said ultimately, the best government system we would like to involve is a balance of centralized coordination and local autonomy.

He added that it should be a hybrid model that might incorporate both the unitary and the federal system noting that they must also consider the benefits of having a state government.

Bosawai said one benefit of a state government is the local autonomy which can have the power to tailor laws and policies that fit our local needs and preferences and allow for a greater response to the diverse population we have.

“It also allows checks and balances”

He emphasized that one important thing is enhanced participation in which the federal state government will allow our citizens to engage with our local government and as stated in the draft this is the community government.

Bosawai expressed that another benefit of the system is fostering the participation of political, civic and education aspects.

He mentioned that what they see is that the federal system allows cultural representation in which different states can reflect cultural, social and economic differences of the population leading to more representation of the governance we need.

On another note, the health minister said we have been trying the unitary system since 1978 of which he explains is a system about centralizing power and decision making from the national government.

Bosawai said the state government system on the other hand, is a system with regional autonomy which can subsequently empower our local governments in the provinces.

He stressed that to determine which system is better, it depends on various factors which includes specific contexts of the country in terms of its size, diversity and historical background.

“So, the policies we will implement under federal law, it must factor these important aspects”

Bosawai said the federal system is more beneficial in large or diverse countries.

He explained that our country, is diverse where regional differences are significant as they allow for local governments to address thus, the federal system could be beneficial.

Bosawai furthered that the unitary system we have now is homogeneous which caters to countries that don’t have diverse cultures.

PM conveys sympathy and condolences to people of Vanuatu

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manela has on behalf of the Government and the people of Solomon Islands passed a sympathy and condolence message to the people of Vanuatu.

PM Manale made a profound message on the floor of parliament yesterday during the Sine Die Motion.

“Mr. Speaker, at the outset let me take this opportunity first of all on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands to extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to the Prime Minister, the government and the people of Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake yesterday (Tuesday), 7.3 and this morning (Wednesday) I understand another big one, 6.1 on the Rector scale. There has been a loss of lives and properties and infrastructure damage.

“So, our prayers and thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu. An official condolence message is being sent to the government and people of Vanuatu,’’ said Manele.

Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation News (VBTC News) Families are temporarily living in tents and seeking safety following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck on December 17, 2024, 30 km West of Port-Vila, Vanuatu.

The VBTC reported that the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office in its response has activated 7 days of State of Emergency (SOE) for Life-saving and emergency response as the top priority.

The VBTC said that the National Disaster Management Office said that early recovery efforts are now in effect as of today (Wednesday 18), following the official signing last (Tuesday 17) night.

It reported that the Vanuatu National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has been activated to coordinate response efforts.

The secretary-general of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society Dickinson Tevi told ABC news channel the death toll from the earthquake is expected to increase as there are still bodies to be recovered.

Earlier this morning, the humanitarian organisation had updated the death toll in Vanuatu to 14 according to ABC.

“Several numbers are going around,” Dickinson Tevi told ABC News Channel.

“I haven’t had the chance to check on the [latest] numbers, but I know that we still have people trapped under the debris, or in a landslide. So, the number should be expected to increase anyway,’’ Tevi told ABC.

Mr Tevi told ABC News that the Red Cross Society has deployed volunteers to assist the central hospital, and to conduct an assessment of the extent of the damage around the island.

PAC report corrective action

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Polycarp Paea of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey said the Public Account Committee (PAC) report offers a comprehensive review of the proposed budget for 2025.

The Minister said during the Debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024 on the floor of parliament.

He said that it underscores vital concerns related to physical sustainability, transparency, accountability, and the capacity challenges faced by government ministries and statutory bodies.

Mr Paea also commends his Parliamentary Secretary and the team of the Ministry for the excellent presentation to the PAC Committee.

“On the 2025 Budget speech, as the Minister of Land, Housing and Survey, I am fully aware of the critical role that land and resources on land play in the development of our economy and the well-being of our people.

“The 2025 Budget presents a unique opportunity for us to address the pressing challenges in these sectors and to align our efforts with the government’s overarching goals of economic transformation, infrastructure development, and human capital enhancement,’’ he said.

Mr Paea also commends the government’s commitment to increase investment in key infrastructures.

He pointed out that this is vital not only for economic diversification but also for improving access to land and natural resources.

“Infrastructure development is the backbone of any growing economy, and we must prioritise the construction of roads, bridges, and utilities that will facilitate better access to land for our citizens,’’ he said.

He said that improved infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity but will also attract investment in housing, and commercial development, ultimately leading to job creation and economic growth.

BLC recommends 150 members for Constituent Assembly

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By Loretta B Manele

The committee has recommended 150 members for the Constituent Assembly so that it covers those in the provinces and all our people.

John Maneniaru, member of parliament for West Are’Are constituency and Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) chairman stressed this during the debate of the Constitution Amendment of the Constituent Assembly Sitting Bill 2024 in parliament on Tuesday, 17th  this week.

He said the original proposal by the constitutional congress and eminent persons of 150 assembly members to be reinstated is to ensure greater inclusivity and broader representation.

Maneniaru added that it emphasizes that resources constraint should not outweigh the need for a comprehensive and representative approach to the constitutional reform.

“The maturity of the constant assembly, among whom would be elected as well as appointed representatives, including youth, women, and minority groups”

Maneniaru voiced that from these 150 members, 50 of them should be women and youths.

“At the moment, if you look at it, we only have 3 female parliamentarians out of 50 MPs so already the number is already very small”

Maneniaru said it is not so much centred around gender equality but it is rather a social responsibility to ensure that the participation of our country; a democratic country can be well represented of women, the youth and men.

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.

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