Home Blog Page 464

Procedure for withdrawing a motion

Written by
Admin
-
0

By Loretta B Manele

Speaker of parliament, John Patterson Oti briefly spoke on the procedure for withdrawing a motion in parliament yesterday.

He explained that withdrawing a motion is provided for in Standing Order 31 and has two components.

“First, when a member puts on a notice, his or her intention to move a motion, the notice goes on the business paper. This is the notice board, if you like, of all the business to be considered by the house”

He said when the notice satisfies the notice period and, in this instance, referring to the motion of no confidence tabled for yesterday’s parliament sitting, 7 days is required under Section 34.2 of the constitution for a vote of no confidence, that has been satisfied.

“Moving today, tabling today is more than the period of 7 days which is enshrined in Section 34.2 of the constitution”

Oti added that therefore, when a notice satisfies the period, the motion goes on the paper for a particular sitting in which parliament may deal with it.

He also stated that however, before a particular motion is put on the paper, if a member wishes to withdraw the motion by writing to the clerk stating his or her intention, in effect, the motion is removed from the business paper and it is no longer a business for parliament to deal with or to consider.

Oti went on to state that on the other hand, if a motion is put on the order paper for a particular sitting, the member may only withdraw the motion on the floor of parliament.

He said this is because the motion is no longer the member’s business, but it has become the business of the house, and therefore, the house must agree to withdraw it.

“Therefore, this does not simply mean the member announces his or her intention to withdraw the motion. He or she must obtain the permission of the house.

If there is any dissenting voice or some disagreement on the proposed withdrawal, the member must move the motion”

The speaker of parliament concluded that if the member insists on withdrawing the motion, she or he must ask the speaker’s permission to withdraw the motion by moving another motion without notice to withdraw the initial motion.

MAL allocates $50 million for development programs

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has been allocated $50 million for its development initiatives in 2025.

Minister Franklyn Wasi provided a detailed breakdown of the $50 million allocated for development programs in 2025.

The Agriculture Innovation Enhancement Program will receive $3.7 million to improve facilities at Tenaru and Garanga, renovate the King George VI farm, relocate high-quality cocoa seed gardens, and enhance the food testing laboratory.

The Cocoa and Coconut Development Support Program is allocated $20 million to address pest and disease management, provide equipment, develop nurseries, support replanting and processing initiatives, and include a revolving fund of $3.4 million for buyers and traders.

The Commercial Agriculture Development Program will benefit from $11.1 million to advance mechanized rice farming, export chains for taro and cassava, vegetable production, maize for livestock feed, and high-value fruit tree development.

The Food Security and Livestock Industry Program has been allocated $6 million to focus on cattle, piggery, and honey industries.

The Infrastructure Program will receive $2.7 million for office construction, staff housing, and pig breeding centers at provincial extension sites.

 Lastly, the Biosecurity Strengthening Program is allocated $6.4 million to enhance border risk management, import/export facilities, stakeholder awareness, training, and biosecurity infrastructure upgrades.

Minister Wasi noted that many of these initiatives began in 2024, and the funding will ensure their completion in 2025.

Run the country in a responsible way: Lilo

Written by
Admin
-
0

By Loretta B Manele

Be strong and run the country in a responsible way.

Gordon Darcy Lilo, member of parliament for Central Honiara and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) voiced these words in parliament yesterday.

Addressing parliament during the motion of no confidence session, he said the situation they are in right now as he sees it, requires good encouragement.

“Be strong. Run the country in a responsible way. Don’t raise rules, you know, for you to derail confidence in running the government of our country”

Lilo stated that as he earlier said, the motion should be on the other side of the fence.

He said since those who have decided to propose this motion have retracted and have left their support in that way.

“I can only say to you, please, do more to hold the vote together. Don’t expose yourself too”

He stressed that they should run a better government for the country and they will support that as they’ve done in the budget.

“So please, think about our people, our beloved country that is struggling. So, please, build that trust. That broken trust. Try to rebuild it”

Lilo expressed that as one of our founding fathers said, in politics, there is no permanent enemy and no permanent friend.

“So, make use of that advice”

LILO WITHDRAWS MOTION

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has been withdrawn on the floor of parliament by the mover, Gordon Darcy Lilo.

Mr Darcy Lilo, MP for Central Honiara, withdrew the motion citing not having the numbers to continue with the process.

He also told parliament the motion was instigated by government ministers who were ‘disgruntled’ with the governance of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

Yesterday, after Speaker Patterson Oti opened the sitting by reading the rules governing a motion of no confidence, Darcy Lilo asked him to consider a request to defer the motion to December 18.

Apparently, Darcy Lilo had written a letter to the Speaker and the Prime Minister seeking deferment on Sunday night. Darcy Lilo described his request as being based on a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’.

However, Speaker Oti in acknowledging receipt of the letter, told parliament that he was following the law and was not going to stray along to some gentlemen’s agreement, thus denying Darcy Lilo’s request for deferment.

“Yes, I acknowledge your submission to defer the motion from today until further dates, mentioned in that letter was December 18. As you have heard, once it was done in paper it cannot be deferred and also there is no provision in the standing orders for deferment of a motion. There is only a standing order 31.2 whereby a notice you can give to the clerk for the motion to be deferred to another date.

“I stood by that, and therefore I will go by proceedings of the house, based on the standing orders. I will not delve into any gentlemen’s standing orders to govern the proceedings of the house,” Oti said.

Darcy Lilo then brought up a precedent set in a civil case 401 of 2012, paragraph 20 in which the Chief Justice had emphasised in judgement that a motion “before it is moved” remains an exclusive property of the mover.

Using this precedent the Central Honiara MP argued that since he had not yet moved the motion in parliament, it belonged to him, and that he wanted to defer it.

“I want to refer you to civil case 401 of 2012 in paragraph 20 which I think somehow got missed out in your explanation on when a motion is introduced and moved. I think the Chief justice really emphasised that point by inserting it in a bracket ‘before it is moved’, ‘before it is moved’, it still remains an exclusive property of the mover. So, in this situation, as you have relied on section 31, I also intend to utilise that section, 31.2. But, as further qualified in our jurisdiction by the chief justice I am yet to deal with this situation, I am yet to move this motion.

“I feel that I am still outside of that boundary, and therefore it still remains as an exclusive property of the member for Central Honiara,” Darcy Lilo told parliament.

Oti suspended the sitting for an hour to sort out the matter.

When parliament resumed Oti declared that the motion cannot be deferred.

Darcy Lilo conceded and declared a withdrawal to the motion.

Before the suspension, Darcy Lilo had told parliament that the motion was initiated by members of government.

“Situation that we face quite frankly it should have come from the other side of the bench. You know prime minister, you sat with him, you deal with him, so it is yours. The leadership spillage can only come from the other side of the house, not really from this side. And this situation really was instigated by members on the other side of the bench, not from our side, not from our ranks. Whatever motivated them, I think it is quite straight forward, you have always been having disgruntlement among your own selves.”

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Derick Manu’ari posted on his facebook page following the parliament sitting echoing Darcy Lilo’s assertion in parliament that government MPs had been behind the motion of no confidence.

“We do not have the numbers because it was a motion propagated by people within the government. They pressured us to put the motion on notice and assured us of their support. They made the move because they were not happy about how the government was making decisions, on mining, tax exemptions and other inside dealings that they are aware of and have revealed all of that to us. We had 2 meetings together with them as a group supporting the motion to pass. They dragged us on to the brink and suddenly retreated/ retracted at the last minute,” the Opposition MP said.

The motion was eligible to be tabled in parliament on Friday last week, however parliament was about to pass the budget.

Darcy Lilo implied in parliament yesterday that he had agreed for the motion to be tabled yesterday due to the importance of passing the budget on Friday last week.

Prime Minister Manele had told Island Sun over the weekend that GNUT was rock solid heading for the motion with ’29 to 30 members’.

Yesterday, PM Manele confirmed to Island Sun that government now rules with clear majority of 30 MPs.

On Saturday government backbencher MP for Northwest Guadalcanal Francis Belande Sade was sworn in as the new minister for public service, after the former, Rennell and Bellona MP John Tuhaika Jnr had resigned the previous day.

Limited funds and capacity hinder school inspections

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY INDY MAEALASIA

LIMITED capacity and funding have hindered the effectiveness of the school inspectorate division within the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

Minister, Tozen Leokana revealed during a committee of supply session in parliament on Wednesday.

Leokana, acknowledged that while the allocation for 2025 is minimal, donor partners have provided additional support to help the division carry out its duties.

The education minister stressed that under the new Education Act 2023, MEHRD is committed to strengthening the inspectorate in 2025, with plans to ensure that each school receives at least one inspection per year.

Opposition leader Matthew Wale highlighted the critical need for more inspections, not only to monitor the system’s performance but also to support the transition under the new Education Act and to address the requirements for teacher registration.

“Inspection would be the only way to pick up where the deficiencies are and we can address them,” he said.  

Wale also pointed out that schools have raised concerns about the lack of inspections, teacher promotions, and salary issues,

We must beef our inspection to address this issue so that no schools or teachers are left hanging,” he added.

Fuelled by Passion: Empowering change and championing gender equality in the Solomon Islands

    Written by
    Admin
    -
    0

    BY INDY MAEALASIA

    DRIVEN by a passion for justice and a deep commitment to empowering others, 28-year-old Bezel Aonima is forging a path toward a more equitable society in the Solomon Islands.

    As a legal officer at the Women’s Rights Action Movement (WRAM), a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through policy and legislative reforms, Bezel is actively working to create lasting change.

    In her quest for equity, Bezel reflects on the experiences that have shaped her activism and the core values that fuel her mission.

    INSPIRATIONS

    Bezel’s journey into activism started when she moved to her village in Auruligo, West Guadalcanal, to continue her primary education. There, she encountered a different reality.

    “Life in the village opened my eyes to the challenges many people face, particularly in terms of accessibility and access to information,” she says.

    “This experience made me realize how essential it is to have the right information and to share it with others. It sparked an early interest in understanding the issues affecting our country and a strong desire to inform and empower my family and friends with the knowledge they needed to navigate these challenges,”

     Bezel’s mother also played a pivotal role in shaping her path. “Through her work with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, I was exposed to many strong women and men advocates who were passionately working for change at a very early age.”

    “Their dedication and commitment to making a difference deeply influenced me and fueled my own desire to contribute to the cause,” she adds

    FROM LEGAL STUDIES TO ADVOCACY

    A law graduated from the University of the South Pacific(USP), Bezel’s legal background deepened her understanding on the importance of policy and legislative reforms to address inequalities.

    During her studies, she held several volunteer leadership roles which helped her navigate complex societal challenges and broadened her views.

    One of the most significant moments in her activism came when she volunteered with the Disability People’s Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI).

    “…it opened my eyes to the harsh reality that certain groups in our society are completely left behind—denied access to basic services, education, and even vital information,” she recalls.

    Witnessing the resilience of people with disabilities while confronting the barriers, deeply moved Bezel.

    “…it solidified my commitment to fighting for inclusivity and equality. It was a powerful reminder that no one should be invisible in their own community, and every voice deserves to be heard.”

    EMPOWERING WOMEN AND CHALLENGING NORMS

    Bezel’s believes that everyone deserves a fair chance regardless of gender, background, or ability.

    At WRAM, she works on issues surrounding women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and eliminating violence against women and girls.

    “ I  take immense pride in contributing to the advocacy for the rights and needs of women and girls in the Solomon Islands. This role has taught me that behind every successful advocacy effort is a team of dedicated individuals who are deeply committed to creating positive change in their communities,”

    Bezel has been part of several successful advocacy efforts aimed at creating more leadership opportunities for women in the Solomon Islands.

     One notable achievement was WRAM’s collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs to advocate for women’s participation in leadership roles. This led to the endorsement of a major initiative by the Cabinet, signaling a significant shift in how women’s roles are perceived at the national level.

     OVERCOMING RESISTANCE AND BUILDING RESILIENCE

    Despite her successes, the fight for gender equality, Bezel admits, is not an easy one.

    “Changing these perceptions is no small task—it takes time, persistence, and resilience. One of the greatest challenges is facing harsh criticism and resistance, which can be discouraging,”

    But Bezel finds strength in her team at WRAM and in the powerful stories of the people she works with.

    “Together, we shoulder the weight of this important work, leaning on each other for encouragement and strength. This collective commitment reminds me that change, while slow and difficult, is possible when driven by a united and determined team. It’s this shared vision of a more just and equal society that inspires me to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges,” she added.

    ADVOCACY THROUGH STORYTELLING

    Storytelling is central in Bazel’s advocacy “because it allows for the effective communication of important messages.”

    “When people lack access to certain media or resources, a straightforward, thought-provoking message can make a significant impact. It’s about ensuring that the right information reaches people in a way that resonates with them, often in the simplest forms of communication,” she says.

    “These messages can help inform, raise awareness, and drive action on critical issues. By making the information accessible and relatable, we can engage people more effectively, helping them understand the importance of the cause,” Bazel adds.

    LESSON LEARNED

    Bezel’s journey in activism has been shaped by invaluable lessons from her time with DPASI and WRAM. These lessons have guided her approach to driving meaningful change:

    Keep messaging simple and inclusive: Craft clear, concise messages that resonate with diverse audiences and inspire action.

    Be strategic in advocacy: Effective advocacy requires understanding processes and systems, challenging them strategically with clear objectives.

    Persevere and find a way: Persistence is key in advocacy, whether engaging with leaders or communities, by understanding perspectives and finding common ground to connect your message to the cause.

    A CALL FOR ACTION

    Bezel urges individuals and groups to actively share information on gender, environmental, and human rights issues in all aspects of life, from dinner tables to workplaces, to raise awareness and drive change.

    She emphasizes the importance of addressing gender-based violence, engaging in difficult conversations, and ensuring respect for all individuals.

    She envisions a successful outcome where young women confidently take up leadership roles and contribute to decision-making across all sectors, breaking barriers and creating inclusive environments.

    “Ultimately, I envision a shift in societal attitudes, where respect and equality form the foundation of how we treat one another. While I recognize that changing societal attitudes is a complex challenge, as advocates, giving up is simply not an option,” she adds

    Free clinics conducted in Choiseul Province

    Written by
    Admin
    -
    0

    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

    Choiseul Province is one of the provinces that faces challenges with transportation, underdeveloped healthcare, and shortages in medicine and medical services due to its remoteness.

    This year, 2024, the Choiseul Provincial Government invited and warmly welcomed the 3rd China Medical Team (CMT) to conduct free clinics in the province from December 3 to 10.

    The visit was the first large-scale visit by a specialized medical team to the province and marked the eighth medical outreach visit to provinces in the Solomon Islands by the CMT since 2022.

    The eight-member team included Team Leader Dr. Mu Mao, Urologist Dr. Zhong Quliang, Cardiologist Dr. Wei Bo, Nephrologist Dr. Tang Yinqian, Acupuncturists Dr. Xu Ming and Dr. Li Danmao, Interpreter Mr. Huang Bailin, and Chef Mr. Zhang Yuangang.

    Mr. Harrison Pitakaka, Premier of Choiseul Province, highlighted the visit as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between China and the Solomon Islands and China’s commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity. He expressed gratitude for the specialized medical services brought by the CMT and his belief in the success of the medical trip.

    In response, CMT team leader Dr. Mu Mao expressed his honor at visiting the province and conveyed the team’s passion for providing high-quality medical services in acupuncture, cardiology, urology, and nephrology. He emphasized the event’s potential to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the traditional friendship between the two nations.

    The team conducted medical consultations at Taro and Sasamunga Hospitals from December 4 to 9, offering services in acupuncture, cardiology, urology, and nephrology. The activities included specialized medical consultations, clinical experience sharing, rural clinic visits, and donations of medicines and supplies.

    A total of 461 medical treatments and consultations were provided to residents, with local doctors and nurses actively collaborating and contributing to the success of the free clinic services.

    During the visit, 243 patients were treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) using acupuncture. Mr. Watson, a patient, shared his story of enduring hand and foot pain for four months, which left him unable to sleep or function normally. After receiving acupuncture, he reported immediate relief, expressing gratitude to the medical team for easing his suffering.

    Dr. Gift, a general practitioner at Taro Hospital, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about cardiovascular clinical experience and skills from Dr. Wei and hoped to gain further expertise in the field upon returning to the National Referral Hospital.

    The team donated essential medicines to Taro Hospital and presented T-shirts on behalf of Guizhou Province, China, extending the goodwill of the people of Guizhou Province. They also assessed the primary healthcare conditions at local rural clinics, donating items such as blood pressure monitors and herbal patches during the visit.

    William Timba, a health official in Choiseul, thanked the team for the donations, emphasizing their importance in improving hospital and community healthcare services.

    The Choiseul Provincial Government farewelled the team on December 9, where Premier Pitakaka thanked the medical team for their dedicated work and high-quality free services. He expressed hope for future visits by the CMT to enhance healthcare services and foster people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

    The CMT plans to continue its outreach efforts in other outer-island provinces and grassroots communities, leveraging their expertise to benefit local health and further strengthen the China-Solomon Islands friendship.

    Principals, teachers suspended over exam paper leakages

    Written by
    Admin
    -
    0

    BY INDY MAEALASIA

    THE principals and several teachers from three schools, allegedly involved in leaking national examination papers have been suspended, a tough move the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) recently made to tackle exam leakages.

    Minister Tozen Leokana gave this update during a committee of supply session in parliament on Wednesday.

    As part of the suspension, the ministry has given the affected individuals 28 days to respond, after which further deliberation on actions to be taken will follow.

    The Minister also confirmed that “appropriate actions” would be taken against students found to be involved in the leakage.

    As part of the ministry’s effort to prevent leakages, CCTV cameras had been installed in the printing rooms to closely monitor the printing and packaging of all examination papers. 

    Additionally, a new security measure enforced involved the coding of exam papers with the school, a system the minister emphasized as effective for tracking potential leakages if allegations arise.

    In response to questions from the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and MP for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo, regarding the printers contracted to print the papers, Leokana clarified that the printers were not the source of the problem. “So far, no issues have arisen from the printers,” he added.

    SADE SWORN IN

    Written by
    Admin
    -
    1

    BY INDY MAEALASIA

    IN its latest show of political stability, the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has appointed the Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Guadalcanal, Francis Sade, as the new Minister of Public Service yesterday.

    This follows the resignation of former Public Service Minister and the MP for Renell and Bellona John Tuhaika Jr on Friday night just hours after GNUT described itself as “rock solid’, ahead of the Motion of No Confidence (MONC) on Monday.

    Sade’s sworn-in took place before the Governor-general, David Tiva Kapu, and was witnessed by Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia, and other ministers at the government house.

    In a press statement, the government stated “Sade’s appointment will ensure continuity and, most importantly, task him with the implementation of government policies under the 2025 budget.”

    GNUT emphasized that ‘stable leadership’ is vital for implementing ‘its transformative projects and programs.”

    Before his ministerial appointment, Sade served as the Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament and was also the former premier of Guadalcanal province. 

    BUDGET PASSED

    Written by
    Admin
    -
    0

    Parliament passes $4.83 billion budget for 2025

    BY NED GAGAHE

    After five days of intense debate and scrutiny, the 12th Parliament yesterday officially passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024, which allocates over $4.83 billion for government operations in the upcoming fiscal year.

    The Bill, which was tabled by Minister of Finance and Treasury, Manasseh Sogavare, on Monday, underwent rigorous scrutiny, beginning with the first and second readings in the past days.

    Following these readings, it was reviewed and amended during the Committee of Supply throughout the week.

    Yesterday, the Bill went through its final scrutiny at the committee stage before proceeding to the third and final reading.

    Minister Sogavare moved the motion during the third reading.

    “I move that the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024, as amended, be read for the third time and do pass.” Sogavare said.

    The motion was met with unanimous support from all Members of Parliament, and the Bill was successfully passed at around 4:30 pm.

    The approved Bill authorizes a total expenditure of Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Nine Dollars ($4,832,273,739).

    This budget will be used to support the Government’s operations and services for the fiscal year 2025.

    1...463464465...1,665Page 464 of 1,665