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Vokia denounces allegations of selling Guadalcanal

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Jamie Vokia. Photo supplied.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace, and Ecclesiastical Affairs Jaimie Vokia has strongly condemned allegations that Guadalcanal Province is being sold to China.

During a recent parliamentary session addressing the Sine Die motion, Vokia emphasized that this issue is often misunderstood by his constituents in North West Guadalcanal.

“I wish to clarify a particular point concerning this discussion. It is an issue frequently misconstrued by the people I represent,” Vokia stated.

He continued, “There exists what one might call a conspiracy theory suggesting that this Government has wronged me. As the Deputy Chair of the bipartisan team during the 2019 transition, I can confidently affirm that we are not on a path to transfer the island of Guadalcanal to China.”

The Minister further reiterated his firm rejection of these unfounded claims.

“I want to assure the esteemed members of this chamber that I categorically reject these inaccuracies. My colleagues, along with the peace ministers of Guadalcanal and the Government I serve, will not engage in the sale of Guadalcanal,” Vokia declared.

Purchase of Dodo Creek followed procedures

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By Loretta B Manele

For the information of all members and the public, the sale of Dodo creek land followed proper procedures in the land title act.

Polycarp Paea, minister for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey made the above statement at the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Thursday 19th.

He explained that regarding Dodo creek, the land board had gone through proper land processes.

Paea said before it went to the tender process, the land board made two formal requests to the Ministry of Agriculture (MAL) and to another ministry.

He expressed that at the time, the ministry of agriculture was not interested in the land because one, it had graves in it and secondly, there were squatters in that area.

Paea mentioned that the other ministry was also not interested in the land so the land board decided to give the land to a company called “Solomon Islands agriculture livestock development” as it was the highest bidder.

“The company subsequently paid 3 million premium and an annual rental of 300,000 for 50 years term.

If you do the math, that actual cost of the land is 15 million”

Paea said the ministry of agriculture is currently developing land at Tenaru as its new research centre with assistance from World Bank.

‘MOCKERY OF CONSTITUTION’: WALE 

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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Opposition decries PM Manele’s move to convene Constituent Assembly today

BY NED GAGAHE

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale says the decision by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to convene the Constituent Assembly meeting today is “deeply concerning” and a “mockery of our Constitution”.

Wale’s statement came following the revelation that Prime Minister Manele had decided to convene the meeting on the eve of the constitutional deadline December 31, 2024.

The Opposition Leader said the Constituent Assembly is tasked by law with a serious responsibility. It must debate, amend, and vote on the future of our Draft Federal Constitution.

However, Wale said holding this meeting on the eve of its constitutional deadline, December 31, 2024, is deeply concerning as it leaves no room for meaningful and proper deliberation.

The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill 2024 was recently defeated in Parliament, after it failed to secure the 38 votes required to pass the Bill.

The Bill also sought to amend the Constitution to extend the timeline for the sitting of the Constituent Assembly from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026, ensuring adequate time for the necessary preparatory processes leading up to the Assembly’s convening.

It also sought to expand the Assembly’s membership from 80 to 100 representatives from key institutions such as the Bar Association and the National Youth Congress.

“The Prime Minister has the power to call this Assembly. But that power must be exercised responsibly and within limits. The timing of this meeting undermines the Assembly’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate. This move threatens both our democratic process and our legislative intent. Ultimately, it makes a mockery of our Constitution.

“Furthermore, the current Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023 is fraught with deficiencies. These issues arise, you may remember, because the Government rushed the Bill through Parliament last year. For instance, the lack of transitionary provisions means that neither the Speaker nor the Prime Minister currently possess the legal authority to introduce, for the Assembly’s consideration and adoption, the procedural framework necessary to fulfill its statutory mandate.”

Wale said another significant shortfall is the absence of basic guidelines in the Act, as seen in the omission of a quorum requirement. Other problems also exist. Most notably, the failure to conduct a cost analysis of the federal system. This is a step that should precede the Assembly’s meeting.

 He said these issues were entirely avoidable.

He adds that a genuinely committed Government would never have brought such an ill-prepared Bill. Yet now, the Government seems intent on rushing this process again.

“Nonetheless, we can still fix this, together. I urge the Government to take responsibility. The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023, riddled with flaws, must be repealed. In its place, the Government must bring a new general Constitutional amendment empowering Parliament to make laws on the matter of the federal Government. Parliament must then enact new legislation to establish the Assembly properly. The Government must give priority to these two legislative matters in early 2025.

“Our decisions today will affect future generations. We must uphold the integrity of our Constitution and democracy. I call on the Government to act with wisdom and care. I also call upon members of the Constituent Assembly to stand on their principles. The future of our Nation is too important to be handled recklessly,” Leader of Opposition Wale said.

The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill 2024 was defeated in Parliament during its second reading on December 19, 2024, after failing short of securing the 38 votes required for the Bill to pass.

Only 31 MPs voted in support, two MPs abstain, three MPs opposed the Bill, and 14 MPs were absent.

The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to extend the timeline for the sitting of the Constituent Assembly from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026, ensuring adequate time for the necessary preparatory processes leading up to the Assembly’s convening.

Additionally, the Bill proposes an expansion of the Constituent Assembly’s membership from 80 to 100, including representatives from key institutions such as the Bar Association and the National Youth Congress.

The Bill also provides for the inclusion of members with relevant expertise and experience. These members may include current and former public officials, individuals with in-depth knowledge of government operations, and former state office holders. Their contributions will enrich the deliberative process by bringing diverse perspectives and valuable insights to the Assembly and its thematic committees

Seven provinces adopt gender equality policies

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

SEVEN Provinces have successfully complied their gender equality policy this year, says Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Freda Rotutafi Rangirei

The minister announced this in parliament recently, stating that three remaining provinces will be working on their respective policies next year.

Additionally, the ministry has suggested the inclusion of gender responsive budgeting in government ministries’ recurring budget. 

 “……. in coming years, we hope five or six ministries should include gender budgeting in their recurring budget so that women’s groups can also access funding from these ministries,” she said.

Furthermore, the ministry has successfully assisted in reviving the National Council of Women (NCW), which had been in hiatus.

 “……. and it is now functioning very well and connecting to women’s groups as well as the nine provincial women’s councils.” Minister Rangirei added.

Recently, the NCW announced that since its revival, the council has witnessed a spike in registered members.

Running gov’t is a serious responsibility

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By Loretta B Manele

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said running a government is a very serious responsibility and after all, it is the people’s government.

He made the statement at the Sine Die Motion in parliament last Thursday.

Wale said those animating and exercising government are trustees above all else.

He expressed that if leaders lose sight of the trusteeship, then what follows is bad governance, bad decision making and poor choices.

“The consequences are on all who call this beautiful Solomon Islands home and so no one should be conducting themselves as if they own the government alone and use their position in government for their own personal benefits”

He said we know that human nature tends to pull against what is right and good for everyone because the human heart above all else is deceitful.

Wale mentioned that it is precisely because of the human condition that they, as leaders all have the responsibility to hold each other to account not only for the benefit of the country but also to help each other as individuals.

“To not fall into the traps of self-interest and greed and thereby bring the public offices we occupy into disrepute and erode the people’s trust in their government”

Wale emphasized that it is very important that people trust their government to do the best for them because when poor decisions or poor choices are made, rightly or wrongly, the people lose trust.

“We must be jealous about protecting the trust of the people in their government”

Asilaua-led MECTG acknowledges development initiatives by MPAs

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Asilaua-led Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformative Government (MECTG) has expressed its appreciation for ward development initiatives proposed by individual Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs).

As a responsible government, the MECTG recognizes and values these ward-level projects, which are integral to its bottom-up ward development policy. This policy encourages all MPAs—whether from the executive or non-executive branches—across the 33 wards of Malaita Province to actively pursue development projects for their communities.

Acknowledging the limitations of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program, the MECTG emphasizes that not all wards will receive PCDF-supported projects, even within a four-year term. Therefore, MPAs, through their Ward Development Committees (WDCs), are urged to proactively seek alternative projects and funding opportunities to address their communities’ needs.

In addition, the MECTG highlights the importance of community projects that align with the national government’s GNUT rural development policy or the priorities of national line ministries. Key areas of need include school development, water supply, and sanitation projects, which are critical for many of Malaita’s wards.

Other initiatives, such as fisheries and agriculture projects, are also encouraged, provided they meet the specific needs of the communities and contribute to sustainable development in the province.

The executive government remains ready to endorse project proposals from MPAs, ensuring that viable initiatives brought forward through their WDCs can help drive development across Malaita Province.

MPG focuses on business, investment policies for Malaita Province

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Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita Provincial Government (MPG), under the leadership of Premier Asilaua, has announced its commitment to pursuing business and investment policies aimed at boosting trade and investment in Malaita Province.

In alignment with the Malaita Economic and Trade Growth (MECTG) redirection policy, the initiative will focus on the development of investment, sole trader, trade, industry, and local-foreigner partnership business policies.

This policy aims to establish principles and a procedural framework for guiding Malaita Province’s operations and achieving its objectives. It will serve as a roadmap for the Malaita Provincial Business Authority, providing clear and consistent direction for employees, management, and stakeholders in decision-making and operations.

The investment policy will act as a strategic guide for planning and implementing investment programs. It emphasizes good governance and accountability in asset allocation, risk management, and performance monitoring. The policy will also set guidelines for engaging internal and external investment managers while ensuring transparency through proper reporting.

This policy focuses on building Malaita’s economic capacity through sustainable trade and investment. It aims to promote human capital development, reduce poverty, and improve living standards in the province. The policy’s long-term impact includes wealth creation and increased employment opportunities for the people of Malaita and Solomon Islanders.

The trade policy is designed to manage the international exchange of goods and services between Malaita and national, regional, and international economies. It will regulate imports and exports while promoting export activities to strengthen Malaita’s role as an agent of the national government in global trade.

This policy emphasizes government support for businesses to reshape or enhance specific economic activities. It focuses on regulatory compliance and legal frameworks to support business growth, particularly for entities based on activity, technology, size, and location.

The partnership policy aims to establish strategic alliances between local and foreign investors. It leverages local knowledge of the business environment, customer preferences, cultural norms, and regulatory landscapes to help businesses navigate market complexities and make informed decisions.

The MPG, guided by the MECTG redirection policy, is committed to ensuring these business frameworks are in place to encourage trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth for the people of Malaita Province.

MID to bring vehicle policy to cabinet next year

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By Loretta B Manele

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) will bring their vehicle policy to cabinet next year.

Manasseh Maelanga, MID minister revealed this during the Sine Die Motion in parliament last week.

He said this is a very important policy they have worked on and hopefully it should reach cabinet next year.

Moreover, Maelanga stressed that today, G vehicles are being misused and urges all drivers to have a permit to drive G vehicles.

He said this applies to drivers of ministers, officials as well as public servants.

“Today I am calling on all who are using G vehicles, you have to have permit to drive G vehicles.

All drivers driving G vehicles whether officials or public servant must have a permit”

He pointed out that when the policy goes through, he will tell the police to do traffic check to see that those driving G vehicles have a permit and if not, the police will deal with them.

Maelanga said for drivers of G vehicles, you can get a permit from the Permanent Secretary of MID.

In relation, he also spoke about the dispose of vehicles which also comes under the vehicle policy.

Maelanga stated that when it comes to this, the issue is that when people from his ministry go to collect vehicles that are just laying about in other ministries, they are confronted by officials from those ministries who stop them from collecting the vehicles.

“These are things I am not happy about and that is why I must state that MID has the power and right to collect G vehicles”

He said it is not up to officials or heads of those ministries to tell MID officers not to get those vehicles.

Maelanga emphasized that MID has the power and right to come and get those vehicles that need to be disposed of.

He mentioned that these are some issues that contradict their work and they are not happy about.

“We must improve on these things”

Wale urges discipline

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By Loretta B Manele

I only wish to say that 2024 has been a record year for overseas travel by parliamentarians.

Matthew Wale, Leader of Opposition made the statement in parliament when contributing to the Sine Die Motion on Thursday 19th Dec.

He expressed that our health system has lacked basic medicine and supplies throughout our islands yet a lot of money was spent on travel.

Wale told parliament that there is a need for discipline in the matter of overseas travel.

“Some criteria or tests should be used to determine if a minister should go on an overseas travel or not or if officials should go instead”

Wale also stated that the parliamentary entitlement commission should also reduce the overseas per diem to more reasonable rates because it is too high.

He added that this perhaps may be one of the reasons many are going on overseas travel.

Wale stressed that the size of delegations going overseas also continues to be an issue.

In this regard, he said large delegations as we know are rarely effective if anything other than perhaps sightseeing.

“This needs to change if we are serious about government challenges that we face and the cashflow situation that government continues to experience”

Wale noted that they must not forget that time away overseas is time away from work here at home and it will have an impact on the work of ministries that colleagues are in charge of.

MPG ON SEA CUCUMBER

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Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua.

Plans to review beche-de-mer license and economic policies

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita provincial government plans to review its beche-de-mer business licence and develop other policies to bolster economic empowerment among youths, women and encourage Small Medium entrepreneurship among its population in the province.

The plan forms an integral aspect of MPG’s business and investment policy intervention, which the premier Elijah Asilaua-led Malaita Economic, Cooperation and Transformative Government (MECTG) is working toward for Malaita province.

According to the policy, beche-de-mer also known as sea cucumber is currently being protected under the law of Solomon Islands.

“Only people have acquired beche-de-mer licence can be able to harvest and trade the sea cucumber at certain time within its approved calendar and schedules.

“The aim is for Malaita province to benefit from harvested beche-de-mer within its jurisdiction by discharging beche-de-mer licences and law development,” it says.

Still under its policy intervention for business and investment, MPG is looking at a policy to encourage small medium entrepreneurship in the province.

The development of the policy will support small medium private sector entrepreneurs.

It will also provide necessary environment for private sector dynamism, innovation and risk taking required for modern, sophisticated and rapidly growing economy on Malaita province.

Further to the business and investment intervention policy, MPG is pursuing a specific policy to encourage youth employment and entrepreneurship for Malaita province.

The policy will merge two distinct pathways to which entrepreneurship can address; youth empowerment and economic growth in Malaita and Solomon Islands.

This economic approach where entrepreneurship as an engine of economic growth and job creation aim at impacting the lives of youths in Malaita.

Moreover, MPG is also looking at an economic development policy for women in Malaita province.

The women economic development policy is a crucial goal toward achieving gender equality and the sustainable development goals (SDG).

The policy will align with the UN Women’s economic empowerment strategic plans aimed to enable women to be empowered and engage in economic activity.

The policy will address inequality, gendered division of care labour, gender-blind policies and promote equal rights, access to resources and addressing the importance of supporting girls to grow into women with economic power.

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