BY INDY MAEALASIA

Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, has emphasized the vital role of women as natural-born leaders, urging them to recognize that leadership extends beyond formal positions in government and thrives within their families and communities.

Speaking at the Honiara Council of Women (HCW) Festival yesterday, Polosovai reminded attendees that every woman, regardless of the scale of her contributions, has the power to uplift her family and community.

Reflecting on the theme ‘Benchmark for Leadership,’ Polosovai stressed that true leadership begins with personal growth. “I believe change comes from individuals,” she said.

In the context of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Polosovai noted that the fight for justice extends far beyond the campaign. “Let’s remind ourselves that it is only 16 days, but there is a lifetime of trauma for families who experience gender-based violence,” she said.

Polosovai also urged women to “take ownership” of their unique skills and talents, recognizing the positive impact they can make within their communities.

She concluded by challenging women to educate their children—particularly their sons—to respect women and understand the difference between right and wrong.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands relies heavily on imports for fuel and other daily necessities but has significant untapped potential for growth.

Masafumi Yabara, an IMF advisor from the Asia and Pacific Department, emphasized that while the country has great potential, there is no quick or easy solution.

“This country needs substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and health services, which will form the foundation for future growth,” Yabara stated.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to mobilize revenue, whether through domestic or external sources, as crucial for unlocking this potential. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining sound policies and reform momentum over the long term.

“There’s no shortcut. Sustained reforms and good governance are the only ways to enhance growth potential,” he said.

Yabara also pointed out that key areas such as improving the efficiency of fiscal policies, enhancing rural connectivity, and addressing governance weaknesses must be prioritized. However, no single policy can resolve all the challenges.

“We’ve shared our policy recommendations with the authorities, and they agree on the need for action. At the same time, we recognize the pressing challenges and urgent priorities they face,” he added.

Despite these hurdles, Yabara acknowledged positive progress, such as the government’s efforts to improve fiscal and debt management and modernize operations in areas like the Inland Revenue Division.

“I see that the government is working to address these challenges despite limited resources and capacity. However, sustained, concerted efforts over time will be essential,” Yabara concluded.

MPGIS budget shortfall continues to strain provincial operations: PS Dr Futaiasia

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has been operating with a $6 million budget shortfall since 2020, a situation that has had serious implications for its programs, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed.

The budget cut, made during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been restored despite the passage of time since the Pandemic.

Dr Derek Futaiasia, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the MPGIS, expressed concerns over the continuing impact this budget reduction is having on the ministry’s ability to effectively support provincial governments across the country.

“Since 2020, the Ministry has faced a budget cut of $6 million. Unfortunately, this reduction has not been reinstated, and it has affected our operational capabilities, particularly at the provincial level,”

“We have received complaints from all provinces due to the limited funds they are receiving.” PS Futaiasia said.

For the upcoming 2025 budget, the PS revealed that the ministry’s recurrent budget is set at $148 million, with an additional $35 million allocated for development.

This brings the total budget, including non-appropriated funds, to around $200 million.

However, PS Futaiasia stated that a significant portion of this budget, approximately $18.7 million, comes from the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project, while around $14.5 million is sourced from the United Nations Capital Development Fund.

“This amount is too small and insufficient,” PS Futaiasia emphasized.

“As far as the operational capabilities of the provinces are concerned, this budget is a major challenge.”

Dr Futaiasia also revealed this challenge has been compounded by the rejection of a bid submitted by the Ministry to increase the budget by $2.2 million.

He revealed that the Ministry of Finance advised against the bid submission, leaving the MPGIS with limited resources to address provincial needs.

MPGIS Financial Controller further revealed that the total allocation for grants to all provinces stands at just $56.4 million.

This amount, the Controller stressed, is insufficient to meet the needs of the provinces and is significantly hindering the ministry’s ability to provide the necessary support for provincial development and governance.

The ongoing budget shortfall remains a critical issue, and PS Futaiasia called for urgent attention from the government to restore the funding needed to empower the provinces and strengthen local governance.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Honiara Council of Women (HCW) came alive yesterday with energy and purpose as its members gathered to celebrate women’s empowerment and reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women.

The recently revived HCW, now boasting an impressive 10,700 registered members, hosted the day-long Honiara Women’s Festival under the theme ‘Benchmark of Leadership.’

Speaking at the event, Solomon Islands National Council of Women (SINCW) Vice President Kristina Sogavare highlighted the significance of the gathering.

“Today, we come together once more to campaign for the eradication of violence against women. You are here because of your passion and commitment,” she said.

Sogavare emphasized the dual purpose of the event: to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to celebrate the resilience and power of women.

Reflecting on the HCW’s revitalization after more than a decade of inactivity, Sogavare praised the council’s achievement in uniting such a large number of women.

“I salute you, the 10,700 women who have decided they will not remain silent but instead demand that their voices be heard,” she said.

Sogavare also spoke on the theme, highlighting women’s pivotal role in driving change and setting new standards within their communities.

“Women are at the forefront, leading change and raising the bar every time they act,” she said.

She further noted that the global 16 Days of Activism campaign served as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history and into the future.

The event was graced by notable guests, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Dr. Cedric Alependava; Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai; Deputy Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga; Lady Keithie Saunders; and representatives of the SINCW.

By Loretta B Manele

One of the achievements of Pacific Partnership Phase 1 is Solomon Islands being the first country in the pacific to have launched a domestic violence counselling guide.

This was revealed by Dr Cedric Alependava, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) who was one of the speakers at the launching program of Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Project Golkipa at Mendana Hotel on Tuesday this week.

He said the Pacific Partnership Phase 1 was a partnership with Solomon Islands government through MWYCFA, SAFENET’s 12 members and 3 key civil societies, Family Support Center and Malaita Christian Care Centre, Sefi Ples and referral center.

Alependava stated that in this phase we can see the strengthening and implementation of national legislation as well as policies.

“One of the achievements in phase 1 was, we were the first country in the pacific to have launched domestic violence counselling guide”

Alependava said they have trained 8 people and will further train more to be able to help survivors and victims.

“One of the key gains in gender equality support by the Pacific Partnership is the expansion of SAFENET, from 8 now we have 12”

Alependava explained that SAFENET is the largest government led program coordinating the sexual and gender-based violence response in Solomon Islands and it supports nine provinces.

Under SAFENET, referrals are made to other services providers to coordinate formal referral pathways as well as prevention and advocacy, program and governance and accountability framework.

Alependava stressed that under Pacific Partnership Phase 1 in supporting government and civil society, they implement best practice standard and guidelines for multi-sectorial services and knowledge to develop on current underdeveloped areas.

These areas are; Solomon Islands domestic violence counselling and ethical practice, Family support services, supervising guide, Solomon Islands domestic violence counselling registry guidelines, 12 Solomon Islands referral pathways, Malaita Christian Care Center, Self-care guidelines and SAFENET.

Alependava said Pacific Partnership Phase 1 was for five years and supported by coordinating organizations, Australia and European Union (EU) as well as UN Women and SPC.

“We are thankful for the support.

So, thank you UN Women, Fiji office in Solomon Islands for help coordinating to be able to prevent violence against women and girls”

By Loretta B Manele’

Australia is proud to be supporting efforts for advancing women’s leadership in Solomon Islands.

Dr Tristan Armstrong, Councillor from the Australian High Commission expressed this whilst at the launch of Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Project Golkipa on Tuesday, 26^th Nov at the Mendana Hotel.

He said they are proud to support Solomon Islands women in politics, business, government, faith-based organisations, civil society, in communities and homes.

Armstrong stated that they are currently finalising the next phase of their bilateral support programme for gender equality which is for another four years’ worth around 10 million dollars.

He said they will focus on reinforcing women’s leadership and participation in economic empowerment, eliminating gender-based violence and providing more support for those who provide frontline assistance.

Armstrong pointed out that they know that achieving gender equality will require collective commitment, determination and a lot of work.

“So, we must really build on our energy and enthusiasm to go further every year in our work to change the situation and improve the lives of girls and women here and everywhere in the world”

Armstrong emphasized that violence against anyone should not be tolerated anywhere and it cannot be justified and excused.

He also shared that the ambassador for gender equality from Australia, Stephanie Copus Campbell during her recent visit to Solomon Islands was really happy to hear about the incredible progress that has been made for contemporary special measures from the grassroots to all the provinces and all the way up through government to the highest levels.

Armstrong said Campbell spoke powerfully about how improving gender equality is not just about the right thing to do but it is the smart thing to do.

He added that by fully realising the economic and social potential of women, who make up 50 percent of the population, this will drive economic growth, contribute to reduction in poverty and will improve the quality of life for everyone.

Armstrong said these are not just words because there is strong evidence from across the world in places where the energy and talents of women are given the space to be showed and flourish.

“Society and economy will also flourish and everyone will benefit from this”

Armstrong said in the last 12 years, Australia has invested over 300 SBD million dollars in Solomon Islands to address gender equality, improve the services for women and for survivors of gender-based violence, to strengthen the role of women in leadership and decision-making and to build up women’s economic empowerment.

He expressed that as we celebrate progress today, it reaffirms the call for action over these two weeks of 16 days of activism.

Armstrong said we must also remember, cry and grieve for other loved ones who are no longer here with us and families who don’t have any support.

He furthered that this is very sad and we must remember every effect of violence because it really touches the core of life of people and of anyone touched by violence.

Armstrong said he looks forward to seeing this Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Project Golkipa take shape and address the root causes of gender-based violence to make real and positive changes in the lives of the women and girls in Solomon Islands and beyond across the Pacific.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched its inquiry into the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024, which seeks Parliament’s approval for a total expenditure of $4.83 billion to fund government operations and services for the year.

The Bill includes provisions for annual borrowing limits, allowing borrowing through Treasury Bills for exceptional circumstances, and from development partners or domestic financial institutions to finance key infrastructure projects.

Accompanying the Bill are detailed Budget Papers outlining financial strategies, as well as recurrent and development budget estimates.

Key government officials, including those from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and various ministries, participated in the first day of the inquiry on Monday, 25th November 2024.

The PAC’s inquiry will continue over the next two weeks, with a final report to be presented for parliamentary debate. A statement from Parliament this week revealed that the Bill seeks Parliament’s approval for 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) to fund the government’s operations and services for the year 2025.

“This Bill establishes annual limits on new government borrowing, in accordance with Section 66(2) of the Public Financial Management Act 2013, allowing borrowing through Treasury Bills for exceptional circumstances, and from development partners or domestic financial institutions to finance high-priority infrastructure and development projects,” the statement said.

Key government representatives, including officials from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health, were present for the first day of the inquiry.

“This Bill outlines annual limits on new government borrowing in line with Section 66(2) of the Public Financial Management Act 2013. Two categories of permitted borrowing are stipulated:

• Borrowing by way of Treasury Bills to address exceptional circumstances.
• Borrowing from development partners or domestic financial institutions to fund high-priority infrastructure and development initiatives.”

The Bill also establishes specific borrowing limits for each of these categories. It includes provisions for the Minister for Finance and Treasury to issue Advance Warrants and Contingency Warrants throughout 2024.

For a proper understanding, the Bill should be read alongside the accompanying Budget Papers, particularly:

• Budget Paper 1: Financial Policy Objectives and Strategies Statement.
• Budget Paper 2: Recurrent Budget Estimates.
• Budget Paper 3: Development Budget Estimates.

The Bill authorizes the Minister for Finance and Treasury to issue a General Warrant, in accordance with Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013, to the Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury for the amount of $4,832,273,739. This enables the Permanent Secretary to issue Accounting Warrants as outlined in Section 57 of the Act.

PAC’s inquiry will continue over the next two weeks, with a comprehensive report to be submitted for parliamentary debate. Budget briefs from the recent Floating Budget Office review will inform MPs’ discussions.