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Trade union voices recommendations for improved conditions for PALM workers

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Published November 15, 2024

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Solomon Islands council of trade union (SICTU) has echoed calls for the Australian government to improve conditions for seasonal workers in the PALM scheme.

This includes – freedom to change employers, a minimum of 30 hours work per week, decent and fair accommodation, having fair and accessible superannuation.

This call was made by the Pacific Islands council of trade union (PICTU) the peak body for trade unions in the Pacific, during a meeting on November 11 in Brisbane, Australia ahead of the 2024 Labour mobility annual meeting (PLMAM).

The suggested improvements are a collective of complaints and feedbacks from seasonal workers under the PALM scheme.

In a statement on November 14, 2024, SICTU reiterated that it represents Solomon Islands workers in Australia, as PICTU does for Pacific workers there.

“While noting the positive reforms the Australian Government has made to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program that have been introduced since the last PLMAM, PICTU calls on the Australian Government to urgently make the following reforms to PALM to protect the rights of Pacific workers and prevent exploitation,” the statement said.

-PALM workers should have freedom to change employers: PALM workers must have worker-driven mobility – currently workers are effectively tied to their employer-sponsor, which creates a power imbalance that can lead to exploitation. Workers must be able to easily change employers, just as local workers can. This will enable workers to leave exploitative situations, seek better pay and conditions, or a more suitable role.

SICTU through PICTU calls on the Australian government to ensure the following:

-Guarantee a minimum of 30 hours a week, each week for short-term workers: PALM workers should not leave Australia in debt. Unfair deductions and no minimum hours will leave PALM workers in poverty and hardship. The implementation of the guaranteed minimum hours of 30 hours a week, each week for short-term PALM workers on 1 July 2025 to enable workers to earn enough money to support themselves in Australia and their families.

-Accommodation must be decent and fair: Accommodation costs must be comparable to local market rates, and of a decent standard that enables to workers to live in dignity and safety. 

-Make super fair and accessible: Make it easier for workers to claim their superannuation, remove the tax on Departing Australia Superannuation Payments (DASP) for PALM workers, expand options to improve the portability of super, and ensure workers have the right to choose their own superannuation fund.

-Access to the social safety net for PALM workers: Currently PALM workers have to take out private health insurance, which is a cost burden and deters workers from seeking health care – PALM workers must have access to Medicare and the social safety net.

-Union involvement in pre-departure briefings and worker mobilisation: The Australian Government must urge Pacific Island Governments Pacific Unions must be invited to attend the pre-departure briefings, and must be consulted in the worker mobilisation process to mitigate ‘brain drain’.    

-Decent work for workers on return to their home country: The Australian Government must invest in skills development for PALM workers, and work with Pacific Island Countries to ensure that PALM workers are given support to reintegrate and given opportunities for engagement in decent work in the formal sector, and that Pacific Island Countries adopt a tripartite approach to worker reintegration.

Work on Kirakira wharf progressing

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The first-ever wharf project for Kirakira, the provincial capital of Makira Ulawa Province, is making steady progress.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the national government, the project is being implemented by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, highlighted that significant progress has been observed since the project commenced, describing it as a milestone in the province’s infrastructure development.

According to the project schedule, completion is expected by mid-next year. Premier Siapu expressed confidence that the current pace of implementation is on track to meet the timeline.

“Once completed, the wharf will be ready for use and will greatly enhance shipping services to the province,” Siapu said. He noted that inadequate shipping infrastructure has been a longstanding issue for the province, contributing to development setbacks.

The premier emphasized that the new wharf will not only improve transportation but also stimulate economic activities and provide a platform for further development in Makira Ulawa Province.

He reassured the people of Makira Ulawa that his government is committed to supporting the project to ensure its successful completion.

MUPG calls on cocoa farmers to prepare for Kirakira factory

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG) is urging its cocoa farmers to prepare for the upcoming cocoa factory in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province, which is currently under construction.

The call aims to encourage farmers to get ready to maximize the benefits of the factory, which is expected to begin operations next year.

Makira Ulawa Province Premier, Stanley Siapu, highlighted this yesterday as the project nears completion.

“Construction of the cocoa factory building is in its final stages and will soon be completed. Following this, machinery installation is expected to take place in the first quarter of next year,” Premier Siapu said.

He added that the project implementation has progressed according to schedule, and as planned, it should already be nearing handover to the province. Siapu’s office will coordinate with the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) to finalize the handover arrangements.

Premier Siapu described the cocoa factory as one of his government’s flagship projects, emphasizing its potential to significantly benefit cocoa farmers and create economic opportunities for the province.

“This project will be a game changer for cocoa farmers in MUP, given the substantial economic impact it will have on the people of the province,” Siapu stated.

The factory will allow for downstream processing of cocoa into finished products for both local and international markets.

The premier called on cocoa farmers in the province to prepare themselves to fully benefit from this landmark development, which is the first of its kind in the country.

The project is funded by the national government through three line ministries: the Ministry of National Planning, Development, and Aid Coordination; the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration; and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

MUPG anticipates positive results from PCDF assessment

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG) is optimistic about passing the 2023/2024 Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) assessment after three years of disqualification from the funding program.

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) recently conducted the PCDF assessment in the province, and the results are expected soon.

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, acknowledged that for the past three financial years—2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023—the MUPG failed to implement tangible projects under the program due to its disqualification.

He admitted that this failure had let the people of the province down but assured them that his government is determined to reverse the situation and reinstate the province in the program this year.

“The PCDF assessment has been completed, and we are now waiting for the results. We prepared thoroughly for the assessment, and we are hopeful of achieving a positive outcome for the province,” Siapu said.

The premier added that the province’s revised budget, initially planned for tabling, has been delayed until the PCDF results are released. This will allow for necessary adjustments to the budget based on the outcome of the assessment.

Siapu also noted that divisional heads within the MUPG are already working on preparations for the revised budget. If the province passes the assessment, the final budget will incorporate projects and services to benefit the people of Makira Ulawa Province.

He projected that the revised budget would be tabled before the New Year in 2025.

WE ARE READY

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Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands reaffirms commitment to Malaita

BY LORETTA B. MANELE

The Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with the people of Malaita Province to strengthen their friendship, enhance cooperation, and bring tangible benefits to both nations.

Speaking at a donation ceremony where the Chinese Embassy handed over materials to the people of Fataleka Constituency, Ambassador Weiming expressed optimism about the partnership.

The donation included one generator, two sewing machines, 40 radios, 40 portable power and solar panels, 200 solar lights, and 120 T-shirts and shorts.

Addressing the Member of Parliament (MP) for Fataleka Constituency, Rexon Ramofafia, and representatives from the constituency, Ambassador Weiming said the donations were intended to improve the daily lives of local communities.

He highlighted Malaita Province as a key focus of China-Solomon Islands cooperation, noting significant progress in recent years.

“Earlier this year, Jiangsu Province, under its friendly cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malaita, donated livelihood materials worth more than SBD 1 million to the province. The Chinese medical team has visited Malaita three times, treating over 1,000 patients. Half of the 160 students awarded Chinese Government scholarships to study in China are from Malaita. Additionally, the Chinese design team recently arrived in Auki to prepare for the groundbreaking of the Auki Road Tar Sealing Project,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming acknowledged the strong support of the people of Malaita, which has made these achievements possible.

“These milestones will undoubtedly deliver tangible benefits to the people of Malaita Province,” he said, adding that future cooperation would expand into agriculture and education.

He emphasized confidence in the bright future of China-Solomon Islands relations, with the unwavering support of Malaita’s people.

“Guided by the principle of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, we are ready to work with the people of Malaita to consolidate our friendship, enhance our cooperation, and bring greater benefits to our peoples,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted China’s implementation of a zero-tariff policy on Solomon Islands products and the recently signed visa exemption agreement, which will foster closer ties between the two nations.

MP for Fataleka Constituency, Rexon Ramofafia, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the Chinese Embassy.

“On behalf of my constituency, we are deeply thankful for this donation. It will greatly benefit our people and help improve their standard of living,” he said.

He added that the materials would also support local schools and clinics. Ramofafia noted the broad support provided by China to various sectors in his constituency, including agriculture, forestry, and health.

“The continuous support towards our people is something I truly acknowledge and appreciate,” he said.

The MP emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration, particularly in anticipation of the Auki Road Tar Sealing Project.

“Going forward, we stand together and will continue to work with the People’s Republic of China to achieve mutual benefits,” he concluded.

Miss Solomon Islands donates to oncology unit

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Oncology (Cancer) Unit at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has been blessed with a cash donation from the reigning Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, and her team, presented yesterday.

Polosovai donated SBD$5,000 to the unit, which she raised through her fundraising event, “Bakes for Breast Cancer,” held in Dunedin, New Zealand, last month to mark the conclusion of Pinktober—the international breast cancer awareness month.

“It is a small amount, but it is meant to help the staff here with anything they need for their patients, especially in palliative care,” said the reigning queen.

Polosovai also paid a courtesy visit to commend the staff and express her ongoing support for the cancer trust fund initiated by former Miss Solomon Islands, Gladys Habu.

“I’m just continuing the work she started and expanding on it,” Polosovai added.

The reigning queen praised the resilience and bravery of Solomon Islands’ women despite the challenges within the current healthcare system.

She expressed her eagerness to further collaborate with the oncology unit to raise awareness about breast cancer, one of the two leading cancers in the Solomon Islands.

“NRH has informed me that their mammogram machine is now up and running. With their help, I will assist in spreading information on how to make bookings for check-ups. It is also very important for women to know how to perform self-breast examinations to detect symptoms of breast cancer,” she stated.

NRH’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Janella Solomon, said the donation would meet several needs of the unit.

“We are approaching the festive season, and we want to help our patients feel happy this Christmas. This donation will likely be used for gifts and smaller needs in the cancer unit,” Dr. Solomon remarked.

She added that such donations would undoubtedly uplift the spirits of the patients during the upcoming festive season.

Continuous cancer support during Christmas

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Access to information and medical assistance regarding breast cancer will remain available throughout the festive season, according to Dr. Janella Solomon, medical superintendent at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Speaking to the media, Dr. Solomon confirmed that breast cancer awareness, along with other types of cancer, will continue to be provided through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) or with the support of the Miss Solomon Islands team.

With the country’s only mammogram machine now operational, Dr. Solomon mentioned that the oncology team will use all available platforms to raise awareness about how to access these vital services.

“Even though it is Christmas, we are ensuring that we do not turn away any patients,” she noted.

Dr. Solomon also urged women and girls experiencing breast discomfort to seek medical checkups promptly.

“If you have symptoms or feel unwell, please come to the nearest health center or go directly to the oncology unit for advice,” she added.

Effects of wind and current during an oil spill

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By Loretta B Manele

The wind will blow the water currents and that will affect the movement of oil during an oil spill.

Dayne Maxwell, of Pacific Planning Consulting expressed this at the “Strengthening Marine Pollution Incident Resilience in the Pacific Islands” workshop that was conducted last month by SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme) at the Heritage Park Hotel.

He said there are two processes that take over when the wind blows the water currents affecting movement of the oil.

Maxwell stated that one of the processes is “oxidation” which is the effects of the sun breaking down oil and making it motionless or “inert”.

He went on to talk about “sedimentation” which he said is not a really good process because it will actually move oil down to the sediment.

“Sedimentation is when, if there’s sediment in the water column, for example, in marine areas where there’s fresh water coming out with rivers and streams that are flooding and causing a lot of sediment to be in the water, oil may attach to the sediment and that will change its buoyancy and will sink to the bottom”

Maxwell mentioned that this will affect any organisms or marine life that are living in the sediment.

On the other hand, in a negative aspect, he said there is also the uptake of violet.

“So, fishes, anything that’s swimming through the water column. Any oil dispersed in the water column, those molecules are available and just by the process of fish and water going through the gills or being swallowed, that will be taken up”

Maxwell said one of the other processes is related to the oil on the surface of the sea.

He referred to this as “persistent oil” particularly heavier fuel oils that may be spilled by larger vessels.

Maxwell pointed out that it is not crude oil that is coming through as crude oil is produced by drilling, gas and offshore oil installations.

He said there is no crude oil coming through only heavy fuel oil or intermediate fuel oils if they’re spilled in rough conditions which is then called a “water and oil emulsion”.

“That’s when oil and water mix together and they’ll create a more voluminous oily substance which, again, floats”

Moreover, Maxwell said you can use the modelling available to predict where oil is likely to move once it’s spilled.

“However, you can also do these calculations on your head or on a map or a chart or something”

Maxwell explained that the piece of information that you need are the wind speed and direction and also the current or the water movement.

He said a very simple calculation is that you just create a couple of vectors where one vector is the current speed and one vector is the wind speed.

“We take 100% of the current. If there’s an oil spilled in a channel and there’s one knot of current, you use a vector representing one knot of current. Then you look at the wind speed, but you take only 3% of the wind speed.

Then you draw another vector on top of the current. If we had, say, 15 knots of wind speed, we take 3% of 15, which is just under half a knot. We’d have a vector showing one knot of current and then whatever the wind speed is and wind direction, do half a knot.

Then you just draw an N and that will be where the oil is going. Typically, if you don’t have information on currents and you want to do a very rough calculation, where’s the wind blowing, that’s where the oil is going to go. 90% of the time you’ll be right”

Maxwell said the wind speed will determine how quickly the oil going to get there.

No contract agreement on ESP

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) is a grant designed to assist individuals and businesses in generating income, aimed at bolstering the economy of the Solomon Islands in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19.

This initiative was introduced during the pandemic period.

Residents from rural areas have been informed that the fund is intended to support farmers in collaborating with their communities to enhance livelihood activities, including cocoa production, pig farming, poultry, copra, various agricultural projects, fisheries, and tourism. Upon receiving this news, there was considerable excitement, as the funding represented a significant opportunity for change, with a substantial amount of money available.

“I am among the beneficiaries of this grant,” said former cocoa buyer and processor, Cyril Kulisiua. Kulisiua has a vested interest in this initiative, as he continued his cocoa project even before the COVID-19 period. “I purchase cocoa from local farmers, process it by drying, and subsequently sell it in Honiara to cocoa exporters,” he explained. He applied for the ESP funding in 2021.

“The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) was responsible for issuing the application forms, which were distributed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) field officers. We completed the forms, which included several criteria, such as the necessity of having a registered business, obtaining a business license, and possessing a company Haus certificate. Many of us made determined efforts to meet these requirements,” Kulisiua told Island Sun.

Kulisiua, from Weathercoast in Guadalcanal Province, submitted his application through the Guadalcanal Province for his business, called DB Cocoa Processing & Marketing, which involves purchasing, processing, and marketing cocoa. “I submitted my form to the provincial office after completing the forms,” he said.

“In my proposal, I outlined a budget of $250,000, which was intended for the construction of a drying facility, storage, and labor costs, as well as ongoing cocoa purchases. This was the detailed breakdown of my ESP proposal,” he explained. Unfortunately, he was only awarded $10,000.

“I received a call informing me that my cheque was available at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT). This situation did not adhere to the standard procedure of signing a contract agreement. Typically, when funds are allocated, a contract or agreement must be signed with the relevant ministry.

“We have encountered this process when applying for community projects, which usually involves a donor and the community. In my case, the absence of a formal agreement meant we were not bound by the usual stipulations, including the clause that improper use of the funds could lead to legal consequences,” Kulisiua said.

Kulisiua received the cheque in 2022, after submitting his application in 2021. “With the $10,000 I was awarded, I purchased a scale, a few copra bags, and carried out some minor maintenance. However, this amount was insufficient to significantly enhance productivity as I had initially planned. The funds did not align with my project plans, resulting in a loss of potential benefits. If I had the appropriate facilities and equipment, as previously outlined, the $10,000 would have been immensely beneficial, and I would not have encountered any issues,” he added.

“Unfortunately, I lack a proper cocoa drying house, adequate storage, and the necessary funds to cover labor costs, which has hindered my progress. Since that time, I have not engaged in cocoa production up to the present day,” said Kulisiua.

There have been reports suggesting that government officials misappropriate substantial sums of money, yet it remains unclear how these funds are being utilized.

“Although someone collected the cheque on my behalf, it was actually my wife who did so, rather than myself. Ideally, I should have been the one to collect the cheque, as I am the designated recipient responsible for signing for the release of the funds. However, at that time, the process involved my wife being contacted, and she subsequently informed me that my cheque was ready for collection,” shared the concerned farmer.

Japan committed to supporting SI education: Ambassador Miwa

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

JAPAN Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki, has reaffirmed his country’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Solomon Islands’ education sector.

He emphasized this commitment during the handover of a newly built two-story classroom at Numbu Community High School in North East Guadalcanal last Friday.

“Japan will continue to aid in the education field in terms of infrastructure for all sectors, tertiary assistance, and capacity building in the workplaces…to cultivate a cordial relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands,” he said.

Japan is also providing support to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) proposed Center of Excellence for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.

Ambassador Miwa highlighted that the center would play a crucial role in research and gathering essential data for these key sectors.

“This is for the purpose of research and gathering information on our priority sector and feeding our center of excellence hub with the required raw resources to learn,” ambassador Miwa added

He noted that this hub would be a worthwhile initiative as current and future will utilize the resources provided and in turn, contribute to the community and the country.

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