BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Hon. Pat Conroy Minister for International Development and the Pacific said he had a fruitful conversation with Environment Minister Trevor Magaha during his recent visit to the country.

“I had a good conversation with the climate change minister,’’ said Minister Conroy.

“Climate change is the number one existential threat to the Pacific including Australia and we are proud that we’re taking strong climate action in Australia and supporting strong climate action in the Pacific,’’ he said.

Speaking to local media at the SINU Panatina campus last week, Conroy said that Australia is supporting the rollout of Renewable energy in SI and is the main backer of the Tina Hydro project.

“we’re supporting the rollout of renewable energy in the Solomon Islands including being a big backer of the Tina River Hydropower project that will provide 70% of the power to Honiara.

He further stated that Australia supports four off-grid renewable energy partnerships with 5.4 million Solomon Island dollars and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Importantly, we’re also helping the Solomon Islands access international climate finance, global climate finance, but that’s taking too long and the Pacific is not getting its fair share. So, we’re also investing in Pacific climate funds. So, we’ve announced a 550 million Solomon dollars investment in the Pacific Climate Resilient Fund, Pacific Resilient Fund,’’ said Conroy.

He said that the PRF is about small climate projects for the Pacific that are being funded and run by the Pacific.

“So, you don’t have to worry about the big bureaucracy around the world. It can be the Pacific driving this agenda and we’re proud to be the biggest contributor to it and providing 550 million Solomon Island dollars. So, we’re a strong climate partner with the Solomon Islands,’’ he said.

He stated that Australia will continue to advocate for strong climate action and match their rhetoric with action on the ground.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Member of Parliament(MP) for Maringe Kokota, Cathy Nori, has urged the government to prioritize rice farming, highlighting its vital role as a food staple in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking in parliament last week, Nori reflected on the BSA Ltd rice farm that once flourished in the Guadalcanal plains.

“I remember growing up and getting educated in the Guadalcanal plains, Selwyn College there was a rice farm called BSA, it was running very successfully,” she said.

Nori stressed that reviving rice farming would be cost –saving for the government.

“Why can’t we start growing rice again in the country, I am sure it will save a lot of money instead of paying rice from overseas.” She said.

Nori emphasized that rice can be found in every household from urban areas to rural areas and has taken over home grown food.

A 2014 Rice Consumption and Production assessment from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s(MAL) reported that rice is the major staple diets for Solomon Islanders. 

BY NED GAGAHE

A total of 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s official visit to China in July.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, confirmed this in Parliament, last week responding to questions from Opposition Leader Matthew Wale regarding the specifics and public accessibility of the agreements.

Minister Agovaka emphasized the importance of these MOUs for the Solomon Islands, stating, “We signed about 13 MOUs.” The agreements cover a range of sectors, including:

1. Education: Minister for Education signed the MOU for the provision of 30 scholarship funded by PRC each year.
2. Economic Development: Cooperation in economic exchanges
3. MOU on Trade: Between Ministry of Commerce PRC and MFAET.
4. Aviation partnership: Between Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Solomon Islands Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
5. Media Cooperation: between Xinhua News of the People’s Republic of China and the Government Communication Unit (GCU), OPMC.
6. Media Cooperation with SIBC: between China Media Corps groups and SIBC.
7. Sub-State MOUs: Shandong and Isabel Provinces, Fujian Province and Western Province and Guangdong and Guadalcanal provinces.
8. Aquatic Products: Protocols on inspections, quarantine and sanitary requirements for wild aquatic products to be exported from Solomon Islands to China. Between the General Administration of Customs of PRC and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Solomon Islands.
9. Protocol for wild aquatic products: Protocol, inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for cultured aquatics (e.g. seaweeds, tilapia, sea cucumber) products to be exported from Solomon Islands to PRC China, between the General Administration of Customs of PRC and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Solomon Islands.
10. Protocol for cultured aquatic products: MOU on the protocol on sanitary requirements for the export of unroasted coffee, beans and cocoa beans from Solomon Islands to PRC China. Signed between General Administration of Customs of PRC China and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
11. MOU on Development Cooperation Plan: between the Government of the PRC China and Solomon Islands Government on synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2016-2035 Development Strategy of Solomon Islands.
12. Agreement on Economic Cooperation: Between PRC China and SIG.
13. MOU on China Pacific Regional Centre in Fujian Province: The first China Pacific Regional Center is the China Pacific Police Centre. This is where RSIPF went to train and so far, more than 100 officers have been trained.

Minister Agovaka stated that the signed MOUs will not be made available to the public or Parliament; however, the outcomes from these agreements will be publicly announced.

In response to a question from MP Rick Houenipwela about whether the MOUs would be disclosed, Agovaka replied, ‘the answer is no, Mr. Speaker’. While we will announce the outcomes related to infrastructure, scholarships, and trade, the actual MOUs will not be made public.

He emphasized that the Solomon Islands maintains bilateral relationships with 130 countries, and it is standard practice not to disclose every MOU publicly.

Instead, the focus is on implementing these agreements and communicating the results.

Minister Agovaka encouraged those interested in learning more to consult the relevant ministries overseeing the implementation of these MOUs.

SICTU backs Minister’s announcement on new legislation for the Public Service

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU) has backed Public Service Minister John Tuhaika Jr’s recent announcement in Parliament about the introduction of new public service legislation.

SICTU issued a statement welcoming the Public Service Minister’s comments in Parliament regarding the proposed new public service legislation.

SICTU highlighted that recognising the requirement for updated legislation is a key advancement in enhancing the public service sector to better serve community interests.

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions stated that the urgency to repeal the existing ‘General Order’ is commendable, especially considering the outdated nature of the current framework that does not fully reflect the evolving landscape of public service requirements, structures, and service schemes.

The organisation stated that “embracing these changes will pave the way for a more efficient, transparent, and responsive public service that can effectively address contemporary challenges and deliver improved outcomes for the public.

“SICTU calls on the minister to explore possibility of tabling the new bill as early as in the December 2024 parliament sitting.”

SICTU stated that through its member unions and associations including Solomon Islands Public Employee Union (SIPEU), Solomon Island Medical Association (SIMA), Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), Solomon Islands Nursing Association (SINA), Solomon Islands Allied Health Association, Police Association is committed to collaborating closely with the Public Service Commission and other oversight commission to identify and address gaps in public service delivery.

SICTU said by working together, they aim to enhance the quality of services provided to the public and the government.

Additionally, this partnership will focus on addressing the critical welfare needs of public officers, ensuring their well-being and effectiveness in serving the community.

In conclusion SICTU stated that through this joint effort, they seek to promote efficiency, accountability, and inclusivity within the public service sector for the benefit of both the workforce and the citizens of the Solomon Islands.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says it is “encouraging” to see political parties gaining more visibility.

This trend has been particularly evident in the recent joint election, where parties actively hosted public forums to discuss their policies and extensively traveled across the country, leveraging media and social media platforms like Facebook.

Manele attributed this emerging visibility to the Political Parties Integrity Act.

“Political Parties are beginning to grow and becoming more noticeable in our political landscape,” he said.

Acknowledging that political parties face significant challenges such as finance, Manele said that such challenge is expected.

However, Manele emphasized that if the country commits to making sacrifices to grow political parties, this challenge can be overcome.

He further highlighted how fortunate political parties are free to participate in the electoral system, free to share opinions and ideology to citizens without restrictions imposed on them.

Manele added that this favourable environment in the country’s political landscape is made possible through the country’s constitution.

So far, 13 registered political parties have actively participated in the inaugural joint election earlier this year.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says citizen participation is a cornerstone for a young democratic country such as the Solomon Islands.

In his keynote address, during the International Democracy Day on Tuesday, Manele said that citizen participation is demonstrated in the “representative democracy” exercised in the country. 

He emphasized that this reflected in the country’s National General Election held every four years that allow people to vote freely, a basis for fostering strong democracy.

“We, the people vote for our leaders, that includes the Members of Parliament, City Councilors, and members of the Provincial Assembly,” Manele said.

The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of inclusivity in the democratic process, noting that equal access is granted to women, the elderly, and people with special needs alongside able citizens.

 “This is important as everyone’s vote has the same value, and that all votes are counted,” he said.

Manele described Democracy Day as a special occasion for reflecting on the democratic principles that contribute to nation-building.

 In line with the theme “Celebrating 46 Years of Democracy: For the People, By the People” he said it is a time to review democratic principles and help progress the country into the future.  

He emphasised that “democracy is embedded in our constitution” granting each citizen fundamental rights.

“Our constitution ensures that everyone is entitled to life, liberty, security, and protection under the law, as well as freedoms of conscience, expression, assembly, and association,” he said.

He added that the right to privacy and protection from property deprivation without compensation are also safeguarded.

However, Manele acknowledged that these rights and freedoms are subject to limitations to ensure that the enjoyment of one person’s rights does not infringe upon the rights of others, particularly in the interest of public welfare.

Solomon Islands eyes acquisition of Y-12F aircraft from China

BY NED GAGAHE

In a move aimed at enhancing domestic air travel and cargo transport, the Solomon Islands government is considering the acquisition of a Y-12F aircraft from China.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter Shanel Agovaka, made the announcement in Parliament last week, responding to a query from Opposition Leader Matthew Wale.

Minister Agovaka highlighted that the Y-12F aircraft is uniquely suited for the Solomon Islands, capable of accessing all 22 domestic airstrips without needing to refuel while carrying a full cargo load.

This stands in contrast to the existing Twin Otter aircraft, which requires refueling, thereby limiting its cargo capacity.

“This acquisition will significantly improve the movement of our people and goods between provinces, helping to address the backlog of passengers,” Agovaka stated.

During the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in July, an MOU on the Aviation Sector was also signed between the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) of the Solomon Islands.

This agreement is designed to foster cooperation in aviation, facilitating the exchange of best practices, information, and expertise.

“This partnership will enhance our aviation industry, which plays a critical role in connectivity, trade, and tourism,” Agovaka added.