BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Security Strategy is significant for the Melanesian sub-region.

This was revealed by Mason Smith, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration who represents Fiji as the Chair of the MSG Security Strategy Working Group.

He spoke with the media after their first meeting yesterday at Mendana Hotel emphasizing that the MSG security strategy is significant for the Melanesian sub-region because we face common threats right across the region and we must have common solutions to deal with those common threats.

“We must understand that we also have common challenges, challenges so far as funding is concerned, our capabilities and our resources”

“So, we have to come together as a sub-region, a Melanesian sub-region, to be able to work together to articulate for ourselves how we are going to address these common security challenges”

Smith said the security landscape is constantly changing and we are now faced with a region that is not only dealing with geopolitical conflicts, but one that is also dealing with non-traditional challenges.

He mentioned that what is good for Solomon Islands will also be good for Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and New Caledonia.

“So, it is imperative that we work together as a sub-region, collectively, to come up with common solutions to those common threats”

According to the chairman, the security strategy is eyeing six key strategic priorities that will be recommended to the ministers for their approval.

The first strategy is to deal with the security of our borders and maritime space.

Smith mentioned that we have huge maritime borders but we also have land borders that we have to secure.

Dealing with cyber space and the threat posed by cyber security by non-state and state actors is the second key strategic priority.

“Thirdly, we have got to realize the increasing influence of transnational organized crimes”

Smith said we have increasing drug trade through the Pacific and in the Pacific as well as trafficking of persons and organized crime cartels that are laundering money through the region.

The next priority is on how to deal with those who may be affected by natural disasters.

Smith expressed that every year, we have to deal with our cyclone season from November to April thus need to come together as a sub-region to agree on how we are going to respond to our Melanesian brothers and sisters who may be affected by disasters.

The fifth priority of the security strategy is to understand the growing impact of climate change.

Smith stated that our leaders have made it very clear in recent statements that climate change is the most pressing threat facing our countries.

He expressed that with climate changes comes issues like coastal erosion, sea level rise, ocean warming, destruction of corals and migration of fish.

“It is a challenge to food security and the very livelihood and existence of our Pacific peoples, specifically our Melanesian brothers and sisters”

The final key priority is health security.

Smith said these are the six strategic areas that the security strategy has identified to present to our ministers early next year.

He voiced that MSG members are one people and have to work as one people.

Smith said the strategy is driven by the police ministers’ meeting and will be presented to them in Indonesia in early 2025.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Business Excellence Award (BEA) is recognized as the premier corporate business event in the Solomon Islands, according to James Dolarii, CEO of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce.

Established in 2013, this year marks the eighth Business Excellence Award for the Solomon Islands.

Dolarii noted, “This year’s award takes into account the numerous challenges faced by our business community over the past two to three years, particularly concerning business activities, exports, and trade goods.” The CEO stressed that the continuation of these awards highlights the progress made by the private sector over the years.

He commented, “Our business community is at the forefront of these developments.” He further asserted, “It is essential to provide our private sector in the Solomon Islands with a platform to be acknowledged as a key driver of the nation’s economy.”

CEO Dolarii clarified that commercialization is primarily driven by private enterprises and their activities. He also stated that the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) maintains a strong relationship with the government to ensure that the policies developed align with and support the growth of the private sector through the national development strategy.

“We advocate for policies that bolster the private sector and create an environment conducive to its expansion. This is one of the motivations behind the Business Excellence Award initiative,” he stated.

Dolarii highlighted that this platform allows businesses to be recognized for their contributions to fostering business activities in the Solomon Islands.

“Through these businesses, we create employment opportunities, which in turn strengthens our economy. This initiative symbolizes the unity of the private sector as it collaborates to enhance the business environment,” he concluded.

The rapid growth of the community of Louna in the Russell Islands is worrying

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Louna community stands as one of the largest and most densely populated villages in East Lavukal, located within the Russell Islands, and its population is experiencing a concerning rate of growth.

Situated in the Central Province, the settlers in Russell are descendants of former laborers, now representing the fourth generation, and their demographic is increasingly comparable to that of the indigenous Lavukal people.

One of the primary sources of income for this community is copra production. Although a significant portion of the LSL plantation remains unused, it is accessible for individuals seeking to generate income. This situation raises alarms for the Lavukal elders, chiefs, and current leaders.

In light of these pressing issues, the chiefs and leaders have urged their local Member of Parliament and Member of the Provincial Assembly for the Lavukal ward to engage in discussions with community leaders and chiefs to address the growing population and associated social challenges.

“Perhaps this can be achieved through the governmental policy framework by considering the Lavukal Resettlement Scheme, which was approved by the government of Sir Alan Kemakeza in 1992. Presently, the status of this scheme remains unclear and ambiguous,” stated Chief Arthur Lavukalevem.

Access to water and sanitation is crucial for human health, requiring measures aimed at health improvement. Currently, only a limited number of family-owned water tanks are involved in a water-sharing initiative, as the community primarily depends on rainwater. Furthermore, sanitation issues are not adequately addressed, leading to ongoing pollution of seabeds.

“We sincerely hope that a viable solution can be found to address these problems,” he expressed.

Regarding health and medical services, the closure of the Louna Rural Health Clinic by the medical authorities in Tulagi, due to termite damage affecting both the clinic and the staff housing, has raised significant concerns within the community, particularly regarding access to urgent medical care. The restoration of the clinic to its normal operational status heavily relies on the community’s commitment to its upkeep.

The Louna community has previously faced challenges in sending their children to distant schools for both primary and secondary education.

“Currently, three educational sectors have been established through various funding sources, particularly in the primary and secondary school areas. The construction of staff housing for these educational institutions is a priority, and the community, along with the school board, is diligently working to finalize several staff accommodations by developing a more effective school development plan,” stated Chief Lavukalevem.

The community is also home to various women’s groups and youth. The women’s groups are divided into two main categories: the Catholic Mothers and several Women’s Saving Clubs. These groups are actively engaged in their respective programs, striving to maintain and sustain their initiatives, although they often face challenges in their efforts.

“As is well known, no community can thrive without its youth, and the Louna community is no exception. Our youth population is substantial and continues to grow each year. However, the absence of effective leadership and educational awareness has led to an increase in drug-related issues, which are becoming increasingly prevalent,” he said.

Despite the efforts of chiefs and elders within the Louna community to combat these activities, their attempts have not generated significant success.

“Consequently, it is imperative to identify solutions that will mitigate any potential social issues that may arise,” he said.

Wale called on the RSIPF to accelerate the investigations by providing all necessary technical support and resources, making sure that no potential leads are overlooked

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands has witnessed one of the most significant corruption scandals in its history says Opposition Leader Matthew Wale.

Wale was referring to Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) report by Office of the Auditor General.

Opposition Leader Wale said the revelation by Auditor General pose significant implication for public trust and governance.

“We cannot allow this matter to be sidelined or forgotten. It is a matter of national integrity, and the people need assurance that those implicated will be held to account,” Wale stressed.

Opposition Leader Wale urged the RSIPF to expedite the investigations with all necessary technical support and resources, ensuring that no potential leads are ignored.

The Opposition Leader reiterated his call for public engagement, emphasizing that the people have a crucial role to play in keeping the issue alive and ensuring accountability.

“Our nation and its people cannot afford to let such a serious misappropriation of public funds slip through the cracks. Justice must be seen to be done, and it must be done in full view of the public.” Hon. Wale stated.

“Corruption must be met with zero tolerance. Complacency has no place in this fight” Wale concluded.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) yesterday confirmed that they have already initiated preliminary discussions on the ESP report following widespread calls for the police to investigate findings on the report.

RSIPF Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau, confirmed that RSIPF is waiting for the OAG to formally refer the report to RSIPF to commence investigation.

Commissioner Mangau said any issue that comes out from the ESP report will follow their normal process of dealing with cases under investigation.

Given the nature of the ESP report, the RSIPF may need time and resources to make a thorough investigation on this particular matter.

“While I appreciate public concern on the ESP audit report, RSIPF is still to receive the formal referral and we will investigate when we receive the report. What I would say at this point is, be patient and allow RSIPF and AOG to do their work,” the RSIPF Commissioner added. 

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is focused on the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.

This commitment was highlighted by Rexson Ramofafia, the Supervising Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Metrology, during the launch of an ocean expedition this month.

Ramofafia stated that the GNUT has developed several policies for the integrated management and governance of ocean resources.

He emphasized the importance of protecting and conserving the environment, particularly coastal and marine areas.

“We are committed to ocean governance and will take actions to protect our marine ecosystems, support sustainable fisheries, and utilize our maritime resources while ensuring their preservation for future generations,” he said.

The Minister also announced that a draft maritime parcel plan has been finalized, which reflects collaboration among various ministries to enhance ocean protection and governance.

The ocean expedition aims to improve understanding of the marine ecosystem, particularly around Guadalcanal, Makira Central, and Malaita.

It will help identify threats to the ecosystem and develop strategies to protect the ocean, including creating marine protected areas.

This expedition is a collaborative effort involving National Geographic Pristine Seas, the Government of the Solomon Islands, members of Ocean12, and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

It will utilize advanced technology to gain insights into the nearshore marine ecosystem and promote ocean conservation.