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Waneoroa’s strike-out application of petition adjourned Sept 23

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The hearing into MP Daniel Waneoroa’s application to strike out the petition against him has been moved to September 23.

The matter was listed for hearing yesterday, but the Attorney General’s chambers representative did not turn up in court.

There are also outstanding documents that are yet to be settled before the hearing takes place.

The petitioner Jimmy Lusibaea filed a total of four grounds against MP Waneoroa (two for bribery, one tampering and one unlawful voting).

And for the second respondent, which is the electoral commission, represented by the Attorney General’s Chamber, Lusibaea filed two allegations against them – first for tampering of voters’ lists and secondly, the petitioner claimed presiding officer give ballot papers to cash multiple votes during the election.

Waneoroa’s lawyer filed an application to have the petition struck out saying the petition’s case was frivolous and vexatious, and cannot be sustained in a trial.

Waneoroa is the newly elected Member of Parliament for North Malaita Constituency.

L& L Lawyers represents Waneoroa the first respondent, and Attorney General’s Chamber represents the second respondent, and Taupongi Law Practice represents Lusibaea.

PM Manele urges fresh approach to innovation within legal services

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Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called on the Office of the Attorney General to embrace innovation to address the challenges posed by modern technology and climate change.

He made the call at the opening of the Inaugural Attorney- General’s Conference of Parties 2024 at Mendana Hotel, yesterday.

The event is the first of its kind to be hosted by the Attorney General Chambers from 16 – 18 September 2024.

Prime Minister Manele also pointed out that embracing new technologies and approaches will strengthen the Office’s ability to respond to the dynamic landscape of legal and environmental challenges.

The Prime Minister stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers is essential in advising the government on legal strategies for managing environmental risks, including the development of environmental protection laws and participation in international agreements to meet our global obligations.

He stated that the rise of the digital age has brought about new legal challenges, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and data protection.

Manele said the Attorney- General’s Chambers must navigate these issues to ensure that our laws protect against cyber threats while promoting digital innovation.

He reminded the Attorney General’s duties as the guardianship of the Constitution and rule of law.

“It is the Attorney General’s responsibility to ensure that the government’s actions comply with constitutional principles and that citizens’ fundamental rights are protected,” Manele stated

“The Chambers also ensures that legal services are delivered efficiently across the public sector, working with Government Ministries and Provincial Governments to improve governance and public administration.

“As the nation continues to grow, the role of the Attorney General remains vital in shaping our legal landscape.

Prime Minister Manele stated the conference reflects the Chamber’s commitment to fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and creating a more just and equitable legal system.

The Inaugural Attorney- General’s Conference of Parties 2024 is a three days conference of legal stakeholders and partners, amongst other important deliveries, the desired outcome is to ensure legal services are delivered effectively for the good of our citizens.

The primary objective of the conference is to deepen participants understanding of the crucial role the Attorney- General Chambers plays in government.

It also encourages dialogue and coordination between the Chambers and other government bodies, improving the effectiveness of public service delivery.

Another objective is to explore how the Attorney- General’s Chambers can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of modern governance.

Prime Minister Manele wrapped up by stating, “Let this conference be a foundation for enacting policies and reforms that will enhance our institutions, support our people, and uphold the rule of law across our esteemed nation.”

AG Chambers hosts first-ever conference of parties

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BY NED GAGAHE

The historic Attorney General’s Conference of Parties kicked off at Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel yesterday, themed “The Role of the Attorney-General in the Provision of Legal Services in Contemporary States.”

The three-days conference will run from September 16 – 18, 2024, is the first of its kind hosted by the AG’s office, marking a significant milestone for both the office and the nation.

The event was graced by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele where he delivered the keynote address.

In his welcoming remarks Attorney General John Muria Jnr warmly welcomed the attendees of the inaugural Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties.

The Attorney General thanked the Government and People of Australia for funding the event through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice Sector.

Attorney General Muria Jnr said the idea to host the event was conceived in 2018, however, due to COVID -19, the 2023 Pacific Games and Joint National General Election discussion on the conference was sidelined until this year.

“But that did not prohibit discussions on possible ways to realize this vision.” He said.

“Discussions continued and with the assistance Australia Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, progress was made and we are here today because of the generosity of the Government and People of Australia.

“For my staff and myself, today is a historical moment. It is the first ever occasion, in which the Attorney-General’s Chambers is able to provide to the whole of Government Machinery, “what we do, how we do and why we do.” The Attorney-General’s Chambers is a service provider. We provide critical legal services to the Government. We are mandated by the Constitution.

The Attorney General said the theme of this conference, “The Role of the Attorney-General in the Delivery of Legal Services in a Contemporary State,” reflects the desire to build a responsive legal system, highlighting the necessity for legal services to adapt to globalization, technological advancements, and societal shifts.

He said this event is not just about addressing current challenges but about laying the groundwork for the future.

“It is about setting the foundation of an efficient and structured approach to addressing legal issues and challenges both present and future.

“The Government of National Unity and Transformation has two important themes in its name, they are National Unity and Transformation. We believe this conference is the Attorney-General’s Chambers input into a transformational pathway for Solomon Islands.

“There is no doubt that the Attorney-General’s Chambers will play an important part in the implementation of the Government’s plan or policy for National Unity and Transformation. We all know that the Government cannot do anything unless there is law governing its acts and law is what we do.

“So, the next two days, we will all be interacting as the whole of Government Machinery in a bid to enable our service users a better understanding of our roles, your roles and how we interact.

“Thank you for choosing to become part of this momentous occasion. For national unity to begin, whole Government must first be united. For transformation to take place, we must first all understand our respective roles.

“Law responds to Context. The next three days, we will understand that context and what it means.

“Once again, Hon. Prime Minister, Distinguished Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome everyone to the Inaugural Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties.

“It gives me great honour and pleasure to welcome to give his keynote address, Hon. Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Hon. Jeremiah Manele.” Attorney General John Muria Jnr said.

Sikaiana chief decries media report implying community attack on nurse

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Chief of Sikaiana has decried a recent media report by the Solomon Star which implied that the community on Sikaiana collectively attacked a nurse serving the isolated atolls.

Chief Leonard Semalu Hakamele said the media report was framed to make it appear as if the people on Sikaiana rallied to attack the nurse.

This is simply not true and misleading, said Mr Semalu.

What happened was this incident involved only the nurse and attacker, both of whom were drinking alcohol together and initiated an argument between themselves without involvement of anyone else from the community, and entered into physical confrontation by themselves without any involvement from anyone else from the community, said Semalu.

In preparation for the Malaita Day on August 15 this year, a notice was sent out to the community by the religious and cultural leadership, banning consumption of liquor in respect of the occasion.

However, the nurse and the accused deliberately chose to break this rule and drank alcohol.

So, while the community on Sikaiana went about commemorating Malaita Day in peace and harmony, the two men (nurse and attacker) consumed alcohol by themselves.

The attack incident reportedly occurred at the clinic compound in which the accused attacked the nurse, reportedly leaving him with injuries and wounds.

Semalu calls on relevant authorities to investigate the matter.

“The community respected that day and set rules to honour no drinking till evening, however, the islands celebrated the event peacefully whilst the Nurse in charge and suspect ignored set rules by leaders in the island,” said Semalu.

“We know it is embarrassing but we must check the other side of the coin, don’t judge on one side only, because we want to draw an understanding to the ministry that we need to put an investigation into this issue as it is not serious as said.

“The chief apologizes on behalf to the relatives of the Nurse in Charge, the Ministry of Health and Kilu’ufi Admin for this unexpected issue. We all know that throughout Solomon we have cultures that guide us, but other ignores the fact that we have our cultures and CPC bylaws placed on the island.”

MILLION DOLLAR HOUSE READY SOON

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Legacy House handover expected in mid-October or November this year PM informs Parliament

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has notified Parliament that the million-dollar Legacy House is set to be handed over around mid-October or November 2024.

National Hosting Authority (NHA) acquired the property in Ranadi, East Honiara, last year owned by Chengs Hardware and Construction Limited, for the sum of $34 million.

Prime Minister Manele addressed questions yesterday in Parliament from Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale regarding the legacy house’s status and its readiness for transfer to the national federations.

The Prime Minister said the NHA is awaiting completion of renovations and refurbishment of the property which is expected to complete next month.

He told Parliament that the building is large, has two floors and about 50 rooms all together plus meeting rooms, ablutions and showers.

Manele said each room has individual air-conditioning units and renovation of the top floor has been completed.

“NHA is about to complete the renovations and refurbishment of the sports legacy house which have been procured through the general support from the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“New air-conditioning units have been installed. Fire safety requirements including two fire escape units at each end of the building. These are being put in place. The NHA has decided to installed hybrid solar air-conditioning units on the ground, the cost of these units is almost the same as the normal units but can save in terms of bills, these units are run on solar power during the day and automatically switched to normal power during nights or during the day when there is inadequate sunlight.

“We expect the installation of the solar units plus the final touch up renovation for the ground floor to be completed with the next month. The NHA anticipates the handing over of the sports legacy house within the next two months.

In response to the question about whether any national federations have moved into the legacy house and the reasons for any delays, Prime Minister Manele confirmed that no federations have relocated to the house as of now.

“Sir, until the renovations and refurbishment of this sports legacy house is completed and handed over individual sports federations cannot move in to the legacy house. So, they have to wait until the renovations and refurbishment is done as well as the handover is done.

“With regards to who the sports legacy house will be handed over to, it will be handed over by the NHA to the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI). As agreed between the President of the Pacific Games Council and the former Prime Minister and former minister for the 23 Pacific Games in 2023 and reaffirmed by the NHA Board meeting in December 2023.

“This decision is also in keeping with section 35 (1) of the Pacific Games Act 2023 on the disposal of non-financial assets as follows; 1) As soon as practical after the games have been completed or cancelled the authority must distribute its non-financial assets between Olympic Committee or the National Sports Council.” Manele said.

The Prime Minister said the vast majority of all PG23 assets have been or are being transferred by the NHA to the National Sports Council.

He said the Sports Legacy House is the single asset that the NHA is transferring to the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands.

“Sir since independence majority of our sports federations did not have their own building and office space. As a result of NHA commitment to the long-term legacy of sports development in our country.” PM Manele said.

He said NOCSI, NHA and NSC will meet to determine the date for handover. He said that handover is expected to be done in mid-October 2024 or November 2024.

SI Chinese women association hosts Chinese mid-autumn festival

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Chung Wah School students performed their song.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

The Solomon Islands Chinese Women Association hosted the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival fair at Chung Wah School on Sunday, Sept 15th.

Attendees of the program included Minister for Education Tozen Leokana, Minister of Culture and Tourism Choylin Yim Douglas, Charge d’Affaires of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Honiara, Mr. Ding Yonghua, and other officials from the PRC Embassy.

Also present were chairperson and members of the Chung Wah School Board, the school’s principal, teachers, students and their parents.

In his speech, the education minister, Leokana said the festival is much-cherished by the Chinese around the world.

“Traditionally, it is a time where farmers celebrate the abundance of the summer’s harvest, and where families gather to admire the moon”,

The minister said he is delighted to join the Chinese community in Honiara to celebrate the fair.

“I am also heartened that many Solomon Islanders, indigenous and naturalised Solomon Islanders including teachers and students of Chung Wah and their parents and friends have come in numbers to celebrate the festival as a time for family reunions”

Leokana said he was told that in the Chinese culture, the festival is attended by young and old generations who come together on balmy nights to savor both traditional and the latest mooncake creations.

Mr Ding Yonghua, the Charge d’Affaires of the Peoples Republic of China Embassy also delivered his remarks at the occasion.

He expressed that the Chinese in Solomon Islands celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in which they yearn for reunion and harmony for their families and their country.

“Let us celebrate together, appreciate the profound heritage of Chinese culture feel the warmth of home and express our deep love for our motherland”.

The program also included performances from the students.

Traditional values essential for family ties

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Group photo.Photos supplied

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

It is important that organizations like the Chinese Association and the PRC Embassy continue to promote traditional values that emphasize family ties during this Mid-Autumn Festival fair. These efforts help to forge and strengthen our society as we move forward together.

The remark was made by Minister for Education,Tozen Leokana at the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Fair at Chung Wah School on Sunday, Sept 15th.

Leokana highlighted the essence of family ties as one of the things that can be learnt from the Mid-Autumn Festival fair.

“In my perspective, we need to acknowledge and learn about the traditional values that emphasize family ties. Because by doing this, our efforts will contribute toward strengthening the fabrics of our society and country as we move forward together,”

Minister Lekona and Mr. Ding Yonghua visited one of the booths at the festival.

The minister pointed out that there are important lessons that can be learnt from the fair.

He said by observing the fair where people and families come together we can maintain our social structure where family members continue to support one another as we are perceived to be doing.

“We need to learn from the essence of the fair in order to teach family faithfulness in our young generation, boys and girls who are not only learning their respective traditional values, but also who are exposed to different cultures including cultural norms and influences that create cultures of the youth that our old generation despise”,

Leokana expressed that the young generation of the country can also learn from the Chinese cultural values such as those associated with the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Fair.

Chung Wah School students performed their song

“One of the key reasons for celebrating the fair is to showcase the support for one another in the community. For example, Chinese families support each other in their lives that is children supporting their parents emotionally and financially in old age”,

He added that the fair also reinforces family relationships in terms of how time is spent in which time is allocated for family, unity and reflection.

“Moreover, the Fair reinforces family relationships in terms of a time for family, unity, and reflection. As you will sense during the event, as you mingle with people this evening, the enduring appeal of this festival lies in its ability to connect people with their cultural perspective and heritage while also adapting to contemporary life here in Honiara and abroad”.

The program was attended by Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Yim Douglas, Mr Ding Yonghua, the Charge d’Affaires of the Peoples Republic of China Embassy in Honiara, officials from the PRC Embassy as well as representatives, teachers, and parents of students of Chungu Wah School.

Fisheries successfully implemented four key strategic investments under 1oo day program

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Dried seaweed

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has successfully implemented four key strategic investments under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) 100-day program.

Minister Nestor Ghiro told the parliament house in his reply to the speech from the throne and the opening of the second meeting on the 12th parliament on Tuesday last week.

He said that the four key strategic investments are; the Bina processing plan project, the expansion of the seaweed industry, the GIFT-Tilapia aquaculture program, and the commercial cultivation of sea cucumber.

Regarding the Bina processing plant, Ghiro said his ministry already registered 172 hectares of land consisting of six parcels of land and the ministry is working to consolidate the parcels into a single parcel.

“A business case has been developed and it’s now going to a consultation with all stakeholders. With the support of international financial cooperation, (IFC) talks ongoing with tuna investors, including preparation of investment practices for potential investors,’’ said Ghiro.

On seaweed farming, he said that the government allocated $3 million to grow the seaweed industry in the supplementary appropriation that was passed recently.

Ghiro said that the support is additional to the 500,000-seaweed allocation under the Ministry’s annual development budget.

“We aim to produce 10,000 metric tons of dry seaweed by December 2026. This will be a three-fold increase from our current annual production of 2,500 metric tons. Security technical support from China and Indonesia to improve the quality of dry seaweed products and address infrastructure needs,’’ he said.

He adds that the Ministry will organise a round table meeting with all licensed exporters and other investors and support the private sector to grow the industry before the end of this month.

“This meeting will provide us the implementation plan of interventions going forward,’’ he said.

He stressed that the third state investment program of the ministry is a hatchery breeding and growing out of GIFTA-Tilapia in the ministry Agua-culture facility in Aruligo.

“The ministry will import the first banks of GIFT-Tilapia stock in the April to May 2025 window. This will be our first intake after bringing in the hazard to be fully functional in the first quarter of 2025.

The fourth investment program of the ministry is the commercial cultivation of sea cucumber.

He said that his ministry has agreed with a local company to establish a commercial facility to culture sea cucumber species of their choice.

He said that with local arrangements, the company has secured a site in Choiseul province to build their hatchery and grow the systems.

According to the Minister, the four investment programs will contribute effectively to economic growth and provide livelihood to the people.

“In the development of these key services investments, my ministry will ensure these are undertaken in an ecologically sustainable manner to safeguard the sustainability of our resources,’’ said Ghiro.

He acknowledges development partners, the New Zealand government, the Czech, Australia, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF).

. “Our private industry partners, technical partners, Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), PA, SPC, and World Fish. Fisheries, NGOs, and our local communities in Bina and Aruligo for their support in supporting the ministry. I thank you all for your support today and continue as we pursue these strategic investments for the betterment of our people.

“I thank all my staff and I count on them to stand steadfast as we roll out these important strategic investments that will bring social economic benefits to our people and economic growth to our country.

MAL explores climate-smart agriculture strategies

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Minister for MAL, Franklyn Derek Wasi.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi said that his ministry is exploring strategies to implement climate-smart agriculture in light of the climate change era.

Speaking on the floor of parliament last week Minister Wasi said that with rising sea levels and the adverse effects of climate change, agriculture must evolve to become resilient against all these shocks.

“The ministry is therefore exploring strategies with its partners to implement climate-smart agriculture to improve access to nutritious diet in our rural communities. This includes encouraging our youths to venture into agribusiness,’’ he said.

He also said that since ethnic tension, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has been without a research centre which has greatly hampered the Ministry’s efficiency in providing up-to-date relevant information and techniques on farming practices.

“The intention now is to redevelop our agricultural research centre to be fully equipped with facilities for field research work on farm mechanisation, high-value crops, table food crops, fruit crops, spices, new emerging crops and fruit trees, and improve livestock genetic resources and downstream processing and value-adding technologies to boost production for both local consumption and export markets,’’ said Wasi.

Minister Wasi said that as our development and growth continue to expand, the country’s agricultural sector become more susceptible to introducing pests and diseases.

“Therefore, securing our flora and fauna against invasive alien species and facilitating access to new markets is a top priority for the ministry,’’ he said.

He said that to successfully implement these priorities, the ministry needs strong support from all our partners and important stakeholders, including resource and landowners, investors, donor partners, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, farmers, private enterprises, financial institutes, service providers and land ministries,’’ he said.

Wale calls for stronger ministerial leadership to fulfill government promises

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BY NED GAGAHE

Government’s ambitious policy promises can only be delivered by government ministries.

Ministers are therefore critical in providing political leadership and direction to ministries in their delivery of government policy ambitions.

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale highlighted this when contributed to motion in parliament last week to acknowledge the ‘Speech from the Throne’ delivered by the Governor General.

Wale said Ministers can only do this if they are well versed with government policies.

He said when Ministers are incompetent, lazy, absent, or indifferent, it naturally follows that their ministries’ efforts to deliver on promises are likely to reflect it.

He said Ministers must take their responsibilities seriously.

“I urge the PM, as coordinating Minister, to ensure Ministers turn up to work on time, attend important meetings, and provide leadership and direction. The people of Solomon Islands expect this. It is disrespectful to the people of Solomon Islands when Ministers do not take their responsibilities seriously, and the PM is indifferent to the lack of performance of ministers.

“Nobody expects Ministers to be experts on the ministries they’re responsible for. But Solomon Islanders expect their ministers to take the trouble to know and understand what their responsibilities are, so that they can make good decisions.

“Ministers must not abdicate their leadership responsibilities to PSs. Both have their roles and need each other to effectively deliver on government policy promises.” The Opposition Leader said.

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