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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.

Trial into land title fraud case set for Sept 16

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial into the case against a man accused of fraud over land titles is set to begin tomorrow.

Wilson Menateti is charged with forgery of title of land and larceny of document relating to government employment.

Menateti pleaded not guilty and a trial is set to be carried out.

Prosecution alleged Wilson Menateti on an unknown date between January 1, 2015 and September 1, 2016 at Honiara forged a document of title to lands belonging to the complainants with intent to defraud them.

Again, it was alleged on the unknown date between January 1, 2015 and September 1, 2016 at Honiara Menateti stole the whole document of title of lands, the property of same complainants.

Steward Tonowane from Office of Public Prosecution act for the crown and L & L Lawyers represent Menateti.

South Road in Malaita reopens after two-month upgrade by TTC

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Samie Waikori
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Passengers loading bag rice into a passenger truck from South Road.

The South Road access in Malaita province is now functional after almost two months of road upgrade carry out by Trade Transformation Company (TTC).

Although, construction is yet to cover 42km road upgrade under the project, which is from Auki to Maoa, people are now accessing the road to Auki.

A great jubilation especially for communities from 4 constituencies; Central Kwara’ae, Aoke Langa Langa, West Kwaio and West Are Are constituencies, where the road is connecting them.

Big thanks to Australian government through its High Commissioner’s office in Honiara for the SBD11 million funding of the emergency road upgrade project.

This week, first passenger trucks from West Kwaio had arrived in Auki. In an interview with passengers and truck owners, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to Australian government for the great work done.

A teacher said South Road has been a pipeline for economic and social activities to communities along South Road for the past decades.

“Almost a year we faced challenge with the road and it brought setbacks to economic activities and public service delivery to the region,” he said    

A farmer said small business operators and farmers mostly used the road on daily basis. It is a setback to them for challenges faced so far, and they look forward to resume business activities.

A truck owner said although road upgrade only reaches Maoro in Central Kwara’ae, the road can now be accessible.

He said most of the deteriorated states of the road are between Auki and Maoro and the areas had already repaired.

Saying, trucks can now access the road from Auki to West Kwaio. They hope the completion of the road upgrade will allow easy access to Auki.

Prosecution to call another witness for MHMS million-dollar scheme next week

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Prosecution is expected to call a third witness when the case on the multi-million dollar scandal of the Health ministry (MHMS) returns to court next week.

The continuation of trial for the case of MHMS million-dollar scheme has been suspended for early next week for prosecution to call its third witness to testify in court.

Initially crown only intend to call two witnesses however, court ask if the third witness who its statement tendered to court to give evidence under oath.

Prosecution charged Robert Many with four counts of Official Corruption contrary to section 91 (a) of the Penal Code Cap 26.

Manu pleaded not guilty to all the charges and trial was conducted.

Prosecution alleged between 2012 and 2013, the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) has suffered from a 10-million -dollar conducted by officers within the ministry.

Within that same scheme between November 2012 and August 2013, MHMS also made 15 payments totaling 47,301,453.40 to two shipping companies, Eroba Shipping Services (Eroba) and Joke Shipping (Joke). Both companies were managed by John Biliki and Wesley Poloso.

An internal audit by MHMS in August 2013 uncovered significant irregularities with these payments.

The audit found all 15 payments to be fraudulent and suspected collusion between MHMS officials, as well as shipping agents, to defraud the Solomon Islands Government by bypassing application for project proposals.

The accused Robert Manu, who was a Procurement Officer at MHMS, was involved in raising 12 of these 15 payments.

Vernon Taupongi appears for Crown and Jim Seuika for the accused Manu.

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Court refuses strike-out application on petition against Baegu/Asifola MP

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The application to dismiss the election petition case against the Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola Constituency Makario Tagini has been refused by the court and will proceed to trial.

The ruling of the application to strike out the election petition which filed by the respondent Tagini and his lawyer was delivered yesterday by Justice Howard Lawy.

The petitioner Talifilu filed 13 grounds of election bribery allegations against the respondent Tagini.

However, on August 13 the petitioner amended the petition and living out the three grounds which leaved only 10 grounds against the respondent which three being dismissed yesterday and seven proceed to trial.

Respondent Makario Tagini and petitioner Celsus Talifilu were candidate in the General Election in April 2024. Respondent successful candidate. He received 2391 voters, 144 more than the petitioner.

Lilly Ramo representing the Petitioner Celsus Talifilu and L&L Lawyers represent respondent Makario Tagini.

Petition against Sogavare adjourns

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

THE election petition against the Member of Parliament for East Choiseul Manasseh Sogavare has been further suspended for a later date for reallocation of a new judge to preside over.

The matter was listed before court on Tuesday this week purposely to determine whether to set a hearing date for the Respondent’s application to strike out or to set directions for the respondent to file his defence.

However, Judge Augustine Sylver Aulanga returned the file to the Registrar of the High Court to be relallocated to another Judge.

The petitioner David Qurusu and his lawyer filed on May 29 this year six allegations of election bribery against Sogavare.

Five of the allegations are claimed to have been committed by the respondent through his purported agents, while one is alleged to have been made by the Respondent himself.

On July 29, 2024, the respondent through his lawyer, filed an application to strike out the petition on the basis that it is frivolous and vexatious and that the alleged grounds are insufficient to amount to election bribery.

Later on August 27 the respondent filed an amended application to strike out, adding non-compliance with court orders as an additional ground for the strike out, since court directions were not complied with the petitioner.

L&L Lawyers represents the petitioner Qurusu and Rano & Company represents respondent Sogavare.

Equipped for Pacific and beyond

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Irwin Angiki
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Lorima Dalituicama (centre) and two fellow graduates. Photo credit - USP

USP’s BA Communication & Media programme sees first alumni – Lorima’s story

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Lorima Dalituicama has two reasons for celebrating USP’s September 2024 graduation.

First is his successful graduation. Second, Lorima is one of the first two students to graduate from USP’s new dynamic Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication and Media programme.

BA Communication and Media combines journalism with linguistics and management & marketing, and allows the student to specialise in any area of choice.

The vast range of possible field of choice include environment, health, inclusive education, marine science, nutrition, Pacific arts & heritage, Pacific policing, social work, tourism, and more.

It is perfectly relevant for careers in the various media and PR/Comms fields. Today, the latter is in high demand as communication is realised as an important cross-cutting factor to an organisation’s success.

At a time when Pacific voices need to be heard on the global stage, Lorima is grateful that the University of the South Pacific (USP) ‘recognises the timely need to roll out this programme for our Blue Pacific’.

Let’s hear Lorima share in his own words how the programme has equipped and placed him well on his way in his career.

Question: Can you give a little background of yourself, entering the BA Communication & Media programme?

Lorima: I was a full time employed part time studying student under this programme. I initially started my journey at USP in the Degree in Journalism & Politics programme as it was the closest available qualification back then, relevant to my profession. However, in my final year, the new BA Comms & Media programme was introduced at USP, I immediately switched programmes as it was the very qualification I needed that matched not only my role at work but my career plans as well.

Question: What are the highlights for you in the programme?

Lorima: As a working student and someone who’s been in the Communications & Media profession for a few years, I am grateful to the University for recognising the timely need to roll out this programme for our Blue Pacific. There are many communicators and media professionals in the Pacific region who have been bravely fighting hard over the years to ensure our Pacific voices are heard, who have been raising our Pacific issues, sharing our Pacific stories which have impacted decisions at the global stage and yet still struggle with paying their bills, because the profession isn’t recognised enough for its fair value. With this programme now available, communications & media personnel can now continue with their passion whilst at the same time, are at ease because they now have the opportunity to receive qualification, ultimately fairly paid work.

Question: How helpful were the staff and the resources provided in the programme courses?

Lorima: The programme is still very new and I believe that it is going to grow and evolve in the coming years, especially with a wonderful and dedicated team behind it. The staff have been very helpful and supportive in my journey, and always available to provide advice and direction, which as a working student is something I truly appreciated.

Question: If you were to promote the programme to a prospect student, what would you say?

Lorima: As an indigenous Pacific Islander, I think it is important for Pacific peoples to be communicating, telling our own Pacific stories, because we live in the realities of these issues. To have the BA Communications & Media programme now in our very regional institute is an opportunity for more Pacific islanders in the communications & media field or any other prospective student to leverage our Pacific voices even more, and into important decision making spaces that affect our development and livelihoods.

Question: What’s next after your successful graduation?

Lorima: My career plan actually involves continuing on to higher studies. I am one of those students who’ve had to spend some time really looking for a career pathway. I’ve studied and dabbled a bit in a totally different industry but my passion for storytelling, especially sharing about our Pacific issues has led me to this path and I feel it’s right for me. So, I hope to be able to still continue being involved in the development and strategic communications work.

Programme coordinator and senior lecturer in the Linguistics department Dr Fiona Willans shares that the programme is gaining momentum.

Two Solomon Islands students are among the current enrolment.

“There are currently 45 students enrolled on the programme. Of those 32 are from Fiji, with only 13 from the other countries of the region.

“When we first started, we attracted quite a few experienced media professionals who didn’t have a degree and wanted to upgrade their qualifications.

“It was initially hard to attract school leavers, because they seemed unaware of the main job opportunities available in communication but this is starting to change now, and we are now getting the majority of our students in through school visits and open days,” Dr Fiona said.

USP, a pillar regional institution, successfully graduated 1,147 scholars in a memorable ceremony spanning two days from September 5-6 with three separate sessions.

An honourable milestone was also witnessed as 701 females graduated, making up 61.12 percent of the graduates.

Petition on Savo Russell MP returns to court September 30

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The election petition case on Member of Parliament for Savo Russell Constituency Oliver Salopuka has adjourned for September 30 for setting of date for application to strike out the election petition.

The matter was mentioned in court on Monday this week where Judge Augustine Aulanga informed the court that he will reallocate the petition file to another judge.

During the hearing the first respondent Salopuka’s lawyer filed and served their application to strike out the election petition in court, whilst the Attorney General who represents the second respondent inform the court that they also file their application to strike out the election petition against the electoral officers by close of business yesterday.

After the hearing, court make directions for the second respondent (Attorney General) to filed and served their application by close of business yesterday and petitioner to respond to the first and second respondent applications by close of business on September 24.

The respondent Salopuka ground for strike out the petition was based on no reasonable cause of actions.

Petitioner Dickson Mua and Peter Osike filed nine grounds of bribery against first respondent MP Salopuka.

Petitioners also file eight grounds against the chief electoral officer, election manager and returning officer for breaching the Electoral Act. L&L Lawyers represent the petitioners Dickson Mua and Peter Osike and A S Willy Law Office represent the respondent, Oliver Salopuka.

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