BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The office of the Prime Minister has accused the CARE coalition of being illegal, ahead of the national general elections.

The Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) has brushed aside this claim as a non-issue, “one driven by a political agenda”.

Concerned public are also questioning why the Prime Minister’s office is interfering in the country’s political processes, contradicting Public Service rules.

The Ministry of the Public Service, on February 26 this year had issued a memo to public servants reminding them to “remain apolitical” during the election process.

On Monday this week, the press secretariat to the office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) issued an official statement titled ‘CARE Coalition Is Illegal’.

The statement alleged CARE was illegal because it had never registered under the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA).

Apparently, CARE had not lodged a notice with the Registrar of Political Parties when it was formed.

Commenting on the issue in the popular YTTF Facebook forum, local political commentator Andrew Muaki said there is nothing wrong with CARE, adding that the “PPIA did not take away the right of political parties to enter into agreement without registration prior to [National General Elections 2024] NGE24.

“It is utter misleading and a misrepresentation of the PPIA to claim that any coalition agreement between political parties must be registered with the [Political Party Integrity Commission] PPIC.

“[The] coalition agreement was formalised outside of the PPIA for the time being- nothing illegal about it.

“The parties preserved their rights to enter into another agreement after the NGE24. Perhaps that is when these two parties (maybe another one) may enter into a coalition agreement for the purposes of the PPIA in order to form a coalition government. Section 53 of the PPIA is quite clear on this point.”

Speaking to Island Sun last night, a CARE spokesperson said, “This issue that the OPMC is peddling is a non-issue.

“We understand that our political opponents are feeling the pressure of the election campaigns, and such things are bound to happen, which include a party trying to belittle and tarnish the name of a party whom they deem to be threatening their chances.”

The CARE spokesperson also questioned such political statements being made by a public office such as the OPMC, which is a breach of Public Service protocols in times of elections.

“It is surprising that this statement is coming from the OPMC, a public office, which has no mandate to interfere with the politics of an upcoming election.

“It would have made sense if the statement had come from another political party.

“Make it worse, the OPMC and all government ministries are in caretaker mode, making this political tampering by the OPMC more absurd.

“Public offices and officers should not abuse their official platforms to advance political agendas at this time.”

Mr Muaki touched on this in his YTTF commentary, “It is unfortunate that a government ministry (OPMC) has decided to venture into the political arena.

“This is a breach of Public Service rules and long standing protocols regarding the non-involvement of government ministries.”

The CARE coalition is between the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) headed by former Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale, and the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), led by former opposition MP, Rick Hou.

The two registered political parties, SIDP and DAP, coalited on February 6 this year.

Unofficial reports say CARE has since been joined by the Umi For Change (U4C) party. This was after CARE launched in Auki on February 23.

Meanwhile, the majority of the current caretaker government ministers are members of the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party, whose wing leader is caretaker prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Yesterday (March 6), nominations for candidacy for both national and provincial elections closed, while the campaigning period which began when the nomination period opened on Wednesday, February 21, continues.

Solomon Islands goes to the polls on April 17 – the country’s first synchronised elections.

Solomon Islands’ slow economic growth to go up this year, says World Bank Report

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands is expecting a pick up in its slow economic growth by 2.8 percent, a new report by the World Bank says.

Solomons is amongst 11 countries in the region estimated to experience slow economic growth in 2024 and 2025.

The new report released by World Bank yesterday found growth in 2023 was “eased to an estimated 5.5 percent following a historically high expansion of 9.1 percent during 2022, the first year of recovery from the pandemic”.

The report “Pacific Economic Update – Back on Track? The Imperative to Invest in Education” was launched in Apia, Samoa.

It surveyed Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The report outlined the economic status of these countries, four years after the initial COVID-19 shock.

“Collectively, these countries are projected to expand 3.5% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025, which would still be the fastest rates since 2017, excluding the pandemic bounce-back expansions in 2022 and 2023.

“Moderating growth across Pacific island countries in 2023 reflects the slowdown in still-resilient Fiji, which accounts for more than half of the group’s output.

“Fiji is estimated to have decelerated to 8% in 2023 after surging 20% in 2022. After having returned to pre-pandemic GDP levels in 2023, supported by the resurgence of tourism and robust consumption, Fiji’s growth is expected to normalize toward its long-term rate.

“In the rest of the region, a slight acceleration in growth is anticipated. However, the output is not expected to exceed its pre-pandemic GDP level until 2025.” World Bank said in a statement.

For Solomon Islands, being the second-largest economy in the group beside Fiji it is “estimated to have reversed a 4.1% contraction in 2022 with 1.9% growth last year, driven by hosting the Pacific Games and substantial investments in energy and transport. It is forecast to pick up to 2.8% in 2024.”

World Bank Senior Economist in the Pacific, Ekaterine Vashakmadze said, “Despite a commendable rebound in growth after lifting pandemic restrictions, growth among the PIC-11 countries will face challenges in achieving the full recovery of output growth to its pre-pandemic path,

“Fundamental reforms to invigorate investment growth can help improve medium-term growth prospects.”

According to the report Tourism and remittances-led countries, such as Samoa, Tonga, and Palau have experienced a notable rebound in growth after three consecutive years of contraction.

“This revival is attributed to a robust recovery in visitors, particularly from Australia and New Zealand. Countries [with income led] by sovereign revenue—Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, FSM and Marshall Islands—experienced a relatively mild contraction in 2020 and are now experiencing positive, albeit moderate growth.

“The report underscores the significance of pending Compact Agreements between the United States and FSM, Marshall Islands, and Palau to achieve projected growth rates. If approved, these agreements could create substantial fiscal space, presenting an opportunity for more public investment initiatives.

“Short term risks to the outlook have been more balanced as commodity prices and inflation have eased.” The statement said.

Another World Bank Senior Economist, Reshika Singh however, adds that “risks remain as adverse shifts in the global economy, trade, and tourism may pose challenges to the economic prospects and poverty outcomes. Those could stem from an uncertain global environment, most notably, heightened geopolitical tensions,”

According to World Bank, investment in education is critical to address significant learning gaps and foster sustainable growth.

“A special focus chapter on developing human capital in the Pacific emphasizes that investment in education – through quality and well-resourced, evidence-based teacher training, and ensuring that children are taught in their first language – can deliver immense economic dividends for individuals, families, and society.

“In Tonga, for example, teacher training investments were found to increase students’ future incomes by more than $12 for every dollar spent.” The report said.

World Bank Lead Economist for Human Development in the Pacific, Lars M. Sondergaard said, “If Pacific children struggle to read proficiently by the end of primary school, they will face daunting hurdles to succeed in their further education. While the situation is improving, progress is slow. The most important asset that Pacific Island countries have is not their natural or physical resources, or their geographical location; it is their people.”

BY NED GAGAHE

TEN Solomon Islands youth who recently participated in the Ship for World Youth (SWY) programme in Japan have expressed joy and shared their remarkable experiences on how the programme has impacted their lives to return and make a difference in the country.

The delegation returned last month after spending a month-long life-changing experience joining other youths from 14 countries across the globe where they participated in various activities that involve multi-cultural and multi-national exchange opportunities to cultivate international awareness and leadership.

The event was organised by the Government of Japan that invites eligible Solomon Islanders from ages 18 to 30 to represent the country.

It aims to broaden the global view of youth and promote mutual understanding and friendship between participating countries.

It also aims to cultivate international cooperation and competence, to practice this cooperation at the international level, and to foster youths with the capability to show leadership in various areas of society.

David Junior Oeta is one of the lucky Solomon Islands delegates. He is currently pursuing his university law degree (Bachelor of Arts) at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands Campus.

“The SWY program was truly an exceptional experience for me, I feel very fortunate to part of this global SWY family.

“I now have amazing connections and friendships with the SWY network all over the world, and gained new memories and skills that will be priceless for me in my future endeavor, career, and life.

“The network and family we built on the program is something I am sure will continue influencing and enriching me for the rest of my life.” Oeta said.

“We are already getting started with our program activity planning. I’m looking forward to staying involved with SWY for many years to come.” Oeta told attendees of a lunch reception hosted by Japanese Embassy to welcome the participants at Mendana Hotel yesterday attended by Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki Miwa, Embassy officials and media.

He then thanked the Japanese Embassy and the Ambassador for the unique opportunity.

In his remarks Ambassador Miwa emphasized the important role the program has played in the reconstruction of the Japanese economy and society after the World War II drawing from the 1950s when the program was first initiated.

Director of Youth Division of the Ministry of Women, Youth and Family Affairs Andrea Tikopi said the ministry is very supportive of the Japanese tailored program on youth empowerment.

“We always stand ready to give our support in areas that nurtured our young people. I want to express my gratitude and welcome the delegates to embrace the exchange program.

“I know it’s a learning experience for most of you. I can see already how the future falls for these young leaders benefiting from this SWY program.” Tikopi said.

For Solomon Islands this is the 8^th time that a delegation of young people was sent. The time was way back in 1994 where 12 youth participated at the SWY program.

“All together 90 Solomon Islands participated in the SWY.” Said Hudson Kalaeda one of the past recipients of the SWY program who now works at Japanese Embassy.

He also revealed that former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark was part of the SWY program in the past.

He adds that former member of Parliament for East Are’are Andrew Manepora’a is also one of the participants in the past.

“Many Solomon Islanders in the past who participated have gone to become leaders in the government, private sector and community.” Mr. Kalaeda said.

The SWY program is implemented with the aims to cultivate the global leaders of the next generation who can contribute to society where participating youth from all around the world gather and improve abilities to deal with different cultures and leadership skills through having discussions and cultural exchange.

In addition, it aims to establish global human network beyond national borders.

Solomon Island youths had participated in the previous Ship for World Youth Programs in Japan in 1994, 1998, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2018 and the recent one is 2023.

Meanwhile, the participants -David Oeta Junior, Patricia Joyce Suri, Frelin Houkeni, Harrison Soni, Haylinta Katovai, Ghandie Mavaemua, Edelah Leoa Animamu, Philip Feni, Lyndema Kotisaia Leovania, Elizabeth Gore were selected after being shortlisted and interviewed, based on their active engagements in various fields including communities, churches, sports, academic and voluntarism and professional work.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA provincial government is committed to a proposal with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to revitalise Dala Farm Centre and Fote Agriculture Technical School.

Caretaker premier of Malaita province Martin Fini made the assurance in his speech during a visit by President of IFAD Alvaro Lario and his delegation to Gwounaoa community in Malaita province on Saturday.

He said his caretaker government is promoting the initiative to revitalise Dala and Fote Agriculture centres to host SINU in Malaita province.

Fini said the idea for the initiative is to absorb better education for the current and future generations of Malaita and Solomon Islands that will pave way for people to engage in agribusinesses in the country.

He said the fulfilment of the initiative will promote self-reliance; income generating and address urban drifting especially for Malaitans to Honiara and across the country in search of employment.

“We strongly value agriculture sector as our main industry for economic growth to create more employment opportunities and income in value adding and downstream processing.

“Ensure there is safe and healthy setting for everyone to enjoy small scale trade and better activity in agriculture and the food processing sector in its commercial value chain,” Fini said.

He said as Malaita province is striving to create a greater Auki commercial centre, the initiative will be a boost for more Malaitans to engage in agribusinesses and activities.

Fini said this will ensure there is a participative, sustainable, progressive and enjoyable commercial Auki centre for five regional, social and economic corridors in Malaita.

He said Malaita provincial government will continue to pursue the initiative with SINU to see the fulfilment of the proposal in Malaita province.