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Government to pursue 9 of 22 provisions in Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Solomon Islands government has made the decision to move forward with 9 out of the 22 provisions proposed in the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023, as recommended by the Electoral Commission.

Prime Minister Sogavare, addressing Parliament during the second reading of the Bill yesterday, highlighted the Cabinet’s endorsement of the Commission’s 22 recommended amendments to the Electoral Act.

However, due to time constraints in the current Parliamentary session and the limited capacity of the Legislative drafting team, it was agreed to prioritize only 9 of the proposed amendments, considered essential for the smooth running of the electoral process, particularly in anticipation of the joint elections in 2024.

Sogavare cited reasons such as competing urgent bills and the need for the Legislative drafting team to handle them as factors influencing this decision.

“The remaining 13 provisions, including those related to voter registration, out-of-constituency voting, and out-of-country voting, are earmarked for potential consideration once the new government is in place.

“Notably, one of the proposed amendments seeks to redefine the term “ordinary resident,” with the potential for additional amendments based on post-2024 election lessons and recommendations from local and international observer missions,” he said.

The main objectives of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023 are:

  1. to address specific provisions of the Electoral Act 2018 identified after the 2019 national general elections;
  2. enhance the Commission’s capacity to address complaints about the conduct of electoral officials, and
  3. provide flexibility to the 56-day election activity timeline, especially in the context of concurrent elections for the National Parliament, Provincial Assemblies, and Honiara City Council.

Political controversy surrounding constitution amendment bill unfolds in SI

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Sogavare. Photo credit- MAVIS PODOKOLO

By EDDIE OSIFELO

In a startling turn of events, the Parliament of the Solomon Islands failed to proceed with the first and second reading of the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Bill 2023, after the bill did not appear on the order paper this week.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed schedule for the bill when he read the statement of business last Friday.

However, Sogavare only went ahead with the second reading of the ‘Provincial Assemblies and Honiara City Council Electoral Bill 2023’ and ‘Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023’.

Following this, he moved the sine die motion to allow all Members of Parliament to make their contribution before the 11th meeting concludes and Parliament stands sine die on Friday 22nd December 2023.

Speculations loom large regarding the last-minute withdrawal of the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Bill 2023.

The controversy surrounding the bill has gained momentum as various organizations, including the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Law Reform Commission, Transparency Solomon Islands, National Council of Women, Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union, and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries, expressed opposition during their recent appearances before the Bills and Legislation Committee on Monday 11th to Tuesday 12th December, 2023.

Stanley Dick Pirione, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government Institutional Strengthening, underscored the necessity of meticulously evaluating the provinces’ preparedness for the transition into State Government.

With larger provinces such as Guadalcanal and Western Province expressing interest in attaining statehood, concerns have emerged regarding the capacity of provinces to manage their own affairs and financial resources.

Pirione emphasized cautious assessment to avoid potential detrimental effects on the country’s unity.

Meanwhile, President of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union, David Tuhanuku, and President of the National Council of Women, Afu Billy, echoed the sentiment that more extensive consultations and preparatory work are vital before presenting the bill in the Parliament, given its profound implications on the country’s Constitution.

As such, they called for deferement of the Bill until wider consultation is fully done on it.

The proposed Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Bill 2023 outlines a robust procedure for the repeal of the existing Constitution, establishment of the Constituent Assembly, and approval process for the Draft Constitution.

Notably, the bill’s fate hinges on the final decision of Parliament, which will either enact the Draft Constitution as the supreme law of the Solomon Islands or dissolve the Constituent Assembly if rejected.

As the controversy intensifies, it is evident that the future of constitutional reform in the Solomon Islands rests on navigating complex challenges and fostering inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders.

Questionable Choice: Evaluating Baron Waqa’s Candidacy for Pacific Islands Forum Chief

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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The selection of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chief requires careful consideration. Baron Waqa, the former President of Nauru, is all but confirmed as the new Chief. However, his history of alleged corrupt practices raises concerns about his suitability for such a prestigious role.

Waqa’s tenure as President of Nauru was overshadowed by numerous allegations of corruption and abuse of power. These accusations ranged from bribery scandals and nepotism to the questionable operation of offshore detention centers for asylum seekers. Such issues raise serious doubts about Waqa’s integrity and cast a shadow over his ability to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The Pacific Islands Forum is a regional organization aimed at enhancing cooperation, sustainable development, and addressing issues facing Pacific nations. The appointment of an individual with a questionable track record like Waqa can undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the organization. It sends a negative message and hampers efforts to promote good governance and ethical leadership across the Pacific.To ensure the integrity of the Pacific Islands Forum and prevent the appointment of individuals with questionable backgrounds, several measures can be taken:

Strengthen Transparency and Accountability: The Pacific Islands Forum should establish comprehensive vetting procedures for candidates for key positions. This would involve evaluations of their track records, investigations into allegations of malpractice, and scrutiny of financial interests. The process should be conducted independently, ensuring the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Emphasize Ethical Leadership: The Pacific Islands Forum should prioritize individuals who exemplify ethical leadership qualities. This includes a commitment to upholding democratic values, human rights, and good governance. Candidates should have a demonstrated history of fostering inclusive decision-making processes and promoting the interests of all Pacific nations.

Engage Civil Society and Stakeholders: In the selection process, the Pacific Islands Forum should actively seek input from civil society organizations, academia, and other stakeholders. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights into candidates’ backgrounds and assist in identifying any potential red flags that may compromise the Forum’s credibility.

Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures: The Pacific Islands Forum should work collaboratively with member nations to reinforce anti-corruption measures and mechanisms. This includes supporting the establishment and enforcement of robust anti-corruption legislation, empowering anti-corruption agencies, and encouraging greater transparency in public procurement processes.

The selection of the Pacific Islands Forum Chief is a critical decision that impacts the credibility and effectiveness of the organization. It is important to carefully assess candidates to ensure they possess the necessary integrity and commitment to upholding democratic values. Given Baron Waqa’s history of alleged corrupt practices, his appointment as PIF Chief would raise serious concerns. Implementing measures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership within the selection process would safeguard the Pacific Islands Forum’s reputation and promote the interests of the Pacific nations it serves.

–PRESS RELEASE

South Road next month

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Passengers are pulling a passenger truck after being stuck in mud along South Road that connects West Kwaio and West Are Are to Auki.Photo Clifford Huta.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MAINTENANCE work for Malaita’s South Road that connects Auki town to West Kwaio as far as Hauhui in West Are Are is set to begin next month.

This road maintenance is funded by Australia’s DFAT under the emergency road programme for Malaita province and will be carried out by Island Engineering company.

According to information received from the company yesterday, they are working on required paper work ahead of commencing the project.

The company said the road maintenance project will begin in Auki and stretch to the head-road at Hauhui, roughly around 80 kilometres.

“We will begin mobilizing machineries by now as we expect to begin the project next week,” they said.

“Considering the significant deteriorating condition of the road, they will see if they can meet the timeframe of the project.

“Thus, road-upgrade work in the province is not new to us and we hope to deliver the project within its given time,” they said.

The company called upon communities along South Road to support the upgrade of the road which has been in dire condition over the past months.

Also in the province, road upgrades are underway in certain segments of north and east roads connecting to Auki.

Work on the 17km road maintenance from Gwounaruu to Dala started months ago and is nearing completion.

The project is implemented by Exodus Trading company under the SIRAP programme which is funded by World Bank through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and Ministry of Communication Aviation (MCA).

Another project is in East Road, where a 21km road upgrade from Forcim Market to Kware is implementing by Trades Transformation Company Ltd.

The project is funded under the SIRAP program. Also, under the SIRAP programme, construction is underway on Kwa bridge and next will be Bio bridge in West Kwara’ae.

There are also number of bridges along south and north roads will be funded under the SIRAP next year.

FIGHT AGAINST LOGGING

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Premiers briefed on Malaita’s amended ordinance on Forest Business Licence

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

MALAITA province has shared with other provinces its amended Forest Business Licence ordinance, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to address challenges posed by logging.

Malaita is the first province to establish a well-defined law to keep logging operations at bay.

This was possible through the support of the US-funded programme in Malaita, the SCALE-NRM project.

The Forest Business License Ordinance (FBLO) empowers Malaita’s provincial government to regulate the use and protection of forests.

This initiative also contributes to the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and will generate revenue for the province.

Yesterday, premiers of some of the provinces in the country gathered to discuss the adoption of FBLO into their own jurisdictions.

James Apaniai, a legal expert and private consultant, addressed the provincial premiers, emphasising the significant challenges posed by the logging industry to both communities and the environment.

“We need to do a lot of things on our laws for the benefit of our people and province,” Apaniai said.

He said the policy development on Forest Business Licence Ordinances was initiated by WINROCK to support the province in terms of logging operations.

Apaniai said there is no province in the Solomon Islands without logging operations all provinces have been logged, and problems associated with logging is huge.

He said under the Provincial Government Act 1997 there is a provision that gives powers to the provinces to pass legislation in the form of ordinances on some areas, and one of the areas is business.

Therefore, the FBLO was drafted under that provision and was passed in the previous weeks and awaits gazetting by the Minister of Provincial Government (MPGIS) to become law in Malaita province.

Apaniai discussed the draft ordinance of Malaita province, emphasising the need for legislative review in forest business licences. He highlighted the lack of enforcement in existing laws and proposed the development of manuals to guide implementation and enforcement.

Apaniai acknowledged the challenges posed by logging, including environmental degradation and financial instability after logging activities ceased.

Meanwhile Dr Eric Katovai a Forest Ecologist of the Solomon Islands National University emphasising the critical role Forest plays in the Solomon Islands.

He stressed the need for a balanced approach, considering ecological and economic factors.

He said the absence of sustainability in logging practices has led to a huge decline in forest levels. He urged for a shift towards sustainable logging and the exploration of alternative resources within the forests.

Meanwhile Premier for Choiseul province acknowledged the work of the Malaita province in drafting such ordinance to control logging and save the environment.

He highlighted logging activities is also one of the challenges in his province and he hopes that through consultation and dialogue with his colleague premiers can also help to make ordinances that will benefit his province.

Pirione urges premiers to fully contribute to PGA review

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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PS Stanley Dick Pirione

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government Stanely Pirione has urged premiers to actively participate in the review of the Provincial Government Act.

The premiers are in Honiara, engaging in reviewing some provisions of the Provincial Government Act.

Mr Pirione highlighted the vital role that premiers play, particularly in the context of potential changes related to the dissolution of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies.

“Premiers, I believe you are interested in the dissolution of the Parliament and the Provincial Assemblies,” Pirione said.

He also highlighted the past challenges experienced in Choiseul and Western Province, where there was no government for a period of six months.

“We do not want to experience what we went through with Choiseul and Western Province. We want our people to be governed until the eve of elections,” he said.

He said there are some arguments that will be put forward to the Bills and Legislation Committee a desire for continuous governance until the point of elections to prevent a recurrence of the past issues.

The aim is to ensure that citizens are not left without effective governance, mitigating the risks of neglect and instability.

Therefore, Pirione called on Premiers to make use of the opportunity and contribute fully to the review of the Provincial Government Act.

ENDS//

Team Solo faced with meal card shortage as some entertain ‘friends and family’

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

TEAM Solomon encountered a shortage of meal cards for athletes, coaches and team managers earlier this week.

This was reportedly due to members of ‘a number of federations’ abusing their privilege to free meals at the Games mess, ‘using the meal cards for friends and family members’.

Island Sun sighted an email by Team Solomon Management over the weekend, cautioning the contingent to refrain from this practice.

“Team Solomon is currently facing an issue with Meal Cards,” the email said.

“If you are not aware, meal cards are issued according to the total number of athletes, coaches and team managers as per the numerical entries regulated and qualified by the Pacific Games Organizers (This includes PGC and GOC).

“We have submitted these numbers to them therefore the number of meal cards issued to respective Team Managers are set.”

“As of today [Sunday, November 26] we have run out of meal cards and are short as some federations are still requesting meal cards.

“We have received information that a number of federations are bringing persons apart from the Team Contingent to the Meal Venues and are using the meal cards for friends and family members.

“Therefore, there is a shortage of meal cards and we now have to ask for more from the relevant authorities.

“Please we would like you to control the number of meal cards you have as these are counted already according to the number of your athletes, coaches and team managers.

“This does not include PGA staff, Guests, friends or relatives!”

The email went on to ask team managers and officials if anyone has spare meal cards to return them to Team Solomon Management to give to those who do not have any.

“If you have extra meal cards with you then please return them to Team Solomon Management so that we can re distribute them.

“We are having difficulties with GOC not releasing new cards for the second week of competitions,” the email said.

Island Sun understands that this matter has been resolved, according to a senior official in the Team Solomon management, who requested anonymity.

The official adds that this is a concern shared by other hard-working team officials who are tax-payers.

“Yes, this matter has been addressed, those who did not have meal cards have received theirs.

“However, we are wary the concerns contained in the email will continue despite management’s plea for those doing it to stop.

“We are concerned because we know this Games has chewed a lot of Solomon Islands’ taxpayer money, and it is not good seeing this irresponsible and careless behaviour.”

Island Sun earlier this week sought comments from the Team Solomons Chef De Mission Fay Indu Ghemu. She expressed concern on how the issue ended up with the media, and that the paper did not have her permission to publish on the issue.

SI Netball Coach lauds Team’s performance

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY INDY MAEALASIA

SOLOMON Islands Netball’s Coach is confident that her team has greatly improved despite suffering a heavy loss to Fiji 25:90 at the Friendship hall yesterday.

Coach, Martha Tolia commented on the performance of her team after the game.

“The performance of my girls is so good despite going down to Fiji who is ranked 18th in the world, we haven’t got any rank at all. This game will give us the rank but the team management is happy that the girls are improving a lot” she said.

Though the girls have demonstrated strength and teamwork throughout the game, they were no match for the well-coordinated Fijians.

Tolia also said that one of biggest disadvantage is that compared to the Fijian team, most of her girls lack the height.  

She also highlighted that her girls need to work harder on their passes.

“We need to improve on our passes, we mostly do high passes we should just focus on passes that matches our height so we will work on that” she said.

Solomon Islands will be taking on Norfolk later today and Tolia said she is counting on her team for better results.

Woman gets counselling for domestic violence

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A woman who had faced court for domestic violence has had counselling.

Court closed her case yesterday after receiving confirmation from the counsellor that Delight Mae had successfully undergone her counselling.

Delight Mae had been found guilty of domestic violence.

Court ordered that she went through 10 hours of counselling.

Yesterday, Mae told court that she had learnt a lot from the counselling, making her realise her mistakes.

On September 3, 2022, the victim and her husband were arguing about their own family issue when Mae interfered leading to an argument between her and the victim.

Mae then took a bush knife and used the flat side of it to whip the victim’s left side shoulder twice.

Mae then grabbed the victim’s basket and other belongings and threw them outside the house.

The following day Mae was arrested and dealt with accordingly.

Police Prosecution Department appeared for the Crown and Public Solicitor Officer appears for the defendant.

Solomon Islands Bodybuilding Team Secures 10 Gold Medals

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Solomon Islands’ bodybuilding team significantly bolstered the nation’s medal count to 10 after a stellar performance in the XVII Pacific Games at Maranatha Hall last night.

Tome Kelesi, Barnabas Waga – renowned as ‘Mr. Solomons’ – and Allen Atai secured gold medals in their respective weight categories, with Kelesi dominating the 65kg division, Waga claiming victory in the 80kg, and Atai triumphing in the 90kg category.

Though Mustafa Rade, Silas Kiu Alpheus Fiuramo, David Ama, and Corina Dettke settled for silver medals, Rex Billy and Yuchen Gou proudly collected bronze medals.

Kelesi, Waga, and Atai attributed their success to relentless hard work, emphasizing the arduous journey of strict diets and intense training that culminated in their achievements.

They acknowledged the physical and mental challenges encountered during training, highlighting the satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles to achieve their competition goals.

Corina Dettke acknowledged the intense nature of the competition and voiced a hope for better organization within the Solomon Islands Bodybuilding Federation.

Dettke highlighted the athletes’ extensive dedication, investing months of effort, time, energy, and finances to prepare for the competition.

She stressed the need for improved facilities and a structured approach to relieve athletes’ stress and enhance performance in future events.

Reflecting on the missed opportunities, Dettke emphasized the significance of discipline, a change in mindset, sacrifice, and dedicated training while underscoring the role of coaches in guiding athletes to success.

Despite setbacks caused by the pandemic disrupting her preparation since her win in the Oceania competition some years back, Dettke expressed optimism about future endeavors, aiming for a gold medal at the next Pacific Games in Tahiti in 2027, since there are proper facilities and support.

The competition saw strong performances from Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and Samoa, with PNG securing three gold medals in the eventful night.

Coach Enoch Mani Ilisia expressed elation over the team’s performance, attributing the success to the athletes’ hard work, which culminated in a total of 10 medals.

Coach Andrew Noel lamented missing the ‘Mr. Pacific’ gold medal by a single point to Samoa’s bodybuilding representative but affirmed the team’s commitment to continued training for upcoming championships beyond the Pacific Games.

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