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Malaita disqualified again from PCDF

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA province has once again disqualified for the PCDF programme this financial year 2023/2024.

As a consequence the $10 million capital expenditure under its original budget will be reduced to $2million.

This means Malaita’s government (MPG) will not able to implement about 30 of its approved projects for this financial year 2023/2024.

The disqualification is a put-down on rural communities which have been looking forward to projects earmarked for them.

Announcing the disqualification on Monday this week Minister for Finance and Treasury under MPG, Randol Sifoni said, “Malaita provincial government has again disqualified for the second time.”    

He said that the disqualification has “dramatically affected our budget to reduce to $2,106,683 from the original budget of $10,898,087”.

“I would like to highlight that for this year 2023/2024 financial year, I am indeed sad to say that all our planned expenditure could not eventuate due to our PCDF disqualification.

“We have not met three minimum conditions including PAC non-scrutiny of 2020/2021 audit report within 21 days after MPG had received the audit opinion, procurement and non-full payment of outstanding ward funded projects from 2019/2020 to 2022/2023.

“PCDF assessments are usually done on prior year’s operations.

“In terms of procurement, seven provinces have disqualified on this MC due to processing payments of laptops from SIG preferred supplies but use three quotations instead.

“MPG has already rectified this issue for the next assessment,” Sifoni said.

Premier Martin Fini said a critical component of his government is strengthening the governance of the provincial government.

“This includes, the management of PCDF and following the requirements of assessments, improving the procurement and compliance system.

“Reduce auditor issues, managing and respecting financial processes and procedures, responding to timely reporting and improving capability to deliver services in coordinated manner,” he said.

Fini however assured confidence that his government is putting in efforts to strengthen the governance system of the province.

“We are focusing on improving Malaita province PCDF performances to improve on our failures.

“My government is taking actions in ensuring financial management procedures are met, weakness in procurement processes are strengthened and all procedural governance system from planning to implementation are followed and adhered,” he said.

Malaita-Jiangsu sister relationship is for mutual benefit: Premier Fini

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Martin Fini.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Martin Fini says the proposed sister-relationship between Malaita province and Jiangsu province in China is for the mutual benefit of both provinces.

The premier said this in his address on the floor of assembly on Monday this week.

 He adds that the MOU for this relationship will not be concealed as rumours claim.

“I would like to state that my government will not hide the content of the MOU between Malaita and Jiangsu province, as it based on genuine need and friendship of Malaitans and Jiangsu province of China.”

He said the MOU has gone through consultations with various government agencies such as MFAET, MPGIS, PRC, MPG executive and MPG’s HoDs for inputs.

Fini said the outcome was a carefully crafted sister-relationship between Malaita and Jiangsu based on mutual respect, tolerance, understanding, resource-sharing, knowledge, skills, technologies and learning.

Below are the fabrics for the establishment of the sister relationship;

  • Establish trade sister relationship on commodities such as coconut, cocoa, beche-der-mer, fish and other commercial commodities. Through the sister relationship, farmers, fishermen and women can export their commodities to Jiangsu province.
  • Establishment of scientific institutions where Jiangsu scientist can share their knowledge in improving current commodities to improve its yielding capacity to increase production.
  • To provide training on agriculture production lines, skills and knowledge transfer on agriculture and fisheries. My government will negotiate with Jiangsu province to establish a scientific agriculture and fisheries with a Malaita Institute so that training can be provided in the institution.
  • To support Malaita with appropriate technology in areas of production, agriculture, fisheries, factory development, downstream processing and packaging.
  • To support Malaita in infrastructure development such as factory establishment, equipment, telecommunication, and other infrastructures supporting growth.
  • To financially support Malaita in form of grant for the four sister relationship projects.  

According to premier Fini, the MOU is an important platform that will create meaningful engagement between the two provinces.

He explained that the sister relationship was designed to get Malaita out of its economic miseries by providing an equal platform of engagement based on mutual respects in providing the needs of each other.

Fini furthered that it was not design to exploit the good relationship between the two provinces, but to help each other to grow and prosperous under the relationship.

Moreover, he said for the purpose of establishing the MOU, his government operates within the frame of the Provincial Government act, especially section 29/30.

Fini also clarified that major infrastructure, forestry, mining or acquisition of land is not our responsibility to deal with, mean it’s not in the interest of the MOU.

He said the MOU is limited to a sister relationship as defined by the PG act.

“My government will respect the Malaita people and will do things within the frame of what is best for them.

“My government cannot put Malaita at risk. Our aim, purpose and intention are to create a stable environment where peace and trust exists for positive development for all Malaitans,” Fini said.

WIN WIN WINS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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A representative of Win Win company presents the $350,000 cheque in the envelope to one of the landowners at Turarana, Central Guadalcanal, Michael Kelly at Henderson Police station on Wednesday.

Resolution reached with landowners as mining company resumes operation

By EDDIE OSIFELO

After a three-week hiatus in its alluvial mining operations in Turarana, Central Guadalcanal, Win Win Mining Investment Company Ltd has successfully resumed activities following a dispute with local landowners.

The suspension was prompted by landowners’ roadblocks and their demand for compensation due to noise pollution resulting from the mining operation.

A significant breakthrough was achieved on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as Win Win Mining and the landowners came to an agreement at the Henderson Police Station.

This resolution represents a positive step towards mending the working relationship between the mining company and the local community.

As a goodwill gesture subsequent to the dispute resolution, Win Win Mining made a substantial payment of $350,000 to the landowners, which they will distribute among their families.

This compensation serves as a recognition of the landowners’ understanding and willingness to resolve the standoff.

Charles Meke, one of the local directors at Win Win, expressed his gratitude to the landowners for their cooperation in finding a mutually beneficial solution.

He underscored the Turarana mining project’s significance, comparing it to major mining operations such as Gold Ridge and others in Isabel Province.

Meke highlighted the project’s crucial role in contributing to the national economy through gold production.

Meke further clarified that the company operates within the noise level limits of 70, as prescribed by Environmental law.

He noted that if the mining operation exceeds this noise threshold, the Ministry of Environment has the authority to halt the operation.

Additionally, Meke expressed his hope that similar disputes would not arise in the future.

He reassured the landowners of Win Win Mining’s commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation of the mining project.

Chief Michael Kelly, a traditional chief of the Turarana Cultural Centre in Central Guadalcanal, extended his gratitude to Win Win Mining for the goodwill payment.

He specified that the money would be distributed among the families based on an established list.

With the successful resolution of the dispute, the Criminal Investigation Department has chosen to temporarily suspend the case.

This decision allows for the resumption of mining operations and the cultivation of a more harmonious relationship between the company and the local landowners.

The parties involved are now working towards a more cooperative and productive future for the mining project in Turarana.

MARKET & LITTER

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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HCC to deliberate on key ordinances in extraordinary meeting

By EDDIE OSIFELO

In an extraordinary meeting scheduled for this week, the Honiara City Council’s full executive members are set to deliberate on two crucial ordinances, namely the Market (Amendment) ordinance and the Litter (Amendment) ordinance.

This follows the recent passage of three other ordinances: the Dogs (Amendment) Ordinance, Building (Amendment) Ordinance, and Betelnut Control Ordinance last week.

The Honiara City Council (Markets) Bill 2009, also known as the Market Ordinance, was originally passed on November 24, 2009, and subsequently assented to by the Minister for Home Affairs on the same date.

It was gazetted on March 12, 2010, under Legal Notices No. 15 to 17.

The Market Ordinance’s primary objective is to ensure the orderly operation of markets within Honiara City, with all markets currently being overseen by the City Council.

Private market operations require prior written permission from the Council.

Similarly, the Honiara City Council (Litter) Bill 2009, known as the Litter Ordinance, was passed on November 24, 2009, and gazetted on March 12, 2010, under Legal Notice No. 16.

The Litter Ordinance’s main purpose is to maintain cleanliness within Honiara City.

It outlines the responsibilities of businesses and individuals to provide litter receptacles (rubbish bins) for waste collection.

The Council may also install receptacles in public areas and issue notices to premises failing to maintain litter receptacles in hygienic conditions.

Deputy Mayor Robert Oge stated that the full Executive was initially set to begin deliberations yesterday but postponed due to the handover ceremony of two garbage vehicles donated by China.

Oge added that the amendments to the Market and Litter ordinances aim to revise fees and penalty units, significantly increasing fines from $10 to $20 to $5000, with a maximum imprisonment term of six months.

With the passage of the Dogs ordinance, it will distinguish between stray and pet dogs, allowing dog owners to pay fees to the Council.

The ordinance also empowers the Council to take action against stray dogs within the city.

The Honiara (Dogs) By-Law, which was passed on June 22, 1965, was gazetted under Legal Notice 108 of 1965.

It has undergone further amendments on February 5, 2010, and March 23, 2010.

This ordinance was designed to regulate the possession of dogs over six months old within Honiara City, requiring legal licenses for ownership.

The Building (Amendment) ordinance also increases fines to $5000 and penalty units of six months imprisonment.

The Honiara City Council Building By-Law, passed on February 1, 1960, and gazetted under Legal Notice 41 of 1984, ensures that all buildings constructed within the city comply with legal regulations and safety standards.

It outlines the procedures for building construction and the materials approved for use. The ordinance also specifies penalties for unauthorized construction.

Additionally, it grants the Council the authority to require the demolition of illegal constructions if the proper procedures are not followed.

The meeting to deliberate on these ordinances is expected to commence later this week.

With 12 elected councillors and four ex-officio members, the Honiara City Council remains dedicated to maintaining order and enhancing the quality of life within the city.

SIPPA to carry out awareness during Games

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) in partnership with its other key stakeholders will be carrying out reproductive health awareness during the Pacific Game.

SIPPA’s Programme Manager, Nester Amasia said with United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) they will engage 20 volunteers to share information on menstrual hygiene and kits to be handed out near the game venues.

The volunteers will be undergoing specific training two days next week to better prepare them to carry out the task and interact with the public.

Though it is yet to be confirmed, Amasia said they are planning to partner with SurfAid, one of its main partners to set up a stall at the FOPA village.

This proposed stall will be used by their officers to do promotions, distribution of kits and general awareness on sexual reproductive health.

Moreover, SIPPA is also working with Telekom through the Games Organization Committee (GOC) to send out SMS to promote the services that are available to the public. This will continue until December 3.

Amasia further confirmed that SIPPA nurses will work alongside the Ministry of the Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and SafeNet at the Social Health clinic at King George area. They will be dealing specifically with social issues.

2014 Mbike shooting incident still pending hearing

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE trial concerning the Mbike shooting incident remains unresolved, as the High Court is yet to set a new trial date for the case.

Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze, who appeared onbehalf the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, informed the court that the case was initially under the direction of former DPP Rachel Olutimayin but is now in carriage of Prosecutor Margaret Suifaasia.

The defendants were not present during the appearance and the court has instructed the prosecution to re-summon them to appear in the next court date.

High Court Judge Justice Leonard Maina adjourned the case to December 8, 2023, for mention.

This the case of Jim Aita, Aikan Maelausia, Harrison Niumalefo, and Billy Kanakana Ringasui, are facing multiple charges, including Attempted Murder, Willful and Unlawful Damage of Property, Attempt to Destroy Property by Explosives, Possession of Firearm without Firearm License, Possession of Ammunition without Firearm License, and Discharging Firearm in Public.

The charges were in connection to an incident on December 9, 2014, at the Mbike Island resort in Gela, Central Province.

The allegation said that a group of armed men arrived at the resort in the early morning hours and fired at the Sun Express boat and the resort where 17 Members of Parliament were on a retreat. Following the gunfire, the accused purportedly set the Sun Express boat on fire, but the flames unexpectedly returned to their own boat.

It was further alleged the defendants threw containers of fuel into the sea and fled the scene. The crew of the Sun Express managed to extinguish the fire, allowing the MPs to return to Honiara in time for the Prime Minister’s election.

The accused individuals then fled from Mbike Island to the Bare Foot fuel depot and later to Honiara on a private boat. Police claim that the group burned the outboard motor canoe used in the incident to conceal its identity.

Private lawyer John Taupongi is representing all the accused, while the DPP is handling the case for the Crown.

Logger questions SFA’s political involvement

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

A logger has raised concerns over the apparent political involvement of the Solomon Forest Association (SFA) following its attendance at a fundraising dinner for the official launch of the OUR Party election logo at Cowboys Grill Bar & Restaurant on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The logger questioned whether SFA’s participation in the event indicated direct support for OUR Party, which is the dominated party in the Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) currently led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“Is SFA directly involved in Solomon Islands politics?” the logger asked.

In an email received by this publication, it was confirmed that SFA’s Vice President, Philip Tiew, had cordially invited all member companies of SFA to participate in the fundraising dinner.

Tiew expressed appreciation for their presence and emphasized the importance of their support for SFA in this matter.

However, SFA President, Johny Sy, clarified that he had not been in Honiara since the previous Friday and was not aware of the event’s details.

He added that fundraising events do not necessarily imply direct political involvement on SFA’s part.

Island Sun reached out to OUR Party President, Jimson Tanangada, for comment but had not received a response at the time of publishing.

Notably, Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, a Solomon Islands academic based in Hawaii, has asserted that SFA has been directly involved in the country’s politics.

In his article titled ‘LOGGING & FOREST OWNERS: A STORY FROM CHOISEUL,’ posted on Solomon Business Magazine online Facebook page on June 14, 2022, Mr Kabutaulaka highlighted that forest owners in the logging industry in the Solomon Islands typically hold relatively less influence compared to logging companies.

Kabutaulaka pointed out that logging companies tend to wield more power, as they have access and influence over politicians and civil servants, often manipulating processes and regulations to their advantage.

He further noted that these companies are backed by SFA, an influential organization not only in the logging industry but also in politics.

Kabutaulaka’s findings were based on an incident in Choiseul over 20 years ago, which remains relevant today. In 1992, Eagon Resources Development Company (SI) Limited initiated logging operations in Choiseul, later setting up camp at Tarekukure.

Despite the signing of a timber rights agreement, the landowners were not provided with a copy of the agreement, and it did not include essential clauses related to environmental protection and landowners’ rights, as mandated by the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act.

The logger’s concerns and Kabutaulaka’s assertions raise questions about the relationship between organizations like SFA and political activities in the Solomon Islands, shedding light on the complex dynamics within the country’s logging industry and its broader influence.

Wife declines to pursue case against husband

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE wife of a man facing charges of rape and assault causing actual bodily harm expressed reluctance to pursue the case against her husband.

The alleged incident took place on March 20, 2015, at the defendant’s residence in East Honiara.

Despite the gravity of the charges, the wife, now in a harmonious relationship with her husband and caring for their daughter, opted not to proceed with the legal action.

During yesterday’s trial, the prosecution failed to inform the court of the wife’s intention to withdraw the case.

The court only became aware of this when a witness, the wife, stated her desire for the case to be dropped due to their improved relationship.

The wife informed the court that the incident occurred in 2015 when they were still in a relationship, but they are now married, and she no longer wishes for the case to continue in court.

High Court Judge Justice Maina cautioned the prosecution for not disclosing this crucial information earlier, emphasizing that it is a waste of time to proceed with the trial when the intention to withdraw was already apparent.

Meanwhile, Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda highlighted the office’s adherence to a strict NO-DROP policy. According to this policy, matters reported to the police and already before the court must be prosecuted.

 Justice Maina adjourned the case to today for further discussion.

Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda appears for the crown while Ben Alasia is representing the defendant.

China to fund Auki road tar-sealing

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Martin Fini.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

China will be funding the tar-sealing of Auki township roads.

Premier of Malaita Martin Fini confirmed this in his address yesterday; the full assembly will this week sit to deliberate on the 2023/2024 revised budget.

He said, “We negotiated with national government and China to fund the Auki tar seal road.

“I had signed an agreement on behalf of my government, the national government and PRC.

“I wish to announce that PRC will soon fund the Auki Tar Sealing roads.”

Fini said this is a major achievement for his government and it needs support from stakeholders in the province to make it happen.

Also, in a recent statement the MPG said the national government had issued $10 million to Malaita provincial government.

MPG clarified that the $10m was also for Auki Road, but it would only be for road-improvement within the town.

“The 10m was not for tar-seal. It is only for road improvement in Auki township.

“From the road improvement will then come the tar-seal. It is in preparation for tar-seal in Auki town,” MPG said.

MPG also mentioned in the statement that tender for Auki road-improvement should have already been finalised, eyed to begin before 2024.

Auki tar-seal and Fiu bridge were captured in the first phase of the SIRAP programme, but has not been implemented.

Domestic violence case adjourned

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
In-court

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a man accused of domestic violence and physical abuse has been adjourned for Monday, November 13.

Monday’s court session will be an oral pre-trial conference (PTC) and the date for trial will be decided then.

Mathias Iromea is charged with one count of domestic violence-physical abuse. He pleaded not guilty before the magistrate court.

The case was heard in court earlier this week, however, defence failed to show up. Prosecution also told court that it had served all disclosures to the defence.

Remand warrant was extended for Iromea.

Police alleged at Betikama LDA area, on March 30, 2023 Iromea physically abused the complainant by doing a conduct that caused her bodily pain, slapping the complainant’s right and left side of her face.

When the complainant fell from the house to the ground, the accused went down and kicked the complainant’s back side and right-side ribs.

The complainant reported the matter to police and the accused was arrested.

Public Prosecution Office appears for the Crown and Public Solicitor Office appears for the Defendant.

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