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‘China will always be a trustworthy friend’

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

New China Ambassador to Solomon Islands Cai Weiming has reiterated that China will always be a trustworthy friend, a reliable brother and faithful partner of Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the welcome reception at the Heritage Park Hotel Mr Cai highlighted that China-Solomon Islands relations is keeping pace with the trend of history and are in line with the fundamental interests of our two peoples.

“It will definitely have a bright future.”

He said although China and Solomon Islands are separated by the Pacific Ocean, the two countries have always walked side by side in the common vision of peace and development, unremittingly pursuing a better life for people.

“We will adhere to the principle of mutual trust and deepen the bilateral relations.

“During the past four years, the Solomon Islands government has firmly abided by one-China principle, which is a political foundation of our bilateral relations.

“China will support Solomon Islands in upholding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and choose a development path suited to its national conditions. China will stick to its policy towards the Pacific island countries based on ‘four fully respects’, to deepen political dialogue and consolidate the mutual political trust,” Cai said.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Solomon Islands and the Peoples Republic of China have come a long way and have signed the joint communiqué to establish formal relations on September 21, 2019.

“On that day, we made the conscious decision to stand on the right side of history,” PM Sogavare said.

He said it was the single most important decision that this country has made since Independence in 1978.

“I am pleased to recognise our relations has been elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partner status this year based on mutual respect for our common agenda and shared prosperity.

“As we continue our journey in the new era of bilateral relations. I wish to reiterate that Solomon Islands firmly uphold the One China Principle, respects its territorial sovereignty, and will continue to work with PRC as a strategic partner based on solidarity and unity and the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and mutual prosperity,” Sogavare said.

He also highlighted that exactly a year after Solomon Islands established the historic diplomatic relationship with PRC, the PRC Embassy opened in the country.

Therefore, partnership will strengthen the people to people diplomacy, commercial relations, and enhance stronger bilateral ties between our two countries, and surely open up foreign investment opportunities that can be pursued looking ahead.

“I am confident that we will build on the good work that has been done by your predecessor,” PM Sogavare said.

Sade sets history – first premier in Guadalcanal to serve full 4-year term

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Francis Sade.

BY NED GAGAHE

Guadalcanal Province Premier Francis Sade is the first Premier of Guadalcanal to hold office for a full complete term of four years since 1985.

Former Premier the late Ezekiel Alebua came close to setting history however he managed to serve only three years.

Premier Sade came into power after the 2019 Provincial Elections. He won the Sahalu Ward in Northwest Guadalcanal Constituency.

Since 1985 the political landscape in the Guadalcanal province has been shrouded with lack of consistency often resulted in frequent motions of no confidence sometimes over insignificant matters.

This has negatively affected the service delivery in Guadalcanal Province over the past 30 years.

Premier Sade since taking over the helm of the Guadalcanal Provincial government has managed to established political stability through vibrant good governance practices.

When he entered office, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government has incurred a huge debt of more than SBD$30m.

Premier Sade also faced a lot of challenges during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Despite these hardships, Premier Sade managed to reform Guadalcanal Provincial Government financially with a strong debt-servicing and revenue collections.

The current debt of the provincial government in the 2023 – 2024 FY is believed to be less than SBD$2M.

Premier Sade also does some reforms with the human resources and policy reforms.

Some of the key highlights of Premier Sade’s government achievements includes; paying off the remaining debt (less than $2 million from $28 million since 2003), strengthening the financial sector, implementing the 14 ordinances, delivering tangible services, emphasizing robust good governance practices, and addressing land related issues.

According to political analysts Sade’s example will undoubtedly lead to improved governance and political maturity in Guadalcanal.

Despite facing numerous challenges from the November Riot 2021, the global Pandemic and managed to survive attempts to overthrew him through motions of no confidence, Premier Sade is the first MPA for Sahalu ward that will be remembered as the first premier to serve a full term of four years in Guadalcanal Provincial politics.

This sets a historical precedent for future policymakers in Guadalcanal.

Meanwhile, Premier Sade’s Executive will continue as the caretaker government until the synchronous elections of both the provincial and national governments next year.

YEAR 7 PLACEMENT 2024

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Admin
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YEAR 7 PLACEMENT 2024

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Admin
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Ambassador Cai congratulates SI on successful hosting of Sol2023 Pacific Games

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY NED GAGAHE

CAI Weiming, the new Chinese Ambassador has congratulated the Solomon Islands Government on the successful hosting of the 17th Pacific Games.

Mr Cai expressed his congratulations and warm greetings to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare at the landmark ground breaking ceremony of the new state of the art Comprehensive Medical Centre on Friday 15th at National Referral Hospital (NRH) eastern side.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare attended the landmark ground breaking ceremony along with Minister of Health and Medical Services Culwick Togamana, other Ministers of the Crown, senior government officials and invited guests.

“As the second Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Solomon Islands, I am honored to attend this grand event on the 4th day of my arrival.

“First of all, please allow me on behalf of the government and the people of the PRC to express warm welcome and congratulations to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands government and the people of Solomon Islands on the ground breaking of the CMC project.

“I would also like to extend my warn congratulations to Solomon Islands for successfully hosting the 17th Pacific Games.

“Although I was not lucky enough to attend the event in person, I knew that the games had first class venue facilities perfect event organization and high-quality competitions from online platforms and media reports.

“It is a successful green exciting and unparallel event.

“Solomon Islands has shown the world its beautiful scenery and splendid culture as well as the kindness unity and fraternity of its people.

“The Chinese Government and its people would like to sincerely congratulate the people of Solomon Islands for realizing the dreams of generations.” Ambassador Cai Weiming said.

A ride on positive network

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Dr. Derek Futaiasi, right, with his wife Kerryn Sogha and daughter Liz-Amarissah Futaiasi

THE latest Solomon Islander to be conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) has attributed his journey to the positive networks he had developed over the years.

Dr. Derek Futaiasi was conferred his PhD at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, through the School of Regulation and Global Governance, on Tuesday 12th December 2023.

“My PhD journey was a culmination of networks that were the products of the good friendships and relationships I formed and treasured from my undergraduate studies through my public service days to the PhD level.”

Dr. Derek says these networks provided spaces and platforms to exchange ideas, and make sense of these ideas through dialogues to suit the realities these ideas represent.

“Like others who have walked the PhD journey, it was challenging, but at the end rewarding,” he adds.

The title of his PhD thesis is “Nodes and Networks: The Governance of Constituency Development Funds in Gizo/Kolombangara and Baegu/Asifola, Solomon Islands“.

“Basically, it examines state-society relations and how such relations influence the governance of constituency development funds in Solomon Islands, with case studies on two constituencies” he explained.

His supervisors were Professor Miranda Forsyth of the School of Regulation and Global Governance at ANU, Distinguished Policy Fellow James Batley of the Department of Pacific Affairs, ANU’s Coral Bell School of Asia and the Pacific and Associate Professor Tarcisius Kabutaulaka of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Professor Miranda who spent eight years from 2002 to 2009 teaching law at the USP School of Law at Emalus Campus became fascinated by the question of how Pacific islands legal systems could develop to meet the different justice needs of the populations.  

Her time teaching at Emalus Campus involved considering how customary law and state law could work together in mutually supportive ways.  

“When I left Vanuatu and went to work at the Australian National University in Canberra, I determined very much to continue this work, and to be a bridge for legal scholars in the Pacific islands region who wanted to study their PhD at the ANU.

“I was delighted to have Dr. Derek Futaiasi as one of my first PhD students, and I am so proud of him and the thesis he has produced.  It examines the ways that governance and regulation occur not just at the national level, but also through much more local structures such as village committees.  Dr. Futaiasi was driven to do his PhD through his motivation to find governance structures that are appropriate and relevant for the Solomon Islands,” Professor Miranda said.

Another of his supervisors Associate Professor Tarcisius Kabutaulaka said it was an honor serving as a member of his PhD dissertation committee.

“Dr. Futaiasi is an independent thinker and is self motivated. It was an honor being part of his PhD journey, and I learned a lot from his research. It is always great to play a role in mentoring the next generation of Solomon Islanders,” he added.

Dr. Derek said his supervisors were very supportive, admitting that he would not have reached this far without them throughout this PhD journey.

He said the pathway to PhD was also informed by other experiences and networks formed over the years since his secondary school days at Saint Joseph’s Catholic National Secondary School.

Dr. Derek eventually completed his Form Seven in 2003 at the King George Sixth National Secondary School in Honiara.

In 2004, the Solomon Islands Government provided him a scholarship to study for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of the South Pacific’s Law School, Emalus Campus in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Dr. Derek says, “An experience I treasure as an undergraduate student was in 2007 where I met Dr Transform Aqorau through that legal fellowship program at Forum Fisheries Agency. Dr Aqorau was instrumental in encouraging me to pursue this PhD.” 

Professor Aqorau is now the Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

In July 2009, after completing the Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP), he was given a USP Graduate Assistant Scholarship to study for the Master of Laws (LLM) at USP Law School in Vanuatu.

After a short time with Global Lawyers – a private law firm in Honiara, and the Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission, he moved to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC). He started as the Assistant Secretary to the Prime Minister for a year, then as a Deputy Secretary to Prime Minister for three years before he left OPMC in 2018.

The Australian National University (ANU) through the School of Regulation and Global Governance provided him with scholarships to undertake doctoral studies namely: the Australian Government Research Training Program International Fee-Offset Scholarship and Australian Government Research Training Program International Scholarship.

The COVID-19 crisis affected his studies. He therefore had to reschedule the timeline for his studies. He was thankful that ANU extended his time through the ANU COVID-19 Scholarship, the ANU Higher Research Degree (HDR) Fee Remission Merit Scholarship and the ANU Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Fieldwork for the PhD was supported by the ANU Vice-Chancellor’s Higher Degree Research Travel Grants.

Dr. Derek was also a research fellow for Regional Perspectives Project based at The University of Adelaide in early 2023, but left in July 2023 because of family commitments.

Following the conferment of his doctorate on 12th December, 2023, Dr. Derek is keen to go back to the Solomon Islands Public Service to be public servant.

“I enjoyed civil service and would like to see some of the issues I raised in my PhD project given effect, if given the opportunity to do so,” he quipped.

Dr. Derek reiterated that in general, coupled with the need to form healthy networks, one of the takes from this doctoral journey was that state-society relations in Solomon Islands will continue to demand an ongoing rethinking and commitment that requires time, sacrifice, energy and compassion of every generation.

Australia commits to fight violence

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
H.E Rod Hilton speaking during the handing over of a new vehicle to the Family Support Centre.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

AUSTRALIA is committed to its role as Solomon Islands’ number one partner in fighting violence against women, girls and children.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency, Rod Hilton made this assurance during a handover ceremony of a new vehicle to the Family Support Centre (FSC) recently.

Though Australia has contributed well towards inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, job markets and connectivity to ensure prosperity for local communities, High Commissioner Hilton said recognition of women, girls and children is vital for the success of development. 

“We know that for development to really succeed, it requires women, girls and children to have equal opportunity, equal voice, and equal rights but most importantly it requires women and girls to be able to live free from all forms of violence. Sadly violence persists and while is does, we must all work together to protect victims and respond directly to their needs” he said.

High Commissioner Hilton said that Australia lends it support through local stakeholders to ensure they are able to provide the needed services to those affected by violence.

He added that Australia is proud with the partnerships it has created over the years and remains committed to its role.

“Australia remains committed to its partners in the Solomon Islands as none of us can achieve the future we want alone. We are counting on each other to play a part in a shared pacific and a Solomon islands that is peaceful, safe and prospers” he added.

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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0
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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0

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

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