BLACK MARKET CRACKDOWN

Written by

-

December 28, 2023

Chinese embassy urged to address alleged illegal business operations

George Kosui, former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, has called on the Chinese Embassy in Honiara to assist responsible authorities in addressing alleged illegal business activities by the owner of ZLS shop, Xie Xinbin.

In a letter dated 21 December 2023 to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador, Kosui claimed that Xie is allegedly operating a cartel for the distribution of goods in the country.

His assertions are based on a thorough online check and consultations with various authorities, including Company Haus, Inland Revenue Division, Guadalcanal Province, and Honiara City Council.

According to Kosui’s findings, ZLS has not registered with the Company Haus, rendering its operations illegal in the country.

The former permanent secretary highlighted concerns about the lack of proper identification for the company, with closed storage rooms, and limited accessibility for customers.

Additionally, the four full-time workers and four casual workers employed by ZLS are reportedly not registered with the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF).

Kosui’s investigation also revealed that several Chinese nationals arrived in the country on November 10, 2023, purportedly to work as unskilled labourers and subsequently establish shops to expand an alleged illegal distribution cartel and syndicate.

He alleged that ZLS is involved in distributing goods to retail shops, with proceeds sent to the owner, Xie, in China.

Money transfers are claimed to be conducted through other shops as part of this arrangement.

In his letter, Kosui expressed concern about potential anti-Chinese sentiments, urging the Chinese Embassy to take appropriate actions to address the issue and ensure accountability for those violating the country’s laws.

He identified an individual named Lanny as the accountant and advisor in these alleged illegal activities.

“This letter is submitted to your office to take appropriate actions to address this issue so that we don’t have any other things which might ignite anti-Chinese feelings against genuine PRC citizens doing business in the Solomon Islands as investors,” stated Kosui.

Kosui highlighted that responsible authorities, including Company Haus, Inland Revenue Division, Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit, Solomon Islands National Provident Fund, Guadalcanal Province, Honiara City Council, and Solomon Islands Institute of Accountants, have been informed of this alleged illegal business activity.

As of press time, attempts to contact ZLS shop and the Chinese Embassy were unsuccessful.

The matter remains a subject of ongoing investigation and public interest.

Police remind public on security during festive season

Written by

Jennifer Kusapa

-

December 21, 2023

0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force issues a stern warning to the public, particularly in Honiara, urging them to be vigilant and prioritize the security of their valuable items.

Thieves and burglars tend to exploit the festive season, making it crucial for residents to take preventive measures.

Police said as always, an experience during festive seasons, the unfortunate trend of home robberies and break-ins becomes an all-too-common experience for residents in Honiara. In response to this, the police are reminding the public of practical steps they can take to safeguard their belongings.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force assures the community that they will be actively working over the Christmas period to ensure the safety of individuals and their families.

However, they emphasize the importance of collaboration from the public to enhance overall security and residents are encouraged to always keep valuable items in inside pockets of clothing or bags and be mindful of their surrounding while out shopping.

Police also warned vehicle owners not to leave their bags of valuable items in their vehicle while out shopping and always lock vehicles properly.

ENDS///

Riot case adjourned

Written by

Ofani Eremae

-

December 21, 2023

0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

Judgment into case of a woman accused of behaving in a riotous manner and stealing from the Tobacco Company Limited has been adjourned.

It was adjourned to December 27 for judgement to be delivered.

Joy Hamui is charged with one count of behave in riotous manner and one count of simple larceny and pleaded not guilty to both counts. Trial was conducted last month November 6, 2023.

Yesterday Ms Hamui appeared in court for her judgment however, the presiding magistrate was absent. Thus, her matter was adjourned.

Bail was extended for the defendant.

Court heard that during the riot in November 2021, Hamui was assembly with others in a riotous manner to enter the gate of the Solomon Island Tobacco Company.

She and others entered the gate into the office and took cartons and sleeves of tobacco products from the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited.

The manner was reported to the police and Hamui was arrested and charged accordingly.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and Public Solicitor Office appear for the defendants.

Willful damage case adjourned

Written by

Ofani Eremae

-

December 21, 2023

0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man charged with one count of willful and unlawful damage and one count of intimidation has been adjourned.

It was suspended yesterday in the magistrate court for Thursday next week for court to deliver the defendant’s, John Laulae, sentence.

Yesterday prosecution called the matter in court for sentence, but the presiding magistrate was absent.

Thus, the matter was adjourned. Court extended the remand warrant for the accused.

It was alleged Laulau, while he was employed by the China civil engineering corporation construction (CCECC) as a causal worker, on October 26, 2022 was drunk and shot the Chinese construction workers with stones and entered the CCECC campsite opposite Karaina settlement at Whiteriver.

Matter was later reported to the police and Laulae was arrested and charged.

Police prosecution appears for the Crown and PSO appears for the defendant.

GAMES CONTRACTORS NOTICE

Written by

Ofani Eremae

-

December 21, 2023

0

NHA advises last payments this week, if not, next year

BY NED GAGAHE

Contractors of the 17th Pacific Games not yet paid for their services could wait until January next year.

Last payments will be made this week. Remaining ones will be paid next year.

The National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the Sol2023 Pacific Games has assured that its staff are working around the clock to ensure contract sums for services are paid.

However, NHA says any payment not cleared this week will be left until “after Christmas and New Year”.

This is because their office will be closed on December 22 and open back for business on January 3, 2024.

“NHA wishes to inform the contractors that the Games Organizing Committee Functional Areas and NHA Secretariat staff are working around the clock to ensure all contract sums for services that helped our nation deliver successful 17th Edition of the Pacific Games are paid.

“We adhere to strict procurement processes so it is taking our team a bit of time to process payments but most of the payments will be cleared this week.

“Unfortunately, any payment that is not cleared this week will have to be left until after Christmas and New Year. Our office will close on the 22nd December and will open back for Business on the 3rd of January 2024.

“We regret any inconvenience this may cause to any contractor but our staff deserve to take a break.

“We guarantee that all contractors who supported this nation to deliver successful pacific games that are not paid before Christmas will get paid their dues when the office opens back for business in the new year.

“NHA Secretariat wishes to take this opportunity to wish all individual, contractors, their staff and families, a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year 2024.” NHA said in a statement.

China commits to assisting Solomon Islands

Written by

Jennifer Kusapa

-

December 21, 2023

0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

New Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Ambassador Cai Weiming has said China will continue to provide assistance to Solomon Islands to the best of its ability.

He assured that China will continue to share opportunities from China’s path to modernisation.

The ambassador highlighted the aim to create greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2035 Development Strategy of Solomon Islands.

“We will stick to the pursuit of win-win cooperation and make the cake bigger,” Mr Cai said.

He highlighted the focus of China’s support includes the development of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in Solomon Islands. Additionally, China aims to promote the export of more competitive Solomon Islands agricultural and fishery products to China, support rural livelihoods, and deepen police and security cooperation with Solomon Islands to contribute to social and economic development.

Cai expressed a dedication to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and consolidating the friendship between the two nations.

China plans to facilitate sub-national cooperation, strengthen exchanges with local provinces and cities, and expand the circle of friendships between the two countries.

“We will propel the momentum of people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the friendship between our two people,” Cai said.

China will continue to facilitate the sub-national cooperation, enhance exchanges with local provinces and cities, and expand the circle of friendships between our two countries.

“In our four years of relationship, PRC has done much for Solomon Islands and our people.

“I have been on two official visits to China in this short period already, and on these two occasions, I had fruitful face-to-face discussion with your President Xi Jinping,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said.

Sogavare emphasised that the benefits derived from these discussions will continue to positively impact the people of Solomon Islands in the future.

‘China will always be a trustworthy friend’

Written by

Jennifer Kusapa

-

December 21, 2023

0

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

-

December 21, 2023

0

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.