BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecution, Andrew Kelesi, delivered a compelling message during the Prosecutors Conference, shedding light on a pressing concern: the Solomon Islands’ lack of legislation to combat the escalating threat of cybercrimes in today’s digital era.

Kelesi highlighted the impact of the absence of legislation, emphasizing its detrimental effect on the effective prosecution of cybercriminals. In the ever-evolving landscape of socio-economic development, cybercrime has emerged as a pervasive challenge, infiltrating both personal and business spheres.

DPP stressed the need for specific cybercrime legislation, aligning it with international standards such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, and also the importance of collaboration with international partners and strengthening bilateral agreements to establish a robust legal framework.

As the Solomon Islands expands its access to broadband and satellite internet, the nation becomes increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to a spectrum of cyber threats. Kelesi emphasized the parallel need to bolster human resources capacity, enhancing knowledge to protect the population from cyber threats.

Kelesi acknowledged a widespread lack of understanding among the public regarding cybercrimes.

“We must invest in educational initiatives and awareness campaigns. Knowledge is power, and an informed populace is the first line of defence against cybercrime

“We must identify and implement best practices in investigating cybercrime offences, establish mechanisms for international cooperation, and streamline the process of accessing information from social media providers. Clear guidelines for the prosecution of cybercrime offences and a dedicated cybercrime prosecution policy are crucial to ensuring consistency and fairness in legal proceedings. In the next two days, we will hear from International experts with a collective wealth of knowledge, experience, and determination who will talk about their experiences and challenges they faced in dealing with cybercrime”, DPP said.

He also would also welcome to the International expert presenters, whose knowledge and expertise are the guiding lights that their participations in the next two days will enriches our conference, promising enlightening discussions and invaluable insights that will shape our understanding of the intricate landscape of cybercrime.

Therefore, he called on the Prosecutors participated in the two days conference not there as mere spectators but eager learners actively seeking solutions to bridge knowledge and legislative gaps related to cybercrime in the Solomon Islands.

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

IN a concerted effort to revitalize its economy, the Solomon Islands government has unveiled a comprehensive set of short-to-medium-term strategies.

These measures, designed to stimulate economic growth and enhance the country’s resilience, span multiple sectors and initiatives.

One of the key strategies involves the promotion of trade in cash crops, such as copra and cocoa, as well as timber. The government plans to facilitate this trade by subsidizing domestic shipping services, which will, in turn, invigorate the agricultural and forestry sectors.

To support essential State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) and large private sector firms crucial for employment and value addition, the government is prepared to provide capital injections where needed.

The government has laid out a multifaceted approach to support the domestic agriculture and fishery sectors.

This includes leveraging new diplomatic relationships to expand international market access for local exporters, seeking accreditation to ISO standards to enhance competitiveness, promoting investments in biosecurity technologies, and facilitating access to finance through the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) and CBSI Lending Guarantee and Export facilities.

Additionally, there will be investments in the rehabilitation of coconut and cocoa plantations and encouragement of investments in the fishery sector, with a focus on seaweed, bechdemer farming, and other viable aquaculture products.

The overarching policy objective of the government is to encourage private sector investment in value-added products, both for domestic consumption and export. This approach will center on key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

The Inland Revenue Division (IRD) faces the challenge of balancing revenue collection with supporting businesses and households during civil unrest and the pandemic.

Finance and Treasury Minister Harry Kuma stressed in Parliament recently the need for flexible tax measures to assist businesses while ensuring that revenue targets are met.

“Recognizing various constraints to development and growth, the government is embarking on structural and institutional reforms, including tax reforms.

“This will address issues like a lack of access to financial services, limited competition in key areas, skill shortages, land access problems, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutions, governance challenges, and a shortage of employment opportunities,” he said.

Collaboration and coordination among ministries are actively encouraged to facilitate the planning and implementation of the 2024 budget. This includes fostering working relationships to address crosscutting needs and cost-sharing arrangements to expedite key government priorities.

The government recognizes the importance of infrastructure in facilitating international trade. It hopes that the successful completion of the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP) will not only enhance telecommunications services but also boost international trade. Furthermore, the government plans to improve and expand international port infrastructure services to foster growth and development.

Presently, the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA) monopolizes international port services in Honiara and Noro. To encourage growth, the government is planning to liberalize the provision of international port services, opening the door to increased international trade.

Kuma said with 45 years of political independence since 1978, the Solomon Islands aims to learn from past development experiences and chart a new path based on its unique strengths and lessons from successful developing countries in Asia and Africa.

These measures underscore the government’s commitment to fortifying the nation’s economy, promoting development, and achieving sustainable growth, even in the face of challenges and constraints.

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

RODERICK Holness Rollands, a dedicated advocate for climate change in the Solomon Islands, is calling on countries in the global North to take decisive action against climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Rollands made this impassioned plea during his presentation at the 19th Regional Meeting (Pacific Region) of the Asia Caribbean Pacific-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly in the Solomon Islands Parliament yesterday.

Under the theme ‘Small Island Developing States in the Pacific – Perspectives on Climate Change,’ Rollands conveyed the urgent and existential threat that climate change poses to the Pacific Islands.

These nations are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing immense challenges, including severe tropical cyclones, flash floods, drought, loss of critical infrastructure, climate-induced displacement, resettlements, and loss of lives.

He described the rising sea levels as “silent invaders,” engulfing ancestral lands and homes, tearing apart communities that have thrived for generations.

Rollands also highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, the bleaching and lifelessness of the vibrant oceans, and the heart-wrenching goodbyes as families are forced to leave their homes, no longer habitable.

Rollands acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Pacific Island nations, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in calling for greater action, ambition, and accountability in climate change forums and negotiations.

He commended the countries that stand in solidarity with the Pacific Islands, especially those also on the frontlines of climate impacts.

Despite their efforts in adaptation and mitigation measures, Rollands emphasized the challenges faced by the Pacific Island nations.

These challenges include geographical isolation of vulnerable communities, lack of climate finance, limited resources, and insufficient accurate data and tools to support vulnerable communities in responding to climate impacts.

On the issue of loss and damage, Rollands expressed appreciation for the Pacific leaders’ efforts to push for mechanisms like the loss and damage financial facility, which was endorsed during the 26th Conference of the Parties. However, he raised concerns about the financing of such mechanisms.

He pointed out that climate finance for the Pacific Islands remains inadequate, with only a tiny fraction of global funds reaching the region.

“Accessing climate finance, such as the Green Climate Fund, is complex and challenging, particularly for community-based organizations, NGOs, and stakeholders working in the climate space.

“This hinders efforts to advance adaptation, mitigation, and resilience in vulnerable communities,” he said.

Rollands also acknowledged the initiative led by the Vanuatu government, which seeks an authoritative and coherent statement on the obligation of states to respond effectively to climate change and to place human rights at the center of climate discussions.

He highlighted the importance of integrity and accountability in the climate change dialogue.

Rollands represented the Solomon Islands Climate Action Network in partnership with regional civil societies and NGOs.

He called upon the leaders at the assembly to recognize the urgency of the situation and emphasized the need for united action as they prepare for COP 28.

The 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, will be held from November 30 until December 12, 2023, at the Expo City, Dubai.

He stressed that addressing climate change requires collective efforts from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals and urged immediate action, as time is running out.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The Central Bank has urged public to take care of bank notes (cash) to ensure they last and to avoid the cost of printing new ones.

Governor of Central Bank (CBSI), Dr Luke Forau, emphasised the importance of handling bank notes with extra care to ensure their longevity and to save on the costs associated with frequent replenishment.

Forau said statistics have revealed that banknotes often do not last as long as their expected durability due to poor handling practices.

“Do not squeeze the bank notes,” Forau said.

He said that the Central Bank has observed a need to replenish their stock as the bank receives and destroyed notes just over three months.

This frequent replenishment not only incurs substantial expenses for the Central Bank but also contributes to the depreciation of the country’s foreign reserves, Forau said.

Forau urged the public to be mindful of the impact of their actions on the lifespan of currency notes. Printing new currency is a costly process, and the continuous need for replacement notes strains the financial resources of the Central Bank.

He asked the public to use wallets as a means to protect and preserve banknotes. By using wallets, individuals can contribute to maintaining the durability and cleanliness of the currency. Additionally, he cautioned against squeezing or mishandling the notes, as such actions can significantly shorten the lifespan of the currency.

He strongly called on the public to handle currency with extra care, recognising that responsible handling practices not only contribute to the longevity of banknotes but also play a crucial role in saving costs for the Central Bank and preserving the country’s foreign reserves.