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MECDM to carry out monitoring of crocodiles

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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City Clerk for HCC Justus Denni.

BY INDY MAEALASIA  

A team from the Ministry of Environment Climate Change & Disaster Management & Meteorology will be carrying out monitoring of crocodiles for all water-based sports for the Pacific Games in the coming weeks.

The Government Services Integration Committee (GSIC) Project Manager, Cameron Ngatulu stated this during the Iumi Tugeda fo Sol2023 Talk Back Show on Sunday.

Mr Ngatulu said this is to ensure the safety of all athletes participating in the various water sports.

He also said the team will be working closely with the communities living close to the Sport Facilities hosting water sports.

“They will collect information, do awareness but also monitor the crocodiles” he said

Honiara City Council Clerk, Justus Denni called on all the communities especially those around the Alligator-Lungga area and even communities from the western side of Honiara to corporate with the team.

“If the team comes around to do awareness, please help them with information” Clerk Denni added.

UXO CLEANUP  

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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EOD Operator remove the UXOs.

U.S. State department grants $8.3 Million to HALO trust for UXO removal program

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

THE humanitarian organization, HALO Trust, has recommenced surveying and mapping Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) deposits in the Solomon Islands, marking a significant step towards addressing a longstanding and dangerous issue in the region.

This initiative, which began in April and May of this year, is funded by an $8.3 million grant from the U.S. State Department.

This move follows the termination of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)’s contract in the wake of a tragic incident in September 2020, during which two NPA officers lost their lives while attempting to disarm a UXO at their residence in Tasahe, West Honiara.

Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke, confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed last month, officially launching the program.

“HALO Trust has taken over from NPA and is now collaborating with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to address the UXO issue.

“Survey and mapping efforts have already covered several priority areas, including Honiara (including parts of Bloody Ridge), Tulagi, Tenaru, Barana village, and are currently underway in the Bokona region,” he said.

Minister Veke said the data collected during these surveys will prove invaluable in helping RSIPF EOD prioritize their operations effectively.

Furthermore, Minister Veke emphasized that not only will this benefit RSIPF EOD, but it also opens the door to engagement with other donor partners for Render Safe operations in these priority areas.

In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Defense has offered its assistance in the UXO campaign.

Cabinet approval has already been granted for this partnership, which will include technical survey programs and capacity-building training.

A Diplomatic Note has been sent to the U.S. Department of Defense, and a response is expected soon.

Minister Veke stated that formalities and agreements for this collaboration are in progress.

He emphasized the importance of working within an established framework or Memorandum of Understanding.

The UXO issue in the Solomon Islands traces back to World War II battles in 1942, leaving behind a dangerous legacy.

Many people have suffered injuries or lost their lives due to these remnants.

The government’s commitment, along with support from international organizations and donor partners, aims to make the region safer and promote development.

EOD Officers attain expert certification to tackle Unexploded Ordnance

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands has seen a group of its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officers achieve high-level certifications to address the persistent issue of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in the region.

Fourteen EOD officers within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have recently attained EOD Level 11 certification, while an additional fifteen officers secured Level III certification.

These certifications represent a notable step forward in their expertise and preparedness to handle explosive ordnance effectively.

This achievement owes a great deal to the American non-profit organization, the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (GWHF).

The GWHF specializes in developing innovative technologies and strategies to address the technical challenges associated with humanitarian mine clearance.

They provided essential training to the EOD officers, enabling them to obtain these valuable certifications.

The acknowledgment of this accomplishment came from Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke, during a session in Parliament on Monday.

Minister Veke expressed pride in the skills and training of the EOD officers, describing them as some of the best-trained experts in the region when it comes to dealing with UXOs.

In a promising turn of events, the U.S Department of Defense has offered its support to further enhance the capabilities and capacity of the EOD teams for UXO removal in the Solomon Islands.

While the exact extent of financial support from the U.S State Department is yet to be determined, Minister Veke anticipates positive discussions on this front.

Furthermore, private entities established by former EOD officers in the Solomon Islands are actively involved in UXO surveying and removal operations.

These organizations operate with the necessary licenses and have the authority to charge fees for their services, contributing to the comprehensive efforts to address the UXO issue.

The Solomon Islands continue to grapple with the consequences of World War II battles that took place in 1942, resulting in a dangerous legacy of UXOs that pose a persistent threat to the safety of the local population.

The recent advancements in training and potential support from the U.S Department of Defense mark significant steps toward addressing this long-standing concern and ensuring the safety of the people in the Solomon Islands.

Man Calls for Out-of-Constituency Voting in Upcoming National General Election

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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BY EDDIE OSIFELO

BENEDICT Teahui, hailing from the Shortland Islands, has urged the Electoral Commission to consider allowing out-of-constituency voting during the forthcoming National General Election scheduled for next year.

Teahui’s plea comes on the heels of the voter registration period, which took place from September 4th to 9th, 2023.

Teahui emphasized the need for voters residing in distant regions, such as Shortland Islands and Temotu, to have the option to cast their votes in the capital city, Honiara.

He proposed that while it’s reasonable for citizens to travel to their respective constituencies for registration purposes, a more pragmatic approach would be to set up ballot boxes in Honiara for voting.

Reflecting on the previous election, Teahui noted that although voters had registered in Honiara, they were then required to journey back to their constituencies to participate in the voting process.

This logistical challenge, he argued, could be alleviated by facilitating voting within the city.

However, a representative from the Electoral Commission expressed reservations about the feasibility of implementing out-of-constituency voting in the upcoming election.

The official cited resource limitations and a constrained timeframe as potential obstacles.

Nonetheless, the spokesperson acknowledged that the idea of out-of-constituency voting aligns with the ongoing electoral reforms undertaken by the Commission.

The aim of these reforms is to enhance voter convenience and uphold fundamental principles of democratic voting. The decision regarding out-of-constituency voting will likely involve a meticulous assessment of logistical considerations, available resources, legal ramifications, and the potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process. Striking a balance between these factors will be crucial for the Electoral Commission in determining whether to adopt out-of-constituency voting for the upcoming National General Election.

MP Seleso Takes Action to Provide Relief Rice Supply to Rain-Affected Constituents in South Guadalcanal

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal and Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for South Guadalcanal, Rollen Seleso, has taken a proactive approach to assist his constituents who have been grappling with the aftermath of nearly five months of continuous rainfall, resulting in landslides and flooding.

In response to the delayed National Government response to this humanitarian disaster, Seleso has personally procured 4,000 bags of rice to distribute to the affected villages within his constituency.

The relief efforts commenced last Thursday with the arrival of the Constituency’s vessel, ‘MV Southern Coast,’ which transported an initial batch of rice supplies to various villages:

Komate village received 765 bags of rice.

Horobau was allocated 130 bags of rice.

Kolina benefitted from 390 bags of rice.

Viso received 179 bags of rice.

Additional rice deliveries are scheduled to reach Peochakuri, Kolehula, and Haliatu over the weekend.

The comprehensive delivery of rice supplies from Maleheti to Malahisu in Talishe ward is expected to conclude by the upcoming Wednesday.

Seleso explained his decision to intervene was driven by the extended bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining assistance from the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO).

Typically, this entails an assessment conducted by a team organized by Guadalcanal Province, followed by the submission of a report to NDMO, which then engages with the government to secure funding from donors for relief support.

However, Seleso noted that this process had previously resulted in delays, leaving his constituents in need.

Seleso stressed the importance of facilitating NDMO’s assessment process and underscored the necessity of having an official report in place to coordinate assistance efforts.

He acknowledged that, following the cessation of heavy rains, his constituents would face approximately three months of food shortages due to the adverse effects of the rain and climate change on their agricultural endeavors.

Consequently, he welcomed support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) while emphasizing the requirement for a comprehensive report to streamline relief efforts effectively.

Election candidate faces court

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY ROMINAH FAKA

An election candidate is facing court for allegedly failing to acquit his campaign spending.

Philip Silas Ika Junior appeared in court yesterday before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly for his plea.

However, the defendant could not take his plea because Prosecution did an amendment to the charge inside court.

Thus, court advised Mr Ika Jr to seek advice from his lawyer before entering a plea.

The magistrate was disappointed with prosecution for not preparing before coming to court.

She also told prosecution and defence that it is important to check their file and work before coming to court, so that such incidents will not occur in the future.

Court adjourned the matter for today for the defendant to take his plea.

Bail was extended for defendant.

It was alleged Ika Junior registered as a candidate of the East Kwaio Constituency in 2019 National General Election.

July 19-20, 2019 Silas allegedly failed to submit to the Chief Electoral Officer of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, a statement of account in an approved form, specifying the expenses incurred during his campaign for the National General Election and the source of all funds used to meet those expenses.

Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and PSO appears for the defence.

Court to decide on constitutional amendment act next week

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer is set to make a critical decision concerning the strikeout application related to the Constitutional amendment addressing the extension of the parliament.

The case came back in court yesterday and the defendants presented their submissions under Rule 9.75 of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2007, seeking to have the case dismissed. They argue that the issues raised by the Leader of Independent are frivolous, vexatious, lack reasonable cause of action, and amount to an abuse of the court’s processes.

The defendants put forward that Parliament has adhered to the provisions stipulated in s. 61 (3) of the Constitution and the standing orders of Parliament Orders 47 and 48. They highlight that a substantial two-thirds majority of all members has supported the bill, which has successfully gone through second readings. Consequently, the defendants assert that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to delve into parliamentary proceedings.

Meanwhile, Billy Titiulu, the legal representative for the Leader of Independent, Dean Kuku, countered the defendants’ claims. Titiulu argued that the proceedings and inquiries initiated are not vexatious and, in fact, present a reasonable cause of action. He urged the court to proceed in a normal manner being with section 61 of the constitution

Titiulu emphasised that section 61 of the constitution outlines the specific procedure that parliament must adhere to. He highlighted that the Constitution Amendment Bill 2022, introduced in parliament on December 8, 2022, falls within under those types of laws that governed in procedure by section 61(3) of the constitution.

With several relevant issues raised in his submissions, Titiulu urged the court to reject the defendants’ application.

The challenge was brought by Independent Leader Dean Kuku, who raised several questions about the constitutionality of the process and sought answers from the court, relating to whether the constitutional process was breached by parliament in the passage of the constitution to delay elections by seven months.

Dean Kuku, through his lawyer Billy Tititulu, named the Speaker of Parliament Patteson Oti, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, and His Excellency the Governor General as the defendants in the case.

Aqorau vows to uphold high governance standards, reporting channels during his tenure at SINU

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor says his mission as the third Vice Chancellor is to see that a robust foundation of good governance and proper reporting channels are rooted at SINU during his tenure.

Professor Transform Aqorau reiterated this in a statement this week stating that his aims are to boost the core values of the institution and to encourage donors to invest, especially in the optimization of information management systems and processes.

“We are determined to shield our systems from any potential manipulation and corrosion.

Professor Aqorau whilst emphasizing the importance of due diligence in every university procedure also appealed to the members of SINU community and the public to report any improprieties through the right and proper channels.

Aqorau said a thorough and proper investigation is only possible when allegations are backed by evidentiary support and submitted in writing to the University Management.

With the evolving digital landscape, Aqorau highlighted a personal Facebook post does not serve as an official report.

“Basing investigations on social media posts can set a precarious precedent. It’s essential to distinguish between a post and a formal complaint.

“Should you be aware of any discrepancies, I implore you to make a formal written complaint. This ensures that the matter is given the appropriate attention and due diligence.” Aqorau said.

On that note, SINU also reminds everyone of potential legal consequences for allegations posted on personal social media, which might be considered defamatory.

The University is committed to maintaining its integrity and reputation and urges the community to work collectively in this endeavor.

Peace Ark medical service in SI record breaking

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Ark Peace Chinese Hospital Ship

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PEACE Ark Chinese navy hospital ship medical services recently provided in Solomon Islands was a record breaker for the ship’s history.

That is according to an official statement released by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Solomon Islands.

“The Ship’s medical service in Solomon Islands was another record breaking in its service history. Within seven days, a total number of 10, 310 people in Solomon Islands had received medical treatment from the floating hospital,” the PRC’s official statement said.

The statement stressed that in terms of surgical operations 31 surgical operations were administered on-board the ship and 13 field medical teams were dispatched to communities.

Ambassador to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Solomon Islands Ming Li upon the arrival of the Chinese hospital ship on the 19th of August said, for this visit they have brought first-class expert teams.

“The 126 medical personnel who are to attend to the local patients are not only established and experienced clinical experts, but also professors from China’s Naval Medical University. Some of our clinical departments are top-ranking in China, such as traditional Chinese medicine, gynecology and obstetrics and endocrinology.

“The visit of Ark Peace is an epitome of the friendship between China and Solomon islands. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the bilateral relation has made strides forward, standing at the forefront of China’s relations with pacific island countries and has been upgraded to comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era,” Li said.

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga on the same event echoed that whilst embracing the arrival of the service and services it provides, he is thankful for leaders, government officials and ordinary citizens for the equal opportunity to do medical check-ups and surgery on board.

“We acknowledge the shared commitment of our nations to upholding peace, stability, and mutual understanding. The ship is a testament to the power of international partnerships in addressing humanitarian crises, promoting public health, and fostering cultural exchange,” Maelanga said.

300 NURSES WANTED

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Director acting for External Trade under Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Barret Saloto .

High demand to fill aged-care jobs in Australia

BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

Government is calling for nurses to fill up around 300 jobs available in aged-care services in Australia.
This opportunity is also open to the 158 nurses who were commissioned last week.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) says the 300 nurses will join the labour mobility scheme under this particular service.
Commissioner for Trade MFAET Barret Saloto said:
“We are looking at recruiting 300 nurses to deliver age-care services.
“We already have selected 75 nurses and now we are looking to including another 25.
“But on our list we want 300 onboard,” Saloto said.
He said with the newly graduated 158 nurses not all of them will secure jobs here in the country and so the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) “has the data on who are currently on the job and those who graduated from their training and not in the formal job”.
“Thus, they [MHMS] gave us the list of 300 nurses that are available to join the labour mobility scheme and so they will go through the same process like everyone else went through for instance these selected Nurses must go through this training.
“We will ensure that health are health workers and the services that they deliver to our people in the country is maintained and so we have been working (MFAET) closely with MHMS to ensure proper recruitment process happened.
“The concern for our health workers would be having no nurses left behind to provide health services back in the country.
“But I don’t think it will become a big issue because it will be addressed by the responsible authorities,” he said.

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