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Corruption through a local lens

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Islanders are vulnerable to corruption practices due to poor living standard and lack of financial security.

This is according to interviews with Gizo residence in the Western Province of Solomon Islands.

Independent research carried out in February – March this year found that financial insecurity and poor living standard are two elements that encourage corruption to thrive in Solomon Islands.

A summary of the finding from the interviews describes reason why corruption is ingrained in all of the society in Solomon Islands.

Out of 20 people interviewed, 18 responded that people accept bribery for many reasons – the most common reason was poor financial security.

To get a clear understanding, let’s look at Solomon Islands as a country and the struggle people faced on a daily basis.   

Firstly, and for most, Solomon Islands is a country where access to employment is very difficult and people find themselves in very low paid jobs with no savings.

Money, they get from their salaries are not enough to meet basic needs such as water and electricity bills, school fees as well as family basic needs like clothes and healthy foods.

According to the latest data provided by Trading Economics, Solomon Islands standing on unemployment is at 1.8 percent.

Solomon Islands youth unemployment rate for 2021 was 1.93%, a 0.25% increase from 2020.

Secondly, poor standard of living is another factor that contributes to corruption practices. According to the interviewees, almost half of Solomon Islanders are living below or on the poverty line and this lures them to fall into corruption practices when there is opportunity.

When asked which corruption practices are common in Solomon Islands, all 20 interviewees agreed that bribery, diversion of public funds, nepotism and conflict of interest are common corruption practices popular in Solomon Islands.

Interviewees have different views on who or which institutions are most corrupt practitioners in Solomon Islands.

Sixteen out of 20 interviewees point at national leaders and those holding top offices as the most corrupt people while four respondents believe that corruption has permeated throughout the society.

An Anglican Priest who was among those interviewed, Rev Barclay Voze describes corruption as a virus that has invaded the lives of Solomon Islanders.

He says corruption thrives because people have disregarded their morals and values particularly their Christian upbringing which prohibits corruption.

“We call ourselves a Christian country but our action failed to reflect this notion. We have been pulled by demonic forces and I believe this is the reason why corruption is difficult to eradicate in our country.

“If we have the moral responsibility to serve our country and serve the God who we believe, there will be no corruption in country,” Voze commented.

Another interviewee, Leilani Makini shared similar sentiment saying that corruption manipulates the desires of people from money, wealth and power.

She blames leaders for turning a blind eye on corruption practices.

“There is high rate of unemployment, high number of school drop outs with limited work opportunities for those coming out from tertiary institutions.

“Our laws are also weak to fight corruption. Anti-corruption institutions in the country have limited provisions to carry out their duties, So, at the end of the day, corruption practitioner always get away without penalties.

“Corruption is a result of many factors, from poor financial security to poor living standard and it will continue to thrive unless leaders of this country address these issues,” Makini says.

Another interviewee, Ms Julie Misimake says power and money are the root cause of corruption in Solomon Islands.

She says most corruption practices always involve money in exchange for favor and power to the other party.

“Our country is shaped according to our culture and tradition where dominance is one of the elements of life in our society.

“To become dominance, those with higher class influenced the lower class through barter system in exchange of money or gift.

“This action comes tin the fore prior to national general election where intending candidates dish out huge amount of money to voter in echange for their votes,” Julie says.

The investigation also found there is confusion between corruption practices and culture and traditional moral obligations.

Not only that, lack of legislation to prosecute corruption practices also played a pivotal role to management breakdown.

According to a lawyer, government top officials especially Permanent Secretaries and Members of Parliament are immune to law as there is no legislation specify provisions to directly hold the officials accountable.

The lawyer also mentioned that very limited cases of corruption ended up in court but in most cases the accused always find leverage to walk free due to poor legislation.

Solomon Islands is ranked 77 and score 42 in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in 2022.

According to CPI perception researchers, Solomon Islands fell one point compared to 2021 – in other words, the perception of corruption practices worsened in 2022.

However, there are questions as to why Solomon Islands lost one point and spiraling downward at the CPI index record.

Interview respondents agreed that corruption exists in both public and private sector.

What is corruption in a Solomon Islands Context

There is no clear definition of what is corruption in Solomon Islands. This is because Solomon Islands has deep respect for its culture and tradition where practice of giving is described as goodwill and not corruption.

In the eyes of Solomon Islands culture and tradition, the act of giving or conflict of interest are not criminal offense.

Anti-corruption Institutions

Anti-corruption institutions in Solomon Islands are mere agent of the state – they exist under the law but lack power to carry out their duties.

These anti-corruption institutions Ombudsman Office, Office of the Auditor General, Attorney General Office Transparency Solomon Islands are like “dogs without teeth”.

It is obvious that the media so as other NGOs do exposes corruption practices however, these anti-corruption institutions including the local police fail to investigate those who are involved in corruption practices.

Worst still, reports compiled by these anti-corruption institutions means nothing as there is no law to deal with corruption practices.

In conclusion, corruption is not negotiable in a country like Solomon Islands where standard of living is very expensive and life expectancy is rated highest in the world.

– BY BEN BILUA, for anti-corruption story grant.

G-Province steps up preparation for 2nd appointed day

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE

Guadalcanal Province is stepping up preparation to host its 2nd appointed day on August 1, 2023 with the endorsement of a committee to lead the preparation work.

In a statement this week GP media says the hosting venue is yet to be confirmed, however, Chairman of the Committee has been identified.

He is Mr. Joseph Sua, the province’s new Deputy Secretary.

“Our 2nd Appointed Day Committee is in full swing with fundraising ideas and preparation stages.

“The venue is yet to be confirmed.

“The 2nd Appointed Day Committee is endorsed and approved by the GP Executive Government.

“Members are selected based on willingness to perform extra commitments, creative and innovative ideas, and services to the people of Guadalcanal.” GP media said in a statement.

Suidani’s lawyer to make application to recuse presiding judge

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani’s legal team is turning its eyes on the presiding judge on their case against the Solomon Star and veteran journalist Alfred Sasako.

Suidani’s lawyer, Ms Lily Ramo, is intending to make an application to recuse the current presiding judge on the Suidani v Sasako lawsuit.

Daniel Suidani sued Solomon Star and Alfred Sasako for publications that served as evidence of false, malicious, and defamatory publications against Suidani.

The case was mentioned in court and was adjourned to June 27 2023 for the hearing of the application.

According to Mr. Suidani, the numerous reports he saw in the Solomon Star’s publication weren’t due to errors or oversights on the part of the newspaper’s staff or veteran reporter Mr. Sasako; rather, they were an example of the newspaper’s and Mr. Sasako’s reckless behavior over a period of months in an effort to damage Mr. Suidani’s good name among his supporters in Malaita and the Solomon Islands as well the world.

Mr. Suidani says that Solomon Star and Mr. Sasako will be forced to produce evidence of the truth of what they reported in several print newspaper publications and on Solomon Star’s online website to the Court and for the public to see.

Intensive dialogue continues at 5th PIF-Japan meeting on Fukushima wastewater

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Photo: IAEA task force members during a site visit to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station to conduct a comprehensive review mission regarding the planned discharge of ALPS treated water. Image credit: TEPCO

Forum experts will meet with the IAEA in virtual mode in early June, to discuss the planned discharge of treated nuclear wastewater from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean.

The session with the International Atomic Energy Agency experts comes after Pacific Islands Forum and Japan scientific experts met for a fifth time on June 1, 2023 to further discuss a number of technical issues.

This meeting follows their fourth meeting held April 14, 2023, and in pursuit of a clearer understanding on the data and information, and thereby on matters related to the safety or otherwise to Pacific Island states of Japan’s proposed plans.

The fifth meeting was co-chaired by PIF Acting Secretary General, Dr Filimon Manoni, and Mr Shinichi Sato, Director of the International Nuclear Energy Cooperation Division of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Acting SG Manoni recalled and emphasised the assurance by Prime Minister Kishida that Japan will not discharge the ALPS treated nuclear wastewater until such time that that it is verifiably safe to do so and based on a relationship built of trust and in the spirit of friendship.

Intensive scientific dialogue will continue next week when PIF experts meet a second time with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts, following a first meeting on 20 April 2023.

Further, an Informal Working Group of Forum Members are looking at international legal issues related to the proposed plans.

These include identification of relevant international legal treaties and instruments, and assessment of related rules and mechanisms, noting the transboundary and intergenerational issues related to the ocean, environment, health, and human rights.

In a high-level face to face meeting between the Forum Chair, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at an initial meeting in Tokyo on February 7, 2023, concerns over urgent sharing of scientific information and progressing political dialogue were raised.

They agreed on further intensive dialogue at the scientific and political level, affirming the need for facilitated exchange of information and dialogue between Japan and PIF experts, and the importance of science and data to guide the political decision on the discharge.

At the Special Leaders Retreat on 24 February 2023, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders “recalled their strong concerns for the significance of the potential threat of nuclear contamination to the health and security of the Blue Pacific, its people and prospects, and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring international consultation, international law, and independent and verifiable scientific assessments as per the PALM9 Declaration”.

The PIF Panel of Independent Scientific Experts continue to support Forum Members with independent scientific assessments of data and information provided by Japan on its plans to discharge over a million tonnes of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next four decades.

As articulated at the First Rarotonga Treaty States Parties Meeting held 15 December 2020, Forum Members “urge[d] Japan to take all steps necessary to address any potential harm to the Pacific” and “to take all appropriate measures within their territory, jurisdiction or control to prevent significant transboundary harm to the territory of another state, as required under international law”.

–PIF PRESS

Arnon Atomea Scaling Up to ICT – Linking Education Opportunities to Northern Region Youths

    Written by
    Ofani Eremae
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    0

    The Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school in Malu’u, Malaita province, is now expanding into information and communication technology (ICT), giving young people in the northern region a chance to pursue their educational goals.

    For many years, when it comes to educational prospects, young people from Malu’u, Lau/Mbaelelea constituency, and even Baegu/Asifola constituency have long traveled to Honiara. It’s because Honiara serves as the hub for several training institutions, including USP and the Solomon Islands National University.

    Such a movement is linked to numerous difficulties facing young people and the guidance. For instance, knowing that the cost of living in Honiara is too high has become a hardship for them in terms of their living expenses and social welfare. 

    As a result, Arnon Atomea school is stepping up to address this issue by creating an ICT hub and inviting USP and the Solomon Islands National University to establish at the school so that young people in the northern region can have access to the same opportunities centralized in Honiara.

    As of right now, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Malaita Province and Solomon Islands National University, all support the school by providing WIFI, satellite discs, and three computer labs. With 10 students, the Arnon Atomea started the first-ever form seven arts this year, and form seven science will be the next soon. It is run by the University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands campus.

    Additionally, enrollment in the Distant Flexible Learning (DFL) program offered by the Solomon Islands National University at the Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school is growing. Now, young people in Malu’u and across northern region will share the same opportunities of education, trainings, and employment available in Honiara.

    The principal of Arnon Atomea school, Henry Bare, stated that the achievements and opportunities provided by the Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school in Malu’u are commendable and have the potential to have a significant impact on the educational prospects of young people in Malaita province’s northern region.

    He added, by expanding into information and communication technology (ICT) and establishing partnerships with institutions such as the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Solomon Islands National University, the school is bringing much-needed educational opportunities closer to home, addressing the challenges faced by young people who had to travel to Honiara for further education and training.

    “These achievements and opportunities are transformative for young people in Malu’u and the northern region. It offers a chance to pursue their educational goals without the burden of significant expenses and geographical barriers.”

    “This initiative has the potential to positively impact the lives of individuals, families, and the community as a whole, by creating a more accessible and inclusive educational environment.”

    Mr Bare further explained saying the goal behind bringing these opportunities to the remote level, is to address the educational limitations and difficulties faced by young people in the northern region, particularly in Malu’u and surrounding constituencies.

    According to Nason Nunufia, a youth club leader at Raubabate community in Malu’u, said Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school’s collaboration with these institutions is truly a milestone for not only the young people in Malu’u, but also for the northern region as a whole.

    He adds that such collaboration will provides the opportunity and change for young people to showcase their potential and abilities to pursue further academic as well as skill-set trainings, and it helps reduce parental costs, especially with relatives living in Auki and in Honiara,” he said.

    “I strongly believe as a youth, it will provide maximum benefit in terms of student research as well as access to other programs at USP, SINU and even other online programs available. Given this opportunity at our door step would be truly a blessing to our region,” Nason said.

    Arnon Atomea is a provincial secondary school under the Malaita Education Authority. The school was established by the late Arnon Atomea of Manakwai village, who was also the first Reverend of the South Sea Evangelical Church in the Solomon Islands.

    The school was established with a vision to ensure all school-age children are enrolled and given the education they need to live independently in a setting where learning takes place in a secure, welcoming, stimulating, and joyful environment.

    Furthermore, they envision that their communities taking an active role in the school’s development in physical, spiritual, and social, and through the upskilling of teachers and the Board of Management, the school acting as a catalyst for healthy community growth.

    Beyond The Lens

    Travel Blogger

    2 HOUR ORDEAL

    Written by
    Mavis Podokolo
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    Officers of fire services and rescue trying their best to get the two trapped person out of the lifter at Anthony Saru building.

    Two people trapped in Anthony Saru elevator, renewed calls for NPF to fix the damaged building

    BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

    Two people went through a harrowing experience, trapped in the Anthony Saru elevator for nearly two hours.

    The incident occurred at around midday, yesterday.

    Other tenants managed to provide water for the trapped persons, and firefighters later came and freed them.

    This follows the chronic power outages across the capital, Honiara, and failure of the National Provident Fund (NPF) to fix the Anthony Saru building, which was damaged by last year’s November 7.1 earthquake, while allowing tenants to continue using the building.

    Tenants had repeatedly made media calls for the NPF to fix the damages, with the Fund responding that it was in the process of doing so.

    Seven months later, this is the first reported incident of such.

    Tenants are reiterating their call for the NPF to address the problem.

    One of the trapped persons spoke to Island Sun on condition of anonymity, saying it was quite a traumatic experience.

    “Having trapped inside the lifter for 154 minutes is not a good feeling I’d say.

    “I felt a combination of fear and panic as well this is because when the power went off the lifter is too dark and you can’t see a thing, to make it worse there is no good air to inhale. Not a good experience,” the person said.

    The person adds by calling on NPF, which owns the building to find ways to address the matter or have in place an emergency plan for the Anthony Saru building.

    “I call on the responsible authority to please address this matter and also having an emergency plan for this building would be really good so when this same case happen in the future people can be rescued as quickly as possible rather than repeating this same case as today,” the person said.

    Island Sun Newspaper is seeking comments from SINPF.

    A senior personnel of SINPF had told the paper yesterday that the Fund is aware of the issue and will release an official statement on this matter soon.

    Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Acting for Solomon Power Martin Sam confirmed in a recent press conference that four of the nine generators of Solomon Power are currently out of service but his team are trying their best to ensure this issue is solved.

    Mr Sam said only five generators are currently up and running.

    Solomon Airlines to commence Brisbane/Santo flights June 5th

    Written by
    Ofani Eremae
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    0
    Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gus Kraus.

    BY NED GAGAHE

    National Carrier the Solomon Airlines is expected to commence operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June.

    This was confirmed by Solomon Airlines CEO Gus Kraus in a recent media conference.

    The move is expected to strengthen furth further partnership with Vanuatu airline to capture the upcoming South Pacific games in November this year.

    Mr. Kraus also spent an overnight trip to Vanuatu on Tuesday 9th – Wednesday 10th May 2023 to discuss further cooperation with his Vanuatu counterparts on areas of mutual interest.

    “We probably anticipate second airbus probably by July 2023 at the very latest August in time hopefully to capture some of the SP games business.

    “From the 5th of June 2023 we are operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June we will extend our Vila overnight to overnight in Auckland, that’s been advised but we just want to strengthen the ties up.

    In an earlier statement Mr Kraus said Vanuatu is a Pacific neighbour and Air Vanuatu a valued partner airline.

    “We are seeing renewed and more comprehensive partnerships with our neighbouring Pacific Islands and other national carriers in our region, and as such in good times and in difficult times we can maximise opportunities and provide support to each other,” said Mr Kraus.

    In January this year the CEOs of Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu met for two days of discussions to further their Melanesian ties and discuss greater cooperation between the national carriers.

    SDB2million for police vehicle

    Written by
    Eddie Osifelo
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    By EDDIE OSIFELO

    The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is expecting $2 million from the Government to purchase six vehicles for the Pacific Games.

    The RSIPF intends to acquire a total of 16 vehicles before the start of the Games, with plans to seek donor support for the remaining 10 vehicles.

    These vehicles are specifically designed for events like the Pacific Games.

    Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau informed the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament recently that the additional vehicles are necessary as approximately 200 Correctional officers will be collaborating with the RSIPF to ensure security for visitors during the Games.

    Responding to the proposal, Independent Leader John Dean Kuku said the influx of vehicles will contribute to the traffic congestion already experienced in the city.

    He made reference to the National Hosting Authority plans to purchase 400 vehicles responsible for transporting athletes and officials during the Games.

    Commissioner Mangau acknowledged the anticipated challenges regarding traffic and emphasized the need for collaboration to manage the Games effectively.

    He acknowledged that there is only one road available and stated that measures are being explored to address traffic issues during the opening and closing ceremonies.

    Commissioner Mangau added that the RSIPF will work closely with the National Hosting Authority and the Games Organising Committee to provide security at the Games venues and villages.

    While these plans are set to go, Member of Parliament for West Are Are, John Maneniaru, expressed concerns about the potential damage and attacks on the police vehicles due to the nature of their work.

    He emphasized the importance of maintaining the assets to reflect the RSIPF’s commitment to security. Karen Galokale, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of governing vehicle usage and stated that they are constantly reviewing and strengthening their internal systems and discipline.

    Bonfire festival ready to rock the weekend  

    Written by
    Mavis Podokolo
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    From left to right Jaro Local, Billy Beddoes and Ratu Naitini of VT1S and Jahboy who are all set and ready to rock and light up the weekend with greatest hit songs of all time across the Pacific at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara with some of the local artists in the country tomorrow evening. Photo Credit - Mavis Podokolo

    BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

    THE much-awaited bonfire festival scheduled for 27th May 2023 is all set and ready to rock at Crown Hotel in Honiara.

    The show will lighten up the weekend with greatest hit songs of all time across the Pacific.

    Speaking to a media conference yesterday Jarol Local said it is about time for Solomon Islands to host a bonfire festival to enable local artists in the country to market their songs to the Melanesian market where local musicians have struggled a lot on in terms of music.

    “And we looked forward for the next bonfire festival after pulling through this event. This is the first ever bonfire festival. Big thanks to our major sponsor,” Local said.

    Solomon Telekom’s Marketing Manager Sean Hiele said the bonfire festival is one event that they have planned and discussed last year.

    “We have discussed it with our artists on our we can bring this into reality and the good thing I found in partnering with event organisers of this bonfire event it makes the work flow very easy . Working with this type of people will enable you to achieve success in the market especially in the music segment.

    “I thanked VT1S to come and boost this festival, it’s going to be hot and it’s going to be fan and exciting,” Hiele said.

    Pacific Crown Hotel representative on behalf of the Pacific Crown Hotel said his team have started the entertainment this year on a top note.

    “We are having few big events in the hotel and have hosted few international artists as well as local artist.

    “With this bonfire festival it will take it to another level. We have been trying to make the best entertainment for everyone here in Honiara .It is amazing to have the VT1S team here with us in Solomons not only for the PCH, not only for Our Telekom and not only for bonfire but it is for the country in terms of entertainment.

    “We are proud to have these guys. Come and enjoy Solomon Islands best music and Pacific’s best music. We PCH proud to be the official host,” Waimora said.

    Billy Beddoes of VT1S said they are privileged to be here especially in Solomon’s saying “it’s a big opportunity”.

    “Thank you Jarol Local and your brother in the music industry and the sponsors for having us to performing in the Bonfire festival. We hope to see everybody there, it’s gonna be fire,fire ,fire. The next bonfire is also coming up after this,” Beddoes said.

    Ratu Naitini of VT1S further adds Solomon Islands is beautiful and VT1S is happy to be part of the bonfire festival.

    “It’s a dream come true for us to come and sing along with our Melanesian brothers and sisters. Being able to share Fijian and Melanesian music.

    “It is about time the Melanesians come together and share the love of music and it is great to see and meet with some big names in the music industry that we often listen to back at home. Now we will be singing together. Thank you to our sponsors as well,” Naitini said.

    Fans flooded Anslom show

    Written by
    Eddie Osifelo
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    0
    Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea. Photo supplied.

    By EDDIE OSIFELO

    DESPITE the rain, over a thousand Anslom fans showed up to watch his show last week.

    Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea, performed at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara, Solomon Islands last Friday.

    The event was organized on short notice, but turned up successful with the support of Sol Brew and the cooperation of everyone involved.

    Alex Waimora, a marketing staff member of the Pacific Crown Hotel, expressed his gratitude for the teamwork.

    He salutes Anslom saying that he (Anslom) is an outstanding artist and with a humble character.

    Anslom himself expressed his love for the Solomon Islands and the warm reception he received during his short stint in Honiara.

    Anslom’s music draws inspiration from renowned reggae artists such as Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, and Inner Circle.

    His songs touch on various social issues including motherly love, reforestation, politics, and health.

    Anslom believes that his music can raise awareness and bring about positive change in Melanesian and Pacific communities.

    Anslom has achieved notable recognition for his music.

    He was named Artist of the Year on Galaxy 107 FM in New Zealand and received seven nominations for the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards.

    He is currently preparing for his US tour in August, with performances scheduled in Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Utah, Los Angeles, and Hawaii.

    In October, he will be attending the Saxophone festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, and will then travel to Fiji to headline a reggae festival.

    In November, he will embark on another US tour, this time focusing on the red rock venues.

    Anslom, originally born Ronald Nakikus in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, was raised by a single mother.

    Growing up in Rabaul, he was influenced by his uncles who played in the well-known local band, Barike Band.

    He joined the band in 1993 and balanced his music career with his studies.

    Anslom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Papua New Guinea, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Language and Literature from the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

    The Pacific Crown Hotel expressed its gratitude to its director, Michael Leong, for believing in hosting Anslom at the hotel.

    They also thanked the hotel staff, the stage crew, the video team of Niu Online, the lighting and sound system teams, and Stoney B.

    Special mention was given to the amazing stage band, including the talented Rore daughters.

    The hotel is now preparing for the BON FIRE FESTIVAL on May 27th.

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