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Bellona welcomes return of double flights weekly

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY NED GAGAHE

People on Bellona have welcomed Solomon Airlines resuming its weekly double flights to the island.

With no ship servicing the Rennell & Bellona province for three months, people on the two-island province are heavily dependent on SolAir’s weekly service.

Bellona, with fewer retail canteens, is reportedly faring worse than its bigger neighbour, Rennell.

For Bellona, the usual flight schedule includes two flights per week, Mondays and Thursdays.

However, when Monday flights were temporarily cancelled starting October 3, within just two weeks, people on Bellona were feeling the brunt of having just a single flight per week.

People took to social media to voice their plea, many mentioning that the SolAir flights was the only means of transport to bring food and other necessities to Bellona from Honiara.

“Life is made harder by cancellation of Monday flights,” one says on facebook.

After two weeks, the weekly double flights resumed yesterday, with the usual Monday schedule to return next week, October 24.

Speaking to Island Sun from Bellona yesterday, teacher Mr Daley Tingiia says, “People on Bellona are relieved that the Monday flights have returned.

“The last two weeks have been quite unsettling and hard because we did not know why the Monday service stopped, and the rate of incoming food supply from Honiara could not keep up with the demand here.

“Luckily, an extra flight carrying cargoes came unexpectedly on Wednesday last week.

“Another thing, betel nut chewers and smokers were observed to be hit hard as well.”

Explaining the two-week gap to Island Sun, Solomon Airlines said:

“Solomon Airlines is resuming services this coming week to Bellona however there has been a slight schedule adjustment to accommodate the Dash-8 returning on Monday.

“So, for the coming week, there will be 2 x Bellona services, operating on Tuesday and Thursday. Then the Monday and Thursday regular services will resume again from the following week from October 24.

“The reduction in service is only temporary from October 3-13 as we welcome back the Dash-8 into service.

“Once our Dash-8 returns to service, effective from Monday, October 17, the route will return to two services a week operating between Honiara and Bellona, as follows:

“Mondays IE320 departs Honiara 0700 arrives Bellona 0755, departs Bellona 0810 and arrives Rennell 0830, IE321 then departs Rennell 0845 arriving in Honiara 0945

“Thursdays IE322 departs Honiara 0700 arriving in Rennell 0800, then IE323 departs Rennell 0815 arriving in Bellona 0835, departing Bellona 0850 and arriving back in Honiara 0945

“During the period of October 3-13, we have added Bellona to our Rennell service on Wednesday, October 12, in addition to our usual Thursday service, until the Monday service returns on October 17, we appreciate that seats are limited during this time, however it is only temporary whilst we go through the process of reinduction of the Dash-8 into service.”

American couple heading home after 29 years here.

Written by
Admin
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American couple, Don and Joyce Boykin are leaving the Solomon Islands after 29 years.

AN American couple who have lived and worked here over the last 29 years are heading back soon to their country.

Joyce and Don Boykin first came to the Solomon Islands in 1993. 

Don was an architect and Joyce a teacher. 

“We have continued in those careers throughout the three decades we have lived in Honiara, plus doing many more activities,” Joyce said yesterday.  

The Boykins are from the Baha’i Faith and came here to serve in that community. 

“We are leaving because of the pull of family and the desire to know our grandchildren,” Joyce added.

Joyce taught at KGVI, Woodford and USP. 

She worked for the Ministry of Education and then decided to create her own NGO focusing on literacy. 

With READ SI (Resources for Education to Advance Development in the Solomon

Islands) she taught youth to set up literacy schools in villages and

provided books for a small library. 

After two years, 274 villages across the country had people teaching basic literacy and reading books up to third grade level. 

For the past two years, she has been working with ECEs and training teachers how to teach spoken English. 

This is important, she says, before children learn phonics and to read they must be able to speak basic English.

Don designed over 80 buildings, residence and commercial. 

He designed Hyundai Mall and the Paul Tovua Center by the parliament building. 

After the coup and evacuation, Don taught science, technology and sports at Woodford International School and later at SINU. 

Don has always been involved with sports. 

Coaching first basketball teams and then children’s tennis.

Both Joyce and Don are also writers and contributors to this newspaper on many occasions. 

Joyce has also written 35 informational books for her NGO and Don has written a novel and book of poetry. 

Leaving after 29 years means selling everything and giving away other things. 

From 17 – 21 October Joyce is selling books for children through adults from $2 – $5.

She is offering teaching materials for $2 each. 

“These funds will go back to READ SI for the new co-directors to carry on the projects,” Joyce said. 

So, come to the Public Library and the building next to it. 

Starting Monday from 10 – 5:00 the book sale will go on. 

The following week, Don will be selling and giving away many different types of materials for learning and teaching.

“We wanted to leave this beautiful island we’ve called home for 29 years with just two suitcases plus a heart and mind full of memories and loving feelings,” Joyce said.

High Court orders Police to leave Hells Point

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Hells point

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) property at the Hell’s Point, Alligator creek east of Honiara is given until 14th November 2022 to vacate the land.

The Sheriff office of the High Court posted the notice at Hell’s Point last Thursday after the Government had only paid $20 million of the presumed $55.9 million ordered by High Court Deputy Chief Justice, Rex Foukona.

Island Sun has cited the eviction notice posted at the site.

Foukona delivered his judgement on 16th August 2022, ordering the Government to pay Levers Solomon Limited $11.5 million interest.

He also ordered the Government to pay $32.4 million, the balance after tax levy of $17.6 million from the amount $50 million, payable by 13th September 2022, 4.30pm.

It is also revealed that the Government must also pay a rent of $12 million to LSL according to people on the know-how.

However, after negotiations between LSL and the Solomon Islands Government after the court order, SIG have made a proposal, which Island Sun understands is yet to be accepted by LSL.

Logically why would LSL accept, when the court has already made orders in its favour.

This has resulted in Government paying a part payment of $20 million to LSL.

However, it was alleged the government still has an outstanding of $35.9 million to pay LSL by next month.

Failure to do so will result in the eviction of the RSIPF manning the Hell’s Point area.

The RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team is looking after the Hell’s Point because of a number of UXOs from the World War two is kept there.

The site was also used by the RSIPF EOD team to dispose the old WW2 bombs collected around the country.

PlasticWise Gizo makes scary discovery

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Madam Rendy and her team distribute the waste they collect

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Solid waste Audit carried out by PlasticWise Gizo at Naru Island outside Gizo found that single used plastics have polluted the island.

A total of 130 different types of solid wastes weighted 40,000 grams were collected within an area of 100 meters by 20 meters.

The team briefed with the survey guideline before the clean up

Solid wastes were collected, distributed to different categories based on Intelligence Liter Challenge Category guide then entered into specific scientific materials content of the wastes.

“Out of the collection we did today, the highest item recorded was single used plastics, second on the list is foam, different types of foams from eskies, floaters, cup noodles and disposal cups followed by aluminum canes and tins,” President of PlasticWise Gizo, Rendy Solomon said.

She said solid wastes collected during the survey includes plastic bottles, foams, glass bottles, peak bottles, single use plastic bags, tooth brass, pens, straws, toys, aluminum canes and tins.

Team collecting waste samples

Rendy said PlasticWise Gizo have underwent special training to carry out the survey and audit the waste samples.

“I believe the survey and data we came up today will give us a better understanding on the average rate of solid wastes passing through our islands.

“This survey will help us upscale environment awareness and capacity building on waste Management within Western Province,” she said.

Prime Minister and delegation trip costs $2.5M

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Admin
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DPM Maelanga escorts PM Sogavare on arrival

THE Prime Minister’s 19-member delegation on a three-legged overseas tour has cost taxpayers $2.5 million, documents Island Sun cited have revealed.

The delegation arrived last week following their recent overseas trip to New York (UNGA), Washington, Singapore and Australia.

The documents obtained by this paper also revealed that the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) has pleaded with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to meet the total costs for airfares and per diems for the delegates.

Honiara-based FFA is a regional organisation also funded by taxpayers.

“The contribution by the FFA has reduced the cost to SIG from an estimated $2.5 million to $934, 265.60 – a savings of $1.56 million,” a letter by SPM Dr Jimmie Rodgers to the Finance Ministry stated.

The 19-member delagation are as follows;

·         Manasseh Sogavare – Prime Minister

·         Emmy Sogavare – Prime Minister’s spouse

·         Lily Maefai              – MP for East Makira

·         Dr Jimmie Rodgers –   Secretary to Prime Minister

·         John Osmond Muria – Attorney General

·         Albert Kabui – Special Secretary to Prime Minister

·         Leni Dalavera – Press Secretary

·         Suzie Wale – EPS

·         Walter Diamana – Chief Protocol

·         Ipo Kabwere – CPP 1

·         Fred Toliliu – CPP 2

·         Hollingsworth Avui – Liasion Officer

·         Jerry Manele – Foreign Affairs Minister

·         Collin Beck – PS Foreign Affairs

·         Fiona Indu – Assistant Secretary, UN & Americas

·         Rex Ramofafia – Minister of Planning

·         Susan Sulu – PS Planning

·         Ishmael Avui – Minister Lands & Housing

·         Tagini Makario – Minister of Public Service

Documents have also shown that the total budget for hotel accommodations and other charges have also amounted to $1,040,926.96 (these charges exclude airfares and per diems).

A total of $410,041.84 was paid directly to the SI New York Mission and $630,885.12 was carried as special imprest by a PMO officer.

Sources said the total Budget exceeding $2 million is questionable given that airfares and accommodations by the Prime Minister and part of the delegation is usually met by the UNGA or the other host countries given that official tours to Singapore and Australia were also requests for the Prime Minister to visit.

“The taxpayers money spent on this trip is just too much and the makeup of the delegation and the roles they play these official outings are also a total waste of time and money,” one source said.

Documents further showed that in New York, the SPM has requested an additional cost of USD$20,000 (SBD$160,000) to top up additional costs for the delegation there.

Information sighted from the documents stated that costs were needed because the accommodation costs for the 19-member delegation was not enough and that the Prime Minister and other delegates were threatened to be kicked out of their rooms.

NO LIMIT

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Part of a group of Solomon Islanders who went under the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme and Labour Mobility Scheme. PHOTO AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION OFFICE

MFAET assures no restrictions in number of seasonal workers

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Islands is not putting any limit on the number of workers to Australia and New Zealand after some Pacific Islands countries plan to do so to avoid gaps in employment domestically.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade permanent secretary, Collin Beck said all the countries in the Pacific have different levels of development.

“In our case we have 20,000 youths looking for jobs every year. In our situation, we are still a thirsty country that is looking for employment— both domestically and externally,” he said.

“While we keep trying and create job within, in the meantime, where there is opportunity, we will continue to embrace, utilize and take advantage of – we will try to ensure those that seek employment will always try to find space for them,” he said.

Beck said our population growth is another issue compared to other Pacific countries.

“We are basically one of the fastest. So, we are basically fertile ground to harvest opportunities out.

“Wherever there is employment, we will try to take advantage of it,” he said.

“It just that our growth is not keeping up with our developments needs and we just need to keep on working on creating more jobs within.

“Until that happens, until we reach that stage, we will continue to take advantage of that. We will move in an uncap way on this. We will not put some limits,” he added.

Island Sun understands Samoa and Vanuatu are considering regulating the number of their workers living their shores to work under the season labour programmes.

Airline welcomes lifting of  pre-flight 72-hr PCR test

Written by
Press Release
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New CEO of Solomon Airlines, Gus Kraus.

Solomon Airlines has welcomed the Solomon Islands Government decision to remove the mandatory 72-hour covid-19 PCR test requirement for international visitors, prior to entering the country.

In a statement, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus said the decision is timely, given the current status and evolving phase of the pandemic and now that Solomon Islands international borders are open.

“Solomon Islands has been rightly cautious in the interests of public health, however this is an evidence-based decision and we now join most countries in our region, and around the world who have now lifted these requirements for entry.

“It is the right decision at the right time and will help Solomon Islands to move forward again, as we start to steadily rebuild our tourism industry,” he said.

Travellers to the Solomon Islands who are not citizens of Solomon Islands, must be fully vaccinated and show proof of complete vaccination against Covid-19.

Solomon Islands Nationals who are fully vaccinated, must also show proof of complete vaccination upon entry to the country.

Solomon Islands Nationals who are unvaccinated are able to return to Solomon Islands, but will still be required to show proof of a negative PCR test 72-hours prior to arrival in Solomon Islands.

Peacebuilding policy achieves milestones since establishment.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The roundabout at the Honiara City Council

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Solomon Islands National Peacebuilding Policy (SINPP) has achieved some milestone since Cabinet endorsed it in 2015.

Deputy Director of Policy Planning, Philip Sikabuka outlined this during the SINPP review consultation workshop with the mainstream media and Government Communication officers in Honiara yesterday.

Sikabuka said from the 2016 SINPP consultations roll out on mainstreaming the policy with the Provincial Governments, it resulted in the formulation of Provincial policies aligned to the SINPP.

He said also, three creations of positions for Traditional Governance in the Provincial Offices such as the Central Province.

“The creation of Focal Points in Provinces with no MTGPEA provincial office in Lata, Kirakira, Buala and Renbel.

“Since 2016, the Ministry has expanded its coverage to the provinces with the linkages it has established to improve Provincial and National Coordination, “he said.

Furthermore, the main policy and planning frameworks endorsed by Cabinet in 2021 namely;

  1. The National Policy on Conflict Prevention and Victims Rights (Reparation),
  2. The National Policy Reintegration of those involved in the past conflict,
  3. The Solomon Islands Government and Solomon Islands Ecclesiastical Institutions Strategic Partnership Framework (SIEISPF) 2021-2025,
  4. The submission of the TRC Matrix and claims matrix to the Office of the Prime Minister fulfils the Ministry’s responsibility in this post conflict era.
  5. The Traditional Governance and Customs Facilitations Bill (TGCFB) 2018 starting in 2019-2022,
  6. The establishment of the Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs Division (PEAD) in 2021, and
  7. The MTGPEA Corporate Strategic Plan 2020-2023 and the Ministry Annual Reports 2016-2021.

Furthermore, Sikabuka said the Choiseul and Western Province’s TG systems and structures have been formally established and registered under the Charitable Trust Act.

He said these provinces are now working capacity building.

“Management and Leadership trainings have completed.

“The remaining provinces have yet to reach the stage like Western and Choiseul. Western and Choiseul have also published their own custom books that contain all traditional laws and genealogies of their people,” he added.

SCALE supports Bonale and Adakoa projects

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE USAID SCALE programme continues to support Adakoa Fisheries project in East Malaita and Bonale Pineapple Factory in West Kwaio constituency.

Premier Daniel Suidani recently told the public of Auki after Malaita Province Infrastructure Advisory Committee (MPIAC) held its 18th meeting with Green Power Technology under the SCALE program last week.

“We have a meeting with the SCALE and they assured us of their strong support behind Adakoa fisheries and Bonale pineapple factory project as well as other projects they earmarked for the province,” he said.

Suidani said recently a team from SCALE visited the communities of Arabala and Bina within Bonale area in West Kwaio and had fruitful discussions with them on the pineapple project.

He said the project is progressing and a team of advisors will be in the province next month to pursue further development progress of the project.

Suidani said during the meeting as well they discussed Adakoa fisheries project which is one of the priority projects under USAID SCALE.

He said discussion on the project reached its construction stage where work on the project will soon be unfolded.

Suidani said progress is also on other USAID SCALE projects in the province like Gwaigeo processing facility and Auki Cold Storage facilities as well as Luaniua wharf in MOI.

The premier assured of MPG’s strong support behind projects and activities of the SCALE program in Malaita province.

Director of Neptune Gale ordered to appear before court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HIGH court judge Justice Maelyn Bird has adjourned the case of the Director of Neptune Gale to October 31 for mention to allow Prosecution time to prepare the consent order for payment.

The company’s director, Timothy, is facing charges under marine laws.

This is for allegedly allowing his vessel, MV Neptune Gale, to operate without valid documents.

Justice Bird also made directions for Timothy to be summoned to appear on that date.

Public Prosecutor Olivia Manu informed the court yesterday that the prosecutor in carriage of the case, Vernon Taupongi, is currently in Auki for court circuit and sought adjournment to allow prosecution time to prepare the consent order.

Ms Manu said Prosecution has just received the draft consent order for payment this week from the Director of SIMSA and the prosecutor in carriage need time prepare the orders and have them filed to the court.

Marine authorities claimed MV Neptune Gale did carry passengers without a passenger safety certificate around November 2014.

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