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Government: LSL not registered here

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Press Release
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The Office of the Prime Minister

The Office of the Registrar of Foreign Investment says Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) is not a registered entity in the Foreign Investment Registry.

The clarification comes following numerous enquiries to the Office of the Registrar of Foreign Investment on the status of the company.

In a statement, the Office of the Registrar said there is no pending application for any foreign persons or entity to register LSL with the Registrar of Foreign Investment to carry out any business activity in Solomon Islands as required under Section 15 of Foreign Investment Act 2005, as amended in 2009.

“Therefore, as a non-registered foreign investor, the incorporation of LSL in Company Haus Registry and their carrying out of any business activity including selling of land, is deemed illegal by virtue of section 11, sections 12(2) &12(3) and section 15 of FI Act 2005,” the stament said.

The Registrar of Foreign Investment is mandated under the Foreign Investment Act 2005 as amended in 2009; to register foreign natural persons with valid passport identification from their country of origin or valid foreign registered entity from the foreigners’ country of origin to carry out business activity or activities in Solomons Islands.

The statement further clarified that as part of the approval condition, foreign investors must incorporate their company, stating the foreign owners, business activity (ies) and trading or operating name exactly as contained in their approved foreign investment certificate.

Any amendments to existing foreign investment certificate’s ownership, valid and appropriate consent to the transfers, proof of transaction, tax clearances, and related mandatory operational licenses must be provided to the Registrar of Foreign Investment.

Comments are being sought from Levers.

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Gizo market vendors face brunt of poor decision

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo market

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE delay of Western Provincial election has caused major challenges to ordinary people of Western Province as services became limited.

The provincial election has been scheduled to be held on December 14th, meaning the next provincial government will establish around February 2023, seven month after Mesepitu led government dissolved in June.

Since June, there were no major activities taking place as Western Province is not qualified to access funding from the government to run some of its operations.

Provincial appointees were made redundant as the welfare of the province is now placed under Western Province’s Administration.

Three months after the assembly dissolved, market vendors are feeling the pinch of the economic pressure.

Joseph Hile, one of the outspoken market vendors in Gizo, said the government’s decision to delay the election is killing vendors.

“If you go to Gizo market, prices of goods were significant dropped,” he said.

“For example; previously one heap potatoes cost $10. Now the price has gone down to $5 because of few customers and reduction in people’s purchasing power,” Hile added.

“Some market vendors from the island brought in bulk of produces only to spoil their products because of fewer customers.”

Hile said living expenses has been a challenge for ordinary people within Western Province and Minister of Provincial Government is to be blamed for causing the harships.

He described the decision by Ministry of Provincial Government as unprofessional as it has negative impacts on ordinary people.

Hile said the challenges people faced following the Minister’s decision will go down in the history of Western Province as the darkest period brought on by poor decision-making.

POM training for Central police

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Press Release
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Part of Police Officers from Central Province after completing the Public Order Management (POM) Training

A total of 33 officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) have completed Public Order Management (POM) Training in Central Islands last week.

The training is part of capacity development of the RSIPF which is conducted by the China Liaison Team (CPLT).

A statement from the police said the training commenced on 6 September 2022 and completed on 16 September 2022.

Officers from Yandina and Tualgi are attending the training.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) Provincial Leonard Tahnimana in his remarks said today marks another milestone for the RSIPF and 33 officers working under Central Provincial Police from Tulagi and Yandina Police Stations who have attended this POM training.

“The RSIPF is going from strength to strength upon your completion of this very important training, conducted by China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) and our very own Operational Safety Training (OST) Officer,” Tahnimana said.

“The RSIPF is an independent institution and therefore carries out its mandated responsibilities neutrally without influence from any person, institution, or agency whatsoever,” he added.

“Ensuring our neutrality is maintained amongst our policing partners, we are always grateful and thankful whenever any of our partners offer training support to our officers.

“In that respect, the fact of which partner offers training support to its officers is not an issue.

“Hence, the training mechanisms aligned to the types of training delivered to its officers is of paramount importance.

“On that note I would like to personally thank our partners from the CPLT for the important role they’ve played in training our officers on new POM skills and especially the Martial Arts techniques showcased in this training program.

“I trust and believe that with the new knowledge, skills and techniques acquired from this training by Professional Instructors from CPLT, you will be able to effectively carry out your mandated responsibilities and continue to serve our people efficiently, fairly, and professionally as expected of you.  

“These trainings will help develop you by building and enhancing your skills and knowledge in how to deal with POM situations that may arise in the future.

“It will surely elevate your POM capability level to new heights. I am truly proud of your achievements in successfully completing this training.”

Tahnimana thanked Commissioner Zhang Guangbao, Commander of the CPLT, for their support and contributions in allowing his team to come over and provide training to our officers here Tulagi.

He also thanked the Supervising Premier James Galini Central Province and his Executive for working together with the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) to ensure the success of the police training.

WORKERS WANT PORTS CEO OUT

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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CHIEF Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority Eranda Kotelawala

Demand referred to Trade Disputes Panel (TDP)

By EDDIE OSIFELO

WORKERS Union of Solomon Islands has referred a case with the Trade Dispute Panel against Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Executive Officer, Eranda Kotelawala.

This was after the employees of SIPA demanded his removal as CEO of the State-Owned Enterprise after they met with WUSI recently.

President of WUSI, David Tuhanuku confirmed the referral yesterday, but stated he cannot comment on the details of the case as it is before the TDP.

However, Tuhanuku said the case relates to issues to do with the administration and management of Ports under Kotelawala’s administration that also implicated the Board of Directors.

“The best channel is to deal with it through TDP to avoid causing any dispute between the workers and the management during this time,” Tuhanuku explained.

“Therefore, we want to follow the normal legal process,” he added.

Furthermore, in the meeting between WUSI and the employees of Ports recently passed a resolution to localize the post of CEO.

Kotelawala comes from Sri Lanka.

He was appointed after the termination of Singapore’s Collin Yow in 2017 by the Solomon Islands Government after the workers staged a protest as well.

When contacted yesterday, Kotelawala’s office said they will make no comments as there were no correspondence from the Trade Dispute Panel yet on the matter.

MARA supports reform on CDF

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Hon Glen Waneta delivering remark during the closing of the SICD Policy consultation in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Malaita Provincial Government has thrown support behind the reform of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)

Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Glen Waneta issued the support during the closing of the consultation on the Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) last week in Auki.

He said the Malaita provincial government fully supports MRD on the initiative to pursue a policy to guide and regulate the CDF, especially on its development aspect.

Waneta said CDF has been used with proper policy and even then there is positive benefit, but it has reached a time to put more inputs into making it properly governed.  

“Speaking on time, there is no better time . . . . . . . this is the right time to pursue the policy,” he said.

Waneta said no achievement has happened within a blink of the eye, things will happen slowly and it’s good that pursuit is now on the policy.

“And what we want the CDF to become will eventually happen,” he said.

The deputy premier described the policy as a milestone saying if it has becomes an act, there is a brighter future for Solomon Islanders on the CDF programme.

He said the MARA government is delighted to see such initiative taken up by the government ministries, especially MRD that will set a framework to governing the fund to drive development in the country.

On that note, Waneta said Malaita province has the highest number of constituencies in the country and all year around, the province received the biggest portion of the CDF. 

He also said when the national election was deferred to 2024; the province will be accountable for more than 400 million of the CDF for its 14 constituencies.

Waneta said with that huge amount of fund that Malaita province have accounted for, it should push the province to another level in development.

The deputy premier acknowledged MRD and assured MPG’s support behind them on the Solomon Island Constituency Development (SICD) policy.

EU work with stakeholders to implement 4 projects

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Cutting of the cake to officially mark the launching event. From left to right PWDSI President Mr Dolaiano, PS McNeil and EU Ambassador Seam

By EDDIE OSIFELO

EUROPEAN Union is working with the government, civil society organization and international organizations to implement its four projects in the country.

This includes:

 The $78 million EU Funded projects for health and education through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening. The project to be implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to support Provincial Governance and Service Delivery in Solomon Islands.

The $4.6 million EU funded project to support People Living with Disability (PLWD) to produce sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of people with disabilities.

$4.1 million EU funded Livelihood Improvement Project for Central Islands Province to be implemented by World Vision.

The $4.6 million EU funded project to combat People in Trafficking (PIT) and Gender Based Violence in Solomon Islands.  International Organization for Migration to implement the project on Guadalcanal, Makira Ulawa and Malaita province.

In an exclusive interview with Island Sun in Honiara last week, EU Ambassador/Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam said the partnership they have for the implementation of their projects always bring together those who are willing to work together.

“We always adopt the whole of government approach because most of the issues we have to address have to be addressed by the involvement and commitment of various branches in government and various ministries,” he said.

Seam said they also work with Civil Society organizations.

“I am happy to see here in Solomon Islands because it’s not the case everywhere in the world where Civil Society can work with government agencies,” he said.

Furthermore, Seam said when they can or need and when there is an added value, they also bring in regional and international organisations

“There is the reason why projects we launched here we have UNDP, UNICEF and IOM.

“For some other projects that we implement in the Pacific region, we work with regional organisations, like the Pacific Community, Pacific Regional Environment Programmee or Forum Fisheries Agency,” he said.

Seam said “We always bring together agencies and people from different backgrounds so that the combination of skills and competency and capacity of everyone actually improve the final outcome of our projects.”

EU has never left Solomon Islands

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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European Union Ambassador/ Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, H.E. Sujiro Seam launching the project to combat Trafficking in Persons and Gender Based Violence in Solomon Islands in Honiara last Friday.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

EUROPEAN Union has never left Solomon Islands after it pulled out its Honiara Embassy in 2018.

EU Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam confirmed this in an exclusive interview with Island Sun.

He was responding to a question if EU is returning to the Solomon Islands due to the geo political rivalry between China and the Western countries like Australia and United States of America.

“We have never left.

“It’s not because we as an Embassy and Delegation to the EU was closed in 2018 that European Union has left the country,” he said.

Seam said actually, the decision which was made was to regroup all the staff and resources in one delegation at Suva, Fiji which becomes the Delegation for the Pacific.

“So, the resources we have here locally was transferred to Suva, Fiji but it’s from Fiji now that we run the projects that are implemented in the Solomon Islands.

“And off course the idea that the Embassy was closed was that we would be travelling often enough to maintain this link with Solomon Islands,” he said.

His Excellency Seam said unfortunately, with Covid 19 this link was broken because travelling was impossible.

“And we maintained the relationship just like anyone else through video conferences and virtual contacts.

“But it’s true that it is making a big difference when I have the capacity or when my team has the capacity because I didn’t come alone.

“I come with a Delegation of my colleagues when we collectively as European Union have the capacity to visit the country to meet the people and to monitor the implementation of our projects,” he said.

“But we have never left, when the Embassy and the Delegation here closed, that we stopped our involvements with the projects that benefiting people of Solomon Islands,” he added.

Ambassdor Seam had launched four EU funded projects in Honiara last week.

These include:

  1. the $78 million EU Funded projects for health and education to be implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to support Provincial Governance and Service Delivery in Solomon Islands.
  2. The $4.6 million EU funded project to support People Living With Disability (PLWD) to produce sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of people with disabilities.
  3. $4.1 million EU funded Livelihood Improvement Project for Central Islands Province to be implemented by World Vision.
  4. The $4.6 million EU funded project to combat People in Trafficking (PIT) and Gender Based Violence in Solomon Islands.

PNG/SI Community farewells young Xavier.

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Stephanie Ting,(in yellow)Tahilua Amani and Hane Tam of PNG/SI Association offering the envelope with donation to Xavier's mother, Samantha Bele.

By Lynnissha Runa

The Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Association has offered a small donation as they farewelled three-year-old Xavier Bele who left the country yesterday for special medical treatment in the Philippines.

Young Xavier was diagnosed with leukemia on 21 June this year.

Xavier who is from Guadalcanal part Gilbertese smiled at the donation that was made at the Children’s ward last week, before he left for his medical trip to Manila yesterday.

Jorddy Tununto, Vice President of the PNG/SI Association said they have helped Xavier in a little way to show how much they care, which is the most valuable thing they can do.

“We came today not because we want to visit Xavier, but on behalf of the Association we want to show our support and love to this to very special child.

“We are not a money-making body, two thousand dollars is just a small amount of money, but for sure it comes from our heart. We give it as portion of our involvement towards Xavier’s life,” Mr Tunnto said. 

PNG/SI Community members chatting with Xavier

Xavier’s mother, Samantha Bele, said Xavier is a very animated healthy kid, he had never been very sick before, except from the common flu,” Mrs Bele said.

“We were never admitted to the Hospital, however early May this year Xavier’s Health was changing, he remains with high fever, hours after few hours, joints pain every day and off course bleeding gums.

“We went for several check-ups, until June we find out with the doctor’s result that he is positive with blood cancer, Acute Lukemia”.

She said, doctors have told her and Xavier’s father (Francis bele) that Xavier has a high chance of recovering from this cancer if Chemotherapy treatment started as soon as possible, because the Cancer in his body was spreading faster by the day.

However, his body is resisting the Chemotherapy and so will need Bone Marrow Transfusion for his treatment which can only be done overseas and is a costly process.” She said.

Mrs Bele said since then, they have started doing fundraising to raise money for the cause.

All the money raised goes to Xavier’s family to help alleviate his medical cost.

she acknowledged each and everyone’s support towards their son.

“Francis Bele (Xaviers dad) and I, we want to thank the PNG/SI Community, One More Shots team, the Zumba Group, our families, relatives and friends for their donations and assistance on medical back up to our son Xavier.

“And also big thanks to the Phillipino Community here in Honiara for their support at the very beginning. They are the first people to initiate fundraising for Xavier, and our heart goes out to them”.

After four months of being admitted at the Hospital, Xavier was discharged from the Children’s ward on Friday last week.

And he travelled yesterday, together with his parents to, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and all the way to Manila in Philippines for three years of treatment and Medical Transfusion.

Suidani call for youths to be strengthened as leaders

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Daniel Suidani deliverying his remark during the Youth Day celebration in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani has called on Malaitans to strengthen youths to realize their potential leadership roles within the society.

He made the call during celebrations marking International Youth Day with the theme: “Intergenerational solidarity; creating a world for all ages.”

Speaking during celebrations in Auki over the weekend, Mr Suidani said 70 percent of the population on Malaita province is made up of youths.

“And it’s very important to address them meaningfully. We must address them by engaging them in initiatives that we and they will realize their importance,” he said.

Guests who attended the International Youth Day celebrations in Auki.

Suidani said youths are the most productive age group in any society and most often people rely on their strength to do things.

“This is true. And we must also understand that they do not only have the strengthen, they also have the capacity to take up leadership and we must give them the opportunity.

“Also, they are the foundation of any society, and if handled carelessly they can drive the society towards any unexpected error” he said.

Suidani said the MARA government through its Youth Desk and Malaita Provincial Youth Council (MPYC) are committed through a number of programmes that youths were supported in the province.

Youths attending the event on Saturday.

He also said the establishment of MPYC formed a platform to unite youths on Malaita and work together towards common goals for the good of the province.

Suidani urged youths of Malaita province to stand-up boldly to serve the children, women and people of the province.

PNG Community celebrates independence in style.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Face painting in action as part of the PNGs 47th Independence celebration.PHOTOS BY ALPY KIKO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO  

THE Papua New Guinea Community here in Honiara came out in their colourful costumes over the weekend to commemorate their country’s 47th Independence celebrations.

The event, an annual one in the calendar was attended by hundreds of Papua New Guineans living and working here in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the celebration, High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands and guest speaker, Moses Kaul thanked all individuals who have taken time out to celebrate their 47th independence anniversary.

Dancers who took time out to celebrate PNGs 47th Independence anniversary

“Congratulations PNG for coming a long way since independence in 1975 from Australia over 47 years ago today. I pay homage to the founding leaders for guiding PNG as a nation through the challenges to realize the dream of a sovereign nation, we proudly call PNG.

“The 47 years of nationhood signifies the resilience of our unity as one people and one nation against the backdrop of diverse cultural and language differences.

“PNG remains a strongly unified country blessed with an abundance of natural resources and unique in its sovereignty,” Kaul said.

He said PNG emerged as a vibrant democracy which attests to the attributes of strong patriotism and unification in diversity.

PNG High Commissioner to SI Mr Kaul

Kaul stressed that the people of PNG declared themselves as one people with common identity and shall remain so and stronger as ever. As they celebrate this milestone of independence, they stand side by side and hand in hand of a thousand tribes.

“The 47 years of independence is a period of transition into maturity and to determine her own destiny. In three years, we will celebrate the silver Jubilee as a nation so the people of PNG are to be visionary and stay the course to advance in history.

“Today we celebrate 47 years of independence as a grand occasion to reflect on nation building and to navigate the way forward into the future,” he said.

One of the many members of the Solomon Islands PNG Community in Honiara Gillian Tahilua Nasala thanked members of the community for team work and collaboration in making the event a successful one.

Guests who were part of the PNGs 47th Independence anniversary

“We the senior members of the association are so happy for all of you to come join us and mark PNGs 47th independence anniversary,” Nasala said.

The celebration was held at SMI, Honiara.

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