ACTING Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, Freddrick Bosoboe says up to 60 candidates who contested the last national general elections in 2019 are yet to submit their election expenses.
He mentioned this to the local media in Auki during a press conference yesterday.
He said the list of the candidates’ names are with the courts for legal supervision.
Bosoboe confirmed that the Magistrate has ruled on the first cases of the election offense last week, but they were only dismissed due to evidences provided.
Thus, he said the list of the candidates is with the court and police are investigating them.
Bosoboe said more than 300 candidates had contested the 2019 elections and it’s a requirement that they must submit their election expense 90 days after the election.
He said the majority have done so, while a minority have not, however, since it is mandatory all candidates must submit their election expense.
Bosoboe said there are penalties for the offense which can result in imprisonment and hefty fines.
He also said breaching the offense will cause implications for them when trying to contest in future elections.
He said cases on election offense has started and the courts will follow the list of candidates that failed to submit their expenses
THE dispute between Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) and Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Executive Officer, Eranda Kotelawala is centred around three issues.
This was revealed in an application WUSI filed to the Trade Dispute Panel against Kotelawala on 2nd September 2022.
WUSI claimed:
The Chief Executive Officer of SIPA changed the signed Collective Agreement between WUSI and SIPA, dated 8th February, 2018, without consulting the Workers Union of Solomon Islands.
The CEO of SIPA deliberately delayed and refused to negotiate and deal with workers Log of Claims for the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The management style of the CEO of SIPA is such that becomes a threat to the industrial relation peace in Solomon Islands.
WUSI General Secretary, Tony Kagovai said based on their experiences in these positions over the years, they are very concerned about what they see as a real threat which the CEO of SIPA Kotelawala has posed upon the Industrial Relations system in the Solomon Islands.
“There are eleven registered trade unions in Solomon Islands. Ten of them represent public sector workers such as public servants and teachers.
“The Workers Union of Solomon Islands is the only trade union that represents private sector workers in Solomon Islands including SIPA workers,” Kagovai said.
He said WUSI has been negotiating Collective Agreements over the years, with companies and statutory corporations such as SIPA which covers all the terms and conditions of employment of these private sector workers in the country.
TDP has already informed CEO of SIPA on 5th September 2022.
Kotelawala said he will comment when seeing the content of the application.
Under Section 10 of the Trade Dispute Act 1981,
10.-(1) At any time when a trade dispute has been referred to the Trade
Disputes Panel and the Panel have neither –
(a) succeeded in bringing about a settlement of the dispute by negotiation, nor
(b) made an award in the dispute, no person shall do any of the things mentioned in subsection (2).
(2) Those things are
(a) calling, organising, procuring or financing a strike or other industrial action short of a strike in furtherance of the dispute, or threatening to do so;
(b) instituting, carrying on, authorising, organising or financing a lock-out or other industrial action short of a lock-out in furtherance of the dispute, or threatening to do so; or
(c) terminating (for whatever reason) the contract of employment of any employee whose conditions of service are in issue in the dispute.
TDP is still to set the date for the preliminary hearing for both parties.
WEST Kwaio constituency and its provincial ward 28 held peaceful by-elections yesterday.
The by-elections, especially for ward 28, was second to test the synchronize election system and generally things went well during the polling.
Speaking during the opening of polling at Bina village yesterday, Chairman of Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, Pattison Oti acknowledged the people of West Kwaio for turning up for the by-elections.
“Today is an important day for ward 28 and West Kwaio constituency,” Oti said.
A voter is assisted by election officials at Bina Polling Station.
“What you will witness particularly for ward 28 of West Kwaio is for the first time to vote for two ballot boxes at the same time,” he added.
“And you’ll test out the new voting system where one ballot for your provincial member and the other for your member of parliament.”
Oti explained that this is a trial to what SIEC wants to put in place “synchronized election” where voters will vote their members of provincial assemblies and members of parliament at the same day.
He said the initiative is trying to review the current system of hosting separate elections for both province and national only for a one election.
Oti said in light of the initiative, a taskforce established under SIEC had consulted Malaita Provincial Assembly and stakeholders in the province on the policy this week.
Voters checking them names on the voters list.
Island Sun observed a number of polling stations in the constituency yesterday and Election officials expressed the strangeness of the new voting system.
They said the system is new, however voters adapted to it well with their guidance and generally a successful synchronized election particularly for ward 28 and West Kwaio constituency by-election.
The POs said there was also calmness amongst voters and people everywhere in the constituency during the polling.
All ballot boxes were retrieved to Auki after the polls closed at 5pm yesterday for safe storage by the police and counting will start at 9am today.
Senior Weather Forecaster Michael Siau at the weather office.
Trough lies over Temotu, Renbel and Makira, says MET.
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has forecasted an ease to the current bad weather the country is facing in coming days.
In an interview with the Island Sun yesterday, Senior Weather Forecaster Michael Siau said the current bad weather is due to a trough that is over the Northern parts of the country.
“A trough is an area where clouds can build up and can cause bad weather. A trough is current over the Northern parts of the country. Causing cloudiness and wet weather we are facing now,” Siau said.
He added that the forecast for the next few days indicates that the weather will improve and rain will ease.
Met Service Senior Weather Forecaster Michael Siau at the Weather Office yesterday.
“Our outlook for this weekend, we are expecting good weather.”
However, Siau said they are keeping a close eye on the situation as the presence of the trough is still in place over Temotu, Renbel and Makira provinces.
He said for the coming week we will expect more showers
Earlier this week, Honiara residents were shaken by sudden strong winds, coupled with heavy rain that caused damages to homes, gardens and properties in some parts of the city.
Yesterday, The Island Sun was mobilized to observe whether classes are closed as precaution measures due to the current weather conditions.
Gospel light school empty compound, classes were called off early yesterday morning as precautionary measures due to bad weather conditions
It was observed that some schools have called-off classes early as a precautionary measure due to heavy rain.
Gospel Light Christian School at Henderson was one of them.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday School Principal Craelyn Da’agi said due to the heavy rain they have to call off classes until the weather returns to normal.
The school, located near the Lungga River mouth, is prone to flooding.
SIPA and MID officials pose after the signing ceremony.
Solomon Ports yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) for the provision of Traffic Lights, warning signboards, and road markings for Honiara City.
The signing was conducted by SIPA’s Chief Executive officer Eranda Kotelawala, and the Permanent Secretary of MID Stephen Maesiola at MID’s headquarters in Honiara.
A statement from SIPA says the agreement will govern the provision of Traffic Lights, and other materials for the upgrade of identified sites near Honiara’s Central Business District.
“The installation of the traffic lights, warning signboards, and road markings are voluntary work done by SIPA to enhance the safety of road users in Honiara,” the statement said.
“Solomon Ports has already been in discussions with Honiara City Council, RSIPF’s Traffic Unit, and MID over the past months to discuss matters and ways in improving traffic safety in Honiara City,” it added.
“The assistance is also to assist the government in promoting road safety for road users, and to educate drivers and pedestrians on how to use road signs the right way.
“The total cost of all the materials, equipment, and the installation is $250,000, which is fully funded by SIPA.”
Speaking during the signing, SIPA CEO Kotelawala thanked MID for engaging in discussions over the past months in planning the rollout of this assistance.
He said SIPA recognizes the need for proper pedestrian crossings in especially the busiest parts of Honiara City, and where pedestrians are more vulnerable to car accidents.
“As one of the country’s leading SOE, I believe it is also our social responsibility to help the community, and we are also thankful to have support from the government in enhancing the overall outlook and appearance of Honiara City,” he said.
“Also, this will instill a culture of discipline for both the pedestrian to cross in the appropriate place, and also to drivers to respect pedestrian crossings and road signs as well.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of MID Maesiola acknowledged Solomon Ports for assisting his ministry, as it was also inline with the resolutions of the Road Transport Board, which is to improve road safety in Honiara.
“I’m happy that Solomon Ports has taken up the responsibility to assist us, the government, and the road transport board, by installing all these traffic lights and signs in our roads,” he said.
Solomon Ports will appoint a taskforce team to carry out the installation of the road safety equipment’s and signs, where installation are expected to commence soon this year.
Solomon Ports will also do regular maintenance of the traffic lights and road signs, once they are completed and in operation.
President of the People with disability in the Solomon Islands Simon Dolaiano
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
PERSONS with disability are often denied access to formal employment according to the President of the People with disability, Simon Dolaiano.
“Financially people with disabilities are often denied access to formal employment or capital. Also a lack of disability accessible infrastructure means many are unable to attend school or attend health clinics,” Dolaia no said.
He adds that due to gender inequities in the Solomon Islands, women and girls with disabilities are more disadvantaged and face specific challenges accessing resources, services and facilities in securing a livelihood or being provided opportunities for participation in decision making.
Dolaiano however said with the recent financial support provided by the European Union and the International Women Development Agency, the disabled people association is hoping to see changes in the formal and informal spheres in the country.
“We the PWDSI members are hoping to see changes in the formal and informal spheres to produce sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of people with disabilities,” he said.
Dolaiano said he understands that the key principals in this project implemented jointly by DPASI and IWDA reflect the following.
“Nothing about us without us, which is an ongoing consultation with people with disabilities, occurring throughout the project, ensuring that activities properly respond to their needs, wishes and interests?”
“Strength based approach- meaning the project operates around the idea that people with disabilities are agents of change. This means focusing on the skills and abilities that people with disabilities have and harnessing them so they can lead in their own sustainable development,”.
“And stronger together which refers to strong partnership and multi-sector stakeholder collaboration is required at all levels if we are to address the exclusion faced and advance the rights of people with disabilities,” he said.
Dolaiano thanked the support of the European Union and assured them that his board and management team will implement the project to their best capabilities for the maximum benefit of the Disabled People Association in Solomon Islands.
: Chairman of the PMS Douglas Marau acknowledged the support from SIPA CEO Mr Kotelawala.
THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has acknowledged the support by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority for preparations towards the 6th Pacific Media Summit 2022 (PMS).
PMS is the largest media gathering in the region and will take place in Honiara next week from September 26 to 30, 2022.
More than 100 participants will attend the summit which will include media representatives and top media executives who will start arriving in Honiara this Friday.
Eranda Kotelawala, chief executive officer of SIPA, during a brief ceremony said SIPA is happy to support the regional media gathering.
“I wish you a successful media summit,” he said.
Douglas Marau, Chairman of the PMS Organising Committee and Vice President of MASI, acknowledged SIPA for seeing the importance in supporting the media regional event.
He said this is the largest regional gathering of this sort after COVID and an opportunity for Solomon Islands to welcome our pacific friends back into the country.
SIPA donated $10,000 to MASI to assist in its secretariat, operations and logistics during the one-week event.
MASI and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) are co-hosting the PMS this year.
MASI won the bid to host the PMS back in 2018 in Tonga.
Originally, PMS was scheduled to take place in September 2020 but the COVID 19 pandemic restriction hindered the summit to occur.
Theme of the Pacific Media Summit 2022 is-“The digital revolution- turning threats into opportunities for the Pacific Media.”
Group photo with the thermal ablation devices: Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and WHO Solomon Islands Officer in Charge Dr Sonja Tanevska (both centre) with WHO and MHMS officials.
New device to prevent killer disease now here
EFFORTS to prevent and treat cervical cancer, a killer disease that has claimed lives of many women in recent times, is beefing up with the backing of local and international partners.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says screening and treatment will now be made available at provincial health centres and local communities.
“Eliminating cervical cancer is a priority as it is the second most common cancer among women in Solomon Islands,” explained MHMS Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil.
“Due to the geographical and financial challenges that we face, the screen-and-treat approach is the best for Solomon Islands,” McNeil added.
“A one-stop shop where women who present to the health facility are seen, examined and treated at the same time before they go home.”
To support MHMS’s screen-and-treat efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the European Union (EU), provided 17 thermal ablation devices to be rolled out in Area Health Centres in Honiara, Makira and other provinces.
The thermal ablation devices were officially handed over by WHO to the Ministry on Friday 16th September.
CONSTRUCTION of Zaru Hotel at Gizo is progressing well and are taking shape following its ground breaking ceremony held in September last year.
The hotel will be a spectacular figure in Gizo and at the same time boost Western Province’s tourism industry.
In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, Jacob Kwan, the owner of Zaru Hotel said he is proud and at the same time faced with lots of challenges.
He said the project has drained him financially but with determination, he is pushing forward to complete the hotel in time.
“I’m struggling with freight of materials and other expenses have bombarded me financially,” Kwan said.
Ground breaking ceremony to kick off the project September 2022
“While I acknowledge the government for its support towards small businesses in the country, I would be very pleased if the government provides some kind of leeway for us small business who are putting efforts to support the country’s economy through our services,” he added.
“We are also supporting the effort to improve our economy and I kindly ask the national government and other institutions for cooperation and support each other.”
Speaking to Island Sun last year, he said the hotel will accommodate 32 self-contain rooms, a restaurant, a VIP bar, a Sports Wear Shop, a jetty designed for elderly tourists to offload baggage and drop off upon arrival as well as departure.
He adds that the hotel will be the first environment friendly building ever built at Gizo as it will be powered by Solar.
“In terms of tourism services, we are making sure all the facilities are user friendly and also safe for all age groups.
“Our visitors will be our utmost priority as far as safety is concerned,” Kwan said.
He said the timeline for the completion of the hotel is two and half years depending on weather and availability of resources so as building materials.
Kwan said TOOR Building Construction Company is leading the construction of the building and most of the construction workers are youths from rural communities.
The hotel’s seaview will look like this when its finished
According to Kwan, the fund is from his own pocket and another portion comes from his business partner.
“This is a huge project and I want the province or the national government to recognise how we as small business owners trying to establish infrastructures that one way or the other help achieve the government’s objectives in terms of tourism facilities.
“I for one applied for the Stimulus Package to assist me with this project, but my application was rejected.
“It is saddening that to see people receiving the Stimulus Package doing less or nothing at all,” he said.
“I’m using my own investment to make my dream come true,” he said.
“It is Kwan’s best interest to provide an efficient, well-organized and user friendly services. But most of, his vision is to promote healthy environment where both tourists and locals can enjoy while doing their business.
“Our environment best describe our lifestyles. Keeping our environment clean while taking responsibility to clean our surroundings is the best way to start.
“The best investment you’ve ever make is your own health.
“While we promote tourism, we must be responsible to keep our town clean. We must make a stop to our traditional attitude of throwing rubbish from mouth to anywhere on the ground,”
“We must also establish network within our communities to clean the town.
“I must say that the first impression of tourists visiting our town depends on how clean we live and this reinforces the need for us to promote cleanliness in Gizo,” Kwan added.
Mayor Eddie Siapu and the Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province Hon. Lazarus Rina with officials from HCC and G Province during the signing of the MOU
Honiara City Council (HCC) and Guadalcanal Province have signed a Tourism Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
And a HCC statement said this was a milestone and first of its kind for both local governments.
Speaking during the signing, Mayor Eddie Siapu said this is part of the newly established HCC Tourism Division’s policy framework and action plan.
“HCC Tourism division believes that forging a mutual partnership with the G/Province is an important step in the direction,” Siapu said.
“This is because HCC operated and is situated in the Guadalcanal Province,” he added.
“It is timely also to have an understanding of Guadalcanal Province not only in tourism programs but in other relevant outstanding issues.
“We believe there are unsolved issues pending our two governments to work on for the betterment of our coexistence.
“HCC is grateful that G/Province hosts HCC on its land and we are greatly indebted to its people.”
He said the singing of this MOU is the culmination of a good and successful PG2023 Games.
“Although the games will be widely played in Honiara, the fact remains the main point of entry is from the G/Province.
“The first and lasting impression is from the gate of entry and HCC is keen to work alongside G/Province to prepare the point of entry from Henderson leading down to Honiara.”
In the MOU several areas that needed cooperation are captured.
“The major reason and the outstanding areas of concern that sticks out are general cleanliness, the landscape that reflects organization, the tourismscape for attraction, and a physical appearance that consumes the heart and eyes of our visitors that is appreciative.”
“The MOU also seeks G/Province’s understanding and cooperation to assist the HCC Tourism division in its development programs. Green Urban Space (GUS) is an area that HCC is keen on developing to provide a meeting place for social and leisure activities.”
Another area this MOU covers is the area of waste management which HCC has been at the forefront of waste management in the country.
Also G/Province and HCC share the histories of WWII and “WWII history is a selling tourism product I believe both our governments have an interest in it.
Its promotions and marketing drive toward a special niche market.
“This MOU is a step towards the right direction and I thank my Chairman and Director for Tourism for the initiative,” Siapu said.
In response, Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Lazarus Rina thanked the mayor and HCC Tourism Division for the MOU and said G Province is looking forward in working together with HCC under the MOU.
Rina said there are also other issues of common interest in which both Governments will be looking at addressing together and said this signing paves a way forward for partnership between HCC and G Province.
