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.
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.
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.”
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 distribution of ballot boxes for the provincial and national bye-elections for Ward 18 and the West Kwaio constituency has started on Friday.
Returning Officer for West Kwaio constituency bye-election, Pearson Simi said they are preparing for the bye-election.
“By today (Friday), we will be transporting ballot boxes and election kits to Bina for further distribution of the kits to polling stations next week.
“Similar distribution will also happen for ward 18 of East Kwaio constituency, and the team will leave Auki to East Kwaio tomorrow (Saturday) with election kits for the provincial bye-election,” he said.
Simi said the election team s also gearing up for other important trainings and activities ahead of the bye-election which is on Wednesday, this week.
Meanwhile, a team from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) office in Honiara led by Chair of the Commission, Pattison Oti will be in Auki today.
Simi said upon arrival they will meet with the executive government of Malaita province and with representatives from stakeholders in the province on the SIEC reform.
He said members of the team will also take part in the bye-election and they are expected to be in the province until the election processes completes on Thursday.
Simi also said that ballot paper counting will be conducted in Auki after the polling on Wednesday, and hopefully results of the bye-elections should be known by Thursday.
The participants that attended the European Union $4.5 million to combat Trafficking In Persons and Gender Based Violence.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE European Union funded projects in Solomon Islands are not initiated to compete with China.
EU Ambassador/ Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam mentioned this to Island Sun in an exclusive interview in Honiara last week.
Seam was in Honiara to launch four EU funded projects to benefit people in rural areas on health and education, Peoples Living with Disability (PLWD), Livelihood Improvement Project for Central Islands Province to be implemented by World Vision and to combat People in Trafficking (PIT) and Gender Based Violence in Solomon Islands.
He said EU has a strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific
“It doesn’t mean we are totally oblivion or ignorant of the geo strategic competition which takes place here in the Pacific.
“Like everyone we observe the geo strategic competition on the rivalry between China and other countries on the other hand,” he said.
“As far as the EU is concern, we have always said we have an Indo Pacific strategy and our position in the world as a global power is not against anyone.
“As mentioned in the case of Solomon Islands, it demonstrates that in the projects we have here is not to compete against China,” he said.
Seam said they are really in cooperation with the Solomon Islands, responding to needs which are expressed to us by the Solomon Islands Government.
“With respect to China, our official position is off course we have diplomatic relations with China who is a strategic partner.
However, Seam said on global issues like Climate Change, EU needs to work with China because she is a major emitter.
“If we want to address climate change and we don’t want to work with China, we won’t make a lot of difference because China remains the major emitters.
“So, they have to be included in any plans to address climate change,” he said.
Further to that, Seam said China is an economic competitor and systematic competitor because their visions are not the same.
“As far EU is concerned, we stand for democracy and good governance, human rights and protection of the most vulnerable and for international order which is based on the rule of law.
“So even though we will not position ourselves as EU which is a grouping of 27 member states in Europe, against China we have to be aware that China is at the same time a strategic partner and economic competitor and systematic partner,” he added.
Seam and his delegation returned to Fiji on Saturday.
Police retrieve the body of Chinese businesswoman Lisa after she was murdered inside her shop in April last year.
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
A SHOP-KEEPER who murdered his Chinese female boss in cold-blood April last year in Honiara has been jailed for life.
And High Court judge Justice Howard Lawry ordered that Max Gosia Taiga of Malaita served a minimum of 25 years before he can be eligible for parole.
Taiga hacked Li Meng Chen (Lisa), 44, to death on the morning of 13 April 2021 inside Wai Hai Shop at Point Cruz, then escaped to his home village in Malaita.
No one was inside the shop at the time of the killing. Police later found the body inside the shop in a pool of blood.
The killing shocked the nation.
At his village, Taiga’s parents talked him into surrendering to police. His father later took him over to Honiara and formally handed him over to the police.
Taiga pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared in court.
Justice Lawry said the violence that took place was premediated by Taiga and he had breached the trust placed upon him as an employee.
“I reject the submission that the term should be reduced because of the perceived slight at words the deceased had previously used,” Justice Lawry said.
“This is not a case where you even came close to losing the power of self-control,” he added.
“You killed in retaliation; you planned what you would do and waited through the night for the deceased to come to the shop.
“You had the opportunity to reflect on your plan of action.
“You chose to proceed, you attacked, restrained and killed your employer,” Justice Lawry told Taiga.
The judge stated that this is not the first occasion when an employer of a shopkeeper has used violence against an employer.
“The community has a right to know that those who choose to act violently against others who have entrusted them with employment can expect the courts to impose significant terms of imprisonment.”
The court earlier heard Lisa arrived at her shop between 8am to 8.30am.
Taiga was already inside when she came through the back door.
Police say before she died, she called her husband pleading for help.
When her husband arrived at the shop, she found his wife already dead.
Dr Roy Maraka, who conducted the port mortem, confirmed that the deceased died from exsanguination as a result of severed left internal jugular vein due to a stab wound to the left side of the neck.
The exsanguination resulted from the large cut on the internal jugular vein.
The deceased had abrasions on her neck indicating manual strangulation on the neck.
There was laceration on the left side of the head, and an incision wound at the back of the head.
