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Government welcomes election funding offer

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has welcomed Australia’s offer to fund the National General Elections in 2024.

This after Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong last week offered to fund the elections in 2023.

Her offer was made public through the media prior to the tabling of the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Thursday 8th September 2022 to defer the 11th Parliament to December 2023.

Initially, the term of the 11th Parliament commenced on 15th May 2019 and was to end on 19th May 2023.

Parliament has passed the Bill without amendments after 37 of the 49 members voted for the Bill in the second reading and third reading to pass the bill.

As such the elections should be held in April 2024.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele said it is not true that the government has rejected the offer.

“We will respond formally to the offer as soon as we make the decisions here (Parliament) in terms of this amendment bill.

“We look forward to discussing with the Australian government on the details of that offer in consultation with the Electoral Commission, so we know what our priorities are and where that help should go,” he said.

“As much as possible we are trying as a government to preserve the good will of Australia so that it is not misplaced or seen as an attempt to divide the country or interfere in the domestic affairs of Solomon Islands,” he said.

However, Manele said the offer made by Australia through the media is rather insensitive.

“While acknowledged the offer and appreciating Australia’s ongoing support to many of our sectors including employment opportunities provided for our people under the seasonal labour scheme, the timing of the offer is rather insensitive.

“I wish to remind our partners that as we continue to build trust between our countries, the use of the media in the conduct of bilateral relations can harm relations, especially when it is done at a sensitive time,” he said.

Manele said sadly, the Australian election offer since becoming public is now debated domestically.

“I wish to remind our partners that Parliamentary democracy is one of our shared values.

“Let us mutually respect each other, the government of the day and each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

In support of the offer, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said “We look forward to Australia’s offer to assist us in funding the pre-requisite electoral reforms and the conduct of the national elections.

“They’ve offered now, so you get ready brother to fund the costs. It’s a big cost, Mr Speaker. The electoral commission needs a lot of money,” he said.

Moreover, the Minister of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel said the government welcomes Australia’s offer to assist the general elections.

However, he said if Australia wants to assist in the elections, they have no problem with that as long as it’s not a political funding.

DPM reiterates request for Mercy to return during 2023 Pacific Games.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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DPM Malanga on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands presents a token of appreciation to the U.S Navy Captain and PP2022 mission Commander Hank Kim for the successful completion of the PP2022 two weeks mission in Solomon Islands. PHOTO BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

DEPUTY Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga reiterates Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s request for another mission of the U.S Naval Hospital ship Mercy during the event of the Pacific Game, 2023.

Maelanga echoed this at the closing event of the Pacific Partnership 2022 mission in Solomon Islands.

“I also echoed the request of the Hon Prime minister who is also the Minister for the 2023 Pacific Game. Please consider the visit for 2023 to consider with the hosting of 2023 Pacific Game between 19th November and 2nd December of 2023,” he said.

“This year you have set a benchmark against the future mission of the Pacific Partnership program,” he added.

“The mission has touched the lives and improves many Solomon Islanders it has empowered our health professionals including repairs and maintenance of medical equipment’s, it has reduced waiting list of people who are booked for surgeries, it has bring smiles to the faces of our children most of all it has created training partnerships between our people.”

Director of Surgical Services for Pacific Partnership 2022, Commander Sara Gonzales said this robust collaboration for the last two weeks is the director reflection of the spirit the Pacific Partnership 2022 mission, strengthening International ties through the region and forging Multi notational Collaboration partnership in ensuring to strengthening and growing friendship like the one they shared with the Solomon Islands.

“This mission prepares us for future events that may require humanitarian assistance. The effects of disaster often transcend the national borders. Therefore it is important that we walked side by side as friends to take care of those who may most need our help,” Gonzales said.

Tuna production rises despite COVID-19

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Soltuna products

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

LOCAL tuna production continues to increase in the first three months of 2022 despite a significantly smaller fish catch.

 The latest Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) quarterly report shows that the total catch dropped by 22% due to COVID lockdowns and unfavorable weather conditions.

However, both canned tuna production and tuna loin production rose by 4%.

Canned tuna production for the quarter was 1,458 tons and tuna loin production, 7,039 tons.

 Fish meal production surged by 22% to 593 tons.

Canned tuna is produced for export and domestic consumption while tuna loins are primarily for export.

The CBSI report shows that the average fish price has increased by 12% to US$1,520 per ton during the quarter owing to lower supply associated with the poor fishing season around the world.

 “Its good sign for Soltuna and Solomon Islands in terms of expanding the markets,” said Solomon Islands Trade Commissioner, Barrett Salato,

Two months ago, Chairman of Soltuna Adrian Wickham said Soltuna produces 130 metric tons of tuna per day, five days a week – a production rate he described as very satisfactory to the company given the challenges brought in by COVID-19.

He said the National Fisheries Developments (NDF) catches 25 tons of tuna on average per year.

In terms of infrastructure, Wickham said the Noro International Seaport has also provided substantial support towards the tuna industry.

Noro International Seaport has installed a container yard with a cooling system to store tuna catches ready for export.

Recently, Soltuna has secured markets in Australia and New Zealand.

The breakthrough was made possible, thanks to the PACER Plus Agreement – a regional trade agreement designed to support Pacific island countries to become more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade.

Commissioner Salato said Soltuna is enjoying the opportunity to export under the PACER Plus Agreement.

Sallato said Soltuna now exports its products to Australian and New Zealand Markets with duty free privilege – an achievement he wants other local commodities to follow.

Fisheries was an important focus of this year’s budget, delivered in April.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Giro said the allocation will encourage investments, build infrastructure and create jobs and address issues that resonate with the everyday struggle of our people.

The budget allocated SBD$15 million to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources

A total of SBD$7 million will be spent on community livelihood programs. These include:

(1) the Progress GIFT Tilapia aquaculture program,

(2) reef trials of hatchery reared juvenile sea cucumbers under the sea cucumber fishery management program,

(3) expand seaweed farming to new sites in selected provinces and

(4) support the implementation of Community Based Resources Management (CBRM) activities in provinces to support communities manage and develop their fisheries resources.

SBD$4 million was allocated to the fish export infrastructure and fisheries centers program. It includes the Russell Islands Fisheries program, the Fataleka Fisheries Constituency Center, the Lata and Niola fisheries centers, an expanded Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) Programme and improvements to ministry facilities in Gizo..

Another SB$4 million is allocated toward Tuna Onshore development and processing program which covers

(1) Progressing the Tuna Onshore Processing Plant in Bina, Malaita Province,

(2) Progressing the development of electronic fish accounting system at Noro port and

(3) Enhance and expand the electronic monitoring and reporting systems for longline fishery.

The budget aims to improve the country’s fisheries industry.

Giro said its initiatives “included the provision of opportunities for rural fishers and communities through promotion of on-shore fisheries and to increase contribution of commercial and large scale tuna fisheries to the national revenue”.

Budget initiatives will also “improve and strengthen the contribution of small-scale fisheries for food security and socio-economic benefits of fishing communities, support indigenous resource owners in marine resource business management plans and to strengthen Provincial and National Fisheries Governance,” Giro said.

Funding from the World Bank will give an additional boost Solomon Islands fisheries industry.

The $13.5 million Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program – Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER) in Solomon Islands aims to strengthen regional fisheries management to ensure oceanic fish stocks are better protected from illegal fishing.

The project will also support coastal fisheries through activities to ensure Pacific fishers, their families, and their communities see lasting benefits from the seafood sector into the future.

According to spokesperson of Tuna Industry Association Solomon Islands (TIASI), Russell Dunham, Solomon Islands tuna industry has continued to flourish due to close collaborations between main fisheries organisations in the region and local industry.

He said Solomon Islands is very fortunate that all four tuna species are present in its waters with huge potential to source major revenue for the country.

“Solomon Islands is also very fortunate that we have all three major commercial ways of catching tuna: the purse seine, longline, and pole-and-line fishing. There are not so many Pacific Island countries that are fortunate to have access to these,” Durham said.

While he acknowledged the potential of Solomon Islands tuna industry, Durham also cautioned that sustainability of the resources is paramount.

Durham said sustainable management of tuna resources is important not only for the country but for the industry in the region.

He acknowledged MFMR, FFA, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO), and stakeholders such as SPC for their efforts in maintaining healthy tuna fisheries in the country as well as in the region.

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Botanical garden murder trial continues in Court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CONTINUATION of the Botanical Garden murder trial will continue tomorrow at the High Court.

This is the case against Ruben Jayrick Hitu, charged with one count of manslaughter in relation to the incident that occurred on July 25 2020.

Defendant Hitu is alleged to have involved in the murder of a 40-year-old man at the upper cliff near the Botanical Garden in west Honiara.

 The allegation states that on the morning of July 25, police were alerted that a Body has fallen from a cliff before the entrance gate to the Botanical Garden.

The police responded to the report and when they arrived at the scene, they discovered a body.

Police said information received states that the deceased and his girlfriend went up the cliff heading to the Botanical Garden prior to the incident.

It is alleged that while the deceased and his girlfriend were at the top of the cliff, two men appeared and attacked the deceased.

Prosecution alleged that the deceased and the partner referred to as J.M were having food at one of the sites on top of the hill when they were approached by two young men who questioned them whether they already had sex.

Police also said from reports received, the deceased said nothing happened and it was at that time that one of the accused allegedly grabbed the partner.

She however resisted and escaped to a distance from where they were at.

Prosecution also alleged that the man’s partner saw the two men allegedly assaulting the deceased with their fists and legs.

She then rushed down to where she and the deceased had met a group of people earlier, but no one was around, so she walked further down and met a man who was not part of the group, she begged him for help.

The partner returned and looked for the deceased but they were no-where to be seen.

The deceased body was however discovered on the ground beside the fence of a church building.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

Manele responds to accusations

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has clarified accusations regarding the deferment of the 2023 National General Elections.

This follows claims that the Government wants to benefit or get money generated from the 17th Pacific Games held between 19 November to 2nd December 2023 and was an influence from outside.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele rejected the claims when contributing to the Constitutional Amendment Bill last week.

The Bill, which is now passed, will give the Sogavare Government an extra seven months in power.

Initially, the term of the 11th Parliament commenced on 15th May 2019 and ends on 19th May 2023.

Manele said this is a pure nonsense and lie.

He said it is not true too on outside influences.

“We do not have any interferences from our partners in terms of the decision the government has taken.

“This claim was subtle and it is a pure lie,” he said.

Manele remined his colleagues not to misinform and mislead our people.

“This Bill is not necessary about extending the life of the 11th Parliament but about deferring for few months so we can successfully host the Pacific Games and prepare well to host the elections.

“I believe this is the rational, legal and appropriate timely amendment Bill initiated by the government,” he added.

A number of Opposition members have stated the Government can host both elections and Pacific Games in same year.

“Even though we have the funds to host both events, we will not be able prepare well given the time constraints and the need to mobilise logistics and train our people.

“It’s not only about hosting both events in the same year. I think the important thing here is hosting them successfully,” he added.

“This will take a lot of time in terms of resource mobilisation, training of our people who will take part in the Games in terms of event organisers, liaison officers and hosting the events in same time.

“There will be number of public holidays and this will affect our students,” he added.

“We need a lot of time in between the two events to prepare well to successfully deliver on the event.

“I think also the need for the new government to settle in if we have the elections next year and prepare for the Games,” he added.

“I think there is short lead time between elections and hosting of the Games in November,” he said.

Parliament has passed the Bill to extend the 11th Parliament to December 31st and elections to be held in April 2024.

JAPAN EYES SUAVA BAY

Written by
Samie Waikori
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His Excellency, Ambassador Miwa Yoshiaki and team are receive by Mana'abu community during their visit last week.

Ambassador Yoshiaki meets community

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

DISCUSSIONS are underway between the Malaita Provincial government and the Japanese Embassy to look at possible ways to pursue the development of Suava Bay.

In amplifying the discussion, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Miwa Yoshiaki conducted a site visit to Suava Bay last Thursday and met with landowners at Mana’abu village.

Speaking during their meeting Yoshiaki acknowledged the people of Mana’abu/Suava for receiving him and assured them of his willingness to cooperate with them.

His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki is deliverying his speech during his recent visit to Mana’abu village in Suava Bay.

He said Japan has had long relationship with the Solomon Islands and have carried out many projects in the country and on Malaita province contributing to the livelihood of people.

He said Japan wants to strengthen its relationship with the Solomon Islands furthermore, and in more directions.

“For us, it’s very important to find valuable and important projects through the cooperation between us.

Members of Mana’abu community and its surrounding communities gather for the arrival of His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, Premier Suidani and team to Mana ‘abu last week.

“So to me, this kind of visit to local a community is very valuable, to see the environment you live in, hear what you’re seeking and expecting.

“I will go back to my office and think on what would be a good cooperation with you,” Mr Yoshiaki said.

Ambassador Yoshiaki was accompanied by Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani and members of his executive during the visit to the people of Suava Bay.

Premier Daniel Suidani delivering his remark during a breif visit to Mana’abu village in Suava Bay last week.

A representative of landowners from the Suava Bay, Lesley Lamani acknowledged the visit of both Ambassador Miwa Yoshiaki, and Premier Daniel Suidani.

He assured them of their enthusiasm to cooperate with partners in pursuing development for Suava Bay as they have been liaising with Japan on the development initiative.

“We hope that you will appreciate our aspirations in partnership, which is to develop the plans we together with the MARA government had presented on Suava.

Reps from tribes within Suava Bay during the visit of Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki to Mana’abu last week.

“We welcome inputs that you desire to put forward in order to make this project a model project template for Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.

“You have been to many places, and coming to our community, you can see how we live and the simplicity of our programme is a true reflection of the people we are,” Lamani said.

Safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable water supply for Gizo

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Water Operations team preparing for valve and pipe replacement.

The Australian-funded Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) and Solomon Water will establish a new water supply system in Gizo.

 The SIIP Steering Committee approved a funding contribution of SBD56 million (AUD10 million) for the project in their fourth meeting on 1 September 2022.

The Gizo Water Supply Project will deliver a safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable supply of water for Gizo town.

 Designed by European firm Suez with support from the Asian Development Bank and World Bank to Solomon Water, the project includes a new borehole system at Mile 6, with pumping station and pipeline into the town, new water storage facilities and a distribution network in the township.

SIIP Steering Committee co-chair Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers said, ‘a secure water supply system in the country’s third largest urban centre will not only sustain a town desperately short of reliable water but will also help unlock tourism and other economic opportunities.’

 ‘Water has long been a challenge in Gizo and this project is a high priority for the Solomon Islands Government.

Australia is pleased to be assisting to improve health and economic outcomes for the people of Gizo,’ said Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, co-chair of the SIIP Steering Committee.

 The Gizo Water Supply Project will be SIIP’s second co-funded partner-led project.

 It follows SIIP’s SBD130 million (AUD23.15 million) commitment to upgrade the Seghe and Taro airfields in partnership with New Zealand and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.

 SIIP is a ten-year SBD1.5 billion economic infrastructure program that aims to create local economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders across all nine provinces.

The program has already prioritised markets for redevelopment in Malu’u, Buala, Seghe, and Honiara.

 A feasibility study and detailed design is underway for the upgrade and expansion of Noro Port and a water supply and sanitation feasibility study is progressing at Bina for a proposed tuna processing plant.

 SIIP is funded by the Australian government and delivered in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government

Western province farewells PS Wickham

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Outgoing P.S Jeffrey Wickham center and members of Western Provincial Administration cut the farewell cake

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province yesterday hosted a farewell party to thank outgoing Provincial Secretary Jeffrey Wickham.

The event, held at Imagination Island Resort, brought together government officials, provincial officials, officials from non-government organisations and also local leaders.

Clerk of Western Province was also invited on behalf of the dissolved assembly of Western Province.

With a total of over 30 accomplished and ongoing project, Wickham retired with honour and respect coming from the people.

In his remarks, Deputy Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena joined all the officials who attended the event in acknowledging Wickham for his service for the people of Western Province and the country.

He said Wickham has been a key figure in driving Western Province’s development aspirations and also socio benefits which touched many lives.

Toiraena said Wickham is a household name within the public service and has contributed well in both national and provincial level.

“On behalf of all head of divisions, I acknowledge your leadership and guidance given to us to develop our province.

Agriculture Department of Western Province presents Jeffrey Wickham with two live pigs as token of appreciation

“Your leadership is exceptional that your tenure not only has overwhelming achievement but also help provincial staffs to learn important knowledge and skill from you.

“We wish you well as your journey on in life and for sure, we will reach out to you for advises when we need your help,” he said.

Edwin Ghasapio, National Engineer of Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) Project said Wickham is a champion of CAUSE Project when comes to negotiation of projects and activities.

He said donors have respect Wickham for his performance in masterminding CAUSE project which has achieved lots of tangible developments in communities.

“You stand for our people and for that, I salute you for your leadership. You have achieved lots of developments, some of the developments are ongoing and these development will remind us of your leadership.

“Your leadership will be missed and we thank you for your service for Western Province and the country as a whole,” Ghasapio said.

Malaita thanks Mercy medical service to Auki

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of US Medical team in Auki chatting with a local health staff at Kilu'ufi hospital.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Malaita Health have thanked the US medical team of the US Navy Mercy hospital ship.

The team today concludes their four-day trip to Auki, during which they provided medical services to public of Malaita.

Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, Dr Rex Maukera in an interview yesterday said, “The team is in the province after their arrivals on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to provide some medical services to people within sites they will be visiting.

“The sites are Dala and Fauambu health centres in West Kwara’ae and Kilu’ufi hospital in Auki.”

Maukera said their medical services to Malaita include:

  • Kilu’ufi hospital – surgery, skin disease treatment, biomedical and pharmacy services and a two days training on infection control and helping babies survive course for staffs
  • Dala –midwife services
  • Fauambu – midwife and similar training on infection control and helping babies survive course for staffs

He said a lot of people have turned up since Tuesday. Sadly, some were turned away since their needs were not included in the medical services offered.

A biomedical officer from the US Medical team in Auki reparing a machine in the dental clinic at Kilu’ufi hospital yesterday.

Maukera said some especially for surgery also returned due to other underlying medical conditions that were complicated to undergo surgery.

According to Maukera since Tuesday, lots of activities were done by the team where people got treated, machines within the hospital were fixed and many others.

The team returns to Honiara today.

Elections in April 2024

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

EDDIE OSIFELO

PEOPLE in Solomon Islands will go to the polls around April 2024 afte after Parliament passed the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2022 without amendments yesterday deferring the 11th Parliament to December 2023.

Initially, the term of the 11th Parliament commenced on 15th May 2019 and ends on 19th May 2023.

About 37 of the 49 Members of Parliament voted for the Bill in the second reading and third reading to pass the bill.

The Chairman of the Bills and Legislative Committee, John Maneniaru asked Parliament for his Committee By to scrutinize the Bill after the passage of the second reading.

However, the Government made its stand for the Committee of Supply to consider the Bill.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare claimed the Bill has gone through wider consultation by Members of Parliament in their respective constituencies and would get the same results.

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale said in his debate said the people of Solomon Islands must remember this sad day, when their government abused their parliament for no worthy reason, but a power grab by the Prime Minister.

He said the people’s government and the people’s parliament are being abused by the few who are exercising executive government powers.

“This sets a bad precedent. Bad decisions come from bad intentions,” he added.

Independent Leader, John Dean Kuku said with the coming into operation of the original Section 73 (3) on or about January 1, 2024, the Electoral Commission is expected to commence preparations for holding of the 2023 National General Elections in 2024.

“This is absurd. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022 if passed, is incapable of being legally and practically implemented.

“It will lead to a constitutional crisis because there are now two dissolutions of this house. The Electoral Commission will have to decide which dissolution to follow to hold the next general elections,” he said.

Kuku alleged there are other ramifications that will emanate from the passage of this Bill.  

“First Mr. Speaker, your term as Speaker of this House will have terminated on May 15, 2023. 

“If the Bill is extended, you remain as Speaker for a further 7 months and 16 days and will continue to enjoy benefits that are currently accorded to you,” he said. 

“Secondly Mr. Speaker, Members of Parliament will remain in office for a further 7 months and 16 days. 

“In terms of benefits, Members of Parliament will continue to receive their entitlements for a further 7 months and 16 days,” he said.

Kuku said it clearly appears to him that the only real beneficiaries to this Bill are Members of Parliament and yourself as the Speaker. 

“This is corruption at the highest-level Mr. Speaker. 

“We have weaponized Parliament as a tool to benefit ourselves and not our people,” he added.

Parliament stands adjourned to Monday 7th November 2022 to prepare for the Appropriation Bill and Government MPs attending oversea trips.

PM Sogavare will lead the Government delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America. The Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga will also attend the funeral of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe during the break

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