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Wale decries PM Sogavare summoning of Australia envoy

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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has condemned Prime Minister Sogavare’s decision to summon the Australian High Commissioner over an ABC media report.

Mr Wale describes PM Manasseh Sogavare as ‘a person with extreme paranoia’.

Wale made this statement following reports that the Prime Minister had instructed government officials to summon the Australian High Commission Office over a Four Corners programme aired on ABC TV recently.

The Opposition Leader said it is an international embarrassment and a laughing stock to think that he (Prime Minister) can control ABC’s editorial independence.

“Let me remind the Prime Minister and his advisors that ABC has its own editorial independence, and even federal government ministers and senior officials do not have control over ABC. So it is totally pointless to summon the high commissioner or any of his staff over the matter,” he said.

Wale said Sogavare’s recent advice to summon the Australian high commission only depicts the betrayal of his paranoia, pettiness and his increasing disregard for media freedom, a fundamental principle in democracy.

The Opposition Leader said he is aware that the Prime Minister had snubbed interviews with international news agencies that have visited the country in recent weeks.

“It is totally pointless to summon people when international media have travelled to your doorstep and requested interviews with you, but you declined. The best you could have done is face the media and tell your side of the story and not to cry over spilt milk. Why is the Prime Minister afraid to face the media?” he questioned.

Wale said Prime Minister Sogavare’s failed attempt to ban facebook, his decision to control SIBC and his plan to control media in the country clearly depicts a person with paranoia.

“This is the same Prime Minister that is a mockery to himself in Parliament saying that he will defend democracy with his life. This is hypocrisy at its best,” Wale said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Government still in talks on health scheme for MPs

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government is still in discussions on whether to pull the plug on the Health Care Medical Scheme for members of Parliament, wives and dependent children under Parliament or Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

This is because the budget comes under the Public Entitlement Commission (PEC) in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

PEC had signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Mustard Seed International April 1, 2020 to provide comprehensive medical support to all 50 MPs and dependents.

However, some members of the Opposition Group have raised concerned over the administration and operation of the scheme by Mustard Seed.

Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, Douglas Ete told officials of OPMC during the enquiry of the 2022 Supplementary Bill 2022 in Parliament last week that Clerk to Parliament has written to Mustard Seed on number of occasions to pay one sick member of Opposition, but it is unable to pay.

Ete said figure runs from $200,000 for medicine.

He decides to leave the issue to the Parliamentary House Committee to deal with it.

However, Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers said discussion being looked at whether all support of MPs not located at national parliament.

However, Rodgers said the issue they need to look at is efficiency and effectiveness and speed within which because Health is a big ministry.

“If it sits there is okay, unless they have dedicated personnel, you could go into delays.

“Say for instance the whole area sits in National Parliament because it is for Parliamentarians, it must actually be a better spot,” he said.

Rodgers said it is very simple they can train one or two people on policies and procedures to operate out of here like a self-insurance or reinsurance.

“We have to look at the legal mechanisms.

“But when that is done, I am fairly confident then that can work better,” he said.

Rodgers said they will keep you inform of that process.

He said if that is done, they will need to provide a bill in November siting of Parliament for the mechanism.

So far under the scheme, two Members of Parliament, late Titus Fika and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Bartholomew Parapolo and Speaker of Parliament, Patterson Oti were supported under it.

Rodgers said from his understanding Mustard Seed is not an insurer but a health care provider.

He said but the fact Government paid premium put it close to an insurer.

In the meantime, Transparency Solomon International has also questioned the scheme and urged the Opposition and Independent group to initiate an investigation on it because tax payers’ money is injected into it.

1,667 international arrivals

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Honiara International Airport

The National Statistics Office has recorded a total of 1,667 international arrivals in the second quarter of this year.

The latest International Arrivals bulletin was released on Friday last week.

Government Statistician Douglas Kimi confirmed there was a total of 1,667 in the second quarter, an increase of 59.7 percent compared to the previous quarter.

“’This is an increase of 59.7 percent compared to the previous quarter. But compared to the same quarter a year ago, this is an increase of 124.7 percent.”

Returning residents made up 76.6% of arrivals for the second quarter of 2022.

This was followed by Visitors with 21.6% of arrivals and the remaining 1.8% were Intending residents.

“Visitor arrivals for the second quarter increased by 30.9% to 360 visitors, compared to the first quarter 2022 figure of 275 visitors.

“There was also an increase of 103.4% in visitor arrivals compared to the same quarter in 2021.”

Arrivals by country of residence for the second quarter 2022 showed that Australia (45.8%) recorded the largest group of visitors amongst other country visitors to the Solomon Islands.

Mr Kimi said although there was 165 Australian in the second quarter 2022, this reflected a decrease of 6.3% compared to the first quarter of 2022 figure of 176.

The next largest group of visitors were from Other Asia (13.9%) followed by Japan (13.1%), China (10.8%), United States of America (6.9%), Other Country (3.3%), New Zealand (3.1%), Fiji (1.7%), Other Pacific and Other Europe recording 0.6% respectively and PNG (0.3%).

Meanwhile, visitor arrivals by month showed that April recorded the highest number of arrivals in the second quarter of 2022 with 166 visitors.

This was followed by month of May with a total of 99 visitors and June the least, with 95 visitors.

A significant decline in international arrivals was recorded since restrictions were imposed on International flights by the Solomon Islands Government towards the end of March 2020, as part of the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) response towards preventing Solomon Island residents and citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SOPE has now been lifted and from July 1, 2022, international flights have slowly resumed.

Men deny instigating November riot

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police officers tirelessly working to bring the riots under control. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THREE men accused of being instigators of last year’s November riots have pleaded not guilty to 10 charges against them.

Simon Mannie, John Kwaita and Knoxly Atu, after they entered not guilty pleas, had their case adjourned for the next 14 days for a pre-trial hearing on the matter.

The trio are facing charges of managing unlawful society, one count of sedition, two counts of unlawful assembly and seven count of arson.

Prosecution alleged that between August 1 and November 26, 2021 the trio managed an unlawful society namely Malaita 4 Democracy (M4D), and they are planning to protest against the Prime Minister.

Prosecution said the accused men are leaders and active members of Malaita for Democracy (M4D) and represent Honiara-based Malaitans, and were involved in unlawful planning of unauthorised public assembly that led to the November riot in Honiara.

Prosecution alleged what they planned and instigated has been executed in which the public procession had occurred that resulted in arson, and destruction of business buildings, looting of shops and burning of Kukum Traffic Centre and damage to Naha Police Station.

Public Prosecutor Nickson Tonowane is appearing for the crown on the case.

Forum member countries urged to work together

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Jennifer Kusapa
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PIF Secretary General, Henry Puna.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

SECRETARY General of the Pacific Islands Forum has called on Pacific leaders to work together to address challenges encountered.

Speaking at the opening of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Port Vila SG Henry Puna highlighted that everyone is living in a very challenging times and Forum member countries are experiencing the hit of that in terms of their economy.

He told Finance ministers attending the meeting that the challenges fall directly under your responsibilities as Finance and Economic Ministers,

“We all need to work together, to collaborate, and assist our people and grow our economies to ensure that no one is left behind. It is critical that all key stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society organisations, women’s groups and our young people to work together to collectively address our challenges.

“Our Blue Pacific region faces significant challenges. The ongoing climate change crisis our region faces, and the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our economies. This is being exacerbated by geo-political tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war and its impacts on the global economy”, Secretary General Puna said.

Puna said economies remain vulnerable many countries face long term debt sustainability challenges. Our people are threatened by rising cost of living that is affecting their livelihoods and communities. Supply chain disruptions are affecting trade, the operations and profitability of our private sector and the availability of some goods and services. Interest rates are rising, resulting in higher costs of servicing our debts and paying off our mortgages.

“These are issues that you deal with at national level on a daily basis. We are interested to hear your experiences, especially any success stories you may have on how you have addressed these challenges. Sharing experiences, priorities and lessons learnt help strengthen regional cooperation to support economic recovery, resilience and stability in our region”, Puna added.

Meanwhile, former Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and now the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Senior Adviser – Economics Denton Rarawa told Island Sun in Port Vila that that FEMM gathers Finance ministers and as well PS Finance to come together to discuss different issues that affects their countries in terms of the economy.

This meeting the main key issues of discussion is on the 2050 strategy which leaders within the region endorsed in Suva last month during the Forum Leaders meeting, and in this meeting the Forum also took papers to the Finance Ministers on COVID 19 how it affects their countries and what are some of their policy measures or strategies they have taken to recover in terms of the economy.

“As we all know COVID pandemic has disrupted the economy of Forum Members countries and we are looking at how we can assist our members to recover and what are the plans going forward in terms of the future”, Rarawa said.

He said Solomon Islands like any countries in the region also have gone through a lot of challenges in terms of the economy because of the COVID and now the impact of Russia/Ukraine war which is also creating new challenges, and countries will face increase on fuel prices, food and others.

NO DEATHS FROM FLU

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi. Photo by GCU

But patients flood hospital, admits Dr Malefoasi

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE National Referral Hospital did not record any death or admission last week in relation to the flu outbreak (Viral Respiratory Illnesses or VRI).

Patients had flooded the Emergency department, resulting in them sleeping on floor due to overcrowding and lack of beds.

NRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Malefoasi told the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament that they have seen a high workload of cases.

“We only have 23 beds, because it shouldn’t be an admission ward, really for screening diagnosis and stabilizing,

“At the moment, we reach high level, with 23 beds can accommodate 40 patients,” he said.

He said if beyond 40 then patients start to sleep on floor.

However, Dr Malefoasi said they get foldable beds and try mobilising some they get.

As of last week, the number of patients dropped to 74 patients, where 49 were respiratory cases.

He said the proportion of Respiratory cases decline but Emergency department still heavy stretch.

He said the fortunate thing, from bed census yesterday, none admitted, no related deaths and admission.

Dr Malefoasi said what they recorded everyone come with mild, moderate but manageable outpatient, while those stabilize can go back home.

Further to that, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary, Pauline McNeil said the Ministry still working hard ongoing monitoring of the situation.

She said the ministry is also working with Honiara City Council to extend working hours on other clinics to ease pressure on NRH.

“Some logistic supports we need to support them,” she added.

The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana has already declared an outbreak of the flue in Honiara and Malaita recently.

Kabui: PM has not written any letters

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SPECIAL Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has never written a character reference letter for a Dion Kingi Paul, who pleaded guilty in an Australian court this week to stealing by looting.

Paul pleaded admitted to looting wheels during flooding in Queensland, Australia, early this year.

Courier Mail crime reporter, Patrick Billings reported that Paul, a successful businessman, “took advantage of the misery of others” by stealing during Brisbane’s catastrophic floods.

In court, Paul’s lawyer presented a character reference letter purportedly written by Sogavare.

Paul is said to have operated two retail shops in Honiara.

But Kabui told reporters yesterday they are not aware of that person.

He added the PM has not drafted any letter and that he himself has not seen that letter.

“We are looking at legal options to address this issue,” Kabui said.

It was revealed following Sun’s investigation that Paul owns two retail shops in Solomon Islands.

CBSI: Sharp decline in log exports

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dr. Luke Forau, CBSI Governor

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands is seeing a sharp decline in its log exports.

The decline began in 2020, and this year saw a huge drop in the volume of log export.

In 2020, log export was 2.34 million cubic metres. In 2021, it dropped to 2.02 million cubic metres. This year, by June, it was 1.6 million cubic metres.

Among many things, this decline has been blamed on the covid-19 pandemic, which saw the closure of international borders.

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Governor, Dr Luke Forau confirmed this when asked by Independent Leader, John Dean Kuku when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament yesterday.

PAC was inquiring into the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2022.

Forau said in 2020, the volume of logs declined to 2.344 million cubic metres.

He said in 2021 it was 2.020 million cubic metres.

“We may see continuous decline of the industry. This industry is a key mainstay of the government and the economy as well.

“I am sure the government is aware of this and there is policy put in place to intervene and come up with some alternatives to support us if this logging industry for instance suddenly stops,” he said.

Forau said it will have a severe impact on our economy.

Furthermore, Forau said on other commodities, volume contributes as well because of pandemic, no ship was able to come over to transport our products.

In the meantime, Forau said there is a $900 million deficit on 2022 Appropriation Bill passed in April this year.

He said almost half of it is to be met by donors.

“The other part, we are not privy to the information of the source of funds coming from.

“I know Government has several options to tap to breach the shortfall,” he added.

Moreover, Forau said there is a surplus on the Balance of Payment in 2021, up to June with $187 million deficit.

He said BOP has two components which is the current account and capital account.

“We more interest in current account because export and import featured in because it reflects in foreign reserves.

“I Stress importance to build a strong foreign reserve that rely on export,” he added.

Government to pay Levers $50m in 3 instalments

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

Government will pay Levers Solomon Ltd (LSL) $50 million, as had been ordered by the Court, in three instalments.

Permanent secretary to the Ministry of Finance, McKinnie Dentana told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this in parliament yesterday.

PAC is scrutinising the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2022.

When asked by Independent Leader, John Dean Kuku, PS Dentana said he had made a sworn statement that government will make three instalments.

He said government will make the first payment this year and complete the final instalment next year.

Furthermore, Dentana said whatever the decision of the court against the government, it will still pay as it is not a business.

He said the only question is the policy, but there is room for appropriation.

Lawyers acting for LSL had issued the High Court Order as well as an Order for the eviction of police from the Hell’s Point land east of Henderson Airport.

The Court eviction order was of immediate effect and lapsed on November 16 last year, documents show.

These High Court orders relate to a case between Levers Solomon Ltd and the Solomon Islands Government.

It dates back to August 14, 2017, according to the papers.

The initial order gave the Government until October 31, 2017 to settle the $50 million.

Attorney General was named the Enforcement Debtor on behalf of the Government in the current Orders, the papers show.

Documents for $300K case not prepared.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE pre-trial conference in the case of a police officer alleged to have stolen more than $300,000 exhibit money at the Rove exhibit facility was delayed to August 24.

The defendant Makasi Dolaiano was alleged to have taken One Link Pacifica’s money that supposed to be kept as exhibit to one-link money cases that were dealt before the court.

The Pre-trial on the case was supposed to have been conducted yesterday however, the PTC documents were not prepared prior to the appearance yesterday.

It is alleged the said officer was the exhibit officer at that time, and was responsible for looking after the facility when the $300k exhibit money went missing in October of 2020.

Investigation was conducted and he was charged for the offence.

He is currently on bail awaiting his case to be dealt with by the court.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the Crown.

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