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Fa’abasua hits back at Malaita’s non-executives

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Former provincial secretary of Malaita, Fredrick Fa’abasua has spoken out against false claims by the non-executive of the province directed against him.

The non-executives have included Mr Fa’abasua in allegations listed in their reasons for their motion of no confidence against Premier Daniel Suidani and his MARA government.

The accusations by the non-executives say “the premier directly appointed Reach Consultancy, a firm owned by the former PS Mr Fredrick Fa’abasua to work on the ‘15 years Malaita Development Aspiration’ by-passing the normal tender compliance and procurement processes.

“Further still, the acting PS David Filia Tuita was conveniently by-passed by the premier to allow REACH consultancy to proceed without signing a formal binding contract following the executive’s approval.

“Consequently, the consultancy fee of $SBD60,000 awarded by the premier ($SBD32,000 of which has been paid to the REACH consultancy firm) constitutes an illegal payment.”

Responding to the accusations, Fa’abasua, who is the director of Reach Consultancy firm, said his firm has a signed contract with MPG, not MARA government as alleged and it signed on the October 10, 2022.

“Where do I get the approval and authority before signing the contract? The original executive decision to engage someone to work on the Malaita Development Aspiration 2050 was made on 18 June 2020.

“However, this was not done and so, on 23 September 2022, the MARA executive met and further cemented that decision thereby requesting Reach consultancy firm to work on this matter.

“I was then formally conveyed that decision by the premier’s office on 07 October 2022. When receiving the letter, I then raised the issue of procurement with the premier’s office.

“Due to the urgency of this task that needs to be done as partners are waiting upon the MARA Government, the premier formally writes to the Provincial Secretary acting as the Chairman of the Provincial Tender Board asking for a waiver of the procurement process base on the urgency.

“This received the approval from the PS acting. It was only then that I went on to sign the contract,” he said.

Fa’abasua said his team has delivered the task given and formal presentation of a copy of the Malaita Development Fifteen Years Aspirations was made to MARA executive at the provincial chamber on November 28, 2022.

He said the plan is the first of its kind for Malaita province that links with other greater plans of the Solomon Islands government, regional and international plans.

Fa’abasua said although the mover of the motion saw it fit to put this as part of their allegations, there is one more truth that the public needs to understand here.

“Anyone in his right mine will not go around and publicly claim that if the motion of no confidence is passed then I and my firm will still be engaged by the newly formed government.

“These statements were echoed at a public meeting at Kilusakwalo on Sunday 29 January 2022 even without my knowledge and consent.

“What a hypocrite! I said this because in the first place my name and firm has been tarnish because of what he and his team proposed in their motion.

“Yet, in their effort to garner public support, my name and firm was again used to score political points and public support.

“This is not good politics to say the least,” he said.

SICTU supports COLA rise for public servants

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Council of Trade Union is supporting the 6.5 percent ‘Cost of Living Adjustment’ for public servants in the country.

Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) had submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Public Service last year to help public servants keep up with high rising costs of goods and housing.

SIPEU is currently waiting for Cabinet approval on the proposal.

SICTU President, David Tuhanuku said they are waiting for the outcome of Cabinet’s deliberation on the proposal.

He said SICTU will hold a meeting to decide their official stand, depending on the outcome of the Cabinet’s decision.

General Secretary, Robert Au, told Tavuli News in an interview that the 6.5 percent is with the Public Service and working on it.

“They trying to look at the budget side of it and will submit to Cabinet for endorsement and perhaps this first quarter, we should know what time it should be implemented for all the public servants.

“So, the 6.5 percent will go across the board,” Au said.

Furthermore, on the rental scheme for public servants, Au told Tavuli News that Cabinet did not get back last year, for reasons they want to totally look at how it could be implemented for all public servants in the country.

“Our wish is that we want to see rental housing assistances go to the public servants so that they can arrange their own housings.

“Maybe some of them can go and secure loan through the financials institutions that are available, or the Solomon Finances Limited, which is one of the subsidiaries of Solomon Islands National Provident Fund,” he said.

Au said SIPEU is continuing monitoring that and checking with the government and with the Public Service.

“I understand they are still yet to submit the review they carried out last year.

“I am still to get back to PS after the New Year. Iam hoping when the PS settles down, we can have a meeting to look at the progress and updates on that one,” he added.

Apart from that, about 100 nurses are planning to depart to Australia to work in age care, due to low salary level they received and could not afford to meet the increased cost of living in the country.

Forms 3 and 5 results Friday

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

BY NED GAGAHE

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie says year nine (form 3) and 11 (form 5) examination results will be released tomorrow, Friday, February 3.

In an email to Island Sun yesterday, Rodie said results will be posted via MEHRD’s website and can be accessed there.

Rodie said form seven placements have been released and signed off by Minister yesterday (Wednesday) and are now accessible from the MEHRD website.

The release of the form-seven results has brought relief to parents, supporters and fee payers who criticised MEHRD for the delay.

Most schools nationwide both primary and secondary schools have already kicked of class on January 23 and are now well into their second week of normal classes.

Meanwhile, concerned parents, guidance and fee payers are advised to go to MEHRD’s website if they wish to find our the placement of their children.

NURSE BLOCK

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Health ministry works with Foreign affairs to prevent experienced health workers leaving

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The ministry of health (MHMS) has devised a way to block senior nurses who are seeking job opportunities outside of the country.

More than a hundred nurses including senior and experienced ones are set to go and work overseas. Many more are signing up, it is reported.

This development is projected to impact the country’s health and medical services.

So, MHMS has reportedly sought help from the ministry of foreign affairs (MFAET) to block current working nurses (both experienced and less experienced) from leaving the country.

Only nurses who have retired, resigned and are no longer in service will be allowed to leave to work overseas, Island Sun was reliably informed.

A senior official in the MHMS admin confirmed this to Island Sun yesterday on condition of anonymity, adding it is the only way MHMS can save this country from this pending mass brain drain of health workers.

MHMS and MFAET officials met yesterday morning to plan out how they will go about this plan, the official said.

More details to this scheme will be made known later, the official said.

Responding to reports of this totalitarian plan by MHMS, nurses who are awaiting confirmation to go and work in Australia say they “will just simply resign and leave”.

“It is our constitutional rights to resign and sign up for overseas jobs despite whatever arrangement is done to hold us back.   

“Majority of us nurses decide to tender our resignation if contract is offered,” their spokesperson said.

More than a hundred nurses are furnishing up processes to head abroad for job opportunities, especially Australia.

Many more are showing interest and are signing up to this pathway, which also include countries as far away as Canada, Island Sun was told earlier this week.

Among the reasons behind this pending mass diaspora is government’s harsh and draconian treatment of nurses since their mass strike in November 2020 as the country anticipated covid-19 which was spreading across the world at that time.

Nurses had banded together under their platform, Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA), to demand government to improve working conditions and welfare matters.

Government however responded by suspending SINA and charging eight nurses for incitement. In all, 14 were suspended from duty.

Since then, SINA remains suspended, denying nurses in the country a platform through which their voices and concerns can be heard.

Another main reason is the rising cost of living in Honiara and the country, which nurses are feeling the brunt of due to their small salaries and lack of allowances.

Suspended nurses association distances itself from SICTU

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO  

The suspended nurses association (SINA) has distanced itself from the country’s council of trade unions (SICTU).

In a statement yesterday, the re-instatement consultation taskforce for SINA said it does not support the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) protest against entitlement increased by PEC to members of Parliament.

“SINA at no time did meet with Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) to protest against salary awarded to Member of Parliament.

“It has come to realisation on a number of media release, SINA has been mentioned to be party to the ongoing SICTUs campaign against the seven percent pay rise awarded to MPs by PEC.

“In light of this publicity, SINA therefore, would like to put record correct and in a proper context, that had no time did, the suspended SINA Authority and or the SINA Interim Task Force met with SICTU and agree in principle to give consent for participation of SINA in such an undertaking by SICTU,” the statement said.

The statement says it must be noted that SINA’s suspension order of 2020 remain enforced and for that reason SINA will abide by terms and conditions of the Suspension Order and will continue to remain in abeyance until it is dully reinstated accordingly.

“SINA therefore calls on SICTU to respect SINA’s standing as a suspended trade union and will therefore not participate in SICTU’s campaign against the PEC awards,” the statement said.

Passport services for labour mobility suspended for now

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Crowd outside the immigration department were sadly turned back on Monday following the temporary suspension. Picture supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Commerce Labour and Immigration (MCLI) has temporarily suspended the processing of passports for seasonal workers until further notice.

The suspension took effect as of Monday, January 30 to allow the ministry to work on space at the immigration department dedicated for serving labour mobility applicants.

In an interview yesterday Permanent Secretary Riley Mesetitu said the decision was made after consultation with the Director of Immigration.

“We met on Monday 30th and made up some decisions but we are yet to finalise.

“This week our office has been flooded with crowd and we cannot accommodate everybody who comes in.

“So, this week we use it to clear off the back logs of passports that were already processed and ready for collection.

“Hopefully, next week we will again resume normal services.”

Mesepitu said discussion is well underway with his team at the immigration department on best way forward to address the issue.

“In terms of space, we are working on that we will also increase the number of manpower and space at the immigration.

“So, we will do some arrangements allocate more space for immigration and special unit dedicated to serve passport applicants for seasonal work.

“It will take us some time to rearrange office to control crowd coming in.

“This are some of the things we are planning to do.

“I will not make a timeframe on how long it will take us to achieve that but it is anticipated that it will be just a brief suspension. It won’t take too long,” Mesepitu said.  

HCC’s deadline lapses,illegal markets continue

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Eddie Siapu.

BY NED GAGAHE

The deadline to shut-down illegal markets in the city yesterday January 31 has passed but illegal markets still go about their normal business especially.

Honiara City Council (HCC) on January 24 issued a final notice for vendors to move out from Fishing Village Market and other illegal markets like Maromaro and White River 01 bus stop market.

In a statement last week City Mayor Eddie Siapu warned vendors in illegal markets that they had until January 31 to move out.

Following this deadline, Mayor Siapu added that the HCC will move in and demolish these markets.

Following the deadline yesterdayIsland Sun contacted City Mayor Siapu and he said they have decided to dialogue with vendors to close the markets via peaceful means, not to cause any disagreements with vendors and owners of the sites.

Siapu said Acting Deputy City Clerk Vincent Kohata had led a team from HCC to initiate dialogue with the vendors and market owners.

Siapu added that HCC held its first meeting with vendors and owners of the sites on Monday, January 30.

“HCC resorted to dialogue with vendors and owners of these illegal markets, they have asked for us to dialogue with them.

“HCC has decided to resolve and close these markets in peaceful means not to cause or spark any unnecessary disagreements.  

“I want to make things in an orderly way that we will discuss between us and come up with a common understanding.

“From our meeting on Monday 30th January 2023, they are happy and agree. But we will wait until 6th of February we will meet again and commences further discussion.”

Meanwhile, Siapu adds they will also issue a public statement to inform public about the issue.

Premier Sade says agreement with Chinese council does not take away GP’s power

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Francis Sade.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PREMIER for Guadalcanal Provincial Government Francis Sade says the recent agreement sealed between his government and the Solomon Island Business Chinese Council (SCBC) does not take away GP’s power to make decisions.

Sade echoed the above statement after the agreement was sealed.

He said the purpose of the agreement is to bridge Guadalcanal province and Guangdong province in China.

“We have that connection long time ago but the difficulty we are facing is having the platform or channel to start our discussions with Guangdong province.

“The challenge is on language, culture and bureaucracy and all these things,” Sade said.

He said with this partnership SCBC will bridge GP through the signed MOU.

“SCBC will communicate on Guadalcanal’s behalf.

“So they don’t take away the power that we GP possess to make decision but GP will still be able to make our decision on whatever we will go into in terms of the partnership with Guangdong. SCBC will be our bridge. They provide the platform for us to discuss the importance areas that GP would like to develop or go into,” Sade said.

He adds in September 2020 GP renewed its relationship with Guangdong province.

Chairman of the Solomon Islands Business Chinese Council (SCBC) Antonio Lee says SCBC is only acting as the bridge for both parties

“We provide a platform where both parties will use to communicate between two sides, we don’t make any decisions. Guadalcanal provincial government will make their own decision and we will communicate the message to Guangdong province.

“Language is key, to communication, so when we don’t under each other in terms of cultures and language, that is when it becomes a challenge,” Lee said.

He adds they are business council and their strength is on trade economic investments.

“Through our connection we hope there will be improvement.  We will do it in a humble way and we will do it according to our capacity,” Lee said.

Overwhelming interest by Solomon Islanders to pursue career pathways in aged care and healthcare in Australia

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY NED GAGAHE

Standard of Care Australia (SOCA) says they were humbled by the enthusiasm and interests of Solomon Islanders about pursuing career pathways in aged care and health in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page on Sunday 29, SOCA expressed its appreciation and said they look forward to processing applicants’ careers in Australia.

SOCA is the organisation responsible for processing applications from the nine Pacific Island Countries to work in Australia in healthcare and aged care sectors under the PALM scheme.

On Sunday, January 29, SOCA successfully held its first information seminar for 2023 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

“A huge thank-you to all of you who attended our information seminars in Honiara today. We are humbled by the enthusiasm of your interest and we look forward to working with you in the near future to progress your aged care and healthcare careers in Australia.” SOCA said.

In another statement SOCA said given the strength of response, they have decided to temporarily suspends processing of new applications until after 30th April 2023.

“Given the strength of your response, we have now decided to place a temporary pause on the processing of new applications until 30 April this year.

“For any new candidates, please feel free to submit your CV and application; however, we do not anticipate processing new applications until after this time.

“For those candidates who have already submitted applications, we shall respond as soon as possible and look forward to speaking with you.

“Our Pacific Islands Director, Emmy Pitakoe is based in Honiara, Solomon Islands and available to discuss your interest in the PALM Scheme.”

“We have received strong interest in the opportunities offered to work in Australia in the healthcare and aged care sectors, and we are grateful for the faith you have placed in SOCA.” The statement said.

SOCA has worked directly with approved employers in aged care under the PALM scheme to arrange for the placement of candidates for periods up to four years.

They assisted candidates and employers to determine the best fit for employment and training, taking into account candidates’ career objectives and individual skill sets;

They also assisted candidates and employers to apply for and meet the visa requirements under the PALM program and negotiate training arrangements for candidates in Australia.

SOCA also worked with candidates to arrange travel, accommodation, living allowances and employer loans for costs not covered by their employment contract.

And they also mentored candidates over the term of their PALM visa to support their cultural needs and career aspirations.

‘ENOUGH TALK,TABLE THE BILL’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Members of Guadalcanal Post-Conflict, Reconciliation Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (GPCRRRA) after their meeting at Kakabona. They petition the Government to table new Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands in Parliament, in the March’s sitting.

Guadalcanal post-conflict group gives PM Sogavare March ultimatum

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is being called on to table the federal constitution bill in the next parliament sitting – in March.

Guadalcanal Post-Conflict, Reconciliation Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (GPCRRRA) has petitioned that the new Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands be tabled in Parliament in the March sitting.

GPCRRRA says it will not accept another promise or deferment by prime minister Sogavare and his DCGA government.

Sogavare deferred the tabling of the Bill twice last year.

He promised the Guadalcanal people a timeline until 2026 to finalise all arrangements and see the system fully implemented.

Speaking during their meeting at Kakabona, West Honiara yesterday, President of Gaena’alu Movement and Member of Provincial Assembly for Moli (ward 10), Jerry Sabino said ‘time for talking is over, they want to see action now’.

Sabino said this Government has a two-third majority to change the Constitution in Parliament.

“We cannot wait for 2026 because of Solomon Islands political history of seeing coalition government formed after elections.

“Our hope is with this government because they have the number now to do anything,” he said.

Sabino said they do not want to see the tabling of the Federal Constitution drag like the Townsville Peace Agreement that was never implemented after the signing in 2000.

He said every province has given their inputs in the draft Federal Constitution.

Sabino said all the provinces want to see the unitary system under the current Constitution given by Great Britain in 1978 abolished.

Furthermore, former commander of Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army, Andrew Te’e supported Sabino’s stand to see the current Constitution change.

He said the Queen of England has passed away, so the law of England must also go away.

“We need a constitution in the country that is homegrown and represents the wishes of indigenous people.

“The Constitution is good for people holding power but not for people at the grassroots,” he said.

Te’e also believes the Constitution is only good for the Chinese, “it really kills and steals us”.

Other members of GPCRRRA namely Michael Kelly of Goldridge, Patrick Tuna of Malango, Bernard Sopoua of Kongulai, George Hilly and John Damusi support the notion for the Bill to be tabled in the March sitting.

At the end of their meeting, they passed a resolution for Te’e and Sabino to consult with Member of East Guadalcanal and Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia, to agree on the date to meet with them.

Tovosia will then consult other six MPs in the Government and one in Opposition to attend the proposed meeting scheduled for next week.

During the meeting, they will invite PM Sogavare to attend to hear the petition of the Guadalcanal people.

Island Sun understands the Constitutional Congress, (CC) and Eminent Persons Advisory Council (EPAC) within the Constitutional Reform Unit (CRU) have completed the “Final (Clean) Draft” of the Federal constitution for Solomon Islands in 2019.

Sogavare told Parliament last December to table the draft Federal Constitution and the Truth and Reconciliation in this March’s sitting.

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