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SI commends Forum stand against nuclear dumping

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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PIF Secretary General, Henry Puna

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands has commended the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna for pushing the region’s interest to stop Japan from discharging nuclear wastes into the Pacific ocean.

Japan is moving to start dumping one million tonnes of treated wastewater from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the Pacific Ocean, in few months’ time.

This treated water was used to clean up the Fukushima plant after the nuclear accident that followed the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.

The US National Association of Marine Laboratories said there was a lack of adequate and accurate scientific data supporting Japan’s assertion of safety.

Speaking at the joint press conference with Puna in Honiara yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Maneli said indeed much of our economy and livelihoods depend upon the resources within our ocean.

He said Solomon Islands welcomes further engagement with Japan on this matter to ensure all the necessary data and information needed to reassure Pacific countries that our ocean will not be affected in the slightest way, are obtained and scientifically verified.

“We are a region that has experienced first-hand the effects of the negative impacts of a nuclear testing legacy and it is our wish that such events do not repeat themselves.

“As a signatory to the 1985 Rarotonga Treaty, Solomon Islands remains supportive of a nuclear free region,” he said.

Furthermore, Puna said he has taken the responsibly on his shoulders and have been pushing hard with Japan to at least defer the proposed discharge for as early as March or April until the agreement that they reached with the Japan Prime Minister in 2011 is accomplished.

“And that agreement basically says that Japan will not proceed with discharge until all international consultations, international law and independent verifiable scientific evidence and assessments have been made and successfully completed,” he said.

However, Puna said he pleased that the Japanese Prime Minister has finally agreed to meet with a high-level delegation from our region and he’s intend to part of the mission on the 7th of March.

“It will be good to have face to face with Japanese Prime Minister to give to him the earnest and humbly plea from the Pacific Region, that this has the potential impacts to damage our livelihoods, our fishery livelihood, our livelihood as people that depend very much and well connected to the ocean in both our cultures and identity,” he added.

Veo cautious about statehood

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Billy Veo

BY BEN BILUA

PREMIER of Western Province says his government will be very careful in its deliberation on the statehood agenda.

In his Sine Die Speech last week, Billy Veo said adopting a federal system type of government is easy but sustaining it over the long run is another thing.

He said his government fully understands the importance of statehood, however, preparatory approach is something that his government will investigate further.

“Successive government over the years have been talking about statehood and the need for the provincial government to be given more autonomy in running their affairs.

“A couple of our sister provinces have also been very vocal about the need for adoption of the federal system and substantial work has already been undertaken up to several drafts of the federal constitution.

“I know it will come, it will eventually come, but my million dollar question is ‘are we ready?’.

“How do we prepare ourselves for that eventual outcome when the opportunity presents itself?

“I believe in order to get there, we have to have a strong economy foundation to bolster economic growth, together with good human resources capacity to ensure we take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves,” Veo said.

He said all the required goals will not be achieved overnight but it will be good to at least start somewhere.

PUNA BACKS PACT

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna, meets Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele before the Press Conference in Honiara yesterday.

Forum respects controversial Sino-SI security agreement

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PACIFIC Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna respects the controversial security agreement Solomon Islands signed with China in April 2022.

Speaking to media in a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele, in Honiara yesterday, Puna said the security arrangement between a country and a partner outside of the region is an exclusive jurisdiction and domain of a sovereign government.

“And I have made known to people who want to interfere and imposed their own views, that this is a sovereign issue for the Solomon Islands.

“I respect that and I respect the sovereignty of your government to enter into bilateral arrangement with any country,” he added.

Puna said as Small Island States, they have a common approach in Foreign Policy and that is ‘We are friends to all and enemy to no one’.

“We cannot afford to take a different position because we need all the help we can get.

“But in doing that, we need to be cautious in any potential pitfalls in such an arrangement,” he said.

Puna is a former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, from November 2010 to October 2020, and a staunch supporter of China.

“I have to tell you that I am a good friend of China.

“In fact, when I am becoming the Prime Minister, I only have one policy in my foreign policy. And that sentence was, I would support the One China Policy,” he said.

“And, I tell China has been a good development partner for the Cook Islands and that has been the case until now.

“So, I respect the decision taken by the Solomon Islands,” he added.

Apart from that, Puna has chosen Solomon Islands as a first stop-over in his tour to inform the government, officials, civil societies and private sectors of the Forum’s issues and programmes.

He left the country yesterday, on the way to another Forum country.

Seleso likely to deliver advice on Mala political issue by the end of the week

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MINISTER of Provincial Government, Rolland Seleso is likely to deliver advice on the current political turmoil facing Malaita provincial assembly by the end of the week.

This is following the non-executive’s victory vote over the budget speech after debating it on Tuesday last week.

The speaker adjourned the meeting to seek advice from the Attorney General and Minister on the budget.

The adjournment made was undated and when or whether the meeting will resume depends on advice from the two responsible offices especially the office of Minister Seleso.

Since then, more than a week from the day the meeting was adjourned, the executive, the office of the speaker, clerk and provincial administration are waiting for advice.

PS acting for Malaita province, Mr David Filia Tuita said yesterday the minister is yet to notify his office on when to deliver the advice.

He said only information received was from the provincial speaker where he was informed that the minister will deliver the advice whether Thursday or Friday this week.

“I also met with the executive today (yesterday) and they are still waiting from the minister upon a request given to his office to advice on the situation,” Tuita said.

The PS acting said whatever the advice will be is unknown at the moment and any instruction given will determine the prospect of the meeting.

“We are still waiting and we’ll see what the advice will like,” he said.

Since the political turmoil last Tuesday, a change of numerical strengthen has witnessed with the non-executive is claiming majority of the house.

This was after MPA for ward 25 of West Are Are Joe Heroau, who was initially a non-executive member but later joined the executive, resigned to rejoin the non-executive.

Also, MPA for ward 26 of West Kwaio, Hon Alick OfoOfo Junior was reported to have defected from Premier Daniel Suidani’s government.

However, this week, he told SunAuki that he was neutral and not taking side on either bench; which is a strange position to be in politic, and assured of his decision when voting for the budget.

We’ll try to minimise Games disruption of school: Bosamata

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Deputy Secretary MEHRD James Bosamata

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Education (MEHRD) has plans in place to ensure learning continues despite the calling-off of classes for the Pacific games this year.

Deputy Secretary James Bosamata highlighted this in a recent press conference early this month.

Bosamata was pressed on what plans the ministry has in place and how it will ensure learning of students progressed smoothly during the games despite calling off classes early (end of October 2023) to make way for the Pacific Games.

Given the fact the academic year 2022 was severely affected by covid-19 and it is anticipated that academic year 2023 will also be shorter due to hosting of Pacific Games.

“In fact, this academic year will only go for three terms, the first thing we will be working on it when schools are back is setting in place how to support education authorities and schools to ensure students will still learn during this year 2023, given the short school calendar.

“That is our task with education authorities and school leaders, to ensure that learning is not disrupted,” Bosamata said.

Suidani hits back

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Daneil Suidani.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PREMIER of Malaita Province, Daniel Suidani has hit back on the accusations that his administration failed to fulfil their promises in the last three years.

David Suda highlighted the failed promises in an article titled: ‘MARA LEADERSHIP PLAYBOOK – DECEIVING MALAITANS,’ and posted on Malaita Watch social media page.

Suda posed these questions in his article:

  1. Has the Malaita Bank publicly announced by Premier when he received all the shell money from all the Malaita regions at Aimela set up? During the Reconciliation at Aimela, Suidani announced that he will use the Shell Money to start the Bank of Malaita? Was it already set and running? The short answer is NILL
  2. Where are the millions promised to be funded by Taiwan, Israel and USA to develop Malaita Province? NILL
  3. Where is the infrastructure promised in all the colourful speeches of MARA leadership? NILL
  4. Where are the results from the MARA 7-Point Policy? NILL
  5. Where is the referendum for Autonomy promised to be carried out in 2021-2022 and has the UN General Secretary responded to the letter issued by the Premier’s Political Advisor? NILL
  6. Have Malaita become an independent state as promised by MARA leadership? NILL

Furthermore, Suda said the biggest lie was, after all those failed promises made to the people of Malaita over the last three years, MARA leadership now had cleverly crafted the new ‘UMI Political Party’ and again tried to convince Malaitans that the only way to develop Malaita Province was through the ‘UMI Political Party’.

However, Suidani said Malaita Bank is still ongoing because it is part of the MARA’s policy.

He said the delay is because the expertise people to set up the bank are not available.

But, Suidani said his government will still pursue the idea even until the dissolution of the administration.

On Referendum, Suidani said it is still on the table.

He said the visits made to the regions in Malaita is part of the Referendum to get peoples’ views on the idea.

Further to that, Suidani said the projects in the province are still ongoing, namely, the expansion of the Kilu’ufi hospital funded by the Japanese Government; factory at Gwaegio funded by USAID and Winrock projects.

He said Malaita Province is not directly involve in these projects but just stand for democracy in the country.

Moreover, on the new political party ‘Umi Political Party,’ Suidani said there is an interim committee set up to register the members.

He said once all the members are registered, they will register it under the Political Party Commission.

Suidani said so far many people have shown their interest to register with the new political party.

Therefore, Suidani said critics need to provide evidence when trying to accuse his administration.

He believes about 70 percent of projects have been implemented in the province.

Suidani said if the MARA government cannot achieve all the projects at the end of their term, any new government can continue with them or not.

FINAL WARNING

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Mayor Siapu .

Mayor Siapu issues deadline for illegal markets in Honiara to shut down

BY NED GAGAHE

The Honiara city council (HCC) has issued its final warning for informal markets within the city to shut down.

HCC warns that following this final warning, markets which continue to operate will face demolition by the tough law enforcement unit of the Council.

The markets listed include the Fishing village market and Maromaro.

“Fishing market, Maromaro and other illegal markets sprawling within the city boundary to shutdown with immediate effect or face demolition in the coming days.”

In a statement yesterday, HCC Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu said vendors have until January 31 to comply and move out of the markets.

Immediately after the deadline, HCC will move in to pull down the markets.

As such, vendors are advised to vacate the markets and go to Kukum Market, the legal market established by HCC.

“HCC is now issuing the final notice for vendors to move out from Fishing Village Market and other illegal markets like Maromaro.

“The Fishing Village Market is an illegal establishment as it is on road reserve and is not approved by the City Council.

“This also applies to other illegal markets like Maromaro.

“HCC warms vendors to move out from the markets and go to Kukum Market, the legal market established by the City Council.

“Vendors at the Fishing Village Market and other illegal markets have until 31 January 2023 move out. Honiara City Council will move to demolish the market after this deadline.

“HCC also appeals for understanding and support of vendors of the Fishing Village market and other markets,” Mr Siapu said.

HCC appeals to vendors to fill up Kukum market

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Few vendors selling their root crops and vegetables inside Kukum market, East Honiara. Photo: Redley Veka.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Honiara City Council is calling on interested vendors to make use of the newly opened Kukum market.

After the Honiara City Council opened the Kukum market in East Honiara on December 2, 2022, it is still empty with few root crops and vegetables sellers, selling their products on the stalls.

This has raised concern among residents in the city, who are surprised to see the low turnout of market vendors.

HCC Mayor, Edward Siapu said the Council has given a grace period until end of this month to allow the market sellers to occupy the stalls.

Siapu claimed there were rumours circulating that only persons or groups owning stalls can use the Kukum Market.

He said there is ‘no such thing as people owning stalls or pre-booking stalls at the new Kukum Market’.

Siapu said the market is open for all root crops and vegetable sellers.

Furthermore, Siapu said all market vendors using the Fishery market to sell their products, need to relocate to Kukum market, at the end of this month.

He said Fishery market is meant only for vendors selling fish.

Further to that, he said all road side vendors selling market products need to use the Kukum market.

Siapu said the idea to close down Fishery market is due to traffic jam, which is frustrating to commuters heading back to their homes after work.

West boosts cruise business with $1m

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA

WESTERN Province has allocated one million dollars to construct a cruise ship jetty – meaning passengers who want to disembark the ship will have no difficulties reaching shore.

The allocation was passed by the Western Provincial Assembly meeting last week.

Supervising Tourism Officer of Western Province, Fabina Lilo welcomes the allocation saying it will definitely boost Western Tourism, especially cruise ships.

She said a proper jetty for cruise ship passengers has been a long-standing need of Western Province and the budget allocation will make the difference.

Lilo said the plan is to build a user-friendly facility to meet the standard and encourage passengers onboard visiting cruise ships to visit the islands.

“We are expecting a few cruise ships to visit Western Province this year and this funding will be the beginning of something new for the Western Tourism Industry.

“Most of the tourists who come on the cruise ships are old ages and that, there is a need to build a user-friendly jetty for the old age,” she said.

She adds that such development will encourage tourists to go ashore and also encourage tourists to spend more money.

“From experience, only a few tourists went ashore when the cruise ship came here. I’m optimistic that this funding will encourage more tourists to come ashore and spend more money, injecting money into our local economy,” she said.

She will discuss the potential strategies with her committee on how the project will give back to the province going forward.

Western Province is the tourism hub of the Solomon Islands.

According to tourism operators, the number of tourists visiting Western Province has increased since the international borders opened last year.

North Malaita roadblocks removed: Kili

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Police Commander for Malaita province, Lesley Kili

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

IT’S been a week since the reconciliation on the Sasafa incident last Wednesday and the situation is calming down.

Roadblocks which were once erected in parts of North Malaita have been removed and public of the northern region are accessing the road after three weeks of blockade.

PPC Malaita, superintendent Lesley Kili thanks the relatives and families of the deceased especially those who were involved in the road blocks for understanding.

He told SunAuki yesterday that after the reconciliation last week, an internal issue came-up between the victim’s relatives, but was solved.

Kili said since then the roadblocks were removed and privately owned public transports resumed transport service along the north road

He said now travelling public from Lau and Mbaelelea particularly Baegu where the incident happened are accessing the road to Auki.

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