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Locally made pallets for local businesses

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Pallets being delivered to SolTuna.

Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) has launched a new processing plant for making pallets from plantation logs with the support of Australia’s Strongim Bisnis program which aims to encourage innovation in the private sector.

SolTuna is the plant’s first customer and will use the KFPL pallets, which are built to international export standards, to replace the pallets they usually import from Thailand.

KFPL General Manager Edwin Schramm, said the establishment of the pallet plant means KFPL is now employing extra staff on Kolombangara and exporting fewer logs by processing them directly in the country, boosting the local economy. Despite Solomon Islands’ high volume of timber exports, not many finished timber products are available locally, Mr Schramm said.

“It is amazing that Solomons exports so much timber, but we have to import it back as finished products. Now, we are processing and adding value to our own plantation logs, employing local people and adding to the value of the economy,” he said.

Pallet plant in operation

“KFPL thanks the people of Australia, who have made this possible through the Australian High Commission,” Mr Schramm said, referring to the support provided through KFPL’s partnership with Strongim Bisnis.

The pallet plant is a great example of what can be achieved when the private sector receives the support it needs to try new ideas and innovate, the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan said.

“We saw the potential of this partnership during our visit to KFPL and SolTuna in Western Province in May 2021 and now the vision has become reality.

“Australia is proud that this potential has been realised and will now generate concrete benefits to the Solomon Islands economy and its people through jobs and revenue,” Dr Strahan said.

KFPL was also very appreciative of the strong support they received from SolTuna for the development of the pallet plant.

“We also thank SolTuna who have been working with us for about two years now to make this happen. SolTuna is a great local business, and we are proud to work with them,” Mr Schramm said.

Pallets being put together.

SolTuna CEO Jim Alexander, said the company, which is the biggest employer in the country, was very happy with the quality of the pallets.

“The first batch of pallets we received look strong and well made,” Mr Alexander said. At SolTuna is our policy to keep as much of our business in local hands as a way of supporting the economy, Mr Alexander said.

“SolTuna is proud to continue showcasing the best of Solomon Islands. Not only is our tuna an iconic Solomon Islands product, but it will now be exported on environmentally friendly, Solomon Islands wood, processed into pallets, here on our own shores,” Mr Alexander said.

By processing the timber in Solomon Islands, KFPL is also supporting the environment by reducing greenhouse gases previously generated by the importation of pallets.

In addition, SolTuna will be able to use a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified product which highlights that it uses pallets which are environmentally and socially friendly. Kiln drying at the pallet processing plant now also meets international phytosanitary standards.

SI seeks reciprocal visa waiver from Australia & NZ

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Hon. Jeremiah Manele and Hon. Pat Conroy.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele calls on Australia and New Zealand to consider providing reciprocal visa waiver for Solomon Islands passport holders.

Minister Manele made the call when he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Nanaia Mahutu and the Australian Minister for International Development and Pacific, Pat Conroy at the margins of the CHOGM in Kigali, Rwanda recently.

A government statement says the call for reciprocal visa waiver is not new.

“Solomon Islands through previous governments made the call but there was no positive response or consideration,” the statement said.

“Solomon Islands have reciprocal waiver visa arrangements with other countries and recently with India,” it added.

“Currently, Australian and New Zealand passport holders enjoy visa on arrival for tourist and business purposes when travelling to Solomon Islands.

Hon. Jeremiah Manele with Hon. Nanaia Mahuta.

“In contrast, Solomon Islanders must apply for a visa with big fees. The visa application process is lengthy with no guarantee a visa can be granted,” the statement said.

In his call, Manele said: “As a Pacific family, we care for each other and we look after each other in times of need so it would be most grateful if our two neighbors consider granting reciprocal visa waiver for us.”

The statement said both Ministers take note of the call and assured Foreign Minister Manele that they will further look into the request.

SSPM Kabui questions TSI survey

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 has questioned the survey conducted by Transparency Solomon Islands.

TSI conducted the public opinion survey on the opinions and views of the citizens of this country on the proposed extension of the parliament from four to five years between March 16 and April 1, 2022.

The interviews were by phone, face to face and online reaching 1,248 respondents.

On Facebook group pages 930 respondents were reached.

A total of 2,178 respondents participated in the survey.

Of the 1,248 respondents 42 percent are female.

On age cohorts nine percent of the respondents are age groups 13-18 years (children), 50 percent are age group 19-34 years (youth), and 41 percent are age group are 34 plus years (adults).

Also, the survey uncovered information from public and street discussion on the hidden agendas for the proposed extension of Parliament like the switch from Tawan to China; fear of MPs losing their seats in election; access to Constituency Development Fund; MPs lucrative entitlements and benefits; staying in power for longer; deny citizens rights to vote and influence of loggers and miners.

However, Kabui said they have been telling the reasons why Government wants to delay the National General Elections after the Games.

He said the reason is that they can’t afford to hold two major events in one year.

“We would love to see the survey and questionnaires, whether it’s quantitative and qualitative and how they determine sample population to say the majority of the people.

“I think the process itself needs to be transparent in how you get the opinions of people especially when come to determine issues where Parliament will decide on it,” he said.

Kabui said in social media, one man could have 10 accounts.

“When the process of the survey is not transparent enough, that begs the question of whether the claims are substantive or not.

“TSI needs to provide substantive evidence to show allegations true or not,” he said.

Furthermore, Kabui said the Government would like to talk to TSI and any other organisations.

He said the Government is opened and willing to discuss with the issue.

“What we must understand is that we have elected leaders who we mandated to make decision on our behalf?

“While we open to discussions, it is our institutions like Parliament to make final decision or the Executive Government in terms of policy,” he added.

Kabui said they would be inviting Civil Society Organisations and Non-Government Organisations next week for dialogue like they did with Solomon Islands Christian Association and Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association to hear their thoughts.

“But that does not mean our MPs and the Parliament to act on their opinions, but this depends on individuals MPs,” he added.

Common flu, not Covid hits Auki, says doc

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

DIRECTOR of Malaita provincial health, Dr Rex Maukera says the flu that is spiraling in Auki is not covid-19, but a common flu.

He made the statement to clarify the status of the flu that has been in Auki town and parts of the province over the past weeks.

Maukera said following that, the provincial surveillance team has carried out an investigation and identified it as common flu.

“Investigation was carried out on cases of flu reported to Auki clinic with the fear of renaissance of covid-19, but not covid-19 rather a common flu,” he said.

Maukera, also chairman of Emergency Operation Centre for covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital said the country is still in its post covid-19 and they’re ready to respond to any suspicious health circumstances arise.

“This is to ensure plans are prepared on actions to tackle the health issue to protect the public of Malaita,” he said.

Maukera said for this current flu, it just a common flu and those infected are required to take medications advice by health officers in the province.

Proposed NRH relocation still in preliminary stages

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi. Photo by GCU

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

GROUND work on the site to relocate the National Referral Hospital (Gilbert camp) to is progressing with current work on Geo-Tech Survey.

Dr George Malefoasi, chief executive officer for National Referral Hospital, confirmed this to journalists this week during the OPMC press conference at the Mendana Hotel.

“At the moment site clearance and preparations is still progressing. Geo-Tech survey is progressing well, soon bomb clearance will happen on that propose site at Gilbert camp and partial fencing is also done,” he said.

Malefoasi said he feels it might take like 10 years because there will be reviews done on the site service plans, more consultations and also it will take a bit more partnership where government will need to partner well with other stakeholders.

He said the work is at the preliminary stage.

Malefoasi also clarified the NRH background.

He said the proposed location begin in 2015 with the establishment of a taskforce; and in 2018 ADB was engaged to support this work.

“The business case was approved on March 2020 and it has three parts.

“Phase one involve improvement of current hospital, second phase there is a development plan for two centres West and East into a urban health care centre and Phase three is the relocation of NRH.

“By looking at March 2020 up until now is a pandemic time and a lot of emphasises were put towards the pandemic response effort when becoming community transmission,” he said.

However, he said last year we have a new committee that was set within the Ministry of Health, NRH and stakeholders.

“Now changes have happened, demand for health care services happened, epidemiologists of diseases changes and we may look at continuing with the current level of services at NRH.”

Attorney General John Muria Junior adds there is pending court case also on the gilbert camp land where the NRH will be relocated.

“But I thanked the parties for their understanding to allow government and NRH to continue their work on the relocation site.

“So, that matter is still before the court but that doesn’t stop NRH to do work on the site but parties have understanding and so that is why the work is still progressing at the moment,” Muria said.  

Talks on govt $70m deal with bankrupt Australian company ongoing.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Attorney General John Muria Jnr

By EDDIE OSIFELO

DISCUSSION on the Government’s proposed $70 million-plus Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) with Orbis and Pacific Investments Holdings, to pay off some lands from Levers Solomons, is still ongoing.

Attorney General, John Muria Junior confirmed this to media in a press conference on Wednesday, saying once it is finalised, it will be made known to public.

Orbis and Pacific Investments Holdings are currently under bankruptcy proceedings in Australia.

Orbis and Pacific are owned by Willem and Margriet Van Vlymen.

The Van Vlymens appear to have been in a joint venture with entities owned by Patrick Wong in the controversial take-over of Levers by Russells Islands Plantations Estate Limited (RIPEL) some years back.

Furthermore, the High Court has ordered the Government to pay Levers Solomon Limited $50 million.

Muria Junior said unfortunately he cannot answer that because the matter is before the court.

“I cannot say much until the matter is fully determine by the courts,” he said.

Documents showed that on 1 July 2021, court administrators in Australia received correspondence from SV Partners, a professional insolvency firm, advising that they had been approached by the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Government via a local barrister.

SV Partners advised that the Solomon Islands Government is looking to acquire unspecified number of Levers properties in Solomon Islands through a proposed Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) with Orbis and Pacific

Documents show the proposed offer under the Solomon Islands DOCA was between AUD$15 million ($80 plus million) and AUD$20 million ($112 plus million), which would be enough to pay all creditors of Orbis and Pacific in full.

On 5 August 2021, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of the Solomon Islands Government wrote to the administrators, expressing an interest in acquiring the land owned by Lever Solomons through the DOCA process, but noting that any proposal would have to be approved by the Cabinet.

The documents showed on 20 August 2021, the Chief of Staff persuaded the Attorney General to write to the administrators, estimating that a minimum of three months was required to finalise a DOCA proposal for the approval of Cabinet.

On 23 August 2021, the administrators held a telephone conference with the Attorney General, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and Djokovic and discussed the proposed DOCA being formulated in the Solomon Islands and how long that would take.

At that point in time, Djokovic, Muria and Dentana indicated that AUD$14 million ($78 plus million) was being considered.

On 9th February 2022, the Attorney General John Muria wrote a letter to Steve Agosta, Solicitor Director of Nelson McKinnon Lawyers in Sydney, requesting a further extension of the court proceedings to June 2022.

In his letter the AG stated a number of events that has impacted on the ability of the Solomon Islands Government to finalize the DOCA.

These events included the entry and community transmission of COVID 19, the motion of no-confidence in November and the riots.

SINCW hits back at Government over decision to halt funding.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The National Council of Women (SINCW) has rejected Government’s announcement that funds had been halted from the council due to ‘non-compliance’.

Rather, SINCW says government’s reaction follows the Council’s strong advocacy against the recent security deal with China.

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Permanent Secretary, Dr Cedrick Alependava told media on Wednesday that the ministry withheld funds from NCW because it did not hold any Annual General Meeting since 2017 and had not provided any audit report.

Alependava said this is in accordance to the Constitution and White Paper of Parliament in 1983.

However, NCW said one way of shutting the National Council of Women from talking is to withhold its annual grant. 

“It is the attitude of China.  (Money is power) If there is a sense of democracy in this country, those funds should have been released to the Council already.

“There are other Civil Society organisations that are also receiving Government grants through the Ministry of Women,” NCW said.

“It would be good to know whether those organizations have also been asked by the Government through the Ministry of Women on whether they will also audit their finances before funds are released to them.

“Otherwise, this is another strategy by the government to stop ordinary people from engaging in national issues that affect them,” NCW said.

First point is the auditing of the Council’s finances.  

“Permanent Secretary, this is for you to know and to understand that concerning the audit of the Councils Accounts, it is the Ministry of Women that is responsible for ensuring that the auditing is done.

“This was done in the past. And it is quite sad that the support has been withdrawn by your Ministry,” NCW said.

“Today the Council has been challenged by searching for funds so that its Accounts and finances are audited.  

“The Auditing of the Council’s finances was up to 2015 only.  All the ground work for further auditing is done, however, the Council has no money to pay for that,” NCW said.

“The Council is not arguing with the sentiments made by the PS of the Ministry of Women concerning: NON-COMPLIANCE” however, since his Ministry is responsible for the subvention grant that the Government give to NCW every year, this reflects very badly on the Ministry itself for not providing funds for auditing to be done.

“It is wrong to blame the Council of noncompliance when the Ministry responsible is not responsible enough to recognise the critical role the Women’s Council is doing by complimenting the work of the Ministry when it comes to Gender Equality and participation of Women in Leadership and decision-making processes,” NCW said.

Furthermore, NCW said the Ministry to support the organization in this area is important because all the annual reports and Budget expenditures are submitted by National Council of Women every year.to the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. 

“The National Council of Women is quite transparent and accountable in its processes to the Ministry of Women.

“The Council appeals to the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs to work closely with the organization by building its capacity rather than criticising it,” NCW said.

“When the Ministry critics the Council it shows the public the failures of the Ministry in not financially supporting the organization enough,” NCW said.

The second point raised by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women is on “Annual General Meeting”.

NCW said this is another area that the Ministry fails.

“Again, for years, the Annual General Meetings of the Council were always funded by the Ministry of Women. 

“That funding included bringing the ten presidents of the ten Provincial Councils of Women in the country.to Honiara for the AGM,” NCW said.

“NCW has continuous dialogue with the Ministry on that matter, however, this has also fallen on deaf ears. 

“Blaming and condemning the Council is rather unfair because the Ministry responsible did not do what it is supposed to do,” NCW said.

“If only the Ministry could provide extra funding for the auditing and the Annual General Meetings of the Council as was done before, noncompliance- would not be an issue today.

“The National Council of Women has done a lot in relation to Gender Equality in this country.,” NCW said.

“One of the things NCW has done is creating jobs for those people that are currently employed by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

“The National Council of Women for years has advocated to the National Government to establish a Ministry that would consider and focus on Women and issues that are important to them in terms of women’s development in the Country,” NCW said.

FSC launches three documents and toll-free line

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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FSC centre manager with three other attendees to yesterday’s launching event

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

FAMILY Support Centre yesterday successfully  launched three documents and a toll-free line aimed at enhancing services the centre has been providing for clients in the country.

The toll-free line is 699.

The three governing documents launched were Family Support Center Strategic plan 2022 to 2027, Gender Base Violence Training Manual and Gender Based Violence Committee Operational Manual.

Speaking at the lunching ceremony, Chairlady of the Family Support Center board Dolores Devesi said the FSC mission is to respond and protect survivors of violence to ensure prevention through advocacy of Gender Based Violence with partners and stakeholders.

“It is about prevention, responding and protection. Today (yesterday) we can celebrate all the hard work that has gone into tje development of FSC strategic plan 2022 to 2027.It aims to focus on the core mandate which is to prevent, respond and protect our families.

“This plan outlines our vision and strategic goals to help the organization our visions and strategic goals to make sure the organization realise its full potential and better fulfill its mission to serve the women, girls and families Gender Based Violence and domestic violence in Solomon Islands

“Our strategic plans ambitious. Our four strategic goals underpin our core business. Our Service provisions focuses on responses to Violence through essential services provided at the center,” Ms Devesi said.

She said the five years strategic plan set the course for use to be successful within a challenging and changing environment.

“FSC stands with all safenet partners and new partners in the campaign to eliminate Violence against women and girls until the end of implementing these five years,” Devesi said.

On the same note, Centre manager for FSC Lorio Sisiolo said the strategic plan was put together by the senior management team and staff after a team building and reflection workshop.

Mrs Sisiolo adds by thanking International Women Development Agency (IWDA) who have partnered with FSC in the development of the strategic plan.  

“It is a pleasure for me and the whole of the Family Support Center staff and board members to develop together this strategic plan that will pave the direction for our organisation in the next five years,” she said.

MID and Temotu sign $5m ship project

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PS Maesiola and Provincial Secretary Agassi at the signing ceremony today

The National Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Temotu Provincial Government yesterday signed an agreement to purchase a ship worth $5 million for the Province.

The signing by the Permanent Secretary for MID Stephen Maesiola and Temotu Provincial Secretary Allan Agassi formalised the purchase agreement.

The shipping project was in response to a request by the Provincial Government through the Prime Minister when he visited the Province in 2020. Prime Minister Sogavare heeded the call and pledged to deliver the request.

Mr Maesiola said the Government through his Ministry recognised the province’s shipping needs including for both passenger and trade.

“I am very pleased that through my Ministry, Temotu Province will now be able to purchase their vessel to serve its people.”

Maesiola said the vessel is anticipated to be delivered by December this year.

Meanwhile Mr Agassi thanked the National Government through MID for the positive response to the request by Premier Clay Forau and the people of Temotu Province.

“On behalf of the Premier and People of Temotu Province, I would like to thank the National Government through MID that the Government recognized the need of a remote Province like Temotu in terms of shipping services.

“There is nowhere else the Province can look to for assistance but only the National Government and for this we are very pleased.”

He added that Temotu Province under the leadership of Premier Forau remains supportive of the National Government’s development initiatives and policies.

–GCU PRESS

Mustard Seed chided for breaching agreement with Parliament commission

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

MUSTARD Seed International Health Insurance in Honiara has been directed to resort to its original agreement to refund members of Parliaments (MP) after seeking medical assistances from other clinics.

This was after it breached the agreement with Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC) to open its own clinics and appoint its own doctors to assist the MPs, and refund them.

Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers told media in a press conference yesterday that PEC has sorted out this with them and is now going back to honouring the agreement. They (MPs) can use any doctors.

“That’s sorted out for this year, because we are relooking on what might happen next year.

“Whether Mustard Seed will continue or not or government has another mechanism. Hopefully that will be sorted out before the year is out,” he said.

However, Mr Rodgers defends MSI as not being an insurance company but a comprehensive medical firm domestically.

He said there is only two insurance companies in Solomon Islands.

Rodgers said no insurance company here likes to provide because of a lot of liabilities which led to PEC to sign an agreement with MSI.

Under the agreement, MSI looks after the 50 MPs and their spouse and four children of 18 years up in domestics.

Under PEC, a total of $60,000 is allocated for each MP and a total of $3 million for the 50 MPs per year for health cover.

For overseas referral, MSI set up a mechanism where they have some doctors, to assess MPs and public servants and refer them to any hospital in Australia, New Zealand or Philippines.

Rodgers said overseas referral is not a cheap exercise.

“Just on average, any MP that goes overseas, you work on the basis on minimum of 7 days, average of 10 days, and normally you looking at up to three weeks depending on the diseases.

“So, the cost for overseas referrals, it doesn’t matter no MPs, public servants, private go to Australia, you looking at the cost of $400,000 per referrals,” he said.

“If you send one referral that is $400,000, you need to send 10 of those and that’s $4 million.

“That $4 million supersedes $3 million for one year for 50 MPs and their families plus all domestic costs,” he added.

Rodgers said there is no scam, scam may have been that Mustard Seed set up own clinics.

“We have MPs overseas where Government had to pick up support for them because support from MSI is limited.

“If a person pays $30,000 to MSI, and go to Australia costs about $50,000. My $30,000 cannot meet that, and I cannot expect the provider to meet the remaining costs,” he added.

Mustard Seed International Health Insurance scheme is run by an Agnes Podorua.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Immigration and Labour confirmed Mustard Seed International Ltd was incorporated in Solomon Islands under the Companies Act 2009 on February 25, 2011. Its Company registration number is 20111424.

The company was initially incorporated but removed from the Company Haus register from January 1, 2016 to February 1, 2016, according to Company Haus extract.

Mustard Seed International Ltd was re-registered on February 25, 2011 to January 1, 2016. It remains registered.

The company has 5 million shares and five directors. The directors are a Peter Hauia, a Peter Jnr Hauia, a Aggie Podarua and a Freeman Podarua, a PNG national. All the directors were appointed on February 25,  2011 – the day the company was incorporated.

Company Haus extracts show the company also have individual shareholders.

The two individual shareholders are Aggie Podarua and Peter Hauia – each has 2.5 million shares. Oddly the other directors had nothing to their names.

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