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Togamana praises Burns Creek community leaders

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana has praised community leaders in Burnscreek, East Honiara for paving the way for a new medical facility.

The Solomon International Assistance Force with support from Australian government and various businesses houses and youths helped construct the new clinic.

Speaking at the occasion to open the clinic last Friday with the presence of Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, Minister Togamana said the nature of community does not diminish the need to have access to good health care.

“I want to say the failure of the national government to intervene.

“Let me take the opportunity to thank Australian government, Australian led force, leaders in community and businesses houses leaders to put resources together to build this very important facility,” he said.

“It is important for us to recognise that any outbreak or any illness that start here will spread to town.

“Therefore, to have this facility here, it brings this very important services to our people.”

Togamana said when we have a highly populated settlement especially in Burnscreek, this facility will really serve those that are really vulnerable and marginalized.

He said the onus is on Ministry of Health to resource this very important facility.

Furthermore, Senator Wong brought greetings not only just from the Australian government but the people of Australia.

“We think of you as family and we hope you think of us as family.

“As family we try to look after each other and care for each other,” she told the Burnscreek community.

“We care for your security, your prosperity and your health, umi together,” she added.

“I know how important to your family and Burnscreek.

“I know what parents here and grandparents want the same thing as Australian parents and grandparents want. You want your children to have the best chance in life.

“We will do bit by continuing to support your schools and your teachers.

“And I also know how important for the people to have jobs and a better future.

“And we will keep working with you on a strong business development programme,” she added.

Burnscreek accommodates a mixture of people in the community dominated by Malaitans.

Malaita returns to covid-19 free

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Kiluufi hospital

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Province reclaimed its covid-19 free status last week.

Chairman of Malaita EOC, Dr Rex Maukera told this paper over the weekend that as of last week, the province is covid-19 free based on reports from health centres across the province.

He said since the reverse of the covid-19 trend for the province, cases were reported in a very minimal score compared to the past months.

Maukera, also the provincial health director for Malaita said an improvement was experienced since last month on covid-19 for the province.

He said the situation was measured upon report based on RAT testing carried out by health centres across the province.

“We continue to carry out testing at Kilu’ufi hospital and other health centres and as of last week there is no covid-19 case for the province,” Maukera said.

However, he cautions people in Malaita to continue being wary of the virus, and to continue with safety measures such as wearing of facemasks in public, maintain social distancing, and use of hand sanitisers.

Maukera said the country is still facing active covid-19 community transmission and people must continue to practise covid-19 safety measures.

He also said that vaccines; AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and booster are administered at Auki and those yet to get their jab are urged to do so.

Maukera said Malaita EOC will continue to provide covid-19 updates to people in the province as they continue to monitor it as well as update on vaccination.

Wale: government failed Western and Choiseul

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Press Release
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Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

Opposition leader Matthew Wale has hit out at the Government on its failure to ensure that the Western and Choiseul Provincial elections occur on the day after dissolution.

“This mess that has left the people of the two provinces confused reflects Government’s incompetency and lack of will,” Wale said in a statement yesterday.  

The dissolution of both the Western & Choiseul Provincial Assemblies took place on Monday 13th June 2022.

“As is the common and legal practice, elections for Provincial Governments are usually carried out by the Solomon Islands electoral Commission (SIEC) the day after dissolution,” the Opposition leader said.

He said he understands that the SIEC had already informed the MPGIS several times last year of the need for voter registration and the issuing of an election notice.

“The MPGIS however did not respond to SIEC’s request.

“This mess is a consequence of Government’s incompetency and disregard for the people of Western and Choiseul provinces.

‘The provincial leaders of Western and Choiseul are currently in a state of confusion as to how their provinces will be run.

“They deserve better.

“Consequently, the people of Western and Choiseul provinces are also in a state of worry as to the effect this will have on aspects such as service delivery.

“They too deserve better.”

Wale insists that the way forward involves the Government working together with Provincial Governments and the SIEC.

“A solution to this may be the Minister’s power to extend the life of Provincial Assemblies by setting a new election date no later than 12 months to when elections should have occurred.

“But even this requires prior consultation with the premiers – something that this Government is known for not doing,” Wale stated.

’.

According to the Opposition leader, this overall neglect reflects Government’s insistence that Provincial Governments are mere agents that must respond to Government’s beck and call.

“Government must follow the advice of the SIEC, and to ensure this does not happen again.

“Government must take responsibility for this mess and learn from it. Especially, with the 2023 National General Election fast approaching.”

Ends//

Mesepitu wants election in Western prioritised

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Press Release
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Western Premier Christian Mesepitu

OUTGOING premier of Western Province Christina Burley Mesepitu and his former executive paid a visit to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday to raise matters relating to elections.

Mesepitu used the opportunity to inform the Prime Minister that it is the wish of the people that the provincial election be prioritized.

In response Sogavare assured the out-going premier that government has prioritized the provincial election and that cabinet will make a definite decision on a number of options to ensure that the election will go ahead.

Mesepitu also assured the PM that Western Provincial Government sees the validity in the reasons for the delay of the national general election to 2024, therefore it supports the delay but noted that parliament will make the final decision.

Western Provincial Government and Choiseul Provincial Government are both on “out-going mode” after their dissolutions early this month.

M4DD thanks police for being ‘cordial’

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Vice president of the Malaita for Democracy and Development (M4DD) has applauded the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF).

Max Bobby, one of three prominent M4DD members who handed themselves over to police last week for questioning, praised RSIPF for being ‘cordial’.

The three were wanted in relation to allegations of their involvement in last year’s November riots.

They surrendered themselves to Auki police, and were brought over to Honiara following dialogue and arrangements with Malaita’s police commander Leslie Kili.

Bobby said, “We gave in to police voluntary as leaders who respect the rule of law and as citizens of this country who want to live freely within our communities.

“Also, to ensure criminal allegations hover over us to be cleared.

“Our interrogation was carried out in a friendly mode and we satisfied with the process taken to clear allegations against us before police.”

Bobby acknowledged police for ‘professionalism taken to administer their case’.

He returned to Auki last week; the other two are still in Honiara on personal business and are expected back in Auki this week.

PM reassures Australia of ‘no military base here’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong that there will be no China military presence or foreign military base in Solomon Islands.

Mr Sogavare made this reassurance when he met with Australia’s foreign minister during her one-day visit to Honiara last week, Friday.

Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele had signed the controversial Security Agreement with China on April 14.

United States of America, Australia and other Western countries have raised concern on the security agreement that could bring security instability in the Pacific region.

According to the leaked draft agreement on social media, it allows China to deploy police and military personnel in Solomon Islands to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.

It also states that China’s government may make ship visits n Solomon Islands.

Senator Wong told media at Honiara International Airport before her departure to Adelaide last Friday that they did discuss regional security and obviously one of the issues that the region has been discussing.

“I think the Prime Minister (Manasseh Sogavare) is aware of Australia’s concern and views.

“But what most importantly was he is aware like many other Pacific family is off the view that our regional security is a joint responsibility and the responsibility of Pacific family,” she said.

“As I said that on the outset, I welcomed Prime Minister reassurances which the same reassurances he given publicly that government does not intent for there to be a persistent military presence or foreign military base here in Solomon Islands,” she added.

Furthermore, Senator Wong said Australia will do what Australia thinks it’s a right thing to do.

“We will work with you on your developments, health priorities, education priorities, climate priorities and on your security priorities and we have.

“On the successive government we have sort of doing that, we may not be perfect but we are family,” she said.

“We live in the same region, your security and our security are interlinked.

“And that’s how we will approach our relationship with you,” she added.

PM Sogavare, Foreign Minister Manele and Permanent Secretary Collin Beck continued to defend the security agreement with China that it targets domestic issues in the country like internal security, national disasters and climate change.

Tadai-Sahalu leaders oppose extension of parliament life

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CHIEFS and traditional leaders from the Tadai and Sahalu House of Chiefs in the North West Guadalcanal Constituency have voiced their opposition to Government’s proposal to extend parliament life.

The two houses of chiefs gave a resounding ‘No’ to Government’s intention to extend the life of the 11thparliament, or any future parliament to five years for that matter.

In a joint meeting yesterday, the two houses of chiefs inked reasons supporting their resolution.

“Representing our communities and people, we the Chiefs of Tadai and Sahalu House of Chiefs stand united in saying ‘NO’ to the Government’s intention to extend or defer the life of this 11th Parliament, or any future Parliament to 5 years for that matter,” a joint statement signed by all the chiefs states.

“We say that the current Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare has lied enough, making empty promises after empty promises on matters important to the people of this nation, more so, our people and our way of life.”

The group further adds that as if empty promises are not bad enough, the PM now even saw it fit to upgrade his callous approach by choosing to use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and the State Government proposal amongst the many reasons cooked up as basis for seeking extension.

“These are policy proposals that a lot of our grievances depend on hence the manner in which the Government handles them is important to us. Does the PM and his Government think we are dumb so as to fall prey to this ploy?” the group questioned.

The chiefs then stressed that the timing for the consultations on the proposal is clearly nothing less than a fuss, adding that the fact that there is no budget allocated for the General elections in the 2022 budget rules out any likelihood that views expressed by the people on the proposal will be considered.

“As traditional leaders of this country, this is bad politics and leadership, and must be detested in the strongest of terms. Our people have suffered long enough and continue to be haunted by the tragic events of the 2000 ethnic tension.

“The suggestion that the Government will somehow address wounds that remained open for more than 22 years is not only negligent but also disrespectful to many of our families that had suffered. It is too good to be true to say that the Government can deliver on the long outstanding State Government proposal in one year.

“This proposal was on the table for many years now with successive governments giving it little attention.  Any child can see that the Government suggestion is silly.

“Sogavare has been in power as PM for 4 terms previously. 

“What has he done in those 4 terms to deal with these matters and the many reforms promised, if they were important to him as PM of the country? 

“Nothing much except a lot of lip servicing and a bit here and there. 

“How then can anyone trust that the same Sogavare is going to do differently in the one year extension sought?

“Whether it is 1, 5, or 10 years, we have concluded that this Government will never deliver on these important matters.

“It is regrettable these important national issues are being used as a smoke screen once again to cover the true intentions behind the urgency of the proposal.

“For long our people have cried to the Government to deal with over exploitation of our natural resources and land issues.

“To date no reform has been undertaken in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, lands and other related ministry to address the negative impact of these laws on our customs and way of life.

“Our concerns are deep and serious, and are rooted in the many demands that our leaders had put to successive Governments in the past.  For the PM to now promise delivery in one year is laughable.

“The way things are going we strongly feel it will be in our interest that this Government leaves office at the earliest.

“Contrary to promises of the return of alienated land, we are seeing the Government pushing to further deprive our traditional owners of their customary rights over the foreshores of Honiara City; the promised benefits to our people from the Mamara – Tasi – Mavo Housing Scheme development is already looking to be doomed leaving us high and dry, and the dwindling economy is killing whatever opportunities our people had enjoyed in the past.

“These are reminders that our calls had fallen on deaf ears all these years and to say, one year will provide solutions is simply deceiving.

“This is 3 years in government and despite the promise of 13 bills, only one was passed in that time. 

“Where are the land reform bills promised? Are they going to be brought into force together with the TRC list of things to do, the State of Government list of things to do and the SPG 2023 list of things to do?

“Are all these going to be done in the one year sought?  We are not convinced and are truly saddened.”

In the wrap of their meeting, the chiefs unanimously concluded that the grounds for the proposal therefore do not carry any weight at all, adding that there is no urgent need to extend the life of Parliament.

They also noted that important as they are, the SPG 2023, TRC findings, reforms, or the State Government proposal, are all government business that can be carried forward.

“We the Chiefs of Tadai and Sahalu House of Chiefs are opposed to the Constitution being amended on the reasons given.

“These are not the personal businesses of the PM and his Cabinet Members so that they can ask for extra time to complete them.

“The Government is not running an Association but a country. The voice of the people must be heard.

“The proposal is unequivocally rejected by our two Houses of Chiefs,” the chiefs added.

Noro road on World Bank list

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

NORO road has been named one among five road projects enlisted to be funded by World Bank.

Noro road was listed alongside four projects; Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges all of which are in Malaita province.

World Bank is expecting to dish out USD130 million dollars as it stepped up its assistance in Solomon Islands.

According to Work Bank, first on the development project list is Roads and Aviation projects worth USD 89 million.

Aim and objectives of these project are to improve the country’s safety and security in the aviation sector as well as enhancing climate resilience.

World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands & Vanuatu, Annette Leith said the project will address critical issues in air transport infrastructure to improve service delivery for communities in need, as well as improving important international links to support Solomon Islands’ tourism sector.

“Providing reliable, climate resilient transport connections is a major challenge in Solomon Islands and a key obstacle in addressing uneven development and opportunities for communities across the country,” she said.

Island Sun understand that Noro road is in very bad state and this project will address the issue and at the same time improve services deliveries within Noro.

Noro plays an important role in the country’s fishing industry accommodating two tuna processing plants which provides employment opportunities and also contributes significantly toward the country’s economy.

Students call for fairness

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Students at SINU

ABOUT 26 students from Malaita Province doing their bachelor programmes under SIG scholarships at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) call for “fairness” from the government.

This after the National Scholarship Division (NSD) at Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) refused to grant them extension in their scholarships to complete their programmes this year.

One of the students said the Students Academic Service at SINU has endorsed their letters for extension under the SIG scholarship.

However, there is slowness by NSD staff to act on their letters for about three to four weeks now, preventing them from registration.

“We feel some of the officers in NSD have targeted us following the riots and lootings last November.

“However, none of us are part of this riots,” student said.

The student said it being a practice since restructure in 2019, when NSD granted extension to students who applied.

“Why they target us?

“We are bit worry otherwise become practice in office because we care about national unity,” one of the students said.

Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Dr Franco Rhodie said he is not aware of the issue.

However, Dr Rhodie said there is a process at SITESA to grant extension to students.

He said it is best for the students to present their cases to SITESA for deliberation.

Filualea calls for cooperation on implemented national projects at Malu’u

Written by
Samie Waikori
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The current construction of a national wharf project for Malu’u provincial sub-centre in the northern region of Malaita province.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MEMBER of Parliament for North Malaita, Senley Lewi Filualea calls on resource owners in the constituency to continue providing support towards the implementation of national projects at Malu’u provincial sub-centre.

He said the establishment of Malu’u as one of the provincial sub-centres in the province was done by the government and it is always committed to support the idea.

Filualea said as a regional sub-centre for northern region, the government is supporting the construction of Malu’u wharf project that will soon be completed.

He said another project is Malu’u fisheries project that has completed with the support of both national government and donor partners, and ready to begin operation.

Filualea also said that CEMA will soon reopen at Malu’u as it “only awaits minor works to be done to begin its operation. This is another good news for farmers within northern region of the province”.

He said there is another project for Malu’u sub-centre which is the construction of a new Malu’u market facility to be funded by the Australian government.

Filualea said this series of projects portrays government’s commitment and support to its people of north Malaita and the northern region of the province.

He said services will provide by these projects when completed will have huge benefit on people and will contribute to enhance economic activities in the province.

 On that note, Filualea said that “in order for the projects to benefit us, it’s all about our commitments, collaboration and efforts to achieve them and our development aspiration”.

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