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Gov’t yet to sign leaked Maritime pact with China

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands is still to sign a proposed Maritime Cooperation agreement with Peoples Republic of China, senior government officials confirmed.

A draft copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on Deepening Blue Economy Cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of XXX of Solomon Islands has been circulated on social media.

A United Nations representative recently defined the Blue Economy as an economy that “comprises a range of economic sectors and related policies that together determine whether the use of ocean resources is sustainable.

A senior government official told Island Sun he is aware of some discussions around Blue economy.

However, the official said it is still an intention, and no commitment yet as far as he knows.

“Not sure who to sign on behalf of Government. There has to be some consideration on who to sign it,” the senior government official said.

According to the draft, Article one states the Parties will uphold mutually beneficial and win-win development partnership, deepen practical cooperation in the field of blue economy, foster new growth drivers in the blue economy, and promote high quality development of bilateral investment cooperation, so as to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, promote stronger, greener and healthier global development

Article 2 states the Parties will enhance synergy between blue economic development strategy and policy, encourage rural government, blue economy industrial organization, research institutes, financial institutions and business to enhance coordination, tap the potential of blue economy cooperation and comparative advantages, jointly carry out marine economy resources investigation and development planning, strengthen capacity building of blue economy, deepen investment cooperation in the blue economy, and jointly foster blue economy partnership for the future.

On Article 3, the Parties will encourage businesses to conduct investment cooperation in the blue economy, including but not limited to the following fields of industries:

  1. Mariculture, distant water fishing, seafood processing etc.;
  2. Marine biopharmaceutical, marine engineering technology, seawater desalination, marine salt industries etc.;
  3. Port wharves, submarine optical communication, shipbuilding and ship repair, ocean transportation etc.;
  4. Marine tourism and leisure services;
  5. Photovoltaics, wind power, tidal power and other clean energy and transmission network;
  6. Exploration and development of offshore oil, gas and mineral resources.

Article 4 highlights the Parties will promote the introduction of more pragmatic and efficient policies and measures, encourage and support businesses to jointly establish marine economic cooperation parks and deep-sea fishing bases, and create better and more attractive investment cooperation platform for enterprises of the two countries.

The Article 5 states the Parities will encourage businesses to in compliance with the requirements of the United Nation Convention on the Law of Sea, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the carbon neutral commitment targets, fulfil environmental obligations, promote green design, green procurement, green construction, green production and green operation in the blue economy investment cooperation and facilitate the coordinated development of the local economy, society, people and the marine ecological environment.

Furthermore, Article 6 states Parties will encourage businesses to accelerate green and low carbon transformation, increase investment in green technology, jointly promote innovations in marine science and technology, green and low carbon technology and promote the application and transformation of science research achievements.

Article 7 states the Parties agreed with the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China and XX Department of XX of the Executive Agencies in the Memorandum, to step up policy exchanges, implement the work set out in the Memorandum, and promote investment cooperation in the blue economy in a more pragmatic and efficient manner.

Under Article 8, any dispute about the interpretation or implementation of the Memorandum will be solved through consultations between the Parties, who will work in good faith to resolve differences by mutual agreement.

Article 9 states the Memorandum will come into effect on the date of signature and remain in effect for three years. Either party may terminate this Memorandum by providing written notification to the other Party three months in advance.

The termination of this Memorandum will not affect the completion of any cooperation activity which has been formalized while it was in force.

The Memorandum maybe amended by the mutual agreement of the Parties, formalized by an exchange of written communications, specifying the date of its entry into force of such amendment.

This Memorandum is a statement of the intent of the Parties and is not intended to create rights and obligations under international law.

Each party implementation of this Memorandum shall be consistent with its domestic law.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine to save cost, reach more people: Togamana

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

Government says the newly introduced Johnson & Johnson vaccine will save operation costs and reach more people in remote places.

Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana says this is due to the Johnson & Johnson Janssen covid-19 vaccine being administered as a single dose vaccine.

Mr Togamana echoed this at the official launching event of the J&J Janssen vaccine during the World Immunisation week last week.

“With the introduction of this vaccination the covid-19 vaccination coverage is expected to up as it requires only one dose and considerable increase our capacity to reach more people and saving cost on operation.

“I sincerely hope with the introduction of this vaccine we should be able to increase our vaccination coverage and percentage because this will really target the hard to reach area because it is only one dose. There is no need to back again to the community that you have already delivered it because it is only one dose,” he said.

Togamana said it is the fourth covid-19 vaccine to be added to the government’s vaccination programme, increasing vaccine choice for the recipients.

He said the J&J Janssen vaccine will be offered to 18-years-old and above.

“I wish to thank the New Zealand Government for the donation of 100,800 doses of J&J Janssen covid-19 vaccine.

“I also thanked COVAX facility, GAVI and the government of Australia, the government of China, the Japanese government and also the government of United States of America for covid-19 vaccine donation,” Togamana said.    

Wale: PM dealings on LSL ‘highly suspicious’

Written by
Press Release
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Copy of the letter Attorney General John Muria Jnr wrote to Steve Agosta of Sydney law firm Nelson KcKinnon Lawyers.

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale says the Prime Minister’s instructions to his Chief of Staff and the Attorney General to enter in an undertaking on the issue of Levers Solomon Ltd (LSL) is highly suspicious.

An OPMC statement confirmed that negotiations to acquire LSL have been sanctioned by the Prime Minister.

This was after a report in the Island Sun last week suggested that the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic and the Attorney General John Muria Jnr are involved in a dubious deal in an attempt to commit the Government into bailing out two companies in Australia who were tied to Russell Islands Plantations Pty Ltd.

The OPMC statement further stated that the Government is yet to make a decision on whether to proceed with the deal and that Cabinet will be briefed on the options before a decision is made on which option to pursue.

But Wale said the OPMC’s revelation that the Prime Minister authorised the undertaking only adds to the string of questions surrounding the deal and its suspicious nature.

“The action by the Prime Minister is not only suspicious but also borders on being unconstitutional,” Wale said.

“A matter of importance as this should be brought to Cabinet by the ministries assigned with the relevant portfolios, and be dealt with by responsible authorities and not the political advisors in the PMO acting on the instructions of the Prime Minister,” he added.

Wale said the Attorney General’s letter dated 9th February 2022 is also contradictory to the statement that Cabinet is yet to be briefed on the options before any decision will be made.

The AG’s letter to Steve Agosta, Solicitor Director of the Nelson Mckinnon Lawyers in Sydney, requesting extension of time is an undertaking that SIG is committed to honour the Deed of Company Arrangement.

He said there is no reservation of the right to opt out as suggested.

The Opposition Leader said the explanation therefore does not add up and may cost the government unnecessarily if Cabinet so decides against the deal in the end.

Wale said the letter also clearly outlined reasons for the delay in payment and that a given timeline in June 2022, after the Budget was opted.

“And if Cabinet is yet to decide on the faith of the proposed Deed/matter, then why is the AG already committing a financial obligation on behalf of the Government?” he asked.

The Opposition Leader said if the Prime Minister advised the AG and his CoS to do so without Cabinet’s approval then surely parties involved are trying to defraud the Government.

He said document shows that the two companies the proposed Deed seek to bail out are currently facing bankruptcy proceedings.

“Since RIPPEL took over from Levers nothing much had been done.

“Operations had been stalled for various reasons including, pressure from domestic creditors since day one.

“So why would the government be interested in bailing out such companies?

“What have they contributed to the country and what does the DOCA say about liabilities, unpaid claims, land sales and so on,” he questioned.

The Opposition Leader adds the deal appears to undermine the forfeiture process commenced by the Commissioner of Lands.

He said clearly something is wrong with the operations of RIPPEL, which led to the Commissioner of Lands seeing the need to use the law.

“Is it not better to allow this process and the proceedings in Australia to be completed before the government steps in?” he said.

Wale also questioned how this new deal sits in with the $50m compensation for Bloody Ridge Land awarded by the High Court against the government previously.

“Clearly there are too much public funds being waved around with respect to the RIPEL land and operations.

“These are drains on the public purse that must be decided properly,” he said.

Communities in East Fataleka hold mass reconciliation

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of the communities that are part of the reconciliation ceremony.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

COMMUNITIES in East Fataleka held a mass reconciliation at Bethel village on Sunday.

The reconciliation was part of East Fataleka communities’ show of solidarity which aims at bring them closer to work together for common goals and achievements.

In a statement received on the reconciliation ceremony, the event was initiated by chiefs and church leaders of East Fataleka.

The event aims primarily to iron out differences and bring them together as one people.

The event strives to revive and strengthen cooperation, solidarity and friendship their forefathers once had that laid the fabric of their current communities and people.

A total of 14 communities; Lolo, Manu, Bethel, Gwasao, Dariulu, Niupado, Kwaiorea, Alisisiu, Singali, Maelaufa, Ferakosi, Namofala, Ferabono and Fa’asiu were part of the event.

Guest to the reconciliation ceremony was Premier Daniel Suidani and people were happy to have him and team to the important occasion.

Suidani met the communities on Saturday where he had the chance to share about his government and other current political issues.

Some amongst them include; MARA governments stand against the newly forged SI-China tie, the current security pact and others.

The premier also thanked the communities for taking up the initiative that therefore have greater impact on their working together as one people to achieve common purposes.

MPGIS meets Malaita govt on major community management project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MPGIS permanent secretary Stanley Pirione.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PERMANENT Secretary of Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen (MPGIS), Mr Stanley Dick Pirione and team met and had a dialogue with Malaita’s government on Saturday last week in Auki.

Deputy Premier Glen Waneta and members of Malaita Provincial Assembly and heads of divisions were part of the meeting with MPGIS.

The dialogue is to provide update on the implementation and future direction on the Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGMP) under MPGIS where the two stakeholders had worked on until last year.

According to information received on the dialogue, the meeting is to provide update on the project activities and look at ways forward for the future of the project with the provincial government in supporting local communities.

The dialogue is also to discuss project priorities and donor funding support, and discuss how to resolve some of the resource management issues encountered by the provincial project team on CGGMP on the ground.

The CGGMP programme through which Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) was once established had greatly benefited communities in Malaita province particularly on conflict solving, bylaws and other governance issues.

Provincial Coordinator of CGGMP in Auki, Mr Emmanuel Maesua said that the dialogue workshop was also for MPGIS to provide update on the new World Bank/SIG partnership Integrate, Economic Development and Climate Resilience Program (IEDCR).

He said under IEDCR in which discussion is now between MPGIS and various provincial governments will see integration between CGGMP, Rural Development Program (RDP) and the Crisp program and administer under the planning division of the province together with the PCDF program.

Maesua said the new program will no longer be on governance alone, but infrastructure and climate resilience that basically looks more on economic development.

He said in place of CLO, as once known under CGGMP, there will be Ward Support Officers (WSOs) under the IEDCR, and MPGIS through his office will soon recruit officers to pilot the new program in the province.

Maesua said that in summary the dialogue was conducted to seek feedbacks from MPG on the existence of the CGGMP and the new IEDCR program that will soon be introduced.

PM hailed for revitalising CEMA

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Press Release
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Cutting of the cake to signify the opening of the buying center. From left Chairman of CEMA Board Alpha Kimata, Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Hon. Julian Makaá, PM Sogavare and Minister of Commerce Fred Kologeto.jpg

Chairman of the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) spoke highly of the Prime Minister’s leadership to revitalise and recapitalise CEMA.

Alpha Kimata, a long time board member and now chairman of the CEMA board, made the commendation at Pakera, Central Makira Ulawa Province, during the opening of the Pakera buying centre.

Kimata said revitalising and recapitalising CEMA is one of the flagship policies of the government and for the government to prop up CEMA at this time of COVID- 19 pandemic requires deep commitment and determination.

Kimata hailed the government under the able leadership of the Prime Minister for proving yet again that it is up to the task.

Kimata said CEMA plays a critical role to ensure copra and copra remain the mainstay of our economy, and the revitalisation and recapitalisation seven years’ strategy will ensure that CEMA is undeterred in its focus to develop and maintain the cocoa and copra industry.

The CEMA board chairman also revealed that the amendment to the CEMA Act to include other products beside cocoa and coconut, is in the pipeline.

Alpha Kimata said the amended CEMA Act is now with the Attorney General’s Chambers, awaiting final vetting before submitting it to parliament.

 Joining the CEMA board chairman was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CEMA, Patteson Siliota who sang praises to the Prime Minister for his leadership in revitalising and recapitalizing CEMA.

Siliota said to remain steadfast in reviving CEMA at this present condition is a tough call.

Siliota hailed Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for his unwavering support and leadership to see through the revitalisation and recapitalisation seven years’ strategy of CEMA.

The CEMA CEO pledged the commitment of his executive to ensure the strategy is rolled out according to its expected targets and expectations.

The revitalization and recapitalization seven years’ strategy is, amongst other things, to put CEMA in a controlling position to revive and give prominence to the cocoa and copra industry.

The seven years’ strategy is supported with resources from line ministries which include the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI), Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL).

–OPMC PRESS

CSSI signs broadcasting deal with national radio

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Press Release
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Group photo after the signing: CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi and SIBC Sales manager Moddy Nanau shows the signed document as witnessed by Superintendent Bernard Ramota from CSSI and Elizabeth Ratu from SIBC sales department

A contract agreement on the radio educational awareness program for the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) was signed on Friday 6 May 2022 between Gabriel Manelusi, Commissioner Correctional Service, and Moddie Nanau, SIBC Manager Sales and Marketing.

The signing of the document now officially endorses all discussion and arrangement towards the implementation of the radio educational awareness program which will go to air on the 18 May 2022.

“Reasons is that Solomon Islands is a country with well over 80% of its citizen living in the rural areas,” a statement from CSSI said.

“A vast majority of the population are illiterate and are deprived of their right to access relevant information,” it added.

This radio educational awareness can be seen as a way forward in raising awareness on the role of CSSI and the responsibility of  the communities in giving ex-offenders a “second chance in life” during this COVID 19 protocols.

This radio educational awareness strategy is designed to educate citizens and stakeholders on the transition from Solomon Islands Prison Services (SIPS) to CSSI, promote Rehabilitation, Regeneration, Reintegration Strategy 2022 and beyond, provide avenues for public support and collaboration with CSSI, promote of peacebuilding, preventation and rehabilitation of ex-offenders at all levels, educate citizens on legal obligations and mandates to reduce and prevent crime and re-offenses and acknowledge the cooperation of former parolees through effective follow-up process

In his remarks during the signing, Commissioner Manelusi thanked and acknowledged SIBC Manager Sales and Marketing for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and thank the UNDP Country Manager for financing the radio educational awareness program for CSSI, at a cost of $38,082.00.

The duration of the MOA is 8 months, May to December 2022.

Premier Maka’a urges cocoa and copra farmers to step up

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Press Release
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Makira Premier, Julian Maka'a

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province has challenged cocoa and copra farmers of the province to continue to maintain their plantations now that a buying centre is established.

Premier Julian Makaá made the call during the opening of the Pakera buying centre last week at Pakera, Central Bauro, Makira Ulawa Province.

Premier Makaá thanked the government for seeing it fit to establish the first buying centre in Makira Ulawa Province.

Makaá stated that the Province is amongst the highest producers of cocoa and copra, and the establishment of the buying centre is timely and a move in the right direction.

The Premier also spoke highly of the revitalization and recapitalisation strategy of Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).

Premier Julian Makaá said reviving CEMA to be the conduit for cocoa and copra farmers is important as they are the drivers behind the two mainstay of our economy namely cocoa and copra.

Premier urged farmers to do their part as the government through CEMA has done theirs in the establishment of the buying center.

Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) Fredrick Kologeto also made the call on Makira Ulawa farmers to step up their cocoa and copra production.

Minister Kologeto emphasised that the ministry will continue to assist CEMA to ensure that CEMA thrives in its endeavor to promote and maintain the cocoa and copra industry.

Kologeto said the manifestation of the ministry’s assistance for CEMA can be seen in this year’s national budget where the ministry allocated $2 million to CEMA.

Kologeto highlighted that such financial help will continue until such time CEMA is proficient in delivering its aims and objectives.

Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration Riley Mesepitu spoke highly of the government’s vision to revitalize and recapitalize CEMA.

Mesepitu said propping up CEMA is a longtime wish for many farmers as copra and cocoa have been the cornerstone of our economy.

The PS further joined others to congratulate government for realizing the vision to bring back copra and cocoa to their glory days, adding that it will not be an easy feat but a start is the way forward.

–OPMC PRESS

Naha communities mark Mother’s Day with lots of fun

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Women enjoying the Mothers Day sport competion on Sunday. Tanofilms.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE four Naha communities in East Honiara have come together to celebrate Mother’s Day with food, dances and soccer games over the weekend.

The celebration started on Saturday night with feast and cultural and contemporary performances by the women and speech from guest speaker, Councilor for Vura ward, Reginald Ngati.

The theme of the event is “Mother and Environment”.

Naha 2 women enjoying the Mothers Day sports competition on Sunday.

Councilor Ngati said the theme reminds us the mothers can fit in any environment whether it is good or bad.

Ngati said mothers must concern about the environment.

He said if mothers unite in the same idea, there will be changes in the community.

Women of Naha 1 came out to support the Mothers Day competition on Sunday.

Further to that, he praised the women of the four communities of Naha for uniting together in celebrating the Mother’s Day with performances and soccer.

He said celebration brought out mothers from their homes to engage in the event.

“I am pledging to the mothers to do the same for the Independence Day celebration,” he added.

Naha girls dancing during the Mothers Day celebration on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the women engaged in a soccer competition that brought the residents of all four Naha together to cheer their teams.

It also offered the chance for market vendors to sell food and drinks to the spectators and supporters.

One of the community leaders said such celebration like sports can unite the community together.

Women in action during Naha Mothers Day sport competition on Sunday.

He said currently the leaders are working together with Councilor Ngati to get the Naha field and John Holland’s workshop to develop them for the upcoming Pacific Games in November 2023.

“We have held two meetings already and will meet with Sports Director of Honiara City Council on Thursday.

Angie selling food during the Mothers Day sports competition on Sunday

“This is to giver us direction on how to go about with the field and workshop because some people have applied for the land,” he said.

The community leader said they want to retain the field for future generations of Naha to benefit from good quality infrastructures.

Island Sun understands Honiara City Council holds the title of the field and John Holland’s workshop.

MEASLES FEAR

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Health minister warns of potential outbreak

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

The Health minister has warned of a potential measles outbreak.

This is reportedly due to the drop in measles vaccination in children countrywide.

Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana voiced this when addressing the recent commemoration of the World Immunisation Day in Honiara.

“We have another simmering issue at hand, that is the decline in childhood vaccination amid pandemic. For instance from over 85 percent coverage before the covid-19 pandemic, the measles vaccination coverage has gone down in all provinces,” Togamana said.

“In three provinces the coverage level is even less than 50 percent; this data indicate potentially high risk of measles outbreak soon if action is not taken,” he added.

The minister warns that measles is a killer diseases and it kills children compared to covid-19 which kills primarily vulnerable adults.

Togamana said 95 percent of measles vaccination coverage is required to prevent outbreaks.

“We could see rise of other infections if there is a measles outbreak,” he said.

He adds that an outbreak of whooping cough and rotavirus diarrhoea during the pandemic was also witnessed.

“Hence it is important that we continue to focus on routine childhood vaccinations,” Togamana said.

He said the ministry and partners are discussing conducting special activities such as measles immunisations and catch up campaigns.

“In the meantime, the would like to urge all parents to bring their children to the clinics for vaccinations and health staff to intensify their routine immunisation coverage,” he said.

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