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It’s about ‘our security’: Sogavare

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has defended the ‘leaked’ Security Cooperation draft agreement with Peoples Republic of China that the two countries are expected to sign soon.

This came after overseas media assumed the leaked document indicates the potential of China establishing a military base in Solomon Islands.

Delivering his statement in the 5th meeting of the 11th Parliament yesterday, Sogavare described people leaking the documents as some ‘lunatics’ and agents of foreign regimes in the government system that have no regards for secrecy.

He also described as ‘nonsense’ Australia media’s depiction that Solomon Islands is being pressured by China to build a military base in Solomon Islands, which is only 2,000km away from the northern shores of Australia.

Further to that, Sogavare has challenged the ‘liberal hegemony’ where if they convert all countries to become liberal democracies, they will guarantee you world peace and stability.

He referred to the Monroe Doctrine (1823) and various geopolitical ideologies that are creating all these hatreds of countries that do not share their political ideologies

The Monroe Doctrine was articulated in President James Monroe’s seventh annual message to the US Congress on December 2, 1823.

The European powers, according to Monroe, were obligated to respect the Western Hemisphere as the United States’ sphere of interest.

Furthermore, Sogavare dismissed the claims by Opposition Group that his government is leading an autocratic government with the security arrangement.

Instead, Sogavare said the security treaty was pursued at the request of Solomon Islands government.

He said the treaty is part of the diversifying approach by the government to protect the national security and interests of the country.

He said this is not a “secret issue” but a sovereign one.

“It is the intention and hope that all these partners will work with the government in speaking to our needs whether it be in cyber security, illegal fishing, border security, international trade and non-traditional security issues like NCDs and environmental threats like climate change.

“These are all security issues that need partnerships with all our bilateral partners,” he said.

Therefore, Sogavare said it is very important to ensure they have a framework to guide their partnership to delivering their security engagements.

The unsigned document leaked on social media last Thursday states that Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel, and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands.

This is to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property, providing humanitarian assistance, carrying out disaster response, or providing assistance on other tasks agreed upon by the Parties.

The document also states China may according to its own needs with the consent of Solomon Islands, make ship visits to, carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands.

It also states the relevant forces of China can be used to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.

But Sogavare said:

“This treaty as you all understand is not an open invitation to come as when they please.

“It is a treaty that can only be activated by their request based on our needs.”

Sogavare praised Australia and New Zealand, who have expressed their concerns about the security arrangement with China, for their assistances to Solomon Islands in the past until today.

“They will also remain close to our hearts as partners of choice when it comes to the need to call for assistance in critical times,” he said.

Parliament has adjourned to Thursday 29th March.

West takes serious steps towards Federal system

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province is taking serious steps to fast-track the state government system.

A special secretariat has been established to accommodate staff who will liaise with the central government in the build up to state government as promised by Prime Minister during his visit to Western Province during their Second Appointed Day last year.

Like the previous regimes dating back to the early 70’s, this government strongly and highly prioritizes the ongoing consultation and intervention required to facilitate the wishes of its people by prioritizing the adoption of the federal system of government.

To reflect the urgency of the matter, the current government has identified and appointed resourced personals, including a full-time secretariat, and has identified an office space by which they will be accommodated to undertake this very important task.

“We have also included a fulltime secretariat in this year’s Manpower and Staff Establishment so that the agenda is vigorously pursued for a better outcome for all of us,” Deputy Premier of Western Province, Ramrakha Talasasa said.

“This establishment will be the first of its kind and it is important to note, that when we say we want change, we facilitate it.

“As much as we would want to see changes happen in our province, we are faced with a lot of challenges that would need to be addressed legislatively, and regulatory,” he added.

Talasasa said Western Provincial recognizes the need to improve regulatory management capacity, compliance matters regarding legislative instruments and the enforcement of its own laws and ordinances, and regulations as such preparation must begin now.

He said the establishment of the proposed compliance and enforcement office, will propel the provincial government’s administration capabilities to a whole new level from an improved legislative competence to a stronger revenue capacity and a well-informed western province public on government regulations and policies.

Talasasa said the government is working closely with the attorney general’s office on this matter.

Fiji second repatriation-flight to be delayed.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Solomon Airlines airbus

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE proposed second repatriation flight for Fiji scheduled for 30th March is likely to be shifted to 7th April 2022, according to Dr Jimmie Rodgers.

Dr Rodgers who is Secretary to the Prime Minister said at the moment they are still looking on whether to run the flight on the 30th of this month or delay it for 7th April 2022

“The reasons for the delay are that at the moment we don’t have enough passenger numbers to make the flight viable on the 30th but we are trying hard.

“Also, the fact that Fiji will start lifting its quarantine restrictions on the 7th of April,” he said.

Dr Rodger said they hope that Solomon Islands might be included on that one, so people travelling from Solomon’s may enter Fiji without quarantine, but they are still finding information on that.

“If that is the case it will benefit people who are travelling on the 7th of April.

“With this the second repatriation flight is yet to be confirmed .We will let know of the final outcome of the flight,” he said.

In addition, Rodgers said concerning the reopening of the international border the government has agreed to open it on the 1st of July 2022, processes are still being looked at.

“We are working towards that, to ensure when we reopen it is not just for cargo and goods but also for people coming into Solomon Islands,” he said.        

Western govt sets out formular to achieve budget estimates .

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government has established the RG 2 formula to make sure its 2022/2023 provincial budget comes to reality.

The province’s Minister of Finance, Ramrakha Talasasa said the RG 2 formula is Revenue Generation and Revenue Collection.

He said the formula came about when his team discussed how to establish a system to maximize the anticipated increase in revenue generation.

“Our government intends to approach the revenue strategy on two (2) fronts. First, we are looking at stimulating our revenue generation and secondly, strengthen our revenue collection strategy.

“It is our belief that these interventions will be the catalyst for improving our local revenue portfolio through more economic activities,” Talasasa said.

“I must acknowledge the previous regime’s efforts in also trying to tackle the issue and although it made some progress, the focus was perhaps more on utilizing existing revenue sources than on also actually providing a conducive environment for more revenue generation.

“The focus of this government will be both on revenue creation and efficient revenue collection,” he added.

Talasasa said identification of key productive sectors, invest resources and formulate relevant policy guidelines for respective sectors to provide the basis for their development in order to provide a conducive environment for more economic participation and investments is the province’s top priority.

He said the Mesepitu led governments has taken a serious reform on productive sector focusing on key sectorial reforms include proposed investments in land resources, agriculture, fisheries, tourism as well Agro-forestry.

Talasasa stressed that despite limited funding allocation compared to previous years, the government has already prioritized some of the proposed investments.

Speaker of Western Province survives motion

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Provincial Assembly Hon Speaker Adrian Sinabule Gina

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SPEAKER of Western Province has survived a motion of confidence last week following discrepancies mounted after the fall of Gina led government.

Report states that a motion was filed but was not able to satisfy standard procedures as stimulated in the provincial standing orders.

According to the standing orders, motion must be submitted within seven clear days before any assembly meeting.

According to the report, the mover of the motion failed to satisfy this procedure and that the motion was thrown out from the order paper in the recent meeting.

Island Sun Gizo Office understands that leaders have opted to forget the past and focus on what is best for the province in the remaining life of the assembly.

This is clear during most speeches in the motion of Sine Die where most Member of Provincial Assembly echoed renewed friendship and cooperation till the assembly dissolves around June this year.

Western govt sets out formular to achieve budget estimates.

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0
Hon Ramrakha Talasasa.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government has established the RG 2 formula to make sure its 2022/2023 provincial budget comes to reality.

The province’s Minister of Finance, Ramrakha Talasasa said the RG 2 formula is Revenue Generation and Revenue Collection.

He said the formula came about when his team discussed how to establish a system to maximize the anticipated increase in revenue generation.

“Our government intends to approach the revenue strategy on two (2) fronts. First, we are looking at stimulating our revenue generation and secondly, strengthen our revenue collection strategy.

“It is our belief that these interventions will be the catalyst for improving our local revenue portfolio through more economic activities,” Talasasa said.

“I must acknowledge the previous regime’s efforts in also trying to tackle the issue and although it made some progress, the focus was perhaps more on utilizing existing revenue sources than on also actually providing a conducive environment for more revenue generation.

“The focus of this government will be both on revenue creation and efficient revenue collection,” he added.

Talasasa said identification of key productive sectors, invest resources and formulate relevant policy guidelines for respective sectors to provide the basis for their development in order to provide a conducive environment for more economic participation and investments is the province’s top priority.

He said the Mesepitu led governments has taken a serious reform on productive sector focusing on key sectorial reforms include proposed investments in land resources, agriculture, fisheries, tourism as well Agro-forestry.

Talasasa stressed that despite limited funding allocation compared to previous years, the government has already prioritized some of the proposed investments.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine here

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Service will receive another new covid-19 vaccine, theJohnson and Johnson vaccine provided by the New Zealand government through the COVAX facility.

Incident Controller of the National Health Emergency Operations Center Dr Nemia Bainivalu confirmed this yesterday during the OPMC radio talk-back show over the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.

“The New Zealand government through the COVAX facility has donated to us one additional new vaccine called the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

The official handing over of the vaccine will be done today together with the summary of its distribution and how to train health workers on its roll out programme,” Bainivalu said.

He adds that Isabel province has started rolling out Pfizer vaccine last week for pregnant women and children 12 years of age and above and 18 years of age below.

Also, most provinces will now commence the roll-out of Pfizer vaccine.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to provide you vaccination data now as compilation of vaccination datas and information is still ongoing,” Bainivalu said.

Japan assistance to solve Vurango school classroom shortage.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0
Norimasa Yoshida Charged Affairs interim Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE sealing of an agreement between Vurango School on Choiseul Province and the Government and people of Japan for the construction of a classroom building will put an end to classroom shortage issues faced by the school.

The assistance came by way of a grant assistance at a total amount of around $ 700,000 (seven hundred thousand) Solomon Dollars. This assistance will enable the school to provide an appropriate educational environment to students.

Principal of Vurango Primary school Freeman Paezama Kuma on behalf of the school and the community conveyed the school’s sincere gratitude to the government of Japan for consideration of the school’s need.

“This project will really solve the problem of shortage of classroom and staff house shortage that the school is facing,” Kuma said.

He stressed that this project in particular would provide great benefit to our school and the community at large.

“There are five hundred plus students that will get direct benefit to the classroom, and the staff house will serve different teachers posted to our school.

“Church groups, women groups and youth groups would also benefit from this service regarding gatherings and meetings.

“Deep in our heart and in certain extent I will say that this project is a dream come true. There are elders in our community who have struggled to improve and develop our school but cannot live up to this day to witness this great achievement.

“I on behalf our people would take this time to really thank the Japanese embassy under its Grassroots funding agency for your fulfilment of our dream,” Kuma said.

He further thanked the Embassy of Japan for the approval of this project.

Charge de Affairs interim of the Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands, Norimasa Yoshida said one of the priority areas of their assistance under the Grassroots and Human Security Scheme is supporting basic education.

 Education plays a key role in the development of the society.

“Therefore, we believe that this project will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands and strengthen further cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan,” Yoshida said.

He said “indeed this project is a symbol of the cordial relationship between the two countries. 

“On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to reaffirm our continuous commitment to the people and the prosperity of our two countries”.

SINPF considers partial payment proposal

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
SINPF Building in Honiara

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National Provident Fund has considered the proposal for partial payments to members of the fund during this pandemic.

Chairman of SINPF Board, Dr Jimmy Rodgers confirmed this during the Talk Back show yesterday.

Dr Rodgers said the NPF is waiting for formal submission from government for this process to be considered.

He said the Board is ready to consider that, just hold on, while process is completed, they will let you know.

Speaking at the opening of Solomon Finance Bank last Friday, SINPF Deputy Board chairman David Rupokets also shared a predicament SINPF board has been facing when considering member requests for exemptions for partial withdrawal of their savings.

“The dilemma faced by the board is reconciling these requests against the key object of the fund that their funds accumulated over time should be held for their retirement and old age.

“Today, these exemption requests made to the Ministry of Finance is increasing.

“For the first eight months of our 2022 financial year, we have received more than 400 requests for exemption.

“The major reasons for the exemption requests are school fees, medical and health fees, building of a house, purchase of a land and establishment of a small income generating business.

“When members draw on their retirement funds which are intended for their old age, they will reduce what is available to them when they reach their retirement age.

“With the commencement of SFL, members can now channel these requests through the SFL with well-planned proposals,” Rupokets said.

Governor General’s speech to the throne to open Parliament.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
Governor General Sir David Vunagi will open parliament today.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNOR General Sir David Vunagi will present his Speech to the Throne at the opening of the 5th meeting of the 11th Parliament today.

Sir Vunagi is expected to outline the government programmes for this year.

His Speech to the Throne comes at a time the government is facing a number of controversies like the ‘replica guns’ import from China and the leaked Solomon Islands and China proposed security cooperation agreement on social media.

Attorney General, John Muria Junior confirmed in a talk back show yesterday that the GG’s speech to the throne is the main business for today.

He said the debate on the State of Public Emergency commences tomorrow.

If Parliament passes the resolution, the country will go through another four months of SOPE.

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale told Radio New Zealand over the weekend the government’s proposed security cooperation agreement with China reflects its careless attitude.

The unverified document lays down a framework which could permit Beijing to deploy forces to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.

Wale said that any sensible person would recognize that the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s actions on this matter are threatening national unity.

“How is such a decision in the best interest of the nation?” the opposition leader questioned.

He said that these actions show a disregard for the public’s views and are causing the public to lose trust in the government.

“Clearly the issue of China is still an unsettled situation in our country because of the geopolitics involved. Yet the prime minister seems bent on aggravating this situation as reflected in this draft MOU [Memorandum of Understanding],” he said.

Wale stated that the proposed MOU with China is an example of how Pacific Islands nations have struggled to balance their own interests against those of global superpowers.

“For long [time], the Pacific has had to navigate the different waves of geopolitical narratives that has washed over its shores,” he said.

Wale also asked “what security benefits can be gained from this agreement with the PRC that cannot be provided by Australia, New Zealand and our other regional friends?”

The opposition leader said it would be preferable to enter into security agreements only with like-minded democracies.

“This is because, firstly, the system of government in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is not familiar to Solomon Islands, and secondly, Solomon Islands itself does not have the capacity to manage such an agreement with the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

Wale said that the Solomon Islands, as a sovereign nation, should make its decisions in tune with its own national interest. This is especially important when considering whether to enter into an alliance with a foreign power.

The Government said the security cooperation is still in working progress and Cabinet still to deliberate on it.

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