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Kabui maintains parliament extension plan not yet decided

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 still maintains his stand that Cabinet is still to make a decision to extend Parliament from 4 to 5 years.

This was after the Opposition Office hit back recently that it is a blatant lie after a Cabinet paper on the extension clearly shows that Cabinet had already ‘Agreed’ on the decision to extend parliament from four to five years in February 2021.

The Cabinet paper was also leaked on social media attracting a lot of criticisms against the government.

Kabui told media yesterday part C of the Cabinet paper or document directs him and Attorney General to do consultation.

He said the process is still ongoing.

“We have done consultations with all the Premiers, SIFGA, SICA and SICCI.

“After consultation we will go back to Cabinet. Nothing for us to hide here,” he said.

Further to that, Kabui said the Governor General in his Speech to the throne speech encouraged Members of Parliament to go back and do consultation with their people.

He said had Cabinet made a decision, they could draft the bill and take it up to Parliament.

Kabui said according to the Constitution it requires 6 weeks to lay on the table.

He said this is to give change for the Constitution Review Committee to consult with the people.

“Since it’s a Constitutional Amendment, need time longer than normal bill.

“This is check and balance Constitution provide for,” he added.

Kabui said if Cabinet made the decision, they would not need to consult.

According to Governor General Sir David Vunagi, the issue of deferment of the National General Election is an issue that was recently raised in the media.

There are four options available;

  1. Early dissolution of Parliament as early as May and hold a snap election.
  2. Hold the National General Election in 2023 as scheduled.
  3. Defer the National General Election from 2023 to 2024.
  4. Permanently increase the term of Parliament from four to five years.

Sir David said these options have their own implications.

“However, it is for Cabinet to decide.

“If Cabinet adopts either of options three or four the Constitution will have to be amended,” he said.

Sir David said the Constitution provides for its own alteration and it is Parliament that has the mandate to amend the Constitution.

“I trust that each Member of Parliament will consult and explain to their constituents their views on this matter.

“I will leave this matter to Cabinet and Parliament for their decision,” he added.

Gov’t urged to reopen western border

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Police officers patrolling the Western border with Bougainville. PHOTO ABC

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNMENT is being urged to reopen the international border between Solomon Islands and Bougainville next week.

This comes in light of reports that people in Shortlands are facing a humanitarian crisis, forcing some of them to illegally cross over to Bougainville to sell their products and buy foods.

Police in Bougainville arrested them at Buin for breaching the Covid-19 protocol put in place by both countries.

Chief of Staff, Robson Djokovic confirmed this during a press conference yesterday.

Djokovic said they are finalising border reopening strategy, that include Malaita Outer Islands and Temotu, but priority is Shortlands.

He said Government is liasing with its counterpart in Papua New Guinea and plans to ease restrictions until the reopening of border in July.

As part of addressing the humanitarian issues faced by the people of Shortlands, government has sent relief supplies on Monday.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Dr Melchior Mataki confirmed that the short term relief supplies include 30 tonnes of rice and 80 cartons of soltuna products.

Mataki, also chairman of National Disaster Council, said the food relief is not made out of thin air.

He said Provincial Disaster Operating Center, made up of technical agencies in Western province, needed proper assessment and put to NDOC, and food relief made.

He said the food supplies to cover all 23 communities including Mono island as well.

Mataki said there is understanding reached between PDOC Western province and communities that distributions based on households and started already.

Beck says leaked documents not final

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and External Trade confirms the ‘leaked’ Security  Cooperation draft on social media is not final.

Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck told media yesterday said until they have a signed document before it is finalised

“What is being leaked is just a document, not something in any final form concluded.

“Something we continue to work on,” he said.

Furthermore, Chief of Staff, Robson Djokovic said it’s a draft.

“It’s unlikely a draft will be a formalized into a document because it is simply a draft.

“Process is ongoing. PRC not here to take our security space,” he added.

The unsigned document received by media 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.

Not all SI students boarded China flight  

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Solomon Airlines airbus

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Some of the Solomon Islands students heading to study in China were not allowed to board their flight due to their test results being positive with covid-19.

This was revealed yesterday by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Collin Beck in a press conference.

However, he does not divulge exactly how many students did not go.

“We have the number and is about 77 students have left to study in the universities in China. Some have their test results returned positive so they are not allowed to board the flight to China,” Beck said.

He said Ministry of Education Human Resources Development is the appropriate authority to confirm and provide further details on this matter.

“But definitely there is also an intention to send more students to China this year. It’s an overall scholarship for any nationals interested to do further studies especially undergraduates studies,” Beck said.

Meanwhile the flight that took Solomon Islanders to study in China left the country on March 21, 2022.

GOV’T FIRES 100

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Ministry of Public Service has fired 100 employees who refused to take their covid-19 vaccination.

This is part of the national government’s year-old policy in light of the covid-19 pandemic, edging its employees to be vaccinated against covid-19, called the ‘no jab no job’ policy.

Public Service Permanent Secretary Nego Sisiolo said those fired are part of 1.3 percent of the established workforce in public service.

“We ceased their salaries and pursue natural justice occur to the officers,” he said.

However, Sisiolo said he is not aware if the terminated officers having taken the government to court.

The grace period to allow unvaccinated public servants to receive the vaccine lapsed on January 31.

However, Sisiolo said public officers and employees who have taken their first vaccination during the extended grace and up to January 31, 2022 are given an extended period of three months effective February 9, 2022 to take their second doses.

He said the act of non-compliance is taken as insubordination to Cabinet’s policy directive and therefore a misconduct in office as per PSC regulations 44.

No military base to be set up here: PM

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands has no intention of pitching into any geopolitical power struggles.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed this in Parliament yesterday after overseas media claimed the security agreement Solomon Islands will sign with China indicates the potential to establish a military base.

However, Sogavare said the Solomon Islands National Security strategy allows Solomon Islands to seek partnerships with friendly foreign governments.

He said it is part of the vision of the National Security Strategy especially in maintaining our security needs.

“That strategy underwent deep nationwide consultations with our provinces and national stakeholders. The strategy is available online as well,” Sogavare said.

“There is no secret about the visions, purpose and goals of our national security strategy.

“It seeks nothing but peace, secure and prosperous Solomon Islands,” he added.

Sogavare said the strategy is the blue print for Solomon Islands to protect the country’s sovereignty, our people and combating and addressing soft and hard threats including climate change.

He said as a sovereign country the government will continue to collaborate and ensure what Solomon Islands needs in its security space is correctly addressed with their development partners.

“This means working with all partners and I mean all partners who are willing to support us in the spirit of diplomacy and being friends to all.

“In other words, as a responsible government and as a sovereign state, we must never leave any soft or hard threats in our country to change,” he added.

Sogavare said the security challenge facing the country is so great that there is sufficient space for everyone

“For example, the Fijians with Solomon Islands during the ethnic conflict under the Commonwealth arrangement later with RAMSI and now with SIAF.

“Our Papua New Guinea close wantoks have followed our journey and expressed solidarity in sending over forces to Solomon Islands under PNG bilateral agreement,” he said.

Sogavare said New Zealand and Australia following the conclusion of RAMSI continue to have security programmes and presence of the Australia Federal Police and NZ Police personnel.

He said the security framework focuses and is meant to address Solomon Islands’ national security threats

“We don’t belong to any external alliances nor do we to pick sides.

“The only side we will pick is a national security interest,” he added.

“We are mandated and guarantee peace and work to achieve a safe and secure nation where all citizens are able to coexist peacefully.

“We are duty bound to do that and stand ready to do that,” he added.

Why China police are invited here

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
Chinese Police Officers demonstrating their public order management skills

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday highlighted the importance to invite China to protect their infrastructures built in the country.

This was after the failure of local police to protect the burnt down Chinatown and other properties in Honiara during last November’s riot.

Sogavare told Parliament yesterday when presenting a statement on the Security Treaty with China, that a country and their public may not take too kindly to a certain country protecting infrastructure that is built by another country.

He said the position was expressed to the Solomon Islands government in no uncertain terms when the SIAF (Solomons International Assistance Force) arrangement was formalized.

“Put it simply, such attitude makes us uncomfortable.

“We witnessed Chinatown burnt to ashes and attempted vandalism and destruction to the Pacific Games infrastructures,” he said.

Sogavare said the facilities could have all destroyed if it wasn’t for the intervention of the brave workers who stood their grounds to protect the infrastructures and properties in the compound.

A Chinese state company China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has won a bid to build the seven major projects, including the main stadium.

The projects were being funded by the Government in Beijing for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

Sogavare said from their perspective as a country any infrastructure that contribute to the development of their people and their livelihood must be protected.

“If any country does not have the political appetite, to do that we must have an alternative arrangement in place.

“We will be simply foolish and sitting dark to swallow the position and protect the infrastructures that are gifted to us by our friends,” he added.

However, Sogavare said that does not mean they are insensitive to the unfortunate perceptions held by many leaders that the region security is threatened by the presence of China in the region.

“This is outer nonsense but be there as it may.

“We know our boundaries are as members of the Forum family of nations and I have assured the three Prime Ministers on that point,” he said.

He was referring to PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Fiji’s Frank Bainimarama and Chair of Pacific Islands Forum.

Suidani distances MARA from M4D

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani says Malaita For Democracy (M4D) is a people’s power organisation from Malaita province and is neither part nor receives support from MARA government.

Suidani said there is a level of misinformation and misunderstanding promoted by the national government which claims M4D is linked to Malaita’s provincial government (MARA).

“M4D is a group established as Malaita people’s power. It is a group established to pressure governments to be honest and truthful when addressing Malaita province development issues.

“A clear example is that when M4D organized programs and events it does not received a single cent or dollar from the MARA government.

“Instead, for the planned events upon my arrival from Australia in 2021, the reconciliation event at Aimela in 2021, the meeting held at Malaita Hotel on Malaita’s referendum in 2021/2022 was done at no cost from MARA government,” he said.

Suidani said his government is ensuring the misunderstanding of M4D and many more issues will be part of the ‘log of claims’ that will prepare for discussion with national government.

“This should allow parties to formally engage in discussions and to find meaningful ways in resolving issues,” he said.

Malaita to submit ‘log of claims’ to gov’t

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Malaita provincial government says it will give the national government a list of claims to be addressed.

Speaking during the opening of the Malaita assembly this week, Premier Daniel Suidani said the document will be called the ‘Malaita People Log Of Claims’.

He adds that it will contain all of the province’s issues of concern, which the national government has to address if it genuinely desires to forge a pathway towards working with Malaita.

He said as premier and head of the MARA government, he does acknowledge that they have differences with national government.

However, Suidani explained that the differences are not based on personal issues but subjective/objective matters relating to the people and development of Malaita province.

“In dealing with these differences, my government has already taken some steps to address certain issues.

“This has resulted in the signing of MOUs provide for a closer working relationship between MARA government with key ministries of the national government.

“As a result of these, good working relationship can be seen in the implementation of Bina Harbour Fisheries project, the tourism project in Auki, the carbon trading project and agriculture projects on Malaita.

“Still on the differences, we know that the issue surrounding the switch has not been properly resolved, although we accept the government’s decision.

“Whilst China is now in Solomon Islands, it can focus on other provinces but not Malaita province for now,” he said.

Suidani said in working to address the differences, his government has earmarked a team of advisors to compile “the Malaita people log of claims” that will be formally submitted to the national government for consideration.

“My government has decided to take this action as we do not want to see our people involve in events like November 2021 riot in Honiara.

“As a responsible government we want to give our people some assurance that yes, we will look into your grievances or help to channel to responsible authorities,” he said.

It’s about ‘our security’: Sogavare

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
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.

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