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Vigulu thanks US for funding

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Permanent Secretary of Forestry, Vaeno Vigulu

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PERMANENT Secretary of Ministry of Forest and Research, Dr Vaeno Vigulu has thanked United States of America through the USAID SCALE-NRM project for the facilitation of the Forests and Development Fund for Malaita province and the country.

In his remark during launching of the fund on Thursday this week in Auki, Vigulu stated that government’s support towards the fund and programs will  benefit people in the province.

“We appreciate the establishment of the partnership project in Malaita province and looking forward to participate as a ministry to provide advices, trainings and necessary supports towards the program,” Vigulu said.

“This is to ensure the project will develop and benefit people in the province and grow to other provinces in the country,” he added.

Vigulu said Solomon Islands are a developing country and looking at partners to work with to develop their forests and natural resources for substantial benefits.

He said FDF program is a milestone for forestry sector in the country, because it will help promote forest sustainability and management program under the US SCALE project for the country.

Vigulu added that  the FDF was set up to purposely support protection of forest, expending opportunities for local income generation, strengthening the capacity of communities and community organization for successful implementation of the program.

He said forestry sector is the second largest employer of Solomon Islanders, and establishing this program will help communities to better engage forest resources at the provincial level.

“The good thing is getting community members at their own tribal lands to get employ and generate income will support micro economy in the province and the national economy,” he said.

On that note, Vigulu said USA is advance in both technology and forest resource management and working with them will be a benefit to forest industry and for the country.

He said MFR is looking forward to share, interact and learn from them on the forest resource planning and management as SCALE-NRM will be implementing the program. 

WPG passes $18.9m budget

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Assembly endorsed a $18,893,064 budget for the first quarter of 2022/2023 financial year on Thursday this week.

Minister of Finance, Ramrakha Talasasa said the budget estimate is a six percent increase from the actual recurrent revenue in 2021/2022 financial year but several millions short in comparison to the 2021 revised projections.

He told assembly that the estimated recurrent revenue is expected from the following sectors; Provincial Assembly $1,201,757 (6%), Finance (FSG) $7,765,341 (41%), Works, Transport & Comm $490,510 (3%), Lands $3,058,705 (16%), Commerce & Investment $2,636,936 (14%), Fisheries and Marine Resources $177,540 (1%) and Forestry $3,403,000 (18%).

Talasasa said estimated capital revenue for Western Provincial in 2022/2023 financial year stands at 9,680,876 – an amount expected from PCDF, Gov4Res Climate Change Project funded by UN and RCDF contribution for Ward 13, 15, 16 and 25.

“Breakdown of the Capital Revenue is as follows: PCDF $8,028,948 (This includes a 7.5% contribution from WPG), Gov4Res SBD451, 928 and RCDF (Wards 13, 15, 16, 25) $1,200,000,” he explained.

Talasasa said the capital expenditure projection for this year includes carried forward projects identified by Ward Development Committees while the capital budget will focus on economic infrastructure and productive sector.

“In the outset, dollar to service and development distributions are as follows; The PCDF component is distributed as 42% Economic Infrastructures, 28% Development projects (Education and Health), 20% Administration and 10% General Investment Service.

“Ward Development Grant Allocation will be SBD3, 857,504 worth of projects for each ward – projects were identified by Ward Development Committees in the best interest of communities,” he said.

He said the budget has been dropped significantly due to pressure in local revenue and that new priorities have been established to address the issue.

Talasasa said Mesepitu led-government’s key priority is looking at broadening the province’s revenue base by encouraging local entrepreneurship and creating a conducive environment for small to medium level businesses to flourish.

“I can confidently say that this budget is a reflection of this government’s policy direction and tries to address key sectors that we feel would pave the way for creating opportunities and options for our rural populace, so that they can be able to participate in activities that will support their livelihood and wellbeing in the future.

NPF launches new credit institution

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Admin
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SOLOMON Finance Ltd (SFL) is set to open for business on Monday.

Located on the ground floor of Anthony Saru building in central Honiara, SFL is a credit institution Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (NPF) established to issue out loans to its members.

Yesterday, NPF board members and staff, along with invited government and private sector officials, gathered to witness the launch of SFL operations.

NPF’s deputy board chairman David Rupokets said the launch of SFL marks another milestone in NPF’s 44-year journey.

“Besides being an investment for the members of NPF, SFL is also a service and benefit to our members where they can access financing to support them with their retirement goals, without touching their retirement savings whilst they are still in employment,” Rupokets said.

“It has taken the SINPF board past and present, more than 11 years to achieve its vision to provide this pre-retirement credit solutions to our members through a wholly-owned credit subsidiary,” he added.

Rupokets explained SFL is not an early withdrawal channel for members to withdraw their contributions from the Fund.

“Rather, SFL is a channel that will encourage members to develop personal retirement plans carefully before seeking financing from SFL.

“In this way members will able to build up their wealth and savings and enable them to enjoy a comfortable retirement in their sunset years.”

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.

General Manager of SINPF Mike Wate said previously the Board has loan schemes for its members namely the Urban and Rural Housing Home Scheme and Members Furniture Loan Scheme.

But Wate said these were discontinued in the late 1990s as they were not feasible to be performed inhouse due to the small sizes of the loans.

He added the restarting of the loan scheme becomes possible after SINPF acquired government-owned Solomon Islands Home Finance Limited in 2009.

With SFL, Wate said instead of it providing home loans only, it must also provide other small personal loans for members.

“This will not only expand benefits to members, but will also improve the new entity’s profitability,” he said.

SFL will be trading is “Our Finance” – issuing loans to NPF members only.

General Manager of SFL, Jefferey Pitamama says NPF members interested in acquiring loans can call in at their office as of Monday.

Ramrakha: provinces used as bargaining tool

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Provincial Member for Nusa Roviana and ward 16, Ramrakha Talasasa

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ACTING Premier of Western Province says provincial governments are just agents in development and are continuously used as bargaining instruments to lure donors for assistances.

Ramrakha Talasasa said existing laws have left provincial governments with very limited avenues to aspire and be spontaneously ambitious.

“As much as we would like to be partners in developments with the national government from our perspectives and wishes, the agency relationship provincial governments have with the national government, continues to create an environment for distrust and bullying like practices where provincial governments do not have the liberty to be as independent as much as they would want to be but are always subjected to an environment that I would call, remnant of the protectorate era,” he said.

Talasasa said relevant laws needs to be a review to entice a more partnership working relationship between the provincial government and the national government.

“Despite ongoing calls for greater partnership in development there has been very minimal progress and this needs to be addressed so that provinces can proper,” he said.

“I’m of the conviction that our recurrent expenditure holds the potential to propel government policy implementation, however as it is common practice, MPGIS constant reminders on regulations and relevant laws and conditions to guide provincial governments budgeting process is evident to be a constrain,” Talasasa added.

He said provincial governments have experienced a reduction to divisional allocations for years and the patience has been running out.

Talasasa said provincial governments continues to work closely with Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and line ministries for support services regarding their respective ministries amidst the challenges.

“We have ensured that the administrative component is available to facilitate ministerial programs and it is also an opportunity to get government ministries to improve their focus to the provinces as much as possible,” he said.

Anywhere under the sun

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Owner of Inoovate Tech Solutions, Philip Luluku with one of the solar powered computers at his shop

Future is here with Solar computers made available for rural users

THE lack of access to computers in rural communities has forced a local entrepreneur to invest in providing cheap and accessible solar powered computers to those interested.

Local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Company, Inoovate Tech Solutions might be new to the scene, but a genuine concern for education institutions accessing ICT equipment has led to 46-year-old Philip Luluku tapping into the latest solar technology on the market.

Mr Luluku was a teacher and senior IT officer with the Woodford International School in Honiara, prior to that he had extensive work experience with other commercial IT companies.

He said the lack of access to computers in rural Solomon Islands is one of the reasons he decided to undertake his business initiative.

There is also the high cost associated in purchasing IT equipment such as computers for schools in the country.

“As someone who has worked in an advanced education institution such as Woodford, I have seen the importance of computers as a learning tool.

“A tool that every child should have access to.

“So, with that in mind I decided that any investment I do in my field of work should be one that helps provide the cheapest, affordable and quality equipment students can use,” Luluku explained.

Part of the ICT solar equipment displayed at the Inoovate Tech Solution Shop

With the financial support of his wife, Luluku started the company in October 2021. He rented a room at the HM Long building and moved in around late November.

His dream, however, was shattered as the November 2021 riots resulted in the building being burnt and all the infrastructure within his office space gone.

Four months on, he has bounced back and has opened a new office space upstairs of the CDL Vast building at Ranadi, East Honiara.

A customer, Biti Bule buying one of the Solar Computer set from Inoovate ICT shop.

The most prized product sold at his shop is the NIWA brand, Solar computer. The computer is German design, produced in Hong Kong. It was only made available in the market around 2020.

The computers can be operated using 80watts and 50 watts solar energy. Luluku said the computers are ideal for rural schools, churches, NGOs and even individuals.

“It can be used up to eight hours when not charged,” he added.

Access to electricity in the Solomon Islands is very low. According to a recent ADB report, grid-connected electricity is only supplied to 12 percent of the population.

Luluku said even if electricity is available, it is quite expensive, hence having solar computers could assist in cutting down costs.

Laptops and other IT gadgets are also sold at Inoovate.

The budding entrepreneur lamented that in the age of the pandemic, a lot of time is being wasted on education with all the lock-downs and delay.

“During my time at Woodford I assisted in creating online learning for our students.

He said the country does not have the capacity to create similar arrangement for other schools, hence investment in Solar ICT equipment is a step forward.

He explained that the Solar computers at his shop are cheap and easy for students to access.

“The price of laptops and IT gadgets are very expensive in Honiara and we are trying to minimise our profit to give students a chance to own laptops or tablets for their learning,” he added.

Apart from Solar computers, the company also does sales and repairs, cabling, printing, ID and passport photo.

Man who ‘creeped’ gets 8 months for wounding

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man who attacked his victims when they caught him spying in their homes has been sentenced to eight months’ jail time.

David Afukese pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful wounding regarding an incident on October 11, 2021.

Interestingly, there is no charge for trespass and voyeurism (commonly known as “creeping” in the Solomon Islands).

The incident occurred at about 12 midnight on October 11, 2021.

The first victim was about to sleep when he heard the neighbours shouting; he looked out the window and saw his neighbour walking along the road.

He asked his neighbour what was happening and he replied that someone was creeping at their house.

Whilst the first victim and other neighbours were looking for that person, they heard screaming coming from the convenient room at the first victim’s house.

The victim walked over to the convenient room and saw the accused next to it.

The victim then pushed Afukese and they exchanged punches.

It was at that time the second victim intervened and tried to pull out Afukese who was on top of the first victim.

At that time Afukese turned around, tackled the second victim and threw him onto the broken cement brick and clay cutlery; as a result the second victim sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea in his sentencing said the guilty plea entered by Afukese saved court’s time and resources and reflected his remorse.

“I note the circumstances of the offending, it was a spur of the moment incident. There was no pre-planning of the actions he did against the victims,” Iomea said.

Therefore, considering the sentencing and mitigation submissions, he sentenced Afukese to eight months in jail.

Iomea said the sentence not only serves as punishment but also carries the message of deterrence to the public.

Rochelle Palmer of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused while Francisca Luza of the Director Public Prosecution’s appears for the crown.

ENDS///

CHINA DEAL HITS HARD

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Gov’t says it’s expanding its security cooperation with more countries

By JENNIFER KUSAPA

REPORTS of China signing off on a new security deal with Solomon Islands has sparked concerns in Australia and New Zealand.

A copy of the agreement was leaked online, Thursday, generating huge discussions across the region.

Anna Powles, a senior lecturer in international security and a Pacific diplomacy expert at New Zealand’s Massey University, said the draft agreement was “very significant”.

“The security agreement is one of the first of its kind in the Pacific; its scope is broad and suitably vague and its provisions range from maintaining public order through to protecting Chinese citizens and assets, and providing humanitarian and disaster relief,” Powles said.

“The agreement also contains several ambiguous and potentially ambitious provisions with geopolitical implications including that China is seeking logistical supply capabilities and material assets located in Solomon Islands to support ship visits.”

Powles said the agreement suggests logistics and supplies will be available in the Solomons to support the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

“If it comes under force, the agreement also contains references to China’s ‘own needs’, which could refer to China’s strategic interests; China’s pursuit of its strategic interests in the Pacific is of direct concern to Australia and its allies and partners.”

But the Government said the agreement was still a draft.

At the same time, it announced plans to expand the country’s security and economic engagement with more countries (See report on page 3).

Opposition leader Mathew Wale described the proposed security deal as “insensitive” (see report on page 3).

Yesterday, Island Sun was informed leaders of Australia and New Zealand consulted each other on the matter.

Australia on Thursday announced it is extending the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF), brought in to restore law and order after last November’s rioting, to December 2023.

Australia and New Zealand are concerned the agreement may pave the way for China building its military base here.

Among others, the draft security agreement stated China may, according to its own needs and with the consent of Solomon Islands, make ship visits to, carry out logistical replenishment in and have stopover and transition in the Solomon Islands,” the draft framework agreement states.

“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 to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property.”

Suidani lauds US for support under USAID SCALE-NRM project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Daniel Suidani making his remark virtually during the launching of Forests and Development Fund (FDF) yesterday in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani has praised the United States of America for the support that is and will be benefiting the people of Malaita province and Solomon Islands.

His acknowledgement came after the launching of the Forests and Development Fund (FDF) yesterday in Auki, an event he describes as “marking a special moment for Malaita province.”

“It is a special moment, because I personally believe and hope that this fund will deliver the much-needed support to those in the rural areas.

“This and other worthy activities under the SCALE project if implemented as planned will be a game changer on Malaita province.

“I said it’s a game changer for Malaita province because when you look at the bigger scheme of things, the projects objectives are deeply aligned with the MARA government’s restorative economy policy direction.

“With the backing of international renowned implementing partners like Winrock International and with the support of our very own people.

“I am very confident that this is a worthwhile venture that will bring home the much needed economic development that has been lacking for a long time in Malaita province and indeed Solomon Islands.

“I fervently believe Malaita province and Solomon Islands will reap the fruits of this economic development modality in the not so distance future.

“This funding opportunity for the communities I believe is going to be the fuel that will fire up the success of the USAID SCALE project,” he said.

According to Suidani the launching of the SCALE NRM Forest and Development Fund is something that many communities in Malaita have been inquiring about.

He said it is therefore prudent that after the launching of the funding scheme, there has to be effective and clear strategies employed for the rolling out of the scheme.

“I am confident that this is in the good hands of our implementing partners.

“Malaita provincial government will continue to watch with interest the implementation of this funding arrangement.

“We will continue to support this initiative and facilitate whatever is necessary to make this funding scheme, a successful one for our people.

“We do not want to see the continuous litany of failures that has become synonymous to our place.

“Let that be history as we start this new journey.

“My MARA government will continue to provide whatever support is needed to ensure the scheme is successfully implemented,” Suidani said.

Djokovic: it’s a draft

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

A Framework Agreement between Peoples Republic of China and Solomon Islands Government that leaked on social media yesterday is just a ‘draft’.

Chief of Staff, Robson Djokovic confirmed this and urged media to be cautious when publishing articles on national security.

Djokovic said it is still a working progress and has not reach the Cabinet for deliberation on it.

He said this is something Government cannot hide but will inform the nation later after Cabinet deliberate on it.

“When this draft is put up in social media, it creates a lot of speculation.

“You can have your opinions and views but factual information is vital to go out,” he added.

According to Article one on the scope of cooperation on the draft paper, it 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 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; 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, and the relevant forces of China can be used to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.

Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau told media on Wednesday that they have two separate programmes with donor partners namely Australia and PRC.

Mangau said their programme with PRC runs on public order management while the programme with Australia focuses on advance capability with Police Response Team.

The Opposition office states it will response to the draft agreement later.

SIAF TERM EXTENDED

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Press Release
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Members of the Australian Federal Police Tactical Specialist Group that provided the training.

Australia to keep security force here until 2023, as it announces huge additional funding support

AUSTRALIA has agreed to extend the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) under the Bilateral Security Treaty until December 2023.

This was relayed to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare when he met Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan yesterday to discuss ongoing partnerships between the two countries.

“Australia will continue to work with Solomon Islands and Pacific family partners to adjust the shape of the SIAF deployment to the situation on the ground and the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government,” Strahan said last night. 

He said the decision to extend SIAF followed a formal request from the Solomon Islands Government, adding this will enable an enduring Australian and Pacific family security presence until after the Pacific Games.

SIAF was brought into the country at the Government’s request in the wake of last November’s rioting and looting in Honiara to restore law and order and maintain security.

At yesterday’s meeting, Strahan presented a letter from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirming the decision to extend SIAF.

Strahan also confirmed to Sogavare that Australia is responding to calls for budget assistance and will provide AUD$22 million (SBD130 million) this week to help mitigate the damaging fiscal impact of the November 2021 civil unrest and COVID-19 outbreak.

“This budget support will help the Government meet critical service delivery functions, including salaries for essential workers in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF),” he said.

Strahan further confirmed that Australia had agreed to build an Eastern Border Outpost in Temotu Province in response to a request from the Solomon Islands Government.

This will complement Australia’s existing commitments to support Solomon Islands national security, including through construction of the Western Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortland Islands and redevelopment of the Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility. 

Following an Australian led assessment at the request of the Solomon Islands Government in late 2020, Australia has agreed to build an integrated and interoperable radio communications network across the entire country, linking RSIPF, health and disaster management offices. 

This major project will replace the entire Royal Solomon Islands Police Force radio network as well as provide communications equipment to health clinics and hospital in Solomon Islands. 

This network will also be central Solomon Islands disaster response and coordination and built withstand extreme weather event.

“Work will be prioritised to support communications in Honiara in advance of the 2023 Pacific Games.

“Not only will this ensure the safe delivery of the Games, it will provide lifesaving emergency communications across the country over the long term.

“In response to a request, Australia has also agreed to build an integrated and interoperable radio communications network across the entire country, linking RSIPF, health and disaster management offices,” Strahan said.

He also advised Sogavare of a proposal to deploy an Australia Home Affairs officer for three months to help support a safe and efficient reopening of Solomon Islands international border. 

It is hoped to commence this deployment in early April 2022.

“Australia is committed to working with Solomon Islands as such a close neighbour and old friend.

“We look forward to addressing requests from the Solomon Islands Government to strengthen border security through outposts in the west and east of the country and enhance radio communications across all nine provinces.  

“Australia, in lock-step with our Pacific family, will continue to support the Solomon Islands Government in maintaining a secure, stable and resilient Solomon Islands and region.”

Sogavare in return acknowledged Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s confirmation of the extension of SIAF and other forms of contribution towards national efforts to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 community outbreak and address the effects of the November 2021 riots.

“Australia’s invaluable assistance towards national COVID-19 response, along with much-needed development and technical assistance now and in the past have strengthened our resilience, deepened our engagements and toughen our resolve to emerge stronger and better from the pandemic,” Sogavare said.

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