The Honiara CBD being locked down by Police from this afternoon.
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have allowed small canteens to operate outside of the main Honiara central business district (CBD) providing services until 6pm this evening.
Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau said though the lockdown was announced yesterday for Honiara boundaries, our canteens can open until 6pm to support communities during these few hours of lockdown.
Commissioner Managau said this applies to outside of the main Honiara central business district and only to support our families during the current situation.
“ Do not take this opportunity to access the town boundaries since the situation is not safe.”
Mr Mangau said while giving this privilege to families, he appeals for cooperation from communities to adhere to the lockdown and support each other until the remaining hours of the lockdown.”
A lockdown has been approved by Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, Prime Minister, under regulations 15(1)(a) and (2) and 17(1)(a) and (b) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19)(No. 3) Regulations 2021 (Legal Notice No. 318 of 2021) within Honiara boundary and to be enforced by RSIPF commencing 7.00 pm on Wednesday 24 November 2021 until 7 am on Friday 26 November 2021 respectively.
Fire officers trying to put off fire at the kukum area during the riot. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing the private sector, is observing the current security situation in Honiara with great concern.
As the representative of the business community, SICCI in a statement released today (Thursday 25 November, 2021) urge everyone to exercise judgement and prudence in every action keeping the future of the Solomon Islands as outmost priority before anything else.
“SICCI is shocked to observe the burning down of a school, police stations and multiple businesses. It is unfortunate and uncalled for that businesses especially wholesale shops have become targets of looting incidents.
“We need to remind ourselves what we stand for as a nation. The Solomon Islands is known for its friendliness, human values and tolerance towards each other. We have come a long way as a nation over the years to put the ethnic divide behind us. Yesterday’s incidents are only taking the country backward by 20 years and hence should be stopped immediately.
“It is natural to have political grievances in a democratic country. Parliament and/or other political settings are is the best place for those debates to bring resolution. We would request everyone concerned to keep the businesses and commercial operations out of these tensions,” the statement said.
SICCI would humbly remind everyone the situation we have been going through for last two years due to the unforeseen challenges posed by Covid19 global pandemic.
“As a country, we have already experience budget shortage, employment concerns and disruptions too. Political volatility on top of Covid19 crisis will only lead the entire country and its population to a deeper uncertainty.
“For the sake of economic stability, continuation of employment and foreign investments SICCI would urge everyone to act with the best interest of the Solomon Islands in mind,” the statement said.
SICCI would also humbly remind everyone that the first lockdown earlier this year cost the economy millions of dollars.
“We would request the government to consider adequate lead time for businesses and general public to prepare for lockdown with food and emergency supply.
SICCI is open to work closely with relevant authorities to get the country out of this crisis. We would again request everyone to stay calm and act with keeping the best interest of the country in mind.”
Carnage on the streets of Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo
The Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, has called on the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare to immediately resign.
“I call on the Prime Minister to do the right thing and resign’. He added that, ‘given the current situation the honourable thing to do is to resign”.
Wale pointed to yesterday’s protest and current ongoing unrest in Honiara as a consequence of years of neglect by his government of pressing issues that have been neglected for too long.
“The Prime Minister’s comments on Malaitans not to bang their heads against a brick wall was culturally insensitive. It has further incited feelings”.
The Leader of Opposition also added that, “if Prime Minister Sogavare refuses to resign, I am calling on Ministers and MPs to resign from the DCGA to remove the Prime Minister”.
“This situation will not be resolved by the police, it requires a political solution. It is unfair on the police to expect them to face the people’s anger caused by irresponsible leadership,” says the Opposition Leader.
The Leader of Opposition added that, “a string of controversial decisions made over the last couple of years has added fuel to people’s feelings”.
“Regrettably, frustrations and pent up anger of the people against the Prime Minister are spilling uncontrollably over onto the streets, where opportunists have taken advantage of the already serious and deteriorating situation”.
Hon. Wale added that, “the 36hr lockdown is yet another reactionary response that is not the solution to the current situation”.
Police officers tirelessly working to bring the riots under control. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo
Members of the Honiara public are asked to stay at home as the situation in Honiara remains tense.
Police are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control as crowds of people are defying the 36 hours lock-down announced by the Prime Minister last night.
A build up of protestors from this morning was played out on the streets as hundreds and possibly thousands of people, mainly youths marched from the outskirts of Honiara into the city.
As of mid-day the mob is at the mataniko bridge area as the Police defence line are stationed at the Honiara City Council.
A number of buildings were burned down last night, including at the Honiara High School, the Kukum Police Station, Fantastic Shopping, Oceanic Marine and others.
An attempt by the angry mob to burn down the Naha Police Station was met by a strong community response from the residents at Naha who also managed to put out the fire.
Police are urging those who have nothing to do to stay back in their homes until the situation is brought under control.
The fantastic shopping building that was burned down by looters.
POLICE Deputy Commissioner (DC) Operation Juanita Matanga has appealed to schools and business houses in Honiara to stay home until the lifting of the 36 hours lockdown tomorrow morning.
Speaking at a special RSIPF Media Conference yesterday, DC Matanga says, “I am appealing to all good citizens of this country more especially those residing in Honiara and Guadalcanal to refrain from such illegal activities because at the end of it, our own actions can lead to unacceptable consequences we do not expect. Be mindful that we will make sure those involved are responsible for their actions.”
Ms Matanga says, “I am very concerned about this as innocent people were now affected by these criminal acts. Obviously, we do not want to see any of this happen, we will try our best and we want to make sure that our streets, schools and businesses will reopen soon after the lockdown.
“Now the situation has escalated from what has been said to be a peaceful protest and turns out differently. I am asking for your cooperation until the situation turns normal. ”
“Police will continue with high visibility security operations tonight, tomorrow and beyond to make sure that our streets remain calm and peaceful,” says Matanga.
She is calling on all leaders from the political level down to the community level, churches and parents to help us spread the message that there is no more need for protest on the streets.
“Advise our children to refrain and stay calm. Those who want to cause harm and those who want to cause damage or destruction in our communities must not be allowed to do so. Let us work together to stop such illegal acts,” she added.
Winner of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Awards, GPPOL.
THE 2021 edition of Solomon Islands’ leading business event, the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) was yet another success.
Organised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the 2021 BEA was again hosted at the Coral Sea Resort in Honiara on Saturday 20th November with the theme ‘Challenges to Opportunities in a COVID-19 World’.
In line with this year’s theme, the Chamber organised the event to recognise the hard work and efforts of local businesses who continue to operate despite the situation with the global pandemic.
This year’s event saw ten (10) businesses and organizations being awarded in the different awards categories in front of more than 400 guests who attended the event and those who joined through livestreaming on social media.
“In the midst of the challenges, you all have shown that you can grasp the opportunities that have been presented and persevered,” SICCI Board Chairman, Ricky Fuo’o, told guests at the event.
SICCI Chairman, Ricky Fuo’o escorting the Prime Minister to the dinner venue at the 2021 Business Excellence Awards.
“I believe it’s fair to say that the past couple of years have been few of the most mentally, physically and psychologically difficult years for businesses not only in the Solomon Islands but the rest of the world. Some businesses were forced to come up with creative ways to stay afloat as the world navigates itself through one of the biggest health pandemics the world has ever seen,” he added.
The SICCI Board Chair quoted former American President, John F Kennedy: “The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. Therefore, in a crisis, we must be aware of the danger–but recognize the opportunity.”
Mr Fuo’o said the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is beyond our control or influence.
Winner of the Medium Business of the Year Award, Island Sun Newspaper.
“While what we can control is how we respond to it. What we can take charge of is how quickly we bounce back. In the post COVID-19 world it would be important for every country and economy to be resilient,” he said.
Guest of honour at the BEA, Honourable Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the partnership with SICCI.
“We recognise SICCI as the main body that represents the private sector and their interests. SICCI is an incredible and valued partner of the Government in serving our country and people,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
He said the Government’s commitment in this partnership has been aptly demonstrated by the engagement with SICCI in various activities.
Winner of the Innovation & Technology Award, Our Telekom.
Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL) won the ultimate prize of the night which is the Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Awards.
GPPOL also won the Business Contribution to Sustainable Development & Community Award.
The other award winners for the night included:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Soltrend
Small Business of the Year Award – Tower Insurance
Medium Business of the Year Award – Island Sun Newspaper
Inclusion and Diversity and Local Talent Award – SITCO & Our Telekom
Large Business of the Year Award – Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA)
Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Chottu’s Guadalcanal Products
Agri-business of the Year Award – Cathliro
Innovation & Technology Award – SINPF You Save
The BEA was initiated by SICCI with the support of the Solomon Islands Government in 2013 and has since been the premier event for Solomon Islands’ business community attracting increased submissions over the years.
Tamure dancers providing entertainment on the night.
SICCI acknowledges the sponsors for the 2021 Business Excellence Awards: Solomon Islands Government, Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, Strongim Bisnis, GPPOL, Our Telekom, ANZ Bank, Bank South Pacific (BSP), Bred Bank, Island Sun, Tongs, Solomon Water, PHAMA Plus, National Fisheries Development (NFD), Bulkshop, Hatanga, BJS, DHL, NGPL, Tropic Group Builders (TGB), Coral Sea Resort, Capital Insurance, Fleet Solomons, PACSOL, Motawa Enterprises, Heritage Park Hotel, Solomon Submarine Cable and Solomon Breweries Ltd.
DIRECTOR of Metropolis Pacific Pte Ltd, Ging Hii has denied the allegations made against him by Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale over purported sacking of a tax investigator and his alleged connection to the e-Passport.
Wale claimed the tax investigator has recovered $110 million of the $130 million recovered as a result of tax audit and investigations on Hii, the Malaysian honorary consul and owner of MEGA logging company.
He also claimed Hii is also associated with Mamara Developments and the company contracted by Prime Minister Sogavare to provide ePassports to Solomon Islands for USD20 million.
However, Hii said Wale’s claims that the firing of a tax investigator in the Inland Revenue Division was on his instruction was not true.
“I strongly refute this claim, and cannot comprehend where Wale has gotten any basis for this claim,” Hii said.
“As far I know, neither my companies nor personal matters are under any tax investigation,” he added.
Hii said perhaps Wale is referring to the due diligence checks recently conducted upon the development happening in Mamara.
He said this project has been subject to a due diligence check by Central Bank of Solomon Islands, environment impact investigation, and vetting of drafts, plans, documents and contracts – “all of which I welcome to ensure that the development progresses to successful completion and we can provide facilities to boost the industries and tourism of Solomon Islands”.
“I suggest Wale to get his facts right before throwing around accusations in the newspaper, lest he misleads the public, creates undue negativity and scares off potential investors,” he said.
In addition, Wale has also wrongly attributed the introduction of e-Passports into Solomon Islands as Hii’s doing.
“Records will show that I had no interests, personal or professional, in this.
“In fact, the Malaysian businessman who was behind this project five or six years ago has now left Solomon Islands,” he said.
“I am surprised at Wale’s erroneous accusations, as he was on very friendly terms with this businessman and they were often seen enjoying wine together.
“I am considering legal action against these libellous claims, and again I urge Wale to refrain from unfounded allegations,” he said.
“It is wrong and dangerous to inflate, deceive or completely fabricate issues and use public sentiment to sabotage myself, undermine the government, and manoeuvre himself to a position for political or personal gain,” he added.
Officials from the Metropolis Pacific PTE limited and Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement with Government officials representing line ministries.
Gov’t starts mass purchase of Mamara project houses
GOVERNMENT last night confirmed it has paid out $13 million to the developer and the contractor of the Mamara housing project, situated west of Honiara.
The payment, a government statement said, was fulfilment of the first 40% instalment payment as stipulated in the Sale and Purchase agreement signed between the government and the developer and the contractor.
Government signed the Sale and Purchase agreement with developer Metropolis Pacific PTE Ltd and contractor, Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd recently.
This was after Cabinet approved a revised policy on Public Service Rental Scheme now renamed as Public Servants’ Housing Assistance (PSHA), which provides the financing option for public servants who wanted to buy houses at Mamara.
An interim secretariat the Government established to deal with the Mamara Tasivarongo, Mavo Development (MTMD) issued the clarification last night in response to Opposition leader Mathew Wale’s exposure of the $13 million pay-out.
Wale also accused the Government of being secretive with the Mamara Project – accusation the Government denied.
“In May of this year, government issued a statement saying that government at that time could not commit any financial obligation to the project as it awaits a review to be done by a taskforce put together by the Ministry of Public Service,” the statement said.
“The taskforce’s main role is to review the Public Service Rental Scheme with financing options for the housing scheme.
“The government also spelt out clearly that the outcome of the review will then be presented to cabinet in June for consideration before a final decision would be made.
“In accordance to the timeline provided in the May press release, the cabinet has indeed received the review report from the taskforce in June and a subsequent revised policy on Public Service Rental Scheme was approved as well.”
The statement revealed that the revised policy on Public Service Rental Scheme now renamed as Public Servants’ Housing Assistance (PSHA) provides the financing option that cabinet has agreed on.
It added that after the cabinet’s blessing of the financing option for the housing scheme, government entered into a Sale and Purchase agreement with the developer and contractor.
“Additional due diligence assessment was requested by the secretariat to be performed by the Anti-Money Laundering Department in the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.
“After the Government through the office of the Secretariate received a legal clearance from the Attorney General, who is also the Chairman of the Anti-money Laundering Commissioner, a Sale and Purchase agreement was signed.”
The statement said the claim made by Opposition Leader Matthew Wale and his officials that government paid $13m instead of $34m due to cash flow problem is not true and totally misleading.
“Wale and his officials should have consulted rightful authorities before going out to the media, providing half- cooked information to the public is reckless and irresponsible of the Office of the Leader of Opposition.
“The $13m payment to the developer and the contractor is the fulfilment of the first 40% instalment payment as stipulated in the Sale and Purchase agreement signed between the government and the developer and the contractor.
“Government is obliged under the agreement to make the 40% payment seven days after the signing of the agreement, and government did honour that.
“According to the agreement government will commit a further 50% payment of what is remained of the $34m (after subtracting the first 40% payment), when the developer and contractor surrender instruments covering the land and the 50 units to the government.
“The final payment of 10% of what is remained of the $34m (after subtracting the initial 40% payment and the 50% payment respectively) will be made after full occupancy of the 50 new houses and when Ministry of Infrastructure Development carry out inspection of the units and provide a Certification of no defects.”
The statement said the purchasing of houses for public servants will save more than $2 million in Government rental in 2022.
It added that a Public Services Circular will be issued in coming weeks for interested public officers.
Premier Suidani is carried on a platform as he and his delegation was welcome by Malaitans in Auki .
By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE Non-Executive members of the Malaita Province have boycotted the opening of the Full Assembly meeting in Auki yesterday despite the need to pass the budget.
The reason for their boycott was unknown but it is believed to have linked to the recent failed motion of no confidence against Premier Daniel Suidani, which was withdrawn due to protest from the public.
Provincial Speaker Ronnie Butala confirmed the non-attendance of the non-executive members in the opening meeting.
He also said two members of the MARA government did not attend because they were sick.
As such, Butala adjourned the meeting for today to allow Premier Suidani to make his opening address.
He said after the Premier’s speech, there will be debate from the members.
Butala said there was no written statement from the non-executive members to inform him of their non-attendance of the meeting.
However, he said under the Standing Order, majority is needed to pass the budget.
Butala said currently the MARA government has 17 members which can allow them to pass the budget.
He said the budget did not go through the Public Account Committee for scrutiny because the members who are Non-Executive have resigned.
The meeting is expected to complete by Friday this week.
OPPOSITION leader Matthew Wale says he’s disgusted at the “sacking of the top investigator in the Inland Revenue Division, directly by Prime Minister Sogavare”.
In a statement, Wale said of the $130 million of extra tax that was recovered as a result of tax audit and investigations, this particular investigator’s efforts resulted in $110 million of that total.
“Clearly this is the best performing investigator in the Inland Revenue Division in the Ministry of Finance,” Wale said.
“You would think that such a star performer would be protected and encouraged to continue with his good work for the government and people of Solomon Islands,” he added.
Wale has not provided the name of the investigator.
Attempts to identify the tax investigator yesterday have not yielded any results.
Wale said this now sacked top tax investigator was summoned to see the Prime Minister, who scolded him for being “rude” in his tax investigations of Ging Hii, the Malaysian honorary consul and owner of MEGA logging company.
Hii, according to Wale, is also associated with Mamara Developments and the company contracted by Prime Minister Sogavare to provide ePassports to Solomon Islands for USD$20 million.
“Clearly, Prime Minister Sogavare was acting on the instructions of Ging Hii,” Wale said.
He said the investigator sought advice from the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, who rightly advised him to continue his work and disregard the Prime Minister.
“But, as a result, the top investigator’s contract was cancelled by the Prime Minister, and he no longer works for the Inland Revenue Division.”
Wale said he is dumbfounded as to why the Prime Minister would sack a top tax investigator who brought in $110 million in extra taxes from his investigative work.
He questions Sogavare’s relationship with Hii, and why the prime minister is protecting Hii from tax investigations.
“What is Prime Minister Sogavare’s interest in protecting Ging Hii?” The Opposition leader questioned.
Wale said the Prime Minister has abused the powers of his office to protect his longtime logging crony, and in so doing has used the office of Prime Minister against the interests of Solomon Islands.
Wale is calling on the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to employ the same top tax investigator as a private consultant to continue the investigations of Hii’s tax affairs.
Further, Wale calls on the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to not interfere in these investigations, adding that the public must take an interest in these tax investigations, and especially in the relationship between Prime Minister Sogavare and Ging Hii.
Wale said the logging industry continues to control the Prime Minister and government, and this is yet another clear example of this decay.
“It is shameful, but worse it is depriving the country of scarce resources to pay for medicines and health services, etc.
“The people of Solomon Islands must be very concerned about the abuse of their government for personal interests,” said the Opposition Leader.
Comments are being sought from Sogavare, whose office was unable to provide a response last night.
