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SICCI hosts Business Excellence Awards with theme ‘Challenges to Opportunities in a COVID-19 World’.

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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.

-SICCI Media

HII SLAMS CLAIMS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Malaysian consul Ging Hii.

Hits out at Opposition leader

By EDDIE OSIFELO

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.

CONFIRMED: $13M PAYOUT

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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.

Mala non-executive MPAs boycotted Assembly meet

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Eddie Osifelo
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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.

PM reportedly sacks top tax investigator

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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.

Aust- SI hold 4th bilateral security dialogue

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Members of the Australia-Solomon Islands Bilateral Security Dialogue participating from Honiara. Including (in front row) Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, Permanent Secretary Mr Collin Beck (Chair), Acting High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent and Permanent Secretary Ms Karen Galokale

Australia and Solomon Islands held their 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue virtually on November 16, committing to deepening our security partnership, including in areas such as policing, border and cyber security.

Australia and Solomon Islands are committed to continuing to work together to ensure a stable, prosperous and secure Blue Pacific region.

“Australia welcomed this opportunity to discuss key aspects of our bilateral security relationship with Solomon Islands”, said Ewen McDonald, Head of the Office of the Pacific.

“Australia and Solomon Islands are longstanding security partners.”


Members of the Australia-Solomon Islands Bilateral Security Dialogue participating from Honiara

The partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands has continued to grow over the past year despite the challenges of COVID-19. Together, we are progressing the Western Border and Patrol Boat Outpost, enhancing cooperation on explosive ordnance disposal, and continuing to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s capability growth and operations.

Permanent Secretary Beck stated that “this is a meeting of close neighbours on security issues of mutual concern”.

The meeting agreed to enhance our bilateral architecture, including through regular ministerial engagement, inaugural senior officials’ talks next year, and reaffirmed our commitment to continuing to exchange perspectives on our security priorities through this Dialogue.

The Dialogue was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Ewen McDonald, Head of the Office of the Pacific.

–AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

Teachers unhappy with travelling allowances

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

TEACHERS have expressed their disappointment over their travelling allowance, saying it is inadequate to meet their travel for this Christmas Holiday.

Dudley Tutina is among other teachers who will be digging into his own pocket to meet his family’s travel.

He is teaching in one of the schools in Makira/Ulawa province and his family is planning to spend the Christmas holiday in Isabel Province.

Travelling from Makira to Isabel requires lots of money for fare, food, accommodation in Honiara and boat hiring from port of call to final destination, and return trip.

“Just imagine when you receive SBD2000 travelling allowance for a family of five children and you are planning to travel from Makira to Honiara and Honiara to Kia in Isabel province. Not forgetting the return routine to reach Makira province.

“This amount is nothing to say the least if you look at the current sea fare and other cost related to travel for such as long distance,” Tutina said.

He said he has followed the required instruction by submitting a full breakdown of the travelling cost to the Education Authority.

Tuitina said the unfair treatment has been in the teaching service and that Education Authority as well as the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development must clarify who is responsible for such issues.

Like Tutina, other teachers also took to social media expressing their disappointment at the government through responsible authority for the ill treatment towards teachers.

“The government just splashed out millions of towards Mamara contractors last week but forgot to address some of the country’s top issue like teachers travelling allowance.

“This government has no priority towards what is important for the country,” one teacher commented.

Unvaccinated pregnant women advised to take Pfizer vaccine

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

UNVACCINATED pregnant women are being urged to get vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine when have the opportunity to receive it.

Dr Leeanne Panisi, head of Obstetric Gynaecology, NRH made this call during the COVID-19 radio talkback show on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation in Honiara.

Panisi said studies and reports from those countries that have recorded high number of COVID-19 infections have shown the use oF Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to have benefits for mother and also the baby.

“It decreases the severity of infection especially the lung infection and also decreases the risk of baby dying inside mother’s womb. It also lessens the risk of baby to born before nine months and the risk of baby to not growing well inside mother’s womb.

“In early studies it also shows that with this vaccination especially if pregnant mothers get it earlier in her pregnancy there will be transfer of some protective antibodies from mother to the baby and also it is protective on the baby’s first few months.

“Because of these benefits as a specialist on our National Referral Hospital I strongly recommend that our pregnant women must get the opportunity to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine,” she said.

Panisi said during pregnancy she will have changes inside her body where it places her at high risk of getting severe infection like the COVID-19 infection.

She said on some of the experiences from countries who have COVID-19 infection they found that pregnant women with this infection are at high risk of having severe lung infection and they need admission to hospital, they need admission to ICU high density unit and also at risk of dying from that severe infection.

She adds studies also discovered that another complication with COVID-19 infection on pregnancy is the baby will not grow well inside the mother’s womb. It also shows that this vaccine is safe for pregnancy and it does not show any adverse outcome on pregnant women.

“So with those complications it is more important for pregnant women to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and we recommend that. You can get it anytime during your pregnancy, the earlier the better,” Panisi said.

NRH can treat vaccine blood clotting issue

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Mavis Podokolo
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE National Referral Hospital has the testing machines and treatment for blood clotting, a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, says Dr Yogesh Choudhri.

Choudrhi, senior advisor to Ministry of Health confirmed this at the Ministry‘s radio talkback about the COVID-19 vaccine on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).

“For blood clotting we have already got the testing machines and the treatment for clothing at the National Referral Hospital because we are worried about the side effects. We do not want any life lose because of the vaccinations.

“So we have to make sure there are treatments and appropriate management can be done,” he said.

Choudhri said the ministry is “pretty confident” that National Referral Hospital can handle any side effects that will be presented by the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

“We did it for AstraZeneca vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine  we are rolling out we are pretty confident NRH can handle it but in the provinces we will ensure there are appropriate trained team and medicines available to manage the pericarditis and mericaditis.

“For provinces if any person presents these systems will be referred to NRH. But right now we don’t have the treatment and machine in our provinces,” he said.

Choudhri adds, “with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine if administered yes we are expecting five to six cases of pericarditis and mericaditis this is more reported in young adults”.

He admits that all vaccines have side effects and clotting is one of them.

“And for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine if administered we are expecting five to six cases of pericarditis (swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding your heart) and myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle) this is more reported in young adults”.

“Pericarditis and myocarditis following the vaccination will require supportive treatment it doesn’t require any particular treatment,” Choudhri said.

He said usually the presenting symptoms will be just chest pain, construction of the chest or increase heart rate so these could be the side effects leading to pericarditis and mericaditis.

“We have trained the people on these side effects on how to manage. We have person who is responsible for managing the side effects.

“Before we will roll out to the provinces we will ensure that the treatment and health workers who trained to manage pericarditis and mericaditis are there,” Choudhri mentioned.

NRH marks World Prematurity Day 2021

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Elrick Corneius Olvivera, Emmauel Peter and Judd Akwasia.

MEET these three young handsome lads from left, Elrick Corneius Olvivera, Emmauel Peter and Judd Akwasia.

All three are very special boys who were born prematurely meaning their mother gave birth to them months before the normal nine months of birth,

Elrick was born at only 7 months where he weighed only 1.2 kilograms, Emmanuel and Judd both below 1kg at 7 and 6 months respectively.

Today all three are in school, healthy and happy.

Thanks to the hands and hearts of the doctors and nurses whom had cared for them from birth right through to discharge.

On Wednesday 17th of November the trio together with National Referral Hospital (NRH) officials and staff, doctors and nurses of the Paediatrics department and officials from the Australian High Commission gathered in what was an inaugural marking of World Prematurity Day in Solomon Islands.

The World Prematurity Day is marked around the world on the 17th of November each year. Dr George Malefoasi Chief Executive Officer of Paediatric Department NRH, in his remarks explained that the Prematurity Day allows for time to think about how we can better improve support towards the needs of premature babies and their families and about raising awareness around these needs.

As such, Dr Malefoasi highlighted the current situation at NRH.

At NRH special care nursery is one of the busiest and always a fully occupied ward in the past years. Doctors and nurses constantly tried to create extra beds.


Group photo of all those attending and participating in the event

“In the past three quarter of this year, special care nursery has the highest bed occupancy rate of 166%, beyond the normal capacity hence the nursery has to expand into postnatal ward. There is only 14 beds for the very little ones and if we are lucky we get 20 beds.

“Literature has thought us that about 70 percent of premature babies are from week’s 34-36, and in Solomon Islands this is currently what we are seeing.

“Our own statistics at the hospital showed that from January to September 2021, of the total births of 4,668 births, 14 percent which is 695 babies were admitted to the special care nursery mostly due to premature dates or sick at birth,” stated Dr Malefoasi.

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