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CBSI confirms royalty payment to Turarana landowners

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Central Bank of Solomon Islands. Photo by CBSI

By EDDIE OSIFELO

CENTRAL Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has confirmed the $447,000 plus paid to the landowning tribes around Turarana in Central Guadalcanal by WinWin Investment Solomon Ltd is ‘correct’.

This came after the landowners said they were shocked when they received the payment on Thursday 30th December 2021.

This payment comes out from the alluvial mining operation carried out by Win Win since July 2019.

In a letter received by the paper, Enoch Illisia, manager of currency and banking operations department said they further confirm that the total royalties payment receive for consignment 1-20 from the Winwin investment is $1,118,257.08.

Illisia said this is according to the Mines and Mineral (royalties) Regulation 2011, 40 percent is the Royalty Payment to landowners.

“This we confirm that Royalties Payment to Landowners is $447,302.82.

“For any other further details and information please refer to Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification,” he said.

Joel Jackson of Koehoto Landowners Association has written to Customs and Exercise Division to release the gold export data by Winwin in order to inform their people.

However, Alison Boso, Deputy Controller Operation/Revenue told Jackson that you would need to furnish Customs with a Court Order to extract commercial sensitive data from the Customs Data base.

Jackson said the concerned landowners planned to hold a meeting yesterday at Turarana to discuss the future of the company following the royalties payment.

He said they also seeking the company to furnish them with the list of deduction by some landowners from the company to avoid paying them twice when receiving another royalties payment.

Jackson said they could not believe the amount they were paid because the mining tenement is very wide.

Jackson said landowners usually get $600 to $800 a day when they panned for alluvial gold on the tenement.

He said they could not believe they payment because the company was using machines to extract alluvial gold.

According to the royalty sharing, two big tribes, Garavu and Koenahau, got 30 percent each from the $447,000.

As such each tribe received $75, 000 each.

The other two tribes, Lasi and Manukiki, received 20 percent each from the $447,000.

Each tribe collected $50,000.

Jackson said the Garavu tribe would share the $75,000 to the six trustees that signed the Surface Access Agreement with WinWin.

He said each trustee would get $12,500.

Jackson said their representative in one of six trustees would then share the $12,500 among six sub-clans.

Therefore, he said his clan only received $2,000.

“From the $2,000, I have to share it with my people as far as the Weathercoast region.

“Honestly, we could not share the money so we just use it to buy fish for the New Year,” he said.

Jackson said some families did not receive any money from the royalty payment when it was shared among the tribes and clans.

One of the directors of WinWin, Charles Meke said the royalty payments only covered 20 of the 34 shipments.

Meke said there is a shortfall because the company still waiting for confirmation on exchange rate from Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification before it can pay royalty for the outstanding 14 shipments to landowners.

He said during his time with World Bank, they used forex rate, which was standard.

“We are ready to pay, but government is still to confirm the exchange rate.

“We don’t blame the government because we just come out from the festive period,” he said.

According to the current practice of royalty’s payment, the Company pays 3 percent royalties from its gold export to the Government who then is responsible to pay the landowners and the concerned Provincial Governments hosting the operations accordingly.

The 3 percent royalty payment is then proportioned at 50 percent to the Government, 40 percent to the two Turarana Landowner’s Associations and 10 percent to the Guadalcanal Provincial Government.

The company started the trial alluvial mining operation on July 2019.

The trial mining commenced at the Mamasa alluvial flat deposit but was later shifted upstream to the Turarana Area (Kavahambe) after very low gold recoveries (0.15g/cubic meter(cu.m)) were experienced at the Mamasa alluvial flats deposit which is well below break even levels.

After heavy floods that left the Turarana wash plant inundated in October 2019; alluvial mining operations were shifted back to the Mamasa area in November, 2019 while reconstruction of the Turarana wash plant was progressing.

Mining operations were shifted back again to the Turarana wash plant in December 2019 due to improved gold recoveries experienced there.

Up to present time only the Turarana wash plant is currently being worked.

According to the Win Win’s monthly report produced on 10th July 2021 by contracted Geologist, Collin Midobatu, the company has exported a total of 3,258.47 ounce of gold from its last 6th shipment from January to June 2021.

This is worth around $48 million (USD$6million) base on the market prize of US$1,853.00 per ounce.

The export of gold shipment came from its operation at Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.

However, the company could not make any gold shipment from July 2019 to December 2020 as stated in the monthly report released on 10th July 2021.

Gov’t assures students of their allowances

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands students studying around the region have been assured that issues that resulted in the delay of the payment of their allowances will be rectified this week.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Dr Franco Rodie made the assurance during a talk-back show, Sunday.

“Let me assure our students in Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea that yes, there has been a delay with their allowances.

“But we are trying to rectify the problem that we have encountered in terms of accessing the fund so that by the end of this week hopefully we should be able to remit funds to the education bank accounts in those countries that I have mentioned,” he said.

“We still have seven students remaining in Philippines.

“Those of you who have been following they have also sort out their visas but there are some requirements in terms of health and quarantine which did not allow us to bring them home during December.

“We are planning to bring them home hopefully before end of February.

“Remember we have not given up on you yet. We will bring you home as soon things get cleared.”

7 quarantine stations active

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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King Solomon quarantine site .

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SEVEN quarantine stations remain active to accommodate in-coming individuals to serve their mandatory quarantine period.

This was confirmed by Jonathan Tafiariki from the Camp management.

“In Honiara we have seven quarantine stations remain declared for use quarantine use these include Vimo, Chengs, Pacific Casino Hotel east wing, Honiara hotel east wing, King Solomon hotel, Heritage and GBR,” Tafiariki said.

He said these quarantine stations are no go zones.

“We continue to urged the public to respect the quarantine stations and not to go closer them,” Tafiariki said.

He thanked those who completed the quarantine process and for abiding with quarantine regulations.

Tafiariki said some have breached the quarantine regulations but they thanked them for their patience.

“We continue to ask those who will be coming into the country to abide with our quarantine regulations so we can contain the virus within the quarantine walls and avoid community transmission.”

$800 Million Provincial Assistance Program Announced.

Written by
Press Release
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PS Stanley Dick Pirione

The National Government has recently announced an $800 million dollar funding program for Provincial Governments over a period of five years targeted at developing economic and incoming generating infrastructure projects.

This funding assistance will be allocated through and administered by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

Details of the funding program will be finalized and outlined to all nine Provincial Governments soon. This is likely to be injected into the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) to boost development programs into Provinces.

Permanent Secretary of the MPGIS Stanley Dick Pirione revealed this major funding initiative during a recent dialogue between the National Government and the Malaita Provincial Government.

“The national government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening will be supported with an $800 million funding over the next 5 years, part of this funding will go to economic or income generating infrastructure projects.

“All Provinces including Malaita will benefit from these programs,” Pirione stated.

This five-year funding program was announced after an earlier announcement of the Government’s decision last year to increase the current funding allocation for the PCDF from $30 million to $60 million in this year’s development.

The 100 percent increase of the PCDF demonstrated the national government’s commitment to continue the positive impact of the funding in Provinces.

The increase of the PCDF reflected the national government’s confidence in Provincial Governments to continue to impact peoples’ lives through small infrastructure developments.

Vanuatu repatriation flight next month

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Solomon Airlines airbus

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

REPATRIATION flight for Vanuatu is set for next month since Vanuatu is still COVID-19 free says Dr Jimmie Rodgers Secretary to the Prime Minister.

“For Vanuatu we are hoping that they will come next month. Vanuatu is still COVID-19 free at this time. Whoever bought flights to come in here as much possible we will not import COVID-19 into the country,” Rodgers said.

He said for now on they will not mix people that come from different flights in different quarantine stations.

Rodgers explains that one flight will be accommodated in one quarantine stations. So that if there is any extension it will not affect others that come from different flights.

He adds for the weekly Brisbane flights it will continue with limited passengers who fulfil all requirements.

Rodgers stressed they are hoping to bring in students from Fiji and other countries with high priority TA’s for government.

“For now, we are reviewing those flights,” he said.

Dr Franco Rodie Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development also stated that there are Solomon Islands graduating students remaining in Vanuatu these are law students who need to come back.

“So, we are planning before the end of February to bring them home.”

“There others as well in Fiji who will need to come home as well and so we are given green light to resume flight to bring them home. All continuing students will remain in their country of studies,” Rodie said.

Carbon trading, the best choice: Bosma

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Natural Resources Development Foundation Boss, Wilko Bosma says carbon trading is the best approach landowners can benefit through while enjoying a safer and beautiful environment.

He said one conservation group in the country known as Sirobe Forest Conservation is selling its carbon credits beginning last year.

“Sirobe Forest Conservation is the first group that involved in the global carbon trade activity and we are pleased to be part of the process,” Bosma said.

“This group is one among two other groups in Fiji and Vanuatu who have been identified by NAKAU – a Pacific based organisation who help facilitate this kind of investment,” he added.

Bosma said another two more organisations will join the carbon trade investment this year if things turn out positive.

He stressed that carbon trading has potential benefits for landowners who are willing to surrender their land and forest for the betterment of the world.

“So, when you go into carbon trading you are simply helping normalize global emission and the good news is; you as the resource owner will get benefits in a form of cash for the carbon credits audited on your area.

“Furthermore, you can still harvest your trees in a small scale operation such as milling timbers for houses and also commercial.

“The point is, carbon trading is trading your forest’s function is decreasing or inhaling carbon dioxide while producing oxygen.

“I emphasis and encourage landowners to keep your forest. If you already logged your forest, don’t allow re-entry rather choose to preserve your forest for better purpose,” Bosma said.

He said carbon trading is the best alternative today for landowners to invest unlike in the previous years where is no benefits for communities or tribes who preserve their forests and land.

NRDF aims to save 9,821.7 hectare of forest

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Wilko Bosma showing the maps of protected areas and the ones that on NRDF radar this year. Far right are the certificates of Protected Areas

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

NATURAL Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) is looking at saving 9,821.7 hectares of forest as part of its mission to preserve and conserve forest in the country.

In an exclusive interview with Island Sun Gizo, Wilko Bosma said has saved 6,362. 7 hectares last year and is looking at saving another 3,459 hectares of forest this year.

He told Island Sun that the 6,362.7 hectares of land and forest is a combination of three conservation areas which have been legally protected.

“These conservation areas belongs to Siporae Tribal Forest Conservation, Sirebe Forest Association and Padezaka Tribal Rainforest Conservation Association.

“This year, we are looking at assisting another three tribal groups to legally protect their forest and this is where we will achieve saving 9,821.7 hectors of land and forest,” Bosma explained.

He said NRDF is working closely with Ministry of Environment, Conservation Department and also Ministry of Forestry to achieve the government’s anticipation to conserve 15 percent of the country’s forest.

Siporae Tribal Forest Conservation Certificate of Registration

“So what we do is that, we are working the ground while government institutions like the Ministry of Forestry and Environment assist in the process to register the sites as protection area.

“We face challenges at times but the good news is, we managed to help at least three conservation groups protect their forests from logging and mining,” Bosma said.

He said NRDF will continue to work with tribal groups this year with much anticipation of establishing more forest protected areas in Solomon Islands.

Bosma said more than 80 percent of the country’s forest have been damaged by logging and mining.

“While our country depends entirely on logging for its revenue, we have to look beyond logging and establish environment friendly economic activities.

“It is NRDF’s wish to support local communities to preserve their forest or harvest logs in a sustainable manner,” he said.

Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) is a local organization which was established in 2004 to address the problem of the ongoing exploitation of forests resources by foreign logging companies. 

As a non-governmental organization, NRDF believes that natural resources are fundamental to the wellbeing of local people and their environment and strives to provide sustainable resource management opportunities to communities in the Solomon Islands in order to protect these precious natural resources for current and future generation. 

NRDF is a small organization consisting of a team of highly experienced staff members who are accompanied by several local extension officers and overseas volunteers and consultants, to strengthen the team’s capacity.

NRDF’s head office is located in Gizo, the Provincial capital of the Western Province. It also has a field office in Choiseul Province, near the village of Panarui.

Starting as a very small organization NRDF is now recognized by communities, National and International NGO’s and the Solomon Island Government as a major stakeholder in forest management and conservation activities.

In more recent years NRDF has taken the lead in linking Forest Conservation with Climate change mitigation.

As a Licensed Coordinator, NRDF implements projects that combines Forest Protected Areas with PES crediting activities under the framework and methodology of the Pacific based Nakau Programme.

Saudi minister shows interest in Sol-Tuna

Written by
Press Release
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Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs Mr. Bandar Alchemies views Solomon Islands products at the SI Pavilion in Dubai

SAUDI Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs, Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, Bandar Alchemies, visited the Solomon Islands Pavilion on Sunday 9th January, 2021 as part of his Government’s familiarization tour to Pacific Island Countries (PICS) attending Expo 2020 Dubai.

After a brief welcome and introduction by Deputy Commissioner General and Pavilion Director Dennis Marita, Minister AlKhamies was particularly interested in probing the prospects of having SolTuna and Kokonut Pacific including a few of our branded products made available on Saudi Arabia shelves in the future .

Minister AlKhamies was also mindful of the relatively high costs of transporting products from the Solomon Islands to the Gulf Region but added that there were always avenues in which such logistic challenges could be addressed to ensure a fair Return on Investment to both parties.

The Saudi Minister was eagerly inquisitive to know more about the name Solomon, which Team Solo was again privileged to explain.

DCG Marita in acknowledging the visit by Minister AlKhamies said that the Solomon Islands was always eager to look beyond its borders.

Saudi Arabia’s Gross Domestic Product from 1986 to 2020 was approximately US$700.12 billion.

DCG Marita provided Minister AlKhamies with copies of the various Investment publications together with a gift pack which included SolTuna and Pacific Kokonut products.

Minister Al Khamies was accompanied by Hagat Al Yabis, Fahad Al Abdelsalam and Abdulrhaman Tirki.

ARREST RUMOURS DENIED

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Patrol boat 06 berthing at Auki wharf.

Koto: police are in Auki to maintain law and order

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

HONIARA Police are not in Auki to arrest anyone, Malaita’s acting head of police Eddie Koto says.

He instead said they are there to maintain law and order following an incident in the provincial capital last week that sparked hostility and likely confrontation between various groups of people in the province.

Koto made the explanation to the Island Sun yesterday following widespread speculation that Honiara police, who arrival on board Patrol boat Taro on Sunday, are in Auki to arrest those who are behind the recent rioting in Honiara.

Rumours have it that Premier Daniel Suidani is among those to be arrested.

Honiara police have been accompanied by members of the Papua New Guinea police who are in the country as part of the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF).

But Koto said the deployment is primarily to maintain law and order in Auki after the attempted abduction incident in Auki last Thursday.

He said since last month Auki police have been without numbers because some officers are on their annual leave.

“We currently have very limited officers on the ground to deal with anything that might arise and support is needed especially with the tense situation like what happened last week.

“This is where the deployment had come about and that is to support Auki police with resources and bring back normalcy to people and communities in the province” he says.

Koto says the team will be in Auki for sometimes and they will be engaging with the public of Auki to carry out policing work and awareness programs.

He says this is to ensure law and order is maintained and to restore public trust and confidence in the police.

“….yes we are aware of speculations about the deployment and that it was a cover-up to arrest people of interest to the police in Auki.

“But this is not true and I want Auki residents and the people of Malaita to know that.”

Koto says he had consulted Premier Daniel Suidani on the purpose of the deployment upon their arrival in Auki so the MARA government is aware of the purpose of the police presence.

He says they are working together with the provincial government and are supporting them with logistic as well liaising with the premier, and updating him on their work in Auki.

Koto calls on the public of Auki and the traveling public of Malaita to support the team and Auki police while they are there to restore law and order.

He said the PNG officers on the ground are not military personnel, but police officers.

He says rumors can sometimes cause fear, anger and other negative reactions from people.

DJOKOVIC HITS BACK

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

‘Opposition is looking for a scapegoat’

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ROBSON Djokovic has hit back at the latest attack launched against him and his employment with the Government by an appointee within the Opposition office.

The chief of staff within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet was responding to George Kosui, an economist working with Opposition leader Mathew Wale.

Kosui had question why Djokovic, who is also a nephew of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, is still being engaged by the government when he has a criminal record.

But Djokovic said Kosui was simply repeating the same rhetoric.

“He has nothing else to say so again attacking my credibility,” Djokovic said.

“The issues Kosui raised have already been answered,” he added.

“I have not breached or broken any laws.

“Check the Queensland law in relation to past convictions and no conviction has been recorded,” he said.

Djokovic said in relation to his citizenship status, the matter is before the court.

“Talk to my lawyer Wilson Rano for any legal queries.

“Talk to Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui about my role at PMO and when I was employed.

“Check my curriculum vitae for qualifications. It speaks for itself,” he added.

Djokovic said the Opposition are looking for a “political scapegoat” to undermine the Prime Minister.

Kosui has been questioning why the prime minister, the Courts, Public Service, and Immigration Office are seemingly turning a blind eye to serious allegations against Djokovic.

He touched on an article by the country’s top academic, Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, published on 3 December 2019.

In it Kabutaulaka said, “Robson Djokovic has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons since being sighted with Julian Moti handcuffed on the tarmac of Munda airstrip.”

He said the chief of staff has become one of the issues of concern, with the risk and concern that he could be riding on our judiciary and other systems in his struggle to keep his job and avoid repatriation from the country.

In his article, Kabautalaka questioned some of the issues that involved Djokovic, the COS who happens to be PM Manasseh Sogavare’s nephew as well.

Amongst others, some of the issues the PMO need to clarify are: 

  1. Does Djokovic have a work permit in the Solomon Islands?
  2. Is it legal for a foreigner to hold a political appointee (or public service) position in the Solomon Islands?
  3. What is Djokovic qualification that justify his expertise to take up the job
  4. What does Djokovic do daily, his duties in the PMO?
  5. Why is he allowed to continue working when cases are still hanging over his head?
  6. Why does the PM continue to employ a convicted criminal, drug user, and addict, and fraudster forgoing good governance principles?

Kosui said if the issues questioned above are not enough, then what issues are deemed serious that will give the court, PMO, Public Service, and Immigration Office the reasons for keeping Robson Djokovic in the top job and in the country.

He said nobody would dispute the fact that Robson Djokovic is an indigenous Solomon Islander, but he is not a Solomon Islands citizen when he opted for Australian citizenship and gave up his Solomon Islands citizenship.

Other questions that need to be clarified by the PMO include:

  1. Is the Government Caucus aware of the criminal cases that the court in Queensland, Australia has charged Robson Djokovic to continue supporting his candidacy for the SSPM (refer to SBD news – 24 March 2021)?
  2. Does the PM think it is ethically right to employ a convicted criminal, drug user/addict and fraudster?
  3. Why is Djokovic’s case taking such a long time before the courts in SI to make a decision?

Kosui said the longer it takes for the courts, PMO, Public Service, and Immigration Office to address this long outstanding issue, more questions will be asked as to how the judiciary system and responsible authorities are handling this controversial issue which was seen by many as the manifestation of corruption since his involvement in the Julian Moti saga.

“Yes, Robson Djokovic has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons and it is only relevant now that the courts decide on this case quickly so that the issue is put to rest to protect the country from abuse.

“It is unwise and ethically unjustifiable to allow a foreigner with a questionable background to hold a top job in the Office of the Prime Minister of the country,” he said.

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