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Manelusi highlights CSSI’s achievement

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Commissioner Manelusi delivered his remarks during the closing of the office of Commissioners on Friday 10.

COMMISSIONER of the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) Gabriel Manelusi expressed has thanked his staff for a job well-done throughout 2021.

Manelusi expressed his appreciation at CSSI’s year-end gathering recently.

He said some of the achievements made include:

  • New CSTC syllabus of the Policy statements of the Government
  • Promotion of Senior and Subordinate officers
  • Increment from Level 4 – 7 approved by the Commissioner’s decisions
  • Relevelling as of January 2022
  • Released of 16 inmates based on the Parole orders
  • Forum Leaders workshop on Remand, Rehabilitation
  • 130 Positions with 2 x Assistance Commissioner
  • Rotation of Senior leaders
  • Capacity development workshop for Senior leaders
  • Implementation of COVID 19 Standing orders
  • Senior Managers Conference
  • Installation of three new Gensets at Tetere Correctional Centre (TCC) & Rove Central Correctional Centre (RCCC)
  • Installation of 7 Water tanks at RCCC
  • Recruitment of Technical specialists – Nurses, Project/Assist, OHS, Dieticians, Drivers and Communications
  • DFAT Projects – Gizo Correctional Centre & RCCC Sewage
  • Auki Correctional Centre Joinery, Naha walling, RCCC fencing
  • Succession plan, HRD plan
  • Media release and monthly release
  • Advisors – Training Adviser-Angelique and Advisor RRR-Anthony Maelasi

Manelusi also highlighted the agreement between CSSI and external stakeholders.

These were signed with:

  • Assa Abloy Australia Pty Limited – Lock smith
  • Mental Health Service
  • Global Vision Company
  • Solomon Rice Company Ltd
  • Soltuna
  • IBM – Island Bible Ministries
  • QCS – Queensland Correctional Service

 He said the future direction for CSSI as of 2022 will focus on:

  • Identifying potential skills for CSSI to further invest in HR development.
  • National Peacebuilding, Prevention, Rehabilitation Advisory Board meeting with PS’s and Donor partners on 16th February 2022
  • Refresher courses for CSSI
  • Stakeholders meeting on mentally-ill patients and convicts
  • Scheme of services
  • Civil engineer for a one year design infrastructure
  • Review of CSSI Strategic Direction – Mission, Vision, Goals, Values
  • Completion of the 20 years CSSI National Infrastructure master plan
  • Filling up the Assistant Commissioners
  • Design a 1-2 years leadership training for middle managers
  • Establishment of proper Mental facility
  • Improvement of piggery, poultry & farming at TCC for 2023
  • Inmates community work program
  • Set leadership standards & discipline
  • Seek donor support for uniform

Commissioner Manelusi acknowledged all members and CSSI families across Solomon Islands for their support.

He also extended his gratitude to the three Advisors – George Samuel, Angelique and Anthony Maelasi.

Communities receive fishing rafters (FAD)

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of Hauhui community during the preparation of their FAD that deployed early this month.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

COMMUNITIES from Hauhui, Malo’u and Tawanikeni on west Are Are and Small Malaita constituencies recently recieved Fishing Aggregate Devises (FAD) in their waters.

Malaita provincial senior fisheries officer in Auki, Matthew Isihanua who administered the deployment of the FADs told this paper yesterday.

He said the FADs were deployed in the first week of this month and people are now catching fish and benefiting from them.

Isihanua said the FAD program was part of MPG’s support towards improving livelihood of people, especially those in coastal communities in the province.

He said the ultimate aim of the programme is to try and shift people’s behavior from overharvesting marine habitats like reefs and mangroves to FADs out in the ocean.

Isihanua said for these recent deployed FADs, they were funded by communities and the MPA through their Ward Development Committee (WDC).

He said the FAD at Hauhui was funded by members of the community and donor partners.

The two FADs on Small Malaita were funded by MPA, Dickson Pola through his WDC for his people of ward 21, which also covered wards 20 and 19.

He said for the past three years, more than 100 FADs were deployed around the province.

Isihanua said the funding of these FADs came under partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource, MPG, WorldFish and Provincial Assembly Members through their WDCs.

Solomon Finance ready to operate in 2022

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SINPF Building in Honiara

SOLOMON Finance Limited, a credit institution owned by Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), is expected to commence its lending operation in the new year.

SINPF board chairman Dr Jimmie Rodgers announced this on Tuesday.

Rodgers said the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has just granted Solomon Finance its licence to conduct its banking business.

“This is another major milestone in the Fund’s 45-year journey enabling the Board through Solomon Finance Limited an investee company of the Fund to provide competitively priced financial products to its members,” Rodger said.

“Solomon Finance Limited will offer alternative financial products, from personal to home loans to our eligible members so that they can invest in their well-being in education, health, to owning a home and to take part in income-generating activities whilst still in employment and at the same time actively contributing to their retirement savings with the SINPF,” he added.

“This service or benefit is consistent with the Fund’s objective and vision to support members build up their wealth for their old age and retirement whilst they are active and still in employment. 

“It has taken the Board more than 12 years to achieve this milestone and I would like to thank past SINPF Boards and management who have in one way or another contributed to the proposal of establishing a separate viable credit institution for its members.

“I would also like to thank the PSDI of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for providing technical support in assisting the Fund’s investment team preparing the feasibility and business case for the new credit institution for approval by the Minister of Finance in 2018 and later application to the CBSI for an interim license that was approved and issued in November 2019.

“And finally, my congratulations to the new Board and management of SFL who were appointed in October 2020 for finally securing SFL’s interim license conversion to a full license after meeting the requirements of the CBSI, contained in the interim license.

“Thank you, you have done a great job.”

Rodgers said Solomon Finance Limited plans to open for business in the first quarter of 2022.

Its office is located on the ground floor of the Anthony Saru Building (ASB), Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara.

US envoy warns of aid that benefits one person, party

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THE U.S. ambassador to the Solomon Islands Erin McKee has warned Pacific Islands against “aid that benefits one person, one party and one bank account” – remarks that come after the Solomons were beset with riots last month blamed in part on discontent with China.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was accused last week by the leader of the opposition in parliament of using money from a national development fund that comes from China to prop up his political strength.

He has rejected graft allegations.

Sogavare has blamed foreign powers that opposed his 2019 decision to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China for influencing anti-government protesters from Malaita province.

Malaita protesters last month sparked riots by residents of the capital Honiara, where there is discontent over foreign companies failing to provide local jobs. Large sections of Chinatown burnt down.

In her first public comments on the riots, U.S. ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Erin McKee said in a statement that the loss of life and destruction of property in Honiara was tragic and “should not have happened”.

McKee said the U.S. aid project resulted from an exchange of letters between Sogavare and then U.S. vice president Mike Pence, and aid and defence officials travelled to the Solomon Islands in August 2019.

Solomon Islands broke relations with Taiwan and recognised China the next month.

Delays to the U.S. project occurred after the switch. It has since commenced operations although the entry of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers is still being negotiated.

U.S. aid contractors worked in partnership with communities so they could build local infrastructure such as roads and maintain it “without outside help”, the statement said.

“Do you want aid that benefits one person, one party, and one bank account? Or do you want assistance that empowers entire families, strengthens entire communities, and enriches entire nations?” she said.

“As democratic and independent states, you have a choice of who to partner with. And I believe that the choice is obvious.”

The Chinese embassy, which opened in Honiara in September last year, said on its website hundreds of Chinese families were left homeless by the riots.

“Any attempt to sabotage the relationship is doomed to failure,” it added.

Over 200 police and soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji are in Honiara at the request of Sogavare to maintain order.

Work on Vella’s Economic Growth Centre progressing well

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Top view of South Vella Constituency Economic Growth Center

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

DEVELOPMENT of South East Vella constituency Economic Growth Center is progressing well and is expected to go into full operation before June next year.

Island Sun was invited to visit the growth center with Member of Parliament for South East Vella, who is also the Minister for Commerce, Fredrick Kologeto, and officials from the Prime Minister’s office yesterday.

Construction workers were busy with five new buildings that will house some of the important services at the center.

Hon Fredrick Kologeto (middle) , Dr Samson Viulu (right) and Mrs Florence Joel pose for a photo at the incomplete Police post house

Kologeto said two buildings will be for coconut processing and refinery, Kava and seaweed buying center.

He adds that one of the buildings will be a police post and two other buildings will accommodate police officers who will be posted at the center.

“This development is part of the government’s pilot project to decentralize services and at the same time bring the services closer to the people,” Kologeto said.

Dr Samson Viulu, the Policy Secretary of Productive Sector (right) talking to Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Florence Joel (left)about the coconut drying process

“South Vella constituency Economic Growth Center is one of two pilot projects under the program,” he added.

“Another project is awarded to North Malaita Constituency.”

Kologeto said the coconut refinery, kava, cassava and Seaweed buying center are part of the constituency’s long term development plan, aimed at encouraging long term benefits for the people of the constituency.

Coconut, kava and cassava refinery building

He added that the Police Post and staff houses are his top priorities as security is important.

“I’m of the view that security must be guaranteed before any development can progress because we need law and order to be present so that people can actively participate in the economic activities,” he said.

A newly constructed builing forSeaweed buying center

Kologeto stressed that his overall objective is to turn the growth center into an industrial site where other developments such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries so as other essential service like Bank can be established at the center.

He said the first phase of the development is valued around $5 million and he is relying on the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) to fund the project.

Refined coconut meat ready for sell

Kologeto salutes his team for driving the development on the ground.

Mala expects tourism facility in Auki by 2022

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Auki provincial town of Malaita.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial government is looking forward to the construction of its tourism facility project which will begin early 2022 in Auki.

The establishment of the facility will be a testament to the MOU the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and MPG signed in 2020 and following a ground breaking held in 2015 towards the establishment of the facility in the province.

Malaita provincial tourism officer, Rose Masibata told Island Sun yesterday that since the ground breaking ceremony, nothing was done especially on the facility and by way of strengthening it an official MOU was signed last year.

She said the MOU was signed to pave way for development of the industry in the province and the establishment of the facility becomes a priority component of it.

Masibata said the multi-million-dollar facility will be referred to as a “cultural building” and if completed will house the provincial tourism office, provincial archive and museum and other related sectors to the industry in the province.

She said progress so far on the project was; MCT has already tendered the project and recently they retendered it not finding suitable contractors to award with the project during its first tender.

Masibata said process regarding the retender of the project is currently dealt with and will complete soon ahead of the construction of the facility next year.

She said the establishment of the facility will be no doubt a milestone towards the development of the tourism industry on Malaita province.

Masibata said Malaita province is one of the least provinces to benefit from the industry in the country and MCT’s plan to partner with MPG on the sector is welcoming news.

She said there are lots of tourism operators and potentials in the province, however they lack support that hinders the grow of the industry in the province.

Masibata said the development of the industry in the province rests heavily on the support from national government, MPG and resource owners towards it’s thrive in the province.

She said her office through Malaita provincial government looks forward to working closely with MCT through the national government to ensure terms under the MOU are materialized.

Provincial governments are bystanders: Mesepitu

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Premier elect Christian Mesepitu (right) shook hands with the Deputy Speaker (left)

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province says provincial governments are bystanders in decision making as associated powers are centralized with the central government.

Premier Christian Burley Mesepitu described the existing system of governance as “master servant” due to the disproportions in the system.

He said the current governance structure and operation under the Provincial Government Act 1997 basically recognizes provincial governments as “agents” and not an equal partner in development.

Mesepitu said the system was designed with fundamental flaws in the structural arrangement that has performance obstacles with poor ability to cater for Western conventions and service delivery.

He said the disbanding of the Area Council in the 1990s by a mere Cabinet decision was for the sake of financial relieve only to serve few communities from the formal state apparatus.

Mesepitu stressed people have been distanced due to negligence of addressing and giving equal participation of provinces in decision making.

“Note that almost 80 to 90 percent of Solomon Islands population live in rural communities while the National Government is located in Honiara. The closest government that deals with the people is the provincial government. This simple understanding should be a solution to development issues which never addressed in the country,” he said.

Mesepitu suggests that core reform should focus on decentralization of service delivery, associated powers, functions and role within the national structure.

“To further isolate provincial governments by undermining both their political and practical relevance, and making them appear as inefficient, failure and unable to respond to the inevitable need for change in Solomon Islands is besieged and need immediate intervention,” he said.

Mesepitu reiterates call for State Government

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Ben Bilua
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Premier Christian Burlay Mesepitu delivers his speech

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province has reiterated his call to fast track the federal system of government.

Premier Christian Burlay Mesepitu made the call in the presence of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and government ministers during the second appointed celebration yesterday.

He said Western Province welcomes the government’s undertaking and progress towards the determination for state government system.

Mesepitu also acknowledged the Democratic Coalition Government Advancement (DCGA) under Sogavare’s leadership in recognizing the significance and determination of provinces who have called for self-autonomy through the adaptation of the federal system governance.

“Western Province welcomes the government’s timeline for the transition of existing governance structure to federal system of governance which is set to 2026.

“There are reservations from certain quarters as to whether provinces are actually ready to down the federal system pathway. Such reservations centres mostly on cost implications of adopting and operationalizing such a system, the issue of capacity at the provincial level to administer such a system and other associate issues.

“Such concerns are genuine and the ball is in our court and it is up to us provincial governments to ensure we are ready to take up the challenge. While provinces differ in terms of geography, population, resources, land mass, capacity, infrastructure development and other critical aspects, it does not mean all provinces will attain or adopt the federal system at the same time.

“We can explore options and make our decisions based on which province are most ready or we can deal with the three major provinces first and the rest can follow suit at a later date,” he said.

Mesepitu said the regrettable event which took place at Honiara few weeks ago should provide a catalyst for the country and leaders to stop, think and focus on correct but also effective political directions.

He said the destiny of the people and the country should be built based on the interest of the people as the country continues to experience influence by geo-politics and other global concerns.

Mala provincial govt visit tourism operators

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Department of Tourism in Malaita province had recently visited tourism operators in the northeast areas of Ata within the province.

The purpose of the visit is to help guide operators to abide to the “minimum standards and classification for tourism accommodation” as promoted in the country.

Malaita provincial tourism officer, Rose Masibata told this paper yesterday that the required minimum standard is important for tourism accommodation and operators to try and live up to.

She said under the minimum standards, design accommodation for tourism must meet required measurements of certain aspects of the building to suit comfortable stay for tourists.

Masibata added that the minimum standard doesn’t apply only for accommodation alone, but also to other activities that are connected to the accommodation. 

She said a total of nine operators had visited the program and most of them have knowledge on the idea as portrayed in the accommodation.

Masibata said the minimum standards and classification for tourism accommodation applies to home-stay, bungalow, resort, motel and even hotel which not only looks at comfortable stay for tourist, but promotes the industry.

On that note, she also said that during the visit as well, operators managed to understand differences of these types of accommodations and activities pertaining to them.

“The visit was also in preparation to boost tourism industry in the province as we expect to receive tourists whenever our border is open back next year.

“And for the purpose of the business, it doesn’t mean only tourist, but there are locals who will be using the accommodation if they have a chance,” Masibata said.

She said most of these operators had started their home-stays with the support received from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).

Gizo Sick patients receive Christmas gifts

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Prime Minister Sogavare comfort and encourage one of the patient at Gizo Hospital during his visit

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SICK patients both young and old at the Gizo Hospital received early Christmas gifts from Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, his wife and Ministers of the National Government when they visited the hospital yesterday.

Prime Minister Sogavare’s courtesy visit to Gizo hospital is part of Western Province Second Appointed Day.

 Prime Minister Sogavare and his team joined Members of the Western Provincial Government led by Premier Christian Burley Mesepitu for the visit to the hospital.

Prime Minister Sogavare and Madam Sogavare speaking to one of the sick patient at the hospital

The team visited every ward, presenting gifts as well as encouraging the sick to have faith and also wishing them speedy recovery.

More than 100 patients received gifts from the Prime Minister and his team.

The visit was emotional for a few patients while majority put on brave faces and smiled as the Prime Minister greeted them followed by presentation of gifts.

Prime Minister Sogavare, Ministers from National government, Premier and Officials from provincial Government with Gizo hospital staffs pose for a photo after the handingover of donation.

The visit ended with handing over of donation which was witnessed by nurses and doctors of Gizo hospital.

Director of Western Province Health Authority, Doctor Dickson Boara received the donation on behalf of the Gizo Hospital staff and management.

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