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Tovosia admits to corrupt practices in Parliament

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia admits corruption being practiced by Members of Parliament.

His admission reinforced the findings of the Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021 released last month by Transparency International that Members of Parliament were rated top as most corrupt by Pacific countries.

Speaking at the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, Tovosia, also MP for East Guadalcanal, said there was notion to change the government and the Prime Minister because of corruption.

“In Parliament we talk to ourselves that we don’t do anything for Solomon Islands.

“We are corrupt. We change leadership,” he said.

Tovosia asked who in the House is not corrupt.

“Who is not corruption, tell me and stand up.

“When I decided to join politics, these are the elements of politicians whether you like it or not,” he said.

Tovosia urged the 49 MPs including him to stand up and do the right thing for the country.

“Let us stand up and tell the truth.

“I don’t like to hide it. We must change now and we used people to stand up and defend us or use this kind of activity happening here,” he said.

Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021 found the institutions being labelled as most corrupt by pacific countries were the Members of Parliament who were rated at the top, followed by staff within the office of the Prime Minister or President, police, business executives and companies extracting natural resources.

“This is no doubt a problem that is continually experienced by citizens of pacific island countries because they experience it, witness it, observe it happening and have been victim of it and having had instances of such with those corrupt institutions for decades now.

“In the case of Solomon Islands, most of the Members of Parliament (MPs) have become highly criticized and do not have good relations with voters because of allegations of abuse of funds against the MP or unfair treatment by MPs towards voters,” the report states.

The Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)- Pacific presents the most extensive set of public opinion data on perceptions and experiences of corruption in the region.

In many of these countries and territories, the survey constitutes the very first attempt to gather important data about corruption and its prevalence in different countries across the region.

This year GCB surveyed more than 6000 people in 10 pacific countries namely, Fiji, French Polynesia, The Federated State of Micronesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The results show that a majority of respondents think corruption is a problem in both the Government and the private sectors, despite government efforts to control it.

MARA reiterates call for dialogue

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Daniel Suidani led MARA provincial government says it remains committed to its earlier appeal for a nationwide dialogue on core issues leading up to the recent riot in Honiara.

Premier Daniel Suidani made the assurance during a media interview at his office in Auki on Tuesday.

He said after the incident his government had issued a call for dialogue and they still waiting for a response on their call.

“I had already made the call to the national government and it’s up to them to consider it,” Suidani said.

He explained that the dialogue requested was not just reconciliation, but something that goes much higher than that.

Suidani said his request for the dialogue is to figure out the core or underlying issues on people’s disagreements which resulted in riots or other lawful activities experienced.

“My idea is to address the core issues.

“I’m looking at them to respond upon the nationwide request I made and I’m still waiting,” he said.

Suidani said the appeal made was for the nine provinces, national government, churches and other institutions to look at ways to address the underlying issues of people’s need.

Call for COI into November riots

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Carnage on the streets of Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete calls on the Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the November riot in Honiara.

This is to avoid the blame game employed by the Government against the Opposition Group relating to the burning and rioting at Chinatown, Kukum and Ranadi which is estimated to cost about half a billion to the economy.

Speaking at the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, Mr Ete said in 2006 riots, the then Government had set up a Commission of Inquiry as well.

He said the Government should set up a COI under the Commission of Inquiry Act then you can pin a man.

“I am saying this because in 2006 there was a Commission of Inquiry set up by the then Government.

“The recommendation is to take one bill to Parliament called Riot and Damages Bill,” he said.

Ete said otherwise the country will use 1887 Riot and Damages Act of England to cost the damages caused by the people and legalized in law.

He said the political affiliation of the burning will allow the COI to sort it out.

Ete said the COI will allow people to provide evidence and report to go before Cabinet and Parliament.

“Taiwan is a friend indeed”: Suidani

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani says Taiwan is still a true friend and an old friend which had supported Solomon Islands a lot during her 36yrs diplomatic tie with the country.

Suidani made the statement when asked on his allegiance and relationship with Taiwan.

In response, he described Taiwan as an old friend that Solomon Islands has held ties with for 36 years and a friendship that people won’t just forget.

He said despite the switch, last year the Malaita Provincial Government had asked them for support and they responded positively with supply of medical equipment to support the provincial health during the covid-19 period.

Adding that the support provided was delivered to rural communities and people down there had benefited from it.

Suidani said this is a support from an old friend and something that people in the province cannot just easily forget.

He said Taiwan again supported him to heal when the national government had turned down the offer to support his medical trip overseas early this year.

“During my time of medical need, I asked the national government to assist in the cost of my medical treatment in Australia, however, they didn’t respond within three months.

“And as a sick patient I cannot wait that long and turned to Taiwan to support me,” Suidani said.

He said this is how he got the support and it’s a Taiwanese humanitarian assistance and not selective based on politics and other issues that people may think off.

“I did not only receive the humanitarian support because I am from Solomon Islands. There are friends out there who believe in the same principles and respect that Taiwan does have.

“They are friends who have democratic believes and norms just the same as we do. And Taiwan’s aid to my medication trip was because we are friends.

“A friend that is there to support people when people are in need, like my experience,” Suidani said.

He commended Taiwan for the vanished diplomatic tie and support rendered to the people of Solomon Islands during the course of the 36 years friendship.

Suidani said there were lot of things they had supported the country and if the leaders would think development, lot of tangible progresses should have been done on Malaita province and the country.

Townsville Agreement provides for self-autonomy: Suidani

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Five newly sworn-in ministers with Premier Daniel Suidani and some of his executive members during the swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Townsville Peace Agreement (TPA) has provided for a self-autonomous government for Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces as witnessed by the United Nations and this is the reason to notify them on the matter.

Premier Daniel Suidani said this when asked on the future of the submission he made to the UN Security Council on the proposed pursuing of self-autonomy for Malaita province.

He said the TPA document is deposited under the UN Security office and they would be aware if Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces and the national government could have sought discussion on the matter.

Suidani said it is now 21 years since the signing of the TPA and the national government, especially the two provincial governments have failed to ask for the tabling of issues under the TPA.

He said because of these long-standing issues, the plea was made to the UN Security Council as a body which has witnessed the document to carry-out survey on part 4 of the TPA where it advocates for autonomous government for the two provinces.

According to Suidani the UN Security Council is the appropriate organization to pursue the matter with.

On that note, he explained that the subject of self-autonomy for Malaita province was not an issue that only popped-up during the current government.

He said there are documents within his office proving that the previous successive governments had talked about independence, but only they didn’t take a step further on the subject.

Suidani said the subject has been documented and it is the interest of people of Malaita and “as representative of people we will ensure it table it pursue it.”

He said now “I see that it’s a high time to pursue the TPA to answer the cries of Malaitans for self-governance and manage their own affairs.”

Suidani said his writing to UN Security Council is to see if they can step in and assist the national government, Guadalcanal especially Malaita province on the matter.

Manele defends govt’s invite to regional forces

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele has defended the government’s stand to invite regional forces from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji to restore law and order in the country.

This was after Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Peter Kenilorea Junior questioned the implication of the foreign forces on the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking at the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, Mr Manele said as a responsible government, they believed and felt this was necessary in order to protect further lives being lost and properties being damaged.

“We have to act and request for support.

“These forces are not coming in their own will. They came in based on the request of the Solomon Islands Government,” he said.

“Had we followed Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, in terms of its processes, we will not be able to save this country.

“It will take time to go through Chapter 7 provisions of the UN Charter,” he said.

Manele said sovereignty off course is key for any state, but at the end of the day, what is important if you are not able to protect the lives of your people.

“The democratic institutions we have in the country and business houses, these are the consideration as a responsible government we took in asking our friends to come and assist.

Australia has sent in more than 100 Defence Force personells, New Zealand 65, Fiji 50 and 37 police from Papua New Guinea.

Togamana disagrees with notion NRH in dire state

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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People sleeping on the floor at the National Referral Hospital: PICS SUPPLIED.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The minister of health has refuted claim by the Opposition leader that the status of the national referral hospital is dire.

One of the reasons Opposition Leader Matthew Wale stood on to call for the recent motion of no confidence vote against prime minister Manasseh Sogavare is the overcrowding and lack of facilities to accommodate patients at the hospital’s emergency ward.

Mr Wale had said “patients sleeping on the floor of the National Referral Hospital’s accident and emergency ward indicates that Democratic Coalition Government Advancement has not provided the much-needed resources in a reflection of poor and failed leadership of the prime minister”.

But, contributing to the motion of no-confidence on Monday this week, Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana disagreed.

“I choose to disagree the NRH infrastructure has improved with government investment,” Togamana said.

He said the CT scan building at the NRH has completed with an investment and is government owned, worth $17m.

“All necessary trainings have been conducted and getting all necessary equipment including the CT scanner into the country and installation is underway.”

Togamana said all provinces and provincial hospitals have two or more medical doctors except for Renbel.

He said medical doctors are also posted in three Area Health Centres; Tingoa, Marau and Tangarare.

“And in the Honiara City council clinics and nearby Guadalcanal clinics doctors run outpatients clinics during working days.”

Togamana said through the Japanese grant aid, provincial hospitals and primary health cares have been equipped.

“Stethoscopes with blood pressure machines and other medical machines have been distributed to strengthen the provincial health services.

He adds that the Good Samaritan Hospital has also been enhanced in terms of its capability and capacity from blood test and x-ray.

“This is an important achievement.

“This development reduces cost to both Good Samaritan hospital and people travelling to NRH for health services.”

Police investigation will target looters, instigators

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Crowd of protestors in Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says police investigation into the recent rioting will focus on two areas – one targeting the looters and rioters and another is targeting the instigators of the incidences.

Mangau was responding to questions asked in his recent media conference said that police are also investigating the instigators and at the moment, nobody is being questioned or arrested as yet.

He said once they have proper information, they will invite the concerned people for questioning.

Meanwhile a total of 217 people have been arrested in relation to the recent unrest; 33 of the people are juveniles.

Mangau calls on the people who may have information of those involved in the past weeks looting and riot to support police in their investigation.

Yesterday police continued with its recovery of stolen items during the looting and further arrested another five people including a juvenile.

Police Media Unit revealed that a joint operation between Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant and confiscated alleged looted items buried behind Panatina village on Sunday, December 5

The joint operation was initiated to target offenders alleged to be involved in the looting and theft of machinery and tools from hardware stores in the Ranadi industrial and commercial district.

Gov’t delivers Beulah mini hydro project.

Written by
Press Release
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Government and Western Provincial Officials with members of the Beulah tribal communities at the Hydro project dam at the Gori Gori water source

THE national Government through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) delivered a micro hydro project to Beulah Provincial Secondary School in Western Province on Friday, November 3, regardless of the hardships created by covid-19 and the recent political unrest in Honiara.

The 30kW Beulah Micro Hydropower is a project fully funded project by the National Government under the National Energy Development Project through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification at a cost of approximately $2.5million.

This is one of the hydropower projects successfully implemented by the Ministry in promoting renewable energy usage and electricity access to rural areas and schools.

The Gori Gori dam that supplies water to the Beulah Mini Hydro project

The Use and Promotion of renewable energy sources in the country is one of the Ministry’s key policy programmes to promote generating electricity using renewable energy sources.

Built approximately 200 meters inland along the Gori Gori river system, the Beulah micro hydro project supplies electricity to the school and surrounding committees for the next 20-plus years.

The project was initiated by the Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tepepare constituency, Danny Philip who spearheaded negotiations with landowners of Saikile Chieftaincy for the water source and the MMERE for funding.

Mr Philip responded to the need of the school by funding a feasibility study in partnership with technical officials of the MMERE to determine the viability of the project.

Western Provincial Secretary Jeffery Wickham and a tribal elder at the Gori Gori water source that powers the hydro project

School Principal, Frank Naqu expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ministry and all stakeholders that participated in the construction of the project highlighting that the project is a game changer towards improving the students’ academic learning.

“This project is very important to us, especially students and staff members. We are looking forward to our light to assist us in our studies,” Mr Naqu said.

Chairman of the Hydro Committee, Lewan Wong urged the school management and students to take care of the project to ensure it continues to benefit the school in the future.

Beulah Hydro Committee Chairman speaking at the handover ceremony

“The project when switched-on will be your asset for the next 20 or more years so I urge you all to look after the project when it is up and running,” Mr Wong said.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Vehe has highlighted that energy is the main catalyst that drives development and without it there will be no development.

Guests view the turbine base at the Gori Gori water source

He said the National Government policy on renewable energy usage is one of the main policy agendas implemented by the MMERE with the aim for reducing the use of diesel fuel to provide power supply in the future.

“Without power supply to schools in rural areas there won’t be lighting to aid night learning, security and photocopying and printing of learning materials and exams,” Vehe said.

The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that the National Government through the MMERE is working on a National Energy Strategy that will map out where to place renewable energy sources within the country’s available energy resources.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Dr. Chris Vehe speaking at the handover ceremony

On this note, Vehe said these plans need to embrace partnership models that engage all relevant stakeholders including the National and Provincial Governments, Communities, resources owners and direct beneficiaries such as schools and other institutions.

Beulah School previously sourced its electricity supply from the nearby Bulelavata micro-hydro system but decided to have their own due to unreliable electricity supply experienced by the school in past years.

In 2016, the school management sent the Feasibility Study report to MMERE in 2016 seeking funding assistance. MMERE responded the same year by allocating AUD331, 698.21 to Pelena Energy Pty Ltd (Australian company) to supply equipment for the 30kW hydro system.

Permnanent Secretary Chrish Vehe handsover the hydro project to the Chairman of Hydro Committee and Principle of Beulah PSS

The materials were shipped to Noro in 2019 from Australia. MMERE met freight costs of transporting the equipment to Beula from Noro.

The MMERE procured the required aggregate and sand from Honiara this year and shipped to Beula which commenced recently and will soon be switched on.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Gizo residents protest against rape

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Team Save the Children who join the parade

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Justice for Mary!

How many more innocent child will suffer before leaders realize this issue!

How many more mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and relatives will mourn before leaders address this issue!

Stop violence against women and girl now!

These are the words uttered by activists during the parade to remember late Mary who was brutally murdered months ago on the island of Kolombangara.

Premier Mesepitu and Permanent Secretary Wickham took part during the parade

Men, women, youths and children turned up in numbers to show solidarity against rape and violence against women and girls during the parade.

The protest was organized to reinforce the call for justice to prevail immediately for school-girl Mary, 7, who was brutally raped and murdered few months ago.

One group marched from Power House, west Gizo, to MSG building while the other group marched from Malakerava in eastern side of Gizo to MSG where the official program was held.

Parade in front of Gizo Market going towards MSG building

Marchers, both young and old, held banners which states “Justice for Mary, stop rape, stop domestic violence” while parading Gizo town from east and west.

Newly elected Premier, Deputy Premier and also other executive members were also part of the parade to show their support towards elimination of sexual violence and rape against women and girls.

Children holding the photo of late Mary

Island Sun understands that series of protest have taken placed in Honiara and Munda to give justice for innocent child late Mary.

Protesters have called on national, provincial, religion and traditional leaders to address the increasing number of rape cases in the country.

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