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Gov’t knew nothing about Guadalcanal bill

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) says it is not aware of the leaked Guadalcanal Affairs Bill 2021.

This so-called bill has been widely discussed and circulated on social media.

But Special Secretary to Prime Minister Albert Kabui told reporters yesterday no such bill has reached Caucus or Cabinet.

Kabui said at the beginning of the year, the Governor General announced the legislative calendar of the government.

“The only bills the Government is working on are those the governor general announced,” Kabui said.

“The Government knew nothing about the Guadalcanal Affairs bill,” he added.

Among other things, the bill aims:

  1. to recognise, participate and involve in policies, laws and decision makings when dealing with Guadalcanal affairs;
  2. to deal with the affairs of the Guadalcanal which includes Guadalcanal land, sea, forest resources, water resources, mineral resources, environment, traditional knowledge and development, climate change and natural disaster and anti-corruption and any matters relating to the Guadalcanal;
  3. to establish the Council of Chiefs to oversee the Guadalcanal affairs;
  4. to establish a Board to oversee and stimulate Guadalcanal affairs; and
  5. to strengthen and empower the existing traditional groupings of the Guadalcanal, church, women, men, youth, traditional tribal leaders within the Guadalcanal region.

A lawyer by profession and part Guadalcanal, Andrew Muaki posted on social media that the bill, if enacted, will seriously undermine the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly and its law-making powers under the Provincial Government Act 1997( PGA).

“Likewise, this Bill is a threat to the functions of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government as devolved under the PGA,” he added.

“Just reading the purpose of the Bill as stipulated under clause 4 of Bill, one can easily conclude the demobilization of Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly and its provincial government has begun,” he claimed.

Muaki asserted that other provinces will likely meet the same fate very soon.

7 arrested in Renbel

Written by
Press Release
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Tigoa Police in Renbel Province have arrested seven adult male suspects aged between 19 and 43 years old who were employees of a logging company in Tigoa for malicious damage and Criminal trespass on September 19, 2021.

Initial report said that the suspects were under influence of liquor when they committed the offences. It is alleged that the suspects confronted landowners at their village and threw stones, damaged dwelling houses and intimidated them.

Police Commissioner Mr Mostyn Mangau says, “The matter was reported to police and the suspects were arrested and placed in police custody.

“The suspects were dealt with and charged for criminal trespass, malicious damage and intimidation. They were released on bail awaiting a court circuit scheduled in the month of November 2021.

“I call on to those who go to Renbel Province on work purpose under logging or mining company to stay out from criminal activities because police will not tolerate whoever committing any offences.

“I also call on to my good people of Renbel Province to respect each other and be a law abiding citizen. The police, village chiefs, church leaders are there to assist in resolving issues that arise in our communities.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Honiara PPC suspended

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The provincial police commander (PPC) for Honiara City is on suspension.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed this yesterday, adding the decision was taken due to the PPC’s “behaviour and actions” which “does not speak well of him”.

Superintendent John Matamaru was reportedly given his suspension letter on Tuesday last week.

Mangau said he had received two complaints on Matamaru, one from a senior police officer and one from a Bangladesh national.

According to reports reaching Island Sun, Matamaru had had a row with the Bangladeshi at the Central police station early last week, followed by a confrontation at the Bangladeshi’s premises later that day.

Matamaru was served his suspension letter the next day.

Sources close to the matter have however, questioned the speed at which Matamaru’s case was dealt with, saying, “normally such internal matters take time before an officer facing allegations are interdicted.

“Certainly not hours!”

“But, with PPC Matamaru’s case, the incident with the Bangladeshi occurred on Monday, and the next day, when he went for their usual Executive meeting, he was given his suspension letter by Commissioner Mangau.”

Mangau yesterday also brushed aside allegations of any political interference in Matamaru’s case.

“There is no outside interference in our decision to suspend him, police issues are under my powers to deal with and administer and nothing to do with outside set-up or political interference.”

His response was to allegations that a relative of a government minister was accompanying the Bangladeshi during the incident at the Central police station.

“Police have its own discipline policy under the Commissioner’s order, any breach of orders will be dealt with, whether a criminal matter or any complaint against any police officer or any discipline issue serious in nature, police will always act on it.

“Regarding the PPC’s case, he is the head of the Honiara City and his behaviour and actions does not speak well of PPC.

“He is a senior ranking officer and by the nature of the complaint and report coming to us we suspend him.” Mangau said.

Matamaru could not be reached for comments before this paper went to press.

STEP DOWN GINA!

Written by
Ben Bilua
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David Gina

Western premier urged to give way to new gov’t

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province Premier David Gina has been told to step down.

This comes following the resignation of five of his ministers early this week and the fact he only has seven of the 26 Provincial Assembly members supporting him.

“Gina must step down to give way for a new government,” members of the non-executive Chris Mesepitu, Brisbane Amatore, Ramraka Talasasa and Jenning Movobule told Island Sun Gizo.

“We now have the numbers to form the next government,” they claimed.

The numbers clearly showed out during the Assembly Meeting this week, which the non-executive boycotted.

Only eight executive members, including Premier Gina, showed up, resulting in the adjournment of the meeting.

“Our boycotting of the meeting was justified,” they stated.

“First, we did this because the Speaker misinterpreted the standing orders, resulting in disallowing the motion of no-confidence,” they added.

“Secondly, it is a strategic move to change the leadership.”

The non-executive bench said they believe and based on their understanding of the standing orders, the motion should have been allowed to be tabled this week.

They added the provincial budget should have already went through the Assembly because we have no intention of defeating it.

“We understand the importance of the budget, but at the same time we question the legality of tabling the budget in reference to requirements provided under the Financial Management Ordinance.”

The group further stated that the recent sitting failed to fulfil the requirement under the Financial Management Ordinance which states that a Supplementary Budget Assembly meeting should be tabled after six month from previous Budget Meeting.

They said that one of their aims was to change the leadership before addressing the budget.

“Our intention is not the defeat the budget, rather to challenge the leadership.

“Even if the budget was tabled in the sitting, it will be defeated as the government does not have the numbers to support it.

“Premier Gina has had his chance in the past three years and it is time he steps aside.”

The next Assembly meeting is scheduled for November this year.

But the group said this will drag the process and delay the budget, which the province needs to pass.

“The waiting game will have implications on government services and the blame should be on the government for dragging the process.

“Gina cannot continue to operate a minority government and so we cannot go on like this until November.

“The issue needs to be dealt with, have the budget passed so that we can move on.”

The group said they will challenge the Speaker’s ruling.

“We have 18 MPAs here on our side so obviously, we have the numbers to run the next government.”

Premiers question Policy Redirection

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MInister Seleso with Premiers and Malaita supervising Premier. Missing is Western Premier David Gina

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government’s Policy Redirection has not sunk well with some provinces attending the Premiers Conference in Honiara yesterday.

Chief of Staff in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Robson Djokovic told the Premiers that about $850 million in the National Budget has been allocated towards the Policy Redirection.

This is like half of the $3.9 billion 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021 passed early this year.

Djokovic said the budget targets mainly the productive and resource sectors.

He said $500 million focuses on provincial developments.

“We have lost sight of the importance of provinces’ contribution to the National basket,” Djokovic added.

He said in the past the ministries delivered their budgets, now they want to work with the ministries to develop infrastructures and agriculture sector.

However, Central Islands Province Premier, Stanley Manetiva said alignment and delivery is lacking in the provinces.

Premier Manetiva said there is no delivery to the rural people.

“So I think the redirection means old way of doing it in a new way,” he said.

“In Central Islands, we are close to Honiara and far yet,” he added.

Manetiva said the Government should give the province money to build the wharf at Tulagi and the Government to do the Monitoring and Evaluation.

Makira Ulawa Province Premier, Julian Maka’a thanked the Government for its support.

However, he asked what does the policy redirection means?

Maka’a said the provinces must also re-direct as an agent.

Furthermore, Temotu Province Premier, Clay Forau said while the redirection policy is good for the government under this current situation.

Forau, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the redirection also affects the province because Provincial Capacity Development Fund is not paid in full to the provinces.

“Projects that were awarded last year could not be implemented this year.

“This is a setback because we have to implement projects within 4 years,” he added.

Chief of Staff, Djokovic said re-direction is the priority and objective of the government.

He said it may be doing the same thing in the different way but they are trying to achieve the outcome.

According to the Government, the policy redirection aims to support the economy in response to negative impacts of COVID-19 while maintaining a continued long-term focus on developing Solomon Islands into an economically strong and vibrant nation and advance the livelihood of our people.

This will be achieved by investing heavily on the primary industries and downstream processing.

This includes providing price and support subsidies to the main agricultural export crops such as copra and cocoa, promote kava export and embark  on  a  national  expansion  program  for  noni production.

DCGA will ensure that the Kirakira Cocoa Oil factory is completed in  2021,  Bonale  pineapple  factory  is constructed  in  2021  and  a  cassava  flourmill  is  established  on Guadalcanal for export of cassava flour and livestock feed.

The Premiers Conference ends on 28th September.

Work to bring home nationals in Philippines

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

WORK to bring home remaining stranded students and Solomon Island nationals in the Philippines is still ongoing.

This was confirmed by James Bosamata, deputy secretary for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development at a recent radio talkback show   

Bosamata said the work is spearheaded by the COVID-19 national oversight committee.

“The oversight committee is also working towards repatriating remaining students and nationals from Philippines.

“Again with the flight suspension we will be very careful on how we plan this repatriation flight. But if we are well prepared we will bring them home.”

Bosamata on the same event, adds, the repatriation date for Solomon Islands students is yet to be decided upon – all preparations are ready.

“We will submit our discussions on the Repatriation flight for Solomon Islands student in Fiji to then cabinet for final approval,” Bosamata said.

Independent leader says ‘no more middlemen’

Written by
Press Release
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Hon. John Dean Kuku

The Leader of Independent Group in Parliament, John Dean Kuku, has called on the DCGA to immediately ban foreigners from applying and obtaining licences to export beche-de-mer, and give the opportunity to local indigenous resource owners instead.

“This calls for drastic improvements in the government’s policy redirection with regard to inshore fishery as well as ‘reserved business’ for Solomon Islanders,” Mr Kuku said.

The Leader made the call in light of the government’s intention to lift the ban on beche-de-mer harvesting to allow for harvesting and export of the marine resource.

Kuku went on to say that “this middle-man structure in our beche-de-mer industry is long outdated and has produced very little benefits for our people. It needs a complete turnaround to a new community cooperative business model that will ensure direct market access and direct benefits to indigenous resource owners”.

“The middle-men have not only ripped us off but are also known to have created excessive debts for resource owners through the practice of supplying fuel and ration to designated communities in identified beche-de-mer rich areas ahead of time, whenever the government announces ‘a lifting of the ban’. Those supplies are treated as advance-on-catch, which are then deducted from the final value of the harvest. This often leaves the people with very little money for themselves at the end of the day. This is not on!!!

“Therefore it is incumbent on the government to make the required shift in policy in order to bypass this foreign middle-man system to a more participatory one that places our indigenous rights and interests at the heart of national policy and action. It’s time to give back directly to our communities.”

The sea cucumber fishery is a multi-million dollar industry in the Solomon Islands which provides an important source of income for rural communities, and foreign exchange revenue for the country.

As an export industry in Solomon Islands, there is very little communities can do to control the buying and exporting of beche-de-mer resulting mostly in disempowered and deprived communities. We are simply robbing our people of their ability to lift their own standards of living.

The Leader has strongly suggested that the government must now look at a new modern approach to sustainable development. We can begin by building sustainable partnerships to support Business Finance Sustainability models that would create links with appropriate networks in target market countries. This is one way to establish direct trade for our products – direct export shipment from resource owners.

“Furthermore, the issues of population growth and climate change are also lapping at our heels, so we need to be smarter in managing and utilizing our resources – more bang for buck with minimal impact.

“It’s high time to ensure that we provide high value options for our people, if we are truly serious about bringing meaningful social changes and lifting standards for our communities.”

Perhaps the first crucial step would be to have a community-based beche-de-mer management policy in place, then explore wild farming models in community managed areas to ensure that our stocks are protected and sustainably harvested.

“So enough is enough – no more foreign middlemen! Our people must get maximum benefits for their beche-de-mer resources and the government must be transparent and accountable in its job to manage, protect, and ensure that our resources are sustainably exploited,” the Leader concluded.

–INDEPENDENT GROUP PRESS

It’s not a ‘nuclear base’

Written by
Press Release
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The Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost site plan in the Shortland Islands

AUSTRALIA says it is committed to the security and prosperity of the Pacific and wider Indo-Pacific region. 

Solomon Islands is a partner and close friend of Australia, underpinned by a transparent, honest relationship of mutual respect between two sovereign and independent states.

“Alfred Sasako’s article on 21 September (‘Will it be used as a nuclear-powered submarine base’) has no basis in fact,” a statement from the Australian High Commission in Honiara says. 

“As both Prime Minister Sogavare and Prime Minister Morrison have said, the Western Border Patrol Outpost is a critical, infrastructure project to boost Solomon Islands’ border and maritime security,” the statement added.

“The new facility is a sovereign Solomon Islands asset, and will be owned and operated by the Solomon Islands Government.

“It is not an Australian military base and there is no intention to use it as a ‘nuclear-powered submarine base’.”

The statement said the facility is being designed in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and will be built to Solomon Islands needs and requirements.

“It will bring together Solomon Islands police, customs and immigration officials in a single location to reinforce the security of Solomon Islands’ western border.

“It will also deliver new facilities to coordinate operations, accommodation, and a wharf specifically designed to support RSIPV Taro and Gizo, Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, and Australian-gifted fast boats.

“Australia remains a strongly committed member of the Pacific family.

“AUKUS will create an enhanced security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and United States that will allow us to better share technology and capability.

“It is not a defence alliance. AUKUS complements the Australian Government’s network of partnerships, including with our Pacific family.

“In a rapidly changing strategic environment, Australia’s participation in AUKUS will strengthen our ability to work with regional partners in support of regional stability and security, within the rules based framework on which our collective prosperity is built.”

The statement said as a three-ocean nation dependent on seaborne international trade, Australia requires cutting edge naval capabilities.

It added the first initiative under AUKUS is to support Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines for the Australian Defence Force.  

“The establishment of AUKUS enables Australia to leverage nuclear powered submarine expertise from the United States and the United Kingdom, building on decades of experience in their respective submarine programs to greater support our allies in the Indo-Pacific.

“While these submarines will be nuclear powered, they will not carry nuclear weapons. Australia does not and will not seek such weapons.

“Australia has no plans to develop a civil nuclear power industry.

“We remain steadfast in our support of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and are committed to continuing to meet our obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Treaty of Rarotonga.

“We will ensure our actions, especially in relation to the management of nuclear material, are consistent with our international obligations and comply with the highest operational safety standards.

“Australia is striving to retain an inclusive regional order where the rights of all states are respected.

“Australia is a strong proponent of a rules-based maritime order.

“We support all countries being able to exercise their rights and freedoms consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

“The High Commission regrets that, yet again, Mr Sasako made no attempt to contact the High Commission for the facts prior to publishing this article.”

Man gets 10 years for sex with step-daughter

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man has been slapped with a 10-year jail sentence for having sexual intercourse with his step-daughter.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, committed the crimes on four separate dates in 2017 and 2019.

In passing sentence yesterday, Justice Leonard Maina told the man: “the victim is your step-daughter and what you have committed on her breached the trust entrusted on you.

“The victim was supposed to be treated as your daughter because you were married to her mother; instead you abused her.

Maina said the penalties of sexual intercourse attracts a maximum imprisonment of 15 years, this is because such offence is very serious.

“The issue in which makes the offending you committed very serious was that you are the step-father of the victim, however you breached the trust and care you should have towards the victim as your daughter,” Maina said.

Maina said, “Considering your early guilty plea on the offences committed and considering the submissions from the prosecution and defence, the court considers sentence of, for count one five years in jail, count two five years, count three five year and count four five years in which total of 20 years.

“However, after taking into account the sentencing and mitigation submissions and the early guilty plea which serves court’s time and resource, the court deduct 10 years of the total sentence.

“Therefore, the accused will serve 10 years and the time spent in custody will be deducted from the 10 years sentence,” Maina ordered.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown on the case.

High court quashes Crown appeal

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HIGH Court Judge Justice Leonard Maina has dismissed the Crown’s appeal on the acquittal of former Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola David Tome.

Maina delivered the ruling yesterday at the High Court following an appeal made by the prosecution after the Magistrate’s court acquitted David Tome in 2018.

The office of the Director Public Prosecution appealed the Magistrate’s decision to High Court.

Maina said he did not agree with crown’s appeal saying that the trial magistrate failed to act on his findings that the $80,000 pay-able to Baegu/Asifola constituency was based on application by grassroot economic development community for reafforestation through the Ministry of Forest and Research.

Maina, after analysing the submissions from both counsels, dismissed the appeal and upheld the Magistrate’s judgment delivered on May 31, 2018.

The then MP was accused of conversion in relation to incidents occurred in 2011 where he was accused of converting the $80,000 for Reforestation and Forest Plantation Development and never been used for the intended purpose.

He entered a not guilty plea and the trial was conducted on his case and at that time the court based on the evidence provided found no evidence given by the prosecution to prove that the MP has misused the money and acquitted him.

The Magistrate court in its ruling said that there is no evidence to satisfy the accused had any fraudulent intent to prejudice the right of the intended beneficiary.

Andrew Kelesi of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for crown yesterday while John Taupongi represented David Tome in court.

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