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Wale urges govt to withdraw Telco bill

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Eddie Osifelo
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader, Matthew Wale has urged the government to consider the Bills and Legislative Committee’s recommendation and withdraw the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2021 and undertake further work on it.

Wale stressed this during his debate on the Bill in Parliament yesterday.

“No policy document was issued as the basis for any consultations.

“None of the stakeholders and witnesses that appeared before the Committee were given the benefit of any policy document,” he said.

Wale said the Telecommunications Commission of Solomon Islands (TCSI) was not specifically consulted on this Bill.

He said both service providers (Our Telekom and Bmobile) were not meaningfully consulted.

Furthermore, Wale said the financial institutions were not at all consulted.

On the other hand, he said there is broad support for the registration of SIM cards.

“The Bill compels data collection but offers no protection for the privacy of that data.

“Nor does it clarify the ownership of the data or the rights of users over their personal data,” he said.

Wale said it is important that these prerequisite processes are fulfilled and all the issues consequential to the registration of SIMs comprehensively given due consideration to avoid a piecemeal approach.

He said that would be good lawmaking practice.

Wale said these are some of the concerns raised by the Bills Committee, and which form the basis of its recommendation that the Bill be withdrawn and a genuinely robust consultation process be pursued after policy on these matters have been properly formulated and clearly articulated.

He said given the current lack of evidence of widespread abuse of SIMs, the government has time to deal with these matters comprehensively.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare called for an adjournment of debate after Wale’s speech to allow his Executive to go through the Bill in Caucus before the meeting resumes at 9.30am today.

ADB, NZ, and Aust to help Gov’t reform tax system

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Ministry-Of-Finance-IRD

The Asian Development Bank has joined with the governments of New Zealand and Australia to help Solomon Islands overhaul its tax system to expand and secure the country’s revenue base.

The $20.1 million, 5-year Domestic Resource Mobilization Project will restructure Solomon Islands’ Inland Revenue Division (IRD), install a new tax administration information system, train and upskill staff, and deliver a public information campaign to increase taxpayer understanding and compliance.

Together, these reforms will enable the transition to a fairer, more efficient, and more transparent tax system.

“We appreciate this support from ADB and the governments of Australia and New Zealand, and will use it to prioritize a comprehensive tax reform agenda to achieve more sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth and development during the COVID-19 recovery phase,” said Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary Mckinnie Dentana.

“Complicated tax laws and the absence of broad-based taxes leave Solomon Islands dependent on income from a few major industries, more vulnerable to economic shocks, and reliant on foreign aid,” said Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Sydney Lotte Schou-Zibell.

“This project will support the government’s efforts to reform the tax system to make it efficient, sustainable, and inexpensive to administer, while discouraging tax avoidance and encouraging productive investments.

“This will be particularly important for helping Solomon Islands to recover from the widespread impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and identifying higher levels of investment to support economic growth.”

“Through this partnership we are committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government’s vision of a more efficient and effective tax system, essential to ensuring that all Solomon Islanders benefit from development and prosperity,” said New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands Georgina Roberts.

“The Australian Government is pleased to work with ADB and New Zealand, with leadership from Solomon Islands Government, to improve tax administration and reap greater revenue for the country,” said Australia’s Chargé D’affaires in Solomon Islands Sally-Anne Vincent.

Revenue collection in Solomon Islands is burdened by a complex and unwieldy tax framework, with multiple discreet and indirect taxes that have their own legislation, rates, exemptions, assessments, filing requirements, and penalties. Direct taxes on corporate, individual, and wage incomes also each have different rules, requirements, and penalties.

With ADB’s support, an ongoing government tax reform program is preparing simpler tax legislation, including a new tax administration law, the introduction of a value-added tax (VAT), and a review of income tax arrangements. The project will deliver the training, technology, and institutional reforms needed for the IRD to administer this new tax framework.

The project will help implement an ongoing restructure of the IRD and fund the acquisition of a new, fit-for-purpose tax administration information system and equipment allowing tax data to be shared across IRD, improve reporting, incorporate critical security features, and allow for the introduction of the planned VAT. It will also collect sex-disaggregated data for the first time and make the IRD’s records compatible with other government systems.

With the introduction of a new tax framework, including a VAT, the project will help design and deliver a comprehensive taxpayer education program to inform individuals, businesses, tax agents, and others of the new services, obligations, and reporting requirements.

Special attention will be given to ensuring women taxpayers and entrepreneurs are informed and encouraged to participate in the formal economy.

The Domestic Resource Mobilization Project is funded through a $5.5 million grant from ADB, a $6.5 million grant from New Zealand, a $3.5 million grant from Australia, and $4.6 million from the Government of Solomon Islands.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

 Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

–ADB PRESS

Red Cross launches ‘Evriwan Kaikai’ Initiative

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Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) last week launched ‘Evriwan Kakai’, an initiative to support vulnerable people and communities with fresh, tasty local food.

The concept, which is to be centred around the Red Cross (KaiKai Haus) café in Chinatown, is to give patrons of the café the option to pay a little more for their lunches, should they wish, with the balance going towards providing free cooked meals for those who need them.

The café has been a favourite among a very diverse range of customers, and is one of the few places in Honiara that provides food that is healthy, local, fresh and affordable.

Secretary General Clement Manuri said of the initiative that while it is one that is focused on encouraging individuals and families to eat local food it also an initiative that helps extend the services of the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society to the most vulnerable in Society.

“This is a great initiative that will help encourage our people to eat more local fresh food.

“On the other hand, it is also an initiative that will help ensure those who are vulnerable and are in need are supported, which is the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. This is with providing them with meal of local fresh food,” Manuri said.

Meanwhile, the National Society is looking to begin the roll out of the initiative beginning in October next Month.

“With the great support from our partners involved, we are looking to begin the roll out of this wonderful initiative in October,” Manuri further added.

The Red Cross’ work here in the Solomon Islands has been ongoing since 1983, with teams of staff and volunteers working tirelessly to increase the resilience of communities and ensure that vulnerable people within our society are supported.

Primarily a humanitarian organisation, the SIRC has most recently been contributing to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ Covid-19 response, including vaccination administration, information dissemination and assistance to students and other citizens stranded overseas.

//End//

Prosecution needs time, bail delayed for accused

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

An accused was yesterday denied his rights to bail due to prosecution needing more time to respond to defence’s application.

Defence had applied for bail on behalf of Mr James Tangasuna on August 31, 2021. Defence yesterday said this was more than ample time for prosecution.

Defence Lawyer Ben Ifuto’o informed court yesterday the appearance was for bail application but prosecution has not responded to their application.

Ifuto’o said there was nothing new in the application to delay prosecution’s response, the application was just like other previous bail application filed to them.

He said they should have responded without seeking more time.

Meanwhile Public Prosecutor Olivia Manu who appeared on behalf of her colleague prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda said that the prosecutor in carriage is awaiting police investigators regarding status of investigations before she can respond.

High Court Judge Leonard Maina after listening to both counsels said there is no need for prosecution to go back to the police before responding to the bail application.

The statements and documents are now with prosecution and it is the prosecution to decide on the response based on the law, Maina said.

Maina then adjourned the case to Friday and made directions for the Prosecutor in carriage to appear in court.

Tangasuna isaccused to have involved in the murder of a 50-year-old man at Keuna Village in the Marumbo area of West Guadalcanal on June 14, 2020.

Allegation said Tangasuna and the deceased were both drunk and prior to the incident had an argument.

It is alleged the accused got hold of a piece of timber with both of his hands and struck the victim twice. The first strike allegedly landed on the back of the victim’s head, and as the victim fell to the ground, the accused then gave the second strike which landed on the left side of his head including the victim’s left shoulder.

Police said the deceased fell unconscious on the ground with blood coming out from his mouth and nose. The deceased was then transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for medical treatment.

Since the time of incident until his death, the deceased remained in a critical condition for eight days until he died on June 22, 2020 at NRH.

ENDS///

Concert to raise funds for Tenakoga school

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Tenakoga Principal Francis Leovania in front of the burnt down classroom before its demolishing

A gospel concert will be held this Sunday in aid of Tenakoga school which lost a classroom building to a fire earlier this month.

The concert will be hosted at the Maranatha Hall.

It is made possible through efforts by the school’s Honiara-based committee and school.

Principal Francis Leovania is inviting business houses, aid donors, government and public at large to come out in numbers to support the school raise funds to rebuild their classroom.

He said though it is a community school they have enrolled students from all over the country, Temotu to Bougainville, not just Guadalcanal.

The school is also calling on gospel singing groups or individuals willing to come to support.

“This is an open invitation to groups that want to support the school,” the school head said.

Leovania said since the burning down took place, they have received support from both individuals and groups.

On Sunday last week, one of the logging companies in nearby tenements sent its excavator to demolish the building for the work to start with plans of the new classroom building.

The school has resumed classes as their students have been cooperative and have accepted their temporary classrooms.

The concert will start at 12pm; Iinterested singing groups and individuals who wish to support can call 7524993.

High rise complex aux staff undergo training

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Janitors, gardeners and security officers who attend their training at AJ Mall, Lunga, East Honiara yesterday.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ABOUT 77 people representing janitors, gardeners and security of multi-million-dollar AJ City Building at Lunga, East Honiara, are engaging in a one-week workshop, starting Monday.

The training is to equip them ahead of the grand opening of the classic building proposed for October 18, 2021.

Absolute Company Limited organizes the training programme in collaboration with Triple Brothers Security Firm.

The AJ Enterprise Limited funded the training programme.

CEO of AJ Enterprises Limited, Ellen Inahia Maruarofa said the aim of the workshop is to prepare and equip the Gardeners, Janitors and Security Guards of AJ City Mall to perform their roles as expected.

She said the objectives are for them to:

  1. Be informed of AJ Enterprise Limited business vision, mission, its business activities and working relationship with its partners.
  2. Know their roles as Gardeners, Janitors and Security Guards.
  3. Identify the bad behaviours and practices at work place.
  4. Know their way in and around the AJ City Building.
  5. Learn of AJ City Mall basic building rules and policies.

She said it is for them to:

  1. learn how to use the escalator and lifter;
  2. learn about the basic work place communication skills;
  3. engage in preparedness sessions on emergency responses during earthquake, fire and self-awareness on racism, assistance to customers, handling & hazards.
  4. Learn about the AJ City Mall Building Emergency Plan.
  5. Learn how to use appropriate equipment at workplace.

Furthermore, for them to:

  1. Learn about health & safety rules at workplace.
  2. Learn basic knowledge and skills on larceny and its elements.
  3. Learn the importance of appropriate dressing and grooming to workplace.
  4. Learn basic awareness on COVID 19 responses at work place.
  5. Learn about the importance of efficiency & effectiveness at workplace.
  6. Learn about Team Work and why it is important.

The workshop will end on 1st October 2021.

Other facilitators of the workshop are National Disaster Management Office and Royal Solomon Islands Police.

Workshop on Land Purchase Cooperatives held in Honiara

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Presentation during the session at Heritage Park Hotel.

A workshop that introduced and demonstrated approaches and tools relevant to supporting revitalisation of the Land Purchase Cooperatives (LPCs) in Solomon Islands was held recently.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Ministry of Commerce, Immigration, Labour and Industry (MCILI) and rep from the Ministry of Women, Youth Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) participated in the virtual meeting hosted by Julie Delforce Whitelum Group- project management & supervisor consultant.

The virtual meeting aimed to introduce and demonstrate practical approaches and tools relevant to supporting revitalisation of Land Purchase Cooperatives (LPCs), specifically; bringing the ‘Market system’ together to help LPCs access new opportunities and Family Farm Teams (FFT), a team approach to the business of farming. Both approaches are currently in use in Solomon Islands.

“All these workshops were intended to help develop practical tools, communication materials and approaches that MAL and MCILI can draw on for their future work to support LPCs,” Julie Delforce from Whitelum Group- project management & supervisor consultant said.

“This workshop was one of a series involving staff of MAL, MCILI, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) and MWYCFA.  It followed consultations with LPCs in Guadalcanal, Malaita, Isabel and Western Province late last year which resulted in preparation of a detailed Assessment Report and Stocktake Database.

Earlier workshops focused on Land issues (with MLHS) and Organisational options (with MCILI Co-ops unit).  All these workshops were intended to help develop practical tools, communication materials and approaches that MAL and MCILI can draw on for their future work to support LPCs,” Ms Delforce said.

She thanked all the participants for their active participation in the workshop, and in particular Permanent Secretary of MAL Ethel Tebengi Frances for providing such strong leadership and support. “We wish you all well as you take this work forward into the future.”

The Government of Canada assisted the national government through the Ministry of Agriculture with a technical funding assistance of CAD$203,000 (approx.SBD$1 million) toward the LPCs revitalisation effort.

The funding requested by MAL to support MAL vision to revitalise these LPC as is where the country has years of large cocoa and coconut plantations. With support of Whitelum Group MAL in alliance with MCILI carried out preparatory and research work which included the reviewing of current state of farmer and marketing cooperatives in the country, recommending regulatory and policy measures that the Government may take to provide support to farmers through these cooperatives, and carrying out a pilot activity to implement part of the report’s recommendations.

“These LPCs are part of our agriculture sector history and described as ‘Dormant Resources awaiting to stimulate agriculture development in the Solomon Islands,” Ms. Frances earlier said.

She said reviving the country’s LPC’s is in line with the current government policy of growing our economy, create jobs and better the lives of our people.

Ms. Frances said as a nation of islands it is difficult for Solomon Islands farmers to access markets adding Cooperatives are a mechanism that can support farmers address market access challenges.

–MAL PRESS

Forestry says it’s keen on copying SFRM model

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Ministry of Forest and Research is eying replication of the Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project model in the country once the project comes to an end.

This was highlighted at the SFRM Joint Coordinated Committee (JCC) meeting held recently. JCC is a platform that implementors of the SFRM project sits together to update, scrutinize and analyse ongoing activities implemented at two selected pilot sites – Kumoniboli and Falake communities.

Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) on behalf of the Japanese Government and its people is partnering with the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Forestry and Research in implementing this model here.

Forestry Deputy Secretary, Wilfred Atomea says the SFRM project model is an ideal way forward for Solomon Islands rural community setting, given our nature of living that depends very much on our forest resources.

“With our overall aim to divert current thinking on reducing logging and transforming forest industry to a more sustainable pathway, the two demonstration pilots must be successful and the model replicate across the country while the SFRM Project is running.

“The Ministry of Forestry and Research is renewing our commitment as a government to continue implementing the programmes and hopefully this remaining year will be another year of making advancement in enhancing the principles and demonstration of Sustainable Forest Resources Management in rural settings to assist in improving the resources management that will trickle down to individual members of the tribal and community members.”

He adds amongst other ongoing collaborating pilot and research projects that we have engaged with, SFRM project had been successful and generally in line with its schedule.

“The policy redirection of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) for the forestry sector focuses on two areas; Downstream processing and Sustainable Logging Development Program, thus the SFRM project remain relevant and significant under these two policy programs and is progressing well on schedule with its immense benefits to target groups particularly at the Ministry of Forestry and Research and the two pilot sites namely Komuniboli in Guadalcanal and Falake in Malaita.”

Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands Office, Mr Motoyuki Uegaki says he is inspired to hear the project is making a good progress and achievements with its activities so far.

“I can easily pick up some outcomes which came out after the last JCC meeting. First, the solidarity of the stakeholder of the forest sector has become stronger than ever.

“Second, the social networking system of the project is increasingly holding the spotlight than ever. Third, the survey on gender issue was constructed mainly in the pilot sites and its result being finalized are forthcoming.”

Mr Uegaki adds he firmly believes the knowledge has been created and transferred to the pilot site communities.

“I am sure that the communities and the Ministry are now steadily equipped and will fully utilize the knowledge learned during the project as a tool to guide people in communities to protect, manage and conserve their forest resources.

“And I hope that knowledge will spread not only to the pilot sites but also to other communities going into the future.”

–MOFR PRESS

Shell money shop opens in Honiara

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Chrisenthia Lagu and Veronica Sifoburi at their new shell money shop called Shaenkola at Chinatown.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

STEVENs and Sons company is opening a shell money shop called ‘Shaenkola’ at Chinatown, Central Honiara as part of preserving the culture and value of the shells.

This follows shell money being an open market, in which the commodity is being sold in the Central market for public to purchase for bride price and compensation and other cultural ceremonies.

Owner, Steven Sifoburi of Langalanga lagoon in Malaita province said in the past the old people kept the shell money in secret houses.

Sifoburi said today shell money is sold openly in the market, therefore he is opening his shop to give a home for it.

He said as the country is also preparing for the Pacific Games in 2023, it is good to store it in the shop to show to visitors the significance and cultural practice behind the shell money trade.

Island Sun visited his shop on Monday this week and saw necklaces and tafuli’ae of North Malaita, string shell money of Are Are and Talinga of Guadalcanal on sale on the shelves.

Sifoburi said today people of Langalanga bought the shells from other provinces because of over harvesting in the lagoon.

He said making shell money is a long process.

This includes women breaking the shells, drilling them, treading, and men grinding, and women colouring and re-treading before it is a finished product.

Sifoburi said people who use shell money in Solomon Islands used to pay brides for marriage and the couple bear children after that.

He said without the shell money, there would be no children to go through formal education system to get qualifications to help their family.

As such, he said it is important to preserve shell money and promote the culture in years to come.

St Joseph Tenaru’s feat

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Writers, Editors and Teachers posing with the Book after the Hand Over ceremony, the school taking ownership of the book

ONE of the country’s leading secondary education institutions, St Joseph Tenaru, on Saturday received a special book which was launched to mark the school’s 75th anniversary.

The book, titled ‘Sacrifice and Leadership’, documents commentaries and reflections from both students and teachers, current and former, sharing their experience during their time at school from as far back as before the WWII.

Priceless photos show people who graced the school during its initial days at Aruligo, activities and places, up to the current site at Tenaru.

This handover followed the book’s launching on Sunday, September 19 at Holy Cross Hall by Archdiocese Vica General Fr John Galvin representing His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP.

A former Student poses with the 70th Anniversary Book

The writers and editors handed the book to Marist representatives, the school Head-boy and Head-girl, and the teachers – the book is now rightly owned by the School.

During the handover, chief editor of the book Sam Alasia in his emotional but joyful remarks, acknowledged those involved in putting together the book and Archbishop Chris for supporting the book.

Sam Alasia Chief Editor of the Tenaru 75th Anniversary Book during the Book Handover ceremony at Tenaru Hall sharing his remarks

He said this ceremony is a great milestone for the school, Marists and Catholic Education in Solomon Islands.

“This is our achievement because no school in the Solomons has achieved what we have done,” he said

“Marist brothers for their educational endeavours and their spirituality which continues to shine out today at St Joseph’s.

“Now the book has returned to where it rightly belongs, at St Joseph’s Tenaru.

“St Joseph’s Tenaru travelled 75 years till now. This is a great achievement.”

School Principal Abraham Hihiru acknowledged the all the writers and everyone who contributed in creating the book towards the school’s 75th Anniversary.

School Principal Tenaru Book Co-editor Abraham Hihiru sharing his remarks during the Handover ceremony

Anniversary celebrations will take place from October 7-9, 2021.

He reflected on the story of Neil Armstrong’s words when he became the first human being to land on the moon in 1969.

“One small step for a man but a giant leap for mankind,” he quoted.

“Appollo 11 which carried Armstrong and two other astronauts travelled about 75 hrs to reach the moon.

“The book has been a small step for us all the writers but a giant leap for St Joseph’s as an institution.”

Former students Sally Pita and Frank Wickham and Current Head Boy and Girl also shared their experience as students of the school and how the school shaped and formed them, not only in their education and physical upbringing, but also nurtured their spiritual wellbeing.

–CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION

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