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CPI drops 2.4 percent in June

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The country’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) has dropped 2.4 percent to 106.6 in June 2021.

This is according to the latest Statistical bulletin released yesterday.

National statistician Douglas Kimi said through the year, compared to the same month in 2020, the National CPI dropped 0.6 percent.

He said the most significant changes by major expenditure groups from the previous month include:

– Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: (+0.2%),

– Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: (-14.1%)

– Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels: (-0.5%)

– Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance:  (-0.1%)  Health: (+0.4%)

– Transport:  (+0.3%)

– Recreation & Culture:  (+1.7%)

– Miscellaneous (+0.2%)

Mr Kimi said the Solomon Islands inflation rate for the month of June 2021 calculated on a three-months moving average basis was -1.5%.

“The corresponding inflation rates for imported items was -2.2%, while other (domestic) items inflation rate was -1.1%.

“The Solomon Islands underlying rates of inflation based on a 3-months moving average was observed between -1.7% and -0.8% for June 2021.”

He said the headline inflation rates for the respective provincial towns calculated on a three-months moving average basis were: Honiara: (-1.1%); Auki: (-0.4%); Gizo: (+2.7%); and Noro: (-6.5%).

–SINSO PRESS

Ministry condemns attacks on NRH workers, vehicles.

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THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it is deeply and utterly disappointed at several incidents of rock throwing at NRH vehicles and workers including illegal roadblocks in Honiara during the lockdown period.

“MHMS condemns such outrageous and cowardly acts in the highest possible terms,” the ministry said in a statement.

On Sunday night a health land cruiser was stoned at stone field, Kaibia heights and another at Lungga area.

A third land cruiser was blocked at April Valley, Panatina.

A bus used to support NRH operations sustained two broken windows at No.3 area and St. John Ambulance had to turn back from an actual emergency run around Feraladoa area due to road block.

“Drivers and health workers narrowly escaped injuries from these incidents,” the statement.

“As a result, an emergency case that needed to be brought urgently to NRH emergency could not be reached,” it added.

“Shift of NRH nurses delayed, resulting in delays with attendance to NRH inpatients and timely administration of medications.

“Nurses and health workers were traumatized let alone the costs that will now be incurred for repairs.

“As such, health would like to issue the following statement to those few members of the public whom for unknown reasons decided to stone, block and obstruct health vehicles whilst in operation both for COVID-19 drill lockdown operations and normal continuity of health services.

“What you are doing is putting lives at risk not only of the sick who urgently needed to come to NRH and inpatients but also the hospital medical workers, the very people who have unselfishly made significant sacrifices to their families for your health and lives and that of your families, friends and the country.

“Both medical and public health workers around the world, continue to be applauded, glorified and saluted immensely for their sacrifices, commitment and dedication towards their profession, more especially during this time of the pandemic and even during lockdowns.

“Yet, here in Honiara we witnessed a small minority of ungrateful and disgruntled citizens who seem to have some issues with NRH workers or probably NRH vehicles, which if true is plainly insane, and decided to lodge an attack from the dark.

“There is no common sense in all these. Some of the runs made that night were to drop off NRH nurses who may have cared for your family and friend throughout the day effortlessly, these workers could have also been your mother or father, family member or friend or work colleague.”

The statement said other runs were part of logistical support towards health lockdown operations that is crucial towards sharpening health’s COVID-19 community transmission response, should the virus find its way into the communities.

“Again, this is for the sole purpose of serving you to the best of health’s ability and capacity in the event of an actual COVID-19 community transmission.

“All medical workers in fact swore on oath to preserve your health and in turn your lives, if this is how we are going to treat them, then there is something seriously wrong that needs urgent attention.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Health is making a strong call to all parents and guardians, church and community leaders, elders and chiefs to support the work of health by advocating and raising awareness around the important work of health to community members more especially the youths and young adults.

“Health can do its work in serving the public much better if there is simply an act of respect, regard and support from the public for the work that it is doing.

“Despite these actions, health remains steadfast to continue serving the health needs of our people and our country.”

Varivao applauds Aust plans to open up to Kava imports.

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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General Manager of Varivao Holdings, Benjamin Hageria with kava products bought, stored and ready for export.

By BRIAN LEZUTUNI

As the kava market slows, plans by Australia to allow importation of commercial quantities are being welcomed by one of the country’s leading kava exporters.

In late July, Varivao Holdings Ltd suspended kava purchases from local farmers due to limited market demand and financial hardship brought by the pandemic.

Benjamin Hageria, the General Manager of Varivao Holdings told Island Sun that opening up the Australian market to commercial kava importation will be good for business.

In mid-July, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Zed Seselja told Pacific journalists that commercial kava imports into Australia could begin as soon as the end of this year.

At the moment, Australia only allows kava to enter the country if it is carried by travellers for their own personal use. Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 4kgs of kava.

Since it ventured into the kava business in 2008, Varivao has exported kava to countries such as the United States of America, Kiribati, Nauru and Marshall Islands. It is also responsible for distributing kava products in the domestic market.

“My company is looking ahead to exporting kava to Australia,” an elated Hageria said.

“Australia has a higher population of Pacific people and consumers of kava, and our company is working on a plan based on our research and findings from the Australian market.


General Manager of Varivao Holdings, Benjamin Hageria.

“I want Solomon kava to enter and be sold in the Australian market.

Hageria said he postponed buying kava due to the market being slow and the difficulty faced by the company in supporting kava farmers.

“Kava famers kept coming, but I told them to wait a little bit due to the challenges faced in the international market.

“We also have competition from our neighbouring countries who export kava as well.

Minister Seselja said consultations about re-starting commercial imports into Australia via a pilot programme have been ongoing, the most recent being a Kava Forum in Canberra in June.

The pilot programme was first promised in 2019 by the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison as part of his commitment to the Pacific under the Pacific Step-up.

“It was delayed as a result of COVID, but we intend to progress it over the back-end of this year,” Minister Seselja told regional journalists.

Kava drinkers in Australia, who are being forced to pay as much as SBD $2107 ($350 AUD) for a kilogram of impure kava from black market, will be delighted.

With reduced international travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies usually provided by travelling friends and family have decreased dramatically creating a shortage which has pushed up prices.

Wantok Bosco celebrated in style

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Some of the youth that take part in the program

Students and youths in the three Don Bosco institutions over the weekend gathered at Tetere Don Bosco Hall, east of Honiara, to celebrate the Wantok Bosco day.

The event was animated by the Salesian brothers and sisters from the three Don Bosco institutions; namely Henderson, Gizo and Tetere Don Bosco.

Three of the female youth took part in the program

Parish Priest (PP) of Tetere Christ the King and the Rector of Don Bosco Tetere Fr Robinson Parappilly said Wantok Bosco day is one of the important events for students, staff and the Salesian brothers and sisters of the three brother schools.

youths at the three days program

“The gathering purposely to unite the Salesian Brothers and Sisters, Students and young people from the three Schools under one roof to share, have fan together and listen to talks that will curve their lives for God. It is also to allow young people to come together for the prayer formation,” the rector said

He added the event is celebrated annually, last year a similar event was held at Don Bosco Henderson and this year they celebrate the event at Tetere Don Bosco.

School Rector Fr Parappilly while delivering his talks

The talks were facilitated by the Salesian cooperators from the three schools which include reason and discernment, the importance of religion in the life of young persons and loving kindness as an attitude of service.

A youth from the Unity Ministry Taloa of Red beach Mr Victor Pule said indeed the programme is significant for youths and himself as a young person.

some of the Salesian Sisters at the Program

“The programme is very important especially for youths and young people in our communities. “It is good to spend our times listening to talks and Gods words instead of roaming around and involve in unwanted activities that will destroy our connection with God,” he said

He said from the talks he now has a clear understanding on how he should discipline himself accordingly especially to what he should follow in his personal life.

Grop green presenting thier discussion

The event was held for three days commencing on Friday, August 27, ending on Sunday.

The theme was ‘Don Bosco youth Holy formed and sent for service’.

–CATHOLIC MEDIA

China funding is a shame – sharp/soft power at work: TSI

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TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands is flabbergasted to sight the Letter written by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands to the Financial Controller of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet informing him of full Caucus’s agreement with regard to the remaining balance of the Peoples Republic of China Constituency Development Fund for 2020.

Caucus agreed for the funds to be paid out as additional National Development Funds to support constituencies COVID-19 economic recovery effort.

It said that the funds are held at the ESCROW Account jointly operated by Solomon Islands Government and the Embassy of the Republic of China.

The first question Transparency Solomon Islands asks is who holds the authority and the decision-making power of the political parties that form the Executive Government.

In whose hands is the Executive Government of the people of Solomon Islands eating out of politically and for whose benefit. 

What can be seen is a foreign Government financing the people of Solomon Islands Executive Government to stay in power, for the benefit of that foreign government and the party that holds the Executive Power of the Solomon Islands Government.

The timing of the release of the funds speaks volumes with regard to the true purpose of the ESCROW Account – National Development Fund.

The use of Solomon Islands Government in his memo is misleading. Solomon Islands Government includes those members of Parliament not in the Executive Government, the Governor General as the Head of the State, and the Judiciary – the three arms of the government.

In this case the beneficiaries of the so-called National Development Fund are only the Members of Parliament who are in the Executive Government no more nor less.

The funds can therefore be assumed to be for political financing than for National Development.

China through its Embassy here in Honiara is involved in political activities of this country when that should be an activity left to the people of Solomon Islands to be engaged in – making, preserving, and amending the rules under which they live in with their government. 

Would China allow for such a practice in China. 

The answer is no, so why do it here in Solomon Islands. Now that this has become public, the Executive Government needs to inform the public who the signatories to the ESCROW Account are.

In examining the ESCROW Account, Transparency Solomon Islands reflects back on its submission to the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee that was tasked with the issue of Taiwan/China Relationship switch 2019.

Whilst Transparency Solomon Islands acknowledges the Prime Minister’s statement that it has always been the Executive Government who decides on such matters, it is our view that the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Standing Committee is the legislatures process that provides checks and balances for the Legislature, as well as ensuring the Executive Government does not misuse and abuse the unlimited power and authority of the State.  

The Committee provides public participation, inputs, scrutiny, monitoring and evaluation of the Executive Government’s plan making it more transparent and accountable to the people of Solomon Islands.

At that time and in media, Transparency Solomon Islands as do others shared views that Solomon Islands is not ready for this relationship and that it should prepare itself first, by strengthening its already very weak and corrupted poor governance systems and put in place systems that would ensure the country benefits transparently and accountability and with integrity from this relationship.

Transparency Solomon Islands shared publicly and to the task force information on how the Chinese Communist Party influences and the many forms it comes in or takes.

As can be seen in this so-called National Development Fund the Executive Government fails to inform its people   and more importantly provide an avenue for people of Solomon Islands to comment on the ESCROW Account of China.

It is important that the Executive Government and China provide the avenue where citizens of our country can raise their views and know how ESCROW Account is in the best interest of the people of Solomon Islands whose power is being exercised by the three arms of the Government.

Some of the forms the Communist Party Influences take.

1.            Economic Influence both licit and illicit –

Here in Solomon Islands climate change has affected us, our families, our land, and communities. Logging companies harvesting logs in Solomon Islands are doing so at 19 times the sustainable rate.

More than 80% of Solomon Islands log exports go to China.  

In the meantime, Solomon Islands loses 1,440 square kilometres [556 square miles] of tree cover between the year 2001 and 2017.

This acreage continues to increase at an alarming rate.  The accrued benefit of these resources is not paid to the country or the owners of these resources but to the loggers.

The Solomon Islands State of Environment reported that the forest harvest rates are a concern for the environment and long-term sustainability of the forestry sector.

Whilst forestry is a major contributor to the Solomon Islands economy, forest logged, and logs exports remain a very serious concern for long-term sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Trees as young as five to ten years were re-harvested, pictures of round log the size of a coconut trunk were posted on social media, Western Province raised its concern with regard to the size of logs appearing too young to be harvested and the story goes on.

China is committed to addressing climate change.  Whilst this is the case, it seems it does so only in China. There is no law in China banningthe trade of unsustainable trade of round logs.

This means all the imports are perfectly legal.  The high risk of illegality at the point of harvest is of no concern to China. 

Illegally harvested logs through trespass, into conservation areas, with no timber right hearing process, with fake licence, etc. are example but are of no concern to China. 

As long as it is not harvested illegally in China these are allowed to reach their shores. Logging has caused a lot of problem to the social well-being of the communities.

It does not bring genuine development to the lives of people.

As other countries in Southeast Asia and Africa tightened restrictions on timber exports through such measures as log export bans, China has turned to other sources of timber such as the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

High demand in China for timber continue to put pressure on Solomon Islands Forest depleting it to the level way beyond its sustainable rate.

Had the Executive Government done its work in the best interest of Solomon Islands, it could have negotiated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for certain standards for sustainable with regard to logs/timber it imports from Solomon Islands.

China’s demand for logs is depleting the forest resources of Solomon Islands.

China could and still can introduce certain standards for sustainable harvest of forest resources similar to the Pacific tuna harvest with the introduction of IUU [Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated] harvesting of tuna.

China importing 80% of round logs from Solomon Islands and as our diplomatic partner it could do the same instead of providing political financing through the National Development Fund of the ESCROW Account to the Executive Government MPs only.

This is but one example that the Executive Government could have negotiated from the beginning and now, serving the country.

Instead it is now coming out what they negotiated for or sold our country for Political Financing through National Development Fund financing only the members of parliament in the Executive Government in order for them to stay in power.  Solomon Islands is a democratic State.

It is not the private company of those members of parliament in the Executive Government running is a business to serve their cronies.

2.            “Sharp power/ Soft Power” to manipulate the political and information environment

The ESCROW Account is nothing more than Corrosive Capital provided by China to the Executive Government of the people of Solomon Islands. It is “Sharp power” at work to manipulate the political and information environment.  

It is State-backed capital that lacks transparency or accountability and flows from authoritarian regime into Solomon Islands where there is weak rule of law putting our democracy at risk.

This is a bad deal concluded behind closed doors for the benefit of the Executive Government of the Day.

Whilst to date it is noticed that China has not behaved as it did in our neighbouring countries, let us not be confused for this could be the start of something big and beyond our control.

Slowly Solomon Islands is witnessing the manipulation of information, focusing on winning the information battle, shaping the national media and online environments, propaganda, borrowing the boat, buying the boat, shaping the discourse, and neutering debate.

The ESCROW Account is nothing more than Direct Political Interference, using ‘captured” elites to shape policy, supporting pro-China cronies and candidates and targeting investments for political influence.

We have seen pushbacks that lead to “sharp power” in other countries such as Australia, Maldives etc. 

Transparency Solomon Islands accepts that China is our diplomatic friend, and they can do good for us, but this cannot happen if our representatives think of themselves than the country. China must be congratulated has changed its approach from loan to grant in Solomon Islands.

This is a good sign, but this non-transparent ESCROW Political Account should be of concern to every right thinking Solomon Islanders. We need to watch out for Corrosive Capital for there are correlations between corrosive capital and governance failure in recipient countries.

Solomon Islands already has Governance gaps as a recipient country of any of these types of corrosive capital. 

It has weak laws and where rule of law is also weak. There are lack of checks and balances over government. ESCROW Account or the National Development Fund’s Governance from its country of origin is non-transparent, non-compliant and state-directed it would seem from the Prime Minister’s memo. 

The danger is that Solomon Islands as a recipient country allows negotiations behind closed doors, it has huge gaps in standards and implementation, rule of law is weak and the civil society inactive. 

Having these issues, it will be very prone to any “sharp power” and the political and economic intention of such funding as held in the ESCROW Account/National Development Fund.

How the ESCROW Account, the so-called National Development Fund has been allocated or being a discretionary fund for the ruling DCGA government demands the putting in place Corrosive Capital prevention and mitigation standards and practices.

It is also time for citizens and their representatives together build internal defences for our young democracy. It is time to assess the ESCROW Account – National Development Fund against its capacity, ability, and accountability to the following; Sovereign-Upholding; Transparent; Financially sustainable; Locally engaged; Geopolitically Prudent; Environmentally sustainable; Corruption -Resistant.

Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the Executive Government to explain to the people why the $200,000.00 is given to those in the Executive Government only. 

Is DCGA telling the people of Solomon Islands that Solomon Islands has been re-drawn and is made up of only 39 Constituency. Isn’t this discriminating, divisive, and threatening peace and stability.

If people are arrested for causing instability is the Executive Government excused by the law.

Isabel holds online meet with Shandong Province of China

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China's ambassador and former Isabel Premier, Lesley Kikolo

ISABEL Province last week engaged in an online dialogue with Shandong province of China.

The event was conducted at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.

In attendance were Premier Leslie Kikolo, Deputy Premier & Minister for Community Affairs Toni Vahia, Provincial Secretary John Lokumana and Chinese ambassador Li Ming.

On the other side of the video link were senior officials from agriculture, trade & commerce agencies of Shandong Provincial Government of China.

Chinese companies of infrastructure, energy, fishery, and university representatives also participated in the dialogue.

Premier Kikolo said this was the first ever video webinar between two provinces and congratulated on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Communist Party of China.

He made an excellent introduction about Isabel Province.

“Isabel is well known for its beautiful scenery, abundant resources of fish, agriculture, mines and government owned parts of land to attract investors and tourists, but lack of capital, human resources and infrastructure are major bottleneck of development,” Kikolo said.

He emphasized that Isabel province firmly supports SI-China relationship based on One China principle.

He also thanked Chinese Embassy for facilitating the online dialogue and looked forward to further cooperation and exchanges with Shandong Province.

Senior government officials from Shandong Province separately briefed Kikolo and his officials on the economic and social development of Shandong and spoke highly of the prospects of cooperation between two provinces.

Shandong province is also famous for its strong economy, huge market, advanced technology, especially in areas of agriculture, infrastructure, maritime resources & technology.

Shangdong is the third largest province in terms of GDP in China compared with other 30-plus provinces.

Shandong province looked forward to more dialogue and cooperation with Isabel province in the future, including fight against COVID-19, trade & investment, people-to-people links.

Representatives from Shandong companies also expressed their interest and willingness in the provincial relationship. 

Ambassador LI Ming gave a briefing on the fruitful outcomes in the past two years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands.

He highlighted the area of provincial cooperation and said the economic structures of Shandong and Isabel provinces are highly complementary with each other.

“The Chinese Embassy stands ready to continue to assist two provinces in enhancing dialogue, promote mutual understanding and making progress in cooperation,” Ming said.

He also announced during the dialogue that the Chinese Embassy together with Shandong Province will donate a certain number of desktop computers to high schools in Isabel province.

Suidani calls for new deputy to be sworn-in

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Malaita premier Daniel Suidani has called for the swearing in of the newly appointed deputy premier, Glen Waneta.

This call goes head-on with an advice by the Attorney General that Premier Suidani’s recent removal of his former deputy, Randol Sifoni, was Ultra Vires.

In labelling Suidani’s act as Ultra Vires, AG John Muria Jnr is claiming that the Premier does not have the power to do what he did.

However, in response to AG’s letter, Suidani wrote a letter dated August 26, 2021, advising the speaker of Malaita provincial assembly to go ahead and swear-in the new deputy.

Premier Suidani made the following points;

1. My decision of 23 August 2021 to reduce the composition of the Malaita Provincial Government Executive from 17 to 16, which resulted in Hon Randal Sifoni being

  a. relieved of his duty as Minister and 

  b. relieved of his duty as Deputy Premier remains in effect. 

2.  My decision was based on power vested on me as Premier under sections 20 and 21 of the Provincial Government Act (PGA) and this remains in order until anyone has taken that to Court and the Court declares otherwise. 

3. I exercise my power under the principle that any exercise of power by the person holding the power is assumed to be in order unless reversed by the High Court.  In this case, my action as Premier is valid and effective until anyone has challenged that in the High Court and the High Court declares it to be invalid.

5.  The Malaita Provincial Government Executive members are to continue performing their function unless a High Court order declares that they should stop. 

6.  At this stage, the Attorney General’s advice or indeed any advice by anyone is a mere opinion and cannot form an injunction against the implementation of the actions determined by the Premier.

7.  The removed Minister and Deputy Premier, Hon Randal Sifoni, is encouraged to take up the matter at court if he feels that his rights are unlawfully or unfairly interfered with.  

8.  In absent of an order from the High Court on that, Hon Randal Sifoni has been effectively terminated and no longer has any power to exercise in that capacity.  Any attempt by Hon Sifoni to remain in office is null and without legal basis.

9.  As required by the PGA, I have advised the Minister of MPGIS that Hon. Glen Waneta will take up the role of Deputy Premier. The Minister of MPGIS as required by the PGA section 20(4) must make the appointment in accordance with the advice from the Premier. 

10.  The Police must maintain order and preserve the integrity of the Malaita Provincial Government.

11. I therefore request that you administer the Oath of Office to Hon Glen Waneta MPA for ward 8 as the new Deputy Premier of Malaita Provincial Government.

In a separate statement Suidani referred to AG’s letter as his own legal opinion, and “he should take the matter to the High Court so that the High Court can decide on the question of whether the Premier has acted outside or beyond his power.

“Alternatively, Hon Sifoni can challenge the Premier’s decision in court if he feels his right was denied or he was unfairly removed from office.

“In the absence of a High Court ruling the Premier’s exercise of the ‘power to remove’ his provincial Minister who is also the Deputy Premier is deemed effective.”

Honiara vaccination resumes

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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vaccination sites in Honiara.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Centres within the Honiara Emergency Zone will resume covid-19 vaccination as of today.

Dr Christopher Becha, health director for Honiara City Council Health sector, confirmed this in a recent press conference organised by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services prior to the recent 36 hour-lock down.

“Our vaccination centres at Kukum, Honiara City council and at Children’s Park Rove will open back to the public and resume vaccination roll-out in Honiara as of today, Tuesday 31st 2021,” Becha said.

Incident Controller for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Nemia Bainivalu said vaccination roll-out did not happen during the lockdown because movement was restricted.

“But definitely if in any event of community transmission, we are planning to do vaccination through the set zones within the Honiara Emergency Zone,” Bainivalu said.    

Vaccination roll-out in Honiara Emergency Zone stopped on Saturday afternoon before the lockdown.

20 detained, ship held on first night

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Police Response Team (PRT) patrolling the Honiara City road

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Police have reported 20 arrests in the first night of the lockdown.

They’ve also reported the detention of a landing craft, owned by loggers, on the same night.

The 36-hour lockdown began at 6pm Sunday, ending at 6am this morning.

Covid-19 Police Operations Commander, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Simpson Pugeava said 18 suspects were arrested for breaching the lock-down regulations and two suspects arrested in relation to kwaso (homebrew) issues.

 “Those twenty suspects arrested are currently at Central Police Station Custody awaiting further dealings. It is alleged that some of the suspects arrested were related to the rock throwing on the government vehicles on Sunday night.

“Investigation into those arrests still continues and ask those people who might have any information to come forward and assist police.”

He stressed police will not tolerate anyone who breaches the lock-down orders.  

Attorney General John Muria Junior in a recent radio talkback prior the lock-down confirmed that the exercise is legal and has hefty penalties if breached.

“If you breach the 36 hour lock-down you will be arrested. Penalty for breaching the lock-down is $15,000 or five years imprisonment,” Muria said.

Police are expected to provide a lockdown update later today.

  • An officer checking a vehicle at the Ranadi round about checkpoint
  • Point Cruz road during the lockdown on 30 August 2021
  • Officer controlling vehicle coming to checkpoint at hotbred Kukum round about

BLC concludes Western and Choiseul provincial inquiries.

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Community Represenetatives who participated in Sehge

The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) has successfully concluded its inquiries into the Public Health Emergency Bill 2021 on Tuesday 24th August 2021 for the Choiseul and Western Provincial region.

It took almost a week and a half to conduct the hearings, unfortunately BLC was not able to conduct hearings in Nila, Shortlands because of a restriction order by medical authorities, however, BLC might consider going to Shortlands later.

BLC members with the Speaker(far right) and Members of the Choiseul Provincial Assembly infront of the Provincial Assembly house

Hearings were only conducted in Taro, Gizo, Munda and Seghe for the selected front line workers, government agencies that served there and various community representatives from surrounding villages.

BLC was also able to pay courtesy calls to Provincial leaders before conducting hearings on the ground.

Acting Chairman of the BLC, Mathew Wale, told witnesses that the hearings allowed Parliament to engage with the public, thus, this process is significant to the Committees and Parliament.

“We would like to hear your thoughts on this very important piece of legislation in this western part of the country.” Wale said.

Witnesses in the Western and Choiseul provinces willingly share their observations and provide the Committee with adequate information with evidences concerning their own communities and their border with Bougainville.

A female community representative asked a question during the inquiries in Gizo

They informed the Committee that the object and reasons of the Bill are genuine except that some clauses need to be re-looked at or amended.

Many recommendations were also made by various sectors like the biosecurity, customs, police and immigration officers who were also present at the hearings.

People also shared that they were not properly consulted to better understand the Bill, while a few managed to skim through before actually submitting their evidences to the Committee.

Details of the Western and Choiseul Province’s inquiry will be made known to the public after all hearings are completed and a report of evidences and recommendations is compiled and tabled in parliament for debate.

BLC Committee Members – from left Hon. Lily Maefai, Hon. Stanley Sofu and Hon. Matthew Wale (Acting BLC Chair) during the hearing in Gizo.

The team returned back to Honiara on Wednesday 25th August 2021 and are now in preparation to visit the Central Islands Province this weekend.

Hearings for the Central Islands province will be conducted in their provincial headquarter, Tulagi on Tuesday 31st August 2021.

Travelling Committee members to Central province are;

  1. Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale, Member, Acting Chairman
  2. Hon. John Deane Kuku, Member
  3. Hon. Lilly Maefai, Member
  4. Hon. Rick Nelson Houenipwela, Member
  5. Hon. Derrick Rawcliff Manuári, Member
  6. Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, Member

The Committee will be accompanied by National Parliament Office support services staff.

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