PREMIER of Western Province says the existing governance hierarchy from the central to provincial government is a curse to development.
David Gina made the statement in reference to greater partnership and collective decision-making process towards needed development.
“I believe one of the glaring inadequacies of our current provincial government system is the detachment of our rural populace from the national government and the day to day running of the country or province for that matter,” Gina said.
He said provincial governments are the closest semblance of any formal governance structure that people can access, adding provincial governments know better the need of the people.
However, he said provincial governments have been abandoned in policy making process leaving provinces with no option but to receive services that are being provided without having any say in their needs, priorities and policies that areas are pressing in respective localities.
Gina said, the dissolution of Area Councils in the 1990s followed by the enactment of Provincial Government Act [1997] were the biggest errors that led to the disconnection between national and provincial government when it comes to shared decision-making processes.
“This marked the gradual concentration of the decision-making powers to Honiara and the reciprocal “disconnect” between the ruling few and the past.
“This is further compounded by the fact that under the Provincial Government Act [1997] (PGA), Provincial Governments are viewed as “agents” only rather than partners. It therefore follows that how can development be progressed when we are not on the same footing,” he said.
Gina described the establishment of Ward Development Committee (WDC) following a cabinet decision in 2012 as a mirror reform strived to reconnect the national and provincial government in policy development and implementation processes.
“The reason being that whilst the intention of the WDCs is to involve the rural people in governance through a participatory planning process, this does not come with fiscal devolution in order to render meaning and significance.
“We are only in the early implementation stage and we are already seeing the superficial nature of these arrangements.
“It is my humble opinion that for meaningful development to take place, we must first of all address the discrepancies and gaps within the current system so that it fosters a genuine partnership environment rather than one of master and slave,” he said. “These are some of the underlying weaknesses which continue to doze the existing system rendering its efficiency,” Gina added.
PRC’s deputy ambassador Yao Ming, left, with Lloyd Loji of Island Sun displaying notes of exchanges during the handing over of the computers, yesterday.
THE People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy has donated sets of computers to Island Sun to support the newspaper’s role in the dissemination of information during the Covid-19 challenges.
PRC’s Counsellor and deputy ambassador Yao Ming handed the computers to Island Sun Management representative Lloyd Loji.
Ming said the media has played an important role in disseminating information to the public and in recognition of that they are happy to support Island Sun newspaper during this difficult time.
He said he hopes the computers will equip news staff of Island Sun to do their duties effectively to meet deadlines.
Loji, on behalf of Island Sun Management, thanked PRC for the timely donation, adding the newspaper looks forward to working closely with the Embassy in the future.
THE Tina River Hydropower Development Project has partnered with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to enroll 15 students from the Tina River communities to upskill and train locals under the Community Benefit Sharing Program (CBSP).
Starting next week and continuing into 2022/23, the students will be trained in certificate and diploma courses in fields such as Electrical, Plumbing, Business, Survey, Carpentry and Joinery, Environmental, Automotive Engineering and Secretarial studies.
In a first-of-its-kind extension program, the students were identified and selected after attending the CBSP’s Pre-Employment Training which was made available to eligible members of the Tina communities.
PET training and University courses are designed to upskill, equip and prepare people to be job-ready for employment opportunities during the construction and operational periods of the Project.
Speaking at the official ceremony of awards last week, Deputy Project Manager for Tina Fred Conning, described the program at SINU as an outcome of the communities’ request during the consultation phase 11 years ago.
“During the consultation phase of the Project, catchment communities had requested we assist the younger generation to grow with the Project.
“We took that very seriously and that is why when we designed the Project agreements, we included things like benefit shares and training,” he explained.
He also congratulated the students saying they are fortunate to be selected as the first recipients to be a part of the CBSP pilot program and enrolled at SINU in various courses under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training component.
Conning also encouraged all young people to participate actively in the Project and to take advantage of what is ahead.
One of the new students is Hubert Siapu and he thanked the Project for allowing him to further his education.
“I am very grateful to the Community Benefit Sharing Program for giving me another chance to further my studies. After completing the course in two years, I look forward to working on the Project.”
CBSP Coordinator Francis Kapini also added all the training at SINU for the participants is fully funded under component 3 of the Community Benefit Sharing Project.
“The students were selected after fulfilling SINU criteria and requirements and were identified from the previous Pre- Employment Training,” he said.
SINU’s Principal of Student Services Officer James Lengi said the University is privileged to partner with the Tina River Hydropower Project and sponsor the students.
“SINU has intended to reach out to institutions like the Tina Hydro Project to sponsor students at the University especially during this difficult time with COVID 19, when finance is becoming a major issue for students who are required to pay fees before enrolling to attend classes.”
He added with this program now in place, SINU looks forward to working with the Project office on this very important initiative to invest in future leaders and generations for the country.
“This is a very wise decision made by the Tina Hydro Project Office through the CBSP platform with the support of its other stakeholders,” he emphasized.
Among the recipients is 20-year-old Ileen Erisha of Malatoha in the Malango Region.
She is currently enrolled to commence a Certificate in Plumbing Services.
“I decided to study plumbing because my father is a carpenter and has encouraged me to learn a trade,” she said.
Erisha will graduate with a Certificate in Plumbing in 2023, looks forward to completing her studies and assisting the Project in the future.
The CBSP component 3 is for capacity building of community members through selected training and employment opportunities during the construction of the Project and will continue to positively impact the people of Tina into the future.
GRWA Executive and members standing with the GP Provincial Minister for Women, Youth and Sports, Hon Rose Tala [standing sixth from right].
THE Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s provincial Minister for Women, Youth and Sports opened the Gold Ridge Women Association shop yesterday.
Situated at the Gold Ridge Mine Site, the retail shop is registered and trading under business name Suta Enterprises Company Ltd, and will serve company workers and the company’s kitchen.
Speaking during the occasion, provincial Minister Rose Tala acknowledged the GRWA’s invitation for her to be the guest of honor and opened the shop.
She began by congratulating the women of Gold Ridge for the milestone achievement.
“This occasion signifies a milestone achievement of partnership between the developer and the people.
“You see in any country and society for this matter, Human Resource is the most critical resource; more valuable than Gold or Silver. This occasion indeed showed that you value the landowners, specifically the women of Gold Ridge”, Tala said.
Part of the crowd witnessing the opening of the GRWA shop.
Minister Tala said the current Guadalcanal provincial Government promotes gender equality and gender balanced participation.
“The current Guadalcanal Provincial Government in it’s governance policy promoted gender equality and gender balance participation in sustainable development of Guadalcanal province. In this regard, I sincerely acknowledge GRML for recognizing and believing in the women of Gold Ridge and Guadalcanal province, so that they can be equal partners through this project in sustainable development of Guadalcanal province.
“Secondly, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government under its service policy wish to empower youth, women, sportsmen and women of Guadalcanal province to recognize their potential to contribute to Social and Economic growth of Guadalcanal province”, she explained.
Ms Tala said the milestone initiative has enabled the women of the region to equally participate in economic activities within this economical region.
Furthermore, the Minister said the Guadalcanal Provincial Government in its policy seeks to improve economic status of women through business partnership and development.
“This occasion we are all here to witness is a drive aimed at facilitating our women to be active partners in business and development.
“And for this, I wish to earnestly thank the GRML Management for sharing the same vision and aspiration as the Guadalcanal Provincial Government”, Minister Tala said.
The provincial Minister also highlighted that women are managers of the family.
“Women are the managers of the family and when you empower more women you are empowering the capacity of individual families, let alone the whole society to actively participate in meaningful development and progress in our society.
The provincial Minister’s special message to the women of Gold Ridge is for them to be proud recipients and beneficiary of this project.
“We must be grateful for allowing our resources to be harnessed in an economical way. Today we witnessed a classic example of positive feedback from allowing investors into our community.
“I on behalf of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government wish to strongly call upon all women to feel the ownership of this shop and to harness the economic opportunities that will be presented and work together to ensure its sustainability”, Minister Tala said.
Speaking on behalf of the Gold Ridge Women Association, the Chairlady Joycelyn Pohungke said it is indeed a historical day for the women of Gold Ridge.
“Today is a historical day for us the women of Gold Ridge area because it is the first time we are given the opportunity to form our own Association under any mining company operating here in Gold ridge.
“We are also privileged to have our Association registered as a legal body. This is a successful initiative by the company management through dialogues with the women from the 10 communities in Gold ridge,” Pohungke explained.
Pohungke briefly outlined the reasons for the Association.
“This Association is established to ensure that the women of Gold ridge are given the freedom, protection, confidence and assistance to explore plan, develop proposals and implement projects that will assist in raising our children free from discrimination and in sharing to improve the living standards of all the residents in our communities,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the company, GRML Director and Deputy General Manager assured the women that the company is committed to assist the Association.
“Thank you for putting a lot of effort to make things happen today, and I can assure you that this is the beginning of many more good things to come.
“This symbolizes the foundation and partnership that sets this project on a strong foundation for us to develop Gold Ridge, not only the mining project but other business opportunities deriving from the gold project.
Wang told the women that their Association is an opportunity to bring all the women of Gold Ridge together.
“Using this opportunity wisely, you can run for a couple of decades.
It’s good that we start to work together. The shop is just a start. I know you can do more things once you have the capabilities.
Wang added that Gold Ridge through this program will bring women closer together and encouraged the women to develop the passion of sharing.
“Now that you have an association, you can collaboratively share your experience, share your knowledge share your wisdom, and share your passions with your husbands.
‘The management team will honour our commitment in terms of business trainings and the support that you need. We will be listening to your concerns, and we will also listen to whatever advice you will have to make this a successful business”, Wang said.
He thanked the community relations team, GCIL and GRCLA for the support and advice rendered to the women Association.
“Indeed, this is a very exciting moment, and I hope you will keep this enthusiasm and maintain that level of enthusiasm. Make sure it is consistent. Going forward, I hope to see the same level of enthusiasm maintained, and hope to see the same effort put into running the shop.
Meanwhile, Hon Tala together with GRML Directors Walton Naezon and Allen Wang cut the ribbon to officially open the Suta Enterprises Company Limited shop.
Hundreds of women, men, youths and employees witnessed the opening of the shop.
Solomon Ports is continuing its ongoing improvement of the domestic terminal at the Honiara Port, Point Cruz.
Earlier this month a ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the commencement of construction of four new jetties, which is just next to the Kwalemanu jetty, right behind the Hyundai Mall.
Work on the first Jetty has now commenced, with its engineering team now currently doing sheet piling and land reclamation works on site.
The new jetties will be 50 meters in length and 12 meters in width, which is larger than the existing jetties.
This is to better facilitate the number of vessels using the domestic terminal.
SIPA Chief Engineer Ronald Ivupitu said the sizes of domestic ships using the domestic jetties are getting larger every year, with the current one measuring 63 meters.
He said the idea of increasing the size of the jetties was to allow more maneuverability for both vessels, and port users during ship operations.
“The existing jetties are a bit narrow, but the new jetties will be wider, which can allow two vehicles to enter at the same time”, he said.
“This will allow faster loading and unloading so that ships can leave quickly, which will save time as well.”
The proposed new domestic jetties’ access will include paved roads with proper sufficient car parks as well as resting areas for passengers, as well as specialised parking areas for individuals with disabilities.
Other road furniture will also be included such as road crossings, resting benches, streetlights, and plants.
The jetty under construction is self-funded by SIPA, and will cost SBD$28 Million, which includes the onshore developments.
Other works and repairs on existing jetties are also underway, these are mainly to replace the fenders and bollards.
Construction on the first jetty and onshore features will last eight to ten months, meaning the new jetty is expected to be completed and commissioned in mid-2022.
SIPA is continuing with the domestic terminal upgrades with the aim of improving port facilities and services to port users traveling out to the islands.
Last month, the domestic terminal exit’s two storied gatehouse was also completed, and also saw the unveiling of the proposed plan of the new Domestic Terminal Building.
CALM DOWN: Police Inspector Tex Tafoa addressing a crowd that gathered at Kukum yesterday in anticipation of a protest march to the Prime Minister's Office. Heavy presence of Police on ground at Kukum on Monday calmed the rowdy crowd and dispersed them while their leaders worked with Police to address the issue.
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
Prime minister Sogavare’s government has been called to heel by a group of Malaitans based in Honiara.
Following a petition by the group, national government is taking on board issues raised and will address them through the Malaita provincial government.
How this will play out remains to be seen since the two governments are at loggerheads.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, special secretary to the prime minister, Albert Kabui said the provincial government is the rightful authority through which national government can work.
He said they met with the Honiara-based Malaitans last week and explained to them that they have taken note of the issues raised in the petition.
But to address those issues, government will deal directly with the Malaita provincial government (MPG) because the MPG is the mandated body which represents their people, Kabui said.
Kabui adds, some of the issues raised in the petition are being dealt with through responsible ministries.
“One of the issues is Fiu bridge. The government is continuing with its dialogue and will go back to the province on how to go forward,” he said.
Kabui said in terms of responding to Honiara-based Malaitans, they will invite them again tomorrow to brief them on the outcome of the petition.
The group had requested the Prime Minister to
Honour and respect the Auki Communique and ceases its attempts to extinguish or curtail the right of the self-determination by the people of Malaita as represented through their MARA government in the said communique
Keep the Chinese community party, its companies or agents our of Malaita province a made blatantly clear in the Auki Communique
Refrain from weaponising infrastructure development in Malaita and specifically keep the World Bank SIIRAP Project on Malaita province alive according to the World Bank procurement guidelines
Immediately cease all contracts granted to entities owned, endorsed or associated with Members of Parliament or their agents in the building of infrastructure in Malaita as sign of good faith and an important step to eradication corruption from the machinery of government in Solomon Islands.
Focus on good, honest and transparent governance and stop petty politicking and disadvantaging the Malaita population
Put a halt on the influx of cheap Asian labour into Solomon Islands who are systematically taking away economic opportunities from Solomon islanders
Fulfil commitment and mandate to support Malaita province including commitment made in the Townsville peace agreement of the year 2000
Afford Malaita the opportunity to explore and exercise rights and freedoms of democratic states as enshrined in the Solomon Islands constitution
The DCGA to lift total ban of sea cucumber harvesting for our Malaita outer islander’s livelihood
DCGA to immediately address mitigating measures to counter the desperate climate change situation affection our Malaita Outer islanders.
Meanwhile it was revealed that World Bank will proceed with the tender process to design the Fiu bridge.
Government has already identified a candidate to be the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador to US and High Commissioner to Canada.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck confirmed to media in a press conference yesterday.
“We have more less consult and get necessary agreements from host country like United States.
“That has already come back but formal appointment has actually made and announcement will come,” he said.
Beck said they want to allow the process to complete.
“It is an internal process for candidate, moreless submit or give notice.
“It requires little time to do that but I can say Government has actually identify a candidate,” he said.
Former Chief Executive Officer to the Parties to Nauru Agreement, Dr Transform Aqorau was earlier earmarked for the role in New York, USA.
However, due to waiting for one and half years, Dr Aqorau decided to apply to Republic to Marshall Islands and got a job as Legal Advisor in Fisheries
Further to that, Beck said the Ministry has closed down the office at London and reassigned the Ambassador, Eliam Tangirongo to look after the office in Auckland, New Zealand.
PUBLIC servants are reminded to take their first COVID-19 jab by 31 August 2021.
Government made the reminded as the months comes to its end Tuesday next week.
Cabinet recently directed that all public servants and employees of the central and provincial governments, and all staff of state-owned enterprise (SOEs) and other government institutions and subsidiaries must complete their first doses of vaccination by 31st August 2021 and their second doses by 30th November 2021.
“Public servants are asked to note that those who choose not to take their first does of COVID-19 vaccine by 31st August 2021 will not be allowed to access their workplace from 1st September 2021,” a government statement said.
“And any employee that is not fully vaccinated by 30th November 2021 will be taken as having self-terminated their employment,” the statement added.
It further explained that Public Servants in the provinces where vaccination has not yet been rolled out must receive their first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine within 2 months of the rollout date in that province and must have taken their second dose within 3 months of the date of the final day for the first dose of the vaccine.
The statement said an employee in the two categories in the other provinces that choose not to be vaccinated by the end of 2 months after the vaccine roll-out started in their province will not be allowed to access their workplace from the day after the 2 moths expire, and if they are not fully vaccinated by the expiry of 3 months from date of the final day for the first dose, it will be taken that they have self-terminated their employment.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, MHMS, has already launched the COVID-19 Vaccination program in seven provinces including Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Isabel, Western, and Malaita Provinces – leaving Makira, Rennell and Bellona and Temotu the remaining provinces.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has this week, in his nationwide address also called on individuals and organisations to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their children from COVID-19.
From (L-R) - Solomon Power CEO Donald Kiriau, Minister Manele, Ambassador Yasuhiro, Director of Mines and Permanent Secretary Collin Beck
THE Government of Japan continues to lend its helping hand to Solomon Islands regardless of the negative impacts of covid-19 on both countries.
The latest of this is a Grant Aid of $29 million support to the country’s Energy and Mineral sector, which comes under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Programme.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele and Japanese Ambassador, Morimoto Yasuhiro signed the Exchange of Notes to formalise the assistance in Honiara yesterday.
The assistance will go towards the installation of Solar Street Lights and a Geology Laboratory following a request by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga during a bilateral meeting at the margins of the 9th Pacific Leaders Meeting held virtually last month.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, allow me to convey to your Government and the good people of Japan, our sincerest gratitude and deep appreciation for your government’s continuous support to promoting economic, social and infrastructural developments in the Solomon Islands,” Minister Manele said.
Japanese Ambassador, Morimoto Yasuhiro believed the assistance will improve the Geological Survey Department’s capacity to support the government’s initiatives, including mineral and geological exploration for supporting economic development as well as mitigating disaster risk.
In addition, he said the provision of solar street lights under this assistance by Solomon Power will improve the livelihood of Honiara residents by providing a secure and safe environment at night.
The Solar Street Lights component will complement the support provided by Japan for the Kukum High Way Phase 2 project as well combating climate change.
This grant aid will be used to purchase 110 solar powered street lights which will be installed by Solomon Power.
For the geological laboratory, the support will be used to purchase laboratory equipment to analyze rock, soil, and water, gas and oil samples.
The geological laboratory will be managed by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.
In addition, the support includes, the purchase of a new vehicle (4WD) to support the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification to carry out necessary field surveys and other related works.
The two projects supported by the Government of Japan are important for Solomon Islands.
For instance, the infrastructural initiative by the Ministry of Mines and Energy for the installation of Street Solar Lights, will improve the country’s energy efficiency and conservation as it prepares to host the Pacific Games in 2023.
Such green initiative will also minimize the use of diesel fuel for street lightings and provide lighting for feeder roads in the suburbs around Honiara City.
For the geological laboratory, this will support the government’s testing capability and capacity to determine soil and rock types and as well identify mineral resources.
The Projects are aligned to the Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy that focuses on key sectors of improving the social and economic livelihood of all Solomon Islanders, with improved service delivery for the country.
The signing of the Exchange of Notes today is another milestone in the cordial bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Exchange of Note signing is the third for Solomon Islands under the Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme which started in 2018 with the first assistance to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and in 2020 to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Foreign Affairs is waiting for a report from the Australian police regarding two citizens involved in a stabbing incident on Sunday.
The ministry says it would make an announcement when they receive the report.
Initial social media reports claimed one of the men, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, stabbed the other.
This resulted in the arrival of an ambulance and police intervention.
Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck told media in a press conference yesterday that the matter is before the police of Australia.
“As soon as Australia police deal with it, more less ministry will make pronouncement,” he said.
Beck said certainly they do have strict rules to try and promote number of Labour Mobility in Australia.
“We work on the brand of commitment.
“We see number of workers growing, when go under 2000, we have one or two do ways outside of accepted practice,” he said.
On the other hand, the Labour Mobility Scheme has made a lot of impact on Solomon Islanders.
Beck said for seasonal labour, it is $116 (AUD$20) per hour and $145 (AUD$25) per hour for semi-skilled workers.
He said this really makes it more attractive for a lot of workers.
Beck said on average, one Solomon Islander can return with $50,000 to the country after all the deductions.
Furthermore, Beck said two more flights are expected to leave for Australia in the next two months that will increase the number to more than 2000 workers.
He said currently, there are 7000 to 8000 applications before the Labour Mobility Office to deal with.
