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Progress in Suava Bay project

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The Development of an Economic Growth Centre located in Kwatanaere along the Suava Bay is progressing well.

This is following successive steps to conduct subdivision of the selected land for the project.

The Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project is implemented under the flagship of DCGA’s productive sector priority policy through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration.

This is very vital to decentralize economic infrastructure that stimulates micro-economic investment opportunities to create employment and generate incomes for better rural livelihoods.

 Site back filing for market, copra and commodity storage warehouse has been progressing on well with 95% completion.  

A local team of consultants identified by the government for environmental impacts assessment go ahead in site preparation for building constructions next year 2022.

The government through Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration is working closely with the Commissioner of Lands in order to acquire certain sections of the allocated land that still needs to be acquired.

In the meantime, the DCGA government acknowledge contractor Exodus Trade Development for the earth works in backfilling of construction site.

Furthermore, resources owners, tribal chiefs, community leaders and community citizens had recognized the future economic prospective of this Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project and this is manifested through their continued support and cooperation to date.

Such economic infrastructure is recognized as the literal backbone of an economy with positive impacts to facilitate trade, industrial growth, commercial marketing value chain, decline unemployed workforce, catalyses rural economic opportunities to decrease influx urban drift, recovery and sustainable long term economic growth through private sector investments for mutual benefits.

The DCGA is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities through this economic infrastructure project for economic empowerment and national stability.

–PMO

Makira-Ulawa to celebrate 38th anniversary today

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PM Sogavare and Premier Makaa visits the new Kirakira ramp recently.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation arrived in Kirakira yesterday morning ahead of today’s celebrations of Makira-Ulawa province’s second appointed day.

The province turns 38 today.

PM Sogavare and delegation with Premier Makaa and Executive members

Prime Minister Sogavare touched down at Ngorangora airport to an exciting traditional warrior welcome before he was received by Premier Julian Maka’a and members of his executive.

PM Sogavare shares a moment with a patient at Kirakira hospital

The Prime Minister was humbled by the Makira hospitality before he was escorted to the Provincial Capital, Kirakira.

In Kirakira, the Prime Minister attended to a series of engagements including a meeting with the Provincial Assembly, a visit to the Kirakira hospital, the new Kirakira Ramp and other sites.

Premier Julian Makaá

The Prime Minister will deliver his keynote address during the official celebration today.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by a number of ministers, members of Parliament and Senior Government Officials.

The Ministers include Provincial Government Minister Rollen Seleso, Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Bradley Tovosia, Minister of Education Lanelle Tangada, Minister of Lands Ishmael Avui, Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Freda Tuki and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Nestor Ghiro.

PM Sogavare introduced to Kirakira hospital

Also joining the Prime Minister’s delegation is Malaita Province’s Deputy Premier Randal Sifoni representing other provincial premiers.

The Prime Minister’s party were flown into Kirakira from Marau in East Guadalcanal after celebrating Guadalcanal Province’s Second Appointed Day on Monday.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

SINU CLASH

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Kukum campus of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Staff hit out at ‘mass termination’

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE 230 terminated staff at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have rebuffed statements by the Minister of Education and Human Resources Lanelle Tanangada.

This was after Tanangada denied any mass termination of SINU staff when asked by Leader of Parliament, Mathew Wale in Parliament last week.

A spokesperson for the SINU terminated staff said the front-page article on Friday 29th July, captioned “SINU’S TORN SINEWS” is an eyebrow-raising and thought-provoking example of the type of misleading and twisted fabrication of truth surrounding the so-called recruitment policy or restructure exercise carried out by the Executive Management Committee of the SINU Council.

“The first paragraph of the article which reads (quote) “Minister of Education and Human Resources, Lanelle Tanangada has denied any mass termination of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) staff” (end quote) speaks volumes of the type of information passed to the Honorable minister.

“Two can happen here – either the minister is out of touch with what is really happening on the grounds or, secondly, the minister is miserably misinformed by the Council or SINU management with what is really going on in SINU. This calls for investigation into the practices of SINU’s mismanagement,” spokesperson said.

“It was said that employees can apply for the position they hold.

“However, one wonders how that can be so when the restructure has suggestions of a need for a higher qualification to fill in the post?” he said.

The spokesperson said mass termination is not the issue, but the PROCESS taken to allow this to happen begs a lot of questions from the Management.

“Can SINU save money by slowly, over time, recruit new, qualified and able employees, which will allow for the traditional hand-over take-over process to take place?

“To some commentators they view this exercise as a way that the management wants to get rid of employees who may know some things which must come out in public,” he said.

“By recruiting new employees, the management seem to want to hide some of these practices.

“With the abruption and fast recruitment process, SINU is sweeping out the door of employees who “know how” things are done to assist SINU and the “know where” to find what is needed to move SINU forward,” he said.

The spokesperson said SINU is disadvantaging her employees who served her well, and now are leaving them without any payments to assist them to make ends meet while SINU completes her recruitment process.

“This is inhuman and a crime against humanity. Authorities are asked to look seriously into this tip of iceberg as much more is hidden from view.

“The employees pictured below had their contracts ended on June 30 and July 2, but are still waiting for their repatriation and other dues,” he said.

“They cannot just wait without money for this long.

“SINU needs to do something drastic to save these people who are stranded because of the management decision to quickly terminate their contracts without due thought on how it will not only affect these people, but more so, the operation of SINU,” he said.

About 123 academic staffs and 107 support services staff are affected by the exercise.

This include 34 in Faculty of Education and Humanities, 29 in Faculty of Science and Technology, 17 in Faculty of Business and Tourism, 18 in Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science is 17 and Distant Flexible Learning is 8.

About 70 percent of these staffs were former staff of the then Solomon Islands College of Higher Education.

Almost 90 percent of them have a basic degree in teaching streams while large numbers in the TVET areas have only certificates.

The administrative department is dominated by staff with diplomas and certificates.

Tanangada said as SINU Council resolution dated 22nd June 2015, all positions must be advertised in the open market before the contracts expired.

She said following a period over eight years now as per SINU Council resolution, which was dated 29th of March 2021, the management has now considered it most appropriate to execute the recruitment policy smoothly and seamlessly for purposes of upgrading the quality of the programmes offer at SINU and attracting competent administrative support staffs.

Tanangada said interviewing of applicants are currently ongoing and expect all positions in academic and non-academic to be filled at the start of second semester on 8th August.

All test results for Papa Mau case negative

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

TEST results for the recent incident of MV Papa Mau that docked in Honiara on the 15th of July have been tested negative, Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana says.

“These test results are for both all primary and secondary contacts,” the minister added.    

“We were fortunate enough that to date, all primary and secondary contacts have been tested negative for COVID-19, with further tests underway to fully rule out any COVID-19 threat,” he stated.

“Nevertheless, with efforts to keep the economy afloat at this difficult time, we cannot simply isolate ourselves from the rest of the world.

“Our engagements in international trade needs to continue thus, the ongoing entry of cargo flights and foreign commercial vessels to our ports.

“These however continue to pose serious risk and concern of COVID-19 entry and community transmission.”

Togamana said whilst the possible transmission is controlled by air, they are now focused on ensuring protocols dealing with vessels are sharpened to ensure COVDI-19 infections do not enter the country through ports.

He adds over the past 18 months, through the efforts of the Vessels Exemption Committee, they were able to protect the country from this deadly virus through the protocols that they have applied.

“As a result of the increasing incidence of finding COVID-19 positive crew members on foreign vessels, the Oversight Committee’s Vessel exemption committee will be tightening up requirements for foreign vessels to adhere to when travelling to Solomon Islands,” he said

COVID affects work on airport project

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

FLIGHT restrictions imposed to protect the country from the global pandemic has affected work on the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) airport project at Henderson.

This was revealed by Asano Yoko from the Embassy of Japan yesterday.

“The work reached up to 30percent as of end of July,” Yoko stated.

“The project is affected by flight restriction; however, so far the work is progressing as it was planned,” she added.

She said the impacts in terms of flight restriction prevented expatriates who are supposed to here for the project unable to travel over.

Yoko said currently about 100 Solomon Islanders work on the project.

Some specialized tasks are also taken by local workers.

Kengo Hoshina Project Formulation Advisor, JICA reiterated the project was supported with total funding of   47.3 billion JPY (about 43.5 million USD) with a project period from December 2019 to February 2023.

Hoshina said the international terminal building, international apron, guideway, etc. were constructed by Japan’s Grant Aid.

He said after almost 20 years, the aging has become remarkable.

In particular, some aprons for international flights have severe asphalt peeling, and some airlines have pointed out that they are not suitable for aircraft operations.

Furthermore, Hoshina said with the increase in aviation demand in recent years, the shortage of international parking spots has become a problem.

Presently (before Covid-19 pandemic) the airport is in need of three parking space for aircraft at the same time, but since the international apron has only two parking spots, the airport tentatively responded by providing the apron from the domestic terminal.

He said the existing domestic terminal, fire garage, and control tower are constructed at a position where the ground height is lower than the surrounding area, and they are easily damaged by flooding during the torrential rain in the rainy season.

Hence, through this Japan’s Grant Aid, renovation and expansion of Honiara International Airport will be completed.

By improving facilities and related equipment at Honiara Airport, safety of the airport will be secured.

“The airport will be able to respond to future increases in aviation demand and for Pacific Game in 2023, thereby contributing to the sustainable economic growth of the Solomon Islands,” he said.

The project includes the construction of international departure terminal, renovation of existing international terminal, repair and expansion of apron and taxi way, installation of aviation lights, construction of flood control embankment, etc.

After the completion of the project and the pandemic, both increase in the number of international passengers and number of international flights departing and arriving are expected stated Hoshina.

Moreover, he expressed the challenges faced when implementing the project 

“The preparatory work started in December 2019, but due to the global pandemic of Covid-19, the project experts were evacuated and the project forced to be suspended for about 8 month.

In time for completion before the Pacific game in 2023, construction has resumed since Dec 2021, but due to recent strengthening of travel restrictions, overseas engineers have not been able to enter the country, and the project is facing a big challenge against time and cost,” Hoshina said.

New govt scholarship brings more confusion

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Solomon Islands National University

CONTINUING students at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have received Solomon Islands Government scholarship to pursue a new programme.

A female student, who wished not to be name revealed to the media yesterday after she received a scholarship this semester to start her programme in Bachelor of nursing.

She is currently doing her final year of Bachelor in Teaching.

“I applied to the government to support me in my final year in Teaching.

“However, to my surprise, the award letter I receive informs me to first year in nursing,” she said.

The female student said other continuing students at SINU have also received similar award.

“I have informed the Director of National Training Unit, Curtis Kalu but she urged students to follow the awards letter.

“This is surprising to us because we stated all our information in the information forms so that NTU can be well aware of the programmes we are pursuing,” she said.

Therefore, the student alleged whether it is a deliberate move by NTU to issue wrong scholarships to students.

She said students cannot change course because they are already into their second, third or final year in their career programme.

Island Sun has sent an email to Ministry of Education and Human Resources permanent secretary, Dr Franco Rhodi and Director of SITESA, Curtis Kalu on Sunday, but have not received any response until last night.

Taimareho case moved to end of August

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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27 lives were lost on the MV Taimareho in April 2020 when the ship sailed through rough weather.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against the management of the West Are’are Constituency shipping company, owners of the vessel Taimareho has been moved to the end of August.

The case was against the Directors, General Manager, Captains and the West Are’are Constituency shipping company.

It was adjourned to August 23 for a possible plea.

The 12 defendants are charged in relation to a sea tragedy involving the Taimareho that caused the death of 27 people at sea in April 2020.

The defendants were supposed to have entered pleas yesterday however, there are certain issues needing to be sort out before the arraignment can be made.

One of the issues of adjournment is that one of the defendants is still in Buala and not available to front court.

Also, the defense requested the crown provide them one of the international conventions as some charges are under that convention, the STCW document.

The Prosecution said the STCW document, is not like other documents that are readily available on line, but will liaise with Maritime to get the document.

Some of the charges against the defendants are under the shipping Act 1998, which include sending an unsafe vessel to sea, Vessel going to sea without a valid certificate, taking an unsafe vessel to sea, disciplinary offence, failing to keep an official log book, failing to notify the principal surveyor of change in condition of a vessel and not complying with the convention international on standards of training certification and watch keeping for seafarers.

The defendants on this case are charged under the 1998 Shipping Act.

They are Michael Roy Galo (ship master) Joe Malepa and Stephen Waina’a (captains) Shipping Directors are Esther Hoasihere, John Bosco Houanihunu, Lawrence Hunumeme, Stephen Maahanua, Aaron Oritaimae, William Parairato and Aloysius Poiohia and the General Manager Cypriano Taamora.

This is the case related to the incident which occurred on April 3 2020 where 27 innocent lives were lost at sea in Malaita when MV Taimareho carrying people from West Are’are back to their home village encountered rough seas, unfortunately that trip cost 27 lives with only six bodies recovered during the search.

Gun case adjourned to Friday

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE court has adjourned the case of a man charged with one count of possession of fire-arm to Friday this week for the set-up of a trial date.

This is the case of accused Alfred Maefalea whom police arrested at the Guzo point on June 6 2020.

The case was mentioned before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, but since the defence lawyer Daniel Kwalai was busy at the High Court on another trial, the court moved the case to Friday.

Maefalea was arrested and charged after police allegedly discovered a firearm inside his vehicle in the early hours of June 6 2020.

Police said after they discovered the gun, he was immediately arrested and escorted to the Central Police Station watch house with the firearm where he was formally arrested and placed in police custody.

He was then was charged with one count of possession of firearm without license contrary to section 5 (2) (a) of the Firearms and Ammunitions Act.

Police said the Honiara City Response Unit (CRU) was on a routine patrol in the Kukum area when they came across a car parked in the Guzo Point area along the Kukum Highway.

On checking the vehicle, officers discovered the driver asleep in the driver’s seat and believed to be drunk. They also discovered a modified point-22 firearm wrapped in a bag in the boot of the suspect’s vehicle.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appeared on behalf of the crown

Court concern about items seized by police

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE court has raised concerns on how law enforcement officers are dealing with the issue of confiscated items and goods belonging to people arrested for illegal hawking at public places.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison made the comments in court yesterday when sentencing a vendor guilty for hawking in public without a licence.

Following a guilty plea by the woman on the charge of hawking without a licence, the Magistrate discharged the accused without conviction, due to no exhibit being presented to court to support the charges.

He said how the HCC law enforcement officers dealt with illegal hawking cases are quite concerning as there were no exhibit presented in court.

He told the HCC prosecutor that any cases of such must provide exhibits to the court for proof.

The accused Rose Geli of Malaita pleaded guilty in court for selling betelnut fruits, fruit leaves and roll cigarettes along the yacht club fence on July 19 2021.

She was arrested by HCC law enforcement officers and her items were all confiscated during her arrest.

None of those items were produced when the case was called before court, and the presiding magistrate Hollison discharged the victim without conviction.

Hollison also told the woman not to involve in such activities as there are lawful ways to sell their produce and earn money.

He told the woman to always abide by the law.

“Sell your items or goods at the proper place and not along the streets of Honiara,” Hollison warned the woman.

New strategy to empower women & girls launched

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PS MWYCFA and Womens Development Division staff

THE Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs has launched the revised National Strategy for Economic Empowerment of Women & Girls 2020-2023 on Friday 30th July. 

The document builds on the first national strategy which was implemented from 2015-2019 and reviewed in 2020 to assess its effectiveness across its five strategic focus areas.

“One success story from the previous Strategy was the increase in saving clubs established under the Ministry of Women Youth, Children and Family Affairs, reaching into the provincial and rural communities,” a statement from the ministry said.

“The purpose of the second strategy is to address the gaps and areas for improvement identified in the review of the previous Strategy and pave the way for women and girls in Solomon Islands to realizing their economic potentials,” he added.

The statement said the strategy identifies the following key strategic focus areas to realizing women’s economic empowerment:

  • supporting gender mainstreaming as an approach to working with the whole of government;
  • addressing financial inclusion especially targeting the informal sector;
  • enterprise development and improved employment opportunities;
  • creating an enabling environment through legislation and policy changes; and
  • the institutional strengthening of Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.  

Minister Freda Rotutafi Rangirei said these five strategic areas will continue to ensure improvement on what has been done and address the gaps needed to pave way for women to realize their economic potentials so women’s economic status can be improved. 

She said implementation of the second Strategy places more emphasis on reaching rural and remote areas, building stronger partnerships and linking economic empowerment more closely to other elements of the National Gender Equality and Women’s Development Policy particularly gender mainstreaming, women’s leadership, preventing violence and increased access to education for women and girls.  

Quoting Kofi Annan, Rangirei highlighted the role of women in development.

“There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women,” she said.  

Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, reiterated the value of the community working together to empower women. 

“The pandemic has placed a disproportionate economic burden on women,” Strahan said.

“Women’s participation in the labour market is lower than men, women still take up more informal and vulnerable jobs, women carry the larger burden of unpaid domestic work and childcare,” he added.

“This often goes uncounted and unrecognised, women are still paid less, they have much lower access to social protection, they are much less likely to have bank accounts and have less access to the digital economy.”

Strahan said the National Strategy seeks to improve the ability for a woman to participate equally in existing markets, increase access to and control over productive resources, get decent jobs and participate meaningfully in economic decision making from the household level right up to larger institutions. Australia has been a tireless supporter of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Solomon Islands. 

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Dr Cedrick Alependava acknowledged all stakeholders, development partners and Women’s Development Division of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family for the partnership and collaboration in the implementation of the first strategy and looks forward to the continues cooperation in the effective implementation of the revised framework. 

He said a National Taskforce will be established to provide guidance and strategic leadership in monitoring the strategy’s implementation progress.

The National Strategy for Economic Empowerment of Women & Girls 2020-2023 is a key outcome of the Ministry’s National Gender Equality and Women’s Development Policy 20162020 Priority Outcome 2: Improved Economic Status of Women. 

The Strategy is also aligned to Solomon Islands national, regional and international commitments to advancing gender equality and improving the economic status of women and girls in Solomon Islands.  

The Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs would like to sincerely thank the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under its Gender Equality Program for their financial and technical support to the review and launching of the Strategy.

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