Home Blog Page 863

Wale cautions gov’t over future repatriation plans

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale. Picture Supplied

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale is cautioning government not to down play the recent mutation of the coronavirus into the delta variant; and to now take a zero-tolerance attitude towards keeping Solomon Islands covid-19 free in any plans to repatriate our citizens or visitors from abroad.

Further to his remarks in Parliament recently, Mr Wale said, “It is truly unfortunate that some of our students in Fiji are now infected with the virus and with its ravaging effect there, their families must be concerned.  These are truly hard and my heart goes out to the affected families.

“The recent mutation of the corona virus into the delta variant, now in Fiji only mean the government must step up a notch in our Covid-19 preparedness plans to prevent entry.”

He said recent overseas statistics clearly suggest; after one year the pandemic has gotten from bad to worse in most countries, adding that Fiji, regrettably is now one of the countries with confirmed cases of the delta variant strand which has a proven higher transmission rate and severe consequences. 

“The sudden increases in the number of infections and deaths are now taking their toll on Fiji’s health system and resources.

“The situations in both Fiji and PNG therefore must serve as a serious reminder that the fight against covid 19 is far from over and if anything; must now be taken right on our door steps,” the Opposition Leader said.

“This demands that our domestic efforts to prevent entry must be raised to the highest of standards which may require, imposing strict vaccination conditions and containment protocols for any person coming in from Fiji or any other red zones with this strand. Given our current situation, our people must now at the forefront of any decision making by the government.

“I therefore urge the government to make every effort necessary to inform our students and citizens overseas that it is in everyone’s interests that Solomon Islands is kept Covid-19 free, and any actions that may undermine this zero tolerance attitude should not be tolerated under any circumstance.

“I also encourage our students and citizens overseas looking to return home to give priority to the importance of protecting our people by doing their part in adhering to best medical advice on the importance of getting vaccinated,” said Wale.

The Opposition Leader also pointed out that the increased risk now brought about by the delta variant is giving more credence to my earlier call for the government to be proactive in its vaccination programme.

“There is no better defensive mechanism that having the majority of our people vaccinated,” Wale further added.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Santa Cruz flights resume

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Lata township airport runway

Solomon Airlines has confirmed the resumption of regular flights to and from Santa Cruz Airport following the completion of urgent runway repairs.

Santa Cruz flight operations had not been possible since June 26 due to poor runway and weather conditions, with the first Twin Otter flight able to operate on Monday this week.

“Both the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Solomon Airlines recognise that this has been a difficult time for the community and this project was a priority for us,” said Brett Gebers, CEO of Solomon Airlines.

“As soon as weather conditions allowed, all parties worked closely together to repair the runway, taxiway and apron as swiftly as possible to improve Santa Cruz runway operations.

Twin Otter H4-SIC at Santa Cruz airport

“To assist the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, their Civil Engineer and designated contractors, Solomon Airlines also located our senior Operations Manager at Lata for the duration of the works,” said Gebers.

While Santa Cruz services are currently scheduled to be operated by Solomon Airlines Twin Otter aircraft type, to accommodate the needs of a backlog of passengers, the airline has scheduled its larger De Havilland Dash 8-100 aircraft to operate today. The recovery flight will operate as follows:

• Flight IE 4818 from Honiara to Santa Cruz departing 7.00am arriving 8.40am.

• Flight IE 4819 will depart Santa Cruz at 9.00am arriving in Honiara at 10.40am.

“Disruptions caused by heavy rains are unavoidably linked to the state of our runways,” Gebers said.

“Whilst we would love to operate a reliable schedule year-round with the Dash-8, this is just not possible, as is the case for Santa Cruz and the majority of the local airports we operate to.

“Until the runway and aircraft parking area are hard surfaced, airports will always have disruptions during or following heavy rains,” Mr Gebers added.

The Santa Cruz runway

Santa Cruz was also recently named as the 12th and latest new destination under the expanded ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ programme, with access via the airport in Temotu Province, in addition to Lomlom.

“We thank the Ministry of Communication and Aviation for their completion of these runway works. The renewed capability for Dash-8 operations will improve our ability to fly to Santa Cruz, enables us to use the larger aircraft as demand requires, and we hope, restore faith in the destination’s short break potential” he added.

–SOLAIR PRESS

Japan is waiting for Team Solomon

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Solomon Islanders in Japan with their Japanese friends

IN Japan, where the Olympic Games will start next week, a voluntary group of Solomon Islanders and their friends are waiting for the arrival of the Team Solomon to support them.

The group named GoSoloGo2020Tokyo was formed in 2019, headed by Alistair Legua from Isabel.

Besides Solomon Islanders in Japan, the members are the Solomon Island loving Japanese, such as EX-JOCV, business people, and fisheries people.

“My two and half years in the Solomons were very memorable, and I always remembered Solomons after returning to Japan,” Kyoji Mizutani, the former JICA representative in Solomon Islands said.

“When I heard that this group was formed, I invited my colleagues to join. And everyone recommended Alistair to be the chair,” Mizutani recalled.

There are a few dozens of Solomon Islanders living in Japan, scattered all over the country.

Legua, an old boy of KGⅥ, went to Japan as a scholarship student 29 years ago and has lived there ever since.

“There were not so many delegations coming from my country to Japan.

“Especially since last year’s Covid-19 pandemic, traffic has been severely restricted, and all Solomon Islanders here are expected to receive our wantok team,” Legua said.


Alista Legua, President of the Go Solo Go 2020 Tokyo

The group had fundraised and planned various exchange projects and support projects.

However, Tokyo is under a state of emergency until August 22, and public gathering is restricted.

“Unfortunately, Covid-19 has forced us to reconsider or cancel the various exchange projects we were planning.

“We can’t even get together in Tokyo,” Legua said.

“However, we are all trying our best to support Team Solomon with Japanese friends. We hope all athletes could perform well and enjoy Olympic Games,” he added.


Swimming Team in Okinawa, Japan (2017)

The Team Solomon is coordinated by Naoyuki Fujiyama, treasurer of NOC and has lived in Solomon Islands for 31 years.

He joined NOC late 1990s and has been working for the Team Solomon to participate in the Olympic Games since then.

“I was in Malaita, working for Kilufi hospital early 1990s and have been a friend of Fuji since then,” Machiko Kawada, former JOCV and one of the founders of the group said.

“As soon as I heard that Fuji is coming to Japan with the Olympians to Tokyo, I decided to contribute to the Team for the success of the athletes.”

Many Japanese volunteers have been worked in the Solomon Islands.

One of them is Kazunori Watanabe, known as Kazu.

He was the coach for the U17, U20, U23 national soccer team in the mid-1990s and defeated NZ for the first time in 1993.

“Last year, I heard about the group and decided to join immediately,” says Watanabe.

“There is limited opportunity for us to do under COVID-19, but why not cheering up the Team Solomon.

“We should try our best as athletes from Solomons do.”

“Many ex-volunteers have always approach our office to seek the opportunity to keep ties with Solomon Islands,” says Tatsuya Haga, Secretary General of the Honorary Consulate of Solomon Islands in Tokyo.

“They always communicate with Solomon Islanders in Japan. Such background leads this project and it is not always in other country, as far as I know.

“It is an essential part of the relationship between the two countries,” Haga pointed out.

The Tokyo Olympics will bring together more than 10,000 of the world’s top athletes from 206 countries.

Three Olympians will participate from Solomon Islands.

They are Mary Kini Lifu for weightlifting, Edgar Richardson Iro for swimming and Sharon Kikini Firisua for athletics.

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga will also visit Japan as a VIP delegation and will meet with Japan’s government leaders, IOC executives and others.

The team will leave for Japan on the 19 July.

Galo calls for electoral review

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
South Choiseul Member of Parliament, Sammy Qalo

By EDDIE OSIFELO

NEW Member of Parliament for South Choiseul, Sammy Galo is calling for review in the Electoral Act to address any gaps that may delay re-election of any member in a by election.

This was after South Choiseul constituency was without a member for one year six months after his father and former MP, Robertson Galokale lost in a petition case.

Speaking at the special adjournment motion in Parliament on Monday, Galo, who took his oath on the same day, said South Choisuel was without a voice in Parliament for over a year.

“We are without a constitutional representative and has been denied a political participation in this national arena,” he told parliament.

“This is a very sad chapter in the political history of South Choiseul,” Galo added.

“I believe that no constituency should ever gone through the experience that South Choiseul has faced by being deprived of one year and six months for not receiving the benefits where other constituencies received at the time,” he added.

Galo beat his runner up Tozen Leokana by just one vote – 1671 to 1670.

He represents 33 percent of the total votes that were casted on the by election.

Galo is the sixth member of South Choiseul to be elected into Parliament since 1978.

He said he is looking forward to fulfil his constitutional duty for South Choiseul.

Galo is currently the member of the current government.

NO GOV’T MONEY REF. WHY?

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

BY JARED KOLI

With Government facing a cash-flow problem and tight revenue collection, there is no one to monitor how government is spending its money. And, the Opposition wants to know why.

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale is questioning Government over the long delay in filling up the position of Auditor General, which has been vacant since March this year.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s Motion of Special Adjournment in the floor of Parliament yesterday, Mr Wale called for immediate action.

He said the position is established by Section 108 of the Constitution as an independent office mandated to audit public accounts and monitor government finance related activities.

He adds that the independency of that office means only a substantive holder of the position can appoint other persons to carry out the functions of the office.

Wale said the ongoing absence of a substantive Auditor General raises questions on the authority of that office to discharge its functions especially under present circumstances where the government is operating under a state of emergency framework.

“This is a matter of great public concern. With drops in government revenue it is of paramount importance that government expenditure is tightly monitored so that spending is focussed only in areas that really matter.

“The ongoing delay surely is not helping in this regard, and I therefore call on the responsible authorities to speed up the process and to have the position filled at the earliest,” says Wale. 

As a result of the lack of an Auditor General, there is no one to sign off on audit reports on all financial statements of public sector entities at the moment.

Former Auditor General, Peter Lokay’s contract ended in March this year.

Deputy Auditor General, Rachel McKechnie had earlier said auditing on financial statements are still ongoing, however there is no Auditor General to provide a final opinion whether it is true or fair.

According to Section 108 (2) of the National Constitution, the Auditor-General shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.

Chairman of Public Service Commission, Milner Tozaka said the position has already been advertised, with one candidate most likely to take the job.

Tozaka said now it is up to the Public Service ministry to decide when the person should take up the post.

He said at the moment he cannot name the chosen candidate because the Public Service is still to make a decision.

One of the aims of the Auditor General is to produce reliable and persuasive reports on the performance of public sector activities that aim to generate significant improvements in public sector administration.

The primary output of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is audit reports – to the National Parliament, the nine Provincial Assemblies, the Honiara City Council and the various Boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Statutory Authorities (SAs).

The Office also produces Special Audit Reports which are provided to the requesting government agencies when it is believed that the topic is of importance for the general governance of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) or in the public interest.

In addition, the OAG also undertakes efficiency audits of government programmes or operations (known as Performance Audits) which are also reported to the National Parliament.

Solomon Ports major project held back due to covid-19

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
-
0
Solomon Ports mega investment project

BY JARED KOLI

COVID-19 has held back the development of Solomon Ports’ mega investment and development project at its commercial development site in Honiara. 

This is according to Solomon Ports Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eranda Kotelawala during an interview with Island Sun recently.

The state-owned enterprise has proposed the development of a mega complex at its commercial site next to the Ports Shed which is now used as car park.

“Because of Covid-19, the investment climate is not yet settled that is what push that complex back for a little while. 

“But perhaps we will start it next year when the economy is back to normal because we need couple more investors for that complex as it is going to be a mega investment and development project,” said Kotelawala.

Solomon Ports is one of the most profitable state-owned enterprise this year focus on improving and enhancing our country’s domestic terminal facilities, in Honiara and Noro Ports in the first instance.

According to its website, its work programme for 2021 include:

•              Construction of new jetties;

•              Rehabilitation and renovation of existing jetties;

•              Beautification of the ports area;

•              Installation of proper Entry and Exit gates;

•              Improvement of the whole Domestic Terminal; and

•              Anchoring of Mooring buoys.

Last week, Solomon Ports unveiled the concept design of the new seaport terminal it will build at the Ports Shed which houses the shipping services office.

CEO Mr Kotelawala said the construction of the biggest and widest jetty by their engineering team is going on.

SINU owed $88m in outstanding fees

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Solomon Islands National University

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) has incurred a total of $88 million in outstanding fees since 2019.

This is derived from the $38.4 million on MPs outstanding fees and $49. 7 million on private sponsored students.

Minister of Education and Human Resources, Lanelle Tanangada confirmed this in Parliament yesterday when asked by Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale.

Tanangada said the $38.4 million comes out from the total arrears of $93 million and represents 41.1 percent.

She said $49.7 million were also derived from total arrears of $93 million and represents 53.3 percent.

However, Tanangada said some of the arrears have accumulated since 2019.

Further to that, the Minister said under the 2021 budget, the Government has allocated $22 million for operation and $30 million capital costs.

She said to date, SIG has released three quarters that is $16.5 million for operation and $10 million for capital.

Member of Parliament for West Are Are, John Manenioru asked if SINU has any policy to help students at this time of economic hardship due to the impact of Covid 19.

Minister Tanangada said the policy that the ministry through SINU tries to review is as of second semester students can pay units, they can afford rather than five courses.

However, she said by doing that student will take longer time to study at SINU.

Parliament has been adjourned until Thursday 29th July 2021.

Private sector could help access millions more in climate funding

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
-
0
Exley Taloiburi, Climate Change Finance Adviser Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

By Brian Lezutuni

Climate finance brings in big money – more than SBD$1.1 billion SBD (US$159.6 million) in the past 10 years.

If initiatives to be put to the Forum Economic Ministers’ meeting this week are endorsed Solomon Islands may see that figure increase – with private sector involvement.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Finance adviser Exsley Taloiburi says at a time when COVID-19 has impacted businesses across the Pacific, it is fundamentally critical that governments work closely with the private sector to access global climate funds such as the GCF (Green Climate Fund) in order to create jobs, promote COVID-19 recovery, and facilitate public-private partnerships.

“Globally around 69% of all climate finance being mobilised comes from the private sector. If the Solomon Islands is not willing or prepared to work together with its private sector stakeholders, then our country will miss out on the majority of global climate finance available,” he told Island Sun from his Suva Office.

Mr Taloiburi said the private sector has a key role, where they could be recipients of global climate funds, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Already, the private sector in Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga are accessing Green Climate Fund readiness grants. Apart from direct access, regional businesses could act as conduits in the provision of financing, either in the insurance space, or when it comes to disaster related costs.

In providing workable suggestions on how the Government can work with the Private sector in accessing these funds Mr Taloiburi suggests that first, the government focal points for these global climate funds should encourage the private sector to put forward project ideas and concepts.

“Secondly, include the private sector in relevant national steering committees etc… and ensure the needs of the private sector are included and costed in national plans and GCF Country Programmes which set out Solomon Islands project pipeline.

“Thirdly, consider formalising arrangements on climate finance between the government and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI).

“Finally, support private sector short term attachment with government ministries, or government officials attach with reputable businesses. Such peer-to-peer learnings could benefit Solomon Islands in the long term,” he remarked.

Mr Taloiburi stressed that there are many benefits to the economy when government strengthens private sector engagement in climate finance.  

Those benefits include leveraging private finance, access to innovative approaches and technologies, new job creation, payment of more taxes and building the resiliencies of businesses to stay in business during and post Covid-19.

Solomon Islands also has work to do on its government processes if it wants to access more climate funding.

“There is a misconception that because Solomon Islands is a vulnerable country to climate change, it gives us a better chance of accessing more climate funding,” Mr Taloiburi said.

“The reality is that countries who are successful in accessing global climate funding are those that have strong/robust national public financial management (PFM) systems, and not so much based on their level of vulnerability.

Cashflow problem caused by finance mismatch: Kuma

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma has blamed the current cash flow challenges by the Government on domestic revenue timing mismatch with general SIG expenditure.

Kuma explained this when he responded to the question asked by Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale in Parliament yesterday.

He said the Government hopes that this mis-match will ease in the third and four quarter.

Furthermore, Kuma said with the implementation of new revenue measures introduced in the 2021 Budget together with stringent efforts in overall SIG agencies revenue collection, the Government remain very hopeful and positive that total revenue collections will improve in the months ahead.

The Government has passed the $3.9 billion budget in late April this year and started the execution of the $2.7 billion Recurrent Budget from 1st May.

There are $938 million in the Development Expenditure and $258.5 million in the Budget Support Expenditure.

Kuma said as of 30th May, SIG Year to Date expenditure was recorded at $1,166.9 million.

He said this was under budget spend by $427.7 million.

Kuma said this is due mainly to Recurrent Expenditure was under spend at $25.8 million, debt service was under spend at $6.6 million, and Development Expenditure was recorded at $13.6 million, or Year to Date pro rata under spend at $365.1 million.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister said Year to Date revenue at 31st May, on the other hand, was below budget by $41.8 million despite above collection by Customs and Exercise at $16.9 million and above collection by Inland Revenue Division at $7.2 million.

Kuma said the overall under collection at 31st May, is mainly due to other SIG Ministries revenue collection, which below budget by $65.9 million.

He said bulk of this under collection was recorded under the Ministry of Fisheries, which $53.3 million.

“This under collection by Fisheries is due mainly to seasonal factor as majority of Fisheries dues normally receive towards the end of the fourth quarter,” he added.

Earliear in the leaked email by  Bruce Phillips, Accountant General  Ministry of Finance and Treasury said presently Treasury has over $200 million of payments that it is not able to pay due to very limited cash flow. 

He said this situation has largely been brought about due to the significant 3rd quarter payments due in the first two weeks of July.

“The 3rd quarter payments relate broadly to provincial health funding, provincial administration and salary grants, education grants, parliamentary entitlements, housing rentals, other allowances and MRD constituency payments. 

“Naturally donor funded payments are NOT impacted nor are COVID related payments as these are funded separately from SIG,” he said.

Phillips said MoFT is working closely with supportive donors and the local debt market to address the current constraints.

“We anticipate agreeing terms for the use of almost $100m of JICA funding in the coming days to assist with the current funding shortfall,” he said.

 Phillip said Ministries are advised that there will not be  a quick fix to the current situation and they are requested to PROACTIVELY take all  necessary steps to ensure spending being incurred is prioritised and in accordance with the government’s clear redirection guidelines. 

“If Ministries do not act PROACTIVELY Treasury will be forced to take more stringent steps to improve cashflow.

“ During this time Treasury is also trying to slowly build up SIG cash reserves to a more acceptable level,” he said.

Phillips said Provincial touring imprests or payments in particular will continue to be closely scrutinized along with other non-essential expenditure.

He said Treasury will continue to prioritise weekly SIG salaries, utility payments, provincial government grants, housing rental payments and MRD related payments.

Phillips said a further cashflow update will be provided on Friday 23rd July.

Register Kava as Pacific product or lose it: Pacific Academic

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
-
0
Locally produced Kava

By Brian Lezutuni

A regional academic says the patent of Kava as a pacific commodity must be taken forward if regional countries are to depend on it as a source of economic sustenance.

Dr Satish Chand Professor of Finance in the School of Business at the University of New South Wales and based at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, has warned Pacific Islanders to be careful in ensuring that Kava remains a Pacific Island commodity.

The professor made the remark as fears emerge that once other regions like Asia start growing kava without paying money to Pacific Island countries, the prices will drop dramatically and the Pacific will not be able to compete. Effectively kava could become an Asian product.

“I have said in multiple forums that we should look at registering our intellectual property to kava so that kava remains a Pacific island product

“Wait until kava leaks out to Asia or to some commercial production abroad and then that’s when the price …is going to erode quite quickly,” Professor Chand remarked when meeting Pacific Island journalists via zoom last week.

Trade and Investment Commissioner of Pacific Trade Invest Australia, Caleb Jarvis also raised concerns after hearing that kava is being grown  in Vietnam at the moment.

“This is concerning,” he added.

The call to register Kava as an Intellectual property of the Pacific should not be taken lightly. Fiji recently was involved in a bitter fight over the trademarking of its ‘Bula’ word in the United States.

The trademarking of ‘Bula’ was carried out by a US businessman for his bar in Florida, “Bula on the Beach”, at which he sells kava. The Fiji Government brought its fight to the United States Patent and Trademark Office as well as the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

There is, however, an increasing opportunity for Pacific Island to tap into the market in the United States for Kava.

Mr Jarvis thinks there is opportunity to expand the kava market, with the proliferation of Kava bars in the United States.

“It’s a completely different segment and rather than people going out socially and getting munted on 20 beers or the whiskey, is it not a better thing for them to socialise around a bowl of kava? He asked.

“I respect kava and its cultural significance but it is one of the great development tools that can play out across the whole region if we can create new international markets for it.

1...862863864...1,662Page 863 of 1,662