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Protest over failed Fiu Bridge project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Demonstrators in Auki showing placards stating their intentions during yesterday's peaceful protest.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

West Kwara’ae communities have come out voicing their disappointment at the Malaita government’s handling of the failed Fiu Bridge project proposal.

Members of communities in wards two, three and four (in West Kwara’ae constituency) staged a peaceful protest yesterday in Auki.

The purpose of the protest was to express their dissatisfaction at the Malaita government in its hardline anti-China stand, which is sacrificing much needed development for the province, such as the recent Fiu Bridge upgrade project.

Acting premier Nelson Lenty responding to the protest made by Hon Fini yesterday in Auki.

Protesters came in trucks bearing banners with messages begging answers from the province’s government regarding the Fiu Bridge project.

Leaders in the three wards decided to stage the protest in a meeting held at Gwaunaru village on May 29.

Spokesman for the demonstrators, MPA for ward three, Martin Fini, said the protest was to convey their grievances as “concerned Malaitans for development”.

Hon Martin Fini (left) shakes hand in delivering the petition document to the acting premier Hon Nelson Lenty (right).

He said they have drafted a petition demanding the Malaita government to clarify the future of the project.

The petition states:

1. We the elders of Ward two, three and four of Central and West Kwara’ae constituencies duly demand that Fiu bridge project funded by the World Bank must implemented forthwith.

2. We agreed that our elected Provincial Assembly Members shall consult with relevant authorities either provincial, national or any other stakeholders to ensure the project is implemented without unnecessary disturbance.

3. we do not agree with the position that the Malaita provincial Government Executive takes in dealing with the project.

4. We will only support the provincial position when they assure us that whatever step they intend to take will not affect the timing and the funding of this project.

5. We further demand that the so called “Political Advisor” to the premier not to directly involve in the current Fiu Bridge project as his contract had been terminated and any such advice is deemed as illegal,

6. Fiu bridge construction must be implemented as it connects the northern and eastern regions to Auki and the southern region to Gwaunaru’u airport.

7. We note that halting of the project affect the transport owners of wards one, two, three and four in the provision of essential service to the aforementioned wards and to other regions of Malaita.

8. We firmly believe that better infrastructures are essential for the movement of goods and services to markets at cheaper cost, which encourage farming and commercial activities in our respective wards.

9. We further believe that halting of the Fiu bridge project would affect the tar-sealing component of the Auki Road network from Auki Township to Dala in west Kwara’ae constituency and from Auki to Bina in west Kwaio constituency.

Fini delivered the petition to acting Premier Nelson Lenty at the provincial office yesterday.

Hon Fini addressing the acting premier on behalf of the demonstrators.

In response to the petition, acting premier Lenty acknowledged the group for exercising their democratic rights in bringing their grievances by way of a peaceful protest and petition as law has provided for.

He assured the demonstrators that their petition will be discussed by the Malaita Executive in their meeting next week.

Late last month, the government-funded Fiu Bridge upgrade project proposal was scrapped after the Malaita provincial government refused to entertain it due to the presence of a Chinese company as a bidder, which also happened to be the sole bidder.

Malaita’s government was acting on the Auki Communique, a document founded in November 2019 in response to the national government’s switch from Taiwan (a democratic ally) to its current communist ally, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Auki Communique directs the Malaita Government not to engage with any Chinese entity, even if it means foregoing any development prospects for Solomon Islands’ biggest province.

Malaita’s staunch Premier, Daniel Suidani, launched the Auki Communique on November 16, 2019.

Trial for men in Jejevo attack

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Men accused of damaging properties at Jejevo Village, Isabel Province over a mining row early this year will face trial on August 16 in Buala during the Buala circuit.

Yesterday the case was listed for interim mention and Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison adjourned the case to August 9 for the last interim mention before the trial proceeds.

The men entered not guilty pleas on the previous occasion in which a trial date was set; prosecution will be calling witness relating to the incident.

This is the case of Jimmy Taea, Tony Godwin, Hamilton Puza, Joseph Sago and Steward Gift.

The men are each facing one count of going arm in public, 13 counts of wilful and unlawful damage and three counts of simple larceny.

Police alleged that on March 8, 2021 between 2pm and 3pm at Jejevo Village, the men entered the village and committed the offences.

The allegation said on March 8 about 20 men including the five accused left Furona and went to Jejevo armed with weapons such as knives, spear guns, spears, axes and rocks.

It is alleged that the men entered the village and destroyed a number of properties belonging to 13 families in Jejevo Village and stole properties of three people; the total value of properties destroyed is $350,000 while the total value of the stolen items is more than $67,000.

The five accused are represented by a private Lawyer Lappy Hite while Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the case in court.

Call for swift police action into HCC saga

Written by
Press Release
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Jonathan Futai

LONG-TIME Honiara resident and elder, Jonathan Futai has urged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to be prompt and serious in their investigations into the controversial Honiara City Council (HCC) saga.

Over a year ago, the media explicilty expose a handful of corrupt practices within the HCC as a public entity, involving Councillors, the former City Clerk, and staff within the Council’s Accounts & Finance department.

Up until now, the Police are still investigating and no arrests have been made.

Therefore, Mr Futai is now calling on the Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau to advise his officers to help speed up the investigations.

Futai said the important thing for Mr Mangau to consider is the fear that the Police and Community Policing program might not be effective for communities in Honiara, if the HCC saga is not dealt with accordingly.

“Police must consider the cries of the people of Honiara and quickly conclude the investigations into the HCC saga and arrest those that are involved.

“The HCC saga with the increase in the amount of corruption within the council, the people of Honiara wants to see justice prevail in the end.

“This HCC saga involves a lot of corruption. If such corrupt practices involving millions of dollars are not seriously dealt with by the Police, and they continue to arrest people for petty crimes within the Honiara Communities, how do you expect residents to obey the rules,” Futai questioned.

Mr Futai also questioned the Police investigation as to why it took so long for them to make arrests as some documental evidences are already with them.

“The Police must take serious consideration into the HCC saga because some of the evidences that they need are already in the HCC audit report, the sacked deputy treasurer’s report, and the one compiled by the former Finance Chairman, Councillor Billy Abae, and others.

“I am being told that the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will also be calling another inquiry into the latest report compiled by former HCC Clerk, Rence Sore,” Futai said.

He also wishes to inform Police Commissioner Mangau that the people of Honiara City are watching the investigations into the HCC saga very closely.

Last month, Mr Mangau said they are still collecting evidences on the Honiara City Council (HCC) saga before they can constitute any charges.

Mangau explained that the audit report involving the ‘HCC saga’ is available with them. But, they are collecting evidences in terms of court proceedings and investigations.

“The complaints was received from the Home Affairs and referred to National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) to investigate it,” Mangau said in response to complaints raised by the public over how police is handling the HCC saga.

“However, it was refereed to us early this year and therefore it will not be quick as how we expect it because there are evidences that police needs to collect,” he said.

He said they are trying to find evidences to support them in the court proceedings and investigation before they can constitute charges.

PNG imposes tough travel restrictions

Written by
Press Release
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PAPUA New Guinea High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Moses Kaul has announced that the level of Covid19 restrictions enforced by his Government has been elevated recently by the State of Emergency Controller David Manning.

Kaul stated that all who wish to travel to Papua New Guinea must be granted approval as to the current established 17,340 cases of COVID19 and the presence of Delta variant in the Pacific region has given rise to this action.

“And the fact that Papua New Guinea is classified by WHO as a High-Risk Country in the Pacific,” he added in a statement.

It has been directed that no person is permitted to enter Papua New Guinea unless they have been fully vaccinated and must be approved by the Controller in writing.

The controller may exempt a person or organization from the direction, but such exemption must be in writing and reference this direction.

This new direction has superseded the measures under the National Pandemic Act 2020, measures 2, international trade measure.

“Any individuals or organisation that fails to adhere to this direction shall deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act, 2020.

“This direction comes into effect on the 2nd July 2021 shall continue in force until varied or revoke by the Controller,” he added.

“Any person who enters Papua New Guinea will be required to be tested for COVID19 during the 21days Quarantine period.

“The conduct of these COVID19 tests will be at the individual expenses and at the approval Quarantine facility.”

High Commissioner Kaul said that in Compliance with these directives all inbound travel documents must be made available to the PNG High Commission in Honiara for Verification 14 days prior to departure.

Travel Document Requirements are as follows;

1. Completely filled in Air Passenger Travel Form. (APTF)

2. COVID19 test results, certificates/ and must be fully vaccinated.

3. I ternary _Return tickets

4. Valid Passport

5. Bio_ data page of Passport/Colour

6. Confirmed Accommodation Quarantines details.

MUP gov’t penalises 2 logging companies

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government has agreed on two resolutions to suspend two logging companies from their logging operations in Makira with immediate effect.

The Makira Ulawa Provincial Secretary, James Taeburi has written to the two logging companies, Chia Tai (SI) Ltd and Poly Logging (SI) Ltd about the Makira Ulawa Provincial Executive’s decisions.

He says the Provincial Executive meeting on May 19, 2021 agreed Chia Tai to immediately suspend its operations at Boro’oni Camp, Ward 8 of Arosi 1 in West Makira after it deliberated on matters that are related to its logging operations there.

Mr Taeburi says the Executive Government had also determined the suspension to stay in force until such time all court cases regarding the Baurosi Timber Right process are resolved.

But he says the Provincial Government will be closely monitoring Chia Tai’s operations to ensure it complies to the Resolution, because if it fails to do so, the Executive will enforce further and tougher actions.

With Poly Logging operations, Mr Taeburi says the Provincial Executive discussed May 19, 2021 matters relating to “your current and past operations in different Wards around Makira Ulawa Province.

“And it concluded your performances have been overwhelmed with undue practices and continued negligence of statutory requirements which have proved detrimental not only to the environment, but also to the people and the Provincial Government.

“Because of those reasons, the Provincial Executive Government is not in the position to look at other alternatives but to immediately ORDER suspension of your operations as of July 2, 2021”.

 Mr Taeburi says the ORDER includes and affects any arrangement with Sunway Limited to carry out logging operations in Poly Logging Concession Areas in Ward 13 and any contract by Arosi Vision Link to carry out log harvesting at Bia in Ward 5, South Arosi, West Makira.

He says Poly Logging (SI) Ltd is directed to settle all liabilities due to the government as it said it would in a letter of April 28, 2021.

And Mr Taeburi says the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government will not hesitate to cancel Poly Logging’s Business Licence if it fails to settle its liabilities.

By George Atkin

Kira Kira

SINU opens new facility

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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SCIENCE LABORATORY HERE Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Lanelle Tanangada have the opportunity to look through a microscope inside the newly open Science laboratory at Solomon Islands National University yesterday. Looking on are Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of SINU Council Dr Culwick Togamana and Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Jack Maebuta. PHOTO: CHARLES KADAMANA

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) officially opened its new state of the art science laboratory and conferencing complex yesterday.

This new facility is part of SINU’s Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest Science Research.

Minister for Ministry for Education and Human Resources Development Lanelle Tanangada graced the opening ceremony.

She stressed that she is delighted to witness the opening of the science laboratory and conference complex.

The new Science Lab at SINU

“I am also delighted to be here in symbol of the growing partnership established between our National University and the Government through my ministry,” Tanangada said.

“I cannot over-emphasis the important role of science and technology in the transformational agenda of our country, particularly in the topic of youth development through skills development and resources utilisation,” she added.

“Given access to a science research centre or laboratory, equipped with modern instrument capabilities, I have especially high expectations for your work over the years ahead.

Lab Technician Ajo Merald introduce some of the science apparatus to official guests

“Similarly, I have high expectations for those of you who are going to work in the laboratory, to step up and create the support and accountabilities that will enable your success.

“I also expect more relevant and usable research that is presented in clear and concise reporting.

“I expect a continued emphasis on and commitment to quality and rigor.

Permanent Secretary of MEHRD Dr Franco Rodie takes a quick look into the microscope

“I expect you to focus on a manageable number of key research topics, make some real progress on them and really build knowledge about them.”

Tanangada said she believes passionately in fostering both lecturers and student’s success especially in the area of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – success that is focused not just on academic excellence, but also on cultivating attributes that build a more enlightened and dynamic society.

She adds by thanking everyone at SINU who have devoted time and effort to foster stronger cultural, technical and intellectual ties with all ministries and with an overseas based research centre that may focus on the sectors identified.

Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Lanelle Tanangada hands over the key to Acting Vice Chacellor Dr Jack Maebuta

Dr Jack Maebuta, SINU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, said in compliance with the health and hygiene requirements under the COVID-19 preparedness strategies in early 2020, the completion of the complex then, was timely and handy.

Maebuta thanked the Government for the gift.

“We assure you that we will always treasure and cherish this gift deep in our hearts,” Maebuta said.

Guests witnessing the opening of the new Science lab

“We all admire the zeal and fine spirit of cooperation shared by the Solomon Islands Government and SINU,” he added.

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the planners of the complex – Isles Architects and the contractor-FT builders who have laboured around the clock and completed the work in time.”

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of SINU Council Dr Culwick Togamana thanked Minister for MEHRD for gracing the occasion and congratulated the University Management, Faculty Staff and students for this wonderful achievement.

SECOND ESP

Written by
Press Release
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Most families still live ‘hand to mouth’: Wale

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The persistence of hardships felt by families and households in the country has prompted the call for government to come up with a second stimulus package.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale is urging government towards this.

He explains that a second Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) is needed due to the hardships faced by families and households to make ends meet, and even simply to put food on the table on a daily basis, let alone meet other basic needs such as clothing, water, electricity, education, health, and transportation.

This situation is particularly hard in urban centres.

The Government introduced a covid-19 $319 million ESP mid-last year to address the economic impacts faced by businesses, farmers and individuals.

Speaking at the special adjournment motion in Parliament on Monday, Wale asked “What lessons has the government learnt from the ESP?

“A successful ESP must be inclusive in the benefits that flow on from it in the broader economy,” he said.

Wale said the majority of Solomon Islanders live at the bottom end of the economy in a ‘hand to mouth’ situation.

He said a successful ESP must aim to ensure its flow-on benefits reach those especially at the lowest margins.

As such, Wale said there is need for another ESP.

“However, this one must be better targeted and focused and funded to around SBD2bn, or 20% of our pre-covid GDP.

“The government must seek donor grants support for such an ESP. we shouldn’t have to borrow for it,” he said.

“But we need it desperately.

“Government announced that it is being prudent and responsible in its fiscal policy and management of public finances,” he said.

“But I contend that the greater duty of care is to the majority of the Solomon Islands population who have been driven further into poverty and economic hardship by covid.

“Government’s responsibility to them must trump all else. It is not an argument to be fiscally irresponsible, but to be proactive and assertive with donors,” he said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said this is a matter he will leave it to Cabinet and advice from Central Bank of Solomon Islands and Ministry of Finance and Treasury to advise government on it.

Sogavare said the government is rolling out to rural areas with some programmes that never reach them.

He said one thirds of the development budget goes through Members of Parliament.

“If we use it good it should help in stimulating the rural economy,” he said.

Sogavare said the suggestion to look at another ESP that is 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product is right in economic arguments.

However, he said the government needs to look at national capacity to do that.

“When comes to liquidity, the banks will have so much liquidity.

“And State-Owned Enterprises will find it difficult to deposit money because the banks will refuse,” he said.

Wale urges govt on ‘incentive for jab’ approach

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

With government facing a failing plan to have 80 percent of the population vaccinated, Opposition is suggesting a change in approach.

Opposition leader, Matthew Wale, in parliament earlier this week, proposed government coming up with incentives for people who take the jab.

Wale explains that the vaccination campaign is running against time and chance, and this is not being helped when a huge number of the eligible population are reluctant to take the jab.

Wale in his debate speech on the special Adjournment Motion said the vaccination rollout in the country is long overdue.

“With this, some planning is needed to ensure that a mass rollout is on the basis of vaccines that are already in the country of reasonable expiry age, under proper cold storage, in appropriate locations close to population centres.

“I would encourage the government to consider incentivizing the jabs, to raise the uptake.

“We have had ample time to observe vaccination roll-outs in other countries to learn what we can be done here. The low uptake here quires a new creative approach.

“Government is aiming for 80 percent vaccination coverage in its vaccination programme to achieve herd immunity and it cannot be achieved with only 18 years old and above. The demographic is such that this is not possible.

“I therefore call on the government to clearly outline how it aims to achieve 80percent vaccination coverage. This is a matter of some importance and cannot be blindly assumed, as seems to the case here,” he said.

SI constantly among 10 global disaster most-at-risk countries

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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A clean up effort carried out by villagers on the Guadalcanal Plains area after the 2014 Flash floods. PHOTO: WORLD VISION

BY JARED KOLI

SOLOMON Islands is consistently ranked among the 10 most-at-risk countries in the world in global disaster.

This is according to a new transport strategy (Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map 2021–2025) for Pacific launched by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday in Manila, Philippines.

The new strategy reviews transport sector performance, summarizes development constraints, and articulates the rationale and strategic direction behind ADB’s support in Asia Pacific.

“Under Climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, on global disaster risk indices, Pacific countries such as Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu are consistently ranked among the 10 most-at-risk countries in the world.

“Natural hazards, compounded by the effects of climate change, are producing frequent and tangible losses in the Pacific region,” it said.

The report adds disaster events, such as tropical cyclones, have grown in intensity; while heightened weather variability is leading to prolonged periods of droughtand flooding.

“Sea level rise, spring tides and storm surges, and other extreme events associated with climate change can have devastating effects on connectivity infrastructure,” the report said.

According to the key results of the World Risk Index 2020, which indicates the disaster risk for 181 countries in the world, Solomon Islands sits at the fifth with the fifth highest disaster risk (24.25), Vanuatu leads the index with highest disaster risk (49.74) and Qatar has the lowest risk (0.31).

However, the new ADB assessment strategy highlights sector performance; priority development constraints; and ADB’s support, experience, and strategic directions for the transport sector in its Pacific developing member countries.

The assessment strategy is linked to and informs ADB’s strategy document for the region, the Pacific Approach.

Both the Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map 2021–2025 and the Pacific Approach cover the period from 2021 to 2025.

Missing Isabel chiefs found safe

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

SEVEN missing people from Bugotu in Isabel province are now back with their families after floating for almost three days at sea.

Buala Police confirmed to this paper yesterday that the men were found after they shored at the Hograno area yesterday.

“We have received a report that the missing boat was located and went ashore at Kilokaka village in the Hograno District,” Buala police said.

The officer also said what they heard was that the passengers are safe and well and they are now at home with their families.

Buala police also said investigations are ongoing, but what matters most is that they are now safe.

Meanwhile Buala Police warn travelling OBM around Isabel and other provinces to always watch and listen out on the weather before travelling.

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