SMALL to medium size businesses in the Solomon Islands are eligible to apply for the adaptation grant through the Business Link Pacific.
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have invested NZD3.3 million to Business Link Pacific as partner to facilitate the grant to recipients.
Speaking during the launching of the partnership, Director of Business Link Pacific, Steve Knapp said the impact of covid-19 has financially hurt small to medium business in the Pacific and that adaptation grant is a strategy to crack opportunity for businesses to recover.
He said the grants will help affected businesses with funding to support new products and services, as well as projects to adapt to the changing environment.
This paper understands that the Adaptation Grants will be available to eligible businesses in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and for the first time in Vanuatu.
The grant is open for applicants until 27th next month on website; finance.businesslinkpacific.com/adaptationgrants
THREE individuals have been reported to have severe reactions to the covid-19 vaccination.
This was echoed by Dr Yogesh Choudhri yesterday during a covid -19 vaccine radio talkback show on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.
“For adverse event we have seen three one was allergic reaction to the vaccine, the case was managed immediately because we have a team of Doctors and Nurses who can immediately provide treatment in terms of allergy until the person is fully recovered.
“The other two cases were reported following the vaccination. They have assessed the cases and both of them were now well. Based on assessment the weakness is not caused by the vaccine but due to other existing diseases that is causing the weakness,” Choudhri said.
Dr Nemia Bainivalu when speaking on the same matter stressed that severe reactions have happened “but with the trainings conducted for nurses and doctors they know how to treat the people who have these reactions”.
A proposal for the design and construction of Fiu River Bridge on Malaita Province has been rejected.
Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) under the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has issued a rejection letter to the proposer earlier this week. The issue of the rejection letter completes the procurement process.
Despite receiving only one proposal during the tender process, the proposal was evaluated and found to be technically responsive and fully qualified, in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations. The proposal was accompanied by a bid validity statement which expires in July 2021.
SIRAP’s National Steering Committee (NSC), following careful consideration of funding sources to meet the proposed price, recommended to MCA and MID to reject the proposal.
The Solomon Islands Government has allocated SB$30m under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) towards the Fiu River Bridge. The total estimated cost of the Fiu River Bridge is SB$42m with the difference to be funded through the MID 2021 Development Budget.
Contributions from the ESP, the MID 2021 Development Budget and the World Bank Grant and Credit agreements were all considered.
World Bank Procurement Regulations were followed in an open and transparent process. These same procurement regulations are used all over the world to deliver infrastructure projects.
During its deliberations, the NSC noted that under the World Bank Procurement Regulations the budget cost estimate is not an upper limit for the contract amount and so proposals are not automatically rejected if they are higher than the budget cost estimate.
A survey of international contractors who did not bid showed a reluctance to participate due to a heavy construction workload from a number of infrastructure projects leading up to South Pacific Games 2023 and the impacts of COVID19 restrictions.
Australian-based company SMEC was supporting SIRAP in the procurement of Fiu River Bridge.
The NSC is continuing to consider options for the future replacement of this very importance piece of infrastructure.
A good number of Solomon Islands students in tertiary institutions in Fiji have taken their vaccination against covid-19 as the country continues to grapple with the virus.
This is according to an executive member of the Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) in Suva, Fiji.
The SISA executive member who wants his name withheld, said a good number of students have taken their first jab for covid-19 vaccination.
He said other Solomon Islands nationals who have taken their first jab during the first vaccination role out at the Vodafone arena have also taken their second jab.
“I am not quite sure of the actual number because details of those that have taken their vaccination were sent directly to the Education Attaché. But what happens now is that vaccination is conducted by mobile team and students just listen out for host Government’s notice.
“Once a mobile team set up close to places where students accommodated then they will go there for vaccination.”
He said some students at Fiji National University (FNU) vaccinate at Samabula Primary School which is closer to where they were residing. Others including some USP students go to a primary school at Brown Street which is also closer to USP Laucala campus.
“Last week the mobile team set up at a hospital at Nasese, close to one of the USP gates so many students go there for vaccination,” the student leader said.
It has been reported that two Solomon Islands students studying at the USP’s Laucala campus have been tested positive for Covid-19. They are currently on home isolation and are asymptomatic, meaning they are infected but never develop any symptoms of the virus.
The Solomon Island Government (SIG) encouraged that Solomon Islands students in Fiji to get Covid-19 vaccine provided by Fiji.
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) and Solomon Island Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) have called on all SIG students in Fiji to actively seek for and be vaccinated for Covid-19.
“It would prevent students from the development of serious COVID-19 infection or fatality.
“We are concerned that a good number of Solomon Islands students in Fiji based institutions are reported to have not taken their vaccination against the covid-19 for reasons that the students could only explain, despite the service being offered free.
“We encourage all students that have not taken the vaccines to do so, in order to be protected from the deadly coronavirus. It is better to act now – do not wait and regret later,” MEHRD and SITESA in a recent advisory, said.
A total of 4852 people are fully vaccinated against covid-19 as of Friday last week.
Dr Nemia Bainivalu, interim chair for the Vaccine Technical working group, echoed this yesterday at the covid-19 vaccine update radio talkback show on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).
“4852 people are fully vaccinated against covid-19 as of Friday 25th meaning the above stated number of people takes two required doses for covid-19,” he said.
Bainivalu adds by calling on people who yet to get their second dose of the covid-19 to “come forward to get vaccinated when you turn comes so you can join those who have completed theirs”.
“At the moment we are open to vaccinate those who will come to take their second doses. Check dates on your card and come forward to get your first dose,” he said.
Bainivalu said the covid-19 vaccination is still ongoing for people 18 years and above at the Central Field Hospital.
“For those who are yet to receive their first dose please go and take your first jab for covid-19.”
Dr Yogesh Choudhri, technical adviser to Ministry of Health and Medical services, reiterated that more than 4000 people have been fully vaccinated and that is close to nearly one percent of people of Solomon Islands.
“Congratulations and thank you for those of you who have come forward to receive your vaccine. We would like to encourage those of you who are yet to be vaccinated to share your stories as there have been a lot of misconceptions in terms of vaccine that are going.”
(L-R) Provincial speaker, Hon Ronnie Butala, acting Premier, Hon Nelson Lenty, PS MPGIS, Mr Stanley Dick Pirione and Head Chief of Ambu community, Chief William Richardson in front of the newly
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
THE MARA government has uttered support of community governance through the operation of Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGMP) in Malaita province.
The support is shown in the enhancement of the project this year in Malaita through their partnership with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the World Bank.
Acting premier Nelson Lenty, during the launch of Ambu’s community bylaw on Friday, said since the introduction of the project to the province communities are reaping its impact.
He said MARA government’s policy in governance is clear in supporting local communities being self-reliant and having a stronger community which have strong-based economic activities.
“Having community bylaw is one strategy to clear all anti-social behaviors and manage crimes in our communities. As a result our communities become free violence and communities can focus on economic development.
Guests attending the launching of Ambu bylaw at Ambu village.
“And I must thank CGGMP project in liaising with community leaders to have bylaws in communities throughout Malaita province and now in Ambu,” Lenty said.
He pointed out that the importance of bylaw is witnessed nowadays in societies which do not have laws and therefore do not practise them; “everywhere people are going away from accepted social standard and are doing their own things that is harmful.
“Deviance is about going against authority and breaking rules that authority puts. Therefore the bylaw is here to guide us to certain standards for our social and spiritual wellbeing.
“Peace comes when we are violence free, tension free and justice established and all are happy,” Lenty said.
He said the community of Ambu was established by the Church, and is only fitting that the community have bylaws to protect the interest of the church and those who are supporting the church.
“The impact of this bylaw program under the CGGMP will help families, communities and the province to live in peace, unity and progress together.”
Lenty said the successful implementation of the CGGMP in the province is a manifestation of collaborative work between communities, provincial and national governments.
He acknowledged church leaders, Ambu village committee, CGGMP and all stakeholders that made the launching of Ambu bylaw has successfully eventuate.
SOLOMON Forest Association (SFA) recently suspended two of its members over their illegal harvesting of the restricted Tubi trees in Isabel Province.
The action follows a recent Island Sun exposure of the illegal activities of two Malaysian logging companies – Sunrise Investment Ltd and Mas Solo Investment Ltd.
“We have already suspended the memberships of Sunrise and Mas Solo after assessing the illegality of their activities,” SFA President Johnny Sy told the Island Sun.
He said their action paves the way for the Ministry of Forestry to cancel the felling licences of these two companies.
The office of the Commissioner of Forest has not responded to questions sent to them for comments.
Both companies have also pulled out their operations from Isabel after the Island Sun exposure, although their licences were still valid.
“They’ve already shipped their machines out from Korona and Lelegia,” landowner Samuel Efulu told the Island Sun.
“Your recent report has put them in a bad light so they have no option but to pack up and go,” Efulu added.
Sunrise used to operate at Korona, on the island of San Jorge, while Mas Solo was given the Lelegia concession on the mainland of Isabel.
Both companies obtained valid logging licences. But those licences did not cover the harvest of Tubi, a restricted tree species.
Yet, they went ahead and fell thousands of tonnes of Tubi logs at the two concessions since early 2020.
They were only stopped when landowners obtained a court order against their illegal felling of the Tubi trees.
Last December, Sunrise Ltd owner Richard Song Sing Ngea pleaded guilty to the illegal harvesting of Tubi in the Magistrates Court and was fined $50,000 – the maximum fine for the offence.
Sy, a Philippines national and owner of Bulacan logging company, said Sunrise and Mas Solo have brought SFA to disrepute through their illegal activities in Isabel.
“We don’t have powers to cancel felling licences,” Sy explained.
“We only suspend their membership and that’s all we can do,” he added.
“Only Forestry and the Courts have the power.
“If Forestry decides to let them continue then we can’t do anything.”
Sy added the two logging companies have the right to appeal.
Local environmental activist Lawrence Makili says foreign loggers who deliberately violated the country’s laws must be deported.
“Why are we still keeping these loggers here when they showed no respect to our resources and laws?” Makili asked.
“Loggers with a no-care attitude must not be entertained in the Solomons,” he added.
WANT to see this place, go to Hambere Village Stay which is located at one of Western Province’s biggest Islands, Kolombangara.
The beautiful and breath taking view is worthy of your hard earned cash.
Add to its bonus, you can see three unique birds which cannot be found anywhere in the world.
Roviana rail, Kolombangara leaf warbler and Kolombangara white-eye are three attractive birds among others that can be seen on Kolombangara.
Hambere Village Stay also provide activities like Mountain Hiking, Bush Trekking, Diving or guests can just chill at the whitesandy beach while watching seagulls dancing around a school of fish.
Hambere Village Stay single guest houses. One is yet to be completed
There is another good news for Yachts. Hambere has a beautiful bay where yachts can hide during bad weather.
A night costs around $SBD400.00 and includes meals.
I was able to meet the owner of Hambere Village Stay, Venty Maena and his wife Neddy Maena during one of my trips to Kolombagara this week.
Venty Maena is a cool guy to talk to and works hard trying to help with his family needs.
His journey as a tourism operator begun in the latter part of 1996 after a short training with his Australian friend.
“Around early 1996, I met an Australian called Arron Hayes in Honiara and became good friends.
“Arron then took me to Australia where I trained as a tour guide working on parks. I took up an interest in venturing into tourism business and when I returned home, I started my own Village Stay.
Venty Maena and his wife Neddy Maena at one of the single guest house
“I first started with one guest house which I built using local materials – sago palm leafs, bamboo and woods.
“In 1997, I welcomed my first guest at my Village Stay and the feeling was special knowing that I’ve made it,” he said.
He recalled that he was around 17 years old when he established his village stay and the job was not easy given that most of the job are manpower.
“There was no funding from outside, worst still I do the job by myself,” Maena laughed.
He said his passion and interest in the tourism industry was the main driver and motivation towards his tourism business.
The years that followed, Maena received lots of guests with the help of his Australian friend who did the marketing in Australia.
Maena received guests from far and near some of who came from Europe.
With the help of Dive Gizo, his village stay became a hot spot for tourists.
After struggling alone, Maena met his wife who become his new partner in the development of the village stay.
“When I met him and later married, I’ve been helping him with his plans and also the operation of the village stay.
Yet to be completed single room guest house
“At times, we share the job, he will accompany the guests to the mountains to see the birds while I prepare foods for our guest at the Village Stay.
“It’s been fun and also benefiting working with my husband as money generated from our business helped us to meet our family needs such as schools fees,” Maena’s wife Neddy said.
She adds that the village stay has also helped schools with stationaries donated by their oversea friends and other people who have financial needs but had nowhere to work for money.
“We also provide job opportunities, people from surrounding communities took turn as tour guides when visitors arrived and in return we paid them like 400 per day.
“We also provide small task such as cleaning around the Village Stay to elderly people and in return we paid them,” Neddy said.
Glamorous as it sound, but Venty and Neddy also fall short when it comes to resources such as Out Boat Motor Engine and boat for transporting guests from Gizo to Kolombangara.
The 2007 major Earthquake which was followed by a deadly Tsunami in the Western Province also caused devastation to the village stay. One guest house was pulled to the ground by the earthquake.
However, the challenges never broke their ambitions.
Their dream finally came true in 2015, when they got an engine and a boat.
“This assistance was made possible with the help of my guests. They made recommendation to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“Their recommendation was a big push that the ministry provided the engine and boat,” Maena said.
COVID-19 crisis
Like other business, Hambere Village stay is also badly affected by COVID-19.
Maena said visitors’ arrival has dropped drastically.
“We have received local guests but our intake is below average,” he said.
According to the Tourism Officer of Western Province, Zaza Gina, tourism operators in Western Province are not certain what their future holds.
“Our operators are feeling the impact of COVID-19. I’ve visited some of the operators in Munda and overall response is that they are badly affected.
“Some of the operators have undergone redundancy while some of the operators established new policies where employees takes turn to work.
“Like Agnes Lodge, they’ve established a policy where employees can take turn to work. Employees will work for certain period then stayed at home for a month for their turn,” she said.
Another officer, Fabina Lilo said Western Province’ Tourism Department (WPTD) is trying its best to help operators stay afloat during this time of COVID-19.
She said WPTD is looking at establishing a local bubble targeting the local Asian community in the country who have expressed interest to be part of the bubble.
Zaza Gina left and Fabina Lilo right with the owner of Hambere Village Stay Venty Maena in the middle at one of the single room guest house
“So, we are discussing the possibility to create our own bubble. This idea has been circulating within our partners and we are hoping to get thing started by August this year,” Lilo said.
400 per nights and this includes meals
Hambere expecting new phase
For Maena, COVID-19 has not disturbed his ambitions. He is building guest houses while waiting for the border to open.
“I’m trying to improve my village stay so that guests can enjoy fully when they come here. I’ve completed two single guest houses and the other one is still in progress.
“I’m also planning to build another two guest houses for couples in the coming months,” he said.
Maena’s dream is far from over, though he has missed out on the government Stimulus Package.
He and his wife are still following up on some funding from the government to help them improve their village stay.
When asked what he needs for his business, Maena replied with a smile and said, “I need a binoculars for bird watching and camera to help promote his business.
Yet to be completed single room guest house
Meana displayed a true spirit of ambition in the tourism industry.
His brothers were all employed by loggers who operated close to his village but he just stayed at home and looked after his village stay.
As I conclude this feature, don’t forget, if you want to see the clouds meet the mountain go to Hambere Village stay.
–Malaita provincial workers come out with grievances
–Mala HR says, “we’ll pay start this week”
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
Malaita provincial government (MPG) has been forced to address grievances among its staff.
Starting this week, advance payments will be paid to provincial workers who had requested it.
On Tuesday this week several staff of the Malaita provincial office reportedly resorted to “assembling at the provincial office and shouting threats” at senior members of the province’s Admin after their requests for advance payment were not met.
Apparently, the provincial workers had applied for advance payment for school fees last month (May).
Since then, one says in anonymity, follow-up checks had been met with usual time-buying replies such as ‘come back tomorrow’ or ‘not yet, check another time’.
Reports received say the workers began losing patience when they saw that only a selected few were given their advance payment while the rest were “ignored”.
This, they said, culminated in Tuesday’s incident in which frustrated provincial workers confronted senior Admin staff and issued verbal threats.
One concern this issue has raised is whether it may reflect an ailing cashflow situation for Malaita province.
However, speaking to Island Sun yesterday, provincial Human Resources Manager, Richard Misi, brushes these speculations aside, saying the delay had merely been due to “process”.
He explains that it is normal that such processes take time, which is compounded when applicants do not complete forms properly or fail to provide all documents required.
“MPG understands the situation and delay so far on the payment was on required processes that need to adhere as the advance will go through the system.
“The processes include proper screening of staff advance application, control measure within finance office and the apparent financial difficulty currently everywhere in the country.
“Now, the processes have been done and staffs will expect to receive advance payment starting this week.”
Meanwhile, he explains that one thing the provincial workers fail to understand is that ‘staff advance payment’ is not stipulated in the official Staff Instructions, which means that advance payment is not an entitlement, rather is a privilege, pending considerations and approval, which in turn depends on many other factors.
On top of that, when considered, this privilege is only limited to advance payment for school fees only. Anything outside of this scope will be given less consideration, he adds.
“The maximum amount of staff advance is $5,000, and will not pay through staff bank accounts but accounts of schools their children study.
“Staffs are required to present school fee pro-formers and school bank account within the advance application, so those who apply without the documents will deem as non-school fee advance.
“The rate to pay back the advance is three-quarter of staff’s salary which will be effective after issuing advance payment to staffs.”
Thus, he appealed to staffs to refrain from causing any “odd behavior to express frustration on the matter” as the province is ready to issue advance to staff applicants.
ONE farmer who brought his seven copra bags to sell to Solomon Islands Commodities Private Ltd in Honiara has complaint on the tare of 1.5 kilogram per bag.
Rex Suriga raised this issue after he received 10.5 kg for his seven copra bags.
He believes the total weight should be lower than the seven bags.
“The company is making profit from our bag,” he claimed.
“This practice needs to be stopped,” he added.
However, Dilip Kuma Acharya of SICPL said the tare of 1.5kg is the standard weight set by the regulator, Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).
Kuma said the company cannot reduce the weight because it is set standard where every buyer in the country must follow.
CEMA confirmed that according to the tare standard prize, 1kg is for new bag and 1.5kg for old bag.
One of the inspectors in CEMA said this prize was set by the Copra Board when CEMA operated commercially in the country.
According to the payment voucher produced by SICPL, Suriga received $2,578 for the 7 copra bags.
The gross weight for the 7 bags is 747.00, tare is 10.50 and net weight 736.50.
The company charges $3.50 per bag.
Island Sun understands buyers like Solomon Islands Copra Exports, JAMCOP and Solomon Tropical Product have used the same tare weight regulated by CEMA.
