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APID takes legal action to reinstate West Rennell land.

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Garden sites at West Rennell are dug up by Bauxite Mining companies. What left are holes filled with water.

BY JARED KOLI

Controversial miner, Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) is taking legal action against the deregistration of West Rennell Land and is appealing to defend the cancellation of its Mining Licence.

On October 19, 2020, the Registrar of land titles de-registered APID from West Rennell land Parcel No. 298-005-1 as the titleholder after much debate on the issue.

“… the deregistration of West Rennell Land Parcel Number 298-005-1, we would like to clarify that the matter is already before the court. APID’s Legal Counsel is currently working to get this Title reinstated soon its name through the legal process.

“Similarly, another appeal process is underway to defend the cancellation of the Mining Licence,” the company in a statement to Island Sun over the weekend, said.

It says the cancellation of its mining licence by the Minister of Mines only further complicated the current difficult situation already faced by the mining operation in west Rennell.

Responding to a front-page story by this newspaper on Tuesday last week, the logging turned mining company says any new mining application over West Rennell is illegal and cannot proceed or be processed until such time the issue of the cancellation of its mining licence is determined by the court.

On Tuesday last week, Director of Mines Nicholas Biliki said a new mining company, Nickel Exploration Solomon Islands (NESI) Limited lodged a new Prospecting Licence application for bauxite mining in Rennell Island.

NESI has come out publicly on this issue in a statement to Island Sun on Friday, June 11, confirming it had lodged two applications for prospecting on Rennell Island.

“Those applications have been lodged to the Director of Mines and are presently pending before the Board. The applications comply with the requirements of the Mines and Minerals Act and are to be assessed according to law,” it said in the statement.

NESI said it is a separate legal entity to APID who was the former holder of a mining lease on Rennell Island.

“APID’s mining lease has been cancelled. NESI’s applications were lodged after that cancellation occurred. Notwithstanding the cancellation of the mining lease, under the Mines and Mineral Act, the holder of the mining lease is still obliged to attend to any outstanding remediation works,” it said.

The statement adds NESI is supportive of the performance of rehabilitation works to remediate past extractive activities on Rennell Island.

It says none of its directors are the directors or former directors of APID, the former lease holder.

NESI said it has four directors, two of its directors are Patrick Wong and Fred Tang of Bintan Mining SI (BMSI) Limited.

“Mr Wong and Mr Tang both have valuable experience in mining. However, neither Mr Wong nor Mr Tang are shareholders of NESI. NESI has foreign investment approval and the financial support of its parent company, who has agreed to provide it with adequate financial resources to carry out effective prospecting operations,” the statement said.

Following recent media disclosure of NESI’s application, Erick Tema, a member of the West Rennell Land and Resources Owners Association came out to denounce any forms of mining operation in West Rennell.

Mr Tema told SIBC last week that NESI comprises of the same people with (BMSI) Limited that changed and registered its name again as NESI.

“The land is ours; we have reclaimed it from APID and will never let it again to foreigners,” Tema said.

However, NESI’s statement said their applications do not relate to the land which is registered to Erick Tema and family.

“Mr Tema has been a long-time supporter of mining on Rennell Island and has previously supported the mining endevours of Worldlink Resources Ltd and then later, Winning Resources, both of whom were foreign owned and controlled and have had their tenements cancelled,” it said.

The statement purported that Tema had recently supported another mining company named Florida Mine Investment Company Limited to undertake mining on the land which is registered to him and his family on Rennell Island.

Mines Director Biliki last week said he was not sure about their particular land of interest in Rennell that NESI is applying for the Prospecting Licence but said the application is for Rennell.

Biliki said the Mines and Mineral Board will meet soon to look into the new application and decide on it.

“Depending on a due diligence process undertaken now, the application will be deliberated on maybe in the third quarter board meeting which is three months away,” Biliki said.

Rennell Island, a largest raised coral atoll in the world is rich in bauxite but over the years, logging and mining operations have torn the rocky atoll apart, placing people’s livelihoods at stake. Local Environment Activist, Lawrence Makili earlier told Radio Australia that the government should not allow any more mining on Rennell, and all mining applications should be frozen.

NHPL covid test soon

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) will soon perform covid-19 testing for individuals who wish to fly out of the country.

This was confirmed by Vincent Suriga, laboratory science officer, NPHL, during a ground breaking ceremony of NPHL new office space last week.

 “National Public Health Laboratory is ready to run COVID-19 tests for those who will be flying out of Solomon Islands. The only delay we have at the moment is the positing of covid-19 testing equipment’s to meet covid-19 testing guidelines and protocols.”

He said the NPHL has a GeneXpert machine that will be used to carry out the test. The machines have four chambers but only two chambers are working at the moment.

He also said World Health Organisation (WHO) will fund a qPCR machine, its room is already made available at the NPHL.

“The only work left to do is positioning and arranging inside of the Laboratory to suite COVID-19 testing protocols before testing for covid-19 for those who wish to fly out overseas,” he said.

He stressed the laboratory will only conduct covid-19 test for those who will be flying out of the country. For incoming passengers they will be tested at the National Referral Hospital molecular lab.

Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana also said the “GeneXpert machine is now ready, the cabinets installed, the reagents are already here  but it is positioning all the testing apparatus otherwise the NPHL is ready and equipped to start do the covid-19 testing it is only the matter of when”.

Mutual cooperation is vital for new university

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Arch-Bishop-Leonard-Dawea-dedicating-the-laying-of-the-foundation-stone-of-the-proposed-John-Coleridge-Patteson-University

BY JARED KOLI

The establishment of the John Coleridge Patterson University (JCPU) needs mutual cooperation with stakeholders.  

Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea said mutual cooperation and partnership with genuine stakeholders such as the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Government, overseas traditional partners, Guadalcanal provincial government, churches and local communities in such a national project is vital.

Archbishop Dawea said cooperation and partnership are effective conduits to development and success in any project undertakings.  

“Nothing can be difficult for a collaborative and supportive hands of friendly community that are always available to help,” he said.

The Archbishop said establishing a university is not an easy undertaking. It needs clear strategic outlook and positive mindset to pursue the project forward for accomplishment.

“But more so, I would like to think that the mutual cooperation and partnership with genuine stakeholders is vital.”

Dawea thanked responsible government ministers along with Guadalcanal Premier, chiefs and local communities who were present to witness the historic landmark ceremony on Saturday, marking the commencement of JCPU project at Kosu land in central Guadalcanal.

 He also pays a special tribute to former trustees of the land, and the landowning tribes who have been working together with the church and offered the land to be purchased for the establishment of JCPU.

Public advice on hygiene as diarrhoea cases soar

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PUBLIC are being strongly advised to continue practising health measures due to increasing number of diarrhoea cases recorded lately.

This call was made yesterday by the Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Pauline McNeil in a radio talkback show on covid-19 update.

“Rotavirus is common amongst the children under the age of five. Hence, we want to again reach out to public to strongly advise you to continue to practise some health measures especially on regular hand wash after toilet, when preparing food you have your hands cleaned with running water with soap and also continue to ensure you boil your drinking water and properly cover your foods,” McNeil said.

She called on parents who have children with an age range between 10 and 14 weeks to receive rotavirus vaccine from the nearest health facility to be inoculated.

McNeil said the rotavirus vaccine was launched last year.

She reiterated that the Ministry of Health and Medical Service last week gave out an advisory alert in relation to the increasing cases of diarrhoea which was reported in Gizo, Western Province, Good Samaritan Hospital, Lata hospital and National Referral Hospital.

McNeil said the cases are being closely monitored.

She said out of the cases, six deaths have occurred, five were reported in Gizo and one in Guadalcanal.

“With the report on behalf pf the ministry I want to convey our sympathy to parents and who have lost their children last week,” McNeil said.

Covid fight is not over: PS McNeil

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

COVID-19 fight is not over as increasing numbers of cases in Fiji and Papua New Guinea is still a concern for Solomon Islands, says Pauline McNeil.

Mrs McNeil, permanent secretary to the ministry of health, echoed this statement yesterday when speaking of covid-19 updates in the country.

“I want to say that the COVID-19 fight is not over yet with as number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing in two of our neighbouring countries in the region Fiji and PNG is a concern for us and so we all have a role to play

“I want to again reach out to everyone that we have our part to play. One of the part that you can play is to get vaccinated of COVID-19 if you are eighteen years and above,” she said.

McNeil adds, Solomon Islands is COVID-19 free for almost two months now. The last registered case which is the 20th case was reported over two months ago.

“I want to thank all front liners on Health, Camp management, our Partner ministries, police and biosecurity and customers who have continued to work together to try and address our ongoing efforts and for continuous prayers of family, friends and churches.

“I also thanked donor partners for their support in our response to fight against COVID-19,” she said.

McNeil further stressed that the Central Field Hospital (CFH) is still accommodating vaccination roll out.

The first dose of Sinopharm is still ongoing and second doses of AstraZeneca is recommencing as well.

“I reach out to people who yet to come for their second dose to come forward to get you second dose of AstraZeneca,” she said.

“For provinces West, Choiseul and Border their first doses complete their second dose will happened sometimes later this month.”

John Coleridge Patteson University creates future

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Arch Bishop Rt Reverend Dawea, PS Dr Franco and Premier Francis Sade unveiling the official logo of the university

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

The proposed John Coleridge Patteson University will create a better future for future generations in the country, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Education and Human Resources Dr Franco Rodie says.

He made the comment during the dedication and laying of the foundation of the university at Kosu land, North Guadalcanal on Saturday.

He said he is honoured to witness the laying of foundation of the university that will be established soon in the country.

Arch Bishop Leonard Dawea dedicating the laying of the foundation stone of the proposed John Coleridge Patteson University

He said this is not the first time for the Anglican Church of Melanesia to plant a seed in education.

“I am pleased that you have planted the seed because it means to me and my ministry that you are creating a future for our future generation.

St Nicholas choir participating in the ceremony

“We are creating futures but they have to determine the future that they want.

“It is our responsibility to create a future by establishing this institution so that they too can realise their full potential,” Rodie said.

He said the university once completed will create opportunities for future generation to access higher qualification.

Chief and landowners welcoming the guests and officials

He said it is important the country increased the participation rate of Solomon Islanders to do tertiary education.

He said the participation rate of Solomon Islanders in tertiary education is only 3.5 percent which is way behind compared to other pacific countries like Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Samoa and Fiji.

Arch Bishop Rt Reverend Leonard Dawea presenting Chupu to landowners

With the emerging university coming ahead he is looking forward for young generation to take up opportunity to access better education.

He acknowledges the landowners for recognising the important of education by allowing their land.

GP Premier commends churches for taking the lead in education sector

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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From left, Premier Sade, Minister Samuel Manetoáli, Rt Reverend Dawea and Dr Rodie cutting the cake

By CHARLES KADAMANA

Premier of Guadalcanal Francis Sade has commended the Anglican Church of Melanesia for taking the lead in investing in the education sector.

Speaking at the dedication and laying of the foundation stone of the proposed John Coleridge Patteson University in North Guadalcanal on Saturday, he said the first education institutions in the country were established by churches.

He said the government “came behind” and he wished to reiterate to the churches to continue taking the lead in education because “our country needs society that has values”.

He said his provincial government will continue to work together with churches to promote values and for that they are giving back some of the schools to be run by churches.

He said in most public schools the children are not behaving well compared to schools run by churches.

Guests make their way for the official ceremony

“I see in most public school, the children are not behaving as what we are expecting. We need our people to behave so that they respect each other and you can only find that on schools run by churches.

“I wish to congratulate every church in taking part in education sector of this country,” Premier Sade said.

He said his provincial government will continue to support and work with every education authority to make sure the partnerships with his government are strengthened so that everyone can deliver the education goal of the government in the country.

“With what we do here, I am proud that we continue to develop our country through Guadalcanal province and my government will continue to support in the development that is coming up and we will continue to render our support whether technical or in other areas where the churches need to work together in this university,” he said.

He encourages the community around the area of Malango and Tasiboko to respect the project.

He said the proposed university will benefit their future generation.

He said investment in education is one of the keys to sustainable development and so the community should take pride of it.

Farmers benefit from MAL rehab programme

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Press Release
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Assistant Field Officer Vulolo, Wendy Sikapu Hands over a chainsaw to a cocoa farmer Mr. John Manengelea of Gautina Village in Central Guadalcanal witnessed by GP Agriculture Extension Division Principle Field Officer Ms. Jemarlyn Tanhimana.

Two cocoa farmer groups in North and Central Guadalcanal are the latest beneficiaries of chainsaws under the Sustainable Economic Growth and Export Strengthening (SEGES) Programme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

They are Samba cocoa farmers and John Manengelea from the Unity Cocoa Enterprise from Ghaobata and Vulolo wards.

Chief Field officer for Guadalcanal agriculture Extension, Joseph Wotomaru said the support was part of the cocoa rehabilitation initiative under MAL SEGES programme 2020 – 2024 which aimed at empowering farmers and buyers to improve productivity and revenue earnings.

He said the chainsaws will help the beneficiaries to maintain and rehabilitate their ageing cocoa farms to improve cocoa tree vigour and yield. “The chainsaws were given to farmers with farms over 20 years and trees over grown, purposely to conduct radical pruning.”


Extension Assistant Field Officer Ghaobata Moses Losi hands over chainsaw to Samba Cocoa Farmers representatives Ismael Boboli and Christian Bonai of Samba community, Ghaobata.

“Some smallholder cocoa farmers especially in Guadalcanal Province are not equipped with the necessary tools and practices to rejuvenate their aging cocoa farms and I believe such support would help them maintain and revitalize their old farms, than to establish new cocoa farms that would take up three to four years before yield.”

The four main objectives of the SEGES programme is to;

  • Make sure farmers, associations, producers, buyers and exporters are empowered to increase productivity and to increase revenue earnings.
  • Enhanced copra productivity through rehabilitation and support to CRB activities
  • Enhance Cocoa Productivity through Rehabilitation and Genetic improvements
  • Support Kava developments to increase productivity in all the Provinces

–MAL PRESS

GUALE’S UNTAPPED MILLIONS

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Press Release
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????PG ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? $???????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????

THE Guadalcanal Provincial government should be collecting more than $90m per annum from its property rates alone.

This was revealed during a presentation to the Provincial executive government by the Provincial revenue division last week.

The projected property rates are a result of a three months study conducted by the GP Revenue Division in both northwest and northeast Guadalcanal. It also covers some of the land areas within Honiara City.

The current Guadalcanal Province property rates is 0.3%, and is calculated by the ‘Unimproved Value’ of the rateable land owned by Guadalcanal Province and all the property owners in Guadalcanal are liable to pay the property rates (under the Property Rate Ordinance). The report is being projected from 2020 to 2025.

In addition, it also covers three different main areas; agriculture, commerce and residential, on the parcel numbers, lot numbers, areas in square meters, rates (dollars/square meter), and unimproved value, and etc.

According to the GP Executive Government, one of the reasons why there are poor service deliveries in Guadalcanal is due to the fact that these local revenues have never been properly collected in the past.

As a consequence, one of the current GP Executive’s top priorities in the next financial year is to boost its revenue sector.

In the meantime, the names of all the property owners will be publicly published sometimes in August to ensure they are well aware of their tax obligations to the province.

The Revenue Division also states that they’re yet to do the land valuations and estimates how much land rates Guadalcanal Province has.

Premier Francis Sade reiterates during the presentation that his Executive Government will continue to pursue its 2019-2023 Policy in terms of boosting the local revenues.

In the meantime, a new revenue management ordinance is currently being drafted and expected to be tabled during the next Provincial Assembly.

—GP Media

Kira Kira Police sets up Crime Prevention Team in West Makira

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Kirakira station, in Makira/Ulawa Province

The Kira Kira Provincial Police Headquarters of Makira Ulawa Province has set up a Crime Prevention Committee in Arosi two of West Makira in efforts to stop people from brewing, selling and consuming the illegally brewed alcohol, Kwaso and from taking part in unlawful activities.

Provincial Police Commander, Peter Sitai said the first Crime Prevention Committee has been set up at Oneibia Village in Arosi two and its members help Police Criminal Investigators with their investigations into Kwaso production and consumption resulting in consumers committing unlawful activities.

He said the Oneibia Crime Prevention Committee Chairman is Reuben Renga who has reported to Kira Kira Police that Kwaso is one of the main crime drivers in his community.

And Mr Sitai said Mr Renga has reported the latest Kwaso related incident in that area that occurred around 3.am of May 28, 2021, when a man, while being intoxicated with Kwaso, entered a nurse’s private house at Ngarigohu Clinic and harassed her.

He said a police source has named the two Kwaso producers at Oneibia Area at the Piapia Village and neighboring Bwabwa settlement.

Mr Sitai said the Oneibia Crime Prevention Committee Chairman Mr Renga has also reported the CPC team has confiscated distillation utensils/apparatus that are being stored at Chief Aunimuri’s house at Piapia.

Mr Sitai says Mr Renga has reported two separate cases involving an ex-prisoner of Anuta Island off shore of Oneibia Village, who was allegedly being involved in a rape case while the other involves intimidation and malicious damage at Hada Village also of Arosi two.

Meanwhile PPC Sitai said Kira Kira Police Headquarters is sending this week a Police team to the area in an Operation Code Name ‘Free Arosi 2’ to investigate the reported cases.

And Chairman of Oneibia Crime Prevention Committee, Mr Renga has assured Kira Kira Police Headquarters that his Committee members are ready to support the police crime investigators with their investigations.

He adds they are armed with information on the criminal activities and those committing them.

By George Atkin

  Kira Kira

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