AN inception workshop to begin the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7 Project Initiation Planning Stage gathering representatives from the UNDP Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livelihood was held on May 26.
The Workshop is begin the process of developing an action plan for the project of safeguarding Solomon Islands Endemic and Global Threatened Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services from key threats, particularly invasive alien species and unsustainable land-use practices.
More than 20 representatives from UNDP, partner ministries and civil-society organizations gathered to launch the project development process for the GEF 7 Multifocal Area, which focuses on biodiversity and land degradation thematic areas.
The project’s broader objective is that Solomon Islands indigenous plants, animals, and ecosystems are at a reduced risk from invasive alien species, land degradation and unsustainable resource use with effective government enabling frameworks and capacity, community participation and resilient blue/green livelihoods.
Speaking at the Workshop, Chanel Iroi, Deputy Secretary Technical for MECDM and GEF Operational Focal Point in Solomon Islands, acknowledged the project team and stressed that this workshop initiated a significant process that should be completed by December this year.
Workshop participants
According to MECDM, Solomon Islands is an important biodiversity hotspot across the globe and in the Asia-Pacific region. Solomon Islands has rich species biodiversity on both land and waters. In terms of iconic coastal and marine animals, the country hosts the saltwater crocodile, eight species of whales, nine species of dolphin, dugongs, five species of turtles (Eretmochelys imbricate (CE), Chelonia mydas (EN), Dermochelys coriacea and Lepidochelys olivacea (VU) and Caretta (EN), plus many species of sharks and large pelagic fish. They highlighted that there remains key threats to this wealth of biodiversity, which includes invasive alien species, habitat destruction and land degradation, overharvesting and exploitation of species, and climate change.
At the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture Deputy Secretary, Michael Ho’ota, highlighted the impacts to the environment that can be caused by no proper farm management practices, this can result in soil degradation, nutrient leaching and depletion causing low soil fertility, as a result, low crop productivity, contamination of water catchment, deforestation and the introduction of invasive fauna & flora species. These are threats to the Agriculture sector in Solomon Islands, which hopefully can be addressed by this project.
MAL is grateful to be a stakeholder in this important project and looks forward to its successful development and implementation.
The workshop ended with UNDP, MECDM and MAL agreeing on steps forward and a plan to deliver the project document by December 2021. The next steps will also involve visiting the targeted sites and Provinces under the proposed Project.
MALAYSIAN logger Sino Capital Solomon Islands Ltd have found themselves again at the receiving end of the law.
After Guadalcanal Province cancelled their business licence last year, and accused them of operating illegally in the province since 2009, the logging company now faces the prospect of closing down its entire operation across the country.
This was after the Foreign Investment Division (FID) issued Sino a notice to cancel their foreign investment registration certificate because of alleged breaches the company had committed.
Registrar of Foreign Investment Lynette daWheya outlined the breaches in the show-cause notice she wrote to the logging company on 6 May 2021.
These include:
SINO has failed to comply to the 15 Annual Survey Notifications reminders issued to the company in 2017 – January, February, March; 2018 – January, February, March; 2019 – January, February, March, 2020 – January, February, March; 2021 – January, February, March.
The company failed to respond or redress the breaches stated in the Show cause notice issued against the company in January 2021 for violations of approvals following the Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee (BMJAC) compliance inspections on Guadalcanal Province and Vanikoro – Temotu Province 30 November 2020 – January 2021.
The company has failed to comply with its foreign approval conditions as stated below:
By operating a reserved business activity – a canteen less than 200 square meters on Aola site.
That they have failed to notify Registrar on Tax registrations, obligations and remittances;
That they have failed to notify the Registrar on NPF Registrations, obligations and remittances; there have been inconsistencies in paying SINO Capital SI Ltd employee’s contributions to the SINPF;
Failed to pay for relevant Provincial Business Licences for Aola Camp for years 2004-2021, Guadalcanal Province for total of $5.1 million. Failed to pay for relevant Provincial Business License for Vanikoro, Temotu Province, from 2016-2021 totaling $1,500.00
Failed to pay for relevant resource owners at Guadalcanal Province.
Failed to pay for relevant Resource owners at Vanikoro, Temotu Province.
Failed to pay the penalty issued against the company, $125,000 for non-compliance as per the FI Act 2005 as amended 2009, section 29 (C) (I). Guadalcanal Province.
Failed to pay the penalty issued against the company, $125,000 for non-compliance as per the FI Act 2005 as amended 2009, section 29 (C) (I). Temotu Province.
deWheya told Sino that if they wish not to have their certificate of registration cancelled, they must present to her office in written form within 10 working days as of the date her letter, reasons why their certificate should not be cancelled.
Island Sun understands the 10-day notice has lapsed.
When contacted, Sino lawyer Wilson Rano told the Island Sun he has appealed against deWheya’s letter to the Minister of Commerce.
He further claimed the minister has directed FID to withdraw the letter.
AS the review of the Honiara City Council (HCC) Act 1999 is now underway, Councillor for Vura Ward, Reginald Ngati has called for an amendment in the entitlements of Ward Councillors’.
Cr Ngati said the amendment of the Councillors’ entitlements is important because Honiara city is now expanding, so as the increase of demands for services by residents in the city.
He stated that “just like the national members of parliament, we as ward Councillors too are experiencing the pressure of rising demands by residents’ of the city. We have received requests from voters and ward residents on a daily basis – a normal culture in the local politics.”
Having said that, Cr Ngati said the current entitlements for Councillors is really unfair in their leadership.
For instance, under the current HCC Act, the entitlements of Councillors together with the deputy mayor are only the fortnight allowances, no more no less.
“Unless if there are some other entitlements that was hidden from us that I did not know about. This excludes the City Mayor, as his entitlements are stipulated for under the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC).
“For those of us ordinary Councillors or non-executive Councillors, our fortnightly allowance is just $1,325 tax-free. Those that holds Chairmanship roles gets more than $1,500, while Deputy Mayor gets $1,900 plus.
“That is the current allowance we are entitled to. We are lucky that the allowances are not taxed,” the Vura Ward Councillor said.
“There is no housing entitlements, no education entitlement, no health allowance, no transportation or ward touring entitlements,” Cr Ngati added.
Under the leadership of Wilson Mamae, Mr Ngati was Chairman for what was referred to as the Councillors Entitlements Committee (CEC) – an ad hoc committee that was formed to look into the entitlements of Councillors.
“When I was with CEC, we have come up with figures and possible entitlements in a report and forwarded it to the Minister for Home Affairs. I wish to see the ministry refer to the report we submitted when reviewing the Act.
“I strongly call on the ministry to seriously consider the review of the Councillors’ entitlements,” Cr Ngati said.
He went on to state that the review of the entitlements is important, because a lot of complaints have been received by members of the public, accusing certain Councillors of owning expensive vehicles, houses, and huge properties when their allowances is very petty.
“However, whether they purchased the items before or during the time they are elected is not the issue here. The issue here is that when a Councillor has no other entitlement and is owning properties and making wealth, that is the problem.
“The point here is that the entitlements does not qualify a councillor to have expensive properties, or look outstanding in this leadership role. You only have your allowance that is paid fortnightly. And also at the end of each Councillor’s term, there is no grands paid – it will just be a return home with no allowances given,” Ngati stated.
Having said that, he is concerned that the fear of Councillors getting off track is either created by those that are creating or revising the Act as there are no provisions that gives Councillors the opportunity and privilege so that when they work and serve their people, they at least have something to count on.
“Therefore, considering the amendement of Councillors’ entitlements in the revised HCC Act is a must. It must be done,” the Vura Ward Councillor strongly stated.
WORK on the Good Samaritan hospital laboratory is progressing according to Dr Gregory Jilini under Secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
But he explained the hospital will be used for testing of different diseases and not for COVID-19 testing.
“Work on the Good Samaritan Lab is still in progress. It will be a hospital lab. Due to its close proximity to National Referral Hospital NRH etc, COVID testing will still be done at the NRH Molecular Lab,” he said.
Jilini said an official opening will be organized once it is completed.
Dr Yogesh Choudhri Senior technical advisor to MHMS also confirmed that the Hospital laboratory is for haematological and biochemistry tests for the patients of other diseases.
“It is not going to be a COVID testing laboratory. It is for other haematological and biochemistry tests for the patients of other diseases,” said Choudhri.
Pauline McNeil Permanent Secretary to Health Ministry on one of the recent COVID-19 talk back show said the ministry of health are in the process to establishing a laboratory for the Good Samaritan Hospital
McNeil said the laboratory is part of donation from the Solomon Islands Forestry Association.
“We are thankful for the donation from this private person who have come forward to support Ministry of health,” said McNeil.
L- R. MPA, Hon. Joe Takeli, BSP's officer, Stanley Jnr. Siapu and MUP's deputy Premier, Hon. Davis Maemae standing in front of the Bsp agency building
Bank South Pacific has successfully launched its branch- less agency on Ulawa island in the Makira Ulawa Province.
The launching ceremony took place last Wednesday at the Suholo village.
It was witnessed by the Makira Ulawa provincial Deputy Premier, Davis Maemae, the Minister for Trade and commerce, Brook Wa’o and the Minister of Health and medical services, Benson Piringi as well as other public servants at Ulawa island.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Ulawa, Arthur Halu, a school teacher thanked those who have worked hard to see such development established on Ulawa.
“I would like to convey on behalf of the Chiefs and the people of Ulawa Island our sincere appreciation to the one behind this initiative, the MPA for Ward two, Joe Takeli for the vision and hard work to ensure that such services are accessible here at the rural areas”, Mr Halu said.
“On the same note I also want to thank Bank South Pacific as well as the Makira Ulawa provincial government for their support in seeing this as it also comes in line with the government’s rural development policies to ensure that such development is established here on Ulawa Island”, he further said.
The Deputy Premier of Makira Ulawa province was very happy to see this big achievement for the people of Ulawa as well as the province as a whole.
“I am very happy to be present today for this occasion and I want to applaud the initiator of bringing BSP on Ulawa Island, Joe Takeli for his courage and vision in bringing this into reality, as well as chiefs of Suholo to allow such development established in their village”, Mr Maemae remarked.
He further encouraged Ulawans to make good use of the services that can now be easily accessible.
Mr Takeli said he is humbled and that it is from past experiences that he decided to make this happen.
“All this comes from my past experience as a former education officer, where I find that teachers travelled to Kirakira during paydays and this has resulted in teacher’s absenteeism, making parents and communities complain” He adds.
“Some of our people have lost their lives at sea going to Kirakira for the sake of accessing banking services and with this mentioned, I come up with this initiative to address this issue by bringing this service to Ulawa Island so both teachers and nurses as well as visitors to Ulawa can easily access banking services whenever they want.
BSP officer Stanley Junior Siapu said Ulawa is fortunate to have a BSP agent on the Island.
“The people of Ulawa are very lucky now that you have this service brought right down to you in the rural level. With this agency now here, people will no longer spend large amount of money or risk their lives travelling by boat to Kirakira or Honiara to do banking as in the past”, he said.
“Those who are formally employed such as teachers, nurses and the police can now make withdrawals here at this agent. Customers can now send money through deposits, customers can now check their account balance here if they do not access mobile banking and also too you save members can also make deposits here making it easier for the people here”, Mr. Siapu added
Mr. Siapu further adds that the service provided by the branch less banking agent will be convenient, faster and much cheaper for BSP customers on Ulawa.
The Ulawa BSP banking agent is established under the bank’s digital banking, a new department of Bsp with the aim of bringing basic banking services to the rural areas.
Choiseul MPA for Tavula Ward Clement Kengava says the Choiseul Province’s provincial capital Taro needs direct National Government support in terms of infrastructures to turn it into a tourist destination.
Kengava in an interview with this paper yesterday said the provincial authorities should request the Ministry of Infrastructures Development (MID) to assess Taro roads for better alignment and tar sealed surfacing.
He said Taro soil is mainly that of sand and with about ten vehicles using the sandy road, it has it’s fair share of potholes.
Taro wharf.
Kengava said the road improvement should be in line with Taro Airport upgrading to be funded by the New Zealand Government.
He added that the State-Owned Enterprises like Solomon Water Authority – Solwater to consider assess and provide reliable water supply to Taro as part of it’s social obligation.
“A salination plant or water from Choiseul Bay mainland could be solutions to seriously looked into.
“Also, Solpower (SIEA) is now becoming a main player by providing electricity in Taro and now extending to Supizae Island, just less than 100 metres from Taro Fisheries point,” he added.
“As part of it’s social obligation some lightings be provided at Taro Wharf and Taro Market for safety and security,” Kengava said.
Kengava said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism be invited by the provincial government to assess the island capital and plan for the province on how it can turn Taro into a tourist destination in this ‘top end’ province of Solomon Islands.
He said the local tourist operators and accommodation owners need to work together and form an organisation with the support of provincial government to pursue their cause for fundings, or joint venture with a hotel owner to build a hotel-resort in Choiseul Bay as collecting point for tour groups.
However, Kengava pointed out that to co-ordinate ‘Tourism Destination for Taro’, the provincial government should come up with a paper for the Assembly to adopt to specifically turn Taro into a ‘Tourist Destination’.
Recruits pose for a Group photo with the official guest and CSSI Commissioner after the official program at the Correctional Head quarter
Forty new Correctional Officers graduated last Friday and will become part of the Correction Service Solomon Islands work force after completing their 20 weeks of training.
The graduation was held at the Correctional Headquarter, Rove witnessed by family members, invited guests and officials from the CSSI.
Known as ‘Sir Peter Kenilorea Recruits 03/2019’, 26 of them are male and 14 women.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNS&CS), Karen Qalokale said the graduation of 40 new Correctional Officers is significant as they prepare themselves for duties as Correctional Officers.
She congratulates the officers for successfully completing their 20 weeks of training which comprises of 27 units with 11 other essential areas of expertise.
“I wish to congratulate you for your hard work, perseverance and professionalism you have displayed during the 20 weeks of training.
“Your successful completion of 27 units together with 11 other essential areas of expertise from other stakeholders, affirms your capabilities and potentials as loyal correctional officers.” Qalokale said.
She said she is proud to see 14 female officers are graduating among the men.
“You have broken the barriers that our society thinks that CSSI is only for males.
You undoubtedly face many challenges and I believe that you can do the work with much enthusiasm, vigor and competency as your male colleagues,” she said.
Qalokale highlighted that Correctional Officers play an essential role in any correctional facility and the criminal justice system.
She said precisely correctional officers form the ‘foundation of today’s correctional institution.
Charles Kimaere receives his dux award “Baton of Honour” from Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Dr. Lachlan Strahan.
“As correctional officers take heart, your primary role in looking after the inmates is essential to human services professions.
Accept the fact that you are good role models to the inmates, and you should be respectful and lead by examples to them, helping them to cope with the many challenges of life they encounter behind bars.
The hallmark of any profession in the commitment to a robust code of ethics and to task expertise,” Qalokale adds.
She encourages the new recruits to uphold their integrity and professionalism in executing their responsibilities as correctional officers.
“Your work ethics and goals must be guided by the vision and mission statements of CSSI.
Do not work in fear or doubts or laziness but build your competency and confidence in yourself and use your best discretion to deal with various circumstances.
“Take pride in wearing your uniform, which symbolizes the values and virtues of the Correctional Service Solomon Islands,” she said.
Qalokale also acknowledges the Australian Government through the High Commission to Solomon Islands Justice Program for its ongoing commitment and assistance towards the training of CSSI and the rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
She also thanked the prominent Faith Based Providers – Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) for capacity development on spiritual rehabilitation programs for inmates as they established hope when they return to their communities, homes and to their families. Simply, they should prepare to reintegrate back to their communities.
She commends the CSSI Commissioner and his officers for their commitment towards their duties.
“Let us be vigilant to create a safe and professional working environment for our officers and those we are called to look after with strong determination, let us move our CSSI organization forward for the betterment of our country, Solomon Islands,” she said.
Left-right) Susan, Francis, Claude, Janice and Silas join the workshop in singing the happy birthday song in the sign language for Janice, whose birthday fell on Friday
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
A workshop looking at ways to enhance inclusivity for persons with disability has ended in Honiara on a “high note”.
A thrilled Mr Casper Faasala summed up this milestone event with this idiom because of the achievements made during the course of the four days and the promising pathways paved going forward with the aim to make Solomon Islands a more inclusive home for the persons with disability (PWD) community.
. Lead facilitator Ms Naomi Tai (left) and participants. Ms Ellena (right) and Grace Hilly of Strongim Bisnis (back turned).
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare failing to turn up and open the workshop on Tuesday did not dampen spirits, rather strengthened resolves to speak up, share and learn, network and improve, all for a greater inclusivity for the PWD.
Faasala, Manager of PWDSI (Persons With Disability of Solomon Islands), in closing the workshop on Friday said he would prefer calling it an adjournment, hinting at the need and prospects of more dialogues to come.
He adds that the workshop’s end signals the start of participants going forth and spreading the word on concepts and contexts learnt.
Casper concluding the workshop with remarks
Rashmi Chary of UNDP, in her remarks, concurs with this, reminding stakeholders including media: “We’ll keep this conversation going because from the four days we’ve spent together, we’ve built our confidence to talk openly with one another. And, we’ll just keep going because there are plenty resources.
“The most powerful [resource] is hearing the lived experiences from this community [persons with disability]. That has been a privilege.
“It is important that social inclusion is not just a box-ticking exercise or bringing people together and that’s it. Since the inception we have to be including everyone. Now it’s also not just about walking the talk, but also actioning the promises.
“During the workshop, a lot of things have been gained. And the conversations will continue as friendships and networks strengthen over time, that is important.”
Ms Jemina captivates the workshop with her beautiful voice and message in song.
Ms Naomi Tai, workshop lead facilitator, who is living with disability and has been a community worker since 2009, shares that the highlight for her is the workshop providing a space in which nearly 30 persons with disability came face-to-face with stakeholders such as media, UNDP, Ministry of women (MWYCFA), Ministry of health (MHMS), Parliament, Strongim Bisnis, civil society organisations via Development Services Exchange (DSE), and Ministry of Justice.
“Through this space the PWD community representatives can share their lived experiences and convey their preferences to help the society become more inclusive.
Visually impaired group in discussion
“We are not stopping here. Let’s add on to what we’ve built here. Let the fruits of our discussions help in making our country a more inclusive one for persons with disability.”
The workshop was capped off with a presentation on covid-19 by Dr Divinal Ogaoga, chair of the Technical Working Group for MHMS.
Ogaoga made simple what covid-19 is, how it is spreads, covid variants, measures to help avoid getting it, covid-19 vaccination and why it is important that we get vaccinated.
He also quelled concerns and fears expressed through questions in the Q&A segment.
Following Ogaoga’s talk, it was agreed that an arrangement be done to get participants with disability, including others not present at the workshop, vaccinated.
The objectives of the workshop include:
-Collate approaches, practices and tools applied by the PSO and the broader justice sector within the context of PWDs.
– Reflect on the participation and perspectives of PWDs, drawing from their direct experiences with the justice system.
– Design information dissemination tools and products that are closely linked with PWDs experience with the justice sector and with their vision for full participation.
– Share experiences of different actors in developing approaches, practices and tools to support PWDs, for potential use by the project and the broader justice sector.
In a post-interview, Ms Tai (PWDSI) says the workshop has achieved its objectives and more.
(Left-right) UNDP’s Jone chatting with MHMS’s Dian and PWDSI’s Casper
“Adding on to the objectives, participants with disability have made new friends and networks, media publicity have boosted the reach messages relayed in the workshop get throughout the country, and even overseas.”
Faasala, in his remarks conveyed to the workshop that issues raised have reached parliament level. Earlier that day he had had an audience with the parliament’s Bills and Legislations Committee (BLC).
“I informed the BLC, I made mention this workshop to them, that this workshop is about communication and outreach when I went before them regarding the public health bill they are sitting over.
“I brought our collective message to the BLC. I hope it is taken onboard including some of the suggestions I gave them.
“The BLC is interested in knowing more about the PWD community. BLC asked how many PWD we have in the country. And, this question implies that none of the politicians want to know the contents in CENSUS Report.
“I will submit a detailed data report to BLC on Monday [tomorrow].”
Faasala also announced that WHO (World Health Organisation) will launch a framework called ‘Action the Promises’.
He explains that this framework is important to furthering the cause of the PWD community as it may result in the fulfillment of the many promises that government had given to the PWD community.
(Left-right) Interpreter Stella Damutalau discussing with Francis, Janice, Susan, Claude, Silas, Eric and Jack (back turned).
On reflection, Ms Tai tells Island Sun that having worked with the PWD community for more than a decade, she has seen progress, “although slow, it’s progress nonetheless”.
“But, this workshop, for me, it is an actual boost, especially with the interaction with stakeholders and the media publicity of the workshop and the collective messages raised here.”
The workshop was run by the UNDP in partnership with PWDSI and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs through the Public Solicitor’s Office.
PREMIER of Isabel Province Leslie Kikolo has voiced his province’s disappointment to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over the long delay in the relocation of the National Agriculture Research institute to Garanga land near Buala.
Premier Kikolo highlighted this disappointment in his speech during the 37th anniversary 2nd appointed day celebration in Buala.
“I’m disappointed after signing the MOU with Ministry of Agriculture Livestock for a total of 374 hectares of land in Garanga for the National Agriculture Research institute, cattle, livestock and rice farming, since the signing was done a couple of years ago, nothing has eventuated,” Kikolo said.
“If the National Government is not interested in utilizing that land, I might reclaim it for other purposes,” he added.
Kikolo said although Isabel doesn’t have commercial farms as in other provinces, there are still great opportunities in terms of the development of Kava, now an export commodity which has begun in this Islands 30 years ago.
He also highlighted that Isabel is the only province that owns almost 45 percent of its total land.
He also assured the Prime Minister that his government is willing to use those lands for National Development projects, either it be SIG funding or on PPP arrangements with equitable benefit sharing regimes.
Meanwhile, Sogavare said that his officers already made a follow-up on the issue and will update the province in due course.
“I do note your disappointment with the relocation of the National Agriculture Research Institute and Livestock, my officers have already followed up on this before we left Honiara, we will update you on this,” Sogavare said.
However, Sogavare said he is happy to note that there is a field experiment station at Garanga, and that is something the national government will work closely with the province.
A recent mining exploration on Isabel Province. Photo by Axiom Mining Solomon Islands.
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
THE national government has been urged to strongly consider the negative impacts of mining.
Isabel premier Leslie Kikolo made the reminder in his second appointed speech in Buala, Thursday.
Kikolo said with the current provision in the Mines and Mineral Act, it does not provide the legal right for the Province to say something regarding mining.
He said learning from the negative impacts of mining developments that has occurred in the country and also other countries, there is a need for the government to consider the negative impacts of mining.
“I urge the national government that as much as possible let those negative impacts on mining be not repeated in our province should mining take place anytime as from now,” Kikolo said.
He also said in one of the Isabel leaders’ summit there was a decision to halt mining operation until when the province is ready.
However, Kikolo said the province is also aware that with the current situation in order to sustain the economy of the country, in any event resource owners allow their land for mining, then the province want to see resources owners, surrounding communities living around the proposed tenement area and the province as a whole must receive the maximum benefit from such operation.
