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MPA calls for more donor support for Choiseul

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Unfenced Taro Market with uncollected rubbish. An anti-social behaviour hot spot after 6pm.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

CHOISEUL’S Provincial Member, Clement Kengava has called upon donor partners to increase funding and support to his province.

The MPA for Tavula ward and former Parliamentarian made the call after what he described as lack of will by the current provincial executive to look after the environment and infrastructure especially around the provincial capital, Taro.

He said other sister provinces are developed with more donor support, especially in looking after the environment compared to Choiseul.

“After almost three years in office, Choiseul Province, under the leadership of Qoloni Executive, has failed to attract the support of donors and national ministerial projects.


Uncollected rubbish between shops in Taro business centre.

“This is because there is no visionary approach to develop the Province,” he added.

“Since coming into power in July 2018 the Qoloni led government has made no outright decisions to improve infrastructures in health, education and administrative facilities in the Province,” Kengava said.

Kengava explained that so far, all that was approved in the last two financial year budgets (2019 & 2020) are either unfinished PCDF projects, mostly from the Executive members wards, Ward Development Grants of only mere $100,000 per Ward but controlled by the Planning Division of the Province and never-started Choiseul Bay Township Projects (MPGIS controlled project).

He added that there is virtually no new donor direct funded project negotiated and secured by the current Qoloni Government to date.

Kengava said that a good example of an area needing donor support is for a rubbish collecting truck for Taro Station, the provincial capital.


Overgrown bushes between the Police Station and Taro wharf area

He said the Japanese Government is very supportive of such a cause for a healthy, clean environment and the Premier should take the initiative and seek assistance in this area.

“Currently, the amount of rubbish and overgrown bushes in the station has overpowered the Works Division of the Province.

“With Taro being declared an emergency zone under the COVID 19 Pandemic State of Emergency, the Qoloni Government must ensure the island capital station is clean, and free from overpopulation,” Kengava said.

Health condemns attack on St John Ambulance

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St Ambulance that was hit by rock throwing incident along Tamboko road. Lucky no major damage.

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) condemns in the strongest possible term the disrespect and disregard displayed towards the important service that St John Ambulance is providing for our communities by few members of the public.

This statement followed a rock- throwing incident possibly involving youths under the influence of alcohol that occurred near the Tamboko road turnoff , west of Honiara, at a passing St John Ambulance over the weekend as well as similar incidents in the past.

Douglas Kelson, head of St John Ambulance said that the incident was not the first and the continuous occurrences of such incidents is slowly taking its toll on staff willingness to serve outside of Honiara especially at night times.

“There are some staff who are being traumatized by such incidents nevertheless when the need arises,” Kelson said.

“There is no other options but to brush aside our fears and continue to do our job therefore we need support from our community chiefs, elders and leaders including parents and guardians of our community youths,” he added.

The ministry said the emergency health transport St John Ambulance provides is very specialised and unique.

“Once disrupted, it can cost lives and disrupt future ambulances services to these areas where such incidents occur,” the ministry said.

“We a duty towards our partnership agreement with St John Ambulance to ensure safety of St John Ambulance personnel and volunteers.

“Therefore, if such incidents continue, we may suspend ambulance services to these areas thus in the best interest of all communities to ensure that St John Ambulance can move freely without fear and threat of rock throwing in between and to and from our communities.

“Community chiefs, leaders and elders including parents and family members are urge to work together to build respect of community youths for such services provided by St John Ambulances including all other health services and facilities.

“It could be your family member or friend that is next in line to be shuttled to the nearest appropriate health facility via the St John Ambulance thus such incidents should be prevented by all means,” the ministry said.

Strengthening democracy through inclusive elections

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Press Release
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Six of the seven people with disabilities who were accredited as electoral observers to monitor the national general elections. Photo: UNDP

BY UNDP Solomon Islands

INCLUSIVE democratic development requires that all segments of the society, including disadvantaged groups such as the poor and the most vulnerable, have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their well-being.

Yet, all over the world, people with disabilities are often overlooked.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 15 percent of the world’s population have a disability, with 80 percent of these persons living in developing countries.

In April 2019, the UN Development Programme in Solomon Islands through the Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) contributed in building a bridge of inclusion in the electoral cycle.

For the first time, seven people with disabilities were accredited as electoral observers to monitor the national general election.

During the November 2020 by-elections, twelve (12) people with disabilities (PWD) were engaged as elections observers to support conduct inclusive and transparent elections.

Participation in electoral observation has a positive impact in social inclusion and is also a step forward towards a stronger democracy.

UNDP continuously supports the Electoral Office social inclusion efforts’.

This involves designing and implementing campaigns that target different age groups, that take into account gender perspective and particular groups such as electors living with a disability.

The participation of PWD as electoral observers has been a positive step and the Electoral Office will endevour to continue expanding the involvement of persons with disability throughout the electoral cycle.

Meet these election observers who help the Electoral Office conduct inclusive elections, leave no one behind, and get inspired by their stories.

Bridging the gap: why it is important to involve people with disabilities in election processes?

Elena Kelly from the Guadalcanal province, 23, was born with a physical disability on her leg.

Since her childhood, she needs the support of a crutch to walk.

She applied to be an observer and was accredited by the Electoral Office to observe the 2020 by-elections.

“At the beginning I felt a bit scared. Scared and proud because as a person with a disability conducting electoral observation, I felt that I was also representing my community, my people in an important activity.

“We have never had anything like that before, and this was exciting.”

Ms Kelly was an observer at Honiara High School, and she agrees this is a big step towards inclusive elections. She saw other persons with disabilities motivated and encouraged to come and vote, for some this was even the first time in their lifetime that they were voting.

“I was delighted when one woman came to me and said that she’s impressed and inspired by us. At that moment, I understood that by showing others how strong I am, I inspire both disable and able people to make our country better, more inclusive.”

“My main recommendation would be to prioritize the participation of people with disabilities and the elderly in election processes because involving people with disabilities helps to understand how social inclusion is key to democracy-building in the country.”

Accessibility as a big part of

successful and inclusive elections

Shadrack Timothy from Malaita province, 21, has a physical disability which requires him to use a wheelchair.

He was a member of the group of domestic observers who monitored the 2020 by-elections in Central Honiara Constituency. 

He believes that this initiative is an example of mainstreaming social inclusion in all aspects of Solomon Islands society.

“My heart belongs to people with disabilities. I know that being a part of this community gives me the responsibility to change other people’s lives, to encourage other people with disabilities to stand up, take action and raise the voice for our community.”

By empowering persons with disabilities to take their place alongside other citizens and ensuring each polling station is accessible for everyone, barriers are broken down, and equality is promoted. Having observers with disabilities conducting electoral observation at polling stations provides a valuable opportunity to reduce stereotypes.

Developing inclusive leadership

 skills for boosting democracy

Jeminah Otoa from the Malaita province, 22, was born with a physical disability on her hand. She joined the election observers’ group in 2020 by-elections and would like to participate again as an observer in future elections.

“I truly believe that our [people with disabilities] participation gave people hope and trust in our nation’s future. Not only because when they see us, they get inspired because they feel we are both ready for a new future, a more inclusive future.”

Making every voice heard from Pidgin

Hearim vois blaus evri wan

Francis Paul from the Malaita province, 30, lives with hearing impairments.

He was accredited to join the observers’ group in the recent 2020 by-elections. 

He considers that this was a great opportunity to visualize and ‘hear’ the voices of the deaf.  

“It is crucial to take people with disabilities perspective into account before and during the election period and make it fully accessible for deaf voters through sign language.

“It is only in this way that people with hearing impairments can equally exercise their right to vote in elections and participate in the political decision-making process without discrimination.

“Taking the opportunity to serve as an election observer, I felt like how important is that political groups and government institutions provide information that is accessible to all to allow electors to make informed decisions.”

The 2020 by-elections, where people elected the members of parliament for the constituencies of Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal, was a milestone for the people with hearing impairments.

Two deaf representatives were involved in elections’ observation, including two sign language interpreters.

“I think that involvement of people with disabilities in electoral observation is only a start that may help to realize what can be done in the future to build an inclusive country where everyone is equal.”

Nothing about us without us

Melvina Voua from Marau, the Guadalcanal province, 28, has a physical disability.

She was accredited as an electoral observer during the last year’s by-elections. Like the majority of the PWD observers, this was the first time to have this opportunity. 

“It’s crucial to involve more and more people with disabilities in democratic processes. This is empowering both the PWD and the country. We want to be seen the same way as others, and we want to be treated equally.”

Elections provide a unique opportunity to change public perceptions about the abilities of persons with disabilities.

The active and visible involvement of PWD also assists to lay the foundation for their engagement in their communities enhancing their social and economic integration.

  • The UNDP Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) supports the national authorities to conduct credible and inclusive electoral processes with the overarching objective of strengthening the link between elections and other key governance processes and institutions contributing to social cohesion and the development of a pluralistic society. This project has received financial assistance from the Australian Government, the European Union and UNDP.

SPAR OVER NORO

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Lands chief McNeil faces criminal complaint

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

PARI Development Company Limited has reported a criminal complaint against Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil to Central Police Station.

In a letter sent to police on Friday, May 21, PARI Managing Director, Donald Bato said the complaint relates to certain false statements made under oath in a Sworn Statement filed in the High Court by McNeil.

Bato said the false statement relates to paragraph 9 of the sworn statement by McNeil when he said the Pari Development Company Ltd has already sold its Fixed Term Estate in Parcel Number 098-016-1 to Pacific Everest Company Ltd on March 7, 2018.

This relates to a land on Noro, Western Province.

He said at that time McNeil made the sworn statement, the fixed term estate was registered in the name of Pari Development Company Ltd, and has never been sold nor offered for sale to Pacific Everest Company Ltd.

“As the Commissioner of Lands, McNeil would need to grant his consent for the sale,” Bato said.

“McNeil knew or ought to have known that no sale could be affected without his written consent,” he added.

Bato said McNeil’s consent would have been given upon a request by either Pari Development Company Ltd or Pacific Everest Company Ltd.

However, when Island Sun contacted McNeil yesterday, he said he stands by his sworn statement.

SICCI: we need enforcement in order to create ‘level playing field’.

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Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and SICCI Chairman Ricky Fuo’o.

SOLOMON Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) says it is supportive and encouraged by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) intention to closely monitor policy and legislation implementation.

This, according to the Chamber, is very relevant because in many areas, Solomon Islands have strong and fit-for-today regulations and policies but lacks enforcement and implementation.

‘A level playing field’ continues to be a SICCI concern, as it is important that businesses coexist in a spirit of competition all the while complying with Government legal framework.

Some examples where compliance is expected is in fulfilling company obligations as regulated by Government, adhering to tax regulations and complying with Occupational health and safety standards.

During the Prime Minister’s Business Breakfast event SICCI hosted on Friday 21st May for members of the business community, SICCI Chairman, Ricky Fuo’o took the opportunity to highlight that the Private Sector is keen to work with Government to ensure a ‘win-win’ outcome for both parties through all economic activities.

“Where we get really constrained is when we do not have the same treatment for all businesses,” he said.

“This impacts the affected businesses, dilutes the investment climate for new entrepreneurs and stains the social ecosystem by demonstrating the wrong example when ‘rogue operators’ thrive,” Fuo’o added.

An example is the shipping industry being heavily dominated by foreign players who are slowly driving out local service providers in the industry.

In June 2020, SICCI organised a roundtable involving both private sector and Government bodies to discuss ways in which Government can maximise its opportunities for revenue collection from businesses.

By doing this, SICCI aims to promote an environment where business confidence can increase because of a level playing field.

In August 2020, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance shared with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament the importance to tackle leakage of Government revenue.

Fuo’o said there was a clear call to enforce all legal standards for operating businesses in Solomon Islands.

“We do not need new legislation – we need enforcement. – we need fair tax collection from all operating parties.

“We need close watch and corrective measures so that money does not get out of this country rather gets reinvested,” he said.

Fuo’o added it is important to note that SICCI looks forward to Government’s support to allow local businesses thrive in the country.

“Because all the local businesses are here to stay and work hand in hand with Government toward the path of development and progress under the theme ‘Iumi ‘Tugeda.

“In these current unprecedented times where the whole world is suffering from economic challenges, it is imperative for us to protect our local businesses and the private sector in general, with a view to protect local employment.

“This will ensure money circulation to the grassroot level even in rural economies and allow Solomon Islanders survive, if not thrive, in such trying times,” the SICCI Chair said.

Speaking during the event, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the DCGA continues to support private sector development through productive sector re-direction policies.

“Investment opportunities crafted under the re-direction policies enables small and medium enterprises to mitigate the negative effects in the pathway for recovery and sustainable growth of the economy for better well beings and livelihoods.

“The Government re-affirms its support to provide safe environment for business developments and continue to support businesses to recover and stabilize cash flow in the economy,” the Prime Minister said.

– SICCI Media

Sade-led gov’t settles workers NPF arrears

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GUADALCANAL Province under the leadership of Premier Francis Sade says it has cleared $3 million outstanding National Provident Fund (NPF) arrears for all its workers last week.

And a statement from the province says this was a milestone achievement for the Sade-led Government for Inclusive Change and Sustainable Development (GICSD).

“This settlement was confirmed by the SINPF Enforcement Officer who deals with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government arrears via an email,” the statement said.

“In retrospect, these GPG arrears from SINPFs had dated back to 2016,” the statement added.

“Due to the surcharges the debt continued to be accumulated over the course of 6 years, until the GICSD had improved the Financial and Treasury Division and settled the long outstanding debt last week.”

According to the GP Finance and Treasury Division, previous attempts to settle the debts were inconsistent due to lack of proper and strong compliances to will for debt servicing within the division.

“In terms of the provincial debts in general, the GICSD had inherited almost more than $20 million debts since the 2019/2020 FY.

“As a result, debt servicing made the biggest percentage of the three previous financial budgets (2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022), in terms of the recurrent expenditures.

“To make matters worse, the negative economic impacts of Covid-19 on the national GDP growth, especially the projected 4.3 percent decline from last year, and the recent budget cut by 12.7% in the 2021/2022 FY from the national government, are the major challenges facing the GICSD to declare the province debt free by 2023.

“Despite these economic challenges, Premier Sade was determined that his current Executive will continue its debt-servicing strategy.

“We have to acknowledge that despite the inherited debts of more than $20 million and the current negative impacts of Covid-19 on our economy, we still maintain our debt servicing strategy.

“It is a matter of continuation of strengthening our financial treasury division and maintaining a strong workforce to increase our local revenues in our productive sectors,” Sade explained.

Furthermore, he said new (debt) claims submitted from individuals and businessmen dated back in the late 2000s had also recently emerged.

“However, some of these claims look dubious and the GP Legal and Policy units are in the process of ensuring their legitimacies.

“The GP’s biggest creditor is the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) due to its previous provincial scholarship arrangements.

“It is estimated that GP still owes SINU $4 million from its almost $8 million debt.

“Consequently, the GICSD will be improving its local revenue collections by the second (2nd) quarter of this 2021/2022 FY.

“So far, this is the only strategy to achieve its debt servicing.

“In summary, based on previous appropriation ordinances (financial budgets), the GICSD is the first Executive to vigorously pursue debt servicing.

“Hence, the settlement of the GP’s NPF arrears is an obvious proof to that.”

Priority groups to receive SinoPharm vaccine: PM

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SINOPHARM covid-19 vaccine roll-out planwill prioritise the remaining covid-19 operations frontline workers and support staff in Honiara and the provinces, including essential workers.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during the SinoPharm vaccine launch.

“SinoPharm roll out with also be in line with the COVID-19 Vaccine National Deployment and Roll- Out Plan that was also used in the roll out of AstraZeneca. We will continue to prioritize remaining COVID-19 operations frontline workers and support staff in Honiara and the provinces, including essential workers,” Sogavare said.

He stressed there are also some of our students who plan to return to China for study including other Chinese nationals who plan to travel to China thus will be offered the Sinopharm Vaccines.

“People above 40 years of age and those with co-existing other diseases will also be included in the roll out following the first group to be covered. We will also take into consideration other factors such as operational and logistic issues in roll out of this and other vaccines so as to provide most benefit to our populations,” Sogavare said.

He said the 50,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine will be administered to 25,000 people because it requires two doses to be administered at an interval of four weeks.

“Meaning those who receive their first dose of SinoPharm will in less than four weeks receive their second dose to complete their COVID-19 vaccination,” Sogavare said.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana encouraged the priority group to come forward to get jabbed when their turn comes.

“This vaccine is authorized for use in people 18 years and above. People with existing co-morbidities are encouraged to get the vaccine on a priority basis,” Togamana said.

Mala stand may affect Fiu bridge, says Nuake

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Existing Fiu River Bridge

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE “controversy” surrounding the upgrading of Fiu Bridge in Malaita province may affect the project in the long run.

This was after Malaita Provincial Executive decided not to accept the winning bidder, China Harbour Engineering Company, to upgrade the bridge.

The project is part of the World Bank funded Solomon Islands Road Aviation Project (SIRAP).

Government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) met with the Malaita Provincial Executive on Tuesday last week and has threatened to pull out the project component if the Malaita Executive did not accept the Chinese company.

The Malaita Executive held a meeting later and decided that the Fiu bridge component be re-tendered since the province was aware that even the Chinese Company’s bid was over and above the 10% variation threshold.

In this regard, the Executive said that it is prudent that the Fiu Bridge Component and the other 2 or 3 bridges be tendered together again.

Also, the province continues to stand by the spirit of the Auki Communique to ensure that developments in Malaita province when it comes to roads and bridges are of quality and not sub-standards.

That means companies responsible for the construction of such infrastructures must have good and reputable backgrounds.

However, Deputy Secretary of MID, Jimi Alelamalei Nuake posted on social media that even if retender no other international companies will bid due to covid restrictions.

Nuake said only companies currently in country will bid.

“Unfortunately for Malaita most of these companies that will meet World Bank criteria for such big projects include these Chinese companies.

“Kitano, a Japanese company, unfortunately are not interested given the work load they are already facing,” Nuake added.

Nuake said if people are worried about quality, the Fiu Bridge is designed by SMEC, an Australian consultant using Australian Standards.

He said they will also closely supervise the construction work.

Furthermore, Nuake said funding for the Fiu Bridge is also from Central Government under the Economic Stimulus Package.

He said re-tendering will also “significantly delay the project by at least 6 to 8 months and what if no one else bid for the work after retendering?”

“The funding may then be redirected to resurface the international airport runway which has been put on hold under this project in order to address Fiu Bridge,” he added.

Man found guilty of raping own daughter

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man has been found guilty before the High Court of having raped his own daughter, twice on two separate occasions in 2016.

The man is a teacher by profession, and was teaching in one of the schools in Isabel when the incidents occurred.

He was charged with two counts of rape pursuant to section 136F (1) (a) and (b) of the Penal Code [cap. 26], as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016 (“the Amendment Act 2016”).

He denied the charges and a trial was conducted on his case.

The man had defended himself by claiming that the sexual intercourse was consensual on both occasions.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, in passing judgement, explained that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that sexual intercourse was without consent and that the defendant knew or was reckless as to that issue of lack of consent.

“I have had the opportunity to carefully assess the evidence of the victim, observe her demeanour in court and find that throughout she had remained consistent, clear and unfazed about the issue of consent, that she repeatedly refused to have sex with him and denied his advances.

“I am satisfied this denial or refusal would have been more than sufficient to convey plainly and clearly to the defendant in no uncertain terms, of her lack of consent.  He could not have been mistaken or confused about that plain fact. He should have known and ought to have known that she did not want to have sex with him for the plain and simple reason that he was her ‘real father’, that it was wrong and that he knew that she was afraid of him,” Palmer said.

He also said there is ample evidence before the court that the victim did not agree or consent to the request for sexual intercourse on both occasions, for the reason inter alia, that he was her “real” father and that she was ashamed, apart from her fear of being hurt or harmed. 

The evidence adduced by prosecution has been quite clear and consistent throughout, that she was never a willing participant to the demands of the defendant for sexual intercourse.  On each occasion she was asked, she said no to him.  This would have been plain and compelling evidence of lack of consent, and has not been discredited by defence, Palmer said.

He added, the defendant (father) should have known that as a father, he held an inherent position of authority, power, trust and responsibility towards his daughter and that if he persisted in his demands and actions, the daughter was bound to comply.  If he did not know, then he was reckless to that most obvious fact.

“As a father she respected and trusted him that he would not even think of asking her to do such a disgraceful and shameful thing to her, his own daughter, but he did not.  He forgot about all those restraints and compelled her to have sex with him.

“I am satisfied prosecution have established on the evidence the elements of the offences of rape on both occasions and he should be convicted accordingly.”

Palmer then adjourned the case for July 2, 2021 for sentencing submission.

Man faces court today for murder

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man facing murder charge will have his case mentioned before the High Court today.

Garnet Babaua is alleged of having killed a person on July 13, 2020, around midnight at the Foxwood area, outside east of Honiara.

It is alleged Mr Babaua was angry at the victim for having waved at his (Babaua’s) wife when she was standing near a store in their area.

Allegation said Babaua assaulted the deceased on his back and kicked him on his belly.

It is alleged that the accused approached the deceased and used his left leg to kick the deceased on his back and after that the deceased went and laid down on the road but the accused followed him and kicked him on his belly.

Some people took the victim and washed him before rushing him to the hospital; but he later died in the afternoon of that day.

The office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

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