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VIEWPOINT- SIPA CEO is again in the news, but for mere led lights

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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WILLIAM BARILE

Former CEO, SIPA

IN the interest of fair press, I take liberty to update readers to the early history of toils and sweat that preceded the most recent glamour and fanfare of CEO of SIPA in mere switching on of LED Lights at Noro Port. 

His extravagance is digging deep into the pocket of port users and ordinary paying citizen of Solomon Islands.

I would not have bothered, but the good man once went public to discredit former CEOs of SIPA as not having done their job. 

The sweeping statement made Wednesday 18th December 2020 on page 3, Issue 2434 of The Island Sun Newspaper; to the effect that all CEOs before him had not been doing their jobs and that had they done so, SIPA would have been much better off; is the particular case in point.

This is the brunt of his denial of former CEOs.  He must have missed something.  May I recount the past to put matters into perspective.

In 1989, just before Christmas, late Capt. Raymond Maebiru, founding Port Manager/Port Pilot of Noro, together with a workforce of eight men, received their first international cargo vessel at the Noro International Port. 

It was an inaugural act, a culmination of successful completion of a multilateral grant-in-aid project for a ‘Township and International Port Project’.

Within the project scope were fisheries, energy and community service components.  Organisations involved were, MEMRE, SIEA, SIHA (forerunner of Home Finance), CEMA and SIPA.

Having oversight role for the energy component was the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Rural Electrification (MEMRE), of which notably the oversight officer is now a former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

He was freshly out of University at the time.  I was the Civil Engineer project managing for and on behalf of SIPA. 

I exercised liaison role with SIEA, CEMA, SIHA and MEMRE.

The international berth and port compound was, at the time, a comprehensive array of facilities and support infrastructure for a functioning international port. 

It was a phase of the overall project funded by European Union and constructed by an offshore Contractor. 

The components to this phase were the international wharf, fuel bunkering manifold, a 40x20m warehouse, five navigation leading lights, and two state-of-art wharf light towers complete with retractable lights suspenders that can be crank-winged to lower or hoist for servicing. 

These lights were ballast equipped with selector and intensity switches. 

They were cutting-edge technology, and were designed for purpose and capacity for the time and period of their installation.

The opening of Noro International Port to receive the first international cargo vessel was just another working day and another port operation activity. 

We did not engage in any pomp or fanfare.

Because I was the Project Manager acting on behalf of Chief Engineer and General Manager SIPA, and responsible to the Delegate of the European Union, the call for use of the new international berth was mine. 

Back in the Honiara office, I received a telephone call from late Capt. Raymond Maebiru one afternoon requesting to use the berth, for it had had final inspections more than two months previous. 

I told him to go ahead and berth the vessel alongside the new wharf.  And that was how it was; no big deal. 

We did not have the resources for grandiosity and pomp, but even if we had we would have considered these to be waste of public funds, for the funds in SIPA’s Bank Account are public funds.

Over time the Port of Noro had grown in trade and requirements for augmentative development. 

As far back in the mid-90s, Noro Port was already identified as the ‘point-dead-centre’ of the shipping lane and trade route from Asia to New Zealand, and that it was ideal spot for a hub-port. 

I still have on data base the write-up I did for that project.  It was to be called the ‘Kula Gulf Port Precinct’, incorporating the slot surrounded by Noro Cove, Tunguivili/Mbaeroko, Kolombangara Is., Gizo and Vona Vona/Kohingo.

An Inception Report had been done but moving forward would require political will and capable professionals.

Incidentally, the former PM alluded to as representative for MEMRE in the international port construction phase above was current in the post when I was putting together these project aspirations. 

He, through a staff member of PMO, was behind the conduct of the Inception Report.

But then again, this may have also been missed by the current CEO of SIPA.

After all, the dream for hub-port for Solomon Islands may be difficult to attain due to extremely high tariff charge by SIPA compared to all the ports in the region. 

We had also been chasing after a ‘Market Position’ called the ‘Favoured Port’ status which entails enticements by ‘market positioning’.

At this point in time this may be farfetched because SIPA’s tariff is turning international shipping away; in effect, it is a dichotomy. 

Acting to worsen the situations for these forlorn dreams, the current CEO’s expenditure on peripherals and neglect of core necessities is conspicuous.

He spends unnecessarily on visibility exercises. 

SIPA is already aptly visible; so much so to the point of being a sore thumb.  He cannot fool all of the people all of the time. 

This extravagance is going to come to an end when enough people realise SIPA’s expenditure binge is unsustainable.

That end time is probably imminent more sooner than later.

SICCI hosts PM’s Breakfast with members

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Press Release
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Chairman of Solomon Power David Quan meeting the Prime Minister during the PM’s Breakfast event.

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare had the opportunity to address key members of the business community in Solomon Islands on relevant Policy, enhanced partnership and respond to the Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy submitted to his Government earlier this year.

This was during a Prime Minister’s Business Breakfast on Friday 21st May, 2021 hosted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).

The event is an initiative under the MoU between Government and the private sector which presents the opportunity for SICCI members to engage directly with the country’s leadership and also creates a platform for the Prime Minister engage to directly with tax payers.

Delivering his keynote address, Prime Minister Sogavare said such occasion provides a space where we can discuss common but important issues and objectives that is pertinent to business development and overall growth in the country. 


Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare meeting with representatives of the Private Sector.

“The current global pandemic underscores the important role that this kind of discussion plays in nurturing and strengthening the partnership between the Government and the private sector in mapping out the appropriate policies, strategies and legislations to ensure economic recovery following the adverse effects of COVID-19 in 2020,” he said.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) acknowledges that the private sector is the engine of growth, primarily because real economic growth hinges on the creation of and earnings from goods and/or services.

As the world “motors” out of the pandemic, private sector development will be vital, especially since many sectors will emerge decimated.

“The Government agrees that for sustained economic development, the private sector needs space to unleash its entrepreneurial potential through creativity and flexibility for innovative solutions.


Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and members of the SICCI Board and CEO during the PM’s Breakfast event. Photos: SICCI Media.

“In this regard, it is only right that the private sector, Government, and civil society, with crucial assistance from international development partners, proactively participate in accelerating and strengthening the recovery process,” the Prime Minister said.

In response, Board Chairman of SICCI, Ricky Fuo’o highlighted that the relationship between SICCI and Government needs to function beyond political and commercial interests “and underpinned by our commitment to rebuild this great nation, to provide opportunities for our people and to fully realize our growth potential.”

Fuo’o said SICCI’s continuous emphasis on partnership with Government and development partners is crucial for growing business that will impact economic growth.

He assured the Prime Minister that SICCI members have affirmed their willingness to work with Government to support inclusive economic development.

“We all play a major role in supporting Solomon Islands’ aspirations to achieve more inclusive economic development by investing in the productive capacity of the country and creating jobs to benefit Solomon Islanders,” the SICCI Chair said.

Fuo’o said it is clear that development cannot occur without any partnership with the private sector.

“As stated many times before, the private sector is the engine of economic growth.

“The development of the private sector directly links to the decisions and policy of the Government that encourages growth and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, innovate and compete.

“I believe the 2021 Prime Minister’s Business Breakfast is timely and relevant in the context of current events. It is timely as the world continuous to navigate through one of the most devastating global pandemics of our generation,” he said.

Fuo’o also took the opportunity to acknowledge Prime Minister Hon Sogavare for yet again demonstrating the Government’s and his personal support to the Private Sector.  

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister used the occasion to announce that Government will now provide budgetary support to SICCI by including this in each year’s National Budget under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.

“I reassure you all that the Government values and is committed to this partnership and as a testament to this commitment the Government will now support SICCI as well,” Sogavare told members of the business community during the Breakfast event.

-SICCI Media

Maximise the benefits of infrastructure spending: SICCI

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Press Release
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SICCI Chairman, Ricky Fuo’o responding to the Prime Minister’s keynote address during the PM’s Breakfast.

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) believes the country can maximise the benefits of infrastructure spending if there are policies and regulations in place to promote local content.

SICCI Board Chairman, Ricky Fuo’o said focusing on maximizing local content ensures that local workers have a job that will lead to skills development and transfer

Not only that but local suppliers will also have an opportunity to grow in the market, and local companies will develop and contribute to revenue that remains in the country and promotes the standards of local private sector, he said.

Fuo’o was speaking the Prime Minister’s Breakfast on Friday 21st May hosted by SICCI for its members to have an opportunity to directly engage with the country’s leadership.


SICCI CEO, Natalina Hong welcoming Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare upon his arrival for the event along with Vice Chair, Qila Tuhanuku

“It is vital that Government takes an active approach to ensuring the greatest benefits from infrastructure development are retained locally. Procurement processes should prioritize local business and MSMEs.

“Some countries prioritize local business in their tenders under a certain monetary threshold. Likewise local partnering and minimum local employee requirements can be a requirement for contracts given to foreign businesses,” he said.


Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare finds time to meet members of the business community and employees in private sector.

SICCI believes that creating such regulations and policies to promote local content will maximise local participation, otherwise local businesses will remain spectators in all these infrastructure developments. 

SICCI further acknowledges the actions taken by the Government to stimulate economic activity and improve productivity through infrastructure spending and to development partners who have contributed towards these infrastructure developments.

Some of these multi-billion dollars infrastructure activities have already been committed to and are currently being constructed.

These includes the 2023 South Pacific Games projects, Tina River Hydro Development Project, Upgrade – Munda International Airport Project, Tar Seal of Seghe and Taro domestic airport, Henderson International Airport Upgrade, Fisheries-Henderson road, White River Highway-road and the USP Campus project.


CEO of the National Broadcaster SIBC, Johnson Honimae and General Manager of the Heritage Park Hotel, Sanjay Bhargava

“Infrastructure is often considered to provide a ‘double befit’ to the economy.

“Initially short-term as an economic stimulus and then in the long term, from benefits the new infrastructure provides.

“Social and economical infrastructure is essential to sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation,” SICCI Chair,” Fuo’o, said.

Meanwhile, SICCI will also continue to advocate for fundamental reforms especially in Transport and Tax which are pivotal to expansion of businesses.

These will require partnership, consistent dialogues and support to ensure there is a fair and level playing field for all.

-SICCI Media

Melanesian brothers receive new vehicle

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Press Release
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Mr. Tahiri handing over key to Assistant Head Brother while other brothers looking on

MEMBERS of the Melanesian Brotherhood Fox household in Makira have received a brand new one ton-truck from Central Makira Constituency.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Gravis Tahiri handed over the key to the vehicle to Assistant Head Brother at the Chester Rest-house, Wednesday.

The vehicle will be shipped to Makira later.

 “This is part of the constituency’s continuous support to the churches in the Constituency of Central Makira,” Tahiri said after the handing over of the vehicle.

“Observing the brothers usually walking long distances to carry out their mission and ministry not only in our constituency but in other areas, had us decide that the vehicle would be one of their urgent needs,” the CDO said.

Rev Erick Tano, tutor at Fox Household in the Diocese of Hanuato’o (DOH), who joined the brothers to receive the vehicle said, “the vehicle is truly one of our needs in Makira”.

“Many thanks to Central Makira Constituency for identifying one of our needs.

“We are so thankful because the vehicle will surely help us to travel around Makira to carry out our Mission and Ministry,” Erick said.

The vehicle will be shipped to Fox Household in the Diocese of Hanuato’o at a later date.

MALA TAKES STAND

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Some members of MPG executive after announcing their decision on CHEC’s engagement on construction of Fiu Bridge in the provincial chamber in Auki yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

CHINA Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) will never be accepted in Malaita.

That’s the decision the provincial executive reached yesterday after CHEC was recently announced as the winning bidder to build Fiu Bridge, near provincial capital Auki.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Communication Moses Virivolomo was in Auki last week to inform the provincial government about the winning bidder.

He reportedly told the provincial executive to come up with a decision whether to accept CHEC to build the project.

But Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni told the media yesterday while the province and its people want the Fiu bridge built quickly, it must not be done by any Chinese company.

“We want the national government to re-tender the project,” Sifoni said.

“This is so that other companies can bid,” he added.

“Our decision is CHEC or any other Chinese firms cannot be accepted to do business in Malaita, directly or indirectly.”

Sifoni said the decision was inline with the Auki Communique, and after consulting the people.

The Auki Communique, a set of resolutions produced after the country switched allegiance from Taiwan to China, explicitly stated Malaita will not deal with the Chinese government or any of its associates.

The Fiu Bridge project is a component of the World Bank funded multi-million-dollar Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP).

Former MP’s son wins South Choiseul election

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Newly Elected South Choiseul MP, Sammie Qalo

BY BEN BILUA
Choiseul

A SINGLE vote took Sammy Galo to victory and become the Member of Parliament elect for South Choiseul Constituency.

Galo, son of ousted MP Robertson Galokale, scored a total of 1671 votes while his runner-up Tozen Leokana got 1670 votes – a majority of one ballot.

Announcing the position of result after counting yesterday, Chief Electoral Officer, Jane Waetara said Sammy Qalo – the MP elect – got 1671 votes, on second place, Tozen Keokana with 1670 votes, on third – Jackson Kiloe with 869 votes, fourth – Luxton Bauro Koraua with 611 votes, fifth – Naneeth  Tutua with 241 votes and sixth – Amos Papaqui Qurusu with 57 votes.

She told those present that 5, 124 out of a total of 6,574 registered voter have casted their vote, with five rejected ballot papers.

The most anticipated result was announced around 3pm yesterday after two days of counting.

Speaking to the media, South Choiseul Returning Officer, Henry Deva said the election was a success with 80 percent of voters casting their ballots.

He said the completion of the counting followed by the Official Announcement of the winning candidate was a great relief for his team.

Deva expressed his acknowledgement to voters for good behavior and also the electoral team both those in the province and officials from Honiara.

He also acknowledged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for maintaining peace and security during the election and counting.

Deva also thanked the media for working closely with the Electoral team while informing the public about the election.

Gaol replaces his father, who lost the seat last year in an election petition, after the High Court found him guilty of bribery and treating.

He was not at Taro when the results were announced yesterday afternoon.

Health fund created to respond to emergencies

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A PUBLIC Health Emergency Fund is created to response to emergencies and circumstances that threaten health.

This is inserted in Section 61 of the Public Health Emergency Bill 2021, that is before the Bills and Legislative Committee in Parliament.

Ministry of Finance and Treasury permanent secretary, Dentana Mckinnie, who appeared with the Oversight Committee before BLC yesterday, said the money from the Fund will be spent in line with Public Finance and Management Act (PFMA).

Mckinnie said the Committee will work closely with other agencies that form the operation of the Act to come up with a Regulation to guide the special fund.

He said last year was very costly for the government as it expended $192 million re-allocated under the 2020 Budget.

Furthermore, PS Mckinnie said about $173 million was donor funding used during the covid-19 operation.

According to the Bill, the Accountant General, appointed under section 10 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013, in consultation with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for health, is responsible for operating the Fund.

The Fund must be operated in the same manner as if it were a Special Fund referred to in section 24 of the Financial Management Act 2013.

Chairman of BLC, Mathew Wale said it is good there is a Special Fund in the Bill so that money can be used wisely for right purposes only.

He alleged that during the tsunami in Western province in the past, some people have mis-used the money of the government in the name of the disaster.

The objectives of the bill are to provide suitable and urgent responses to public health emergencies and circumstances that threatens the health of the persons and communities of Solomon Islands.

The bill aims to enable a range of operational capabilities and activities that will be able to quickly respond to such emergencies and circumstances and prevent, mitigate, eliminate the contamination, disease or other occurrence causing the emergencies and circumstances, and recover from them.

Hearing of the Bill continues on Tuesday next week.

NZ commits to upgrade Taro airfield

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Taro Island

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

TARO airfield in Choiseul province still remains a top priority for the New Zealand government.

New Zealand High Commission to the Solomon Islands, Georgina Roberts revealed this in response to Deputy premier of Choiseul, Nerio Ulemiki questioning the delay of work on the Taro airport.  

High Commissioner Roberts said the New Zealand government remains committed to upgrading provincial airfields including Taro and Seghe in Western province.

She said the first two prioritised airfields being Seghe and Taro – alongside the Government of Solomon Islands and with co-financing from Australia.

“While there have been some delays to the project caused by COVID-19, we have completed the tender process and are negotiating with a preferred contractor.

“The intention is for in country work to commence before the end of the year,” the statement said.

Mrs Roberts advised that she was pleased to update the Premier of Choiseul on the state of this project when she met with him in April.

She was also pleased to provide an update to the Western Province Premier just last week when she visited Munda and Noro.

 “Progress may have been delayed, but the project remains a priority and we look forward to getting civil works under way,” she said.

New Zealand is aiming to complete its long-standing projects in Solomon Islands this year which includes the upgrade of provincial airports.

The upgrade work by New Zealand included pavement reconstruction and surfacing works, construction of terminal buildings and airfield ground lighting at selected airports in the country.

New Zealand, as part of its Development Cooperation, will continue to support the Solomon Islands Ministry of Communications and Aviation to improve airport infrastructure and airport management.

New Twin Otter makes first flight

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Airlines passengers receive first commercial flight certificate to mark IE386 - Honiara -Arona - Kirakira on 20 May 2021 at Honiara Airport

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Airlines new Twin Otter has made its first commercial flight to Ngorangora Airstrip in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province on Thursday.

Heather Jeffery, Media & Public Relations of Solomon Airlines Limited confirmed this saying it was a little cloudy but here it is landing at Ngorangora Airstrip. 

She said the 19-seat Twin Otter H4-SIC completed its first commercial passenger journey from Honiara to Arona to Kirakira yesterday as flight IE386, before returning home to Honiara.

 Furthermore, yesterday afternoon the aircraft is scheduled to visit Parasi and Marau, and to touch down in Munda and Gizo in Western province this morning for the very first time.

 The completely ‘relifed’ aircraft includes an additional 1,500lb take-off and landing weight capability, new interior and seating, and airline-grade digital avionics system.

 Mr. Frank Wickham, Chairman of Solomon Airlines said the commissioning of the new Twin Otter aircraft was doubly significant for the national carrier.

 “The arrival of this aircraft opens new possibilities for our domestic operation, and it also signals confidence that even in this era of COVID-19, we can continue to progress, and we are continuing to prepare for better times ahead.

“This is a very positive development for air services between the Solomon Islands and also for the time to come when eventually we also welcome tourists back to the country,” Wickham said.

Sexual Assault Office boosted with new playroom for children

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Press Release
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Right OIC Sexual Assault Office with SIPDP Advisor in the new playroom

SEXUAL Assault Office of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has been boosted with a new playroom for children.

Officer In Charge (OIC) Sexual Assault Team, Inspector Rose Nala says police officers usually investigate serious sexual offences, including those offences done against young children.

Dolls displayed inside the room

“The new play room will provide a safe and comforting environment for child victims, and children of adult victims who attend the office,” Nala explained.

“The Australian Federal Police (AFP) through Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) has supported the RSIPF in the refurbishment of one interview room as a Children’s Retreat place,” she added.

Toys and some reading books

“Soft flooring, blankets, toys, colouring books and pencils, educational charts and a small television have been purchased by the SIPDP through partnership.”

Ms Nala thanked the AFP, through the SIPDP program, for the support rendered to the RSIPF through the new playroom.

—RSIPF

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