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Western province marks appointed day with pride

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Traditional Warriors welcoming the officials and gusts including the PM Sogavare at the Munda International airport terminal.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE people of Western Province have celebrated their 37th Second Appointed Day with pride.

It was celebrated with the theme “Navigating and persisting through unprecedented challenges”, at Noro, Township in Western Province, yesterday.

Guest of honour Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his speech at the opening said the theme is very relevant now more than ever before.

“We are living in a challenging and unprecedented time Covid-19 has drastically changed how we do things.

“Somehow we do things, it has been a blessing in disguise.

“It has made us sit back and re-look at how we are doing things and where we want to be in the future, my good people of Western province.”

He said the Western provincial government has also re-directed its policies as a way of navigating through these unprecedented times.

Sogavare said, “We will go to parliament early next year with a budget that reflects and incorporate our policy re-direction.

“That said, I must say the government alone cannot navigate let alone persist through these unprecedented challenges.”

He said the government needs the support of the people, private sector and the provincial government.

“We can only navigate and persist through these uncertain times if we are united solidarity in our efforts.”

Sogavare was pleased that the occasion is a manifestation of concerted collaboration between the Western provincial government and the private sector, in particular National Fisheries Development and Soltuna.

“This is the kind of partnership that the Government wants to encourage and nature,” he said.

Sogavare said to Western province’s Premier David Gina, “to successfully navigate ourselves and persist during these unprecedented challenges times we must have a robust and vibrant economy”.

The official opening witnessed by delegates from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Strengthening, Rollen Seleso, MP for West New Georgia, Vona Vona, Tausinga, other MPs, Premier of Western Province David Gina, executive Members of the Western Provincial Assembly, members of the Assembly, Church leaders, permanent secretaries and senior government officials, provincial police commander and RSIPF officers, business houses and reps from various companies and organisations operating in the province, leaders, chiefs of communities within the regions of the province, organising committee for the event, other NGOs and civil society organisation, women, youth and community groups in the province.

JM construction lauds fisheries ministry

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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JM construction members

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

JM construction has lauded the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) for providing ‘job opportunity’ for them to participate in the construction of the Tilipia hatchery to boost supply in the country.

JM construction coordinator Maxwell Ham, on behalf of the company, thanks the ministry for this chance for his boys to carry out their practical phase on fencing the eastern side of the Tilapia hatchery project.

“As a coordinator am happy my students manage to put what they have learned inside the classroom into practical site.

“And also, am looking forward for my second group of students who will be graduating early next year to do the same.

“Most times we forget our own people who have a lot of potential in community development so it can benefit the communities and the country as whole,” said Mr Ham.

He adds by thanking two of their supervisors for assisting them during the four months they carried out the fencing work. 

Meanwhile, all the boys working with the JM construction are graduating from the Saranga community learning Centre.

Accessibility for people with disability a challenge

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

ACCESSABILITY to services in the county has become a challenge for people with disability.

Elwin Talo, from the Community Based Rehabilitation unit, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, highlighted this at the commemoration of the International Day with Disability.

“Accessibility to services in existing in the country becomes a challenge for disability in this country but we would like to see this accessibility becomes a very important starting point for every services,” said Mr Talo.

He said the ministry together with its partners have worked achieve the disability inclusive and that is what they are trying to do to progressively mainstream disability across sectors.

Talo said Solomon Islands have adopted a strategy and since adopting this it also comes with Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and also a declaration which provides a health for all and providing rehabilitation and documentation of CBR which evolves to be inclusive development strategy.

“With that we are not only looking at rehabilitation but as well as involving people with disability in other sectors.

“Therefore, the CBR guidelines highlights six main principal which aligns to our theme and also to other main frame works of the world and regional frame works of the Six principals of uniting these contexts which are inclusion, participation, sustainability empowerment, self-advocacy and free environment.

“So, over the years including now we are trying to advocate for the integration of rehabilitation within the health system meaning it’s a multiple discipline approach towards health and rehabilitation.

“So, with that we also advocate within the ministry they access services for people with disability not only rehabilitation also with other services.

“In terms of disability we advocating not in the ministry but other ministries and stakeholders in disability main streaming apart from disability pacific.”           

The theme of the event reads, “Building back better towards disability inclusive accessible and sustainable post corvid wealth”.

Hou not surprised with govt’s redirection policy

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Office of the Prime Minister

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Prime Minister Rick Hou says he’s not surprised with the Government’s Redirection Policy and the 2021 Budget.

Speaking at the sine die motion in Parliament last Wednesday, Mr Hou, also Member of Small Malaita, said while it is encouraging on the face of it, much of this are the same policies found in a number of election manifestos and in successive governments – a point which was made by the Prime Minister himself.

“Sir, I assume that this new road map is yet to be designed and developed into more focused and well-targeted actions.

“In that spirit, and in the context of the 2021 Budget preparation, I would propose that priority should be accorded to those reforms that will not only enhance revenue collection, but also induce investment and private sector expansion,” he said.

Hou said to that end he’s in total agreement with the Prime Minister, that SI economy is currently heavily taxed.

“Not only that: the tax system is skewed against a small proportion of the population.

“It is directed at the productive sector of our economy,” he said.

“I agree with the Government that they urgently design a broad-based consumption policy, and come with appropriate legislative framework as indicated by the Prime Minister.

“As well, we should remove incentive schemes such as Tax exceptions and remissions, which have been prone to abuse over the years,” he said.

Hou said the Government should invest in a transportation infrastructure system, and a marketing infrastructure network, that will connect the rural producers directly with the export markets.

“I am thinking here about Government making a deliberate choice to support the production of kava, noni, coconut oil, and marine products. 

“These are crops which grow very well in this country, production is all year round, and involves both large commercial framers, as well as at the household level.

“Government investment will also include pressing machineries and large storage spaces.

“Sir, while I admire the Government’s long list of policy choices, and the comprehensive scope of sector coverage of the Re-direction Policy, I suggest that we should be realistic.

“Not everything on the menu can or should be done – it is too long. We must avoid ‘… missing the trees, and getting lost in the forest…’ so to speak.

“Concepts such as Special Economic Zones, for example, may work only when we get the fundamentals – transportation, tax regime and marketing systems – right.

“So, in our current circumstances, especially with the covid-19 pandemic, let us look at harvesting a few low-lying fruits.

“Let us target and concentrate on a few big-ticket items that will make the greatest development impact, given our scarce resources.

“Sir, I think the government’s initiative through the economic stimulus package (ESP) was such an opportunity,” he said.

Hou said the broad objectives and goals stated initially under the ESP were the right ones in my opinion.

“However, I think where the initiative may fail is that the amount is not only dismal but it was spread too thinly.

“It is still early to ascertain the real impact from the $450 Million recently injected into the economy under the Economic Stimulus Package,” he added.

Hou urges gov’t to act on the economy

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Former Prime Minister Rick Hou

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Prime Minister, Rick Hou urges the government to take drastic policy actions to address what he described as the “slippery uphill climb in the economy”.

Speaking at the sine die motion in Parliament last Wednesday, Mr Hou said the domestic economy relies entirely on our exports and trade sector performing profitably.

“I would like to believe the Minister’s assessment that there is a brighter outlook for the economy in the medium to long term,” Hou said.

“However, indications are that this situation may be worse, especially in terms of the final turn out for government revenues this year,” he added.

Furthermore, Hou, the MP for Small Malaita, said without the benefit of a financial report on the 2020 Budget mid-term budget review, it is difficult to ascertain the actual cash flow situation at the Treasury.

“But from anecdotal information it would appear the Minister’s revenue projections for a decline of seven percent this year may be the real trend, where all main revenue sources projected to decline.

“The actual turn out is obviously worse than expected,” he said.

Moreover, Hou said as he pointed out during his contribution on the 2020 Budget, while he agrees with the Minister for Finance on his forecast for real GDP growth in 2020, he’s not sure even such a subdued growth forecast will come from. 

“Sir, I have also argued that the economic assumptions for the 2020 Budget are weak. 

“And sadly, it is obvious this could be the actual turn out for 2020,” the former Central Bank governor said.

On reform, Hou expressed his support towards the Government’s reform agenda.

“Sir, last year I expressed in this Chamber, my strong support for the DCC Government reforms agenda.

“I have said on previous occasions, that I am eagerly looking forward to discussing policies and legislations to forge nation-building, reinvigorate an efficient government machinery; to enhance political stability; to fight corruption, and to provide an enabling environment for investment and private sector growth,” he added.

Tanangada defends ‘women in politics’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Lanelle Tanangada former Minister for MEHRD

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Education and Human Resources, Lanelle Tanangada used her motion of sine die speech in parliament to defend “women in politics”.

This was after Solomon Star has published an article on Tuesday, November 24 by Alfred Sasako and titled “From A Simple Housewife to Parliament”.

The author was referring to Ethel Vokia, who won the recent North East Guadalcanal by election, who defeated former Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and two other male candidates.

Mrs Tanangada, also MP for Gizo Kolombangara, told Parliament she was appalled by the attempt to equate the role of a housewife to a role of one that is “simple”.

She said there is nothing simple about the role of a housewife.

“The calling and labelling the role of a housewife as ‘simple’ does not recognise the significant role a mother plays as a housewife and is demeaning at best not only to the Member for North East Guadalcanal but also all mothers who are housewives.

“The role they play are far from being simple,” she said.

Furthermore, Tanangada said a housewife plays the most important role in the most important organisation in the community, the country and the world; that is the family.

She said housewife role in any family is akin that of a manager.

“She is the first to rise with morning sun and ensures that the home is ready for all to wake.

“Similarly, the worries of a housewife in ensuring a home is not shared with any person and she sleeps at night only to rise in the morning and repeat the same worry,” she said.

Tanangada said she (mother) ensures the home is well kept and is functioning properly.

“All my colleague in this esteemed House will attest to it.

“There is nothing simple in the role of a ‘housewife’. Women are the fabric of our society,” she added.

Currently, there are four women elected into the 11th Parliament.

Tanangada said this should be a welcoming news for all women of this nation, yet it is not surprising at all to have the minority of women still are unappreciative of the fact that they have women in this honorable house.

As such, she is still trying to understand the gist of the long article by Transparency Solomon Islands on November 25, 2020.

“Firstly, why is this even a topic for discussion by TSI.

“When a man prepares to go into politics his wife is the first to know, she silently but tirelessly gives him all the support he needs,” she said.

Tanangada said she is yet to see TSI publication acknowledging women when a man wins, but it can have the audacity to scrutinise women who wins in by-elections.

She said it would be better to check on election processes rather than targeting candidates.

“Or further check on eligibility of candidates rather than relationships between former candidates.

“TSI should be exalting the fact that there are more women in Parliament now,” she said.

Tanangada said TSI should comment on Bills and delivery of projects.

She said elections or by elections are the only legal process to elect MPs be it the wife, brother or son of former candidate.

“Labelling the woman winner as wife of former MP is not only demeaning but undermines the legal process of electing a MP.

“One thing that is true for all women in this round house is the we all went to the polls,” she said.

“Why am I even bringing this topic up in this Sine Die Motion?

“It is because I would like to encourage young aspiring women leaders to dream big, and please know all these elected, honourable male colleagues in this house are sons of a beautiful hardworking mother in that they do have the heart to serve not only men, but also women alike,” she said.

Tanangada said it is about using our God given potential, and the most important gift, the mind and heart to think, act and serve the marginalised.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge all women and young girls of this nation.

“Let us not be weary in doing well, in that we must continue to rock the cradle and nurture our young to becoming more responsible citizens of this nation,” she said.

Asian guilty of illegally harvesting tubi in Isabel

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Stock pile of tubi on San Jorge island. Photo supplied.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

An Asian man Ngea Richard Song Sing has entered guilty pleas on three charges in relation to illegal tubi harvest on San Jorge Island, Isabel province.

Mr Sing faced one count under the Forest resources and timber utilisations act 4 as amended and ARW schedule I of the Forest Resources Illegally Harvesting of Restricted species without licence.

One count under wildlife protection and management act, as amended 11 (1), (2) and (3) ARW section 12 (1) Export or attempt to export restricted specimen under Schedule II without being an approved person and without a valid permit.

And count two of the Wildlife protection and management act, as amended 26 (b) Possession of illegally obtained specimen.

He pleaded guilty to the charges last week and his sentence will be delivered this Wednesday before Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti.

This is the issue where Sunrise Investment Limited violated the Isabel Resource Management and Environmental Protection Ordinance 2005, section 5 (4) by taking a prohibited species of wildlife or forest resources which is prohibited under the wildlife and protection management act.

Sunrise Investment Limited on or about mid 2019 at Korona Customary land on San Jorge island, Isabel Province committed a violation contrary to section 23 (1) of the Foreign Investment Act by conducting a prohibited and investment reserved for locals pursuant to schedule 2 of the Foreign Investment Regulations 2006, as read with or along Wildlife Protection Act 1998 section 11. 

Tubi tree is a protected tree species under the Solomon Islands Environmental and Wildlife Protection Management Act.

Kakamora defeated

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Makira Ulawa Kakamora team captain Greg Nimanima unsuccessfully slides in for a tackle as a Central Shield player goes past during their final Group B match yesterday. Shields won 3-0. Picture Taromane Martin

Shields out of competition

By Taromane Martin

MAKIRA Ulawa Kakamora suffered their first loss in the 2020 Solomon Cup competition going down 3-0 to Central Shields in Day 10 of competition yesterday.

Central Shields team captain Oscar Sara scored a brace before a third goal in the 38th minute was enough to end Kakamora’s unbeaten run in the competition.

Despite the loss, Kakamora will progress on to the semi finals of the competition, while Shields are out of the competition with three points after suffering three defeats in their campaign.

Shields team captain Oscar Sara said after suffering triple defeats they wanted to show the real Central Shields team that was supposed to compete in this edition of the Solomon Cup.

He blamed their three losses to their Head Coach and his line up saying now that their campaign is over, they will go back and help out in the Kula U-21 Championship which is currently underway in Tulaghi.

“Our performance today finally showed the real Central Shields team because something happened in our previous three games that was why we failed to win them,” he said.

“It was the Head Coach line up that spoiled us in our three games. But we wanted to finish strong today and show the real Shields team that was supposed to compete in this Solomon Cup.

“Now our campaign is over we’ll go back for the U-21 competition which is currently underway back home,” Sara said.

Kakamora Head Coach George Fafale despite the result was pleased with his players performance however, was not happy with the match officials in charge of the game against Shield yesterday.

“I think one thing that made my players a bit frustrated today was the way the referee handled the game today. We all saw how he wanted to treat this Makira team,” he said.

“However, we did not want to take this game serious because we only have a day for recovery before the semi-finals on Wednesday.

“I was not worried about getting a win or collecting all three points today because I need to give enough rest time for some of my key players because we have a big game on Wednesday.

“The loss today will definitely boost my players morale so that we can look forward for our game on Wednesday,” he said.

Makira Ulawa Kakamora will meet Group A runner ups Western Tomoko 4pm tomorrow in the second semi final match of the 2020 Solomon Cup competition.

Coach Fafale says West is a good side and promises to prepare the Kakamora side so that they can give Tomoko a good game, this Wednesday at the Lawson Tama Stadium. 

Good for football development

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Coach Batram Suri talks to his Renbel ibis players during their clash with Honiara Warriors yesterday. Picture Peter Zoleveke II.

Suri happy to lead ibis again

By Taromane Martin

LOCAL Football icon turned coach, Batram Suri says he is willing to coach the Renbel ibis provincial team again should his services be needed again.

Coach Suri tenure as ibis Head Coach came to an end yesterday after their 2-1 loss to Honiara Warriors in Day 10 of the 2020 Solomon Cup tournament.

His time as ibis coach has been a memorable one for the rugby dominated province, leading them to fourth position in Group B with four points.

Despite losing 5-0 to Makira Ulawa Kakamora in their opening fixture, ibis shocked Isabel Frigates with a 2-2 draw before defeating Central Shields 1-0 in their second group match, before suffering their second loss in the tournament yesterday.

Speaking after their loss yesterday Suri said he is proud of the vast improvement shown by the players and that this is good for the development of football in the country.

“Overall, the boy’s performance has improved a lot during our games and especially from the past competitions,” he said.

“I believe they have set the bench mark in this competition. Future competitions they will need to step up more.

“I’m happy because from our games they managed to play a more structure game which I’m proud of the boys.

Game today Honiara came to win and we knew they came to win easily however we said no, you have to work for the win.

“Their expectation was to score more goals however I believe in the boys and we wanted to make sure they (Honiara) work hard for the three points. We tried to equalize but it was difficult in the end.

“Despite the result, I’m proud of the boys and their performance because they did really well against the host side today.

“Advice for the boys is to make sure they stay disciplined. These players football does not come naturally for them so as a coach you have to do repetition on the basic of football for them.

“If they continue to do this, I believe they will greatly improve in their game for future competitions.

“Yes, I’m willing to take them again as Head Coach in future competitions because I want football to stay with them also so that when competitions such as this comes, it can be competitive. Not only that but it is also good for football development in the country,” Suri said.

Honiara Warriors Head Coach Henry Koto was also pleased with their campaign despite the short time they had to prepare as a team.

“Today’s game was a match win game in order to regain Honiara’s pride. Renbel played a good game today against us. Physically they had the advantage but the boys managed to hold on and had a strong determination to win today,” he said.

Warriors win yesterday meanwhile sees them finish the 2020 Solomon Cup tournament in third for Group B behind Isabel Frigates and Makira Ulawa Kakamora.

$114.5m of ESP spent so far: Kuma

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government is still to inject about $114.5 million from the $309 million of the Economic Stimulus Package into the economy.

To date, the Government has spent $184.5 million of the ESP.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma told Parliament last week that early results on the implementation of the Stimulus Package has proved a significant positive impact in our economy as figures from the exports of major commodities including copra, cocoa, kava, and timber recorded increased exports and as a result achieved the underlying policy objective of the stimulus package.

Kuma said the cash returns from these commodities fall right into the hands of our rural farmers and producers.

Furthermore, the Government made intervention through the ESP, including our covid-19 preparation and responses on key economic fundamentals like economic growth, inflation and interest etc. are key indicators that shed light on possible paths.

Kuma said our interest rates are still high by regional standards with lending rates of 10.3 percent and deposit rates of less than one percent (0.45 percent).

He said this is one reason why we struggle to stimulate local business investments and stir demand for borrowings and savings.

“However, with Treasury Bill rates and the forthcoming financial inclusion strategy, we hope to see growing competition and domestic demand impacting on interest rates in the medium to long term,” he said.

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