Home Blog Page 1036

Repatriation for students in Philippines approved

Written by
Charles Kadamana
-
0
Solomon Airlines airbus

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

CABINET has approved the repatriation of 340 students studying at various institutions in Philippines for their safety.

The number of coronavirus cases in Philippines is 130,000 with an average of 5000 cases daily.

This indicates that community transmission in Philippines is quite high and poses high risk for the students.

Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD) and Chairman of MEHRD COVID-19 Communication Oversight Committee James Bosamata said following approval from the Cabinet the Scholarship Division within the MEHRD and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have established a Taskforce to properly organise the repatriation.

He said there are 340 students both government sponsored and private sponsored studying in Philippines but before they are repatriated the Taskforce needs to obtain detailed information for example where they reside, their address and how they accommodate.

He said the Taskforce has been working closely with authorities in Philippines and Student Body to provide that information.

He said once they obtain all the information, they need they will provide it to the Office of the Prime Minister and then talk with Solomon Airlines and other authorities so that the repatriation is done properly.

“This is important because we don’t want to bring our students and suddenly take a case here.

“We will do our best to organize the repatriation in way to protect our country,” he said.

He explains all students including those graduated and continuing students will be repatriated.

He said for continuing students they will have to defer their study for next year.

Hot zone

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
-
0
Corona

Choiseul province government sets up barricade as covid-19 looms closer

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

AS covid-19 edges closer to Solomon Islands, with Bougainville registering its first case, the Choiseul province is taking no chances and passing resolutions to defend its shores.

Choiseul Provincial Executive endorsed 17 resolutions regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat high at the western border of Solomon Islands.

Most important one amongst these resolutions is a ‘declaration of Choiseul Province as an emergency zone’ by the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

This is a serious action that must be taken according to Choiseul’s Executive government. Much of national government’s preparedness activities have been focussed on the Western province, especially Shortlands.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Control Centre for COVID-19 was reported confirming one new positive case of COVID-19 last Friday from Bougainville.

After going through a two-days (Saturday and Sunday) meeting over the weekend looking into the resolutions presented by the disaster committee of the province, Choiseul Province Executive Government endorsed it. After approval by the Prime Minister before recommendations will be carried out said the Choiseul Executive, starting with awareness.

A statement from Choiseul Province provincial Executive government yesterday said the province has to be proactive in response, and put measures to facilitate their preparedness in terms of border monitoring and surveillance establishment of infrastructure and services that are still lacking.

Restrictions of travels and movements, improvement of social distancing, and other measures to protect the people in Choiseul and Solomon Islands is a must from intrusion of the COVID-19 deadly virus from PNG through the ‘SI border’.

The seventeen resolutions endorsed yesterday by the Choiseul Provincial Assembly Executive are; “1: the national government must declare all around Choiseul Province and at Taro and the vicinity as an emergency zone immediately, and this should be guided forthwith.

“2: The national government to financially support Choiseul Province to build necessary infrastructure like quarantine and isolation centres immediately without further delay.

“3: The Shortland people should not be allowed to come to Choiseul Province for marketing and other businesses since they are usually in contact with Bougainville people using the same territory for fishing, commercial and other traditional tie activities.

“This also include such as restriction on shipping services that what will come to Choiseul connecting from Shortland. Shipping services must make sure that they come to Choiseul first before going to the Shortlands and not the other way around, or only travel to Choiseul.

 “4: For security purposes, the PRT component of the RSIPF should be stationed at Supizae island and let alone the PRT station there do the relevant activity for Choiseul rather than the PRT stationed at the border which is a very big area to cover confined to station in Shortlands, Western Province. This includes government officers, those working or deployed at Choiseul Province and the Shortlands should not cross islands.

“5: That curfew is enforced on outboard motors travelling in Choiseul Province. See jurisdiction as from 6pm to 6am, except for emergency or authorised to do so.

“6: That a provincial wide awareness be conducted regarding declared emergency zones and relay messages of COVID-19 measures.

“7: That mass gathering is discouraged and that social distancing maintains.

“8: People that do nothing at Taro station, Supizae and surrounding areas must be encouraged to return to their respective home villages immediately.

“9: That a port of entry be established at Taro, proposed at the police station area. This is especially for those that want to travel to Taro from outside.

“10: Families are educated and encouraged to stay at their homes.

“11: All sport activities at Taro Township is stopped with immediate effect.

“12: Community movement in Taro Township be restricted.

“13: Movement within communities is restricted.

“14: No movement at Taro Township after 10pm. Only those in the essential services.

“15: Street lights in Taro are installed to ensure clear visibility during night measures.

“16: Churches to discourage church activities due to lack of social distancing.

“17: For markets, cooked foods are to be sold with restrict measures. All products even including betel-nuts are to be sold in packets or plastics only and social distancing, washing and keeping the areas clean will be applied. This is especially for such areas as at the market. Market times will only be from 6am to 6pm. sleeping in the market area is also prohibited.”

It is understood that zonings to be organised by the protection committee will take place and restrictions on health measure exercises in public places at Taro will be carried out and must make sure to be followed.

According to ‘Solomon Times’ on Saturday, “PNG’s National Control Centre for COVID-19 confirmed 25 new positive cases of COVID-19 today, 24 from the national capital and 1 from Bougainville.

“The positive COVID-19 case in Bougainville is a 22-year-old student who travelled from Port Moresby to Bougainville recently. More details of the youth will be announced later following contact tracing.”

Choiseul’s Assembly government from great fear of the first COVID-19 case reported at Bougainville had to quickly come up with their recommendations.

Deputy Premier for Choiseul Province Hon Nerio Ulemiki also speaking to this paper yesterday said all these times the national government has been talking about preparedness and now is the time to see how effective the country’s preparedness is when there is a serious threat right at the border.

“The quicker we endorse all our resolutions the better as continuous keeping in contact with Bougainville people has been a very usual practise between Choiseul, Bougainville, and the Western province posing great risk. Bougainville people are very smart in coming through the border on a blind eye too which is one of fearing concerns,” said Ulemiki.

Chairman of the covid-19 Oversight Committee, James Remobatu in his message issued earlier advised everyone living along the western border to must now play their part to ensure COVID-19 does not enter Solomon Islands.

Remobatu said the western border now poses the highest risk of transmission of COVID-19 into the country.

Fixtures ready

Written by
Taromane Martin
-
0
Members of the newly formed Central Coast FC. Central Coast FC takes on Marist FC in the mid-week clash of the TSL Round one Wednesday next week. Four matches are confirmed for this weekend at the Lawson Tama Stadium.Picture supplied.

Round 1 starts 8th August

By Taromane Martin

KOSSA FC and Telekom Soccer League 2020-2021 season debutant side, Southern United FC will kick off round one of the new season at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

The Solomon Islands Football Federation and TSL board confirmed the 2020-2021 TSL seasons will kick off tomorrow with two matches and continues Sunday with two more matches.

KOSSA FC takes on the Stanley Waita Southern United FC coached side at 2pm. Then happening at 4pm will see Henderson Eels FC taking on FC Isabel United.

United who finished in fourth position last season, will look to kick off their new season campaign with a bang.

Following memorable victories over most of the TSL big clubs last season, with the likes of Benjamin Totori, Michael Boso and Alick Mamae recruited into their ranks the Gideon Omokirio FC Isabel United side is more than capable of causing an upset.

Standing in their way for a positive start in their second TSL season tomorrow, will be the Eddie Marahare Eels coached side.

Eels who finished second last season, will also look to kick off their season with all three points. After a surprise loss to United in round 2 of last season, Eels saw their hopes of giving eventual champions Solomon Warriors a run for their money dampen.

A win for Henderson Eels tomorrow will be sweet revenge for eel’s fans, who were denied the TSL title following their surprise loss to United in round 2.

TSL matches for this Sunday meanwhile sees, Malaita Kingz FC taking on another season debutants, Central Coast FC at 2pm.

Led by Head Coach Jacob Moli, Central Coast FC though new has a number of experienced players in their ranks who are more than capable of helping the club bag their first three points of the season.

Kingz on the other hand has shown in the past seasons, that they are much tougher in the first round. With most of their well-known players moving on to other clubs for the new season, Head Coach Rence Talo will look to try out his new look young squad, 2pm on Sunday.

Then at 4pm Laugu FC, who will appear in their second season, takes on Real Kakamora FC. Following a disastrous campaign last season, Real Kakamora is looking ahead with optimistic as they try to create new history for the club.

Final match for round one of the competition takes place Wednesday next week with Marist FC taking on another season debutant side, Honiara FC at 4pm.

Like Kingz, Marist has also lost most of its players last season. This will be a strong test for Marist when they take on former Head Coach; Jerry Sam who is now leading the Hekari United linked Honiara FC this season.

Entrance fees meanwhile are as follows: Grand stand: $20, Hill side $10.

Tax holiday

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Coral Sea Resort

Concerns raised over Coral Sea 100 percent exemption

By EDDIE OSIFELO

CONCERNS have been expressed over the 100 percent tax exemption Coral Sea Resort and Casino has been enjoying since its establishment in 2017.

Opposition leader Matthew Wale raised the matter with officials of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury when they appeared before the Public Accounts Committee, Wednesday.

The PAC was enquiring into the $385, 001,627 the Government is seeking through the 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020.

Comptroller of Customs Jim Sutton, who was appointed the chairman of the Exemption Committee last month, said the tax exemption issue with Coral Sea is quite difficult because it was granted by his predecessor.

Sutton agreed the exemption was “too generous” and not fair to competitors in the same sector.

He also revealed that since he became the chairman, he has granted 50 percent tax exemptions to 14 of 24 applicants.

He said companies that applied for 100 percent tax exemption will have to see the Finance minister.

Inland Revenue Division Commissioner, Joseph Dokekana said the Coral Sea tax exemption case was quite difficult because it fell under the “confidential information” category.

Dokekana said the resort was granted its tax exemption starting from its construction phase and was renewed last month until 2021.

Opposition Leader, Wale said the Coral Sea tax exemption might appear legal because a Honiara law firm prepared and submitted their application.

However, he said he believed there was political influence behind the decision to grant the resort its 100 percent duty exemption.

Wale added this issue needs to be dealt with and addressed fairly.

Company Haus records show Coral Sea Resort and Casino is registered under Honiara Casino Limited.

The directors of Honiara Casino Limited are:

  1. Anthony Edward Fargas from Australia. He was consented to act as a director for this company and appointed on September 9, 2010.
  2. Harry Stewart of Solomon Islands, who has consented to act as a director for this company and appointed on September 9, 2010.
  3. Thompson Turueke of Solomon Islands. He has consented to act as a director for this company and appointed on February 22, 1995.

Company Haus records also show the shareholders of Honiara Casino Limited are ESTATE OF H.A FARGAS with one share.

This entity has non Solomon Islands citizens as shareholders.

The other shareholder is Grainger Corporation, which owns 99 shares in the company.

Both entities were appointed on March 30, 2011.

China’s $6m to PM

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Opposition Leader Matthew C Wale.

Wale says it’s a ‘National Shameful Fund’

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has a $6 million special discretionary fund under his belt, which China has provided.

This fund is part of $6, 586, 146.40 ($800,000 USD) China gave to assist the National Development Fund (NFD) in the Office of Prime Minister, purchase covid-19 equipment and support people in West Guadalcanal affected by recent Cyclone Harold.

About $200,000 of the fund has already been given to the people in West Guadalcanal.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana confirmed this when asked by Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale during the Public Accounts Committee hearing yesterday.

PAC is enquiring into the $385, 001,627 the Government is asking parliament to approve through the 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020.

The committee is also enquiring into the $206, 088,696 in the 2019 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020 later.

Under the 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020, the total recurrent for contingency warrants is $8,550,000, advance warrants of $373,097,091 and development expenditure of $3,354,608.

Dentana said the China allocations appeared in the advance warrant because it is a separate allocation and does not come through Government finances.

Furthermore, he said China has offered to provide $90 million, which was approved in this year’s budget but is yet to be released,

 “The money is going to be disbursed through the Ministry of Rural Development,” Dentana said.

The Sogavare Government last year brought in a $3.8 billion budget for the 2020 financial year, which Parliament past last December.

Opposition leader Wale said the NDF should be renamed “National Shameful Fund” because it is foreign money given specifically to allow the Prime Minister to hold the solidarity of the government and advance a foreign agenda.

Island Sun understands in the past the Opposition accused former Prime Ministers of using a ‘special discretionary fund’ funded by Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan to keep government MPs together and promote the donor’s interest.

Prime Minister Sogavare switched the nation’s 36-year diplomatic ties with Taiwan to China last August.

The lucky ones

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

Government pays 29 MPs $600k each under the stimulus package

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBERS of the Opposition and Independent Group are among 18 MPs who missed out on the $600,000 payout under the Economic Stimulus Package.

Only 29 Members of Parliament in the Government side received $600,000 each; a payout which was done on June 20.

This totals up to $17.4 million; which was reportedly paid to the 29 MPs to help them with their constituency programmes during this covid crisis.

Documents of Ministry of Finance and Treasury that leaked to social media this week confirmed this payout to the 29 MPs.

Permanent Secretary of MOFT, Mckinnie P Dentana said they will provide a well-informed press release on this momentarily when Island Sun enquired about the payout yesterday.

The Opposition Office confirmed their members have missed out on the payout.

The document shows that from the 29 MPs, four MPs from Guadalcanal and four from Western Province got total of $4.8 million.

Seven MPs of Malaita received a total of $4.2 million.

Two MPs of Makira Ulawa province, two from Choiseul and two from Central received total of $3.6 million.

The three MPs of Isabel Province received a total of $1.8 million.

Renbel and Honiara received total of $1.2 million.

The 29 constituencies that received $600,000 each are:

  1. Baegu Asifola Constituency
  2. Central Kwara’ae Constituency
  3. West Kwaio Constituency
  4. East Kwaio Constituency
  5. Lau Baelelea Constituency
  6. Fataleka Constituency
  7. East Malaita Constituency
  8. North Malaita Constituency
  9. North West Choiseul Constituency
  10. South Guadalcanal Constituency
  11. Ngella Constituency
  12. South New Georgia Rendova Constituency
  13. East Guadalcanal Constituency
  14. Maringe Kokota Constituency
  15. Ulawa Ugi Constituency
  16. Central Makira Constituency
  17. Temotu Nende Constituency
  18. Russells & Savo Constituency
  19. East Choiseul Constituency
  20. Temotu Pele Constituency
  21. Gao Bugotu Constituency
  22. North East Guadalcanal Constituency
  23. Ghizo Kolombangara Constituency
  24. West Honiara Constituency
  25. Temotu Vatud Constituency
  26. West Guadalcanal Constituency
  27. Marovo Constituency
  28. Rennell Bellona Constituency
  29. Hograno Kia Havulei Constituency

PM Sogavare wants to see bi-partisan in fight against covid-19

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minster Manasseh Sogavare invites the Opposition and Independent Group to work together in unity and solidarity as the threat of coronavirus intensifies in the world.

As of yesterday, the COVID-19 cases worldwide edged towards the 18 million mark.

The number of confirmed deaths worldwide is now more than 680,000.

In the Pacific, Solomon Islands closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea has 110 confirmed cases, with 34 recovered and two deaths.

While Fiji has 27 confirmed cases, 19 recovered and one death.

Speaking during his nationwide address yesterday, PM Sogavare the country is still vulnerable to the pandemic and the last thing they need in times like this is petty politics.

“This country must be united in this fight against this common enemy.

“If there is a fight that needs to be fought together as a nation; it is this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Furthermore, Parliament on Wednesday last week, has passed the motion to extend the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) for another four months as provided by the Constitution.

“I would like to acknowledge the overwhelming support from Members of Parliament from both sides of the House that have supported the motion.

“The show of support speaks volumes of who we are as leaders and that we are all concerned about the safety of our beloved country and people,” he said.

In the meantime, Sogavare is pleased to note that despite the challenges faced, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs has aligned themselves in the COVID-19 preparedness and response plans.

The ministry is currently chairing a National Protection Committee, one of the six committees established under section 97 of the NDMP.

The purpose of the National Protection Committee is to prevent, reduce and alleviate human suffering resulting from natural disasters, trauma, crisis and abuse through the integration of protection in disaster management arrangements.

The National Protection Committee since July this year has undergone trainings with the support of UN Women, which also incorporated COVID-19 prepared plans, responses and incorporating COVID-19 standard operating procedures.

These trainings are conducted in Malaita province, Rennell/Bellona and Central provinces. Plans to extend these trainings to other provinces is also underway.

Furthermore, the National Protection Committee have supported the Camp Management with Children’s kits for repatriated families that have children. These are purposely to support the children with basic needs, educational and recreational indoor activities.  These kits are supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF is also a member of the National Protection Committee.

PM’s Chief of staff fined $1,700

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic has been ordered to pay a fine of $1,700 by Wednesday August 5 after he was convicted of careless driving.

The court imposed a fine and ordered that once he fails to pay the fine by that date in default of three months imprisonment.

This is the case in relation to the traffic incident which occurred on early Saturday morning, July 4.

Magistrate Taeburi in her sentencing said the case of Djokovic has no evidence of alcohol involved and therefore the appropriate sentence is a fine.

She said that he had put the lives of other road users at risk and it is very fortunate that he did not hit another vehicle or pedestrian if he had, lives would have been lost.

Although 6am the road is not as busy as it usually does, the fact remains that it is a public main road which other users also have the right to use, Taeburi said.

Ms Taeburi also considered the defence lawyer Wilson Rano’s submission that the accused fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion. The accused is the Chief of staff of the Prime Minister’s Office of Solomon Islands.

The defence counsel argued that because of the office that he holds, Mr Djokovic was overloaded with work and pressure. The counsel argued that the defendant was only able to get few hours of sleep several nights before the accident. This caused him to fall asleep whilst driving during the morning of the accident.

“I do not think the court should accept this line of argument. If I do accept it, it would mean that the courts condone accidents caused by drivers who experience work related pressures and stresses”, Taeburi said.

She said the responsibility is on each individual driver in whatever circumstance to take steps and measures to ensure that he or she is fit to drive. Every driver in this country regardless of whatever condition, situation or circumstance, have a legal duty to exercise caution and care on the road so that lives of other road users are not at risk.

“I take into account the office that Mr Djokovic hold, the vehicle was given to him under the privilege of his office. This also means that the defendant like other government officials who hold high positions and who are entrusted with government properties have a higher duty to exercise.

“I must criticise the defence counsel for not providing evidence on the issue of the repair of the damages caused. The issue of repair is not an agreed fact before this court. I am sure that Mr Rano is well aware that he cannot give evidence from the bar table. Evidence must be presented in the proper manner. The only reason I accept his submission on this issue is because the prosecutor has agreed in his written submissions that the defendant did pay for the costs of the repairs”, Ms Taeburi said

Mr Djokovic was driving a G-plated hilux vehicle and was travelling in a westerly direction when the motor vehicle veered off the road and collided into a concrete wall outside the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel.

How we survived

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
A survivor David Teveko reunites with his two daughters Bettsey Teveko and Mary Teveko on his arrival in Honiara yesterday. PHOTO: CHARLES KADAMANA

Ordeal of six who went missing at sea for 20 days

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

WITH only a paddle at their disposal, six adults were able to survive 20 days at sea on an outboard motor canoe with little food from the wild and water from the rain.

The survivors, who grabbed headlines when they went missing on 11 July 2020 between Santa Cruz and the Reef Islands in Temotu, miraculously shored on Ulawa, Makira-Ulawa province, last Wednesday.

On August 3rd, they arrived in Honiara for medical checkups and are staying at St Agnes Lodge.

The survivors include two nurse Salome Menubir and David Tereko, a high school student Elsie Lopabe, a mother Janet Nyiaboi, skipper Godrey Wale and crew Brown Meba.

They were returning home after referring a patient at Lata Hospital when a large wave struck their boat and filled it with water midway through their journey.

A nurse and mother of two children, Salome Menubir recalls that when the first big wave struck their boat the first thing come to her mind is, they will not make it but when they bail out the water on the boat, she began to have hope.

She said it was such an experience they will never forget adding their survival is miracle that comes through prayer and faith.

She said for the 20 days they survived being struck by big waves for five times. The first wave hit them at day time while the other four waves hit them at night time.

She said as a mother they have to support the three men onboard by sharing big part of the meal each day during the sea ordeal.

“To keep us going we have to share big portion of our food for our men because they are the one who will paddle the boat.

“This experience will stay on us but the message is we are safe and we are looking forward to reunite with our families,” she said with great relief.

Another survivor who also a nurse David Tereko emotionally relayed his story that it was through prayer that they managed to survive.

“It was only through prayer that we were able to survive the 20 days at sea,” survivor David Teveko, 57, a nurse working at Manuopa clinic, told Island Sun on August 3rd.

“There’s no other way I can explain it,” he added, when asked how they were able to make it.

“We were mid-way on our journey when a large wave struck our boat, capsizing it instantly,” Teveko said.

“We lost everything, except the clothes on our bodies.

“But we were able to hold on to the boat, which was filled with water and was likely to sink due to the weight of the 40-horse power engine.

“Then we were able to get rid of the engine and free the boat; bailed the water out and get back into it.

“This time without the engine, and only one paddle,” Teveko recalled.

Then their 20-day sea ordeal began.

 “During our first four days, we have nothing to eat.

“On the fifth day, some kind of a miracle happened when a turtle came beside the boat and we were able to catch it with ease.

 “We also eat coconuts we collected from the ocean and drink rain water,” he said

Teveko said throughout the 20 days, they don’t have much to eat and drink, but their daily prayers kept them strong and focus.

He added the paddle was not much of use to them, but they used it only when they need to steer the boat.

Teveko said they keep drifting with the flow of the current.

“We also keep praying to God to keep as alive as we have families waiting for us,” he said.

Teveko on his arrival was comforted when her two daughters Bettsey Teveko and Mary Teveko and his grand son reunite with him at St Agnes Lodge.

He was filled with smiles and joy as her two daughters embracing him.

The skipper, Godfrey Wale said when the first wave struck their boat the first thing, they do is releasing the engine from the boat.

When reports of the missing six surfaced, a search including Police and Health officials at Lata as well as a New Zealand Defence Force Orion aircraft and a helicopter from Honiara was undertaken.

But it failed to locate the six.

After 20 days at sea, the six were able to shore at Ngarangara Point near Su’umoli Village on Ulawa Island last Friday.

The survivors are now safely accommodated at St Agnes Lodge with the support of Arch Bishop of the Church of Melanesia and Pele Constituency.

Mrs Menubir on behalf the survivors acknowledge families at Ulawa for assisting them and Arch Bishop Rt Rev. Leonard Dawea and Pele Constituency.

Meanwhile a thanksgiving service is set for 5.30pm tomorrow at Saint Alban Parish.

Gov’t seeks extra $385m

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNMENT is asking Parliament to regularise an additional three hundred and eighty-five million, one thousand, six hundred and twenty seven dollars ($385, 001,627).

This follows government having spent the $3.8 billion budget for the 2020 financial year which was passed in Parliament last December.

The Public Account Committee will scrutinise the $385, 001,627 and two hundred and six million, eighty-eight thousand, six hundred and ninety-six dollars ($206,088,696) during its hearing on Wednesday morning.

Government had already spent the $206,088,696 in 2019 and has brought this to PAC for scrutiny before Parliament regularises the spending.

PAC Chairman Douglas Ete said the hearing was supposed to start yesterday but was re-scheduled to allow the Auditor General, who is the secretary, to go through the two Supplementary bills and produce a summary to the committee.

Ete said Central Bank of Solomon Islands and Ministry of Finance and Treasury are the first two stakeholders to appear before the PAC on Wednesday.

He said the reason for the Government to ask for $385 million additional funding is still not known but maybe relating to the covid-19 programmes.

Under the 2020 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2020, the total recurrent for contingency warrants are $8,550,000 and advance warrants of $37,384,204.

This money derives from the Consolidated Fund to be applied to the service of the financial year ending 31 December 2020.

As for the $206 million, Ete said it has to be regularised and made legal this year.

He said spending includes the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) funding and other Solomon Islands Government (SIG) spending.

The hearing is likely to complete on Friday depending on the availability of all invited stakeholders.

Parliament resumes its sitting on Wednesday 12th August.

1...1,0351,0361,037...1,663Page 1,036 of 1,663