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Customised mystery

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Solomon Islands Ports Authority

Government ‘owed millions’ in uncollected non-resident withholding tax

By Alfred Sasako

WHILE the Government is trying to make ends meet, it is being revealed that it is ‘owed millions’ in uncollected non-resident withholding tax, sources familiar with the matter told Island Sun last night.

The sources said the failure to realise this is on the part of the staff of the Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. It is not clear why Customs staff appear to have ignored the non-resident withholding tax in terms of collection.

Non-resident withholding tax is a charge on in-bound and out-bound consignments levied against foreign vessels engaged in trading activities with Solomon Islands.

“They’ve just got to pay it. Why Customs is not collecting it is a mystery,” one source told Island Sun on the weekend.

The sources said the non-collection of this huge revenue windfall for the government has gone back five years from last year, during which period the amount outstanding is now estimated at about $260 million.

This figure represents 10 per cent of export receipts for two million cubic metres exported last year. The value of last year’s log export was USD80 million (SBD520 million), which attracts the non-resident withholding tax.

“This amount is just for the logging industry. It does not cover in-bound and out-bound cargo from the private wharf at Ranadi. If you include non-resident withholding tax from those using the Ranadi wharf, the government is owed potentially $300 million in non-resident withholding tax for the last five years,” the sources said.

“Customs have a lot of explaining to do on this matter,” they said.

No comments could be obtained from Customs last night.

Market getting overcrowded for women

    Written by
    Alfred Pagepitu
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    Women from Guadalcanal sell their products close to the main bus stop.

    BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

    CENTRAL Market is not a new place for market goers to do their shopping for fresh local foods, vegetables, fish, fruits and many more.

    Almost every day its is the busiest place for people to visit. Some went there for shopping while others it’s just another day for them to meet up and others its time for them to do business.

    This has caused the movement inside the market very busy. You have to squeeze yourself to get through others particularly at the entrance of the market.

    This indicates the market is now overcrowded and you can tell it by looking at the numbers of local farmers are now selling their products on the concrete floor outside the building.

    If you enter from the western entrance you have to walk carefully otherwise you step onto somebody products put on sale on the floor.

     The sad thing to see is most of those selling their local products are women who have to put aside their dignity but sit down on the floor or just standing the whole day waiting for clients to purchase their products.

    For those who secure space inside the market building it is comfortable for them but the issue of overcrowding is the same inside and outside.  

    Yesterday I took a time out to the Central market and observed that overcrowding is becoming an issue. People are now selling their stuff on the pathways and extend to the car park.

    Venders close at the main entrance are not safe in terms of hygiene and overcrowded close at the bus stop in the eyes of Honiara City Council HCC.

    As such, they call on the HCC to look seriously into this issue because it is a sad to see women do their selling close to the main bus stop.

    Honiara City Council must also ensure that venders are able to do their marketing without the fear of being robbed or harassed or provide them enough spaces at the market.

    The Market is the biggest market center in Honiara city, compare to Savo market, Kukum and other local market center in Honiara.

    Thousands of people including experts and foreigners visit the market every day. It is the main hub where fresh produce from Malaita, Guadalcanal and other provinces are distributed.

    Last year, we’ve seen changes in management. There was good performance news spread out about the market earnings in their revenue collection, install CCTV to monitor vender or catching ‘pick pockets and other audiences at the market area.

    However, according to hundreds of daily market users, sellers and ingenious, the market place is full of activities which is not accounted for as outlines.

    Illegal selling activity is happening in the market place. People (street sellers) are bringing all sorts of Asian products and selling them to rural people who selling fresh goods in market.

    “They are really disturbing others from doing their market goods sales,” it was reported.

    Speaking with a mother of two children from Guadalcanal Mrs. Martha expressed to Sun Weekender said, pick pockets are really targeting market place to do their illegal chore. They are not at bus stop due to tough HCC law enforcement patrols so they are always in crowded areas. They pretend to be buyers or sellers while watching your moves until they pick your phone or money.

    “Let’s make Central Market to be safe, hygienic and free for the general public to enjoy daily chores.

    When Sun Weekender visited the Central market, most venders have been carrying on their normal business on the footpaths along the main road at the fish market since the closure of the market.

    Another woman said the market had been their source of income for their children’s lunch and bus fares to school.

    She said the majority of people living in the settlement were unemployed and the market was the source of their income.

    “They sold every day to make a living,” she said.

    Martha said not many residents buy local food at the market so she decides to sell her mangoes in affordable prices.

    “That is why we provide fresh mangoes at market on affordable prices,” Martha said.

    They continue to calling on HCC to provide them space to sell their products inside the market but not close the main road.

    “Selling mangoes is a good income earning opportunity when there is a season for mangoes this year. But market and space is important. We cannot sit crowded in one area,” she said.

    She said most of the time she sells her mangoes at the same area where her fellow women are selling peanuts, potatoes and vegetables.

    “There is an understanding between women, sometimes we argue for space, sometimes we agree and use the same space, there is nothing we can do.”

    Today if you visiting Central market you might see women selling their product close to the man bus stop at the Central Market.

    HCC have been urging to provide space for those who sell foods rather than ignore them to sell their products outside the market place.

    No specific medicine to prevent COVID-19

    Written by
    Mavis Podokolo
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    BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

    THERE has been no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    This was highlighted during the recent joint Media Conference held in Honiara.

    “To date, there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. However, those infected should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms and those with severe illness should receive care from a health provider.

    “The following measures will not protect you from the virus and some can be harmful such as smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking traditional herbal teas, wearing many masks to maximize protection and taking self-medication such as antibiotics,” the statement from the press conference said.

    Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health Pauline McNeil said the only thing the public is advised to practice to prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19 is to wash hands frequently with soap, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing , keep your distance, avoid touching eyes ,nose and mouth and avoid unnecessary overcrowding and social gatherings.

    Seven petition cases pending

    Written by
    Milton Ragaruma
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    Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer. Photo by RNZ

    BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

    CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer says seven petition cases are still pending hearing.

    Sir Albert speaking at the opening of the High Court room two on Thursday said the courts lack of rooms for hearing of cases and with the opening of the court room 2 it will help to hear and dispose cases.

    He said noting that all decisions on election petition have to be delivered not later than May 20, 2020, in some earlier depending on the date of filing it gives the court limited time.

    “This narrow window of time imposed by Parliament when it passed the new Electoral Act 2018 into law, gives little room for the High Court to maneuver other than to ensure that the legislative mandate is compiled with”, Sir Albert said.

    He said out of 24 remaining election petition cases, 3 are partly heard and or currently being heard, 9 have been completed and judgments delivered, 5 have been heard and awaiting judgment and 7 are waiting to be heard that comes to 24.

    ‘We will need to be patient and expect delays of some 2-3 months before those court rooms will become available again. We hope that there will be a quicker turn around, if Government processes can be fast tracked to enable us achieve what is necessary for the building and court rooms to be made ready”, Sir Albert adds.

    He also said that the court room two will primarily be used for civil hearings.

    Financial support check

    Written by
    Taromane Martin
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    FROM L-R..NOCSI President and NHA vice chairman Martin Rara, WIKA countrymanager Addur Rachman and WIKA Project Manager during the NHA press conference on Friday 6th March 2020. Picture Taromane Martin

    Indonesia to deliver Stadium by 2021

    By Taromane Martin

    MONEY from the Indonesian government to build the multipurpose hall to host futsal competitions during the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara is already guaranteed.

    In fact, Indonesia has already given the money for the Multipurpose Hall project last year and is in a bank account co-shared by Solomon Islands and Indonesia, Sol2023 National Hosting Authority Chairman Dr Jimmy Rodgers revealed during a press conference yesterday.

    “The origins of this project begun during a conversation between Indonesian President and former Prime Minister.at the margins of APEC Leaders meeting in Port Moresby,” the NHA Chairman said.

    “That sort of gave birth to this where Solomon Islands at that stage raised the question of whether the Indonesian government would support our initiative, knowing very well that Indonesia had just successfully hosted the Asian Games at that time.

    “It was taken very seriously and progressed really fast with the Indonesian government allocating about seven-and-a half million US dollars which roughly about 65 million Solomon dollars to this project.

    “And they’ve also done something that has not happen to any projects in the country before. Money for the project was paid in last year and is in a Tesco bank account co-shared by Solomon Islands and Indonesian government.

    “So basically the money for the project is already in the bank, so to speak meaning there are no financial setbacks expected on this project by the Indonesian government,” he said.

    The Multi-Purpose Hall will be built in the KGVI-Panatina Sports Complex, where the Main Stadium, Aquatics and Tennis Complex for the 2023 Pacific Games will be built.

    The MP hall is a single complex that will house three court areas capable of playing futsal, basketball, netball, volleyball and a host of other sports.

     Importantly the Hall will be able to function as a centre to support large gatherings such as trade shows, church assemblies, school examinations, major social events and could also provide emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster for instance.

    The complex is over 5800 sq. meters and features 6 change rooms, a conference room area, and permanent retractable seating for over 1500 people. The hall could potentially hold over 4000 people in different seating configurations.

    Dr Rodgers also revealed that the Indonesian government has allocated a state owned enterprise, PT Wijaya Kara (WIKA) to design and build the Multipurpose Hall facility which will be the first facility that will be ready for the games.

    “We still have some finessing to get all the details signed. We’ll sign the final constructions agreements around first week of May and from then on constructions will start.

     “This will be the first facility that will be completed for the 2023 Pacific Games. So we are grateful to the Indonesian government for their support.” Dr Rodgers said.

    Out for revenge

    Written by
    Taromane Martin
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    Solomon Warriors team.

    Warriors meets Magenta

    By Taromane Martin

    SOLOMON Warriors FC will look and hope to avenge last year’s defeat to Super Ligue side AS Magenta when the two sides meet for the Group C top of the table clash .

    The top of the table clash will take place 7pm Saturday 7th March at the Super Ligue side home ground, the Stade Numa-Daly, in New Caledonia.

    The last time these two sides met was on the 27th of February 2019 at Lawson Tama Stadium. Despite the home advantage, Warriors were humiliated suffering a 3-0 loss to the eventual 2019 grand finalists.

    A confident Magenta Head Coach Alain Moizan as always qualification for the next round will be tough but is confident of defeating Solomon Warriors FC like they did last year at Lawson Tama.

    “The most difficult thing is to win. Every year we start again from zero, last year was one thing, this year is something else,” the former French international midfielder explained.

    “As always, the qualification for the next round will be a tough challenge but our aim is to beat Tiare Tahiti and Solomon Warriors, like we did beat them last year,” the As Magenta coach told OFC.

    Solomon Warriors FC currently has three points and sits in second position behind the host who are leading Group C after their 5-0 win over AS Tiare Tahiti on Wednesday.

    Warriors Head Coach Selson Molea following their 1-0 win over Tiare Tahiti on Sunday knows his side needs to improve and make use of their chances if they are to bring the 2020 Oceania Champions League to Lawson Tama.

    Winner of this match will get rights to host a home quarterfinal match. Meanwhile after two matchdays in Group the competition table so far is as follows:

    6 Solomon Islands citizens stranded in Hong Kong

    Written by
    Eddie Osifelo
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    Hong Kong International Airport. Photo by Business Traveller

    By EDDIE OSIFELO

    SIX Solomon Islands citizens are stranding in Hong Kong after their holiday was cut short by the Coronavirus.

    According to Chris Briggs they; including his friend, her sister, husband and three children went to China early in January just before the issue blew up.

    Brigss said since then their “holiday” has been nothing short of a nightmare and a financial disaster.

    This came after the Ministry of Health and Medical Services issued a joint travel advisory to restrict people entering Solomon Islands if they come from countries that have confirmed cases of coronavirus.

    “All are Solomon Islands citizens.

    “To me it is simple. A government bulletin advising all citizens that they will be welcomed home, not treated like pariahs, perhaps quarantined, but definitely not turned away from their home countries,” he said.

    Briggs said none of them display any symptoms of Coronavirus.

    “It is very sad that this has not already been done by the Minister of Health or the Minister of immigration. Citizens affected must be at their wits end.

    “I have tried to contact the Ministers or their office with no-one answering. I have tried ringing the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, no answers,” he said.

    “Now I am trying the only other thing that could help, not just my friend and her family members, but anyone else caught up in this through no fault of their own.

    “I do have someone at MOH trying to get a decision for me but 2 days have passed almost and it is still going to different committees for consideration,” he said.

    “It is so simple.

    “Get the people home that call this place home. Solomon Islanders need support from the government and failing that, the people need to march,” he said.

    Briggs said the only way that is going to happen is if organisations such as yours highlight the issue and put Ministers on the spot to earn their positions.

    COVID-19 entry will have social, economic and health impacts in SI

    Written by
    Mavis Podokolo
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    WHO representative in Solomon Islands, Dr Sevil Huseynova

    BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

    CORONAVIRUS-19 (COVID-19) entry will have social, economic and health impacts in the country, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO representative in Solomon Islands, says the current coronavirus threat is not just a health issue but a public health emergency of national concern that entail social, economic and health impacts.

    She said it is time the government and people of Solomon Islands prepare, get ready and really understand the right approaches needed when it comes to COVID-19 as it is a national concern.

    “This is not just a health issue – this a Public health emergency of National Concern, that will have social, economic and health impacts on the country.

    “It’s time to prepare, it’s time to get ready. It is time for us all to really understand that an all-of-government and an all-of-society approach is what is needed,” she said.

    Huseynova adds, Solomon Islands is at a critical juncture in the outbreak, but to date no cases of COVID-19 have been reported. Hence, the country must continue to contain it and applying appropriate measures to prevent further spread but to also prepare for the possibility of wider transmission.

    “Because it not a matter of IF the new Coronavirus comes to Solomon Islands, but WHEN,” Huseynova said.

    Moreover, she said the experiences of other countries has been that, with all the screening measures in the world, they could not keep the virus out. That is because screening does not pick up people who show no symptoms.

    “The country must be ready for the first case, the first cluster of cases, the first evidence of community transmission and for dealing with ongoing community transmission -all at the same time,” Huseynova said.

    Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dickson Mua said he wants to assure the people of Solomon Islands that his ministry and its partner ministries are doing everything possible to prevent COVID-19 entering Solomon Islands.

    “Whilst I am confident of the success of endeavours in this regard  based on the excellent work that was done to prevent Solomon Islands being affected by measles despite the measles outbreak in other countries in the region, the ministry is also making sure that we are as prepared as we can ,IF COVID-10 does reach Solomon Islands.

    “I would also like to reach out to every citizen of this beloved country to pray and ask our Heavenly father for his protection at this trying and challenging times,” said Mua.

    These statements were echoed at a recent joint press conference organised by Ministry of Health.   

    Travelers asked to respect travel restrictions

    Written by
    Mavis Podokolo
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    Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Clezy Rore

    BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

    TRAVELLERS are asked to respect the travel restrictions as it is vital to prevent entry of Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) into the country.

    Clezy Rore, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration has made this call with the aim to strengthen Solomon Islands border control to protect the country’s population from the potential entry of the COVID-19.

    “Whilst the measures that have been introduced may cause some individuals inconvenience, the restrictions that have been put in place have been introduced in the interest of protecting the population of Solomon Islands during this global public health outbreak.

    “Travellers are asked to respect the restrictions that have been put in place and not take out any frustrations that they may have on Immigration staff,” said Mr Rore.

    He said the most recent Joint Travel Advisory which was issued on February 27, restricts entry to Solomon Islands by passengers who have travelled from or transited through countries where COVID-19 has been restricted.

     Rore said these countries are listed as Restricted Countries in the Travel Advisory and include the People’s Republic of China (Mainland China), the republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Hongkong (SAR), Thailand, Iran, Chinese, Taipei and Macau.

    He said any person who has travelled from or through any country that is listed are restricted, at any time during the 14 days immediately prior to the day of arrival of that person in Solomon Islands, will be turned away or denied entry to Solomon Islands.

    “This is indeed a drastic measure, but is absolute necessary if we are to reduce the potential for COVID-19 to enter the country,” said Rore.

    He made this call at a recent joint media conference in Honiara.

    New Airbus to arrive this weekend

    Written by
    Eddie Osifelo
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    Solomon Airlines new airbus. Photo by Solomon Airlines

    By EDDIE OSIFELO

    SOLOMON Airlines new Airbus A320 aircraft H4-SIB is expected to arrive this weekend.

    Manager Commercial, Collin Sigamanu confirmed to Island Sun on Thursday 4th March that the plane leaves Brisbane on Saturday, to arrive at Munda, Western province first before coming over to Honiara.

    Sigamanu said if it leaves Brisbane on Sunday, then it fly direct to Honiara international airport.

    He said there will be a small ceremony held in Honiara to welcome the new airbus.

    Last month, Solomon Airlines released the first image of the airline’s shiny new Airbus A320 aircraft H4-SIB, which was painted in Townsville, Australia.

    The aircraft ‘Spirit of the Solomons’ formerly flew for Air New Zealand and is being fitted to Solomon Airline’s specifications before entering service shortly, a statement from Solomon Airlines said.

    Solomon Airlines will offer two classes onboard including all leather, midnight blue seating comprising 12 Business Class seats in a 2×2 seat configuration and 132 Economy Class seats in a 3×3 seat layout.

    Following the completion of the interior installation, the airline will confirm its operating schedule.

    The new aircraft will be ferried to Brisbane to operate its first scheduled service from Brisbane to Honiara.

    Solomon Airlines is planning a VIP welcome function at Henderson International Airport at Honiara.

    Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Brett Gebers said the new A320 is symbolic of the importance of international air access for the Solomon Islands.

    “International services linking the Solomon Islands, near neighbour Pacific destinations and Australia are key to future tourism and economic development in the region and updating our fleet is an utmost priority for us,” he said.

    “We are committed to ensuring highest safety standards, comfort, and reliability across our international and domestic services for visitors and for Solomon Islands people,” Mr. Gebers said.

    Solomon Airlines is updating both its international and domestic fleet.

    Approximately 90 percent of the airline’s domestic operations to 22 destinations within the Solomon Islands are operated by three DHC-­‐6-­‐300 Twin Otter aircraft, with just six airstrips capable of taking its sole Bombardier Dash8-­‐100.

    The airline has completed an extensive refurbishment of Its Twin Otter fleet and has recently signed an agreement to purchase a further Twin Otter to join the fleet this year.

    Solomon Airlines was also instrumental in the extensive upgrade and reopening of Munda Airport in the Western Province, renowned as one of the world’s most desirable diving destinations.

    Munda Airport can now accommodate international flights providing the country’s second airport to serve as a backup to the Henderson International Airport at Honiara.

    The Solomon Islands, population 600,000, is an archipelago nation of nearly 1000 islands situated approximately 2,000 km to the northeast of Australia in the south-­‐west Pacific Ocean.

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