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Switch in diplomatic relations looking inevitable

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Solomon Islands and China's flag. Photo by RNZ

By Alfred Sasako

 

THE switch in diplomatic relations to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) potentially slated to occur next month appears to be on track, putting Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on a collision course with Taiwan and its anti-Chinese allies such as the United States of America and Australia

The last time the government allowed its senior Minister for Civil Aviation and Communication, Peter Shanel Agovaka, to attend a conference convened by the United Nations drew protest notes from Washington and Taipei.

Hon Agovaka’s attendance was sanctioned by Cabinet, according to officials. Following the protests, Cabinet rescinded its earlier decision to allow him to attend the Conference in Beijing. Then Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela took the brief paper to Cabinet.

“By then it was too late as Hon Agovaka was already in Beijing. So the Minister was given sightseeing visits the whole time while officials attend the conference,” one official told Island Sun recently.

In the latest move, permission has been granted to seven key Ministers and one senior official to visit Beijing this week, a move which is contrary to official policy in dealing with China.

“I am sure we will be expecting a second diplomatic protest note from the United States and of course Taiwan,” a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office told Island Sun.

The Beijing Ministerial visit this week is reportedly at the invitation of the head of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Li Xiaolin.

Minister for Civil Aviation and Communication, Peter Shanel Agovaka, will lead the seven-member delegation which leaves for China today (15 August). All Coalition partners in the DCGA government were represented but the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP).

Other members of the delegation are the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma; former deputy Prime Minister and now Infrastructure Minister, Manasseh Maelanga; Minister of Rural Development, Duddley Kopu; the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Anthony Veke; Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Clezy Rore; Deputy Chairman of Caucus, Jackson Fiulaua and the Chair of the of Parliamentary Standing Committee. Commins Mewa.

Prime Minister Sogavare’s personal secretary Ronald Fugui is traveling with the delegation.

In Beijing the Ministerial Delegation is expected to meet members of the bipartisan Taskforce, which the Government had earlier set up to investigate switching relations to Mainland China. The Taskforce has spent the last month, visiting Pacific Island Countries which have diplomatic relations with Mainland China.

The five-member Taskforce, led by the Member for Central Honiara, Hon Dr John Moffat Fugui, has visited Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

The two groups will meet in Beijing later this week, potentially to compare notes on their findings on the question of switching relations with China. Their report will determine the position the government will take on the diplomatic relations.

There are speculations that the inclusion of Finance Minister Kuma on the delegation suggests, discussions on a financial package is on the table. Island Sun is unable to confirm this independently.

Taiwan could be offended if this happens as such a move will be taken as a slap on the face by Taipei which has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands since 1982.

Taiwan has consistently provided generous financial assistance amounting to about $100 million a year for micro economic activities in rural Solomon Islands. The funding is paid through Members of Parliament, an arrangement which has attracted a lot of criticisms by members of the public.

Besides this public funding, Taipei also operates a slush fund to address political instability in government. The funds, often disbursed around Christmas, are only accessible at head of government level.

Only members of the ruling government share the funds, which the Taiwanese Embassy in Honiara has strenuously denied its existence.

Government to make laws to protect children: Alependava

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands childrens

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE outcome of a report showing over 200,000 children in Solomon Islands experiencing violence at home has prompted government to formulate policies and legislations to protect children.

Until now, government’s policies and legislations have been focusing more on violence against women and girls.

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Cedrick Alependava confirmed this during the discussion of the launching of the ‘Unseen, Unsafe report’ at Heritage park Hotel yesterday.

Alependava said they are confronted with double burden problem locally, in the Pacific and internationally and that is increased incidence of violence against women and girls and increased violence against children.

He said much talk has been exemplified and amplified by non-government organisations (NGOs), Development partners and Government on issues of violence against women and girls and ending violence against women and girls in Solomon Islands as well as in the Pacific.

“We have policies, regulations and law governing us to try and reduce violence against girls and women, but sad to say there is less emphasis on violence against child or children, even in our current policy there is less coverage on child security, as such we need to step up and review our children’s policy in collaboration with Child’s Right and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16.2 and maybe review Family Protection Act 2017 and Child and Family Welfare Act 2010 as well,” he said.

The SDG Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Youths make up about 46 percent of the population in Solomon Islands.

Alependava said this composition shows children dominates the bigger portion of our population, and thus given the future they will live and inherit, they ought to invest in them early to enable them to be productive leaders and citizens.

The ‘Unseen and Unsafe: Underinvestment in Ending Violence Against Children in the Pacific and Timor-Leste’ report shows that over 200,000 children (72 percent of the child population) in the Solomon Islands experience violent discipline at home also revealed rising levels of sexual violence in the Solomon Islands, specifically the growing number of family members facilitating sexual acts involving children and arranging the sale of children for sex or marriage to those working in logging and fishing industries.

The research was conducted by Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International and Child Fund across 15 countries in the Pacific, including Timor Leste.

Sogavare wants to see 11th Parl make a difference

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare wants the 11th Parliament to make a difference to the people and not leave a bad legacy behind.

Sogavare stressed this when winding the debate on the Speech of the Throne delivered by Governor General David Vunagi in Parliament recently.

“We don’t want to leave 11th Parliament and people point to us that these are the people that spoil this country.

“That is the last thing I want people to talk about the 11th Parliament,” he said.

Sogavare’s advice came about after the debate on Solomon Islands independence and ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal from 1998 to 2003 continue to haunt the Parliament.

Former Prime Minister, late Solomon Mamaloni described Solomon Islands as a ‘nation conceived but never being born’ after she gained independence from Great Britain in 1978.

Some Members of Parliament described late Mamaloni’s quote as philosophical.

However, Sogavare believed it may be true because then British did not address alienated land which resulted in the conflict.

He said this was part of the load of demands submitted to the government in 1988 and 1990.

Further to that, Sogavare said the visionary policy of giving land to Levers at Lunga, Tasifangoro and Russells on 75 years lease for agriculture purposes had locked the government today from inviting foreign investors.

“Just look at us 41 years out, we become hopeless victims of that policy.

“Levers is selling good industrial land in Lunga, Henderson and Hell’s point left, right and centre in front of our very eyes,” he said.

Sogavare said foreigners are transacting Solomon Islands.

He said to add salt to injury, the sovereign government of Solomon Islands was evicted from Hell’s point land.

Sogavare recalled that in 2017, an investor from China was going to invest $100 million US dollar in manufacturing special sealant for road construction but had to withdraw because the government was not able to give them land.

“The hands of sovereign government are locked up.

“For any developing countries, attraction of goods direct investment is a strategic policy for sustainable economic growth,” he said.

However, Sogavare acknowledged the founders of leading this country into independence.

“This is not entirely the making of the founders of this nation.

“I raised my hearts to all the leaders that found this nation. Independent was forced on us by Great Britain so we have to do the best we can to cope with their needs,” he said.

Sogavare said it is easy to make this kind of statement 40 years back.

“It takes skills to sit down and come up with a vision.

“We are still a nation conceived but yet born. This is the statement that will keep coming up,” he said.

Sogavare said this statement is philosophical or whatever they can say.

He said the question is what are they doing about it?

Woman faces 23 counts of stealing from employer

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A former female employee of the CDL Company has appeared in court yesterday for allegedly stealing from the company since 2017.

Allegations said that the accused, Elizabeth Tara, was a sales officer at the CDL Company, since 2007.

Police alleged that in June 2019 the company received complaints from people that the accused usually spends huge amounts of money.

After receiving the report the company made some checks and balances on the company’s record and it showed the CDL Company encountering huge losses on their account records.

The CDL management then made enquiries – around $99,950 SBD had been lost.

Police said CDL company usually purchases mill run bags from Global Vision Company Limited and the reconciliation done on their accounts showed that 1,999 bags of mill run were lost.

The company made further enquiries with Global Vision which revealed that some vehicles always went directly to them to collect the mill run authorised by Elizabeth Tara.

On June 2, 2019 a vehicle went to the Delite industries to pick up 50 bags of mill run without order forms, it was at that time the accused was caught and admitted to the CDL Company that she used to steal from the company since 2017.

The matter was then reported to the police in which the accused was questioned and charged for the alleged offence.

The alleged accused will appear again in the next 14 days.

Police Prosecutor Iete Tebakota prosecutes the case in court.

Seek God first: Vokia

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands needs to seek God first before this country can move forward.

Member of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal, Jamie Vokia stated this during his contribution on the Speech of throne delivered by Governor General David Vunagi in Parliament recently.

Vokia referred to 1 Chronicles 4:10 where Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

He said at that time the country was facing hardship and time of struggle and stagnation.

“What is known of this boy that offers his heartfelt prayer to his beloved God?

“You know God granted it,” he said.

Vokia said this man chose not to find answer on his own ability but he decided to seek first the kingdom of heaven and believed God will provide the answer.

He said this is all biblical principles.

As such, Vokia said the government needs to look beyond the horizons to implement its policies.

Further to that, Vokia encouraged other MPs through the words of former President of United States, Barak Obama made during his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in December 2009.

Obama stated “that for all the cruelty and hardship of our world, we are not mere prisoners of fate. Our actions matter and can bend history in the direction of justice”.

Parliament has adjourned to Monday, August 26.

FROM MINISTERS TO EXPLORERS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Opposition slams government’s double delegation to China

 

LEADER of Opposition, Matthew Wale questions the Government’s decision to send a second delegation to Beijing, to further explore and do ground work on the establishment of possible diplomatic ties with China.

This call was made after it was reported that a group of senior Government Ministers led by Central Guadalcanal MP, Peter Channel Agovaka, left for Beijing on Wednesday, on the invitation of the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

The Government earlier established and mandated a Bi-Partisan Taskforce comprised of Government backbenchers and Opposition MPs, to study and report on the prospects of Solomon Islands entering into diplomatic ties with China.

It is known that the Taskforce also left earlier for Beijing on its last leg of the task given to it by the Government.

The new delegation’s trip although was said to be externally funded, was approved by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Opposition leader says the approval by the Government certainly raises a lot of questions on the reasons behind the decision, which the Prime Minister must explain to the public.

The Taskforce is expected to produce its report after the Beijing trip.

The Opposition leader says the decision to approve another group comprising mostly of senior Ministers to travel to China, clearly undermines the role of the Bi-Partisan Taskforce.

He said the new delegation, being made up of senior Ministers will be considered in higher regard diplomatically by Chinese authorities than the Taskforce, which is mostly comprised of backbenchers.

The Opposition leader points out that this does not speak well of the Prime Minister and his Government.

“Firstly, it is a slap on the face of the members of the Task Force for their own government to undermine them by sending their colleagues whom are Ministers on the same task.

“Secondly, it paints a picture that the Prime Minister has no regard for protocol and the honor that comes with Ministerial positions in government, especially when the trip is being funded by a private organization that may have vested interests contrary to our own.”

The Opposition leader adds that the sending off of these two groups at the same time, is a clear sign post of the leadership style of the Prime Minister in wanting to appease his Ministers and backbenchers.

“When he could have easily delayed the second delegation until after the Task Force had produced its findings, he chose instead to send them both off at the same time at the public’s expense.

“Sogavare has been Prime Minister of this country on four occasions now and so he knows full well how to deal with establishing diplomatic relations.

“He knows well that what he needs is best advice from technical advisors on foreign relations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the leader stressed.

He further stressed, the fact that there are no technical advisors in the delegation is only proof that the PM does not care about the fallout of this issue, rather, he is worried about keeping his Government in power.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Plea for missionary today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE 72-year-old Australian missionary alleged of sexually assaulting five young girls under the age of 15 is listed for plea today at the Honiara Magistrate Court.

He is faced with counts of indecent acts on children in the years between of 2010 to 2012.

He came to the Solomon Islands in 1998 as a missionary and worked at the SWIM mission Centre in East Honiara from 1998 to 2012.

It was during that time he came into contact with a number of young children who were associated with the activities at the SWIM mission centre. Following the man’s departure from Solomon Islands in 2012 police started to receive complaints of sexual assaults or indecent assaults committed against girls during their time at SWIM.

The alleged incidents occurred between 2010 and 2012 when the man worked as a Christian Missionary in East of Honiara. He was in charge of the mission at that time.

After the man arrived back in Honiara on June 23, detectives from the RSIPF National Criminal Investigations Department (NCID) Sexual Assault Team arrested the accused on June 24, 2019, charged him and took him to court and was remanded.

Prioritising our youthful population

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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OUR youth makes up the majority of the population.

In fact 70 percent of Solomon Islands population is under 34 years of age.

Those between 15 to 34 years old are categorised as youth in this country.

This age group is also very productive in contributing to the country’s economy if they are employed.

The problem is that the majority of the youth are also unemployed.

And it is a ticking time bomb for the country if the youth population continues to increase each year.

They must be given opportunities to excel in whatever they can. If not then we are in for a tough ride ahead.

As we celebrate the Youth Week in Honiara this week, we must reflect on prioritising our youthful population.

Acting Prime Minister John Maneniaru said our youths are an asset that can propel the country forward if properly utilised.

This means giving them a conducive environment to excel in whatever qualities they have.

The Multipurpose Hall extension, thanks to the New Zealand Government, is just one small assistance toward helping our youths.

We need more halls to host activities for youths around the country.

We need more sporting stadiums, school halls, basketball courts, classrooms, youth centres and any other facility that will keep our youths busy.

Building more facilities and decentralising such initiatives should be the way forward.

It seems youth projects are congested within Honiara and not much done in the rural areas.

Honiara is also full of unemployed youths who have nothing to do but drink kwaso, smoke marijuana and disturb neighbours with loud music and basically creating noise pollution.

Let us not just make Honiara a Youth Hub but setting it up for the future of Solomon Islands as a whole.

GOV’T GOES TO CHINA

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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China

Ministers, backbenchers and PMO official go for sightseeing in Beijing

 

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

A high level government delegation involving ministers and backbenchers will head to mainland China tomorrow, August 15 – 19, it is reported.

They have been invited by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), an organisation with deep roots in the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

This means Solomon Islands’ government is sending a ministerial delegation to mainland China while its bipartisan taskforce is also on its way to China.

And, the mission of both delegations is to find more information about mainland China which would justify establishing bilateral relations between us.

This move shows Solomon Islands’ government leaning more towards mainland China although it insists that it is undecided whether to switch recognition from Republic of China (Taiwan) or not.

The ministerial group is headed by Minister of Communications and Aviation, Shanel Agovaka, and includes five other government ministers, two government backbenchers and an official from the office of the Prime Minister.

Shanel Agovaka – MCA, Harry Kuma – MOFT, Manasseh Maelanga – MID, Dudley Kopu – MRD, Anthony Veke – MPGIS, Clesy Rore – MCLII, Jackson Filaua – Deputy Chairman Caucus, Commins Mewa – Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman, Ronald Fugui – PM’s Private Secretary.

It is understood the delegation will be met by related Chinese institutions and enterprises. Sightseeing in Beijing will also be arranged for the delegation.

A media statement from the office of the Prime Minister yesterday confirms that taxpayers will meet the travelling allowances of the delegation. How much exactly is anyone’s guess.

The statement adds that travel and accommodation costs will be met by the Chinese.

“The SIG will provide for per diem and contingency costs in accordance with travel protocols for Ministers and Members of Parliament.

“The duration of the visit is from August 15th -19th.

“The Chinese People’s Association will meet the travel and accommodation costs for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).”

The Prime Minister’s Office explains that government is approaching its foreign policy in an open and transparent manner, adding that it has informed Taiwan of this ministerial trip.

“The Government delegation consisting of ministers and government backbenchers are expected to identify critical areas for potential engagements that will directly impact on a prospective relationship between both countries, should the Government decide to switch to China.

“This is necessary for the government’s commitment towards determining the best possible outcome for Solomon Islands that represents our long-term development interests; while also safeguarding internal stability through the implementation and delivery of key policies, which are aligned with our bilateral relationships.

“Due to the significance of the decision and potential implications arising from any shift from the existing status quo of our foreign policy, should there a shift, it warrants the presence of Ministers and Senior Caucus MPs to provide a broader view of sensitive issues. This will also ensure there is a higher level of access to decision makers within the PRC Government, which in the final analysis, will provide Cabinet with the additional insight required to make a fully informed decision.”

However, political pundits say whatever excuses our government is giving it out, few things remain certain, which are; more unnecessary costs for taxpayers, displaying a more PRC-philic behaviour, and getting its priorities wrong.

“Government has already began severing ties with Taiwan when it announced that it would consider diplomatic relations with mainland China, and it is pushing Taiwan further away with its increasing frolicking with mainland China,” a political insider said.

“This latest trip was initially intended to have been a secret, but was however leaked to social media which caused much outcry. Hence, government was forced to announce it via media statement today [yesterday],” a government insider said.

“This high level visit by the strategic Cabinet Ministers now raises more question than answers. It seriously questions the genuineness and impartiality of the Tripartite Task Force established by the DCGA to investigate and report to the Government for a possible decision to either remain with ROC or switch to PRC.”

CPAFFC is one of the three major foreign affairs organisations of the People’s Republic of China. Its stated aim is to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Chinese people and foreign nations.

It was founded in May 1954. Its current chairperson is Li Xiaolin, daughter of Li Xiannian former President of China. Its leadership is drawn from the upper ranks of the Communist party of China.

We need a collaborative standpoint on climate change

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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CLIMATE change will be dominating the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Funafuti this week.

It is a fitting venue for climate change to be discussed right on the doorsteps of people suffering from its adverse effects.

Sea level rise is often attributed to change in climate patterns that results in global warming.

However the effects of climate change have multiple faces and sea level rise is just one of those.

Whilst the issue of climate change is at the core of many low-lying Pacific Islands nations, it may not be a priority for Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Changes in climate patterns maybe natural but human activities have largely been attributed to inducing climate changes.

For instance burning of natural gases, oil and coal to produce energy may indirectly contribute global warming.

However, developed nations like Australia and New Zealand need their factories to produce and export their goods and in the process sustain the livelihoods of their people.

Small islands nations like Tuvalu are at the mercy of developed nations who through their activities are heating up the earth’s surface and melting up the ice glaciers in the north and south poles – resulting in sea level rise.

Tuvalu and other small islands states could be under water in the near future. Our outer islands too are already feeling the effects of the rising sea level.

Therefore our leaders must push to address the issue of climate change. Adaptation and mitigating the effects of climate change have dominated past and present discussions.

A new topic is climate financing, which some Pacific Island countries have already benefited from.

Our resilience attitude to the change in climate patterns would no longer stand the test of time once the reality hits home.

And we hope this reality would present itself in Funafuti this week as our leaders deliberate on this sensitive but a crucial issue of climate change.

A clear, collaborative and effective standpoint on climate change for the Pacific is what we need from our regional leaders.

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