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PAC completes report on WPG draft budget estimate for 2018-19

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE Western Provincial Assembly Standing Committee on finance, the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has completed its report on the examination of the Western Provincial Government draft revised budget estimate for 2018/2019 last week.

The newly appointed Provincial Public Accounts Committee under Standing Order 199 of the Western Provincial Assembly recently was ushered in following the election of the new Executive government under Premier David Gina in July this year.

Chairperson of PAC George S Lilo (MPA) told Island Sun Gizo, “This is a mandatory standing committee under order 205 and exercises its primary function of legislative oversight especially in terms of financial accountability and governance.”

He said the committee inquired into the 2018/2019 draft revised budget estimate as well as the audit report of the province for 2016/2017 financial year, from October 26 to November 6, 2018.

Lilo said the committee has competed its report together with its findings and recommendation for deliberation by the Assembly this week, when it shall sit to consider the revised budget estimated for 2018/2019, together with the province’s audit report for 2016/2017 fiscal year.

The newly appointed committee includes Ramrakha Aquila Jnr Talasasa, MPA Ward 16, Dunde/ Nusa Roviana, Nixon Buka Tula, MPA Ward 17, Roviana Lagoon, John Wale Vavu, MPA Ward 11, Gizo, Lepese Paul, MPA, Ward 10 Irigila, Gilisi Palmer, MPA, Ward 23, Ngatokae is the secretary and George S, Lilo is, MPA, Ward 18, South Rendova is the Chairperson.

Logging damages food chain in Malaita: Report

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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People crossing log pond, Waisisi, West Are’Are 2017.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

People crossing log pond, Waisisi, West Are’Are 2017.

PEOPLE in West Are Are of Malaita province are facing risks from their environmental damage by logging companies.

A study conducted from November 2016 – November 2017 assessed the local impacts of logging on food security, fisheries and well-being in Malaita.

It is based on qualitative interviews conducted with 172 people (84 men and 88 women) in 23 villages in Are’Are, Lau and Langalanga.

It is reported that logging affects gardens by directly damaging them through road construction and felling, as well as causing productivity problems through spread of pests and weeds, which is facilitated by logging machinery.

The logging on such locations in Malaita province also has further impacts on wildlife and the availability of construction materials from the forest.

Besides, the report highlighted logging activity frequently affects supply of drinking water, both through contamination of open water sources and through direct damage of existing water supply systems.

The combined impacts of logging on food provisioning and water quality put rural Malaitans’ nutrition and health status at risk, it said.

Many of the impacts on marine, freshwater and terrestrial resources remain long after logging has ceased, and the fractioning effects of logging on social cohesion compromise the collective action needed to counter them.

Logging gives rise to severe social problems, including heightened levels of conflict at all levels.

Logging related disputes over land ownership, decision-making processes and benefit sharing cause deep and lasting rifts between and within landholding groups, villages, families and households.

Crucially, logging reinforces gender inequity by systematically excluding women from decision-making and from sharing in the benefits, whether through employment or royalties.

Women are also disproportionately affected by the environmental impacts of logging, particularly by the effects on mangroves, gardens and drinking water.

From the report, the people’s major concern is the sexual exploitation of girls and women by logging personnel.

Currently, in unregulated form, logging in Malaita is environmentally and socially destructive.

It undermines local food security and social integrity and does not contribute to development at either the village or provincial level.

PM presents Dual Citizenship Bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Assured that benefits in proposed law out way any disadvantages

By Gary Hatigeva

PRIME Minister, Rick Houenipwela has presented to parliament one of the government’s much anticipated bills, which looks to allow for indigenous Solomon Islanders and naturalised Solomon Islanders a status to become a citizen of Solomon Islands while being a citizen of another country.

Presented in two complementing Bills, namely the Constitutional (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2018 and the Citizenship Bill 2017, the two make up the Dual Citizenship proposed legislation.

Both bills were presented on the floor of Parliament following their second reading yesterday.

The Prime Minister is responsible for the Constitutional (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2018, who presented on the inside aspects and background on it, and the Minister of Home Affairs presented on the Citizenship Bill 2017.

The Constitutional Amendment Dual Citizenship Bill is looking to amend the Constitution, which intends to allow for Dual Citizenship, because currently, the dual status is prohibited under the citizen and immigration laws of the country.

The Citizenship Bill 2017, which was presented by the Home Affairs Minister, Ishmael Avui, looks into the structures and application of the dual citizenship proposed legislation, and also facilitates in the implementation of the proposed act.

Based on the Core Dual Citizenship proposed legislation, the Bill seeks to repeal certain but relevant sections of the constitution that deal with citizenship status, and a few amendments to various subsections in terms of aspects and applications.

In presenting his side of the core legislation, with the Constitution (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill, the Prime Minister pointed out that objectively, the Bill will remove the Constitutional prohibition on dual citizenship.

He however clarified that the proposed law has set out a clear cut, prohibiting those holding dual citizenship from being elected as a Member of Parliament, the provincial governments, and the Honiara City Council, and this is something that is also well spelt in the national constitution of Solomon Islands.

“This is to make it absolutely clear to us that the political leadership of this country must remain in the hands of Solomon Islanders with single citizenship,” the Prime Minister told Parliament.

The PM then outlined that it is also his government’s intention to see that this bill facilitates the return and reintegration of Solomon Islanders by birth or ancestry, who lost their citizenship by reason of marriage, naturalisation in another nation, or forced to do labour in Samoa, Fiji and Queensland during the blackbirding days, and will also allow naturalised Solomon Islands citizens to regain or retain their birth nationality.

He pointed out that the bill is also the government’s response to a growing trend in a now global family, and that the policy to allow citizenship of more than one country is an exponentially growing trend in the 21st century.

He explained that Solomon Islands is the only country in the Pacific region that is yet to legislate the dual citizenship law, and the bill is also a way of tolerating such a status.

He added that the not having such a law will also deny a big number of Solomon Islands nationals that have denounced their allegiances to this country due to the prohibition laws.

The PM then spoke on the negativities the current citizenship law is putting on the rights of indigenous Solomon Islanders to exercise their cultural obligations and values.

“Mr Speaker, these people of Solomon Islands descents, their children and grand children, are generally recognised by their Solomon Islands extended family as members of their tribes by genealogy.

“In some cases, they have important cultural and social status, and may be accepted as land and resource owners.

“However, under our current law, they cannot fulfil their tribal or cultural obligations because the Solomon Islands citizenship and immigration laws do not recognise their status.

“They are treated as foreigners and we deny them the freedom of movement and residency that they require to maintain and foster their genealogical ties and obligations,” the PM stressed.

He admitted that the dual citizenship does have some for concerns, and that some countries have resisted this form of citizenship law, fearing for lack of integration and preservation of traditions and religious practices by immigrants that are inconsistent with liberal democratic principles.

He further pointed out that another area of concern that is being debated under this form of citizenship status is the dual voting, which is said to be against the democratic concept of one person-one vote, if a person is able to vote in more than one jurisdiction.

He added that most countries now believe that having residences participate fully in the state where they reside is necessary to uphold the democratic principle that the governed should have a right to participate in the process of choosing those who will govern on their behalf.

He further added that for dual citizens themselves, there may be issues relating to double taxations, inheritance restriction or military service obligations, depending on their countries of origin, but assured that most dual citizenship nations have dealt with these issues, through bilateral and multilateral treaties.

“But the good news is, the benefits from dual citizenship far out way any disadvantages, and the notions that dual citizenship may somehow diminish a person’s allegiance and commitments to the nation is outdated.

“The government recognises that Solomon Islanders and their children living abroad, have had educational and employment opportunities, and experiences in their current countries of residence, and that these skills would greatly benefit Solomon Islands if such persons were free to return to the country.

“In fact, dual citizenship would help reverse the brain drain, because those talented persons would be free to move between countries with full and secure citizenship rights whenever they choose,” PM Hou added.

Hou then highlighted that dual citizenship proposed legislation will also help to provide social, economic, family, employment and study opportunities by providing ease of movement between country of origin and country of residence for eligible persons, thus, will require parliament’s utmost support and backing.

Following the two bills’ introduction in the house yesterday, the Speaker through advice and requests from the government, adjourned all debates into both bills to a later sitting session, after the resumption of Parliament on November 27, 2018.

36-yr father faces incest charges

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

A 36-year-old father is facing two charges of allegedly committing incest with his 17-year-old daughter at Hirolegu Village, West Hograno, Isabel Province on April 23, 2018.

“Since committing the offence, the alleged offender has been avoiding police from Buala until he was arrested in his house at Hirolegu Village at 10pm on October 30, 2018 and taken to Buala Police Station,” says Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Isabel Province, Superintendent Leonard Tahnimana.

“Police will allege in Court that the 36-year-old father committed the two counts of incest with his own daughter at two separate occasions in his own house.”

“The offender has been released on very strict bail conditions and will reappear in the Honiara Magistrates Court on November 20, 2018.

“I want to appeal to the public in Isabel Province and elsewhere in Solomon Islands that incest is a very serious crime and a disgrace to the family.

“Like the Commissioner of Police said recently, the young girl’s own house, which is supposed to be the safest location for her is now a crime scene.

“She will now testify in Court against her own father who should be the most trusted person in her life,” says Superintendent Tahnimana

“Let us all work together to stop such acts that will destroy the lives of our young girls.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Sikua convicted and remanded

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE court has convicted the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services Edmond Sikua of three charges of official corruption.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi after convicting Mr Sikua made an order for him to be remanded in custody due to flight risk and also since he has now been convicted a custodial sentence will likely be imposed.

Sikua was earlier charged with seven counts of official corruption but after the court analysed all the evidence produced, four charges were withdrawn due to no supporting evidence to prove them

Magistrate Taeburi then adjourned the case to November 14 for sentencing submission.

Sikua was charged in relation to the allegation on December 22, 2016 for allegedly awarding government tenders worth $630,436.50 to Beeds Investment, a company registered and owned by his two daughters.

Prosecution alleged the accused Sikua is by default the chairman of his ministry’s tender board.

The allegation said between December 18, 2015 and August 29, 2016 Beed Investments responded to calls for tenders and was awarded business contracts for service delivery to the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services on seven different occasions.

The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services have made payments of $630,436.50 to Beeds Investments for these services.

Prosecution further alleged that Sikua used his position of power and influence within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services to manipulate the tendering process for his own and his family’s pecuniary advantage.

Sikua is the third public officer to have been arrested by Janus, since the establishment of the joint taskforce.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown in court.

PM to attend APEC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Islands’ newly elected Prime Minister and MP for Small Malaita, Hon Rick Houenipwela. Photo by George Herming

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela will depart today to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders and Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ Informal Dialogue in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The meeting is an opportunity for the APEC member economies within the region to look at ways to ease trade barriers amongst themselves and to ease trading capabilities within the region and with other APEC member countries.

The meeting is also an opportunity for Solomon Islands to reaffirm its relationship with other countries.

While in Port Moresby, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.

APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific.

APEC’s 21 members aim to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will be acting Prime Minister in PM Hou’s absence.

–OPMC PRESS

IRD did not give in to demands of PTA: Commissioner Dokekana

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Islands Inland Revenue Division (IRD) wishes to make it clear that they did not ‘give in’ to demands by the Honiara public transport associations with regard to the Income Tax to be imposed on buses and taxis.

This is according to statement by the Commissioner of IRD Mr Joseph Dokekana responding to a certain individual that IRD has given in to demands during meeting with the Honiara public transport associations Committee last week Friday.

Dokekana admits that there was one very important error that IRD had made which warrants reassessments, but still within the limits of the law.

Having said that, IRD’s Commissioner said the meeting was very cordial as IRD has clearly expressed to the interim committee that it’s time for buses and taxis’ operators to pay tax.

“As this is the first time that owners are being taxed on their income, it was an opportunity for the associations to ask IRD how they had come to the amounts of tax that it intended to charge.

“IRD has clearly explained to the interim committee how Income Tax applies to all businesses including bus and taxi owners.

“The associations accepted the frankness and fairness of IRD’s decision and acknowledged IRD’s efforts to come to resolve the issue. Part of the problem has been a lack of communication from both parties in a more constructive way and IRD accepts some responsibilities for this,” state IRD’s Commissioner.

Starting from 2018 and onward, IRD confirms that the transport businesses will lodge tax returns to reflect what they earn as required by law.

“As reported, IRD is intending to run training sessions for all transport business owners so they know how to keep records and fill in their Income Tax return.

“We are also willing to conduct these educational sessions on tax for other businesses. Feel free to contact our Tax education team on [email protected] or by phone on 21493.

“IRD always conduct compliance activities on small businesses such as for example on lock-up shops. We will be approaching these shops in the near future and IRD suggests that owners of these shops can come and talk to us now so we can help them meet their tax obligations,” states IRD’s Commissioner.

Dokekana is very impressed by the positive views expressed by the public and also in social media contributing to why taxpayers need to pay tax including bus and taxi operators. This is a positive perspective in terms of tax compliance is concerned as there are a number of businesses and taxpayers who are yet to submit their tax returns and make payments.

IRD’s Commissioner would like to appeal to those who are yet to pay their tax or lodge their tax returns to do so.

The Commissioner reminds and assures too that his Officers are always available to assist all customers with their tax obligations.

Public transport business owners in Honiara and from East and West Guadalcanal had staged a sit-in protest last week Friday in the Capital over the issue of enforcement on Income Tax implemented for public transport services which is now solved.

Panga’s case adjourns to today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against the former Guadalcanal province premier Stephen Panga has again adjourned to today for ruling.

Panga’s case was adjourned from yesterday to today for the presiding Magistrate Jim Seuika to deliver his ruling on the application made by the prosecution.

The case was announced for trial but there were issues which needed to be sorted out before the trial proceeded.

Panga was charged with one count of abuse of office in relation to an incident which occurred when he was a premier.

Police alleged that Panga allegedly misappropriated the sum of around $10,000 of money received as part of his duties.

It was alleged that he received the money as a false rate payments from a local member of the community.

Police recently said that Panga’s case was a historical case as it happened way back when he was the Premier of Guadalcanal Province.

Public Prosecutor Rajah Abe is appearing for the crown.

Date for continuation of trial on alleged false pretence case yet to be set

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE continuation of trial into the case against three men alleged of false pretence charges and intimidation is likely to be set for next year.

This is the case against Gordon Mark, Nelson Maeta and John Nelson Ross who were charged in relation to an incident which occurred in 2011 in Honiara.

The continuation of trial was supposed to have been heard yesterday but the prosecution witness who is the victim on the case has other commitment this week and will be available on November 19.

However, other lawyers involved in the case and also the presiding Magistrate will go on leave and thus the case will be adjourned to next year for continuation of the trial.

Yesterday all lawyers involved in the case told the court that they will check on their calendar and will let the court know on the next appearance.

The case was then adjourned to allow all counsels to confirm the trial date.

The allegation said provided in court said that between November 1 and 30, 2011 where the two accused and other men obtained more than $300,000 by selling the victim fake gold bars.

Police alleged the men approached the victim, Hypolite Taremae, who is the former Minister of Truth Reconciliation and Peace, at his office at Anthony Saru Building.

Police said that the men went to see the alleged victim with the intention to obtained money through false pretence and also lure him into believing their made up stories.

The men and others allegedly told Mr Taremae that they were from Weather-coast in Guadalcanal. And in the coming days a reconciliation ceremony will take place in their village but they did not have enough money.

It was at that time they showed a picture of a gold bar to Mr Taremae which they claimed to be in their possession, Police said.

They allegedly said they have some gold bars which were stolen by the former Guadalcanal war-lord Harold Keke that was taken from the former Ross Mining during the height of the ethnic tension.

The men also allegedly showed Mr Taremae a certification letter from the Director of Mines that confirmed that the gold bars were gold and worth six million dollars.

Having heard from the accused and seen all the documents, Mr Taremae was convinced.

Then on various occasions between July and November 2011, the accused men allegedly handed Mr Taremae three gold bars in return they received $300,000.

The victim however, later found that the men lied to him and he took the “gold bars” to a dealer who confirmed they were fakes.

The bars were made from lead metal and painted with gold colour paint.

It was also alleged that the men threatened the case officer who was investigating their case that they will shoot him with a gun.

The allegation further said that the men claimed that they still have guns and will hunt for the case officer everywhere and will kill him.

Low turnout

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

Proceedings into DBSI Bill adjourned due to lack of quorum

 

By Gary Hatigeva

FURTHER deliberations of parliament and Committee of the Whole House over the much talked about Development Bank of Solomon Islands Bill 2018, were disrupted and adjourned to today due to a lack of quorum.

The issue of quorum was raised following a point of order from the Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee and MP for Aoke/Langalanga, Matthew Wale after realising the number of members present was unable to meet requirements under parliamentary standing orders.

After covering almost half of the total number of clauses contained in it, Committee proceedings were suspended for lunch, but the lack of attendance by members for the resumption had sparked the issue of quorum, giving the speaker no choice but to adjourn yesterday’s session, including the Committee session.

Before the committee proceeding was suspended, parliament was able to go through 24 clauses, leaving another 25 to be covered.

The government had projected for all proceedings and final reading on the bill to be completed by yesterday, but because of the adjournment, further deliberations into the Bill will likely be put forward to any other sitting session, after the 27 of this month, as they have proposed for a motion to call for a special adjournment today.

However, parliamentary officials suggested that the government can also use today to complete all committee proceedings into the DBSI Bill, and push forward all its other businesses that were laid out earlier, for today’s session.

Matters that were outlined for this morning’s session according to the Prime Minister, includes the second readings for both the 2019 Appropriation Bill 2018 and the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018 number two, and the motion for a special adjournment of parliament.

The Special Adjournment, according to government officials is to allow for necessary scrutiny to be conducted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the 2019 Appropriation Bill 2018 and a second Supplementary Appropriation Bill for this year.

Island Sun understands that the Prime Minister will also be leaving today for the APEC Summit due to take place in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby this week.

Parliament was adjourned to this morning.

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