Senior government minister blocking MRD’s new lease agreement
By Alfred Sasako
A senior Government Minister is reportedly blocking the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) from moving out of a converted motel building which the Government is leasing at $245,000-a-month.
The building at Ranadi in East Honiara also houses the offices of the 50 constituencies.
Insiders told Island Sun on Friday 26th October the Minister has been arguing for the renewal of the lease agreement, which is due to lapse at the end of the month.
“He has argued consistently both in Caucus and in Cabinet for the renewal of the existing lease, which is contrary to cost-saving measures the government is promoting,” one insider told Island Sun on last Friday.
“Everyone in Cabinet and Caucus knows the Minister’s position is influenced by politics – he assumes the new Landlord is supporting a candidate who will be contesting his seat at the National General Election next year,” the insider said.
Two months ago the MRD signed a two-year lease with a new Landlord, whose building is located in Honiara’s Central Business District (CBD). The new premises will cost $150,000 a month ($95,000 a month less than the current lease).
As a result of the Minister’s position, the first payment for the new premises believed to be around $600,000, which includes the bond, has been held up at the Treasury.
“The Minister’s position has placed the MRD in a very awkward position. On one hand it has already entered into a new and binding lease agreement with a new Landlord, while on the other hand the Minister wants to renew the current agreement,” one insider said.
“The MRD is now faced with a huge problem on its hands. Unless there is political intervention at the highest level, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight,” the insider said.
It is understood the owner of the Ranadi premises is now offering the lease at $190,000 a month.
THIRTY-THREE local health workers from NRH, HCC, Guadalcanal province, and nursing school of SINU attended an Infection Prevention and Control workshop at the Taiwan Health Center (THC) from October 30 to November 1.
THC Leader, Alice Hsu said the workshop was conducted by THC and two visiting experts from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH) in Taiwan.
They are Infectious Disease doctor Wei-Ru Lin and Infection Control nurse, Ching-Tzu Hung.
Dr Lin is the Director of Infection Control Center and Hung is the leader of the Infection Control Center.
During the opening ceremony, National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) Director of Nursing Department, Selwyn Hou said in recent years, healthcare-associated infection has become an important issue in the hospitals in Solomon Islands.
He stressed that implementation of the infection prevention and control program is not just the government’s responsibility as it also needs the cooperation of all staff members of the hospital, especially to comply with the policy and procedure of infection control.
At the workshop, Dr Lin provided lectures about infection control including how to break the transmission of infectious disease, tuberculosis and the catheter-associated urinary tract infection care bundle.
He also took time to visit the hospital where he led the participants to inspect the wards and suggested the building of a model ward.
Lin says a model ward of standard of infection control would include a clean environment with standard operating procedures for the patient care with an evidence-based guideline and care bundle with checklists.
Participants at the workshop were taught how to correctly use the N95 respirator and tested the use of a fluorescent lotion to demonstrate correct hand hygiene.
This is involved learning the importance of the correct hand hygiene method.
Leader of the Infection Control Unit at NRH, John Saohu also spoke about the current policy and guideline of infection prevention and control in Solomon Islands.
National Health Surveillance Unit leader, Alison Ripiapu spoke about emergency preparedness and response of emerging diseases including Dengue fever in Solomon Islands.
THC Leader, Hsu, expressed that the Infection Prevention and Infection Control had been held annually since 2015.
“We all sincerely hope that all these Solomon participants will be able to implement the programme of prevention and control of infection to improve patient safety in Solomon Islands,” she said.
A Taiwanese businessman Mr Chiang Wen-hao introduces his business products and services offer such as coconut
fiber, peat, charcoal, frozen copra and PET flakes.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
A Taiwanese businessman Mr Chiang Wen-hao introduces his business products and services offer such as coconut fiber, peat, charcoal, frozen copra and PET flakes.
SIX companies in Taiwan are eyeing Solomon Islands as a place to do business.
This was reported during a workshop on Taiwan Economic and Business Cooperation held at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
The six companies in Taiwan were given the chance to interact, network and share business opportunities with the members of Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s members (SICCI).
Following that, the visiting companies also presented their business ideas and shared their interest to invest in Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said the business forum marks a new beginning for trade agreement between Solomon Islands and Taiwan.
He said over the past three decade, the investment and trade between Solomon Islands and ROC (Taiwan) did not really feature high on the partnership agenda.
However, the one-day forum symbolises both governments’ acceptance as it is now time they address this important sector directly and with serious and focused attention, PM Hou said.
He said they came up with the concept to minimise the country’s continuous reliance on external donors’ generosity into the foreseeable future.
With this, Hou said SIG is strategically positioning itself to increase its focus on trade to supplement aid with the view to replace much of their development aid with trade in the coming decades.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration have been part of the workshop which will further explore opportunities for stronger technical cooperation.
Not only that but mutual partnership in commercial business development partnership and through trade and investment exchange, Hou said.
At the same time, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands Mr Roger Luo said Taiwan’s six companies hope their presence will provide a platform to connect with the right people that they want to meet in Honiara.
He said the one-day business forum has availed opportunities for both countries to explore business opportunities with the aim to achieve tangible results.
His Excellency Luo said the visit of six companies here is a result from SIG’s earnest hope to cooperate with Taiwan to achieve more of Solomon Islands’ development aspirations.
HE Luo said during PM Hou’s visit to Taiwan he met several Taiwanese entrepreneurs and tirelessly advocated this meaningful cause.
“The visit by this Trade Mission is indeed a follow-up and response on our part to PM Houenipwela’s call for more business cooperation between Taiwan and Solomon Islands,” he said.
From the archipelagic islands of Solomon Islands to the highest mountain on earth, the Solomon Islands flag was flown high amongst flags of the different nations on earth. Talita Mazini Henderson is part Solomon Islands. She
left the SI flag on Mount Everest Base camp with pride
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
TWENTY-TWO year-old Talita Mazini Henderson is said to be the first Solomon Islander to fly the country’s flag high at the Mount Everest Base Camp.
A British citizen, and a Solomon Islander by blood, Talita’s mother comes from Nusa Simbo in the Western Province. All her life Talita had been living abroad, but comes home occasionally to connect with her mother’s side of the family.
It was only recently, Talita made the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp as part of a group from the University that she went to in the United Kingdom. This was for a charity fundraising project.
While the focus of her expedition was for the fundraising project, the pride in carrying the flag that bore her roots also made a significant impact in the hearts of many that saw her picture via social media at the Everest Base Camp. More gratified was her mother, Nagarita Mazini.
“I am very proud because this one will put Solomon Islands on the map as she had been to a place where no Solomon Islander have been to yet,” said Talita’s mum, Nagarita.
Mount Everest is in the Himalayan mountain range in a small country in Asia called Nepal. Talita said her trek was for 15 days. It started with an early morning flight to a mountain town called Lukla. Lukla is approximately 2500 metres above sea level. A little higher than the highest mountain in Solomon Islands.
Talita with the Solomon Islands flag. At her back is Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth.
The flight to Lukla is said to be one of the most dangerous in the world because it depends so much on the weather. Sometimes the flight can be delayed or cancelled for days.
“Aside from the mountain and danger element, it reminded me of the Solomon Airlines flight to Gizo – small plane and small runway,” Talita said.
Everest Base Camp is the starting point for those preparing to climb to the top of Mount Everest.
From the archipelagic islands of Solomon Islands to the highest mountain on earth, the Solomon Islands flag was flown high amongst flags of the different nations on earth. Talita Mazini Henderson is part Solomon Islands. She left the SI flag on Mount Everest Base camp with pride
Thousands of trekkers visit the place every year, some with the intention to conquer the highest mountain on earth. For Talita, the breathtaking view of the sunrise on Mount Everest was worth the trip.
“We woke up at 3am to do the sunrise climb to Kala Patthar, the famous viewpoint of Mount Everest at 5500 metres above sea level.
“At this altitude, it would only take a few steps before my heart felt like it would burst out of my chest.
“It slowly started to get light and the silhouette of Mount Everest began to show. That was all the motivation I needed to push myself to the top. We made it there before sunrise.
“The panoramic view of the snowcapped mountains that surround it is breathtaking. It was worth the numb cold fingers, something a bit difficult to imagine in the Solomon Islands.”
The highest spot that Talita trekked to in Solomon Islands, Nusa Simbo. Here she is pictured with her mother Nagarita (R) and extended family in Simbo
In the Solomon Islands, the highest that Talita had reached in her trekking was to the highest hill in Nusa Simbo. The highest elevation in Nusa Simbo is 111 metres.
So for Talita, the two-week trek in the Himalayas was one of the most difficult, yet enjoyable experience.
“I noticed similarities between Nepal and Solomon Islands. I saw women washing clothes from a shared water supply, there was no electricity in some of the remote villages and there was a strong religious foundation (in their case Buddhism),” Talita muses.
She said they even played cards every night, just like she does with her family in Simbo.
However she was amazed by the dramatic landscapes of the mountains in Nepal just like she was amazed by the dramatic landscapes of the sea, islands and forests of Solomon Islands.
The island life. Talita enjoying her time in Simbo.
“Both countries are hidden gems where mankind is only just scratching the surface. From the mountains to the sea, one boasts beauty at a height, the other at sea level. Nepal has the highest mountain in the world and Solomon Islands has one of the largest lagoons in the world,” Talita said.
She said she was proud to have represented Solomon Islands at Everest Base Camp.
“We all supported her. My sons, her brothers. We all supported her in her fundraising efforts to trek the Himalayas. So we are all proud of her achievements,” her mother said.
At the same time, Talita’s dad, Christopher Henderson said he is happy for her daughter wanting to see the world.
He said the travel bug in Talita might have come from them (Talita’s parents) from the way they travel the world especially in their work life.
Talita’s father works in the Agriculture sector and met her mother in Solomon Islands when he worked here many years ago. As a child, Talita grew up in the Philippines, Nambia as well as Jamaica.
Since Solomon Islands is yet to pass the dual citizenship law, Talita currently holds a British citizenship passport.
However she holds Solomon Islands dear to her heart as this is also her place of origin.
“When my mum asked me to carry the Solomon Islands flag with me, I thought, why not? Solomon Islands is unique and it is a part of me and I think it is important. Two contrasting places Solomon Islands and Everest and I think it will be nice to represent Solomon Islands by carrying its flag to the highest place on earth,” she said.
Talita loves travelling and charity work. The charity fundraising project that she participated in was for Meningitis Research Foundation.
How the women in Nepal do their laundry. Quite similar to Solomon Islands
She raised a total of £3243.22 ($32,000) in that project. The charity does work from medical research to raising awareness with the ultimate goal of eradicating meningitis altogether.
“The groups most affected are babies and students so I felt it was important to help spread awareness as a student myself.”
Talita just completed her university studies and is currently in the country with her parents. She will be going back to the UK soon but promised to be a true ambassador of Solomon Islands wherever she goes and wherever she works.
She says she will also be happy to work or help out in the country’s newest office in London should she be given a chance.
Talita also speaks Spanish and French as well as Solomon Islands pijin, despite not growing up in Solomon Islands.
“My mum used to say a few words in her language in Simbo. I don’t speak her native language but can follow through with a few words,” Talita laughingly say.
Mount Everest is known as Sagarmatha which translates ‘Goddess of the sky’. Locals have long respected the Himalayas Mountains as home to the gods. Until the 1900s, local people did not climb these sacred peaks.
The temperature at the top of Everest can reach -60 degrees Celsius at the most. The warmest it can get is -7 degrees Celsius.
Climbers can lose 4 to 10 kg during an expedition to Mount Everest.
“I am proud to have represented Solomon Islands at Everest Base Camp. Hopefully someone is inspired by this and decides to take it all the way to the top,” Talita challenges.
The three new Japanese Volunteer, from left Tsuyoshi Suzuki, Yoshiaki Uto and Masae Ito
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
The three new Japanese Volunteer, from left Tsuyoshi Suzuki, Yoshiaki Uto and Masae Ito
THE Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Toyama Shigeru has urged three new Japanese volunteers to Solomon Islands to work hard with local counterparts with passion for contributing something to a better life of local people.
Mr Shigeru revealed this yesterday in an exclusive interview with this paper over the matter.
“I urged three new volunteers to work hard with local counterparts with passion for contributing something to better life of local people,” said Shigeru.
He said solid friendship between two counties is not only brought about by official-level contact but also through the people-to-people contact among Japanese and Solomon Islanders.
Shigeru said this connection has been enhanced by the JICA volunteers with local communities in Solomon Islands.
“In fact, we have many such volunteers who dedicated themselves to further promoting the grass-root friendship between the two peoples.
“I hope that three new volunteers will also be loved by local communities.”
These three volunteers are Tsuyoshi Suzuki who is 47 years old, 34-year-old Yoshiaki Uto and Masae Ito who is 31 years of age.
They will be helping out in three different arenas according to their different skills and abilities.
Suzuki is specialised on information communication technology hence he will be working for the institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Uto on Physical education and will be working at the Solomon Islands National University institute of education and humanities, and Ito is a Nurse and will be serving Buala Hospital in Isabel.
They will be serving Solomon Islands for two years and will leave for Japan in 2020.
In relation to the Japanese voluntarily programme, the Japanese Government has provided a various types of assistance to Solomon Islands since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1978. Over the past four decades, Japan has dispatched more than 400 volunteers to Solomon Islands.
His Excellency Roger Luo announced the Speedtech Company from Taiwan will be commencing early next year.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
His Excellency Roger Luo announced the Speedtech Company from Taiwan will be commencing early next year.
TAIWAN Ambassador to Solomon Islands has announced that the Speedtech Energy Company from Taiwan will be commencing work here early next year.
His Excellency Mr Roger Luo made the announcement during the 2018 Taiwan Economic and Business Cooperation workshop held at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
“I am proud to share with you that Speedtech, a renowned solar power company in Taiwan which has been awarded with the solar power project at SINU, just signed a contract with Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA).
“Speedtech will rent a piece of land in Honiara Port from the very beginning of next year and establish an assembly line for his solar power products right here in Solomon Islands.”
Luo adds, the company plans to employ more than 20 locals; this will be an opportunity for locals specialising in solar engineering.
Luo conveyed Taiwan’s heartfelt appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government particularly, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration, and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
He also recognises the joint efforts of his Headquarters in Taipei, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA).
Speedtech Energy Co Ltd is a total solar solution provider specialised in the design, development, and manufacture of solar photovoltaic and LED power solutions.
The company has started 17 years ago with the singular pursuit of building a better world: to make the air clearer, the planet healthier while providing energy to those still left out in the dark.
They believe that Solar is becoming the mainstream for future global power solution because Solar is the solution to the main energy challenges facing our world today.
The challenges today’s world facing are rising energy prices, climate change threat including more than a billion people still living without access to energy.
Constituency Development Fund and Shipping grant and buying votes
IT is on the lips of many, the social media and media, the questioning of why there is now a flurry of activities by some members of Parliament purchasing Ships, Out Board Motors, Roofing Iron, distributing cash to churches, paying school fees, building of market facilities and others at the eleventh hour. Isn’t this bribery and undue influence and vote buying?
Some evidences have come to light that MPs who are recipients of the shipping grant and transport fund in the name of their constituencies just start purchasing ships now. Some received the millions in 2013 and again in 2016. Whilst some MPs have gone ahead well before election fever and purchased ships, others waited till now to do so. It does not need rocket science to see how such action cannot be said to be aimed at undue influence on the voters given that election is just months away.
Shipping grant was channel through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development [MID] and it comes under two categories, shipping grant, equipment and machineries.
This assistance, including purchasing of out board motor, assisting of churches should be delivered to the people by members of parliament each year in the last four years in the case of some over the period of 8 or more years. The activities we now see where the delivery of goods is being done to their supporters and others should have been done during the life of this 10th parliament and not just now. Transparency Solomon Islands acknowledges and commends the few MPs that have been doing that.
As shared by constituents during the last three years only the voters, families and extended families of the MPs and CDF officials receive benefit from MP. Can the authorities see these activities now for what it is [bribery, vote buying and undue influence/] on the choices that voters will have to make? Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the responsible authorities to put in place policy and relevant legislation that criminalizes such activities and practices. Transparency Solomon Islands would not raise this question had its clients and constituents not observed the same and much more where loggers, and other foreign business men are getting into the act in support of some intending candidates.
Transparency Solomon Islands understands this funding was available to MPs who are recipients on behalf of their Constituency since 2013 and they have no excuse to delay the purchasing of a ship for their constituency. In the case of the Savo/Russell MP what did he use the CDF for, that he had to dip into the Shipping Grant allocation to buy outboard motors.
Transparency Solomon Islands acknowledges that some members of Parliament were proactive in releasing people’s money the [constituency development fund] only at a time when National General Election is approaching.
Purchasing of ship and other forms of assistance by some MPs at the 11th hour is a political strategy to ensure they influence the voter’s choice. It is politically motivated and a broad day campaign strategy of some MPs to influence public opinion and voter choice come election time. They fail to explain to the illiterate voters that the CDF is their money and not an MPs money as they are led to believe. The Constituency Development Fund and other funding such as the $500,000 Discretionary fund, the touring allowance are funds allocated to the people and paid for by tax-payers of Solomon Islands.
This 11th hour assistance raises serious question of why is it that they don’t purchase ship, Out Board Motor, Roofing Iron and the lists goes during their first or second year of parliament because constituency development fund is channel through members of Parliament yearly and not just the last year of the parliament.
Constituency Development Fund belongs to the people and should not be politicized. This fund is tax payers’ money from the working-class tax, businesses and taxes charged on fisherman, resource owners, farmers in the rural areas, mobile phone owners and the list goes on who are also paying tax to the government, on their salaries, productions and for goods and services. Taxpayers are expecting better services from CDF for the development of community infrastructure, health centers, medicines, trained health workers, teachers and better transport services, water supply and sanitation and other essential services that are needed at the rural areas.
These are services that need to be established at constituencies in the country during the four-year term of an MP and not at the eleventh hour. Transparency Solomon Islands commends members of Parliament who did well to roll out infrastructure development to build roads, purchase of ship, building clinics and classrooms under Constituency Development Fund. Sadly, they are just not many of them.
Transparency Solomon Islands acknowledge members of Parliament who put into good use the shipping grant to purchase ship. However, public are asking of those purchasing ships now why do it at a time leading up to National General Elections. 11th hour release of funds depict a picture of current MPs strategy to sway voters opinion to vote him/her back to parliament. Transparency Solomon Islands appeal to Tax payers not to be deceived by kind of a strategy because shipping grant and CDF were people’s money so you have the right to benefit from this funding and vote for candidate that would best represent you and has a vision not only for you, the development of the constituency but a vision for our nation, Solomon Islands.
It is crucial for all citizens to understand that your member of Parliament is answerable to your constituency regardless of whether or not you vote for him/her. The duty and responsibility of the public position of Member of Parliament is where the voice of the constituency is being represented and is heard, to make laws to ensure there is peace and security environment where people’s human rights can be realised, where there is no impunity. A duty to duly represent his/her constituency without discrimination. Constituents have the right to demand accountability and transparency from their member of Parliament for it is their power that position of MP is exercising, for why would anyone who is already well-off come and beg the ordinary person to vote for them. We call on the government to do more awareness.
Constituents have all the right to demand that their MPs must provide acquittal reports detailing how the constituency CDF has been used. The CDF belongs to the people being represented and it is not the MPs personal funds as alluded to by some.
This huge amount of money if used wisely should have benefited the entire nation. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF), plus other funds in the name of Constituencies is more than adequate and if used as PCDF would have made a difference in the lives of our people.
TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands commends the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force [RSIPF] for the work they do in following the money trail to tracking down the Member of Parliament for Savo/Russell who has now been charged for conversion of the shipping grant.
This is a clear-cut case of abuse and misuse of public funds outside its intended use. No more impunity for anyone in position of power who abuses that power.
Latest revelation this week was member of Parliament for Savo Russell Constituency Dickson Mua was arrested for alleged conversion of a $3million shipping grant in 2013.
Here we share the findings of the Auditor General:
Table 1.1: National Shipping Grant Budgets 2013 – 2015
2013
2014
2015
Budget
Actual
Budget
Actual
Budget
Actual
21.7 million
21.6 million
12million
6million
30million
28.2million
“There were no written policies or guidelines in place for the years 2013 and 2014 governing the expenditure of $27.6 million on the shipping grants.
“A policy and guidelines were put in place to govern the expenditure of $28.2 million on shipping grants in 2015;
“A total of $26.3 million dollars was provided to grant recipients for which vessel is yet to be purchased.
“This has resulted in no vessel registered and this indicates a high risk that the monies have been obtained but was not used for its planned purpose;
“A total of $70.3M over a period of only 3 years of tax payers’ money was allocated for this programme for vessel purchases, vessel maintenance and local boat building.
“Considering the amount of funds provided under the program it is the view of this Office that it is in the public interest to determine what was actually achieved and if the program has been worth the money;
“2013-2015 Vessel purchased and registered: $19.1M
“2013-2015 Vessel not purchased, registered and missing documentation: $26.3M
end of quote
Transparency Solomon Islands lauds RSIPF National Criminal Investigation Department and encourages them to continue the good work.
The public is behind you.
TSI says the arrest is a step in the right direction to combat corruption at the top public officials and political level and no more impunity for the misuse and abuse of public funds and entrusted power of the people and tax-payers of Solomon Islands.
Whilst TSI welcomes police operation to track down corrupt politician, it urges too, investigation on alleged abuse and misuse of the Constituency Development Funds for their own benefit.
Track down where the money belonging to the people has gone.
The arrest and charged of Dickson Mua must send a clear warning to parliamentarians to stop dipping their hands into public funds and use it for their own benefit.
TSI calls on anti-corruption task force JANUS with the law enforcers to continue tracking down public officers abusing and misusing public funds for own personal benefit.
“Now, a MP has been charged over the abuse of Shipping Grant, when will this investigation look into other MPs use of CDF”, TSI questions.
Investigation must start now and TSI stands by its call for the removal of s6 of the Anti- Corruption Act 2018 as well as its speedy enforcement.
This case calls on the government to put together the accompanying regulations for the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 and set the date for its enforcement.
Measuring the level of the alleged abuse and misuse of entrusted power for self-gain, calls on the government to enforce the Anti- Corruption Act 2018 now.
MEMBERS of Parliament who contributed to the general principles of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund Amendment 2018 have suggested for people within the informal employment sector to see the new NPF Saving initiative, known as the YouSave Scheme, as a timely opportunity and should use it fully to the country’s economic benefit.
This was highlighted in parliament during the debate session of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Amendment Bill 2018, which was later passed after it was put up for its third reading, following thorough proceedings by the Committee of the Whole House.
Speaking on this, Member of Parliament for South Choiseul, Conelley Sandakabatu urged that the majority population in the informal employment sector should utilise the scheme, with hopes to see their participation in the economic development rather than being spectators.
Based on assurance from officials as highlighted in the Bill’s report, Sandakabatu pointed out that the scheme is safe and secure, and should therefore be trusted for the mass population in the informal employment sector to make direct contributions into the national economy.
Also sharing similar sentiments, MP for Aoke/Langalanga and Chair of BLC Matthew Wale Perhaps the establishment of the YouSave Scheme is the most exciting decision that the NPF Board has taken which this Bill is seeking to give effect to.
He said the YouSave scheme will make NPF truly inclusive, allowing self-employed Solomon Islanders to participate and benefit from the financial muscle of the NPF.
“For too long, many Solomon Islanders have been shut out from such participation. Farmers, fishermen, housewives, volunteers, even conmen, can now open an account with the NPF.
“YouSave enables its members to benefit from the returns generated by the much larger resources from the compulsory contribution account.
“This may seem a little unfair to those who are members under the compulsory scheme, but I don’t think that there would be any NPF member who would disagree with the social and financial objects of YouSave,” the Aoke/Langalanga MP stressed.
He further stressed that there is an estimated 110,000 people estimated to be active in the informal economy, and this represents 18 percent of the population.
“This is a significant part of our population that do not have any superannuation services offered to them. YouSave scheme must aim, over say the next ten years aim to get half of that number into membership,” Wale added.
Objectively, the SINPF Bill 2018 looks to providing for a new voluntary pension scheme to be operated by SINPF is set for today at the National Parliament House, which will allow those in the informal employment to also save for retirement.
This new scheme improves the financial inclusion of pension savings in Solomon Islands and is supported by the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme.
This change according to officials, aims to improve the financial soundness of National Fund’s decision making.
Most MPs agreed with calls for the scheme to have official set ups in the provinces particularly, in provincial headquarters for the scheme to allow for timely and cost effective transaction in payments for contributions into the YouSave scheme.
They also suggested that the SINPF Management must ensure offices are established in the provinces so that it can be well received and accessed by all who make up the majority of the informal employment sector, and also the targeted market of the scheme.
THE Malaita education Authority (MEA) has publicly wished the schools in the province the very best in the upcoming final examinations 2018.
Chief education officer Malaita province Mr Andy Siarani said, “The education Authority of Malaita believes that exams will hopefully begin next week.
“We heartedly wish all the schools serve under the Malaita Education Authority all the best in the exams.
“I appeal to the public in Auki and around malaita province that starting next week all schools will seat their examination where the authority calls out for unnecessary disturbances should not be heard around school compounds.
“I believe all the schools around Malaita and the country at large are well prepared for the upcoming exams that will soon be kicking next week.”
Siarani appeals to students who will be sitting their exams to not be involved in any activities which might jeopardise their concentration, or which might end them on the wrong side of the law during this crucial time.
