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SFA fires first salvo in row over illegal logging approvals

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

SOLOMON Forest Association (SFA) – the nation’s self-regulatory organisation and watch dog on illegal logging activities – has fired the first salvo in a long running row over illegal logging approvals.

It follows accusations that SFA was involved in a joint venture arrangement with a company called FR Resources Ltd, which is engaged in logging operations in Choiseul. Lawyers representing FR Resources Ltd, James Ronnie Kaboke Law Practice’s (Barrister & Solicitor) has this year written two letters querying SFA’s alleged Joint Venture involvement with FR Resources Limited and the second on Mutual of Understanding with the SFA.

In a letter this week, the has fired back, urging the Commissioner of Forests, Reeves Moveni “to investigate and expeditiously revoke all approvals as granted to FR Resources Ltd like TA approval, ALP, Export Permits and etc including issuing seizure orders for machines used to commit the illegal logging.”

“FR Resources Ltd is not even a member of SFA,” the SFA said.

In the letter to Commissioner Moveni, the SFA said:

“The Mutual of Understanding executed by FR Resources Ltd (represented by Mr Richmond Yong) and Mr Cromwell Qopoto and Mr John Garaba of ES Suba Enterprises Ltd was fraudulently executed with the good name of SFA being dragged in to justify FR Resources Ltd association with SFA.

“The Mutual of Understanding was used to deceive and camouflage unsuspecting parties that FR Resources Ltd having SFA as a joint venture partner legalizes FR Resources Ltd to carry out logging activities as stipulated under Legal Notice (LN) 114.

“LN 114 clearly stipulates that only members of SFA are permitted to carry out logging activities but recently this ACT under the Forests Research and Timber Utilisation Act (FRTU) Act has been violated,” the SFA said.

Island Sun has obtained a copy of Mr Sy’s letter as well as copies of the so-called agreement and Mutual between FR Resources Ltd and SFA.

“We seek respected Commissioner rectification of such abuses with FR Resources Ltd as one example, the letter said.

“Commissioner, SFA is an objective organisation of timber companies and hence DO(ES) NOT enter into any agreement or join venture partnership with any logging companies and thus make SFA purported joint venture with FR Resources Ltd even more incredulous!

“SFA is also very concerned as to why (it) was not flagged of any suspicion by Forestry to such unholy joint venture partnership with FR Resources Ltd before issuing regulatory approvals to FR Resources Ltd.

Moreover, with SFA being mentioned (as) joint venture partner, why no queries were raised as to why SFA is not a party to the signature,” SFA asked.

“We seek, respected Commissioner, rectification of such abuses with FR Resources Ltd as one example,” the letter dated 6th August said.

“SFA strongly urge(s) respected Commissioner to investigate and expeditiously revoke all approvals as granted to FR Resources Ltd like TA approval, ALP, Export Permits and etc including issuing seizure orders for machines used to commit the illegal logging.

“FR Resources Ltd is NOT a member of SFA and hence cannot carry out logging activities as per stipulation in Legal Notice (LN) 114.”

KOICA announces scholarship recipients

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Photo of the KOICA’s scholarship recipient for 2018.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Photo of the KOICA’s scholarship recipient for 2018.

NINE Solomon Islanders will leave this month for Korea to undertake Masters studies under the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) programme.

The KOICA office in Solomon Islands announced the team of eight males and one female yesterday.

The fellowship programme is part of KOICA grant and aid support to the people and government of Solomon islands.

KOICA says such is part of its mission and vision to contribute for sustainable socio-economic development of Solomon Islands by assisting efforts to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life.

KOICA said it will support Solomon Islands’ human resources who they hope will return to use the knowledge and skills gained for the development of the country.

“KOICA office wished the nine recipients to strive towards excellence in their studies for better management and effective use of the opportunity,” KOICA said.

The scholarship scheme costs the South Korean government around SBD2,654,640.

33 logging licences suspended in 2 years

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Member of Parliament for Gao/Bughotu, Samuel Manetoali

By Gary Hatigeva

Minister of Forestry and Member of Parliament for Gao/Bughotu, Samuel Manetoali

THE government has in the last two years suspended a total of 33 licences of logging operations within the country, the Minister of Forest and Research, Samuel Manetoali told parliament.

In its resumption, with its usual question and answer session, parliament received questions from the Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga, Matthew Wale, who asked for the minister to clarify the number of suspensions the Commissioner of lands had issued to logging licences in 2017 and 2018.

The Aoke/Langalanga MP also questioned the Minister as to how many of the suspended licences, he as minister has lifted.

In his response, Manetoali told parliament that a total of 18 licences were suspended in 2017 and 15 this year, but further revealed that out of the total number, 11 of those from last year were lifted, while 12 suspensions were lifted in 2018.

But as revealed, in 2017 suspension on seven licences were never lifted while in 2018, three suspended licences were never lifted, making a total of 10 licences not being given the green light to resume.

Wale however questioned what had happened to the licences that their suspensions were never lifted, and further questioned the criteria used to suspend and qualified to be lifted thereafter.

When responding to the questions, the Forest Minister explained that in most cases, suspensions were due to breach in code of practices or other related regulations in the logging industry under the forestry Act.

He said when a licence is suspended, the affected parties appeal to the minister to lift the suspensions and the suspension is for the company to ratify the highlighted cases that have indicated breaches regulations and all related areas, and it is from there the suspended licence can be lifted

It is for the parties involved to ensure their status under the suspensions are ratified in order to get their licences reinstated, and that will include meeting all requirements to clear their cases.

He added that suspended licenses can also be lifted if matters related to the licences are before the courts.

He however pointed out that in the case where suspensions on licences were never lifted, they are because the licences or companies involved, were or are never members of the Solomon Forest Association (SFA).

SIDCCG committed to development amidst challenges

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

THE Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) is serious in its endeavour to set in place a mechanism or system where people’s voices can be truly heard, where they have the tendency to govern themselves and are able to benefit from their own resources.

As stated by Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, this ascends from the government’s legislative review in which cabinet has already endorsed the continual work on the provincial government act in conjunction with the draft federal constitution.

He voiced that the national government wants services to be effectively delivered to the people and that they get maximum benefits from their own resources.

Hence, Sogavare said that further consultations on the legislative review will be carried out later this year.

In addition to the review, the finance minister stressed that a revenue sharing scheme expert has also been engaged and is now doing a study of which recommendations will be made on the manner of how our national revenue should be determined and distributed accordingly.

“The concern of our government now is to make sure that the people receive a fair share of the revenues derived from their own national resources,” he reiterated.

On a further note, Sogavare expressed that SIDCCG lays strong emphasis on the perspective that prosperity and social economic development should be strengthened by common understanding, cooperation and joint efforts between stakeholders.

“I therefore appeal for cooperation and mutual understanding among our partners and let us allow peaceful and meaningful co-existence to dwell among us with one common goal and objective for common good of this province”, he said.

In closing remarks, whilst joining the premier and people of Guadalcanal in commemorating their 34th anniversary and celebrating their second appointed day on August 3, Sogavare voiced that SIDCCG will support driving forward development for the people of Solomon Islands amidst challenges afar.

“Let me assure you again the support of the national government in driving forward the developmental and social economic needs of our people. Of course as I’ve mentioned, that there is no easy way to successful development. Sometimes we need to accept sacrifices for the benefits of our future generations.

“The development journey ahead of us is still challenging, however the more we cooperate and mobilise our resources together the better it is for all of us in terms of development,” he said.

Voter Registration for 2019 NGE to start in September

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

VOTER Registration for the 2019 National General Election is set to start on September 3 and not on August 20 confirms the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC).

This message was also clarified per the sms text yesterday to update the general public.

According to SIEC, August 20 was an old date agreed on which has been revised and confirmed to start early next month.

It is clarified on their social media webpage that the Registration is an update and only targets those who are not on the list (18yrs old) and those who would want to update their details.

“If you’ve voted in the 2014 NGE, then that means your name is already on the list therefore if you do not want to change anything, then you do not have to register.

“The update only looks to capture new eligible voters, those who missed out from registration and those who want to update their details,” stated on SIEC’s website.

For this, SIEC strongly reminds to make sure one register and update his or her voter details.

Paramount chief wants provincial gov’t system abolish

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Paramount chief wants provincial gov’t system abolish

By Mike Puia

Paramount chief wants provincial gov’t system abolish

PARAMOUNT chief of Maringe District, in Isabel province, Mr Clement Rojumana, has called on the national government to abolish the provincial government system.

Rojumana made these statements during his enthronement as paramount chief for Maringe district in Buala, Isabel’s provincial centre, on August 1.

In his maiden remarks, Rojumana said for years the provincial government system did not serve local people well.

He said the provincial government system has replaced the role of traditional leaders in maintaining law and order, peace and harmony in their communities.

Rojumana said the national government has failed to enhance the roles traditional leaders offered free.

He said traditional leaders have done nothing members of the communities sees them as ordinary voters.

The provincial government system was introduced by the national government in 1998 replacing the area councils and traditional leaders system that existed in the political structure.

Rojumana urged the national government to re-visit the Lulei report of 1987.

Among other things, the report, which produced the white paper in 1988, calls on the government to involved chiefs and traditional leaders at appropriate levels of the political structure.

Rojumana reiterated that the government is making a big mistake by excluding chiefs and traditional leaders in the political structure.

The report noted that chiefs and traditional leaders hold a higher degree of control and authority over the people and resources than those at the national and provincial government levels.

Rojumana said the provincial government system should be thrown out as no modified and improvised role and responsibilities will improve the image it has imprinted in the mentality of rural people.

“The best thing to do is do away with the provincial government system as there is no way to modify and improve it,” Rojumana said.

He said the provincial government system was a “haste and regretted at leisure.”

Rojumana said the provincial government system is good on paper but impractical to implement in nature.

He said this is because of the country’s geographical setup.

“When other essential factors are considered, the amount of implementation is becoming burdensome and cumbersome to the point of mission impossible”.

“It is about time the provincial government system be aborted and then bring back the traditional systems that has been in practice before the colonial rulers came,” Rojumana said.

He said the introduction of foreign government system has given birth to corruption in communities.

Malaita to host 2nd Appointed Day celebrations in Afio

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

THIS year the Malaita provincial government will host its Second Appointed Day celebrations in Afio in the southern region, Small Malaita.

This is the first time for the occasion to be hosted in Small Malaita.

This was agreed upon by the executive and the local organising committee to host this celebration in one of the sub-stations in Malaita province.

This apparently is not the first time for the province’s big day to be hosted in a sub-station; in 2014 it was marked in Malu’u, north Malaita.

This year’s celebration will be different from other celebrations hosted in Auki because it will take three days starting this weekend.

The programme includes the reopening of the Paresi airport in Small Malaita which was closed for more than 10 years – it will be reopened this Saturday.

The famous Yam festival in Small Malaita will also be included in the programme where it will fall on August 12.

The Second Appointed Day for Malaita falls on August 13.

The delegation including some government dignitaries, private stakeholders and other invited guests will leave Auki this Friday for Afio.

Arrangements and preparations are currently underway.

Isabel opts for federalism

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

NEWLY installed paramount chief of Maringe District in Isabel province, Mr Clement Rojumana, says his province is in full support of the proposed federal system of government.

Rojumana said they believe the federal system is the solution to power and rules in the country.

The former Member of Parliament made these statements during his enthronement as Maringe District’s paramount chief at Buala last Wednesday.

Rojumana said their preferred governance system will only be achieved through the federal constitution under a new order.

It is understood the federal system of government draft has been completed and will be handed to the Prime Minister soon.

Rojumana said the national government’s decision to abolish the area council system is an attempt by the national government to centralise governance function by an act of parliament.

He said his people wanted Solomon Islands to become a republic.

Rojumana said his people’s wish to adopt federalism were shared to their premier and are repeatedly expressed during consultations held in their province over the last 11 years.

He said some of their members of Parliament reserved their vote in favour of the federal system claiming it is expensive.

Rojumana said the cost of running a government can be counted but the experience of locals to the impact of a government system that does not work well to the people is hard to count.

He said he attended the Buala communique in 2000, after the signing of the Townsville Peace Agreement in Australia, and there was overwhelming support from warring parties for the federal system of governance.

Rojumana said ‘the federal system of governance not only divides executive, legislative and judiciary function but institutes a federal system which preserves huge and sovereign rights to local communities’.

He said federalism will give authority to leaders of all tier of the government structure to rule as expected.

“I hope this will become the blueprint for the future direction of our people and nation,” Rojumana added.

Call on women to put away fear and report perpetrators

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Varisi Lavata Ward 12 at Northwest Choiseul is calling on all women of Solomon Islands to report perpetrators to relevant authorities.

Hon Nerio Ulemiki said this is in order to stop unwanted problems women and girls face of being victims to teenage pregnancy and child sexual abuse.

“I as one of the sympathizers to those being victims of teenage pregnancy and child sexual abuse commend the local activist Ms Regina Lepping for her strong campaign against teenage pregnancy and child sex abuse on the sudden death of a fourteen year old mother of twins from Makira after giving birth to her siblings,” said Hon Ulemiki.

“In support of Ms Lepping’s comments of strong awareness on teenage pregnancy and child sexual abuse in the rural communities, I suppose that strong awareness should be strong in rural communities as perpetrators always go free due to the problems being left unnoticed or left unreported.

“This is due to lack of knowledge or information on how to go about reporting the problems and lack of confidence by the victims or the guardians and relatives or teenage pregnancy and child sexual abuse victims to report the matter to relevant authorities.

“Enough for awareness to take place in towns and main centres only. I call on girls and women to put away fear and report perpetrators to relevant authorities in order to stop these unwanted problems.”

Gov’t agree to roundtable over electoral reform bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Parliament

By Gary Hatigeva

AFTER speaking out on their position not to support the Constitution (Amendment) (Electoral Reform) Bill 2018, the Opposition and Independent groups have given the government options to either, withdraw the Bill or have the seating adjourned to allow for a roundtable deliberation on it between the two sides of the house.

As much as they wanted to have the bill through, the government was left in a position where they will also need the opposition and independent groups to vote in support of the bill and have it passed.

They either chose to listen to the groups on the other side of the house by going with the option for consideration over recommendations, or risk seeing it out the parliament doors.

The discussions are expected to feature suggestions made by the Opposition and Independent groups on the proposed amendments to the constitution for its electoral section and the Political Parties Integrity Act.

After it was obvious that members of the other sides of the house were locked down to sabotage the bill, the Leader of the Independent Group and Member of Parliament for Northeast Guadalcanal, Dr Derek Sikua raised a point of order, calling for parliament to adjourn all its business into the bill due to what have been revealed.

Sikua then suggested for Prime Minister Rick Hounipwela to consider situation and decide on whether to withdraw or have the bill adjourned, knowing that their (Opposition and Independent) numbers would be needed to fulfil the constitutional requirement for an amendment to any section under the national constitution of the country.

In his response to the suggestion, Prime Minister Hou in consultation with his deputy and the government bench, agreed to have parliament adjourned on the grounds of not only the number issue, but added that the government has heard a lot of valid and resourceful recommendations that the government felt should be considered.

He said the government will work in close collaboration with the groups in the coming days, from the other side of the house to see that the bill is thoroughly looked into before any deliberations on it can continue.

Following yesterday’s Question and Answer session, Parliament started its debates into the Constitution (Amendment) (Electoral Reform) Bill 2018 only to be adjourned for what has been highlighted as a vital move from both sides of the sake of keeping the bill.

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