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“Go-fund-me” Project created by the Mai-Maasina Green Belt Charitable Initiative

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, a project to preserve and protect the remainder of Malaita’s virgin rain forest has been launched in the Solomon Islands via Facebook and donations are being requested.

I quote the details outlying the project published, also, on Linkedin.

“More than 90 percent of Malaita’s virgin rainforests have either been logged or a planned to be. Malaita is an oceanic island of around 4 thousand square kilometres and is the most populated island in the Solomon Islands.

“We have received calls from many communities through-out Malaita who want to protect their natural resources for future generation. We have established the Mai-Maasina Green Belt charitable initiative to create a network of these ‘green’ areas on Malaita, so that tribes through geographically separate can stand together.

“We have around 10 communities ranging from inland mountains through to coastal mangroves who are making this call and we need support to visit these communities and ‘tok stori’.

“Our team of volunteers need logistical support to visit these areas, many isolated, to answer questions, carry out awareness and get them on-board the ‘green belt’.

Time is against us as surging tide of deforestation continues on and we need to reach these communities before the loggers arrive. Any amount you share will go a long way.”

If willing to support this deserving project please refer to Facebook. Source: Linkedin 21 July 2018.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Acting lands commissioner

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I would like to response towards the statements made by John Lobo in the public media on Saturday, July 15, 2018 about the condemnation of Mr Allen McNeill a foreign Australian citizen for his appointment by the government for the administration post as the acting lands commissioner within the ministry of lands.

What he stated doesn’t hold much weight because he has failed to indicate in detail what huge negative impacts would the nation face on the land issue when the Australian foreign citizen become an acting lands commissioner during the current development of undersea cable funded by the Australian government and the argument that insisted for the local to take up the post of acting lands commissioner.

I think it is too early to make such a comment in public media when we still yet to see the differences and changes in work-outputs between the local and foreigner within the administration post of lands commissioner.

The people of this nation do not care who is holding the post but significantly want to see some positive changes happening within that responsible ministry of lands that address the current systemic corruptions that deprive the rights of local citizens towards urban land ownerships and economical activities happening in our urban towns in Honiara and the provincial centres.

Since the post of the lands commissioner was localised after the nation gained independence 40 years ago corruption emerged at an alarming rate deprive the nation interest on land development without proper establishment of land strategies and policies to address the corrupted issues happening within the ministry of lands.

And so as a consequence of poor management and administration engulf with corruption within the land ministry the 80 to 90 percent of prime land sites in urban Honiara city has been sold and owned by the foreigners under the leadership of the local lands commissioners.

This ill attitude if not careful will soon spread to other provincial urban centres in our country.

It means Solomon islanders will be rated as second grade citizens of this nation because we have no reserve urban lands and for our future educated children to engage in commercial activities.

They have to prepare to meet the huge cost of accommodations that are benefited by the foreigners.

Most of our children will be spectators and slaving to foreigners in business making in our own land.

Who are we going to blame?

The ministry of lands need a lot of improvement in its strategies and policies and if local lands commissioners cannot be competent to do so let’s try foreigners.

What’s wrong?

Jacob Ofasia

Talise market

Passenger fare rockets due to poor road condition in East Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
The current poor road condition in East Malaita. Photo by Willie Ekotani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PASSENGER fare for East Malaita has doubled due to poor road conditions.

A man from East Malaita, Mr Jerry Simigi said on Tuesday that this new fare-rate just came about couple of weeks ago.

Simigi said before this new fare was introduced, the normal fares were $50 from Auki to areas of Fousasa and Kwai’aba and $100 from Auki to Atori where the East Malaita road ends.

He said that for now fare from Auki to Fousasa and Kwai’aba areas is $150 and $200 for Auki to Atori.

Adding that for truck hiring, previously it was $2,000 from Auki to Atori; now it increased to $4,000 for the same distance.

Simigi said transport owners have defended the fare-hike by blaming the poor road conditions.

Simigi also stresses that the ones who bear the brunt of this are the passengers and travelling public.

“Because most passengers from East Malaita were farmers and they generated very little money upon their markets in Auki.

“So introducing the new fare rate was indeed brought inconvenience to them and on the other hand it also affected the regular passenger route to East Malaita,” Simigi said.

Simigi adds his voice to the growing calls by public in Auki and surrounding communities for the national ministry of infrastructure development to step in and address the poor road conditions.

Meanwhile, Simigi adds that their member of parliament has already sent 10 drums of fuel as a response to the problem, for constituency machines to begin work.

Temotu experiences major changes

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

TEMOTU province’s delivery of various projects through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) which took off after the inception of the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) in 2008 has brought the distantly located province an array of changes.

While the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) proceeds in serializing the PCDF projects all nine provinces delivered in 2008, details of Temotu province’s projects have been released.

According to the ministry’s report, projects delivered by the Temotu Provincial Government, come under sectors namely; administration, youth and sports, education, rural and urban transport, local economic development, health, waste management, women development and water supply.

In the administration sector, a total of 11 projects carried out and completed are; 3 Administration Staff Houses, 1 Premier’s Residence Renovation, 1 Provincial Secretary Residence Upgrade, 1 Treasury Office and Warehouse Upgrade, 1 Administration Office Building upgrade, 1 Treasury Office Renovation, 2 Duplex Staff Houses and 1 Treasury Office Fencing.

Additionally, the total cost of these projects in contrast to other sector projects although the most costly at SBD $2,426,789 created the highest number of jobs, having employed a total of 97 people.

Furthermore, besides some of the changes these projects have brought in for the province such as decent office for treasury officers and improved and decent accommodation for staff, it was expressed that the “1 Premier’s Residence Renovation” project is the first time in many years to have been carried out which now since it’s completion provides improved and secure accommodation for the Premier and his family.

Concerns over possible misuse of ID materials

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

CLAUSE 26 within the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 that deals with authorised officers of the Anti- Corruption Commission has been put to question, over fears that the period given for relieved officers to return identification materials (cards) belonging to the commission, is too long and has the possibility to be tempered with.

In highlighting, this, members of parliament from both the opposition and independent groups are concerned that with the given timeframe for the return of the id materials, seems long enough for those who are ceased from being authorised officers, to misuse and misguide people with, for their personal benefits.

In questioning this, Leader of the Independent Group and MP for Northeast Guadalcanal, Derek Sikua stressed that the 21 days is too long because that officer can do a lot of damages within that period, “that’s three weeks”.

“I’m question the policy choice of why 21 days, when that officer could have just return it within 5 working days to return?” the Northeast Guadalcanal MP questioned.

Meanwhile, when responding to the issue raised, the Attorney General, James Apaniai explained that the 21 days highlighted is a pretty much the maximum period given under the clause, but pointed out that it does not stop relieved officer from returning the material the next day or within two or five days.

The Attorney General however warned that if those responsible do not return the identification materials as required by the clause within 21 days, then the matter with the person being subject, will become a criminal offense.

Also commenting on the matter, Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete in a follow up statement, posed questions and made connotations on the term ‘returned’ used in the clause.

The East Honiara MP said while he is happy with the 21-day period given as it is reasonable time by common law, the term ‘returning’ as far as timeframe is concerned especially, when certain officers are stationed in the provinces also needs clear explanations to.

The Attorney General further explained that what the East Honiara MP highlighted will involve the issues in the areas of law and that comes down to how it will be interpret, this is regarding the term returning of the card especially, in the case of someone who is in the provinces.

“If officers are within the reach of the Commission office, the card can be returned at any earlier period, which should then satisfy the requirement.

“But in the case of where an officer is in the province and it is a bit difficult to make it back into the Headquarter to hand over the ID personally, then in my view they can post it, which according to the rules of interpretation on how long this letter is deemed to have been received.

“And according to the rules, there will be indications of the recipient of the letter by the commission in the normal cause of post.

“In the normal cause of post is basically referring to next day, so if you are to be in the provinces and in regards of the normal cause of cost, just work out how long it would take?

“Maybe one or two weeks, and I believe that is one of the fact as to why there is the given 21 days.”

He added that with planes making regular routes to the provinces, the normal cause of post would obviously be reduced to almost a day or two.

He further added that in relation to posting of items back to the commission through mailing would also depend very much on the effectiveness of various postal outlets outside of the capital.

The clause has directed for the authorised officers to be issued with identification cards and also given powers including functions specified in the AC Bill (Act) and any other Acts to investigate, which puts perspective into why the concerns are being raised.

With the crucial function and powers placed on the authorised officers according to points raised, could become what has regularly been practiced by certain individuals, who could have been former officers within various institutes and agencies that go around using genuine or legal identification materials to lure favours, which includes financial but personal benefits.

As required under the clause, the termination of an authorised officer automatically requires for unauthorised officers to return ID materials that give usually give them the powers pointed out, within 21 days after the cessation.

PM encourages Renbel people to manage resources well

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Renbel premier Collin Singamoana welcoming PM Hou at the ceremonial grounds to mark the province’s 25th second appointed day. Photo from PM Press Secretariat

By Mike Puia

Renbel premier Collin Singamoana welcoming PM Hou at the ceremonial grounds to mark the province’s 25th second appointed day. Photo from PM Press Secretariat

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has encouraged the people of Rennell and Bellona province to manage their resources well.

“I encourage the good people of Rennell/Bellona Province to take ownership of their resources and to ensure they are well managed,” Prime Minister Houenipwela said.

He made the statement when addressing the province’s 25th second appointed day celebration in Tigoa, Renbel’s provincial centre, over the weekend.

Houenipwela said there are potential investments in the province particularly the establishment of Lake Tegano on the World Heritage Site list.

He said Lake Tegano offers potential for tourism and for the preservation of the eco-system.

“I believe this (Lake Tegano) offers great potentials not only in the Tourism industry, but also in the preservation of the eco-systems which your people here rely on for the livelihoods,” Houenipwela said.

He said there are important activities being carried out in the mining sector that are also benefiting the local and national economy.

Referring to the mining activities on West Rennell, Houenipwela said “suffice to say, the use of natural resources can actually be of great benefit not only to the local economy, but also to the national economy of our country”.

He said locals need to take ownership of their resources and manage them well for our future generations.

Citizen journalism new trend

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Online journalists in Detik.com

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

In Jakarta, Indonesia

Online journalists in Detik.com

WITH the rise of citizen journalism, media companies are finding it more difficult to maintain the credibility of news and even trying to keep the balance against the rise of false news.

In Indonesia, Transmedia that owns Detik.com an online news media in Jakarta says it has not been an easy task trying to maintain the balance and uphold the ethics of journalism especially with live news.

Speaking to 10 journalists who are part of an annual Journalist programme in Indonesia, Ahmad Ridwan, Director news of Detik.com says it has not been easy trying to be the fastest and accurate media in Indonesia.

Thus with the understanding that journalists cannot be everywhere at one time, they have embraced a system where citizens play a role in sending in pictures and stories for Detik.com.

Mr Ridwan says citizens are everywhere thus when something happens, they can upload spontaneously through a website platform where their online journalists will get the information and follow through to verify or follow-up with the right people to get answers.

Ridwan says these citizen journalists do this voluntarily but the company has an incentive whereby any citizen with credible stories are given points whereby they can receive gifts or packages for their input through a point reward system.

He said this is one way where they get a variety of issues and happenings while at the same time ensure the final story for their online news website is credible and not fake news.

“We try to make our stories credible as possible and we also try to maintain the balance.”

He said by being a credible news outlet while at the same time embrace citizen journalists they have on a number of occasions make government and people in public offices accountable.

“Because we only have 400 journalists in whole of Indonesia it is not enough to keep any eye out on issues so that’s why we need the citizen journalists.”

However by being a citizen journalist, one must register or fill in their details through their website so that information of the citizen journalists are also kept in a database where they can do follow-up questions and have enough lead to follow a story through.

For Solomon Islands, though there are forums mainly in social media raising issues, there is not much collaboration between them and the mainstream media to concur on issues and stories.

Hate comments and profanity are also common by most social media users.

In Indonesia, for Detik.com they ensure comments are filtered.

“We have the right to check out comments and make sure the comments section are monitored for such negativity.”

Ridwan says he is worried that with the increase of such open platform in social media, there is high chance for citizen oppression.

“That is why I feel that comments and negativity of any sort must be infiltrated,” he said.

In Indonesia there are more than 4000 online media. For such businesses, one always has to be innovative in order for it to stay afloat while at the same time maintain its integrity.

Detik.com had been in operation for two decades. Their journalists work mainly away from the workplace because of the need for them to cover stories on the ground as it happens.

70-yr man arrested over rape of 6-yr girl

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE in the Western province have arrested a 70-year-old man for the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in Niumala Village, Kohingo Island in Western province on July 19, 2018.

The alleged suspect is a native of Samangago Village, in the Shortland Islands but was living with his brother at Niumala Village at the time of incident.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu says, “The victim in this matter is a niece of the alleged perpetrator.

“The alleged incident happened when the mother of the victim told her to look after her sibling baby while she (the mother) prepared the baby’s dinner.

“While the victim’s mother was outside of the house, the accused called the victim, who at that time was inside the sleeping room taking care of the baby, to come out side to the living room.

“The victim’s mother then returned to the house and witnessed the alleged gross inappropriate sexual act done to her daughter by her brother in-law,” says Lenialu.

The matter was reported to Noro Police for investigation and the case was forwarded to Gizo police for further remand application.

The Gizo Magistrate Court granted the remand application due to the gravity of the offence and the accused will appear in court on August 7, 2018 for his trial.

–POLICE MEDIA

Lack of quorum slows bills

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Parliament

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

LOW turnout of members of parliament (MPs) is reportedly slowing down the progress of bills before parliament.

It is reported that due to lack of quorum, the much anticipated Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB) 2017 is slowly progressing in parliament.

The Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 is currently before the House and is up to the Committee Stage where it is dealt with clause by clause.

However, shown on the two previous sittings recently on the ACB, Parliament records of day-one and day-two, since Monday this week, show that eight MPs were absent on the first while 13 on the second.

Public are eager for the bills to be passed and are urging the members of parliament to show commitment and ‘be more active in their attendance of sittings’.

Below are attendance records for Monday’s (July 23) and Tuesday’s (July 24) parliament sitting.

Whose fault?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
National Parliament of Solomon Islands

Officials & consultants blamed for doctoring MPs’ medical travel costs

 

By Alfred Sasako

IT has emerged that Government officials are responsible for preparing hefty medical and travel costs for Members of Parliament seeking treatment in Australia, often without the knowledge of MPs, a Member of Parliament told Island Sun on Tuesday.

The MP who wishes to remain unnamed was reacting to revelation published by Island Sun newspaper last week that taxpayers forked out up to $500,000 each time an MP travels overseas for medical treatment.

The practice continued until earlier this year when the Office of the Prime Minister intervened by refusing to approve such a huge bill.

At one point the cost of travel for an MP had to be slashed to $290,000 but only after the Office of the Prime Minister had sent it back twice to the Caucus Office.

“Your report is all true,” the MP said.

“But, as we have now found out, the officials, particularly the Consultants who work in the Caucus Office, often prepare travel plans without our knowledge. They never show us the final cost nor do they show us how much money they get from Treasury for our travel.

“We thought whatever they gave us to sign was final. Now we know better. No wonder some now own more vehicles than MPs,” the MP said.

“As a matter of fact cost for medical check-up is pretty cheap, unless you undergo an operation. The cost then would be around AUD10,000, but for normal check up the cost is around AUD3,000,” the MP said.

Sources for the initial report told Island Sun that all travels for MPs seeking medical check-up in Australia are often prepared by the Caucus Office and paid for by the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Often they never show referrals from the National Referral Hospital or confirmation of appointments with doctors in Australia for these check-ups,” the sources told Island Sun.

According to the Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations (PER) 2018, MPs seeking medical treatment outside Solomon Islands must first obtain a referral by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. MPs are responsible for paying the cost of their accommodation during the duration of their stay overseas.

PER 63 says, “When a Member is sent out of the country for medical examination or treatment under Regulation 60 he or she shall be eligible for:

Passages by air at Government expenses at first class rate;

Essential examination and treatment at Government expense as arranged whenever possible by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in advance, including operation charges and the fees of doctors, anaesthetists or specialists.

PER 64 says, “Where charges for accommodation are incurred, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services will meet such charges which will subsequently be recovered from the Member.

“The Member will thereafter be required to reimburse the charges. If necessary, an advance of salary may be authorized under Part IV of these Regulations for such amounts and over such period as the Minister of Finance may decide. When the Minister of Finance is of the opinion that recovery of such costs either wholly or in part would result in hardship, he shall, with the concurrence of the Prime Minister, decide what proportion of the costs should be borne by the Member.

The PER also made it clear that MPs can only claim reimbursement for costs incurred in obtaining the services of a private practitioner with prior approval by the appropriate specialist of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

PER 67 says, “Unless referred by or with the approval of the appropriate specialist of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, a Member or his or her legal spouse or child who is medically examined by or receives medical treatment from a medical practitioner in private practice shall not be eligible to claim reimbursement of any expenses. No benefit conferred by this Part shall be available to a Member or his or her family whilst they remain under the professional care of a private practitioner.”

It is not clear whether MPs who are frequenting Sydney for their medical check-up are reimbursing the government for their accommodation costs, which the government has always paid up front.

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