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Public urged to report directly to MCILI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PS for MCILI Riley Mesepitu.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 THE Ministry of Commerce (MCILI) has issued out a plea for citizens to report any issue relating to illegal business operations and price control

“Any issues relate to illegal business operation and price control should be report directly to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration,” said Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu.

Mesepitu said this includes complaints on price control and consumer affairs.

He also urges public not to use media or social media platforms for reporting.

Mesepitu said this is because the ministry operates under government structure and policies, thus complaints need to be directed to the ministry.

Doing this will help Ministry responsible carry out investigation properly and compilation of report effectively, he adds.

Mesepitu was responding to complaints from public regarding the price control of goods and consumer affairs in Solomon Islands, an issue which has been debated in social media lately.

He says that the responsible ministry for price control and foreign investors is the MCILI.

“Sometimes complains are coming from public without fair understanding of the legislation for price control and consumer affairs.

“It is better for public to report issues of concern to responsible authorities but not in other social media platform.”

Director and Registrar of Foreign Investment Division, MCILI Mr Derick Aihari reiterated Mesepitu’s call encouraging public to report any activity or incidence relating to illegal or dubious business operations in residential areas.

He said they will deal with reported issues if locals provide detailed information about who runs the illegal business along with price control and consumer affairs.

Printing for 40 year book commences

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Class of 78 member, Loretta Palmer hands over manuscript to Sun Printing General Manager, Oscar Vahimana with class member, Sam Alasia looking on

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

 

Class of 78 member, Loretta Palmer hands over manuscript to Sun Printing General Manager, Oscar Vahimana with class member, Sam Alasia looking on

A BOOK written, edited and published by Solomon Islanders will also be printed locally in the country. Yesterday team members of the King George Sixth School class of 78’ handed over the manuscript of the book to General Manager of Sun Printing, Oscar Vahimana, who will be responsible for the printing of the book.

Titled, ‘Leadership, Scholarship and Friendship, our Journey Post-Independence Solomon Islands’ this book has gone down in the history of Solomon Islands to be wholly local.

“Not only is it written, edited and published by Solomon Islanders, it will also be printed in Solomon Islands,” a jubilant Sam Alasia has told Island Sun in their last meeting.

Alasia says often, we have partners from overseas assisting us in such projects but for this book only Solomon Islanders are involved which indicates an improvement by Solomon Islanders.

The book is a publication of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) the first publication for the university as well.

Also speaking to Island Sun, Oscar Vahimana, General Manager of Sun Printing says he is much honored to be entrusted with this crucial job of printing. Though they have covered a lot of printing work, this book will also be the first of its kind for Sun Printing.

“I am confident that we will be able to print the number of copies needed for the launch in time and I am most happy to be selected to be a part of this project,” Vahimana said.

The book will be launched on the 5th of July at the SINU’s Panatina Pavilion. The book in particular are life stories of former KG students who were doing form six in 1978 when the country gained its Independence 40 years ago.

Positive growth for visitor arrivals in April

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

INTERNATIONAL visitation to Solomon Islands has shown double digit growth for the fourth month in a row, it is reported.

The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) this week revealed that international visitation for April 2018 increased by 11.8 percent over the corresponding month in 2017.

Figures SINSO released highlighted that 2,250 total of international visitation showed an increase of 237 over the 2,013 achieved in April 2017.

Australian visitor arrivals continues to dominate as the major source of marketing with a climbing 13 percentage from 2,689 to 3,038.

New Zealand figures increased 17 percent from 443 to 519.

Papua New Guinea figures increased from 377 to 492, an increase of 30.5 percent while US figures grew 19 percent from 341 to 409.

Interestingly, this year Japan visitation to Solomon Islands has climbed by 40 percent from 207 to 290, which shows potential of country’s market to Asia region.

With the Japanese’s positive result, CEO for the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto attributed to renewed interest in the destination following on from the 75th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign last August.

European traffic also continued to build with 338 total recorded representing a 48.9 percent increase over the 227 figure achieved in 2017, according to the Global Travel Industry News.

The Global Travel Industry News also adds April result follows the destination’s best-ever first quarter result with collective visitor arrivals for Q1 2018 up 29 percent.

Solomon Islands is a sovereign country consisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Oceania lying to the east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu and covering a land area of 28,400 square kilometres (11,000 sq mi).

Fear in Western province over rhinoceros beetle

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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One of the coconut tree infested by Rhinoceros beetle close to the Wesleyan Methodist Church area in Gizo. PHOTO BY PAGEPITU ALFRED

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

One of the coconut tree infested by Rhinoceros beetle close to the Wesleyan Methodist Church area in Gizo. PHOTO BY PAGEPITU ALFRED

SIGHTINGS of the deadly rhinoceros beetle has caused alarm for people in Western province for fear of their coconut plantations and copra business.

A Mr Andrew Koke said that their coconut trees are infested by the beetle.

“There is a growing threat for the coconut tree industry if the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle intensifies and remains untreated in the province.

“People of Ranonga, Vella la Vella, Gizo, Simbo, Kolombangara, Vona vona, Roviana, Marovo Lagoon and as far from Shortland Islands are now worried because coconut tree is really important to the people and one of the main income sources in the province.”

Another concerned resident Mr Moses calls on responsible authorities for help in eradicating the pest from the province.

He reinforces the call for quick action before the beetle spreads to extensive levels which would prove ‘very difficult’ to address.

When contacted Gizo Bio-security Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Western province said that they have received reports on the matter and they are working on it by installing traps close to the affected coconut trees.

MID clarifies MACFest vehicle fleet

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PS Andrew Nihopara

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has clarified that the fleet of brand new cars given to the committee of the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest), are a matter under the MID and not the Culture Ministry to answer.

The clarification came following publicities in local online forum on Facebook, Yumi Tok Tok, and local mainstream media, where a series of questions were raised regarding the fleet, some of which alleged that the committee gotten them with funds allocated for the running of the festival.

But prior to MID’s clarification, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara also clarified the circumstances and status of the fleet.

Nihopara clarified that those vehicles (Brand new) were never bought with the MACFEST Budget under his Ministry, but were purchasing activities done under the MID program and budget, which were already allocated to respective Ministries for use.

He further clarified that the committee had only requested that they use those vehicles for MACFEST first before they are released to the respective ministries by MID, a move the local Forum described as a clever approach from the MACFest Chair.

Meanwhile, the Yumi Tok Tok forum on Monday published a clarification from someone within the MID who agreed with explanations from the MACFest Chair over the status of the vehicles currently parked at the National Museum.

Following the Yumi Tok Tok revelation, Island Sun also got from MID officials who confirmed that the headlined vehicles were purchased under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in their 2017 budget from Ela Motors.

Discussions within the forum also received questions, as to why the new fleet of vehicles when the country is face with a cash flow situation and a negative economic status, but ministry officials explained that based on these concerns, the Yumi Tok Tok forum source was right to state that some government ministries are in need of vehicles for official use.

They however added that this is to also cut down on the issue of hiring of vehicles, which have become costly and unnecessary in many aspects.

This clarification also goes in line with earlier explanations from the Yumi Tok Tok forum, whose source stated that there are certain ministries currently in need of new vehicles, and that some of them are currently hiring vehicles.

Officials further added that the reports in the both the mainstream and online media, were right about the fact that vehicles have been allocated to Ministries that are in need of vehicles to carry out their work, but reassured that not for all ministries.

It was also reported that the six new vehicles highlighted, are valued at more than $200,000 each, estimated at a total of around $1.2 million were bought from Ela Motors, as one of the country’s leading car dealers.

The forum further added in its report their source also revealed that MID took quotes from three leading car dealers, and Ela Motors was the cheapest with a reputable backup service as one of the conditions.

The vehicles according to MID officials confirmations, were given as part of the ministry’s contribution towards the hosting of the Melanesian event, something the MACFest Chair said, will mostly be used to transport officials from participating nations during the festival.

The Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival will run from July 1 and coincides with Solomon Islands 40th Anniversary Day, and the vehicles will be delivered to the Ministries who have already been identified after the festival.

2 juveniles arrested on unlawful wounding

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE at Tulagi in Central province have arrested and charged two male juveniles on June 18, 2018 for alleged unlawful wounding following a stabbing incident at Burungia Village on Small Ngella.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It was alleged that on May 20, 2018 the alleged suspects had an argument with the victim whom they claimed had an affair with their sister. It was alleged the victim was then stabbed with a scissor that landed below the victim’s right armpit.

“The matter was reported to police in Tulagi on May 24, 2018. However, the suspects were on the run until they were finally arrested on June 18, 2018 as a result of the support given to police by the suspects’ parent.

“I wish to remind all good people of Central Province not to take the law into your own hands. There is always a way to resolve problems in a peaceful manner. I would also like to sincerely thank the families of the suspects for assisting my officers.

“I would also like to thank my hard working officers who responded to the report regardless of the bad weather experienced.”

Both suspects will appear at the Tulagi Magistrates Court on July 16, 2018.

–POLICE MEDIA

2 juveniles arrested on unlawful wounding

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

POLICE at Tulagi in Central province have arrested and charged two male juveniles on June 18, 2018 for alleged unlawful wounding following a stabbing incident at Burungia Village on Small Ngella.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It was alleged that on May 20, 2018 the alleged suspects had an argument with the victim whom they claimed had an affair with their sister. It was alleged the victim was then stabbed with a scissor that landed below the victim’s right armpit.

“The matter was reported to police in Tulagi on May 24, 2018. However, the suspects were on the run until they were finally arrested on June 18, 2018 as a result of the support given to police by the suspects’ parent.

“I wish to remind all good people of Central Province not to take the law into your own hands. There is always a way to resolve problems in a peaceful manner. I would also like to sincerely thank the families of the suspects for assisting my officers.

“I would also like to thank my hard working officers who responded to the report regardless of the bad weather experienced.”

Both suspects will appear at the Tulagi Magistrates Court on July 16, 2018.

–POLICE MEDIA

PS calls for audit of Western province finances  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PS Jeffery Wickham

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

THE provincial secretary of the Western province has called for an immediate audit of the province’s finances.

Jeffery Wickham, while congratulating the newly elected and returning MPAs, said the time is ripe for an audit of the Western province’s coffers – before a new government is established.

He said he believes funds have been misused and that the only way to find out is to carry out a financial check and balance of the province.

“The past government has disallowed the PS not to sit in the full executive meetings for a full year so the time has come for a clean government.

“No wonder the PS has never been allowed to sign provincial cheques when the Financial Management Ordinance (FMO) clearly states who should sign,” he said.

He posted on social media that the people of Western province deserve better.

He adds, “I hope the new government will abide by the rules and comply, to be honest and passionate about what is best for the province.”

Meanwhile, Wickham said elected MPAs of Western province will take their oath sometime this week.

LSL not allowed to set foot on Russell islands: Sevev land trust board

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Alfred Sasako

THE Chairman of the Sevev Land Trust Board, Leslie Norris, has written to Lever Solomon Ltd, warning it is no longer allowed to enter or claim any Fixed Term Estates (FTEs) on Russell Islands.

Mr Norris warned that failure to comply would amount to criminal trespass, incurring charges.

Mr Norris’s letter follows a similar letter, which the Registrar of Titles has written to Lever Solomon Ltd. In it, the Registrar’s Office advised LSL of “Note of Re-entry by Sevev Land Trust Board (Incorporated) has been entered on 13 FTEs Register.

These FTEs are: 165-002-121, 165-002-123, 177-003-2 177-003-3, 177-003-6, 177-004-2, 177-004-3, 177-005-1, 177-006-1, 177-006-3, 177-006-4, 178-001-1 and 178-002-1

“Please be advised that by virtue of the Registrar’s entry of Sevev Land Trust Board’s re-entry dated 13th June 2018, your FTEs on Russell Islands had been forfeited according to law and as such you no longer have any claims of ownership of Russell Islands,” Mr Norris said in the letter dated 18th June 2018.

The one-page letter was addressed to the Manager of Lever Solomons Ltd, said.

“This is a notice to convey to you, and your agents, including your Lavukal Trust Board shareholders that you are not allowed to enter Russell Islands without the consent or permission of Sevev Land Trust Board.

“Failure to comply with this notice will amount to criminal trespass and you will be charged accordingly,” the letter said.

But the Chairman of Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL), Patrick Wong told Island Sun earlier this week that the ownership claim was “a dream.

“… the FTE titles remain in the name of Lever Solomons Limited,” Mr Wong said.

MFMR highlights fisheries opportunities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

ACCORDING to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), there are emerging opportunities that the ministry can exploit to increase revenue collection for the government and trigger community fisheries livelihood related enterprises.

The above was stated in MFMR’s Business Plan (2018-2023), a document supported by their Communication Strategy (2018-2020) which were both launched this month.

Speaking of opportunities, the ministry said they are linked to Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), increased domestication of Solomon Islands tuna fishery, processing and operations and commercialisation of economically viable and sustainable aquaculture.

Some of the specific opportunities under the above initiatives outlined by MFMR are; PNA promotion of free school tuna fishery in the region under its MSC certification, PNA initiated VDS for purse seine and long line gear vessels, contracting of Solomon Islands Observers to any reputable providers of international fishery observers’ services and to lead the national onshore processing project at Bina Harbour with the inclusion of private partnerships to support its development.

In the business plan, the ministry explains that they have in recent years been focussing on efforts to manage, develop and ensure that the country generates sustainable benefits from its offshore related fishing operations, particularly, commercial tuna fishery.

MFMR mentioned that it also recognises the social benefit and value of inshore domestic and export-led market fisheries and is aspiring to accelerate efforts to secure those fisheries and enable sustainable inshore related commercial activities.

“This aspiration is evidenced by the building of Constituency Fisheries Centres and increased emphasis on aquaculture development,” said MFMR.

The ministry furthered that donor support will be needed to meet some of the aspirations for capital investments in infrastructure.

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