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Japan-SI airport deal

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, the SI Government signed a milestone agreement with the Japanese Government for the improvement of the Honiara International Airport Project last Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.

Quoting the Solomon Star newspaper of May 17, 2018

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade the Honourable, Milner Tozaka, and the Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono officially signed the agreement at the Japanese Foreign Affairs Office.

“During the signing ceremony, Minister Tozaka acknowledged the Government of Japan for its unwavering support in infrastructure development.

“The four billion three hundred and sixty-four million Japanese Yen (4,364,000,000), is directed towards the upgrading the Honiara International Airport.

“I would like to express through you, our gratitude towards your Government for the continuous support rendered to us through the volunteers, Grassroots projects and more importantly the country’s infrastructure development ambitions,” he said.

“Minister Tozaka said Japan remains the leading infrastructure development partner in Solomon Islands.

Therefore, he said the Solomon Islands Government welcomes the continuous cooperation and support by the Japanese Government.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the Government of this milestone achievement,’’ Minister Tozaka said.

“Japan’s Foreign Minister Kono in response said the improvement of the Honiara International Airport is Japan’s desire to see sustainable development through infrastructure programs in the Solomon Islands.

“He said this project will also supplement the current Kukum Highway Infrastructure program.

“Meanwhile, the Japanese Foreign Minister has also congratulated Solomon Islands for opening a tourism office in Japan.

“Mr Kono said his office together with other relevant agencies will make sure Solomon Islands tourism is promoted in Japan.”

 

Thank you, Japan!

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Australia has boosted its aid to the Pacific

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, the Australian government has increased aid to the Pacific, with the region set to receive US$979 million over the next two years.

“The funding was announced in the federal government’s budget, which was delivered in Canberra on May 8, 2018.

“Although the commitment to the Pacific has risen, the size of Australia’s entire overseas aid budget remains frozen at $3.1 billion dollars after deep cuts in recent years.

“The Pacific contribution now represents 30 per cent of Australia’s total aid budget.

“The foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said Australia would strengthen relations with its Pacific partners and “work together” for the region’s stability, security and economic opportunities.

“The money will include funding for undersea communications cables to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

“Australia will also open a High Commission in Tuvalu.” Copyright@2018 Radio New Zealand

Meanwhile in the Solomon Islands, Australia is funding an evacuation and youth centre in Malawai Community, in Central Kwara’ae, under Direct Aid Program funding for 2017-2018.

“Second Secretary, Alexandra Little and Justin Iduto’o of the Australian High Commission were delighted to visit the project at the end of March.

“We are so pleased to see the excellent progress made by Malawai community on this project,” said Australian High Commission Second Secretary, Alexandra Little.

“The community has displayed great team work, commitment and organisation in bringing this project together.”

“The centre will also be used to engage youths of our community with productive activities.

“Mothers can use this centre to market their produce, children can be taught in this centre, to be brought up under our norms and beliefs, our way of life, and the community can utilise this centre as a hub”, said Philip Kwato’o, project coordinator of the centre.

“The Direct Aid Program is a small grants program administered by the Australian High Commission. The program is designed to assist community groups improve their livelihoods.” Copyright: Solomon Star.

 

Thank you Australia!

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

 

 

Recent Ministerial visit to mine operation in Rennell welcomed with a different perspective

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Government delegation arrives in Tigoa airport. Photo supplied.

By Gary Hatigeva

DESPITE all the negativities and criticisms raised on the recent government led trip to the mining operation on Rennell Island in Rennell and Bellona Province, a lot on the island have termed the visit as positive and timely one.

Although the visit was said to be very short, many thought it has met the objective, which is said to have given an opportunity for cabinet ministers to witness first-hand the mining operations on the ground and its effects on the environment and the people.

Following the visit, Island Sun received calls from many people on the island regarding the trip, which includes Jimmy Festus, who described the visit as very encouraging and a move in a right direction.

“Much has been said on social media and print papers on mining, but unless one pay a visit and set foot on the ground before he could understand the real impact and situation on the ground,” the Tigoa Elder said.

Festus then pointed out that the Government ministers and officers have the responsibility to visit the people and talk to them about their work and responsibilities including issues relating to mining operations, especially in the case of the current operation.

He added that with the wide representation of various but relevant ministries, it is good that the picture on the issue is seen from all aspects through these different ministers under their banners.

However, on a balance, many have also taken their frustrations and concerns to both the local media and online, who expressed fears over possibilities in a compromised report, if it is to be put together on the visit.

Some have expressed concerns over claims that the mining company had paid for all expenses including chartered flights and other expenses incurred.

A local commenting in from Rennell on one of the local forums online, (name with-held), suggested that with Bintan Mining Solomon Islands Limited (BMSIL) meeting all expenses, whatever reports obtained would be subjected to biasness.

This was an issue the government has been very silent about despite follow ups for clarifications on regarding the claims.

The government lead trip to Rennell according to officials was for the observation of the Miner’s Rehabilitation programmes, which came under heavy criticism from the general populace.

Some have suggested that the issue of rehabilitation is irrelevant as it should normally be done at the end of the mining project, and therefore the government should have sent technical people to carry out a proper study and not politicians.

“It would be interesting to know more about the rehabilitation management plan. I believe the management plan should outline the goals of the rehabilitation and the implementation (activities).

“Are they going to use native plants/trees to restore the degraded sites? Are they introducing fast-growing exotic species to accelerate the succession? Vegetation cover is important at the early stage to avoid further degradation by erosion.

“What are they trying to achieve with the rehabilitation? Certainly restoring native biodiversity should be one of the long-term goals. Not forgetting the ecosystem services that were lost as a result of this mining. Invasive species and pest will be a challenge in any rehabilitation project.

“Again how are they going to measure the success? At the end of the day, we are creating a novel ecosystem hoping it will sustain itself in the future,” others questioned in the Forum Solomon Islands International page on Facebook.

Meanwhile, the Tigoa elder thanked Bintan Mining SI Ltd for what he thought, was an opportunity given to the ministers and officials, to pay a day visit to not only observe the status of the mine operation, but so as seeing the status of the Province.

He said the visit also gives an opportunity for the Ministers to have a glimpse on the Provincial Headquarters which has run down tremendously.

The recent visit was led by the Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia, who was accompanied by the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Minister for Public Service, including other top government officials.

Western polling officials ready for tomorrow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

Gizo

 

THIRTY-FOUR people from the Western Province are now ready to man the 12 polling stations within the Gizo/Kolombangara constituency.

Eligible voters in the constituency will go to the polls tomorrow to elect their new Member of Parliament.

The constituency has been without a MP since last November after the high court disqualified their MP.

Five people, including the wife of the former MP and the former Prime Minister, are contesting the seat.

22 polling officials and 12 presiding officers completed a one-day intensive training in Gizo yesterday.

The training covered voting aspects including procedures and processes and responsibilities as managers of polling stations.

These officials will head out to their assigned polling stations today in preparation for tomorrow’s polling day.

The training was conducted by the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers who were briefed, on Sunday, by staff of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC).

A separate briefing was also conducted for police officers in Gizo.

Eligible voters in the constituency have been reminded of the importance of their participation in the process of electing a Member of Parliament.

The by-election is the same as the 2014 National General Election, except, not all constituencies go to poll.

The 12 polling stations will open at 7am and closes 5pm. Voters are being urged to get to the polling station within this time.

Voters are required to tick only one box against the candidate of their choice.

Security will be tightened as police presence will be boosted with the deployment of additional police officers to the Western province.

Supporters of the contending candidates have been urged to maintain respect and peace and continue to observe election laws.

Russell islands tribal landowner questions authorities over RIPEL dealings

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Alfred Sasako

 

INQUISITIVE Russell Islands’ tribal landowner, Silas Selo, has questioned why authorities have accepted questionable dealings by foreign businessman, Patrick Wong, on RIPEL and related matters.

“Mr Wong is using a constitution that never exists to manipulate the system,” Mr Selo told Island Sun yesterday, referring to the constitution of the Lavukal Trust Board.

“The situation is this. Mr Reginald Kokili was the President of the Lavukal Trust Board and Simon Gatuven was the Vice President. But when Mr Kokili died a few years ago, Mr Gatuven automatically became of the President – that is in the original Lavukal Trust Board constitution,” Selo said.

He said it was unfortunate that while the Board was recovering and reorganising after Mr Kokili’s death, Mr Patrick Wong and his right hand man, John Whiteside “hijacked” the appointment process, which was never endorsed by the people of Russell Islands.

“Subsequently, they appointed their own cronies to the Lavukal Trust Board based on a new constitution which was never explained to nor endorsed by the landowners.

“The people of Russell Islands do not know anything about the new constitution or the process that Mr Wong and his people used to get through authorities.

“Those who signed as Board members did so without the people’s knowledge or their mandate. So how could authorities accept such as valid documents?” Selo said.

He said one other thing authorities overlooked was the fact that Mr Wong disposed of all his shares in RIPEL in 2010.

“As such, Mr Wong should never be dealing with any matters relating to RIPEL. He has offloaded all his shares. So I ask again, why are the authorities not doing anything about this, but instead, support him all the time?

“There’s something wrong with our system,” Selo said.

Liquor ban imposed for by-election

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DEPUTY Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi says all liquor outlets in the Gizo/Kolombangara constituency will banned on the Election Day to avoid unnecessary disturbance during the bye-election on May 23.

He said police are not expecting any threat but police will be out there to make sure the voters exercise their voting right without fear.

He said officers in Honiara especially the Police Response Team with the Police Patrol boat will be assisting the Police officers in the Western province.

Mr Manelusi said that officers will be out there in 12 polling stations providing security, though there are no threats expected but police will be always there as their normal duty in making sure people are moving freely in casting their votes.

Men charged in relation to firearm incident to appear in court

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

MEN alleged of being in possession of firearms in relation to an incident in Malaita in July last year will appear again in court for mention.

Simon Fiusale and Iki Olomea were charged together with three other accused who are currently under warrants of arrest.

They were charged with being in possession of fire-arm and threatening violence.

Three other accused currently under warrant are Leonard Ofaka, Bredley Abarai and Jimmy Eno Bana, and they are jointly charged with other two of one count of possession of firearm and threatening violence each.

Police said that the men were drunk and threatened the employees of Dalgro Construction Company that had won the bid for bridge construction at the Tabaa Bridge in North Malaita on July 21, 2016.

It was alleged that one of the men who hold the gun which is a 303 rifle black in colour put in a bullet and then cocked the gun pointing it at the workers.

Police also ceased the alleged weapon believed to be used by the accused.

Police in Choiseul province search for missing person

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) in Taro, Choiseul province are searching for a 55-year-old man who had gone missing recently.

The man is believed to have gone missing between Malopaga Reef and Borokuni village in North West Choiseul during a diving trip with four other people on May 9.

The incident was only reported to Taro Police Station on May 10, 2018.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Vincent Eria Says, “Upon receiving the report of the missing person my officers attended to it and assisted in the search for the missing person.

“It was alleged that the missing person and other four people attempted to swim after their boat drifted away from the reef during strong winds and heavy rain.

“My officers are trying their best to find the missing person. I appeal to the surrounding communities in North West Choiseul especially those villages in the coastal areas and boat travellers to assist police by providing information.

“Currently my officers have opened an enquiry file and investigations are continuing into the incident.”

People can contact Taro Police Station on phone 63199 or Honiara Communication Centre on 23666 or call police free toll phone 999.

–POLICE MEDIA

Pacific Island leaders welcome PM Abe’s commitment

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe at the opening of the Leaders Summit.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO IN JAPAN

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe at the opening of the Leaders Summit.

THE Pacific Island Leaders who have attended the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) have welcomed Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.

This is through resilient quality infrastructure development and provisions of means of transport in order to fully tap the economic potential of the region.

The leaders underscored the importance of developing quality infrastructure including sea ports and airport in an open, transport, non exclusive and sustainable manner, in accordance with international standards, which also respect sovereignty and peaceful use of such infrastructure.

Gulatata’e finally pays up restoration fee, but

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Alfred Sasako

 

GULATATA’E Shipping Enterprises Ltd – the company that runs the LC Gulatata’e – has finally paid up its restoration and registration fees, the shipping company spokesman John Kennedy Taufunu told Island Sun last Friday.

Mr Taufunu said the payment totalling $2, 300 was made on 11th May this year – days after the registration issue was raised in the media.

Company Haus told Island Sun then that Gulatata’e Shipping Enterprises Ltd, along with its sister company, Gulatata’e Land Transport Services Ltd were removed from Company Haus register because of failure to file annual returns.

Both companies’ filing of annual returns fall due in February each year. Due to this failure, both companies were removed from the register on 1st September last year – eight months overdue.

The payment a week ago may not totally exonerate the company from the Company Haus requirements that it files its annual returns every February.

Island Sun was unable to confirm with Company Haus whether or not it has received the payment, receipt number 0530059, issued by Treasury on Friday 11th May 2018.

It is possible that Gulatata’e Shipping Enterprises Ltd may now be required to open its books to auditors after shareholder, Titus Fika, announced for the first time that the LC Gulatata’e is owned by the East Kwaio Constituency and not the shareholders.

Mr Fika owns a 20 per cent stake in the shipping business, according to Company Haus documents. Mr Fika who is also the Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly has denied holding a share in the shipping venture.

John Kennedy Taufunu, who also holds a 40 per cent stake in the shipping business has also confirmed the ownership of the LCC Gulatata’e, saying it is owned by the East Kwaio Constituency.

Mr Taufunu said last week that arrangements are being made to transfer the ownership of the ship to the people of East Kwaio as the initial arrangement for the shareholding was done in a hurry.

He also denied the shareholders had received dividends from the LC Gulatata’e’s commercial operations in more than two years.

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