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SolAir & Fiji Airways sign codeshare agreement

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Airlines CEO, Brett Gebers and Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO, Andre Viljoen at the official signing of the new codeshare
Solomon Airlines CEO, Brett Gebers and Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO, Andre Viljoen at the official signing of the new codeshare

SOLOMON Airlines and the Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, have signed a codeshare agreement for flights between Nadi and Honiara.

The codeshare, which comes into effect on September 30, 2017 will see both airlines place their respective ‘FJ’ and ‘IE’ codes on each other’s flights between Nadi and Honiara.

Guests of Solomon Airlines can expect convenient travel and transfer onto Fiji Airways’ network through its Nadi hub to North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO said: ‘We’re very pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with our Melanesian friends and further strengthen our already comprehensive South Pacific network.”

“The region is our home and it makes perfect sense for South Pacific airlines to work together to offer seamless travel options to our people and visitors travelling to Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

“Through this partnership we’re opening up an important South Pacific destination – Honiara – to the rest of the world, boosting their tourism and trade potential. Fiji Airways is proud of its leading role in the growth of air travel in the South Pacific”.

Brett Gebers, CEO of Solomon Airlines said the new codeshare is great news for both airlines, extremely timely and presents a major boost for the Melanesian region’s tourism and business aspirations.

“The new codeshare improves inter-island connectivity in the Pacific and provides Solomon Islanders with another seamless opportunity to connect with the USA and beyond.

“Improving inter island connectivity is the first step to improving the economy in the Pacific and we value our relationship with Fiji Airways.”

Fiji Airways operates between Nadi and Honiara on Saturday while Solomon Airlines operates between Honiara and Nadi on Mondays and Tuesdays.

–SOLAIR PRESS

PNG assistance to Solomon Islands will continue: Yakasa

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Managing Director of Liberty Security Services Mr Fred Yakasa.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

PAPUA New Guinea’s (PNG) grant assistance to Solomon Islands will continue with a few issues needed to be cleared by the SI government.

This is according to the PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands HE Fred Yakasa.

“The education assistance arrangement will continue and the SIG is encouraged to continue communication with their PNG counterparts as it is now under review,” said the High Commissioner.

“Our relation is guided by good number of treaties, agreements, MOU’s and arrangements. However, there is more we can do and there is a lot we can achieve together.

“Both countries must do more in reviewing and renewing our existing agreements and arrangements being compatible with the changing times.”

Government needs to recognise its employees: Sisilo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PS of the Ministry of Public Service, Mr Nego Sisiolo

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Nego Sisiolo says the Solomon Islands Government should recognise its highly trained professionals.

He made the comment during the Permanent Secretaries and Under Secretaries Forum at the Heritage Park Hotel when asked about his views on the magistrates’ notice for an increase on their housing entitlements.

PS Sisiolo said magistrates are people of high calibre and the government should value their service to the people of this country.

“They are highly trained professionals like the lawyers and any other professional cadres we have in the country.

“And compared to what the government paid to them it is does not match their professionals,” Mr Sisiolo said.

He said the government must consider its employees’ claims and address them.

“The responsibilities of a Lawyer and Magistrate are stressful and involve risking their lives so if the Government can value that,” Mr Sisiolo said

Recently this paper ran a story on government magistrates threatening to resign from their jobs unless their housing allowance is increased to $7,500 a month immediately.

Minister Tome’s case adjourns

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Former Minister of the Crown Hon David Tome

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against government minister David Tome will be mentioned again on October 17 at the Honiara Magistrate Court.

Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola, David Tome is the current Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.

He is currently facing charges of conversion in relation to incidents in 2011.

The prosecution alleged that in 2011 the MP obtained public funds for a constituency project; however those funds were not used as intended and were converted for his own use.

The MP is charged with 14 counts of Conversion under Section 278(1) (c) (i) of the Penal Code, involving funds totalling $67,170.

The minister was on $2,000 cash bail and will appear in court faithfully till his case is completed.

The office of Director Public Prosecution is prosecuting the case in court.

Court to hear submission on Raoga’s case

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CLOSING submission on the case against Ellison Raoga, charged for corruption related offences, will be heard in the Honiara Magistrate Court today

Both prosecution and defence will be filing their closing submission to the court before the court can make its judgment on the case.

Mr Ellison Raoga pleaded not guilty to one count of official corruption and six counts of fraudulent falsification of accounts.

Raoga was arrested and charged by members of Task Force Janus, accusing him of receiving payments for remitting a company’s tax worth more than $100,000.

The accused worked as a compliance officer when he allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and June 16 of last year.

The allegations said Mr Raoga with another person, having completed the Tax Assessments in respect to a Honiara-based logging company trading as Delta Timber Limited, allegedly entered into negotiations with a representative of that timber company for the waiver of their tax liabilities.

He then solicited $30,000 payment for reducing Delta Timber Limited arrears to a zero balance, and then allegedly received $5,000 paid to him in two transactions.

According to the record Raoga was the second person to be arrested and charged for corruption offences since the Janus Taskforce was established.

Bradley Dalipanda of the office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

What’s the big deal? Usual NRH practice to charge foreigners: Dr Houasia

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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National Referral Hospital

By Alice Nantara

NATIONAL Referral Hospital top Orthopedic Dr Patrick Houasia has confirmed allegations by the Bulacan Integrated Wood Ltd are true.

Dr Houasia confirmed charging the sick expat according to the itemised charges shown in a copy of the invoice published in yesterday’s paper.

He also questions why the saga has been made a big media issue as it is ‘not the first time’ foreigners seeking medical attention are charged by the national referral hospital (NRH).

“It wasn’t the first time that the hospital placed charges on patients that are foreigners seeking medical attention and treatment.

“The rates are just as portrayed in the invoice with only minor adjustments to suit the kind of medical treatment that the patient requires.

“NRH doctors in charge of various wards do this all the time and the money we received directly went into a fund box that was purposely administered as a means of accessing needed items on short notice.”

He claims he was directed to collect the money and use it to pay for stuff that his ward desperately needed at that time.

Adding that the NRH system of restocking the theatre is always slow, which is why he sees the billing as essential and in good timing.

He even refers to the money from the billing as a blessing.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for BIW Ltd confirmed handing the cheque directly to Dr Houasia in person on August 31 this year.

Dr Houasia assures Island Sun that his ward has the records of how the money was spent as proof, but is not available for viewing at the moment.

Island Sun is yet to establish who and when the Pan Oceanic Bank Cheque No 218960 was cashed.

Licensing committee for Beche-de-mer export not yet approved

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Mr Edward Honiwala

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

The Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Mr Edward
Honiwala

THE licensing committee to issue out beche-de-mer export licences is yet to be approved by the Ministry of Fisheries Permanent Secretary.

It must first be approved before it can screen applicants and issue out export licences to the successful bidders.

It is not understood how fast the approval will take place, however, Director of Fisheries Edward Honiwala reassures that licences will be issued out this week. This is confirmed by Mr Honiwala yesterday to Island Sun.

According to the Director, it is a formal internal process to guide the Ministry in complying with the Fisheries Act.

“Issuing out licences to businesses for export is expected this week. However, the licensing committee must be approved first by the Ministry’s PS before screening on applications takes place. It is a legal requirement,” said the Fisheries Director.

It is understood that only four companies will be permitted with beche-de-mer export licences, being part for the Ministry’s control measure in terms of monitoring and compliances.

Deep-seated internal rivalry within management is costing SIPA heaps

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

(in Guangzhou, China)

INTERNAL rivalry within the top echelon of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is deep, resulting sometimes in explosive exchanges, denials and counter-denials, a special investigation by Island Sun has revealed.

Some believe the internal division has created a plethora of outstanding issues which they say is the genesis or beginning of on-going problems at the nation’s oldest State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).

In one instance, it was a complete defiance of orders and was linked to the sacking of former Chief Executive Officer, William Barile, although Harbour Master Judah Kulabule denied the issues were linked.

“Yes I remember all those accusations blaming me for helping John Paul to be employed as a cadet. Some of them were vicious and came from Management,” Capt Kulabule said.

“The truth is, it was the board who encouraged me to continue with employing the cadets. (I have proofs).”

The initial email which triggered the debate was from Director Glyn Joshua, who said the whole mess at SIPA began with the unprocedural hire of SINU part-time student, John Paul.

“I have seen and read the exchanges of emails regarding John Paul. For some of you who do not know the genesis (beginning) perhaps the facts I provide will shed some light, and having given the facts, you can weigh and decide whether John Paul was unfairly treated,” Mr Joshua’s email dated July 27 this year, began.

Mr Joshua gave a detailed account of the case involving John Paul, who initially worked at SIPA as a part-timer during his SINU semester break.

“A few days before the resumption of the new semester, all part-time students including John Paul were released from SIPA as was the practice. However, a few days later Human Resources (HR) Office found out that John Paul was held back by the Harbour’s Department, contrary to the goodwill arrangement for employing part timers,” the email sent to all heads of Divisions, including new CEO, Eranda Kotelawala, said.

Attempts by HR to terminate John Paul’s temporary engagement fell into deaf ears.

“The matter was brought to the attention of then CEO, William Barile. His directive to release John Paul was again defied,” according to the email.

“The Harbour Master (Judah Kulabule) was called into the CEO’s office for an audience. The discussion again centered on John Paul … for his release from SIPA. The meeting was tense and achieved nothing.

“After the meeting the CEO suspend(ed) the Harbour Master for insubordination (in) defying lawful instructions. It was a sad result for all of us then,” the lengthy email said.

“The John Paul saga eventually led to the suspension of William Barile and finally his termination. This is a separate issue, but had its roots from the same issue.”

Mr Joshua summarised his observations on the John Paul saga in this way.

“I am of the opinion that SIPA spends considerable amount of time (with good intention) dealing with this case. It is costing SIPA in time, money, relationships within harbours, other employees, the Management and the Board. The employees are watching how we handle this case,” he said.

“I ask the following questions:

  • “Why are we bending over backward for John Paul. Who is John Paul? What makes him so special over other employees that we continue to support despite his continuing defiance of lawful instructions? Is he irrepressible or irreplaceable?
  • “The cost to this debacle already in rents alone is $300,000. If we cost our time, effort (and) relationships that are affected, it will double. The allocation of a pilot’s house to John is unprocedural and incorrect. The house type is for middle managers which he is not entitled to and the responsibility for allocation for the type of house rests with the EMT (Executive Management Team) after proper consultation,” Mr Joshua said.
  • “The Harbour Master(was) suspended over this case, Mr Barile has been sacked with its roots stemming from this case, the straining relationships in the Harbour’s Department has some bearing on this case, the strained relationship between senior management and the Harbour Master is over this case, why are we other qualified Harbour personnel ignored?
  • “One of the senior cadet(s) has resigned, who else will? Is it worth our time focussing on one soul and ignoring the rest?, he asked.

It is understood Mr John Paul is on study leave in Europe, although he was suspended from duties.

Stevenson double

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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George Stevenson scored twice on Monday's win

Kurukuru reels to second win in Asian Indoor Games, Tops Group A

BY ROMULUS HUTA

A double by George Stevenson helped the Solomon Islands national futsal side Kurukuru cruised to a narrow 4-3 win over Chinese Taipei last night in their second Pool A match of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games currently underway in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Atana Fa’arodo Junior and Alvin Hou added the other two goals for Kurukuru.

Chinese Taipei got their goals through LIN Chich-Hung, who bagged a double while CHI Sheng-Fa also got his name on the score sheet.

The win pushed Solomon Islands to go six points leading the table in Pool A with two matches to spare.

Chinese Taipei remains at second place on the table with three points following their earlier 2-1 win over Vietnam on the previous day.

The match saw a lot of intensity coming from both sides as they were eager to collect maximum points in attempting to maintain winning form to their get campaign in the competition on track.

Knowing what’s at stake going into the match, Coach Sam Jerry fielded in a very formidable first five in the form of Anthony Talo, George Stevenson, Alvin Hou, Samuel Osifelo and Coleman Makau.

It did not take long for Solomon Islands to find the first goal as Stevenson got his name on the score sheet by the first minute.

Chinese Taipei could have equalized in the fourth minute but had their shot saved before Samuel Osifelo got another missed shot, which could have extended lead.

In the sixth minute, LIN Chih-Hung equalized for Chinese Taipei making it 1-1.

However, Kurukuru recovered from the continuous onslaught by Chinese Taipei and Albert Wetney drove in for a shot and only to be denied by the post in the seventh minute.

Solomon Islands continued to dominate the first half with the combination of Mahlon Sia, Albert Wetney, Alvin Hou and Stevenson and it paid off in the 14th minute when Atana Fa’arodo Junior extended the lead to 2-1.

However, that lead was short-lived when Chinese Taipei came back to equalize in the 18th minute through a well-taken goal by CHI Sheng-Fa.

Chinese Taipei mounted pressure against Solomon Islands in the final two minutes but the score remains locked at 2-all by halftime break.

The second half resumed and CHI Sheng-Fa had his shot missed in the 21st minute.

Chinese Taipei appeared to have been dominating but Kurukuru denied three of their shots through fine defending and goalkeeping.

In the 24th minute, Stevenson put Solomon Islands back into the game leading 3-2. The goal successively trails hosts of shots done directly from their goalmouth by goalkeeper Anthony Talo.

Hou and Wetney got close to scoring in separate attempts two minutes later but were denied.

In the 33rd minute, Hou struck a well-taken goal to extend lead for Kurukuru to 4-2. The goal by Hou marks his second in two games so far in the futsal competition of the Asian Games. He also scored in the 4-1 win against Hong Kong in their first game.

Solomon Islands appeared comfortable having already put four goals past Chinese Taipei and called for time out in the 37th minute.

Chinese Taipei settled in well after the time-out and pulled one back to reduce the margin to 4-3 through a goal by LIN Chih-Hung.

The goal liven their fighting spirit and they introduced more substitutions in the final two minutes as they mounts more pressure against Solomon Islands, in search of a late equalizer but could not fine tune their shots to get the goal they wanted.

Kurukuru had the final act of the game to their advantage but the shot taken by Stevenson flew off target as the referee blew the final whistle at the end of the regulation time.

The win propelled Solomon Islands to the top of the group leading with six points.

Solomon Islands will play their next match against hosts Turkmenistan later this evening.

Meanwhile, in the other result in Group D last night, Iran hammered fellow Oceania rep Tahiti with a 16-1 thrashing.

See points table below.

 

Pool A

Rank   Team                          Pts       Pl         W        D         L          GF        GA       GD

1          Solomon Islands        6          2          2          0          0          8          4          4

2          Chinese Taipei           3          2          1          0          1          5          5          0

3          Turkmenistan            0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0

4          Vietnam                      0          1          0          0          1          1          2          -1

5          Hong Kong, China     0          1          0          0          1          1          4          -3

Petition March today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Hon Derick Manu'ari signing the petition

Civil Society Organisation to march on Prime Minister’s Office, petition for return of Anti-Corruption Bill to Parliament

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

CIVIL Society Organisation (CSO) will today march on the Prime Minister’s Office to present their petition to bring back the Anti-Corruption Bill to Parliament.

The Bill had been withdrawn by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare late last month, with the promise to return it after it had been improved.

This had caused much public suspicion and criticism, invoking the civil groups of Solomon Islands to converge and petition the government to bring the Bill back.

CSO’s Anti-corruption Committee Chairman Dr Huddie Namo said they are now prepared as the Commissioner of Police has given his approval as well as the City Clerk.

The group had an audience with the Prime Minister on Monday during which he welcomed and expressed appreciation for the petition.

However, today’s march is expected to be received by Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, since Prime Minister Sogavare has left yesterday for the United Nations general assembly.

“Unfortunately, the march is not open for the public being restricted to 200 people only,” said Dr Namo.

“Those already appointed represents the 50 Constituencies of the country as well as representatives from the Civil Society Organisation.

“Everyone to join in the march is to wear red t-shirts with the anti-corruption logo on them.

“I have already contributed to the petition by signing it as currently, there are more than 2000 public signature signings compiled for the petition.”

Dr Namo elaborates that they are also prepared to set up camp today in front of the Prime Minister’s Office if the Deputy Prime Minister does not receive the petition.

“We will still be camping if the petition presented is not received,” said Dr Namo.

The gathering for the march will start at 6.30am with the petition expected to be presented to the government around 10am.

March will start from the SMI Grounds to the Prime Minister’s Office complex.

“We thank the public for their contribution in signing the petition. In principle and in spirit, everyone is encouraged to wear red t-shirts at their workplace and in the public to show support to the march,” said Dr Namo.

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