BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua says political stability, peace, and unity remain the flagship of his government to strengthen the local economy of the province.

He emphasised that this is vital to drive policies in partnership with development partners to achieve the desired outcomes from being heavily dependent on extractive industries to productive and manufacturing sectors.

Asilaua added this will expand into diversified technological economies to increase the domestic market and tap opportunities for export in the global market.

He said this could be through diplomatic and trade bilateral relations established with Jiangsu province of China and other traditional partners.

“While focusing on mass production to reduce shocks and fluctuations in the global market to create more employment opportunities and incomes for a better standard of living to reduce poverty.

“That will transform and improve the lives of our people through productive and resource sectors in commerce, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, lands, and infrastructures with $11 million indicating 48% of our budget,” Asilaua said. 

Moreover, he emphasized the policy translation with MPG’s current budget over time supports existing sectors in economic growth, climate change, fundamental and social sectors to provide better education and health to communities in the province.

Asilaua also noted the importance of quality infrastructure to boost economic activity and delivery of services in Malaita.

“Our connectivity with quality road, bridge, and maritime infrastructures supporting an inter-Island transport system is very vital for better access to connect our hard-working agricultural rural farmers in copra and cocoa production with market links to CEMA.

“Other domestic markets for cattle, taro, pineapple, and kava farmers,” he said.

According to Premier Asilaua, his government believes in political stability and cooperation to translate its policy to ensure Malaitans benefit by participating in economic activity in the province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A concerned elder in Ulawa, Makira-Ulawa Province has raised concerns regarding the increased number of Malaria cases on the island.

 And, the clinic in the Haupala community is also reportedly run down and short of medicine.

The elder who requested anonymity stressed that despite the cases of malaria continuing to increase on the island, there is no medicine and that one of the major clinics is in a dilapidated state.

“We have malaria cases on the rise with no medicines on the island,” said the concerned community elder.

He revealed that there is a growing concern from community members as cases keep increasing and the clinic building being rundown and not catering for the huge number of sick people needing medical attention.

“The Haupala clinic building has run down since it was built 40 years ago. No staff house and sanitary facilities,” the concerned elder voiced.

“For malaria on the island, this has been ongoing for months now,” said the elder from Ulawa.

The concerned person also disclosed that the clinic on the island is in a poor condition.

“Our clinics are in a very poor condition, even to the stage where they need to be shut down. No proper toilets for sick patients,” the concerned elder said.

The community elder also pointed out that the Arona airport waiting house on Ulawa Island needs demolition.

“The terminal or waiting house does not fit for human habitation. The roads are in bad condition. The Sumoli wharf is already disconnected by sea from mainland access,” said the concerned elder.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

THE Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has slammed the response by the Minister of Mines & Energy, describing it as a mockery and lame attempt to defend the actions of the minister.

Wale’s response comes amid the Mines and Energy’s strong rejection of his concerns of procedural breaches or ministerial overreach regarding the Mines and Energy Minister’s proposed granting of a mining license to Far East Resources Company Ltd for nickel mining operations on San Jorge.

The Mines and Energy statement, in defending the Minister, assured the public that the regulatory framework governing the mining sector is being strictly adhered to and that all mining projects are subject to rigorous legal scrutiny.

The Ministry further explained that no mining license application can be processed without fulfilling the requisite statutory conditions under the Mines and Minerals Act and other relevant legislation.

The Ministry firmly stated that, contrary to the claims made by the Opposition Leader, NO mining license is issued unless these legal requirements are met in full compliance with the established legal framework.

However, Wale slams the response, stating that in light of the concerns raised, eyewitnesses have testified to seeing the Minister disembarking from a boat owned by Far East Resources Company Ltd at Kokonut Café just on Monday night this week after returning from a private trip to Kopiu village in his Constituency.

A press statement issued from the office of the opposition leader yesterday indicated that the mining company’s boat that picked up the Minister was driven by his brother.

“How can this be so? Isn’t this a clear case of conflict of interest, and isn’t this the same story that we have heard before?” Wale questioned.

Wale said in the statement that this recent incident only confirms the concerns raised by the San Jorge landowners. 

“If the Minister can travel in a boat owned by the mining company, how can they trust him to uphold the law and be neutral in dealing with the company’s pending application? What if this is just one of the many favours the mines minister is getting from the company?” Wale questioned.

According to the statement, the Opposition Leader said that this is a conflict of interest at the highest level in any democratic country upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.

Wale said that the Mines Ministry’s response in the media recently to defend the mines minister is ‘shameful’.

 “The response by the ministry deviates from the core concern raised by the landowners of San Jorge, and it is shameful when we are trying to mislead the people when the red flags are evident,” Wale said in his official statement.

Wale said that successive governments have recklessly handled the mining sector in this country for far too long.

The opposition Leader said the government’s failure to address the long-standing issue in Renbel bauxite mining is just one of many examples of the Government’s gross mismanagement and incompetence in the mining sector.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Work on the much-awaited China-funded Auki Road upgrade is expected to begin next month.

Premier of Malaita Elijah Asilaua says preparation is underway for the landmark project to start.

He said preparation of the site office is currently in progress with office buildings, road concrete works and power installation.

“It is expected that work will commence on the main road in April once the site office work is completed,” Asilaua said.

He also noted that the Auki Road network will be upgraded with asphalt concrete mix and not tar-sealing.

He said this will connect all residential zones in Auki.

Asilaua emphasised that the asphalt concrete mix is more water infiltration resistant and becomes quality, durable, safe and gives comfortable riding.

The contractor of the project, CCECC has since November last year transported machineries and building materials to Auki.

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-SICCI repeats call on private sector to adhere to labour laws

-Zero toleration for exploitation and discrimination: SICCI

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has repeated its call on the private sector to strictly adhere to the country’s laws and regulations while conducting business operations.

SICCI, the leading representative of the country’s private sector, emphasised the importance of legal compliance, urging businesses to ensure that their activities align with national regulations in a media statement yesterday.

The Chamber’s call comes in light of the Trade Union’s latest call for the protection of workers’ rights.

Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) in the past months have raised the alarm on the high rate of exploitation of workers in the country.

SICTU blamed gross government negligence, weak monitoring and protection of workers, both in the civil and private sectors.

In one of its statements, SICTU urged the two largest private sector business associations, SICCI and the Chinese association, to encourage their members to abide by the country’s labour laws.

“It has come to our attention that many employers are taking advantage of workers’ gratitude for employment opportunities by denying them access to their full work conditions, incentives, and entitlements as required under Solomon Islands labour laws and related regulations,” the SICTU statement on March 13 said.

Monday this week SICTU lashed out at a common narrative held by businesses and employers alike across the country which blamed workers as the main cause of high expenses whenever they demand for better working conditions.

“This narrative is not only misleading but also unjust. It is time to shift the focus and acknowledge the broader systemic issues that significantly impact business operations and costs. It’s time to shift the blame and focus on real solutions,” said SICTU. 

“Today, we address a critical issue that has long plagued industrial relations: the unfair burden placed on workers when employers and other stakeholders discuss the rising costs of doing business. 

“While workers’ demands for fair wages, safe working environments and improved conditions are legitimate and necessary, they are not the sole drivers of rising operational costs,” SICTU said.

SICCI, meanwhile has been also vocal urging businesses to abide by the country’s labour laws.

“SICCI firmly stands against any practices that exploit employees within our business community,” the Chamber said in its statement on March 13.

“We are committed to promoting fair and level playing field and this applies to ethical labour practices that respect the rights and dignity of all workers.

“Our organisation believes that businesses should operate with integrity, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth.

“We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or discrimination in the workplace, and we urge all businesses in the Solomon Islands to join us in creating a more equitable and just labour market for everyone.”

Yesterday, SICCI reiterated its call for businesses to abide by the law in their treatment of workers.

“Abiding by the law is crucial for maintaining a fair and ethical business environment that fosters economic growth and stability.”

SICCI highlighted the significant contributions of employees to the country’s economy, encouraging businesses to recognise and value their workforce.

It reiterated that a well-treated and motivated workforce is essential for business success and long-term development.

SICCI underscored that all business activities must be conducted legally and ethically.

It reiterated its warning against practices that may compromise business integrity, urging companies to prioritise transparency, fairness, and accountability in their operations.

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By Loretta B Manele

There is not just “peace”, because we also have what is called “positive peace” and “negative peace”.

Raki Tuiloma, programmes assistant for Transcend Oceania gave a brief take on this at the “Peacebuilding and Security Dialogue” at King Solomon Hotel yesterday.

He said positive peace aims to create a just and sustainable society where all members can live in harmony and well-being while negative peace focuses on the absence of direct violence and conflict.

In regards to “positive peace”, he expressed that it is peace emphasizing and addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting justice and equality.

Tuiloma mentioned two examples of peace building activities.

The first being “dialogue and mediation” of which is said to involve the facilitation of dialogue and mediation between conflicting parties to find a common ground and bridge agreements.

“So, we have different experiences through this dialogue. We can find very constructive ways of living with conflict in our different communities and the experiences we have.”

The other example as stated is “community-based initiatives”.

Tuiloma said this involves supporting local initiatives that promote peace and reconciliation, such as community dialogues, reconciliation projects and youth programs.

Aside from community-based initiatives, other avenues outlined are; education and awareness, supporting governments and justice and economic development.

Tuiloma went on to talk about “negative peace”.

He stressed that an example of negative peace is when people put on their happy faces and pretend to get along and avoid raising uncomfortable or difficult subjects for fear of angering the other party in situations like disagreements or conflicts.

“It’s like a yes thing. Everything we would say yes to. We would not question the authority or those that hold positions. So, this is an example of negative peace.”

On another note, he stated that in countries recovering from violent conflicts, it is often required to hold reconciliation of differences, apology and forgiveness of past harm.

Tuiloma said this includes the establishment of a cooperative relationship between groups, replacing the adversarial or competitive relationship that used to exist.

He added that there is also the normal process of advancing human rights, normalizing relations and building institutions that manage conflict without resort to violence.

“This can be applied to any sector, such as public health, or creating inclusive access to education and opening up economic opportunity.”

He stated that it is about establishing non-violent modes of resolving conflicts in any sector.

“It also includes conflict prevention and conflict management to prevent the occurrence of violence or managing crisis so that violence does not escalate.”

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