BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Plan Parenthood (SIPPA) has restarted operations following a temporary closure in July due to alleged fraudulent activities at its top management level.

Relevant sources told this paper that SIPPA resumed normal operation on August 7, 2024, after being inactive for three weeks in July.

The sources who remain anonymous claimed that the alleged fraudulent actions had disrupted the organization’s regular operations.

“From what I understand, both the Director and the financial controller are involved in misconduct of the organization’s funds,” one informer stated.

 “The diversion and depletion of funds have adversely impacted employee salaries, leading to instances of partial payments or, at times, no payments at all. Additionally, many of the organization’s initiatives, including community outreach and awareness programs, have been hindered due to financial constraints,” the insider said.

“Sometimes I was told to write a report, but what report can I produce when I haven’t rolled out my program to show it in the report? So, it’s something I have experienced for quite some time and it affects my work as someone responsible for outreach programs,’’ said the informer.

One insider who wishes to remain anonymous also said that the two positions were recently advertised for new candidates.

“Candidates for the Finance post contacted their interviews last week. For the Directors post, it has been advertised but there were no interviews contacted yet,’’ the insider told the paper.

The source said that the organization’s inability to organize some of its outdoor programs was an ongoing issue but has come to an end after the matter was reported this year.

“We have experienced a shortage of money for a long time. It hasn’t started this year 2024. The matter was brought to light after we had our new Program coordinator. This is how the issue was reported for investigation.

“Right now, we are operating with little amount of funds from donors. However, since they are aware of the issue, they don’t want to give funds to the organization. Moreover, the organization is offering clinical work, not outreach programs anymore since there is no money to facilitate the activities. So SIPPA only operated clinical work, and many programs have been not yet rolled out and now the year near ends,’’ the source said.

“Consequently, the Board has opted to terminate both the Director and the financial controller in light of these claims and advertised the two vacant posts,” the source added.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Hon. Pat Conroy Minister for International Development and the Pacific said he had a fruitful conversation with Environment Minister Trevor Magaha during his recent visit to the country.

“I had a good conversation with the climate change minister,’’ said Minister Conroy.

“Climate change is the number one existential threat to the Pacific including Australia and we are proud that we’re taking strong climate action in Australia and supporting strong climate action in the Pacific,’’ he said.

Speaking to local media at the SINU Panatina campus last week, Conroy said that Australia is supporting the rollout of Renewable energy in SI and is the main backer of the Tina Hydro project.

“we’re supporting the rollout of renewable energy in the Solomon Islands including being a big backer of the Tina River Hydropower project that will provide 70% of the power to Honiara.

He further stated that Australia supports four off-grid renewable energy partnerships with 5.4 million Solomon Island dollars and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Importantly, we’re also helping the Solomon Islands access international climate finance, global climate finance, but that’s taking too long and the Pacific is not getting its fair share. So, we’re also investing in Pacific climate funds. So, we’ve announced a 550 million Solomon dollars investment in the Pacific Climate Resilient Fund, Pacific Resilient Fund,’’ said Conroy.

He said that the PRF is about small climate projects for the Pacific that are being funded and run by the Pacific.

“So, you don’t have to worry about the big bureaucracy around the world. It can be the Pacific driving this agenda and we’re proud to be the biggest contributor to it and providing 550 million Solomon Island dollars. So, we’re a strong climate partner with the Solomon Islands,’’ he said.

He stated that Australia will continue to advocate for strong climate action and match their rhetoric with action on the ground.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Member of Parliament(MP) for Maringe Kokota, Cathy Nori, has urged the government to prioritize rice farming, highlighting its vital role as a food staple in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking in parliament last week, Nori reflected on the BSA Ltd rice farm that once flourished in the Guadalcanal plains.

“I remember growing up and getting educated in the Guadalcanal plains, Selwyn College there was a rice farm called BSA, it was running very successfully,” she said.

Nori stressed that reviving rice farming would be cost –saving for the government.

“Why can’t we start growing rice again in the country, I am sure it will save a lot of money instead of paying rice from overseas.” She said.

Nori emphasized that rice can be found in every household from urban areas to rural areas and has taken over home grown food.

A 2014 Rice Consumption and Production assessment from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s(MAL) reported that rice is the major staple diets for Solomon Islanders. 

BY NED GAGAHE

A total of 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s official visit to China in July.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, confirmed this in Parliament, last week responding to questions from Opposition Leader Matthew Wale regarding the specifics and public accessibility of the agreements.

Minister Agovaka emphasized the importance of these MOUs for the Solomon Islands, stating, “We signed about 13 MOUs.” The agreements cover a range of sectors, including:

1. Education: Minister for Education signed the MOU for the provision of 30 scholarship funded by PRC each year.
2. Economic Development: Cooperation in economic exchanges
3. MOU on Trade: Between Ministry of Commerce PRC and MFAET.
4. Aviation partnership: Between Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Solomon Islands Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
5. Media Cooperation: between Xinhua News of the People’s Republic of China and the Government Communication Unit (GCU), OPMC.
6. Media Cooperation with SIBC: between China Media Corps groups and SIBC.
7. Sub-State MOUs: Shandong and Isabel Provinces, Fujian Province and Western Province and Guangdong and Guadalcanal provinces.
8. Aquatic Products: Protocols on inspections, quarantine and sanitary requirements for wild aquatic products to be exported from Solomon Islands to China. Between the General Administration of Customs of PRC and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Solomon Islands.
9. Protocol for wild aquatic products: Protocol, inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for cultured aquatics (e.g. seaweeds, tilapia, sea cucumber) products to be exported from Solomon Islands to PRC China, between the General Administration of Customs of PRC and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Solomon Islands.
10. Protocol for cultured aquatic products: MOU on the protocol on sanitary requirements for the export of unroasted coffee, beans and cocoa beans from Solomon Islands to PRC China. Signed between General Administration of Customs of PRC China and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
11. MOU on Development Cooperation Plan: between the Government of the PRC China and Solomon Islands Government on synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2016-2035 Development Strategy of Solomon Islands.
12. Agreement on Economic Cooperation: Between PRC China and SIG.
13. MOU on China Pacific Regional Centre in Fujian Province: The first China Pacific Regional Center is the China Pacific Police Centre. This is where RSIPF went to train and so far, more than 100 officers have been trained.

Minister Agovaka stated that the signed MOUs will not be made available to the public or Parliament; however, the outcomes from these agreements will be publicly announced.

In response to a question from MP Rick Houenipwela about whether the MOUs would be disclosed, Agovaka replied, ‘the answer is no, Mr. Speaker’. While we will announce the outcomes related to infrastructure, scholarships, and trade, the actual MOUs will not be made public.

He emphasized that the Solomon Islands maintains bilateral relationships with 130 countries, and it is standard practice not to disclose every MOU publicly.

Instead, the focus is on implementing these agreements and communicating the results.

Minister Agovaka encouraged those interested in learning more to consult the relevant ministries overseeing the implementation of these MOUs.

SICTU backs Minister’s announcement on new legislation for the Public Service

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU) has backed Public Service Minister John Tuhaika Jr’s recent announcement in Parliament about the introduction of new public service legislation.

SICTU issued a statement welcoming the Public Service Minister’s comments in Parliament regarding the proposed new public service legislation.

SICTU highlighted that recognising the requirement for updated legislation is a key advancement in enhancing the public service sector to better serve community interests.

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions stated that the urgency to repeal the existing ‘General Order’ is commendable, especially considering the outdated nature of the current framework that does not fully reflect the evolving landscape of public service requirements, structures, and service schemes.

The organisation stated that “embracing these changes will pave the way for a more efficient, transparent, and responsive public service that can effectively address contemporary challenges and deliver improved outcomes for the public.

“SICTU calls on the minister to explore possibility of tabling the new bill as early as in the December 2024 parliament sitting.”

SICTU stated that through its member unions and associations including Solomon Islands Public Employee Union (SIPEU), Solomon Island Medical Association (SIMA), Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), Solomon Islands Nursing Association (SINA), Solomon Islands Allied Health Association, Police Association is committed to collaborating closely with the Public Service Commission and other oversight commission to identify and address gaps in public service delivery.

SICTU said by working together, they aim to enhance the quality of services provided to the public and the government.

Additionally, this partnership will focus on addressing the critical welfare needs of public officers, ensuring their well-being and effectiveness in serving the community.

In conclusion SICTU stated that through this joint effort, they seek to promote efficiency, accountability, and inclusivity within the public service sector for the benefit of both the workforce and the citizens of the Solomon Islands.