Sogavare explains his non-attendance at the PIF leaders meeting with US President

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has clarified why he is unable to attend the Pacific Leaders’ Summit between the United States and Pacific Island nations.

He indicated that he had pressing national priorities to address in the Solomon Islands and, therefore Minister of the Foreign Affairs is in Washington at that meeting with the US President,

“We are still represented at that meeting”, Sogavare said

During a press conference held upon his arrival at the International Airport yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Sogavare cited the time-sensitive nature of the situation, noting that Parliament had only 10 weeks left to deliberate on crucial legislative bills. As the leader of the Solomon Islands, he emphasized the need to prioritize domestic matters over international meetings.

“I have previously attended such meetings last year, and unfortunately, we did not witness any tangible outcomes. I am not inclined to participate merely to be lectured,” stated Sogavare firmly.

He urged the international community to reevaluate their approach in dealing with Pacific leaders and suggested that a change in strategy was necessary.

Sogavare further highlighted a disparity in how these meetings were structured, expressing dissatisfaction with the limited three-minute speaking slots provided to leaders.

He noted that the bulk of the meetings was often dominated by lengthy lectures from them, He referenced last year’s promise of $800 billion dollars, which had yet to materialize, as an example of the lack of follow-through on commitments.

“It’s essential to acknowledge the distinct treatment accorded to leaders by various countries. When I engage with nations like Australia, Korea, and China, they allocate an hour for bilateral discussions and treat us with the respect deserving of leaders,” stated Sogavare.

He emphasized that Pacific leaders should not be subjected to condescending lectures akin to a classroom setting.

Recently, the United States expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Sogavare’s decision to abstain from the special PIF Summit.

ENDS//

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial government will be hosting the International Public Standard Accounting System (IPSAS) training in Auki from 2^nd – 13^th October.

The training will be supported by national government and attend by reps from nine provincial governments in the country.

In a brief statement from MPG, the training aims at capacitating participants on IPSAS – a system in which the national government has been using in managing public funds.

They said the mission of the training is for the participants to learn and understand IPSAS and apply the system in managing public funds in the provincial level.

MPG said this is so that a similar system is use by both the national and provincial governments in managing public fund.

They said the benefit of IPSAS is that it’s easy to monitor and produce financial report on the disbursement of government fund.

MPG is happy and acknowledged national government and other stakeholders for supporting the capacity training.

They said the training will improve performances of provincial governments to be on the same note with national government on management of fund.

MPG said monitoring of public funds is a challenge responsible office within provincial governments have been facing on how to do proper financial recording or report.

They said the training will be a milestone and Malaita province together with other provincial governments are looking forward to it.

Also, MPG uttered its gratitude to host provincial reps to Auki for the training.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands played host to the 4th Annual Regional Workshop for the Melanesian Institute of Office Professionals (MIOP) this week, bringing together about 35 women professionals from Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The workshop, held in Honiara, featured the theme ‘Pursuing Personal Excellence.’

Welcoming the participants during a reception on Monday night, PNG’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Moses Kaul, emphasized that the workshop’s theme encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of professionals in the office domain to excel in their careers and achieve success.

He stressed that setting and striving toward specific goals and objectives is essential for personal and professional achievement.

His Excellency Kaul also highlighted MIOP’s overarching motto, ‘Bridging Your Career Path,’ commending the institute for its vital role in providing ongoing training and development opportunities and creating career pathways for professionals in PNG and South Pacific countries.

He emphasized the significance of collaboration and networking among office professionals across Melanesia and the broader Pacific region in developing human capital.

“Our people are our greatest assets, and identifying and developing their potential through training is crucial,” Kaul remarked.

MIOP’s core objective is to enhance individual skills and abilities, preparing a more resilient and informed workforce with a vision for their countries and the Pacific region’s shared identity as proud Melanesians.

High Commissioner Kaul issued a challenge to all professionals and career officers to remain dedicated to their duty, as commitment to their profession opens doors to opportunities and career advancement.

Weka Ralph Avosa, the National President of MIOP, expressed hope that one or two Solomon Islanders would participate in their future workshops.

She emphasized MIOP’s goal to connect with like-minded office professionals within the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries, including the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, and to extend assistance to overseas participants.

MIOP has a history of successfully organizing annual workshops, with the first held in Fiji in 2018, followed by workshops in Kokopo and Daru, PNG.

The institute boasts over a hundred members, but currently, only 75 are active participants in its activities.

The 4th Annual Regional Workshop for MIOP in the Solomon Islands concluded on Friday, fostering professional development and networking among women professionals from Papua New Guinea and the Melanesian region.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A former government employee, compelled to resign due to non-compliance with vaccination requirements, has raised important questions regarding the government’s strategy for those who were released from work.

This inquiry arises in the context of the State of Emergency having concluded, and society adapting to coexisting with COVID-19.

The former employee has observed that neighboring countries in the region have reinstated their workers who faced similar circumstances.

It’s crucial to note that some of the terminated employees held key positions within the government, and there should be a viable pathway to reintegrate them into their previous roles. The treatment they have received appears to overstep upon their rights, and the government should address these concerns, Former government employee stated.

Island Sun reached out to the Ministry of Public Service seeking clarification on this matter but was unable to secure a response.

The “no jab, no job” policy was enforced during the State of Public Emergency, which was declared by the World Health Organization in 2021 at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this period, the government issued directives mandating that all public servants, both at the central and provincial levels, as well as staff members of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and other government entities and subsidiaries, must receive their initial COVID-19 vaccine dose by August 31, 2021, and their second doses by November 30, 2021.

Public servants were explicitly informed that failing to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by August 31, 2021, would result in their inability to access their workplace starting from September 1, 2021. Furthermore, any employee who remained unvaccinated by November 30, 2021, would be considered to have voluntarily terminated their employment.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE recently launched 2019 Census report has uncovered a concerning issue plaguing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) – doubts about its ability to ensure the fair distribution of resources.

Shockingly, a significant 35.0 percent of households have reported a negative impact, prompting a pressing need for action to address these concerns.

The 2019 Census data has underscored the imperative need to address and mitigate the negative perceptions surrounding the CDF. It is evident that, moving forward, the CDF must play a more constructive role in ensuring equitable resource distribution. An overwhelming 32.7 percent of households have voiced their desire for improved governance to take center stage in the management of CDF funds.

Moreover, the census data has unveiled a remarkable statistic – an enormous 98.9 percent of households in the Solomon Islands are now well-acquainted with the CDF. This surge in public awareness reflects a growing interest in this initiative that spans across provinces.

The report has also exposed a concerning reality; a significant 64.2 percent of households believe that the CDF has had no tangible positive impact on their livelihoods. This unsettling revelation underscores the pressing need for extensive efforts to reshape public perceptions and attitudes regarding the CDF’s potential to contribute positively to society.

Therefore, addressing the concerns surrounding the equitable distribution of resources through the CDF has become an urgent priority. While public awareness stands at an all-time high, the skepticism surrounding its impact on livelihoods demands immediate attention. A new course of action must emphasize the importance of good governance and actively demonstrate the tangible benefits that the CDF can deliver.

2019 Census report also highlighted that CDF stands at a crossroads, facing intense scrutiny and public demand for reform, and it is a need for authorities to rebuild trust and redefine the CDF’s impact, ensuring that it fulfills its promise of delivering equitable resource distribution and positive change for the people of the Solomon Islands.