Honiara City Councilor urges Foreign Investment Board to address logging company violations

By EDDIE OSIFELO

REGINALD Ngati, the City Councillor for Vura ward in Honiara, is calling upon the Foreign Investment Board to take action against logging companies that flout the laws of the Solomon Islands.

Ngati’s plea comes in the wake of a dispute with Southern Enterprise Sawmilling Company Ltd, a licensee of Graceland Logging Company Limited, which has agreed to compensate Ngati with $80,000 for the illegal cutting of 21 logs in Small Malaita.

However, Ngati alleges that the company has refused to cover the costs of environmental damage to the land and has instead urged him to pursue the matter in court.

Ngati expressed disappointment when he discovered that the Deed of Agreement provided by the company did not bear his signature.

“I call on the Investment Board to recognize that there are logging companies that disregard the Forestry Act, the Environment Act, and other related laws governing their investments in these sectors,” Ngati stated, emphasizing the importance of condemning such practices if the nation is to safeguard its future in forestry.

Ngati urged the government to promptly address companies engaged in such practices, asserting, “Obviously, they breached the Act. The company wants us to go to court, but the Act already determines what should be done. We don’t need to go to court with this. My government should start considering not allowing such companies to operate in our nation because our Constitution protects resources and resource owners.”

Reflecting on his own situation, Ngati added, “I am a victim, and I have heard of other victims who ended up in court, fighting and even killing each other, but now I am a victim myself.”

In response, Elijah Awa of Southern Enterprise Sawmilling Company Ltd acknowledged the company’s agreement to pay $80,000 but contended that the costs of environmental damage were not included in Ngati’s original claim. He suggested that if Ngati wished to pursue these costs, he should take the matter to court.

Earlier, Minister of Forestry and Research, Dickson Mua Panakitasi, exercised his powers under Section 39(2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act. His decision deferred the suspension of the Appellant’s felling license A10112, pending the outcome of the dispute over encroachment into Sulukokolo customary lands.

Minister Panakitasi urged the Appellant and Grace Logging (SI) Limited to resolve the issue of encroachment and trespass on Sulukokolo customary land without the permission of the Sulukokolo tribal landowners. If the conditions are settled, the suspension order may no longer have any effect, and the license may be reinstated.

Minister Panakitasi emphasized that his decision was made with fairness and justice in mind, aiming to ensure a just resolution of the matter and considering the interests of all parties involved.

Stakeholders have commended the Minister’s commitment to a balanced approach in handling this complex issue, aligning with the provisions of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PAPUA New Guinea’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Moses Kaul, reaffirmed the harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between the two Pacific nations, emphasizing their shared cultural heritage and close ties.

He stated this in an address at the Heritage Park Hotel during the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence Anniversary last Friday.

In his speech, High Commissioner Kaul began by acknowledging the historical significance of the day, marking 48 years since Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.

He highlighted the shared values, history, culture, and a strong fraternal bond between the two nations, both of which are situated in the Pacific and share similar ethnic identities.

Kaul emphasized the unique unity they share as “people of the blue Pacific,” standing tall and thriving together with a common destiny and immense pride in their diverse cultural heritage. He underscored their shared commitment to Pacific Regionalism.

Highlighting the deep ties between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Kaul pointed to their common international maritime boundary, traditional border crossings, and enduring people-to-people relationships. He credited the pidgin language for fostering and sustaining their unique connection.

One of the key aspects of their bilateral cooperation that High Commissioner Kaul emphasized is the development of human capital. Since gaining independence, Papua New Guinea has opened its doors to Solomon Islands students, providing them with educational opportunities that have contributed significantly to the qualifications and experience of individuals in various sectors in both countries.

In an exciting announcement, Kaul proudly revealed that the University of Goroka has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Solomon Islands government to establish the University of Goroka Pacific open campus within the Solomon Islands. This initiative is set to offer world-class tertiary education to students in the region.

The address by High Commissioner Moses Kaul not only celebrated the history and cultural bonds shared between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands but also showcased the commitment to further strengthen and expand their cooperative endeavors in the years to come. This reaffirmation of friendship and collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between these two Pacific nations.

Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner Highlights investments and cooperation with Solomon Islands

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PAPUA New Guinea High Commissioner Moses Kaul underscored the significant economic investments, regional cooperation, and shared commitments between the two nations.

He highlighted in his address during the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence Anniversary at the Heritage Park Hotel in Solomon Islands last Friday.

One of the notable highlights in Kaul’s address was the mention of Papua New Guinea’s companies making substantial investments in Solomon Islands, totalling a remarkable $2 billion.

He acknowledged that these investments, though not without risks, have contributed significantly to economic opportunities and nation-building in Solomon Islands.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, High Commissioner Kaul expressed gratitude to major development partners, including Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Korea, and United Nations development agencies. He commended their generous assistance in realizing shared development goals and aspirations within the Pacific region.

Kaul offered insights into Papua New Guinea’s economic initiatives, which include diversifying trade, promoting manufacturing, and expanding downstream processing. These strategies aim to reduce imports and increase exports, ultimately strengthening foreign reserves. He highlighted the government’s ambitious policy of owning 55% of mining industries, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s economic landscape.

In a gesture of goodwill, High Commissioner Kaul mentioned Papua New Guinea’s generous donation of 100 million Kina to Solomon Islands, symbolizing their support for a close friend and ally in times of need.

Regarding security, Kaul emphasized Papua New Guinea’s active participation in safeguarding Solomon Islands. He noted their continued commitment through the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) arrangement and assured the Solomon Islands government and its people of their readiness to enhance security assistance during the Pacific Games and National General Elections in the upcoming year.

Kaul concluded his address by highlighting the resilience and unity of both nations in the face of global challenges. These challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, economic fluctuations, civil unrest, geopolitics, and regional politics. He paid tribute to those who championed independence in both countries, with a special mention of the late Grand Chief Michael Thomas Somare, who played a pivotal role in unifying diverse cultures and languages.

In closing, High Commissioner Kaul called for unity in nation-building, emphasizing the importance of leaving no one behind in the pursuit of national advancement. He rallied Solomon Islands for success in the upcoming Pacific Games, urging unity and good sportsmanship. Kaul envisioned a prosperous future where both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands continue to grow as stronger nations and invited collective contributions to achieve this shared aspiration.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, underscored the importance of flexibility and collaboration during the opening of the Forum Economic Minister’s Meeting in Fiji. He emphasized that Pacific nations must be willing to adapt to ensure the future prosperity of the Blue Pacific.

Brown highlighted that for Pacific regionalism to succeed, leaders must work together to identify common ground that aligns with the Leaders’ Vision. He urged leaders to seize the strategic opportunities ahead and stressed the significance of strategic engagement as a region.

“In light of ongoing regional processes, we have the chance to discover innovative approaches to maximize the benefits of regionalism,” Mr. Brown stated.

One of the key objectives for this year is the development of the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan. Brown announced that they would soon provide an update on the progress made in crafting a comprehensive, locally-led document for consideration by the leaders in November.

“While we have achieved significant milestones, there is still much work ahead of us. I urge all of us to have foresight and keep these crucial pending tasks in mind as we deliberate our prioritized agenda,” Mr. Brown added.

Henry Puna, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, acknowledged the remarkable progress made throughout the year. He called upon the Forum members to safeguard their priorities and not succumb to external interests in the region.

“As a Forum family, we have faced numerous challenges and changes while capitalizing on opportunities over the last 53 years,” Puna remarked.

The leaders emphasized the need for unity, adaptability, and self-determination as they work together to ensure the prosperity and sustainability of the Blue Pacific.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA provincial premier, Martin Fini assures to establish means for rural farmers to trade and earn maximum benefit from their agriculture products.

Speaking during a Food Fair demonstration program organized under the Mermaid project of World Vision on Thursday this week, he said his regime is adamant to support rural farmers in the province.

Before that, he thanked World Vision through the Mermaid project for instilling knowledge in rural farmers to go into farming as part of the overall project.

“MPG will see to the need to find market outside through trades or export for communities that work together through program such as the Mermaid project,” Fini said.

He said with the knowledge attained from program as such Mermaid, it would be encouraging to see communities venture into small scale farming even into large scale.

Fini said through such farming activity, communities will not only provide healthy and nutritious food for consumption, but also earn money through exports.

He said it is the role of both national and provincial governments to make legislations and set in place legal processes for locals to trade internationally.

“This will ensure maximum benefit is receive by local farmers,” Fini said.

According to Premier Fini this is one of the redirection policies of the current provincial regime, in which he is the captain.

He said government his redirection government is willing to work with national government, NGOs and other stakeholders to see such areas of need to our people are in place.

Fini said to achieve that, close cooperation is needed with our partners to develop the province toward a better, peaceful, successful and unify Malaita.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A team from World Vision Vanuatu is in the country on an exchange visit to learn from Melanesian Rural Market Innovation Driven program under World Vision known as the “Mermaid project.”

The team consisted of five members and led by the Manager for Climate Resilience Livelihood Portfolio World Vision Vanuatu, Ms Florence Bule.

In an interview upon their visit to attend a Mermaid Food Fair program at Gwouna’oa in Malaita province this week, she said they privileged to learn from Mermaid project World Vision Solomon.

She said World Vision Vanuatu has implemented similar Mermaid project to that in Solomon Islands and they are working with 8 communities.

Bule said the visit is to learn from how Mermaid Team Solomon has work with their communities. This is on supports provided on farming, saving and how they engage with youths under the project.

She said the team had a good interaction with Gwouna’oa community during the visit and a stand-out thing they learned was how the community put into action what they learned from the program.

Bule said they saw farming activity and projects such as piggery and poultry implemented by the community saving club through the grant assistance of the project.

She said the Mermaid project in Vanuatu is also on the same path, but unlike Solomon, they are yet to go into the small grant assistance.

According to Ms Bule, they’ve learned a lot from dialogue with community of Gwouna’oa especially on how they implement and benefit from the grant.

She said the visit is a bonus for them and from ideas learned, they will go back and put together to strengthen their work with Mermaid communities in Vanuatu.

“As we will go back, we will try and contextualize what we have learned and make it suitable to work with our people,” Bule said.

Also, she said the Mermaid project Vanuatu is yet to organize a food fair program and their experiences from the food fair program by Mermaid Solomon, they could organize similar event.

Bule said this will make farmers feel appreciated and proud of what they produce.

The team left Auki yesterday to Honiara and will leave Honiara to back to Port Villa, Vanuatu soon. 

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, has responded to recent allegations of corruption surrounding the award of a contract for the construction of the Faculty of Nursing Classroom and Laboratory.

The accusations were made by former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, George Kosui, on social media.

Kosui had claimed that the contract was influenced by Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate, Shadrach Fanega.

However, in an email leaked on social media, VC Aqorau communicated with the Solomon Islands National University Student Association (SINUSA) President, Ernest Kera, addressing the matter.

In his email, Aqorau acknowledged the multilayered tender process and emphasized that it would be difficult to manipulate the final outcome.

He highlighted that the student representative to the Council was present throughout the selection process, which involved presentations from four different companies.

Aqorau explained that the decisive factor in the Council’s decision was the response to a crucial question: “If Government is slow with the funds, will they be able to still complete the project?” Three of the companies (AJ Enterprise, JED Enterprise, Tropical Glass & Aluminum) provided responses indicating they couldn’t complete the project under such circumstances, while one company expressed confidence in their ability to do so.

He further stated that there were diverse opinions within the Council, and he denied claims that Fanega had unduly influenced the awarding of the contract. Aqorau emphasized that members had different views and preferences, which is expected in a committee setting.

Regarding the ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Aqorau expressed his willingness to cooperate fully and disclosed that the contract was co-signed by the Ministries of Education and Finance. He did not rule out the possibility of bribes but expressed doubts about claims that corruption influenced the final decision, given the rigorous multilayered process and the composition of the tender committee.

Aqorau reaffirmed his commitment to promoting good governance within the university and urged the next generation to embrace the values of ethical leadership, critical thinking, and good governance.

The situation continues to evolve as authorities investigate the matter.