BY SAMIE WAIKORI

COMMUNITIES of Elliote and Siwapo in Small Malaita have benefited from a fish handling and preservation training held from August 20-21.

The training was conducted by Malaita provincial fisheries through Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF) and funded by World Vision Solomon Islands (WVIS).

Senior Malaita fisheries office, Mr Matthew Isihanua who facilitated the training said the training aimed to equip members of the communities with necessary skills and knowledge on fish processing.

He said this is by adding value to fish, which can then be sold as a finish product to support their small income generation in rural villages.

Isihanua said the training covered; fish handling and preservation, fish chilling, use of slurry at sea, fish quality identification, personal hygiene, fish fileting, packaging, value adding, food-borne illness and post-harvest losses.

He said the training started from how participants should prepare themselves; personal hygiene, fish identification, processing where value is added and packaging as a finish product.

Isihanua said this is what the training basically about and participants had achieved a lot from the training and ready to go into the business.

He said the participants expressed their glee for the privilege to undergo the training, which will help them in small business in their rural setting.

Isihanua said they thanked Malaita provincial fisheries office through MSSIF and WVSI for the training and look forward for more of such training.

He also thanked the participants from the two communities for time and efforts spent to be part of the training, which will impact their livelihood.

Isihanua said Malaita provincial fisheries office is keen to support the communities with the training, as part of their fisheries program for the province.

Mysterious influx of cross-border arrivals sparks concern in East Guadalcanal

By EDDIE OSIFELO

In a perplexing turn of events, the East Guadalcanal Constituency is grappling with an unprecedented surge in cross-border arrivals.

Local reports suggest that thousands of individuals have entered the region in recent days, leaving authorities puzzled about the origins and motivations behind this influx.

The situation took a new twist as the LC Gulatata’e, a vessel previously associated with these border crossings, was reportedly preparing to set sail the previous night to East Guadalcanal Constituency. This development raises concerns about a potential second wave of arrivals, further exacerbating the chaos and instability already observed.

Questions abound regarding the source of these migrations. Population experts are skeptical that such a substantial increase in numbers—estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 people—could be attributed solely to natural growth over the past four years. Authorities are now striving to uncover the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

In the previous night, those who failed to cross earlier are said to be heading to East Guadalcanal on the LC Gulatata’e to complete their registration. Live information streaming indicates a logistical operation is underway, involving the loading of people, fuel drums, and cargo at Elite Shipping seafront near DC Park.

One of the central mysteries surrounding this situation is the funding behind these operations. Speculation is rife about whether it is part of a broader initiative, potentially involving external interests. The question of who is pouring resources into this registration process in East Guadalcanal remains unanswered, but it is a matter of significant concern.

Warnings have been issued to the cross-border arrivals, emphasizing potential repercussions if they continue to disregard advisories and enter East Guadalcanal Constituency over the next two weeks. The situation raises security concerns, prompting local law enforcement to remain vigilant.

As East Guadalcanal braces for the impending influx, there is a growing need for clarity and cooperation among authorities, community leaders, and relevant agencies. The impact of this sudden population surge on the region’s resources, infrastructure, and social stability is yet to be fully understood, making it imperative for a coordinated response to address the evolving situation.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi, has raised concerns about the ongoing issue of cross-border registration within the electoral system.

According to Anisi, even though there are provisions for individuals to register in multiple constituencies, the problem of cross-border voting remains a persistent challenge.

He elaborated, “If I go and register in Marovo, I am considered a cross-border registrant because I have no genuine connection to that specific constituency. What I emphasized earlier is that while one person can register in more than one constituency, the issue of cross-border voting continues to exist.”

Anisi emphasized the importance of genuine connections to a constituency. He stated, “If you are not related by blood and not residing there, technically, you are not eligible to vote in that constituency.”.

BY NED GAGAHE

HONIARA City Clerk Justus Denni is urging the public and business houses to support implementing ministry, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) on the ban on single use of plastics in the country.

Mr. Denni said HCC has thrown its full support towards the initiative and pledge to work hand in hand with MECDM to ensure Solomon Islands is plastic free.

“It will be a long way for us to get rid of our rubbish within Honiara City.

“On our part we would like to ask business houses and people to respect and listen to government.

“And let us start not to use the plastics, I understand that enforcement commenced on the 1^st of September 2023 but they are giving some grace period.   

“During this grace period let us think of alternatives to come up with and use

“We people to please change our attitude and behaviours when you go the market and shops try to bring your own bags. Let us all start this practise.

“We HCC are in support of this ban.” Mr. Denni said.

Minister for MoFR putt off postponement of felling license A10112 pending ownership dispute resolution

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER Dickson Mua Panakitasi of the Ministry of Forest and Research has issued a response to the appeal made by Southern Enterprises Sawmilling Company Limited (the “Appellant”) regarding the suspension of their felling license A10112.

Southern Enterprise Sawmilling Company Ltd is a licensee of Graceland Logging Company Limited that encroached and carried out illegal logging on customary land on Sulukoko in Small Malaita.

Minister Panakitasi’s decision comes after a comprehensive review of the case and a careful examination of the facts.

The suspension of the felling license was based on allegations of breaches of license terms and conditions, as well as violations of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization (Felling Licenses) Regulations 2005. The Appellant had appealed the decision of the Commissioner of Forest, and Minister Panakitasi, exercising powers under Section 39(2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act, considered the appeal.

The Minister noted that the Respondent had issued a ‘show cause’ notice on June 30, 2023, to which the Appellant responded on July 6, 2023. However, the Respondent remained dissatisfied with the Appellant’s representation, leading to the suspension of the felling license on July 17, 2023, citing breaches of Regulation 10(c) and (e) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization (Felling Licenses) Regulations 2005.

In the appeal submitted on July 31, 2023, the Appellant argued that the Respondent had erred in law by suspending their felling license despite the representation made on July 6, 2023. They claimed to have entered into an access agreement with George Kio, who had been appointed as the ‘care taker’ of Sulukokolo customary land by Chief Marawa, the only Chief and traditional leader, in the absence of the Complainant party.

Minister Panakitasi, however, found a lack of evidence to support Chief Marawa’s appointment and authorization of George Kio as the ‘care taker.’ Chief Marawa himself denied granting any consent, authority, or appointment to George Kio to act on behalf of the Sulukokolo tribe. The Minister concluded that the signing of the access agreement, leading to encroachment and tree harvesting within Sulukokolo customary land by the Appellant and Grace Logging (SI) Ltd without proper authorization, could potentially constitute trespass and illegal felling.

Regarding the ownership of Sulukokolo customary land, both the Appellant and the Complainant disputed each other’s claims without providing concrete evidence of ownership. However, the Minister pointed out that Chief Marawa’s denial of appointing a ‘care taker’ over Sulukokolo customary land indicated that there was no dispute over ownership, as the ownership had been clearly known by the parties concerned.

In light of these findings, Minister Panakitasi has decided to exercise his powers under Section 39(2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act to defer the suspension of the Appellant’s felling license A10112. His orders are as follows:

[a] The appeal made by the Appellant is acknowledged, and the decision over the Appellant’s appeal is deferred, subject to the outcome of the settlement of the encroachment into Sulukokolo customary lands.

[b] The Appellant and Grace Logging (SI) Limited are urged to settle the issue of encroachment and trespass on Sulukokolo customary land without the permission of the Sulukokolo tribal landowners.

[c] In the event that the above conditions are settled, the suspension order issued by the Respondent may no longer have any effect, and the license may be reinstated accordingly.

Minister Panakitasi assures all parties involved that this decision is made with the utmost consideration of fairness and justice in mind. The deferment of the suspension allows for the resolution of disputes and ensures that the interests of all parties are taken into account.

This decision is seen as a balanced approach to a complex issue and aligns with the provisions of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act. The Minister’s commitment to a just resolution of the matter has been commended by stakeholders.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHINESE embassy in Honiara is saying that few people are keen to spread misinformation out of political purposes.

This statement was made in response to claims that replica guns imported into the country from China are, in fact, real firearms and not replicas as previously reported.

Responding to the claims that was widely circulated in previous days, Chinese Embassy said since the launch of policing cooperation between China and Solomon Islands, a number of fruitful assistance and training programs are carried out.

They said the cooperation are based on the principles of “professionalism, efficiency and friendliness” and “openness, transparency and goodwill,” China will continue to provide support within its capacity to Solomon Islands, in accordance with the wish and needs of the country to help it to achieve long-term peace and stability.

The policing cooperation has improved law enforcement capabilities of the RSIPF, and played a positive role in promoting stability of the country.

The cooperation is widely welcomed by the people of Solomon Islands, and positively reported many times by the SI media.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Mostyn Mangau reiterated that the replica firearms, consisting of 95 replica rifles and 92 replica pistols, are not designed to fire live ammunition. They are intended for training purposes and have a similar weight to real rifles and pistols. The RSIPF received a donation of 60 plastic rifles and 150 plastic pistol training aids from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

He said that the truth remains, the consignment are imitation firearms from China for Training Purposes. These replicas were not smuggled or concealed and was cleared as per Process.

“Solomon Island is a sovereign country and when it comes to security we must be sensitive about police capabilities. There is nothing to conceal or hide regarding these replica guns. These things do not in any way threaten the security of this country so far, except they are as good as helping RSIPF in building its tactical knowledge and capabilities,” Mangau said.

RSIPF officers have been undergoing training with the replica guns since their arrival, and these replicas will continue to be utilized for training purposes. It is crucial to ensure that facts are verified.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A contentious debate has emerged in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) as an outspoken resident, Lawrence Makili, questions the timeline provided by the Electoral Commission for the voter registration process in his constituency.

The Electoral Commission had initially allocated a narrow timeframe, from September 4 to September 10, 2023, for voter registration in MOI.

However, Makili contends that this timeline is unreasonably short, given that a significant number of eligible voters are still located in Honiara.

Underpinning Makili’s argument is the Electoral Law’s prescribed registration period, which extends from September 4 to 29, 2023.

He emphasises that the delay in constituents returning to their electoral district was not due to their negligence but rather a result of inadequate transportation provisions by the government, notably the Franchise shipping service.

Makili anticipates that some voters may still travel to MOI to participate in the registration process, possibly boarding the MV Carolina tomorrow or Friday.

His concern also extends to the allocation of funds for the election process, particularly Australia’s substantial million-dollar contribution.

He queries the whereabouts of these funds and questions why they haven’t been effectively utilised to facilitate a smoother registration process during the designated period.

In response to Makili’s concerns, the Electoral Commission has offered an extension to the registration period. They have assured Makili that the chartered vessel will remain in MOI for an additional two days, allowing more time for constituents to register. The vessel is scheduled to return with Registration Officers on Monday.

To address the ongoing issues and concerns raised by residents like Makili, the Electoral Commission has planned a Media Press Conference for today.

This situation underscores the importance of careful planning and logistical arrangements for election processes, especially in remote and geographically challenging regions like MOI.