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Coconut rhinoceros beetle is here to stay: MAL

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle’s (CRB’s).

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) is now beyond eradication and is here to stay.

This message of a lost hope to rid the country of the pest is uttered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Permanent Secretary of MAL, Mr Lottie Vaesekavea said his ministry is now working on the only measure against the beetle, which is to manage or control it.

In an interview during his recent trip to Auki, he said CRB has spread to almost every island in the country and work to secure the insect not to damage coconuts (palm) is going on.

He said the current status of CRB is beyond eradication and MAL is only working to manage them by reducing their trend in the country.

Vaesekavea said that there is a concept known as “insect family planning” and the concept involved bio-control that affects the breeding capacity of the insects (CRB).

He explained that the concept was put in place and it gears at reducing the breeding number of CRB.

Vaesekavea said the core strengthen of the program was for everyone to participate in it, and this is by restoring coconut as an important income source.

He explained that the program required management or cleaning of coconut farms or plantation to do away with ideal places where CRB could breed.

Vaesekavea said this is the concept and only if people see coconut as an important income source it will apply, if not the beetle will continue to breed.

He said through the restoration of coconut farms or plantation it covers; cleaning, replanting and everyone must bear in mind that MAL cannot do it by themselves, it needs everyone to do it.

Vaesekavea stressed that collective participation of everyone is paramount in this effort to manage CRB and to strengthen coconut industry for market.

Concern raised over persons with mental illness increasing in Honiara

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The roundabout at the Honiara City Council

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The increasing number of persons with mental illness roaming the streets of Honiara is being raised once again.

This threat is more pronounced against females – girls and women.

A concerned female Sadlyn Leon proposed to this paper yesterday that relatives and authorities should work together to address this issue.

She person with mental illness is dangerous to people walking the streets of Honiara because some are aggressive.

“We are approaching the big events that are going to happen in the months to come and this issue of mentally-ill is really out of control,” Ms Leon said.

She said most of the persons with mental illness are sleeping along the shops at Point-Cruz and the market area and authorities with the help of relatives should assist to remove them of the streets.

Leon said last week a student was lucky enough to escape a punch from one mentally-ill person along the Point Cruz area. Therefore authorities should quickly address the issue before the big event are happening, Leon said.

TSI welcomes PEC decision to postpone MPs’ entitlement

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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TSI Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Liloqula .

By EDDIE OSIFELO

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands has welcomed the decision by the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission to postpone the proposal for salary arrears of Members of Parliament to next year.

PEC agreed to this decision on April 1 due to the state of the country’s economy impacted by Covid-19 and the upcoming National General Elections in April 2024.

TSI Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Liloqula said this was a best decision made so far by PEC.

However, she said the justification to consider the proposal at the first place was not warranted.

Liloqula said PEC should not compare remuneration increase of Chief Justice with the MPs.

She said the increase remuneration for Chief Justice is warranted because you cannot pick someone from the street to occupy the position.

“As a Chief Justice, you have to possess higher education qualification, experience in law and work everyday from Monday to Friday.

“Unlike the MPs, the only qualification is you have to be a Solomon Islands citizen and win the election to get into Parliament,” she said.

As such, Liloqula said you cannot compare the Chief Justice with the MPs’ entitlements.

Moreover, the TSI CEO said the Minister of Finance and Treasury and Chairman of Public Accounts Committee should not be part of PEC.

She alleged there is high possibility they could influence the decision of PEC in relation to MPs’ entitlements.

Therefore, she said there should be neutral people in the Commission for transparency and accountability’s sake.

Apart from that, in February this year, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer suggested that a “Government Remuneration Tribunal” be set up to deal with salaries and benefits of the Government and the Public Service.

He repeated this proposal in his speech at the opening of the 2023 Legal Year last week.

“I have suggested that a “Government Remuneration Tribunal”, similar to the model in Vanuatu be set up, by legislation, which can be responsible for dealing with the salaries and benefits of all other leaders (including Constitutional Post holders) in the Government and Provincial Governments, and the Public Service, Sir Albert said.

“So, whenever there is a review done on salaries, this body can liaise closely with the “Members of Parliament (Entitlements) Commission”, so that it is considered on a holistic basis and not piecemeal or reactionary,” he added

MP SALARY REVIEW POSTPONED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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PEC moves exercise to June or July due to country’s poor economy

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Members of Parliamentary Entitlement Commission will re-look into the salaries of the Members of Parliament in June or July this year.

This came after PEC postponed the proposed outstanding salaries of MPs, since 2017 and 2019, when the Parliamentary Entitlement Regulation comes into effect on April 1.

The decision was made following consultation with Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Inland Revenue Department in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and other stakeholders.

The reasons for the postponement were due to the states of the country’s economy impacted by Covid-19 and the upcoming National General Elections in April 2024.

However, Secretary of PEC, Derrick Vagi told Island Sun there is a provision in the PER to consider salary any time of the year.

As such, Vagi said PEC will re-consult with stakeholders to re-look into the salaries of MPs.

Chairman of PEC, Johnson Siapu told Tavuli News the Commission is satisfied that all organizations consulted with have provided best information and best facts to conclude, that salary arrears and not increase in 2017 and 2019.

“With that we satisfy, this is the conclusion of this much talked about salaries of MPs,” he said.

Siapu said because of the upcoming NGE in 2024, the Commission does not see this become an issue from now until elections due to covid 19 and current commitment towards Pacific Games.

Furthermore, he said the Government revenue is not stable.

“We have portion of 2023 budget in deficit and state of economy has been reported by CBSI that not good for us to engage in this kind of funds going out.

“It is very fertile and very uncertainty in our current situation,” he added.

The PEC consists of the Chairman and four under members.

The other members are Minister of Finance and Treasury and Chairman of Public Accounts Commission.

5 independent candidates for West Kwara’ae by-election

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

ABOUT five independent candidates have submitted their nomination papers to contest the West Kwara’ae by election in Malaita Province on May 24, 2023.

This came after Governor General Sir David Vunagi appointed the date of election on March 28.

Th commences the 56 days’ timeline leading up to the election day.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Operation Team Leader, Joy Manu told media last Thursday the last day of delivery of nomination paper is on April 12.

She said checking of validity and last day of withdrawal is on April 14.

“It closes at 4pm. By 5pm, we have ballot paper draw at Buma station.

“The final notice from Returning Officer along with candidates’ details and nominators details with final voters list for the polling stations will be pinned up at all 29 polling stations for West Kwara’ae,” she said.

Further to that, Manu said they have 29 polling stations and one pre-polling station to take the number of polling stations to 30 for counting.

She said currently the Assistant Returning Officer is doing awareness in communities in West Kwara’ae.

“They received more than 300 applications of Polling Officers at the close of applications last week.

“After shortlisting and have final lists of Polling officers, we have 155 Polling Officers working at the Polling Stations,” she said.

Furthermore, Manu said they also piloting one extra Polling Officer for West Kwara’ae.

“We are trying out for extra officer to help out on ballot paper issuer, assign Presiding Officer,” she added.

Moreover, Manu said counting starts after retrieval of kits of ballot boxes on 25th May.

She said it will still be batch counting that going to take more than a day.

Then, they will have the Transmission of result and gazette.

Manu said the Returning Officer has provisional of declaration of result at count centre, and office to give out final summary of counts for gazetting.

Pearson Simi is the RO for the West Kwara’ae by election.

The seat was left vacant following the death of three term Member of Parliament, Sam Iduri on January 23.

About 8,571 votes have been casted during National General in West Kwara’ae in 2019.

From the total votes casted, there were 13 rejected votes.

Premiers acknowledge host province for hospitality

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Francis Sade.

BY BEN BILUA

PROVINCIAL Leaders who attended the recent Premiers Workshop at Gizo have acknowledged the Premier and people of Western Province for their hospitality.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Premier of Guadalcanal, Francis Sade said the week-long meeting has been very successful that led to the successful signing of the communique.

He acknowledged Prime Ministers’ Office for bringing provincial premiers together to be part of the meeting.

Sade also acknowledges the Ministry of Provincial Government, the staff, and other government officials for facilitating the workshop.

He said Provincial Premiers will always stand together to support the national government’s policies and strategies going forward.

On the same note, Sade acknowledged the Premier of Western Province as well as the people of Western Province for their support towards hosting the important meeting.

“On behalf of the Premiers and all the delegation, we thank you for the hospitality, ” he said.

Electoral Act expands Commission’s mandate to deliver the synchronised elections in 2024

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands Election Commission (SIEC) Chief Executive Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is increasing its manpower and to expand office spaces to deliver the synchronised elections on April 17, 2024.

The synchronised elections will see SIEC holding elections for all provinces except Western Province and Choiseul Province, Honiara City Council and the National General Election on the same date.

SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi told media last Thursday the Electoral Act 2018 has extended Electoral Commission mandates to look after conduct of election for all election in the country.

Anisi said this has impacted SIEC in terms of capacity and physical spaces to be fully executive its functions.

He said since last year, 2022, Electoral Commission has constantly increased its manpower and has last filled the position of the new CEO along with others being filed including a new legal office, new Principal IT officer, Deputy CEO, and Corporate Service Manager.

“The Office is expected to grow waiting for appointment of 6 new positions.

“More temporary positions will be recruited mid-April this year for the upcoming voter registration,” he said.

Further to that, Anisi added to the pool of election workers SIEC is also getting on board short term position for few technical support positions such as website administrator and graphic designers, causal labourers when needed when it comes to sorting and packing voter registration and election materials.

“SIEC has also received technical support from international expertise.

“There are four advisors who sit in the office at the moment,” he said.

Furthermore, Anisi said three technical consultants supported by UNDP SECSIP and another by AusAid.

He said they are also receiving technical support from IFES, Australia Electoral Commission, and NZ Electoral Commission and are expecting more through supports from European Union and Government of Australia and New Zealand.

Moreover, Anisi said the Office is planning to expand the office premises by relocating some of the work departments within the office to new office space.

“It is also looking at procuring new and much bigger space to accommodate all the election materials for the synchronised election,” he added.

In addition, Anis said SIEC is building its network in stakeholder engagement.

“It has and will continue to work with stakeholders, establish committees and build networks with relevant stakeholders for efficiency and maximising and sharing of resources for the purposes of delivering the 2024 synchronised national general election,” he added.

17-YO TO REGISTER

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands Election Commission (SIEC) Chief Executive Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

Electoral commission considers the 18th birthday before election

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Electoral Commission is looking at registering 17-year-olds in the coming registration update from July 17 – August 26 this year.

This is provided for under the Electoral Act 2018.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi told media last Thursday that in the old electoral Act, the voter registration eligibility age was 18 years old which usually denies voting rights to those whose 18th birthday falls before election day but after the registration period.

Anisi said registration of 17 year-olds within the period of registration will allow those whose 18th birthday falls before the election day to be able to vote.

“However, 17-year-old registrants will remain in a separate voter list as 17 years old voter list and will only automatically transfer onto the final list of voters on their 18th birthday,” he said.

In addition, Anisi said pre poll voting at the moment is a provision that allows for election workers who will be working on election day to cast their vote prior to field deployment.

“However, there has bee a lot of discussion around the inclusion of other classes of voters which include the essential worker’s category of voters however, it involves many aspects that need in-dept discussions and technicalities hence will need more time before the commission to deliberate on before it can make decision on,” he added.

Apart from that, Anisi said out of country voting in person or by voting is also another major decision that the commission is yet to make a decision on.

He said Out of Constituency or country voting either in person or through other voting methods is too technical and needs legal reform to ensure, vote secrecy remains protected.

“These are big changes that cannot be implemented at once.

“The amount of time we have and the tendency that the general public will consume or absorb these changes at once is just unrealistic and hence electoral commissions ensures these are adopted one at a time,” he said.

Aqorau outlines key goals to drive SINU forward

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau has outlined three key goals to help build SINU a university that is internationally recognized and respected.

Aqorau highlighted this in his Easter address this week.

The issues are to address SINU governance, finance and administrative systems, get SINU to be registered under Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Skills Authority (SITESA) and apply for ranking for the university.

“First to address issues such as governance, financial, administrative systems and processes to meet the due diligence of donors.

“I recognize that in order for the university to grow, we need others to invest in the university, in its programs and facilities. We must have their confidence in our systems and processes. I take a broad view of governance to also include student admission processes, our grading systems etc… which is critical for the effective functioning of the university.

“The second is to get the university registered under SITESA an educational service provider, and to have all its courses accredited. This is also a critical step to ensure that that the programs that are offered by the university meet the qualification standards of the national and regional regulatory standards. My goal for you is to ensure that we empower the future thought leaders of the country with global employability skills so that the qualifications that you get the university will allow you to work overseas as well.

“The third is to eventually apply for ranking for the university. This is a process where the University will be assessed against standards that are set for universities. This process will measure our progress as a university and assesses if we meet standards that relate to student facilities, staff and student welfare, and whether our performance in research and publications measure up to these standards. These goals are important if we want to be recognized by others.” Aqorau said.

Heavy penalties ahead for littering: Rodgers

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Chairman of NHA and Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

The National Hosting Authority in collaboration with Honiara City Council and the Government will be enforcing heavy penalties commencing next month in support the Safe and Green games cleanup campaign to keep Honiara clean for the PG2023.

Sol 2023 National Hosting Authority (NHA) Chairman, Jimmie Rodgers warned public during its first talkback show 2pm on Sunday 2nd of April at the SIBC.

“We must try to keep Honiara clean because we want to be proud of Honiara our city. Honiara will be the eye representing us during the Pacific Games.

“We are very happy with the response from our Private Sectors, business community and Government Ministries towards the Safe and Green Games campaign. I think we notice last week the city looks clean.

 “Well, it has come to our observation that when others do the clean-up, others do the littering. It happens over night or even a day later, after the clean-up. So a lot of people don’t change the attitude.

“We must understand the cleaning up of our city is not for few people but for everyone, so whenever you get a hold on to any piece of object, think twice before you drop it,” he said

He confirmed the By-law will be effective as of May 1, 2023, which means people who throw rubbish around the city will be fined on the spot.

“The legal framework to carry out the By-law has already been put in place. Even to vehicle drivers who chew betel-nut and spit out of their car while driving, will also be held accountable. Their driver’s licences will be suspended and the car will not be on the road again.

“So there will be heavy penalties,” Rodgers added.

He said it’s the responsibility of the vehicle owners and drivers to make sure passengers don’t spit out of the car or throw their rubbish out of the car or bus.

“So, these are penalties that will come into effective online.  To all shop owners. Seven meters out from the shop is still your responsibility. So if there is people selling betel nut in front of your shops and makes the site looks unpresentable, the shop will be face fine charges as well.

“So before reaching the penalty stage always throw our rubbish at the right places or in the bins provided along the streets. We will be looking to make the bins available,” Rodger said.

He also assured some of the private sector have indicated they’re procuring bins that will be put out along the streets to make sure there is no excuse.

“Currently I believe there are not enough bins in the streets. We will make sure the bins are there with in the next few weeks,” the NHA Chairman said.

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