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Potential tourism land search on Guadalcanal, Central and Western

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MCT PS Barney Sivoro (left) and MCC Resident Threshold Director Charles Jakosa. Photo supplied.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Culture and Tourism is looking at identifying other investable potential sites on registered land on Guadalcanal, Central Islands and Western province.

This is made possible by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funded Accessing Land for Tourism Investment Facilitation (ALTIF) project.

Initially, MCT has already identified 80 investable potential sites on registered land in Western Province, supported by International Finance Corporation (IFC).

MCT permanent secretary, Barney Sivoro told media in a joint press conference with MCC Resident Threshold Director Charles Jakosa at the US Embassy yesterday.

He said over the years, they tried to develop tourism sector but with little improvement due to number of factors like lack of quantity and quality rooms to meet international standard.

Further to that, he said on biggest challenge tourism faced is lack of investable sites (land) to attract investors.

Sivoro said there are land but not properly exposed and profiling to the state to attract investors to come and invest.

However, he said under this ALTIF project, it will address this problem.

Sivoro said for sub activity 1 of this project is to improve access to land and establish social license to operate for Tourism investors.

He said the key objective is to enable tourism investment to have long term land tenure security through fair business agreement with land owners and surrounding communities.

The implementing partner for this activity is Tetra Tech.

Furthermore, Sivoro said in the sub activity 2 is to increase tourism investment through investment facilitation.

He said the key objective is to take proactive approach to facilitate tourism investment on attractive investment process to help all relevant actors realise tangible investments that will contribute to long term economic growth through tourism.

IFC is the implementing partner in the activity.

Further to that, Sivoro said there will be Facilitated Governance Reform to help them in the processes and policies to facilitate access to land and investments are assessed, reviewed, amended and documented in order to establish sets of practical and workable approaches in the long term.

The implementing partner in this activity is DT Global.

The MCC ALTIF project is a four years cycle project.

The MCC identified the Solomon Islands as a country partner in December 2018, and, due to delays caused by covid, the MCC and the Government of Solomon Islands signed the Solomon Islands Threshold Program Grant Agreement in January 2022, formalizing a partnership that aims to encourage sustainable development and alleviate poverty. The US$20 million investment works to yield economic growth in the natural resource management and tourism sectors. 

Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.

Solomon Islands Government and the MCC Threshold Program are also partnering on the Forest Value Enhancement Project (FoVEP), which aims to generate more reliable, sustainable benefits from the country’s natural forest resources.

US embassy refutes ‘fantasy’ media report of backing assassination plot on PM Sogavare

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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US Embassy office in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

BY NED GAGAHE & IRWIN ANGIKI

The United States embassy has refuted Solomon Star’s front-page story claiming the US was behind an assassination plot on Prime Minister Sogavare.

Spokesman for the embassy, Damian Wampler describes the report as ‘outrageous’ and an effort ‘to undermine and damage US-Solomon Islands relations’.

The office of the prime minister and cabinet (OPMC) is expected to make a statement on this matter today.

Solomon Star on Saturday (March 4) published a front-pager titled ‘TOP SECRET OUT’ alleging US of having supported a move to oust the DCGA government and assassinate PM Manasseh Sogavare.

The article references unnamed sources for the allegations, and withheld names.

Police (RSIPF) has chosen to remain silent on this matter. “Police are unable to respond to such an issue,” Police Media told the paper this week.

Meanwhile, members of public have taken to social media questioning the credibility of the article and its author, a veteran journalist. One prominent academic has labelled the article ‘a story on unfounded rumours’.

The media association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has responded calling on the Solomon Star to be responsible in its news reporting. MASI describes the article as having ‘no substantial evidence’ and ‘based on mere hearsay’.

Embassy spokesman Mr Wampler responding to Island Sun enquiry earlier this week said:

“The United States condemns the outrageous claims made in the Solomon Star newspaper that the United States is involved in an assassination plot against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“Efforts to undermine and damage US-Solomon Islands relations will not succeed.

“The story is a wild fantasy that has no truth or merit whatsoever. Any efforts to undermine advancing US-Solomon Islands relations, to be clear, will only end in failure.

“We continue to call on all parties in Solomon Islands to engage in constructive, inclusive dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution to their differences and secure a prosperous future for the country.

“The opening of the US Embassy in Honiara this year is an expansion of our engagement with the Solomon Islands, further solidifying the US commitment to our relationship and to the people of the Solomon Islands.

“The United States has a long history of engagement in Solomon Islands. Examples include the commencement of the U.S. government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)’s work with the Government of Solomon Islands through a four-year $20 million MCC Threshold Program; sharing 188,370 COVID-19 vaccine doses and other assistance to Solomon Islands to combat the pandemic; support through USAID’s SCALE program; and the mitigation of unexploded ordnance. 

“Solomon Islanders, along with people from across the region, also actively participate in the State Department’s Young Pacific Leaders Program and many other exchange programs.

“Our relationship with the Solomon Islands has never been stronger.

“We look forward to accelerating our collaboration and building our ties together to facilitate a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

Cyber-bullying claims another life

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ANOTHER young life has been lost early this week due to cyber-bullying.

Gizo residents woke to news on Tuesday a teenage boy was found dead at Power House Area, West of Gizo.

Unconfirmed report reaching Island Sun Gizo said the deceased hanged himself and the cause of the death was self-strangulation.

Reports say that the deceased was a victim of cyber-bullying.

Attempt to get information from Gizo police proved futile due to government protocols on information sharing from government institutions to the media.

Island Sun understands that this is the second victim of cyber-bullying. The first was also from Western province, who took his life after facing cyber-bullying in 2020.

The general public is condemning those bullies who prey on people on social media calling on responsible authorities to take strong measures.

Solomon Islands is yet to have a Cyber-Security Law thus the deaths reinforce the need for the national government to fast track endorsing one.

Malaita expects to pass $25m budget this week

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA Provincial Assembly expects to pass its 2022/2023 revised budget of $25,292, 482 by the end of the week.

Full assembly meeting took place yesterday in Auki to debate the revised budget – similar to the budget that was defeated two months ago.

Presenting the budget on the floor of assembly yesterday, Provincial Finance Minister under Malaita New Government for Fundamental Redirection (MNGFR) Randal Sifoni thanked the administration for preparing the budget.

He said the 2022/2023 revised budget estimate are;

  • the total revenue budget summary is estimated at SBD25,292,482.
  • the total expenditure budget summary is estimated at SBD25,292,482
  • the total recurrent revenue for financial year 2022/23 is estimated at SBD 20,342,182, an increase of SBD2,116,628 or 12% increase from the 2022/23 original estimates.

Sifoni said of the total recurrent revenue, MPG estimated its local revenue will contribute around $7,982,746.

Adding that SIG through service grant to contribute SBD11,636,456, timber right hearing will be SBD294,954, SBD161,826 from reserve account and MPGIS second appointed day fund of SBD30,000.

He said from the difference of total recurrent revenue less total recurrent expenditure figures, they anticipate a surplus of SBD5,108,700 to cover the ward funded projects summed at SBD5,008,700 and PCDF co-funding of SBD100,000 in the Capital Expenditure.

Sifoni said the total revised recurrent expenditure for financial year 2022/23 is estimated at SBD 15,233,481.

Adding that the disbursement of these expenditures covers core expenditure levels of the provincial government include:

  1. Salary & wages                                                                SBD7,193,289
  2. Consultancy cost                                                  SBD1,226,935
  3. Operational costs                                                 SBD3,068,937
  4. Assembly and Executive expenditure                              SBD2,199,383
  5. Debt Servicing                                                                  SBD   900,000
  6. Repairs & Maintenance                                       SBD   644,938

He said the total revised capital revenue is SBD4,950,300, new PCDF allocation is SBD1,249,637, commitment carried forward $2,260,905 and tourism fund of SBD500,000.

Sifoni said the World Bank Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Programme (IEDCR) at SBD312,409 and Government for Climate Resilience SBD627,349.

He said on the revised capital expenditure, the province plans to spend a total of SBD10,059,000 for this fiscal year.

Debate on the budget speeches presented by premier Fini and minister Sifoni will begin today. Yesterday, a total of 28 MPAs from both sides have attended the meeting.

The current meeting is to pass the 2022/2023 revised budget, and before the end of this month they will convene another full assembly meeting to pass the 2023/2024 original budget.

New Malaita govt announces plan to reconcile with national govt

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Martin Gaote'e Fini.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE new government of Malaita has announced it will reconcile with the national government.

Malaita New Government for Fundamental Redirection (MNGFR) Premier Martin Gaote’e Fini announced this during his budget speech yesterday.

He said it is part of his government’s strategic intervention (2), that is to rebuild confidence with SIG/DCGA, donors and people of Malaita province.

The objective of the reconciliation is to regain confidence and resolve the long-standing stand-off between DCGA and Malaita province, he said. 

“After this assembly meeting, my new government (MNGFR) will organize a reconciliation ceremony to resolve the long-standing stand-off between DCGA and Malaita Province that had direct effect on the donors and other development partners.

“Our objective is to regain the confidence and trust that has been destroyed within the three years.

“My new government (MNGFR) will continue to work in close collaboration with the national government, donor partners and other development partners to achieve our goals in this 11th hour,” Fini said.

According to Fini, his government is about Inclusiveness.

“It is about working together.

“It is about ordinary people working with their elected government for the purpose of addressing pressing needs in our communities.

“It is about re-establishing links with the national government, other provinces and donors. No one can walk the development road alone.

“It calls for all hands-on deck,” he said.

Fini also explained that their intention to take up government was not inspired by a desire to grab power.

He said their intention based on conviction that this great province of Malaita can be great again.

“Our intention is to restore Malaita’s image, pride and leadership role in the affairs of our nation through partnership with MEDI, MPGIS, key ministries and important development partners.

“As the new Premier, I am convinced that this redirection policy will make our province to regain its rightful place and continue to contribute to the betterment of our society.

“In other words, we acted on our conviction that this great province of Malaita can be rescued even at the 11th hour” Fini said.

He said that MNGFR is determined to restore Malaita’s image through its flagship policy of “fundamental redirection policy”.

“We believe that in pursuing this policy initiative, Malaita can be great again,” premier said.

GET TO KNOW OF DISASTER

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Govt and UNDP push for our children to learn of disaster risk reduction

BY BEN BILUA

Solomon Islands communities are vulnerable to disasters.

This has prompted government to push for our new generation to be taught on disasters and how to mitigate risks.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is helping government achieve this.

UNDP is working closely with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development to introduce Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) to the school curriculum.

Speaking during the launching of IDRR in the Western Province earlier this month Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRM) Project Deputy Project Manager Deltina Solomon Mamu said UNDP and the Ministry of Education are currently reviewing the guidelines and IDRR handbook.

She said the collaboration is paramount as Solomon Islands is vulnerable to natural disasters.

“In one of the workshops that I’ve attended, NDMO highlight that Solomon Islands is ranked as the second highest country vulnerable to impacts of disaster or emergencies in the world.

“This is evident in more than 80 percent of our population living in low vulnerable coastal rural areas and are heavily reliant on subsistence economy.

“Should disaster occur our shelter and livelihood will be easily destroyed,” Mamu said.

She said the IDRR handbook will provide broader awareness beginning with children at schools to communities to improve resilience.

“Despite a number of island communities have developed disaster preparedness and response capacity through Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction programs (CBDRR) and certain level of institutional preparedness and strengthening, the recent review of National Disaster Management Plan 2018 (N-DMP18), states there is ‘limited awareness of the NDMP18 and disaster management responsibilities, lack of communication, coordinated strategic planning and cross-agency engagement, particularly at operational and middle-management levels and no common disaster management communication system for disaster management agencies(IMP,2020),” Mamu said.

$16m for recovery of businesses from the November 2021 riots

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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China Town during the 2021 riot.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has disbursed a total of $16 million to assist owners of properties in Chinatown, torched and destroyed during the riots in November 2021.

This was based on a policy government passed last year to support the property owners.

Under the policy, Government would provide incentives, relief on duties on goods and materials and give them capital injection up to $2 million for those affected.

Ministry of Finance and Treasury permanent secretary, McKinnie Dentana said some property owners have received $2 million, others less than $2 million and $1 million.

He said this was based on the assessment carried out by Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration technical team on their sites.

Dentana said the assistance was to support the property owners restock their shops because some have relocated to new locations and for reconstruction.

He said the support is very small because some of the properties valued more than $10m.

“But the government can only go as far as the amount to rebuild their businesses,” he added.

Furthermore, assessments have been carried out by Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Development Architectural and building license services, National Disaster Management Office, Honiara City Council and Solomon Islands Fire Services last year.

This happened after HCC convened a meeting with Solomon Islands Chinese Association (SICA) in January 2022.

Reports from the assessments recommended that 32 buildings need to be demolished immediately before the Pacific Games in November.

Ministry of Finance and Treasury has confirmed the November riots has showed an estimated loss of $811 million in 2021.

It happened after protestors demanded Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to step down after his government switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China.

However, there were other mixed issues blamed for the riots as well like ‘economic inequality’ and ‘ethnic tension’.

Govt turns to fisheries, mining to replace logging

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MoFT Permanent Secretary McKinnie Dentana. Photo by SBM

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands will depend on fisheries and mining to fill the gap left behind by the declining logging industry.

Logging is the major contributing revenue earner to the government coffers.

Ministry of Finance and Treasury permanent secretary, McKinnie Dentana told media last Friday that in previous years, they normally recorded two million cubic metres of round logs export.

However, he said now it has reduced below two million cubic metres.

As part of controlling the harvesting of logs, the government came up with a sustainable logging policy.

Dentana said under the policy, a ceiling of below 1.7 million cubic metres is allowed for export to allow for regeneration of the logs.

Apart from that, he said few sectors to fill the gap left by logging are fishery and mining.

He said the government is closely watching Gold Ridge mining as it is expected to commence full commercial production towards end of this year.

According to International Monetary Fund, the current account deficit of the Solomon Islands Government is projected to widen to 15.0 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 and remain around 9 percent of GDP over the medium term, reflecting the decline in log production, slowing potential growth of China, the main export destination, and high imports for infrastructure projects.

IFM says foreign reserves are forecast to decline further to 5.8 months of imports by 2027, although they would still be within the adequacy range at this lower level.

Overall, IFM says Solomon Islands economy is recovering from a series of shocks, supported by the reopening of the border and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games.

But the recovery has been fragile as Russia’s war in Ukraine has led to higher inflation and a worsening of the terms of trade.

Expenditures related to the Pacific Games and the general elections need to be well controlled to minimize the crowding out of other essential spending. Public investment projects should be phased in line with the economy’s absorptive capacity and accompanying financing arrangements need to be prudently negotiated.

Modernizing legal and regulatory frameworks and strengthening anti-corruption and auditing institutions remains critical for mitigating governance vulnerabilities and corruption risks.

SI to get $82m from ADB

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Islands stands to receive $82.6 million from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) – half as grant, the other half in loan.

This assistance is part of a USD $38 million (SBD 314 million) disaster financing package by ADB for four countries in the Pacific.

ADB announced this yesterday.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD$38 million (SBD 264.5 million) in contingent disaster financing to help Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga respond to disasters triggered by natural hazards and health emergencies, ADB media statement said.

The support comes from the fourth phase of the Pacific Disaster Resilience Program and will provide Kiribati with an USD $8 million grant, Samoa with a USD $10 million grant, Solomon Islands with a USD $5 million (SBD 41.3 million) grant and a USD $5 million (SBD 41.3 million) loan, and Tonga a USD $10 million grant. All four countries have made strong progress on building the resilience of their institutions, which build on the previous phases of the program.

“The Pacific Disaster Resilience Program will provide the participating countries with quick disbursing, flexible budget support for urgent relief, and early recovery from disasters,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez.

Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga are highly vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards and health emergencies. ADB’s support to the Pacific under previous phases of the program has helped strengthen policy, legislative, and institutional arrangements to manage climate and disaster risk, including health emergencies.

The programme fills a financing gap common in the Pacific during disasters, providing a predictable and quick-disbursing source of financing for early response and recovery activities.

The project is financed by a $5 million concessional loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a $33 million grant from the Asian Development Fund (ADF). The ADF provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

–ADB PRESS

WE’RE NOT BROKE!

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dentana
Permanent Secretary for Finance McKinnie Dentana.

Gov’t denies cashflow problem, says $200m in coffers  

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Finance and Treasury has denied any cash flow problem as there is still $200 million in the coffers.

Permanent Secretary, McKinnie Dentana clarified this during a media press conference last Friday.

This came after Ministry of Education and Human Resources permanent secretary, Dr Franco Rodie claimed government sponsored law students did not get their allowances between October and December due to lack of funds in the Finance ministry.

However, Dentana said the government has $200m cash at hand but blames the problem faced by the education ministry on ‘stress on the process’.

He said a lot of pressure came towards the end of the year including holidays.

“It is not a funding issue.

“It is a processing pressure in the ministry of finance, especially as far as our capacity is concerned.

“That is the main issue,” he said.

Dentana said, “for your information they move from 2022 to 2023 almost $200 million in cash.

“That’s why I am saying it’s not a financing issue but a processing stress,” he added.

Island Sun understands the Government still owes suppliers about $9m for their services provided to the government during the covid-19 pandemic.

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