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PM Sogavare to attend special retreat in Fiji

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the Pacific Islands Forum Special Retreat in Fiji from February 22-24.

A well-placed source confirmed PM Sogavare will lead a small delegation to attend the meeting next week.

The Special Retreat came about after the 17 members of PIF, except Kiribati, adopted the Suva Agreement in Fiji last July, with the aim of working together to advance the interests of the Pacific.

Kiribati refused to attend after PIF failed to uphold the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ to rotate the post of Secretary General.

If the leaders had followed the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’, the SG should come from any country of Micronesia.

Instead, the leaders voted Henry Puna from Cook Islands in Polynesia to be the SG.

This created a rift in the Forum, which the Micronesian countries have agreed to leave the Forum until the SG is given back to them.

Last July, PIF leaders met and adopted the Suva Agreement, even without the presence of Kiribati.

According to Island Times, the ratified Suva Agreement addressed the concerns raised by the Micronesian member countries that the regional body was not inclusive, that it wasn’t honouring agreements, the “gentlemen’s agreement” of rotating leadership of the organisation.

The conditions contained in the Suva Agreement included having the current Secretary-General Henry Puna serve the remaining year and half of his three-year term and for the Micronesian candidate to be appointed as the next SG. There will be two SG deputies, one from each of the two subregions not represented by the Secretary-General. Furthermore, the Office of Pacific Ocean Commission (OPOC) will be a separate office and will be based in Micronesia. Currently this position is also held by the PIF Secretary-General.

Lastly, there will be an in-country office for PIF to be opened also in Micronesia. These details will be discussed between the Micronesian Presidents.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manale told media recently during the visit of PIF Secretary General, Henry Puna in Honiara, that the Special Leaders Retreat will give them some of the details in terms of implementing the Suva Agreement and also reflects on Japan’s proposal to release treated nuclear water into the ocean.

Japan is moving to start dumping the one million tonnes of treated wastewater from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the Pacific Ocean, in few months’ time.

This treated water was used to clean up the Fukushima plant after the nuclear accident that followed the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.

Manele said indeed much of our economy and livelihoods depend upon the resources within our ocean.

He said Solomon Islands welcomes further engagement with Japan on this matter to ensure all the necessary data and information needed to reassure Pacific countries that our ocean will not be affected in the slightest way, are obtained and scientifically verified.

“We are a region that has experienced first-hand the effects of the negative impacts of a nuclear testing legacy and it is our wish that such events do not repeat themselves.

“As a signatory to the 1985 Rarotonga Treaty, Solomon Islands remains supportive of a nuclear free region,” he said.

PIF SG Puna is expected to lead a delegation to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister on March 7 to urge him to at least defer the proposed discharge for as early as March or April.

STADIUM WORKERS PROTEST

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The main stadium for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

CCECC mysteriously drops wages of labourers at KGVI Pacific Games stadium project

By EDDIE OSIFELO

LOCAL workers engaged by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the Stadium Project staged a sit-in protest at King George Six Stadium yesterday morning.

This comes after CCECC published an article in the media recently that despite the undeniably harsh and inflation laden impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in all of CCECC’s works in the Solomon Islands, especially with the 2023 Pacific Games Project, CCECC undertook, in full compliance with its contractual obligations, to proceed with its ongoing projects in proactive manner, within and in full conformity with the Laws of the Solomon Islands.

The company said whether it be SI laws on Labour and Employment ensuring workers’ salary is paid in accordance with the current legislated minimum wage rates according to profession.

“We paid salary even more than the minimum allowed wage, with overtime pay for works done over the regular hours of work per day, and CCECC share to the workers’ contribution to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund, plus food, transport, accommodation and other allowances paid very fortnight including personal or work protection equipment.”

However, one of the local workers said this is not true.

He said they found out their their minimum wages have dropped from $9 to $7 and $10 to $8.

“When we asked manager, Ben Wong, he did not want to explain to us,” the local worker said.

“We will continue to sit in protest until the company sort out our issues,” he added.

CCECC in Solomon Islands employs 500 local workers to work on the Stadium Project for the upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara, November.

The local workers range from technical, skilled, semi-skilled, to unskilled labourers and more on other ongoing projects.

According to CCECC, the current salary payout for the local workers every fortnight alone is almost SBD $1 million.

“This not limited to the fact that even during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2022, CCECC continued to employ local workers and provided accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner to around 600-700 workers for the continuation and progress of the PG Stadium project,” CCEC said.

Sean Rii rocks at sold-out Canoe Bar

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dezine and Sean Rii performed live at Canoe Bar, Pacific Crown Hotel last Friday. Photo supplied.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Dezine led by famous Solomon Islands music sensational, Sean Rii did not let the fans down at Canoe Bar, Pacific Crown Hotel, last Friday night.

This after they provided them with two hours non-stop island reggae music to celebrate the Valentine’s Day.

More than hundreds of fans turned out to pay the $60 entrance, $120 VIP and booked out the $700 Hotel room to listen and danced to the tunes of Sean Rii.

Sean Rii, backed up by Unik 7 Band, that represented the country at Fest Napuan in Vanuatu last October, put the crowd on their feet with his famous songs, Green leaf, Jealousy, Keli Hila, Tuff Tumas, Genina, Ageva, Harilakwalo, Sore, Gial, Joysie and Faithful love.

These songs had hit the airwaves in Papua New Guinea, Australia and other Pacific Island Countries.

Pacific Crown Hotel Events staff, Alex Waimora said the show was a success and one of its first indeed.

“We tried as much as possible to improve in many ways of our shows at the hotel and I believe the Valentine’s show we did excel and set a level which we must now look towards,” Waimora said.

He said the turn out was spectacular but also not surprising as they normally have such huge turnout to Canoe Bar considering they have sufficient space.

“I think what was special about the Valentine’s night was a lot of the people came to see Dezine and Sean Rii and I believe a lot of satisfied customers too,” he added.

Sean Rii acknowledges the fans during his show at Canoe Bar, Pacific Crown Hotel last Friday. Photo supplied.

Apart from that, Sean Rii acknowledged the fans for turning up in numbers to enjoy his show and an opportunity for his mum to watch him performed on stage for the first time in Honiara.

This after Sean Rii has spent most of his time performing abroad in PNG, Australia and other Pacific Island Countries.

He returned home after the covid 19.

“Iam in tears when I see Solomon Islands fans enjoying my music, something that makes me proud to be a native of the islands.

“Guys, it’s great to be back in Solo and performing for you all. Also, great, thanks to my mother, who is here as well, it’s the first time for my mom to watch me perform live on stage.” Sean Rii said.

PCH wish to thank everyone that attended to make the show possible and also Unik7 and Dezine and Sean Rii.

Increase of house break-in a concern

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Honiara

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE increase of stealing in Honiara is concerning and Honiara residents are warned to look after their properties.

A concerned Honiara resident who was a victim of such robbery has called on responsible community leaders and parents to address the issue.

May Claire told this paper that she has been a victim twice and if this is continuing Honiara will not be a peaceful place to live.

“They go in groups and robbed people’s homes which is very serious and dangerous, those of us who resides in East Honiara are always victimised and we want the church leaders, police and even parents to work together and address the issue,” Ms Claire said.

She said it is time the government create any law to send people who are doing nothing in Honiara back to their provinces, to avoid such from happening.

She said the South Pacific Games is months away and such attitude and behaviour should be stopped.

“Communities and leaders must together to address such issues so that when our Pacific neighbours are here, they can enjoy without being robbed”, Ms Claire said.

Malaita’s new gov’t to meet over direction for next 4 months

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE new Malaita Provincial government led by Premier Martin Fini, will meet in Auki this week, to discuss their policy direction for the four remaining months in office.

This came after people of Malaita are waiting to hear the policy direction of the new government since coming into power last week.

The MARA government led by Daniel Suidani in the last three years, was ousted in a motion of no confidence on the 7th February.

Suidani’s team has boycotted the meeting and also the election of the new Premier last Friday because of pending application before the High Court.

His government was known for standing up democracy after the National Government switched diplomatic ties to China in 2019.

As a result, MARA responded with a policy to block any Chinese investments on Malaita.

However, new Premier Fini told Island Sun in an exclusive interview that his team will need to meet to discuss the issues of China.

He said there will be consultation done with the people also before his government can make any official stand on China.

Furthermore, Fini believes due to short timeframe, there is likelihood of his team not coming up with a new policy.

He said they might look to adopt some priorities of the MARA government’s policy which benefit the people of Malaita.

“Policy is just a guidance, but the implementation is very important,” he added.

The rest of his team will take their ministerial oaths today before resuming their official duties.

Malaita’s defeated revised budget likely to be ‘relooked at’

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

IT is likely that the Malaita Provincial Assembly will relook into the provincial revise budget 2022/2023 that was defeated on the floor of the assembly about a month ago.

According to information obtained by SunAuki, the newly elected government through the office of the provincial speaker will be liaising with MPGIS for advice on the budget.

As long as the newly elected government is settled down, they will follow-up on the matter to see whether the defeated revised budget will still be tabled or not.

Recently, the Minister for MPGIS has issued advice that was likely for the resubmission of the revised budget. The advice was given afte the revised budget was defeated.

“To have the 2022/2023 revised budget resubmitted, it must be re-submitted through the whole financial procedures process including having PAC deliberation on the Bill.

“This must however, be in the next meeting and not in the current meeting,” he advised.

The MPG is looking along that line to see the re-processing of the budget, but will depend on advice from MPGIS as they will pursue.

They want to ensure the budget is pass for the current operation of the province, before the next budget that will be a new provincial budget for 2023/2024 financial year.

SITESA delay with SIG scholarship list for 2023 questioned

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY NED GAGAHE

Calls have been made for Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) to update when the list of Solomon Islands Government (SIG) scholarship for 2023 will be released.

Most if not all tertiary institutions here and the region kicked off lectures on Monday, February 13 or earlier but the list of 2023 Solomon Islands Government (SIG) scholarship is yet to be released.

The prolonged delay will likely cause problems with registration and aligning scholarship offers with that of universities.

Many frustrated applicants have taken to Facebook demanding that division responsible – Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) clear the air over what is causing the delay and why.

“It is now two and half months after the due date. Why take so long?”

“The results were due to be released before the end of January 2023 however it is now February and two weeks behind the schedule released date,” one commentor said.

Another commentor said on Facebook most or all universities including USP lectures have kicked off on Monday 13 February 2023 or even earlier.

Attempts to talked to SITESA CEO was unsuccessful yesterday, a walk-in attempt to speak with other senior officials was denied.

When asked if they aware that most institutions have already commenced lectures and delay would cause adverse effect on the students in terms of registration.

“Yes, we are aware of it.” The official replied.

Questions were sent yesterday to SITESA.

An official said they will respond to that accordingly.

The scholarship was opened on October 14, 2022 and closed on December 4, 2022.

NRH DRUG SHORTAGE

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

Doctor sounds alarm on life-saving medicines having run out; Gov’t says it is a cycle

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The national referral hospital (NRH) has reportedly run out of several life-saving drugs – again.

It may not come as a surprise to government, which has described NRH’s continuous chronic medicine and drug shortage as ‘cyclical’, but public are asking why government is seemingly allowing this to continue.

NRH authority is silent on this matter, and the ministry of Health and medical services (MHMS) does not have any answer.

The MHMS, however, refers Island Sun’s enquiries to last week’s press conference in which the prime minister’s secretary Dr Jimmie Rodgers gave a bleak outlook on NRH’s shortage problem.

While the main victims to this negligence by government are the sick patients who come to the hospital to receive treatment, only to be told that there are none – doctors and nurses too are at the receiving end of frustrations expressed by public.

Yesterday a senior doctor at the NRH posted on social media giving awareness on several life-saving drugs that have run out at NRH, pleading for understanding from public, so as not to take out their frustrations on nurses and doctors there.

The senior clinician spelt out few vital drugs that NRH is lacking.

“If you asthmatic and you have an attack and decide to seek health services at the emergency unit at NRH, take note that there is no Salbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide.

“If your children is dehydrated and requires fluid to be given and take note that there is unavailability of burettes. If you are diagnosed with anaphylactic attack, small allergies or severe asthma and in need of quick medicine to relieve your, take note that NRH has no Hydrocortisone IV.

“For those who will be needing Maxalone IV. There is also unavailability of Maxalone IV,” the doctor’s post said.

Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers during a press conference on Tuesday last week, told media that generally the medicine shortage in the country is “cyclical and is dependent on some things”.

“Hence, like at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services they order stocks. Our major order is every two years, so we order for two years stocks and every year we order supplementary too so ensure we beef up the stocks,” Rodgers said.

He said the availability of drugs depends on three things; the first one is supply chain, the second one is the ministry’s ability to pay and the third is the ministry’s capacity to distribute to provinces.

“So our ability to pay is at times not very good for us. We have lost two of our suppliers because we have been able to pay for them,” Rodgers said.

He adds, the two suppliers, one did not pass the ministry’s procurement requirement so they can’t be paid.

“And the one that used to supply some of the drugs is due to late payment, so they cancelled the health ministry’s order.

“Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is managing those.

“Right now the National Medical store has 85 percent of all those drugs that we need in the country and 97 percent of consumables. So we are in resistible stock at the National Medical Store,” Rodgers said.

He further stressed that doesn’t mean that provincial hospital and clinics have the same level of stocks.

“The challenge now is, National Medical Store to ensure all the provinces are supplied up to that level. But right now in the country we have enough stock the challenge is redistribution,” Rodgers said.

He adds there are some initiatives that are being looked at under the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Collin Beck’s leadership “because they are the ones that selling the country overseas”.

“We are hoping that maybe sometimes soon there will be another arrangement of procurement of drugs at a cheaper price.”  

Safe and green campaign to be launched

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism Bunyan Sivoro. Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

A safe and green campaign will be launched on February 24 as part of preparation and beautification of Honiara towards hosting the 2023 South Pacific Games.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) Mr. Bunyan Sivoro revealed that a committee was set up to coordinate all programs and budgets activities related to the campaign.

Sivoro revealed this in his presentation at the 2023 annual tourism in focus gathering held at the Heritage Park Hotel on Thursday, February 9.

The committee is called Government Service Integration Committee (GSIC).

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to launch the campaign.

“The committee is responsible for coordinating all programs budgets across all the ministries and it will come under that program.

“They are planning to start the safe and green game campaign simply to beautify our city in preparation for the games so it will be launched on the 24th of February 2023 by the Prime Minister.

“A development budget for this year we have $10 million dollars. $8 million of the budget will be used for 2023 SPG related activities.

“The activities are what we will be focusing on. This will include attraction sites and national museum upgrades, Art Gallery, landscaping, bloody Ridge and we will also be looking at other attractions such as beach improvements and public amenities.

“There is a small allocation for accommodation, we know that accommodation will be very limited during the games, most of the major hotels have been fully booked.

“To cater for the additional demand because of that we need to help some of the small operators in Honiara to upgrade so that there is enough rooms to accommodate our visiting friends.

“On the recurrent budget we have allocated $3 million specifically to host some related activities.

“We are planning to do a mini cultural festival and arts exhibition to occur during the games.” Sivoro said.

Completion of airport infrastructure will boost SI tourism industry: Sivoro

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism Bunyan Sivoro. Photo supplied.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PERMANENT Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism Bunyan Sivoro says completion of the airport and aviation infrastructure developments will boost Solomon Islands’ tourism industry.

Sivoro says this is in terms of having an increased number of international tourists arriving through a good number of flights due to current improvement in our airports.

He said, speaking of the airports the Honiara International Airports improvement project supported by the Japans International Cooperation Agency and the Solomon Islands Government it is 98.6 complete, according to revised completion date it is set for 28th of this month. And handing over ceremony will be held on March 15, 2023.

Sivoro stressed for Munda airport in Western Province, work is still in progress in terms of the terminal building as well as the runway overlay.

He adds, work on provincial airports like Seghe in Marovo Western Province, Taro in Choiseul and Lata it is still ongoing as well.

Sivoro says, upon the completion of these number of airports a sudden increase of international tourist is expected to flood into the country.

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