: Chairman of the PMS Douglas Marau acknowledged the support from SIPA CEO Mr Kotelawala.
THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has acknowledged the support by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority for preparations towards the 6th Pacific Media Summit 2022 (PMS).
PMS is the largest media gathering in the region and will take place in Honiara next week from September 26 to 30, 2022.
More than 100 participants will attend the summit which will include media representatives and top media executives who will start arriving in Honiara this Friday.
Eranda Kotelawala, chief executive officer of SIPA, during a brief ceremony said SIPA is happy to support the regional media gathering.
“I wish you a successful media summit,” he said.
Douglas Marau, Chairman of the PMS Organising Committee and Vice President of MASI, acknowledged SIPA for seeing the importance in supporting the media regional event.
He said this is the largest regional gathering of this sort after COVID and an opportunity for Solomon Islands to welcome our pacific friends back into the country.
SIPA donated $10,000 to MASI to assist in its secretariat, operations and logistics during the one-week event.
MASI and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) are co-hosting the PMS this year.
MASI won the bid to host the PMS back in 2018 in Tonga.
Originally, PMS was scheduled to take place in September 2020 but the COVID 19 pandemic restriction hindered the summit to occur.
Theme of the Pacific Media Summit 2022 is-“The digital revolution- turning threats into opportunities for the Pacific Media.”
Group photo with the thermal ablation devices: Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and WHO Solomon Islands Officer in Charge Dr Sonja Tanevska (both centre) with WHO and MHMS officials.
New device to prevent killer disease now here
EFFORTS to prevent and treat cervical cancer, a killer disease that has claimed lives of many women in recent times, is beefing up with the backing of local and international partners.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says screening and treatment will now be made available at provincial health centres and local communities.
“Eliminating cervical cancer is a priority as it is the second most common cancer among women in Solomon Islands,” explained MHMS Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil.
“Due to the geographical and financial challenges that we face, the screen-and-treat approach is the best for Solomon Islands,” McNeil added.
“A one-stop shop where women who present to the health facility are seen, examined and treated at the same time before they go home.”
To support MHMS’s screen-and-treat efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the European Union (EU), provided 17 thermal ablation devices to be rolled out in Area Health Centres in Honiara, Makira and other provinces.
The thermal ablation devices were officially handed over by WHO to the Ministry on Friday 16th September.
CONSTRUCTION of Zaru Hotel at Gizo is progressing well and are taking shape following its ground breaking ceremony held in September last year.
The hotel will be a spectacular figure in Gizo and at the same time boost Western Province’s tourism industry.
In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, Jacob Kwan, the owner of Zaru Hotel said he is proud and at the same time faced with lots of challenges.
He said the project has drained him financially but with determination, he is pushing forward to complete the hotel in time.
“I’m struggling with freight of materials and other expenses have bombarded me financially,” Kwan said.
Ground breaking ceremony to kick off the project September 2022
“While I acknowledge the government for its support towards small businesses in the country, I would be very pleased if the government provides some kind of leeway for us small business who are putting efforts to support the country’s economy through our services,” he added.
“We are also supporting the effort to improve our economy and I kindly ask the national government and other institutions for cooperation and support each other.”
Speaking to Island Sun last year, he said the hotel will accommodate 32 self-contain rooms, a restaurant, a VIP bar, a Sports Wear Shop, a jetty designed for elderly tourists to offload baggage and drop off upon arrival as well as departure.
He adds that the hotel will be the first environment friendly building ever built at Gizo as it will be powered by Solar.
“In terms of tourism services, we are making sure all the facilities are user friendly and also safe for all age groups.
“Our visitors will be our utmost priority as far as safety is concerned,” Kwan said.
He said the timeline for the completion of the hotel is two and half years depending on weather and availability of resources so as building materials.
Kwan said TOOR Building Construction Company is leading the construction of the building and most of the construction workers are youths from rural communities.
The hotel’s seaview will look like this when its finished
According to Kwan, the fund is from his own pocket and another portion comes from his business partner.
“This is a huge project and I want the province or the national government to recognise how we as small business owners trying to establish infrastructures that one way or the other help achieve the government’s objectives in terms of tourism facilities.
“I for one applied for the Stimulus Package to assist me with this project, but my application was rejected.
“It is saddening that to see people receiving the Stimulus Package doing less or nothing at all,” he said.
“I’m using my own investment to make my dream come true,” he said.
“It is Kwan’s best interest to provide an efficient, well-organized and user friendly services. But most of, his vision is to promote healthy environment where both tourists and locals can enjoy while doing their business.
“Our environment best describe our lifestyles. Keeping our environment clean while taking responsibility to clean our surroundings is the best way to start.
“The best investment you’ve ever make is your own health.
“While we promote tourism, we must be responsible to keep our town clean. We must make a stop to our traditional attitude of throwing rubbish from mouth to anywhere on the ground,”
“We must also establish network within our communities to clean the town.
“I must say that the first impression of tourists visiting our town depends on how clean we live and this reinforces the need for us to promote cleanliness in Gizo,” Kwan added.
Mayor Eddie Siapu and the Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province Hon. Lazarus Rina with officials from HCC and G Province during the signing of the MOU
Honiara City Council (HCC) and Guadalcanal Province have signed a Tourism Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
And a HCC statement said this was a milestone and first of its kind for both local governments.
Speaking during the signing, Mayor Eddie Siapu said this is part of the newly established HCC Tourism Division’s policy framework and action plan.
“HCC Tourism division believes that forging a mutual partnership with the G/Province is an important step in the direction,” Siapu said.
“This is because HCC operated and is situated in the Guadalcanal Province,” he added.
“It is timely also to have an understanding of Guadalcanal Province not only in tourism programs but in other relevant outstanding issues.
“We believe there are unsolved issues pending our two governments to work on for the betterment of our coexistence.
“HCC is grateful that G/Province hosts HCC on its land and we are greatly indebted to its people.”
He said the singing of this MOU is the culmination of a good and successful PG2023 Games.
“Although the games will be widely played in Honiara, the fact remains the main point of entry is from the G/Province.
“The first and lasting impression is from the gate of entry and HCC is keen to work alongside G/Province to prepare the point of entry from Henderson leading down to Honiara.”
In the MOU several areas that needed cooperation are captured.
“The major reason and the outstanding areas of concern that sticks out are general cleanliness, the landscape that reflects organization, the tourismscape for attraction, and a physical appearance that consumes the heart and eyes of our visitors that is appreciative.”
“The MOU also seeks G/Province’s understanding and cooperation to assist the HCC Tourism division in its development programs. Green Urban Space (GUS) is an area that HCC is keen on developing to provide a meeting place for social and leisure activities.”
Another area this MOU covers is the area of waste management which HCC has been at the forefront of waste management in the country.
Also G/Province and HCC share the histories of WWII and “WWII history is a selling tourism product I believe both our governments have an interest in it.
Its promotions and marketing drive toward a special niche market.
“This MOU is a step towards the right direction and I thank my Chairman and Director for Tourism for the initiative,” Siapu said.
In response, Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Lazarus Rina thanked the mayor and HCC Tourism Division for the MOU and said G Province is looking forward in working together with HCC under the MOU.
Rina said there are also other issues of common interest in which both Governments will be looking at addressing together and said this signing paves a way forward for partnership between HCC and G Province.
The Office of the Registrar of Foreign Investment says Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) is not a registered entity in the Foreign Investment Registry.
The clarification comes following numerous enquiries to the Office of the Registrar of Foreign Investment on the status of the company.
In a statement, the Office of the Registrar said there is no pending application for any foreign persons or entity to register LSL with the Registrar of Foreign Investment to carry out any business activity in Solomon Islands as required under Section 15 of Foreign Investment Act 2005, as amended in 2009.
“Therefore, as a non-registered foreign investor, the incorporation of LSL in Company Haus Registry and their carrying out of any business activity including selling of land, is deemed illegal by virtue of section 11, sections 12(2) &12(3) and section 15 of FI Act 2005,” the stament said.
The Registrar of Foreign Investment is mandated under the Foreign Investment Act 2005 as amended in 2009; to register foreign natural persons with valid passport identification from their country of origin or valid foreign registered entity from the foreigners’ country of origin to carry out business activity or activities in Solomons Islands.
The statement further clarified that as part of the approval condition, foreign investors must incorporate their company, stating the foreign owners, business activity (ies) and trading or operating name exactly as contained in their approved foreign investment certificate.
Any amendments to existing foreign investment certificate’s ownership, valid and appropriate consent to the transfers, proof of transaction, tax clearances, and related mandatory operational licenses must be provided to the Registrar of Foreign Investment.
THE delay of Western Provincial election has caused major challenges to ordinary people of Western Province as services became limited.
The provincial election has been scheduled to be held on December 14th, meaning the next provincial government will establish around February 2023, seven month after Mesepitu led government dissolved in June.
Since June, there were no major activities taking place as Western Province is not qualified to access funding from the government to run some of its operations.
Provincial appointees were made redundant as the welfare of the province is now placed under Western Province’s Administration.
Three months after the assembly dissolved, market vendors are feeling the pinch of the economic pressure.
Joseph Hile, one of the outspoken market vendors in Gizo, said the government’s decision to delay the election is killing vendors.
“If you go to Gizo market, prices of goods were significant dropped,” he said.
“For example; previously one heap potatoes cost $10. Now the price has gone down to $5 because of few customers and reduction in people’s purchasing power,” Hile added.
“Some market vendors from the island brought in bulk of produces only to spoil their products because of fewer customers.”
Hile said living expenses has been a challenge for ordinary people within Western Province and Minister of Provincial Government is to be blamed for causing the harships.
He described the decision by Ministry of Provincial Government as unprofessional as it has negative impacts on ordinary people.
Hile said the challenges people faced following the Minister’s decision will go down in the history of Western Province as the darkest period brought on by poor decision-making.
Part of Police Officers from Central Province after completing the Public Order Management (POM) Training
A total of 33 officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) have completed Public Order Management (POM) Training in Central Islands last week.
The training is part of capacity development of the RSIPF which is conducted by the China Liaison Team (CPLT).
A statement from the police said the training commenced on 6 September 2022 and completed on 16 September 2022.
Officers from Yandina and Tualgi are attending the training.
Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) Provincial Leonard Tahnimana in his remarks said today marks another milestone for the RSIPF and 33 officers working under Central Provincial Police from Tulagi and Yandina Police Stations who have attended this POM training.
“The RSIPF is going from strength to strength upon your completion of this very important training, conducted by China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) and our very own Operational Safety Training (OST) Officer,” Tahnimana said.
“The RSIPF is an independent institution and therefore carries out its mandated responsibilities neutrally without influence from any person, institution, or agency whatsoever,” he added.
“Ensuring our neutrality is maintained amongst our policing partners, we are always grateful and thankful whenever any of our partners offer training support to our officers.
“In that respect, the fact of which partner offers training support to its officers is not an issue.
“Hence, the training mechanisms aligned to the types of training delivered to its officers is of paramount importance.
“On that note I would like to personally thank our partners from the CPLT for the important role they’ve played in training our officers on new POM skills and especially the Martial Arts techniques showcased in this training program.
“I trust and believe that with the new knowledge, skills and techniques acquired from this training by Professional Instructors from CPLT, you will be able to effectively carry out your mandated responsibilities and continue to serve our people efficiently, fairly, and professionally as expected of you.
“These trainings will help develop you by building and enhancing your skills and knowledge in how to deal with POM situations that may arise in the future.
“It will surely elevate your POM capability level to new heights. I am truly proud of your achievements in successfully completing this training.”
Tahnimana thanked Commissioner Zhang Guangbao, Commander of the CPLT, for their support and contributions in allowing his team to come over and provide training to our officers here Tulagi.
He also thanked the Supervising Premier James Galini Central Province and his Executive for working together with the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) to ensure the success of the police training.
CHIEF Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority Eranda Kotelawala
Demand referred to Trade Disputes Panel (TDP)
By EDDIE OSIFELO
WORKERS Union of Solomon Islands has referred a case with the Trade Dispute Panel against Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Executive Officer, Eranda Kotelawala.
This was after the employees of SIPA demanded his removal as CEO of the State-Owned Enterprise after they met with WUSI recently.
President of WUSI, David Tuhanuku confirmed the referral yesterday, but stated he cannot comment on the details of the case as it is before the TDP.
However, Tuhanuku said the case relates to issues to do with the administration and management of Ports under Kotelawala’s administration that also implicated the Board of Directors.
“The best channel is to deal with it through TDP to avoid causing any dispute between the workers and the management during this time,” Tuhanuku explained.
“Therefore, we want to follow the normal legal process,” he added.
Furthermore, in the meeting between WUSI and the employees of Ports recently passed a resolution to localize the post of CEO.
Kotelawala comes from Sri Lanka.
He was appointed after the termination of Singapore’s Collin Yow in 2017 by the Solomon Islands Government after the workers staged a protest as well.
When contacted yesterday, Kotelawala’s office said they will make no comments as there were no correspondence from the Trade Dispute Panel yet on the matter.
Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Hon Glen Waneta delivering remark during the closing of the SICD Policy consultation in Auki.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
THE Malaita Provincial Government has thrown support behind the reform of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Glen Waneta issued the support during the closing of the consultation on the Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) last week in Auki.
He said the Malaita provincial government fully supports MRD on the initiative to pursue a policy to guide and regulate the CDF, especially on its development aspect.
Waneta said CDF has been used with proper policy and even then there is positive benefit, but it has reached a time to put more inputs into making it properly governed.
“Speaking on time, there is no better time . . . . . . . this is the right time to pursue the policy,” he said.
Waneta said no achievement has happened within a blink of the eye, things will happen slowly and it’s good that pursuit is now on the policy.
“And what we want the CDF to become will eventually happen,” he said.
The deputy premier described the policy as a milestone saying if it has becomes an act, there is a brighter future for Solomon Islanders on the CDF programme.
He said the MARA government is delighted to see such initiative taken up by the government ministries, especially MRD that will set a framework to governing the fund to drive development in the country.
On that note, Waneta said Malaita province has the highest number of constituencies in the country and all year around, the province received the biggest portion of the CDF.
He also said when the national election was deferred to 2024; the province will be accountable for more than 400 million of the CDF for its 14 constituencies.
Waneta said with that huge amount of fund that Malaita province have accounted for, it should push the province to another level in development.
The deputy premier acknowledged MRD and assured MPG’s support behind them on the Solomon Island Constituency Development (SICD) policy.
Cutting of the cake to officially mark the launching event. From left to right PWDSI President Mr Dolaiano, PS McNeil and EU Ambassador Seam
By EDDIE OSIFELO
EUROPEAN Union is working with the government, civil society organization and international organizations to implement its four projects in the country.
This includes:
The $78 million EU Funded projects for health and education through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening. The project to be implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to support Provincial Governance and Service Delivery in Solomon Islands.
The $4.6 million EU funded project to support People Living with Disability (PLWD) to produce sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of people with disabilities.
$4.1 million EU funded Livelihood Improvement Project for Central Islands Province to be implemented by World Vision.
The $4.6 million EU funded project to combat People in Trafficking (PIT) and Gender Based Violence in Solomon Islands. International Organization for Migration to implement the project on Guadalcanal, Makira Ulawa and Malaita province.
In an exclusive interview with Island Sun in Honiara last week, EU Ambassador/Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam said the partnership they have for the implementation of their projects always bring together those who are willing to work together.
“We always adopt the whole of government approach because most of the issues we have to address have to be addressed by the involvement and commitment of various branches in government and various ministries,” he said.
Seam said they also work with Civil Society organizations.
“I am happy to see here in Solomon Islands because it’s not the case everywhere in the world where Civil Society can work with government agencies,” he said.
Furthermore, Seam said when they can or need and when there is an added value, they also bring in regional and international organisations
“There is the reason why projects we launched here we have UNDP, UNICEF and IOM.
“For some other projects that we implement in the Pacific region, we work with regional organisations, like the Pacific Community, Pacific Regional Environment Programmee or Forum Fisheries Agency,” he said.
Seam said “We always bring together agencies and people from different backgrounds so that the combination of skills and competency and capacity of everyone actually improve the final outcome of our projects.”
