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SICTU offers government, view on parliament extension

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU) calls on the government to set up a special select committee that will consult on the government’s intention to defer next year’s national election.

“The committee would undertake appropriate consultations throughout the country on the proposal,” SICTU said in a statement.

“The four year-term life of the parliament has been provided for under the National Constitution, which had been formulated based on the peoples’ views collected under the leadership of the First Chief Minister late Solomon Mamaloni,” the statement added.

“The national consultation on our national constitution continued under the leadership of the country’s first Prime Minister Late Sir Peter Kenilorea, before Solomon Islands attained its independence on the 7th of July 1978.

“In view of the wider consultations which our former leaders had conducted before independence, there is a clear obligation on the current government to facilitate and implement the same level of wider national consultations with our people, on its proposal to extend the life of parliament from four to five years.”

SICTU is made up of the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI), The Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU), and the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA).

The trade union body says it will work with all its affiliated members to consult their general membership on what possible forms of actions the trade union movement will take should it becomes necessary.

HOSPITAL DRINKING PARTY PROBED

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi. Photo by GCU

NRH management apologises to patients, caregivers

By MAVIS N PODOKOLO

HEALTH authorities have launched an investigation into reports that certain staff at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) held a drinking party at the Emergency Department, Friday night.

Island Sun reported on the incident in a front-page article yesterday.

Reports say a number of doctors and nurses were involved.

Their party got noisy and caused disturbances to patients and their caregivers.

Last night, NRH chief executive officer Dr George Malefoasi said in a statement:

“The news is very disturbing and NRH Executive Management is treating the matter very seriously with investigations now underway through the Emergency Department management.

“As part of our investigations we have also requested the Emergency Department to submit an explanatory note in response to the media report.

“Based on their explanations and findings from overall investigations, we will be undertaking necessary disciplinary actions accordingly, if need be.”

Malefoasi also apologised to patients and caregivers who were affected by the noise from the party.

“We sincerely apologize to you all and will ensure that the persons responsible for this will be held accountable for their inconsiderate, careless, and unethical actions.”

Malefoasi also advises the public to immediately call the hospital’s general phone line 44000 to raise complaints should any suspicious, unacceptable, and deviant behavior from staff is encountered.

“This is so directions can be made to the relevant individuals within the hospital to provide the necessary assistance,” he said.

Those affected by the incident told Island Sun patients who were critically ill at that time were badly affected by the noise from the party.

NRH DRUNK PARTY?

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

……Claims of Drs, Nurses boozy night in Emergency Department

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOME nurses and guardians are calling on the National Referral Hospital administration to investigate an alleged drinking party inside the Accident Emergency (A&E) staff room last Friday.

The loud noise that came out from the senior nursing room had irked patients & their guardians on the night.

A guardian who wants to remain anonymous witnessed the unusual activity, and alleged a number of doctors and nurses got together in a senior nurses’ office where they spent the night drinking alcohol causing disturbance to patients in the ward.

“They were loud and noisy and a lot of patients and their guardians were very annoyed and irritated by the behaviour of these nurses,” said the guardian.

“The unprofessional behavior displayed by these docs and nurses is unethical and needs to be promptly investigated by hospital authorities.”

“As health professionals and public servants, they have a duty to uphold their medical and nursing ethics as well as their public service code of conduct,” guardian said.

The guardian said there are some patients who are critically ill and deserved respect and care in a place where highest possible quality of care is expected to be observed.

Furthermore, a nurse on shift on the night confirmed hearing the loud noise as well.

“I worked that time.

“Why should this activity happen during working hours and in the place of patients,” the nurse asked.

NRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Wilson Malefoasi said he is not aware.

“I have to find out what exactly happened,” he said.

PM power over SIBC

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

A Prime Minister has a power to prohibit Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) from broadcasting or televising any matter, or matter of any class or character unless it is based on national interest.

Or the Prime Minister may request the Corporation to refrain from broadcasting any such matter.

This is stipulated in Section 24 of the Broadcasting Act Cap 122.

Unlike the State-Owned Enterprise Act 2007 and SOE Regulation 2010 which SIBC was omitted from by Cabinet recently, the Prime Minister has no power to do that.

Furthermore, under the SOE Regulation 2010, the SIBC Board has a term of 3 years or less term.

However, under the Broadcasting Act CAP 122, Corporation Board will have a term not exceeding 5 years.

Further to that, SIBC benefited from Community Service Obligation, where the Accountable Minister may submit a proposal which describe the nature and scope of the CSO.

SIBC must meet within 10 working days, give to the Accountable Minister an estimate of the cost of SOE of providing CSO obligation.

Under the Broadcasting Act CAP 122, SIBC will now borrow money by issue of debentures or debenture stock.

A debenture is a type of debt instrument that is not backed by any collateral and usually has a term greater than 10 years.

The debenture is to assist the Corporation for:

  1. the provision of working capital;
  2. for performing the functions of the Corporation under this Act;
  3. the acquisition of undertakings;
  4. any other expenditure properly chargeable to capital account; and
  5. any other purpose whatsoever which the Minister of Finance after consultation with the Cabinet may by notice specify.

The Corporation may borrow by way of temporary loan or overdraft such sums of money as it deems fit not exceeding an amount approved by the Minister of Finance.

The revenue receive from broadcasting of advertisements and message shall not be liable to income tax.

The Corporation to receive annual subsidy from the Government.

Acting Chairman of SIBC, Dr William Parairato said his Board is expected to meet with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare when he returns from Fiji next week.

Sogavare led a delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji.

The Government omitted SIBC as a SOE, claiming it is not making any profits as required under the SOE Act 2007.

Office of the Auditor General of Solomon Islands highlights some issues for the SIBC Management to address in its audit report on SOE and Statutory Authorities 2019.

This relating to employees’ contracts not updated, employees’ resignations, receivables and trade debtors.

Audit selected 11 samples of employees from pay periods five and perform test on their fortnightly salaries.

Audit noted that nine employees’ basic salaries were not matched to their employment contracts with a difference of $43,887 in total.

SIBC could be paying employees at an unapproved rate which could potentially lead to fraud and mismanagement of pay rates.

Further to that, audit select three employees who resigned from the Corporation and further test if they followed the resignation processes. Audit was unable to locate copy of their resignation letter in their personal files.

Procedure and processes of resignations may not be followed and SIBC could potentially be paying employees that already resigned.

Furthermore, audit performed an assessment of the provision for doubtful debt and noted that there was no movement in the balances since prior year. According to the finance and administration manager, the assessment for ageing debtors was not performed in 2017 thus the same balances were carried forward to 2018.

OAG further noted that the Corporation under provided for bad and doubtful debts.

This is due to yearly (180 days) provision provided by SIBC.

Therefore, debtors with less than 90 days ageing have not been considered for provision as the corporation believes these will be recovered during the year. Without timely assessment of ageing debtors indicates poor management over debt collection and therefore increases the risk of financial loss.

Moreover, audit noted that SIBC needed to strengthen it trade debtors’ recoverability due to an increase from prior year of $1,824,205 to $2,171,340 this year. A Total of $347,135 was added to last year’s amount.

These are potential money that SIBC needs to meet its current obligations during limited cash flow. This could also lead to bad debts not being aggressively collected.

CBSI calls for respect to banking facilities

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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The Central Bank of Solomon Islands

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Central Bank is calling on public to respect banking facilities, anywhere in the country.

CBSI reiterates this call in light of the recent damage inflicted on Bank South Pacific’s (BSP) Auki branch.

One of the branch’s glass doors was reportedly partially smashed on Thursday night, last week, during a domestic argument involving a bank staff.

Solomon Star reports that Malaita’s premier Daniel Suidani has condemned the incident, calling it a ‘senseless act on one of the most important infrastructures in the province’.

Mr Suidani called on the Malaita public, especially those who live in Auki to have respect for important infrastructures like BSP bank, Solomon Star reports.

CBSI is reinforcing this call while also condemning such acts.

In a media statement yesterday, CBSI said:

“Central Bank understands that this may be an accident or an isolated event, but still fully condemns any sort of destruction made over these types of critical infrastructures.

 “CBSI wish to take this opportunity to remind the general public again that these properties must be respected at all times, as they play a very important intermediary role in the country.

 “Our banks and other key financial institutions together with their infrastructures ensure customers use their financial services and products in a safe environment – please respect all banking facilities.

“This reminder follows the recent major destruction over the BSP Ranadi branch in Honiara during the November riots of last year.”

The BSP Ranadi branch was burnt down during last year’s November riots. It was one of BSP’s four operating branches in Honiara.

Solomon Times Online reports that the Head of BSP in Papua New Guinea, Robin Fleming had told the Post Courier in an interview the damage costed SBD$17.3 million.

Meanwhile, police are investigating the incident in Auki, and are calling for anyone who may have information to assist them.

OPMC: Wale needs self-reflection

Written by
Press Release
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

The office of the prime minister has responded to Opposition Leader’s earlier statements that PM Sogavare lied to the nation.

“The Opposition Leader should take a good look at himself before launching a tirade against the government on the proposed deferment of the national general election from 2023 to 2024,” a statement from the office said.

“Government has been promoting the idea of delaying the election since the issue has been made public and Opposition Leader Matthew Wale only has to consult the Hansard record from the national parliament to confirm that,” the statement added.

“Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has stated clearly that government intends to defer or delay the election to 2024.”

The statement said the leaked copy of the cabinet conclusion of February 2020 which the Opposition has relied on to say government is advocating for the extension of the life of the parliament was an initial discussion.

“That has changed following consultations with relevant stakeholders and this has been articulated well in the speech from the throne by the Governor General.

“For purpose of reminding Mr Wale, at the start of the sitting of the national parliament this year the Governor General in his speech from the throne has made four recommendations for government to consider in light of the intention to delay the 2023 national general election.”

The statement further highlighted that Sir David Vunagi outlined the four recommendations as follows:

  1. Government to consider a snap election this year
  2. Government to consider holding the election next year as scheduled
  3. Government to consider deferring or delaying the election to 2024
  4. And government to consider extending the life of parliament from four to five years on permanent basis

The OPMC statement said after weighing the options, government is in favor of the third recommendation and there are justifications for it.

“Firstly, government cannot support a snap election.

“A snap election would mean the Electoral Commission will be using the old voters’ registration list and this would deprive the rights of the new eligible voters, these are boys and girls who by now are in the ages of 18 and above.

“Besides, the Electoral Commission is in the process of pursuing two important fundamental reforms and they are; the automated registration system and the out- of- constituency voting.

“These reforms are important to ensure a free and fair election for the country.

“Secondly, government cannot support the recommendation to hold the election in 2023 as scheduled.

“To defer the Pacific Games to 2024 as suggested by some people, is not possible as the Olympic Charter does not allow another international sporting event to take place at the Olympic year- 2024.

“In addition to that, government does not have adequate resources to host both events,” the statement explained.

“While government is aware that the scheduled 2023 national general election is constitutional, the government understands as well that the constitution can be amended through two third support of parliament to cater for this sunset arrangement.

“Thirdly, the idea to defer or delay the election is plausible.

“When the government has done away with the 2023 PG, it will have enough resources to hold the national general election in 2024 and that option is heavily considered.

“However, government is aware that only through the process of parliament that this option can be realized.

“Fourthly, to move permanently to a five-year parliament term will require the consent of the people which political parties can advocate for in their manifestos and campaigns for the next general election or general elections thereafter.

“Should the Opposition Leader had paid attention to the speech from the throne by the Governor General, he would have fully grasped how and why government has arrived at the decision to defer the national general election.” 

The statement said the government never misled the nation, it was the Opposition Leader who continue to make inciting messages in his many press statements and releases.

“Wale is reminded that prior to the November 2021 riot, his inciting messages contributed to inciting the march into Honiara and the burning of Chinatown and Ranadi.

“Wale showed reckless behaviour and leadership and made misleading statements then.”

The OPMC statement added that Opposition Leader’s insinuation that the PM incited the riot by refusing to meet with the protestors was a lame accusation as the PM cannot be answerable to an illegal entity- M4D- who was believed to be orchestrating the riot.

“Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Wale continues his tirades in Auki recently where he made inciting statements similar to ones he blurted leading to the November riots.

“As a country, it is in our interest that the November riot is not repeated.”

The DCGA Government urges the Opposition Leader to stop misleading the public with propaganda aimed at inciting public animosity.

PM congratulates new MSG chair

Written by
Press Release
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Vanuatu Prime Minister, Bob Loughman and his Solomon Islands counterpart, Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has congratulated Vanuatu Prime Minister, Bob Loughman, the new Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Speaking during the official handover of the mantle from the care taker Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to Bob Loughman during a special meeting of the sub regional bloc in Suva, Fiji, Prime Minister Sogavare congratulated Vanuatu for assuming the MSG leadership.

“The MSG leadership is being passed from one capable hand to another capable hand.”

Sogavare assured PM Loughman of Solomon Islands’ support and confidence during the tenure of his appointment.

Sogavare also acknowledge the outgoing chair, Marape for his outstanding leadership during one of the sub region’s darkest chapters in history.

“Thank you PNG for holding the fort especially in the past few years, our dark days. With COVID 19 and other challenges, it was not easy but you were exceptional. Thank you,” he stated.

“Additionally, I would like to convey my utmost congratulations to the newly appointed Director General Mr Leonard Louma, OBE of the MSG Secretariat, first under the merit-based process.”

The Prime Minister encourages MSG to remain united.

“Our future should be planned and pursued together,” he adds.

Recognising and acknowledging the MSG founding fathers’ leadership and examples, PM Sogavare reminded the sub region to be an inspiration of unity to the wider pacific and the world.

“When we are scattered, we are weak,” Sogavare reiterated.

The Prime Minister added that it is important that MSG continues to play a central role in pulling the wider pacific together.

He calls on all MSG members to uphold the MSG ideals. – Source: OPMC media

Bob Loughman, the new MSG chair is the MP for Tanna and the 12th Prime Minister of Vanuatu.

PM ASSURES REGION

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Pacific Islands Forum Leaders who attended the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting before the retreat yesterday

‘I say it again: there’ll be no Chinese military base’

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there is no mention of military base to be built in Solomon Islands in the China/Solomon Islands Security Agreement.

He made the statement during a press conference yesterday morning with foreign and regional journalists.

“Let me assure you all again, there is no military base, no military facility and institution in the agreement and this is a very important point that we need to reiterate to other family in the region.

“And I’ve said before and I will say it again, it’s not Solomon Islands interest nor in the interest of the region for any military base to be established in any country in the pacific, let alone Solomon Islands,” Sogavare said.

“The moment we establish foreign military base, we immediately become an enemy and we also put our country and our people as targets for potential military strikes and Solomon Islands government will never allow our country and people to become military targets,” he added.

Sogavare said his government has come out clean before and now that there is no mention of building a Chinese Military based in the agreement.

He said the security agreement is in line with broader definition of security mentioned in the Boe Declaration which identifies issues like climate change, natural disasters and pandemics among other issues as national security threats to Solomon Islands.

Sogavare explained that the agreement was a sovereign decision and that does not mean that Solomon Islands is trying to bring division among Pacific Islands.

“But we also appreciate that Solomon Islands is part of Pacific Family, so we have ensured the agreement does not in any way undermine the security of the region and that is very important to us as part of the Pacific Family and we also concern of the security of each member of the pacific family.

“We have actually dispatched our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Police to Fiji in May and met with leaders of the Pacific and partners based in Fiji to clarify Solomon Islands relationship with China and of course the region,” he said.

Measles and rubella immunisation on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Measles vaccine

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Provincial Health is stepping up its measles and rubella campaign in response to outbreaks in neighbouring countries.

A two-day briefing was held for 22 health representatives from four regions of Malaita to roll out catch-up immunisation starting next week.

Coordinator of Expanded Programme on Immunisation of Kilu’ufi hospital, Mr Rockson Siliota said the catch-up campaign will be for children who are yet to get their measles and rubella vaccine.

He said this is due to low coverage data recorded on measles and rubella vaccination for the province since last year.

Siliota said one reason is the ministry of health has focused on covid-19 in the past two years.

Thus, he said the plan now is for the provincial health to step up campaign to counter the outbreak, although there is low risk for the country.

Siliota said even low risk and despite limited time the country has with regards to the threat of the outbreak, the provincial health planned to speed up the campaign to improve the coverage.

He said the provincial health will be visiting communities in the province starting next week and those who have children that are yet to get their measles rubella vaccine must do so.

Siliota said reach-out is not only for measles and rubella, thus for other important vaccines like polio and others that children might not take within the past two year.

He said the first doze of measles and rubella vaccine is facilitate for children when they are 12 months and second doze when they are 18 months.

Siliota said children who are within that range or above and yet to get their vaccines must help by their parents to get their vaccines and protected from the virus.

Malaita log of claims held for anniversary handover

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

The handover of Malaita’s log of claims document to the national government has been postponed for August 15, which is Malaita’s Second Appointed Day.

Malaita premier Daniel Suidani told Island Sun that this deferment has been made based on advice from the permanent secretary to the ministry of provincial government (MPGIS), Stanley Pirione.

The document was initially planned to be submitted to the national government last Friday.

But, following a meeting with PS Pirione, the handover was postponed.

Suidani said MARA government sees this as the right thing to do, so that Malaitans witness the approach taken by their government to present their long time demands and cries.

He said like in the past, similar petitions were also submitted to the national government in an organised way, but turned out different as people took advantage of it.

Suidani said this time round, this is what will happen, similar petitions but will be carried through by Malaita provincial government as the responsible body for Malaitans   

He said preparation of the log of claim is done, written, printed and ready to be submitted.

Suidani said MPG hopes if national government could request dialogue with them on the claim. And this is what MPG is looking forward to happen. He said the log of claim gathers all the demands, development aspirations and sufferings of Malaitans that continue to remain unaddressed by the national government

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