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Maelanga urges Solomon Islanders to embrace unity

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

DEPUTY Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga urges Solomon Islanders to embrace unity rather than division.

Maelanga stressed this during the Mayor Independence Dinner at the National Auditorium last Friday.

The dinner was organised by Honiara City Council to celebrate the country’s 44th Independence Day after the country gained her independence in 7th July 1978.

This year’s theme is “Iumi Tugeda for a Stronger and Peaceful Solomon Islands”.

The theme calls for all Solomon Islands citizens to unite as fellow country men and women of the “happy Isles” to build the country into a stronger and peaceful place for everyone.

However, Honiara was the centre of the November riots last year and the outbreak of the Covid 19 that affected some families.

Maelanga said he liked the message preached by Reverend Edward Kolohai during the Thanksgiving service on the need to grow peace and unity by following the teaching of Jesus to love and forgive and not take revenge if someone wrongs you.

“We all come together with different backgrounds, diversity and cultures but we have to have one common understanding that is unity.

“We are one Solomon Islanders. We need to have this in our heart,” he said.

“When I was the Minister of Homes Affairs, I always travelled with national team to Mini Games, Pacific Games and Olympic Games.

“Sometimes when the national anthem cries, I am in tears because I think we are one,” he said.

However, Maelanga said some educated leaders don’t understand this and brain washed our people.

“Sometimes we know these things are right, but we them turn into wrongs,” he added.

Logging industry provides 10,000 jobs

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Logging in Solomon Islands. Photo supplied

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Solomon Islands logging industry provides around 10,000 jobs.

 This is according to Dr Nishikawa Tatsuji, Chief Advisor of JICA’s Sustainable Forest Resources Management SFRM project in Solomon Islands.

“The logging industry provides around 10,000 jobs, which represent 20 percent of total employment,” Tatsuji says.

He said the population growth facing Solomon Islands has resulted in a large surplus workforce but which as 10 thousand jobs has not been able to fully participate in the logging industry.

“The current status of the demographics and workforce of communities in Solomon Islands communities is that births are increasing in all communities and the proportion of youth and infant in the communities is also increasing.

“It is a challenge in all community for adolescents to get jobs and cash income within the communities. On the other hand, if communities sell their tree to logging company, the following negative effects may occur; the forest resources, which is the main property of the community will be lost at once, the forest will be recovered to take more than 20 years, the youth will have no hope of living in the community and when natural disasters occur, the damage will be enormous,” Tatsuji said.

He echoed the above statement during the event of the second Press tour for local Journalists in the country.

Regional journalists undergo Media master class ahead of the 51st PIFLM

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Journalists pose for a group photo with PIFS Secretary General Henry Puna and Australian High Commission to Fiji H.E John Feakes

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

REGIONAL journalists have undergone an intense training yesterday ahead of the 51st Pacific Island Leaders Forum Meeting that will kick off in Suva, Fiji today.

The training was held at Holiday Inn, Suva and it was blessed with the presence of Secretary General of Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Henry Puna and Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency John Feakes who welcomed the participants and also opened the Master Class training.

Speaking to the journalists, Puna says the need for people to have access to information that is factual and fair will always be the cornerstone of the partnership between the media and regional institutions in the pacific.

“Your work is ensuring communities and people that our leaders serve are informed and engaged on the policies strengthening our common regional future. Collaboration and cooperation are as critical to resourcing the work that we do for the Pacific as it surely is for resourcing the work you do on reporting on regionalism.

“Master Class Training introduced journalists to 2050 Strategy, Trade to 2050 Agreement (Samoa), Pacific to COP27 and Ocean-Climate, Gender to 2050 – the Pacific SDGs postcard, Pacific Islands Forum history, presentation from Civil Society Organisations (PRINGO Alliance and PIANGO), technical session to cover the forum leaders meeting and briefing by Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Communication and Public Affairs Department,” he says.

Puna says the conversations on development priorities for the Pacific and what the aspirations mean to people in the pacific must always be informed by the voices of the people.

He says the professional ethics and standards of pacific media industry must be shaped and performed according to media ethics advocating positive changes.

Puna acknowledges the Australian government for supporting the Master Class Training.

Forestry receives 2 important documents

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Dr Nishikawa hands over the MOFR Corporate plan and Long-term Policy for SFRM

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Forest and Research (MOFR) has received its Corporate plan 2023-26 and its long-term sustainable forest resources management (SFRM) policy.

The corporate plan 2023-26 details the forest policy, priority policy execution plans 2023-2026 and divisional activities and planning 2023-2026.

The long-term sustainable forest resource management policy speaks of the current status of forest resources and challenges of the Solomon Islands forest sector, vision and the long term policy of SFRM itself.

Dr Nishikawa Tatsuji, chief advisor JICA on Capacity Development for Sustainable Forest Resources Management in Solomon Islands, handed the two documents to the Permanent Secretary of MOFR, Dr Vaeno Vigulu.

Tatsuji said he is delighted to hand over the Corporate Plan 2023-26 and long term Policy for the SFRM project.

“I would like to hand over the Corporate plan 2023-2026 and the Long term Sustainable Forest Resource Management Policy compiled by the Technical Support Committee of the Ministry of Forestry and Research and the Japans International Corporation Agency –SFRM project after more than one year discussions, to the Ministry of Forestry Research Executive,” he said 

TRIBUTE TO FOUNDING FATHERS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

PM remembers past leaders in 44th independence speech

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has paid tribute to the founding fathers, who pushed the country to gain Independence from Great Britain in 1978.

Sogavare stated this during his reflection of the country’s 44-year journey in his 44th anniversary speech yesterday.

“These men and women negotiated our political Independence from Great Britain who ruled the country for 85 years since declaring us a Protectorate in 1893,” the prime minister said.

He said on 7 July 1978, our young country attained nationhood.

Former Member of East Are Are, late Peter Kenilorea was the first Prime Minister who led the country to Independence.

“Our first leaders solemnly declared to the world our choice and determination to champion our destiny.

“On that day, 44 years ago, we started the process of governing ourselves,” he said.

However, Solomon Islands, a country of more than 700,000 people and different cultures and languages, has faced many challenges in her history.

Some of the challenges included internal conflicts like the ethnic conflict between Malaita and Guadalcanal from 1998-2003, riots in Honiara and natural disasters like cyclones and climate change.

Sogavare pondered some questions that remained with him today as he reflected on the country’s journey.

“Has the country achieved the vision and aspirations our founding fathers and mothers had of a strong united and peaceful Solomon Islands?

“Has the country achieved the vision portrayed in our National Anthem which is a country that exude joy, peace, progress and prosperity where men shall brothers be make nations see?

“Or are we planting seeds of doubts and dissent that will continue to divide us and prevent our country from achieving long term peace and prosperity?” he asked.

Sogavare said what legacy should the current generation of Solomon Islanders leaders leave behind for future generations.

“What kind of Solomon Islands do we want to see in 10,20, 50 years or 100 years from today?

“What should we do to ensure that the decisions we all make will lead us to the type of Solomon Islands we wish to see and leave behind for our children, our great children, grandchildren and your children?” he asked.

He said to ask answer these questions, we must first look back to our past and consider the realities we face today before we can chart our path into the future.

Honiara marked the Independence with parade from White River to Maranatha Hall, music shows at Townground, Auditorium building, women selling food and handicrafts and youths offering barber services at Solomon Islands Ports Authority compound.

While people in the communities also celebrated the Independence with sporting events and selling of foods and music.

SIEC holds election training for Auki media

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of media in Auki and SIEC staffs after the Media Accreditation and Code of Conduct training at Auki Lodge yesterday in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

A team from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission office has successfully conducted a half day Media Accreditation and Code of Conduct training for media personnel in Auki yesterday.

A total of six media personnel, four from the mainstream outlets, Island Sun, Solomon Star and SIBC and two from social media Face book groups, Malaita Issue and Malaita News have attended the training.

The training is part of SIEC’s preparation for the upcoming two by-elections for West Kwaio constituency and provincial ward 18 of East Kwaio constituency.

The training was aimed at enhancing the capacity of media on the important role they play to disseminate fair and proper information to public on the election events.

During the training, the media personnel were briefed on SIEC organizational structure, election process, SIEC code of conduct for media and election advocacy.

These areas are important to the media personnel to provide them with fair understanding on what to do when executing their election reporting.

Particularly, for election process and election code of conduct to guide them on how best they could carry out their work in accordance to the required standard.

Media personnel in Auki thanked SIEC for the training and coordination they have with the Media in Solomon Islands on election activities.

Auki media looks forward to working together with SIEC and people in West Kwaio constituency and provincial ward 18 of East Kwaio constituency in the coming by-elections.

Bill to extend parliament

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE proposed Bill to delay the 11th Parliament to 2024 or permanently extend for five years can be scrutinised by the Bills and Legislative Committee.

This after the Constitutional Review Committee in Parliament is also identified to scrutinise the Bill if it is tabled in Parliament.

Under Section 61 (4) (a) of the Constitution, the notice of the proposed Bill has been given to the Speaker at least four weeks before the first reading of the Bill in Parliament.

Parliament Office said by default position, any bill can go through BLC apart from the Appropriation Bill which the Public Accounts Committee is mandated to scrutinise it.

However, Parliament Office said the CRC can do an issue base inquiry on the proposed Bill.

Under the Standing Orders of Parliament, the CRC can review the Constitution regularly and examine any changes of the proposed Constitution.

“It is still not sure whether the Speaker will allow the proposed Bill to be scrutinised by BLC or CRC,” Parliament office said.

The CRC is currently without a Chairman after Member of Parliament for Rennell and Bellona,” Dr Tautai Angikimua Kaitu’u has vacated his responsibility.

The members of CRC are Opposition Leader Mathew Wale, Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Peter Kenilorea Junior, MP for South New Georgia, Rendova Tetepare, Danny Philip, MP for East Honiara, Douglas Ete and MP for Central Kwara’ae, Jackson Fiulaua.

Furthermore, Parliament Office said the one-month notice is to allow time to notify the Committee members, hold enquiry with different stakeholders and make recommendations of the report.

Unlike the Government’s bill, it has a duration of four days and Non-Members Bill is 12 days.

However, one month notice is given to the proposed Bill because it is a Constitutional Amendment.

The Government intended to delay the elections to 2024 because the Pacific Games is taking place in 2023 as well.

So far, Transparency Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands Christian Association, House of Chiefs on Guadalcanal and other women’s organisations have opposed the delay or extension of Parliament because they want to the election held in 2023.

Bintan owes landowner $366,964

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
Road infrastructure in Rennell.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

BINTAN Mining SI Limited has owed Biunalu landowners on Rennell island $366,964.07 after it halted its operation two years ago.

At the same time, the landowners’ credits towards the company are $921, 144.16.

Biunalu tribe is among other clans that offered their land to Bintan for bauxite mining since 2014.

According to the landowners’ spokesperson, the company owes:

  1. John Morries – $106, 202.12
  2. Aljay Tuhaika – $41,183.26
  3. James Teugua – $100,591.13
  4. Wesly Hakanoa – $40,834.77
  5. Brian Saoba Group – $59,494.09
  6. Owen Baipolo & Joshua Tepai – $15,000.00
  7. Prince Temahua – $11,650.00
  8. Sylvia Tebegi – $5,508.70

Furthermore, other outstanding claims include:

  1. Security payments from 31 July 2019 to 22 May 2022
  2. 36 months at $10,000 totalled $360,000
  • Road access from 22 May 2018 to 31 December 2020
  • Outstanding is $165,000
  • From 31 December 2020 to 22 May 2022
  • Total is $240,000
  • Machine storage $3000 per night, $3000 per day
  • From 11 November 2019 to 22 May 2022
  • Total cost is $5,466,000.00
  • 15 stockpiles remain
  • 40,000 times 5 total $200,000

In the meantime, Rex Soaika of Tehakamagoku tribe claimed they are still to receive any payments from more than 30 Head of Agreement (HOA) signed with Bintan.

Soaika said according to HOA, if the company exported 70,000 dry metric tonnes of bauxite, the company must pay the landowners $200,000 per shipment.

He said this is different from royalties and lease payment.

Soiaka said the company needs to settle their debts before they allow any mining in future.

Bintan Mining SI Ltd was the contractor of Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) Limited, which held the mining license over the tenements on Rennell Island.

However, the Mines and Mineral Board has cancelled APID’s license after it failed to carry out bauxite mining on Rennell Islands in the last two years during the Covid 19 outbreak.

Permanent Secretary of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification permanent secretary, Dr Christopher Vehe said from what he got from the Mines and Mineral Board, there was no operation done during the covid 19 which left the project idled.

Dr Vehe said APID has challenged the Mines Board for its decision to cancel its license in court at the moment.

However, he said Nickel Enterprise SI Limited has submitted a letter of intent to the Ministry to mine bauxite on Rennell Islands.

The company is owned by a Singapore based company, Solomon Enterprise PTE. Limited.

Dr Vehe said the Director of Mines and Secretariate of Mines and Mineral Board have carried out due diligence and found Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd has close associate with Bintan Mining SI Ltd.

He said Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd submitted its application during the leadership of former Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki.

As such, no company is endorsed by the Mineral Board to mine the bauxite on Rennell Islands at the moment.

At the same time, APID, which holds the mining license over the tenement on Rennell is challenging a judicial review on the Mineral Board’s decision to cancel its license.

Soaika claimed Bintan General Manager Fred Tang was behind the move to push Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd to get license from Mines and Mineral Board in order to pay the outstanding creditors of Bintan.

Island Sun understands the owners of Bintan had already left the country.

Suidani urges electors not to vote independent candidates

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0
Premier Suidani is carried on a platform as he and his delegation was welcome by Malaitans in Auki .

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani warns Malaitan electorates not to vote independent candidates in the next General Election.

The premier said although he respects the voting rights of everyone, he has reasons for the call, further urging Malaitans to look and think beyond past voting practices.

“This time around, if any candidate contests the next national general election as an independent candidate, don’t vote him/her.

“That advice is from me.

“I find it very difficult when elected independent candidates arrive in Honiara and jump from camp to camp.

“It is a shame for the leader who is elected by his/her people only to be pulled here and there.

“The reason is that elected independent representatives don’t have any vision and dreams, because they didn’t contest under political parties.

“So stop looking at independent candidates,” he said.

Suidani said although governments often form under a coalition, it is fair enough for different parties to merge manifestos and lead the country with sets of visions as one.

He said in the case of independent candidates, they have no base before going there and they are most likely the ones that are causing instabilities in parliament.

“So I encourage whoever in the province that is planning to contest the upcoming election to join a political party before contesting.

“And for voters, don’t waste time with independent candidates.

“It’s time to change Malaita. We want our leaders to be united under one manifesto, principles and vision in order to take this province forward.

“It’s time that we vote true leaders who care about the issues of this province,” Suidani said.

He said the MARA government is serious on leadership issues currently faced and it’s high time voters  re-group their mindset and think political parties and not independent candidates.

Suidani says his government remains stronger

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER Daniel Suidani says his government is rock solid and ready to take on any motion of no confidence should there be one in the future.

Suidani made the statement in response to a question raised during his awareness talk at Kilusakwalo village on the strength of his government.

As well as the notion that it is only a few months left to make it to 12 months after his last motion of no confidence was defeated.

He said MARA government had already defeated two motions and should there be any motion, he did not know, but they are prepared to defeat any motion.

Suidani said very soon one of their MPAs, Claudio Te’efi will leave to contest the West Kwaio seat and that will live them with 16 MPAs on the executive.

He said his replacement is ready and as long as he leaves the eyed MPA will fill in his space.

Suidani said there are rumors by some people that another motion is likely.

“If so, let it be,” he added.

He said the MARA government has faced two motions and if there is another, this is the only provincial government of Malaita to face three motions in a single term.

“The funny thing is, if another motion looms, how many more years do they want to rule while our term will lapse by mid next year. It makes no sense.

“However, if there is another motion as the law provides for, we welcome it,” Suidani said.

Suidani reiterated the strength of his government and assures of his continuous bold stand on issues of concern to the people of Malaita province.

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