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Taxi fleets meet to seek fare increase

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Taxi drivers and owners attending the meeting on Sunday

By MIKEMACHRIS BENTLEY

TAXI fleets serving Honiara have set up a committee to negotiate with authorities on the possibility of increasing taxi fares.

This after the continuous hike in fuel prices over the last few months, which has forced taxi owners to dig deep to ensure the survival of their business.

At a meeting on Sunday, representatives of 10 radio operated Taxi fleet decided to set up a committee with the purpose of increasing the Kilometer rate from $10 to $15 and the hourly rate from $100 to $150.

The committee made up of representatives from the taxi services also would work with authorities on deciding on the right process and avenue to implement the proposed increase.

Taxi owners who gathered would like to call on the public for their understanding given the rising fuel price and the high cost of maintaining their vehicles.

The Taxi committee set up to meet with authorities

The committee, therefore said with the recent chaos with buses demanding an increase in bus fares, they are prepared to negotiate it in the legal way and in due course inform the public on the timing of any implementation.

They emphasized on dialogue before any decisions are made.

 Meanwhile, the spokesman and interim Chairman of the Honiara Taxi Association, Jimmy Tavoa told Yumi Tok Tok forum this is their proposal and our negotiation amount.

“We will start talking to responsible authorities and present our proposal.

“We will justify our proposal but will listen to authorities on what they have to say about our proposed increases.

“Whatever reached during the negotiation process we will accept it.

“But definitely we will go for an increase from the $10,” said Tavoa.

Tavoa explains that they should only apply or implement these new rates/charges after HTA formalizes discussions with rightful authorities.

Chinese men deny common assault charge

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Three Chinese men alleged to have assaulted a person at the LCSM business area on 18 April 2022 have pleaded not guilty.

They are facing the charge of common assault.

The three accused are from Guandong province in China and were charged by police due to allegation that they assaulted a person at the LCSM business area in Honiara on that date.

Yesterday, after the trio entered not guilty pleas, Police Prosecutor Abel Maelanga sought 14 days adjournment to allow him to prepare documents for pre-trial conference.

Defence lawyer Donald Marahare made no objection to the prosecution’s suggestion and the case was adjourned to July 18 for PTC.

Police alleged that the three men confronted and pushed the victim at the gate of the LCSM building.

The victim reported the matter to the police and the three accused were arrested and charged to face the court of their alleged action.

MINING LICENCE REVOKED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Garden sites at West Rennell are dug up by Bauxite Mining companies. What left are holes filled with water.

Miner ceased operation on Rennell

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Mines and Mineral Board has cancelled the mining licence of Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) Limited.

This was after APID’s mining contractor, Bintan Mining SI Limited failed to carry out bauxite mining on Rennell Islands in the last two years during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Minister 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 due to covid-19 which left the project idle.

Vehe said APID is challenging the Mines Board for its decision to cancel its licence 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 Island.

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

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 Island at the moment.

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

APID directors are Khen Chu and Rachel Fasifera.

Fasifera holds 100 shares of the company.

While Bintan Mining SI Limited is the subsidiary company of Bintan Mining Corporation (“BMC”) incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.

It was revealed BMC was in a shareholders’ voluntary liquidation on 25 March 2021 pursuant to sections 159 and 161 of the BVI Insolvency Act 2003, and the liquidator was appointed on the same date.

The members of the Creditor’s Committee of BMC have been appointed at the creditors’ meeting held on 13 April 2021.

This announcement is made by China Creative Digital Entertainment Limited (the “Company”) on a voluntary basis pursuant to Rule 17.10 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the GEM of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “GEM Listing Rules”) and the provisions of inside information under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong).

The purpose of this announcement is to keep the shareholders and potential investors of the Company informed of the latest business development of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”).

BMC is a limited company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and its principal activity is operating a bauxite mine in Rennell Island, Solomon Islands.

The mining site covers 560 km2 and the bauxite reserves are estimated to be 31.5 million dry metric tons.

 2,148 shares of BMC was held by the Group, representing 10.57% of the issued shares capital of BMC.

The investment cost in BMC was HK$90,000,000 (SBD$93,591,360.09).

As at 30 June 2020, according to annual report of the Company, the fair value of BMC was HK$23,992,000 (SBD$24,949,376.79) and such fair value represents approximately 5.51% in the Company’s total assets.

For the year ended 30 June 2020, the change in fair value arisen from BMC was HK$47,654,000 (SBD$49,555,585.26) while the total amount of dividends received from BMC was nil.

PS Mines, Vehe said he is aware of the liquidation of BMC and one reason the Ministry do not accept any application for the bauxite mining on Rennell Island.

One landowner of Rennell told Island Sun they have not receive any royalties from 33 shipments since the mining halted.

He said the company need to sort out their royalties and Community Development Agreement because they have missed out and also Rennell and Bellona Province.

In the meantime, Attorney General John Muria Junior confirmed to media recently that his has submitted a claim that amounts to millions of dollars to insurer Korea Protection and Indemnity Club (KP&I) for the 2019 oil spill on Rennell.

This was after the Government ratified the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (‘Bunkers Convention’) last year.

The accession to the Bunkers Convention was triggered by the grounding of Hong Kong based MV Solomon Trader in February 2019.

The bulk carrier spilled more than 300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into Kagava Bay, Rennell Bellona Province, which is close to the World Heritage site at Lake Tengano.

“At the moment we are still waiting for their response.

“But we are very hopeful,” Muria Junior said.

A detailed environmental damage assessment commissioned by the Government on the Rennell Oil Spill has concluded that the grounding of the ship MV Solomon Trader and the subsequent oil spill caused significant ecological impacts and economic losses in the order of $112 million (US$14 million) to $304.6 million (US$38 million).

Vella resource owners say “Yes”

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Chiefs and government officials along with Hon Kologeto and Hon Rore pose for a group photo during the event

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

LANDOWNERS of Vella La Vella, Western Province have shown their willingness and commitment to a proposed Oil Palm project.

Government Officials led by Members of Parliament for Southeast Vella Constituency, Fredrick Kologeto and Member of Parliament for North Vella Constituency Clezy Rore, Officers from the Prime Minister’s Office, Officials from Ministry of Commerce, Officials from Ministry of Rural Development, Officers from Western Provincial Government and representative of Guadalcanal Plain Palm Oil Limited sat down and discussed the proposed project with landowners who expressed their interests to work with the national government in the implementation of the project on Friday last week at the Vella Development Center.

Resource owners’ willingness and interest towards the proposed project was evident at the end of consultation as they signed a communique to kick off the process that would lead to the fulfilment of the project.

Chief Vovoro signed the document

In his short opening remarks Kologeto said the objective of the proposed project is to bring employment opportunity closer to the people as well as bringing in long term development to Vella.

He said the proposed project came about after consultations were made with leaders of Vella.

“I and my colleague Minister, Rore discussed this proposed project and see the need to carry it forward, so we consult some of our leaders and scholars about this.

“With collective brains, we decided to drive this project. It is not about us, it is about the present and future generation, and how they can benefit from our resources,” Kologeto said.

Government officials garland and shake hands with community representatives upon arrival

He acknowledged chiefs, resources owners and government officials who have responded positively to the call for the meeting.

Minister Rore shared similar sentiment saying that it is time to establish long term developments that would stimulate long term benefits for Vella and Western province.

He said Vella is a sleeping giant when comes to development and the time is right to help chiefs, resource owners and people of Vella that potential and untapped development opportunities.

“Vella has the human resources that would to drive potential development. We are the highest contributor of copra market in both domestic and international market, so why not we go further with other commodities,” Rore said.

He said the proposal is to make a difference and bring long term development that would benefit present and future generation.

 “I’m pleased to see landowners and resources owners come together today to discuss this important development aspiration. As we know, land issue has been one of the challenge that hindered national developments, as such we are here today to make way by talking to each other on how best we can drive this proposed project.

Hon Kologeto and Hon Rore greeted by garlanding team before shaking hands with chief of Vella

“We must understand that such development can bring in other important development such as roads and other infrastructures, so benefits can be tripled,” Rore said.

Former Premier, Christian Barley Mesepitu acknowledge the National Government for recognizing the importance of the project to the people of Vella and Western Province.

He also acknowledge Government delegations as well as chiefs and resources owners who showed their willingness and interests towards the proposed project.

Government Officials heading towards Vella Development Cooperation center

“I acknowledge Kologeto and Rore for working together to drive the proposed oil palm project. It has been so long where our leaders unable to work together and now is the time.

“Today we are showing the strength of working together. When national leaders, chiefs, resource owners and people work together, we can make a difference,” Mesepitu said.

On behalf of the chiefs and resources owners, Alex Lionel said resource owners fully support the proposed project and are looking forward to looking with those who will be implementing the project.

He said it is time for resource owners and landowners to come together for a common good and that is to accept the development as it will have long term benefits for not only the landowners but also people of Vella.

According to documents, the project will be implemented at Oula Basin, Vella.

 Stakeholders validate key gender policies

Written by
Press Release
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Stakeholders participated in a one-and-a-half-day workshop aimed at validating the national Gender Equality and Women’s Development and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls policies reflecting gender equality priorities in the Solomon Islands.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Women’s Development Division (WDD), with support from Pacific Community’s (SPC) Human Rights and Social Development Division under the Government of Australia Progressing Gender Equality in the Pacific programme from 30 June to 1 July.

Stakeholders in Honiara gathered in person, joined by ‘online’ colleagues and technical experts in the hybrid event.

Gender equality stakeholders reviewed changes in the gender policy landscape, reviewed progress made and policy implementation priorities moving forward to 2027.

Participants assessed the outcome areas in the two policies to ensure that outcomes match with ongoing project and programme implementation, resource mobilisation and results frameworks.

Participants included key government ministries, civil society groups, service providers for survivors of family violence and development partners engaged in the policy review process.

Feedback from consultations during the review process highlighted how the policies focus programming efforts and helps to mobilise resources for gender equality.

Stakeholders emphasised that increasing collaboration on women’s rights has raised awareness about the benefits of gender equality across diverse sectors including health, finance, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, human resource management, policing and in the judicial system at national, province and community levels.

Dr Cedrick Alependava, Permanent Secretary of MWYCFA congratulated participants “for your invaluable time and commitment towards gender equality and women’s rights, these policies provide very important foundations for our collective efforts to ensure that all women and children are protected and benefit from inclusive sustainable development and that no one is left behind”.

Miles Young, Director HRSD, emphasised SPC’s substantial investment and commitment in supporting the Solomon Islands gender equality goals over the medium to long term; “we know that this is a long-term investment because it involves changing attitudes and behaviours and harmful stereotypes resulting in gender inequality”.

Looking forward, the MWYCFA will now finalise the policies before submission to cabinet while continuing to support advocacy and awareness raising activities in the policy outcome areas and supporting governance mechanisms, with the National Stakeholder Taskforce meeting later in 2022.

MYWCFA Press

Makira Women trained on sustainable food security

Written by
Press Release
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Training group photo.

More than twenty mothers and girls from Ward five of West Makira have gained knowledge in soil improvement to sustain their families’ food security in efforts to withstand the effects of climate change.

Organized by an all women led NGO in Honiara, the Matavale women’s Association, a three day training and demonstration took was conducted on Anuta Island, West Makira Constituency from the 22nd to the 24th of June 2022.

The training had indoor lessons and outdoor practical and demonstrations and was held after a team from the organization carried scoping work in early June where more than 20 villages were visited.

A trainer from Kastom Gaden Association, Esther Lodu conducted the training with Matavale Women’s Association officers.

Speaking at the training, Ms Lodu said, as bread winners of many families, women need to be prepared to face negative effects of climate change on agriculture and food security because of extreme weather conditions which may result in poor crop yields through too much rain, drought and other natural disasters.

Soils improvement practical and demonstrations during the Training

She said the effects of climate change not only cause sea level rise but other issues not seen before such as frequent and sever cyclones, increased incidences of diseases and very low crop yields.

She said, if we are not prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions, our families will face a lot of difficulties, one of which is poor crop yields, that we are not able to feed our families therefore conducting trainings like this are very important.

She said, what Matavale Women’s Association is trying to achieve is to enable families feed their families with nutritious local food in the face of mounting negative effects of climate change, one of which is food security.

During the training, women were given classroom lessons and the majority of time in outdoor practical and demonstrations on methods to improve soil quality, crop nursery and nurturing, seed packaging and biological pest control measures which women can use in their local settings.

Matavale Women’s Association representative at the training, Ellen Paieke said participants have welcomed the training as an eye opener and the first of its kind to be held for women in the area.

“This training is to empower you participants to produce nutritious food which you can give to your families or to sell to earn some money to meet basic household needs”, Mrs Paieke said.

Anuta Community representative, Timothy Unga said the community and its people really appreciated the initiative by the Matavale Women’s Association as it will help families grow enough food to feed their families.

“We have seen a decline in crop yield over the years and with the training, I’m very hopeful we can reverse the trend” Mr Unga said.

Building composts using available materials during the training

A women’s leader from Oneibia village, Eunice Hoben described the training and associated demonstrations as an eye opener and women have found it to be very helpful and meaningful to them.

She said the training was the first of its kind to be held in the area as previous trainings were mainly on faith-based activities.

“This is the first training women in the are part of and we are very grateful to the Matavale Women’s Association for seeing it fit to come down this far to help us. We have learnt a lot and I’m very hopeful what the women received from the training will be applied in their own gardens” Mrs Hoben said.

The women’s groups were provided with gardening tools and seedlings after the training to start their fruit and vegetable gardens.

Matavale Women’s Association will hold other food security oriented trainings and demonstration in the coming months for communities and women’s groups in West Makira.

The current training for ward five and six was made available through UNDP’s Global Environment Fund and following on under UNWomen Peace and Humanitarian Fund for Wards 5 to 8 in the West Makira Constituency.

Matavale Women’s Association is very appreciative of GEF for making it possible for the group to reach out to vulnerable groups in the rural communities of Solomon Islands which it will try its best to achieve in the longer term.

Details to delay Parliament to be tabled

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE details to delay the 11th Parliament to 2024 or permanently extend it for five years will be seen on the Bill when it is tabled in Parliament.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui confirmed this to the media in a press conference last week.

He said currently Cabinet is still to meet and endorse the Bill because most Government’s members are still to complete their awareness in their respective constituencies.

He said when the Government members return, a paper will be submitted to Cabinet to approve and endorse the Bill.

Kabui said Government will then table the Bill in Parliament and sits there for a month as required under the Constitution on notice.

The Constitutional Review Committee in Parliament will carry further enquiry on the Bill and seek further submissions from other stakeholders.

Then after the Bill will go through first reading, second reading and third reading before its passage.

Furthermore, Kabui said this process is similar to the Public Health Emergency Bill.

He said when Government tabled it in Parliament, it has nothing to do with it.

Kabui said this is the reason why the Government is still waiting for the Bills and Legislative Committee to finalise its report before can proceed further.

“There are processes in place which is reflective of our West Minister democratic system of governance,” he added.

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.

Ming: PRC-SI Police partnership open, transparent

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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PM Sogavare witness the bullet proof vests

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE police cooperation between Solomon Islands and Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is open, transparent and friendly on the basis of equality and respect.

PRC Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Li Ming explained this during the joint demonstration between Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Correctional Services officers and PRC Police Liaison Team at Rove field last Friday.

Ming said it is not targeted at any third party and focus on concrete actions.

“It will benefit the two peoples and regional peace and stability as well,” he said.

Four weeks ago, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a historic visit to Solomon Islands.

The two sides signed 10 important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further enhance cooperation in areas like tariff, health and anti-pandemic, civil aviation, disaster prevention and relief, and opened a new chapter of bilateral relations between China and Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Ming said Foreign Minister Wang Yi also explained three principles guiding China-Solomon Islands security cooperation, namely, fully respecting the national sovereignty of Solomon Islands, helping maintain the social stability of Solomon Islands and going in parallel with regional arrangements.

He said in accordance with the consensus reached by the two sides, China will continue to deepen and enhance bilateral police cooperation.

NRH to address floor -bed problem 

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Patients lying on the floor at the Emergency-Outpatient area, Friday June 24. Photo by Irwin Angiki

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

NATIONAL Referral Hospital (NRH) has set in place short- and long-term measures to address the floor-bed problem that has been an ongoing sight at the hospital.

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Dr George Malefoasi in a recent press conference organised by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPMC).

“Unfortunately, we have excess number of patients but already we have some short term and long-term actions for that issue. It will be a bit slow for us to carry out but you will see some changes soon,” Malefoasi said.

He said the short-term measures include, the NRH providing some additional beds and additional long-term measures will be carried out soon as well.

Malefoasi said it comes back to people if they are sick, ensure they take their medicines.

“Many of the patients out there are defaulters’ people who are on High blood pressure who did not get their medication and come back to NRH.

“They are very sick so we cannot let them return home but to look after them at NRH as long as they are on treatment,” he said.

COVID-19 improving with declining cases

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

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Covid-19 situation in Solomon Islands has improved with declining cases recorded so far according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Service.

According to the latest health advisory admissions at health facilities around the country are also declining as well.

“Covid-19 situation in the country has improved with declining cases and admissions at health facilities,” the health advisory said.

It stressed that there are few cases in the provinces.

But warned that with the easing of public and social measures and more importantly the reopening of borders there is also the possibility of new infections of covid-19 and a third wave.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Health is issuing this advocacy to guide us on how to continue mitigate any possible risks of covd-19 to our communities,” the statement said.

The advisory further adviced the public to practice covid-19 health safety measures, business houses and critical infrastructures like shops and banks to follow and strengthen covid-19 safe practices for person experiencing covid-19 symptoms and to get tested at any of HCC clinics.

 It also advises that incoming travellers will not undergo mandatory quarantine bur they are advised to adhere to and observe covid-19 protocols.

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