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Govt enquires about permanent visa status in Australia

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets the press at Henderson last Friday.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands government has asked Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the quota in the 3000 permanent visa for Pacific Islands countries.

However, the Australian Labour government is still to finalise the arrangement for the permanent visa.

This is part of the Labour government’s new Pacific migration policies after it came into power recently to allow Pacific Islanders working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme to live permanently with their families in Australia.

Initially, the Australia Government issued shorter term visa under the Seasonal Workers Programme and longer-term visa under the Pacific Labour Mobility.

Senator Wong told media before her departure to Adelaide at Honiara International Airport last Friday that the issues of allocation were raised in the meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and in her meetings in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

“Iam pleased there’s been a positive response.

“Obviously, there are issues we want to work through, including how would we allocate between different Pacific Islands nations,” she said.

Senator Wong said it’s a visa that is modelled on the New Zealand visa arrangement particularly with Polynesian islands.

“So, we will work through the details including how much, what is the allocations for each Pacific Islands nations with your government and others,” she said.

Furthermore, Senator Wong said a youth representative she met at Burns creek clinic spoke to her about labour mobility.

“Obviously we are working with local communities and government on development more broadly.

“But what has been raised with me is labour mobility,” she said.

“We come to your government with a commitment to strengthen labour mobility between our nation and members of the Pacific Islands nations

“I understand this is an area we can assist opportunities as well as economic benefits for families and individuals,” she added.

Currently there are more than 3000 Solomon Islanders working in Australia under the labour scheme in farms, meat industries and age care centres.

China: we value education

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Press Release
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Entry to the ground breaking ceremony at SINU’s Panatina Campus.

China’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands Li Ming says his country values education development and will continue to invest in this sector as the relationship between the two countries continue to grow.

Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) dormitory project, Ambassador Ming said China is honored to make contributions to the future of Solomon Islands.

“SINU is the national university of Solomon Islands, and the students today will become leaders, engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers and CEOs of the nation in the future, so we are honored to make contributions to the future of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The project consists of 3 brand new 4-floor dormitory buildings, a one-floor activity hall, a one-floor equipment house plus auxiliary projects including greening and road building.

It includes 216 rooms and is able to provide accommodation for more than 900 students.

China will further provide beddings and necessary furniture for each room, so students will be able to move in with only a suitcase.

“Education is a vital area of cooperation and we are willing to promote cooperation between Universities in Solomon Islands and China.

“This is a new area of cooperation with great potential,” Ming said.

There are already 70 Solomon Islands students studying in China and this year the Chinese Government will offer scholarships for another 20 students.

Ming said a Chinese language training program will be the next focus of education cooperation and wish that SINU will house the first Confucius Institute in the country.

The Dormitory Buildings when completed will be used first as the games village for 2023 Pacific Games next year.

 The two governments have been working hard and closely to make sure the construction is completed according to schedule.

Ambassador Ming reiterated that China is committed to building a community of shared future for mankind and stands firmly in helping Solomon Islands friends to achieve its development goals.

Last month, the Chinese State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi led a high level delegation to visit Solomon Islands.

The two countries signed nine important documents to promote cooperation in trade, infrastructure, investment, economic and technical cooperation, health, civil aviation, environmental protection and climate change while Honiara city and China’s Jiangmen city established their sister relationship.

Ambassador Ming believes that with the unfolding of a new chapter in the bilateral relations, the cooperation will promote more real and tangible development for Solomon Islands.

– Gov’t Communication Department

Untapped export opportunities in NZ

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Auckland, New Zealand

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

PACIFIC Trade Investment New Zealand says Solomon Islands has untapped export opportunities in New Zealand.

Speaking to regional journalists on Tuesday, Trade Commissioner Glynis Miller said Solomon Islands has resources with very strong fresh produce in agricultural base, fisheries and timber.

She adds that there is scope for Solomon Islands to grow its footprint in other areas.

Miller said this requires close collaboration between Pacific Trade Investment New Zealand and the government of Solomon Islands.

“It’s important for us to work alongside governments to understand what it is that the government’s priorities are and where they pitch their assistance to exporters in small businesses in Solomon Islands.

“Frozen agricultural products – which for one New Zealand supermarket chain is set to grow by 10% in 2 years – is an immediate opportunity. 

“For Solomon Islands where we often say to most to our clients across the Pacific that the frozen segment in New Zealand is an untapped potential,” Miller said.

“If you look at Countdown, in particular -so the Countdown supermarkets in New Zealand – their growth for, 2020 (to) 2021 and 2022 is around from 35 to 45% …for frozen agricultural produce coming in to New Zealand.

Other Solomon Islands exports to New Zealand are also performing well.

“Solomon Islands …biggest export is timber and still is, about NZD$10 million coming into export to New Zealand, followed by coconut oil sitting around $1.1 million, canned tuna that’s growing from around $250,000 to $1 million, cocoa and chocolate follows after.

“So, I think the outlook for us in working with Solomon Islands is we really need to get a better understanding, and we’re waiting for Solomon Islands borders to open to enable us to do this, is to get in country alongside and work alongside businesses on the ground as well as alongside governments,” Miller said.

She said Pacific Trade Investment New Zealand have been working with few companies in Solomon Islands to grow their exports to New Zealand.

Miller said the future for Solomon Islands export is in fresh produce and kava as well as food and beverages.

“We’re been trying to get in some inroads with the Department of Trade and Commerce as well as with the chamber through the private sector, for private sector to bring to the table some broad minded thinking around and what is it that the private sector in the Solomon Islands has ambitions for, to align itself and achieve government’s ambition to grow its economic development and indeed its exports to New Zealand”.

“So the key areas where we’re seeing export opportunities and some value in investments in these areas, in these sectors,” she said.

Miller said Pacific Trade Investment (PTI)-which has trade Commissioners in Australia, China, Japan and Europe, as well as in New Zealand – has been instrumental in securing international markets for SolTuna.

“I think the most telling one for us has been with SolTuna.

“It took us working with SolTuna and their marketing in Brisbane, the good part of two years to get product to market.

“And that was largely due to market entry requirements that the company had to meet, and then testing the market through product samples.

“So, after two and a half years of market assessments SolTuna has now found its footprint in the New Zealand market and as Pacific Trade Invest NZ we also found regional markets for them in New Caledonia.

“And there was a small test in Cook Islands a couple of years ago,” she said.

Soltuna’s exports to New Zealand have quadrupled in value in recent years.

Togamana applauds Australia for Kids vaccine

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana speaking to the crowd at Burnscreek.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana has praised Australia for donating 200,000 doses of paediatric covid 19 vaccines for children from ages 5 to 11 years.

Dr Togamana made this acknowledgement when the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong visited King George Six school last week to witness students receiving their vaccinations.

He also acknowledged Canberra’s generosity and for its continuous support with provisions of vaccines and assistance in the roll out of vaccination in the country.

“The support is yet another clear demonstration of your government’s strong commitment and dedication towards our ongoing partnership and friendship.

“Despite the improved covid situation today, the covid 19 threat is not over,” he said.

“We are still generating positive tests, but more importantly the full reopening of our borders soon poses possibility of entry of the spread of new covid 19 variants that could trigger a third wave.

“More importantly to continue to implement our public health measures to prevent large scale covid outbreak, reduce hospitalization and prevent deaths in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Dr Togamana said this is the strategic mandate of his ministry to ensure that all possible threats to peoples’ health and lives is mitigated.

“As such we have been working tireless to roll out covid 19 vaccines to the reminder of our populations who are yet to get vaccination.

“And the 200,000 paediatric vaccines you promised would be of great help towards our strives for activities,” he added.

She said this covid 19 paediatrics will not only increase coverage but also expand coverage to new target groups, of our population including children from 5 to 11 years to protect them.

“The support we have received from the people and government of Australia to our entire effort has greatly mitigated what could have been a great disaster for us,” he added.

Wale says election process hijacked

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Opposition Leader and MP for Aoke Langalanga Hon Matthew Wale. Photo Credit; Pacificwin NZ Aus Pacific on LinkedIn.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

LEADER of Opposition, Matthew Wale says the election process is hijacked by the controversial government intention to defer the current parliament life to another year.

Wale made this statement during his constituency talk in Auki on Tuesday.

 A question was raised as to why the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission – a body responsible for election processes have not said anything on the proposed deferment of the election.

In response the Opposition leader said the proposed policy came from the government and SIEC will perform their duty as responsible body to carry out election processes.    

He explained that if the policy starts from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), it will follow the right election process.

Wale talked about the process and that people should consult the proposal and after, a white paper will be drafted on the proposal and submitted to parliament for debate.

He said from there, it will return to people and after that the bill will drafted and sent to caucus and cabinet and back to the Bills and Legislative Committee before it is tabled before parliament.

Wale said this is the process. However, in this case, the government approved the proposal policy last year and hid it until it was leaked.

He said now, they are pushing the proposal outcome in their current constituency consultation to get people’s view on the proposal.

Wale said the proposal to defer election from next year is decided and approved by the government for the reason of hosting the SPG and other reasons.

Wong encourages local students to study hard

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

STUDENTS in Solomon Islands are encouraged to study hard in their education.

Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong made this encouragement when she visited King George Six school during her one-day visit to Honiara on 17th June.

“I want to say about education. I was born in Malaysia and I grew up in a country where my father used to say to me, “there’s one thing that I can never take from you and that is your education”.

“I hope you don’t mind I get the same lecture to some of your students today. So, you must study very hard,” she said.

Senator Wong said it is so important for any society, particular any country that is looking to develop and become more prosperous and stronger for there to be good education of the next generation.

“And that is why Australia and its people are so pleased to be able to work with you through your education department, through our programmes to try and support as we are for the education of the next generation,” she added.

Supervising Minister of Education and Human Resources, Fredrick Koloqeto confirmed the pandemic has affected the education of students and contributed immensely to study loss.

Senator Wong said the Minister is right that the pandemic has had enormous difficult effects on all parts of our societies, Solomon Islands, Australia and around the world.

She said one of the areas really hit hard is the education system.

“The Education has spoken, there is an effect on the education of young people.

“I acknowledge the work that your government is seeking on how to return students to school for the all-important opportunity to educate and blow their mind,” she added.

Students in the country have returned to their respective schools but must take covid 19 vaccinations.

Burns creek chief wants reconciliation with PM

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Police officers tirelessly working to bring the riots under control. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

THE Burnscreek community in East Honiara plans to reconcile with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare following the devastating riots in November 2021.

Prime Minister Sogavare was also a victim after rioters burst into his compound at Lunga and burned down part of his multi-million-dollar property.

Chairman of Burnscreek community and deputy Paramount chief, Seti Iromea said his community was supposed to meet yesterday to discuss plans and ways for a fundraising to reconcile with PM Sogavare.

He said the riot was really bad and made them ashamed to meet the Prime Minister at his office to apologise to him.

Iromea said the leaders were not involved in the riot, even though they tried their best to stop the youths which proved futile.

Furthermore, he said Burnscreek had organized similar reconciliations in the past in 2008 and 2014 where they reconciled with people of Guadalcanal as a result of the ethnic conflict.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma has confirmed the riot last November has cost the country $811 million worth of infrastructure.

It was one of the worst riots since 2006.

It is estimated more than 1000 people have also lost their jobs.

India hands over more vaccines to Solomon Islands

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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India’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Inbasekar Sundaramurthi presenting the AstraZeneca brand of vaccines made in India to the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana yesterday.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

INDIA’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands handed over 50,000 AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services yesterday.

The vaccine was received by the Minister Dr Culwick Togamana at the Honiara International Airport.

Dr Togamana said although vaccination started in 2021, the program was met by geographical challenges.

“Most of our people are yet to receive their vaccines.

“And so, these lifesaving AstraZeneca vaccines will assist the government to vaccinate the number of our people who are yet to receive their vaccines.

“On this note, I also convey to you our sincere gratitude for the first donation of 24 thousand AstraZeneca that we have received through the COVAX facility.  

“Knowing the challenges that your people have gone through, but you have the heart of humanity to assist us,” he said.

Togamana stressed that Solomon Islands had faced vaccination hesitancy, but his team has worked hard and are hoping to achieve 70 percent of vaccination coverage by the end of this year.

India High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Inbasekar Sundaramurthi the coviShield presented is actually the AstraZeneca vaccines produced in India.

“It is the first time India will bring in covid-19 vaccines to the Solomon Islands. These vaccines are going to come into the country by Wednesday or Thursday, the vaccine will come by flight.

“Australia and all the bigger countries have done their major part.

 “India as a development partner, it is now our duty to do our part that is why we will bring in the 50 thousand Covid-19 vaccines,” Sundaramurthi said

PS Viulu on priorities to reform Rural Development    

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Press Release
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Seated front row left to right is, Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) Hugo Hebala, new MRD Permanent Secretary, Dr. Samson Viulu, MRD Hon. Minister Duddley Kopu and Deputy Secretary Corporate (DSC), Constance Wane and all staff of the ministry of Rural Development during a ceremony to officially welcome their new PS.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Dr Samson Viulu has unveiled a range of legislative reforms he plans to achieve with the support of his administration and Minister over the course of his tenure in office.

PS Dr. Viulu revealed these priority reforms in a meeting organised by MRD’s management on Tuesday 21st June 2022 at the Cowboys Grill in Honiara to formally welcome him (PS) to office.

The legislative reforms are aimed at decentralizing government services to our rural people and establishing relevant institutes in the constituencies so that there is further positive impact on the disbursement and use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to transform our rural sceneries and improves rural people livelihoods. The reforms will also see the expansion of functions of the ministry as well as guarantee better service delivery through projects to boost economic activities and development in our rural communities or areas.

“I want to see the CDF as an engine for the economic growth of this country and I believes this can be achieved through establishing a proper regulatory framework for the CDF,” PS Viulu said.

“Of course, it is a tough step to take, but it is a give and take situation. So that is the path we are taking here on,” PS Dr. Viulu said.

A number of priorities that the new PS and his administration want to achieve in the coming months and years include;

  1. CDF Act Reform and Regulatory Framework
  2. Policy framework for Rural Development
  3. Policy Paper on Rural Development
  4. CDF Act Amendment Bill to Parliament within a year timeframe from now that will capture the following;
  5. Institutionalization of constituencies as department of MRD rather than being political boundaries as they are currently.
  6. Establishment of constituency growth centers
  7. Decentralization of government services through the CGC.
  8. Establishment of Constituency Business Companies and Investment Arms
  9. Ownership of constituency properties, machines, equipment to remain with constituency companies and MRD
  10. Formalization of committees.
  • Collaboration with donors
  • Collaboration with government technical ministries
  • Create New development programs for 2023 with direct support from willing donors and friends.
  • Seek external funding support to the ministry
  • MRD restructuring
  • Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and establish a project management unit/
  • Create opportunity tracking tool/list
  • Promote integrated approach to rural development
  • Discourage any affiliations with preferred suppliers by officials of MRD.
  • Capacity building for MRD staffs and constituency officials

Dr. Viulu resumed official duties as Permanent Secretary for MRD on Monday 21st June, 2022.

Prior to taking up the PS role at MRD, Dr. Viulu served at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) as the Policy Secretary for Productive Sector looking after seven ministries namely, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Ministry of Lands, Housing & Survey (MLHS), Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

PS Viulu looks forward to working closely with the MRD Minister and support the Minister in his role as the lead reformer in all of the outlined priorities.

Wale urge malaitans to embrace other citizens

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MP for Aoke Langa Langa constituency and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Hon Matthew Wale during his constituency consultation talk in Auki town yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

LEADER of Opposition, Matthew Wale has asked Malaitans to embrace other citizens of Solomon Islands, despite decisions made by their leaders under this current government.

Wale made the call in Auki this week for greater unity and friendship and the fact that ordinary citizens are innocent of decisions made by their leaders.

Mr Wale said he finds the hopes and desires of the people of Malaita are just the same as those from other provinces and from the four corners of this country.

“So love and embrace the people of this country. What we are not happy about is done by the government and their decisions.

“But ordinary people of this country, we have the same heart, aspiration and desire,” Wale said.

He said it is not the right attitude to look at certain ordinary people of this country and blame them for the decisions of their leaders.

Wale said only a few people up there are responsible for decisions made, one that people are not happy about.

He said this kind of attitude must not be encouraged and Malaitans must continue to embrace fellow citizens of this country.

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