Home Blog Page 697

SMALL MALA SAYS NO

Written by
Irwin Angiki
-
0
Chiefs & community leaders during their recent meeting at Riverside village.

Constituency leaders oppose extension of parliament life

By IRWIN ANGIKI

Leaders of Small Malaita have collectively voiced opposition to government’s proposal to extend the life of parliament.

In a meeting with their member of parliament, Rick Hou at Riverside village recently, about 140 chiefs and community elders (men and women) from the three wards of Small Malaita made their decision known.

MP Hou is a member of the Opposition group in parliament.

Small Malaita’s announcement is the latest inclusion to a long list of communities, organisations, churches and prominent individuals disagreeing with government’s proposal.

Early this week, the Tadai and Sahalu houses of chiefs in North West Guadalcanal publicly said ‘No’ to the proposal.

Two weeks ago, the Birau house of chiefs in East Guadalcanal voiced their opposition to the proposal.

The association of churches (SICA) which represents the main Christian denominations in the country, came out early this month blasting the infamous proposal.

The national council of women (SINCW), Transparency Solomon Islands, the parliamentary opposition and independent group, the umbrella body of civil societies – the Development Services Exchange (DSE), and other prominent bodies and individual citizens have come out since April last year disagreeing with this DCGA proposal.

Meanwhile, during the Riverside meeting the leaders of Small Malaita also made resolutions on other national issues; covid-19 regulations and legislation of traditional governance.

1. Deferment of National General Election

In a statement issued after the meeting, the chiefs resolved that they oppose any move to extend the life of Parliament, either temporarily or to a five-year term.

“The SI national constitution is the supreme law and no other laws, including the PG Charter, should be used to tamper with it.”

The statement said that the current Parliament, nor DCGA, has any mandate by the people of SI to change the national constitution in any way.

“The people’s fundamental right is to cast their ballot every four years. The Pacific Games is nothing compared to our rights under the national constitution.”

The chiefs said that Government’s proposal for MPs to conduct consultation with their people on the issue is ill-conceived and is senseless.

“How can MPs carry out any objective consultation?

“MPs either have a bias, if not a conflict of interest, in this matter.”

The statement added that the PM’s reasons for the proposal to extend the life of Parliament – including allowing time for electoral reforms to be addressed and that the registration of voters has to be updated – are all lame excuses.

“It is very disappointing that the Government is not making necessary preparations towards the 2023 national general elections. This is a total disregard of duty to the people of this country as required under the Electoral Act 2018.

“Given the situation, the right thing would be to call for an early dissolution of parliament.

“We call on the Members of Parliament for an early dissolution of Parliament. If done, this would be a great achievement by the DCGA government – that the national general election would be held as well as hold the Pacific Games in 2023. With that option, the national constitution would be preserved, and Solomon Islands would not breach the Pacific Games Charter.”

2. Covid-19

The community leaders discussed the present situation in the country under the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) Act. They noted that the SOPE has been extended several times already.

The statement said that the chiefs are very concerned about the negative impact on the economy from application of COVID protocols under the current SOPE regulations.

“Business and commercial activities in the country have been badly affected, and especially household incomes in the rural areas has declined significantly. Consequently our people are suffering,” they said.

The statement said that this situation has also caused schools to remain closed. “This is affecting the education of our children’s education and future.”

The chiefs said that the recent advice from the Government that schools will open is practically impossible in the rural areas.

“We welcome the Ministry of Education advice for schools to open for classes, but the pre-requisites make this idea impossible, as schools will need substantial funding and major capital works preparations in order to comply with these requirements.”

The chiefs call on the Government not to renew the current state of public emergency when it expires. Instead, the Government should adopt policy actions that recognise the fact that COVID is here to stay so Solomon Islands will have to live with COVID.

“The current COVID protocols and requirements are suppressing business and income, and at the same time these are an enormous cost to families, the government and SI economy as a whole.”

In that line the chiefs call on the government to remove all travel restrictions – especially domestic travel.

Meanwhile the chiefs urge the government to rigorously pursue a nationwide roll-out of vaccination and other personal hygiene practices.

3. Traditional Governance Bill

The statement said that the chiefs are pleased to note the government has finally decided to taking the proposed legislation on Traditional Governance to Parliament.

The chiefs said it is a long-awaited policy to ensure the role of traditional and other community leaders in conflict resolutions and other matters of general order in Solomon Islands.

They said this legislation – when passed – would acknowledge the important traditional chiefs play and give the much needed impetus into the formal legal system.

“We look forward to fully participating in the consultations promised by the government to take place in the Southern Region of Malaita Province.”

GLA signs MOU with key government ministries

Written by
Press Release
-
0
President GLA, Kathleen Kohata and PS Public Service Nego Sisiolo shook hands after the signing ceremony in the presence of senior officials of the three key Ministries and members of the GLA.

The Government Lawyers Association has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will improve the terms and conditions of service for Government lawyers with three key Government ministries after a lengthy wait in the past.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) and the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) with the Government Lawyers Association (GLA) is a milestone achievement for both GLA members, MJLA and the Solomon Islands Government.

The signing of the MOU on Tuesday the 7th of June 2022 is an assurance that Government has recognize the need to retain legal professionals with the public service.

The MOU aimed to improve Government Lawyers Terms and conditions of Service given that over the years GLA members have increasingly resigned and left the Government in search for better terms and conditions.

GLA for the sole purpose of the MOU, comprises of lawyers who are appointed by the Judicial and Legal services Commission to established positions in the various agencies within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA).

President of GLA, Kathleen Kohata in a statement thanked the government for recognizing the need to improve the terms and conditions of service for lawyers in the justice sector.

She said, government lawyers within the justice sector play a unique role as both public servants as well as officers of the court.

Their role is to ensure government legal service delivery, as well as maintenance and respect for the rule of law.

“GLA acknowledges it is a DCGA policy strategy target, and as such a clear intention by government to address this issue. Our task is to align our efforts to government policy to realize the needs of lawyers in the sector,” she said.

“We acknowledge the input and effort of all officials, persons, and parties involved that ensued parties reach where we are today. Challenges have been encountered along the way, irrespective the MOU 2022 is the culmination of continuous effort and dialogue between GLA and SIG.”

Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Dr Paul Mae in his response acknowledged the important role that the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and the Office of the Prime Minister play in making sure the GLA issue is resolved.

Mae pointed out that maintaining a stable and effective governance structure is one of the key National Development Strategy (NDS) objectives of the National Government.

He said the signing of the MOU between SIG and the GLA will ensure legal officers within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs are happy with their terms and conditions, and in turn are committed in the delivery of the services to the people of Solomon Islands.

GLA is registered under the Charitable Trusts Act (Cap 55) whose primary objective is to act as a voice for Government lawyers.

The MOU 2022 is the result of a review of the MOU in 2012.

In 2015 GLA formed a special sub- committee to look into developing a comprehensive scheme of service for government lawyers, working in dialogue with MJLA.

SIG was of the view that budget would not cater for the scheme and as such a review of the MOU 2012 was suggested which was agreed to by the parties.

A review was undertaken; however, the disputed issued was the level of convenience allowance. A strike eventuated on 5th December 2018 when parties could not agree and on 6th December 2018 the matter was referred to the Trade Dispute Panel by SIG.

The signing of the MOU 2022 brings the dispute to an end.

Under the new MOU 2022 GLA and Government agree to further develop a scheme of service for government lawyers.

It covers clothing (the dress code for lawyers is prescribed by law), convenience allowance and housing.

The convenience allowances for example have not been reviewed since MOU 2007. Housing ensures there is due consideration for those who have difficulties when stationed in provinces, or those with unique circumstances.

The convenience allowance is calculated on a fixed rate tier system, determined by the number of years a GLA member has been in service and appointed under the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

Therefore, GLA members do not claim overtime allowances as overtime is now covered in this comprehensive scheme of service.

GLA was formed initially as the Government Lawyers and Magistracy Association.

In 2008 it became known solely as the Solomon Islands Government Lawyers Association or GLA.

The MOU 2022 covers lawyers working in the following agencies of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs: Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Public Solicitors Office (PSO), Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission (LRC), Registrar General’s Office (RGO) and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) Head Quarter.

The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Public Service Head Quarter Building at Town Ground. 

APTC supports San Isidro with new supplies

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
San Isidro students with the High Commissioner and the APTC country director Abigail Chang.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Australian High Commission, through Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) has supported the San Isidro Rural Training Centre with transportation, IT equipment and covid supplies yesterday.

High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan travelled to the centre in west Guadalcanal yesterday to personally hand over the donation.

Strahan said Australia and Solomon Islands have a big relationship and last Friday during the visit of the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, it was highlighted during the meeting with the Prime Minister that APTC has been doing great in the country.

“Every country cannot prosper if it fails to educate its people and as I have said a number of times you cannot have everyone going to university to get a qualification,” Strahan said.

Australian High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan handing over the items to the school principal Sister Maria Fe Rollo.

“And it is very important that the vocational and technical education sector is as strong as can be, of course many jobs in the future will still be in that broad sector,” he added.

“As we go forward, we make sure that the work of APTC is connected to other things we do here, and I said to the Prime Minister that APTC is directly connected to our labour mobility program and in our infrastructure program.”

Strahan said it is absolutely important that everything Australia does is genuinely inclusive that no one is left behind and no one is forgotten that every person has a chance to realize their full potential.

Therefore, Dr Strahan said they wanted to make sure their program genuinely includes people with disability, including deaf people.

San Isidro students infront of the 15 seater bus that was handed over yesterday.

Meanwhile, APTC Country Director for Solomon Islands and Kiribati Abigail Chang said San Isidro is the 8th national training provider partner and they are hoping to be able to reach 10 national training provider partners by the end of this month.

She said it is for the first time they had the opportunity to select San Isidro for training provider as for the other seven training providers they were pre-selected and APTC supported them.

Catholic Education Secretary Modester on behalf of the Catholic Education Authority thanked the Australian High Commission through APTC for the assistance.

She said people living with disability are often neglected and left voiceless in Solomon Islands.

“Today your contribution has given us strength to regain our confidence to shine out to become effective asset and resources person in SI.”

Help from Australia on climate change

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Wong and PM Sogavare pose for a photo at the Cabinet conference room

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands is getting a positive message from the new Australian Labor government to help tackle climate change here and in the Pacific.

Most countries in the Pacific including Solomon Islands are vulnerable to climate change like natural disasters, high sea level rise, cyclones and other hazards.

Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong told media at Honiara International Airport before her departure to Adelaide last Friday, they are committed to reach 43 percent by 2030 and plan to host a United Nations Climate conference with the Pacific Islands nations.

“When we elected as a Labor government with very strong position in climate change.

“Prime Minister Albanese was the person when we were in Opposition who drafted our policy for government,” she said.

“So, you have the Prime Minister of Australia and Foreign Minister who both have a personal commitment on actions on climate.

“But more importantly you see in the elections, the election of the government and Parliament where Australians do want stronger actions on climate,” Senator Wong, who was the former Climate Change minister from 2007 to 2010 said.

She said not only have they contribute to the net zero by 2050.

“We have a commitment for 2030 by 43 percent reduction.

“That would lead to in terms of renewable energy, that is 82 percent of our energy being renewable being provided from renewable energy sources. So, we are serious about this,” she added.

Furthermore, Senator Wong said other thing she want to talk with Pacific Islands countries is stronger engagement potentially holding Conference of the Parties to try and press issues.

“When I was Climate Minister and still today, I think the voices of smaller island nations have been powerful and authentic in the UN negotiations,” she added.

The Guardian reported that regional leaders have called on Australia to go further by taking steps such as committing to allow no new coal and gas projects and to curb fossil fuel exports – steps which Labor has not adopted.

Togamana praises Burns Creek community leaders

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana has praised community leaders in Burnscreek, East Honiara for paving the way for a new medical facility.

The Solomon International Assistance Force with support from Australian government and various businesses houses and youths helped construct the new clinic.

Speaking at the occasion to open the clinic last Friday with the presence of Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, Minister Togamana said the nature of community does not diminish the need to have access to good health care.

“I want to say the failure of the national government to intervene.

“Let me take the opportunity to thank Australian government, Australian led force, leaders in community and businesses houses leaders to put resources together to build this very important facility,” he said.

“It is important for us to recognise that any outbreak or any illness that start here will spread to town.

“Therefore, to have this facility here, it brings this very important services to our people.”

Togamana said when we have a highly populated settlement especially in Burnscreek, this facility will really serve those that are really vulnerable and marginalized.

He said the onus is on Ministry of Health to resource this very important facility.

Furthermore, Senator Wong brought greetings not only just from the Australian government but the people of Australia.

“We think of you as family and we hope you think of us as family.

“As family we try to look after each other and care for each other,” she told the Burnscreek community.

“We care for your security, your prosperity and your health, umi together,” she added.

“I know how important to your family and Burnscreek.

“I know what parents here and grandparents want the same thing as Australian parents and grandparents want. You want your children to have the best chance in life.

“We will do bit by continuing to support your schools and your teachers.

“And I also know how important for the people to have jobs and a better future.

“And we will keep working with you on a strong business development programme,” she added.

Burnscreek accommodates a mixture of people in the community dominated by Malaitans.

Malaita returns to covid-19 free

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Kiluufi hospital

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Province reclaimed its covid-19 free status last week.

Chairman of Malaita EOC, Dr Rex Maukera told this paper over the weekend that as of last week, the province is covid-19 free based on reports from health centres across the province.

He said since the reverse of the covid-19 trend for the province, cases were reported in a very minimal score compared to the past months.

Maukera, also the provincial health director for Malaita said an improvement was experienced since last month on covid-19 for the province.

He said the situation was measured upon report based on RAT testing carried out by health centres across the province.

“We continue to carry out testing at Kilu’ufi hospital and other health centres and as of last week there is no covid-19 case for the province,” Maukera said.

However, he cautions people in Malaita to continue being wary of the virus, and to continue with safety measures such as wearing of facemasks in public, maintain social distancing, and use of hand sanitisers.

Maukera said the country is still facing active covid-19 community transmission and people must continue to practise covid-19 safety measures.

He also said that vaccines; AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and booster are administered at Auki and those yet to get their jab are urged to do so.

Maukera said Malaita EOC will continue to provide covid-19 updates to people in the province as they continue to monitor it as well as update on vaccination.

Wale: government failed Western and Choiseul

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

Opposition leader Matthew Wale has hit out at the Government on its failure to ensure that the Western and Choiseul Provincial elections occur on the day after dissolution.

“This mess that has left the people of the two provinces confused reflects Government’s incompetency and lack of will,” Wale said in a statement yesterday.  

The dissolution of both the Western & Choiseul Provincial Assemblies took place on Monday 13th June 2022.

“As is the common and legal practice, elections for Provincial Governments are usually carried out by the Solomon Islands electoral Commission (SIEC) the day after dissolution,” the Opposition leader said.

He said he understands that the SIEC had already informed the MPGIS several times last year of the need for voter registration and the issuing of an election notice.

“The MPGIS however did not respond to SIEC’s request.

“This mess is a consequence of Government’s incompetency and disregard for the people of Western and Choiseul provinces.

‘The provincial leaders of Western and Choiseul are currently in a state of confusion as to how their provinces will be run.

“They deserve better.

“Consequently, the people of Western and Choiseul provinces are also in a state of worry as to the effect this will have on aspects such as service delivery.

“They too deserve better.”

Wale insists that the way forward involves the Government working together with Provincial Governments and the SIEC.

“A solution to this may be the Minister’s power to extend the life of Provincial Assemblies by setting a new election date no later than 12 months to when elections should have occurred.

“But even this requires prior consultation with the premiers – something that this Government is known for not doing,” Wale stated.

’.

According to the Opposition leader, this overall neglect reflects Government’s insistence that Provincial Governments are mere agents that must respond to Government’s beck and call.

“Government must follow the advice of the SIEC, and to ensure this does not happen again.

“Government must take responsibility for this mess and learn from it. Especially, with the 2023 National General Election fast approaching.”

Ends//

Mesepitu wants election in Western prioritised

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Western Premier Christian Mesepitu

OUTGOING premier of Western Province Christina Burley Mesepitu and his former executive paid a visit to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday to raise matters relating to elections.

Mesepitu used the opportunity to inform the Prime Minister that it is the wish of the people that the provincial election be prioritized.

In response Sogavare assured the out-going premier that government has prioritized the provincial election and that cabinet will make a definite decision on a number of options to ensure that the election will go ahead.

Mesepitu also assured the PM that Western Provincial Government sees the validity in the reasons for the delay of the national general election to 2024, therefore it supports the delay but noted that parliament will make the final decision.

Western Provincial Government and Choiseul Provincial Government are both on “out-going mode” after their dissolutions early this month.

M4DD thanks police for being ‘cordial’

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Vice president of the Malaita for Democracy and Development (M4DD) has applauded the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF).

Max Bobby, one of three prominent M4DD members who handed themselves over to police last week for questioning, praised RSIPF for being ‘cordial’.

The three were wanted in relation to allegations of their involvement in last year’s November riots.

They surrendered themselves to Auki police, and were brought over to Honiara following dialogue and arrangements with Malaita’s police commander Leslie Kili.

Bobby said, “We gave in to police voluntary as leaders who respect the rule of law and as citizens of this country who want to live freely within our communities.

“Also, to ensure criminal allegations hover over us to be cleared.

“Our interrogation was carried out in a friendly mode and we satisfied with the process taken to clear allegations against us before police.”

Bobby acknowledged police for ‘professionalism taken to administer their case’.

He returned to Auki last week; the other two are still in Honiara on personal business and are expected back in Auki this week.

PM reassures Australia of ‘no military base here’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong that there will be no China military presence or foreign military base in Solomon Islands.

Mr Sogavare made this reassurance when he met with Australia’s foreign minister during her one-day visit to Honiara last week, Friday.

Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele had signed the controversial Security Agreement with China on April 14.

United States of America, Australia and other Western countries have raised concern on the security agreement that could bring security instability in the Pacific region.

According to the leaked draft agreement on social media, it allows China to deploy police and military personnel in Solomon Islands to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.

It also states that China’s government may make ship visits n Solomon Islands.

Senator Wong told media at Honiara International Airport before her departure to Adelaide last Friday that they did discuss regional security and obviously one of the issues that the region has been discussing.

“I think the Prime Minister (Manasseh Sogavare) is aware of Australia’s concern and views.

“But what most importantly was he is aware like many other Pacific family is off the view that our regional security is a joint responsibility and the responsibility of Pacific family,” she said.

“As I said that on the outset, I welcomed Prime Minister reassurances which the same reassurances he given publicly that government does not intent for there to be a persistent military presence or foreign military base here in Solomon Islands,” she added.

Furthermore, Senator Wong said Australia will do what Australia thinks it’s a right thing to do.

“We will work with you on your developments, health priorities, education priorities, climate priorities and on your security priorities and we have.

“On the successive government we have sort of doing that, we may not be perfect but we are family,” she said.

“We live in the same region, your security and our security are interlinked.

“And that’s how we will approach our relationship with you,” she added.

PM Sogavare, Foreign Minister Manele and Permanent Secretary Collin Beck continued to defend the security agreement with China that it targets domestic issues in the country like internal security, national disasters and climate change.

1...696697698...1,663Page 697 of 1,663