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Gov’t: fuel prices down by $0.35 per litre

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Press Release
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The Ministry of Finance and Treasury has confirmed that the exemption measures (both 50 % import duty exemption and zero sales tax) have reduced the domestic price of fuel by $0.35 per litre, which has directly benefited the end users.

The Ministry revealed that import duty on fuel normally charge at $0.50 per litre and sales tax is $0.10 per litre.

“With the 50 % import duty exemption, this means that all domestic fuel price is now reduced by $0.25 per litre and with the zero-rate sales tax, all domestic fuel price should reduce by $0.10 cent per litre,” a statement from the Government says.

“Altogether, the policy provides a $0.35 per litre savings,” it added.

The current domestic price comparison on fuel in all pump stations should reflect with $0.35 per litre reduction:

Items without Exemption with Exemption (35 cents)

ITEMSWithout ExemptionWith Exemption (35cents)
Petrol$13.28$12.93
Diesel$14.14$13.79
Kerosene$13.85$13.50

Solomon Power also implements the tax relief measures through its monthly tariff adjustment and customers are expected to see changes when purchasing their bills.

Solomon Power Tariff Comparison

Customers without Exemption with Exemption:

CustomersWithout ExemptionWith Exemption
Domestic$7.88$7.53
Commercial$7.89$7.54

“The tax exemptions have minimum influence to the retail price but without the exemption business and individual consumers will experience more price burden under the current domestic price of fuel increase.

“Even though the government imposes these tax measures, the domestic prices is slightly increase as of 1st June 2022.

“This is due to number of factors affecting the price of fuel in the domestic market that are beyond the Government’s control.

“However, the tax reductions have cushioned the price increases but not reversed them.

“The tax measures will be on going for the 6 months and ended on December 2022.

“The Ministry finally wish to inform public that the international fuel price will continue to increase, but with the relief initiatives, any further increase in the international fuel price within the next 6 months will provide $0.35 per litre savings to all end users.”

Sofu starts constituency awareness

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Hon. Sofu (Center) with his awareness team at Kofiloko Victorious Church

Member of Parliament for East Kwaio Constituency Stanley Festus Sofu conducted an awareness session for more than 100 of his Honiara-based constituents Kofiloko Victorious Church over the weekend.

Speaking during the program, Sofu said the awareness is important to clear doubts and misinformation regarding issues pertaining to the PRC diplomatic switch, the signed MOU on SI-PRC security pact and the deferment of the dissolution of the 11th Parliament.

On the issue of PRC diplomatic switch, he reiterated that SI severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan to China on 19th of September 2019.

“China is the world’s second largest economy and Solomon Islands largest trading partner for the last century until today and is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council,” Sofu said.

Honiara-based East Kwaio constituents

“The decision to switch diplomatic relation was based on the international law guided by 1971 UN Resolution 1758,” he explained.

He emphasized that Taiwan is not a member of the United Nation Security Council since it is just an integral part or province of the main land China. 

“It is the Government Foreign policy priorities as friend to all and enemy to none and took a decisive policy stance to respect other territorial integrity of other sovereign countries that have internal boundaries issues.

“It is rational as an MP for East Kwaio Constituency to exercise its mandated duty on their behalf to switch diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the Mainland China. It is now water under the bridge,” he explained.

On the SI-PRC security pact, Sofu further confirmed that the government had already signed the pact to fill and address the gaps which our existing partners have not fully addressed as had been seen in the last November riots in Honiara.

“The pact would not be signed on behalf of the people of East Kwaio if there is a line sighted on the establishment of Military base in Solomon Islands.

“The signed treaty does not have any component for the development of the Military base, and rumours claimed for such misinformation must be brushed away,” he said.

On the deferment of the dissolution of the 11th Parliament, Sofu explained that the decision is rational given the complexities surrounding the nationwide event.

“Solomon Islands is privileged to host the 2023 Pacific Game as historic event since our independence.

“It is one of the Government policy priorities to enhance and develop sportsmanship and its long term benefits outweigh its total one-off cost,” said Sofu.

Sofu explained that one of the reasons to defer 11th parliament to 2024 is the engagement of Electoral Reform taskforce on the Electoral Act 2018 in light of the lesson learned from the 2019 General elections.

“The Electoral Reform Task Force is currently working on reviewing and updating relevant electoral laws for the election of both the National Members of Parliament and Provincial Assembly Members and Honiara City Councilors for possibly holding combine elections in 2024,” he said.

Sofu said that given the Covid19 and logistics related issues, the Government had decided to defer 11th parliament from 2023 to 2024 so as to give time and space for the government to fully implement its policy priorities.

Meanwhile, the East Kwaio Honiara based constituents have welcomed and thanked Sofu and his delegation for clearing the air through the awareness program.

Speaking during the program, Chief Newton Niumae said they welcomed the government’s decision and are satisfied with the clarifications made by their MP.

“The public have been misinformed by the social media and other street rumours but the presentation is very clear and crystal,” Niumae said.

“We are satisfied with the presentation and explanation, and have confidence and trust in our MP’s leadership,” he said.

Chief Niumae further called on East Kwaio people not to be misled by rumours spread especially on social media. Sofu and team will visit East Kwaio constituency in the coming weeks

Investigator summoned to appear in court, warrant issued on accused

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Tearo Beneteti has issued a summon on the Naha police investigator Thomas Puhanikeni of why the delay in conducting the record of interview regarding the additional charge on the case against a man claimed himself of many titles.

Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga has told the court that he sent several emails to the investigator regarding to the additional charge but no response.

Auga also said the accused is currently on bail and one of the reasons prosecutions do not object to the bail application is for the investigator to interview the accused regarding the additional charge.

However, the accused Jareth Sialo has not appeared in court twice and so the warrant of arrest was issued again yesterday.

Magistrate Beneteti adjourned the case to June 15 for the review of the warrant and also the investigator to be summoned to appear in court on that appearance.

Sialo is charged in relation to the incidents occurred in 2021 and 2022, the first allegation was an incident of rape that occurred in October 2021.

Prosecution said on October 15 2021, the accused was driving a caldina car along the Point Cruz Road when the victim walked home from work.

Prosecution said the accused was in front of the old ANZ building at Point Cruz, when he saw the victim walked past and he stopped by her side in a black caldina car, he lowered the left window screen of the front left door of his car and asked the victim if she was heading to the market. The victim replied the accused that she is heading that way.

The accused allegedly invited the victim into the front seat of his car but instead the victim got into and sat at the back seat. The victim did not know the defendant therefore felt strange when in encounter with him. Inside the cab, the victim asked the defendant if he knew her and he replied yes, he knew her. The victim told him that she did not even know him. The defendant told the victim that she lived at Vura 3 which was right. The defendant drove off then.

The defendant told the victim that his name was Shane. At the market bus stop, the victim was about to get out of the car and there the defendant asked for her mobile contact. The victim gave him her mobile phone number and the defendant made a missed call to her cell phone.

On the 18th October 2021, between 1700 hours and 1900 hours, the defendant known to the victim as Shane contacted her and asked of her whereabouts. The victim told him that she was on her way from the office to the Main Market bus stop. Not long, the defendant reached her and picked her up again in his car. Both travelled up easterly direction.

On reaching the SDA Bus Stop at Kukum area, the victim informed the defendant that she will bedropped off there. The defendant refused and insisted that they both continued up to Panatina Plaza. So, he continued driving up to Panatina Plaza and stopped besides the fence of the Kausimae Building.

There he told the victim that he was a doctor at the National Referral Hospital, working at the Theatre Operation Department and then he moved over to the back seat where the victim was sitting. He pulled the victim’s underwear. The victim refused and resisted but the defendant kept on forcing himself to have sex with her.

The second incident is a false pretence incident that occurred on the night of February 7 2022, the defendant pulled over along the road side at Lunga and forced the complainant and her sister to board the car for a ride.

On the way, the defendant started to introduce himself and claimed that he is one of the WICKHAM’s family and his name is “Shane WICKHAM”, 23 years of age and he is the youngest officer at Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Honiara.

He also claimed to have resided at the Prime Minister’s area at GBR and claimed to be part PNG and also told the complainant and her sister that his mother sent him some money through Western Union (WU) for him to rent a room at AJ City Mall. This is where he will operate a Phone shop and owns a RAV-4, Caldina and a short boot car.

The complainant then was about to drop off at Kukum, the accused asked for their contacts, the complainant’s sister then gave her number to him.

Later that day, the complainant’s sister received a call from the defendant identified himself as Shane WICKHAM. He asked them if they can help him with an amount of $1000.00, he already had $3000.00 with him.

He claimed that he was running out of cash to pay the charges of his container at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority because if he is late to pay, extra fee charges will be charged to his container, he promised them that he will refund their money.

The defendant’s false statements convinced the complainant to believe that he is telling the truth and she gave him $1000.00 to him in front of Jasmin shop along Vura Road in Honiara.

On the next day, the defendant then called the complainant and his sister and asked them again if they could help him with another $500.00.

They started to doubt the defendant’s credibility whether or not he was telling them the truth and they decided to give him only $100.00. He drove to the same location and collected the money.

The third incident occurred on February 11 2022 between 2 to 3pm, the defendant contacted the complainant’s mobile phone and introduced himself as Lawyer- Willie.

The complainant on this matter is a Correctional officer,

The allegation said that the accused called her if she could give him of $1000.00 so that he could pay for his container charges and will present a new brand-mobile phone to her in return, the complainant told him that she did not have such amount but only got $500.00.

Not long after the phone conversation, the defendant arrived to the complainant at Rove Correctional Center Headquarters, picked the complainant and heading up to SIEA office at Ranadi where the complainant took an amount of $500.00 and gave it to him.

Three days later as promised by the defendant that he will be refunding the complainant’s money. She contacted him and asked for her refunds but the defendant started to make some excuses. She kept on contacting his mobile phone but he ignored to answer her calls and avoid himself from the complainant.

Bobby Harunari of the Public Solicitor’s represents the accused in court.

A LIABILITY

Written by
Ben Bilua
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DASH-8

Fate of Dash 8 on the table

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Airlines says Dash 8 is a liability and that his management is discussing three options that would determine the future of the aircraft.

He made the comments when asked about the media report which states that Solomon Airlines has decided to sell the aircraft.

In an email interview with Island Sun Gizo, Brett Gebers said Solomon Airline will either keep the aircraft, lease it to another operator or put it back in service.

He said reasons for the decision are based on commercial viability of the Dash 8.

“This is not the first time that we have questioned the commercial viability of the Dash 8 or any other aircraft in the fleet.

“It is an expensive aircraft to operate and unless we can fill it with enough passengers to consistently breakeven, we would be stupid to operate it,” Gebers said.

He said the Dash 8 used to fly to eight airports when it was purchased 10 years ago but currently it can fly to four airports because the other runways require maintenance.

Gebers said all airlines review their fleets on a regular basis – an approach he described as part of the business cycle.

“With the Solomon Islands domestic service mostly suspended since January it is an ideal time to review the fleet,” he said.

Gebers said the fact that the aircraft is comfortable is irrelevant as it has to be affordable and fit for purpose.

He said the Boeing 747-400 is also a very comfortable aircraft but very few are in operation because they are too big and too expensive to operate on most routes.

Gebers said Dash 8 is currently in Perth since February undergoing maintenance.

He said the aircraft will not ready until July as it is extremely difficult to get parts which have also become very expensive.

“Much remains to be seen about how quickly the economy recovers after the international and domestic lockdown. We are looking at the options.

“One thing is sure. Unless it can pay for itself, we would be stupid to keep it in operation no matter how comfortable it is,” Gebers said.

COVID worry in Western Province

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Gizo Hospital

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE increase number of covid-19 cases recorded in Western Province is worrying, health expert Dr Yogesh Choudhri says.

“Western Province is now a concern for us because they are still reporting high number of cases and high number of hospitalisation,” Choudhri said.

“For example right now the total number of admitted in Gizo is 19, Hellena Goldie 12, Nila AHC 1 and 12 patients in Seghe AHC. They are now reaching the peak of the outbreak,” he added.

Choudhri said for Central and Malaita they are now seeing cases going down

“So it is expected in the coming weeks in Western Province we would see less and less number of cases,” Choudhri said.

He said the ministry is also keeping an eye on other provinces including Makira and Choiseul.

Choudhri adds for Honiara, the trend shows a low number of cases being detected and low number of cases being admitted.

“Testing is still going strong, we are testing many people right now but we are not finding positive cases so it means it’s going down,” he said.

Choudhri said in terms of admission at NRH there has been no new admission in the last one week and there is only one patient in NRH with covid-19.

“And the total covid-19 related death stands at 149.”

Malaita sets up new health body

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Chairman of EOC Malaita who also the Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, Dr Rex Maukera.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

A NEW body called Malaita Provincial Health Council has been recently set up in Malaita.

Malaita Provincial Health Authority established the unit to support health service delivery in the province.

The council will provide an avenue to unify stakeholders in the province and support each other with health services for communities.

Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, who also the chairperson of Malaita Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for covid-19 at Kilu’ufi hospital in Auki, Dr Rex Maukera disclosed this.

He said the MARA government recently passed a resolution for the establishment of the link that will see cooperation across all sectors from communities, NGOs to the provincial government.

Maukera said the council was formed due to experiences with the current situation face that need close collaboration by all stakeholders to support health services in the province.

“Under the council there is an avenue that our leaders in the province can see to our health needs and work together with NGOs, both public and private sectors to bring health services to the communities,” he said.

Maukera said as head of the provincial health, he’s happy for the establishment of the council and looks forward to working together with all stakeholders under the council.

On that note, he said as the province and the country will be facing a new normal due to this covid-19, a lot of things will change, including the mentality to do things.

“With all these changes, people must not only see the negative side of covid-19, but also its positive side and work on it for their development,” the health director said.

He added covid-19 is an opportunity to drive development in schools and communities, especially in the area of hygiene – installing proper water supply and sanitation.

New Japanese envoy pays visit to PM

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PM M.Sogavare and His Excellency M. Yoshiaki

New Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki, paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday.

During the visit, Sogavare said Solomon Islands and Japan are on a wonderful journey together.

“Eighty years after the battle on Guadalcanal and Japan continues to stand tall as a true friend,” Sogavare said.

“We admire Japan for this,” he added.

“Japan contributed immensely in all sectors across the country.

“Our relationship continues to grow to new heights.

“We stand with Japan on a number of very sensitive issues.

“The Whaling issue is an example.”

Sogavare also said Solomon Islands further appreciates and acknowledges Japan for assisting in the UXO clearance.

“This is very important to us as the unexploded World War 2 Ordinance claimed a number of lives in the country.

“Japan has done a lot for Solomon Islands after World War II especially on the area of infrastructure.”

Sogavare also raised concerns on the proposed plan by Japan to discharge the ALPS treated water or radioactive contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean.

“This is a concern for Solomon Islands and the region as the Ocean is where we obtain food from and our means for livelihood.

On the SI-China Security treaty, Prime Minister explained that this is to address internal security issues.

“The advantage of having bilateral relations with China late is we learned and improve from other countries relationship experiences with China.

“Regional and global Peace and unity remains our decisive aim.”  

In response, Miwa affirms Japan’s determination to further fulfil important missions and duties to promote and expand the bilateral relationship between both nations.

“Japan will further improve key donor support in Infrastructural development, Health, education and ocean governance,” Miwa said.

“Japan is ready to dialogue with the Government and assist in other key sectors,” he added.

“As the country celebrates 80 years of the battle of Guadalcanal this year, Japan is planning a Naval visit to the country.”

Ambassador Miwa is a seasoned diplomat and has been previously posted in Iraq, Finland and Philippines before taking up his appointment here.

Atu prepares to face law

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President of the Malaita For Democracy movement, Knoxley Atu

—-Accuse leaders of avoiding dialogue in stand-off with Police

WANTED Malaita man, Knoxly Atu is prepared to face the law, accusing political leaders of not providing dialogue to end the stand-off between his community and the Police over the past months.

Mr Atu, was the leader of the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) movement and was wanted by authorities following allegations his group helped organized the deadly November 2021 riots in Honiara.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Mr Atu said he was involved in some activities which are not right, but those activities are not from his own making.

He said as Chairman of the Mala-MOI Council of Chiefs, he had expected leaders, whether custom, church or political to come and help iron out issues that he was involved in.

“The alleged issues against me are not from my own thinking and planning, its political, and over the past six months my community bore the brunt of our law enforcement agency.

“There was never any intention by leaders to organize dialogue, thereby as a leader, I decided it is best I face the law to answer for the allegations against me.

Mr Atu decided to hand himself to the Honiara based Police operations team and not from the PPC of Honiara Police or Auki station as has been reported in the media.

“My decision was made under my own accord and through the trust I have for a senior Officer within Police operations for me to come and face all the charges laid before me.

“I’m a leader and I have to come and answer for my actions and to help my community live a peaceful life,” he added.

Atu said he is saddened that after the Riots, political leaders have defended themselves against wrong doing and allow their followers to suffer.

“If they have offered for us to have dialogue, then we would be able to sort these issues, however, the issue has dragged on.

“My community was targeted and we lived in fear for the past six months.

He said the issues he fought for were not personal issues, they are issues that affect the nation and our leaders are aware off.

“But when things come to worst, people became silent. We thought our leaders would step in and conduct dialogue, instead my community was targeted.

He appealed to his followers to respect the law and allow him as a leader to face whatever comes.

“Leaders who helped initiate these issues are in denial, so I must come out and assist law enforcement to sort out the issues,” Mr Atu added.

Mr Atu was transported to Honiara last week by a speed boat after explaining to his community about his reasons to assist law enforcement clear his name.

China shelves plan on region-wide agreement

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China has shelved its plans to sign a region-wide trade and security deal with Pacific Island nations.

The decision comes following a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and leaders from 10 Pacific Island nations in Fiji yesterday.

Wang, who spent the past week meeting with his Pacific Island counterparts, said the nations had agreed on five areas of cooperation, but further discussions were needed.

“China will release its own position paper on our own positions and propositions and cooperation proposals with Pacific Island countries,” Wang said.

“Going forward, we will continue to have ongoing and in-depth discussions and consultations to shape more consensus on cooperation.

“Don’t be too anxious and don’t be too nervous, because the common development and prosperity of China and all the other developing countries will only mean great harmony, greater justice and greater progress of the whole world.”

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said there remained a “consensus first” approach to regional agreements.

“As always, we put consensus first among our countries throughout any discussion on new regional agreements,” Bainimarama said at a press conference with Wang.

“Fiji will continue to seek fertile ground for our bilateral relationship. The challenges our people face will only intensify until collective solutions rise to meet them.

“And I am grateful to the minister and his team for bringing the spirit of productive cooperation with them to Fiji.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi touched down in the Solomon Islands last Thursday in an attempt to solidify Beijing’s presence in the Pacific region.

A draft communique and a five-year action plan was sent to 10 Pacific Island nations covering policing, security, trade, marine and data communication.

China’s Ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, said while there had been general support from the countries, the agreement had been shelved after some countries voiced concerns.

“There has been general support from the 10 countries with which we have diplomatic relations, but of course there are some concerns on specific issues.”

Vaccine for children here soon

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands will soon have covid-19 vaccine for age group five to 11 years.

According to Ministry of Health and Medical Service Advisor Dr Yogesh Choudhri, donors have confirmed they would supply the vaccine.

“We have got confirmation from our donor partners that they would be able to supply the covid-19 vaccine for 5 years above and 11 years age group,” Choudhri said.

“We have made requestion to the National Therapeutic Drugs committee to consider provision of Pfizer for 5 years above and 11 years,” he added.

Choudhri also confirmed that the total national vaccination coverage of people aged 18 and above is still below 50 percent.

“All in all we have two thirds of the people at least received one dose of the vaccine who are 18 and above.

“The vaccination roll out for 12 years and above and 18 years below is also ongoing in different provinces,” Choudhri said.

He adds overall nationally 17 per cent of children between 12 years and above and 18 years below have been vaccinated with both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

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