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SIPA donates furniture to Burns Creek community

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Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Mr. Ellison Pade hands over the furnitures to Burns Creek Health Care center

Solomon Ports handed over furnitures to the Burns Creek Health Care centre and the people of Burns creek yesterday.

A total of 35 chairs, two office tables/cabinets, and kitchen sinks were donated to the health care center.

The furniture’s were handed over today by Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Ellison Pade, to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Cori Mada Company Sergeant Major, Mika Koroi, and Burns creek Development Committee representatives.

The health care centre is currently being renovated and further improved by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Cori Mada Company, who are the ones taking the leading role in rebuilding the health care centre.

Solomon Ports also took the initiative to recognize the need of Burns Creek Community, and to help improve the community’s access to health care services.

Speaking during the handover yesterday, Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Ellison Pade was happy in providing the assistance to Burns Creek Community.

He said the furniture and sinks will be beneficial to the services that the centre will provide.

“The Management and Staff of SIPA are so happy in helping this healthcare centre and especially to the people of Burns Creek, who will benefit from this building in the future,” he said.

In response, RFMF Cori Mada Company Sergeant Major, Mika Koroi thanked Solomon Ports for the kind donation.

He said the donation was a boost to their efforts in completing the health care centre and to the people of the community who will benefit from the new building.

“To us it’s a big donation, especially on behalf of the Taskforce Cori Mada, the Burns Creek Development Committee and the people of Burns creek community, we want to say a big Vinaka vakalevu to you for this kind donation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Burns Creek Development Committee representative Julian Kete’e said Burns Creek people are thankful for the donation from Solomon Ports, as it will contribute to the improvement of health care services and overall development of the community.

“We want to thank Solomon Ports for visiting us and recognizing our needs, especially this health care centre is a big improvement to our community, and I want to thank Solomon Ports on behalf of the Burns Creek Development Committee for recognizing our need and helping us with this kind assistance, “she said.

Laundry items donated to NRH

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President of PNG/SI Community Carson Korowa, third from left, handing over the items to NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi in the presence of health officials and association members.

THE Papua New Guinea (PNG) community donated laundry items to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) this week.

The items include 100-bed sheets or linens and pillowcases, 20 door mats, and two cartons of bleach and other washing detergents.

Chairman of the PNG-Solomon Islands Community Association Carson Korowa said funds used to purchase the items were from their recent fundraising efforts.

“The donation is by way of sharing the joy of our country’s important national event with the people of Solomon Islands,” Korowa said.

He also acknowledged the deep ties that exist between the people of PNG and Solomon Islands, describing it as “transcending beyond the diplomatic relationship”.

NRH’s Chief Executive Officer Dr George Malefoasi expressed sincere appreciation to the PNG community for the donation.

“The donation came at a time when demand for these items have increased due to increasing number of patients,” Malefoasi said.

He added that with every patient, there is at the most one to two caregivers, so the exact number of people the hospital is taking care of doubles the total admissions.

 “So thank you very much for the donation which we truly appreciate and receive with hearts that are filled with thanks.”

The PNG-SI community comprised of Papua New Guinea nationals living and working in Solomon Islands, including those married here and their children and Solomon Islanders born and raised in Papua New Guinea.

Chinese police teach martial arts to locals

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CPLT instructor coach a young female on martial art training

A total of 50 women and children were taught martial arts during a Public Order Management (POM) training at Tulagi, Central Islands Province (CIP) for officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF).

The China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) conducted martial art training for local women in the afternoon after Official Police programme finishes each day.

CPLT spent an hour and thirty minutes after its sessions with the RSIPF and engage with local women and children on self-defence martial arts.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support (NSOS) Ian Vaevaso said this is a good initiative for women and children to learn basic self-defence to protect them.

“As we know, Central Province has a few rape incident in the past and this training is relevant to equip our women and children.

DC Vaevaso said these women and children came to the training ground to watch the training and have expressed their appreciation for the professionalism and friendship of the Chinese police.

Mr Vaevaso said, some women who came and watched liked the Chinese culture and Chinese Kungfu very much and have asked for the police to provide martial art training for these local women and children.

 “The enthusiasm of the women and children participating in the training is high every day in the afternoon. They wait at the training ground for the Chinese instructors to leave work.”

A local participant said the Chinese instructors are enthusiastic and sincere.

He said through training, they feel they have enhanced their self-confidence and have mastered a certain degree of safety protection capable ability, and their sense of security in life has also been enhanced.

Police to probe vehicle abuse claim in Temotu

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE have confirmed they have received a report alleging Police officers at Lata were drinking kwaso and abusing police vehicle.

Deputy Police Commissioner National Security and Operation Support Ian Vaevaso said the allegations are serious and there are directives from the Commissioner to investigate the allegation.

He said such actions and attitudes of Police officers are condemned.

“RSIPF is a disciplined organization and such actions by police officers should be condemned, and I call on the public that any allegation against police officers must be reported to the Professional Standards Internal Investigation for investigations”, Vaevaso said.

A Chief from Venga village Chief Thomas Menaba in Temotu had made a call to the Police Executive Authority to investigate such manner concerning police officers at Lata.

He said the province is extremely concerned on the conduct of Police officers in Lata.

He said such attitudes by Lata Police Officers undermine the professionalism of the organization.

“We expect professionalism from RSIPF, instead the actions and attitudes displayed by Lata police officers undermines security and law and order in our communities.

“We are calling for investigations as certain officers at Lata were engaging in Kwaso consumption, selling of Marijuana and also selling of Police OBM”, Chief Menaba said.

Vaevaso said officers should behave and act in a good manner in uphold law and order of this country.

Sogavare to attend UN meeting

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the UN meeting in New York.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.

The 77th session of the UNGA has commenced on 13 September 2022.

The first day of the high-level General Debate will be on Tuesday, 20 September 2022.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui confirmed to the media yesterday that the Prime Minister will lead five officials from his office.

He said officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade are already there plus other ministries will attend the meeting as well.

In New York, Kabui said the government will engage in bilateral meetings with 10 countries.

However, he said the number will increase in the coming days but is yet to be finanlised.

After UNGA, Kabui said the Prime Minister will also be visiting Washington DC with other Pacific Islands countries to hold talks with US President Biden and his administration.

He said returning home, Sogavare will stop over in Australia to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Bill to delay election set for gazette

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNOR General, Sir David Vunagi should assent the Constitutional Amendment Act at the Government House yesterday.

The Act is to defer the National General Elections until after the Pacific Games 2023 hosted by Solomon Islands.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui confirmed to media yesterday they are waiting for the Act to come down to Prime Minister Office to be published in the gazette.

Furthermore, Attorney General John Muria Junior said upon gazette, there is a provision in the Act for the Prime Minister to choose for it to commence.

He said when commencement is made, it will be gazetted and the Constitutional Amendment Act to be enforced.

Parliament passed the Bill on 8th September 2022 after 37 of the 49 Members of Parliament voted for the Bill in the second reading and third reading to pass the bill.

Initially, the term of the 11th Parliament commenced on 15th May 2019 and ends on 19th May 2023.

However, Parliament will dissolve on December 31st 2023.

As such, elections will be held around April 2024.

Government says it will settle $32.4M owed to Levers.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The Office of the Prime Minister

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNMENT is committed to settle the $32.4 million ordered by the High Court that is owed to Levers Solomon Limited.

Attorney General John Muria Junior told reporters yesterday that both parties have gone through discussion to settle the money.

He said one thing that must remain clear is government at no point in time will it not pay because it’s a court judgement.

“All along since this matter came before court, government never said it will not pay.

“What comes before the last case was on tax component which the court agreed and minus $50 million to $32.4 million. Court removes tax that LSL owed the Government and was left with $32.4,” he said.

Muria said there were good discussions held with LSL on Tuesday and both parties came up with a settlement approach.

“Parties will be making a statement once matters are fully settled,” he added.

However, LSL said if no settlement is done before today, there is high possibility of repossessing its property at Hell’s Point, east Honiara.

At the negotiations, the LSL representatives were Director Patrick Wong, Alice Willy (lawyer), Geoffrey McDonald, Barrister at law and landowners who are directors.

SIG was represented by Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Dentana Mckini, Solicitor General, Accountant General, Investment Cooperation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) Director, Tukana Bovoro, Attorney General and Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil.

MRD PS pays courtesy visit to Premier Suidani

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MRD Permanent Secretary Dr Samson Viulu, second from left, next to Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani with MRD and Malaita Provincial Government senior officials.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Dr Samson Viulu has paid a courtesy visit to the Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani at his Office in Auki, Tuesday.

During the meeting, PS Viulu explain to the Premier the purpose of MRD official’s presence in Auki which is to conduct a two-days consultation on the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development (SICD) Policy with its stakeholders.

It was a fruitful meeting as PS Viulu and Premier Suidani traded positive sentiments and encouragement during their discussion in the presence of Malaita Province Deputy Premier and Malaita Provincial Secretary (PS).

PS Viulu acknowledged the Premier for accepting him and his team into his office for the meeting and also for the opportunity to meet him in person and brief him on the Solomon Islands Constituency Development (SICD) Policy concept which now undergoing nationwide consultations.

“Our presence here in Auki is to do a two-days consultation on this new policy initiated by MRD called Solomon Islands Constituency Development (SICD) Policy.

“…MRD was established in 2007.

“However, it did not have any standing or development policy to guide its operation over the years. So, SICD Policy will be the first ever policy the ministry is embarking on and once realized it will help the ministry in reforming constituency developments.

“This policy will also guide our constituency offices to see what areas should be prioritized with more emphasis towards reforming development in our constituencies.

PS Viulu further told Premier Suidani that the consultation on the new policy is to gather honest views from rural people on the policy framework which will lead to reforming the CDF Act 2013.

He said that having an improved and robust mechanisms to guide MRD in its management of the CDF is of paramount importance.

“The idea to repeal the existing CDF Act is also forthcoming to replace it with Constituency Development (CD) Act so it accommodates every development approach and not just the fund,” PS Viulu told Premier Suidani.

“Our task force will commence drafting of the policy once we completed all consultations. With the political support that we have now, we want to make sure that this policy is complete in time for further deliberation at the government level,” PS Viulu added.

Meanwhile, Premier Suidani in response acknowledged PS Viulu for the courtesy visit where they were able to share together thoughts on a way forward for CDF.

The Premier said that perhaps PS Viulu is the first person in his capacity as the Permanent Secretary of MRD to have visited his office and discuss constructively on ways to improve the management of CDF.

Premier Suidani took the opportunity and shared his knowledge and concerns surrounding the CDF and its effect on the lives of our people and he said despite these concerns, he assured PS Viulu that he will support the CDF reforms and the current SICD Policy consultation and its framework.

He also highlighted decentralization of government services to the rural populace and how he ponders this policy will really help Malaita constituency to really feel the positive impact of CDF.

“If we really want to see our people involved meaningfully in development then this policy must capture the decentralization of government services with the assistance of the reformed CDF Act,” he added.

He also voiced his concern about the management of CDF and what mechanisms are in place to hold our leaders accountable if the funds are mismanaged.

He said having robust financial mechanisms in place will guide our Members of Parliament to be accountable in how they use this public fund.

“I support this policy and your ministry to make this policy come true not only for our leaders but for the rural population of this country.

“I encourage you and your ministry to carry on with these good works because I believe you can lead this work as an accountable officer for MRD,” he said.

UNITED AGAINST CORRUPTION

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Eddie Osifelo
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Berdi Berdiyev, Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager, Japan Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki, Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption Deputy Chairlady, Anika Kingmele, Deputy Secretary for Prime Minister’s Office (Policy&Programmes), Tony Kabasi, SIICAC Director General John Kouni and UNDP Resident Representative, Levan Bouadze with the new ICT equipment.

$214,751 worth of equipment to SIICAC

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) has received a boost to its efforts to tackle corruption in the country.

This was after they took delivery of ICT equipment worth $214,751 from the United National Development Programme (UNDP) and Japanese Government yesterday.

The equipment were procured under the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP) established between UNDP, the Japanese Government and the Solomon Islands Government.

UNDP Resident Representative, Levan Bouadze said this is to ensure SIICAC and the Anticorruption Secretariat has the digital capacity and the necessary resources to undertake the enormous tasks placed upon it.

Bouadze said since 2012, UNDP through its regional programme has been working to strengthen the anti-corruption landscape across the Pacific.

In addition, SIICAC Director General John Kouni has welcomed the generous support from both partners.

Kouni said for any anti-corruption body to carry out its task, it must by fully resourced mainly with human capacity, ongoing training so that they know exactly their work,

He added it also needs resources in terms of facility and working tools.

“We value this assistance, not in monetary terms but what it can deliver in fighting corruption in the country.

“The use of this equipment will go a long way to assist in fighting corruption in the country,” Kouni said.

Furthermore, Deputy Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy & Programmes), Tony Kabasi said the support of ICT equipment’s to the Anti-Corruption Secretariat, under the OPMC Policy & Program and the Anti-Corruption Commission is timely and crucial.

He said the donated ICT equipment’s will ensure the newly established Anti-Corruption Commission and the role of the Anti-Corruption Secretariat to coordinate and facilitate the integrity institutions framework are resourced and equipped with the relevant ICT needs for its operation including processing, storing, and communicating of relevant information.

Moreover, the Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki said fighting corruption is not easy.

He said there maybe two alternative ways to fight corruption.

“The first one is very democratic, where you expect the initiative of the civil society to create common understanding and red line that we should never go beyond.

“Another is very extreme, which I don’t support at all. It is authoritarianism and very strict. People will fear the strict procedures of the government. That kind of procedure should not contribute to the development of our society,” he said.

Yoshiaki said there should be deeper understanding of culture and common understanding in the society.

UNDP and Japanese Government have supported SIICAC on the Transparency and Accountability Project, TAP since 2018.

Under the project, UNDP has supported SIICAC and the anti-corruption secretariat with the refurbishment of the office and with the purchase of equipment and furniture crucial to the setup of the new office.

Ramofafia thanks EU for $78M assistance

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Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia delivers his speech at the launching of EU projects in Honiara yesterday.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia has congratulated the European Union for its $78 million funding assistance to Solomon Islands.

The funding aims at strengthening the governance system for service delivery within the provinces, notably by improving the coordination between Provincial Governments and the provincial sector offices for education and health.

Speaking at the launching of the EU projects in Honiara yesterday, Ramofafia said the projects long term objective is to build sound, inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance systems within the provinces, for sub-national service delivery.

He said this response to the National Development Strategy’s call for ensuring effective governance at the local provincial level, which is a necessary element in creating an enabling environment for effective service delivery.

Further to that, Ramofafia said health and education remains critical to the empowerment of our people.

“Having a healthy and literate population is fundamental to sustainable development as it supports all other aspects of development.

“The provincial spread with a focus on Honiara and all nine provinces is also pleasing, as this ensures that there is equity amongst both the urban and rural population in all the nine provinces of Honiara,” he added.

In addition, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam said this project is consistent with the global priorities of the European Union as reflected in their global gateways when they intend to strengthen networks particular in health and education.

He said it is also consistent with their regional priorities which are embodied in the European Union strategic cooperation in the Indo Pacific, which comprises the priority on human development which covers health and education.

“It is also consistent in good alliance with European Union and the Pacific which provides for the financial framework for our commitment to the region for the years 2021-2027 which we have an emphasis on as a third priority of human development,” he said.

Ambassador Seam said they are also contributing in strengthening Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This includes:

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

GOAL 4: Quality Education

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

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