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Gov’t says nothing sinister about Blue Economy MOU

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Press Release
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THE Office of the Prime Minister says there is nothing sinister nor trivial about the Blue Economy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is yet to be formalized between the government of Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands government.

A government statement clarified this following what has been described in the social media as an ‘MOU document leakage’ between the government and PRC government.

The statement said the Blue Economy MOU is a normal bilateral development initiative and at present it is in the consultation process with six other line government ministries.

“The MOU is still in its draft form, awaiting more insights and inputs from the line government ministries, however, its underlying objective is to tap on potential economic investment opportunities relating to ocean resources,” the statement added.

“Amongst other things, the MOU aims at enhancing and regulating foreign investments while protecting national interests and eradicate resource exploitation, it further aims to ensure that foreign investments are aligned with the government’s development aspirations and policies.”

The statement further explained that the MOU is a show of intent and this is testified by its broadness, as and when it will be signed between the parties then a technical or an investment agreement will be drawn up in which it will outline the investment implementation plans.

The OPMC statement highlighted that at the end of the day the beneficiaries of the Blue Economy MOU will be Solomon Islanders and anyone who opposed it is a stumbling block to the economic development and welfare of the people.

Government has repeated with emphasis that it remains stand firm to regional unity, maintains its respect for each other’s sovereignty, and will continue to explore pathways for development partnerships for the common good of the Pacific family.

The OPMC statement reiterated that the MOU is still work in progress and government did not flinched one bit about the document’s revelation, as the MOU is fully compliant to national and international laws and treaties.

“In the event that the MOU is signed by PRC government and the government respectively, its implementation will have to comply with other statutory obligations as required by our domestic laws and regulations,” the statement reiterated.

Hike in fuel price affects fishermen

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Fish sales by local fisherman at the Central Market.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Fishermen and public transport in the rural areas, OBM boats, are feeling the pinch in the current fuel price hike.

They are among the many business types in the country which are affected by the rise in fuel prices.

A fisherman from the Central Islands told this paper that increase of fuel prices has really affected them because they have to travel from their home village to Honiara to sell their catch.

The fisherman who identified himself as John said with the increase in fuel prices it has affected his fishing business.

“I am expected to work extra hard like catch more fish in order to earn extra profit, because if my catch is less, I will not be able to make profits, but all the money earned will go towards fuel.

“We the fishermen all faced with the same problem and I am calling on our leaders to do something to help us local fishermen,” John said.

Meanwhile according to an analysis of the increase of fuel price by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), the steep price increases were seen in ‘Tapis oil’ price, the main imported fuel for Solomon Islands.

The analysis has it that, the average monthly retail fuel price in Honiara has increased from SBD$9.66 per litre in January 2022, to SBD$10.94 per litre in March and climbing to SBD$12.30 per litre in April, an increase of SBD$2.64 within a span of only three months, the highest increase the country has ever experienced.

In terms of Tax, fuel excise in Solomon Islands is 15% GST on every litre of fuel purchased. In addition to 15% GST, the Fuel Wholesalers in Solomon Islands pay taxes for Sales of 10cents per Litre (used to be a levy for road users charged at service stations, now shifted to fuel wholesalers, paid for by everyone), Duty of 50 cents, Pipeline levy of $0.0275 per Litre (charged by SIPA) contributing to the current fuel increase price at Service Station Operators, that is being experienced in this month of April 2022.

For other businesses indirectly, cost of fuel increases is in the form of high electricity costs especially in terms of power tariffs processes. Solomon Islands is a net importer of oil, therefore, unless non-oil imports fall, an increase in oil prices will result in a wider current account deficit, which indicates higher net foreign debt and lower consumption.

MONEY CRIME CHALLENGES

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Immigration highlights biggest challenge

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Immigration Department faces challenges in combatting transnational crimes.

Deputy Director of Immigration, Chris Akosawa confirmed this during the opening of a three-day Immigration Strategic Planning Workshop at Pacific Casino yesterday.

The purpose of the workshop is to:

  1. enable Immigration officials and stakeholders’ sharing and contributing their inputs to the Immigration strategic plan, restructuring and the Immigration reform;
  2. to evaluate the progress of the implementation of border reopening plan including the annual work plan and;
  3. to finalize Immigration border reopening plan, Immigration strategy and review of Immigration structure.

Akosawa said Immigration has detected cases related to transnational organised crimes which involved criminal syndicates using our commercial system to launder money and committing the acts of proceeds of crimes in the country.

He said it is a serious concern for any country with a weak and struggling economy like Solomon Islands to combat organised crime and proceed of crimes.

“Money laundering and proceed of crimes is more complex to investigate in which the Immigration laws, even do not have the teeth to bite.

“Immigration can provide supports for investigation, but need specific laws to combat proceed of crimes.

“I am always sad to see criminal syndicates operated onshore targeting our extractive and commercial sectors which are real threat to our economy and border security.

“Therefore, this workshop provides avenues to finalize Immigration reform and strategic plan addressing transnational orgniased crimes involving, fraud, coercion, official corruption and abuse of power embedded in our system silently undetected,” he added.

In the meantime, Immigration has achieved some milestone between 2020 and 2021 despite border restrictions.

Akosawa said Immigration revenue collections for 2020 and 2021 was $27 million, which was a decline of equivalent of 30 percent to 40 percent of collections.

He said mostly the revenues came from Passport, visa and border controls and border compliances.

The workshop ends tomorrow.

Solomon Power opens Anthony Saru branch

Written by
Press Release
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The newly opened Solomon Power branch at the Anthony Saru building

Solomon Power (SP) opened its new office at the ground floor of the Anthony Saru building at Pt. Cruz, Today.

The new office is located on the western side of the building facing the National Museum. It will provide cashiering and customer services.

“I would like to congratulate not only the contractor and NPF for allowing us this room, but to all the staff at Solomon Power for making this a reality,” Mr David Quan, Chairman of the Solomon Power Board of Directors, said in his speech.

The Property Manager for SINPF, Mr Kenneth Bo’o also said that the opening of the office is very significant in many aspects.

“Solomon Power has chosen the right spot and we have been waiting for this for a long time.” The office was refurbished by Vanua Holdings who were able to carry out the work required within budget and time given.

This will make it easier Solomon Power’s valuable customers around the Western and Central side of Honiara to access these services.

 “I know for our customers in the Solomons, it’s a challenging time, fuel prices are up globally, inflation is up and it’s going to be a challenging few months ahead.

Nonetheless Solomon Power stands ready to provide service to all our customers,” the CEO of Solomon Power, Donald Kiriau re-iterates in his speech.

The opening hours will be as follows:

Mondays to Wednesday: 8am to 4pm Thursdays & Fridays: 8am to 6.30pm Saturdays: 9am to 2pm

Solomon Power is all about nation building and we see this as a way of serving our customers and improving accessibility to our good customers.

So when you are in the Pt. Cruz area, you can now top up your cash power or see our Customer Services officers who will be ready to serve you.

—SIEA

Siota faces sweet turnover

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Santos in his new Office.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THERE are some points in life that prejudice can lead to a sweeter outcome.

This is the story of Santos Krobe Siota, 38 years old from Isabel Province who has been accepted by Brisbane based company Kalmar Pacific Industrial Limited as Product Reliability Manager.

But what leads us to this is an interesting story.

Siota had been employed by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority from 2011 to 2020. He has been awarded four different positions in his career path until mid-2020, when he was suspended by SIPA for what he described as an effort to shut down his advocacy for good governance.

According to Siota, he has been very vocal on ethics and principles of governance in any growing organization – a mission he envisioned as trying to help SIPA grow to further heights.

“I was suspended for 11 months from SIPA on Nov 2020 to Oct 2021 for being vocal and straight forward doing the right thing.

“On 08/10/21 I was forced by SIPA Management to Resign or be terminated.

Santos Siota when he was still working for SIPA

“Seeing that I don’t have other options I resigned and got some of my benefits and left. Forced out of SIPA residence in Tandai within a week,” he told Island Sun.

Siota recalled that the situation was the most stressful in his lifetime not because he has no option to work again but to help his family during the brunt of COVID-19.

But on 9th October 2021, his shattered world blossomed into what he described as a miracle.

“I checked my email and I received nine International Job Offers: 3 in Brisbane, 3 in NZ, 1 in Kuala Lumpur, 1 in Hanoi Vietnam, 1 in Dubai and another one in Texas USA.

“I couldn’t believe this at first but when I flipped them thru all of them were Job Offers ready to be signed off.

“All of them were the best package I’ve ever seen and was just thought of picking up the Texas one or the Dubai one.

“However, thinking of parents whom are still alive, I chose one of the Offer from Brisbane as it’s close to them as well as it has a clause that I will have 2 x vacations within a year meaning I go for 7 weeks leave after serving 6months.

“This clause triggered me to pick this Brisbane Firm. If it wasn’t for my parents I’d rather get lost in Texas or Dubai,” Siota joked.

“It’s a long story and I called it a “Miraculous Job,” he added.

Siota said the turnaround is sweeter compared to the efforts he was trying do for the good of SIPA as an employee.

He believes honestly and always staying in the good side of law though being discriminated comes as a blessing.

“I thank God and I owe Him a lot for this miraculous job which is kind of rare,” Siota said.

Siota willingly and consented to sharing his story because he wants to encourage youths to always do the right thing.

“Just want share this story to you to be used to bring hope to our Youths. Despite whatsoever circumstances we may face, there is hope, and that hope only comes when we continue to do good things and be in the right side of our laws.

“We are living in a Christian country and serving a living God so blessing can be given to anyone who respects God’s law so as our country’s law,” Siota said.

Siota’s education history started back in 1990 to 1996 at Kmaga Primary School. His effort paid off and he secured a placement at Selwyn College National Secondary School in 1997 from form one to six in 2003. Siota then went to do his foundation at King George Six (form 7) in 2004. Juggling through challenges he was awarded with a scholarship at Papua New Guinea National University of Technology. Five years later, he graduated with Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (B.CEng) in 2010.

Gov’t yet to sign leaked Maritime pact with China

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands is still to sign a proposed Maritime Cooperation agreement with Peoples Republic of China, senior government officials confirmed.

A draft copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on Deepening Blue Economy Cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of XXX of Solomon Islands has been circulated on social media.

A United Nations representative recently defined the Blue Economy as an economy that “comprises a range of economic sectors and related policies that together determine whether the use of ocean resources is sustainable.

A senior government official told Island Sun he is aware of some discussions around Blue economy.

However, the official said it is still an intention, and no commitment yet as far as he knows.

“Not sure who to sign on behalf of Government. There has to be some consideration on who to sign it,” the senior government official said.

According to the draft, Article one states the Parties will uphold mutually beneficial and win-win development partnership, deepen practical cooperation in the field of blue economy, foster new growth drivers in the blue economy, and promote high quality development of bilateral investment cooperation, so as to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, promote stronger, greener and healthier global development

Article 2 states the Parties will enhance synergy between blue economic development strategy and policy, encourage rural government, blue economy industrial organization, research institutes, financial institutions and business to enhance coordination, tap the potential of blue economy cooperation and comparative advantages, jointly carry out marine economy resources investigation and development planning, strengthen capacity building of blue economy, deepen investment cooperation in the blue economy, and jointly foster blue economy partnership for the future.

On Article 3, the Parties will encourage businesses to conduct investment cooperation in the blue economy, including but not limited to the following fields of industries:

  1. Mariculture, distant water fishing, seafood processing etc.;
  2. Marine biopharmaceutical, marine engineering technology, seawater desalination, marine salt industries etc.;
  3. Port wharves, submarine optical communication, shipbuilding and ship repair, ocean transportation etc.;
  4. Marine tourism and leisure services;
  5. Photovoltaics, wind power, tidal power and other clean energy and transmission network;
  6. Exploration and development of offshore oil, gas and mineral resources.

Article 4 highlights the Parties will promote the introduction of more pragmatic and efficient policies and measures, encourage and support businesses to jointly establish marine economic cooperation parks and deep-sea fishing bases, and create better and more attractive investment cooperation platform for enterprises of the two countries.

The Article 5 states the Parities will encourage businesses to in compliance with the requirements of the United Nation Convention on the Law of Sea, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the carbon neutral commitment targets, fulfil environmental obligations, promote green design, green procurement, green construction, green production and green operation in the blue economy investment cooperation and facilitate the coordinated development of the local economy, society, people and the marine ecological environment.

Furthermore, Article 6 states Parties will encourage businesses to accelerate green and low carbon transformation, increase investment in green technology, jointly promote innovations in marine science and technology, green and low carbon technology and promote the application and transformation of science research achievements.

Article 7 states the Parties agreed with the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China and XX Department of XX of the Executive Agencies in the Memorandum, to step up policy exchanges, implement the work set out in the Memorandum, and promote investment cooperation in the blue economy in a more pragmatic and efficient manner.

Under Article 8, any dispute about the interpretation or implementation of the Memorandum will be solved through consultations between the Parties, who will work in good faith to resolve differences by mutual agreement.

Article 9 states the Memorandum will come into effect on the date of signature and remain in effect for three years. Either party may terminate this Memorandum by providing written notification to the other Party three months in advance.

The termination of this Memorandum will not affect the completion of any cooperation activity which has been formalized while it was in force.

The Memorandum maybe amended by the mutual agreement of the Parties, formalized by an exchange of written communications, specifying the date of its entry into force of such amendment.

This Memorandum is a statement of the intent of the Parties and is not intended to create rights and obligations under international law.

Each party implementation of this Memorandum shall be consistent with its domestic law.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine to save cost, reach more people: Togamana

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

Government says the newly introduced Johnson & Johnson vaccine will save operation costs and reach more people in remote places.

Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana says this is due to the Johnson & Johnson Janssen covid-19 vaccine being administered as a single dose vaccine.

Mr Togamana echoed this at the official launching event of the J&J Janssen vaccine during the World Immunisation week last week.

“With the introduction of this vaccination the covid-19 vaccination coverage is expected to up as it requires only one dose and considerable increase our capacity to reach more people and saving cost on operation.

“I sincerely hope with the introduction of this vaccine we should be able to increase our vaccination coverage and percentage because this will really target the hard to reach area because it is only one dose. There is no need to back again to the community that you have already delivered it because it is only one dose,” he said.

Togamana said it is the fourth covid-19 vaccine to be added to the government’s vaccination programme, increasing vaccine choice for the recipients.

He said the J&J Janssen vaccine will be offered to 18-years-old and above.

“I wish to thank the New Zealand Government for the donation of 100,800 doses of J&J Janssen covid-19 vaccine.

“I also thanked COVAX facility, GAVI and the government of Australia, the government of China, the Japanese government and also the government of United States of America for covid-19 vaccine donation,” Togamana said.    

Wale: PM dealings on LSL ‘highly suspicious’

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Press Release
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Copy of the letter Attorney General John Muria Jnr wrote to Steve Agosta of Sydney law firm Nelson KcKinnon Lawyers.

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale says the Prime Minister’s instructions to his Chief of Staff and the Attorney General to enter in an undertaking on the issue of Levers Solomon Ltd (LSL) is highly suspicious.

An OPMC statement confirmed that negotiations to acquire LSL have been sanctioned by the Prime Minister.

This was after a report in the Island Sun last week suggested that the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic and the Attorney General John Muria Jnr are involved in a dubious deal in an attempt to commit the Government into bailing out two companies in Australia who were tied to Russell Islands Plantations Pty Ltd.

The OPMC statement further stated that the Government is yet to make a decision on whether to proceed with the deal and that Cabinet will be briefed on the options before a decision is made on which option to pursue.

But Wale said the OPMC’s revelation that the Prime Minister authorised the undertaking only adds to the string of questions surrounding the deal and its suspicious nature.

“The action by the Prime Minister is not only suspicious but also borders on being unconstitutional,” Wale said.

“A matter of importance as this should be brought to Cabinet by the ministries assigned with the relevant portfolios, and be dealt with by responsible authorities and not the political advisors in the PMO acting on the instructions of the Prime Minister,” he added.

Wale said the Attorney General’s letter dated 9th February 2022 is also contradictory to the statement that Cabinet is yet to be briefed on the options before any decision will be made.

The AG’s letter to Steve Agosta, Solicitor Director of the Nelson Mckinnon Lawyers in Sydney, requesting extension of time is an undertaking that SIG is committed to honour the Deed of Company Arrangement.

He said there is no reservation of the right to opt out as suggested.

The Opposition Leader said the explanation therefore does not add up and may cost the government unnecessarily if Cabinet so decides against the deal in the end.

Wale said the letter also clearly outlined reasons for the delay in payment and that a given timeline in June 2022, after the Budget was opted.

“And if Cabinet is yet to decide on the faith of the proposed Deed/matter, then why is the AG already committing a financial obligation on behalf of the Government?” he asked.

The Opposition Leader said if the Prime Minister advised the AG and his CoS to do so without Cabinet’s approval then surely parties involved are trying to defraud the Government.

He said document shows that the two companies the proposed Deed seek to bail out are currently facing bankruptcy proceedings.

“Since RIPPEL took over from Levers nothing much had been done.

“Operations had been stalled for various reasons including, pressure from domestic creditors since day one.

“So why would the government be interested in bailing out such companies?

“What have they contributed to the country and what does the DOCA say about liabilities, unpaid claims, land sales and so on,” he questioned.

The Opposition Leader adds the deal appears to undermine the forfeiture process commenced by the Commissioner of Lands.

He said clearly something is wrong with the operations of RIPPEL, which led to the Commissioner of Lands seeing the need to use the law.

“Is it not better to allow this process and the proceedings in Australia to be completed before the government steps in?” he said.

Wale also questioned how this new deal sits in with the $50m compensation for Bloody Ridge Land awarded by the High Court against the government previously.

“Clearly there are too much public funds being waved around with respect to the RIPEL land and operations.

“These are drains on the public purse that must be decided properly,” he said.

Communities in East Fataleka hold mass reconciliation

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of the communities that are part of the reconciliation ceremony.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

COMMUNITIES in East Fataleka held a mass reconciliation at Bethel village on Sunday.

The reconciliation was part of East Fataleka communities’ show of solidarity which aims at bring them closer to work together for common goals and achievements.

In a statement received on the reconciliation ceremony, the event was initiated by chiefs and church leaders of East Fataleka.

The event aims primarily to iron out differences and bring them together as one people.

The event strives to revive and strengthen cooperation, solidarity and friendship their forefathers once had that laid the fabric of their current communities and people.

A total of 14 communities; Lolo, Manu, Bethel, Gwasao, Dariulu, Niupado, Kwaiorea, Alisisiu, Singali, Maelaufa, Ferakosi, Namofala, Ferabono and Fa’asiu were part of the event.

Guest to the reconciliation ceremony was Premier Daniel Suidani and people were happy to have him and team to the important occasion.

Suidani met the communities on Saturday where he had the chance to share about his government and other current political issues.

Some amongst them include; MARA governments stand against the newly forged SI-China tie, the current security pact and others.

The premier also thanked the communities for taking up the initiative that therefore have greater impact on their working together as one people to achieve common purposes.

MPGIS meets Malaita govt on major community management project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MPGIS permanent secretary Stanley Pirione.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PERMANENT Secretary of Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen (MPGIS), Mr Stanley Dick Pirione and team met and had a dialogue with Malaita’s government on Saturday last week in Auki.

Deputy Premier Glen Waneta and members of Malaita Provincial Assembly and heads of divisions were part of the meeting with MPGIS.

The dialogue is to provide update on the implementation and future direction on the Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGMP) under MPGIS where the two stakeholders had worked on until last year.

According to information received on the dialogue, the meeting is to provide update on the project activities and look at ways forward for the future of the project with the provincial government in supporting local communities.

The dialogue is also to discuss project priorities and donor funding support, and discuss how to resolve some of the resource management issues encountered by the provincial project team on CGGMP on the ground.

The CGGMP programme through which Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) was once established had greatly benefited communities in Malaita province particularly on conflict solving, bylaws and other governance issues.

Provincial Coordinator of CGGMP in Auki, Mr Emmanuel Maesua said that the dialogue workshop was also for MPGIS to provide update on the new World Bank/SIG partnership Integrate, Economic Development and Climate Resilience Program (IEDCR).

He said under IEDCR in which discussion is now between MPGIS and various provincial governments will see integration between CGGMP, Rural Development Program (RDP) and the Crisp program and administer under the planning division of the province together with the PCDF program.

Maesua said the new program will no longer be on governance alone, but infrastructure and climate resilience that basically looks more on economic development.

He said in place of CLO, as once known under CGGMP, there will be Ward Support Officers (WSOs) under the IEDCR, and MPGIS through his office will soon recruit officers to pilot the new program in the province.

Maesua said that in summary the dialogue was conducted to seek feedbacks from MPG on the existence of the CGGMP and the new IEDCR program that will soon be introduced.

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