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SI products high demand overseas from Expo

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Soltuna products

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands tuna, Kokonut Pacific products and local carvings have attracted a lot of demands from visitors to Solomon Islands Pavilion at the recent World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Expo 202 was held from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

It was originally scheduled for October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeremiah Manele informed Parliament on Wednesday on Solomon Islands’ successful participation at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Manele said, “The last six months, the Government and private sector joined 192 countries to participate at the Dubai Expo.”

He said a number of products were promoted in Dubai, including coconut products and canned tuna.

“I am pleased to report that a business deal was signed and secured with an Abu Dhabi company for our tuna products.

“The company will act as the authorised import of our tuna products into the Middle East and North Africa. We hope to establish new markets in the Gulf,” he said.

Furthermore, Manele said Kokonut Pacifiki products were also high in demand.

“I am pleased to report that a shipment for a variety of Kokonu Pacifiki products have been shipped to Dubai.

“Local carvings from Solomon Islanders were also a big seller,” he added.

Further to that, Manele said following our successful participation a report is coming to Cabinet soon about the Dubai expo.

He said his Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Immigration, and Labour, as well as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is now preparing a development framework with the Government of United Arab Emirates to jointly pursue some of the outcomes of the Dubai Expo.

Solomon Islands is currently preparing to participate at the Osaka Expo, Japan in 2024.

Manele said: “I am confident that we will also secure new opportunities and markets for our products at the Osaka Expo in 2025.”

PALM scheme can do more for SI: Sisilo

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

SOLOMON Islands High Commissioner to Australia says Australia can do more to improve the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme and in doing so can advance Solomon Islands and Australia’s bilateral relationship.

Speaking to Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), this week, Robert Sisilo said the scheme is currently confined in rural Australia and there are rooms to expand the scheme to cities.

“If only the scheme can be extended to the whole of Australia; in metropolitan city like Sydney, Brisbane, Wollongong, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, New Castle and Gold Coast where the demand for plumbers, brick layers, care-givers and domestic servants is huge, what an impact it should have on the livelihood of our people,” he said.

Sisilo adds that the issue of permanent residence could also be a good way of forwarding and advancing the two country’s bilateral relations.

“I understand that the Agriculture VISA agreement with Asian countries also has a provision of permanent residency, so why not for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. That would certainly be a good prospect to further advance our relationship with Australia,” he said.

Sisilo said PALM scheme has contributed big time to the local economy via the remittances workers continues to send home.

He said number of Solomon Islands seasonal worker have increased from 189 in 2019 to more than 3000 this year.

Sisilo described PALM scheme as one among other opportunities that would address the high unemployment rate in Solomon Islands.

“I was in Honiara undergoing quarantine during last year’s riot. From my hotel’s balcony I could clearly see that a lot of those involve in the looting were our youths.

“With our unemployment rate very high, this is going to be one of our major challenges and this is where the Pacific/ Australia labor mobility scheme has contributed big time to our economy via the remittances our workers continues to send home,” he said.

Last week, as part of its campaign for the May 21st election, Australia’s Labor Party vowed to build a stronger Pacific Family by expanding access to labour migration schemes and permanent residence for Pacific Islanders.

In a statement Labor Party promised to:

• boost permanent migration from Pacific countries to Australia by creating a new Pacific Engagement Visa for nationals of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. 

• improve the mainly agricultural Seasonal Workers Program (PALM-SWP) by allowing workers to stay up to 9 months, improving workplace standards and tackling exploitation and mistreatment of migrant workers.

• allow workers on the skills-focused   Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM–PLS) who spend up to 4 years in Australia, to bring their partners and children with them.

• relocate the proposed Agriculture Visa, which critics have suggested would undermine opportunities for Pacific workers, to  sit as a third visa stream under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM)_ program.

The new Pacific Engagement Visa that would lead to permanent migration would see uto 3,000 visas allocated annually by a ballot or lottery process modelled on the New Zealand Pacific Access Resident Category visa.

“While detailed design still needs to be done, we envisage applicants being aged between 18 and 45 years, them or their partners being required to have a job offer in Australia, as well as some English,” the Labor party announcement said

“There would be country-specific quotas within an overall quota of up to 3,000 places a year, and applications will be open to Pacific nationals in their home countries or who are in Australia on a valid temporary visa.

“The program will commence in July 2023.

17 enlisted as CSSI officers

Written by
Press Release
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A group photo with CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi, Director CSTC Joseph Watawa, Deputy Director CSTC Loretta Tohulao and Haisoma recruits

SEVENTEEN officers formally joined the Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) on Tuesday.

That was after they undertook two years of training under the guidance and manager of CSSI.

CSSI Commissioner Manelusi congratulated the officers on their achievements.

Manelusi highlighted three basic principles and legacy of Jesus to the newly confirmed officers.

They were ‘words, action and obey’

“Words is a powerful principle of Jesus, as He used ‘words’ for healing, comfort and encouragement,” Manelusi said.

“Action is the second practical principle of Jesus demonstrated by His life on earth and the final principle was simply to ‘obey’ what He was mandated to do.”

In addition, Manelusi reminded them that God is watching their action, listening to their words and follow their obedience to God and to fulfil their duties.

Out of the 40 officers in total, 11 were extended for another 6 months’ probation due to some actions committed during their probationary period and the assessment reports for the remaining 12 officers are still with the Commandant.

CBSI launches new framework

Written by
Press Release
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Left to right: Linda Folia – Manager Financial Inclusion Unit, Dr Luke Forau – Governor, Denson Deni – Manager Financial Systems Regulations, Mary Maggie Loea – Senior Analyst Financial Systems Regulations

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) launched the Regulatory Sandbox (RSB) Framework recently at the CBSI Board room.

A statement from CBSI said the RSB is a guideline or framework through which a controlled testing environment is open and is available for interested genuine innovators of Financial Technologies (Fintech) and its eco-system to test their financial product.

It said the emergence of fintech and digitalization covers key areas such as; payment service providers, innovative solution providers, Micro Small and Medium Enterprise financing, agriculture, insurance, savings, credit, investment and wealth generation, sustainable and renewable power generation, mobile money, remittances, payments transfers, tourism and any other key priority areas.

Following the launching of the Pacific Regional Regulatory Sandbox Guidelines in March 2020, CBSI, with the technical support provided by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), developed a Regulatory Sandbox Guideline and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) specific to Solomon Islands context.


The purpose of the sandbox is to provide and facilitate innovative regulatory approaches that over time should see the ease of doing business in the country, with special emphasis on providing access to and use of high-quality financial services to the unbanked and underserved segment of our society.

The statement said working together with AFI and its members across the Pacific region, CBSI was able to use peer learning and knowledge sharing to develop regulatory and policy interventions which balance innovations and oversight in inclusive FinTech.

Presenting the official remarks during the launching of the RSB, CBSI Governor, Dr Luke Forau said “it is envisioned that this RSB framework is an enabler to the already transformative role that Fintech plays (and will continue to play) in Solomon Islands; particularly in broadening financial access and providing the opportunity to the unbanked and underserved segment of our society.”

Manager for Financial Inclusion Unit, Linda Folia also explained the regulatory sandbox should enable applicants to test their financial service as easily and efficiently as possible without placing undue risk on customers and the financial system.

She said RSB supports the financial sector development exploring responsible innovative solutions that provide opportunity for all Solomon Islanders including the informal sector to access and use a range of financial services that will assist them to achieve greater financial security and financial opportunity.

“It is also seen as a vehicle for transitioning our informal sector into the formal sector and, the digital economy through digital financial services.

“CBSI’s approach is to balance the need for innovation, broadening, and deepening of the financial sector with the requirements of financial stability and integrity that will foster responsible innovative financial services through creating an enabling environment.

“This environment is where potential solution providers and innovators can experiment and test their prototype innovative financial services but with clear guidelines and a criterion which enables proportionate regulation and supervision by the Central Bank,” Folia said.


Governor Dr Luke acknowledged the challenges induced by these new and innovative financial services and products as well as the sophisticated risks they do bring in but hopes to remain positive with the RSB in place.

“However, we remain positive and open minded that this Guideline will continue to recognize our need and will develop regulations that supports genuine and useful innovation and that it is already designed with appropriate principles that requires applicants to embed adequate risk management, customer protection and redressal mechanisms that enables appropriate mitigation and response to the new risks,” he said.

He said the launching of the RSB is a key milestone for CBSI and was witnessed by the Management of the
Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

Gizo market days return to normal: Maeta

Written by
Ben Bilua
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The bustling Gizo Market. PHOTO: SIIP

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Market Management has announced that market days have now returned to normal with strict regulations and requirements.

Market Manager, Moffat Maeta said Gizo Market and Banana Valley Market will open Monday to Sunday.

He said the decision was made after consultation with health officials and Gizo police.

“I’m happy to announce that Market Days now return to normal. Our markets will open Monday to Sunday.

“But mind you, COVID Safety Protocols will be tightened and well observed. Vendors must be vaccinated to access our market facilities, vendors must wear mask at all time, vendor’s must limit contacts with other vendors while in the market, social distancing must be practiced, vendors must buy their own hand sanitizers and vendors must show their vaccination card before entering the market.

“All these public measures are put in place for our safety and I urges you to fulfil all these requirements before entering the market to sell your products,” Maeta said.

He said Gizo Market Management will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustment if needed.

Fanalei Islanders welcome Suidani’s visit

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Elders of Fanalei receive Premier Daniel Suidani during his visit to Fanalei island as part of his southern region tour last week.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE People of Fanalei on small Malaita have welcomed the visit of Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani to their community recently.

The Fanalei people, like those from Walande have been struggling with the effects of climate change (sea level rise) and although they had relocated to the mainland, the issue of land scarcity is still being faced.

Premier Suidani and team visited the two island communities and their relocated communities of Walande and Fouele and witnessed the happenings himself.

Canoe welcome at Fanalei.

An elder of Fouele, which is the relocated community of Fanalei, Joseph Leo said although Fanalei Island was not faced with a similar scenario to Walande., people are moving from the island due to continuous erosion.

Leo said since 1970, the effects of cyclone and other natural hazards have contributed to the gradual demise of Fanalei island, where only a few houses can be seen on the island today.

He said it is calculated that the coastline of the island is eroding at 2 metre per year and it’s an alarming rate, one that could see the island fully submerged soon.

Few of the remaining residences on the island of Fanalei.

Leo said as they are escaping sea level rise, another issue faced is population and soon they will be not enough land to host them in the piece of land they were relocated to at Fouele.

He said the population of Fanalei is 388 people this year and within the next ten years the number would have doubled and there will be no space for people to live in.

Leo further said although resettling from Fanalei Island to the mainland of Fouele began on a piecemeal since 1960, there is no proper planning on how the village should be structured.

The foundation structure of what used to be a church on the island of Fanalei that is now below the high water mark.

He said if the trend continues there will come a time when not enough space will be there for further building of homes, while the population of Fanalei/Fouele is growing.

Leo said these are impacts of climate change and they will continue to remain with the severe effects if there are no remedial measures taken.

On that note, he called on the premier and the government of Malaita province to see the challenges they face on how they could work together to address them.  

Kirio traditional dancers of Fanalei and Fouele leads the welcome procession of Suidani and team to Fouele last week.

Suidani said this is one of the reasons his team had visited Fanalei and Walande to bring the government to the people and discuss what they would do together on the issues.

Manele to explain security treaty to regional leaders

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jerry Manele

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele is expected to travel to Suva, Fiji tomorrow to meet up with various organisation regarding the SI-PRC security treaty.

This is to allow Manele to explain the pros and cons of the security agreement after some of them have raised concerns on the regional implication of SI-PRC security treaty.

Permanent Secretary Collin Beck confirmed to the media in a press conference yesterday.

Beck said Solomon Islands is in consultation with number of countries by phone and visits by bigger countries who could afford to come on their own planes to have a dialogue with the government.

He said there are others who do not come but they engaged with them through phone and virtual means.

“But we see it important to be there in persons to talk to them in terms of assuring everyone on the spirit of what we have done and addressing our domestic security issues in terms of having a cooperation with China.

“We can learn from other countries who have similar and different cooperation with China as well,” he said.

Further to that, Beck said there will no one single meeting.

He said there will be meetings with our sub regional groups, Pacific Small Islands Developing countries and wider Pacific Islands Forum members.

Beck said there will be some meetings in Australia on route or scheduled when he returns through Brisbane.

Manele told Parliament on Wednesday that in the last few weeks, he talked with a number of our traditional development partners and a few Forum Island countries to clarify and allay their concerns pertaining to the SI-PRC Treaty.

“I also had a zoom meeting with the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum and outlined to him what the treaty is about and not about.

“All the partners or countries I have talked to, respect the sovereign decision we have taken while expressing some concerns.

“Sir, as you know disagreements within the Forum Family or any relationships are not bad,” he said.

Manele said it shows the maturity of our relationship and the respect we have for each other.

Parliament has adjourned to Monday 28th July 2022.

3 Institutions to address plastic waste in country

Written by
Press Release
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Gas collection system to store liquid fuel

THREE local Rural Training Centres have developed a system that will deal with the issue of plastic waste in the country.

The three institutions are part of a project partnership with the Solomon Islands Association of Vocational and Rural Training Centre (SIAVRTC) and funded by the the UNDP- GEF Small Grants Progamme.

As part of the implementation by the SIAVRTC, the project will come up the appropriate technology to burn PE, PP, and PET Plastics and turn them to useful fuel.

The partnership was signed in July 2021 and involved three pilot Rural Training Centres namely; Kaotave RTC and St Martin’s RTC on Guadalcanal and St Peters RTC in Gizo, Western province using the systems to turn plastic wastes to energy.

Pyrolysis System

Despite the Covid19 situation, the project was completed and a handover of three pyrolysis systems that will turn plastic wastes into energy for cooking.

The design and technical built of the system was made possible through NuFuels New Zealand, and Design and Technology Centre, a locally owned company.

 Director of the SIAVRTC and coordinator of the project, Billy Mae said the project is significant given that problems with single use plastics which are being thrown in the streets and have become a threat to the environment, including clogging of the drainage systems in Honiara.

Principal of Kaotave RTC, Jimson Iakwe thanked UNDP for the assistance.

Principal of Kaotave RTC

He questioned why “we shift in our adaptation, but not in our attitude when it comes to managing plastic wastes”

He pointed out that “plastic is a serious issue and is everywhere. I believe technology will help reduce plastic waste”

Principal of St Martins, Mr Valerino said he is happy that the pyrolysis systems will be donated to St. Martins RTC to manage plastic waste.

 “Students and staff will learn how to use the system to manage plastic waste and added value”

“Students will use it to cook food by using the fuel extracted from the broken plastic”

 Managing Director of the Design and Technology Centre Lindsay Teobasi during the ceremony demonstrated how the system works.

Lindsay Teobasi

He also pointed that “the biggest issue is how to manage single use plastics from the community level up to the national level”

He said the new system is the beginning of better things to come”

“We need to make a shift in our minds when it comes to management of plastics”

 The project was created to achieve three purposes.

1.       Provide three communities with simple, fit-for-context technology and skills capacity, to reduce plastic waste by converting it into usable energy for their use;

2.      Work with the communities to optimise the benefits from this recovered energy in a way that incentivises waste collection and energy recovery in the long term, and creates local job opportunities;

3.       Fabricate the majority of the three systems in the Solomon Islands in a way that develops employment pathways.

The GEF Small Grants Programme provides financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods. The programme is funded by GEF, executed by UNOPS, and implemented by UNDP.

The GEF SGP continues to assist national NGOs, local communities, and other grassroots organizations to reduce threats to the global environment, to address local environmental problems, and to promote sustainable development.

House stoning case heads to trial

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THREE people alleged of stoning the Guadalcanal Premier’s residence at Lengakiki will face trial on July 25, 2022.

Yesterday a pre-trial conference was conducted on their case and the court, along with the prosecution and defence lawyers, agreed for the trial to be conducted from July 25 – 29.

Police Prosecutor Florence Hiroshachi said prosecution will be calling five witnesses during the trial.

After the trial date was set, Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite adjourned the case to May 24 for an interim mention.

This is the case of Jacklyn Natei, Feffson Natei and Francis Ramo who are facing counts of common nuisance.

Prosecution said the defendants were frustrated with a male person namely Lavery Patrick who was residing with Premier Guadalcanal Province Mr Francis Sade, claiming that Lavery used abusive words on them.

 The defendants attended to the Premier’s residence and threw rocks at the house, causing nuisance/disturbance and shouting angrily at his family.

 The matter was reported to police and the defendants were arrested.  

All three were charged with common Nuisance.

Wale hails role of media

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Opposition leader Mathew Wale and Opposition MP Peter Kenlorea Jnr. Speaking to the media recently

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale has congratulated the media in the country as they mark the World Press Freedom Day yesterday.

In a statement yesterday, the Opposition Leader on behalf of the Opposition Group has recognised the important role played by the media in the country.

He said despite the many challenges faced by the media, the freedom of the press must always be appreciated and embraced as the cornerstone of democracy.

“Today, I join others here in the country and abroad in honouring the important role played by the media and also acknowledging that media must continue to be allowed to do their work freely without fear or favour,” he said.

Wale said freedom of the press as the fourth estate is enshrined as an important element in our constitution.

“Press freedom embodies certain fundamental rights within our Constitution. A person’s right to information and to express themselves are just some examples of the rights which press freedom carries,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said press freedom also reflects a flourishing and healthy democracy.

He said the underlying tenets of democracy, such as accountability, liberty, transparency, the rule of law, are all animated by the media.

“It is in this sense that the media is known as the fourth estate,” he said.

He said the animation of these rights and principles are further underpinned by public interest. That is, the media investigates, gathers, and reports on information and events of public interest. 

“It is in light of these that the media is afforded their right to press freedom. To put it succinctly, the Constitution and our democracy comes alive when press freedom is exercised,” he said.

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