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Tanangada urges women leaders to work together

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Lanelle Tanangada former Minister for MEHRD

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MINISTER of Education and Human Resource Development, Lanelle Tanangada is calling on women leaders to work together by putting the interest and well-being of people first.

Tanangada stated this after some women leaders have labeled female parliamentarians as ‘cow girls’.

“Let us all work together. We must put the interest and well-being of our people first and work together to serve our people,” she said.

“We have come a long way and for the first time four of us are inside this honorable house and we are trying to pull more,” Tanangada added.

“While I acknowledged a lot of concerns that are raised, we are women and we are concerned about the security issue of our family and we cannot deny that fact.”

She said it is rather sad that for the first time in Solomon Islands history, we had four women in Parliament, yet it is not good enough for some well-respected leaders of this nation.

‘Thus, they continue to label the four of us, corrupt, easily swayed by money and they labeled us cowboys of cow girls.

“It’s a derogatory term meaning a person who engages in reckless behavior especially for purpose of showing off dishonest and incompetency.

“I wish if such women leaders can sit in caucus and cabinet and hear our voices as we debate and discuss issues that are of national interest, ”Tanangada said.

“I said this is sad because the way the words are framed is putting a bad image to men, so are you saying we women are just bad as the men?

“I am trying to understand where this ideologies are coming from when we come from a cultural context where both men and women work together for a common good,” she said.

Police issue final warning to  KHY betel nut vendors

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Market vendors listening during the awareness

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

Police in the Western province have issued its last warning call on vendors at the KHY area, Gizo town, to vacate the premises and stop their vending there.

This follows what police say ‘many calls’ for vendors to do so, but have been ignored.

Speaking during an awareness program held at KHY yesterday, Western province police commander Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu said Gizo police will take the warning seriously and those who ignore the announcement will be dealt with accordingly.

He said Gizo police has been lenient with vendors over the past months and it is time to take orders seriously.

Western Province Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu

Lenialu told vendors that the recent gazette order given to Western Province which prohibits selling of betel nut is still enforced until the gazette order is revoked.

He adds that the gazette order is very clear with its intention and that is to protect the general public from getting infected by COVID-19.

“If you continue to abstract the orders, we will enforce the order according to what is expected.

“You must understand that we enforce the orders for your safety, Lenialu said.

He urged vendors to work closely with authorities to map out effective strategy that would help vendors livelihoods at the same time minimise COVID-19 transmission.

Another police officer, Alick Aleseua shared similar sentiment saying that State of Public Emergency (SOPE) regulations and orders are to protect people of Solomon Islands during COVID-19.

Alick Aleseua from Gizo Police speaking during the awareness

He said COVID-19 regulations under SOPE gives power to authorised organisations such as medical officers, immigration officers, biosecurity officers, police officers and correctional officers among other to enforce COVID-19 Safety protocols.

Aleseua said the functions of these authorised institutions under SOPE includes; vaccination of people, enforce orders, disseminating of information in public regarding COVID-19 safety procedures and measures.

He adds that they are also authorised to question people who breached COVID-19 Safety Protocols, cease properties that are determined to be harmful or risky to public safety.

Alesua said those breached COVID-19 regulations and orders can face up to 72 hours in detention center.

 “We are still under living SOPE regulations and orders until it is revoked.

“It is sad that people continues to defy the order,” he said.

Bina Harbour tuna project sets to offer 5,500 jobs

Written by
Press Release
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More than 5,500 jobs are set to be created with the construction of a major tuna processing plant in Solomon Islands that will provide economic security for the Pacific Islands nation and its people into the future.

The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, to be built under a public-private partnership (PPP), is also expected to generate up to $40 million in foreign direct investment and an annual revenue stream for the government and people of Solomon Islands of $3.5 million.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has been confirmed as lead transaction advisor and will continue working with the Solomon Islands Government to engage a private sector partner to develop, finance, build and operate the plant.

The project, which is also being supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand, is seen as transformative for Solomon Islands.

Malaita Province in particular, where Bina Harbour is located, stands to benefit from a range of economic and employment opportunities.

“This national priority project will enable us to create employment, derive more benefit from our sovereign tuna resource, and add an important contribution to our economy.

“We are now working with IFC to develop best practice approaches to structuring this transaction,” said Nestor Giro, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources.

“Under the government’s national infrastructure planning, our vision is that Bina Harbor will grow beyond this project to become our first climate resilient international shipping port.”

The project is expected to create 1,600 jobs at the Malaita processing plant, mostly for women.

It’s estimated a further 4,000 jobs will be created indirectly on the back of growth in related industries.

“I am delighted to see this crucial development project making strong progress,” said Daniel Suidani, Premier of Malaita Province.

 “The Bina Harbour project offers the opportunity for a world class tuna processing facility based on sustainable resources at a climate resilient port, offering opportunities for quality employment and diversifying our province’s economy.”

Solomon Islands has a valuable tuna resource, but the majority of catch is processed elsewhere, denying the country the wealth that could be captured locally by onshore processing.

Under the proposed PPP, long-term fishing rights will be allocated to the investor that constructs and operates the plant.

The processing plant will not only support growth of Solomon Islands’ tuna fisheries industry but also make it more competitive and better secure access to key markets in Europe and elsewhere.

It’s expected the tuna industry will be able to charge a premium through sustainability and best labor practice certification.

“We are pleased to support the government of Solomon Islands by helping bring in the private sector to establish this important development project.

“Bina Harbour offers access to this valuable and sustainable tuna fishery, in an area with an abundant workforce and a prized natural harbor,” said Thomas Lubeck, Manager for IFC’s Asia Pacific PPP Transaction Advisory Team.

“This project has the potential to change people’s lives in Solomon Islands, creating jobs and sustainable growth at a time when the nation has been hit hard by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As part of their long term support to the fisheries sector in Solomon Islands, New Zealand has been funding early engagement with the Bina landowners and the work of an interim Project Management Office.

New Zealand is now scaling up this support, and is currently procuring a Bina Harbour Project Office to drive work at the site, as well as working with the Solomon Islands Government on a new package of support to engage with landowners at Bina. 

Acting High Commissioner Don Higgins noted that “New Zealand is here for the long haul and sees Bina as a critical part of our partnership with Solomon Islands.

The Bina Harbour Project Office will help to bring all stakeholders together and we look forward to seeing this critical project progress.”

Australia too is playing a role. 

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said this crucial project requires a big team effort.

“If it’s to be realized, a project of this scale will require considerable quantities of water. It’s vital to make sure that the water needs of both the local communities and the Bina project are met. That’s why Australia is funding a water and sanitary study under its Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program.”

IFC’s work with the Solomon Islands Government is supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand through the Pacific Partnership.

Australia, through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, is currently supporting Solomon Water to conduct water and waste studies for the tuna plant and an expanded Bina township.

Kenilorea: security pact weakens our sovereignty

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The recently signed security agreement with China is not about defending our ‘sovereignty’, but weakening it.

That’s according to East Are’Are MP Peter Kenilorea Junior. He was speaking in parliament yesterday.

A leaked draft of the agreement indicates Beijing can deploy forces to “protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands”.

Kenilorea said the sovereignty means we look after our own security.

“We know that Chinatown is a big target every time of a political issues.

“We need to build a big police station there, put our policeman there, that’s the sovereign actions we can take,” he said.

“Train our police, recruit more, that is sovereignty at work.

“Not signing agreement with other people, allowing them to come here with arms.

“That is not sovereignty, that is weakening our sovereignty,” he added.

“What is wrong with the MOUs with the ministries to allow capacity building and trainings?

“I don’t see such an open-ended agreement benefiting the Solomon Islands.

“Not at all, all it does as far as I’m aware we are poking a super power who are awaken,” he added.

“I am hearing people we are doing this for leverage.

“You don’t run a country’s cordial relationship by leveraging each other. If this is the policy of the government, please get rid of it,” he said.

Kenilorea gave an example of the arrest of American fishing vessel, Janette Dian fishing illegally on Solomon Islands Exclusive Economic Zone as defending the sovereignty.

Parliament has been adjourned to 9.30am Monday 18th July 2022.

Aviation minister says nothing sinister about signed agreement

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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THE Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications, Peter Shanel

By EDDIE OSIFELO

AVIATION minister Peter Shanel has defended a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) he signed with Chinese state-owned company AVIC Commercial Aircraft in 2019.

Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) run a story on the issue last week after a copy of the MOU was leaked to them.

Under the MO, AVIC, one of China’s largest defence and aerospace companies, promised to upgrade almost three dozen airstrips in Solomon Islands as part of an ambitious plan to transform the country into an “aeronautical hub” for the region.

In return, the Solomon Islands said it would purchase six aircraft from AVIC Commercial Aircraft, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned defence behemoth, which has built small and medium-sized aeroplanes to be sold to developing countries.

The MOU has raised eyebrows, but Shanel told parliament yesterday it was a non-binding agreement that states what is the intention of both parties, take actions, to conduct business transactions or to form a new partnership.

He said this type of agreement like MOU can also be referred to as a letter to intent or a memorandum of agreement.

“There is nothing sinister about the MOU I signed with AVIC.

“The problem with AVIC, their strength is not in infrastructure but hub, builds aeroplanes, cabins and airstrip infrastructures,” he said.

Furthermore, Shanel said the MOU is on hold because of Covid-19.

He said the MOU does not commit Solomon Airlines but backs Government to provide service to the people of this country.

Solomon Airlines currently operates only one international aircraft — an Airbus A320 — and has not moved to buy any new planes from the Chinese firm.

It runs three smaller Twin Otter and one Dash 8 aircraft for domestic routes.

When the ABC contacted the CEO of Solomon Airlines, Brett Gebers last week, he said he was unaware of the agreement.

“I discussed this MOU with the board and, as it has not yet been presented to the board, the chairman said that he will contact the MCA [Ministry of Communication and Aviation] to find out more about it,” he told the ABC.

“I was half-heartedly invited to accompany a group of MPs to China around this time in 2019 but nothing ever came of it. There was mention of looking at aeroplanes.”

That stands in stark contrast to the sweeping vision laid out in the MOU, which declares:

“Solomon [Islands] wishes to be part of the regional airline concept where Honiara would receive direct flights from China and become a regional hub.”

“For this vision, Solomon [Islands] needs to acquire new planes, such as MA600/MA700 and Y-12 aircraft and refurbish airfields,” it says.

The MA600 is a relatively new turboprop plane which AVIC Commercial Aircraft has already sold to a number of countries, including Laos and Benin.

The MOU says the sale would “depend on the further negotiations on price and concessional terms” and would require “ultimate approval of the board of Solomon Islands and the government of Solomon Islands”.

The MOU also lays out an ambition to upgrade almost three dozen airstrips across Solomon Islands, saying the purchase of planes is “in combination and is linked to facilitating the upgrade of Solomon Islands domestic airfields in 2 phases.

For Phase 1, up to 15 airfields; for Phase 2, the remaining 20 airfields”.

But again, there is no evidence that any of this work has begun.

The MOU was one of six agreements signed by Solomon Islands and China in the aftermath of Honiara’s decision to abandon its relationship with Taiwan and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing.

Jejevo mining row case returns to court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The case against men accused of damaging properties in Jejevo village, Isabel province, over a mining row in 2021 will return to court on May 28, 2022.

Police Prosecutor Watson Akwai said the case is a part-heard trial matter which was vacated after the November riot last year.

Akwai told the court that a new trial date should be set but there should be travel arrangements made as the witnesses are all in Isabel province.

The court then adjourned the case to May 28 for mention.

The men entered not guilty pleas in the previous occasion and a trial date was set.

This is the case of Hamilton Puza and four others.

The men are each facing one count of going armed in public, 13 counts of wilful and unlawful damage and three counts of simple larceny.

Police alleged that on March 8, 2021 between 2pm and 3pm at Jejevo Village, the men entered the village and committed the offences.

About 20 men including the five accused left Furona and went to Jejevo armed with weapons such as knives, spear guns, spears, axes and rocks.

It is alleged that the men entered the village and destroyed a number of properties belonging to 13 families in Jejevo Village and stole properties of three people; the total value of properties destroyed is $350,000 while the total value of the stolen items is more than $67,000.

The five accused are represented by a private Lawyer while Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the case in court.

Minister worry about investor confidence

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration says he’s concerned about “investor confidence” after last November’s riots in Honiara.

Frederick Kologeto expressed his concerns when contributing on the motion to thank the Governor General’s speech to throne in Parliament yesterday.

Kologeto joined the Governor General in condemning the riot last year because 1000 Solomon Islanders have lost their jobs.

He said these are bread winners of their families and also provide supports to their extended families.

“Mr Speaker, not only jobs are lost but also businesses and properties.

“But Mr Speaker, what really concerns me most apart from costs to rebuild is off course the investors’ confidence and the trust and confidence for them to come and invest in the country,” he said.

Kologeto reemphasised the call of the Governor General to all youths in the country to refrain from unwanted activities and to love this country.

“Where is a patriotism? No more Mr Speaker.

“We seem to be regionalised ourselves. I’m from Temotu, Renell and West. We should look at ourselves as Solomon Islanders and love our country,” he said.

As part of rebuilding, Kologeto said the ministry has allocated some funds to local businesses owners affected by the riot.

Parliament meeting resumes at 9.30am today.

Western provincial election awaits minister’s approval

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Provincial Assembly Hon Speaker Adrian Sinabule Gina

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

SPEAKER of Western Province says the date for the Western provincial elections is yet to be approved by Minister of Provincial Government.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo office, Adrian S Gina said electoral commission through the Boundary Commission is reviewing the date and timeframe of the election.

He explained that recommendations from Boundary Commission will then be submitted to the cabinet for review before the minister of provincial government can make the announcement.

“According to Western Province’s Standing Order, the provincial assembly is to be dissolved on 13 June when the term of four years lap – meaning announcement of new election date should be announced prior and before 13 June.

“Another thing we should understand is that the announcement made by Electoral Commission points beyond June 13 and this is why the review of election date is carried out,” Mr Gina said.

He said a new gazette order will be made to legalise the time frame and actual date of election.

Gina adds that the Minister of Provincial government will propose a bill to the parliament for the gazette order to be endorsed.

He stressed that all these procedures are required to satisfy legal processes as stipulated under the provincial government act and the electoral act.

Gina said he is working closely with the electoral commission and ministry of provincial government and will inform the Western populace. 

“I’ve consulted Electoral Commission and from our conversation, election is expecting to take place either in July or early August this year.

“Again, this is an information that I’ve got from Electoral Commission – meaning I might be wrong as it depend very much on the review process,” he added.

Gina said Western Provincial Government has already formulated budget allocation for the election.

He stressed that the assembly will meet before it dissolves.

PM rejects ‘personal security deal’ claims

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has rejected claims by the Opposition Leader Mathew Wale that suggests the Solomon Islands-China Security Cooperation is a personal deal to protect the Prime Minister.

Wale’s claims were further propagated by anti-government offshoots including the local and international media, which, the Prime Minister described as “distasteful and ridiculous” at best.

But Sogavare said in Parliament Thursday last week that the ongoing scheme by the Opposition Leader and his cohorts have not been truthful and instead they have been feeding misinformation to our people.

The Prime Minister said the Security Agreement is not a private arrangement but a bilateral treaty between two sovereign states – Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China.

Sogavare said a lot has been said on the decision by a democratically elected Government, empowered by the Constitution of Solomon Islands to enter into security arrangements with partners of choice.

Quite interestingly, only the security arrangement between the People’s Republic of China and Solomon Islands is of concern to certain persons.

Solomon Islands also have a security arrangement with Australia that was signed in 2017 without consultation with the public. This was also not a private agreement but it is an agreement between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Both agreements with Australia and China were endorsed by Cabinet and executed in accordance with the country’s national security objectives to maintain internal peace and stability.

Sogavare said the Opposition Leader knows that the processes that the Government has employed and continues to employ complies with the system of representative democracy, yet he fails to make that acknowledgement because he refuses to accept that it is this representative democracy that places him as the leader of Opposition.

“I fail to see the logic in the Leader’s arguments in light of the foundations of our democracy and system of government articulated in the Constitution,” Sogavare said.

“If the Leader wants to change that, he should start lobbying to have that system changed,” he added.

Sogavare said the only way that system can be changed is to amend the Constitution and the Opposition Leader knows this, yet he stands and cries that the Government did not properly conduct itself when he himself knows that the Government is complying with what the Constitution of Solomon Islands provides for.

–GCU PRESS

Church worker sacked for refusing COVID-19 orders

Written by
Admin
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A small group of Saint Barnabas Cathedral church in Honiara has expressed disappointment on the removal of Catechist Michael Saru after he refused to comply with Covid-19 protocols.

Saru, who served the church for nine years, was believed to be the first church worker to have been terminated in the Anglican Church of Melanesia for refusing to comply with COVID measures.

This was after the Dean of St Barnabas Cathedral Philip Rongotha reminded the clergy, assistants and staff to follow the Covid 19 protocols namely:

  1. Masks is mandatory when participating in church worship
  2. Social distancing of 2m or 4sqm per person is to be maintained at all times
  3. That those who are directly responsible for coming in contact with people (i.e., clergy, lay assists, catechist and church workers) and particularly under ACOM payroll and care should be fully vaccinated before performing their duties.

Rongotha stated in a letter on 24 March 2022 the measures have also been fully accepted and endorsed during the Council of Bishops in 2021 and have been relayed to the Deans office by the Archbishop in a letter dated 1st March 2022 that all ACOM parishes implement the measures as required.

Spokesperson for the group said they are not satisfied with his termination.

“Saru does not want to take jab because he knows his condition.

“Also, the church has a cannon. What rule in the cannon Saru breached to warrant his termination?” the spokesperson said.

“You cannot mix church with government because it is self-governed.

“Government submits under church and has no power to revoke anything church has,” spokesperson said.

However, Eric Philip Notere of Cathedral Parish said he met with Saru on Wednesday 13th April 2022 to hear and listen direct from him.

“The management believed that you had spent enough time now reading it and had now made up your final decision on the issues,” he said.

Notere said as senior employee of the St Barnabas Cathedral and as discussed with you, you should honorably do two things, either;

  1. Listen and follow what the ACOM and the Dean’s order; or
  2. You should resign from your duties as a Catechist because you are not able to follow what the church orders.

He said the management of the Cathedral has been asked to enforce the Deans letter dated last paragraph and I quote; “It is unfortunate and under orders from PHQ, ACOM that failure to provide a justified response to the above may inflict consequences to your role, benefit and ultimately employment at St Barnabas Cathedral.”

Notere told Saru the Cathedral sees this as “disobedience and your employment has been reviewed”.

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