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RAPPP fire expert supports joint operation to remove chemicals

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1. RAPPP Fire Expert, Gary Power, supporting the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Service in a joint operation to remove harmful chemicals from the National Agriculture Research Development Centre (NARDC) compound at Ranadi in East Honiara.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)-Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) includes support to the RSIPF’s Fire Rescue Service Division through the provision of an expert in emergency services- specialising in firefighting.

Inspector Gary Power from Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) brings with him 37 years of experience in firefighting, hazardous materials management and leadership.

Gary used this knowledge to assist the joint operation last week to safely remove chemicals from the National Agriculture Research Development Centre (NARDC) compound (Ex-Taiwan Technical Mission) at Ranadi in East Honiara.

He has experience managing a fire service and large emergency incidents particularly hazardous materials incidents that pose risk to health, property and the environment.

Gary’s involvement at the joint operation assisted RSIPF fulfil one of its functions within the Fire and Rescue Service which is to help safely deal with hazardous material incidents.

The chemicals discovered in the NARDC compound were hazardous materials stored in a 20 ft. container which could have been harmful to humans or even cause death and damage to the environment.

1.    RSIPF Fire and Rescue Officers help removing chemicals from a container.

Gary supported the RSIPF preparation for the operation and since arriving in Solomon Islands he has been supporting the RSIPF’s Fire and Rescue Service with advice, training and assisting at emergency incidents. 

Recently, RAPPP gifted much needed personal protection equipment to protect RSIPF Fire and Rescue Service members when responding to hazardous incidents and training aids to assist with the delivery of first aid training materials.

“I provide advice and training to the RSIPF’s Fire and Rescue Service to assist the development of officers in the Service. It’s a pleasure to work co-operatively with the Service,” Inspector Gary says.

Containers where chemicals were stored in.

The AFP, through the RAPPP, work with several RSIPF operational Divisions including; investigations, frontline, Police Response Team (PRT) and National Response Department (NRD).

AFP members have solid partnerships with both RSIPF and the Solomon Islands communities and continue to support regional stability. A/Commander Smith highlighted that the AFP will continue to work in partnership with the RSIPF and support them to keep the community safe.

—RSIPF

Reeves Envico mobilise to build three bridges on Auki-Dala road

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Crew of Half Kas Transport Junior Gereniu

Three bridges on the Auki-Dala road in Malaita Province at Koa, Bio 1 and Bio 2, will soon be replaced following the selection of Reeves Envico as the successful bidder as part of the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP).

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Stephen Maesiola signed the contract on behalf of SIRAP with Reeves Envico on November 3rd, 2021.

Reeves Envico is now mobilising its workforce for the replacement of the three bridges that will improve safety and travel time on the northern road of Malaita.

Junior Gereniu, a crew member of Half Kas Transport serving the East Road in Malaita said he is happy that the Bio bridges will be improved.

“These bridges are very old and run down, which is not very safe for us road users and travellers,” said Gereniu who is from Uta’ae Village on Ward 16, East Malaita.

He said the improvements will make travel safer, faster and more reliable, reducing the travel time for vehicles during busy times.

“The improved bridges would be good for us transport providers as there is frequent travel to and from home base to Auki Town for business,” Gereniu added.

Josephine Tolenigaugela, a schoolteacher from Kwai Island in East Malaita said there is always the fear of overloaded vehicles getting into an accident due to the unsafe bridges.

“Transport operators always take the risk to cross these bridges. It will be a great feeling once the bridges are finally implemented and improved to a more secure and safer standard.”

Tolenigaugela said improvements to the bridges at Koa, Bio 1 and Bio 2 would make travelers safer while travelling to and from Auki from East Malaita.

SIRAP is committed to see the construction of these bridges begin soon to ensure faster, safer and easier access to health services, education and families across Malaita Province.

SIRAP is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, with funding from the World Bank. The US$54.6 million project is funded through a US$20.5 million grant and a US$30.5 million credit from the World Bank, with the Solomon Islands Government providing US$3.6 million counterpart funding for complimentary support.

—SIRAP

Mayor commends govt for fuel exemption

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Eddie Siapu.

Mayor of Honiara City Eddie Sipau has commended the DCGA Government for the incentive to carry out 50 % duty exemption on fuel imports and remove sales tax which will be effective on 1st June 2022.

This follows the announcement by the Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma during the budget speech in the National Parliament recently.

In a statement, the Mayor said the decisions by DCGA on fuel will support and enable business houses and investors to revitalize and sustain business operations during this challenging period as fuel is a major overhead cost for businesses in Honiara and the whole country.

The mayor also adds that HCC expects to see savings in fuel cost transferred to control in prices of goods and services.

On the same note, Mayor Siapu acknowledged the decision by DCGA to support business houses that suffered losses in November 2021, and said this is a welcome boost.

This will allow and enable these businesses to rebuild and re-start business operations and provide their services within the City.

Also it will again create employment opportunities for all Solomon Islanders residing in the City.

The Mayor further added that this is a boost for investment leading to potential increase in tax revenue for SI Government and also revenue for HCC.

It will revitalize the local economy and increase access to services.

—HCC

SOLOMON ISLANDS-CHINA SECURITY COOPERATION SIGNED.

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The Security Cooperation between Solomon Islands and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) was signed recently by the Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele and his PRC counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday announced the formal signing of the Security Cooperation in Parliament saying the Solomon Islands has taken a sovereign decision to broaden its security cooperation with more countries guided by the country’s National Security Strategy (NSS).

Sogavare asked all friends and partners to respect the sovereign interests of Solomon Islands which the country had subscribed to under the Biketewa and Boe Declarations on regional security.

“I ask all our neighbours, friends and partners to respect the sovereign interests of Solomon Islands on the assurance that the decision will not adversely impact or undermine the peace and harmony of our region”.  

“Let me once again reiterate that Solomon Islands Security Cooperation with China is guided by the country’s Foreign Policy of “Friends to all and Enemies to none”. Solomon Islands do not have any external adversaries nor is the framework directed at any countries or external alliances rather at our own internal security situation from within the state. It complements our (2017) Security Agreement with Australia,” Sogavare said in Parliament this morning.

Solomon Islands had subscribed to the Biketawa Declaration and the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and committed to the Principle of non –interference in the domestic affairs of another member state and support the development of National Security Strategy frameworks to address its traditional and non-traditional security threats.

“We will not allow any threats from within Solomon Islands to threaten regional stability.  Solomon Islands stability is the region’s stability,” Sogavare said.  

Domestically, internal instability erupted in 2006 of which Honiara City was torched. RAMSI concluded in 2003 – 2017 after 14 years of presence in Solomon Islands.  Sadly again in 2019 Honiara experienced rioting and more recently in November 2021, the capital City was looted, re-ignited with properties and lives lost.

Against the ongoing internal security threats, the Government intend to beef up and strengthen the Police capability and capacity to deal with any future instability, by properly equipping the Police to take full responsibility of the countries security responsibilities in the hope that the country will never be required to invoke any of our bilateral Security Arrangements.

The SI-PRC Security Cooperation is based on mutual respect for sovereignty and in compliance with domestic and international law. 

“Let me assure the people of Solomon Islands that we entered into an arrangement with China with our eyes wide open guided by our national interests. We have full understanding of the fragility of peace and our duty as a state is to protect all people, their properties and critical national infrastructure of the country,” Sogavare said.

Under the Boe Declaration, all Pacific countries were asked to develop their respective National Security Strategy and Solomon Islands have conducted wide consultation in framing its Solomon Islands National Security Strategy 2020 and now implementing the strategy in accordance with the Implementation Plan of the Strategy.

“Broadly, there is much for us to implement in our security space and if we are to continue operating under the same status quo of business as usual, we will not be able to effectively cover all the critical security gaps capable of weakening our vulnerability to the changing security environment,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare assured the country that signing the Security Cooperation with China is done in the best interest of the country which compliments and supports regional and bilateral peace keeping arrangements with respect for the concerns of its regional security partners that Solomon Islands collectively trust to maintain peace and stability of the region.

The focus of Solomon Islands is to advance its national development priorities and restore confidence for local businesses and investors to build better and bigger investments.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Foreign Minister will visit some regional countries soon to assure Solomon Islands neighbours that the cooperation with China is about peace and wellbeing of Solomon Islands and the region. 

—GCU

Hygiene promotion campaign launched

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB), Solomon Water, and the Government of Solomon Islands have launched a hygiene promotion campaign on the radio.

Elmar Elbling, Unit Head of ADB’s Solomon Islands Pacific Country Office, represented ADB at the event on 19 April, which saw the partners launch a hand-wash song by popular local artist, Tibon Billy Oge with hygiene messaging, live on air at the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation in Honiara.

A statement from ADB said it collaborated with the Solomon Islands Government and Solomon Water to identify opportunities to build a resilient¸ inclusive¸ and equitable water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The song will continue to be aired on radio and shared on social media.

13 new officers to join SI Customs

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Mavis Podokolo
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Group phot of participants with PS McKinnie and SI Customs Comptroller with his senior officers

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THIRTEEN new officers of Solomon Islands Customs have successfully completed a 16 weeks training focused on customs operational areas and are now equipped to start working with SI Customs.

Comptroller of Solomon Islands Customs, Jim Sutton said participants have been trained in different areas with SI Customs.

He said these new graduating officers will be useful to his office and will continue to advance the plans that SI Customs has in place.     

Sutton on the same note encouraged participants to stay true to themselves as there will be a lot of challenges faced during their time on field.

From (L-R) Peldro Rooney, Watkin Keleni and Anderson Kukutu

“Let me remind you to stay true to yourself and your Christian beliefs when you are carrying out your work on the field as there will be a lot of corruption you will be faced with.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Finance and Treasures McKinnie Dentana said these new graduating officers will help advance the plans the ministry has in place.

“On behalf of my ministry, I congratulate you for completing this training. I am sure you are now ready and excited to carry your work with SI Customs,” Dentana said.

Three of the six female participants

Meanwhile, the Customs New Recruit Induction Course number two of 2021 commenced on Monday the 8th of November 2021 and concluded with a Graduation Ceremony for 13 participants on Tuesday the 19th of April 2022.

The Training Course runs for a 16 weeks’ duration consisting of 10 weeks’ classroom-based learning and 6 weeks of On the Job (OJT) placements.

PS McKinnie hands over Junior Batarii’s certificate

 There are eight Modules undertaken in the classroom that are as follows: Module 1 – Customs Corporate, Module 2 – Law and Customs Clearance Procedures, Module 3 – Customs Classification and Tariff, Module 4  – Customs Valuation, Module 5 – Customs Asycuda System, Module 6 –  Customs Risk Management and Examinations,  Module 7 – Customs Enforcement and Module 8 – Customs Warehousing and Audit

The lead trainer of the program is Stuart Millan supported by senior staff from SI Customs.

Malaita revisits covid-19 measures

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PROVINCIAL Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC) Malaita is looking at re-strengthening its covid-19 measures as the virus resurges around the country.

PDOC chair, also acting PPC Malaita, Inspector Charles Eddie Koto told this paper yesterday:

“We will meet with the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for covid-19 at Kilu’ufi today (yesterday) and look at re-strengthening covid-19 measures and protocols for the province.”

Koto made the statement following what national Health Minister Togamana described as the “second wave”.

He said the new provincial covid-19 centre at Aligegeo has completed and ready for operation.

“With regards to our preparation so far, we will scale-up work on certain areas identified during the recent situation in the province that need improvement.

“We will communicate and work with responsible stakeholders on those areas soon as we continue to strengthening covid-19 preparation for the province.

“And areas of work will come out after our meeting and information on them will pass on to health centres, stakeholders and communities in the province,” Koto said.

The PDOC chair urged the general public of the province to resume all covid-19 measures and practices they once observed as covid-19 is resurging in the country.

He called on people to put-up face-mask, observe social distancing, hand-washing, sanitizing and try to limit movements as they will put up measures on that area.

Koto said lot of countries had severe experiences with their second wave of covid-19, and people are strongly urged to take all required precautions as another wave is forthcoming for the country.

KUMA: RIOT COSTS $800M

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Carnage on the streets of Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

It’s a huge infrastructure loss, says finance minister

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Last year’s November riots have led to the destruction of $811 million worth of infrastructure.

Minister of Finance Harry Kuma revealed this during the 2022 appropriation bill.

Kuma said a Ministry of Infrastructure Development latest report on the riots showed an estimated loss of $811 million in 2021.

“This barbaric and senseless looting and burning of private businesses and properties have not only endangered the lives of many innocent individuals and families, but also represent one of the largest economic self-inflicted shocks the country has experienced since 2006.

“This is a great loss indeed that will take many years to recover from, the civil unrest had also severely impacted Governments fiscal operations.

“Preliminary indicators have shown that Government has lost $120 million in total revenue in the last two months of 2021 alone.

“Ongoing revenue losses for 2022 are estimated at $200 million.

“Sir, I am highlighting the costs of this politically motivated unrest and senseless looting of private businesses and properties to prove that, as a nation, we have not learnt any lessons from our past history.

“I do not know what the instigators of this civil unrest had planned for this country in doing what they did.”

The report also showed that a total of 81 businesses and buildings were affected.

This comprised of 53 fully damaged buildings, and 28 partially damaged buildings.

The total loss was equivalent to 6.1 percent of the pre-unrest 2021 GDP value.

“Therefore, as part of Governments recovery plans, the Government has approved a total of $200 million as a reconstruction and rehabilitation package, split over two years, to assist businesses affected by the unwarranted unrest.

“Government is also prepared to offer tax reliefs and exemptions to the identified businesses that were damaged and affected,” Kuma added.

Southern Coast makes maiden Weather-coast trip

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MV Southern Coast 1 sailing in Weather coast region

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MV Southern Coast 1 made its maiden voyage to the Weather coast region of South Guadalcanal on Saturday living constituents both surprised and excited.

This after the vessel was blessed and handed over at the Point Cruz wharf in Honiara on Thursday.

Men, women, girls and children lined up on the beach early Sunday Easter morning to welcome their first ship, after many years of inconsistent shipping services to their region even though they are close to Honiara city.

Viso villagers welcome their new ship

Even villagers who walked to the church to celebrate their Easter service stood still and waved to the ship as it passed by.

It was a dawn of a new era for the mountainous Weather coast region that was tarnished during the ethnic conflict from 2000 to 2003 when ex-militant activities disturbed the people’s normal lives.

One of the old women in the village told Island Sun the constituency ship will reduce the cost of travelling to Honiara in terms of fare and freights on goods.

A boat carrying passengers and cargoes to one of the villages in Weather coast

She said it costs about $400 to travel on a boat to Honiara and $50 for freight on one bag of rice.

However, she said with the ship, it would drastically reduce the cost for them.

Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal, Rollen Seleso earlier said contrary to common belief, South Guadalcanal constituency, though remote and considered an uneconomical route, is full of potential in terms of contributing to the national economy.

He said it was because of the lack of reliable transportation that our people have been unable to fully participate for such a long time.

“People have left their cocoa and coconut plantations and opted for other easier means of income as we face problems in getting our goods to Honiara,” he added.

Veramoho villagers celebrate the arrival of MV Southern Coast 1

“In fact, there was a time in the past when the constituency was the highest producer of cocoa in the whole of Solomon Islands.

“We also have the sweetest taros which will now be able to reach Honiara soon,” he added.

Seleso said South Guadalcanal constituency has come a long way in finally achieving the acquisition of its very first ever shipping vessel.

He said this, in itself speaks volume on the gratitude and joy that they now have.

“South Guadalcanal is just on the other side of the island. It is so near…. yet so far away…so remote.

“Some say that we are a people living on the edge….and this is all true, “he said.

Seleso, who is also the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening said frequent and reliable transportation has been a challenge for their people for as long as they have lived.

Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal, Rollen Seleso singing on MV Southern Coast 1

“Modern day transportation is expensive and dangerous for our people rendering us out of reach of the economic opportunities presented by our capital city, Honiara.

“It is somewhat funny that some of our kids only come to know Honiara because of education or medical reasons,” he added.

However, Seleso said owning and operating a ship is no easy task.

“It is even more challenging when such an asset is owned by the people.

“I am happy to say that this vessel is a blessing for my constituency and people, but now the onus and challenge is on us to respect and look after it,” he said.

Children of Peochakuri welcome their new ship on the wrecked MV Hauran

“I urge our people of South Guadalcanal and all travellers to take ownership and responsibility over this ship.

“The success or failure of this ship depends on us,” he added.

A business arm of the Constituency, the South Guadalcanal Corporate Service Company Ltd (SGCSCL) will manage and run the vessel.

The ship arrived in Honiara on Monday night and is expected to commence its scheduled trip to the constituency and other parts of Guadalcanal this month.

Suidani sets to visit Honoa this week

Written by
Samie Waikori
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PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani and team are planning to meet landowners and communities of Honoa, in the province’s south, where it has been eyed for a provincial sub-centre.

Honoa is in ward 19 of East Are Are.

MPA for ward 19, Meshack Maukera, who will be leading the delegation relayed that to Island Sun, yesterday.

He said the visit is part of a trip to hand over a PCDF (Provincial Capacity Development Fund) funded market building project at the neighbouring community of Manawai.

Maukera said the team will leave Auki to Manawai on Thursday.

On Friday they will deliver the project to Manawai community.

He said the project is a milestone for Manawai community and its surrounding communities, and that it will contribute one way or the other to the livelihood of people as intended.

Maukera said on Saturday, the delegation will leave to Honoa where they will have the opportunity to visit the proposed site for the provincial sub-centre.

Island Sun understands that there are a number of PCDF projects that were also completed in the province and awaiting hand-over to recipient communities.

They include Maka Primary School, Waneagu CHS, Sinasu Assembly Hall, Ote RHC and Sikaiana Crushing mill.

According to provincial Minister for Finance and Treasury Nelson Lenty, these projects were already completed except for their retention payments, which will be paid after six months of defect liability period.

He said that for 2022-2023 development estimate, MPG will be implementing a total of 19 PCDF projects as per approved by the Provincial Planning Development Committee (PPDC) in February this year.

Lenty said as recommended by MPGIS, Malaita plans to utilize 42% PCDF projects on economic infrastructure, 28% on non-economic, admin 20% and 10% on the GIS.

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