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PM ASSURES REGION

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Pacific Islands Forum Leaders who attended the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting before the retreat yesterday

‘I say it again: there’ll be no Chinese military base’

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there is no mention of military base to be built in Solomon Islands in the China/Solomon Islands Security Agreement.

He made the statement during a press conference yesterday morning with foreign and regional journalists.

“Let me assure you all again, there is no military base, no military facility and institution in the agreement and this is a very important point that we need to reiterate to other family in the region.

“And I’ve said before and I will say it again, it’s not Solomon Islands interest nor in the interest of the region for any military base to be established in any country in the pacific, let alone Solomon Islands,” Sogavare said.

“The moment we establish foreign military base, we immediately become an enemy and we also put our country and our people as targets for potential military strikes and Solomon Islands government will never allow our country and people to become military targets,” he added.

Sogavare said his government has come out clean before and now that there is no mention of building a Chinese Military based in the agreement.

He said the security agreement is in line with broader definition of security mentioned in the Boe Declaration which identifies issues like climate change, natural disasters and pandemics among other issues as national security threats to Solomon Islands.

Sogavare explained that the agreement was a sovereign decision and that does not mean that Solomon Islands is trying to bring division among Pacific Islands.

“But we also appreciate that Solomon Islands is part of Pacific Family, so we have ensured the agreement does not in any way undermine the security of the region and that is very important to us as part of the Pacific Family and we also concern of the security of each member of the pacific family.

“We have actually dispatched our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Police to Fiji in May and met with leaders of the Pacific and partners based in Fiji to clarify Solomon Islands relationship with China and of course the region,” he said.

Measles and rubella immunisation on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Measles vaccine

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Provincial Health is stepping up its measles and rubella campaign in response to outbreaks in neighbouring countries.

A two-day briefing was held for 22 health representatives from four regions of Malaita to roll out catch-up immunisation starting next week.

Coordinator of Expanded Programme on Immunisation of Kilu’ufi hospital, Mr Rockson Siliota said the catch-up campaign will be for children who are yet to get their measles and rubella vaccine.

He said this is due to low coverage data recorded on measles and rubella vaccination for the province since last year.

Siliota said one reason is the ministry of health has focused on covid-19 in the past two years.

Thus, he said the plan now is for the provincial health to step up campaign to counter the outbreak, although there is low risk for the country.

Siliota said even low risk and despite limited time the country has with regards to the threat of the outbreak, the provincial health planned to speed up the campaign to improve the coverage.

He said the provincial health will be visiting communities in the province starting next week and those who have children that are yet to get their measles rubella vaccine must do so.

Siliota said reach-out is not only for measles and rubella, thus for other important vaccines like polio and others that children might not take within the past two year.

He said the first doze of measles and rubella vaccine is facilitate for children when they are 12 months and second doze when they are 18 months.

Siliota said children who are within that range or above and yet to get their vaccines must help by their parents to get their vaccines and protected from the virus.

Malaita log of claims held for anniversary handover

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

The handover of Malaita’s log of claims document to the national government has been postponed for August 15, which is Malaita’s Second Appointed Day.

Malaita premier Daniel Suidani told Island Sun that this deferment has been made based on advice from the permanent secretary to the ministry of provincial government (MPGIS), Stanley Pirione.

The document was initially planned to be submitted to the national government last Friday.

But, following a meeting with PS Pirione, the handover was postponed.

Suidani said MARA government sees this as the right thing to do, so that Malaitans witness the approach taken by their government to present their long time demands and cries.

He said like in the past, similar petitions were also submitted to the national government in an organised way, but turned out different as people took advantage of it.

Suidani said this time round, this is what will happen, similar petitions but will be carried through by Malaita provincial government as the responsible body for Malaitans   

He said preparation of the log of claim is done, written, printed and ready to be submitted.

Suidani said MPG hopes if national government could request dialogue with them on the claim. And this is what MPG is looking forward to happen. He said the log of claim gathers all the demands, development aspirations and sufferings of Malaitans that continue to remain unaddressed by the national government

Man, 22, jailed for sex assault on sister

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A 22-year-old male has been sent to jail for indecently assaulting his cousin sister.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty on Tuesday and is sentenced to one year four months. He is convicted of one count of indecent act.

The victim was a form-three student when the incident occurred in a village in Guadalcanal in December last year.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison in passing sentence said maximum penalty for such offence is five years which means the offence of indecent act is quite serious.

He said the defendant and the victim are cousins through their maternal side; in custom the defendant must respect the victim as his cousin sister, and he is not allowed to have any form of sexual relationship with her.

The actions of the defendant breached the trust between the defendant and the victim including their respective families.

Hollison said on this case the defendant used force by pushing the victim to the ground, and then used a knife to threaten the victim while sitting on top of her.

The victim only managed to escape when she grabbed the defendant’s knife.

“These have caused immense fear to the victim, she shouted for help, and escaped from the defendant.

“These sexual offences that are associated with violence and use of the weapon always have traumatic and psychological effects on the victims.

“The victim in this cried because of fear when he was sitting on top of her and holding a knife,” Hollison said.

Taking into consideration of the submission made by the prosecution and defence lawyers, Magistrate Hollison sentenced the accused to one year and four months for the offence committed.

He also told the defendant yesterday to learn from his incarceration and transform for the better upon his release.

“Both men and women must learn to respect our women, girls and students who are amongst the most vulnerable in our communities, the law is in place to protect such people,” Hollison added.

Plan to re-establish U.S embassy in Honiara still on track

Written by
Ben Bilua
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United States of America’s Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Monica Medina speaking to regional media on Wednesday afternoon

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

United States of America’s Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Monica Medina says a proposed plan to re-establish the U.S.A embassy in Honiara is on track.

She says the reopening of U.S embassy in Honiara is definite and progress has been made to achieve the plan.

“They still planning to open it. Nothing has changed from that,” Medina says.

Early yesterday morning Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris mentioned two new countries that will host U.S embassies in the region and this includes Kiribati and Tonga.

She never mentioned Solomon Islands as one of countries that the U.S is planning to set foot on the ground by way of establishing their embassy in Honiara.

However, it was confirmed by Medina that Solomon Islands will still host the U.S embassy when formalities are done.

In February this year, the United States announced they will reopen its embassy in Honiara.

The move was believed to be an effort to bounce back on China’s influence in Solomon Islands as well as other Pacific Island nations.

US STEP-UP

Written by
Ben Bilua
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United States Vice President Kamala Harris speaking to Forum Leaders virtually yesterday.

President Biden pledges closer partnership with Pacific region

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

UNITED States President Joe Biden’s administration has stepped up its relationship with Pacific Islands Forum countries embarking on renewed bilateral and multilateral assistances.

Vice President Kamala Harris made the announcement when addressing forum leaders virtually yesterday.

In her speech, Mrs Harris mentioned a number of programmes and funding assistance that would improve the United State of America’s presence in the Pacific while injecting more funding to the Pacific region.

She says the United States is in the process to establish two new embassies in the region: one in Tonga and one in Kiribati. 

“We will also appoint the first-ever United States Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum.  We will return Peace Corps volunteers to the region. 

“And USAID is taking steps to expand its footprint to include re-establishing a regional mission in Suva, Fiji.

“All of these steps will enable us to increase our engagement, and develop and deliver concrete results,” Harris says.

She told forum leaders that United States will deepen its engagement in the Pacific Islands as both United States and Pacific Islands Forum countries embarked on a new chapter in US/Pacific partnership.

“We recognise that in recent years, the Pacific Islands may not have received the diplomatic attention and support that you deserve.  So today I am here to tell you directly: We are going to change that.

“In recent months, we have discussed many of these issues with you.  We have consulted extensively and candidly.  The result is a series of actions that are responsive to your priorities and, we believe, will facilitate our engagement moving forward.

“We will engage transparently and constructively, which means we will listen, collaborate, and coordinate at every step of the way.  We will also work to empower a strong and united Pacific Islands Forum, which will strengthen your voice on the world stage as we continue to work together.

“We will also better coordinate our efforts with allies and partners.  And to do that end, we recently launched the Partners in the Blue Pacific, which includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and, of course, the United States.

“All of this work recognizes that our partnership with the Pacific Islands spans a wide range of issues.

“With respect to the climate crisis, for example, you are on the frontlines of an existential crisis for our entire planet …and the world’s emissions have an outsized impact on your nations.

“The evidence, of course, is that sea levels are rising.  The coral reefs that protect your islands and foster fisheries are bleaching.   And ocean warming is accelerating.

“This is why, as we work with the world to reduce emissions, we will continue to partner with you to build resilience, support adaptation, mobilize climate finance, and ensure sustainability of fisheries and marine resources,” Harris says.

She adds that United States is also intended to expand the overall economic relationship with Pacific Island countries.

Harris says United States will pursue infrastructure projects that are sustainable, high quality, climate friendly, and, very importantly, that do not result in insurmountable debt.

She also says United States will continue to stand with Pacific Island nations to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will continue our leadership combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, because we know that it devastates fisheries and coastal states like yours.

“We also want to build on our existing work together with regard to food security, with regard to maritime security, education, and disaster relief.

“All of this work together presents an extensive agenda, but each of these issues is incredibly important to this region and to the United States.

“And there is one last principle that I believe must guide our work.

“In this region and around the world, the United States believes it is important to strengthen the international rules-based order — to defend it, to promote it, and to build on it,” Harris says.

“These international rules and norms have brought peace and stability to the Pacific for more than 75 years — principles that importantly state that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected; principles that allow all states, big and small, to conduct their affairs free from aggression or coercion,” she adds.

Solomon Islands welcomes United States 60 million assistance.

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Minister Rexon Ramofafia sitting, Rosalie Masu standing right and Tony Kabasi government officer after the announcement

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

SOLOMON Islands has welcomed the United States support worth 60 million per year towards Fisheries management and other related issues that continues to threatens the blue pacific resources.

Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, representing Solomon Islands during the announcement, Rex Ramofafia says Solomon Islands is pleased with the assistance as it will play a major role in addressing Solomon Islands’ maritime challenges such as climate change, maritime security and other issues.

“This is a welcome news not only for Solomon Islands but also as a forum family within the blue pacific.

“I on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands welcome this support and looking forward to working closely with the rest of the forum family,” he said.

Ramofafia also acknowledges Vice President Harris for reminding the forum family the need to respect sovereign boundaries with shared values and common understanding.

Deputy Secretary Technical of the Ministry of Fisheries, Rosalie Masu shares similar sentiment saying that the assistance will help Solomon Islands long standing issues on maritime resources and safety.

“For Solomon Islands, Tuna is our very important resource. It is a commodity that drive our economy and this assistance will be of great importance to address some of the issues we have.

“Other areas that we will be looking at will be on climate change, maritime security, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and conservation,” she says.

Masu says the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries is looking forward to work alongside the Forum Secretariat to tap the assistance.

Kamala Harris, the vice President of the United States announced today that United States will allocate 60 million per year for the next ten years.

“We will request from the United States Congress an increase from $21 million per year to $60 million per year for the next 10 years.  Sixty million dollars per year for the next 10 years.

“These funds will help strengthen climate resilience; invest in marine planning and conservation; and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and enhance maritime security.

“All of us convened here, we — we recognize there is so much we can do together.  We have a strong foundation.  And we will build on this and embark on a new chapter, all in the spirit of partnership, friendship, and respect.

“We must remind ourselves that upholding a system of laws, institutions, and common understandings — well, this is how we ensure stability and, indeed, prosperity around the world.

“We will continue to work with all of you, and all of our partners and allies, to craft new rules and norms for future frontiers grounded in our shared values of openness, transparency, and fairness,” she said.

Solomon Islands calls for united pacific

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Minister Jeremiah Manele at the 51 PIFLM in Suva Fiji

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

SOLOMON Islands has called on Pacific Island countries to unite as a region.

Solomon Islands made the call following the withdrawal of some pacific island countries from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Speaking to Island Sun in Suva, Fiji, Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeremiah Manele says Solomon Islands position is similar with Fiji and that is for the Pacific Islands Forum to be united.

“Our view is, we would like to see the forum united. It is very important and we hope our Micronesian brother reconsider their decision.

“Forum countries must stand together with collective voices and efforts in order to overcome challenges respective member countries faced,” he said.

Kiribati announced on Sunday its decision to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum family.

The announcement come as a major blow to the 51 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting which kicked off on Monday and is expected to conclude tomorrow (Thursday).

Unconfirmed report states that Fiji has been looking into the issue seriously as the chair of the 2022 51st Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

It is stated that Fiji will likely suspends Kiribati relations with Fiji as Kiribati’s action was a huge disappointment for Fiji as the host of the event.

Prime Minister witness launching of 2022 – 2032 Pacific Regional Culture Strategy.

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Prime Minister Sogavare with other leaders during the launching

BY BEN BILUA
Suva, Fiji

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare was among other Pacific leaders to witness the launching of the 2022 – 2032 Pacific Regional Culture Strategy.

The event was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel and was blessed with the presence of Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere launched the strategy making it an obligation for forum leaders to implement the vision and objectives of the strategy in their respective countries.

Delivering the keynote address, Ratu Katonivere says Pacific Island countries have cultural allies that would be instrumental in addressing challenges and threats are looming hard in the region.

Prime Minister Sogavare and President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere during the launching

He emphasised that it is crucial that for forum nations to embrace shared community and contribution to sustainable development.

“Fiji like many other countries in Pacific is progressing its work its work towards national cultural policy.

“I believe all of us gather this evening, that mutual goal for united blue pacific and ensuring that the work we do benefits our region and strengthens our relationship as a Pacific family.

“Across the Pacific relationships are at our heart of our identities. Our challenges are so great, that cooperation is not an option but it’s the necessity,” Katonivere says

The strategy aims at preserving, reviving and at the same time supports sustainable development by applying a people-centred approach to science, research and technology across the Sustainable Development Goals by interweaving science, technology and innovation with cultural wisdom and indigenous knowledge.

Forum Leaders who witnessed the launching

Solomon Islands was part of the discussion, drafting and finally launching of the strategy.

Earlier this month, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele led a delegation to the Pacific Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva to endorse the strategy.

Manele was accompany by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji His Excellency Joseph Ma’ahanua, Pacific and Regional Organisation Branch Assistance Secretary, Janice Kemakeza and Second Secretary to Solomon Islands High Commission in Fiji Madolyn Yalu.

MARA welcomes former deserter into its ranks

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Auki provincial town of Malaita.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Malaita Provincial Government this week received the Provincial Member for ward 26, Alick Junior OfoOfo back to the executive fold.

The MPA was one of the engineers of MARA government but deserted them to the non-executive during the no confidence motion last year and now is back with the ruling provincial government.

His was met with overwhelming salutations from the members of the executive and was sworn-in as the new provincial minister for agriculture and livestock.

Premier Daniel Suidani thanked the MPA for the heart he has to work together with government for the people of Malaita province.

He said the re-inclusion of minister OfoOfo came upon his personal conviction as a leader for the people of Dorio district and Malaita province. 

“The MPA came and asked if MARA government could take him back as an executive member and we agreed.

“I see working together as a team is an important aspect of the leadership of MAR$A government to serve the people we represent,” Suidani said.

He said the inclusion of OfoOfo will fill the seat vacated by MPA for ward 28, Claudio Te’efi who recently resigned to contest the West Kwaio by-election.

In terms of numerical strengthen, MARA government is currently with 17 MPAs and the non-executive is with 14 MPAs.

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