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Bintan owes landowner $366,964

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Road infrastructure in Rennell.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

BINTAN Mining SI Limited has owed Biunalu landowners on Rennell island $366,964.07 after it halted its operation two years ago.

At the same time, the landowners’ credits towards the company are $921, 144.16.

Biunalu tribe is among other clans that offered their land to Bintan for bauxite mining since 2014.

According to the landowners’ spokesperson, the company owes:

  1. John Morries – $106, 202.12
  2. Aljay Tuhaika – $41,183.26
  3. James Teugua – $100,591.13
  4. Wesly Hakanoa – $40,834.77
  5. Brian Saoba Group – $59,494.09
  6. Owen Baipolo & Joshua Tepai – $15,000.00
  7. Prince Temahua – $11,650.00
  8. Sylvia Tebegi – $5,508.70

Furthermore, other outstanding claims include:

  1. Security payments from 31 July 2019 to 22 May 2022
  2. 36 months at $10,000 totalled $360,000
  • Road access from 22 May 2018 to 31 December 2020
  • Outstanding is $165,000
  • From 31 December 2020 to 22 May 2022
  • Total is $240,000
  • Machine storage $3000 per night, $3000 per day
  • From 11 November 2019 to 22 May 2022
  • Total cost is $5,466,000.00
  • 15 stockpiles remain
  • 40,000 times 5 total $200,000

In the meantime, Rex Soaika of Tehakamagoku tribe claimed they are still to receive any payments from more than 30 Head of Agreement (HOA) signed with Bintan.

Soaika said according to HOA, if the company exported 70,000 dry metric tonnes of bauxite, the company must pay the landowners $200,000 per shipment.

He said this is different from royalties and lease payment.

Soiaka said the company needs to settle their debts before they allow any mining in future.

Bintan Mining SI Ltd was the contractor of Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) Limited, which held the mining license over the tenements on Rennell Island.

However, the Mines and Mineral Board has cancelled APID’s license after it failed to carry out bauxite mining on Rennell Islands in the last two years during the Covid 19 outbreak.

Permanent Secretary of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification permanent secretary, Dr Christopher Vehe said from what he got from the Mines and Mineral Board, there was no operation done during the covid 19 which left the project idled.

Dr Vehe said APID has challenged the Mines Board for its decision to cancel its license in court at the moment.

However, he said Nickel Enterprise SI Limited has submitted a letter of intent to the Ministry to mine bauxite on Rennell Islands.

The company is owned by a Singapore based company, Solomon Enterprise PTE. Limited.

Dr Vehe said the Director of Mines and Secretariate of Mines and Mineral Board have carried out due diligence and found Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd has close associate with Bintan Mining SI Ltd.

He said Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd submitted its application during the leadership of former Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki.

As such, no company is endorsed by the Mineral Board to mine the bauxite on Rennell Islands at the moment.

At the same time, APID, which holds the mining license over the tenement on Rennell is challenging a judicial review on the Mineral Board’s decision to cancel its license.

Soaika claimed Bintan General Manager Fred Tang was behind the move to push Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd to get license from Mines and Mineral Board in order to pay the outstanding creditors of Bintan.

Island Sun understands the owners of Bintan had already left the country.

Suidani urges electors not to vote independent candidates

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Suidani is carried on a platform as he and his delegation was welcome by Malaitans in Auki .

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani warns Malaitan electorates not to vote independent candidates in the next General Election.

The premier said although he respects the voting rights of everyone, he has reasons for the call, further urging Malaitans to look and think beyond past voting practices.

“This time around, if any candidate contests the next national general election as an independent candidate, don’t vote him/her.

“That advice is from me.

“I find it very difficult when elected independent candidates arrive in Honiara and jump from camp to camp.

“It is a shame for the leader who is elected by his/her people only to be pulled here and there.

“The reason is that elected independent representatives don’t have any vision and dreams, because they didn’t contest under political parties.

“So stop looking at independent candidates,” he said.

Suidani said although governments often form under a coalition, it is fair enough for different parties to merge manifestos and lead the country with sets of visions as one.

He said in the case of independent candidates, they have no base before going there and they are most likely the ones that are causing instabilities in parliament.

“So I encourage whoever in the province that is planning to contest the upcoming election to join a political party before contesting.

“And for voters, don’t waste time with independent candidates.

“It’s time to change Malaita. We want our leaders to be united under one manifesto, principles and vision in order to take this province forward.

“It’s time that we vote true leaders who care about the issues of this province,” Suidani said.

He said the MARA government is serious on leadership issues currently faced and it’s high time voters  re-group their mindset and think political parties and not independent candidates.

Suidani says his government remains stronger

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER Daniel Suidani says his government is rock solid and ready to take on any motion of no confidence should there be one in the future.

Suidani made the statement in response to a question raised during his awareness talk at Kilusakwalo village on the strength of his government.

As well as the notion that it is only a few months left to make it to 12 months after his last motion of no confidence was defeated.

He said MARA government had already defeated two motions and should there be any motion, he did not know, but they are prepared to defeat any motion.

Suidani said very soon one of their MPAs, Claudio Te’efi will leave to contest the West Kwaio seat and that will live them with 16 MPAs on the executive.

He said his replacement is ready and as long as he leaves the eyed MPA will fill in his space.

Suidani said there are rumors by some people that another motion is likely.

“If so, let it be,” he added.

He said the MARA government has faced two motions and if there is another, this is the only provincial government of Malaita to face three motions in a single term.

“The funny thing is, if another motion looms, how many more years do they want to rule while our term will lapse by mid next year. It makes no sense.

“However, if there is another motion as the law provides for, we welcome it,” Suidani said.

Suidani reiterated the strength of his government and assures of his continuous bold stand on issues of concern to the people of Malaita province.

FARE OPTIONS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Crowded busstop at the Honiara Central Market.

Meeting to consider bus and taxi rates

By EDDIE OSIFELO

BUS and taxi owners will be invited to a meeting to discuss their demand for authorities to increase fares.

The proposed meeting, to be held on 12 July, came after the Working Committee of the Road Transport Board (RTB) met Tuesday this week on the matter.

“The Working Committee agreed to invite representatives of bus and taxi owners to the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday 12 July 2022,” a statement from the Honiara City Council (HCC) said.

RTB is made up of HCC, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labor and Immigration (MCILI) and the police.

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) was held on Tuesday 5th July 2022.

The statement said the 12 July meeting will consider options for bus fares and taxi fares within Honiara City.

It added that during Tuesday’s meeting, the Working Committee agreed that legal or regulatory mechanisms must now be put in place to regulate public transport service within Honiara City.

“The Working Committee is pressing towards this in collaboration with bus owners, taxi owners and other stakeholders.

“As part of this expected collaboration, the Working Committee requests bus owners and taxi owners to register as companies so that it would be more effective and efficient to consult and collaborate on issues pertaining to bus and taxi services in Honiara City.”

Meanwhile, city mayor Eddie Siapu calls on bus and taxi owners to maintain current fares until the Working Committee completes its tasks.

Last week, bus operators staged a protest in Honiara demanding the city council to approval fare increases in Honiara.

Some of the buses went ahead and imposed a new bus fare of $5, an increase of $2 from the usual $3.

The demand for fare increases came in the wake of continuing rise in fuel prices.

Buses, taxis warned against increasing their fare rates

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Crowded busstop at the Honiara Central Market.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

BUSES and taxis are warned against increasing their fares.

Stephen Maesiola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, made the reminder after last week’s protest by bus drivers to increase their fares from $3 to $5.

Also, the Taxi Association proposed over the weekend to increase the Kilometer rate from $10 to $15 and the hourly rate from $100 to $150.

These proposed fare increases came in the wake of the continuing fuel prices.

Maesiola told Island Sun the National Transport Board is still to meet over the fare increases.

He said a working committee consisting of Honiara City Council, Price Control Unit in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and MID will need to meet with the Bus and Taxi Association before forwarding the proposal to NTB.

He said there are representatives of Bus Association and Taxi Association in the NTB.

Island Sun understands some buses have charged $5 from Honiara Central Market to Lunga because it is outside the boundary of the city.

Passengers who get off before Lunga can still pay $3.

However, some buses imposed $5 within the city, which resulted in heated exchanges between passengers and bus conductors.

Some passengers threatened to report the buses to police when the bus conductors refused to give them change of their bus fares.

As a result, the bus conductors returned the change money to the passengers.

Honiara City Council Mayor, Eddie Siapu said whilst he sympathises with the bus owners, he asked for them to maintain the $3 fare.

“As we’re heading towards the 44th Independence Anniversary, let us have the spirit of one and unity to support each other,” Siapu said.

The Lord Mayor appeals for calm and understanding from the general public in this matter.

More than 40 communities to benefit from Gasini market

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gasini Port, Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province. PHOTO: BEN BILUA

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

OUTGOING Provincial Member of Ward 24 in Western Province says the newly opened Gasini Market will benefit more than 40 communities.

Samuel Sive said the market house will be a life-line to people of ward 23 and 24 in Marovo Constituency.

He adds that the project will go a long way in addressing the need to shelter men, women and children who have exposed to unfriendly weather when selling foods and other items to passing passenger ships.

Sive further stated that the travelling public will also benefit buying food and other essential item at the healthy and clean market house.

He said the benefits will be enormous and take home income will multiply due to good environment provided for vendors to sell their products.

“We all know that there are many hurdles to go through during the initial stages of the project, but thanks to vision and foresight of our people especially the landowners of Gasini to allow this piece of land where this market house was built on.

“You have set a good example for others to follow. In this note, I would like to urge all landowners to allow your land for development because without land there is no development.

“I on behalf of my people wish to acknowledge Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency, Chachabule Amoi for been instrumental in securing funds for the project.

“We also very thankful to the government, aid donors and tax payers who also contributed one way or the other for supporting this project,” Sive said.

Ngossi Valley prepares to celebrate independence day

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Kids and residents of Ngossi Valley stage a colouful parade of the national flag during last year's celebrations

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO    

NGOSSI Valley community in West Honiara is set to celebrate the 44th independence celebration on July 7 with focus to educate community members of the meaning of independence and the reason behind the celebration.

Chairman for Ngossi Valley Community Ramsey Olisukulu said the celebration will begin in the afternoon with a parade in national colours, flag hoisting, and singing of the national anthem.

“Celebration will continue in the evening with an independence dinner, video flashback of the Independence Day, address by Guest of Honour, speeches and finally cultural presentation from the provinces.

 “Maintaining this spirit, we have organised different activities from monthly clean-ups, sports, Police talk, health awareness programs and religious programs.

“This year we are organising this independence celebrations in a unique way with the Theme ‘IUMI TUGEDA, ONE COMMUNITY, ONE NATION, SOLOMON ISLANDS’. This event is educational aimed at teaching our children and youths about their history promoting a sense of patriotism in our youths and children to grow up to be good citizens of this beautiful nation,” he said.

Mr Olisukulu said Ngossi Valley is a vibrant community known for its peaceful, safe and clean environment with its residents valuing and promoting the belief of working together in building a model community.

“We have invited a Senior Statesman as our guest of Honour, a Minister of crown, a Permanent Secretary, the Mayor to Honiara City Council and our ward member as other quests. Therefore, your donation will be of great value to our community,” he said.

SIAF, RSIPF conduct joint foot patrol at Koa Hill

Written by
Press Release
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Children in the community who accompany members of the patrol.

Officers of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) undertook a joint foot patrol at the Koa Hill community in Honiara recently.  

Joining the patrol were officers of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Defence Force (ADF), New Zealand Police (NZP), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) under SIAF and that of the RSIPF’s Central and National Crime Prevention Department.

“The patrol provided an opportunity for the patrolling officers to interact with members of the Kia Hill community,” a statement from SIAF said. 

“SIAF members have been supporting the RSIPF with community patrols since 2021 after the Bilateral Security Treaty was enacted following the request of the Solomon Islands Government,” the statement added.

“Regional partners have continued to support RSIPF as part of the SIAF contingent.

“The RSIPF and SIAF members also took the opportunity to discuss a range of issues with the Chairman and Chief from one of the zones during their patrol, while other members participated in a quick game of soccer with children at the Koa Hill field.”

SIAF Leading Senior Constable, Phil Bradley, said SIAF is supporting the RSIPF as it works toward building relationships with communities. 

“The foot patrols we conducted provide us with opportunities to interact with residents so we all know better understand local issues,” Constable Phil said.

SIAF plans to continue to undertake more joint patrols with the RSIPF in communities around Honiara.

Government intends to reopen Barakoma airport soon

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Proposed Barakoma Airport at South Vella

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RESOURCE owners and authorities will discuss the opening of Barakoma Airport in Vella, Western Province.

Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Riley Mesepitu said a meeting will be held on July 8 to look at issues that had led to the boycotting of this important development.

He said the meeting is aimed at addressing issues between resource owners and at the same time hearing people’s views on the importance of the airport.

Upgrading of Barakoma domestic airport has been one of the government’s intentions to expand domestic airports within the country.

Barakoma airport is one of four sites on government’s list. The other three sites are Avuavu, Babankira and Yandina.

Assessments were made and ground work have been seen on some of the sites such as Barakoma.

This paper understands that ground work at Barakoma was halted due to disagreement among few resource owners.

Last week, Easter Lelapitu, one of the resource owners, said there was no proper consultation before the Barakoma Airport project was carried out.

She said landowners never gave their consent and it was her decision to stop further ground work and also stop any flight to land on the airport.

Lelapitu said she is happy to work with the national government to solve the impasse and allow the development to continue.

Barakoma airport was built by the US Navy (USN) 58th Naval Construction Battalion on August 15, 1943.

The airport was built purposely for fighter strip – a landing site for US war planes during the war in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Possible role of churches during PG2023

Written by
Press Release
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0

Like other sectors in the country, churches will play important support services when the country hosts the Pacific Games 2023 next year.

A government statement said the role of churches was highlighted last week during a meeting between representatives of the Government Services Integrated Committee (GSIC) and the National Hosting Authority (NHA) in Honiara.

“Church bodies such as the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) have been consulted previously by the Games Organising Committee (GOC) on this initiative,” the statement said.

“The roles of churches will include counselling services to athletes and team officials, organising church services for athletes and team officials, support to provinces for community engagement programs, use of church facilities including fields or halls for team trainings and assisting to deliver key messages to communities.

“Other roles that will require church support includes facilitating the Games mascot tours of church congregations and church-run schools, engagement in the games relay, provision of teams (financial contributions to congregations) for, logistics, cleaning and other voluntary services.

“The GSIC is spearheading a government-wide support to the NHA to ensure the Games are successfully hosted next week,” the statement said.

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