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Malu’u wharf nears completion

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Current construction work on Malu’u Wharf.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

CONSTRUCTION on a wharf project for the Malu’u provincial sub-centre is nearing completion.

The project is funded by the National government through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) and its completion is expected to boost economic activities in the northern region of Malaita province.

Recently, this paper visited the project and witnessed that the wharf structure is already complete with only a few remaining works to be done.

In a recent statement on the wharf project and other proposed projects for Malu’u sub-centre, MP for North Malaita, Senley Filualea called on resource owners for cooperation to accomplish the projects.

He said one of the projects for Malu’u is the wharf which will soon be completed.

Filualea said another project is the Malu’u fisheries project, co-supported by the national government and donor partners. The project is already completed.

He further stressed that CEMA will soon reopen at Malu’u as it only awaits minor works to be carried-out before beginning its operation.

He said another project is the construction of the new Malu’u market facility to be funded by the Australian government.

Filualea said this series of projects has portrayed the government’s commitment and support to its people in north Malaita and the northern region of the province.

He said services provided by these projects when completed will have huge benefit on people and will contribute to enhancing economic activities in the province.

Isabel government supports Tubi conservation initiative

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Parties showing the signed document after the signing

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ISABEL Provincial government has entered into a partnership with the Hageulu Community and Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS) to support conservation of Tubi forests on Isabel Province.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday 26th August at Buala, Isabel Province.

The partnership will fall within NIPS’s Women4Biodiversity Project which is aimed at building resilience and weaving gender responsive approaches to biodiversity governance.

The programme promotes and showcase contributions of women as agents of change in the ecosystem restoration of local communities.

The programme to strengthen gender responsive initiatives on ecosystems restoration and conservation in Hageulu, especially Tubi trees and to identify priorities and gender gaps in biodiversity policies in Solomon Island.

In her speech after the signing of the MoU, Premier of Isabel Province Rhoda Sikalabu welcomes the partnership saying that NIPS has set a historical partnership that will encourage community based conservation initiatives so as gender participation in conservation activities.

He said IPG has technical staff, however establishing networks and partnership to encourage community participation has been challenging.

 “The MOU we signed will not be done behind closed doors. It is time for IPG, its new partner NIPS and Hageulu Community to come out to the media and promote this partnership.

“We have seen a brand new partnership that will definitely preserve unique tree species and other conservation activities going forward.

“This partnership is unique as women are empowered to participate and will lead in decision making, Sikalabu said.

She said the integration of women and men in the programme best described inclusiveness and greater collaboration in the implementation of the partnership.  

Sikalabu said IPG fully support the partnership and she acknowledged the Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS) for down-streaming practical and technical expertise in conservation to communities.

She also acknowledged Hageulu Community for driving the restoration and preservation of Tubi tree.

Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS) and the Hageulu Community are cooperating to implement restoration of Tubi trees in the burnt site as part of the Women4Biodiversity Project entitled “Building resilience and weaving gender responsive approaches to biodiversity governance.

The programme promotes and showcase the contribution of women as agents of change in ecosystem restoration in local communities.

It also to strengthen the gender responsive initiatives on ecosystems restoration and conservation in Hageulu, especially Tubi trees and to identify priorities and gender gaps in biodiversity policies in Solomon Island.

Building resilience and weaving gender responsive approaches to biodiversity governance project is funded by the FARN/Women4Biodiversity under a contract partnership programme. 

The tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines the roles and responsibilities assigned to Hageulu Community, Isabel Provincial Government and Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons.

Each party to the MoU has a role to play in driving the partnership.

Roles and responsibilities are as follows;

Hageulu Community will lead and conduct the restoration activities as per the work plan and calendar agreed on workshop and training.

Attend Women4Biodiversity projects meetings as requested by Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS).

Update completed project activities to NIPS and report to the NIPS coordinator and Isabel Provincial Government on needs and issues as they arise.

Inform the Isabel Provincial Government and Network for the Indigenous peoples Solomons of any conflict of interest.

Fully understand and sign the MoU according to the project work plan and calendar and uphold the good reputation of the Hageulu community and Network for the Indigenous peoples Solomons at all times.

As a party to the partnership, the Isabel Provincial Government must support and observe the Women4biodiversity activities according to the agreed work plan and calendar and observe the ongoing programme of the project.

Provide feedback on the project performance to Network for the indigenous Peoples Solomons and report any performance issues that arise and provide technical officers to engage during the course of the project upon request.

As the funding agency, Network for the indigenous peoples Solomons (NIPS) is responsible to oversee the Women4Biodiversity project and its management according to the agreed work plan and calendar. 

Provide training and technical support to Hageulu community, Provide updated reports to donor partner, Hageulu community and Isabel Provincial Government and highlight the ongoing activities of the project through Social media and print media.

Government reject Sasako’s $5m payout claims

Written by
Press Release
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The Office of the Prime Minister

Government has dismissed and rubbished the news article by Alfred Sasako who claimed that government Members of Parliament have been paid $5 million each to carryout constituency consultation regarding the deferment of the dissolution of the 11th parliament.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said that claim of $5m each paid to government MPs is baseless, unfounded and ridiculous.

The OPMC statement, however, stated that all MPs were given $100,000 each purposely for consultations in their respective constituencies on the matter of the delaying of election or deferral of the dissolution of parliament.

“In total a sum of $5 million was paid out to MPs, each MP was allocated the budget of $100,000 for that specific purpose,” the OPMC explained.

The OPMC statement further added that if Sasako was to pay attention, he would have noted that the funding was budgeted for and had he paid attention to government’s press releases he would have learnt of it.

OPMC calls on Sasako to attend the weekly press conferences organized and managed by the OPMC Press Secretariat, so that he is kept abreast of issues.

OPMC also reminded Sasako that the OPMC is open to phone calls and emails.

LSL closes in on government

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

SIG given until Friday to settle $32.4M

By EDDIE OSIFELO

LEVERS Solomon Limited (LSL) has given the Government until Friday to comply with its High Court order.

This followed negotiations with the Government officials in Honiara yesterday.

LSL also agreed to delay the repossession of its property at Hell’s Point, east Honiara, until Friday following.

High Court Deputy Chief Justice, Rex Foukona on16th August 2022 made an order for the Government to pay LSL $32.4 million plus interests by yesterday’s deadline.

The company’s Barrister, Geoffrey McDonald told the media the negotiation is friendly and positive.

“We remain hopeful but at 6pm tonight (last night) we are undecided whether to accept the proposal put by SIG,” McDonald said.

“It was not unreasonable but not yet accepted,” he added.

McDonald said SIG agreed they will comply with the High Court order.

“They were very kind to say they will comply with High Court order.

“My thoughts are they should unreservedly comply with a Hight court, it’s not been negotiable, it just happens,” he said.

However, McDonald said the order got several components, including interests and rents.

“His Lordship calculated the interests but didn’t calculate the rents.

“So, there is a number of rents, but there is a calculation of rents,” he said.

“There is a principle, augmented on tax. So, it’s not absolutely clear what is to be done to comply with the order.

“For example, I think interests are $6000 per day, that is another $20,000 by Friday, that is serious money,” he said.

At the negotiations, the LSL representatives were Director Patrick Wong, Alice Willy (lawyer), Geoffrey McDonald, Barrister at law and landowners.

SIG was represented by Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Dentana Mckini, Solicitor General, Accountant General, Investment Cooperation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) Director, Tukana Bovoro and Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil.

Japanese Ambassador pays visit to Arnon Atomea School

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Arnon Atomea School Principal Mr Henry Bare (left) chatting with H.E Miwa Yoshiaki during the visit to the school on Thursday last week.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

ARNON Atomea Provincial Secondary School on Malaita was graced with the visit of Japan’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki last Thursday.

The visit was purposely to hand over a Japanese funded classroom building to the St John Dala Primary School where he also met and discussed areas of cooperation with the head of Arnon Atomea PSS.

Speaking during his visit Mr Yoshiaki highlighted Japan’s commitment and cooperation with the government of Solomon Islands in the field of education.

Ambasador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki delivering his remark at Malu’u – Anorn Atomea PSS.

He said apart from education, there are different areas like infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and many other fields.

The Ambassador said he is pleased to visit Malaita province, particularly Arnon Atomea PSS to have this conversation with the school and see where they can go.

On the same note, he emphasized the importance of education and what it means to the people and government of Japan.

A traditional dancing group leading the delegation during their visit to Arnon Adomea PSS at Malu’u provincial subcentre this week.

He said the modernization and industrialization of Japan started in the mid-19th century. And during that time the only resource Japan had was its people.

“That is why education is important to us to educate our people to grow the industries, economy, society, academic and development of Japan.

“And my encouragement to students is to study hard, read more books that will set a good basis for further studies,” Yoshiaki said.

His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki and Premier Daniel Suidani are presented with shell money gifts from members of Arnon Atomea School during their visit to the school on Thursday last week.

Premier Daniel Suidani thanked the Ambassador for visiting and discussing with them on some potential areas of cooperation.

He said Malaita Provincial Government owns the school and it has served the education needs of people within the region together with other Community High Schools.’

“Your visit is an opportunity to see where we can cooperate and develop to improve the education sector in the province and build the human resources of the country.  

Premier Suidani and H.E Yoshiaki with members of MARA government executive during their visit to Arnon Atomea PSS last week.

School Principal of Arnon Atomea PSS, Henry Bare also thanked His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki for the visit and discussions and they look forward for more cooperation with his office.

Malaita government pushes for Suava Bay development

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier-Daniel-Suidani-delivering-his-remark-during-a-breif-visit-to-Manaabu-village-in-Suava-Bay-last-week.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Malaita Provincial Government has given its support to working closely with landowners and partners in the development pursuit of Suava Bay.

And as part of its efforts, MARA has contributed towards reconciliation between rival tribes within the Suava Bay, as well as the signing of a MOU to allow tribes to work together in developing the area.

Speaking during a recent visit by the Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki to Mana’abu village on Suava Bay, Premier Daniel Suidani said he is eager to cooperate with landowners of Suava to develop a mega project for Malaita province and Solomon Islands.

He highlighted that apart from Suava Bay, other mega projects that are unfolding in the province are; Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, SCALE NRM project and soon the New Kilu’ufi hospital project.

Suidani said for 20 over years, the national government has been trying to develop Suava and there were gaps needing connection that has resulted in the slow maneuver of the project.

He told landowners this is a new beginning, one that needs simplicity to collaborate with the government and development partners to make things done.

Suidani said his government believes in the spirit of inclusiveness and to leave no-one behind on the project.

“MARA government cannot do anything with you landowners. Though we signed whatever agreements, we must come back to you, we dearly need your cooperation.

“My government is also willing to hear the cries of every single tribe within the Suava Bay. And so, you must willingly come forward so that we can talk and work together,” he said.

According to Premier Suidani, 70 percent of development is all about talking whilst 30 percent is the actual work.

He said no major development happens overnight, there are processes to submit to and they require talking/discussions to make it happen as people expect.

On that note, Suidani acknowledged the Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands for accepting a site visit to the Suava Bay areato meet and hear from landowners.

“We want to convey our gratitude to the people and government of Japan.

“This is the moment we have been waiting for. We are waiting for a development partner that has similar principles to ours to willingly come forward and look into our cries.

“We have also been trying to develop Suava Bay for sometimes, however, there are shortfalls and nothing much has materialized on the ground as per development.

“Now, it’s a new beginning with different approaches being sought and we are committed to let no space for error in the pursuit of the Suava Bay project,” he said.

Government welcomes election funding offer

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has welcomed Australia’s offer to fund the National General Elections in 2024.

This after Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong last week offered to fund the elections in 2023.

Her offer was made public through the media prior to the tabling of the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Thursday 8th September 2022 to defer the 11th Parliament to December 2023.

Initially, the term of the 11th Parliament commenced on 15th May 2019 and was to end on 19th May 2023.

Parliament has passed the Bill without amendments after 37 of the 49 members voted for the Bill in the second reading and third reading to pass the bill.

As such the elections should be held in April 2024.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele said it is not true that the government has rejected the offer.

“We will respond formally to the offer as soon as we make the decisions here (Parliament) in terms of this amendment bill.

“We look forward to discussing with the Australian government on the details of that offer in consultation with the Electoral Commission, so we know what our priorities are and where that help should go,” he said.

“As much as possible we are trying as a government to preserve the good will of Australia so that it is not misplaced or seen as an attempt to divide the country or interfere in the domestic affairs of Solomon Islands,” he said.

However, Manele said the offer made by Australia through the media is rather insensitive.

“While acknowledged the offer and appreciating Australia’s ongoing support to many of our sectors including employment opportunities provided for our people under the seasonal labour scheme, the timing of the offer is rather insensitive.

“I wish to remind our partners that as we continue to build trust between our countries, the use of the media in the conduct of bilateral relations can harm relations, especially when it is done at a sensitive time,” he said.

Manele said sadly, the Australian election offer since becoming public is now debated domestically.

“I wish to remind our partners that Parliamentary democracy is one of our shared values.

“Let us mutually respect each other, the government of the day and each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

In support of the offer, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said “We look forward to Australia’s offer to assist us in funding the pre-requisite electoral reforms and the conduct of the national elections.

“They’ve offered now, so you get ready brother to fund the costs. It’s a big cost, Mr Speaker. The electoral commission needs a lot of money,” he said.

Moreover, the Minister of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel said the government welcomes Australia’s offer to assist the general elections.

However, he said if Australia wants to assist in the elections, they have no problem with that as long as it’s not a political funding.

DPM reiterates request for Mercy to return during 2023 Pacific Games.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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DPM Malanga on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands presents a token of appreciation to the U.S Navy Captain and PP2022 mission Commander Hank Kim for the successful completion of the PP2022 two weeks mission in Solomon Islands. PHOTO BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

DEPUTY Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga reiterates Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s request for another mission of the U.S Naval Hospital ship Mercy during the event of the Pacific Game, 2023.

Maelanga echoed this at the closing event of the Pacific Partnership 2022 mission in Solomon Islands.

“I also echoed the request of the Hon Prime minister who is also the Minister for the 2023 Pacific Game. Please consider the visit for 2023 to consider with the hosting of 2023 Pacific Game between 19th November and 2nd December of 2023,” he said.

“This year you have set a benchmark against the future mission of the Pacific Partnership program,” he added.

“The mission has touched the lives and improves many Solomon Islanders it has empowered our health professionals including repairs and maintenance of medical equipment’s, it has reduced waiting list of people who are booked for surgeries, it has bring smiles to the faces of our children most of all it has created training partnerships between our people.”

Director of Surgical Services for Pacific Partnership 2022, Commander Sara Gonzales said this robust collaboration for the last two weeks is the director reflection of the spirit the Pacific Partnership 2022 mission, strengthening International ties through the region and forging Multi notational Collaboration partnership in ensuring to strengthening and growing friendship like the one they shared with the Solomon Islands.

“This mission prepares us for future events that may require humanitarian assistance. The effects of disaster often transcend the national borders. Therefore it is important that we walked side by side as friends to take care of those who may most need our help,” Gonzales said.

Tuna production rises despite COVID-19

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Soltuna products

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

LOCAL tuna production continues to increase in the first three months of 2022 despite a significantly smaller fish catch.

 The latest Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) quarterly report shows that the total catch dropped by 22% due to COVID lockdowns and unfavorable weather conditions.

However, both canned tuna production and tuna loin production rose by 4%.

Canned tuna production for the quarter was 1,458 tons and tuna loin production, 7,039 tons.

 Fish meal production surged by 22% to 593 tons.

Canned tuna is produced for export and domestic consumption while tuna loins are primarily for export.

The CBSI report shows that the average fish price has increased by 12% to US$1,520 per ton during the quarter owing to lower supply associated with the poor fishing season around the world.

 “Its good sign for Soltuna and Solomon Islands in terms of expanding the markets,” said Solomon Islands Trade Commissioner, Barrett Salato,

Two months ago, Chairman of Soltuna Adrian Wickham said Soltuna produces 130 metric tons of tuna per day, five days a week – a production rate he described as very satisfactory to the company given the challenges brought in by COVID-19.

He said the National Fisheries Developments (NDF) catches 25 tons of tuna on average per year.

In terms of infrastructure, Wickham said the Noro International Seaport has also provided substantial support towards the tuna industry.

Noro International Seaport has installed a container yard with a cooling system to store tuna catches ready for export.

Recently, Soltuna has secured markets in Australia and New Zealand.

The breakthrough was made possible, thanks to the PACER Plus Agreement – a regional trade agreement designed to support Pacific island countries to become more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade.

Commissioner Salato said Soltuna is enjoying the opportunity to export under the PACER Plus Agreement.

Sallato said Soltuna now exports its products to Australian and New Zealand Markets with duty free privilege – an achievement he wants other local commodities to follow.

Fisheries was an important focus of this year’s budget, delivered in April.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Giro said the allocation will encourage investments, build infrastructure and create jobs and address issues that resonate with the everyday struggle of our people.

The budget allocated SBD$15 million to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources

A total of SBD$7 million will be spent on community livelihood programs. These include:

(1) the Progress GIFT Tilapia aquaculture program,

(2) reef trials of hatchery reared juvenile sea cucumbers under the sea cucumber fishery management program,

(3) expand seaweed farming to new sites in selected provinces and

(4) support the implementation of Community Based Resources Management (CBRM) activities in provinces to support communities manage and develop their fisheries resources.

SBD$4 million was allocated to the fish export infrastructure and fisheries centers program. It includes the Russell Islands Fisheries program, the Fataleka Fisheries Constituency Center, the Lata and Niola fisheries centers, an expanded Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) Programme and improvements to ministry facilities in Gizo..

Another SB$4 million is allocated toward Tuna Onshore development and processing program which covers

(1) Progressing the Tuna Onshore Processing Plant in Bina, Malaita Province,

(2) Progressing the development of electronic fish accounting system at Noro port and

(3) Enhance and expand the electronic monitoring and reporting systems for longline fishery.

The budget aims to improve the country’s fisheries industry.

Giro said its initiatives “included the provision of opportunities for rural fishers and communities through promotion of on-shore fisheries and to increase contribution of commercial and large scale tuna fisheries to the national revenue”.

Budget initiatives will also “improve and strengthen the contribution of small-scale fisheries for food security and socio-economic benefits of fishing communities, support indigenous resource owners in marine resource business management plans and to strengthen Provincial and National Fisheries Governance,” Giro said.

Funding from the World Bank will give an additional boost Solomon Islands fisheries industry.

The $13.5 million Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program – Second Phase for Economic Resilience (PROPER) in Solomon Islands aims to strengthen regional fisheries management to ensure oceanic fish stocks are better protected from illegal fishing.

The project will also support coastal fisheries through activities to ensure Pacific fishers, their families, and their communities see lasting benefits from the seafood sector into the future.

According to spokesperson of Tuna Industry Association Solomon Islands (TIASI), Russell Dunham, Solomon Islands tuna industry has continued to flourish due to close collaborations between main fisheries organisations in the region and local industry.

He said Solomon Islands is very fortunate that all four tuna species are present in its waters with huge potential to source major revenue for the country.

“Solomon Islands is also very fortunate that we have all three major commercial ways of catching tuna: the purse seine, longline, and pole-and-line fishing. There are not so many Pacific Island countries that are fortunate to have access to these,” Durham said.

While he acknowledged the potential of Solomon Islands tuna industry, Durham also cautioned that sustainability of the resources is paramount.

Durham said sustainable management of tuna resources is important not only for the country but for the industry in the region.

He acknowledged MFMR, FFA, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO), and stakeholders such as SPC for their efforts in maintaining healthy tuna fisheries in the country as well as in the region.

End//

Botanical garden murder trial continues in Court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CONTINUATION of the Botanical Garden murder trial will continue tomorrow at the High Court.

This is the case against Ruben Jayrick Hitu, charged with one count of manslaughter in relation to the incident that occurred on July 25 2020.

Defendant Hitu is alleged to have involved in the murder of a 40-year-old man at the upper cliff near the Botanical Garden in west Honiara.

 The allegation states that on the morning of July 25, police were alerted that a Body has fallen from a cliff before the entrance gate to the Botanical Garden.

The police responded to the report and when they arrived at the scene, they discovered a body.

Police said information received states that the deceased and his girlfriend went up the cliff heading to the Botanical Garden prior to the incident.

It is alleged that while the deceased and his girlfriend were at the top of the cliff, two men appeared and attacked the deceased.

Prosecution alleged that the deceased and the partner referred to as J.M were having food at one of the sites on top of the hill when they were approached by two young men who questioned them whether they already had sex.

Police also said from reports received, the deceased said nothing happened and it was at that time that one of the accused allegedly grabbed the partner.

She however resisted and escaped to a distance from where they were at.

Prosecution also alleged that the man’s partner saw the two men allegedly assaulting the deceased with their fists and legs.

She then rushed down to where she and the deceased had met a group of people earlier, but no one was around, so she walked further down and met a man who was not part of the group, she begged him for help.

The partner returned and looked for the deceased but they were no-where to be seen.

The deceased body was however discovered on the ground beside the fence of a church building.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

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