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Manele responds to accusations

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has clarified accusations regarding the deferment of the 2023 National General Elections.

This follows claims that the Government wants to benefit or get money generated from the 17th Pacific Games held between 19 November to 2nd December 2023 and was an influence from outside.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele rejected the claims when contributing to the Constitutional Amendment Bill last week.

The Bill, which is now passed, will give the Sogavare Government an extra seven months in power.

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

Manele said this is a pure nonsense and lie.

He said it is not true too on outside influences.

“We do not have any interferences from our partners in terms of the decision the government has taken.

“This claim was subtle and it is a pure lie,” he said.

Manele remined his colleagues not to misinform and mislead our people.

“This Bill is not necessary about extending the life of the 11th Parliament but about deferring for few months so we can successfully host the Pacific Games and prepare well to host the elections.

“I believe this is the rational, legal and appropriate timely amendment Bill initiated by the government,” he added.

A number of Opposition members have stated the Government can host both elections and Pacific Games in same year.

“Even though we have the funds to host both events, we will not be able prepare well given the time constraints and the need to mobilise logistics and train our people.

“It’s not only about hosting both events in the same year. I think the important thing here is hosting them successfully,” he added.

“This will take a lot of time in terms of resource mobilisation, training of our people who will take part in the Games in terms of event organisers, liaison officers and hosting the events in same time.

“There will be number of public holidays and this will affect our students,” he added.

“We need a lot of time in between the two events to prepare well to successfully deliver on the event.

“I think also the need for the new government to settle in if we have the elections next year and prepare for the Games,” he added.

“I think there is short lead time between elections and hosting of the Games in November,” he said.

Parliament has passed the Bill to extend the 11th Parliament to December 31st and elections to be held in April 2024.

JAPAN EYES SUAVA BAY

Written by
Samie Waikori
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His Excellency, Ambassador Miwa Yoshiaki and team are receive by Mana'abu community during their visit last week.

Ambassador Yoshiaki meets community

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

DISCUSSIONS are underway between the Malaita Provincial government and the Japanese Embassy to look at possible ways to pursue the development of Suava Bay.

In amplifying the discussion, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Miwa Yoshiaki conducted a site visit to Suava Bay last Thursday and met with landowners at Mana’abu village.

Speaking during their meeting Yoshiaki acknowledged the people of Mana’abu/Suava for receiving him and assured them of his willingness to cooperate with them.

His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki is deliverying his speech during his recent visit to Mana’abu village in Suava Bay.

He said Japan has had long relationship with the Solomon Islands and have carried out many projects in the country and on Malaita province contributing to the livelihood of people.

He said Japan wants to strengthen its relationship with the Solomon Islands furthermore, and in more directions.

“For us, it’s very important to find valuable and important projects through the cooperation between us.

Members of Mana’abu community and its surrounding communities gather for the arrival of His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, Premier Suidani and team to Mana ‘abu last week.

“So to me, this kind of visit to local a community is very valuable, to see the environment you live in, hear what you’re seeking and expecting.

“I will go back to my office and think on what would be a good cooperation with you,” Mr Yoshiaki said.

Ambassador Yoshiaki was accompanied by Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani and members of his executive during the visit to the people of Suava Bay.

Premier Daniel Suidani delivering his remark during a breif visit to Mana’abu village in Suava Bay last week.

A representative of landowners from the Suava Bay, Lesley Lamani acknowledged the visit of both Ambassador Miwa Yoshiaki, and Premier Daniel Suidani.

He assured them of their enthusiasm to cooperate with partners in pursuing development for Suava Bay as they have been liaising with Japan on the development initiative.

“We hope that you will appreciate our aspirations in partnership, which is to develop the plans we together with the MARA government had presented on Suava.

Reps from tribes within Suava Bay during the visit of Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki to Mana’abu last week.

“We welcome inputs that you desire to put forward in order to make this project a model project template for Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.

“You have been to many places, and coming to our community, you can see how we live and the simplicity of our programme is a true reflection of the people we are,” Lamani said.

Safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable water supply for Gizo

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Water Operations team preparing for valve and pipe replacement.

The Australian-funded Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) and Solomon Water will establish a new water supply system in Gizo.

 The SIIP Steering Committee approved a funding contribution of SBD56 million (AUD10 million) for the project in their fourth meeting on 1 September 2022.

The Gizo Water Supply Project will deliver a safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable supply of water for Gizo town.

 Designed by European firm Suez with support from the Asian Development Bank and World Bank to Solomon Water, the project includes a new borehole system at Mile 6, with pumping station and pipeline into the town, new water storage facilities and a distribution network in the township.

SIIP Steering Committee co-chair Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers said, ‘a secure water supply system in the country’s third largest urban centre will not only sustain a town desperately short of reliable water but will also help unlock tourism and other economic opportunities.’

 ‘Water has long been a challenge in Gizo and this project is a high priority for the Solomon Islands Government.

Australia is pleased to be assisting to improve health and economic outcomes for the people of Gizo,’ said Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, co-chair of the SIIP Steering Committee.

 The Gizo Water Supply Project will be SIIP’s second co-funded partner-led project.

 It follows SIIP’s SBD130 million (AUD23.15 million) commitment to upgrade the Seghe and Taro airfields in partnership with New Zealand and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.

 SIIP is a ten-year SBD1.5 billion economic infrastructure program that aims to create local economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders across all nine provinces.

The program has already prioritised markets for redevelopment in Malu’u, Buala, Seghe, and Honiara.

 A feasibility study and detailed design is underway for the upgrade and expansion of Noro Port and a water supply and sanitation feasibility study is progressing at Bina for a proposed tuna processing plant.

 SIIP is funded by the Australian government and delivered in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government

Western province farewells PS Wickham

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Outgoing P.S Jeffrey Wickham center and members of Western Provincial Administration cut the farewell cake

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province yesterday hosted a farewell party to thank outgoing Provincial Secretary Jeffrey Wickham.

The event, held at Imagination Island Resort, brought together government officials, provincial officials, officials from non-government organisations and also local leaders.

Clerk of Western Province was also invited on behalf of the dissolved assembly of Western Province.

With a total of over 30 accomplished and ongoing project, Wickham retired with honour and respect coming from the people.

In his remarks, Deputy Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena joined all the officials who attended the event in acknowledging Wickham for his service for the people of Western Province and the country.

He said Wickham has been a key figure in driving Western Province’s development aspirations and also socio benefits which touched many lives.

Toiraena said Wickham is a household name within the public service and has contributed well in both national and provincial level.

“On behalf of all head of divisions, I acknowledge your leadership and guidance given to us to develop our province.

Agriculture Department of Western Province presents Jeffrey Wickham with two live pigs as token of appreciation

“Your leadership is exceptional that your tenure not only has overwhelming achievement but also help provincial staffs to learn important knowledge and skill from you.

“We wish you well as your journey on in life and for sure, we will reach out to you for advises when we need your help,” he said.

Edwin Ghasapio, National Engineer of Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) Project said Wickham is a champion of CAUSE Project when comes to negotiation of projects and activities.

He said donors have respect Wickham for his performance in masterminding CAUSE project which has achieved lots of tangible developments in communities.

“You stand for our people and for that, I salute you for your leadership. You have achieved lots of developments, some of the developments are ongoing and these development will remind us of your leadership.

“Your leadership will be missed and we thank you for your service for Western Province and the country as a whole,” Ghasapio said.

Malaita thanks Mercy medical service to Auki

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of US Medical team in Auki chatting with a local health staff at Kilu'ufi hospital.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Malaita Health have thanked the US medical team of the US Navy Mercy hospital ship.

The team today concludes their four-day trip to Auki, during which they provided medical services to public of Malaita.

Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, Dr Rex Maukera in an interview yesterday said, “The team is in the province after their arrivals on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to provide some medical services to people within sites they will be visiting.

“The sites are Dala and Fauambu health centres in West Kwara’ae and Kilu’ufi hospital in Auki.”

Maukera said their medical services to Malaita include:

  • Kilu’ufi hospital – surgery, skin disease treatment, biomedical and pharmacy services and a two days training on infection control and helping babies survive course for staffs
  • Dala –midwife services
  • Fauambu – midwife and similar training on infection control and helping babies survive course for staffs

He said a lot of people have turned up since Tuesday. Sadly, some were turned away since their needs were not included in the medical services offered.

A biomedical officer from the US Medical team in Auki reparing a machine in the dental clinic at Kilu’ufi hospital yesterday.

Maukera said some especially for surgery also returned due to other underlying medical conditions that were complicated to undergo surgery.

According to Maukera since Tuesday, lots of activities were done by the team where people got treated, machines within the hospital were fixed and many others.

The team returns to Honiara today.

Elections in April 2024

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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EDDIE OSIFELO

PEOPLE in Solomon Islands will go to the polls around April 2024 afte after Parliament passed the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2022 without amendments yesterday deferring the 11th Parliament to December 2023.

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

About 37 of the 49 Members of Parliament voted for the Bill in the second reading and third reading to pass the bill.

The Chairman of the Bills and Legislative Committee, John Maneniaru asked Parliament for his Committee By to scrutinize the Bill after the passage of the second reading.

However, the Government made its stand for the Committee of Supply to consider the Bill.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare claimed the Bill has gone through wider consultation by Members of Parliament in their respective constituencies and would get the same results.

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale said in his debate said the people of Solomon Islands must remember this sad day, when their government abused their parliament for no worthy reason, but a power grab by the Prime Minister.

He said the people’s government and the people’s parliament are being abused by the few who are exercising executive government powers.

“This sets a bad precedent. Bad decisions come from bad intentions,” he added.

Independent Leader, John Dean Kuku said with the coming into operation of the original Section 73 (3) on or about January 1, 2024, the Electoral Commission is expected to commence preparations for holding of the 2023 National General Elections in 2024.

“This is absurd. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022 if passed, is incapable of being legally and practically implemented.

“It will lead to a constitutional crisis because there are now two dissolutions of this house. The Electoral Commission will have to decide which dissolution to follow to hold the next general elections,” he said.

Kuku alleged there are other ramifications that will emanate from the passage of this Bill.  

“First Mr. Speaker, your term as Speaker of this House will have terminated on May 15, 2023. 

“If the Bill is extended, you remain as Speaker for a further 7 months and 16 days and will continue to enjoy benefits that are currently accorded to you,” he said. 

“Secondly Mr. Speaker, Members of Parliament will remain in office for a further 7 months and 16 days. 

“In terms of benefits, Members of Parliament will continue to receive their entitlements for a further 7 months and 16 days,” he said.

Kuku said it clearly appears to him that the only real beneficiaries to this Bill are Members of Parliament and yourself as the Speaker. 

“This is corruption at the highest-level Mr. Speaker. 

“We have weaponized Parliament as a tool to benefit ourselves and not our people,” he added.

Parliament stands adjourned to Monday 7th November 2022 to prepare for the Appropriation Bill and Government MPs attending oversea trips.

PM Sogavare will lead the Government delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America. The Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga will also attend the funeral of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe during the break

Businesses call for calm as Parliament meets controversial bill.

Written by
Press Release
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

The country’s chamber of commerce and industry (SICCI) has called for peace and stability as the country’s MPs deliberate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2022 this week in Parliament.

In the best interest of peace and security, SICCI on behalf of its business members of the private sector encourages the general public to allow our leaders and the democratic process to take its course and refrain from inciting another unrest which will not only have a negative impact on businesses but also to the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders.

 “The Chamber’s stance on issues of national interest and issues affecting business is always one that is always looking long term, into the future.

“And we believe that business cannot thrive without economic and political stability,” SICCI said in a statement on Tuesday.

“SICCI also believes that to achieve the vision of a prosperous Solomon Islands, all leaders should exercise their roles with a mind to how political rhetoric impact on popular sentiment can adversely affect efforts to project Solomon Islands as a favourable place to do business.”

The first reading of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2022 to amend the country’s constitution to defer the National General Election from 2023 to 2024 was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday 6th September and expected for second reading on Thursday. It is also anticipated to be debated and passed on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

As a result, SICCI urges the general public to exercise judgement and prudence in every action keeping the future of Solomon Islands as outmost priority before anything else.

“It is natural to have political grievances in a democratic country. Parliament and/or other political settings are and is the best place for those debates to bring resolution.

“For the sake of economic stability, continuation of employment and foreign investments SICCI would urge everyone to act with the best interest of the Solomon Islands in mind in the coming days and weeks,” the SICCI statement said.

In a recent survey conducted by SICCI highlighted that the unrest in November last year posed huge destruction to most businesses. Survey respondents indicated that the unrest causes huge reduction of sales due to burning and close down of business. This leads to decline purchasing power of customers. It also causes increased cost of goods in the shops and increased cost of labour, leading to incursion of extra excessive recurring costs.

SICCI currently has over 200 members as well as a number of affiliations to other national private sector organisations, covering approximately 80 percent of the Solomon Islands private sector workforce. Sixty (60) percent of the SICCI membership is made up of Small Medium Enterprises employing less than 20 employees.

–SICCI MEDIA

MAMARA EVICTION ORDER

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

Locals told to leave as investor expands project

By EDDIE OSIFELO

METROPOLIS Mamara Development Limited is pushing out indigenous landowners to allow the development of Mamara Township Development in the western end of Honiara.

Chief Mariano Mele confirmed this when he received a 30-day notice of restriction and vacation from the company on August 9, 2022 targeting those that continue to build houses, cultivate food gardens and hosting beach-goers to leave the company land.

The company communication officer, Derick Aihari said the area between Poha and Mamara Rivers and beyond is currently under construction and is subject to clearance by the company workers at any time, so be prepared to vacate immediately without notice and any other form of compensation.

Aihari said those who need help to evacuate properties, the company is willing to help to remove their materials.

He said failure to adhere to this notice will result in Eviction orders according to laws of Solomon Islands.

The company had served notices, eviction orders, court orders, evacuation exercises, served and carried out since 2013 for people to leave their properties.

Aihari said: “You are doing so without authority which simply means you have been trespassing on the company land.

“However, the company is so kind enough to have watching you to do so without taking any legal action against you.

“Those of you who have decided to disobey those previous notices and orders are doing so at your own risk and will be subject to removal without notice and any other form of compensation.”

However, Chief Mele said it is not right because his people have been staying on the land since 1960s and depend on the river and land for survival and livelihood.

He said as an indigenous landowner of Guadalcanal, he has the right to live on the land given by his ancestors.

Further to that, Chief Mele said his people have protected the properties of the company during the November riots last year otherwise youths would have torched them down.

He calls on the Guadalcanal Premier to dialogue with them in order to sort out the issue with the company.

According to Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Riley Mesepitu, the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo development project is styled after the North New Georgia Timber Corporation Act.

Like NNGTC; an act called ‘Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo agreement Act’ was passed in parliament in 1995 to govern the development of the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo areas.

Mesepitu said the Act gives power for a council to decide and make important decisions regarding the development of the areas.

It is understood that the council consists of four officials representing the government- the minister of Commerce, the minister of Lands, the Minister of Provincial Government and the Minister of Finance.

The Premier of Guadalcanal Province is also a member of the council as well as three investment members representing the developer, MPPL.

Mesepitu said the council’s duties amongst others is to approve work plans, discuss issues arising during the course of development and other important matters pertaining to the development of Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo lands.

Ministry of Lands buys 3 homes for its officers

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Team Solomon Housing limited hands over three purchased house to Ministry of Lands Housing and Survey

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey has purchased three new houses from the Solomon Housing Authority for its officers for around $1.5m.

The three newly built houses were officially handed over to the Ministry during a short ceremony at the Kombivatu area yesterday afternoon.

Chairman of Solomon Housing, Shepard Lapo said the housing industry could play an important role in facilitating economic growth and development in the Solomon Islands by providing housing to Solomon Islanders efficiently and at an affordable price.

He said having a safe and secure home environment provides the critical link towards encouraging positive outcomes in education, health, economic development and employment.

“Today marks again a significant milestone in our relationship, we are here today to witness the handing over of keys to three newly built houses purchased by the Ministry as a step to renewing our old partnership and reaffirming our purpose in implementing Government’s policy with regards to development of affordable housing for home ownership in the Solomon Islands.

One of the newly purchased houses that was handed over to the Ministry of Lands Housing and Survey from Solomon Housing limited

“Both the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey and Solomon Housing believed in what I have stated”, Lapo said.

He also said that Solomon Finance Limited trading as Our Finance has assured them of their plans to bridge the financing gap by providing home ownership loan product to enable eligible members of the SINPF both in the public and private sector to own a home.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Stanley Waleanisia said with the current partnership they have established with Solomon Housing they have prepared a subdivision on the other end of Honiara.

The idea is that the Ministry of Lands will develop it and Solomon Housing will be building homes.

“So, we have already acquired 20 hectares of land and we are working on it, so we will come to you and negotiate”, PS Waleanisia said. 

He said the failure of the formal sector is what is evident in Honiara where people have built as they wish without proper planning.

BLC rejects government claims on Bill

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee John Maneniaru

By EDDIE OSIFELO

CHAIRMAN of Bills and Legislative Committee, John Maneniaru has accused the Sogavare-led government of “hijacking” parliamentary process.

This was after the government did not provide any financial assistance and ample time to allow the BLC to complete its inquiry into the Constitutional Amendment Bill in the nine provincial centres as required under Standing Order 71, in accordance to Section 62 of the Constitution.

The Bill aims to extend the 11th Parliament until December 2023 instead of dissolving in April 2023.

Prime Minister Sogavare will make the second reading of the Bill tomorrow, followed by debate and committee of supply.

If Parliament passes the Bill tomorrow, election is expected to take place in April 2024.

Maneniaru confirmed to media yesterday in response to Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui who claimed BLC failed to conduct any inquiry within one month after the Bill was noticed in Parliament on August 5, 2022.

He said BLC has convened on August 9, 2022 immediately following the receipt of the Constitutional Amendment Bill by Parliament and the Bill having being noticed by the Speaker.

“I convened a meeting of the BLC on August 9 on the planning and discussion of the inquiry into the Constitutional Amendment Bill and again on 11th August,” he said.

Maneniaru said five meetings have already been convinced by the BLC to date with three more meetings held on August 28th (Sunday), September 1st and 5th showing that the committee was busy planning the inquiry into the amendment.

“My committee resolved to call for submissions from the public from 17-31 August and again decided to extend the period until the end of September and we have already received submissions from the public with more expected.

“I have also written five letters, including two to the Prime Minister on our plans as well as on requesting submission of reports from Members of Parliament on their consultations in their respective constituencies,” he said.

Furthermore, Maneniaru said a number of BLC members are also members of the Public Accounts Committee which held inquiries into the Supplementary Appropriation Bills from 17-24 August.

“The supplementary appropriation bills hearings demand our attention to ensure that we scrutinise the bills carefully and thoroughly and it’s unrealistic to expect our members to work on two separate and important bills at the same time,” he said.

Further to that, Maneniaru said he had also met with the Prime Minister to update him and request his support for resources for their work and he thought he (PM) was receptive of the work of his committee was going to undertake.

He said BLC has submitted a budget of $3 million to complete the inquiry, but at the end PM Sogavare has responded indirectly with a “no” answer.

Therefore, the BLC Chair rejected the claims by the SSPM Kabui that the committee was perhaps lagging in its work.

In Parliament yesterday, Maneniaru has raised his disappointment towards Sogavare for bypassing BLC during the Special Adjournment Motion.

“I am very disheartened, very disappointed by the fact the prime minister and the DCGA have seen it and decided to my Bills and Legislation Committee mandate and Parliamentary responsibility understanding order 71.

“This for me is a sad moment indeed of democracy. A fresh and new history penetrated down into our parliamentary democracy history that a deliberate decision was made to bulldoze into our parliamentary democracy process for the first time,” Maneniaru said.

Speaker Oti raised a point of order to cut short Maneniaru’s intervention.

Oti told Maneniaru that the points he raised should be more appropriately raised when Parliament comes to consider that particular bill.

Maneniaru in return accepted the Speaker’s ruling.

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