Home Blog Page 736

Ngati raises concern over feeder roads

Written by
Press Release
-
0

Councillor for Vura ward Reginal Ngati has raised concerns on the deteriorating road conditions along the feeder roads in the city.

He said since the beginning of the year, no work has been carried out on the feeder roads within Vura, Kolaridge and almost all feeder roads.

“Work on these roads is important as it provides maintenance on the road to improve it’s conditions.”

“Evidently there are lot of potholes and quick action needs to be taken before it deteriorates and causes a huge challenge. This is also to avoid a hefty budget so it is best to repair them now,” he added.

Ngati said these feeder roads serves Government officials, public servants and the general public and is an important infrastructure.

“I call on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) to look into this matter and help address it for the public’s sake,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ngati thanked MID for the work which had been carried out on drainages and road maintenances and look forward for continuous partnership.

Malaria drug runs out at Isabel rural clinic

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Medicines such as coartem are running out in one rural clinic.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Kalenga rural health clinic in Isabel province has run out of Malaria drugs.

Malaria patients there have been advised to ask their relatives in Honiara to send them anti-malaria drugs.

Few patients spoken to yesterday said the clinic has been without drugs for months now and sick patients are suffering.

“Since our clinic do not have any drugs for Malaria, we are now drinking pawpaw leaves just to help us get better,” one patient said.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has said it is fully aware of the need of drugs in the clinics and hospitals, and is working tirelessly to replenish their supplies ‘as soon possible’.

MHMS says a total of 20 medical containers arrived and 12 have been cleared, and stock-up of medical drugs and consumables is continuing at the national medical stores.

“Urgent supplies have been distributed to the provinces immediately after removed from containers while others are kept at the national medical store (NMS) pending requests from health facilities.”

MHMS also said with the remaining eight containers to be released, distribution will continue for stock-up at the national medical store and 2nd level medical stores in the provinces and to health facilities for administration to patients.

New mobile unit for seasonal work passport enrolment

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration opened a mobile unit at the National Auditorium on Monday to deal with enrolment of passports for those applying for season workers programme in Australia and New Zealand.

This is a temporary measure to ease the pressure on the influx of people crowding the head office in Honiara.

Permanent Secretary, Riley Mesepitu said the gathering at the head office was too crowded and sometimes disturbed the flow of vehicles from the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet and movement of employees of other departments.

Mesepitu said people came in for enrolment and processing of passports.

However, he said for printing of passports, they will still need to go to the head office.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday are allocated for those applying for the seasonal workers programme.

Tuesdays and Thursday are allocated for non-seasonal workers.

So far, the Passport Unit has issued more than 13,000 passports worth $10.7m in the past 18 months.

More than 90 percent of the issuance is from season workers.

More than 4000 workers are currently abroad for the seasonal workers programme and expected to hit more than 5000 by 2023.

PMO DENIES ABC REPORT

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

‘It’s just a neighbourly discussion’

The Australian High Commissioner “was never being summoned” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Television has published.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office says the High Commissioner has had ‘neighbourly discussion’ with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on a number of issues pertinent to the relationship between Solomon Islands and the Australian Government.

“The Four Corners Program of ABC was merely part of the range of issues discussed,” the statement said.

“The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, however, is concerned of the Four Corners’ program, particularly on a number of misinformation spewed out by the program,” it added.

“It is a baseless allegation to say that a Chinese firm is going to buy off the Kolombangara Forests Products Limited (KFPL) on Kolombangara Island, Western Province.

“The KFPL is a joint venture of the Nien family of Taiwan who hold 60 percent of shares and the Solomon Islands Government with 40 percent shares.

“At no time the shareholders’ have made a decision to sell off the company to a Chinese firm.”

The statement further says   the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has no intention to set up a naval base at Kolombangara as Angus Grigg of the Four Corners program would like to portray to his viewers.

“It was obvious that Grigg was putting words into the mouths of the interviewees and that speak volumes of his intention which is clearly to cause division between the governments of Australia and Solomon Islands.

“The Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has maintained and repeatedly reaffirmed to Solomon Islanders and the Pacific region that there will be no military or naval base in Solomon Islands.

“The Four Corners program never acknowledged that assurance and instead delve into the PRC- Solomon Islands relationship with the intention to cause animosity between the Governments of PRC, Solomon Islands and Australia.

“The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) finds it laughable that the Leader of Opposition has gone out too soon to allege that it was the Prime Minister who instructed the Foreign Affairs Officials to summon the Australian High Commissioner.

“If the Opposition Leader has any seriousness in his job as the alternative leader, he would have sought the right information before releasing a public statement.

“The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, however, reiterated that his number one priority is to protect the sovereignty and national interest of the country and its citizen.

“The Prime Minister’s responsibility is to protect the Sovereignty and National interest of the indigenous people of the independent state of Solomon Islands. 

“Therefore, whose interest is Mathew Wale advancing?

“If this is where Wale’s interest is, then it’s sad, he lacks leadership qualities to protect the interest of his people at heart.

“This is why Mathew Wale will never be entrusted the Prime Minister’s post.”

Ahetaha Water Conservation celebrates milestone

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Standing (L-R): UNDP/GEF Country Coordinator Mr. Teiba Mamu, Chief John Haroka, Chief Silas Hoasirao, Project Coordinator Mr. Eddie Huitarau, Home based working committee chairman Mr. Keith Hatamane and Ranger Mr. Dick Tautona. Sitting (L-R): Head Ranger Mr. Peter Kenieroa, Chief Mike Haroka Maekoru Surufus, Ranger Mr. Timo Kauraena, Home based working committee Vice Chair Mr. Dick Takaramu and Ranger Jimmy Maehou pose for a group photo with the signboard at Ahetaha Conservation Village.

COMMUNITIES in Aiaisi (ward 19), in East Are’Are Constituency have shown overwhelming support towards the Ahetaha Water Conservation’s recent handing over program on 29th July 2022.

The handing over program is a joined effort between AWCA and UNDP-GEF Small Grant by which AWCA is the implementor and GEF Small Grant is the donor partner to the communities of Ahetaha.

The milestone event was held last Friday where Project Coordinator Eddie Huitarau and a team of official quests visited the Ahetaha Conservation Village.

The official quests attending the event includes; Guest of Honour Meshack Ma’ukera MPA for ward 19, UNDP/GEF Small Grant Country Coordinator – Teiba Mamu, Solomon Islands Rangers President – Mr. Albert Kwatelae, Mai-Maasina Green Belt – Project officer Michael Siwainao Jnr, Wai-Hau Conservation Foundation Chairman-Max Totorea, Grantee Partner Takataka Eco-Village Conservation Secretary Zachariah Mokeoha, New version photography Director  Felix Naitoro with a lot of entertainments performed by Mae ka aniani panpipers and Ahetaha woman’ group.

The Ahetaha Water Conservation Association (AWCA) started its journey with the Global Environment Facilities (GEF) Small Grants Programme back in 2020 when it first received its Planning Grant and later, the full grant.

Community Members from Foulofo to Honoa witnesses the handing over ceremony at Ahetaha Conservation Village with feasting as art of their celebration to mark the event.

Through the financial support, the AWCA has effectively collaborated with key stakeholders and experts to implement its activities such as workshops/ training, data collection, GIS Mapping, CBRM Plans, look & learn trips, UNDP/GEF as our key stakeholders.

And a donor partner has supported the work of the AWCA over the past 18 months with the following project results and tangible achievement; Construction of Training centre, construction of two ablution blocks, construction handwash bay, landscaping the site, development of GIS mapping, establishment of 100m Coastal Zone -No-Go-No-Take Zone, construction of footpath and footbridge to the conservation village, installation of solar regulator and battery, development of Marine Ecosystem Survey and Biodiversity Report, development of Freshwater Ecosystem Survey and Biodiversity Report, development of Environment Impact Assessment Report and the facilitation of AWCA to move from step 4 to step 8 towards the PA process and steps.

Eddie Huitarau giving his speech addressing the officials and the communities at Ahetaha Conservation Village in Manawai Harbour.

This project is important not only for the Ahetaha community, but Malaita province and also Solomon Islands. Our environment is important for our livelihood and wellbeing that provides life and many other benefits for humans and wildlife.

Notably, looking after our environment and using it sustainably now and into the future is not only important but an essential prerequisite.

Hence, it is a positive step in addressing this environment and social issue that not only affects humans, but also affects and threatens our beautiful ocean and wildlife.  

In his addresses to the people during the handing over, Huitarau said the right and proper thing for us is to ensure that community get benefits from protecting their environment, and at the same time, in terms of sustainability he calls on everyone to take ownership, pride, respect and responsibility to care for the facility to serve your well-being and generations to come.  

He said only through meaningful engagement with the people the communities will see their need and discuss how they could work together to achieve them.

Community Members from Foulofo to Honoa witnesses the handing over ceremony at Ahetaha Conservation Village with feasting as part of their celebration to mark the event.

Huitarau told those who attended that being a community led initiative owned by the people is important to engage them on agendas and activities they need to engage in order to make better decisions.

The paramount importance of this occasion is first and foremost to thank the work and contributions of AWCA towards the natural resource management and consolidating livelihood support for the communities and the tribes which are facing decisions about the future of their forests and have ongoing activities in one of these areas.

Project Coordinator Eddie Huitarau received by warriors from Ahetaha on his arrival at Ahetaha seafront last week.

“Today marks the climax of our joint endeavor for the development of Ahetaha. I am confident that if we continue to work together closely, just as we have done over these past months, it will be a great success”.

Government reportedly summons Strahan over Australia TV report.

Written by
Admin
-
0
Manasseh Sogavare has refused to be interviewed by two ABC crews in recent months. (ABC News: Adilah Dolaiano)

GOVERNMENT reportedly summoned High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan to complain after the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC’s) Four Corners program aired an episode exploring how China has been rapidly building commercial and security ties with Solomon Islands.

The Pacific Capture program examined the impact of Chinese state-owned companies in Solomon Islands and revealed one of those businesses was negotiating to buy a forestry plantation on the island of Kolombangara with a deep-water port and airstrip.

But the ABC reported yesterday the story angered some senior government figures in Solomon Islands.

It said Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has struck an increasingly hostile tone towards media outlets in the wake of the furore which was sparked by his government’s decision to sign a security pact with China.

It quoted a government source saying Sogavare and senior officials were “furious” about the program and saw it as part of a deliberate and concerted effort by Australian media organisations to undermine the government and damage ties between Honiara and Beijing.

“The ABC has been told that High Commissioner Strahan was called into the Foreign Affairs Ministry over the episode, and that officials warned him negative media coverage by Australian outlets could damage ties between the two countries,” ABC reported.

It’s not clear what Dr Strahan said in response, or exactly what Solomon Islands government hoped to achieve by making the complaint.

The ABC has editorial independence, which means federal government ministers and senior officials cannot control what the national broadcaster puts to air.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson declined to discuss the meeting in detail, saying that it “does not comment on conversations with foreign governments”.

But ABC says the episode is another illustration of the way that Mr Sogavare’s government is becoming increasingly sensitive to criticism.

“The flare-up over the Four Corners story comes as reporters in Solomon Islands warn that the Sogavare government is trying to stifle press freedom in the country.

“The government has moved to replace the board of the publicly funded broadcaster SIBC and has stripped it of its status as a state-owned enterprise, accusing the organisation of stoking disunity.

“But it insists the broadcaster will remain independent and that the government will not try to control what it puts to air.

“Overseas journalists have also traditionally operated quite freely in Solomon Islands.

“Australians are currently granted a visa on arrival in Solomon Islands, and Australian journalists have been able to travel there to report ever since COVID border restrictions were eased earlier this year.

“But Mr Sogavare refused interviews with two ABC crews who travelled to Solomon Islands in recent months, including the Four Corners team.

“He has also repeatedly lashed both local and international media outlets, accusing them of undermining national unity and distorting the truth,” the ABC report says.

“The ABC has been told that Solomon Islands may now seek to introduce new restrictions on overseas journalists, potentially making it more difficult for reporters who have aired stories critical of the government to enter the country.

“Mr Sogavare’s government has also been exploring the idea of setting up a new state-run newspaper, although it’s not clear how far advanced this plan is.

“But the prospect has still fuelled unease and concern among Solomon Islands media outlets, which often rely quite heavily on government advertising for revenue.

“If the government ran those advertisements in its own newspaper instead it could deliver a heavy blow to the finances of existing media organisations.”

Senior Solomon Islands journalist and MASI president Georgina Kekea told the ABC that rumours about a government-run newspaper had been circulating since last year.

“We have had comments from [the government] saying that papers refuse to run press releases and most times their stories are in the middle pages. But what do they expect?! People read the paper front to back, I don’t see what the fuss is.”

She also said that the government may struggle to recruit the people it needed to establish and run a new publication.

“It’s hard work to start a newspaper. You need skilled people doing that job, particularly when you talk about graphics and layout and design,” she said.

One Australian government source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the ABC that the space for media freedom in Solomon Islands looked to be “narrowing” and that Australian officials were watching developments very closely.

Separately, a DFAT spokesperson responded to questions about the developments with a broader statement about the importance of a free press.

“Australia’s view is long-standing and consistent – free and independent media is vital to building strong communities and ensuring democratic accountability worldwide,” they said.

“Australia supports a diverse, independent and professional Pacific media sector.”

Wale decries PM Sogavare summoning of Australia envoy

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has condemned Prime Minister Sogavare’s decision to summon the Australian High Commissioner over an ABC media report.

Mr Wale describes PM Manasseh Sogavare as ‘a person with extreme paranoia’.

Wale made this statement following reports that the Prime Minister had instructed government officials to summon the Australian High Commission Office over a Four Corners programme aired on ABC TV recently.

The Opposition Leader said it is an international embarrassment and a laughing stock to think that he (Prime Minister) can control ABC’s editorial independence.

“Let me remind the Prime Minister and his advisors that ABC has its own editorial independence, and even federal government ministers and senior officials do not have control over ABC. So it is totally pointless to summon the high commissioner or any of his staff over the matter,” he said.

Wale said Sogavare’s recent advice to summon the Australian high commission only depicts the betrayal of his paranoia, pettiness and his increasing disregard for media freedom, a fundamental principle in democracy.

The Opposition Leader said he is aware that the Prime Minister had snubbed interviews with international news agencies that have visited the country in recent weeks.

“It is totally pointless to summon people when international media have travelled to your doorstep and requested interviews with you, but you declined. The best you could have done is face the media and tell your side of the story and not to cry over spilt milk. Why is the Prime Minister afraid to face the media?” he questioned.

Wale said Prime Minister Sogavare’s failed attempt to ban facebook, his decision to control SIBC and his plan to control media in the country clearly depicts a person with paranoia.

“This is the same Prime Minister that is a mockery to himself in Parliament saying that he will defend democracy with his life. This is hypocrisy at its best,” Wale said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Government still in talks on health scheme for MPs

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government is still in discussions on whether to pull the plug on the Health Care Medical Scheme for members of Parliament, wives and dependent children under Parliament or Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

This is because the budget comes under the Public Entitlement Commission (PEC) in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

PEC had signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Mustard Seed International April 1, 2020 to provide comprehensive medical support to all 50 MPs and dependents.

However, some members of the Opposition Group have raised concerned over the administration and operation of the scheme by Mustard Seed.

Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, Douglas Ete told officials of OPMC during the enquiry of the 2022 Supplementary Bill 2022 in Parliament last week that Clerk to Parliament has written to Mustard Seed on number of occasions to pay one sick member of Opposition, but it is unable to pay.

Ete said figure runs from $200,000 for medicine.

He decides to leave the issue to the Parliamentary House Committee to deal with it.

However, Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers said discussion being looked at whether all support of MPs not located at national parliament.

However, Rodgers said the issue they need to look at is efficiency and effectiveness and speed within which because Health is a big ministry.

“If it sits there is okay, unless they have dedicated personnel, you could go into delays.

“Say for instance the whole area sits in National Parliament because it is for Parliamentarians, it must actually be a better spot,” he said.

Rodgers said it is very simple they can train one or two people on policies and procedures to operate out of here like a self-insurance or reinsurance.

“We have to look at the legal mechanisms.

“But when that is done, I am fairly confident then that can work better,” he said.

Rodgers said they will keep you inform of that process.

He said if that is done, they will need to provide a bill in November siting of Parliament for the mechanism.

So far under the scheme, two Members of Parliament, late Titus Fika and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Bartholomew Parapolo and Speaker of Parliament, Patterson Oti were supported under it.

Rodgers said from his understanding Mustard Seed is not an insurer but a health care provider.

He said but the fact Government paid premium put it close to an insurer.

In the meantime, Transparency Solomon International has also questioned the scheme and urged the Opposition and Independent group to initiate an investigation on it because tax payers’ money is injected into it.

1,667 international arrivals

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Honiara International Airport

The National Statistics Office has recorded a total of 1,667 international arrivals in the second quarter of this year.

The latest International Arrivals bulletin was released on Friday last week.

Government Statistician Douglas Kimi confirmed there was a total of 1,667 in the second quarter, an increase of 59.7 percent compared to the previous quarter.

“’This is an increase of 59.7 percent compared to the previous quarter. But compared to the same quarter a year ago, this is an increase of 124.7 percent.”

Returning residents made up 76.6% of arrivals for the second quarter of 2022.

This was followed by Visitors with 21.6% of arrivals and the remaining 1.8% were Intending residents.

“Visitor arrivals for the second quarter increased by 30.9% to 360 visitors, compared to the first quarter 2022 figure of 275 visitors.

“There was also an increase of 103.4% in visitor arrivals compared to the same quarter in 2021.”

Arrivals by country of residence for the second quarter 2022 showed that Australia (45.8%) recorded the largest group of visitors amongst other country visitors to the Solomon Islands.

Mr Kimi said although there was 165 Australian in the second quarter 2022, this reflected a decrease of 6.3% compared to the first quarter of 2022 figure of 176.

The next largest group of visitors were from Other Asia (13.9%) followed by Japan (13.1%), China (10.8%), United States of America (6.9%), Other Country (3.3%), New Zealand (3.1%), Fiji (1.7%), Other Pacific and Other Europe recording 0.6% respectively and PNG (0.3%).

Meanwhile, visitor arrivals by month showed that April recorded the highest number of arrivals in the second quarter of 2022 with 166 visitors.

This was followed by month of May with a total of 99 visitors and June the least, with 95 visitors.

A significant decline in international arrivals was recorded since restrictions were imposed on International flights by the Solomon Islands Government towards the end of March 2020, as part of the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) response towards preventing Solomon Island residents and citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SOPE has now been lifted and from July 1, 2022, international flights have slowly resumed.

Men deny instigating November riot

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Police officers tirelessly working to bring the riots under control. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THREE men accused of being instigators of last year’s November riots have pleaded not guilty to 10 charges against them.

Simon Mannie, John Kwaita and Knoxly Atu, after they entered not guilty pleas, had their case adjourned for the next 14 days for a pre-trial hearing on the matter.

The trio are facing charges of managing unlawful society, one count of sedition, two counts of unlawful assembly and seven count of arson.

Prosecution alleged that between August 1 and November 26, 2021 the trio managed an unlawful society namely Malaita 4 Democracy (M4D), and they are planning to protest against the Prime Minister.

Prosecution said the accused men are leaders and active members of Malaita for Democracy (M4D) and represent Honiara-based Malaitans, and were involved in unlawful planning of unauthorised public assembly that led to the November riot in Honiara.

Prosecution alleged what they planned and instigated has been executed in which the public procession had occurred that resulted in arson, and destruction of business buildings, looting of shops and burning of Kukum Traffic Centre and damage to Naha Police Station.

Public Prosecutor Nickson Tonowane is appearing for the crown on the case.

1...735736737...1,727Page 736 of 1,727