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Australia to build six provincial markets

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The bustling Gizo Market. PHOTO: SIIP

Australia’s flagship Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) has agreed to fast track redevelopment of six markets across Malaita, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Isabel and Western Province, improve provincial ports and launch a new SIIP website.

SIIP is in its first phase of implementation. Work on the markets project is expected to commence by December 2022.

These priorities were set at SIIP’s second joint Steering Committee meeting, co-chaired by Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers and Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan.

Given the volume of high-profile and urgent work coming down the SIIP pipeline, the Committee agreed to increase its meetings from every six months to quarterly.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Rodgers emphasised that SIIP’s SBD1.5 billion infrastructure program is crucial for realising the economic potential of Solomon Islands.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Rodgers and Australian High Commissioner Dr Strahan co-chairing the meeting.jpg

“SIIP will work with our local industries to build capacity, ensure appropriate designs and create employment while delivering national infrastructure such as markets which drive economic growth.”

Australian High Commissioner Dr Strahan said social issues and economic growth were interdependent, and SIIP would drive local engagement and locally-led construction activities wherever possible.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brings into sharp focus the importance of sustainable economic growth and has highlighted the need to create meaningful economic opportunities, both in Honiara and the provinces, for everyone, including young people, women, and marginalised groups,” said High Commissioner Strahan. 

“For many, this means connecting gardens to markets to create family income.

Members of the joint steering committee at the meeting.JPG

“The new markets in Buala (Isabel), Malu’u (Malaita) and Seghe (Western province) will ensure people have economic opportunities that are accessible and inclusive.

“This will ensure the continued generation of much needed daily income, which Australia, through SIIP, is proud to facilitate,” he said.

While based on the Gizo market, the design of the additional markets will be adjusted to improve functionality and coverage of commodities such as fish. 

The locations of the markets in Honiara (one) and Guadalcanal (two) will be determined shortly. 

The SIIP Hub briefed the Steering Committee, which includes the Permanent Secretaries of the

Ministries of National Planning and Development Coordination, Susan Sulu, and Finance and Treasury, Mckinnie Dentana, on SIIP’s wide range of upcoming infrastructure activities, including by helping to realise Bina Harbour in Malaita through a water and sanitation feasibility study and undertaking an assessment to improve and expand Noro Port. 

The Steering Committee also noted the progress made on the New Zealand led project to upgrade the Taro and Seghe runways and the Australian led design for the Naha Birthing Centre and Urban Clinic. 

An ariel view of Gizo Markets

Dr Strahan complimented the program team for remaining flexible, adaptable and accessible to the changing economic circumstances of Solomon Islands. 

“Despite recent challenges of civil unrest and COVID, SIIP has laid the groundwork for an ambitious ten-year program of construction and strengthening the private sector.”

Dr Strahan said SIIP complements a range of other Australia-Solomon Islands development partnerships, including the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the Australia Awards program, the Australian Pacific Training Coalition and Strongim Bisnis. 

“As Australia’s flagship investment in Solomon Islands for promoting national connectivity and building climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, SIIP will work with these other programs to deliver SIIP’s key point of difference to traditional infrastructure projects – a long term focus on inclusive infrastructure, capacity building, inclusion of lifecycle asset planning and local opportunities for employment and business,” said Dr Strahan.

SIIP will continue working closely with a range of partners, including the local business sector, to progress the initiatives approved by the Steering Committee.

Funded by the Australian Government, SIIP is a SBD1.5 billion partnership launched last year between Australia and Solomon Islands to enhance Solomon Islands economic growth by supporting government and industry to plan, deliver and manage economic infrastructure.

Australia’s Pacific head visits here

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(L to R) Head of the Office of the Pacific Ewen McDonald, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan

Australia’s Head of the Pacific in Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has visited the Solomon Islands to reaffirm the two countries’ ongoing partnership.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomed the Head of the Office of the Pacific in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ewen McDonald, back to Honiara, 1-3 March 2022 to discuss the ongoing strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, including in responding to covid-19.  

 “I thank Australia for its continuous support to help Solomon Islands address COVID-19, and in responding so quickly to restore law, order and security following the November 2021 civil unrest,” Sogavare said.

“During our talks, we discussed how Australia can continue to best deliver assistance during this challenging time, including through the ongoing support of Australia through the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF),” he added.

Highlighting just one example of the close partnership with Australia, Sogavare said the Australian Pacific Labour Mobility Schemes provide a valuable opportunity for Solomon Island people to earn an income and learn new skills, including in agriculture, which they can apply when they return home”.

McDonald thanked Sogavare for his warm welcome. He extended Australia’s condolences to all those families in Solomon Islands who have lost loved ones during the covid-19 outbreak.

 “Australia has a strong commitment to the Pacific Family.  Australia and Solomon Islands are not just neighbours, but family who stick together and support each other,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare expressed his sympathy and support to the people of Australia in the face of widespread flooding along the east coast of Australia.

During their meeting, McDonald outlined Australia’s position on Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

Subsequently, both Australia and Solomon Islands voted for a United Nation’s General Assembly resolution deploring Russia’s invasion and calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

In voting for the resolution, Solomon Islands highlighted its grave concern about the invasion and called for dialogue to reach a peaceful diplomatic solution.

McDonald also met with the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma, to discuss the challenging economic and financial situation facing Solomon Islands as a result of the November 2021 civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He attended a roundtable with Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary Police, National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale, Permanent Secretary Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana, and Permanent Secretary National Planning and Development Coordination Susan Sulu.

The roundtable canvassed ongoing cooperation in the areas of policing and national security, health, education, finance and infrastructure.

McDonald subsequently attended a roundtable with development partners convened by PS Dentana, and attended by representatives of New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the ADB, the World Bank and UNDP.

McDonald also visited the National Medical Store to view part of the national COVID-19 response in action.

He underlined Australia’s strong commitment to continue supporting Solomon Islands to combat the virus, including via the provision of medical supplies and the deployment of medical experts such as two experts from the Doherty Institute in Melbourne who are currently working at the molecular laboratory at the National Referral Hospital.

At the invitation of SPM Rodgers, in his capacity as Chair of the 2023 Pacific Games Organising Committee, McDonald toured several of the venues for the Games, including the futsal hall.

He was delighted to meet numerous Australians involved in preparations for the games, as employees or volunteers, as well as Australian Award Alumni who are working on the construction projects.

The Australian delegation abided by all COVID-19 protocols agreed with the Solomon Islands Government, including pre-departure and daily COVID-19 testing, mask wearing and strict social distancing.

–AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

Patient care discussed at NRH

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Health Minister and team talks to a mother admitted at the NRH Golden Ward during local community transmission.

MINISTER of Health and Medical Services and senior officials visited the National Referral Hospital to discuss over care for COVID-19 patients.

 Minister Dr Culwick Togamana, Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and officials from the Ministry of Health together with Senior Management of the National Referral Hospital, yesterday held an Onsite discussion around NRH COVID-19 response and COVID-19 patient care at the NRH Golden Ward.

The Golden Ward, previously the Orthopaedic Ward, was swiftly repurposed for management of critical and severe COVID-19 patients following the outbreak in January 2022.

NRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Malefoasi, Medical Superintendent Dr Janella Solomon including senior NRH staff, Father Selwyn Hou the Director of Nursing and Dr Jones Ghabu, Head of Internal Medicine briefed the minister and team on the various aspects of the hospital’s response to COVID-19.

These include, response efforts at the initial days and weeks following the outbreak, implementation of recommendations by the Australia Medical Assistant team, treatment of COVID-19 positives with underlying health conditions, COVID medical supplies and consumables, human resources etc.

Minister Dr Togamana thanked the hospital management, clinicians, the doctors and nurses, including corporate service staff for their invaluable sacrifices, tireless efforts, hard work, courage and bravery in the management of COVID-19 patients and overall efforts to restore the hospital back to normalcy.

‘Truly it is not an easy task and I stand in great salutation to you all for your hard work, dedication and commitment to saving lives and preserving the health of our people at this difficult time,” Togamana said.

“Many of the issues raised from the need of more supplies for COVID-19 patient care to additional man power and expertise to support the various phases of managing COVID-19 patient and those with underlying health conditions are well noted and immediate actions will be undertaken to ensure these are addressed,” he added.

The health Minister and team also had the opportunity to briefly interact with COVID-19 patient under strict and top-level Infection, Prevention and Control measures.

“Having such an opportunity to talk to COVID-19 patients is crucial to ensure that when we continue to discuss issues and find solutions to our current COVID situation, we can put a face and name to these discussions and this will bring a whole new perspective and right emotions to these discussions,” explained Dr Togamana.

He encouraged the NRH medical team to share their knowledge and skills in management of COVID- patient care to counter parts out in the provinces as the ministry is working hard to equip provincial hospitals, area health centres and rural clinics with COVID-19 supplies.

Similar visits and onsite discussions to other hospitals, clinics across the country are being scheduled for the coming weeks.

Local family of 8 gets Canadian PR

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L to R: Mary Thomas, Mike Thomas, Julieth Thomas, Lesley Thomas, Japhet Thomas, Nickson Thomas, Dennis Thomas, Felix Thomas. Julieth holds the confirmation of the Permanent Residence document. The family of 8 became permanent residents last week. Photo: Mike Thomas

IN a milestone achievement, for the first in the history of Solomon Islands Eight Solomon Islands nationals in Canada have been successfully granted Canadian Permanent Residency.

The eight new Permanent Residents, who are presently in Canada, will call Canada their new permanent home. 

Mike Thomas and his family of seven received their confirmation of Permanent Resident Document late last week from Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada [ IRCC], Canada’s ministry responsible for Citizenship and Immigration.

The document from the Government of Canada’s Immigration division confirms that 8 Solomon Islands nationals are now admitted into Canada as Permanent Residence.

All the 8 nationals have received their official document from the Canadian government known as Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

The recipients are Mike Thomas’ spouse Mary Thomas and children which include Julieth Thomas, Lesley Thomas, Japhet Thomas, Nickson Thomas, Dennis Thomas and  Felix Thomas.

Thomas who hails from Adeade Village in East Central Guadalcanal said that when he communicated the news to his friends and family in his village there were cheers.

“I am excited and there is this joy of celebration among all of the family members who are here with me.

“This becomes our new home. Canada. But Solomon Islands will always be in our heart. It remains our motherland,” Thomas said from Canada.

He said that this is a great achievement not only for him but also for the people of the Solomon Islands.

“The fact that 8 of us here in Canada received our confirmation of permanent residence all at one time is a huge achievement.

“It’s not easy but this was all made possible through hard work, trust, and dedication and continuous support I have received throughout the process,” Thomas said.

“All glory to God who has been with me from the day I was determined to come to Canada. And today here I am in a country where opportunity is limitless.

Mr. Thomas said that he holds devotion prayers every evening.

“When I completed my devotion prayer last week, soon after I saw an email from the Government of Canada.

“I opened it and it says that our application has been approved for PR. I was shocked and excited at the same time.

“This is a big one for me and my family.

“I am so grateful to CITREC for the opportunity it has provided. It would not be possible if I had not got the support.

“That was the steppingstone for my journey to Canada. This is a long-awaited dream come true.”

Thomas also thanked the former Premier of Guadalcanal and present Central Government Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke for his strong vision and commitment to the people of Guadalcanal that saw the program being offered to Guadalcanal people.

“Veke is a visionary leader. His decision is proving results for the people of Guadalcanal,” Thomas said.

“If it was not for Veke’s vision  I and my family would not have had the opportunity and our journey to Canada would not have been possible.

“If you have the will and vision God will help you. He will guide you on every step of life. He will help your dreams come true.”

He also thanked Solomon Islands Consular General to Canada Ashwant Dwivedi for his continued support to him and his family.

“My family becomes the first one from the village to ever receive permanent residence for any country.

“My people in the village, church leaders are all very happy for my and my families’ achievements. Thank you so much Canada for making our dream come true.

“Sky is the limit for my family. My kids are all looking forward to continuing their education and training.

“Two members of my family want to go into trade like electrician and plumbers.

“With the permanent residence they can go to trades university to get their education and in Canada the government makes available student loans and support.

“So, we look forward to that,” Thomas said.

Dwivedi confirmed that eight Solomon Islands nationals have had their status changed from temporary status to Permanent Residence confirming he has received official confirmation.

“I can confirm that 8 of Solomon Islands nationals in Canada are now Canadian Permanent Residents,” Dwivedi said.

Last year alone Canada had granted in total 6 persons of two separate families Permanent Residencies.

They were all in Canada under the temporary seasonal worker program. In previous years additional individuals have been granted permanent residence status in Canada as well.

Last year during the United Nations General Assembly Address [ UNGA] Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manesseh Sogavare had acknowledged the positive impact of Canada’s labour mobility partnership with the people and government of Solomon Islands.

On social media posts Minister Veke had congratulated Thomas and family for their achievement in receiving the Permanent Residency.

“Congratulations. Thank you for your continuous support Honorary Consul,” Minister Veke said.

MP Peter Kenilorea Jnr also congratulated the recipients on the social media post.

“Excellency. A wonderful achievement which strengthens Solomon Islands/ Canada relations. Thank you, Government of Canada,” Kenilorea said.

Covid threat forces WPDOC to maintain measures

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Ben Bilua
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Gizo market

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WHILE Honiara is relaxing covid-19 measures, Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committed is keeping continuing with theirs due to the increasing number of cases.

Chairperson of WPDOC, Jeffrey Wickham gave a strong advice urging the Western province populace to respect and follow covid-19 protocols since cases are now reported in communities.

“You will probably note that Honiara has relaxed some of its measures to allow public to have some normalcy.

“Please be advised that Western Province will not relax any of its measures or protocols.

“Western Province has recently seen a spread of virus to communities we did not anticipate.

“This is a result of people moving around without masks in villages, travelling to hotspots without any due regard to personal safety,” he said.

Wickham said the spread of covid-19 to communities are due to few individuals who chose to breach covid-19 measures.

“I want to reiterate my previous statement that the virus move when people move. You are responsible to protect your community and family. When you move and contract the virus, you carry it back to your village and every innocent ones suffer,” he said.

Wickham said his committee will meet anytime this week to discuss best measures that are relevant for Western Province.

Western inter-island travel still suspended: Wickham

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Inter Island travelling still suspended in Western Province

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CHAIRPERSON of Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee has advised the travelling public in Western Province that inter-island travel is still prohibited.

Jeffrey Wickham made the call following ongoing reports that people are still travelling to and from COVID hotspots in the province.

“We have yet to lift the ban on inter island transport so do not travel to Gizo or Noro as well as other COVID-19 hotspots.

“This message goes also to all motor boat transporters in the West.

“The reason why we have an inrease in COVID-19 transmission is because people travel too much and dont look after themselves.

“We will soon enforce stronger measure if the attitude is not change,” he said.

Chairperson of Noro COVID-19 Oversight Committee, Robert Hickie shares similar sentiment saying that Munda Oversight Committee and leaders are concerned that higher percentage of community members are still unvacinated.

He said bus service from Munda to Noro is still suspended.

“As measures to control any large movements of people from one place to another, the services to reach Munda is temporary suspended until further notice,” Hickie said.

He said taxi services who have met all requirements have resumed normal services as of yesterday.

Hickie urges Taxi base and owners to make sure all COVID-19 requirements are satisfied.

“We will monitor your fleet throughout this week to ensure measures are comply with at all times,” he added.

Retired police officer faces ruling

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Augustine Aulanga will deliver his judgment on March 15 on the case of a retired police officer.

Yesterday prosecution and defence lawyers made their closing submission and the presiding magistrate adjourned the case to March 15 for judgment.

The former officer is facing one count of indecent act in relation to an incident in 2018 at Lata Temotu province and one count of traffic related offence.

This is the case of Lily Dagi whom the prosecution alleged that on October 12 2018 at Luesalemba School during the school Graduation ceremony, indecently assaulted a man while the victim was asleep.

The allegation said the accused was drinking alcohol with the complainant and others on that said date and later that day between 7pm – 8pm, the victim was too drunk and was lying on his back facing up at one of his wantoks.

The accused upon seeing the complainant falling asleep, got up, moved to where the complainant was lying lifted her skirt and sat down ontop of the complainant’s private part and gyrated her buttock. While doing the act, she was then approached by someone and they pulled her out from the complainant.

Helen Naqu of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution’s office appears for the crown and Stanley Aupai of the Public Solicitor’s office represents the accused in court.

School results ready today

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The much-anticipated 2021 examination Results for Year 9,11&12 will be ready by today, the Ministry of Education says.

Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie said Minister Lanelle Tanagada will sign the release of the results today and these will be made available to the public on  MEHRD website.

He said there have been outstanding activities that needed to be done such as conducting final integrity and validation checks, selection, and placement before the Minister signs off the results.

“Also the COVID-19 community transmission has impacted on the quick release of the results,” Rodie said.

“The concession to MEHRD and NEAD is that the opening of schools has been delayed indefinitely due to Covid-19 community transmission situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, PS Rodie noted that the offer letters for the 2022 scholarships will be issued to the successful candidates shortly. 

“Dates for issuing of scholarship offer letters will be announced by the CEO Solomon Islands

Tertiary Education Skills Authority (SITESA).

“The SITESA/NSD will prepare for the 2023 scholarships before April in order to advertise the awards,” he added. Meanwhile, Form 6 results are being published in this paper today

MP Vokia and husband face election bribery charges

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE have charged the MP for North East Guadalcanal Constituency Ethel Vokia and her husband Jamie Vokia with election bribery charges.

This was in relation to the 2019 national election.

The couple has been released on bail to appear in the Honiara Magistrate Court on 21 March 2022.

Charges are:

  1. Election Bribery: contrary to Section 126 (1) (a) and (b) (ii) of the Elector Act 2018
  2. Conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with witness: contrary to Section 116(b) of the panel code 9Cap26) to be read with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code (cap 26)

Acting Director NCID Superintendent Michael Bole says police will locate and interview three other co-accused in relation to this matter in the coming days.

“I would like to thank the investigators for a well-done job during the investigation,” Bole said.

Jamie Vokia won the 2019 polls but lost the seat in February 2020 following an election petition lodged in the High Court by his runner up Dr Derek Sikua.

Justice Emmanuel Kouhota found Jamie guilty of three counts of bribery.

After losing the seat, Jamie fielded his wife Ethel in the by-election held in November 2020.

Ethel went on to claim the seat.

Businesses say no to extending life of parliament

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Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

Many business houses who are members of Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry have opposed Government’s move to extend Parliament from 4 to 5 years.

It was reported Cabinet had agreed to extend this Parliament until 2024 due to Pacific Games in Honiara next year which would clash with the National General Elections.

In a survey conducted online with 61 members of SICCI between January 13 and February 15, it shows that 73% of participants strongly disagree with the current proposed extension of parliament.

About 13% somewhat agree, 6% neither agree nor disagree, 4% strongly agree and 2% somewhat agree.

Furthermore, the report indicates that majority of participants first heard about the proposed extension of parliament through Social Media (49%) Print Media (23%), Word of mouth (19%), Radio (4%) and other (4%).

In addition, 37% of participants describe the level of impact the proposed extension will have on business as somewhat negative.

About 32% described it as neither positive nor negative, 23% said will have extremely negative impacts while 4% said it would have somewhat positive impact and 2% extremely positive.

Moreover, the survey shows a high number of participants (45%) indicated that there is insufficient information and resources to justify an extension of the parliament.

It indicates that majority definitely does not have sufficient information and resource for justification of extension of parliament.

About 13% said probably not, 9% say they might or might not have enough information while 2% stated probably yes.

Further to that, it indicates that 83% of participants have not consulted with MP or local representative regarding the proposed extension of the life of parliament, while 17% have consulted

The survey states that:

  1. This is a significant constitutional amendment to make. As such Parliament need to either take this to the election or do a referendum so people can decide.
  2. Extended life of parliament will not lead to more effective government but likely the opposite where parliamentary incumbents will be less accountable as have more time to rout the system without being accountable at a ballot box.
  3. The pandemic threat does not justify delaying the democratic process. People will lose faith in democracy and chance for more social unrest It will create more instability to the already fragile political situation
  4. There is great need for Electoral Reform before such can be justified.
  5. There is absolutely no compelling reason/s for the proposed extension. There is no justifiable reason for the proposed extension. The government could easily organize the elections to occur in June or earlier in2023 and have a government set up well in time for the games.
  6. Government should specifically inform the public the merits of extension of parliament from 4 years to 5 years.
  7. The extension of power will generate ineffectiveness of the Cabinet and Ministers Extending the life of parliament and changing the constitution is not morally and financially justifiable for a 2 weeks regional sports event! An additional risk for this is the high chance of social unrest if some people see this as a power grab. SIG needs to clarify and explain to the people why it is being extended.

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is the peak representative organization for the private sector in Solomon Islands.

SICCI currently has over 170 members as well asa number of affiliations to other national private sector organizations, covering approximately 80 percentof the Solomon Islands private sector workforce. Sixty (70) percent of the SICCI membership is made up of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) employing less than 20 employees.

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