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Aviation minister says nothing sinister about signed agreement

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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THE Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications, Peter Shanel

By EDDIE OSIFELO

AVIATION minister Peter Shanel has defended a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) he signed with Chinese state-owned company AVIC Commercial Aircraft in 2019.

Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) run a story on the issue last week after a copy of the MOU was leaked to them.

Under the MO, AVIC, one of China’s largest defence and aerospace companies, promised to upgrade almost three dozen airstrips in Solomon Islands as part of an ambitious plan to transform the country into an “aeronautical hub” for the region.

In return, the Solomon Islands said it would purchase six aircraft from AVIC Commercial Aircraft, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned defence behemoth, which has built small and medium-sized aeroplanes to be sold to developing countries.

The MOU has raised eyebrows, but Shanel told parliament yesterday it was a non-binding agreement that states what is the intention of both parties, take actions, to conduct business transactions or to form a new partnership.

He said this type of agreement like MOU can also be referred to as a letter to intent or a memorandum of agreement.

“There is nothing sinister about the MOU I signed with AVIC.

“The problem with AVIC, their strength is not in infrastructure but hub, builds aeroplanes, cabins and airstrip infrastructures,” he said.

Furthermore, Shanel said the MOU is on hold because of Covid-19.

He said the MOU does not commit Solomon Airlines but backs Government to provide service to the people of this country.

Solomon Airlines currently operates only one international aircraft — an Airbus A320 — and has not moved to buy any new planes from the Chinese firm.

It runs three smaller Twin Otter and one Dash 8 aircraft for domestic routes.

When the ABC contacted the CEO of Solomon Airlines, Brett Gebers last week, he said he was unaware of the agreement.

“I discussed this MOU with the board and, as it has not yet been presented to the board, the chairman said that he will contact the MCA [Ministry of Communication and Aviation] to find out more about it,” he told the ABC.

“I was half-heartedly invited to accompany a group of MPs to China around this time in 2019 but nothing ever came of it. There was mention of looking at aeroplanes.”

That stands in stark contrast to the sweeping vision laid out in the MOU, which declares:

“Solomon [Islands] wishes to be part of the regional airline concept where Honiara would receive direct flights from China and become a regional hub.”

“For this vision, Solomon [Islands] needs to acquire new planes, such as MA600/MA700 and Y-12 aircraft and refurbish airfields,” it says.

The MA600 is a relatively new turboprop plane which AVIC Commercial Aircraft has already sold to a number of countries, including Laos and Benin.

The MOU says the sale would “depend on the further negotiations on price and concessional terms” and would require “ultimate approval of the board of Solomon Islands and the government of Solomon Islands”.

The MOU also lays out an ambition to upgrade almost three dozen airstrips across Solomon Islands, saying the purchase of planes is “in combination and is linked to facilitating the upgrade of Solomon Islands domestic airfields in 2 phases.

For Phase 1, up to 15 airfields; for Phase 2, the remaining 20 airfields”.

But again, there is no evidence that any of this work has begun.

The MOU was one of six agreements signed by Solomon Islands and China in the aftermath of Honiara’s decision to abandon its relationship with Taiwan and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing.

Jejevo mining row case returns to court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The case against men accused of damaging properties in Jejevo village, Isabel province, over a mining row in 2021 will return to court on May 28, 2022.

Police Prosecutor Watson Akwai said the case is a part-heard trial matter which was vacated after the November riot last year.

Akwai told the court that a new trial date should be set but there should be travel arrangements made as the witnesses are all in Isabel province.

The court then adjourned the case to May 28 for mention.

The men entered not guilty pleas in the previous occasion and a trial date was set.

This is the case of Hamilton Puza and four others.

The men are each facing one count of going armed in public, 13 counts of wilful and unlawful damage and three counts of simple larceny.

Police alleged that on March 8, 2021 between 2pm and 3pm at Jejevo Village, the men entered the village and committed the offences.

About 20 men including the five accused left Furona and went to Jejevo armed with weapons such as knives, spear guns, spears, axes and rocks.

It is alleged that the men entered the village and destroyed a number of properties belonging to 13 families in Jejevo Village and stole properties of three people; the total value of properties destroyed is $350,000 while the total value of the stolen items is more than $67,000.

The five accused are represented by a private Lawyer while Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the case in court.

Minister worry about investor confidence

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration says he’s concerned about “investor confidence” after last November’s riots in Honiara.

Frederick Kologeto expressed his concerns when contributing on the motion to thank the Governor General’s speech to throne in Parliament yesterday.

Kologeto joined the Governor General in condemning the riot last year because 1000 Solomon Islanders have lost their jobs.

He said these are bread winners of their families and also provide supports to their extended families.

“Mr Speaker, not only jobs are lost but also businesses and properties.

“But Mr Speaker, what really concerns me most apart from costs to rebuild is off course the investors’ confidence and the trust and confidence for them to come and invest in the country,” he said.

Kologeto reemphasised the call of the Governor General to all youths in the country to refrain from unwanted activities and to love this country.

“Where is a patriotism? No more Mr Speaker.

“We seem to be regionalised ourselves. I’m from Temotu, Renell and West. We should look at ourselves as Solomon Islanders and love our country,” he said.

As part of rebuilding, Kologeto said the ministry has allocated some funds to local businesses owners affected by the riot.

Parliament meeting resumes at 9.30am today.

Western provincial election awaits minister’s approval

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Provincial Assembly Hon Speaker Adrian Sinabule Gina

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

SPEAKER of Western Province says the date for the Western provincial elections is yet to be approved by Minister of Provincial Government.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo office, Adrian S Gina said electoral commission through the Boundary Commission is reviewing the date and timeframe of the election.

He explained that recommendations from Boundary Commission will then be submitted to the cabinet for review before the minister of provincial government can make the announcement.

“According to Western Province’s Standing Order, the provincial assembly is to be dissolved on 13 June when the term of four years lap – meaning announcement of new election date should be announced prior and before 13 June.

“Another thing we should understand is that the announcement made by Electoral Commission points beyond June 13 and this is why the review of election date is carried out,” Mr Gina said.

He said a new gazette order will be made to legalise the time frame and actual date of election.

Gina adds that the Minister of Provincial government will propose a bill to the parliament for the gazette order to be endorsed.

He stressed that all these procedures are required to satisfy legal processes as stipulated under the provincial government act and the electoral act.

Gina said he is working closely with the electoral commission and ministry of provincial government and will inform the Western populace. 

“I’ve consulted Electoral Commission and from our conversation, election is expecting to take place either in July or early August this year.

“Again, this is an information that I’ve got from Electoral Commission – meaning I might be wrong as it depend very much on the review process,” he added.

Gina said Western Provincial Government has already formulated budget allocation for the election.

He stressed that the assembly will meet before it dissolves.

PM rejects ‘personal security deal’ claims

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Press Release
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has rejected claims by the Opposition Leader Mathew Wale that suggests the Solomon Islands-China Security Cooperation is a personal deal to protect the Prime Minister.

Wale’s claims were further propagated by anti-government offshoots including the local and international media, which, the Prime Minister described as “distasteful and ridiculous” at best.

But Sogavare said in Parliament Thursday last week that the ongoing scheme by the Opposition Leader and his cohorts have not been truthful and instead they have been feeding misinformation to our people.

The Prime Minister said the Security Agreement is not a private arrangement but a bilateral treaty between two sovereign states – Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China.

Sogavare said a lot has been said on the decision by a democratically elected Government, empowered by the Constitution of Solomon Islands to enter into security arrangements with partners of choice.

Quite interestingly, only the security arrangement between the People’s Republic of China and Solomon Islands is of concern to certain persons.

Solomon Islands also have a security arrangement with Australia that was signed in 2017 without consultation with the public. This was also not a private agreement but it is an agreement between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Both agreements with Australia and China were endorsed by Cabinet and executed in accordance with the country’s national security objectives to maintain internal peace and stability.

Sogavare said the Opposition Leader knows that the processes that the Government has employed and continues to employ complies with the system of representative democracy, yet he fails to make that acknowledgement because he refuses to accept that it is this representative democracy that places him as the leader of Opposition.

“I fail to see the logic in the Leader’s arguments in light of the foundations of our democracy and system of government articulated in the Constitution,” Sogavare said.

“If the Leader wants to change that, he should start lobbying to have that system changed,” he added.

Sogavare said the only way that system can be changed is to amend the Constitution and the Opposition Leader knows this, yet he stands and cries that the Government did not properly conduct itself when he himself knows that the Government is complying with what the Constitution of Solomon Islands provides for.

–GCU PRESS

Church worker sacked for refusing COVID-19 orders

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Admin
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A small group of Saint Barnabas Cathedral church in Honiara has expressed disappointment on the removal of Catechist Michael Saru after he refused to comply with Covid-19 protocols.

Saru, who served the church for nine years, was believed to be the first church worker to have been terminated in the Anglican Church of Melanesia for refusing to comply with COVID measures.

This was after the Dean of St Barnabas Cathedral Philip Rongotha reminded the clergy, assistants and staff to follow the Covid 19 protocols namely:

  1. Masks is mandatory when participating in church worship
  2. Social distancing of 2m or 4sqm per person is to be maintained at all times
  3. That those who are directly responsible for coming in contact with people (i.e., clergy, lay assists, catechist and church workers) and particularly under ACOM payroll and care should be fully vaccinated before performing their duties.

Rongotha stated in a letter on 24 March 2022 the measures have also been fully accepted and endorsed during the Council of Bishops in 2021 and have been relayed to the Deans office by the Archbishop in a letter dated 1st March 2022 that all ACOM parishes implement the measures as required.

Spokesperson for the group said they are not satisfied with his termination.

“Saru does not want to take jab because he knows his condition.

“Also, the church has a cannon. What rule in the cannon Saru breached to warrant his termination?” the spokesperson said.

“You cannot mix church with government because it is self-governed.

“Government submits under church and has no power to revoke anything church has,” spokesperson said.

However, Eric Philip Notere of Cathedral Parish said he met with Saru on Wednesday 13th April 2022 to hear and listen direct from him.

“The management believed that you had spent enough time now reading it and had now made up your final decision on the issues,” he said.

Notere said as senior employee of the St Barnabas Cathedral and as discussed with you, you should honorably do two things, either;

  1. Listen and follow what the ACOM and the Dean’s order; or
  2. You should resign from your duties as a Catechist because you are not able to follow what the church orders.

He said the management of the Cathedral has been asked to enforce the Deans letter dated last paragraph and I quote; “It is unfortunate and under orders from PHQ, ACOM that failure to provide a justified response to the above may inflict consequences to your role, benefit and ultimately employment at St Barnabas Cathedral.”

Notere told Saru the Cathedral sees this as “disobedience and your employment has been reviewed”.

Work on water treatment plant to start June

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0
The Water source at Kongulai

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WATER turbidity and shut-downs from the Kongulai source will become a thing of the past when work on a $130 million water treatment plant designed to address the issue is completed next year.

Solomon Water yesterday announced India-based firm REAN PCS Joint Venture has been awarded the contract to build the plant.

“This will be the largest and most complex project ever built by Solomon Water and we are thrilled to finally award a contract for it,” Solomon Water CEO Ian Gooden said.

“When completed, the project will significantly improve the continuity and quality of our water supply to Honiara residents and businesses without interruption,” he added.

Gooden said Solomon Water received five bids for the project.

“Construction should start around June and will run for 14 months and then the contractor will operate and maintain the plant for a further 12 months,” the CEO explains.

Rean Watertech, Solomon Water says, is a water company specialising in delivering water and wastewater projects.  

P.C. Snehal Construction Pvt. Ltd is an engineering and infrastructure company with over 40 years of experience. Both companies are based in India.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB), the joint venture will construct a water treatment plant up at Kongulai pumping station with a capacity to treat 15 megalitres (million litres) of water per day through the use of clarifiers and filtration.

Associated works include raw and treated water pump stations, pipe bridges, sludge ponds and site civil works and a new rising main up to the Tasahae reservoirs.

The joint venture will also train Solomon Water staff to operate and maintain the water treatment plant for a period of at least 12 months.

Kongulai water source supplies water to about 60 per cent of Honiara’s residents.

But because it’s an open source, when there’s heavy rain, the source becomes muddy, forcing Solomon Water with no option but to shut the source off.

This normally irks the public, attracting criticisms and unwanted commentaries against Solomon Water.

New scheme of service for government lawyers

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

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Justice and Legal Affairs is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government Lawyers Association (GLA) on their new scheme of service.

Minister Clezy Rore confirmed this when asked by Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale during the Committee Supply of the 2022 Appropriation Bill 2022 in Parliament on Wednesday.

He said there was a submission made by GLA which has been taken onboard.

“We had a meeting with officials and come to compromise and expect to sign MOU on their scheme of service.

“The only difficult part is funding, we try to get Ministry of Finance to assure us funding is there then we get to sign the MOU,” he added.

Government lawyers working at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Solicitor’s office and Law Reform Commission have pushed a new scheme of service since 2012 where they threatened to resign from their work.

In the meantime, Attorney General, John Muria Junior said there is a review for the Judges term of condition as well.

“One was done in year before.

“We are working on one now by my office and I think should be sign by Prime Minister then their new term of conditions come into force,” he added.

Further to that, Muria Junior said they are also looking into the autonomy for our national judiciary to become an independent body.

He said they also plan to look into the pensions for judges as well.

Clinic to be built for PG athletes

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE National Hosting Authority will build a clinic at Panatina to cater for the visiting contingents for the 17th Pacific Games in 2023.

The Games will be held in Honiara from 19th November to 2nd December 2023.

Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana confirmed this when asked by Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Rick Hou during the committee supply of the 2022 Appropriation Bill 2022 yesterday.

Hou expressed his concern on the state of the National Referral Hospital and space to accommodate the athletes attending the Games.

Dr Togamana said the clinic is specifically constructed, dedicated to the sporting athletes that come to address any injuries and medical needs.

He said only serious cases will go to the National Referral Hospital.

Solomon Islands is expecting to welcome over 5000 athletes and officials from 24 Pacific Island nations with over 3000 volunteers and contractors.

US dismisses assertions on SI

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink has rejected assertion that US haven’t paid much attention to Solomon Islands since they removed their embassy in 1993.

Ambassador Kritenbrink clarified this when asked by Demetri Sevastopulo from the Financial Times in Washington during a teleconference with him.

Sevastopulo said he was just curious, some foreign policy experts say that the U.S. in a sense opened the door to China on the security deal with the Solomon Islands because it didn’t have an embassy since 1993 and may not have paid enough attention to the Solomons in terms of economic and diplomatic engagement. 

“In that context, I’m curious– in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, or PNG, was there any discussion about those countries getting involved in some way in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that the Biden administration is going to unveil shortly?” 

However, Ambassador Kritenbrink said first, the United States has been and remains actively engaged across the entire Indo-Pacific region, across the Pacific Islands, and certainly within the Solomon Islands itself.

“And I can rattle off a whole range of activities from the 150,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines we’ve provided to the Solomons in the past six months, the Millennium Challenge Corporation threshold program that we have inked which is a four-year, $20 million program. 

“I can talk about the U.S. Geological Survey and USAID and their programs to help monitor the Savo Volcano,” he said.

“Certainly, we can talk about our past provision of unexploded ordnance clearance assistance and how we’ll continue to expand that, and the many other things that we’re doing.  

“So, we’re certainly engaged, and of course I should mention the five-year, $25 million SCALE program as well,” he added.

“So again, that’s just one small snapshot of some of the things that we’ve been doing in the Solomons, and I think you’re aware of our broader engagement across the region, highlighted most recently by Secretary Blinken’s stop in Fiji in February,” he said.

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