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Suidani queries presence of foreign military vessel

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Australian Patrol boat outside Auki this week. PHOTO: Celsus Irokwato Talifilu

MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani says his province have no need of any foreign forces.

He highlighted this yesterday after observing foreign military style vessel appearing at least three times within waters off the Auki Harbor.

“On three occasions the public of Auki and the surrounding communities of Malaita have been observing and wondering what the foreign military vessel have been doing in the waters off Auki,” Suidani said in a statement.

“Whoever is behind these rather threatening appearances should at least informed the people and the government of Malaita what their intentions are,” he added.

“This is because Malaita has always been peaceful and thus there is no need for any foreign military vessels to patrol our jurisdictional waters.

“If this is a case of power posturing then whoever is doing it is basically out of touch with the reality of Malaita province.”

Suidani reinforces autonomy survey pledge

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Samie Waikori
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Premier-Daniel-Suidani-meets-members-of-his-executive-upon-his-arrival-at-Auki-wharf.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

ON Monday, Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani again reinforced his government’s plan to carry out a survey seeking an autonomous government for his province.

In a public address at Auki main market, he said his government is steadfast on the proposal and are working on required necessities for the survey.

He said this is his second public address on the matter and shows his government is grim to take onboard this long-standing issue to get people’s view on it.

Suidani clarified that the survey will be carried out and people to voluntarily engage in the survey will be trained before embarking on the survey.

He said his government has proposed a training for the surveyors on 29th December 2021 to prepare them for the survey to begin on 5th January 2022.

Suidani said the survey team will conduct the survey on a village-to-village approach and discuss with people the questions on the survey form.

He said the survey questions will not merely centre on the autonomy itself, but on development and other pressing issues the province is faced with.

Suidani said after collecting data from the survey his government will then look at it to charter the way forward on this autonomy for the province.

He also explained that the province’s current pursue for self-autonomy doesn’t mean independence thereafter.

Suidani said this is the beginning of the road towards whether the province is going to adopt federal system of government or independence.

This paper also understands that the Premier of Western province, Christian Burley Mesepitu also called on the national government to fast track the federal system of government.

Premier Mesepitu made the call during Western Province Second Appointed held at Gizo provincial capital on Tuesday this week.

Tourism to introduce “green lane” for tourists

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Eddie Osifelo
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Minister for Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Tourism and Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are planning to introduce a ‘green lane’ for international tourists and tourism investors before the reopening of the border.

Tourism Minister Bartholomew Parapolo confirmed this during the Sine Die motion in Parliament last week.

Parapolo said this exercise is important for his ministry in 2022 as it will allow much needed revenue inflows for tourism businesses and the government.

He said the ‘green lane’ entry concept will also ensure to facilitate and secure investment interests and overseas investors who are keen to establish tourism operation before the border reopen.

Parapolo confirmed other countries in the world have used this ‘green lane’ where a world system has data input of those people who get their vaccination against covid-19.

In Philippines, it was reported that arriving passengers who can avail of “green lanes” no longer need to observe a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, so long as they are fully vaccinated and test negative for the coronavirus.

Kologeto updates on gov’t redirection policy projects

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Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Frederick Kologeto has updated some of the government’s project under the re-direction policy.

These include the Kirakira Cocoa Oil factory supposed to be completed this year, construction of Bonale pineapple factory this year and the Malu’u Fishery project.

Speaking during the Sine Die motion in Parliament, Kologeto said the delay of the Kirakira cocoa oil factory was due to re design.

He said the building should happen in 2022 and comes under the budget of the Government.

Furthermore, Kologeto stressed that the Bonale Pineapple project belongs to the government and not to the Provincial government.

He said the good news is the US SCALE project has told the Ministry to take on board the project, so it will progress next year.

Furthermore, Kologeto said the Ministry has also funded the Malu’u fishery project.

“We have renovated it and completed it,” he added.

According to the Government, the policy redirection aims to support the economy in response to negative impacts of COVID-19 while maintaining a continued long-term focus on developing Solomon Islands into an economically strong and vibrant nation and advance the livelihood of our people.

This will be achieved by investing heavily on the primary industries and downstream processing.

This includes providing price and support subsidies to the main agricultural export crops such as copra and cocoa, promote kava export and embark  on  a  national  expansion  program  for  noni production.

“Some of these development initiatives will require partnership with the private sector hence, the government is formalizing the public private partnership (PPP) approach as one of the many approaches that DCGA will utilize to implement its policy redirection”, Sogavare told parliament recently.

300 + utilize local holiday packages

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Eddie Osifelo
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Tourism Solomon

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ABOUT 373 passengers have utlised the ‘Iumi Tugeda Holiday Packages’ program introduced by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in March this year.

This is in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Services and the Ministry of Communication & Aviation, in close consultation with Tourism Solomons and Solomon Airline.

Government has injected about $1.34 million to Solomon Airlines during the course of the bubble, which the Airlines used to create new tourism operations in the country.

Most of the passengers who travelled to the domestic resorts and accommodations in the provinces were public servants.

Minister Barthomew Parapolo said in October, there were 14 public servants who utilized the package under the new holiday entitlement.

He said 38 people have used the package to travel domestically.

“We are hoping to increase the number of public servants to use the package in November and December,” he said.

“We hope to see positive increase in 2022,” he said.

Parapolo said despite many challenges, his ministry looks forward to 2022 which is demonstrated in the preparation of their workplan and budget in 2022.

He said MCT hopes to have its budget approved so they can continue implementation of the programme in the DCGA re-direction policy, to get results.

The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holiday Packages’ forms a critical component of the MCT/Tourism Solomons ‘Five Point Strategy’ launched mid-2020 aimed at boosting the country’s domestic tourism numbers.

Court condemns recent rioting

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Felix Hollision says the recent looting and rioting in Honiara must be condemned as it causes fear to members of the public, business owners and investors.

Hollision said the ransacking, looting and burning of shops started from the 24th November 2021 right through to the 26th November 2021.

This case reflects a sad situation where very young people including juveniles defied the curfew regulations as ordered by the Governor-General which became effective from the 26th of November 2021 up to the 10th of December 2021.

He also said the fact that very young people were involved along with adult defendants who were found together at Ranadi, shows that they do not have any respect for the rule of law and they had taken advantage of the situation thinking that they would not be arrested.

“I take cognizance of the fact that innocent foreign investors from countries such as Australia and China, Papua New Guinea which is home to Bank South Pacific (BSP), local Solomon Islanders of Chinese origin, and some indigenous people were heartlessly and unfairly targeted.

“I also take judicial notice of the three locals who have tragically lost their lives during the riots between the 24 and 26th November 2021 in Honiara, although at the moment, it is not clear how the trio got into the scorched building in the first place and whether or not they were part of the looters and hooligans”, Hollision said.

Hollision therefore stressed that people should not take advantage of any given situation to commit crimes and the rule of law must always prevail. That is to say that there is no lawful excuse or justification for the unlawful events that we have seen during the recent deadly riots.

Juveniles fined $500 fines for breaching lockdown order

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THREE male juveniles guilty of breaching the riot related lockdown last month have been fined $500 each.

 Each were found guilty of one count of Restriction of Movement of Persons in Honiara: contrary to Regulation 5(1), (2) (a) and (b); and 9(1) of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2021 and section 3 of the Preservation of Public Security Act [Cap 27] and 21(a) of the Penal Code [Cap 26] were sentenced to a fine of $500.

The juveniles were charged together with 17 other adult males in relation to an incident that occurred on November 26th 2021, at around 7pm, Police arrested a group of people at the Bishop brothers, Ranadi area, in which the three juveniles were part of the group.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollision in sentencing the accused said regulations were made for the preservation of public safety in Honiara aimed at curbing the riots, burning and looting of shops and other private businesses.

The riots and looting between the 24th and 26th of November had resulted in the scorching of more than 50 buildings and destruction of business houses.

“The total loss in which I take judicial notice of is the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) report which stated that the minimum loss is more than SBD 200,000,000 (200 million).

“Many business people which include foreigners, Solomon Islanders who are of Asian origin and indigenous people were rendered homeless because of these senseless and inhuman actions. Lives were sadly lost.

“Thus, disobeying the lockdown or curfew regulations following last three week’s riot should be treated as more serious than the usual lock downs or curfews”, Hollision said.

On November 25 2021, large groups of people started forming in east Honiara. They were then involved in the looting and burning of buildings including the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Ranadi branch which was set on fire. The level of destruction increased throughout the day. Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (the Police) struggled to control the groups of people.

On 26th November 2021, the Governor General declared a curfew on the basis that it was necessary for the preservation of public security to do so, under section 3 of the Preservation of Public Security Act [Cap 27].

The curfew was in force and run between the hours of 7:00pm and 6:00am.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown while Stanley Taedi of the Public Solicitor’s office represents the three juveniles.

Manelusi highlights CSSI’s achievement

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Commissioner Manelusi delivered his remarks during the closing of the office of Commissioners on Friday 10.

COMMISSIONER of the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) Gabriel Manelusi expressed has thanked his staff for a job well-done throughout 2021.

Manelusi expressed his appreciation at CSSI’s year-end gathering recently.

He said some of the achievements made include:

  • New CSTC syllabus of the Policy statements of the Government
  • Promotion of Senior and Subordinate officers
  • Increment from Level 4 – 7 approved by the Commissioner’s decisions
  • Relevelling as of January 2022
  • Released of 16 inmates based on the Parole orders
  • Forum Leaders workshop on Remand, Rehabilitation
  • 130 Positions with 2 x Assistance Commissioner
  • Rotation of Senior leaders
  • Capacity development workshop for Senior leaders
  • Implementation of COVID 19 Standing orders
  • Senior Managers Conference
  • Installation of three new Gensets at Tetere Correctional Centre (TCC) & Rove Central Correctional Centre (RCCC)
  • Installation of 7 Water tanks at RCCC
  • Recruitment of Technical specialists – Nurses, Project/Assist, OHS, Dieticians, Drivers and Communications
  • DFAT Projects – Gizo Correctional Centre & RCCC Sewage
  • Auki Correctional Centre Joinery, Naha walling, RCCC fencing
  • Succession plan, HRD plan
  • Media release and monthly release
  • Advisors – Training Adviser-Angelique and Advisor RRR-Anthony Maelasi

Manelusi also highlighted the agreement between CSSI and external stakeholders.

These were signed with:

  • Assa Abloy Australia Pty Limited – Lock smith
  • Mental Health Service
  • Global Vision Company
  • Solomon Rice Company Ltd
  • Soltuna
  • IBM – Island Bible Ministries
  • QCS – Queensland Correctional Service

 He said the future direction for CSSI as of 2022 will focus on:

  • Identifying potential skills for CSSI to further invest in HR development.
  • National Peacebuilding, Prevention, Rehabilitation Advisory Board meeting with PS’s and Donor partners on 16th February 2022
  • Refresher courses for CSSI
  • Stakeholders meeting on mentally-ill patients and convicts
  • Scheme of services
  • Civil engineer for a one year design infrastructure
  • Review of CSSI Strategic Direction – Mission, Vision, Goals, Values
  • Completion of the 20 years CSSI National Infrastructure master plan
  • Filling up the Assistant Commissioners
  • Design a 1-2 years leadership training for middle managers
  • Establishment of proper Mental facility
  • Improvement of piggery, poultry & farming at TCC for 2023
  • Inmates community work program
  • Set leadership standards & discipline
  • Seek donor support for uniform

Commissioner Manelusi acknowledged all members and CSSI families across Solomon Islands for their support.

He also extended his gratitude to the three Advisors – George Samuel, Angelique and Anthony Maelasi.

Communities receive fishing rafters (FAD)

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of Hauhui community during the preparation of their FAD that deployed early this month.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

COMMUNITIES from Hauhui, Malo’u and Tawanikeni on west Are Are and Small Malaita constituencies recently recieved Fishing Aggregate Devises (FAD) in their waters.

Malaita provincial senior fisheries officer in Auki, Matthew Isihanua who administered the deployment of the FADs told this paper yesterday.

He said the FADs were deployed in the first week of this month and people are now catching fish and benefiting from them.

Isihanua said the FAD program was part of MPG’s support towards improving livelihood of people, especially those in coastal communities in the province.

He said the ultimate aim of the programme is to try and shift people’s behavior from overharvesting marine habitats like reefs and mangroves to FADs out in the ocean.

Isihanua said for these recent deployed FADs, they were funded by communities and the MPA through their Ward Development Committee (WDC).

He said the FAD at Hauhui was funded by members of the community and donor partners.

The two FADs on Small Malaita were funded by MPA, Dickson Pola through his WDC for his people of ward 21, which also covered wards 20 and 19.

He said for the past three years, more than 100 FADs were deployed around the province.

Isihanua said the funding of these FADs came under partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource, MPG, WorldFish and Provincial Assembly Members through their WDCs.

Solomon Finance ready to operate in 2022

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SINPF Building in Honiara

SOLOMON Finance Limited, a credit institution owned by Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), is expected to commence its lending operation in the new year.

SINPF board chairman Dr Jimmie Rodgers announced this on Tuesday.

Rodgers said the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has just granted Solomon Finance its licence to conduct its banking business.

“This is another major milestone in the Fund’s 45-year journey enabling the Board through Solomon Finance Limited an investee company of the Fund to provide competitively priced financial products to its members,” Rodger said.

“Solomon Finance Limited will offer alternative financial products, from personal to home loans to our eligible members so that they can invest in their well-being in education, health, to owning a home and to take part in income-generating activities whilst still in employment and at the same time actively contributing to their retirement savings with the SINPF,” he added.

“This service or benefit is consistent with the Fund’s objective and vision to support members build up their wealth for their old age and retirement whilst they are active and still in employment. 

“It has taken the Board more than 12 years to achieve this milestone and I would like to thank past SINPF Boards and management who have in one way or another contributed to the proposal of establishing a separate viable credit institution for its members.

“I would also like to thank the PSDI of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for providing technical support in assisting the Fund’s investment team preparing the feasibility and business case for the new credit institution for approval by the Minister of Finance in 2018 and later application to the CBSI for an interim license that was approved and issued in November 2019.

“And finally, my congratulations to the new Board and management of SFL who were appointed in October 2020 for finally securing SFL’s interim license conversion to a full license after meeting the requirements of the CBSI, contained in the interim license.

“Thank you, you have done a great job.”

Rodgers said Solomon Finance Limited plans to open for business in the first quarter of 2022.

Its office is located on the ground floor of the Anthony Saru Building (ASB), Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara.

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