Home Blog Page 778

PM Congratulates Western Province

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
PM and Western Premier giving 3 happy cheers marking the provincial appointed day

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has congratulated Western Province for the progress made over the past 38 years.

He made the statement during Western Province’s Second Appointed day yesterday.

Sogavare said Western Province has grown economically and socially over the past year making it one of the huge contributor to the country’s economic development.

He adds that Western Province has been leading the country’s infrastructure developments because of cooperation between landowners and developers that welcomes development.

Sogavare acknowledged the government and people of Western province for the ongoing support towards Solomon Islands.

In his speech, Premier of Western Province, Christian Burley Mesepitu acknowledged the presence of Prime Minister Sogavare and Government Ministers describing it as historical.

“This year 2021 marks the 38th Anniversary of Western Province since it was recognised as a province. Today’s occasion which is graced by our Honorable Prime Minister is no less significant and should be embraced and commemorated with equal zest and enthusiasm,” he said.

Mesepitu said his newly elected government is looking forward to work closely with the national government, donor partners and also traditional partners in driving the province’s development aspirations.

He said the recently launched Commodity Export Management Authority (CEMA) program at Noro on Monday demonstrates the province’s willingness to allocate land for national development to roll.

KWAITA CHARGED,OUT ON BAIL

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Malaita businessman, John Kwaita. PHOTO: Facebook profile

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE yesterday charged prominent Malaitan John Kwaita in relation to the recent riots in Honiara before they released him on bail.

Kwaita, who is also President of the United Party, will front the Honiara Magistrate’s court on February 2, accused of being part of the three days of rioting and looting that left parts of Honiara in ruins.

He was arrested on Monday evening and kept overnight in police custody.

A police spokesman told the Island Sun last night Kwaita has been charged with unauthorised public assembly and public procession contrary to regulation 14(1) & (3) (a) of the emergency powers (COVID -19) (N0.3) 2021; regulation 4 of the emergency powers (COVID-19) (Declaration of Honiara as Emergency Zone (Amendment) Order 2020; section 21 (b) of the penal code.

“Yes, he was charged and released on bail to appear in court on 2 February 2022,” the spokesman said.

Kwaita becomes the first high profile Malaitan to have been arrested in relation to the recent rioting that left Chinatown and parts of Honiara in ruins.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has accused the Malaita Provincial Government and members of the Opposition Group in Parliament of planning and backing the protest that led to the riot.

He vowed police will hunt down those who are behind the riot.

Members of the Opposition have denied the accusation.

Police have so far arrested more than 200 youths, accusing them of taking part in the rioting and looting.

Kwaita’s arrest came a day after Opposition leader Mathew Wale called for police to investigate PM Sogavare’s alleged involvement in the abduction and planned executive of Northwest Guadalcanal MP Bodo Dettke and former West Kwaio MP late John Garo in 2000 at the height of the ethnic tension.

Sogavare has rejected the accusation in parliament last week during a no-confidence vote tabled against him.

Island Sun understands names of a number of high profiled Malaitans and members of the Opposition are in the police’s “arrest list”.

Gov’t to beef up Brussels mission

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has seen the need to beef up its Mission in Brussels, Belgium, after it closed the offices in United Kingdom and Geneva in Switzerland due to the impact of covid-19.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manale told Parliament last week that Solomon Islands engagement with the bilateral and multi-lateral partners in Europe including the European Union through the Mission in Brussels is crucial in our foreign policy outreach in promoting our interests in that part of the world.

He said since it closed our Missions in Geneva and London, his ministry has consolidated and beefed up our Mission in Brussels to represent our interest in Europe.

Manele said some of the key achievements and deliverables with our Mission in Brussels in 2021 are as follows.

Solomon Islands Accession to the EU-Pacific interim Economic Partnership Agreement.

He said the Interim EPA for EU and Pacific states enable Solomon Islands to access the EU market for its export in goods especially tuna products.

Manele said in 2020 Solomon Islands became the fourth Pacific Islands country to accede to the Interim EPA joining Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

PNG has acceded to the EU Interim EPA since 2009, followed by Fiji in 2014 and Samoa in 2019.

Solomon Islands had been accessing the United Kingdom market for exports of palm oil and tuna through the European Union’s Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangement available for Least Developed Countries (LDC).

Anticipating Solomon Islands graduation from the LDC category in 2024, Solomon Islands in May 2020 acceded to the European Union Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (Interim EPA) with PNG, Fiji and Samoa.

He said in May this year, Solomon Islands benefited from the Global Sourcing Provision of IEPA for its tuna export to EU enabling Soltuna and other potential fish processing investors in Solomon Islands to source tuna from a third country supplier and have it processed locally and qualify as an originating product from Solomon Islands.

Further to that, Manele said the Ministry has also successfully completed Solomon Islands – EU 8th Enhanced Political dialogue on 13th October 2021.

He said an important aspect of the EU ACP Cotonou agreement political dialogue enables bilateral discussion between SI and EU on strengthening our development partnership.

“Solomon Islands use this platform to address common priorities to strengthen our engagement with the EU including addressing covid-19 pandemic, enhancing trade cooperation, concluding the Post Cotonou negotiations, promoting climate actions, combating IUU fishing and promoting ocean governance and protecting human rights,” he said.

Furthermore, Manele said on 15th April 2021, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and EU concluded negotiations on a new agreement in succeeding the Cotonou agreement.

He said the new agreement would be called the SAMOA agreement.

Manele said the new agreement has regional protocol for each of the OACPS regions to which there will be EU-Pacific regional protocol.

He said the key aspects of the regional agreement will be cooperation on trade and investment, development and regionalization.

Manele said it will cover a large number of areas such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace, and security with the aim of promoting regional integration.

Kuma urged to be ‘truthful’

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

The Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament has reminded the Minister of Finance and Treasury to be truthful and consistent in his responses when informing parliament of government policies and programmes, in particular those that are under his portfolio and leadership.

John Dean Kuku made this reminder in a statement following Finance Minister Harry Kuma’s statement in parliament during the motion of sine die which was also carried by the Solomon Star newspaper on 11 December 2021.

Kuma referred to the Customs and Excise Validation (Amendment) Bill 2021 as part of the government’s reform agenda however, went on to reveal that the Bill will be withdrawn in 2022 quoting that “major targeted legal issues that require Parliament’s consideration were already formalized by a Gazette in 2018”.

But Kuku questioned why it took the government three years to realise that the targeted legal issues were already formalised in the 2018 Gazette.

“Was it not that those issues were only brought to light by the Bills and Legislation Committee in its scrutiny of the Bill?” Kuku asked.

He said the Object of the Bill was to (a) give effect to the HS Code 2017 on and from 1st October 2018; and (b) validate the import duty rates and export duty rates levied and collected under the Customs and Excise Act on and from 1st October 2018.

In his contribution to the motion of no confidence last week, Kuku highlighted the failure of the government to pursue passage of the Customs and Excise Validation (Amendment) Bill 2021.

He pointed out that the collection of duties by way of import and export duties under the Customs and Duties Act (Cap. 121) under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2017 from October 1, 2018 was never authorised by law which was a serious matter.    

“If I have misguided Parliament as stated by the Minister, which I strongly deny, can the minister explain why the Customs and Excise Validation (Amendment) Bill seeks to regulate the collection of export and import duties since October 1 2018?”.

“This implies or suggests that the minister is seeking to rectify or, to use a crude word, ‘cover-up’ a blunder caused by the government through the Ministry of Finance in the collection of unauthorized customs duties under the HS Code 2017.

“Everything said by the Minister is on record therefore I find it very difficult to comprehend his persistent denial of facts.”

Kuku further noted that the same ministry who was responsible for issuing drafting instructions for the Bill has backtracked on its own policy intention and is now saying that all is well and therefore intends to withdraw it in 2022.

The Leader advised that the government through the Ministry of Finance simply lacked the political will and diligence to withdraw the Bill to prevent us arriving at this dilemma.

Kuku also stressed the importance of being truthful, which he believes the Minister has consistently failed to meet this standard.

The Bills and Legislation Committee report on the Bill has recommended withdrawal and redrafting of the Bill due to possible infringement of the Constitution.

Kuku said what transpired from the Minister’s remarks were misfired denials which he apparently came out of unscathed.

“However, what cannot be denied is we are now in the festive season hence I warmly wish the Minister a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022.”

PM officiates in CEMA ground-breaking ceremony

Written by
Press Release
-
0
PM Sogavare and other officials participate in the ground-breaking ceremony

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was the guest of honour at the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Commodities Export Marketing Authority Buying Centre and Refinery Mill at Noro, Western Province, yesterday.

The CEMA Project is one of DCGA’s flagship projects.

Addressing guests invited to witness the historic launching, Sogavare said the event marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of CEMA.

“Since its inception in the 80s to replace the copra and cocoa board, CEMA has engaged in both its regulatory and commercial functions as provided for by the Commodities Export Marketing Authority Act,” Sogavare said.

“It provided services to our people in the rural areas and subsidised certain commercial activities to stimulate economic growth and development in the rural areas,” he added.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.

The much-vaunted Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) of the late 90s saw the demise of CEMA and other statutory bodies.

It also saw the abolishment of the government Public Works Department, and the deregulation of the Livestock Development Authority and others.

Consequently, the Government embarked on revitalising CEMA to its previous form.

“Today, I am indeed humbled to bear witness to the revitalisation of CEMA and the manifestation of government policy.

“It was only some months ago that I launched the CEMA strategic plan in Honiara. Today we witness this strategic plan being rolled out.”

In terms of achievements since Launching on May 31st 2021;

  • CEMA signed MoA with SIG (MCILI, MALD & MID) for funding support of SBD$77m towards the seven-year revitalization and recapitalization strategy 2021 – 2027.
  • SIG funding – MCILI and MID funding support for 2021 revitalization program and activities has been received from MoFT.
  • CEMA signed a MoA with Central Islands Provincial Government to secure in Tulagi for the Refinery – downstream processing facilities establishment in Central Islands stating June 2022. Assessment of the land was completed with Hakama livestock establishment.
  • CEMA signed a five-year lease agreement (2021 – 2025) with Pakera Enterprises at Pakera, Makira Ulawa Province to reestablish the buying center and a crushing mill.
  • Completed physical assessments and bills of quantity of the Provincial buying centers in Noro, Pakera, Malu’u, Buala, Tarokukure, Lata and Tulagi.
  • CEMA completed consultations with the following Provincial Governments on the CEMA reestablishment in the Provinces – Makira Ulawa, Malaita, Western, Choiseul, Temotu and Central Islands.

Key challenges include availability of land in the Provinces to re-establish Provincial buying centers; Socio-economic and Political stability; Timely availability of funds to implement and complete the strategy according to schedule; Quality assurance standards – ISO 17025 & 9000 standards; Rebuilding CEMA’s capacity.

Plantations salinity – replanting of coconut, cocoa, kava and other commodities are other challenges.

PM Sogavare, Western Premier Christian Mesepitu and other officials cutting the cake to mark the event.

Prime Minister Sogavare said, Priority Activities are the reconstruction and repairs work on four buying centers at Pakera, Malu’u, Buala and Tarakukure to commence this month December 2021.

These centers are scheduled to open by February 2022 for commencing purchasing of key commodities – copra, cocoa, kava, spices, bech demer, sea weed and others.

Land site preparations at Noro and Tulagi for the refineries, including the Malu’u, Pakera, Gojoruru, Tarakukure and Lata for crushing mills reestablishment.

Prime Minister Sogavare adds, the government and CEMA fully commit to serving Solomon Islanders.

He thanked the landowners for allowing their land for the project and thanks the CEMA Cabinet sub-committee, CEMA Board, CEMA Management and workers, Government ministries and others who have worked tirelessly to where the project reaches today.

KWAITA ARRESTED

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Malaita businessman, John Kwaita. PHOTO: Facebook profile

Prominent Malaitan and party leader taken in for questioning

By JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE last night confirmed that prominent Honiara resident, businessman and political party leader John Kwaita has been arrested in relation to the recent rioting in Honiara.

“…yes we can confirm that a prominent Solomon Islander has been arrested this evening in relation to the recent rioting,” a spokesman for police media told Island Sun.

Kwaita, originally from Lau-Mbaelelea in north Malaita, is the President of the United Party. He is also a leader in his Gateway Church, located in the Henderson area.

Island Sun understands members of the armed Police Response Team (PRT) arrested Kwaita, put into one of the caged police vehicles and took him to the Central Police Station, where he was kept overnight.

He is expected to be questioned today.

Parliamentary Wing leader of the United Party, Peter Kenilorea Junior also confirmed his president’s arrest last night.

“I think the arrest is an abuse of power,” Kenilorea said.

“Why not just ask him to go in for questioning tomorrow?” he said.

Kwaita becomes the first high profile Malaitan to have been arrested in relation to the recent rioting that left Chinatown and parts of Honiara in ruins.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has accused the Malaita Provincial Government and members of the Opposition Group in Parliament of planning and backing the protest that led to the riot.

He vowed police will hunt down those who are behind the riot.

Members of the Opposition have denied the accusation.

Police have so far arrested more than 200 youths, accusing them of taking part in the rioting and looting.

Kwaita’s arrest came a day after Opposition leader Mathew Wale called for police to investigate PM Sogavare’s alleged involvement in the abduction and planned executive of Northwest Guadalcanal MP Bodo Dettke and former West Kwaio MP late John Garo in 2000 at the height of the ethnic tension.

Sogavare has rejected the accusation in parliament last week during a no-confidence vote tabled against him.

Ete calls for fast-track to state-govt system

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete has urged the government to amend the Constitution to adopt the state system within two years rather than wait for 2026.

Ete stressed this during the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, saying there is need to address the governance system to solve the critical problems facing the country.

He said the forefathers have tried in the past to amend the system to suit the needs of the people in the country.

As such, Ete said there is the need for the DCGA Government to look at the system and amend the Constitution to cater for the state government for the provinces that demand it.

Ete recalled that the idea of state government started after the country gained Independence in 1978 when Western Province pushed for it.

He said prior to 1996, the forefathers saw that the system needed to be amended and changed and decided to reform the Constitution.

“One thing they did not insert in the Constitution is the Education Commission.

“The Education Commission was inserted after Independence,” he said.

Ete said the forefathers went to Quebec in Canada and looked for a system like the Provincial Government system.

He said leaders at that time sensed the commotion between different islands and ethnicities after Independence.

“They came back and made the 1996 Provincial Government Act, to repeal the 1981 Provincial Government Act.

“But they did not consult with Guadalcanal and Rennell and Bellona Province,” he said.

Ete said the then Guadalcanal leaders met in a congress and took the government to court.

“The High Court threw out the 1996 Provincial Government Act but the Court of Appeal uphold the decision that Parliament has the power to make law.

“As such the leaders brought the 1997 Provincial Government Bill and passed it,” he said.

Ete said it is the system that the government needs to look at it because the flames at Chinatown pointed to government’s policy.

Island Sun understands Malaita, Temotu Province and Guadalcanal are now demanding for state government.

Tovosia admits to corrupt practices in Parliament

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia admits corruption being practiced by Members of Parliament.

His admission reinforced the findings of the Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021 released last month by Transparency International that Members of Parliament were rated top as most corrupt by Pacific countries.

Speaking at the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, Tovosia, also MP for East Guadalcanal, said there was notion to change the government and the Prime Minister because of corruption.

“In Parliament we talk to ourselves that we don’t do anything for Solomon Islands.

“We are corrupt. We change leadership,” he said.

Tovosia asked who in the House is not corrupt.

“Who is not corruption, tell me and stand up.

“When I decided to join politics, these are the elements of politicians whether you like it or not,” he said.

Tovosia urged the 49 MPs including him to stand up and do the right thing for the country.

“Let us stand up and tell the truth.

“I don’t like to hide it. We must change now and we used people to stand up and defend us or use this kind of activity happening here,” he said.

Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021 found the institutions being labelled as most corrupt by pacific countries were the Members of Parliament who were rated at the top, followed by staff within the office of the Prime Minister or President, police, business executives and companies extracting natural resources.

“This is no doubt a problem that is continually experienced by citizens of pacific island countries because they experience it, witness it, observe it happening and have been victim of it and having had instances of such with those corrupt institutions for decades now.

“In the case of Solomon Islands, most of the Members of Parliament (MPs) have become highly criticized and do not have good relations with voters because of allegations of abuse of funds against the MP or unfair treatment by MPs towards voters,” the report states.

The Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)- Pacific presents the most extensive set of public opinion data on perceptions and experiences of corruption in the region.

In many of these countries and territories, the survey constitutes the very first attempt to gather important data about corruption and its prevalence in different countries across the region.

This year GCB surveyed more than 6000 people in 10 pacific countries namely, Fiji, French Polynesia, The Federated State of Micronesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The results show that a majority of respondents think corruption is a problem in both the Government and the private sectors, despite government efforts to control it.

MARA reiterates call for dialogue

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Daniel Suidani led MARA provincial government says it remains committed to its earlier appeal for a nationwide dialogue on core issues leading up to the recent riot in Honiara.

Premier Daniel Suidani made the assurance during a media interview at his office in Auki on Tuesday.

He said after the incident his government had issued a call for dialogue and they still waiting for a response on their call.

“I had already made the call to the national government and it’s up to them to consider it,” Suidani said.

He explained that the dialogue requested was not just reconciliation, but something that goes much higher than that.

Suidani said his request for the dialogue is to figure out the core or underlying issues on people’s disagreements which resulted in riots or other lawful activities experienced.

“My idea is to address the core issues.

“I’m looking at them to respond upon the nationwide request I made and I’m still waiting,” he said.

Suidani said the appeal made was for the nine provinces, national government, churches and other institutions to look at ways to address the underlying issues of people’s need.

Call for COI into November riots

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Carnage on the streets of Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete calls on the Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the November riot in Honiara.

This is to avoid the blame game employed by the Government against the Opposition Group relating to the burning and rioting at Chinatown, Kukum and Ranadi which is estimated to cost about half a billion to the economy.

Speaking at the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, Mr Ete said in 2006 riots, the then Government had set up a Commission of Inquiry as well.

He said the Government should set up a COI under the Commission of Inquiry Act then you can pin a man.

“I am saying this because in 2006 there was a Commission of Inquiry set up by the then Government.

“The recommendation is to take one bill to Parliament called Riot and Damages Bill,” he said.

Ete said otherwise the country will use 1887 Riot and Damages Act of England to cost the damages caused by the people and legalized in law.

He said the political affiliation of the burning will allow the COI to sort it out.

Ete said the COI will allow people to provide evidence and report to go before Cabinet and Parliament.

1...777778779...1,663Page 778 of 1,663