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PM officiates in CEMA ground-breaking ceremony

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Press Release
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

“Taiwan is a friend indeed”: Suidani

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani says Taiwan is still a true friend and an old friend which had supported Solomon Islands a lot during her 36yrs diplomatic tie with the country.

Suidani made the statement when asked on his allegiance and relationship with Taiwan.

In response, he described Taiwan as an old friend that Solomon Islands has held ties with for 36 years and a friendship that people won’t just forget.

He said despite the switch, last year the Malaita Provincial Government had asked them for support and they responded positively with supply of medical equipment to support the provincial health during the covid-19 period.

Adding that the support provided was delivered to rural communities and people down there had benefited from it.

Suidani said this is a support from an old friend and something that people in the province cannot just easily forget.

He said Taiwan again supported him to heal when the national government had turned down the offer to support his medical trip overseas early this year.

“During my time of medical need, I asked the national government to assist in the cost of my medical treatment in Australia, however, they didn’t respond within three months.

“And as a sick patient I cannot wait that long and turned to Taiwan to support me,” Suidani said.

He said this is how he got the support and it’s a Taiwanese humanitarian assistance and not selective based on politics and other issues that people may think off.

“I did not only receive the humanitarian support because I am from Solomon Islands. There are friends out there who believe in the same principles and respect that Taiwan does have.

“They are friends who have democratic believes and norms just the same as we do. And Taiwan’s aid to my medication trip was because we are friends.

“A friend that is there to support people when people are in need, like my experience,” Suidani said.

He commended Taiwan for the vanished diplomatic tie and support rendered to the people of Solomon Islands during the course of the 36 years friendship.

Suidani said there were lot of things they had supported the country and if the leaders would think development, lot of tangible progresses should have been done on Malaita province and the country.

Townsville Agreement provides for self-autonomy: Suidani

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Five newly sworn-in ministers with Premier Daniel Suidani and some of his executive members during the swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Townsville Peace Agreement (TPA) has provided for a self-autonomous government for Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces as witnessed by the United Nations and this is the reason to notify them on the matter.

Premier Daniel Suidani said this when asked on the future of the submission he made to the UN Security Council on the proposed pursuing of self-autonomy for Malaita province.

He said the TPA document is deposited under the UN Security office and they would be aware if Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces and the national government could have sought discussion on the matter.

Suidani said it is now 21 years since the signing of the TPA and the national government, especially the two provincial governments have failed to ask for the tabling of issues under the TPA.

He said because of these long-standing issues, the plea was made to the UN Security Council as a body which has witnessed the document to carry-out survey on part 4 of the TPA where it advocates for autonomous government for the two provinces.

According to Suidani the UN Security Council is the appropriate organization to pursue the matter with.

On that note, he explained that the subject of self-autonomy for Malaita province was not an issue that only popped-up during the current government.

He said there are documents within his office proving that the previous successive governments had talked about independence, but only they didn’t take a step further on the subject.

Suidani said the subject has been documented and it is the interest of people of Malaita and “as representative of people we will ensure it table it pursue it.”

He said now “I see that it’s a high time to pursue the TPA to answer the cries of Malaitans for self-governance and manage their own affairs.”

Suidani said his writing to UN Security Council is to see if they can step in and assist the national government, Guadalcanal especially Malaita province on the matter.

Manele defends govt’s invite to regional forces

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele has defended the government’s stand to invite regional forces from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji to restore law and order in the country.

This was after Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Peter Kenilorea Junior questioned the implication of the foreign forces on the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking at the Sine Die motion in Parliament yesterday, Mr Manele said as a responsible government, they believed and felt this was necessary in order to protect further lives being lost and properties being damaged.

“We have to act and request for support.

“These forces are not coming in their own will. They came in based on the request of the Solomon Islands Government,” he said.

“Had we followed Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, in terms of its processes, we will not be able to save this country.

“It will take time to go through Chapter 7 provisions of the UN Charter,” he said.

Manele said sovereignty off course is key for any state, but at the end of the day, what is important if you are not able to protect the lives of your people.

“The democratic institutions we have in the country and business houses, these are the consideration as a responsible government we took in asking our friends to come and assist.

Australia has sent in more than 100 Defence Force personells, New Zealand 65, Fiji 50 and 37 police from Papua New Guinea.

Togamana disagrees with notion NRH in dire state

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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People sleeping on the floor at the National Referral Hospital: PICS SUPPLIED.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The minister of health has refuted claim by the Opposition leader that the status of the national referral hospital is dire.

One of the reasons Opposition Leader Matthew Wale stood on to call for the recent motion of no confidence vote against prime minister Manasseh Sogavare is the overcrowding and lack of facilities to accommodate patients at the hospital’s emergency ward.

Mr Wale had said “patients sleeping on the floor of the National Referral Hospital’s accident and emergency ward indicates that Democratic Coalition Government Advancement has not provided the much-needed resources in a reflection of poor and failed leadership of the prime minister”.

But, contributing to the motion of no-confidence on Monday this week, Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana disagreed.

“I choose to disagree the NRH infrastructure has improved with government investment,” Togamana said.

He said the CT scan building at the NRH has completed with an investment and is government owned, worth $17m.

“All necessary trainings have been conducted and getting all necessary equipment including the CT scanner into the country and installation is underway.”

Togamana said all provinces and provincial hospitals have two or more medical doctors except for Renbel.

He said medical doctors are also posted in three Area Health Centres; Tingoa, Marau and Tangarare.

“And in the Honiara City council clinics and nearby Guadalcanal clinics doctors run outpatients clinics during working days.”

Togamana said through the Japanese grant aid, provincial hospitals and primary health cares have been equipped.

“Stethoscopes with blood pressure machines and other medical machines have been distributed to strengthen the provincial health services.

He adds that the Good Samaritan Hospital has also been enhanced in terms of its capability and capacity from blood test and x-ray.

“This is an important achievement.

“This development reduces cost to both Good Samaritan hospital and people travelling to NRH for health services.”

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