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Suidani: MARA gov’t will continue to rule

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Suidani is carried on a platform as he and his delegation was welcome by Malaitans in Auki .

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER Daniel Suidani says his MARA Government will continue to lead and serve the people of Malaita.

He made the assurance when addressing a huge crowd that turned up in Auki on Monday to welcome him home after his six months away overseas on medical grounds.

“My good executive, I know the situation faced is like when Moses went up to the mountain and people stay behind start to worship idols,” Suidani stated.

“But I trust Joshua, who had looked after the people,” he added.

“Though the situation is like that, Malaita people – MARA government will still continue to look after you.

“And I would like to thank the very powerful executive; those that still remain with the MARA government for the strength, power and concern you have for the people of Malaita.”

Suidani told members of his executive that if they don’t have hearts for Malaita, they would have already left the government, but thank God that they didn’t have the heart for money or any other special things.

And rather they have heart for the children of Malaita – the children of their children that is why they remain standing bold with MARA government even though a few of them had presented during his arrival.

“My good people of Malaita, we are now here and I believe that the boat only rocks when the captain is out. 

“And what I told my crews was to anchor the boat, don’t sail so that you won’t meet more bad weather. Steadfast and anchor the boat while the captain is away.

“Now the captain is aback, he will take the ship and continue to sail despite the bad weather because calm weather is near,” he said.

Suidani told his people that the day of unity is here, the day of good things is here and days to struggle as brothers and sisters are here.        

“I have a believe in me that if we continue with our stand we will reap good things,” he said.

On that note, Suidani said he’s aware of a looming motion of no confidence.

“I must make it clear here on the motion of no confidence against MARA government that, democratically the motion belongs to people.

“If you people are still with MARA government, then who does the motion belongs to them or in whose interest is the motion?” he said.

4 quarantine sites for Fiji repa-flight

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Pacific Casino
Pacific Casino will be again one of the quarantine sites

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

FOUR quarantine sites have been identified to accommodate repatriates from the planned flight on Oct 26 to Fiji.

Senior Advisor for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Yogesh Choudhri told journalists the sites are GBR quarantine site, SA apartment quarantine site, Pacific Casino Hotel quarantine site and Honiara Hotel quarantine.

Attorney General John Muria Junior assured that they try to keep all incoming passengers on the eastern side of the Mataniko Bridge.

Muria said the conditions for them to board the flight includes fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, three negative COVID-19 tests, self-quarantine for 21 days and Prime Minister will have to exempt them to enter because at the moment Fiji has recorded increased number of delta variant cases.

“Upon arrival they will be serving 21 days mandatory quarantine period,” he said.

Muria stressed the Fiji-repatriation flight is yet to be confirmed. But it is tentatively set for Oct 26.

“There are number of arrangements need to be finalised before approval will is given by the cabinet,” he said.   

Concerns over pending cases

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

OUSTANDING files at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that have been pending investigations for over 10 months is concerning.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Andrew Kelesi expressed this in the High Court yesterday.

Assistant Crime Manager for Henderson Police Senior Sergeant Saxon Sai revealed in court when he was summoned to appear before the Chief Justice.

Sai was summoned to explain why officers at Henderson are not serving the summon on the case of Peter Kukiti.

He blamed lack of vehicle for the delay and revealed some files are lying in the office for almost 10 months.

Kelesi said the statement by the officer is concerning because victims and complainants have been waiting to see justice take its course.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Kelesi said.

 He said section 10 of the constitution clearly mentioned this and police need to look at this issue and assess carefully how best they deal with the problems they have.

“I believe RSIPF executive will address this issue,” Kelesi said.

Meanwhile, Public Solicitor lawyer Stanley Aupai expressed similar concerns.

He said those pending cases does not involve any accused currently remanded at Rove, otherwise they will be remanded forever given the issue of no vehicle to assist the CID officers to carry-out their duties.

However Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer said the courts and legal sector are concerned of high number of remandees in the prisons.

“I already highlighted in one of my speeches.

“This is not a good picture.

“We have the highest number of remandees in our prisons in the region.

“Having understood the problem, the courts have also tried to address the problem aggressively.

“There is no short cut to the issue or dealing with trials and addressing the high number of remandees.

“The courts have to sit to trials and since my remarks earlier on this year, we have consistently tried to increase the number of trials and circuits as well to the districts centres, and in one sense we have been successful.

“And what we have faced in this case is one of those challenges because court cannot do it alone; it requires the cooperation from the legal sector, prosecution, defence and the police,” Sir Albert said.

He also said if the cases did not proceed in time further delays will be experienced and longer the person being remanded behind bars.

 “Therefore, the concern is for every stakeholder to proactively work together to ensure that trials proceed on time.”

White River to set up community policing

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Press Release
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Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Community Engagement Team consisting of police officers and Director of the Solomon Islands Community Development Programme (SICPD) conducted Crime Prevention and Community Setup awareness programmes at White River, West Honiara on September 26.

Commander and Crime Prevention Programme Coordinator Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Macfretch Tesuatai says, “During the awareness talk there were about 50 people from their community present. This includes men, women, youths and children. They express their gratitude towards the initiative and time rendered in presenting the program to their community.

“The community engagement team emphasizes more on the main issues shared to every communities and schools visited in Honiara and provinces concerning the five drivers of crime. The drivers are alcohol and drugs, family violence, Issues affecting youths, resources, environment and other emerging issues.

“The community were made aware about the five drivers of crime and the main cause of crime that are stipulated in the crime prevention strategy model. This was followed by the topic of community ownership urging the communities to be proud of and take ownership of it.

“The awareness is to inform the community about the need to set up a crime prevention committee on how they can create by-laws for their community to make it a better environment for their children to enjoy free without fear of criminal activities. Communities were also being warned of taking illegal substances and other dangerous drugs commonly used by some youths.”

Community Chairlady Susan Funu in her concluding remarks says, “I on behalf of the communities in and around White River would like to thank our police team and other stakeholders for your time to conduct this important awareness talk to our community.”

The community acknowledges the awareness team and expresses the need for police to assist them in setting up their community Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) to work in partnership with police.

The community assured the awareness team that they will work closely with the police since the program marks a beginning for their community to set up their CPC.

Tesuatai says, “I would like to acknowledge the community for taking the initiative seriously as they looking into setting up the CPC soon. Looking forward in working together with them.”

–POLICE MEDIA

New zoom facilities to SPIRES project

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Press Release
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The Stimulating Progress towards Rural Electrification in the Solomon’s Project (SPIRES) recently received its zoom facilities from UNDP during an official handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Mines and Energy conference room.

 SPIRES is funded by GEF (Global Environmental Facility); administered by UNDP and implemented by SIG through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.

During the handover, UNDP’s operations manager Keswaar Leelah said:

“Due to current pandemic situation, it is important to have a virtual form of communication in hand.

“This applies to ministries, organisations, private sectors and also individuals to be able to communicate with each other.”

The SPIRES project will benefit from this facility by virtually interacting with their partners in Bangkok through zoom calls online.

Mines Permanent Secretary Chris Vehe signed the handowner documents.

Vehe said SPIRES and the energy department will be responsible in looking after the facilities given to them.

“This is where the operations and maintenance of the system must be taken care of to last for some time and that such facilities will most definitely benefit the whole ministry as it is quite difficult to obtain such materials during this time,” Vehe said.

The handover ceremony was attended by the UNDP team, the SPIRES team and Mines officials.

SolAir welcomes Fiji’s border reopening announcement

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Airlines airbus

Solomon Airlines has welcomed the announcement of Pacific neighbour Fiji’s international border reopening, confirming Solomon Islands national carrier is also ready to increase scheduled international flying, when the time is right.

After Fiji reached its milestone of 80 percent of the eligible population being fully vaccinated, the country will begin to welcome international visitors from 11 November, with other airlines announcing the return of commercial flights into Fiji for fully vaccinated international travellers from December 1, 2021.

Initially quarantine-free travel to Fiji will be available to fully vaccinated travellers from ‘travel partner’ countries including Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island Countries and Territories, Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Spain, France, Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland.

“We welcome the news from Fiji that they will begin receiving international visitors from selected countries including Solomon Islands and Pacific countries within weeks,” said Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines.

“After nearly two years of closed international borders, it is a positive sign, made possible by the high level of vaccination within the Fijian population and with the co-operation of other travel ready countries.

“Throughout the pandemic, Solomon Airlines has remained ready and prepared to reintroduce more regular international services pending the further easing of Solomon Islands and other border restrictions.

“At this time, we are not able to publish a schedule, however we are ready to do so at very short notice, depending on how the travel restrictions evolve.”

Travellers from travel-partner countries including Solomon Islands, after showing proof of vaccination and testing negative for COVID-19 virus 72 hours before their departure, will be required to spend three days in a single hotel accommodation in Fiji, and following a negative COVID-19 test result, will be allowed to travel further into Fijian communities.

Travellers from countries that are not yet designated travel-safe partners, must be fully vaccinated and will complete a 10-day stay in a quarantine centre upon arrival in Fiji, before a negative COVID-19 test result will be required to clear them to enter the community.

All travellers must also fulfill any obligations based on individual home country requirements.

Solomon Airlines to operate Government repatriation flight to Fiji

The national carrier has also confirmed it will operate a Solomon Islands Government repatriation flight from Fiji on 26 October.

The repatriation service managed by the Solomon Islands Government will carry eligible, Government approved passengers. It will depart Brisbane at 9.00am as flight IE605 on 26 October, arriving in Nadi at 2.35pm. It will then redepart Nadi as flight IE606 at 3.35pm arriving in Honiara at 5.35pm.

A same-day return service will depart Honiara for Brisbane at 6.35pm arriving at 8.20pm.

As this is a Solomon Islands Government managed flight, interested passengers are advised to contact the Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva, or their nearest Solomon Islands embassy or consulate.

–SOLAIR PRESS

Suidani thanks Japan for support

Written by
Samie Waikori
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H.E Yasuhiro Morimoto and Premier Daniel Suidani cut a ribbon to mark the officially handing over of the garbage truck to MPG.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani has thanked the people and government of Japan for supporting Auki town with a new garbage truck.

Speaking during a ceremony to mark the handing over of the vehicle yesterday, Suidani lauded Japan for this is the third largest project they have donated to the people of Malaita.

He said the projects are Auki wharf, Auki Central Market facility and the new garbage truck.

 And Japan also funded lot more projects that benefit people in rural areas within the province.

Suidani gave credit to Japanese government, saying Japan is one of the friends indeed and friends from the heart.

He assured Ambassador Morimoto that the province was encouraged and will make sure that the garbage truck will be well looked after.

Suidani told the public of Auki that witnessed the donation; it’s time the Malaita Provincial Government and its people should come together to unite and happy about gift from a friend.

“I have seen the hearts of the people of Malaita to the people of Japan and we need to stand-up strong to look after ourselves with resources we have and will come from our friends,” he said.

Suidani said now the province has a vehicle at its disposal, it will put into its purpose to boost rubbish collection in Auki.

“Auki is the gateway to Malaita province and we must keep it clean,” he said.

Suidani said the vehicle will add to the existing one which was funded by MPG through the PCDF project that was already in operation in Auki.

On that note, he also announced to the public of Auki yesterday that he was assured by Ambassador Morimoto that Japan is steadfast to its commitment to build the new Kilu’ufi hospital.

Suidani said MPG will continue to enhance its partnership with the Japanese government and other friends towards the development of Malaita province.

Gov’t boosts value-added project recipients

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Press Release
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Recipients posed with Permanent Secretary Mr. Riley Mesepitu (3rd in front row- from right), IDD Director Mr. Jacob Gala (third-front row from left), and Productive Sector National Coordinator Mr. Brian Chapel Wate and government officials witnessing the MOU signing ceremony

The national government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) last week signed an MOU with a number of existing and potential entrepreneurs to expand into value added production.

The MOU outlines key recipient requirements and deliverables in the scheme including project implementation, reporting, acquittal of subventions and grant funding, training, monitoring and evaluation.

The requirements also include procurement process for payment of investment capital assets or equipment which shall be paid directly to the genuine suppliers. The MOU also prevents diversion of Funds for different businesses not approved while converting equipment into cash is prohibited.

This scheme is vital to enable Micro Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) clients transform the DCGA re-direction policy to utilize funds on business prototypes while at the same time stimulate creativity, product innovation and import substitution under the value adding and downstream processing development program.

The MOU subvention grant agreement for value added projects totaled to $2,959,022.  This would fund investment sector needs of 25 projects. Coconut value adding sector with 34%, cocoa sector 14%, kava 34%, youth entrepreneurship and innovation investment portfolio with 18%.

During the process, business proposals have been appraised and evaluated by the MSME technical and evaluation committee including on site consultations with potential and existing entrepreneurs.

Verification and feasibility assessment has been done through industrial development officers in the Provinces and Ministry officials.

The appraisal matrix to further determine viability of the business proposals include clear goals that link with entrepreneurial competencies to become successful in implementation of business ideas for better returns on investment.

Furthermore, clearly stated product key features and benefits indicating competitive advantage to withstand risks through better management, marketing, operations and production and financial projection plans.

Kava recipients will sign their MOU grant agreements shortly when the tender process completes. Indicative 56% of the 25 projects are located in the Provinces and 44% in Honiara.

An amount of $3 million under this value adding program with a budget of $7,001,225.00 has been already transferred to the Development Bank of Solomon Islands for the credit line facility which was launched in 2nd September 2021.

The credit line facility is cross sectoral and targeting agri-business, fisheries sector, tourism, agro-forestry, and value added and export oriented SMEs. It provides opportunity for women economic empowerment, youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

Start-ups and existing entrepreneurs are encouraged to utilize the financial product. It offers direct funding for potential start-ups or expansion on products, interest payment support and loan guarantee. Another product line is also planned to support contract markets in the value chain between producer and buyer. Threshold is $10,000.00 – $3 million with interest rate of 8%.

The rippling effects would gradually trigger a broadened economic base to connect and create market value chain for rural informal sectors in value adding and downstream processing.

Over short and medium terms support MSMEs as the engine for economic growth to create employment, income, self-reliance and better standard of living in the urban and rural areas during this COVID 19 pandemic and to keep the economy afloat.

Speaking during the signing of the subvention grants agreement, Permanent Secretary MCILI, Riley Mesepitu said the subvention grants are meant to cater for SMEs that are not qualified to access the credit line facility under DBSI.

Mesepitu revealed that the credit line facility under DBSI is for those SMEs that are engaged in exportation.

He explained that a guarantee scheme is also in place with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), the scheme is to provide security for small businesses to access loans from the financial institutions.

Mesepitu highlighted that recipients of the subvention grants will be monitored to ensure they are accountable for the grants they have received.

He further added that the monitoring system of the Ministry has been strengthened with the launching of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Management Database last month.

Mesepitu also revealed that the database will not only ensure recipients have maximized the resources they have received but it will trigger the Ministry to implement coaching and mentoring programs for recipients to ensure sustainability and diversification of business undertakings.

Riley Mesepitu further pointed out that the MSME MIS (Management Information System) will capture all SMEs in the country and based on that the Ministry will find out existing and address them accordingly. Also, it is critical for better planning and decision making.

He stressed that the subvention grant recipients are part of the effort to keep the economy afloat, and that their obligation to paying taxes must be embraced rather than being shunned at.

Deputy Secretary Technical, Eric George Ongoa also highlighted that women are important partners in economic development of the country. He congratulated four women entrepreneurs who are recipients of the subvention grants as well.

Mr. Ongoa encouraged more women to take up business opportunities. Both male and female entrepreneurs can work together and make use of the opportunities provided by the government through this subvention grant.

As it has been realized from historical reviews entrepreneurs emerge from different professions with different backgrounds and invest in various businesses. But they have similar characteristics.

Involving women, youths and all working aged citizens is very vital in the DCGA’s re-direction policy with strategy to create employment and income generation for recovery and transformation of the economy of Solomon Islands.

He said investment servicing cost with 12% on value adding program has been committed for financial literacy trainings, mentoring and technical supporting services during project implementation.

The MSME recipients that have signed MOU with MCILI also received their award letters from the ministry.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

PM PLAYS IT COOL

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Premier-Daniel-Suidani-meets-members-of-his-executive-upon-his-arrival-at-Auki-wharf.

Sogavare: we are not confrontational to Malaita

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has downplayed any ‘confrontational’ approach towards Malaita Province.

This was after the most populated province in the country, Malaita, opposed the Government’s decision to switch diplomatic relationship from Taiwan to Peoples Republic of China in September 2019.

Malaita Province’s opposition was due to lack of nationwide consultation and concern of PRC’s communist system and religion.

Sogavare told Parliament last week that the way they handled this matter is not confrontational because the government allows the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to deal with it.

He said the last thing to do is to spoil their relationship with Malaita province

“What comes out from Malaita does not represent the full people who are law abiding citizens?

“We allow democratic process to work to sort things out,” he said.

“It starts from the switch.

“My simple advice to Provincial government, let’s respect where our responsibility stops,” he said.

“Our switch to China, we are not doing anything outside.

“I know there are powers at play, these are the same people who have diplomatic relationship with China,” he said.

“We are sovereign nation.

“We make decision on what is best for this country. Decision has been made for the good of this country. We don’t take decision to spoil our country,” Sogavare said.

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale urged Sogavare to take steps to seek healing after geopolitics has divided the nation.

Stranded nurses may not get support here

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Some of the Solomon Islands nurses in Vanuatu.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Stranded Solomon Islands nurses in Vanuatu may not be getting any support from the national government.

This is because the nurses had signed an agreement with the government of Vanuatu, therefore their dilemma now is left for them and the ni-Vanuatu government to resolve.

This is the message conveyed by the national director of nursing under the ministry of health (MHMS), Michael Larui, at a press conference yesterday.

However, a glimmer of hope can be seen in Attorney General John Muria Jnr’s statements yesterday that government has plans to repatriate our countrymen and women overseas, including those in Vanuatu.

Larui, during yesterday’s conference, when asked if MHMS is responsible for the return of the stranded nurses and their families, said:

“The contract is signed between Vanuatu Public Services Vanuatu with individual nurses so they actually left on their own.”

He said there wasn’t any agreement signed between SIG and the Vanuatu government for nurses to go and work there.

“These nurses were directly recruited by the Vanuatu government with individuals’ contracts for each nurses. So, before they leave for Vanuatu they have to first resign,” Larui said.

He adds on their return to the country there will be job opportunities provided but they will have to follow the normal process to apply like all other public servants in the country.

“They can still be recruited by government but this depends entirely on the government’s situation next year on public servants’ registrar,” Larui said.

He further confirmed that he did not have the total number of the nurses in Vanuatu.

Attorney General John Muria Junior, meanwhile, on the matter, said the government already has plans to repatriate all nationals overseas and that included the nurses in Vanuatu.

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