The uncertainty about how and when the Solomon Islands will reopen to international tourists is causing great concern about the future of dive operators, and tourism in general.
In a statement, the President of the Dive Operators Solomon Islands, Grant Kelly said the Solomon Islands Government has to be highly commended for its handling of the COVID crisis and they fully appreciate and support the closing of borders until acceptable levels of vaccination are achieved, both in the Solomons and also in other major tourism markets such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
But it said a recent statement issued by the SIG is that a vaccination target level of 90% is required.
The target has members of DOSI worried.
“Whilst a highly justifiable target this seems a long way off. My members are getting the definite impression 90% of the population are not going to agree to get vaccinated, so we are not sure where this is going. It is hard to see how the border closure issue ends unless there is a shift in peoples’ attitudes or in government policy, neither of which seems likely right now.
Mr Kelly said the question DOSI members would like answered is ‘What is the plan if people won’t get vaccinated?’
“I am not sure how many DOSI members are going to survive another year of reschedules and border closures, especially when the rest of the world like Australia and Fiji open up.
The dive industry has been the backbone of the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands and is based on bringing in international divers and subsequently foreign capital to the Solomon Islands economy.
“It is the best tourism prospect for strong trading once borders reopen. But dive operators have had no income or very minor income since March 2020 and very minimal ESP support.
“Frankly I am amazed that so many operators have survived to this point in time as overheads and maintenance require ongoing monetary input. I know everyone is struggling right now and with a 90% vaccination target even reopening in late 2022 may be optimistic expectation,” Mr Kelly added.
However, DOSI states that in no way that it wants to undermine the resolution of the SIG’s handling of the COVID situation but wants some reassurance that they will be flexible as the situation progresses and bear in mind the plight of dive operators, and the tourism sector in general.
By Grant Kelly The President of Dive Operators Solomon Island (DOSI)
Nickson Hanahunu during his pre-graduation ceremony.
By BEN BILUA Gizo
We watch them on movies, read them in books and most of us sympathized for them, yet never felt it as a person who had gone through such a tough journey in life.
This is the story of 31- year- old Nickson Hanahunu from Sa’a village, Small Malaita, Malaita Province who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Law at the Fiji National University (FNU).
Raised by a single parent, he showed perseverance and commitment to change not only his life but also his mother’s who had been through thick and thin fought to raise him.
“Life without a father is not easy. There were bullying, hunger at times, I felt poor at times, but what can I do”, Hanahunu said.
“Growing up in such a family is hard because as a child, I don’t have a choice,” he added.
Hanahunu’s mother might be cheering from Heaven seeing her son achieved his dream but looking back at his mother’s struggle to put food on the table every day is so painful for Hanahunu.
Hanahunu reminisced the struggles his late mother had to face playing both roles of a father and a mother for him and his other siblings.
Mr Hanahunu making his presentation during class at the Fiji National University.
Hanahunu’s humble beginning started in 1999 at the Charles Elliot Fox Memorial Primary School (Sa’a) South Malaita where he did grade one to grade six.
“I remember my schooling days as if it was just last month, not because I was one of the top students, but because I was an average student in the class.
The ambition comes with lots of challenges, criticism and bullying while he was at primary school. The worst nightmare for his mother is how to pay school fees.
“I received a lot of criticism and was belittled by children in the village when I grow up. One of the greatest challenge my mother faced is when it comes to paying school fees. My mother had to bear with it.
“I have to repeat grade six twice and my teachers told me, I was a slow learner and needed to repeat my grade six.
“Many students looked down on me, some made demeaning comments saying that I would never get anywhere in life but my commitment and focus on study remain unchanged.
“I used kerosene lamps for study in those years. Sometimes, I have to skip study time as we ran out of kerosene,” he said.
Like other youths, the influence of societal lifestyle presents a hectic challenge for Hanahunu to remain guided by his determination for a greater education purpose. Listening and Paying attention to the existences of different young people isn’t simple since every one of them has various stories which are emotional and happy at the same time. However, choosing the right peer group was the greatest decision he has ever made.
“I love to learn from individuals who empower me, which causes me to feel certain to move forward and do things that will benefit and help me. As the saying goes; in every pain never give up for not being recognized but strive to be worthy of recognition, this powerful quote kept my determination and perseverance alive.” He added.
“I know many young people out there are facing so much that some decide to just quit. They take alcohol and marijuana as a solution to their problems. Some even take their own lives. But as Dr. Ben Carson and I quote; ‘’the noise of the sea will never disturb the fish from sleeping, therefore, don’t let anything disturb you, stay focused and determined to be on track on whatever you are pursuing in life, turn a deaf ear to every noise that distracts your attention” he said.
Looking back, Hanahunu is forever thankful for the sacrifice of his late mother who has been a key figure in his life.
He also acknowledged the support received from his uncles, aunties, cousins for never giving up on him in his education journey.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for his Knowledge wisdom and understanding in enabling me to complete my studies despite challenges posed by the global pandemic which affects all the countries in the world including Fiji.
“Secondly, I want to thank the Solomon Islands Government for offering me a scholarship to study law and not forgetting Fiji National University for accepting me to do my Legal studies at FNU.
Nickson Hanahunu at the Sukuna Park in Suva
“My message to all young people out there who might find them in such a situation that I found myself in is, that never give up, always have faith in God in everything you do.
“Always strive to push forward and never listen to the negative words others might say to you. You are born to make your dream come to reality, no one will make it happen for you.
“No matter how old we are we are never too young or too old for success or going after what we want. When you accept yourself and take ownership and accept the consequences of your own decisions, you will overcome all odds in life.
“God has a plan for you. We may not know it. We may seem lost at times, but remember He is in control. Everything will work out for the good of those who love him. We just need to learn to fully trust and surrender ourselves to God,” he said.
TWO more newly appointed members of the Malaita executive government have denied accepting to be part of the MARA government.
The two MPAs are George Lomo and Simon Ke’ebo who reject claims made by the Premier Daniel Suidani of their appointment.
A statement published in this paper yesterday saw Suidani appointing the two MPAs, the MPA for Ward 27 (Kebo’o) as Minister for Climate Change and the MPA ward 12 (Lomo) as Minister for Southern regional Affairs on Monday this week to replace the ones that have resigned.
However, speaking to this paper yesterday the two said they have not been consulted over the appointment and what Suidani claimed is not true.
The two MPAs said when made aware of Suidani’s appointment, they made a response revoking the appointment.
The MPAs said they had already written to the Minister for Provincial Government Rollen Seleso and copied their revocation letter to the Speaker of Malaita Provincial Assembly, Deputy Provincial Secretary Malaita Province, the Attorney General, Permanent Secretary MPGIS and to the Premier as well.
“We do not want to join MARA as we do not have trust in Suidani’s leadership”, the MPAs claimed.
One of the MPA Geroge Lomo also revealed that he was with Suidani previously but was sacked by Suidani and now would not be possible for him to re-join the government.
PREMIER Daniel Suidani on Monday this week appointed two MPAs to replace the two MPAs who last week refused to join his government.
They are MPA for ward 27, Simon Ke’ebo and MPA for ward 12, George Lomo who are waiting to take their oath as new ministers within MARA government.
Provincial speaker Ronnie Butala confirmed to this paper on Tuesday after receiving the letters of appointment of the two MPAs from Premier Suidani early this week.
He said as appointed by Suidani, Ke’ebo will be the new minister for climate change and Lomo as new minister for southern regional affairs.
Butala said his office has prepared for the swearing-in of the newly appointed ministers and will do so as long as he receives advice from the minister of MPGIS.
He said at the moment his office has at its disposal seven MPAs who will take their oath to perform ministerial portfolios within MARA government.
Butala said they are;
1, David Osuria, MPA for ward 6 as the new minister for forestry
2, Meshack Maukera, MPA for ward 19 as the new minister for tourism and commerce
3, Eric Daoni, MPA for ward 9 as the minister for women, youth and sport
4, Simon Ke’ebo, MPA for ward 27, as the minister for climate change
5, Benjamin Baetalua, MPA for ward 2 as the minister for MOI regional affairs
6, George Lomo, MPA for ward 12 as the minister for southern regional affairs
7, Glen Waneta, MPA for ward 8 as the minister for fisheries and education and deputy premier.
POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed yesterday that the case file of the $300k missing exhibit money is with the Office of the Director Public Prosecution for vetting before returning back to the police for further actions.
Mangau said the case file has been compiled and forwarded to the DPP’s office last Friday for viewing and advice on what will be the next action to take regarding the file.
“We will be waiting on the DPP’s advice and as soon we received back the file police will act on the advice by the DPP”, Mangau said.
Currently the exhibit officer is under suspension and on half pay.
This is the missing $300,000 cash money that were recovered from the so-called Director of One-link Pacifica during the police investigations early last year.
Those monies that were recovered are supposed to be kept as exhibit into the one-link case, that is currently ongoing before the court, however that money went missing while under the care of trusted officers of the RSIPF.
A police officer has been suspended following the missing of the exhibit money, while investigation was carried out.
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied
By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) says it is not aware of the leaked Guadalcanal Affairs Bill 2021.
This so-called bill has been widely discussed and circulated on social media.
But Special Secretary to Prime Minister Albert Kabui told reporters yesterday no such bill has reached Caucus or Cabinet.
Kabui said at the beginning of the year, the Governor General announced the legislative calendar of the government.
“The only bills the Government is working on are those the governor general announced,” Kabui said.
“The Government knew nothing about the Guadalcanal Affairs bill,” he added.
Among other things, the bill aims:
to recognise, participate and involve in policies, laws and decision makings when dealing with Guadalcanal affairs;
to deal with the affairs of the Guadalcanal which includes Guadalcanal land, sea, forest resources, water resources, mineral resources, environment, traditional knowledge and development, climate change and natural disaster and anti-corruption and any matters relating to the Guadalcanal;
to establish the Council of Chiefs to oversee the Guadalcanal affairs;
to establish a Board to oversee and stimulate Guadalcanal affairs; and
to strengthen and empower the existing traditional groupings of the Guadalcanal, church, women, men, youth, traditional tribal leaders within the Guadalcanal region.
A lawyer by profession and part Guadalcanal, Andrew Muaki posted on social media that the bill, if enacted, will seriously undermine the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly and its law-making powers under the Provincial Government Act 1997( PGA).
“Likewise, this Bill is a threat to the functions of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government as devolved under the PGA,” he added.
“Just reading the purpose of the Bill as stipulated under clause 4 of Bill, one can easily conclude the demobilization of Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly and its provincial government has begun,” he claimed.
Muaki asserted that other provinces will likely meet the same fate very soon.
Tigoa Police in Renbel Province have arrested seven adult male suspects aged between 19 and 43 years old who were employees of a logging company in Tigoa for malicious damage and Criminal trespass on September 19, 2021.
Initial report said that the suspects were under influence of liquor when they committed the offences. It is alleged that the suspects confronted landowners at their village and threw stones, damaged dwelling houses and intimidated them.
Police Commissioner Mr Mostyn Mangau says, “The matter was reported to police and the suspects were arrested and placed in police custody.
“The suspects were dealt with and charged for criminal trespass, malicious damage and intimidation. They were released on bail awaiting a court circuit scheduled in the month of November 2021.
“I call on to those who go to Renbel Province on work purpose under logging or mining company to stay out from criminal activities because police will not tolerate whoever committing any offences.
“I also call on to my good people of Renbel Province to respect each other and be a law abiding citizen. The police, village chiefs, church leaders are there to assist in resolving issues that arise in our communities.”
The provincial police commander (PPC) for Honiara City is on suspension.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed this yesterday, adding the decision was taken due to the PPC’s “behaviour and actions” which “does not speak well of him”.
Superintendent John Matamaru was reportedly given his suspension letter on Tuesday last week.
Mangau said he had received two complaints on Matamaru, one from a senior police officer and one from a Bangladesh national.
According to reports reaching Island Sun, Matamaru had had a row with the Bangladeshi at the Central police station early last week, followed by a confrontation at the Bangladeshi’s premises later that day.
Matamaru was served his suspension letter the next day.
Sources close to the matter have however, questioned the speed at which Matamaru’s case was dealt with, saying, “normally such internal matters take time before an officer facing allegations are interdicted.
“Certainly not hours!”
“But, with PPC Matamaru’s case, the incident with the Bangladeshi occurred on Monday, and the next day, when he went for their usual Executive meeting, he was given his suspension letter by Commissioner Mangau.”
Mangau yesterday also brushed aside allegations of any political interference in Matamaru’s case.
“There is no outside interference in our decision to suspend him, police issues are under my powers to deal with and administer and nothing to do with outside set-up or political interference.”
His response was to allegations that a relative of a government minister was accompanying the Bangladeshi during the incident at the Central police station.
“Police have its own discipline policy under the Commissioner’s order, any breach of orders will be dealt with, whether a criminal matter or any complaint against any police officer or any discipline issue serious in nature, police will always act on it.
“Regarding the PPC’s case, he is the head of the Honiara City and his behaviour and actions does not speak well of PPC.
“He is a senior ranking officer and by the nature of the complaint and report coming to us we suspend him.” Mangau said.
Matamaru could not be reached for comments before this paper went to press.
WESTERN Province Premier David Gina has been told to step down.
This comes following the resignation of five of his ministers early this week and the fact he only has seven of the 26 Provincial Assembly members supporting him.
“Gina must step down to give way for a new government,” members of the non-executive Chris Mesepitu, Brisbane Amatore, Ramraka Talasasa and Jenning Movobule told Island Sun Gizo.
“We now have the numbers to form the next government,” they claimed.
The numbers clearly showed out during the Assembly Meeting this week, which the non-executive boycotted.
Only eight executive members, including Premier Gina, showed up, resulting in the adjournment of the meeting.
“Our boycotting of the meeting was justified,” they stated.
“First, we did this because the Speaker misinterpreted the standing orders, resulting in disallowing the motion of no-confidence,” they added.
“Secondly, it is a strategic move to change the leadership.”
The non-executive bench said they believe and based on their understanding of the standing orders, the motion should have been allowed to be tabled this week.
They added the provincial budget should have already went through the Assembly because we have no intention of defeating it.
“We understand the importance of the budget, but at the same time we question the legality of tabling the budget in reference to requirements provided under the Financial Management Ordinance.”
The group further stated that the recent sitting failed to fulfil the requirement under the Financial Management Ordinance which states that a Supplementary Budget Assembly meeting should be tabled after six month from previous Budget Meeting.
They said that one of their aims was to change the leadership before addressing the budget.
“Our intention is not the defeat the budget, rather to challenge the leadership.
“Even if the budget was tabled in the sitting, it will be defeated as the government does not have the numbers to support it.
“Premier Gina has had his chance in the past three years and it is time he steps aside.”
The next Assembly meeting is scheduled for November this year.
But the group said this will drag the process and delay the budget, which the province needs to pass.
“The waiting game will have implications on government services and the blame should be on the government for dragging the process.
“Gina cannot continue to operate a minority government and so we cannot go on like this until November.
“The issue needs to be dealt with, have the budget passed so that we can move on.”
The group said they will challenge the Speaker’s ruling.
“We have 18 MPAs here on our side so obviously, we have the numbers to run the next government.”
MInister Seleso with Premiers and Malaita supervising Premier. Missing is Western Premier David Gina
By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE Government’s Policy Redirection has not sunk well with some provinces attending the Premiers Conference in Honiara yesterday.
Chief of Staff in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Robson Djokovic told the Premiers that about $850 million in the National Budget has been allocated towards the Policy Redirection.
This is like half of the $3.9 billion 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021 passed early this year.
Djokovic said the budget targets mainly the productive and resource sectors.
He said $500 million focuses on provincial developments.
“We have lost sight of the importance of provinces’ contribution to the National basket,” Djokovic added.
He said in the past the ministries delivered their budgets, now they want to work with the ministries to develop infrastructures and agriculture sector.
However, Central Islands Province Premier, Stanley Manetiva said alignment and delivery is lacking in the provinces.
Premier Manetiva said there is no delivery to the rural people.
“So I think the redirection means old way of doing it in a new way,” he said.
“In Central Islands, we are close to Honiara and far yet,” he added.
Manetiva said the Government should give the province money to build the wharf at Tulagi and the Government to do the Monitoring and Evaluation.
Makira Ulawa Province Premier, Julian Maka’a thanked the Government for its support.
However, he asked what does the policy redirection means?
Maka’a said the provinces must also re-direct as an agent.
Furthermore, Temotu Province Premier, Clay Forau said while the redirection policy is good for the government under this current situation.
Forau, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the redirection also affects the province because Provincial Capacity Development Fund is not paid in full to the provinces.
“Projects that were awarded last year could not be implemented this year.
“This is a setback because we have to implement projects within 4 years,” he added.
Chief of Staff, Djokovic said re-direction is the priority and objective of the government.
He said it may be doing the same thing in the different way but they are trying to achieve the outcome.
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.
DCGA will ensure that the Kirakira Cocoa Oil factory is completed in 2021, Bonale pineapple factory is constructed in 2021 and a cassava flourmill is established on Guadalcanal for export of cassava flour and livestock feed.
