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More than 70 public servants upskilled

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MORE than 70 public servants graduated with certificates after completing a training delivered by the Institute of Public Administration and Management, (IPAM) a division in the Ministry of Public Service (MPS).

IPAM is a mandated body involved in building capacity of Solomon Islands Public Service work force.

Guest speaker at the occasion, John Kouni, Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, said the occasion marks the successful completion of the various short courses that the participants have undertaken.

“Your participation have been based on various reasons,” Kouni told participants.

“For some of you may be an opportunity to learn new things, re-enforced what you have already learnt earlier, as a refresher, or just an opportunity to be excused from offices. Whatever the reasons may be, two things are clear.

Guests and upskilled public servants

“From your part-you have successfully completed those short courses. It is another achievement.

“From your employer’s perspective –there is an expectation.

“That you will return to your respective offices with an added flair that will collectively make our public service a better, stronger and more efficient one.

“This is a fundamental expectation and the onus is on you to deliver the expectation to standard. I am sure you will do,” Kouni said.

Lina Suiomea from MHMS receives her certificate

Solomon Manea, director of IPAM, congratulated participants for completing their training.

He said the skills, knowledge and reflections they had in the training room was to sharpen their competency and practise.

“I hope those are still sharp. I would like to encourage you to continue to become good public officers to serve with an attitude of serving. Your office needs it, your ministry needs it, the government needs it and the nation needs it,” Manea said.

The theme of the occasion reads “Upskilling public officers for quality service delivery.”

Celebrating women’s leadership here

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[from left to right] Mr James T Bradford, SolRice General Manager, Ms Jane Waetara, Chief Electoral Officer, H.E. Dr Lachlan Strahan, High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Berdi Berdiyev, UNDP Country Manager and Ms Ellen Paieke, elected as one of the 2 Outstanding Women in Honiara; (Photo: UNDP/Anastasiia Tiurmenko)

The UN Development Programme, SolRice, and the Government of Australia have joined forces to acknowledge women’s leadership and their role in achieving social change through the dissemination of 85 000 copies of the Outstanding Women (OW) of Solomon Islands booklet.

SolRice is one of the country’s largest rice distributors.

The “Outstanding Women” initiative was launched in 2019 as part of UNDP’s Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) to advance women’s leadership and promote gender equality in Solomon Islands.

 Communities throughout Solomon Islands were invited to nominate and conduct elections to choose women valued for their contributions and achievements.

The names of 120 women nominated may be found in this booklet which features the stories of 11 women who received the highest number of votes in nine provinces, including the capital Honiara.

Group picture; (Photo: UNDP/Anastasiia Tiurmenko)

During a press briefing on the launch of the Outstanding Women booklet and the SolRice distribution partnership, the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, highlighted the significance of working together with the private sector in promoting women’s roles as leaders in Solomon Islands.

“Gender equality and women’s empowerment is not an option,” said Dr Strahan. “All the data from across the globe indicates that any society that does not empower women, economically, socially and politically, struggles.”

Dr Strahan said, “Empowering women is the right thing to do because it’s about fundamental human rights, it’s also the smart thing to do.”

“The Outstanding Women recognized in this booklet act as role models and play a catalyzing role driving social change,” said Dr Strahan. “Australia is very proud to be part of this big team effort for social change.”

Echoing the same sentiments, Mr James Bradford, the SolRice General Manager said, “Gender equality is a core principle of SolRice.

 We are committed to supporting and promoting women’s role in Solomon Island communities. We are happy to partner with UNDP to distribute the “Outstanding Women” booklets because when business and international organizations work together, the outcome is much faster.

Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Mr Berdi Berdiyev, UNDP Country Manager said, “This is the third time SolRice works with UNDP on a pro-bono basis to implement civic engagement initiatives. It is an example of what can be achieved when national authorities, civil society, development partners and socially committed companies, such as SolRice, work together.”

Representatives from SOLRIGHT Women Football Cup (WFC) who assisted with the OW booklets’ packing; (Photo: UNDP/Anastasiia Tiurmenko)

“I would also like to thank the SOLRIGHT Women Football team who has assisted in the packing and adhering of the booklets to the bags of rice. This team effort will help not only spread the word on the “Outstanding Women” initiative but also advance gender equality in Solomon Islands,” Mr Berdi Berdiyev concluded.

With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, UNDP works to advance women’s participation in civic and political life, their economic empowerment and their role as builders of peace and resilience.

The ongoing dissemination of the “Outstanding Women” booklet and the accompanying press briefing were organized by the Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP). SECSIP is implemented by UNDP Solomon Islands and has received financial assistance from the Australian Government, the European Union and UNDP.

PM leads corporate flag raising

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The flag raising ceremony yesterday at the Prime Minister's Office.

THE Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration welcomed the month of July with a corporate flag- hoisting ceremony yesterday.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare led the brief monthly ceremony, a statement from his office said.

The ceremony involved singing of the National Anthem and hoisting of the national flag at the OPMC compound. 

In his Independence Day Message soon after his election as Prime Minister in 2019, PM Sogavare emphasised on ‘National Unity’.

He underpinned that the National Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem are embodiment of our national unity.

“From this moment forward, my office will commence the practice to raise our National Flag and sing our National Anthem on the first working day of every month.

“I hope every ministry, schools and provincial government follow suit.” 

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare have been observing the monthly flag-hoisting ceremony since mid-2019.

–Prime Minister’s Office

PM: gov’t commits to ‘One China Policy’

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PM Sogavare and Ambassador Li Ming cut the ribbon to open the exhibition at the PRC Embassy

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Wednesday reiterated the Government’s respect and commitment to the “One China Policy” when he attended the opening of a Photo Exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.

Sogavare assured Chinese Ambassador Li Ming and staff of the Embassy that the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) remains committed to “uphold the One China Policy and no amount of influence would sway the Government from this noble Principle”.

“Let me assure you all that Solomon Islands, DCGA Government and Our Party, upholds the One China Policy and Principle, and Taiwan is an alienable party of the Peoples Republic of China,” Sogavare stated.

PM Sogavare speaking at the ceremony to open the Photo Exhibition to celebrate the 100 Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China

“On that note, let me assure you all that Solomon Islands will adhere to the One China Principle and no amount of pressure or influence, whether locally or foreign, will deter or sway us away from this noble principle and bold stand,” he added.

Sogavare conveyed his appreciation to the Communist Party of China (CPC) for the opportunity to attend and witness the opening Ceremony of the Photo Exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Founding of CPC.

“Congratulation for hosting the 100th Anniversary of CPC in Solomon Islands.

PM Sogavare and his Ministers at the ceremony

“On behalf of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), Our Party and the people of Solomon Islands, our warm congratulations on the 100 years’ anniversary of the CPC,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the DCGA and Our Party notes that 100 years Anniversary is a key milestone and an achievement in itself.

It is a reflection of the work that the CPC has done for the Chinese people and society, he added.

“Our Party and its coalition partner, Solomon Islands People First Party, therefore, recognize the successful and towering achievements by CPC over the 100 years.

“This is truly a testament of CPC able leadership and visionary governance over the past years.

“As such, we are very eager to work with the CPC to deepen our party-to-party relationship,” Sogavare said.

Ministers and Government MPs at the opening ceremony

He commended the Peoples Republic of China for its assistance on infrastructure and the fight against COVID-19 in the Solomon Islands.

“Within the short time of our bilateral relationship, you have delivered, and your assistance and support has touched the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders,” he added.

Sogavare said Solomon Islands is keen to cooperate with the Peoples Republic of China to build a world that is fair and just, a world that is based on multilateralism as opposed to unilateralism, a world that promotes free trade, and a community with shared future for humankind.

Furthermore, Sogavare said Solomon Islands’ acknowledges the Peoples Republic of China’s international standing and leadership role globally, contributing to global peace and security, working with the United Nations, and other International Multilateral Agencies, in tackling poverty alleviation.

THIS I PROMISE YOU

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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

I will increase PCDF: Sogavare

Prime minister Manasseh Sogavare has promised that he will increase the development fund (PCDF) for all provinces.

He announced on Tuesday this week that under his leadership, the provincial capacity development fund (PCDF) will be increased as part of his government’s redirection policy.

Mr Sogavare made the assurance in Tulagi in the presence of provincial premiers attending the Central Islands Second Appointed Day.

He adds that his government is going back to the drawing board to ensure the PCDF is more effective in service delivery to address developmental issues faced by provincial governments.

Sogavare said the PCDF funding will be increased in two stages – details of which will come out later.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the many issues raised by provincial premiers are true but these issues have not come about due to lack of resources and funding.

Sogavare admitted that as a country we have lost our way since establishing the provincial government system – it was a right thing to actively devolve powers down to the provincial governments.

He, however, pointed out that the devolution of powers – supposed to mean power to go down and it must go with resources, funding, labour and infrastructure development.

“That was how it was organised right from the beginning,” Sogavare highlighted.

“Throughout the journey as a country, we have re-centralised power back to the central government to the detriment of the provincial governments who are in charge of the needs of the 85 percent of the people of Solomon Islands.”

Sogavare maintained that the real issue is not the restructuring of government system to address these many issues but a system that can deliver services, which can subsequently address all the issues raised by the premiers.

He added that it is about a system that does not centralise power and not one that continues to entertain power.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

‘Central province needs another constituency’

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Premier Manetiva presenting the desire of Central province for another constituency during the province’s anniversary celebrations early this week. Photo by Jennifer Kusapa

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CENTRAL Islands premier Stanley Manetiva has voiced the need of an additional constituency for the province.

This call has been one ruminating under successive provincial governments of Central Islands, and Mr Manetiva is putting this desire at the foot of prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Manetiva said Central province’s population has grown and the challenge current MPs are facing cannot be undermined.

He said the provincial government has passed an Assembly paper to recommend to the boundaries commission for an additional constituency for central province as there is a need for “an additional constituency for Ngella Islands Russell a standalone Constituency Savo and Buen Vista Sandfly and the remaining to be Ngella constituency”.

“The province will be following up its Assembly passed resolution with the appropriate commission but I am raising the flag now,” Manetiva said.

“Leaders and people of Central Islands Province in 2009 already called on responsible national government authorities to create two additional constituencies to help address inadequacies in the distribution of government funded projects in the province.”

The province has two constituencies; Ngella and Savo/Russells, with an estimated population of more than 30,000.

It’s not an Australian naval base, says Veke

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The Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost site plan in the Shortland Islands

THE Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) Anthony Veke has dismissed rumors that the Australian-funded Border and Patrol Boat Outpost at Lofung in the Shortland islands is an Australian Naval base.

Speaking at last week’s historic groundbreaking ceremony at Lofung, Minister Veke said the border and patrol boat outpost must not be perceived as an Australian Naval Base BUT a renowned Solomon Islands Border Security Outpost, with the aim to enhance security procedure, increasing monitoring and regulate border security management capability.

“It is the sole intent of this border outpost, to ensure that we all enjoy our border relations in a safe, regulated and peaceful manner,” he said. 

Veke added that when the outpost is operational, its functional duties would be to ensure; legal and safe cross border activities, deterrence to illegal activities, monitor transnational crime, and monitor unregulated & unreported fishing in our waters.

The minister conveyed appreciation to the Australian Government for funding this national project.

“This is not an easy undertaking, and to have the support of a development partner is greatly appreciated,” he said.

Minister Veke joined Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the Australian High Commissioner, Member of Parliament of Shortlands, Chris Laore, Western Premier David Gina and Chairman of the FAMOA Council of Chiefs and Trust Board Lawrence Hotomo to turn the soil to mark the start of the project Wednesday last week.

Veke also extended his respect and appreciation to the Chiefs, Elders and people of the Shortlands for their vision to provide their land for the project.

“I wish to sincerely pay my deepest respect and thank you to the Chiefs, Leaders, Elders and People of the beautiful Shortland Islands on whose ancestral land we stand on today,” he said.

–GCU

Malaita tribe praise gov’t for acquiring their land

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Allan Siau of Fotana Tribe in East Fataleka gives the concept plan to establish a third International Airport on their land to Acting Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga in Cabinet.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Fotana tribe from Ward 14 on East Fataleka, Malaita province has praised the government for acquiring 600 hectares of their customary land in the past.

The land acquisition was part of the process to acquire 10,250 hectares of customary land on both East Kwara’ae and East Fataleka earmarked for the “failed” Auluta Palm Oil project.

The landowners of both regions have received their Perpetual Estate Titles from Ministry of Lands in 2012 after the completion of land recording, surveying and registration on 6,875 hectares were registered to them.

Co-chair of Fotana voluntarily team, Allan Siau said they are offering their registered land to the government to develop the third International Airport and Agro Tourism Investment.

Siau said despite people viewing the Auluta Palm oil as a “failed” project, he said it is a blessing to them because they will use the registered land for another national development to help their people.

He said despite Malaita Province not willing to work with the National Government due to its stance against Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on religion and ideology grounds, his people are willing to offer their land for development to address pressing economic issues.

His team had already handed their concept plan to Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga recently.

This is to allow responsible ministries like the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Ministry of Tourism to carry out a feasibility study on the land.

Maelanga was happy to see the initiative offered by the Fotana Tribe.

He assured the team to take up the concept plan in Cabinet for discussions, so that relevant ministries can pursue the feasibility study on the land.

According to Solomon Times, the Auluta Basin concept was first drawn up in 1977 by the local area council and then endorsed by the Malaita Provincial Government in 1989.

Following the ethnic conflict from 1998-2003, the project was endorsed in the Townsville Peace Agreement as vital for rehabilitation and as a means of promoting economic development on Malaita.

The majority of migrant workers in the palm oil plantations on Guadalcanal at the time of the conflict, were from Malaita and had been displaced.

In 2007, the Auluta Basin Oil Palm Project was formally launched and in 2009 a ground breaking ceremony was staged along with the first landowners congress.

However, the project failed to get off the ground due to continuous blame on land disputes and government failure to build needed infrastructures and secure investors.

Housing rentals in Makira questioned

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Kirakira station, in Makira/Ulawa Province

The Member of the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly for Ward 5 in Arosi 2, Jackson Sunaone who leads the non-Executive Members, claims a $3000 monthly Housing Allowance paid to Provincial Ministers is not right.

He says with the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission determination on Provincial Assembly Members’ Salaries and Allowances, the Housing Allowance given to the Makira Ulawa Provincial Executive Members is not right because they are housed in Provincial Government Houses in Kira Kira, the Provincial Capital.

Mr Sunaone says the instruction to this effect by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening is a gross defiance of what the Provincial Assembly Members’ Salaries and Allowances Determination says, so the practice is illegal.

He says the Attorney General and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Legal Advisor ought to provide advice and opinion to correct this deemed legal anomaly.

And the Provincial Assembly’s Repeal Intent of Ward Development Ordinance and the Makira Ulawa Province Investment Corporation Ordinance, Mr Sunaone says although the intention is affected by the Assembly’s respective passed Resolutions, legally they cannot be enforced, unless or until, a Repeal Bill is brought before the Provincial Legislation for passage.

Mr Sunaone says further more for the Government of Premier Julian Maka’a to bulldoze the respective Repeal Resolution in the recent Provincial Assembly meeting implies total defiance and ignorance of the following sitting Provincial Assembly Resolutions:-

  1. Ward Development Authority: In the period of 2017 and 2018, the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly sternly resolved that the policy advocated institution of Ward Development Committees to undertake Participatory Planning and Development in the Provincial Wards, for legal reasons, be best left in the hands and functions of the Ward Development Authority.

Therefore, he says to now put into action the recent Provincial Assembly passed resolution to repeal the WDA Ordinance bears legal implications, hence to allow WDC to now take charge in the Wards is not right.

And Mr Sunaone accuses the Provincial Capacity Development Fund of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening of driving its Governance Roles and Functions on the Makira Ulawa Community Governance Framework from the Province’s legally framed Governance Structure.

He calls on the Maka’a Administration to honour and respect the Province’s legally framed Governance Structure because PCDF’s action connotes a breach of the Province’s Governance Laws and may attract a legal challenge upon the binding Ordinances of the Provincial Legislature.

On repealing the Makira Ulawa Provincial Investment Corporation (MUPIC), Mr Sunaone describes the recently passed resolution to repeal the MUPIC Ordinance as a complete contradiction of the 2020 sitting passed resolution to suspend MUPIC’s operations to enable a review being carried out.

He says on that basis, the entities management was stripped off and functions and operations come directly under the Provincial Government Administration.

Mr Sunaone concludes by saying therefore, to go by the recently passed resolution does not go down well with the anticipated intentions of the 2020 resolution, which he regards as noble in its sense.

In response, Premier Julian Maka’a says the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government has not repealed any ordinances so far.

He says what had happened was to procedurally attend to requirements for such legislations to be repealed, amended, reviewed or invalidated and annulled.

Mr Maka’a says these ordinances must be acquainted with developing governance and MUP must keep up with the changing face of socio-economic turns of this age.

He says Makira Ulawa Province must be on top of changing patterns of development, so “we must revisit not one but all ordinances for the sake of progress and unified approach to meet the demands of change.

“The Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly member who raised the issues is a member of our House Business Committee, contributed in the resolution and voted in the Assembly, so it is incomprehensible why Mr Sunaone has decided to use the media”.

Premier Maka’a says his Government of Unity, Reform and Advancement is committed to bringing more tangible developments and benefits for “our people of Makira Ulawa people than engaging in media arguments”.

By George Atkin

PM Sogavare hails Russell Islands’ coconut potential.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Yandina in the Russell Islands.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has praised Russell Islands, highlighting its huge potential in the coconut industry.

He however says this has not been utilised to its maximum capacity owing to a number of factors.

He made the statement in Tulagi during the 40th second appointed day anniversary Tuesday this week.

“There are challenges that hinders the development in Russell one relates to the defunct RIPEL and a number of legal proceedings that is before the courts.”

The second challenge is lack of consideration for down-streaming of coconuts (value-added) on locally owned plantations. Third, is the absence of proper set-ups in rural communities.

He said in 2020, a number of investor dialogue series were held, including preliminary consultation exercises, and several locations were identified to further downstream copra to crude and virgin oil.

He said farmers agreed to work together for down streaming of copra which will add value to the coconut products. Discussions ensued with key buyers of crude and virgin oil in Honiara and they were willing to continue buying the copra.

“Having this crushing mills means that copra production in Russell Islands will be milled into oil thus adding value to the raw product.  This year 2021, funds were procured to ensure communities which mills will be given to have proper set ups. In close collaboration with the Central Islands Province agricultural officer stationed at Yandina, a consultation was carried out in communities to identify set ups and committees in preparation for formalization and registration of community companies in which the Mills will be operated. This activity is work in progress and will conclude soon.”

He also said parties anticipate the signing of several memorandums of understanding between the communities that will benefit directly from the coconut oil mills and Solomon Islands Government, Central Islands Province and Russell Islands Investment Forum (the recognised coordinated body) of the indigenous people of Russell Islands.

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