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First capital still without airport

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Tulagi township, Central Province

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CENTRAL Islands Province (CIP) though being host to the first national capital is still without an airport.

Stanley Manetiva, premier of Central Islands Province, revealed this during the 40th anniversary celebration yesterday.

He said CIP does not have an airport and is the only province without one.

“We need one to be prioritised on Ngella and the opening of Yandina as alternative options of comfort transport available to our distinguished and private guests,” Manetiva said.

He also acknowledges the government for the Tulagi Domestic wharf project, funded under the EU and ADB through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

“The land title is under the premier and the development consent has been granted after initial environmental assessment and impact report was submitted.

“This is a long outstanding economic infrastructure in the waiting for the Province, the domestic wharf is under NFD land but has just been transferred back to the province.

“Domestic and International seaport Infrastructures are vital for the tourism and general trading of goods for export,” Manetiva said.

18 locals with know-how on operating seafood business

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Gratuates pose for a group photo after yesterday's graduation event at USP SI campus near Lawson Tama

BY JARED KOLI

Yesterday marked a milestone for 18 Solomon Islanders as they are further equipped with skills and knowledge to operate seafood business after gaining a Micro-Qualification in Establishing and Operating a Small Seafood Business.

This was made possible through a scholarship awarded by the University of the South Pacific (USP) as part of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden.

The graduates yesterday are third cohort of the micro-qualification in the country which was delivered in partnership with the USP-Pacific Technical and Further Education (TAFE). This was in response to the multi-faceted challenges in the Pacific region brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the third cohort of this qualification and the first to be delivered outside of USP’s main campus in Suva, Fiji.

Augustine Mamamo receives his certificate from USP SI Country director Dr Billy Fito’o

The two-week face-to-face micro-qualification is designed to assist Pacific entrepreneurs with establishing and successfully operating a seafood business. It focused on the fundamentals of establishing and operating a small seafood business; business models and plans; marketing strategies; basic accounting; records and operational management; legislative requirements for business establishment; and ongoing compliance.

Witnessing the event yesterday were Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific H.E Sujiro Seam who witnessed the ocasion via virtual link from Suva, Fiji and USP Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Giulio Paunga who gave his keynote address virtually from USP Laucala campus. Certificates were conferred by USP Solomon Islands country director Dr Billy Fito’o.

H.E Seam said, “In line with the European Green Deal, the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership continues to deliver on sustainable management of marine resources and capacity building in the region. The micro-qualification in establishing and operating a small seafood business awarded today by the University of the South Pacific allows 18 Pacific Islanders to be more resilient and better equipped to face the challenges of the region, especially the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or climate change.”

Emily Eno pose with her qualification yesterday.

Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Giulio while congratulating the graduands said the important element of this micro-qualification is the opportunity to give small seafood businesses operators especially in the Pacific Island States, a fighting chance to survive during this era of COVID-19.

“We are large ocean states but with loss of employment prevalent in our region, the risk of COVID-19 infections amongst other socio-economic factors, the USP PEUMP Programme has taken this challenge and turned it into an opportunity to ensure that small scale operators are not marginalised but can instead thrive.

“Together in partnership with our donor partners we the University of the South Pacific have made a commitment to build capacitythrough education, training and research and development for key stakeholder groups in fisheries and marine resources management,” Dr Giulio said.

He said with its mission and the current challenge presented by the global pandemic, COVID-19, the USP is more determined to provide communities and countries in the Pacific –ACP bloc through this Programme the relevant, cost-effective and sustainable solutions, including entrepreneurship opportunities to rise above challenges

USP Solomon Islands country director Dr Billy Fito’o in his remarks thanked the European Union and Swedish Government for funding the USP PEUMP Programme, and also USP PEUMP Programme team for support in bringing the micro-qualification to Solomon Islands.

He also acknowledged USP Pacific TAFE and its staff both in Fiji and Solomon Islands for facilitating and delivering the programme in the country.

Manetiva calls for the return of land

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Admin
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PM leading the three happy cheers alongside the Premier

PREMIER of Central Islands Province is calling on State Owned Enterprises owning land titles at Tulagi through the commissioner of lands to surrender them back to province.

Stanley Manetiva made the call when delivering his speech on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary Second Appointed Day of Central Islands Province.

Premier Manetiva said the province needs the lands “for economic and provincial development of the economy to trigger infrastructures”.

Manetiva emphasized that the province must have the title and control over any entry point infrastructure facility.

“Therefore it is our call for a policy change on crown land in the province under COL (Commissioner of Lands), PE (Perpetual Estate) to transfer to premier for economic development purposes and SOE land to revert to LOC and back to the premier,” Manetiva highlighted.

He further calls on the government to revisit the previous policies or policy to transfer the Tulagi crown land to the Province for socioeconomic development purposes.

The premier also get the government’s attention on larger economy trigger infrastructure which he says is an overdue aspiration for the province.

In that regard, Manetiva calls on the national government “…to equitably and fairly share and distribute larger economy trigger infrastructures like the Tulagi road proposed project which again is long overdue”.

Manetiva said the improvement and tarsealing of Tulagi road will add value to the province’s tourism sector and to the comfort of visitors.

Premier Manetiva also used the occasion of the 40th Anniversary Second Appointed Day of his province to acknowledge government’s nationhood building and delivery of services to the rural people.

In particular, he thanked the government’s delivery of services in the traditional sectors of health and education followed by the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

On that note, Manetiva acknowledged various government delivery of services to the province, one of which is the refurbishment of the Tulagi hospital.

The premier also singled out government’s commitment to restore the number 1 house which was the British Solomon Islands Protectorate office.

Manetiva said the number 1 house’s restoration as a historical museum will add value to the tourism sector of the Province.

He further acknowledged government’s commitment in the Tulagi domestic wharf project which is jointly funded by EU, ADB through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development.

He also suggested an alternative seaport to Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), an idea worth pursuing into the future.

Central province eager to become leading copra producer.

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 Province is willing to become the leading copra producing province in Solomon Islands.

Premier Stanley Manetiva said Central province is more centralized compared to other provinces and with crown land that is accessible.

He said according to Central Bank’s report for December 2020, the Province is a leading copra producing province and contributes 34 percent in terms of coconut metric tons to the national economy.

Manetiva also said it is only proper for the State-owned Enterprises that is still holding on to Land titles in Tulagi through the Commissioner of Lands to have the titles transferred back to the Premier of Central Province for Provincial Development.

“Therefore, it is the Provincial call for a Policy Change on crown Land in the Provinces, under the Commissioner of Lands Perpetual Estates to transfer to Premiers for Economic Development purposes and for SOE land to revert to COL and back to the Premier.

“The province is calling on the national Government to revisit the previous policy to transfer Tulagi crown land to the province for socio economic development purposes”, Manetiva said.

Manetiva also called on the National Government to equitably and fairly share and distribute larger economic triggering infrastructure like the Tulagi road proposed project which is again long overdue.

He also said the road improvement and tar sealing will add value to their tourism sector and comfort for guided tours and visitors.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said infrastructure remains the crucial element in any economic activity, especially in our provinces.

“Road infrastructure in Central Islands Province is fundamental to enable access for farmers to markets.

“Hon. Premier, I do note the need for a domestic wharf for Tulagi as well, I believe that with the revival of Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) this wharf would play a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth here in Central Islands Province”, Sogavare added.

Central Islands Province celebrates its 40th anniversary

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inspecting a guard of Honour at Tulagi

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PREMIER of Central Province, Stanley Manetiva says 40 years is a time to take stock and reflect on the province’s journey and where it can improve to map out the vision of the Solomon Islands.

Premier Manetiva said Central Islands, though a small province, yet has qualified as the first born of all nine provinces in the country.

He said the theme for this year’s 40th anniversary is ‘40 years on Reflections and the roadmap ahead’ which is also a time of reflections and mapping out the way ahead for the future.

Part of the crowd at Tulagi yesterday during the celebration of CIP 40th second appointed anniversary

He said being the first and former national capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, it hosted the nation’s first state owned enterprise, the likes of Solomon Taiyo, National Fisheries Development, Sasape shipyard and hosted one of the biggest coconut plantations in the South Pacific region and once in the southern hemisphere.

And was silently contributing to the national economy of the country in the early 80s to date in the fishing and coconut industry and during the ethnic crisis and now during the covid-19 pandemic,” Manetiva said.

Therefore, Manetiva said 40 years is not the end but the beginning of things moving in the right direction.

“Our nationhood journey being 43 years on is similar to the story of the Israelites marching to the promise land”, Manetiva said

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the theme, Reflection and a roadmap for Central Province” is indeed a fitting theme.

“Thank you Premier for reminding us to reflect on where we are now and where we want to go.

“We cannot move forward and better our lives if we do not work together.

 Many of the great things and development that we see masks the collaboration, commitment and working together that happens behind the scene.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomed by the CIP Premier Stanley Manetiva

“If we want to see Central Islands Province progress, we much work together”, Sogavare said.

Sogavare also acknowledged the Premier and the People of Central Islands Province for their economic contribution made towards country over the years.

“I know that coordination between the national and provincial government together with the constituency can be improved to maximize the impact of development in the Central Islands Province.

“This is something I would like see happen, especially in aligning our policies and strategic plan”, Sogavare said.

Mala’s post-conflict members laud gov’t

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Peace ministry those with dishwaser are being asked to ccok their food.

Malaita based members of Solomon Islands Post Conflict Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (SIPCRRA) have thanked the DCGA for prioritising the rehabilitation of members through the formation of the National Policy on Reintegration.

The policy is administered by the Ministry of Traditional Governance Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) which is now on the final drafting stage. After, it will be submitted to Cabinet for deliberation.

Speaking at the opening of the validation workshop held at Mount Zion, Central Malaita for Malaita-based SIPCRRA members, Chairman of Malaita sub-committee, Samuel Lamani commended the DCGA government for prioritising the National Policy on Reintegration of SIPCRRA members.

He said the workshop is very important for SIPCRRA members to provide them opportunity to participate and give feedbacks and share their views on the draft policy.

“Your presence here today signifies government strong commitment on this policy.

“While’s the policy is still in its draft stage, your views and comments are very important.”

Director for Traditional Governance Division with the MTGPEA Chris Tabea thanked SIPCRRA Malaita members for accepting the invitation and making an effort to attend the workshop.

He highlighted, the government has seen the importance of reintegrating members of SIPCRRA as fundamentally important in fostering peace and security, also future development in the country.

He said according to International Law, when it comes to post conflict rehabilitation, it has different frameworks for victims and perpetrators. On that, the Ministry has the two policies, Reparation Policy and the National Policy on Reintegration.

Malaita Acting Premier Nelson Lenty strongly supported the national government’s intention to address the reintegration of SIPCRRA members.

He said the reintegration policy will not only contribute to members of SIPCRRA but will also benefit both peoples of Guadalcanal and Malaita.

The validation workshop presentation on Reintegration Policy is designed and funded by Solomon Islands Government (SIG) under MTGPEA’s budget.

–MTGPEA PRESS

Police operation bags three for phone theft

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara City arrested three youths for the robbery of mobile phones during operation clean east zone over the weekend.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Honiara City, Superintendent John Matamaru said the trio were arrested for the alleged robbery of a bag containing personal belongings including three smart phones and $300 cash.

Superintendent Matamaru said the arrest was done when the police operation team attended to other minor reports and cleared them in different locations in Honiara.

The Solrais area, Green Valley, Feraladoa, Ice Valley, Woodford School and Tasahe B are some of the areas police attended during the operation.

“During the police operation, nightclubs and pubs were also visited. Few underage boys and girls were located and interviewed and they stated that they were accompanying some relatives,” PPC Matamaru said.

He said police have checked the nightclubs and pubs to make sure they adhere to the licence conditions under the Liquor Act. Below are the pubs and nightclubs visited and checked over the weekend.

  • Sportsman Pub (Barak)
  • Country Pub
  • Kuks Town Pub
  • Canoe Bar (Pacific casino)
  • Cowboys Grill
  • Scorpion Pub
  • Curve Night Club
  • KTV (Kukum)
  • KTV (Ranadi)
  • 4:30 Haus
  • Flamingo night club

“I would like to thank police officers who involved in the police operation to make it a successful one. Our people need us and we are mandated to provide security to our people,” says PPC Matamaru.

Similar police operations will continue and police will visit other pubs and nightclubs in Honiara during weekends.

–POLICE MEDIA

Reporters end mobile journalism training

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Island Sun chief of staff Charles Kadamana, right, Jeremy Gwao of Solomon Times, centre, and freelance journalist Tony Iroga learn how to edit videos on a mobile phone during last week’s mobile journalism training.

UP to 16 journalists completed a three-day training in Honiara last Friday on how to produce news using mobile phones.

Australian-government funded Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), in collaboration with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), organized the Mobile Journalism (MOJO) training.

MASI president Georgina Kekea said mobile journalism has emerged as a new, affordable form of story-telling using smartphones to gather, edit and distribute news.

“With your smartphone, you can capture quality videos, photos and audio and produce the news from any location,” Mrs Kekea, also one of the training facilitators, told participants.

The training aims to support journalists to:

· Develop better understanding of smartphone capabilities and accessories for collecting multimedia content for stories

· Cultivate skills in smartphone photography, videography and audio recording suitable for professional broadcast

· Increase familiarity with online content-sharing and distribution platforms

· Adapt reporting practices to prepare for the future of media and working in a mobile-first world

· Improve the quality of mobile reporting in Solomon Islands.

                Participants came from mainstream media, Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Journalism Program, as well as freelancers.

Gizo-based reporters for the two daily papers participated via zoom.

Charles Kadamana, chief of staff for Island Sun newspaper, said the training was an eye-opener.

“I’ve been in the media industry for almost 20 years now but did not realise that you can use your mobile phone to capture quality videos and edit them on your phone,” Kadamana said.

“This training helped me to realise exactly that,” Kadamana added.

PACMAS representative in Honiara Nina Tuhaika encouraged participants to return to their newsrooms and apply, as well as share, their new-found mobile journalism skills.

GOV’T COULD LOSE $56M

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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5

Businessman wins lawsuit following Police and Fisheries Ministry cock-up

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Government could lose $56 million over a huge cock-up by the RSIPF (police) and Ministry of Fisheries (MFMR).

Medical professional turned businessman, Dr Reginald Aipia of Ontong Java has successfully sued government, police and MFMR.

Mr Aipia launched his case in 2017 following a string of failed attempts by MFMR and police to get him behind bars, apparently with no legal basis.

High Court recently ruled in favour of Aipia, finding the police and MFMR guilty of unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment of Aipia, and unlawful detention of Aipia’s beche-de-mer.

MFMR and police collaborated in 2013 to arrest Aipia claiming he was fishing beche-de-mer illegally. Court acquitted Aipia in 2017.

Later in 2017, the two collaborators again hauled in Aipia, this time on allegations he was illegally farming beche-de-mer. Court again disproved the two authorities, setting Aipia free.

Following this debacle by MFMR and police, Aipia decided to sue them for injuries and losses. He filed in late 2017 after winning his second case.

Aipia’s lawyer, Wilson Rano, said: “High Court has given verdict in favour of Dr Reginald Aipia against the Commissioner of Police, Police officers, Director of Fisheries and Fisheries officers.

“Police and Fisheries Officers are liable for unlawful arrest of Dr Reginald Aipia of Lord Howe Islands, false imprisonment, unlawful detention of beche-de-mer. The Court also held the Police and Fisheries Officers are also liable for malicious prosecution in the failed criminal prosecution against Aipia in 2017.

“Aipia sued the Police and Fisheries Officers following several failed attempts by the Police and Fisheries Officers to convict him for alleged illegal harvesting of beche-de-mer in 2013 and illegal farming in 2017. Aipia claims that he has been subjected to criminal prosecution by the Police and Ministry of Fisheries without any legal basis.

“The Police and Ministry of Fisheries arrested and charged Aipia in 2013 alleging that he harvested beche-de-mer outside the open season. He was subsequently acquitted by the Magistrates’ Court in 2017. During his arrest more than 1000kg of beche-de-mer were illegally seized by the Police and Fisheries Officers. Despite his acquittal the Police and Fisheries refused to return his beche-de-mer.

Again in 2017, just three months after being acquitted, Police and Fisheries Officers arrested and charged Aipia for allegedly carrying out commercial farming without any permits and possession of illegally harvested beche-de-mer. Again, the Magistrates Court acquitted him.

Because of these continuing criminal prosecutions Aipia decided to sue the officers and Solomon Islands Government for compensation for the loss he suffered and for the injuries that happened to him.

In his Claim, Aipia claimed $56,000,000 for damages for loss of business and for injuries he suffered.

The High Court, in giving verdict in favour Aipia, ruled that the compensation will be assessed by the High Court if the Government and Aipia failed to come to any agreement on the amount of compensation to be paid. Aipia is confident that he will likely reach an agreement with the Government. However, if there is no agreement then he will ask the Cour

Australia to arm SI patrol boats

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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RSIPV 06 Taro as she ready to berth at the SI Ports wharf for her Commissioning

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Australian Government has agreed to arm Solomon Islands’ patrol boats.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed this yesterday in his address to the commissioning of the new Guardian Patrol Boat, the RSIP Vessel 06 Taro.

“The Solomon Islands Government is fully committed to continue with the partnership arrangement with the Australian Government through the Australian Defence Cooperation Program and will continue to do so in the many years to come.

“I am also glad to note that the Australian Government has agreed to arm our patrol boats,” he said.

Sogavare said he is pleased with the support that the Australian government has provided for Solomon Islands, especially in relation to the country’s security.

“On behalf of the government and my people of Solomon Islands, we acknowledge and thank the Australian Government for their continuing support and assistance to our RSIPF Maritime Division through our Defence Cooperation Program.  Indeed, Australia recognized our maritime security needs and the importance of enhancing our maritime capabilities, for which we are,” he said.

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