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Kengava hits out at Choiseul gov’t

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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The broken floors along the corridor inside Taro hospital

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Choiseul MPA for Tavula Ward Clement Kengava has labelled the current provincial government incompetent and incapable of bringing in development for the province.

He made this scathing attack in response to deputy premier Nerio Ulemiki’s media call for government to repair the dilapidated hospital in Taro, Choiseul’s capital.

Ulemiki had made the call via SIBC, the nation’s broadcaster on Sunday.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, Kengava said Ulemiki’s media call shows the current Premier Qoloni led government ignorance and lack of understanding of existing special relationship between Choiseul province and the national Health ministry.

“The renewed commitment made by Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Central Islands Province (CIP) recently is a good example Qoloni Government of Choiseul Province should look at seriously and follow in order to rehabilitate the rundown Taro Hospital.

“Choiseul Provincial Government is becoming a ‘sitting duck’ now after two years in coming into power from 2018 and is gradually failing to address the province’s much needed improvements in infrastructures in health and education throughout the Province because there is no political will shown by the Executive at present.

“A classic example was the failure by Choiseul Province to take the great opportunity during the recent visit to the province’s Second Appointed Day by the Prime Minister in February this year to secure and sign some tangible Funding Agreements between the National Government and Choiseul Province for the people to witness.”

Kengava pointed that the Province’s Budget for 2021/2022 is a reduction of over $4million from last year’s Budget of $22million plus.

“It shows the Provincial Government is not moving the Province ahead this year and this is a failure to the people of the Province,” he said.

Dead fish mystery heads to the lab

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Officers collecting dead fish sample and water

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Samples of the mysterious dead fish in Tulagi have been sent the national public health laboratory for testing.

Zuleeyen Leinga from the Environmental Health Division told Island Sun yesterday tests are being carried out on the mysterious deaths.

“We have submitted the result report to the National Public Health Laboratory last week on Thursday for them to interpret the technical terms and give us a simplified explanation.

“Please take note that we had just completed a sample test on marine water and streams in Haleta, Boboro, Naeli and Maliali.

“We also interviewed few fishermen and community members in these villages.

“We thanked those respondents for their time. I also wished to thank the Medical staffs and police officer to be part of the team,” said Leinga.

Australia promises million-dollar projects for Western province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Australian High Commissioner has announced major development for Western Province.

Dr Lachlan Strahan made the promise during a brief meeting with Premier David Gina yesterday in Gizo.

He said the Australian government through its office in Honiara will add value to existing projects in the Province.

Strahan stressed that areas of focus will include infrastructure, health and economic development.

He said Australia is pleased and honoured to fund the Seghe Airport upgrading project, able to assist in making sure the undersea internet cable reached Noro and also ongoing support towards border security during the time of covid-19 pandemic.

Strahan adds that the Strongim Business project has also made an impact to Western Province more especially in securing markets for the province’s tourism industry.

Premier Gina acknowledged the people and government of Australia for the great support towards his Province.

He said Australia has contributed well towards the province’s social, economic and health sectors over the past years.

“I acknowledge your support towards agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development,” Gina said.

He said people of Western Province value the assets especially the Gizo market which is a living testimony of the direct support from Australia.

Gina said Western Province’s partnership with Australia is established through core principles and values with efforts made based on common understanding.

He said his government looks forward to working closely with the Australian government through the High Commission in Honiara.

Plane supplier happy to help

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SUPPLIER of Solomon Airlines’ new Twin Outer, IKHANA Aircraft Services is happy to assist the country in airline industry.

The US Aircraft company, a respected provider to the worldwide aerospace industry, delivered the new aircraft to Solomon Airlines in February.

“IKHANA is extremely delighted to help Solomon Airlines grow and expand their fleet with the addition of our Twin Otter X2™ aircraft,” stated Mr. John A. Zublin, IKHANA’s Vice-President and General Manager.

“Our Twin Otter X2™ aircraft type incorporates the latest technological and safety improvements along with increased payload capacity through our RWMI DHC-6-300HG™ modification which allows operations at 14,000 lbs. maximum take-off weight.

“This aircraft is uniquely equipped as a zero-time airplane with a full-service life in front of it, we expect the aircraft to bring many years of service to the Solomon Island communities.”

IKHANA Aircraft Services, an AEVEX Aerospace company, is a leading provider of DESIGN-BUILD-FLY solutions for jet and turboprop aircraft.  The company specialises in the complete design, manufacture, installation, and certification of complex modifications and major repairs.

Headquartered in Murrieta, California, IKHANA holds FAA, EASA, and TCCA Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) authority as well as FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (FAA PMA).   Working with both the United States FAA Aircraft Certification and Military Aircraft Certification Offices, IKHANA has designed, installed, and certified numerous aircraft modifications and repairs for both Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft, including Gulfstreams, King Airs and Twin Otters.  IKHANA holds over two dozen significant Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).

Court adjourns arson case

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Felix Hollison has adjourned the case against a 42-year-old man accused of having burnt a copra building in Temotu for today.

This is the case of Peter Dagi, 42, who is facing one count of arson relating to the incident which occurred in 2019.

The case was mentioned in court yesterday, but the defence lawyer was not in court forcing the magistrate to adjourn the case.

Dagi was accused of setting fire to a copra building at Bwa on Lord Howe Island in Temotu Province in April 2019.

He was arrested for the said offence and remanded in custody.

The accused also had issues with his status of mind and an assessment that was conducted by the psychiatrist confirmed that he “is a person of unsound mind (mentally disabled)”.

Steven Weago of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused while Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane is prosecuting.

PM to attend Temotu Day

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Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the Second Appointed Day of Temotu Province next month.

This follows an invitation by Premier Clay Forau.

During a courtesy visit, leader of the Temotu Provincial Government and Premier of Temotu Province, Forau, formally thanked Prime Minister Sogavare for accepting the invitation to celebrate the Temotu Provincial day at the Provincial capital, Lata.

“A lot of preparations are being put in place. Thank you for accepting our invitation. We will be honored to have you among us for the Temotu provincial day celebrations,” said Forau.

Forau thanked the Prime Minister for the government’s continued support to the provincial government and people of Temotu province.

“Sometimes, we may have different views on governance issues but your leadership is mature and decisions always binding and promotes national unity.”

He further congratulated Prime Minister Sogavare for his leadership during this challenging time of covid-19.

“The people of Temotu Province believe, we are safe under your leadership. Your Government is capable of looking after its people,” Forau said.

Forau also raised issues of concerns for his province in relation to the shipping industry.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked Premier Forau for his continuous support to the national government. 

 “I will come. I will celebrate this year’s Second Appointed Day with you and the people of Temotu Province.” The Prime Minister assured the Premier.

He also acknowledged the issue of transportation for the province and stated the distance from Honiara to Temotu fully justifies the need for a boat for the Province.

The Temotu Second Appointment Day will be celebrated on June 8 in the provincial capital of Lata.

SIPA lights up Noro

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Press Release
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Solomon Ports yesterday officially commissioned the first-ever LED lighting system and CCTV fibre Network for Noro Port, Western Province.

This takes Noro Port to become the second Port in the Pacific region behind Honiara Port, to have LED lighting system.

Solomon Ports remains the only port in the Pacific to use LED lighting poles system and CCTV fibre network in its operations, which is fully funded by Solomon Ports, costing $14 million.

Around thirty-two 25m light poles and over 20 CCTV cameras were installed and deployed around the Port facility.

This also accomplishes the Port’s ongoing ‘Green Port Initiative’, an effort to achieve energy efficiency and lead the Pacific’s maritime transport sector in promoting green energy use in port operations.

The Government delegation with the Premier of Western Province David Gina in Noro.

The event was attended by members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, the Premier of Western Province, Noro town representatives and Noro SIPA staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga was given the honour of officially switching on the lights, marking a major milestone for SIPA and Western Province.

Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga cutting a ribbon to signify the opening of the new lights for Noro port.

The new LED lights and CCTV fibre system will improve port efficiency and boost security capabilities, to ensure port operations is conducted with safety.

This an historical achievement and significant milestone for the port, taking it forward as of leading ports in the region.

In his keynote address, Maelanga said despite the global impact of covid-19, he is pleased with the ongoing output of port operations.

He said this new investment will certainly improve productivity and security of the port, also pushing SIPA forward to meet international standards.

“With the LED lighting and CCTV deployment, SIPA has satisfied its compliance requirements under ISPS code for physical security monitoring and high visibility,” he said.

CEO of SIPA Eranda Kotelawala.

“As an operating port, SIPA has been audited annually under the code and the authority is committed to satisfying the compliance requirements.”

Noro Port has been without proper lighting since it was established; the new lights will also be a bonus to the ongoing development of Noro town.

–SIPA PRESS

Unexplained wealth in HCC needs investigation

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Press Release
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TSI

GIVEN the many issues and allegations raised in media following the change of government with regard to the governance, management, administration, finances etc. of Honiara City Council, TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) urges the minister responsible to direct responsible authorities to investigate these serious allegations.

These allegations are the findings of the Special Audit Report of the Council and those raised by former City Clerk (CC) Rence Sore in the so-called confidential documents, regarding the unexplained wealth of some officers within the HCC.

Whilst Transparency Solomon Islands calls on further investigations by responsible authorities of the Honiara City Council corrupt allegations, it recognizes that there are bigger problems of corrupt conduct that need addressing. 

In this regard Transparency Solomon Islands calls for the review, reform, and amendment of the current Anti-Corruption Act 2018 so that it is fit for purpose.

As it is now, it fails to define corrupt conduct.

No does it spell out when such conduct occurs; [a]such as when a public official improperly uses, or tries to improperly use, the knowledge, power or resources of their position for personal gain or the advantage of others;[b] when a public official dishonestly exercises his or her official functions, or improperly exercises his or her official functions in a partial manner, breaches public trust or misuses information or material acquired during the course of his or her official functions; [c] when a member of the public influences, or tries to influence, a public official to use his or her position in a way that affects the probity of the public official’s exercise of functions;[d] a member of the public engages in conduct  impairs, or could impair, public confidence in public administration or government.

As it is whilst there is an Independent Commission Against Corruption in Solomon Islands, this Act fails to give the Commission the teeth it needs to bite corruption with. 

Transparency Solomon Islands urges the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption to review the act and recommend changes to make it effective, including the inclusion of unexplained wealth.

In support of the recommendations to review the Anti-Corruption Act 2018, last week TSI noted the serious allegations of corruptions leveled at and within the HCC as exposed in the media by the sacked City Clerk. Despite the fact that the former City Clerk has denied leaking this information it calls for an investigation by the Leadership Commission and the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Those allegations speak volumes about how soiled the past and ongoing corrupt administration, management and corrupt practices are by those holding positions of power within the HCC.

These are no longer rumours or allegations as can be seen in the special audit report of the HCC. 

The report unambiguously points out the poor procurement processes or the lack of it and other corrupt practices that are in place at the council.

The very poor management and administration and monitoring of the council’s finances stemmed from a lack of council policy, procedure, or guidance on procurement.

Transparency Solomon Islands calls on Minister responsible for Honiara City Council to direct that the police and other relevant bodies to investigate those allegations and hold those responsible to account.

In the audit report, anyone reading it will be in no doubt at all that the following corrupt conduct were practiced;

  • Improper uses, or attempt to improperly use, the knowledge, power or resources of their position for personal gain or the advantage of others;
  • Public official in position of power dishonestly exercises official functions, improperly exercises official functions in a partial manner, breaches public trust or misuses information or material acquired during the course of official functions;
  • Member of the public influences, or tries to influence, a public official to use position in a way that affects the integrity of the public official’s exercise of functions;
  • Member of the public engages in conduct impairs, or could impair, public confidence in public administration or government.

It is publicly talked about that the operation of HCC has been politically interfered with, and administration being meddle with political interests. Investigating these allegations can put these allegations to rest and provide facts to counter any wrongful allegations.

TSI regards the allegations revealed by the former City Clerk as very serious matter that must be investigated.

The Leadership Code Commission needs to do its job and look into these allegations of unexplained wealth.

More importantly to validate that the conducts reported in the Audit Report of HCC and allegations by the former city clerk do not constitute or involve; [1] criminal offence; [2] or a disciplinary offence; [3] or constitute reasonable grounds for dismissing or otherwise terminating the services of a public official; [4] or in the case of local government councillor, a substantial breach of an applicable code of conduct.

If proved that these officials conduct involved these they must be held to account and charged accordingly.

Some of the unexplained wealth revealed in the newspaper of both Island Sun and Solomon Star were;

[1] the Hilux cost $274,000 now used as a private vehicle of the newly elected City Mayor Mr. Eddie Siapu. The vehicle could not be located when the special audit report was carried out to ascertain $1.6 million spent for six vehicles where one was missing. It was revealed by the sacked City Clerk that Siapu took it as his private vehicle.

[2] An alleged million-dollar worth residence built at Titinge, is owned by the HCC treasurer, Tony Lenson.

[3]. Another million-dollar worth residence built at Tasahe B and is allegedly owned by former treasurer of HCC Robert Lauomea. It is described as a million-dollar mansion at Tasahe B.

[4]. The other expensive residence is reportedly located at West Kola Ridge and is allegedly owned by former deputy treasurer, Grace Malefoasi. It is a million-dollar worth residence as well. Grace Malefoasi is the finance officer that looks after projects under the city council.

[5] Residential property at Vura Heights, East Honiara is owned by a junior HCC Treasury Staff-June Qae.

The names and locations have been made public providing a lead for responsible authorities to carry out investigation of these allegations.

Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the police, the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Leadership Code Commission to investigate these to either clear them of it or convict them bringing trust back to HCC. 

Any allegations of unexplained wealth must be investigated for they have a direct impact on the provision of services to the rate payers of Honiara City.

There is lack of documentation supporting the processes in procurement as revealed by the audit report.

The financial system did not reconcile with the council’s bank statements in millions of dollars and in the meantime we have these unexplained wealth allegations.

Those who have these unexplained wealth are those handling the Council’s finances justifying an investigation proper. 

Criminal proceedings to determine their source of income to purchase million-dollar properties is a must.

The unexplained wealth should not only be applied to public servants but the HCC staff as well.

Two Permanent Secretaries (PS) were charged and jailed for approving payments of contracts and car rental to their family members.

How the HCC staff [former and current] own expensive properties that is far beyond their level of income needs to be verified.  

So far no one in position of public power has been investigated and charged with the offense of Unexplained wealth. It is a much talk about issue but very little efforts to address it.

Transparency Solomon Islands called on the national government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to take up the allegations seriously and do the clean up to get rid of all the dirt within HCC.

The Auditor’s Report warrants the dissolution of the Council for it has exposed very serious mismanagement and maladministration of the council and its finances.

A change of the Executive is not the solution.

The option to dissolve the City Council under section 52(2) of the Honiara City Act 1999 must be seriously looked into given what has been made known through the Audit Report and by the former City Council Clerk.

The allegation that the newly elected City Mayor was responsible for hiding the Hilux sought by the auditors when implementing the special audit on HCC already reflects badly of him as someone not to be trusted by the people who is capable of leading with integrity and transparency.

He needs to step down as well as explain his action to the people with regard to the vehicle.

The issue of the lock up shops is a clear example of how councilors and staff of HCC are doing things to benefit themselves without any caring attitude to stop the corruption and make things fair for every Honiara residents.

Complaints as well as information made available to Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) indicates that the process for the allocation of Lock-up shops to applicants was corrupted or manipulated for the benefit of HCC management and their cronies.

The corrupt manner in which these lock-up shops were allocated has reached a level where it can no longer be tolerated nor accepted.

The Audit Report verifies the corrupt practices in the allocation of the lock up shops.

TSI commends Rence Sore for exposing some of the corrupt issues within the HCC. 

TSI encourages others who might have any information of dirty dealings in HCC to continue report it in the media, police and other relevant bodies to help eradicate corruption in our country and for the sake of better services for Honiara City residents.

[NOTE]. For the information of Public and Executive Government, Transparency Solomon Islands is the independent national chapter of Transparency International, the Global Movements against corruption.  It is also funded by it.

Manaika- the trailblazing person with disability inspiring others.

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Jabez Manaikai is someone who will leave an impression in your life if you happen to meet him.

He was described by many of his friends and family members as an inspiration to people living with disability and to the community, he lives in.

Hailing from Rennell and Bellona province, the 30-year-old currently resides at Tandai, in West Honiara.

Many born with disability have not had access to disability schools, with only a few moving on to access the mainstream education services in the Solomon Islands.

For Manaikai, education means looking for support to allow him to live the life of his choice.

Born with low vision and gradually becoming visually impaired – Manaikai has become a beacon for others who are chasing their goals and seeking the confidence to become more independent and educated.

He attended primary school at his home village on Rennell Island.  Manaikai had four other siblings, three boys and a girl.

Manaikai recalled that when he was in grade six, the teacher asked him to stay at home because of his situation.

“Studying with able people doesn’t feel the same. The only challenge I have is walking freely like the able ones do, use other equipment able ones can do and etc,” he said

“We came over to Honiara to see some overseas doctors for an eye check, and they told us that it was too late, so they suggested my parents send me to school instead.

Growing up with disability wasn’t easy for Manaikai yet despite his impairment, he could still play soccer, rugby and swimming.

His father and mother stayed strong for him and always supported him in seeking education.

“My parents and even myself thought that was the end of my story, that there would be no future for me and no further education.

“It took me five to six years of wondering why this has happened to me,” he recalled.

“It came to a point that I believe God is still there and he can help me even when I am in this situation. And it came to a surprise that all opportunities were open for me to study.

In 2011, Manaikai went to the Seventh Day Adventist Church to complete his braille and computing studies.

He also did his computing training at the SPC before going to Australia for further literacy studies in 2012.

“After that I went to Japan on a programme called Daskin leadership training n Study office management, social welfare and assistive devices for the blind from 2016 to 2017.”

“After I completed all my studies and training, I joined SPC-Youth at work as an Administrator. Later I also worked for King Solomon Hotel as a reservation officer and worked for the Solomon Islands BroadCasting Corporation (SIBC).

He said there is a huge difference in addressing outcomes from issues such as well-being, access to healthcare and impact on employment when comparing those with disabilities and those not.

“There is fear that I am different from other employees. People with disabilities don’t really join any workforce here in Solomons.

Manaika wants the government to listen to those persons living with disability, give them the same rights and provide accurate support needed to live life that everyone has enjoyed.

His encouragement to his peers is to dream big and work towards it, prove people that they can do what they can and are good at.

“Embrace who you are and try your best to learn your rights. You cannot change who you are but you can change other people’s mind set.

“I have been forced to go on unpaid leave for four months last year, so now my request for holiday will be turned down this year due to the long holiday from Covid-19.

“I have to get vaccinated, which is something I really don’t like, so I’m still thinking about it too,” Manaika said.

Sore denies he leaked it

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Admin
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Photo - Former City Clerk Rence Sore. Photo: Supplied

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Disgraced former Honiara city council (HCC) clerk, Rence Sore, has denied leaking copies of his whistle-blower report on the HCC to the media.

Early this month, media reports emerged revealing an array of corruption, mismanagement, dubious dealings, negligence of duty, etc, from within the HCC.

These reports were taken from a whistle-blower report written by Mr Sore for the national government, submitted on the day of his removal from office.

Many have seen this as a last-minute attempt by disgraced Sore to appease his masters in government after he was thrown out due to involvement in few unpopular deals, one of which was the secret sale of land in Ranadi which had housed the bio-incinerator belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Sore however denies giving media copies of his report.

“It is sad to have had a late read of the media propaganda by Alfred Sasako of Newsroom, Ronald Toitoona of Solomon Star Newspaper and Charles Kadamana of Island Sun Newspaper.

“They have twisted the facts of my report on the Political Interference in the Management of the Honiara City Council, Sore told Island Sun yesterday.

“It must be clearly mentioned that my report was written for authorities of the Government of Solomon Islands in particular that of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for the intended purpose of information and consideration of dissolution of the city council should Government sees it fit to take such a course of action or otherwise in-action – report was delivered to Government Offices on the morning of 7 April 2021 the day of my exit from the Office of the City Clerk of the Honiara City Council.

“Be that as it may, the report is strictly a Confidential Solomon Islands Government Document – and as such it is not meant for distribution beyond the legal boundaries of the Government of Solomon Islands.

“Despite the strict confidential nature of the report, it is rather sad to say that as the face behind the report I had not consented to the publication of extracts of the report by mainstream journalists in our daily newspapers.

“Neither did I give copies of the report to the dailies for publication. Nor did the editors of the two dailies called my cell number to secure my consent to the leaking of the report.

“It is also sad to say that as the face behind the report I do not concur with any bad intentions that would publicly ruin and defame the good reputation of the City Council, especially when the New Executive Governance of the New City Mayor, Councilor Eddie Siapu, is doing all it can to blend the torn pieces together, mend the broken bridges and rebuild the City Council back into a strong agency of the Government.

“As the report is strictly a Government Document, I am instructing my lawyers, i.e. Ron Law (Barrister, Solicitor and Commissioner for Oaths) to work with the Attorney Generals Chambers and the Honiara City Council Legal Office to look at laying of possible charges against the daily newspapers for leaking the contents of the strictly confidential report to the general public, in the past week of May 2021, without my formal consent.

“As a matter of adherence to responsible journalism, the daily newspapers are strongly urged to publish this denial of consenting to the leaks of the strictly confidential report for public eyes to see and at the same-time encourage guests, visitors and residents of Honiara City to protect and save the integrity of the City Council,” said Sore.

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