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Wale raises ‘pros & cons’ of Govt policies.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader, Matthew Wale has raised the pros and the cons of the Government’s policies.

Speaking in response to the Speech of the Throne in Parliament on Wednesday, Wale said there are some positives about government’s overall policy disposition.

“Firstly, one can see there is a waking up to the need to have fewer priorities.

“Secondly, there is recognition that adequate funding is a necessity to ensure priorities have any realistic hope of being achieved,” he said.

Wale said thirdly, government is more sensitive to its own capacity to execute and therefore the need to review its delivery mechanisms and to seek strategic partnerships with non-state actors.

“As I said these are positives and must be encouraged.

“However, there is much room for improvement in all these positives,” he said.

Wale said the priorities would seem to him still too many in the current difficult economic situation, given the squeeze on government revenues.

He said the result is that although there is better clarity on government priorities, the funding levels are still inadequate for purpose.

“I grant that there have been increases in budget allocations to government priorities, compared to previous years,” he said.

“But in this matter, it is not a comparison to prior years that is important,” he said.

Wale said the two factors critical to delivery of the policy objectives are whether there is adequate funding and capacity to execute.

“A look at the 2021 budget reveals a sharing out of the cake, not a strategic outlook.

“This was my main critique of government policy as contained in the 2021 budget, and it is still relevant to this debate.

“Fewer priorities will achieve clearer focus,” he said.

Wale said fewer priorities enable adequate funding to be allocated which would lead to better delivery and execution.

“And the delivery/execution objective requires government to seek the most efficient, effective and economically catalytic partnerships,” he said.

Guadalcanal MPs: Sade is threat to the province

Written by
Press Release
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GUADALCANAL Members of Parliament with the ruling DCGA government have expressed their disappointment with the manner in which Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade is behaving lately.

In this week’s Island Sun newspaper, Premier Sade issued a warning to the national government.

He said that all national projects happening within Guadalcanal will be disrupted and jeopardized by his sub-national government.

He stated the national government “will face tough challenges to deal with Guadalcanal Province on any development the national government are planning to do in Guadalcanal”.

Some of the national projects he intends to block are the Tina Hydro project, the JICA funded road expansion, the JICA international airport expansion, the Pacific Games 2023, Police outpost constructions, Former Taiwanese Farm relocation, Lunga Water Treatment Plant, Mamara development, Alligator Creek Market, Gold Ridge Mining, PCDF funded projects and all other line-ministry projects on Guadalcanal.

In a statement, Guadalcanal MPs questioned the credibility and sanity or the state of mind of Premier Sade as of late.

They questioned his credibility and sanity under section 15.(1) (a)&(c) of the Provincial Government Act 1997.

The provisions reads that ‘a person shall be disqualified from membership of a provincial assembly if the person-(a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state and (c) is certified to be insane or otherwise adjudged to be of unsound mind under Solomon Islands law’. 

They said to make such threat is counterproductive to development of Guadalcanal Province and Solomon Islands as a whole. When Guadalcanal develops, the rest of Solomon Islands develop.

They said the MOU between Guadalcanal Province and Ministries of Finance and Mines regarding the Tina Hydro, which the premier referred to is an administrative matter.

“The Provincial Secretary of Guadalcanal Province should be following up on such matters,” they said.

The Guadalcanal Members of Parliament demanded Premier Sade to convene the Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting (JCCM).

“The JCCM platform is the avenue the Premier and his Executive can advance issues, matters and developmental aspirations of Guadalcanal Province.

“Premier Sade has failed the province in that regard and chooses to use the media to senselessly attack us GP MPs.

“How can we know what Premier Sade and his executive want for the province when they are not communicating with us?

“For him to mirror his failure on us Members of Parliament is unprofessional and childish.

“Premier Sade needs to man up and call the JCCM,” they Guadalcanal MPs said.

Finally the Guadalcanal MPs said they will not be engaging in future media exchanges and expect the convening of the JCCM as stipulated under the Provincial Government Act 1997.

Photos that would remind the world one day – Climate change exhibition

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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From left to right winners of the competition from the Solomon Islands, Daniel Kakadi,Jospeh Haga and Edward Manuga

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A climate change photography exhibition was held at the Unity Square aimed at exhibiting photographs of winners of the Pacific Climate Photography Competition.

Winners of the competition from the Solomon Islands are Daniel Kakadi, Edward Manuga and Jospeh Haga. They were awarded with prizes at the event yesterday.

The exhibition was held as part of commemorating Earth Day which falls on April 22, 2021 and as part of celebrating the British High Commission in Solomon Islands and Nauru climate change photography exhibition.  

Joseph Haga explains his winning photo to Dr Jones British High Commissioner and Kate Saunders

There were 60 photographs exhibited for viewing.  

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Brian Jones says the photographs show unity in fighting climate issues regionally and internationally.

He says this year will be the year where the nations of the world show whether they are willing and able to tackle climate change, and keep it to a scale that can be managed or not.

Daniel Kakadi receiving his price from PS Mataki whilst Dr Jones looks on.

“If we can get countries to agree to reduce to zero their emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, and make finance available to those countries which need help to do that or adapt to the impacts they are already seeing of a warming climate, then we might just get back on track, but we will all have to make enormous changes, we will have to stop using coal, oil and gas completely, no more oil-fired power stations, petrol cars, or gas cookers. All these will have to go over the next thirty years

“It’s a big challenge, and it will only happen if everyone is ready to do whatever they need to support that change,” Jones says.

Jones also said Unity Square hosted the photo exhibition due to the need for unity from all levels and all walks of life.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology Dr Melchior Mataki, addressing yesterday’s event, said human beings cause climate change directly and indirectly.

“And it is us humans who are responsible to tackle this issue. We must all united stand to combat climate change starting from village level to the national government,” said Mataki

Tax reform, positive ecosystem both important to growth: Wale

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader, Matthew Wale says tax reform and a positive ecosystem are important to create growth in agriculture, fisheries and forestry and attract investment.

Speaking in response to the Speech of Throne in Parliament on Wednesday, Wale said high taxation in the country remains an impediment to serious investment that would unlock opportunities in these sectors.

He said tax reform has been on the cards for the last 20 years and there has been very little movement on any of it.

“What is the problem, may I ask?

“It would seem to me there is an irrational fear of the unknown, or perhaps a fear of government losing revenue in the short term,” he said.

Wale said this matter requires a rational approach that accepts an immediate short-term reduction in government revenues as it streamlines taxation.

He said it is important that government keeps its eyes on the long term benefits of such reforms to motivate and guide the tempo and direction of tax reforms.

Further, fiscal incentives are a key catalyst to investment.

Wale said Government must not fear this.

“However, there is a need for certainty on such incentives, and clarity and transparency around the process and timing to obtain them.

“The ad hoc manner fiscal incentives are handled at present does not give certainty to business and investment and makes decision making arbitrary,” he said.

Wale said there is too much discretion left to certain individuals, and nothing to clarify to business what is permissible.

“Decision making takes too long. Lack of certainty, lack of transparency and delayed arbitrary decision making are serious impediments to creating a sound stable business environment to attract quality investments.

“Worse, they are more likely to encourage corruption as businesses are put in the situation that they need to induce these things to happen,” he said.

Wale said this is the current quagmire we have at present, and it is choking off growth in the economy.

He said there needs to be serious, substantive, efficient reform in these.

Furthermore, Wale said an ecosystem that attracts, encourages, supports, and facilitates business enterprise must be a deliberate policy target of the government.

He said access to finance continues to be an issue.

“DBSI will go some way towards addressing this issue but much more needs to be done.

“KYC requirements make it difficult for a lot of businesses and individuals to open bank accounts. This is really an unnecessary impediment,” he said.

Wale said there must be more common sense in this matter.

He said Government must liaise with the central bank on this matter.

“Access to land is another important factor.

“I note government’s land reform objectives. I grant there are structural issues involved in land reform that need to be handled with care,” he said.

Wale said the current stamp duty on land transactions is another issue affecting refinancing of businesses, and needs to be reformed. It places an unnecessary cost on what ought to be simple business transactions.

He said business advisory services, financial services, extension services, efficient trade disputes resolution, predictable transportation services, better quality communication, and infrastructure are essential components of a sound business-friendly ecosystem.

“Solomon Islands has been described as an expensive investment destination.

“That is why Tina Hydro is costing three times than it should, as an example. It is important that the services available in an ecosystem are not excessively priced,” he said.

Wale said the services currently available to support business are excessive and expensive. Reforms must address this.

Wale wants public consultation on parliament life extension

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader, Matthew Wale is urging government to consult with the people first before extending the life of Parliament from four to five years.

Speaking in response to the Speech of Throne in Parliament on Wednesday, Wale states, “let me just say that as a matter of principle, it is important that on a matter concerning the life of parliament itself, there must be a clear and direct mandate from the people.”

He said this is only possible from a general election.

“Limited consultations that merely respond to predetermined questions and data would be inadequate to give a mandate for such a matter.

“So ideally, this matter should be taken to the electorate at the next general elections for a mandate,” he said.

Wale said if the government wishes to proceed before the elections, at the very least it should consult widely – although as “I said, this is inadequate on a matter of such gravity”.

He said and the change should not affect this parliament – it should come in the next one.

Furthermore, Wale said this is a policy position the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) took to the last general elections.

“I do not recall seeing any other party seek a mandate on this matter.

“We must avoid taking unilateral decisions on matters that should involve the people. Let us respect the place of the electorate in these kinds of decisions,” he said.

Moreover, Wale said the Prime Minister stated that the need for constitutional reforms and the Pacific Games 2023 form the basis for this proposal to extend the life of parliament.

“I would suggest that if the games are an issue, that the games be postponed by a year to allow the elections to take place.

“Even the Olympics has been postponed, and in the current circumstances, I don’t think that anyone would begrudge us postponing the Pacific Games,” he said.

Wale said further, ongoing reform is the work of parliament and cannot be grounds for extending the life of the House itself.

“I will say more on this matter when the proposal has been finalized and is brought to the House for deliberation.

“The matter is of such gravity that it is important to caution the government right at the outset about it,” he said.

Cabinet had already approved the move to extend the life of Parliament from 4-5 years in leaked cabinet paper.

It will need two thirds of the 50 MPs to amend the Constitution to extend the life of Parliament.

Fundraising for legal fee for suspended Malaita PS

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Wheelbarrow drive in support of suspended PS Faabasua’s legal fee held in Auki yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

A fundraising drive to raise funds for the legal fee of the suspended Provincial Secretary of Malaita province started yesterday in Auki.

The fundraising was spearheaded by members of Mala-MOI Council of Chiefs and Malaita For Democracy (M4D) and will continue today until tomorrow.

Activities involved in the fundraising yesterday included wheelbarrow drive, card games and cash donations from members of public in Auki town.

It was announced during the fundraising yesterday that the legal fee is $45,000.

The fundraising yesterday in Auki.

According to PARU office, the fundraising is to raise funds to support Fredrick Faabasua in his suspension legal case against the national government.

PARU recently reported that a similar fundraising drive was also organised by some Malaitans in Honiara and proposed to be held on Wednesday this week in Honiara.

The fundraising was organized under the banner “Malaita people united action” and there are venues identified in Honiara for the fundraising.

In Auki, the fundraising started yesterday and will end tomorrow with a live concert by Kumara Vibes at the Auki Central Market in Auki.

According to PARU, High Court hearing of Faabasua’s case will be on April 30 in Honiara.

Court imposes $500 fine on man convicted of making homebrew

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Felix Hollison has imposed a fine of $500 on a man who plead guilty of brewing homebrew on April 5, 2018 at a village in Isabel province.

The accused man Cameron Vinale pleaded guilty to one count of making liquor without the proper ministerial approval and authorisation contrary to section 50(2) (c) of the Liquor Act [Cap 144] read with section 21 of the Penal Code [Cap 26]. 

According to the facts before the court the incident occurred on April 5, 2018 at Hurepelo Village in Isabel.

Hollison explained that a person who, without the prior approval of the Minister-(c) makes or assists in making liquor, is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of one thousand two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for three years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

 In 2009, the Penalties Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2009 (No 14 of 2009) had increased the 1200 dollars maximum penalty to 30,000 penalty units.

Hollison said consumption of homebrew or Kwaso has adverse health repercussions. The percentage of alcohol contained in an illegally brewed alcohol such as Kwaso is not professionally ascertained, and there is no certification confirming that it is safe for consumption.

“I take judicial notice of the fact that the illegal production of alcohol, and also the consumption of the illegally brewed alcohol have caused many social and health problems throughout the country and each and every one should refrain from involving in such activities,” Hollison said.

He also said the sentencing principles such as punishment, retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation must always be taken into account and considered when formulating and ascertaining the appropriate sentence for a case.

Hollison said each case when sentencing must be based on its own merits, and essentially, it should be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence.

Therefore, this present case is not very serious compared to other past cases because the defendant did not produce it for commercial purposes, thus a fine of fine $500 is appropriate for this case, Hollison said.

Charges amended for domestic violence case

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A domestic violence and sexual offence case has had charges against the accused amended.

Public Prosecution filed the information on the amended charges to the defence lawyer in High Court this week.

This is the case of a man alleged to have committed domestic violence and sexual offences alleged on unknown dates in 2017 and 2018.

Public Prosecution filed the amended information, thus meaning the defence will need some time to obtain instruction from the accused.

High Court Judge Justice Leonard Maina then adjourned the case to May 5, 2021 for pleas to be entered.

Defence also mentioned in court yesterday that they are also intending to make a bail application, to allow the accused released on bail while his case is progressing before the court.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution prosecutes the case in court while Ron Dickey Pulekera represents the accused.

Covid-19 vaccination rolls out in Western Province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Thelma measuring the mils before carrying out an injection. PHOTO BEN BILUA

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

WESTERN Province yesterday launched the much-awaited Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, attracting a good number of front-liners, provincial officials, nurses, church leaders and related stakeholders who got their first shot.

Speaking during the launching, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline Boseto McNeil said the vaccination is an important process in response to covid-19 preparedness.

She acknowledges the premier of Western Province, David Gina and his executive for the support towards the vaccination programme.

Director of Western Province Health and Medical Services Doctor Dickson Boara getting vaccinated

McNeil also acknowledged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in Western Province, chiefs of Shortland Islands and church leaders for supporting the programme.

“Solomon Islands kicked of its respond effort towards COVID-19 and its satisfying that there is no community transmission.

Catholic Bishop for Gizo Diocese Lucian Cappeli, gets tested before receiving his Covid- 19 jab.

“Today we give another opportunity for our people. The vaccine is safe as it had gone through UN verification and approved to be used worldwide.

“The vaccination is for you to protect your families and communities.

“You have made your oaths to serve our people and this is the time to show our duties,” she said.

McNeil said some front-liners have the hesitancy to get vaccinated for some reasons but world record has it that risks are very minimal; adding, the vaccine has gone through thorough deliberation by World Health Organisation.

Officials and Front-liners pose for a group photo after the launching

She adds that the national COVID-19 vaccination team has established a high level procedures to make sure those vaccinated are well taken care.

McNeil acknowledges leaders who willingly got vaccinated.

Speaking on behalf of the Premier, Supervising Premier, Isaac Vula Tatapu expressed the province’s gratitude to the government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for enabling the roll out of COVID-19 vaccination in Western Province.

“I on behalf of the people and government of Western Province, congratulate the national government, the oversight committee and other line government ministries especially the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for your effort in keeping our people safe.

“This is a very huge step towards the prevention of COVID-19 in Western Province and Solomon Islands,” he said

Supervising Premier Isaac Tatapu got the shot in the presence of MHMS Permanent Secretary, Ms McNeil, Director of WPG HMS and MHMS Director Planing Ivan Ghemu

Tatapu said COVID-19 threat has continued to increase in the world so as in the region with most countries suffered economically and physiologically.

“Some of our pacific neighbors, COVID-19 has burdened their health system and economy.

“As we learn and hear from experiences, it gives as insight of the impact it can bring in development countries like Solomon Islands,” he said.

Tatapu said Solomon Islands is not immune to such issues as such preparation is key to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Director of Western Province Health and Medical Services Doctor Dickson Boara said the launching of the vaccination program marks a milestone for Western Province in terms of COVID-19 preparedness.

Danny Ruele from PIDOC gets his shot

He adds that the roll out of the vaccination program is a huge achievement in protecting front-liners and also the people of Western Province

Boara said there has been lots of work, dedication that led up to the launching of the vaccination program and that the launching display commitments rendered by the National government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Western Provincial government.

He said Western Provincial Front-liners, provincial government and stakeholders will continue to support efforts toward enforcing COVID-19 measures in the province.

Amoi, Siosi clarifies log export deal

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

OWNER of Fairtrade Limited logging company, Chahabule Amoi, and Owner of Agro LBS Limited, Lemuel Beti Siosi has responded to the front page News Item, title, ‘Logging Company owned by government MP fined $150k – Greasy Deals’, on The Island Sun, issue 3902. 

Amoi claimed his company negotiated the export of the round Logs by observing all requirement issued by the Commissioner of Forestry following Invitation by Agro LBS Limited and the Landowners to assist with selling the felled logs. 

Whatever was violated under the conditions of the Milling Licence granted to Agro LBS Limited and the operations leading up to the Exporting of the Round logs had been settled through the Penalty of $150k, imposed by the Ministry of Forest and Research Limited.

Mr Siosi, told the paper that he is disappointed and utterly disgusted by the way this news was reported. 

Siosi said, “he was never contacted regarding this news item”. 

He told the paper, the news carried biased and unbalanced information, and believes it is intentionally done to “defame our characters and upset business confidence, by creating a flagship, that entice suspicion, dishonesty, and corruption, against both of us personally, and our companies”.

He also believes this news item carries the interest of those who wish to operate in the area, by suffocating locals and provoke hatred among Landowner families by using the ‘Power of Money’. 

And whilst landowners fight in court, they harvest and rob our people from our rightful earnings.  Wakeup People!

In the news item, it was also reported that the receipt for the imposed fine was made out for $160k, when the penalty was only for $150k.

“This leaves a sum of $10k, and I believe the public is begging for an answer, as to where the $10k was paid. 

“Whatever is implied in here, it is only fair for the paper to provide a copy of the receipt, to justify their claim?”

Siosi claimed there was a chronology of events where there were correspondences between Agro LBS Ltd, the Ministry of Forestry, and the Attorney Generals Chamber, following the declaration of the ‘State of Public Emergency’ due to the Pandemic.

“The intention to export the logs was not done in the dark. 

“The impacts of the Pandemic on Business houses forced Agro LBS Limited to apply for exemption to the Minister of Forestry, who had the Powers under the Forestry Act, where approval is sought for a ‘one-off’export of round logs. 

“Agro LBS Limited had supporting documents in their possession where the Minister had issued instructions to facilitate legal Instruments, to allow for export of round logs. 

“In the application Agro LBS Limited stated that the fall on demand for timber, on the local market, as most people were returning to their home village on around April/May 2020, daily income was dropped considerably, /and there was no use investing more money into processing Timber at that time. 

“The return on sales will not cover the costs. 

“A decision had to be made at that time as logs being a perishable product, cannot be left unattended as they will lose their value. 

“During the same time, the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) was the language on the streets, offices and almost on all corners one turns. 

“It was going to be a Saviour on our Economy. 

“Agro LBS Limited saw the application for Exemption to export round logs under the Milling Licence as a Package similar to ESP, except that instead of waiting for the handout, they prefer to actually work for it.”

Siosi told the paper, after waiting for more than 8 months the accumulated cost of operation money was becoming so difficult to bear when there was no return. 

He said it was then that he approached Amoi briefing him on the matter and kindly asking him to assist them. 

“At that time if Mr Amoi, had refused to assist, all stakeholders, including the government would have lost revenue.

“Thankfully Mr Amoi considered the offer. 

“Amoi, a leader who has a big heart to assist locals, and as usual agreed to help. 

“By agreeing, Amoi gave hope to both Agro LBS Limited and the landowners who consented to Fairtrade Logging Company Limited.

“This is how and when Fairtrade Logging Company Limited came into the scene.”

Amoi said “I applied to Ministry of Forestry for export license to clear the Logs. 

“A fine was imposed and as a result we had to pay $150, 000.” 

Following payment of the fine, the Ministry granted Fairtrade  logging Company Limited an export license, where the round logs had been exported.

Amoi further said “by exporting, we ensure the Government, Landowners, Agro LBS Limited, and his company benefits from its resources.  Moreover locals benefiting from their resources!”

Amoi and Siosi refused to comment on “landowner politics”, however they welcome the High Court Cases taken against them and they will respond to the claim at the right time and the right place.

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