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Chamber looks to grow membership

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SICCI hopes 2021 will see an increase in its membership after a very challenging 2020 for businesses

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector, hopes 2021 will see an increase in its membership.

2020 has been an extremely challenging year for business and this is directly reflected on the Chamber’s membership which has seen a 25% reduction in 2020 members with 183 financial members, SICCI reported at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 24 March.

“One of the main area’s we have tried to focus on is providing up to date information but also to get information from our members to decision makers,” Outgoing Chairman, Jay Bartlett, said.

Surveys conducted provided the Chamber with valuable information that guides its advocacy efforts.

In 2020 SICCI conducted two COVID-19 Impact Surveys, a survey on the proposed Facebook Ban and the annual Business Confidence Survey.

“The survey data on Facebook was very valuable and was presented to the Prime Minister early this year which we think may have played a role in the reconsideration of the suspension.

“Our COVID-19 surveys helped determine the level of impact while the Business Confidence Survey gives us an idea of the challenges ahead. Evidence based advocacy works and takes away emotion and opinions from our discussions,” Mr Bartlett said.

As an organisation that strives to achieve excellence in Governance, SICCI have hosted a number of Directorship Programs with the Institute of Directors New Zealand with the aim to deliver another program for an additional 25 participants in April later this year.

On the Advocacy front, advocacy in the last 12 months have been challenging as the Chamber along with its members reacted to the impacts of the global pandemic and the economic fallout that followed.

Mr Bartlett highlighted that in the past year the Chamber made a submission to the Oversight committee on the Economic Stimulus Package.

“In it we had outlined some very practical measures that we believed would support the private sector and the economy. We also lobbied our National Provident Fund to allow impacted workers withdrawals from their contributions, this alone injected 100million into the economy,” he said.

Also, in 2020, the Chamber established two industry working groups for sector specific support and to allow the Chamber to draw on the membership for technical support.

Both the Building Construction Working Group (BCWG) and the Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) are agile teams that can be proactive on specific issues while keeping the SICCI Board free to focus on core issues.

The Chamber have also revised its MoU with the Government in July 2020 and since then have held 3 Advisory Group. Discussing issues of concern such as the Inclusion of Private Sector in National Budget Process, Involvement of SICCI in Oversight Committee, COVID-19 impacts on businesses, Medium Term Development Plan of SIG and the Redirection Policy.

Mr Bartlett said in 2020 SICCI has also hosted three RSIPF-SICCI meetings, “which we have attempted to address the Road Transport Board which deals mainly with traffic issues, Crimes Prevention Strategy, and important updates from RSIPF on COVID-19 border security.”

“More recently we have held Climate Change Workshop with SIG on Accessing Climate Change Funds by the Private Sector and a Position Paper on the case for reviewing Electricity Tariffs in the Solomon Islands.

Finally, as part of its ongoing Advocacy Efforts the Chamber has developed the Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy.

This Strategy will be used to focus SICCI consultations and collaboration with Government and advocacy efforts to ensure tangible action on key reforms.

-SICCI Media

Pacific Fisheries Surveillance Operation a success

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The first Forum Fisheries Agency coordinated fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance operation of 2021, Operation Rai Balang concluded last week after two weeks of increased surveillance effort in eight Pacific nations.  

National organisations in Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have been working together to conduct surveillance, supported by the four Pacific Quad partners (Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States). 

Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen said the operation provided maritime surveillance across 13.3million square kilometres of the Pacific and achieved 349 sightings and 30 boardings. The operation included 11 surface ships and 6 surveillance aircraft. 

“Working collaboratively to protect the income generated by our oceanic fisheries means protecting the incomes, jobs and livelihoods of many Pacific people,” said Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen. 

“This is  a great example of the power of united effort. The strength of our cooperation has ensured this Operation was a success. We extend our sincere thanks to all our Members and partners who joined us for Operation Rai Balang.”

RSIPF Maritime, Deckhand, Mrs Tricia Wilimae  said Op Rai Balang was a great learning experience for her. “I could see the way the RFSC worked with the different agencies in our country, and how working together we all achieved a better result,”said Wilimae. “I know that I will take back things I have learnt, to share with my colleagues in Maritime Police.” 

Speaking from the FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, FFA Surveillance Operations Officer, Commander Robert Lewis reflected that Operation Rai Balang wasn’t just about catching perpetrators.

“Our operation brings many benefits to FFA’s member countries,” said Commander Lewis.“It helps build a national skills base across many Pacific nations.  We focus on intelligence driven and targeted operations to create a deterrence effect. There’s been a change towards a culture of greater operational collaboration across the Pacific, and the shared assets participating make the operation more effective.”

“It has also helped us to deliver a sharper picture of what risks this sector faces and how it can be protected. It is sometimes not as obvious as a vessel operating illegally or running “dark”. IUU fishing by the licensed fleet is estimated to account for over 95% of IUU activity in Pacific tuna fisheries. Operation Rai Balang attempted to close these gaps by encouraging FFA Members to actively consider inspections, including monitoring catch and effort reporting, unloading or transhipment, and verification of catch data for licensed vessels during dockside activity or at sea.” 

Operation Rai Balang is one of four targeted operations hosted by the FFA annually, however regional surveillance is supported 365 days a year through the RFSC Regional Surveillance Picture. The operation also utilised the Aerial Surveillance Program funded by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, which has a focus on detecting and responding to IUU, but can also be used by Pacific Nations for broader maritime security threats.

–FFA

New SOLTUNA products out soon

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BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

THE one and only fishing processing company SOLTUNA will launch two new product anytime from now.

SOLTUNA sales person, Fred Wane made the announcement when meeting members of the Western Provincial Assembly during their lunch break today.

He says the products are of great quality with health benefits.

Wane said his team will be at the Gizo Market tomorrow to promote the products before they go out to the market.

He adds that SOLTUNA is expecting to launch another new product in the near future to add to this existing product which are circulated both in the local and international Market.

More details will be published later.

Three vessels detained

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Vessels berthing outside Gizo. FILE PHOTO

BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

THREE International Vessels have been detained in Western Province as part of COVID-19 protocols before leaving the country.

The three vessels are currently berthing between Vella Islands and Gizo while the crews undergoes COVID-19 testing and self-quarantine for the next 14 days.

According to reports, the vessels have been loading logs in the Western Province since last month and are heading overseas.

Reports further stated that Western Provincial authorities especially police and medical officers are monitoring the vessels.

Authorities warns the general public not to make any contact with the crews of the ships.

This paper has made attempts this week to get proper information from the medical authorities but attempts proved unsuccessful.

Attempt will continue to get information from responsible authorities.

Western province to strengthen revenue collection

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Premier of Western Province Hon Gina and Finance Minister Hon Mesepitu during the meeting

BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government is looking at strengthening its revenue collection base as measures in response to government budget cut.

The province will also reduce some of its activities and programmes due to shortfall in budgetary issues from the national government.

Premier of Western Province Hon David Gina says a tougher approach will be introduced beginning next financial year – end of this month for the province to get enough funds to support its programmes.

More in Island Sun tomorrow.

State of Emergency extended

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Governor General Sir David Vunagi will open parliament today.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Government has decided to extend the state of public emergency (SOPE), making this the fourth consecutive SOPE.

The third state of emergency ended at 12pm last night.

Acting on advice from the Cabinet, Governor General Sir David Vunagi will issue a declaration today (March 25) which will last seven days, during which parliament will decide on how long this fourth SOPE will be, according to a government media statement yesterday.

“As Parliament is in session, the Declaration by the Governor-General will last for a period of seven days commencing from March 25 during which Parliament will decide on the period of extension, which is usually four months. Parliament will meet again on March 29, 2020 in which a resolution to extend the State of Public Emergency will be passed by Parliament.”

One main reason government uses to justify another SOPE is the public health emergency bill, which it says is still being ‘scrutinised carefully’.

Furthermore, the risks of covid-19 remain around the globe, the threat at our border with PNG still stands, and the covid vaccine is still to be administered to frontliners and border communities.

Another, a rather not much talked about factor, which could also justify another SOPE, is that the vaccine does not automatically give full protection until taken the second time, which is recommended after three months of the first jab.

Regarding the public health bill, government says: “The Government has completed the Public Health Emergency Bill and it is currently now before Parliament. The new Declaration will enable Parliament to carefully scrutinise the Bill and will also allow the Parliamentary process to take its course. Given the procedural requirements of Parliament, it is unlikely that the bill will be passed before the expiration of the current state of public emergency.

“Therefore, to allow Parliament to proceed with the necessary procedural requirements, Cabinet through the Prime Minister has recommended that the Governor General issue a proclamation declaring the existence of a state of public emergency.

“This latest declaration will ensure that all measures currently employed under the SOPE Regulations continue whilst Parliament deliberates on the Public Health Emergency Bill.”

A state of emergency is necessary, government says, to continue controlling movement of people both domestically and international, and imposing quarantine and covid-testing measures.

“The extension is also necessary to preserve public health, safety, order and security during the outbreak of covid-19.

“Covid-19 continues to affect countries and territories around the world. To date, more than 124 million people have contracted the covid-19 virus and more than 2.7 million people dead worldwide.

“This latest declaration will ensure that all measures currently employed under the SOPE Regulations continue whilst Parliament deliberates on the Public Health Emergency Bill.”

Government prior to yesterday’s announcement had kept the issue under wraps by being quiet about it. Hence not much hype compared to previous extension which was met with public skepticism.

Many believed that the real rationale was continued full power to the unpopular prime minister and his cohorts. Criticisms were also levelled at government for being slow in putting the public health bill together and passing it in parliament; many saw it as a ‘buying time’ tactic.

Public reaction to this third extension is yet to be seen.

However, if there is any credit to be given, under the states of emergency government has successfully kept covid-19 at bay behind the walls of quarantine after its attempt to keep Solomon Islands a covid-free country failed in late September last year.

Government has also moved to make Solomon Islands the second country in the Pacific to receive covid-19 vaccine, which it started its vaccination programme yesterday.

Economy-wise, government initiatives including the controversial Economic Stimulus Package are reportedly contributing to making a comeback for our economy.

The first SOPE was declared on March 26, 2020. The first extension on July 29, 2020. The second extension on November 24 last year.

Emergency zone jab roll-out in 2 weeks

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Mavis Podokolo
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Dr Alex Munamua with the AstraZeneca vaccine that arrived last month/

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

VACCINATION deploymentto the emergency zone along the western border will take place within two weeks.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.  

“We anticipate rolling out the vaccination programme in the emergency zone within two weeks,” said Sogavare.

He said 17,000 doses of AstraZeneca are scheduled for deployment to the emergency zone along the western border.

He said vaccinating people from 18 years and above in the emergency zone is a key priority of government given the rapidly unfolding covid-19 situation in Bougainville

“The rollout of vaccination at the emergency zone and in Malaita Outer Islands will add greater confidence in our ability to prevent the entry of the virus through the western border.”

“I thank all the communities along the western border emergency zone for stepping up to help protect our country,” said Sogavare.

He adds by paying tribute to all vaccination teams in the country.

“Thank you for your dedication to keep our country safe. The Ministry of health aims to complete the 7,000 vaccinations in Honiara as soon as possible to ensure we can mobilise to the western border to commence the rollout there soon,” said Sogavare.

Premier Maka’a beats move to oust his gov’t

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Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

MAKIRA-ULAWA Premier Julian Maka’a Tuesday survived a no-confidence motion members of the non-executive bench tabled against him.

This was after mover Jackson Sunaone withdrew the motion after debate.

Mr Sunaone had accused the Maka’a Government, which came into power last year, of non-performance.

But he failed to get the numbers needed to oust Maka’a, a former Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) broadcaster.

Media stringer George Atkin told the Island Sun yesterday from provincial capital Kirakira that Sunaone was only able to secure the support of nine of the 20 members of the Provincial Assembly.

“After introducing the motion in the chamber and debating it, he decided in the end to withdraw it,” Atkin said.

“His decision was based on the fact that he only got the support of nine Assembly members,” he added.

Atkin said five members of the non-executive contributed to the debate.

Premier Maka’a and another member of his executive responded to the allegations raised, Atkin said.

“After a thorough and matured debate Sunaone decided to withdraw the motion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Central Province Premier Stanley Manetiva will defend his position in the Provincial Assembly when a no confidence motion is tabled against him today.

Non-executive member Polycarp Galaigu of Ward-8 will move the motion.

West border SI’s weakest link: PM

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Mavis Podokolo
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Police patrol boats have been monitoring the border in the Western Province

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The western border is now labeled as the country’s weakest link in its protective chain, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Sogavare echoed this yesterday at the vaccination official launch and rollout. 

“Our western border is now the weakest link in our protective chain. However, our communities are getting better prepared to protect themselves. The rollout of vaccination at the emergency zone and in Malaita Outer Islands will add greater confidence in our ability to prevent the entry of the virus through the western border”.

“I thank all the communities along the western border emergency zone for stepping up to help protect our country,” he said.

Sogavare said the country’s surveillance capability has also stepped and picked up the reactivated case from one of the village communities.

“Our response to the reactivation was exemplary. We were able to deduce the risk-level and avoided a lock-down,” he said.

Sogavare said 17,000 doses of AstraZeneca are scheduled for deployment to the emergency zone along the western border.

“Vaccinating people from 18 years and above in the emergency zone is a key priority of government given the rapidly unfolding covid-19 situation in Bougainville,” he said.

WPG to control virement and financial reserve

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BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

The question of Virements and why Western Province’s Reserve Account has zero balance were raised during the budget meeting currently ongoing in Western Province.

Provincial Member for Dunde Nusa Roviana Ward, Ramrakha Talasasa questions as to why the Province’s Reserve Bank has no funds.

Provincial Member Samuel Sive also questioned as to why there are lots of virements or the transfer of money from one financial account to another.

Responding to the questions, Minister of Finance for Western Province, Christian Burly Mesepitu says the existing government will enhance its system to address virement applications.

In his response to the Western Province’s Reserve Bank, Mr Mespitu says his office is looking at reviving the system of depositing surplus funds to the Reserve Bank since it has been absent over the years.

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