SIBC News Update,
26 January 2011
GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION TUSSLE OVER NGELLA MP
The Government and opposition are reportedly tussling over the member of Parliament for Ngella, Mark Kemakeza, as lobbying between the two camps intensify.
While the opposition is claiming that Mr Kemakeza is officially one of their members- the government on the other hand, says the Ngella MP is with the government.
Prime Minister Danny Philip confirmed this week that Mr Kemakeza had revoked his own resignation last Saturday to rejoin the government.
The Opposition's Press Secretary Deli Oso this afternoon told SIBC News that the MP for Ngella Mark Kemakeza and MP for Temotu Pele Martin Maga are with the Opposition.
Meanwhile, the planned press conference by the opposition to further explain details of the petition submitted yesterday to the office of the governor general has been again postponed for tomorrow.
While the opposition is claiming that Mr Kemakeza is officially one of their members- the government on the other hand, says the Ngella MP is with the government.
Prime Minister Danny Philip confirmed this week that Mr Kemakeza had revoked his own resignation last Saturday to rejoin the government.
The Opposition's Press Secretary Deli Oso this afternoon told SIBC News that the MP for Ngella Mark Kemakeza and MP for Temotu Pele Martin Maga are with the Opposition.
Meanwhile, the planned press conference by the opposition to further explain details of the petition submitted yesterday to the office of the governor general has been again postponed for tomorrow.
CENTRAL KWARA'AE MP DENIES CLAIMS OF BRIBERY
Member of Parliament for Central Kwara'ae Jackson Fiulaua has denied claims he bribed and influenced people to vote for him in the 2010 National General Elections.
The Minister for Infrastructure Development testified in court today against allegations made by his predecessor Fred Fono, that he used bribery and undue influence for votes in the National Elections.
Mr Fiulaua said he never gave 50 dollars each to three women at Fousadeo village with the intent to encourage them to vote for him, nor did he gave two thousand dollars to a Thomas Abisia ,a known supporter of Mr Fono, with the intent to encourage him and his wife to vote.
He also denied instructing his campaign manager to promise three thousand dollars to two brothers at Aimela in Central Kwara'ae for support and to collect the money at the Rarasu Motel at Auki after they had voted for him.
Mr Fiulaua said his campaign was successful because people heard of him and wanted to vote for him but he never used money.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Fono who lodged the petition claim after the National General Elections last year testified along with two other witnesses of Mr Filuaua.
The trial continues tomorrow at the High Court.
The Minister for Infrastructure Development testified in court today against allegations made by his predecessor Fred Fono, that he used bribery and undue influence for votes in the National Elections.
Mr Fiulaua said he never gave 50 dollars each to three women at Fousadeo village with the intent to encourage them to vote for him, nor did he gave two thousand dollars to a Thomas Abisia ,a known supporter of Mr Fono, with the intent to encourage him and his wife to vote.
He also denied instructing his campaign manager to promise three thousand dollars to two brothers at Aimela in Central Kwara'ae for support and to collect the money at the Rarasu Motel at Auki after they had voted for him.
Mr Fiulaua said his campaign was successful because people heard of him and wanted to vote for him but he never used money.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Fono who lodged the petition claim after the National General Elections last year testified along with two other witnesses of Mr Filuaua.
The trial continues tomorrow at the High Court.
WESTERN PROVINCE ENGAGES FOREIGN FISHING COMPANY
The Western provincial government has engaged a new foreign fishing company to operate in the province.
Confirming the agreement, Premier Solingi Lilo says the business partner from Philippines has registered itself under the name Solomons Venture Limited.
He says that his provincial government is satisfied that the investor has shown signs of its genuineness to invest in the country.
Premier Lilo says that the fishing boats for the new fishing investment have left Philippines and are arriving in the country in two weeks time.
"They should be leaving General Santos City on Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines. They have a total of 80 vessels, but we will only have initially two purse seiners, they are much bigger than those of NFD and four lights boats to come with them initially with payaos or rafts. So it will taken them about eleven to 14 days from today(Tuesday 25 January) to arrive in Solomon Islands."
Confirming the agreement, Premier Solingi Lilo says the business partner from Philippines has registered itself under the name Solomons Venture Limited.
He says that his provincial government is satisfied that the investor has shown signs of its genuineness to invest in the country.
Premier Lilo says that the fishing boats for the new fishing investment have left Philippines and are arriving in the country in two weeks time.
"They should be leaving General Santos City on Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines. They have a total of 80 vessels, but we will only have initially two purse seiners, they are much bigger than those of NFD and four lights boats to come with them initially with payaos or rafts. So it will taken them about eleven to 14 days from today(Tuesday 25 January) to arrive in Solomon Islands."
SOLOMON ISLANDS BEHIND IN PREPARATION FOR ARTS FESTIVAL
Solomon Islands is eight months behind its preparations for next year's Pacific Arts Festival.
The government won the bid to host the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival in 2004.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Shanel told the media on Monday that the government needs to hold talks with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to fast-track some of the work that needs to be done.
Minister Shanel says apart from the current lack of a national budget, the main challenge for Solomon Islands is the lack of infrastructure to host the games.
"We are actually eight months behind unlike some of the countries that have in place infrastructures. We do not have this. We need to build the cultural village and other associate infrastructure that go with it like water and sanitation etcetera."
Despite the set-backs, the Foreign Affairs Minister says Solomon Islands should still host the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival to allow people to witness and take part in such a regional event of this scale.
He also says the onus is on the government to pass the budget to give the Committee a budget to work with.
"The first thing is that I like as to host because I like our children to see such a big event. Up to now we just heard of such big events. We have never participated in it or never been part of big events in the Pacific. And the Arts Festival is for the people and it would be good to show case some of our cultures, customs so that others who come will also see it."
The government won the bid to host the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival in 2004.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Shanel told the media on Monday that the government needs to hold talks with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to fast-track some of the work that needs to be done.
Minister Shanel says apart from the current lack of a national budget, the main challenge for Solomon Islands is the lack of infrastructure to host the games.
"We are actually eight months behind unlike some of the countries that have in place infrastructures. We do not have this. We need to build the cultural village and other associate infrastructure that go with it like water and sanitation etcetera."
Despite the set-backs, the Foreign Affairs Minister says Solomon Islands should still host the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival to allow people to witness and take part in such a regional event of this scale.
He also says the onus is on the government to pass the budget to give the Committee a budget to work with.
"The first thing is that I like as to host because I like our children to see such a big event. Up to now we just heard of such big events. We have never participated in it or never been part of big events in the Pacific. And the Arts Festival is for the people and it would be good to show case some of our cultures, customs so that others who come will also see it."
REPORT SAYS SOLOMON ISLANDS WILL BENEFIT FROM HOSTING OF ARTS FESTIVAL
A National Organising Committee report says Solomon Islands will benefit from hosting the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival.
The report estimates that than two-thousand participants including visitors coming into the country.
It says with the increase number of visitors local businesses will provide services including accommodation, food and transport services and others during the festivals.
The report also says the festive season is expected to bring important changes in awareness, understanding and appreciation of both Solomon Islands cultures and those of the neighbouring countries.
It says there will be opportunities for the country to access greater funding for the arts for the development of the national cultural policies.
The report says through the arts festival Solomon Islands cultural sector will see the realisation of certain goals and objectives that have been stagnant.
These include improvement of infrastructure and resources that will contribute to the development of the country's cultural sector.
The government has agreed that the organising committee go ahead with the preparations and it is expected that grounds work should commence by March this year.
The report estimates that than two-thousand participants including visitors coming into the country.
It says with the increase number of visitors local businesses will provide services including accommodation, food and transport services and others during the festivals.
The report also says the festive season is expected to bring important changes in awareness, understanding and appreciation of both Solomon Islands cultures and those of the neighbouring countries.
It says there will be opportunities for the country to access greater funding for the arts for the development of the national cultural policies.
The report says through the arts festival Solomon Islands cultural sector will see the realisation of certain goals and objectives that have been stagnant.
These include improvement of infrastructure and resources that will contribute to the development of the country's cultural sector.
The government has agreed that the organising committee go ahead with the preparations and it is expected that grounds work should commence by March this year.
MAN CAUTIONS LEADERS AGAINST ABUSING PEOPLE OF MALAITA TO GAIN SUPPORT
A concerned man from Malaita Province says leaders must not use the people of Malaita as a way of winning people's support and trust in them.
Galorick Irota from North Malaita was responding to Prime Minister Danny Phillip's assurance to the people of Malaita during his press conference this week of his government's commitment to develop major projects in the province.
Mr Irota says successive governments including the C-NURA government have made convincing but false promises of developing major projects in Malaita province.
He says the Suafa Bay, Aluta Basin Oil Palm, Waisisi and Bina Harbour project have so far failed to get off the ground.
Galorick Irota from North Malaita was responding to Prime Minister Danny Phillip's assurance to the people of Malaita during his press conference this week of his government's commitment to develop major projects in the province.
Mr Irota says successive governments including the C-NURA government have made convincing but false promises of developing major projects in Malaita province.
He says the Suafa Bay, Aluta Basin Oil Palm, Waisisi and Bina Harbour project have so far failed to get off the ground.
PROVINCIAL LEADERS URGES PEOPLE TO PAY BUSINESS LICENCES
Provincial Assembly member for Sahalu ward in West Guadalcanal, Michael Papari is appealing to bus and transport owners operating in Tandai and Sahalu wards to pay their Provincial business licences.
Mr Papari says it is unfair to some transport owners that while they've faithfully paid their business licences, others continue to operate without a licence.
He says as a Provincial member for Sahalu ward he wants all buses and trucks that operate from Toba to Naro to pay their business licenses which is 800 dollars.
Mr Papari says this is an obligation that they have to honour as owners of public transport servicing West Guadalcanal.
Mr Papari says it is unfair to some transport owners that while they've faithfully paid their business licences, others continue to operate without a licence.
He says as a Provincial member for Sahalu ward he wants all buses and trucks that operate from Toba to Naro to pay their business licenses which is 800 dollars.
Mr Papari says this is an obligation that they have to honour as owners of public transport servicing West Guadalcanal.
OPPOSITION PETITION TO GOVERNOR GENERAL
Details of the petition submitted to the office of the governor general yesterday morning by the parliamentary opposition will be made known today.
The Opposition Deputy Leader Mathew Wale told the national broadcaster, SIBC last week that the petition they were submitting was for the Governor General to summon parliament.
While he could not disclose the details of the petition, the Opposition Press Secretary Deli Oso says the details will be made known in a press conference the Opposition is holding this afternoon.
SIBC News understands that the number of government ministers who have resigned so far from the NCRA government remains at five, bringing the total number of MPs now supporting the Opposition to 25, while the Government side is now left with only 23 parliament members.
The Opposition Deputy Leader Mathew Wale told the national broadcaster, SIBC last week that the petition they were submitting was for the Governor General to summon parliament.
While he could not disclose the details of the petition, the Opposition Press Secretary Deli Oso says the details will be made known in a press conference the Opposition is holding this afternoon.
SIBC News understands that the number of government ministers who have resigned so far from the NCRA government remains at five, bringing the total number of MPs now supporting the Opposition to 25, while the Government side is now left with only 23 parliament members.
FINANCE MINISTER CRITICISES FORMER COLLEAGUE
The intense lobbying between government and opposition has turned personal with the Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo launching an attack on former colleague Minister, Bodo Dettke.
In a press conference, Mr Lilo revealed Mr Dettke had demanded government to pay him more than 10 million dollars for an incomplete project.
In 1999, Mr Dettke's company, Success Company, had won a government tender at the tune of more that eight-point-six million dollars to construct six Provincial airfields.
Success Company only completed two of the six airfields when the ethnic tension started.
Mr Lilo alleged that the Mr Dettke demanded the then Permanent Secretary of Infrastructure at the start of the tension to cancel the project so that he could escape any liability.
The Finance Minister said since then Mr Dettke had lodged a compensation claim to government.
SIBC understands that Mr Dettke could have pursued the matter in the High Court- but he opted for government to settle the case out of the court.
But Mr Lilo said Mr Dettke gave him a letter about mid-January asking him to facilitate the compensation claim under the government debt service.
"He handed over the file to me on Wednesday the 12th of January to my office and asked if I can facilitate the compensation under debt service. I want the people of Solomon Islands to see that. The Opposition group you are right in predicting that because he did that. This is the evidence of it."
In a press conference, Mr Lilo revealed Mr Dettke had demanded government to pay him more than 10 million dollars for an incomplete project.
In 1999, Mr Dettke's company, Success Company, had won a government tender at the tune of more that eight-point-six million dollars to construct six Provincial airfields.
Success Company only completed two of the six airfields when the ethnic tension started.
Mr Lilo alleged that the Mr Dettke demanded the then Permanent Secretary of Infrastructure at the start of the tension to cancel the project so that he could escape any liability.
The Finance Minister said since then Mr Dettke had lodged a compensation claim to government.
SIBC understands that Mr Dettke could have pursued the matter in the High Court- but he opted for government to settle the case out of the court.
But Mr Lilo said Mr Dettke gave him a letter about mid-January asking him to facilitate the compensation claim under the government debt service.
"He handed over the file to me on Wednesday the 12th of January to my office and asked if I can facilitate the compensation under debt service. I want the people of Solomon Islands to see that. The Opposition group you are right in predicting that because he did that. This is the evidence of it."
GOVERNMENT AND PACIFIC ARTS FESTIVAL
The government has approved a work plan document for next year's Pacific Arts Festival.
While the country has about one and a half year to prepare for the huge event, Cabinet had only gave its blessing to the work plan document last week.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Chairman of the Pacific Arts Festival Organising Committee Sir George Lepping confirmed that the
Cabinet approval and said ground work should start early this year.
Sir George also said that the Committee had met with the Director General of South Pacific Commission Jimmy Rodgers and other overseas consultants will be visiting the country to further hold talks with them.
He said the approved work plan includes renovating Honiara-based school dormitories to accommodate overseas contingents as well as the construction of a new building complex at the now Art Gallery ground.
Sir George said while preparations are behind schedule, they should be completed before deadline if the people work together.
The organising committee plans to hold the event during national school holidays in July next year to enable school children to participate and enjoy the festive.
SIBC News understands that preparation work to host the regional event is eight months behind schedule.
While the country has about one and a half year to prepare for the huge event, Cabinet had only gave its blessing to the work plan document last week.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Chairman of the Pacific Arts Festival Organising Committee Sir George Lepping confirmed that the
Cabinet approval and said ground work should start early this year.
Sir George also said that the Committee had met with the Director General of South Pacific Commission Jimmy Rodgers and other overseas consultants will be visiting the country to further hold talks with them.
He said the approved work plan includes renovating Honiara-based school dormitories to accommodate overseas contingents as well as the construction of a new building complex at the now Art Gallery ground.
Sir George said while preparations are behind schedule, they should be completed before deadline if the people work together.
The organising committee plans to hold the event during national school holidays in July next year to enable school children to participate and enjoy the festive.
SIBC News understands that preparation work to host the regional event is eight months behind schedule.
TEACHER CONCERNS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL FEES
A secondary school teacher has raised concerns over the way some schools have charged higher school fees than others.
Ishmael Ou'ou, a teacher at Charles Fox Sa'a secondary school in small Malaita, raised the concern after some teachers expressed similar sentiments.
Mr Ou'ou says compared to provincial and government owned schools, some mission schools charged much higher fees, even if they receive the Fee Free Basic Education grants from the national government.
He adds that all teachers are paid by the government, except for a few who are from privately owned schools.
The Small Malaita teacher says this responsible authorities need to clarify the matter since parents, guardians and students are the ones feeling the effect at the end of the day.
He said if the situation is not addressed, it will cause an unfair situation for most school students in and around the country.
Ishmael Ou'ou, a teacher at Charles Fox Sa'a secondary school in small Malaita, raised the concern after some teachers expressed similar sentiments.
Mr Ou'ou says compared to provincial and government owned schools, some mission schools charged much higher fees, even if they receive the Fee Free Basic Education grants from the national government.
He adds that all teachers are paid by the government, except for a few who are from privately owned schools.
The Small Malaita teacher says this responsible authorities need to clarify the matter since parents, guardians and students are the ones feeling the effect at the end of the day.
He said if the situation is not addressed, it will cause an unfair situation for most school students in and around the country.
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