WE MUST COLLECTIVELT ADDRESS CORRUPTION: OPPOSITION

Mathew Wale made the call following the release of the 2010 index yesterday which ranked Solomon Islands 110 out of the 178 countries listed. (Pic: Supplied-Solomon Times)

Editor's Desk

The Opposition has called for a combined effort to improve Solomon Islands rating on the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index.

Deputy Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale made the call following the release of the 2010 index yesterday which ranked Solomon Islands 110 out of the 178 countries listed.

Mr Wale said it is unfortunate that the NCRA Government has no clear strategy to fight corruption.

He said the rating of Solomon Islands as one of the highly corrupt countries in the listing is a national embarrassment and highlights the need for the government must put in place a clear strategy to effectively combat and deter corruption.

Mr Wale said necessary resources must be allocated for the implementation of the strategy and it must involve all sectors of the society in order to achieve the desired result.

The Deputy Opposition Leader said corruption has deprived Solomon Islanders from a maximum benefit from the country’s abundant natural resources and the millions of dollars poured into the country annually by aid donors and other international organisations.

LAND DEALING COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO BE SUSPENDED

Editor's Desk.

The Commission of Inquiry into Land dealings on Guadalcanal is to be suspended, the Office of the Prime Minister announced today.

“Serious allegations have been made, and, as a responsible government that we are, it is felt the only way to deal with this is to suspend the inquiry,” a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“Accordingly, the Commission of Inquiry into Land Dealings on Guadalcanal is suspended for two months with immediate effect. Given the gravity of the allegations coming from within the Commission of Inquiry itself, we believe the decision to suspend it is warranted and provides an opportunity for everyone including staff members whose names have been linked to these allegations to clear their names,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the temporary reprieve [suspension] would give the Government time to investigate the range of allegations that the Counsel Assisting the Inquiry, Ruth Townsend, had made.

“This is an Inquiry, which was set up by the previous Administration. The decision by the Government to suspend it for two months is intended to ensure that the good intention of the Inquiry for a positive outcome is preserved,” he said.
A Taskforce would be put together to undertake this assignment.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the Commission of Inquiry Into Land Dealings on Guadalcanal should resume after New Year.

Meanwhile the Government said today the other body, the Commission of Inquiry into RIPEL would be suspended indefinitely in line with the National Coalition for Reform and Advancement [NCRA] Government’s Policy.


“The Government has made it clear from the outset that it wants a new investor for RIPEL, hence we’ve taken the position that the Inquiry should stop to help save costs,” the spokesman said.

Public question ‘Forgiveness Bill’ Policy.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Manasseh Maelanga last Friday that the proposed contents are being considered and it could be introduced into parliament next year.

By Andrew Fanasia Jr.
Sub Editor
National Express News

The public and other prominent citizens have questioned the ‘Forgiveness Bill’ being proposed by the National Coalition for Reform and Advancement (NCRA) Government.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Manasseh Maelanga last Friday that the proposed contents are being considered and it could be introduced into parliament next year.

The forgiveness bill is likely to give amnesty to the perpetrators of crimes during the ethnic tension which was the main issue discussed during the forum.

A private lawyer, Andrew RadClyffe, argued that, it is not the job of the parliament to forgive, and he added that “granting the amnesty to the ethnic tension perpetrators will be unfair.”

“If there is a provision through the forgiveness bill for amnesty, it will be unfair to the four groups which exist today.”

“We have the first group of people who have served their term in prison, second once that are still in prison, third once that are waiting to be convicted and fourth once that are moving freely outside,” RadClyffe said.

Mr. Maelanga opening remarks stated that, the bill might provide a provision for the perpetrators to apply for immunity from prosecution and it might also allow those already convicted and still in prison to apply for pardon.

However, Mrs. Ruth Liloqula said “I don’t think this will give the nation lasting peace.”

“It will be a slap on the face of a mother who lost his son or daughter during the ethnic crisis,” Mrs. Liloqula said at the forum.

A lawyer by profession who want to remain unnamed told Express that if the proposed forgiveness bill is passed, the government must take into account the laws governing crimes in our country.
The lawyer said in any State, the constitution must prevail, “if the state forgives the perpetrators involved in the ethnic tension they are violating the law of basic human rights stated in our constitution.”

The lawyer said the proposed forgiveness bill will have some legal implication which results in conflicts of law.

Meanwhile, in the NCRA government policy statement handbook, it stated that the NCRA Government continues facilitate healing amongst our people with a view to enacting the ‘Forgiveness Bill’ to complement the task of the TRC thereby consolidating the country’s healing process.

MSG deferment was PM Philip’s decision: Bainimarama

Fiji’s leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama

Fiji’s leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama says the decision by Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Danny Philip to indefinitely postpone the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s (MSG) special leaders’ meeting was his own making.

Speaking to Fiji Live, Commodore Bainimarama said that while he was not in a position to comment on why the MSG was postponed, he acknowledged that the decision was made by PM Philip.

He also said that PM Philip and current MSG chair-Vanuatu Prime Minister, Edward Natapei had been in talks in the lead up to the postponement of the meet.

The MSG special leader’s meeting was to be held in Honiara this week but was put on hold by the Solomon Islands PM.

The meeting was to have seen the handover of the MSG chairmanship to the Solomon Islands who would then hand it over to Fiji.

Fiji was to have been represented by Minister Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola at the meeting in Honiara tomorrow.
Editor's Desk

Meanwhile, in the latest feat of MSG Chairmanship saga, Solomon Islands member of Parliament for Aoke Langalanga has lashes out at Commodore Bainimarama describing him as someone who wants countries of the MSG to bow down to his demands.

Matthew Wale made the statement in a reply to a question about his opinion regarding the recent MSG chairmanship impasse which Solomon Islands has agreed to settle between Fiji and Vanuatu.

Mr Wale told national broadcaster, SIBC his position is clear and that is, MSG countries should not allow Bainimarama to control them.

He said the MSG countries should learn from this and don't allow Commodore Bainimarama to dictate any matters regarding to the MSG.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/

Sogavare slams MSG

Manasseh Sogavare described the current MSG as a ‘laughing stock’.

Editor's Desk

MEMBER of Parliament (PM) for East Choiseul Constituency Manasseh Sogavare said the postponement of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) biannual leaders summit for the second time as just a tip of the iceberg in a systematic deterioration affecting the group.


He also described the current MSG as a ‘laughing stock’.

He made the comments yesterday after the proposed meeting set for this week was put on halt.

“This postponement may clearly be a systematic deterioration in the group’s resolve to stay united on issues affecting the Melanesia.

Sogavare said he did not blame Prime Minister Danny Phillips for requesting a postponement.

“Why do Solomon Islands be used as reconciliation ground for a blunder deliberately created by the current Chairman of MSG.

“As a matter of fact MSG has lost its coerciveness and has failed to be a collective voice of Melanesia on regional issues.

“It has hopelessly succumed to the pressure of external forces that always strive to destroy the organisation since its establishment.

“It is disappointing to note that these forces are seen to be winning,” he said.

Prime Minister of Vanuatu Edward Natapei is currently the Chair of MSG.

The former Prime Minister said MSG is now become a laughing stock.

“If we are not careful it will become an avenue through external interest will continue to undermine our resolve to put up a united front on regional issues through the mechanism of divide and rule.

“It is a shame for Melanesian leaders to simply fall aprt on the issue of Fiji’s chairmanship of the meeting.

“This shows how far removed and disinterest Melanesian Leaders are in understanding the position of Fiji.

“In other words, MSG has failed Fiji,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He pointed out that the Fiji issue can only be effectively addressed through active dialogue, consultation, and understanding and not isolationism.

“Leaders must understand that MSG is the only entity that is better placed in the region to engage Fiji in this dialogue.

“The leader of MSG must not confuse themselves with the wider agenda of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) in their dealing with each other on issues pertinent to Melanesia,” he said.

He added, MSG have a duty to handle the Fiji situation with the utmost sensitivity it deserves without being influenced by the wider agenda of the forum which has mishandled the situation in Fiji right from the very beginning.

Sogavare who was also a former Opposition leader in the last parliament stressed that the situation in Fiji is real, adding the issues that the interim government in tirelessly addressing are real and no amount of our concern to return Fiji to democracy ahead of a time scheduled agreeable to the Fiji Government would address.

“The MSG leaders must be prepared and deal with reality as far as Fiji concern, failing which they will join the queue of other Forum Leaders who suffer from idealism in their dealings with Fiji,” he said.

PACER Plus a win-win situation.

Andrew Fanasia Jr

The Non-State Actor (NSAs) dialogue on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relation (PACER) plus is seen as a win-win situation for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands country.

Development Service Exchange General Secretary Mr. Collin Ruqebatu made this statement after the NSAs dialogue on Monday in Honiara.

In terms of Solomon Islands, he said there are a lot of advantages for us in this agreement but there are also high risks which need more consultation at the civil society level.

Mr. Ruqebatu stressed that Australia and New Zealand involvement in this agreement have conditions in this negotiation which the Pacific Islands will need to further consideration by the pacific island countries.

He also said as the dialogue continues, the NGOs in the Pacific and even the Australia and New Zealand have stressed the same sentiment about PACER plus, “PACER plus is not only about trade but it’s about the livelihood of the people of the pacific countries.

Mr. Ruqebatu said Solomon Islands civil society need to really understand PACER plus and work towards some of the key aspects that would qualify us to participate in this trade agreement positively and rewarding.

He added that the involvement of the NGOs and the civil society is what makes the trade more meaningful to the participating pacific islands countries.

He make mention of the need to have standard infrastructure, the quarantine system must be equivalent to Australia and New Zealand and the shipping service must be efficient.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisations, Mereia Volavola however said, their involvement is critical because in any trade agreement the private sector is what makes the trade flow.
Speaking to the Express on Monday she said they appreciate this consultation but want to take it a step further.
“When it comes to negotiation we want the private sector representatives sitting there with the trade officials when they are going to engage in the negotiations.”

While there were constraints to governments’ capacity to engage with NSAs, Solomon Islands private sector is working closely with the Government to discuss PACER plus and identify key issues and potential impacts.

Solomon Islands and PNG Engage in Bilateral Talks

Andrew Fanasia Jr.

Solomon Islands will host the 4th Solomon Islands / Papua New Guinea Joint Border Committee and the 9th Solomon Islands / Papua New Guinea Senior Officials Bilateral Consultation in Gizo next week.

The 4th Joint Border Meeting will be held on Monday and Tuesday and the Senior Officials Bilateral Consultations on Thursday and Friday.

The gatherings are annual meetings which bring together various Government officials and Law Enforcement Agencies to discuss issues of concern affecting the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade confirmed that the arrangements are now in place for the meetings and Solomon Islands are looking forward to receiving Papua New Guinea delegation for the meetings.

The Joint Border Committee will review the cooperative efforts of the two countries in managing their common border and also to look at mechanisms and arrangement in strengthening the border cooperation.

The Senior Official Bilateral Consultation will discuss a wide range of bilateral issues between PNG and Solomon Islands, including treaty agreement and arrangements, development cooperation, education, trade, aviation, environment, agriculture and quarantine, investment, political and security, social, culture and other relevant issues.

The PNG delegation is expected to arrive in the country this Friday.

OPPOSITION LAUDS PMO FOR ADDRESSING HEFTY TENANCY DEAL

Editors Desk

The Opposition has commended the Prime Minister’s Office for revealing the identities of the devisers of the hefty tenancy agreement for the Prime Minister and barring their entry into the highest office in the land, and urged the government to be also transparent about its hotel bill for the lobbying period prior to the election of the Prime Minister.

Deputy Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale said the Opposition was pleased with the actions the NCRA Government had taken to rectify the dubious tenancy deal and disposing off shady characters that have no regard for the reputation of the government and state finances.

Mr Wale said as far as the former CNURA Government was concerned, Mr Ishmael Wore and Mr Fairall Wilfred are cronies of a senior Minister of the Sikua-led predecessor government and undoubtedly their presence in the Prime Minister’s Office after the political government changeover in August was through that same connection as that same parliamentarian is a senior cabinet minister of the NCRA Government led by Prime Minister Danny Phillip.

He said the CNURA government had terminated Mr Wore for alleged misappropriation of funds whilst Mr Wilfred was suspended for damaging two government vehicles and was never reinstated.

The Deputy Opposition Leader said this situation emphasises the need for the government to ensure recommendations for political appointments by parliamentarians and political parties are subjected to a thorough scrutiny to ensure quality.

As for the hotel bills, Mr Wale said the Opposition would like to see the government provide a breakdown of the $1,103,742.00 bill it paid to the Pacific Casino Hotel and the Honiara Hotel for the use of their facilities during the lobbying period.

He said this is important because the Office of the Leader of Opposition has obtained documents showing that the bill included food and drinks charges/costs that should be borne by parliamentarians themselves and not the state.

The Deputy Opposition Leader said indeed if there is nothing sinister about the hotel bill payment as stated by the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, then the government should be comfortable to provide a breakdown of the costs factored in the bill

Hotel bills exposed

Editors Desk.

GOVERNMENT reportedly paid more than $1 million to Pacific Casino Hotel and Honiara Hotel for accommodation of MPs following the August 4 elections.

Last night, the Opposition issued a statement calling on the Philip-led government to provide a breakdown of the $1,103,742 it paid to the two hotels.

Opposition leader, Steve Abana said his office has documents to prove that the above sum of money was paid to the two hotels for accommodating MPs during the lobbying period.

“My office has established that the bill was not assessed for verification by the responsible accounting office, which is the National Parliament Office prior to its payment,” Mr Abana said.

He added he believed most costs factored into the bills were not incurred by parliamentarians but their relatives and cronies and the verification process is to ensure that the state pays what it is only obliged to.

“It amazes me that only the bill of the Opposition group for the usage of the Heritage Park Hotel during the lobbying process was subjected to the verification process and being a responsible group of parliamentarians, the Opposition MPs themselves paid for the costs incurred out of their entitlements,” Mr Abana said.

He said the fact that the entire cost for the accommodation of MPs at the two hotels was borne by the taxpayers, the NCRA Government must provide the nation with a breakdown of the hotel bill.

He said the Opposition is increasingly concerned about the NCRA Government’s handling of government finances after taking office only a month ago and it will ensure the Danny Philip-led regime will never get away with its shady dealings.

Asked how much the Opposition group incurred at Heritage Park Hotel, deputy leader Mathew Wale said it’s roughly $700,000.

“These are for room, food and drinks,” Mr Wale said.

But he said only $200,000 of their hotel bill came from tax payers, which was paid by parliament.

He said the $200,000 was to cover the cost of accommodating new MPs in the Heritage Park Hotel.

“Those of use former MPs who won back our seats received allowances because we are still caretakers,” Mr Wale said.

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Alfred Sasako, when contacted last night said he is not privy to any figures.

“I don’t know anything about this area. However, normally it is a party arrangement,” he said.

THREATS OF ASIAN UNDER WORLD

Asian Triads

Editors Desk

A prominent local Chinese leader has again warned authorities in Solomon Islands against the Asian Triads or Asian Underworld entering Solomon Islands through Papua New Guinea.

The local Chinese leader believes that there are elements of the authorities in Solomon Islands dealing with foreigners coming into the country who are vulnerable to the Asian underworld operators trying to establish a foothold in the country.

“That is if these underworld operators have not already got people planted through bribery in the police, immigration, and customs,” the local Chinese leader said.

He asked why some of the Mainland Chinese girls he claims to have entered the country for purposes of prostitution have been allowed to extend their visitor’s visas when he could not think of valid reasons for them to be given three months to stay on after the expiry of their visitor’s visas.

The local Chinese leader also questioned why the two Chinese men arrested more than twelve months ago for masterminding the prostitution racket involving imported Chinese girls; have not appeared before the courts.

While one of the two Chinese accused men did not have a long term visa to stay in the country at the time of his arrest the other had already established a spare part shop in the centre of Honiara when arrested.

The local Chinese leader believes that there are now twenty prostitutes from Mainland China operating in Solomon Islands and they service mostly members of the Chinese community working in the logging industry.

These prostitutes also service Asians coming to the country occasionally on log ships and these log ships are at the centre of many illegal activities in Solomon Islands and PNG and authorities here need to take note, he said.

Reports given to the Express originating in Port Moresby indicate a very active Asian underworld network operating in PNG particularly in the capital Port Moresby.

According to reports provided to the Express by various sources these Asian underworld operators are running restaurants, massage parlours, and nightclubs in PNG and the owners who are members of the Asian underworld have very high level connections in PNG.

Our sources say these Asian underworld operators have bribed their way into the Immigration and Customs, the PNG Police Force, senior company and statutory corporation’s executives, and Members of Parliament including senior government ministers.

One report claims that wives of many of the top leaders of PNG are also being bribed by the underworld operators by including them in the pay rolls.

MAELANGA CALLS FOR SENSITIVITY ON GUADALCANAL LAND ISSUE

The Deputy and Acting Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, has called on people to exercise sensitivity and fairness when commenting on land issues on Guadalcanal. (Pic: Andrew Fanasia Jr.

Andrew Fanasia Jr.

The Deputy and Acting Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, has called on people to exercise sensitivity and fairness when commenting on land issues on Guadalcanal.

The Acting Prime Minister Mr. Maelanga made the call in a press statement following comments recently made by certain individuals in the media which Mr. Maelanga has decribed as having the potential to trigger resentment by Guadalcanal people.

Last week, a local newspaper carried comments from individuals in relation to a legal land battle between former Guadalcanal MP Nollen Leni and Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) which has angered some Guadalcanal people.

Mr. Maelanga said that while the court rulings have been in favour of the company, he strongly urged the company and its owners to be mindful of public comments they have made against Mr. Leni and more generally, the people of Guadalcanal.

The Acting Prime Minister Mr. Maelanga said that land dealings on Guadalcanal was one of the core issues that had triggered resentments amongst Guadalcanal people and which subsequently led to the outbreak of the ethnic tensions that gripped Solomon Islands nine years ago.

“As a national leader, I wish to encourage individuals to be mindful of public comments, particular on land issues on Guadalcanal,” Acting Prime Minister Maelanga said.

“Anti Guadalcanal comments has the potential to stir trouble which is not in the best interest of this nation,” he said.

He added that the government is putting in a lot of effort in trying to sort out land disputes on Guadalcanal, and it is crucial that insensitive and unfair comments which some individuals make in the media are not allowed to disrupt the process.

Mr. Maelanga also stressed that it is important that while people must respect the judiciary, they must at the same time, honor the customs of the people of Guadalcanal, particularly at a time when the government is trying to redirect the way forward for Solomon Islands.

During the early stage of the legal battle between former Guadalcanal MP Nollen Leni and Leavers Solomon Limited, Guadalcanal Premier Mr. Steven Panga said that while the law is superior, we must respect the feelings of the people of Guadalcanal when it comes to issues related to land.

Meanwhile, attempts to get Mr. Panga to comment on these new developments on issue was unsuccessful.

MSG MEETING IN HONIARA

“We will develop stronger partnership with our immediate neighbours in our Region including the Members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the members of the Pacific Islands Forum,” Prime Minister Philip said. (Pic: Andrew Fanasia)

By Andrew Fanasia Jr.

Sources within the Solomon Islands Government has offered that the Solomon Islands Government has offered to host this year’s Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting scheduled to be held in Fiji on 22-23 July when the current Chairman Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Natapei cancelled the scheduled meeting at the last minute.

Explaining his decision at that time Prime Minister Natapei said that to allow Fiji’s military leader Frank Bainimarama to become chair of the MSG would threaten the MSG’s democratic values.

He claimed at that time that Solomon Islands and PNG had supported the position he had taken but had subsequently failed to back him publicly.

The Prime Minister’s Office in Vanuatu is reported to have confirmed that MSG members have now agreed to meet on the 22nd of October in Honiara.

Confirming the Government’s offer to host the MSG meeting Government sources in Honiara informed the National Express yesterday that the Government’s offer to host the meeting is motivated by a need to help MSG find a way out of the situation.

The Government sources in Honiara have however declined to say whether or not by hosting the MSG meeting, Solomon Islands would assume the chairmanship of the MSG rather than supporting Fiji assuming the chairmanship after the Honiara meeting.

The problems encountered by the MSG relates to the decision which the Pacific Forum has taken to suspend Fiji from the Forum as well as regional trade initiatives such as PACER and PACER Plus negotiations.

Before the MSG meeting scheduled to be hosted and Chaired by Fiji on the 22-23 July this year; two academics well versed with regional issues; Professor Walsh and Australian-based Prof. Brij Lal, said that the Fiji Interim Prime Minister had attempted to invite other Pacific Forum countries to attend the MSG meeting.

Prof. Brij Lal described the invitation as an attempt Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to hijack the MSG in response to its suspension from the Pacific Forum adding that Bainimarama could well have a point, though hijack is too strong a word. Suspended from the Forum, excluded from PACER and PACER Plus negotiations almost certainly due to Australian and NZ persuasion, Fiji has merely struck back.

The two academics believe that the Forum Melanesian nations were never totally happy with Australia and New Zealand’s hard line on Fiji and on more than one occasion have sought a more conciliatory approach.

They also claimed that Kiribati, Tuvalu and Tonga have also expressed doubts; and the north-western Micronesian states (Nauru, Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia) have said nothing. Only Samoa (for its own reasons) and Cook Islands and Niue (with close tries to NZ) have shown unquestioning support for the Australian and NZ position.

However, speaking on the step of Parliament House after he was elected Prime Minister in August, Prime Minister Danny Philip said that his Government would embrace the Fiji situation.

During the official last week the Prime Minister said that his Government’s Foreign policy would be guided by constructive engagement based on investment, trade, economic and security considerations.

“We will develop stronger partnership with our immediate neighbours in our Region including the Members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the members of the Pacific Islands Forum,” Prime Minister Philip said.

Economist criticizes PER 2010 Increase

Chief Executive Officer for Chamber of Commerce Mr. Calvin Ziru said the PER over the years until now have become the means of attraction for the parliamentarians.(Pic. Supplied)

By Andrew Fanasia Jr.
Sub Editor
National Express Newspaper

University of the South Pacific (USP) S.I center Economic lecturer has condemned the increases in the Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations 2010.

“The PER 2010 does not reflect well on the current economic state of this country,” Mr. Vincent Nomae told the high profile speakers and members of the public at the debate held jointly by TSI and the University of the South Pacific S.I center.

“This is a pure contradiction to the early statement of the NCRA Government on the expense reduction.”

Mr. Nomae said the country is still struggling to stand on its feet whilst our leaders are craving for more benefits through these entitlements.

TSI have brought to light some of the potential entitlement collected by an average MP which exclude others like pensions, and various other small entitlements such as for drivers, mobile and landline reimbursement, life increase and relocation allowances.

It was understood that maybe one of the justification for such increase is because our Parliament Members need to have these entitlements for them to perform their duty as a leader more effectively.

Mr. Nomae however said, this does not rule out the economic situation the country has encountered

He added that the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission must measure the entitlements of our leaders with our standard Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer for Chamber of Commerce Mr. Calvin Ziru said the PER over the years until now have become the means of attraction for the parliamentarians.

He added that it seems that PEC as the regulator body did not independently deal with the PER.

On the same issue, TSI Board Chairman Bob Pollard said PER needs to be fair, “the process to award this entitlement must be independent, transparent and fair for the public.”

Most of the public attending the debate on Wednesday were shocked to hear and see the actual amount each member of the parliament receive in terms of the entitlements.

TSI to scrutinize PER 2010 in High Court.

TSI Board Chairman Mr. Bob Pollard yesterday said TSI is disappointed and concerned by the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC’s)

Andrew Fanasia Jr.
Sub Editor
National Express Newspaper

The Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) will likely to scrutinize the Parliament Entitlement Regulation (PER) 2010 in High Court if the Attorney General approves it.

This came up after the high profile speakers and the public engaged in a robust debate yesterday on PER 2010 held jointly by TSI and the University of the South Pacific (USP) center in Honiara.

TSI Board Chairman Mr. Bob Pollard yesterday said TSI is disappointed and concerned by the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC’s) continued disregard for requirements under section 69B of the Constitution.

The PER 2010 like the previous PER has not made a general call to the public for submissions on such factors as the state of the national economy and changes in the retail price index and has not tables a report to justify the entitlements.

TSI strongly believes that the tax payers of Solomon Islands have the right to be fully informed of the Entitlements their elected leaders are receiving.

Mr. Vincent Nomae an Economic Lecturer in USP affirmed that the increase done by the PEC’s is unnecessary and unfair.

“Our leaders in the parliament must consider the economic state of this country.”

“Leaders who designed this PER 2010 have totally disregard the state of our economy for their own benefits,” Mr. Nomae said yesterday during the PER 2010 debate.

According to the background information from the TSI Office, the PER 2009 was “quashed” or rejected by the High Court on application by the Attorney General.

Therefore the most recent PER in force before PER 2010, was PER 2008 according the TSI.

TSI stated the court challenged whether there had been a call for submissions made in accordance with the constitution and also commented there had been no report from the PEC’s to justify the PER 2009.

According to the reports obtained from the TSI, substantial increases have occurred since PER 2008.

And these are; funds for charitable purposes (to be spent at the discretion of MP) have increased by 87.5%, salaries have increased at rates varying between 12 .28% and 12.5%.
In regards to the constituency touring allowance; Zone 1 has increased by 25%, Zone 2 by 20%, zone 3 by 15.38%, zone 4 by 16.88% and zone 5 by 47.54%.

Express understands that no document has been tabled to support the increases on economic grounds.

Aggressive Reform government offers hope to S.I

PM. Hon Danny Philip in front S.I National Parliament (Pic. Andrew Fanasia Jr.)

By Andrew Fanasia Jr.

Prime Minister led coalition government has finally launched their policy framework which will aggressively pursue new direction and leadership approaches that offers hope for new Solomon Islands.

Mr. Danny Philip addressing the nation outside the National Parliament after his election on August 25th this year said, “Fundamental reform is one of the priorities my government will address in the next four years.”

At last, now we have the National Coalition for Reform and Advancement (NCRA) Government which comprises members of seven political parties.

As stated in their policy introduction, this policy framework is an undertaking by NCRA to pursue a major shift in policy direction for the next four years.

The policy statement highlights the urgency for a comprehensive reform program focusing on the Constitution and the Economic.

Meanwhile, the main drivers of the current focus of reform can be divided into three category; Fundamental Reforms which include the constitutional reform, Social Reform which encompass the much talk about land reform and the Economic reform.

The new coalition government believed that the shift in policy direction for the next four years would bring about social and economic advancement, which ensures fair distribution, equal access to and opportunities for all.

Addressing the nation during the policy launching yesterday, Mr. Philip said his government will take a leading role in driving its policy forward through the Bureau of Social and Economic reforms (BSER) within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

However, the questions raised at the back of the minds of the ordinary citizens of this country is, will the government four years terms is sufficient to fulfill these reforms.

And to fully implement its reforms, the government must have its source of funds rather than using public funds to implement their policy intentions.

In one of the previous MASI media conference with Mr. Philip prior to his election, the Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) Board Chairman Bob Pollard told Mr. Philip that constitutional reform takes more than four years and it is very expensive.

However, it is believed that the NCRA Government acknowledges the cost involved, for this reason they will work in partnership with both bilateral and multilateral donors.