Politics Archive March 2022

Mr Norimasa Yoshida, Charge d’Affairs, Japan Embassy, in handing over the vehicles said that Japan is pleased to be providing the ambulances which is part of its grant aid project, the second program under its Economic and Social Development Programme for Solomon Islands.

Health Receives 7 Brand New Ambulances for the Provinces From Japan

On Tuesday this week, health excitingly and with great appreciation received seven (7) brand new Toyota land cruiser ambulances with all necessary medical equipment including oxygen concentrators, provided by the Government of Japan.
For now, it seems clear that despite any assurances he may want to give, it is clear to our friends in the region who have stood with us for a very long time that there is no longer a preferred security partner.

Veil of Secrecy Defeats Friends to All Enemy to None Policy

By Samson Sade
The government has been quick to point to its foreign policy of ‘friends to all, enemy to none’ to explain its ongoing efforts to expand and diversify partners in the national security space.
“We know our boundaries, and we will not do anything that will cause unnecessary discomfort to our partners in the region and as a member of the forum,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare Says Security Agreement with China Finalized

By Samson Sade
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the draft security agreement with China that was leaked to social media has been finalized.
"Australia will be transparent and show respect as a reliable partner as we seek to build unity across the Pacific. We will continue supporting peace, economic prosperity, stability and democratic values across our region."

Australia Issues Statement on Solomon Islands

Australia has issued a joint statement from the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
Solomon Islands values its 2017 Security Agreement with Australia, it is the country’s first Security Agreement.

Government Says it is Broadening its Security Cooperation With Other Countries

Solomon Islands is working to broaden its security and development cooperation with more countries. The approach taken by the country is in line with its 2020 National Security Strategy and the Country’s Foreign Policy of “Friends to all, enemies to none."
High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan and Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.

Australia and Solomon Islands working Together as a Pacific Family

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met with High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan on 23 March 2022 to discuss the ongoing partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.
The declaration was made by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi following recommendations from Cabinet.

State of Public Emergency (SOPE) Extended for 14 Days Pending Parliament Sitting

His Excellency the Governor General Sir David Vunagi proclaimed a State of Public Emergency (SOPE) exist for Solomon Islands. The declaration is made following recommendations from Cabinet.
Wang Xiaohong, Vice Minister in charge of the Ministry of Public Security, says China is ready to advance practical cooperation in police and law enforcement actively, and push bilateral relations to a higher level constantly.

Solomon Islands Signs Police Cooperation Agreement With China

Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Anthony Veke has commended the Governments of Solomon Islands (SI) and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for entering into a Memorandum of Understanding on Policing Cooperation.
“It is a disgrace to lie to people in this country when copies of the Cabinet Paper clearly indicates that Cabinet has in fact agreed on the extension in the first quarter of last year,” the statement says.

Opposition Leader Says Cabinet Already Agreed to Extend Parliament

The Parliamentary Opposition Group has slammed the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) condemning them to stop ‘deceiving’ people in this country.
Nine tertiary students were in attendance which included four female and five male.

Sports Institute Conducts First Tetiary Talent Identification Session

As part of its preparations for the Pacific Games 2023 the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) held its first Tertiary Talent Identification Testing session, conducted by the SINIS Talent Pathways Department.
Solomon Islands is expected to go to the polls mid-year 2023 and the Games are to be held from November to December of the same year.

No Decision on Extension of Parliament Yet

By Georgina Kekea
The Solomon Islands Cabinet has not made any decision on the extension of parliament.
Commissioner Mangau says, “There will be heavy police presence in some of the strategic locations in Honiara City and some checkpoints will be erected to manage people movements during the meeting.”

Police Gear Up in Preparation For Upcoming Parliament Meeting

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Island Assistance Force (SIAF) gear up in riot equipment for the scheduled resumption of Parliament meeting next week.
Kenilorea Raises Concerns Over Separate Police Trainings

Kenilorea Raises Concerns Over Separate Police Trainings

Chairman for Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee and Opposition MP Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr said the Government should be concerned that our police has been trained by two different security partners.
Minister Rotutafi said the election of Premier Rhoda Sikilabu is a big achievement for women in Solomon Islands.

Minister for Women Congratulates the Country's First Female Premier

Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Hon. Freda Rangirei Rotutafi congratulates the country’s first female provincial premier Hon. Rhoda Sikilabu of Isabel Province.
"They are for training purposes and weigh about the same weight of real rifles and pistols. There are 60 pieces of plastic rifles and 150 pieces of plastic pistol training aides received by RSIPF donated by PRC," Police Commissioner Mangau said.

Police Display Replica Firearms Refuting Media Reports

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) would like to refute an ongoing media publication on recent consignment of alleged gun shipments into the country donated by Peoples Republic of China for RSIPF Training purposes.
Hon Rhoda Sikilabu makes history, becoming the first female to head a provincial government in the country.

Opposition Leader Congratulates Isabel’s New Premier

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has congratulated the new premier of Isabel province Hon Rhoda Sikilabu.
“Maybe the Prime Minister is not telling us something. It would be shocking if the Prime Minister is trying to use outside forces for his own protection and that of his government."

Opposition Leader Slams PM's Request for PNG Forces to Return for Budget Sitting

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has lashed out at the Prime Minister following claims he requested PNG police force’s return to provide security for the upcoming Budget Sitting.
Hon Kenilorea has reiterated that a public display in a media conference of all the replica arms, which apparently arrived in four big crates should be organized to ease the minds of people.

Why Are Authorities Tightlipped Over Gun Shipment?

Chairman for Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee and Opposition MP Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr says he is concerned that authorities might be tightlipped over facts related to the guns shipment.
"My officers try to dialogue with community elders and even negotiate for the safe surrender of Mr Atu but nothing forthcoming.”

We Are An Independent Organisation: Mangau

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mr Mostyn Mangau would like to clarify that RSIPF is an independent organisation and is not taking directives from the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) as mentioned by Mr Knoxly Atu on Solomon Star newspaper published on 20 March 2022.
“There will be a report to be released in mid-week of April and there are a number of reports that will be produced”, Dentana said.

Economic Stimulus Package Report to be Published Soon

By Georgina Kekea
A report on the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) will be released soon, says the Finance Permanent Secretary, Mr. McKinnie Dentana.
The Chinese Embassy says their trip to China was delayed and long overdue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 80 Solomon Islands Students Heading to China Today

By Georgina Kekea
More than 80 Solomon Islanders are leaving for China today under the PRC Education scholarship program.
But the Opposition Leader says while such infrastructure projects are welcomed, promoting the Games as an economic booster is misguided, as it is a one-off event and cannot be sustained.

Government’s Economic Policy Misguided Says Opposition Leader

By Georgina Kekea
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has described the government’s economic policy as “misguided and very juvenile.”
The Opposition Leader said it is clear from online debates and the general feeling around the country that people are not supportive of the government’s plan.

Opposition Calls on Government to be Sensitive and Acknowledge Peoples Views

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale is calling on the government to be sensible, sensitive and to acknowledge the views of the people.
From L-R - Registrar Mr Jasper Anisi, Commissioner Teasi Sanga, Chairman Sir Francis Billy Hilly, Commissioner Joy Kere and Dr Jack Maebuta.

Four Commissioners to the Political Parties Commission Sworn in

Four Commissioners to the Political Parties Commission were sworn-in by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi at Government House this morning.
As this flight is a government managed repatriation charter, and passengers must be pre-approved for travel, those seeking to fly from Nadi to Honiara should contact Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva.

Repatriation Flight for Nationals in Fiji Scheduled for 30th March 2022

With Solomon Islands Government approval and subject to Fiji regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines has scheduled a second repatriation flight for 2022, to operate between Nadi and Honiara on Wednesday 30 March, 2022.
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Albert Kabui, says Cabinet has the mandate to change policies as it sees fit.

Cabinet Defends Proposed Extension of Parliament

By Georgina Kekea
Cabinet has defended its plan to extend the current term of parliament to five years.
“Maybe the Prime Minister knows something we do not know. If so, he should take it up with the police to investigate rather than making unnecessary speculations in the media,” he said.

PM Touting Rumours of Another Riot Alarming: Opposition

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale says it is alarming that the Prime Minister is peddling rumours about a repeat of the 2021 November riots.
More exercises, training and preparation for Operation Parliament are scheduled for the week commencing today.

Police Prepare for Upcoming Sitting of Parliament

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Solomon Island Assistance Force (SIAF) undergo preparation for the scheduled resumption of Parliament for this year 2022.
RSIPF and China Liaison Team during the launching of training program.

Police Minister Launches PRC Police Liaison Team Training Program With RSIPF

Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Honourable Anthony Veke has officially launched People’s Republic of China (PRC) Police Liaison Team training program with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) this morning at the Rove Police Headquarters.
“As leader’s we should not see our people as tom, dick or harry. They are our people, our voters and they are Solomon Islanders. These people also have rights and they are the ones that gave us the mandate in Parliament,” he said.

People’s Views Must be Honored and Treated With Respect: Kenilorea

Opposition Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr says people’s views must be honored and treated with respect.
Hon Wale said he is certain that likeminded leaders in the government are also uncomfortable because they know this is not in the best interest of the people in this country.

Opposition Says It Will Not Support Government Plans to Extend Parliament

The Parliamentary Opposition Group will not support any move by the Government to extend the life of Parliament from 4 to 5 years.
Hon. Kenilorea said consultations must be nationwide and this agenda should not be bulldozed for self-interests.

Kenilorea Says Government Plans to Extend Parliament ‘Fundamentally Flawed’

Opposition Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr has described proposed plans by the government to extend Parliament as ‘fundamentally flawed’.
Sogavare says that this is our country and we must respect each other, and that taking the laws into our own hands will not solve anything.

Prime Minister Sogavare Condemns Rumours of Further Unrest

By Samson Sade
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has condemned rumours circulating that there will be a possible repeat of the unlawful actions that took place last November.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on behalf of Caucus acknowledged the ongoing preparatory works and assured the NHA that the National Government will devote a whole of Government approach to support the Games.

Government Confident in Delivering Pacific Games 2023 Despite COVID Challenges

The Solomon Islands Government is confident to deliver the 2023 Pacific Games as scheduled regardless of the challenges generated by COVID-19 in the country.
McDonald thanked Sogavare for his warm welcome. He extended Australia’s condolences to all those families in Solomon Islands who have lost loved ones during the covid-19 outbreak.

Australia's Head of DFAT Pacific Department Visits Solomon Islands

Australia’s Head of the Pacific in Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has visited the Solomon Islands to reaffirm the two countries’ ongoing partnership.
The National Government sends its warmest greetings to all women and girls throughout the country on this year’s International Women’s Day.

Government Applauds Women's Role in Our Country

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) conveys heartfelt congratulations to all women and girls throughout the country on International Women’s Day this week.
Both accused were interviewed and released on police bail with their charges filed before the court and they will appear before Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court on 21 March 2022.

A Current and Former MP Interviewed by Police for Bribery

Police have interviewed the current MP and former MP for North East Guadalcanal Constituency over bribery allegations during the 2019 national general elections.
Hon Wale said this is no time for boasting, and the government must double their focus and efforts in the fight against covid-19.

Opposition Slams Government's Claim it Has Reversed Community Transmission

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has slammed media reports that the government has turned around the community transmission within 5 weeks as ‘misleading and outrageous.'
A general view shows the results of the voting during the 11th emergency special session of the 193-member U.N. General Assembly.

Solomon Islands Votes in Favor of UN Resolution Denouncing Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

Solomon Islands has voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UN) resolution denouncing Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“This is food relief. It is provided for by private sector and Donor Partners and is free of charge.”

People Illegally Charging SBD$5 Per Household For Food Relief

The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) of the National Disaster Operation Committee (N-DOC) today condemn in its strongest term the action of certain individuals going around collecting SBD$5 fees from households before they can receive food relief assistance currently distributed to households in Honiara’s Emergency Zone.
“The Government has been coming out with lots of information almost every week live on radio and online streaming through the Prime Minister’s addresses, the Oversight and Health Committee Radio Talk Back Shows and now the daily updates by the Minister of Health since the covid-19 outbreak early this year."

“There Are No Restrictions on Media Freedom,” Says Head of Government Media

The local media has been given heaps of information and facts about Covid-19 and other relevant issues to write stories from.
The Opposition Leader said other countries have imposed strict fines for people who do not adhere to COVID-19 safety measures and it is something the government and authorities ought to consider.

Authorities Need to Enforce COVID-19 Safety Measures

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale says authorities need to pull up their socks in enforcing COVID-19 measures and restrictions within the emergency zones.

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