The future of Solomon Islands is.....

Guadalcanal Demands resurfaces
Below is a written copy of a letter written to the PM Sogavare regarding the above issue by Hon Nollen Leni.

The letter was written on 6th November, but it was stamped as received on 12th December 2006. .

Dated 6 Nov 2006

My dear Prime Minister,

I had an audience with (a former senior Guadalcanal militant and a former prisoner. MyBlog left out the name) and some former militants in my office last Friday.

They call in (without appointment) to make an oral warning. This warning is serious and this government must act quickly to get things under control.

Their submission All successive governments since Guadalcanal province first protest in 1988 have never acted on Guadalcanal Provinces Bona-Fide demands. The ethnic crisis of 2000 will seriously repeat itself very soon for the same reason of neglecting the demands.

The reasons
1) Guadalcanal bonafide demands are no secrets to this government
2) The Guadalcanal co-ordination committee which comprises of both provincial and national members of parliament had an audience with your goodself early this year and repeated the bonafide demand submission.
3) The new events take priority of government work program eg Moti saga, Australian standoff, riot commission
4) The continued delay of reconciliation work between Malaita and Guadalcanal communitiees 5) Continued re-juvenation of squatters around Honiara
6) Delay of state government issue

The warning
The way things appear now indicate that this government is going to shelf the bona fide demands. and so the warning is:

1) All Guadalcanal MPs must consider their loyalty for the bonfide demands
2) In view of what appears to be a continuation of being-no care attitude by this govt on the demands-Guadalcanal MPs will be forced by threats to pull out from the government
3) Deleted
4) Deleted
5) Deleted

Recommendations
I have been asked to call all Guadalcanal MPs to discuss this subject.

My prime minister while we have the best policies our lives and family are important when it comes to threats. I therefore will call all the 8 MPs to meet but having witnessed the actions of our men in 2000 we should never take things lightly.

Urgent recommendation
1)Return the titles of the Lungga Mamara Tasifarongo, Ruaniu to Guadalcanal province to ease tension. Why because the previous government did a big mistake by converting all the TOLs to fixed term estates.
2) Please direct the Minister and commissioner of lands to act now.

Signed
Hon Nollen Leni
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
CC: All Ministers

State Government
Today, the Peoples Alliance Party Parliamentary Wing Leader and Opposition Spokesperson for Provincial Government, Clement Kengava, has urged the government to speed up the process in finalising the State Government system.

Mr Kengava who may have caught wind of the letter earlier, calls on the national Government to listen to the voices and wishes of the People. He says the National Government’s long silence in informing the people of Solomon Islands on what is the progress made towards the adoption of State Government System could mean a lot of things.

The MP says as the Opposition spokesperson for Provincial Government and Constituency Affairs, he want to see that the new Federal Constitution be adopted by Parliament next year.

Exit Plan for the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands - RAMSI
Mr Kengava the State Government system must be adopted before the Government put in place any exit plan for RAMSI.

He says all the Provinces are putting their hope on the new State Government system as the new political direction for a future peaceful and united Solomon Islands; after the ethnic tension experience. Kengava says the experience of the 2000 ethnic tension clearly revealed that Solomon Islands is still exposed to leaders who are prepared to dictate and control this nation because for political power and interests in the resources of Solomon Islands.

He says his concern is at present there is no guarantee that Solomon Islands would not be in the hands of a dictatorial Government, as seen in Africa and Asia if RAMSI departs during the life of the present Parliament.

The Opposition spokesman for Provincial Government therefore urges that the national government must speed up the implementation of the new Federal Constitution as a condition before RAMSI is pushed out of Solomon Islands. Failure to do this will see the unilateral declaration of state governments or even independence by some Provinces and the present government will be fully responsible for the fragmentation of an Independent Solomon Islands.

These words are coming from a veteran politician for both provincial and national government. Strong words indeed.

The Shane Castles Drama
Statements have came from various quarters defending the the work of Police Commissioner, Shane Castles.

Opposition leader Fred Fono was among those who was critical of the government action in declaring Mr Castles an "undesirable immigrant". He says government's actions may have come at a time when investigations Papua New Guinea are pointing towards those involved in the sanctioning of the secret flight that brought Julian Moti to Honiara in October this year.

Mr Fono says those investigations have indicated that the PNG Prime Minister , Sir Michael Somare was aware of the flight. Mr Fono says if this was the case, Foreign Minister Patteson Oti and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare would have known about the flight. Mr Fono says declaring Mr Castles an undesirable immigrant is a means to prevent further investigations into the secret flight.

Meanwhile, a former Commerce, Employment and Trade, Walton Naezon, was also critical of government's action in it move against the Police Commissioner.

These are his words: "If the prohibition of entry order against the Commissioner of Police was based on circumstances surrounding Mr Castles questioning of the recent acquittal of Julian Moti by the Honiara Magistrates courts then I see the action as not justified. I could not believe that. Moti's case has not been given the opportunity to be trailed in court. And how the minister through his discretion and power justified this is improper."

Australia's Foreign Minister responses
Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, says he’s disappointed by reports that the Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Shane Castles, has been declared an undesirable immigrant.

Mr Castles was serving as Solomon Islands Police Commissioner through a bilateral arrangement between the Australian and Solomon Islands Governments. Mr Downer says he’s very disappointed by the reports which reached the Australian High Commission in Honiara second-hand. He says Mr Castles was provided to the Solomon Islands Government at its request to serve as Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Police Force for two years.

Mr Downer says the Solomon Islands Government provided no advance notice of its intention to declare Mr Castles an ’undesirable immigrant’ and he is seeking a full explanation owed to both Mr Castles and the Australian Government. The Australian High Commission is seeking further clarification and a full explanation from the Solomon Islands Department of Foreign Affairs.

Is this the signs of things to come?
MyBlog believes things may and do unfold in unexpected way. Unexpected to human thinking, but perfect to divine providence. What do you think?

Solomon Islands rejects Police Head

Government closes tap on expats
The Sogavare government is certainly keeping to its promise to down sized the number of expatriates funded under RAMSI and working in various government Ministries.

Not only that, this also goes for diplomats who over step what the Solomon Islands government says is a sovereign issue. This is particularly so for Australian. So far the country had witnessed the expulsion of former Australian High Commissioner to Honiara Patrick Cole.

Another one bites the dust
Today, the government announced that Police Commissioner Shane Castles is now an "undesirable immigrant".

The declaration was made Friday 22nd December by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Minister, Patteson Oti. He says " in view of the sensitivity of the matter," he was "not at liberty to publicly disclose all of the reasons why Mr Castles had to be declared an undesirable immigrant. Mr Oti says Mr Castles' his return and continued presence in Solomon Islands was considered prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, security and good government of Solomon Islands.

Minister Oti says there is nothing exceptional or discriminatory about the use of our statutory powers on this occasion. The power to control the admission and expulsion of undesirable aliens is one of the essential attributes of national sovereignty and utilized by all civilized nationals.

He say Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, Civil Aviation and border control officials, the Police Force, all commercial airlines, RAMSI as well as Mr Castles have been notified of his decision and the penal consequences of the defiance or breach of Solomon Islands laws.

Mr Castle, an Australian, is currently on leave in Australia.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog joins other Solomon Islanders that this latest action by the government to banned Mr Castes entering the country does not deepen the already deteriorating relations with Australia. Or could this action have any adverse consequences on existing relations and assistance from Australia? MyBlog hopes this doesn't happen.

Solomon Islanders wait in anticipation.

PM's Message to the nation

Happy Christmas to you.
People has celebrated Christmas in different styles.

Some have celebrated with much food, other quietly with the family and others with sports. Solomon Islands' Prime Minister took the opportunity to address the nation with a message on this festive season.

Christmas and New Year Message - Prime Minister Manasseh Damukana Sogavare The Prime Minister spoke about many things during his Christmas and New Year Message to the nation.

They include unsustainable harvesting of forestry resources, concern for the environment, the sick, investment and many others. In this Post I am highlighting his comments on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands and development partners. Also in this Post is his comment on the country's future and the challenge ahead.

Below is part of the transcript of Mr Sogavare's comments on issues.

Intervention Mission and Development Partners
"Secondly, we are duty bound to thank our friends who are here to help us. In particular, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands for their continual assistance in the challenging task of consolidating normalcy in our country; and of course our traditional development partners and their involvement in the various sectors of the economy.

As in all cases, Solomon Islands expects the observation of basic rules of relationship. Suffice it to say at the outset, active and meaningful partnership is the manner in which Solomon Islands will continue to relate to the involvement of our friends in the development of our country. Paramount in this relationship is mutual respect, which must be based on the principles of honesty and truth, rather than dirty politics and the desire to deliberately undermine our sovereignty.

The democratic right of our people to have a government that represents their interest must at all times be respected. In that regard, we would consider any plans by foreign interests to topple the democratically elected government of Solomon Islands as an unfriendly act and will appropriately respond.

Development Partners
Moreover, we would also like to make it abundantly clear that Solomon Islands has bilateral relations with all our development partners with whom we have diplomatic ties and we treat all of them as equals.

In that regard we insist that our right to enjoy the full benefit of our relationship with any particular development partner must not in any way be undermined by any one. This includes financial assistance that arises from that relationship, which must be based on the merit of that relationship and governed by any understanding reached bilaterally.

We expect all donor partners to respect that position as a minimum understanding for a fruitful relationship and we would hate to be placed in a situation where we would be forced to view any interference as an unfriendly act. May the spirit of this Christmas elevate our friendship to a better understanding and respect for each other.

Solomon Islands' future
Finally, in the process of charting out our future, we should determine to avoid repeating our sad past and resolve to steer this country to joy, peace and prosperity.

Indeed, if there is a time in the history of this country that Solomon Islanders are strategically located to learn from the past, it has to be this generation. We are duty bound as Solomon Islanders to be responsible and resolve to work together as a people united in the common cause of taking this country forward.

May the spirit of this holy season inspire us to forget our differences and to work together for the common good of our people and nation.

I cannot think of any other way. Our country has suffered enough and it is not in our interest to continue to build little barriers to isolate ourselves from each other. May the spirit of Christmas help us to remember.

Home Challenge
On the domestic front, lasting peace and national unity remains our biggest challenge.

The achievement of lasting peace is a task that requires the active participation of every stakeholder, addressing the issues that really matter with utmost sensitivity. It is worrying that the strategy so far has been very heavily focused on punishing those who have been forced by the environment created during the crisis to commit crime. This is a backward look to addressing our problems.

In fact one is fully justified to ask whether the huge investment in this program, that only financially benefit foreign companies that run our prisons, will address the deep rooted problems of this country. We cannot continue to live in the past. Solomon Islands must move forward. This calls for a totally new approach and emphasis. In this regard I would like to assure all peace loving Solomon Islanders that the government is seriously looking at this issue."

MyBlog hopes to publish other parts of the Prime Minister's message in future posts.

It has been a Happy Christmas. MyBlog wishes you a Prosperous New Year, 2007.

Rennell Bellona Election Results

Provincial Elections nearly completed
The elections for the six provinces scheduled for this month is over, except one.

Yes, Malaita for various reasons had to delay elections in 25 Wards. The Minister for Provincial Government has not set any definite date for the election. However, he has indicated that the elections will be held sometimes in January 2007.

Isabel, Central, Guadalcanal, Temotu, Rennell Bellona and Malaita province need honest leaders who have a heart for their people. The people demand of the leaders they elected to deliver what is required of them. The elected leaders of the provinces now have the opportunity to chart and navigate their ships through both fine and rough weather.That's a tall order, but that what they're got themselves into.

MyBlog believes that the reality is that the leaders cannot help develop their provinces, communities and Solomon Islands without the co-operation of the people. Each Solomon Islander has a part to play in society to make the country a better place live. The time people look only to their leaders, aid donors and development partners is over. They must join hands together with those partners to move the vessel "Solomon Islands" forward.

Rennell-Bellona Provincial Election results
The province has elected its first female assembly member.
She is Anne Pugeva who won the West Gaongau Ward on Bellona Island. She is the only woman who contested the Rennell-Bellona Provincial elections. Mrs Pugeva joins the two other women who have won seats in the Isabel Provincial Assembly.

Here are the rest of the results in the Rennell Bellona elections.

Rennell Island
East Tenggano Ward - William Kaunga(O); West Tenggano Ward - Lence Tango(O); Lughu Ward - Timothy Johnston(N); Kanava Ward - Edward Kaitu'u(N); Te Tau Gangoto Ward - Sol Tepai(N) and Mugi Henua Ward - Mathew Taupongi(O)

Bellona Island
Matangi Ward - Soly Amonga Tenamoana(O); East Gaongau Ward - Brian Poaika(N); West Gaongau Ward - Mrs Anne Pugeva(N) and Sa'aiho Ward - Kusol Tepuke(N).

The results show the elections of six new members and only four members from the previous administration retaining their seats.

Key: N-New member, O-Old member

Christmas Day 2006
Christmas Day is an important Day for Christian throughout the world.

People cerebrate it in different ways. In Solomon Islands many celebrate it with partying, tonnes of food and giving of presents to their family members and friends. Others celebrate it with sports.

MyBlog wonders how many people, especially those who claim to be Christians celebrate the day to remember the birth of Christ who is also known as Jesus and Emmanuel. Does the event mean something to them? I hope so. According to the Bible, Emmanuel means God is with us.

I hope God is with you. Yes, God is with me.

Happy Christmas to you.

Solomon Islands needs good leaders

Government remains intact
The Sogavare-led government has been adamant that the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Forests, Job Duddley Tausinga, does not affect the government.

Mr Tausinga says his forced resignation was influenced from an Asian company operating illegally in the North New Georgia area. He says the company was merely contracted without a licence, adding that it had been illegally exporting round logs for quite some time. Mr Tausinga says by the time he was appointed as Minister, two illegal shipments of round logs had been exported. He says he had allowed one shipment after he assumed office as Minister for the Department for Forests and Environment. Mr Tausinga says he had resigned because he felt if he would allow another shipment for the company that would be wrong.

Mr Tausinga is the Parliamentary Wing leader of the Solomon Islands Rural Advancement Party. His resignation from the Grand Coalition Government does not seem to affect the government. The Deputy Parliamentary Wing leader of the Party and Finance Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, told MyBlog today that the party's four other members in the government remain committed to the present administration.

Women support Tausinga
Solomon Islands National Council of Women has congratulated on Tausinga for what its says "his brave and courageous step of walking away from the stings of corruption that had been eating away and rooted in the systems in this country."

The Council's President Hilda Kari says the women of Solomon Islands must thank Tausinga for in taking that step. She says Tausinga had more heart for his countries wealth than to think of himself, as he walked away from the huge benefits that go with the posts he had held as a Government Minister, and second boss of the Government.

Mrs Kari says the Council believes there is still a lot of corruption in this country especially in many important and strategic areas where important decisions are being made, in such organizations as Customs, Immigration, Forestry Department and Forestry Industry, Public Service delivery services, RCDF, and other places where money is the central ingredient on dealings.

Mrs Kari says leaders at all levels in Solomon Islands must start to be more transparent, active in leading their people to get to their villages and lives to improved standards. People in the villages are not seeing enough of their leaders, to discuss matters of importance with village elders.

MyBlog believes there is much more to what the government is being saying about the issue. These things would unfold in the next few days or so.

Press Secretary retracts statement
Prime Minister's Press Secretary, Deli Oso has retracted a statement she released Wednesday that Julian Moti would go to Australia soon to have a 'face-to-face' discussion with the Australian Federal Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution.

In the statement released to local media today Ms Oso says she wish to retract the Press Statement yesterday titled ‘Moti to return to Australia for discussion’. But she says all references to Mr Moti in the statement should be made to the Acting Attorney General, Nuatali Tongarutu. Mrs Tongarutu will be traveling to Australia to discuss with her Australian Counterpart, Phillip Ruddock and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecution, Australia’s request for the extradition of Moti.

Western Province Advances its move toward State Government
The Western Province continues to lead in its move to final its find a State Government Constitution.

Provincial Premier Alex Lokopio this week launched the Western Constitutional Congress's first Awareness Consultation Program on the regional SIBC's Radio Hapi Lagoon in Gizo. The objectives of the program is to get all citizens of the province involved in the consultation. This is to allows the people the opportunity to respond when necessary to the issue of autonomous government or statehood.

MyBlog sees the move as an example for other province to follow.

Isabel Province has new Provincial Executive
Isabel Premier, Ruben Dotho, has appointed his Provincial Executive.

They are:
Deputy Premier and Provincial Minister for Natural Resources -- Lonsdale Manase;
Provincial Minister for Finance -- Amos B Gigini;
Minister for Community Affairs, Women, Youth and Sports -- Rhoda Sikilabu, ,
Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Lands -- David Bale;
Minister Health and Medical Services -- Thedius Siota;
Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure -- Dick Daoleni
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development -- Michael Meredi.

Premier Dotho says the appointment became effective from today.

Meanwhile, he says the Speaker of the Assembly is Reverend Canon Mathew Kale and the Deputy Speaker is Allan Hagelui.

NCW Salutes Isabel Premier and Women
The Solomon Islands National Council of Women congratulates the new Premier of Isabel, Ruben Dotho.

The Council says is very heartening to hear the Premier showing confidence in the women members that won in the recent elections. It says the inclusion of a woman in the Provincial Executive a significant way forward and a plus for the people of Isabel. It says the rest of the country should follow the example. The Council says it's timely for women to get up there to help make decisions in their Provincial Government.

The Council says it hopes voters in the Rennell Bellona and Malaita Provinces who were yet to hold their elections to follow Isabel's example and vote in women into their Provincial Assemblies.

MyBlog believes that women taking leadership roles in decision making positions would help improve any society.

Good luck to them.

Solomon Islands Government makes the right decision

A sigh of relief
It's a sigh of relief for thousands of Solomon Islanders. The waiting is nearly over. Would the Solomon Islands government and Julian Moti humble themselves and let the law take its cause?

Yes, finally, the Solomon Islands Government, particularly Cabinet has endorsed that suspended Attorney General Julian Moti can now travel to Australia to discuss with legal eagles why he is wanted in Australia.

Solomon Islands Cabinet must be commended, in reaching such a decision that points the way forward to mending relations with the Australian government and judiciary over the Moti issue. The decision was not a surprised, but its when, Solomon Islands would succumb to the Pacific region's Big Brother. This is not to demean Solomon as a sovereign nation. No. It is just that leaders need to come to their senses in a situation that they cannot win. And, with the 2007 Budget being finalised, Solomon Islands cannot afford to be stubborn.

The Cabinet's decision must be seen as how Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare described it as being made in the interest of diplomacy. Not only that, but the thousands of Solomon Islanders can breath a sigh of relief that the Moti issue is finnally being addressed. And, there may be a green light at the end of the tunnel.

In a statement Prime Minister Sogavare says the government appreciated the fact that Solomon Islands was part of the region (Pacific) so when it came to such issues, it was duty-bound to look at them seriously for the simple reason of keeping the region free of whatever that would undermine its peace and security. However, he says the government also needed to look seriously at such requests adding that the case of Julian Moti was interesting because it was already cleared by the Vanuatu Judiciary and the question why Australia decided to pursue him for the case only after he was appointed as Solomon Islands Attorney General.

Moti by the way is still an innocent person until proven guilty on the alleged charges laid on him. MyBlog believes Solomon Islanders will welcome him with open arms, now that he would be travelling to Australia to try and clear his name.

No threat of instability
Prime Minister Sogavare has welcomed the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister, Job Dudley Tausinga, saying he respected the decision taken by the MP for North New Georgia.

The Government Communications Unit says Mr Tausinga’s resignation as a Cabinet minister on Tuesday came just a week after he was moved from Forestry, Environment and Conservation to a new portfolio as Minister for Mines and Energy. The Prime Minister has indicated that the reshuffling of ministerial posts with Mr Tausinga and former Minister for Mines and Energy, Mark Kemakeza influenced the decision the Deputy PM had taken.

Mr Sogavare says as the leader of the government, he has decided on the reshuffling exercise because he felt that Mr Tausinga has a serious conflict of interest regarding the issue of alleged illegal felling of logs that took place at his own constituency, and his duty as the Minister for Forestry, Environment and Conservation.

Isabel New Premier
Isabel has a new Premier.

He is Reuben Dotho. He was elected today defeating the former Premier James Habu eleven votes to five. Mr Dotho was a former public servant for 30 years, and comes from Buala village. He was the General Manager of the Isabel Development Company before contesting in the provincial election. Before that Mr Dotho was the Isabel Provincial Secretary.

The new Premier has promised he would include women in his new Provincial Executive. Two women won seats in the recent elections on Isabel. I can hear the women say "Three happy cheers to you Premier."

Be positive, enjoy every moment in life.

Deputy Prime Minister resigns

Political shaking in Solomon Islands
Nothing seems to be moving in the right direction in the politics of Solomon Islands.

Hardly any issues subsides than another surfaces, causing anxiety and uncertain among the people in the country. The Moti issue is still shimmering and now another emerges. Caucus could decide government's position on the request to extradite Moti to Australia tomorrow.

Deputy Prime Minister Resigns
Today Deputy Prime Minister, Job Duddley Tausinga dropped another bomb by resigning as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Forests, Environment and Conservation. This revelation came late this evening. Mr Tausinga says his resignation was effective as of today 19th December 2006. He says he will disclose reasons for his resignation later. Mr Tausinga says he not only resigned from his Ministerial posts, but he has decided to leave the Grant Coalition for Change Government.

He is one of the longest serving national politician in the country. Tausinga confirms his resignation was accepted and endorsed this afternoon by the care-taker Governor General, the Speaker to Parliament sir Peter Kenilorea.

Malaita Provincial Elections
Provincial Government Minister, Japhet Waipora has accepted that the elections set for yesterday did not eventuate.

His Department of Provincial Government will now decide on a new date for provincial elections in more than 20 wards on Malaita. Twenty-five wards could not go to the polls as scheduled on Monday because of difficulties getting election materials to polling sites on time. Only three wards on Malaita Outer Islands went ahead with elections yesterday as scheduled.

The Minister says a new election date will be announced later. Mr Waipora says the elections will be held not later than the second week of January 2007.

Temotu Vatud Elections
There has been a clean sweep of the old Temotu Provincial Assembly members in the Vatud Constituency.

The people in the four Wards in Vatud have elected new members to represent them in the Provincial Assembly.

The new members are:
Duff Islands Ward -- Stanley Tehiahua
Utupua Ward -- Godfrey Luage
Vanikoro Ward -- Ernest T Fea and
Tikopia/Anuta Wards - Job Forau Rangiatea

The latest results mean that out of the 17 Wards in Temotu Province, there are 10 new members and seven members from the previous house.

Happy surfing on the web.

Solomon Islanders or Moti

The Moti Saga
The issue of the suspended Attorney General Julian Moti's is something that had featured heavily in the media in the Pacific region.

This is particularly true in Solomon Islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea and to a lesser extent Vanuatu. The saga started in Port Moresby on 8th October where was arrested. Moti was supposed to appear in court, but he escaped court orders. To the lay person his escape from court hearing and subsequent secret flight into Solomon Islands is illegal. Moti Moti was last week cleared of the charges laid against him in Solomon Islands. The Honiara Magistrates court cleared him of the charges in relation to his entry into Solomon Islands on a PNG military aircraft.

The Commissioner of Police, Shane Castles however think otherwise. Mr Castles says that the decision by the court was a Notice of Discontinuation. He says it is not a "dismissal" of the charges. Mr Castles says it means the prosecution will not offer evidence and the charges are discharged at this time. He says police would investigate the permit document because he says it is suspicious.

Solomon Islanders vs Moti
The Courts in Solomon Islands seemed to have cleared Moti, giving the Australian government to step in and requested last Friday an extradition of its citizen from Solomon Islands.
Australia wants to try Moti in its courts on alleged child sex charges which was already cleared in a Vanuatu court in 1997. Foreign Affairs Minister Patterson Oti confirmed the request saying the cabinet will discuss it tomorrow before a formal announcement is made on the Solomon Islands government position on the issue.

The request for the extradition of Moti is now a test of wits between the Solomon Islands Government and the Australian Government. As some observers have commented on the issue, its Solomon Islands or Moti. Any decision that Caucus, Cabinet or the Solomon Islands Government make tomorrow on the extradition request, will have far reaching consequences for the country. Aid donors and development partners are watching the saga closely. Let's hope common sense prevails.

Moti has had close ties with past Solomon Islands governments. He was involved in various past projects such as the Mamara-Tasivarongo scheme and the Solomon Mutual Insurance.

No Elections on Malaita Today
The Returning Officer for the Malaita Provincial Assembly elections, Harold Leka, has confirmed that there were no elections for Wards Six to 33 today.

He says its was not possible to hold the elections today because among other things the old ballot boxes arrived late in provincial capital, Auki. Mr Leka says the boxes arrived in Auki at 10 o'clock last Friday night. He says his office had to employ some workers to prepare the boxes including repainting them. Mr Leka says his office is now waiting for additional funds from the Ministry of Provincial Government to run the elections for the remaining wards on Malaita.
He says if no additional is available by today, the elections are unlikely to be held this month. Mr Leka says there is a possibility the elections will be held early January 2007. The Minister of Provincial Government would endorse a new date for the elections.

The delay in holding the elections today may reflect some serious underlining flaws in the system. Workers of previous national elections have raised numerous claims about not receiving outstanding allowances for work they have done. If this is true, the relevant authorities must investigate and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.

Malaitans certainly need a new government to take them forward. The sooner there is a election the better it is for the future of the province.

No elections on Malaita

Minister not aware of "No election on Malaita"
Minister for Provincial Government Japhet Waipora seemed furious when asked about whether he was aware of no Provincial Assembly elections on Malaita today.

Elections for the remaining Wards of 6 to 33 were scheduled to take place today. However, police and other sources in provincial capital, Auki, confirm that there were no elections today on Malaita. MyBlog was unable to confirm this with the Returning Officer, Harold Leka and his deputy because they were out of office.

Provincial Government Minister Mr Waipora says he is the only person who has authority to grant a delay of elections. He says his officers would check whether it is true that there are no elections on Malaita today.

Financial problems
Last week, Mr Leka had indicated that one of the reasons the elections for Wards 1 to five were deferred from Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 was because of financial problems.

Details of the delay in elections on Malaita should unfold in the next few days.

Provinces face challenges ahead

A New Era for Malaita?
The Malaita Provincial Assembly election is heralding a new era for the province.

The care-taker Premier Rueben Moli has failed to win in last Thursday's elections. A newcomer but a potential candidate for the Premiership's post Richard Irosaea Na'amo had unseated Moli. Mr Na'amo a relatively young leader was one of those aspiring entrepreneurs behind the thriving Central Kwara'ae Credit Union. The people of Central Kwara'ae have seemed to have taken to the rural based financial savings and loan facility.

There are several potential candidates for Premiership's post who are contesting the remaining Wards 6 to 33 elections to be held tomorrow. Their success is in the hands of their people. Those potential leaders will not be known until the results of tomorrow's election.

Will Malaita under a new Premier implement the new Malaita 10 year plan recently endorsed by the out-going government of Mr Moli? If the trend shown by the results of provincial elections held so far this month, the majority of members in the next Malaita Provincial Assembly will be new. The new government may go ahead and implement the 10 year plan.

If someone who has another vision for Malaita is elected and choosen as the new Premier, then a new plan incorporating many of the issues identified in the 10 year plan would be an alternative.

Provincial Premiers
Three Premiers who contested their provincial assembly elections have been re-elected.

Isabel, Central and Guadalcanal and Provinces have had their provincial assembly elections. Isabel care-taker Premier, Jacob Pitu was re-elected unopposed. Central Province's Premier Mark Kemakeza had moved on to the National Parliament in the March general elections. Provincial elections on Guadalcanal Tuesday last week also saw care-takers Premier, Abel Arabola retained his seat. Temotu care-taker Premier Johnson Levela has also retained his seat.

All provincial governments and their people have a challenging future ahead of them. If the provincial governments can cooperate with the people, national government and development partners in implementing a common goal, Solomon Islands can look forward to a better future.

Surf on in cyberspace.

Provincial leaders are important

Hundreds of people compete for provincial leadership
Leaders in all sectors of the communities or society are important.

But it seems most Solomon Islanders are only interested in Parliamentarians. There is hardly much talk or support for candidates who contested or are contesting provincial assembly elections. These provincial leaders if are to perform their duties are just as important as members of Parliament. These leaders are the ones more closer to the village people.
It's through these leaders that provincial plans and projects are channeled through to the National Government for inclusion in the National Development Plan.

Guadalcanal Provincial elections
Below is the complete results of the Guadalcanal Provincial elections.

North West Guadalcanal/Wards
Tandai Ward - Michael Liliu; Saghalu Ward - Elizah Uro(O)

West Guadalcanal/Wards
Savulei Ward - David Rosalio(N); Tangarare Ward - Anthony Veke Kamutulaka(N) and Wanderer Bay Ward - Ephrem Limanikua(O)

South Guadalcanal/Wards
Duidui Ward - Silas Chekana(N); Vatukulau Ward - Election postponed following death of candidate Michael Voli; Talise Ward - Eric Henry(N)

East Guadalcanal/Wards
Avuavu Ward - Patrick Koeolia(N); Moli Ward- Bradly Tovosia(N); Tetekanji Ward- Henry Petsakibo(N); Birao Ward - Teddy Babaua(N)

East Central Guadalacanal/Wards
Valasi Ward - John Kelly(N); Kolokarako Ward - Abel Arabola(O); Longgu Ward - John Irovia(N); Aola Ward - Nathaniel Ululu(N)

North East Guadalcanal/Wards
Paripao Ward -- John Sony Naghoa(N); East Tasimboko Ward - Paul Siovi(N)

North Guadalcanal/Ward
Ghaobata Ward - Stephen Panga(O)

Central Guadalcanal/Ward
Vulolo Ward - Samson Juru(N); Malango Ward - Joash Salani(N)

Malaita Provincial Elections Wards 1 to 5
The elections in the five wards saw the failure of Care-taker Premier Rueben Moli to retain his set. Former female members Rose Anilabata also failed to be re-elected in the Buma Ward.

Fataleka/Ward
WestBaegu/Fataleka - William Isui(O)

West Kwara'ae/Wards
Buma Ward - Robert Madeo(N); Fauabu Ward - Erickson Otoia(N)

Central Kwara'ae/Ward
Aimela Ward - Richard Irosaea Na'amo(N)

Aoke/Langa Langa/Ward
Auki - Ina Leong(N)

The remaining Malaita Wards from 6 to 33 and Temotu Wards 13 to 16 will hold their elections on Monday 18th December.

Western Provincial Bye-election
In the bye-election in Vonunu, Vella Lavella, Western Province, the winner is a former member of Parliament.

Vonnunu Ward(Vella La Vella) - Oliver Zapo

Happy surfing in cyberspace.

Court acquits suspended Attorney General

Court acquits suspended Attorney General
It must be a relief indeed for Solomon Islands suspended Attorney Julian Moti.

Yesterday the Honiara Magistrates Court cleared him of all charges laid against him. The charges relate to his entry into Solomon Islands on a PNG military aircraft. Two other Solomon Islanders Robson Tana Djoikovic and Chris Hapa charged in relations to the trip with Moti to Munda were also acquitted. The prosecutor made a written submission to Court that Mr Moti was lawfully entitled to enter, reside and work in Solomon Islands in his capacity as the Attorney General appointed under the Constitution.

Australia and Moti
The Australian government however, has says it will still pursue the extradition of Moti with a request ready to be lodged to the Solomon Islands government.

Acting Australian High Commissioner Heidi Bootle has revealed this to Solomon Star. Ms Bootle made this statement after Minister of Foreign Affairs Patteson Oti revealed in the Australian media that Australia is yet to lodge a formal request for the extradition of Mr Moti. Mr Oti, who was in Australia for the Forum’s Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting last week, said it was disappointed the Australian Government sought to debate the Moti matter in the media rather than through diplomatic channels.

Now that the Honiara Magistrates Court has cleared Moti of the charges laid against him, the Australian may now pursue his extradition from Solomon Islands. Let's wait and see.

Provincial Election Results
Results from 12 Wards in the Provincial elections has been declared. Returning Officer for Guadalcanal John Stewart says counting is continuing in the remaining eight wards. Meanwhile, election in the Vatukulau in South Guadalcanal has been postponed to a later date following the death of candidate Michael Voli.

The updated results are shown below.

North West Guadalcanal/Wards
1. Tandai - Michael Liliu(N); 2. Saghalu - Elizah Uro(O)

West Guadalcanal/Wards
3. Savulei - David Rosalio(N); 4. Tangarare - Anthony Veke Kamutulaka(N)

South Guadalcanal/Wards
7. Vatukulau - Election postponed following death of candidate Michael Voli

East Central Guadalacanal/Wards
14. Kolokarako - Abel Arabola(O); 15. Longgu - John Irovia(N); 16. Aola - Nathaniel Ululu(N)

North East Guadalcanal/Wards
17. Paripao -- John Sony Naghoa(N); 18. East Tasimboko - Paul Siovi(N)

North Guadalcanal/Wards
21. Ghaobata - Stephen Panga(O)

Central Guadalcanal/Ward
19. Vulolo - 4 candidates - Samson Juru(N), 20. Malango - Joash Salani(N)

Temotu Provincial Assembly Elections Wards 1 to 12 and Ward 17
The Returning Officer for Temotu Provincial Elections, Samuel Kafukesa, has declared the full results for Temotu Pele and Temotu Nende Constituencies.

Temotu Pele/Wards
1. Fenualoa - John Paia(N); 2. Polynesian Outer Islands -- Edward Daiwo(N); 3. Nipua/Nopoli -- David Maina(O); 4. Lipe/Temua -- Frank Savi(O); 5. Manuopo -- Johnson Levela(O); 6. Nenumbo -- Thompson Osi(N)

Temotu Nende/Wards
7. Nevenema - Allen Levena(N); 8. Lata Luva - Edwin Meibu(O); 9. Graciosa Bay - Simon Backlay(O); 10. Nea/Noole - Noel Keniano(O); 11. Bekapoa - Patrick Bwakolo(N); 12. Nanggu -- Father Thomas Natei(N); 17. Temotu Neo -- Francis Badenogo(O)

* O - Member from previous house
* N - New member

Malaita Provincial Elections
Voters in Wards 1 to 5 in Malaita go to the polls to elect their provincial assembly representative. The elections were postponed from Tuesday this week.

More Provincial Assembly Election Results

Provincial Election Results
The results of the two provincial elections held yesterday are just....trickling in.

Since the last posting several results have been received from Temotu Province.

Temotu Provincial Assembly Elections
Of the 12 Wards that went to elections yesterday, seven results have came to hand. They are:

Temotu Pele
Ward 1 Fenualoa - John Paia
Ward 2 Polynesian Outer Islands -- Edward Daiwo
Ward 3 Nipua/Nopoli -- David Maina

Temotu Nende/Wards
Ward 7 Nevenema - Allen Luene
Ward 8 Lata Luva - Edwin Meibu
Ward 9 Graciosa Bay - Simon Backlay
Ward 10 Nea/Noole - Noel Keniano

Catch up with you in the next posting.

Provincial Governance for the taking

Provincial Assembly Elections
Six out of the nine provinces are holding their assembly elections this year.

Isabel and Central Province held their elections 5th December. Guadalcanal and Temotu Wards 1 to 12 held their elections yesterday. Other provinces will hold their elections later this month.
This is a chance for the new provincial assembly members to continue the good work of the pervious government or bring about a new vision for their provinces.

There have been nationwide calls for good governance from all leaders in all sectors of the community.

Guadalcanal Province Elections
Here are the winners of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly received so far by 2pm today. Elections were held in 20 wards which held their elections Tuesday 12 December 2006. The elections in the Vatukulau Ward had been postponed because of the death before the election of candidate Michael Voli.

Returning Officer for the elections John Stewart says counting is continuing for other wards. He says a vessel has been chartered to bring ballot boxes around Guadalcanal to Honiara where the counting is taking place. Of the four wards declared so far, two are old members from the previous Assembly and two are new ones.

Guadalcanal
North West Guadalcanal
01. Tandai - Michael Liliu
02. Saghalu - Elizah Uro*

North Guadalcanal
21. Ghaobata - Stephen Panga*

Central Guadalcanal
20. Malango - Joash Salani

* Member in the previous Assembly

Temotu Provincial Assembly Elections
Counting in Wards 1 to 12 in Temotu are continuing. No results are available at the time of this posting.

MyBlog will bring you the latest results as they come to hand.

Happy surfing.

The Quest for Good Governance continues

Commonwealth delivers verdict
The Commonwealth has delivered its verdict on Fiji's military government.

At this time of posting the new Fijian government has yet to respond to the action by the Commonwealth. MyBlog was fortunate to interview the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Don McKinnon from London on Saturday.

Mr McKinnon's interview followed the Commonwealth's suspension of Fiji from the group, following the military take-over of the elected government. He says it's important that the military or the police of any country work under the guidance of the government. He says a country does not want a situation in which the military decide they are going to run the country despite the views of the ordinary people.

Mr McKinnon says the people of the country must always have the full control over the military and the police. He says the police act according to the law and the military act according to the needs of the country's defence. Mr McKinnon says it's not appropriate for the military to decide for themselves, they want to run the country.

MyBlog had previously touched on the turmoil which had been eating into the Pacific. There appears to be a disease that needs to be identified and tackled. The island nations need good leaders. MyBlog agrees with Solomon Islands' motto "To Lead is to Serve."

Government holds talks with Mission
A meeting of government and RAMSI officials has welcomed the outcomes of the October Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

This include an agreement that the Forum would hold three-way consultations with the Solomon Islands government and RAMSI, as well as conduct a high-level review of RAMSI. The government says the Forum is expected to begin work on these initiatives in early 2007. The review would play an important role in strengthening the SIG/RAMSI partnership.

MyBlog sees these dialogues as a way forward to mending the misunderstandings between the Government and RAMSI. This blog believes these dialogues would lead to the resolving of the stand-off between Solomon Islands and Australia. Does the stand-off affects the preparation of Solomon Islands' 2007 budget? That's the big question that the government must answer.

Transparency Solomon Islands mark World Anti-Corruption Day
Transparency Solomon Islands marked World Anti-Corruption Day Saturday 9th with two events aimed at updating the people of Solomon Islands on the fight against corruption.

The first event is a talk-back program on SIBC and the other is a Special Corruption Update Dinner. During the dinner invited guests and members of TSI, a local anti-corruption body, were be briefed on the progress that is being made in cleaning up the nation. TSI Executive Officer Joses Tuhanuku said the two events were to provide information to as many as possible and provide a chance for feedback. He said if Solomon Islanders are to be effective in fighting corruption they must know what is being done about corruption in the country.

The talk-back show featured a panel including representatives from most of the accountability institutions, a Board of Director of TSI, Anthony Hughes; the Deputy Auditor General, Eric Muir; Chairman of the Leadership Code, Emmanuel Kouhota and Eric Houma of the Wind of Change group. There have been positive responses to the show.

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Roland Bei Talasasa were the speakers at the Corruption Update dinner. Both speakers' presentations were revealing and comprehensive.

MyBlog will features more of both events in future postings. Welcome to this blog.

Guadalcanal & Temotu Elections
Planned Provincial elections tomorrow for five wards on Malaita have been deferred by 48 hours.

Minister for Provincial Government Japhet Waipora announced the deferment this evening. The Minister cites mechanical faults experienced by the delivery vessel since Sunday for the postponement. Malaita Province Returning officer, Harold Leka reveals another reason for the deferment of the elections was that the national government has been slow in giving funds for the election.

The five wards Auki, Aimela, Buma, Fauambu and West Fataleka will now go to the polls Thursday December 14th. Mr Leka says this change will not affect elections for wards six to 33 which is set for the 18th December.

Meanwhile, elections on Guadalcanal and Temotu Wards 1 to 12 will proceed tomorrow as scheduled. Vatukulau Ward on Guadalcanal will go to polls at a later date. This follows the death last week of one of the candidates for the Ward.

People in the provinces are hoping those elected are leaders of integrity and those who have a common vision to develop their communities.

The search for good governance continues.

Women show the way forward

Finally.......women are being recognised
It appears that finally people have heeded the call to put women in decision making positions.

Well, at least in Isabel Province. I bet those in the National Women's Council Leadership Desk are jumping up and down with clinched fists, saying horay! Maybe Isabel is showing the way forward for other provinces to follow.

Isabel Provincial Assembly Elections
Two women have won seats in the Isabel Provincial Assembly elections held Monday this week.

They are Beverly M Dick who won the Tatamba seat and Rhoda Sikilabu who succeeded in the Sigana Ward both in the Gao/Bugotu Constituency. The two are among the five women out of 71 candidates who contested the 16 Ward Assembly.

Of the 16 winners, 10 are new members and only six retained their seats, including the former Premier James Habu who stood unopposed.

Here are the results of the Isabel Provincial Assembly elections.

Hograno/Kia/Havulei Constituency
1. Kia Ward -- Reginald Baraesi(O); 2. Baolo Ward -- Ivan Rotu(O); 13. Kolomola Ward -- Bernard Kafa(N); 14. Kolotubi Ward -- Allen Hagelui(N); 15. Susubona Ward -- Michael Meridi(N); 16. Samasodu Ward -- Dick Daoleni(O)

Maringe/Kokota Constituency
3. Kokota Ward -- James Habu(O) - Stood unopposed; 4. Hovikoilo Ward --Amos Bale Gigini(N); 5. Buala Ward -- Reuben Dotho(N); 6. Tirotonga Ward -- Hugo Meimana(O); 7. Koviloko Ward -- David Bale(N); 8. Kmaga Ward -- Thadeus Siota(N)

Gao/Bugotu Constituency
9. Kaloka Ward -- Peter L Tugunau(O); 10. Tatamba Ward -- Beverly M Dick(N); 11. Sigana Ward -- Rhoda Sikilabu(N); 12. Japuana Ward-- Lonsdale Manase(N)

Key: O-Old, N-New

Central Provincial Assembly Elections
Below are the winners of the Central Provincial Assembly elections as declared by Returning Officer, Michael Salini.

Florida(Gela Islands)/Wards
Sandfly/Buenvesta Ward - Patteson Mae; Central Gela Ward - Robet Kande; South Gela Ward -- Dick Manebona; North Gela Ward -- Fredrick Samora and Tulagi Ward -- Charles Kunu

Savo Island/Wards
North Savo Ward - Stanley Manetiva and South Savo Ward- Patrick Vasuni

Russell Islands/Wards
Banika Ward - Raxston Diua; Pavuvu Ward - Mark Vaka Kaani and Lavukal Ward -- Augustine Rose

Women, welcome aboard the political spaceship.

Political upheaval continues..

Regional Politics
Fiji
People view the situation in Fiji from different perspectives.

The military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama has so far stood his ground. He wants a new government because he says those in the current government are corrupt. He also has supporters who share the same views.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s highest traditional body, the Great Council of Chiefs, has refused to recognize the military’s seizure of executive authority in the country. The chairman, of the Council, Ratu Ovini Bokini, says they only recognize Ratu Josefa Iloilo as the president, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi as the vice president and Laisenia Qarase as the legitimate prime minister.

Where are you Big Brothers?
In the next few days, the situation will become clear as international pressure from development partners and other institutions bear on the crisis. The Pacific region's big brothers, Australia and New Zealand have so far refused to send in military to intervene but have indicated severing development help to Fiji, unless the elected government is re-instated.

When the social unrest started in Solomon Islands in the late 90s, the big brothers also refused intervention in the islands. Of course, the situations in Solomon Islands and Fiji are different.

But do Australia and New Zealand wait until Fiji is down on its knees before intervening in the situation? That would put islands nations in a situation which create dependency on the big brothers. What's your opinion? Only time will tell.

Provincial Elections
Isabel and Central Provinces yesterday went to the polls to elect new Provincal Assembly members. The results are trickling in.

Isabel Province Elections
At the time of this posting three results have been declared in Isabel. They are in the Maringe-Kokota Constituency.

Buala Ward's elected member is the former deputy provincial Secretary Reuben Dotho. Hugo Meimana has retained his seat in the Tirotongana Ward and Premier James Habu stood unopposed in the Kokota Ward.

Results of the remaining 13 seats in the 16 member Provincial Assembly are expected to be declared tomorrow.

Central Province Elections
Florida(Gela Islands) - 5 Wards
Results of two of the five wards in the Gela Islands group have been declared. They are for Central Gela - Robert Kande and for Tulagi, Charles Kunu.

Results for Sandfly/Buenvesta, South Gela and North Gela Wards are not available at the time of this posting.

Savo Island - 2 Wards
Results for the two wards on Savo Islands have been declared. Stanley Manetiva has won the North Savo seat and Patrick Vasuni retained the South Savo post.

Russell Islands - 3 Wards
Results for Banika, Pavuvu and Lavukal Wards are yet to be declared.

MyBlog returns

Hello! MyBlog is back.....after 12 days on the field.

The trip from 24th November to 5th December has been very fruitful time.

Community Governance
MyBlog was able to get to the rural people in the North Malaita Constituency and listened to the views of community leaders. Community governance is an integrated part of the Solomon Islands democratic system. The government's policy of "Bottom Up Approach" or rural development is a priority in the country.

MyBlog will in the next few days publish some of its findings of the field trip.

Provincial Elections
Isabel and Central Provincial Assembly elections were held yesterday and results are expected today. Myblog will publish the results as they come to hand.

Catch up with you on the next posting.

Good day to you.