What's the future?

What does the future holds
With the government just out of the blocks with its 2007 budget, the uncertainty remains.

Does it have the resources to deliver the much awaited rural development promises. Solomon Islanders must be patience, because nothing happens overnight. And it takes each and everyone to contributes to the future development of the country. The people must not sit and wait but be proactive in doing things for themselves. That's how MyBlog sees it.

Prisoners
The High Court has confirmed that the urgent review ordered by the Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer, has been completed.

The Chief Justice, Sir Albert yesterday directed that all cases involving prisoners who are protesting about court delays be urgently reviewed. In a statement today, the High Court Registrar Mr Laurere says the Court's Case Listing Committee met yesterday evening and has decided that all but one of the trials involving these prisoners were fixed for hearing. Mr Laurere says the remaining case was given lower priority because the prisoner is already serving a life sentence for murder which has been confirmed on appeal.

He says a number of other trials involving other prisoners were also listed. The High Court would continue to focus on clearing the substantial backlog of criminal trials where the accused is in custody.

Prerogative of Mercy Committee
The Prerogative of Mercy committee has its two new members sworn in today by the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena.

The Government Communications Unit says the new members are Doctor Obed Alemaena of Isabel province and Anglican priest, Father Richard Suiga of Malaita province. The Committee, whose role is to recommend to the Head of State prisoners’ applications for pardon was inactive since 2005. Chairman of the Committee, Emanuel Kauhota said the inclusion of the two new members will enable the committee to again carry out its duties.

Threats and Swearing on MPS
The people of the Alite Tribe of Toabaita House of Chiefs of North Malaita have demanded the government to pay compensation for threats and swearing made on their member of Parliament, Daniel Enele Kwanairara.

Mr Enele is one of the four Malaita MPs in the Opposition camp that were threatened and sworn at for supporting a planned motion of no confidence in Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare. The people of Alite Tribe says they are convinced that the perpetrators or whoever is responsible has close ties with the present government. The motion was disqualified from being tabled last Friday because it needed seven clear days notice to be tabled in Parliament.

A statement by chiefs, elders and people of the Alite Tribe of which MP Kwanairara is a member are demanding that the national government deliver a compensation payment within 14 days from today. The statement says at the lapse of that period, the tribesmen of Alite will organise a peaceful march to the Office of the Prime minister and make a further presentation and appropriate action. The Alite people say the threat and swearing cannot be brushed aside nor delayed as this will have implications for the fragile peace the country now enjoy.

MyBlog says
The court system must be overloaded with cases pending to be investigated and heard and beyond the manpower available.

MyBlog can only sympathise with the court officials, police prosecutors and other involved in the court system. The ethnic tension and subsequent number of cases which emerged from the events are numerous and certain will take time to be dealt with. Of course those being held in custody are challenging the delay in the courts hearing their cases. It's their right. But with the present circumstances the courts can only do its best to clear the backlog.

MyBlog envisages that with the swearing in of two new members of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, there is a possibility that the Committee would sit to recommend pardon of some prisoners. Some prisoners may be pardon by the Governor General this year on recommendation by the Committee.

But the threat and swearing on the four Malaitan MPs who supported the motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Sogavare has taken a new twist. The Alite tribe of North Malaita of which MP Kwanairara is a member have demand compensation from the government. The people of the Central Kwara'ae MPs who was also threatened and sworn have also expressed anger and dismay on the disrespect shown to their leader.

MyBlog hopes that this matter is addressed with care and that it does not get out of hand. That's MyBlog's wish. And it hopes it's also your desire.

Now it's time to work....

Budgets over
The Parliament meeting has ended and the process of implementing Government's "Bottom Up Approach" development starts.

The close to one billion dollars budget in now out in the open. Does the government really has or will it collect the revenue it estimated to obtain to help it implement it rural development policy. The government is banking on all Solomon Islanders to assist in backing the policy to fruition.

PM back down
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has backed down from his controversial plan to re-arm the police in the face of strong opposition at home and abroad.

Instead, Mr Sogavare told parliament last Friday police from Papua New Guinea will provide armed support. The Prime Minister has faced strong protests from churches and trade unions as well as Australia over rearming police, who were disarmed in 2003 when regional peacekeepers arrived to end years of conflict between warring ethnic groups. Mr Sogavare said arms training for the police would continue “but they will not bring back guns.”

Opposition MPs threatened
Three Opposition and one Independent members of Parliament from Malaita have condemned death threats made against them.

Opposition leader and MP for Central Kwara'ae, Fred Fono, Independent leader and MP for North Malaita, Enele Kwanairara; East Are Are MP, Edward Huniehu and Small Malaita MP William Haomae have all received death threats from unidentified people believed to be living in Honiara. A statement from the MPs says the people who have issued the death threats have also sworn at them and their families.

Foreign Influence
Solomon Islands cannot avoid foreign influences, especially in its system of government.

Member of Parliament for North Vella La Vella, Milner Tozaka says Solomon Islands has became a multi-cultural family. He cited Honiara as an example where people from overseas and those from different provinces live. Mr Tozaka says Solomon Islands is a member of the global village, and therefore incorrect to say it should avoid foreign influences including foreign aid.

Mr Tozaka says Solomon Islands' problem is not foreign aid influence. He says the country's problem is that it cannot manage its economy nor govern itself. Mr Tozaka says the country must learn to live within its means. He says Solomon Islands has to go back to the basics, identifying its weaknesses and try to integrate with other cultures for change.

MyBlog says
Budget
The 2007Budget has been passed, but does the government has the money especially in the developmental budget to implement some of the main project under its policy?

The foreign laden development budget as in previous budgets is not really good news to the government and people of the country. Solomon Islands government must encourage and ensure a conducive environment for more investors to start businesses in the country. This is an important means by which the country earn foreign exchange. But if the law and order situation is not restored few investors will try their luck in Solomon Islands.

PM re-armament
In a democracy, the voices of groups and people have a place in the governance.

MyBlog can only say, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his government may have heard the cries of the people and reconsidered its re-armament plan. MyBlog believes the security of the Prime Minister and senior public officials cannot be over stated. But as those opposing the plan said, the memories of the ethnic tension are too over-bearing to warrant re-arming. They also feel that re-arming may deter investors from coming to Solomon Islands.

Threat on Opposition MPs
Threats on lives of people do happen. This time it happened in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

This is a sad fact of life, whether we like it or not. But MyBlog hopes those threats will come nought. Solomon Islanders want a peaceful place to live. But that can only come through a change of attitude by each individual for the better. The change of attitude means respecting the other person.

Foreign Influence
MyBlog cannot agree more with MP Tozaka on his comments on the notion by Prime minister Sogavare and others in blaming foreign influences for Solomon Islands problems.

MyBlog believes, Solomon Islands problems can also be traced back to the lack of good governance, transparency and accountability. But the good news is that Solomon Islands development partners are contributing to the efforts of the Solomon Islands government and people to restore that situation. The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands is addressing that in it capacity building and other programmes.

And kudos to RAMSI and others for their assistance in that area. The future of the country may lay in the reviving of those missing values.

Friday this week would be decisive day

Decisive moment
An uncertain future hovers in Solomon Islands as Friday looms on the horizon.

On Friday the Parliament Opposition will move a motion of no confidence in Prime minister Manasseh Sogavare. Certain quarters of the community have expressed fear that the fall of the present Prime Minister may result in violence. Others say the defeat of the motion would not worsen the Solomons-Australia stand-off, but have a long-term adverse effect on the social and economic of the country.

May be Solomon Islands needs another upheaval for the people, especially its leaders to learn that "To Lead is to Serve".

Australian PM rejects offer
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has rebuffed an offer to meet with his Solomon Islands counterpart, saying the two countries' foreign ministers should first attempt to repair damaged bilateral relations.

The Solomon Islands government has asked Australia to consider crisis talks between Mr Howard and Manasseh Sogavare to resolve a series of disputes that have badly damaged diplomatic relations. Canberra has urged the Solomon Islands to let Australia's new High Commissioner in Honiara, Peter Hooton, do his job. Mr Sogavare has twice cancelled appointments with Mr Hooton to present his letter of introduction. He remains unable to carry out his full duties.

Howard warns
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has again warned Solomon Islands and other troubled Pacific nations that they must lift standards of governance if they want Canberra's help.

Mr Howard issued the warning after annual talks last week in Wellington with his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark. The talks focussed on unstable and troubled Pacific nations. He had re-iterated that countries like Australia expected something in return when they offered Pacific nations help.

Motion of No Confidence
Leader of Opposition Fred Fono says the opposition grouping is confident it has the number and support to win the its motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Mr Fono claims the group has the support of a number of government ministers and backbenchers who are unhappy with the leadership style of Mr Sogavare. He says the government ministers and back bench MPs are only waiting to pass the 2007 budget this week before resigning from the government. Mr Fono says the motion is another attempt by the opposition grouping to save the country from the downward trend it is taking.
Small Malaita MP William Haomae will move the motion this Friday.

Malaita MPs in Government oppose Motion
Malaita MPs in the government have taken a collective stand to oppose the "No confidence Motion" to be moved by MP Haomae.

A statement from the 13 MPs from Malaita including the three MPs from Honiara seats says they made the position clear in the spirit of Malaita culture. The statement says the MPs will support the Sogavare led government and vote "No" in the coming vote on the "no-confidence motion: this Friday.

The four Malaita MPs in the Opposition are: MP for Central Kwara'ae, Fred Fono; Leader of the Independent Group, and MP for North Malaita, Enele Kwanaiara, MP for East Are'Are, Edward Huni'ehi and MP for Small Malaita, William Haomae.

MyBlog says
Solomons-Australia stand-off
The Solomon Islands-Australia diplomatic stand-off continues to dominate the political events in the country.

Whichever way you look at it, the saga penetrates the events that's happening in Solomon Islands. Following last week's offer by Prime Minister Sogavare to meet his Australian counter-part, John Howard, the offer was rejected. The chance now is for Sogavare to received Australia's High commissioner, Peter Hooton. That would pave the way forward for resolving the political stand-off.

If the stand-off is not solved now, ordinary Solomon Islander may suffer, if Australia and other donor partners withhold their assistance to Solomon Islands.

Motion of No Confidence
MyBlog believes that the motion of no confidence will be defeated if the government maintains it number.

The majority of people in the country would want their MPs to vote for the motion, but various factor are likely to influence government MPs voting against the the motion. Among them would are maintaining political stability and the benefits Cabinet Ministers and ackbenchers/Chairmen of statutory organisations are enjoying are too good to lose.

On the other hand voting in the open rather than through a secret ballot would be too much for the faint-hearted. The fear of threats to any MPs crossing of the floor may also prevent government MPs from voting according to his conscience.

Whatever, the outcome of the motion, there will be consequences both good and bad. There is an uncertainly future now in the country. There is going to much lobbying especially by the government to maintain its number over the next few days. The suggestion that money could play an influencing role in the outcome of the motion cannot be ruled out.

Catch up with your in the next post.

Solomons initiates dialogue

Solomon Islands-Australia relations
The government has finally announced a plan to repairs its relation with Australia.

Today in Parliament foreign Minister Patteson Oti revealed a plan to have Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare hold talks with his Australian counterpart, John Howard. In a statement on the Bilateral Relations between the two countries, Mr Oti said despite what appears to be a negative situation, the government remains committed to re-establishing dialogue and relations with Australia. He said this would be based on Australia respecting decisions made by the sovereign Solomon Islands government.

The Foreign Minister said details of the plan were communicated to Canberra through the Australian High Commission in Honiara yesterday. Mr Oti said the current standoff stems from certain decisions to advance the nation as an independent self governing democracy. He also announced the government’s intention to seek help from the Commonwealth Secretariat for possible assistance to the dialogue process.

State Government
Calls for a speedy adoption of a federal system of government and independence to some province have again surfaced among various leaders of Solomon Islands.

The sour relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia over the past few month have fuelled such sentiments. The previous Guadalcanal administration had made the province's position clear on the matter.

Very soon the new Joash Salani led Guadalcanal government must tell its people of its stand on the stand-off between Solomon Islands and Australia. The majority of the people of the province want RAMSI to stay for a much longer period. To them RAMSI means Australia.

Independence
The diplomatic row between Solomon Islands and Australia has also angered the Western Province.

The Provincial Premier Alex Lokopio has threatened that his province will break-away from Solomon Islands if the Sogavare government continues to prolong mending the relations. He says such stand-off, resulting from various issues including the latest plan of the government's to re-arm certain security units is only slowing down development progress.

Premier Lokopio says Solomon Islands should mend its relation with Australia and go ahead and implement its rural development policy, which his government supports.

Re-armament Plan
The Isabel Province has also joined those opposing the government's re-armament plan.

In a statement Premier Rueben Dotho has expressed concern over the plan. He says Isabel Province stands at a cross-road of peace and harmony for the peaceful co-existence of Solomon Islands. Mr Dotho says re-arming the police at this time is a serious concern to his government and people.

The Isabel Premier says re-arming the police is a national issue and as a democratic country, the government must seek the views of the provincial government and the people. Mr Dotho says the arming of the police is inappropriate at present because the trauma caused by misuse of guns in the social unrest is still fresh in mind of those affected.

MyBlog says
It must be sigh of relief among Solomon Islanders, when Foreign Minister Patteson Oti announced in Parliament that the government has started the process of mending the sour relations with Australia.

It must be, because that relation may decide the future of Solomon Islands and its people. Solomon Islands as a developing needs all the help it can get from its traditional friends and other partners to advance. This must not be seen as adopting a dependency mentality on outsiders. No, Solomon Islanders must use the help they get to improve themselves and advance their country.

Part of the solution to advancing Solomon Islands and its people is through Good Governance. That's good governance by everybody. It is easier to blame leaders on everything that goes wrong. But each and every Solomon Islanders has a part to play in to build a better future for the country.

Shalom

Be sure your sins will find you out...

Oz Foreign Minister
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has defended his open letter to Solomon Islands.

In a respond to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's statement that he was offended by the letter, Downer says Australia cannot deliver any message directly to the government because Prime Minister Mannaseh Sogavare continues to decline seeing Australia's new High Commissioner to Solomon Islands. Mr Downer says he bypassed the normal diplomatic channels because his country saw the bigger issue is the future of the people of Solomon Islands.

The Foreign Minister says there are some people in Solomon Islands who have attacked, criticised and tried to undermine RAMSI. He says despite this, Australia does not have any aggressive intent or interest in the Solomon Islands. Mr Downer says Australia just want to help the ordinary people of that country, to give them stability, get the guns off the streets to make health services and schools work and the country have a bit of a future.

Transparency
Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, has again fired another shoot at the government, hoping that it leader Manasseh Sogavare stop and reconsider the decisions it made on the various issues since October last year.

In its latest missile the TSI Board claims the Sogavare Government is already working to demolish the rule of law in Solomon Islands. A TSI statement released yesterday refers to a series of actions by the Government carried out both in secret and in public. The statement says the most blatant and shocking example of this is the unpublicised decision by the acting Attorney General, Nuatali Tongarutu, last month. The decision was to drop serious charges against the Minister for Commerce, Industries and Employment, Peter Shanel and the AG's own brother, Pastor Joseph Douglas Alamu. The pastor is understood to be a senior officer-holder in the Prime Minister’s So-Cred Party.

TSI says the decision were done behind closed doors, apparently to serve personal and political interests ahead of the nation’s. It says this is a clear abuse of office and goes against all principles of rule by law. TSI says this is a direct assault on the independence of the office of the DPP and represents serious interference in the nation’s judicial and legal system.

RAMSI consultation
The Pacific Islands Forum chaired consultative talks between the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI got underway today in Honiara. Forum got underway in Honiara today.

Foreign Affairs Minister Patteson Oti addressed representatives at the opening of the talks. He said, as the main stakeholder in RAMSI, the government attaches great importance to the consultative talks. He said the government acknowledges the contributions RAMSI has made in the restoration of law and order, governance, and rehabilitation. Mr Oti however said the government feels that there are a number of issues the Pacific Islands Forum should be aware of. These include the issues that were highlighted in a Solomon Islands country paper presented to the forum by Prime Minister Sogavare last year.

The Reverend speaks
In this post MyBlog ends with some wise words from a respected religious leader, Reverend Leslie Boseto.

The Minister for Lands and Survey had this to say on the motion moved last week by the Leader of Opposition seeking Parliament to allow the PNG Defence Commission of Inquiry to come to Honiara to further investigate into the secret flight of suspended AG into Solomon Islands last October.

"While this television is watching us, hammering or fixing out faces, our movement and speeches, there is one above x-raying each one's heart. Therefore I just want to read these words then finish. Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful, too sick to heal. I the Lord search the minds and the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do. The two edged sword of the word of God knows the desires and the thoughts of the heart. There is nothing that can be hidden from God. Everything in all creation expose and lays open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give our account of ourselves.

Mr Speaker, if this side of the House is still hiding our sins or our crime, criminal activities, let God judge us. Thats the only way I can see it. The Bible says our sins will find us out. Not long, our sins will find us out. May god bless us, as we debate, let God continue to judge out heart and reveal the truth."

MyBlog says Amen to that.

Government heads towards a fall

Australia's Foreign Minister's open letter
Australia has expressed concern over the deteriorating diplomatic rift between Solomon Islands and Canberra.

Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer raises this concern in an open letter to the people of Solomon Islands. Australian designate High Commissioner, Peter Hooton released Mr Downer's letter to the media late Thursday. Mr Downer says Australia was worried that the current spiral of events could undermine Australia and the Pacific regions's efforts to help Solomon Islands through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

He says Canberra has moved ahead in its efforts to normalise diplomatic relationship with Solomon Islands by facilitating the appointment of Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australian. However, Mr Downer says Solomon Islands Government had delayed reciprocating similar protocols.

He says two appointments have been made for High Commissioner designate Peter Hooton to present his letters of introduction to the Prime Minister, but the Solomon Islands government had cancelled those appointments. Mr Downers says the cancellations makes it difficult for the Australian High Commissioner designate to formally carry out his diplomatic duties.

PM Sogavare responses
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare says he is offended by Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer's open letter addressed directly to Solomon Islanders released this morning in the media.

In a statement today, Mr Sogovare described Mr Downer's letter as 'undiplomatic'. He said the channels of communication to any government should be done through the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry. He said Australia does not have any right to communicate directly to the people of Solomon Islands and should have followed the normal channels.

Mr Sogavare said that Mr Downer's latest move is a demonstration of the Australian government's disrespectful attitude and their plan to run a parallel government in this country. He said that Australia is on a 'mad' campaign to protect their agenda and to gain sympathy amongst the public and organisations of Solomon Islands.

Parliament Defeats Opposition Leader motion
Parliament today defeated a motion calling on the government to allow the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Inquiry to conduct their inquiry in Solomon Islands.

Opposition leader Fred Fono, who moved the motion said the flight into Solomon Islands is being questioned by Solomon Islanders whether or not government ministers and officials were involved.

During the debate on the motion Foreign Minister Patteson Oti clarified that he had already issued an official note to the Papua New Guinea Government protesting the breach of Solomon Islands international airspace by the PNG Defence Force plane that had brought Julian Moti to the country in October last year.

He said as soon as the government was alerted on the event, he summoned the Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to his office that afternoon, and issued a note of protest, dated the same date 10th of October 2006. Mr Oti said there has not been any reply as yet. He said the concerns that the government raised must be established within the jurisdictions of Papua New Guinea so that they can make out who is liable for that breach.

National Council of Trade Unions joins the opposition
The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions, SICTU, is planning a nationwide strike if the government continues to ignore the wishes of the people and pushes ahead with its plans to implement certain issues.

SICTU National Secretary Tony Kagovai it is very clear that the workers of this nation do not want to go back to the dark days of the rule of the gun. He says many union members suffered great hardship, and still have not recovered financially from the last time guns ruled this nation. Mr Kagovai also says many in the private sector lost their jobs, many such as teachers and nurses did not receive their pay for several years because militants and rogue police officers were using guns to get the money for themselves.

In a resolution adopted at an Executive meeting of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union held in Honiara on Wednesday 7 February 2007, the Council condemned the two most controversial decisions of the Sogavare Government.

Firstly, the decision to rearm the Solomon Islands Police and secondly, the refusal of the government to authorize entry of the PNG Defence Force Commission of Enquiry to interview certain individuals in Solomon Islands in connection with Julian Moti’s illegal escape from Papua New Guinea last year.

SICTU therefore calls on the Government to immediately reverse its position on the two above mentioned issues. If the government, especially the PM refuses to change the government current position on the two issues concerned, the Council has resolved to do the following.

To declare a nationwide strike in support of the people’s demands.
To seek support from the International Trade Union Movement to place a ban on ships that are likely to transport arms to Solomon Islands.
To actively support any initiatives undertaken by civil society, the churches and any other local groups, in protesting against the government decision to rearm the Solomon Islands Police Force.

MyBlog says
The diplomatic rift between Honiara and Canberra has worsen over the past weeks.

MyBlog believes the situation can only be diffused when parties involved in the rift and related issues come together and resolve their differences. All parties must reach a mutual understanding to resolve the many outstanding issues. This is especially true for the main players, Solomon Islands and Australia. Other countries and organisations in the Pacific region have somehow got tangled in the situation. They include the Melanesian Spearhead Group countries and the South Pacific Forum.

A PNG politician has described Solomon Islands as a speck in an ocean. While many Solomon Islanders may feel offended by such statement to some extent it is true. There is a saying that "he who has the money and power, calls the tune."

MyBlog hopes that common sense prevails, and the ordinary are not made to suffer. It says a prolonged stand-off between Honiara and Canberra would lead to the down-fall of the Sogavare government.

Shalom

MPs debate budget

Parliament debates 2007 budget
The debate of the 2007 budget has started today and looks like continuing next week.

So far only few members of Parliament have spoken on the budget. They include the Opposition spokesman on Finance, MP for East Areare on Malaita, Edward Huniehu and MP for North Malaita and Leader of the Independent MPs, Daniel Enele Kwanairara.

Former sacked Finance Minister now an Opposition member, Bartholomew Ulufa'alu, also spoke on the budget. He suggested that the money for the rural development should go directly to the 50 Constituencies and not provinces. Mr Ulufa'alu said MPs should be accountable for Constituency development.

Guadalcanal Demands
The silence so far from the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, leaders and people on the statement delivered by Minister Sam Iduri on their demand could mean two things.

They either agree or disagree with the statement. The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and Guadalcanal Province Government (GPG) Task-Force -Report on Reconciliation and Rehabilitation (SIG/GPG Report 2006) was submitted to the government in September 2006.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog is just wondering what the people of Guadalcanal think about the pace the government is addressing theirs demands. Is it slow or okay?

According to Minister Iduri's statement government hopes to form a High Level Government Committee to assess the recommendations of the report with the view of formulating a Government Position Paper by the end of this month. Br the time the Committee is formed that would be about five months since the government received the report.

Of course, the government can do so much at a time. With the preparation of the 2007 budget and putting in place its policies, it may have had too much to handle in that time. To address those demands the government would need money and waiting until after the budget is passed could have been the option available. It had to make an allocation in the budget for the process of addressing demands. The government was hoping the Guadalcanal people would have that view.

Wanted man denies involvement in murder plot
A man who claims to be Edmund Sae denies any involvement in the alleged plot to murder Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

A statement purportedly signed by Sae condemns the allegation that he was the key person behind the alleged conspiracy to murder the Prime Minister. It says Sae never knew of the accused, 61 year old Australian, Bill Johnson nor had he spoken to Johnson before. It says the first time Sae had heard of Johnson was over the national broadcasters, SIBC. The statement says Sae has no personal grudges against anybody including the RAMSI operations and Solomon Islands Police officers.

The former Police Sergeant is believed to be hiding in the jungles of Malaita after escaping prison where he was held for the alleged murder of two people including a former police commissioner.

Accussed on bail
Meanwhile, the Australian, Bill Johnson, charged for allegedly trying to kill Prime Minister Sogavare has been released on bail by the Honiara Magistrates Court today.

National broadcaster SIBC reports that the Director of Public Prosecution, Ronald Bei Talasasa has agreed to the bail application. He says this is because the stories of key police witnesses in the case kept changing. Mr Talasasa has asked for another 14 days for police to conduct further investigations into the allegations against Johnson. Meanwhile, he also raised concerns over what could be political interference in the case.

The 61 year old Johnson was released on a principle bail of five-thousand dollars on various conditions.

Good Day to you.

Minister hands down 2007 Budget

2007 Budget
Solomon Islanders awaits the 2007 budget with anticipation.

The Manasseh Sogavare government had promised that the budget would focus on the "Bottom-Up Approach" development. This is development that encourages particiapation of the villagers in the islands.

The about one billion dollar budget which was handed down today, will be debated over the next few days starting tomorrow. Solomon Islanders are pinning their hope on the budget. But that said, Solomon Islanders too must do their part in cooperating in implementing their development aspirations in their quest for a better future.

Guadalcanal Bona Fide Demands
On Monday the Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, Sam Iduri delivered a statement on the Guadalcanal Bona Fide Demands.

Basically, it is an update of the process that the Sogavare government had been trying to do to address the demands. Minister Iduri said the government is committed to its National Reconciliation programs.

Below is summary of the 18 point statement delivered by Minister Iduri.

Summary
1. “The Bona Fide Demands of our people from Guadalcanal are an ongoing priority on our Government’s Agenda.
2. The Peace Reconciliation first; in the manner proposed under the SIG/GPG Reconciliation & Rehabilitation report is what my Ministry is currently addressing. Once an Amicable Understanding is reached between both parties, then the next step would be the SIG/GPG Peace Reconciliation Ceremony also in a manner agreed to by ALL PARTIES.
3. Sir, my Ministry promotes Continual DIALOGUE & consultation with Understanding as the key strategy.

Mr Iduri said reconciliation might be a long process; and it is not a one off process either. It may, time before parties can agree to move forward and inevitably a lot of resources are involved and required. He said building shattered human relationships, hurts and pains of peoples; is just as equally important as rebuilding of our economy, if the country is to ensure sustainable peace and national unity.

According to the statement, if all thing goes well, various activities including addressing some of the demands and reconciliation between various parties involved involved in the social unrest would be completed by August this year.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog feels the government has timed its release well, in a time of uncertainty.

The statement is timely as it gives hope to the Guadalcanal people who want to see more action on their demand. It follows the joint task force report which addressed many of the demands. It also comes at a time to ensure the Guadalcanal members in the government can show their people that at least the government is doing something on the issues.

MyBlog hopes the statement is a positive move in the right direction to address the long outstanding demand of the Guadalcanal. This should also point the way forward to the government tackling some grievances of other province.

2007 Budget
Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo handed down the country's 2007 budget in a packed Parliament this morning.

The budget estimated to be around one billion dollar is the first for the current Government after coming into power April last year. Mr Lilo says the budget is based on the performance of country's economy since last year. He says revenue collection has been favourable and the control measures taken had reaped benefit to the government's aspirations.

Mr Lilo said the focus of the budget is on rural development and the stabilisation of the economy. He said the highest allocations in this year's budget is for the Education and health sectors and salaries and emoluments. Debate on the budget starts in parliament tomorrow.

Solomons-Australia relations
Foreign Minister Patteson Oti deferred delivering the statement on the relations between the Solomon Islands and Australian government.

Relations between the two countries had soured following various issues since around mid-2006. These includes the expulsion of the Australian High Commissioner to Honiara, the Julian Moti issue, the banning of Police Commissioner, Shane Castles entering the country.

MyBlog says
Since Mr Oti has not given any reasons why he has deferred delivering the statement, one can only speculate. MyBlog offers this opinion. Has the Minister and government making some changes to the original statement that was supposed to deliver Monday?

Could the visit of United States diplomat, Glyn Davies, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific to Honiara yesterday had any thing to do with the deferment. May be not. But as I have alluded in a previous post, US do have influence over what happens in the world. And, as an ally of Australia that is regarded as the Big Brother in the region, nothing can be ruled out.

Mr Davies whose area of responsibility in the Pacific covers 14 nations including Australia and New Zealand met with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of Parliament while he was in Honiara. He was reported as saying Solomon Islands and Australia should come together and solve their differences.

Solomon Islanders hope things gets better soon.

Cheers!

2007 Budget set for next week

National Broadcaster
The importance of a national broadcaster to any society was highlighted as Parliament started sitting Thursday this week.

There was no live broadcast of the proceeding of Parliament. I would have been the first time since Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, SIBC, had been carrying live coverage of Parliament meeting. SIBC did not broadcast Parliament because the contract agreement with the office of the National Parliament for the live coverage of meetings in 2007 was not renewed. The Parliament office did not agree on a new rate which SIBC is charging saying it's too high.

However, the Office in the afternoon agreed to renew the contract. SIBC has been forced to slightly increase its airtime rates because government had withdrawn the annual subvention to the Corporation.

Parliament Session
The first Parliament for this year had been set to focus on the 2007 Budget.

The meeting show two new faces were among Opposition members of Parliament. Leader of Liberal Party Bartholomew Ulufa'alu took up seat in the Opposition Bench so as the former Deputy Prime minister Job Duddley Tausinga.

In the last meeting, both MPs were ministers of the Crown. Mr Ulufa'alu being the minister for Finance and Mr Tausinga was the minister for Forest environment and Conservation. Prime minister Manasseh Sogavare relieved Mr Ulufa'alu on medical grounds while Mr Tausinga resigned from the government.

Guadalcanal Bona Fide Demands
The Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, Sam Iduri is expected to deliver a statement on the Guadalcanal Bona fide demands in Parliament on Monday next week.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare revealed this in Parliament yesterday when he announced government business for week ending 9th February.

MyBlog says
MyBlog anticipates that the people of Guadalcanal who have radios would be keeping their ears glued to their receivers.

They have been waiting to be heard since Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978. That's 29 years of waiting. The demands re-surfaced in 1988, but it fell on deaf ears. Then the bubble burst in 1998. The ethnic tension was the result, now its history.

Can the Sogavare government learn from the history and start addressing those bona fide demand? The people of Guadalcanal have been waiting for previous governments to deliver. Now its the turn of the present administration. Its a taunting challenge, but MyBlog believes justice can be and must be done to address the issues.

Other Statements
Two Government Ministers will also make statements on other issues in Parliament next week.

Minister for Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo will deliver a statement on the Development Bank of Solomon Islands. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, Patteson Oti will deliver the other statement on the diplomatic relations between Australia and Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Sogavare says that "The 2007 Appropriation Bill 2007" is set down for its second reading on Tuesday next week. Debate on the the Bill will commence on Wednesday and continue on Thursday.

MyBlog adds
The statements to be delivered by the two ministers are important.

One addresses an institution that had been dealing with rural development, while the other should update the people of the status of Solomon Islands relations with Australia, an important traditional development partner. Is the Development Bank a viable entity if revived?

MyBlog believes that such institution if managed well could assist provide the service that rural people need to fully participate in the Government's "Bottom-Up Approach" or rural development.

Or should the government revive the Credit Union League to help rural financial bodies such as credit unions and savings clubs to assist stimulate economic activities in villages in the country? Either option would provide a much need service that is lacking in rural Solomon Islands.

Provincial Governance
Central Province
The new Premier of Central Province, Charles Kunu, has appointed his executive.

Premier Kunu is the Assembly member for Tulagi Ward. Below are the Provincial Minister and their portfolios.
Premier Charles Kunu - Planning, Administration, Economic Planning, Aid Coordination, Provincial Government, State System and National Peace and Unity.
Deputy Premier Patrick Vasuni - Finance and Treasury, Police and Security, Foreign Affairs, Trade, Justice and Legal affairs and Education and Human resources.
Raxston Diua - Public Service, Home Affairs and Ecclesiastical Affairs, and sports, youth and women's affairs.
Mark Vaka - Agriculture, Lands and Survey, Culture, Commerce, Tourism, Mines, Energy, Forestry and Natural Resources.
Robert Kande - Fisheries and Marine Resources, Transport, Works, Infrastructure, Communication and Civil Aviation.
The Deputy Speaker Dick Manebona - Chairman of the Government Caucus and Director to other companies.

MyBlog says
Supporters of the previous administration have regained power.

Will the new administration under Premier Kunu improve the short comings of the previous government. The people of the province are hoping to see things move forward. MyBlog believes moving forward would also means "Moving backwards to move forward". Sounds contradictory? Audit reports of the province's previous financial standing are necessary to identity the any short-comings. They would include alleged misappropriation of public funds. Those historical information are necessary to for future planning for the province.

At least the Assembly has a lawyer in member Augustine Rose would be useful in digging out some of the dubious dealings of the previous administration. He must work closely with the Auditor General Office if such dealings are to be unearthed.

MyBlog wishes the new Central Provincial Government the best in addressing its peoples' needs.
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