MV Solomon in unchartered waters

Re-armament
The government's plan to re-arm some of its protection unit has been a hotly debated issue in the past few weeks.

Supporters and opponents of the plan have had their say, but the government has refused to surrender, although there is strong opposition to the scheme.

Assassination Plot
The charging of a 61-year old Australian for alleged murder attempt on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare may have come just at the right time, underlining the need for armed protection.

The man, Bill Johnson, an Australian citizen was remanded in custody following his brief court appearance yesterday. The court heard that Johnson, a retired war veteran married to a Solomon Islands woman had allegedly conspired with four Solomon Islanders to assassinate the Prime Minister between 18th and 23rd January 2007.

Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Australian Government has rejected as “preposterous” claims it may have been behind a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Bill Johnson, a war pensioner who has lived in the Solomons since 1992 was remanded in custody until 07 February when the court will hear a bail application.

MyBlog probes
MyBlog is sure Johnson had been caught by government informers of his plot to kill the PM. Whether those intelligence sniffing is credible is a matter for the court to decide.

Taiwan and re-armament
The visiting Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minister, Katherine Siao-Yue Chang says her country will not be providing any arms for the Sogavare-government's re-armament program.

She told reports in Honiara today that Taiwan would not be arming or provide funding for the purchase of weapons for police officers in the Solomon Islands Police Forces’ Protection and Guarding Unit. The Vice Foreign Minister's statement adds more to the confusion regarding the issue. Recently, the Taiwan office in Canberra denied plans to provide arms training to protection units of the Solomon Island government. A few days later the government had said Taiwan would provide that training.

MyBlog questions
What's the truth in all these conflicting statements? Or is it all talks and everything is back to normal, and nothing comes out of it?

SICA joins in the debate
The Solomon Islands Christian Association, SICA, has eventually join the debate in expressing its opposition to the Sogavare government's decision to re-arm certain units of the Solomon Islands Police Force.

At its annual General meeting held last week it resolved that government had made the decision in a vacuum and does not have wide inputs from all sectors of society. SICA says the re-armament is too early as the memories of the social unrest is still ringing in the ears of many those who were affected.

SICA General Secretary Reverend Philemon Riti says it was not long ago, that the guns within the police armoury were used for violent conflict. He says SICA fears that the decision to re-arm could also be abuse by some as a license to make home-made guns or sneak in guns into the country.

The Moti Affair
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force inquiry into the secret escape of Australian lawyer Julian Moti into Solomon Islands remains incomplete.

Attempts by the Solomon Islands government's to blocked the inquiry team coming into the country to question government officials who may have been part of the saga seems to have succeeded. Despite this overseas reports says the Australian government is monitoring closely the inquiry.

The Post Courier newspaper reported that the Australian High Commissioner to PNG Chris Moraitis said his government was watching the proceedings of the Defence Force board of inquiry into Moti’s escape with interest, and look forward to the outcomes. He said the Australian government has always said it wanted a robust investigation into the affair and appropriate action to be taken against those persons found responsible.

Transparency Solomon Islands
Transparency Solomon Islands,TSI, has also joined other in criticising government's decision in blocking the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commission of Inquiry into Julian Moti's secret flight in Solomon Islands.

It describes it as coward, dishonest and disrespectful to a friendly neighbour. Chief Executive of TSI Joses Tuhanuku says the inquiry is no longer an internal matter of PNG, because Moti and two other Solomon Islanders came on a secret PNG military aircraft and landed in Munda, Western Province in October last year.

Mr Tuhanuku says if the government is so obsess about sovereignty and sovereign decision, the way Moti entered Solomon Islands on a secret flight is an insult to the country's sovereignty. He suggests that the government either allow the Commission of Inquiry to come to Solomon Islands for further investigation into the matter or send Moti and the two Solomon Islanders that accompanied him to PNG to be questioned.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog hopes whatever Captain Sogavare and his government decide in this challenging time will benefit Solomon Islands now and in the future. Good luck to you MV Solomon Islands. You are heading into uncharted waters.

Provincial Governance
Central Province
Central Province's elections for Premier has been deferred to Friday.

Clerk to the Province's Assembly, Dennis Vili says the elections has been deferred because the Province's newly elected Speaker, John Bosamata is yet to take his oath. Mr Vili says the swearing-in is to be held tomorrow morning.

Nominations for the post of Premier will be re-opened tomorrow after the Speaker has been sworn in. Elections for the Premier has been rescheduled for 11 o'clock Friday morning this week.

MyBlog comments
The election of John Bosamata as Assembly Speaker indicates that supporters of the former Provincial Government are back in power.

While there have been calls by new members as others for a change of leadership, this seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. There were claims of political influences by the former Premier who is now Minister in the national government to ensure the former members remain in power. The MP denies the claims.

MyBlog believes there are other ways of bringing those in the previous provincial government government to account for the running of the government during their term of office.

Makira-Ulawa Province
The governance of the Makira-Ulawa Province remains unstable following the political saga in the past few weeks.

The sacking of six provincial assembly members by the Speaker and the imprisonment of the Premier had worsen the situation. The Speaker had said the members were sacked for being absence from their wards in excess of the time allowed. The Premier was jailed for offences of false pretence.

The six sacked member have indicated that they will seek legal re-dress on their termination. The jailed Premier had also indicated appealing his conviction.

Election of Provincial Assembly officials
The Provincial Government Minister, Japhet Waipora has announced dates for the elections of various officials of the Provincial Assembly.

Monday 5 February
Nomination of candidates for the post of Premier opens at 9am.
The election of a Deputy Speaker
Wednesday 7
Nomination of candidates for Premier closed at 4pm
Thursday 8
Election of Premier at 9am

Following the election of a Premier, the Assembly will sit to draw up the Provincial budget for the 2007/208 financial year.

Catch up with you in the next post.

To Lead Is To Serve

TRANSPARENCY, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
MyBlog believes that observing transparency, good governance and accountability is the way forward to a bright future for Solomon Islands.

As the country emerges from a dark age, the people look forward to a bright future ushered by those virtues. People especially leaders have a big responsibility to show the way forward by setting the standards and living these qualities.

GOVERNMENT BLOCKS INQUIRY
The Government has blocked the Papua New Guinea Defence Inquiry from coming into the Solomon Islands country to further investigate Julian Moti's secret flight into the country.

Foreign Minister Patteson Oti told a press conference in Honiara today that the PNG Defence Inquiry into the Moti affair is seen as an internal matter within PNG. He says both Governments of PNG and Solomon Islands agreed that the inquiry does not have the jurisdiction to extend its work into a sovereign state like Solomon Islands. Mr Oti says this conclusion was reached during his weekend visit to Port Moresby.

The board of inquiry, headed by PNG Justice Gibbs Salika, was to have flown to fly to Honiara today to further investigate Moti's escape from Port Moresby on a PNG military flight to the Solomon Islands in October.

Transparency, Good Governance and Accountability
The leader of Opposition Fred Fono urges the government to allow the PNG Inquiry team to enter Solomon Islands and do its job.

Mr Fono says government's decision to block the team from coming to investigate the escape of Moti should confirm government is serious on issues of transparency, good governance and accountability.

A moral issue
Former PNG Defence Force Commander and Deputy Chairman of the inquiry team into the Moti flight, Tony Huai has warned that any decision by the Solomon Islands and PNG governments to prevent the inquiry from completing its task could haunt them in the future.

Mr Huai says he does not believe the inquiry should be prevented from completing its tasks under the guise of diplomacy. He says the Solomon Islands government has a reciprocal obligation to PNG. Mr Huai says Papua New Guineans were used to transport Moti out, and the least the Solomon Islands government could do is allow the inquiry team in for an interview.
He says the issue is a moral one, not a legal issue which only the Solomon Islands government can decide to allow the team to come into the country.

MyBlog comments
The decision by both the Solomon Islands and PNG government has indeed raised some important issues.

The Solomon Islands government sees the issue as a legal case. Foreign Minister says both the Solomon Islands and the PNG Government relied on the Terms of Reference, TOR, of the Inquiry not permitting the inquiry to be extended into Solomon Islands. They see it as an internal matter of PNG. Whilst that argument may be true in relation to the TOR, MyBlog says it cannot be true that its an internal affair of PNG.

How could it be, when both PNG and Solomon Islands government officers were involved in the secret escape of Moti? When Moti was flown from PNG to Solomon Islands it became an international matter. It involved international Immigration, Customs and Excise and Civil Aviation laws.

On the other hand the Oppositions leader, Mr Fono raised issues of Transparency, Good Governance and Accountability. The Deputy Chairman of the PNG Inquiry cites the saga as a Moral one. These are the standards that the Sogavare government had been preaching since coming into power in April 2006.

Is the government putting into practice what it's preaching?
MyBlog believes Solomon Islands is in its present situation because of the lack of those issues raised by Messers Fono and Huia.

Over the years many leaders and people of Solomon Islands have turned a blind eye to those fundamental issues. The continued neglect of those issues had culminated in the social unrest that virtually brought Solomon Islands to its knees. Haven't we learnt from those past mistakes?

MyBlog believes Solomon Islands can only move into a positive future if leaders set an example for the people to follow. If not, history will repeat itself, and it could be worse than before. If thats the attitude of the government, then its transparency, good governance and accountability out the window.

MALAITA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
The new Malaita Premier, Richard Na'amo Irosae, has announced his Executive.

Mr Irosae is responsible for the Office of the Premier. Below are the other 15 members of the 16-member Executive.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Development Planning, Edwin Suibaea.
Minister for Finance and Treasury, Moffat George.
Minister for Commerce and Industries, Billy Abae.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Senly Filualea.
Minister for Land, Housing and Urban Development, Robert Madeo.
Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Billy Farobo.
Minister for Culture and Tourism, Tony Silas Bobby.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Conservation, Charles Jeffrey.
Minister for Infrastructure, Development and Communication, William Isui.
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Randall Sifoni.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Isaac Houhiapa.
Minister for Mines and Energy, George Abana.
Minister for Sports, Youth and Women's Affairs, Jimmy Manewai.
Minister of Ecclesiastical and Regional Affairs, John Teehou and
Minister for Police and Justice is still unallocated.

Premier Irosaea's message to the people
New Premier Irosaea is encouraging people of Malaita throughout Solomon Islands to contribute towards the development of the province and the country.

Following his election as Premier last week and the swearing-in of his Executive today, Mr Irosaea has appealed to Malaitans in Solomon Islands whether working or not, that Malaita needs their contributions for its development programmes.

The Premier says his message to Malaitans is that they have to work to help themselves first, before they can expect others elsewhere in the world to help them. Mr Irosaea says this is the only way Malaitans can develop both their province and Solomon Islands.

MAKIRA-ULAWA POLITICS
Makira-Ulawa premier Stevenson Piringisau has been convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for offences of false pretence.

The Minister for Provincial government Japhet Waipora has called for a meeting of the Makira provincial assembly to elect a new premier and a new deputy speaker. Mr Waipora says Piringisau is now disqualified from being premier and a provincial assembly member.

MyBlog says
The Minister says he has made his decision according to legal advice rendered to him.

The issue isn't quite finish as the Minister thinks, because sacked Provincial members are seeking legal ruling on the matter.

MyBlog says whatever legal outcome emerges from the political wrangling, one thing is clear, leaders especially elected leaders, must be accountable to the people. Solomon Islands leaders must follow the motto on the country's Court of Arms "To Lead Is To Serve".

Political wrangling appears to be present in provincial governments as well as the national government. MyBlog hopes other leaders can learn from this Makira-Ulawa political saga so that they can serve their people to the best of their abilities.

Cheers.

Majority opposes armed protection unit

Re-arming of personal protection unit
The plan by the Sogavare-led government to re-arm the personal protection unit has came under heavy criticisms from all quarters of Solomon Islands communities.

The plan has been criticised by among others, the leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, the leader of the Independent members of Parliament, the National Women's Council, church leaders and others in the community.

There is an overwhelming majority that opposes the re-arming plan. But of course, there is also that small die-hard supporting group of Sogavare's ideology. The over-arching reason which the majority gave for opposing the move is that it is inappropriate at this time to re-arm the protection unit. The social unrest had left a lasting adverse impact on many innocent victims and the general populace. They says the thought of weapons in the hands of impartial men, reminds them of the terror that ruled during the years of social unrest.

MyBlog Comment
MyBlog agrees that a Prime Minister and public officers holding senior posts including Constitutional post need protection.

In a world of uncertainty and where the unemployment rate is very high in urban areas, there is indeed a course for concern. And government officers including the Prime Minister need protection. Whatever form the protection is provided whether armed or un-armed is another matter.

The MP for North-west Choiseul and Parliamentary Wing leader for the Peoples Alliance Party, Clement Kengava, has suggested that a national referendum be held to determine the issue.

Malaita Premier
Malaita Province has a new Premier.

He is Provincial member for Ward One, Richard Irosaea Na’amo. Clerk to the Malaita Provincial Assembly, Mathew Maefai, confirms from Auki that Mr Na’amo beat his only rival Ben Foukona by 25 votes to four in the 33 member Assembly. Mr Maefai says the three Provincial Assembly members for the Malaita Outer Islands were unable to vote in the Premiership election because of transport difficulties to get to the meeting. He says another Provincial member did not take part in the election because of other commitments.

Mr Na’amo from Ura village in the Central Kwara’ae has an agriculture background in the field of livestock. He served in the Agriculture Department for many years since graduating from the Gatton Agricultural College in Queensland, Australia, in the late 70’s. He was a former General Manager of the Livestock Development Authority. Mr Na'amo is an entrepreneur, who wants to see things moving ahead. Up to his election as a Provincial member he was engaged in marketing and exporting of agricultural products.

Malaita
Religious leader known in his area as Prophet Michael Maeliau has re-iterated his vision for Malaita to becomes a separate political entity.

He re-iterated this vision to about 100 people who gathered to listen to him in Honiara this week. Prophet Michael seemed fixed and determined to see this eventual in the future. The Message "All Malaitans return home now" which he said was revealed to him early this month only supported his early conviction that Malaita become separate. Prophet Michael had had his religious conviction about a new future since the early 1980s.

He says permanent peace can only be achieved in Solomon Islands if Malaita becomes separate from the rest of the country. This religious conviction surfaced in his booklet "Trouble in Paradise", published in late 2003. Prophet Michael made the statement during and after the height of the ethnic tension" as the underlining nationwide resentment of Malaitans became clear.

Prophet Michael in his books says that the idea of Malaita becoming a separate political entity is not a breakaway motivated move. It is rather logical, supported by circumstances and hard facts of life; past, present and future. He says this direction is the most amicable long term solution to peace, progress, prosperity and co-existence for Solomon Islands.

He says "Trouble in Paradise" is an attempt on his part as an individual, a citizen of Solomon Islands, a community and church leader, to play a role in seeking a solution to the national crisis that Solomon Islands has been through. He says the ideas in the booklet are meant to inspire that public to enter into a honest and constructive debate on the matters raised.

MyBlog
The Prophet Michael feature will continue in future posts.

Catch up with you then.

The Message.....Malaitans Go Home!

Time of reflection
The three days since the last post on Saturday 20th, January 2007 has been a time of reflection on a message.

MyBlog heard the Message on Sunday 21st. I must admit it's a message that can sends shivers through a person. Well, at least that's what it did to me. During the next three days I was either busy with official work or seeking spiritual enlightenment on the Message.

The Message
Here is the Message revealed through Reverend Michael Maeliau of North Malaita.

Final Message
"All Malaitans return home now!"
Signed: Little Muga Kabui
06 + 01 = 07
Chosen to deliver a single message. In six years her mission is accomplished. On the seventh she rested.

MyBlog comments
Those who following the teaching of God as revealed through Reverend Michael Maeliau call him Prophet Michael.

The message for Malaitans to go home had been around 2002, and some claimed God had revealed the message to them a few years before the social unrest exploded in late 1998. Last night in Honiara, Prophet Michael told some 100 or so people who gathered to hear him speak, that the Message is from the Lord.

The Message was revealed to him following the death in Honiara of a young girl "Muga Kabui" on the 6th January, 2007.

Prophet Michael had wanted to pass on the Message to the people via the local paper, Solomon Star as a paid advert on Wednesday 24 January 2007. The paper in its wisdom did not publish it, for fear it might cause anxiety among the people.

MyBlog will be featuring Prophet Michael Maeliau about the governance of Malaita, Solomon Islands and the world as revealed to him. Book-mark MyBlog.

Malaita Premier election
The most populated islands in Solomon Islands will elected its new Premier tomorrow.

Already, member of Parliament for Central Kwara'ae on Malaita, Fred Fono has encouraged the provincial assembly members to choose a Premier that would lead the province. He says the new Malaita government to be led by the new Premier tomorrow faces taunting challenges. One of them is the possibility of the new Premier leading the province in a state government system, if the bill is passed into law by Parliament.

Mr Fono also expresses caution over a certain candidates for Premiership post being used by the Malaita Maasina Forum to pursue their agenda. He says one of the agenda of the Forum which would be detrimental to the development of Malaita is its anti-RAMSI and anti-Australia stand. Fono says pursuance of such extreme and negative views would be bad for Malaita.

MyBlog says
The people of Malaita awaits the election of a new Premier and his formation of a new provincial government.

MyBlog feels whoever wins and forms the next government must work for the people. Vice versa the provincial government and all provincial assembly members would like to see people cooperate to develop the province.

Peace be with you.

PM responses with fire

PM's fires another verbal bullet
In the war of words between Honiara and Canberra, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare comes out firing another verbal bullet.

Mr Sogavare seems to be saying, catch this if you can, John Howard. My government cannot take your bullying tactics laying down. Mr Government has information to prove that the latest decision taken by Taipei to remove the firearm shooting from the CPP training program was pressured by the Australian Government.

Solomon Islands must be been dealt another blow with the Taiwanese government quashing the armed training of Solomon Islands Close Personal Protections, CPP Unit officers. And Prime Minister Sogavare warned Australia and their sympathizers both here and abroad saying that Solomon Islands Government will not bow to Australia's continuing bullying tactics. He vows to implement what he describes as a sovereign decision to re-armed the CPP Unit.

Mr Sogavare says his Government is disappointed to learn that the RAMSI controlled development of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, SIPF, has neglected the training of officers attached to the CPP Unit. He says it only after he insisted that the Unit must be localized with appropriate training to be undertaken by the officers in Taiwan that the former Commissioner in consultation with RAMSI reluctantly whipped up a training package for the unit. That he says consisted of all the programs that most of the officers have undertaken minus arms training. This was totally unacceptable.

The Prime Minister says RAMSI had three and a half years to put up an appropriate training and localization program for the unit but failed miserably to do it. He says no training has been done by RAMSI to returning the Force to its original strength and effectiveness. Mr Sogavare says right now it is a force that depends on foreigners for its strength.

He says the government cannot continue to allow people who have other agendas in this country to systematically destroy the SIPF. Mr Sogavare says, the Government is determined with the help of the new Commissioner of Police who will be appointed very soon, to re-establish very important units of the force that were irresponsibly abolished by RAMSI. These include the Rapid Response Unit, the Protection and Guarding Unit, and the Police Field Force.

The Prime Minister says the abolishment of these units was a serious mistake, which costs the country dearly during the April Riot. Mr Sogavare says if that is a reflection of the kind of law enforcement agent RAMSI would like the Solomon Islands Police Force then it has no place in Solomon Islands.

MyBlog comments
That was a very strong statement by the Prime Minister.

The statement shows that Mr Sogavare does not mince word with his opponents. MyBlog could hear him saying Solomon Islands is a sovereign country, and his government is the legitimate authority to decide what is good for the people.

All MyBlog can say is that events in the weeks or days ahead would reveal the truth about this war of words between Honiara and Canberra. The Sogavare-led government will table Solomon Islands 2007 budget in the Parliament meeting starting Wednesday next week. The passing of the budget would activate the implementation of government's much awaited "Bottom Up Approach" development. Others describe it as the rural development policy.

But can Solomon Islands do it alone in this global village....and without its traditional friends and partners? And Taiwan, Solomon Islands' best friend too has limits. Taiwan's quashing of the Solomon Islands' armed personals training should be a sign of things to come. It should get the PMO's political appointees to review their advice to the government on the stand-off between Honiara and Canberra.

Long live Solomon Islands. Long live Australia.

The ball is in Solomons court

Solomon Islands Police Training
A controversial plan by the Solomon Islands prime minister to allow firearms training in Taipei for his personal police bodyguards has been quashed by the Taiwanese government.

Manasseh Sogavare's government wants to rearm its police force, a move opposed by the Australian-led RAMSI. The rearming plan has also been condemned by civil groups fearful of a return to violence and ethnic unrest in the country. Mr Sogavare has brushed aside an Australian-led training package for his police bodyguards in favour of a Taiwanese course. Solomon Islands police and other government officials believed the course included weapons training for 12 officers who have left for Taipei.

But the Australian Associated Press reports a statement from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canberra late Thursday said “firearms shooting training has been removed from the training programme”. The statement signed by Dr Gary Song-Huann Lin also said Taiwan would not provide firearms to re-arm the Solomon Islands police force.

Mission does not support plan
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, says it does not support the plans by the government to re-arm the Solomon Islands Police Force at this time.

RAMSI Special Coordinator Tim George says this following a meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare today. The meeting was to discuss RAMSI’s concern about the proposed re-arming of the Solomon Islands Police Force.

Mr George says that RAMSI was unable to support the re-arming plans at this time on three principal concerns. He says firstly, there does not seem to be a satisfactory plan for training, purchasing, maintenance and security of weapons. Mr George says secondly, and most important of all, RAMSI is not aware of evidence of broad support for re-arming the police among Solomon Islanders themselves. Finally, he says RAMSI was concerned about the short timeframe intended for re-arming the Solomon Islands Police.

Mr George says that there would be a limited need in the future for the use of firearms to manage dangerous wildlife; fisheries and border control; and security of internationally protected people and dignitaries. He says that RAMSI could support limited re-arming of the Solomon Islands Police but at least two key conditions would need to be met.

Mr George says the first being the development of a professional group of officers in relevant parts of the police force, with a thorough management plan for re-arming. He says there also needs to be broad community support for re-arming the police, noting the longstanding sensitivity about this issue in Solomon Islands.

Mr George reaffirms that through the work of the Participating Police Force, RAMSI was helping the Solomon Islands Police Force to become a confident and well-trained force that Solomon Islanders could support and trust. The Solomon Islands Police Force is working hard to become a truly professional, modern police force with high standards and integrity.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog Post 17 of Tuesday 14th November 2006 had warned that prolong political stand-off between Honiara and Canberra could have adverse effects on Solomon Islands.

Of course the Sogavare-led government had been pinning its hope on the Republic of China or Taiwan. ROC is being seen as Solomon Islands saviour. MyBlog believes that while Taiwan may offer help to Solomon Islands, when it come to security, it's a different ball game.

MyBlog suggests you refer to Post 17 for it view on the souring relations.

Malaita Elections
The Malaita provincial election results have been finalised.

By yesterday afternoon, Returning Officer Johnson Houma confirmed the results for wards 8, 9 and 10. They were the last three of the 25 remaining wards on Malaita, which went to the polls on Monday.

Other wards in the province have held their elections on December 5 and 18, 2006. The elections were postponed twice because of lack of funds and untimely distribution of ballot boxes to respective polling centres.

The results for Wards 8, 9 and 10 are:
08. Malu'u -- Edwin Miniti Suiba'ea
09. Matakwalao -- Senly Levi Filualea
10. Takwa -- Ben Foukona

Ward winners (18/12/06 elections)
31. Luaniua - Wilson Sanga
32. Pelau - Christopher Mouka
33. Sikaiana - Keusa

Ward winners (05/12/06 elections)
1. Auki - Ina Leong
2. Aimela - Richard Na'amo Irosae
3. Buma - Robert Madeo
4. Fauabu - Erickson Otoia
5. West Baegu/Fataleka - William Isui

Returning Officer for the Monday 15 elections, Mr Houma says of the 33 Provincial Assembly members election, only nine(about 27%) are from the previous house. That means 24 are new members or about 73 percent of the 33-member Assembly.

The new provincial members will be sworn-in on Monday next week followed by the election of the provincial speaker on Tuesday. Following the speaker’s election will be an induction course to be held on Wednesday and Thursday for the new provincial members. The premiership election is expected to be carried out on Friday next week.

MyBlog says
MyBlog has been unable to probe the leadership quality of the elected members.

It however hopes the members would deliver what are required of them to the people. With little knowledge of most of the members, MyBlog's prediction for the Premier's Post is member for Aimela Ward in Central Kwara'ae, RICHARD NA'AMO IROSAE.

Deputy Premier? It's anybody's guess. Member for Takwa Ward - Ben Foukona? If he can lobby the North Malaita Region members, as an experienced former Parliamentarian and for a provincial balancing act, he could just get that position. But, then someone from either the Southern or Eastern region of the province will do.

Whichever team forms the next Provincial Executive after Friday next week, it faces a challenging encounter as it navigates Malaita into uncharted waters.

Happy surfing on the cyberspace.

Honiara vs Canberra

Solomon Islands-Australia relations
The sour relations between Honiara and Canberra seemed to have been on the mend with the Solomon Islands Government welcoming the appointment of Peter Hooton as Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Patteson Oti last week said Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was pleased with the new development in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Relationship between Honiara and Canberra had been strained for sometime over the deportation of former Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Patrick Cole. He was alleged to have interfered in Government's internal affairs.

Corrupt or Incompetent
While the situation appears to be mending, the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty thinks otherwise.

The Sydney Morning Herald has quoted him as warning that mismanagement and corruption in the Solomon Islands Government are undermining the effectiveness of Australia's 1-billion dollars regional assistance mission. Mr Keelty told the newspaper either the government is out and out corrupt or it is out and out incompetent.

He said it is very difficult for police organisations to operate under such conditions as in Solomon Islands. Mr Keelty said Australia's aim has always been to get the police force to a point of efficiency so funding can then flow into health and education.

However, he said it was unfortunate that attention had been diverted through false allegations against Australian police and the tricks of members of the Solomon Islands Government.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog had commented in previous posts that there was a need for both countries to solve the situation.

This would enable both countries benefit from a mutual trust and help. This is especially so for Solomon Islands as it continues to recover from social unrest several years ago. If the matter remain unsolved, Solomons may suffer as it is heavily depended on foreign help, and Australia is a significant development partner. As the saying goes "Whoever has the buck, calls the shots."

MyBlog hopes this strained relation does not affect the 2007 Budget set for tabling in the coming Parliament meeting which starts Wednesday next week.

Provincial Governance
Malaita Election Results
Of the 25 remaining wards on Malaita that went to the polls on Monday, only three results are yet to be confirmed at the time of this post.

Malaita Elections Returning Officer, Johnson Houma, says the results of wards 8, 9 and 10 are yet to reach his office by six o'clock this evening.

Below are the winning candidates received by six o'clock this evening.

WARDS WINNERS
06. Madalua/Folotana -- Silas Tolota
07. Fo'ondo/Gwai'au -- Philip Taloinao
08. Malu'u
09. Matakwalao
10. Takwa
11. East Baegu -- Silas Tony Bobby
12. Foueda -- Kalabeti Aluta
13. Sulufou/Kwarande -- Sam Bobby
14. Susubona/Burianiasi --- George Atana Sanga
15. Nafinua -- Michael Saru Tofu
16. Faumamanu/Kwai -- Billy Fa'arobo
17. Gulalofou -- Billy Abae
18. Waneagu/Taelanasina -- Alick Butala
19. Aiaisi -- Ronnie Maea
20 Areare -- George Arahaori
21. Raroisu'u -- John Te'eho'u
22. Aba/Asimeuru -- George Moffat Ou
23. Asimae -- Francis Wateliu
24. Mareho -- Jimmy Kai'erea Manewai
25. Tai -- Isaac Houhihata
26. Kwarekwareo -- Charles Jeffrey
27. Siesie -- David Nguiburi
28. Waneagu Sulana Sina -- Henry Dada
29. Kwaimela/Radefasu -- Clifton Fraser Fulesau
30. Langalanga -- Randal Sifoni

Eight other wards have had their elections and results declared.

MyBlog says
Now that the new Provincial Assembly members have been declared, they can now get ready to fulfil their work as elected leaders.

Its not a matter waiting to give handouts to the people. Its time to work, time to cooperate with fellow colleagues, the people and others to plan and help implement programmes for a better future for Malaita and its communities and Solomon Islands.

Each moment is a new beginning. Enjoy it.

Provincial Governance

Guadalcanal and Malaita Provincial Governments
Two of the biggest province in Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal and Malaita are on the verge of continuing the development plans of their out-going governments.

The new Guadalcanal Premier, Joash Salani today announced his provincial executive. All but one(Ephrem Limanikua) of the member are new members. Limanikua was a member in the out-going government of Abel Arabola.

Malaita election results for Wards 6 to 30 should be know tomorrow, Tuesday 16 January. A new Malaita Premier is expected to be elected by next Friday 26th January.

Guadalcanal Provincial Executive
Guadalcanal Premier Joash Salani has appointed his executive.

They are:
Premier -- Joash Salani
Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance -- Braddley Tovosia.
Minister for Economic Planning Minister -- David Rosalio
Minister for Provincial Affairs -- Henry Eric
Minister for Education -- Anthony Veke
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries -- Ephrem Limanikua
Minister for Health -- Jude Soni
Minister for Natural Resources -- Silas Chekana
Minister for Transport and Works -- Henry Petsakibo
Minister for Lands and Rural Development -- John Kelly and
Minister for Tourism, Youths, Sports and Women Affairs -- Michael Liliau.

Malaita Elections
Returning Officer for the Malaita Provincial Elections, Johnson Houma, says the results of the elections from Wards 6 to 30 should be known by tomorrow, Tuesday 16th.

The elections was from 7am this morning to 5pm this afternoon. Mr Houma says counting of votes will take place at various place around Malaita Province. He says if possible, counting for some wards closer to capital Auki may start tonight. But he says this will depend on how soon the ballot boxes arrive at Auki.

They are for:
Northern Region, Malaita/Wards - Counting at Malu'u - 7 wards
North Malaita
07. Fo'ondo/Gwai'au
08. Malu'u
09. Matakwalao
Lau/Mbaelelea/Wards
06. Madalua/Folotana
10. Takwa
12. Foueda
Baegu/Asifola/Wards
11. East Baegu

Eastern Region of Malaita - Counting at Ata'a Clinic - 2 wards
Baegu/Asifola - 2 Wards
13.. Sulufou/Kwarande
Fataleka/Ward
14. Susubona/Burianiasi

Eastern Region of Malaita - Counting at Atori - 4 wards
East Malaita/Wards
15. Nafinua
16. Faumamanu/Kwai
East Kwaio/Wards
17. Gulalofou
18. Waneagu/Taelanasina

Central Region, Malaita - Counting at Auki - 5 wards
West Kwaio/Wards
26. Kwarekwareo
27. Siesie
28. Waneagu Silana Sina
Central Kwara'ae/Ward
29. Keaimela/Radefasu
Aoke/Langa Langa/Ward
30. Langalanga

Southern Region of Malaita - Counting at Afio - 5 wards
East AreAre/Wards:
19. Aiaisi
20 Areare
Small Malaita/Wards
21. Raroisu'u
22. Aba/Asimeuru
23. Asimae

Southern Region, Malaita - Counting at Rohinari - 2 ward
West Are Are'are/Wards
24. Mareho
25. Tai

Catch up with you in the next posting.

Malaita looks forward to new leaders

Malaita Provincial Elections
Tomorrow people in the remaining Wards 6 to 30 will go to the polls to elect their representative in the Provincial Assembly.

The elections for the the wards have been postponed on two occasions. The people are hoping that the elections will go ahead successfully tomorrow. Provincial Secretary Harold Leka says preparations for the elections are in place.

Below is the time-table for the election of Assembly members to the election of a new Premier.

Election Schedule
Monday 15 -- Elections for Wards 6 to 30
Tuesday 16 -- Results out
Monday 22-26 -- First Assembly meeting
Monday 22 -- New Provincial Members sworn-in
Tuesday 23 -- Election of a Speaker
Wednesday 24 -- Induction Course
Thursday 25 -- Induction Course
Friday 26 -- Elections of a new Premier

Guadalcanal Province
The newly elected Premier Joash Salani hopes to announce his executive tomorrow.

Mr Salani's landslide victory and his confidence in working with the people and others give much hope to Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands. MyBlog hopes others would cooperate bring about tangible benefits to all.

Catch you in the next posting.

2007...The Dawn of a New Era?

The New Era Starts Here and Now
A new era may have dawn on Guadalcanal Province with the election of its new Premier, Joash Salani.

His voters of Malango, Central Guadalcanal regard Salani as a staunch Christian. Trustworthy, loyal and honest. Is this the kind of leader Solomon Islands is looking for? Let's hope the campaigns of various groups in the country, including the churches, non-government organisations such "Wind of Change", Transparency Solomon Islands and women for quality leaders have at least bore fruit.

If so, their efforts have not been a waste.

Church and the State
Should the Church remain separate from politics?

That was the question MyBlog posed in a previous post. And MyBlog's views remains the same. People are part and parcel of the Church and Politics. Politics is nothing without people and people make up the church.

Guadalcanal's New Premier
The Province with its new Premier could lead the way in an emerging leadership style that reflects the motto on Solomon Islands Coat of Arms, "To Lead Is To Serve".

In an interview with MyBlog, Premier Salani was calm but glowing with confidence. His eight years as a Speaker of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, may have instilled in him that confidence. In his new position as the leader of one of the biggest and resources endowed Provinces, he was humble and gracious in his encounter with MyBlog.

He acknowledges the challenges facing Guadalcanal including the peoples' quest for the national government to address the outstanding issues including bona fide demands.

As he says and MyBlog quotes:
"Iam not alone. My government emphasises being inclusive, and we are open up to ideas including consulting other people, important stakeholders, the national government and other people which we can consult their views. We will co-operate with them not only to push Guadalcanal Province forward, but we would like to see the affairs of Solomon Islands are addressed, because Guadalcanal is just part of Solomon Islands."

MyBlog salutes those words of wisdom and hopes the Guadalcanal people can rally behind the new provincial government to the benefit of everyone.

Malaita Province
The election in the remaining 25 wards of Malaita could be the turning point for the province and Solomon Islands.

As the most populated island, with blood ties in almost every inhabitable island in Solomon Islands, the election of quality leaders in next Monday provincial assembly election will give hope for for the people. Whatever the outcome of the elections it will decide the future of the country. Choosing quality leaders in the coming elections would be beginning of a new and exciting era for Solomon Islands. That's what the people look forward for.

MyBlog believes there is a possibility that the Malaita people and Provincial Assembly members could emulate Guadalcanal in electing leaders like Premier Salani. Quality leaders who are honest and would serve God and the people, leaders who are God fearing.

Amen and Peace be with you.

Guadalcanal Province - New Premier

New Guadalcanal leader
Guadalcanal Province moves into a new era with the election of a new Premier.

The new Premier Joash Salani was elected in a landslide victory this morning. In the voting Salani polled 15 votes whilst his only rival, the out-going Deputy Premier, Stephen Panga got five votes.

Premier Salani a former Speaker of the Provincial Assembly for the past eight years, hopes to appoint his executive over the weekend.

Watch this page for more development.

The Church and Politics

Church and the State
Should the Church remain separate from politics?

While some people say "Yes", others say the two cannot be separated. On second thought, it would seem both are inseparable. People are part and parcel of the Church and Politics. Politics is nothing without people and people make up the church. That's MyBlog's view.

In the Muslim world, politics is guided by religion. In other countries Christian Parties have been elected into office. In the US, religion is very influential in the outcome of elected leaders.

Solomon Islands
Christian Alliance Solomon Islands Islands
This would appear to be the first religious party to have contested an election.

This party contest the April 2006 National elections under the banner of a religious party. While non of its candidates won a seat, some elected Parliamentarians are committed Christians. "Committed Christian". MyBlog believes the word committed is redundant in this instance. You are either a Christian or not.

The Christian Party of Solomon Islands embraces Bible principles for governing the nation. These principles cover good governance, transparency, Godliness, democracy, leadership, economy and other.

Malaita Province
This year also sees for the first time in the history of election on the island, a number of candidates contesting the Provincial elections next Monday, 15th January under a religious group.

At least five candidates in the five wards in the To'abaita and Mbaelelea region of North Malaita are contesting the provincial elections as a group. These wards are: Ward 6-Mandalua/Folotana; Ward 7-Fo'ondo/Gwaiau; Ward 8-Malu'u; Ward 9-Matakwalao and Ward 10-Takwa. A candidate in Ward 11-East Baegu could also contest the election under the religious group.

According to the group, it is a homegrown machinery of governance that seeks to enable Solomon Islanders to participate meaningfully in the governing process. It is the focal point that links leadership to the aspirations, well-being, development and advancement of the people.

The group says it is not a political party but a body that will:
(a) Screen and endorse candidates.
(b) Ensure accountability of elected members during office.
(c) Assist elected members in ward development matters.

The religious group says it aims to provide the solution to the political, social and economic problems of the community.

Provincial Governance
The process of the formation of provincial governments continues.

Three provinces: Isabel, Temotu and Rennell Bellona have formed their government. The latest is Rennell Bellona Province. Renbel can be proud to have a woman in its Provincial Executive. It joins Isabel in recognising that women too should be a partner in the decision making positions.

Rennell Bellona Province
Province has a new Premier.

He is Solly Amonga Tengemoana. He was elected unopposed. Provincial Secretary Robert Pongi reports from Bellona that the second nomination was ruled invalid by the Speaker for being received after the closing period. Mr Pongi says Mr Tengemoana is the youngest premier to be elected in the province.

The province has also elected a new speaker and deputy speaker. The new speaker to the assembly is Ajilon Nasiu from Rennell. Mr Nasiu was a former Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province in 1993. The deputy speaker William Kauga, was also elected unopposed. Mr Kauga was re-elected provincial member for ward one, East Tegano for the third term.

Provincial Executive
The new premier has appointed his new executive ministers as follows;
Solly Tengemoana --- Premier
Edward Kaitu’u --- Deputy Premier
Lence Tango --- Ministry for Works & Transport
Anne Pugeva -- Ministry of Health & Women Affairs
Brian Poaika Ngibutai -- Minister of Education

Provincial Secretary Mr Pongi says the new Assembly is pleased that it has a Women in its Executive. Anne Pugeva is the first woman candidate in the political history of the province since attaining its provincial status in 1993.

The Renbel provincial assembly held its first meeting on Bellona Island due to the closure of the airstrip in Rennell and due to the delay of the release of the January grants by the provincial Government.

Guadalcanal Province
Two candidates will contest the election of premier for Guadalcanal Province tomorrow.

They are Care-taker Deputy Premier, Stephen Panga and Joash SALANI. Provincial Secretary Justus Denni says Mr Panga was nominated by member for Tandai Ward Michael Liliau and Silas Chekana, member for Duidui Ward, while Mr Salani was nominated by Bradley Tovosia, member for Moli Ward and David Rosalio, member for Savulei Ward.

The election of the Premier will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

MyBlog comments
The new Guadalcanal Provincial government faces a taunting task of meeting the high expectations of its people. This is especially so as it tries to push through the peoples' long outstanding bona fide demands including state government, reconciliation and rehabilitation among other things.

Peace be with you.

Correction:
Premier candidate: Joash SALANI not Salini -MyBlog

Solomons remains unmoved

Solomon Islands government stands firm
The Solomon Islands government has taken a bold stand in sticking to its decision declaring Australian and Police Commissioner Shane Castles and "undesirable immigrant."

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Patteson Oti stood firm on his decision to ban Mr Castle from returning to Solomon Islands. The ball is again in Australia's court to respond.

The process of forming new provincial government continues this week. Hopeful most Premier should be elected by Friday this week. Yes, newly elected provincial assembly members seem to taking their responsibility as leaders seriously. Solomon Islanders hope that is what they would focus on during their next four year term.

Foreign Minister explains
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, Patterson Oti has finally spoken out against criticisms leveled against him.

In a press conference today he said his action followed the government's decision late last month to declaring Australian Police Commissioner, Shane Castles an undesirable immigrant. Mr Oti said reported statements by Mr Castles that he still intended to serve out 20 months of his contract as Police Commissioner were grossly inaccurate on two counts.

Mr Oti said firstly, Mr Castles was not under any formal contract with the Solomon Islands government. The Minister said Mr Castles was appointed to the position on secondment from the Australian Federal Police under an exchange of letters between former Australian High Commissioner, Patrick Cole and the then Solomon Islands Minister of Police. Mr Oti said secondly, in any event, his appointment was only for a period of two years effective from April, 2005. His time would have been up in early April this year, which is less than four months away.
Mr Oti also revealed that the current Solomon Islands government had for some time held serious reservations and concerns over the terms of Mr. Castle’s appointment; in particular, the indemnity clauses under which he served.

The Minister said there is no precedent for such an arrangement where a Police Commissioner is exempted from constitutional and legal obligations which apply to every other citizen of the Solomon Islands, regardless of their position. He said Mr. Castles was effectively indemnified from any court action or even from appearing before a properly convened tribunal. In other words, the terms of his employment placed him above the constitutional laws of this country and we were not prepared to condone that situation.

The Minister said he also wished to correct media reports that the Solomon Islands government had instigated the declaration against Mr Castles over his handling of the so-called Julian Moti affair. Mr Oti said the declaration had nothing to do with anything other than the constitutional and legal obligations of every resident of the Solomon Islands and what we believe to be Mr Castle’s abuse of powers.

Mr Oti said the government made this decision after long deliberations based on the Police Commissioner’s conduct in several instances, including his role in the 2005 Honiara riots and the well-publicised raiding of the Prime Minister’s office last year, to name just a few examples. Mr Oti questioned what other country, including Australia, would tolerate a senior police officer bashing down the door of the Prime Minister in his absence and not having to even justify his actions or be accountable for them.

MyBlog comments
How do Mr Castles and Australia respond to that?

Maybe Australia should just forget about the Mr Castles issue. It seems to have forgotten the expulsion of its former High Commissioner Patrick Cole from Honiara and the Julian Moti issue. Or are there some covert actions that Australia had been slowly but surely implementing to teach Solomon Islands which many commentators have described as a "failed state" how not to approach its big brother?

MyBlog hopes this does not happen.

Provincial Governance
Temotu Province
Today, Temotu's re-elected Premier announced his new Executive.

Below is the complete line-up.
Premier Johnson Levela
DPremier/Minister for Finance, Treasurer and Economic Planning -- Francis Badenogo.
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development -- Patrick Bwakolo
Minister for Infrastructure -- David Maina
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Investment -- Noel Keniano
Minister for Natural Resources -- David Daiwo
Minister for Home Affairs -- Ernest T Fea
Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey -- Simon Backlay

Speaker of Assembly -- Gabriel Teao

Guadalcanal Province
Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly this morning elected its Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Stephen Ngele was elected with 16 votes and was declared Speaker ahead of two other candidates, Savino Kokopu and Silas Lauvisu. Teddy Babaua, the Provincial Assembly Member for Birao Ward, was elected unopposed for the Deputy Speaker position.

Central Province
The Central Province's process of electing the Assembly Speaker and Deputy has been a concern to people of the Province.

Reports from the Province have indicated that the ordinary people want to see a new government formed to run the province. But the newly elected members have other ideas. They seem to be playing political games in making it difficult to compromise and cooperate to work for the people.

Today, saw the two candidates contesting the Assembly Speaker drew the equal votes on two rounds of votes. Following that incident, the Care-taker Speaker James Vaukei, had no chose but adjourned the meeting for two weeks. A new meeting will be called later for the election process to go ahead. There were concerns among the Central Province people that there may be very strong political influences influencing the election process.

MyBlog's view
The people of the province are hoping that the newly elected Assembly members make up their minds to form a government. If the situation continues with a stalemate, then the Minister for Provincial Government and Rural Development could decide the fate of the Assembly. The dissolution of the Assembly could be an option.

The earth continues to spin and each moment is a new beginning. Hop on the spaceship and have fun.

Solomon Islanders wait eagerly

Solomon Islanders anticipate a bright future
Solomon Islanders are waiting eagerly as the Manasseh Sogavare labours to finalise the 2007 budget.

The people are waiting for the much talked about "bottom-up approach" development that promises much for the villagers at makes up over 80 percent of the nearly half a million people in the country. The people are also expecting much from their provincial assembly members to deliver.

But MyBlog believes those national, provincial and community leaders need the cooperation of the people to achieve the wishes and aspiration of the nation.

The Guadalcanal Issue
Since MyBlog published the letter which Minister Nollen Leni wrote to Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, Thursday 28 December 2006, the local media has caught up with the issue.

The Guadalcanal issue has received wide coverage in the media in the first week of 2007. Minister Leni's letter to PM Sogavare which was leaked to the public in December last had been widely circulated within Honiara and presumably reached the province. The letter has been the talk of the people in town, especially among Malaitans for some weeks now.

Guadalcanal Province on the issue
The Guadalcanal Provincial government has re-endorsed many of the things written in Mr Leni's letter.

As Chairman of the Guadalcanal Province and Solomon Islands Government Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Taskforce and Care-taker Deputy Premier, Stephen Panga, has put more weight behind the issues. He calls on the government to speed up reconciliation and rehabilitation amongst and for the peoples affected by the social unrest on Guadalcanal. He stressed that when there is reconciliation the government would not have difficulty negotiating the bona-fide demands with Guadalcanal people.

The taskforce which he heads was formed in October 2004 in respond to recommendations from the Guadalcanal Leaders Summit to identify reconciliation and rehabilitation strategies for Guadalcanal Province. A report by the taskforce was presented to the Kemakeza Government before the 2006 April 5 election. Mr Panga says nothing has been done about the recommendations raised in his committee’s report.

According to the taskforce, a total of $7.5million will be needed for the reconciliation programme in Guadalcanal Province to be successful. Mr Panga says this is something the current government would address. Meanwhile, Mr Panga re-assures Solomon Islanders not to worry about the threats made by the ex-militants.

Various Guadalcanal leaders including chiefs have also supported the call for the government to outstanding issues including the return of alienated land to the original landowners through the Provincial government.

Minister speaks out
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Minister, Patteson Oti.is expected to explain tomorrow, why he declared Police Commissioner Shane Castles an "undesirable immigrant".

He made the declaration Friday 22nd December, then reportedly shoot off for the festive season break in his home island of Santa Cruz, Temotu Province. The Minister's action has received mixed reactions, some supporting it while others criticised it. Whilst the government continues to defend the action, Mr Oti had not publicly comment on it.

The Prime Minister's Press Secretary Deli Oso rang some hours before the press conference which was originally set for 3pm this afternoon to says it was postponed until 11am tomorrow. The press is eager to listen and then drilled him on an issue he earlier said "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 had said 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.

MyBlog had earlier expressed fear about the prolonging of the issue, because it had added to the souring relations between Solomon Islands and Australia. The Julian Moti issue and expulsion of Australian High Commissioner Patrick Cole last year were among the things that have brought about the poor relations between the two governments.

Solomon Islands government need to come to some sense, as those issues may have some bearing on 2007 Budget. The budget is expected to be tabled in Parliament 20th January.

Accountability Institutions
The accountability government institutions: Office of the Ombudsman, Leadership Code Commission and Office of the Auditor General have since last years began to co-operate to perform their duties.

This is to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability within the government. Non Government Organisation Transparency Solomon Islands had also indicated it would work closely with those bodies to eliminate corruption within the system.

Ombudsman
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is yet to appoint an Ombudsman.

The office of the Ombudsman had been vacant for some months now. Reports says Mr Sogavare did not endorse
an applicant who has been selected by an Interview Panel.

MyBlog believes that Office needs to be filled as soon as possible to perform its constitutional functions. As an accountability body it has important tasks to do.

Leadership Code Commission
Like the Ombudsman Office the Leadership Code Commission has important tasks to do.

The term of the former Chairman, Emmanuel Kouhota expired November last year. The Commission has received from the Public Service a list of applicants for the position. Arrangement are being made with the Chairman of the Appointment Committee of the Chairman Leadership Code Commission, Prime Minister Sogavare for the nomination committee to decide a new Chairman for the Commission."

Office of the Auditor General
Website
The Office has joined other government departments ply their message on the web to the public.

The Auditor General Flloyd Augustine Fatai explains below.

Our Vision
To enhance public sector transparency and accountability and fight corruption by delivering excellence in audit services.

Our Purpose
Under the Westminster system of government, Parliament is supreme. All authority for governmental activity ultimately stems from Parliament. Public sector organizations' are therefore accountable to Parliament for their use of the public resources and powers that it has conferred on them.

The Auditor General plays a crucial role in the framework of public accountability under the Westminster System. The Auditor General serves as the external auditor of Government with a duty to report independently and directly to Parliament on the results of audit examinations performed, ensuring government transparency and accountability to Parliament and the public.

Reports
During the last twelve months some 12 Reports on the results of audits and investigations have been finalised and tabled in the Solomon Islands Parliament. These reports identify the significant shortcomings in the Ministries in the last five years and show a blue print for the future direction for these Ministries.

The OAG's website address is. http://www.oag.gov.sb/

Transparency Solomon Islands
The Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, Board has been critical over government's declaration that Police commissioner Shane Castles is an undesirable immigrant.

It says the the country needs strong leadership. TSI says this leadership must operate in the bounds of the law and must use the powers they are given for the purposes that they are given. TSI says the claim that this declaration against the Police Commissioner is legal is misleading. Transparency Solomon Islands says this is not a style of leadership that the people want to see continue. It says this approach to leadership means no Commissioner is now safe from a Minister’s indiscriminate use of power. The TSI Board says the action sets a very dangerous precedent in the political journey of Solomon Islands.

Provincial Governance
By the end of this week five provinces would have elected their respective Premiers and Executives.

Malaita Province is the exception. People in Wards 6 to 30 will on Monday 15th January go to the polls to elect their Provincial Assembly members. It will take a few days before a Provincial government is formed.

Below is an update of political activities in the other provinces.

Temotu
Care-taker Temotu Provincial Premier Johnson Levela has been re-elected as Premier.

He was re-elected Monday. Mr Levela polled 13 votes while the other contender Edwin Meibu got four. Mr Levela was to have announced his executive today.

Guadalcanal
The Guadalcanal provincial Assembly will elect their Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Premier this week.

Nomination for the Provincial Assembly's Speaker opened this morning and will close 10am tomorrow. Election of Speakers will be tomorrow. Nominations for the Premier's post opens 10am Wednesday and closes 10am Thursday. The election for the new Provincial Premier will be on Friday.

Rennell Bellona
The members of the Rennell-Bellona Provincial Assembly will also elect a new Provincial Speaker, Deputy Speaker and a premier this week.

Provincial Secretary for Rennell-Bellona Robert Pongi says the 10 new members were to have been sworn in today. Election of the Speaker and deputy speaker is set for Wednesday. Election for the Premier will be on Thursday.

MyBlog comments
The people of Solomon Islands are anticipating a challenging future.

Solomon Islands has a new national government and would soon have six new provincial governments aiming to build on what previous administrations have laid for the country's future generations. Let's hope Solomon Islanders take heed of what Prime Minister Sogavare said in his Christmas and New Year message to the nation.

This is the message. Solomon Islanders need to change their attitude in order for the country to move forward.

Now the Government is talking

Minister Leni clarifies
Now the government is talking, explaining that it is addressing some of the issues contained in the Guadalcanal Bona Fide Demands.

Following media reports that former Guadalcanal militants would cause some problems on the islands if government fails to address their concerns, Fisheries Minister Nollen Leni has came to defend the government. He says the government is dealing with the land issues. Among them is the transfer of the Mamara lands, West of Honiara and the Lungga lands to rightful owners.

Minister Nollen Leni says land titles will be transferred to the owners within the next few weeks. He then assures the people in Honiara that the former militants did not threaten anyone as speculated. He says what they did petitioned the Guadalcanal to present to the government some of the issues in the bona fide demands. Mr Leni says the government is doing all it can to address some of the demands including the state government. Many of the demands are linked to the state government system.

MyBlog comments
MyBlog published the letter which Minister Leni wrote to Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, Thursday 28 December 2006.

At least Government has responded to something close to the heart of the Guadalcanal people. The continuous neglect of the demands by successive government since independence in 1978, were among the things are had caused the recent social unrest in on Guadalcanal. MyBlog hopes this is the way forward to a positive future for Solomon Islanders.

Minister backs sacking of Provincial Assembly members
Provincial government minister Japhet Waipora has backed the decision of the Speaker of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Assembly in sacking three provincial members.

According to Mr Waipora the action by Speaker John Basi is valid and lawful under to Section 15 of the Provincial Government Act. In a statement, he says he received documents from the speaker alleging that the three provincial members Daniel Nahusu, Mike Saiki and Charles Ureia were absent from office for six, five and four months consecutively. Mr Waipora says if the allegations were true, then the three members have breached the Provincial Government Act. He says the Speaker has the power under Section 16 of the Provincial Government.

MyBlog says had Speakers of other Provincial Assemblies knew their work, many former Provincial Assembly members may have been dismissed for similar offences. A thumbs to the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Assembly Speaker? Only the court could decide on that.

Provincial Governance
Temotu Province
Temotu Provincial Assembly has a new Speakers. He is Gabriel Teao.

Three candidates, Ataban Tropa, Gabriel Teao and Jonas Melatua contested the Speaker's post. In the first elimination round, Mr Teao polled eight votes and the other two candidates each polled four votes. A toss of a coin resulted in the elimination of Mr Melatua. In the second round of voting, Mr Teao polled 11 votes and Mr Tropa six votes.

Meanwhile, nomination for the Premier's position opened at ten o'clock this morning and will close 12 mid-day tomorrow.

Central Province
The Central Provincial Assembly will elect its Premier next Friday, 12 January.

Here is the procedure in installing the the new Provincial Assembly.
Monday 8 January - Members to take their oaths, following that nominations for the Speaker will open and close 4pm.
Wednesday 10 - Election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly. Nomination of candidates for the Premier's post open 10am and will close 4.30pm.
Thursday 11 - This is a day of retreat for the members.
Friday 12 - Elections of Provincial Premier is set for 9am.

MyBlog comments
There appears to be a tug-of-war and a strong rivalry between two groups in the 10 seat Provincial Assembly for the Premiership post.

One group is led by the re-elected members of the out-going executive. This is the group led by the Care-taker Premier, Patrick Vasuni. The other group consists of new members led by lawyer Augustine Rose and a former General Manager of the national broadcaster, SIBC, Patteson Mae.

The later group's campaign platform is championing the need for a change.
Like other newly elected leaders, the trend is for clean sweep of alleged corruption and a new direction for the people. It cites the misuse of millions of dollars allocated the Provincial Headquarters building as an example.

However, the re-elected members have denied there was corruption in the former executive. Whatever, outcome emerges next Friday, the people have a right to know the answers to the many concerns raised in relation the governance of the province.

Happy surfing in Cyberspace.

2007 emerges slowly

A New Year Lull
The Christmas and New Year festival season still lingers.

Whilst many Solomon Islands workers should be back at their post, some are still in their home islands. Yes, there is transport difficulties in the remote places such as Temotu and Rennell-Bellona Provinces. This gives them the excuse to spend a few more days in their beloved islands.

The government and the private sector are certainly at work. But things are slowly revving up to the normal cruising speed. This may happen by the middle of this month.

Budget
The Government had been hard at work his taking office last April. It is consolidating all its efforts now to finalise the 2007 Budget. This should hopefully be tabled in the first meeting of Parliament sometimes towards the end of this month or early next month. The government's much talked about "bottom-up-approach" development or the village focus development is the catch word of the budget.

The government has kept the package under wrap and nothing of this so-called golden present to the people has been revealed. Yes, the people are eagerly waiting for it.

Provincial Governance
Following several provincial elections last month, several provinces are yet to choose their Premiers and provincial executives.

The process has been set to move again tomorrow.

Temotu Province
The 17 newly elected members of the Temotu provincial assembly will choose a new speaker to the assembly tomorrow.

Nomination for the speakers position opened this morning and closed in the afternoon. Three candidates have been nominated to contest the speaker's election tomorrow. They are Ataban Tropa, Gabriel Teao and Jonas Melatua. The election of a provincial premier will take place on Monday next week. Nomination of candidates to contest the premiers position opens tomorrow morning and close Saturday. All provincial assembly members took their oath of allegiance today.

Malaita Province
Minister for Provincial Government Japhet Waipora has replaces two officials involved in the previous Malaita Provincial Election.

Returning Office Harold Leka has been replaced by Houma and the election Coordinator within the Ministry Sam Faluaburu is replaced by Jacob Nuia. He says preparation for the January 15 election for wards 6 to 30 in Malaita Province is progressing well and he hopes nothing will affect the election date. Election for wards 6 to 30 in Malaita Province did not eventuate on December 18 because of difficulties in distributing ballot boxes and other necessities to hold the election.

Myblog will catch up with you tomorrow.

Welcome 2007....Good bye 2006

Welcome 2007.......Good bye 2006
The world welcomes 2007 and says farewells to 2006.

But is that so? Despite all the celebrations, the moments go by as normal. No big deal really. My suggestion to you is to live every monent of the day and night as a New Year.

PM's Christmas/New Year Message
Below, is another portion of Prime Minister's Christmas/New Year Message, which highlights the need for a change of attitude by Solomon Islands.

Future/Attitude
The pertinent question for all Solomon Islanders during this festive season is what kind of future do we want for our children? This is a serious question. It is also a personal question. We cannot continue to cry over our past and expect the country to move forward. We will only be dragging the country backward.

In fact we do not need experts to tell us how to go about addressing our problems. We know it all. Our problem has more to do with attitude and the fact that we would rather stick to the way we were and afraid to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Solomon Islanders must learn to appreciate that we are living in the 21st Century and must move forward with the changes that are taking place. Our strategies must now go beyond relying solely in the extraction of our natural resources, which has been the traditional strength of the country to attracting investment that will develop our resources and maximize the benefit of down stream processing in Solomon Islands."

MyBlog comments
MyBlog agrees with the Prime Minister that Solomon Islands problem has more to do with attitude. Mr Sogavare says that the change of attitude is based on taking on challenges and moving forward. While that is true, MyBlog believes that the change of attitude has more to do with respect for others.

Governor General - New Year Message
The Governor General spoke on various topics in his New Year Message to the nation.

One of the subjects is the Government's Constitutional that donor partners need to be mindful of.

This is how he explains it.
"The Government has the Constitutional authority to set the national priorities within the respective portfolios of the executive government. Please avoid the temptation of being unduly inclined to imposed whatever you may consider to be good, for our nation and people, but which our own government does not approve of.

I appeal earnestly to each aid donor to be consciences of the Constitutional mandate of Her Majesty's government in Solomon Islands. The government must set the development priorities, and determine what our people should be provided with, as the best economic and social projects for necessary funding by aid donors.

May I respectfully call on all Solomon Islands and our good friends from overseas, who live and work in this nation, to leave behind us, the rather unpleasant memories of the sad events, which took place in 2006. We now need to positively look forward, towards an eventful future with new hope. Our people desire such sound political success and prosperous economic progress in 2007 and beyond."

MyBlog's view
Let's hope that those who form the Government - the Executive, Caucus and advisers and other close associates are honest in what they are doing.

This would enable the efficient delivery of the services expected of them. This calls for Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability by the Government on its programmes to the people.

The Government must therefore acknowledge Solomon Islands' Motto "To Lead is to Serve".

Commonwealth Secretary-General's New Year Message
The Secretary-General, Don McKinnon's message focus on the Commonwealth's two foundation pillars: Democracy and Development.

He says although all Commonwealth citizens will experience the New Year in different ways, this is a time when all Commonwealth citizens share in a common commitment. The Commonwealth renews efforts in 2007 to fight against the scandalous wrongs and injustices of our time, including lack of education, poor health, and economic deprivation.

Mr McKinnon says Democracy takes many forms. He says while it is still a ‘work-in-progress’ in each and every Commonwealth member country, it also remains the best way to give individuals freedom and control over their own lives and destinies. Mr McKinnon says the Commonwealth will continue to promote improvements in the forms of democracy, like free and fair elections. It will also continue to promote the institutions of democracy – like parliaments, judiciaries, executives, the media and civil society.

Above all else, Mr McKinnon says the Commonwealth will continue to promote the culture of democracy; of citizens having freedom and a say in how they are governed.

MyBlog wishes you an exciting and prosperous 2007. Live every moment of the year to the full.