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TUESDAY 3 RD OCTOBER 2006

amendment to increase the number of The Hon Speaker, Sir Peter Kenilorea took the constituencies. Can the Minister inform the Chair at 9.30 am. House whether under his legislative program there are any plans to make that amendment so Prayers. that there is increase of the number of constituencies in line with this question? ATTENDANCE Hon Ghiro: Mr Speaker, the current At prayers, all were present with the Constitution only allows a maximum of 50 exception of the Ministers for Lands & constituencies. But the draft Federal Survey, Fisheries & Marine Resources, Constitution does provide for the amalgamation Education & Human Resources and the of the current Constituency and Boundaries Members for West New Georgia/Vona Commission, and the Electoral Commission into Vona, West Guadalcanal, Ngella, North one Commission. If the Commission is adopted West Choiseul, Ulawa/Ugi, and South the Commission may have the chance to review New Georgia, Rendova Tetepari. the current number of constituencies, boundaries, electoral system and make recommendations to Parliament. PRESENTATION OF PAPERS AND OF REPORTS Mr Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, since the number one priority of this government is the Federal By the Hon Prime Minister: Parliament System of Government, it is along that line, to Entitlements Regulations, 2006 (National avoid further duplication that this question was Parliament Paper No. 1 of 2006) raised. If that is so, has that been considered along the new Federal Constitution? QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Hon Ghiro: Mr Speaker, that question raised 1. Mr KEMAKEZA to the Minister for should be addressed to the Minister of Provincial Home Affairs: Can the Minister for Home Government because he is the Minister dealing Affairs inform Parliament on whether or not this with Federal System. I am only responsible for Government plans to increase the present the Constituency Boundaries and Electoral number of constituencies in the country? Commission.

Hon GHIRO: Mr Speaker, I wish to confirm to Hon WAIPORA: Mr Speaker, Question No. 9 the honorable House that the Grand Coalition for deals with the Federal Constitution. The Change Government (GCCG) does not have any question would be asked to me by the same plans to increase the present number of honorable Member, and so I will not speak on constituencies. However, even if there were the Federal Constitution at this time but I would plans to do so, the current Constitution does not like to deal with it when the question comes. allow us to do so as section 54 (1) only provides for a maximum of 50 constituencies. In other Mr Kemakeza: The question was raised words, to do so would require section 54(1) of because of the government’s priority. And as I the current Constitution to be amended said to avoid that it will be best considered by accordingly. the government as it’s the number one priority of the government to introduce the Federal Mr FONO: The Minister’s answer stated that System. That is the basis of this question and any changes would require a constitutional therefore, I would like to thank the two Ministers for their answers which are not Mr Speaker, let me expand on the key areas satisfactory. I have mentioned in order to give honorable Members a clear picture of progress achieved 2. Mr KEMAKEZA to the Minister for during the last 18 months. Public Service: Will the Minister advise Sir, on technical feasibility and suitability of if any former militants have been the project area for growing oil palm - Field recruited into the Public Service? studies carried out by experts from the Malaysian Oil Palm Board and recently by our Hon SANGA: Mr Speaker, the answer is, own Local Consultant confirmed 5,340 hectares according to my knowledge, no. in Auluta Basin and 4,530 hectares in East Fataleka are highly suitable for growing oil Mr Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, before I thank the palm, a total of 9,870 hectares. Minister, the basis of the question is what is Mr Speaker, a suitable development strategy happening in and around the Prime Minister’s for establishing oil palm in the selected areas Office. The previous security firm appointed by have been developed and approved by the the previous administration has been terminated previous government. Taking into account or and now a new security arrangement is in place. consideration the high population growth rate In that light Mr Speaker, it connects to this and the need to conserve land for food government and therefore, brings a cloudy production, protection of water and catchments atmosphere of the recruitment. But I thank the areas and conservation of flora and fauna, a Minister for Public Service for his answer. development strategy based on the nucleus estate model was selected. 12. Mr RIUMANA to the Minister for Mr Speaker, the aim of the strategy is to Agriculture & Livestock: Can the develop over the next 10 year period seven 400 Minister inform Parliament on the hectares of oil palm plantations comprising progress of the Auluta National Oil nucleus oil palm estates and 4,500 hectares to be Palm Project? developed by a foreign investor. Two thousand (2,000) hectares to be developed as mini oil Hon OLAVAE: Mr Speaker, I would like to palm estates by land trust companies owned by thank the MP for asking about the progress landowners or by the investor under the lease. achieved so far on the Auluta Oil Palm Mr Speaker, according to this development development project, a project of economic strategy one-third of the total estate will be importance to Malaita Province and Solomon owned by local landowners. It is anticipated that Islands as a whole. the Government will fund 2,900 hectares. Under I am pleased to report to this honorable the smallholder scheme, farmers will benefit House on the progress achieved so far in respect directly by selling fresh fruit bunches twice a to the implementation of the following key month. tasks:- Sir, the Land Mobilization and Awareness Program launched in March 2005 achieved (i) determination of technical feasibility impressive results. By the end of December and suitability of the Auluta Basin for 2005, 18 landholding tribes in the Auluta Basin Oil Palm growing; and 23 in East Fataleka have been confirmed (ii) selection of a suitable development free of land dispute, and have embarked on the strategies; process of recording their genealogies, land (iii) availability of adequate land; boundaries and right of ownership, a process (iv) survey, mapping and registration of which will lead on to registration of perpetual lands; estate title by landholding groups under the (v) identification of investor; Customary Land Recording Act. (vi) establishment of 2,500 hectares Mr Speaker, altogether a total of 41 plantation. blocks of customary owned land will be recorded and registered for Oil Palm

2 development by the end of 2006. This Hon Olavae: I have alluded to earlier that represents a land bank of 6,000 hectares. disputes by various landowners in Fataleka and As I have already mentioned a total of the Auluta Basin have been settled. The 41 land holding tribes are ready to record and legislation hindering the progress of this register their land under the provisions of the development will be taken to this Parliament. Act having resolved long standing conflicts and But in as far as settlement of disputes at the disputes that previously hindered development Auluta, they have already settled that and are from taking place in the constituencies. ready for the ground breaking ceremony. Mr Speaker, the work required for finalization of recording and registration of these Mr Riumana: The Minister has just informed lands are being carried out jointly by my Parliament that there will be the ground breaking Ministry and the Department of Lands & ceremony. He also informed Parliament that Survey. Progress in this area was slowed down there is a study conducted by a Malaysian due to the fact that the absence of the subsidiary company. From what I know that study is a legislation and regulations required by the Act to suitability assessment study and not a feasibility facilitate the process of land recording and study. Can the Minister inform the House registration. whether there has been a feasibility study to I have a few more pages of answer to justify the feasibility of this project before the this question which will take another 10 to 20 ground breaking ceremony? minutes. This is an important issue and since other speakers will be contributing in this House Hon Olavae: When I was elevated to this post and so with your indulgence Mr Speaker, if you the Auluta Basin project had already been could allow me to photocopy the rest of the prioritized by the previous government. When I answer for distribution to MPs pigeon hole. came in I only facilitated what has already been approved. Had there been not any feasibility Mr Speaker: The honorable Minister has got study I do not think this project would have answers on written paper and so he is willing to progressed this far. distribute answers to all Members of Parliament and I allow that. Mr Fono: Mr Speaker, information reaching my office is that there are no funds released to Mr Riumana: Can the Minister inform us of officers on the ground. Even if funds are the time frame of the completion of this project released it takes almost a month. Why is that so, given the activities he has just mentioned? What Mr Speaker? Can the Minister inform the House is the time frame for each of the activity? as to why funds for this project although catered for in this year’s budget were not released to Hon Olavae: It is anticipated a ground breaking officers doing the land recording? Can the ceremony will be held in December 2006. Minister inform the House on the delay in Because of the importance of this project for releasing the funds? economic revival of the nation, we are working tirelessly to ensure the ground breaking takes Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, we all know the place in December. problem in terms of expediting payment at the Treasury Division. Although funds were Mr Kemakeza: The Minister stated in his budgeted for in this year’s budget the process of answer that a few legislation or regulations expediting payment does take time, which is an slowed down the progress of this project. experience of the last 20 years or something like Looking at the time frame mentioned by the that. Therefore, it is the Ministry of Finance’s Minister, would any amendment to any problem to really facilitate payments as legislation come before the House during this expected. sitting of Parliament? Mr Fono: Mr Speaker, if there is delay in the releasing of funds, how is the government

3 treating the project? Is it a priority project for The timeframe of the previous economic recovery process that we talked about? government is October. The fact that it will now What status does the government place on the be December means you need to set yourself in project as a national project? some other areas. But the excuse the Minister made is legislation, regulation and that is why I Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, since this asked the supplementary question whether or not government came into power it also experienced any amendment will come before the House at what the previous government faced in terms of this meeting because if you miss this meeting of facilitating payments. However, when this Parliament then forget about the obstacles. government came into power it liaised with the However, the question is, which one comes first, Ministry of Finance not to unnecessarily hinder is it money or the amendment? or holdup priority payments. I am with the Opposition Leader. But we are improving and Hon Lilo: Sir as I’ve said the government is we have improved so far. May be you are placing high priority on this project. In terms of raising what the previous government has faced. providing financial resources to ensure all the Since we are under recovery programs and activities leading up to the signing ceremony tightening of finances program we are slowing must happen the government has put those in improving and it will improve as time goes on. place. Your concern is also our concern but we are In terms of why the government has trying to further improve on that. extended the ground breaking ceremony to December, I think we should all understand that Hon LILO: Mr Speaker, if I may assist the when the government came in it has to Minister of Agriculture. As we all know under reschedule, prioritize and sequence the the National Development Budget, the Auluta happening of activities leading up to the Basin Oil Palm Project has been included in the formalization of all the necessary requirements 2006 National Development Budget and the for the ground breaking ceremony. December is current government is treating it with high not far and in fact with all the resources required priority. In fact Mr Speaker, it will be covered to ensure the ground breaking ceremony will in the statement that will be delivered in a few happen in December, it will happen and this minutes time on priority projects the government government is committed to ensure that the will be embarking on to drive the growth of the ground breaking for the Auluta basin must economy. happen in December this year.

Mr Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, in the light of 13. Mr RIUMANA to the Minister for what the two Ministers have mentioned Agriculture & Livestock: The according to the priority of the last government Extension Support Division of the the ground breaking should be this month Department of Agriculture and October. October is the time frame of the Livestock has been dormant due to previous administration. My hardworking lack of financial support which Minister of Agriculture and Lands should check consequently resulted in non that something must be wrong somewhere which performance of officers, yet it is needs his careful attention, and that is the reason accumulating great expense to the why this question was raised, it is because of the government. What has been the extension. When will the ground breaking take approach taken by the Government to place since the Minister of Planning says it is a remedy the problem? priority as well as the Minister of Agriculture and this side of the House also says it is a Mr Speaker: I suppose as a matter of respect priority? We are assisting you wherever the Honourable Member will acknowledge possible as this is a priority and important answers to question No. 12 when he concludes project, which is why this question was raised. question No. 13. I allow question No. 13 to be answered.

4 Hon OLAVAE: Mr Speaker, Honourable Mr Riumana: Mr Speaker, the current Member for Hograno/Kia/Havulei knows very extension approach is very routine and since well the very low priority given to the independence until now no one has turned agriculture sector by successive governments. It commercialize, no farmers in Solomon Islands is the policy of the current government to turned commercialize. Does the Ministry any aggressively address rural development. To this plan to change the Extension Support approach effect Mr Speaker, my Ministry has been to our farmers so that the amount of money working in collaboration with other government spent on farmers can be realized? departments, government and rural development to develop a comprehensive agriculture and rural Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, I have already development strategy. This strategy is jointly alluded to earlier during my previous answers funded by the World Bank, European Union and that under the policy statement of this AUSAID. Work on this agriculture rural government, this government has found the development strategies started in October 2005 solution to the problems faced by the extension and the final draft will be put before the services. In short I would say that the new rural government in mid 2007. development strategy policy will take on board all rural development strategies. If you come to Mr Huniehu: Mr Speaker is the Minister aware my office I can give you the policy statements that much of the budget allocated to the Ministry that take care of all your worries in terms of of Agriculture is spent on operational activities what you would like to do in your in the urban areas rather than promoting rural constituencies. development at the village level. What is the Please Honorable MPs if you have any government’s plan to divert most of these queries come to my office or go to the economic budgeted funds into the rural areas? planning offices so that they give you all the information about the policy statements. Hon Olavae: Sir, as we all know the 2006 budget we are implementing now was passed by Mr Riumana: Mr Speaker, policies are just the previous government under the old road map policies, it is how you implement policy that and therefore it is not different from previous matters most. budgets we have implemented. Because of that The extension approach that we are we will continue to face the same problems we currently undertaking in the rural sector has not faced 27 years ago. Whatever that is allocated in seen any tangible impact. Do you have any plan the budget only the con-men, only the people to change the extension approach or are you living in Honiara will come and knock on your going to keep the same policy approach? door. That is why this government is gearing towards rural development strategies to pave Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, this is very way for 85% of our population to have access on important. As you know this country’s their location when we will actually allocate to economy, its government machineries, extension constituencies in the budget allocation next year. services have been in tatters, have been like sick This government will pass next year’s budget people for the last 28 years. How could you probably in January next year. The new expect a sick person to jump today and roadmap we have been talking about will allow tomorrow? You need to give him first, second the 50 constituencies to have their own budgets and third dose before he runs. This government for agriculture and other productive sectors in has just come in and we have first, second and the constituencies. third doses for these policy statements and it will Mr Speaker, my friend, the Honorable take another 12 years or 20 years. So, Mr Member for East Are Are is quite right that Speaker, give this government 20 years to run when we were together we were believers of because for the last 28 successive governments rural development strategies. Surely next year did not have the right doses for this country. We his worries will be taken on board. have good extension services during colonial

5 times and the substations we have throughout people to those extension services so that the the country have been deteriorating. So what are result that we have not seen for the last 28 years we talking about? will be seen maybe for the next 10 to 20 years. I believe successive government did not have the right policies. They gave lukewarm Hon WAIPORA: Mr Speaker, since that is recognition to government’s extension services talking about extension services in provincial and this government is going to address it. Just governments in the provinces, I just want to give this government time, time is in front of us, explain the position of the Department of give us time and you will see, but surely you Provincial Government. The program of the cannot see the result today and tomorrow or next Department of Provincial Government and year it needs time. Constituency Development is getting different departments in the provinces to capacity Hon Sogavare: Mr Speaker, I think the building to try and get people who are working passionate way in which the Minister expressed down there, especially agriculture extension the answers to these questions shows that we are officers whom we understand are very weak. serious. I thank the Member for Kia/Hograno I think what they need is logistics and so for that question. In fact he raised a very, very the program of my Department is to make sure important issue, and I think it is part of the we have these people together. My staff have comprehensive review the government will be already been directed to tour the provinces. taking. I think the whole issue of extension They are touring our provinces now which they services needs to be properly reviewed because have not been doing before. I have directed my as rightly pointed out by the Member it has not staff to make sure they go down and encourage worked all these years. May be we need to take the people working down there. a more pro-active management supervisory The work program of my Department is approach than just a mere advisory extension to make sure the people who work down there approach. are strengthened, especially agriculture Mr Speaker, we are looking at that issue extension services in the provinces. and as rightly pointed out by the Minister, we are serious about it just as the other side of the Mr Taneko: Mr Speaker, does the Minister House is serious. We are all concern about rural knows that extension officers throughout the development and the welfare of our people in the provinces and area councils have not been constituencies. I would like to assure this House performing. What is he going to do to those that y our concerns are our concerns and we are people who have not been doing enough for the all serious about it. last 28 years?

Mr Haomae: Mr Speaker, the extension Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, this is an inherited support division of the Department of problem for the last 28 years because instead of Agriculture is dead. Is it due to lack of financial successive governments facilitating agents to support or lack of technical people not being deliver services from provincial capitals, properly qualified or staff are simply lazy? successive governments ran businesses. Most funds that are supposed to have equipped human Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, this government’s resources so as to deploy qualified people with policy is to equip necessary technical people by money to those substations or extension services deploying all qualified people to those extension were consumed up here. That has been our services. For your question, I am sorry Mr problem. And that is why this government is Speaker, I will not answer it because successive talking about the bottom-up approach. That is governments did not give or did not deploy the why I am here on this side. All of you talking right human resources or right qualified people on the other side have a very big problem. You to those extension services and that is why we have been with successive governments, you are facing this problem. But this government is were, and we talked about this. And it was only working on deploying the right and qualified me who shifted his allegiance to this government

6 because of the right policies this government Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, with your indulgence has. You can talk there but you have been with I would like to thank the honourable Member for wrong policies. You have been adopting wrong North West Choiseul for his question. policies and you are now shouting and shouting. Mr Speaker, for the last 28 years the Why didn’t you do it in the past? This problem has been that provincial members, government, as I alluded to earlier is going to do national members and the rural populace have it but give us time. We can talk, talk and talk not been cooperative. They were doing their here for many, many hours but we will only be own things. repeating the same old story. First of all let me say that I have not Mr Speaker, the answer is that we are received anything from them because they have now in the recovery stage and we are going to been in the provincial governments, politicians tackle all your worries as I have said earlier. have been in the dark and even us as national Thank you very much. leaders did not even know where we were going. We did not check each other, and so suddenly Mr Haomae: Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister after 28 years we now know where we are now. for Provincial Government for his intervention. Mr Speaker, as new leaders now sitting I think agriculture extension officers have down in the government side we have to take the OBMs (outboard motors) but they only use them lead to ensure we wake up all provincial for fishing trips rather than doing extension members, wake up extension agricultural work. The Extension Support Division of the officers who have been sleeping, make them Department of Agriculture is not doing its work, awake so that under the new rural development is it because of no clear directives coming from strategies they make sure to implement whatever the Ministry? plans each constituency has for its people to participate in rural development. Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, this government will now give proper direction to the extension Mr Riumana: Honourable Speaker, thank you services because under the bottom-up approach for giving me the floor to thank the Minister for there will be more qualified people, and they Agriculture for the answers to questions 12 and will be equipped with constituency allocation of 13. budget money. What is experienced in the past Agriculture is one of the enterprises that will surely be the areas to tackle for will engage 80% of our people in economical improvement purposes. Thank you. activities, and so I expect the Minister who has been in this Honorable House for so many terms Mr KENGAVA: Mr Speaker, we love to talk to perform better in his policies. Once again, about the bottom-up approach so much. I want thank you Minister for your answers and I will to ask the Minister if any provinces has ever support you. given him a report informing him of problems why extension services have not been 15. Mr HAOMAE to the Minister for performing in the last 28 years? Agriculture and Livestock: What is the progress to date, if any, of the Hon Waipora: Mr Speaker, as the Minister research into papaw latex? responsible for Provincial Government I do not need a report. I already know what the problems Hon OLAVAE: Mr Speaker, I would like to are. first of all thank the MP for Small Malaita for his question. Mr Kengava: Point of order Mr Speaker. I Mr Speaker, some initial work on want to hear the answer from the Minister for pawpaw latex was done in 2001. A collection of Agriculture. Has he received any reports from different varieties of pawpaw sought at the any provinces advising him of problems why Honiara Market was done. Ripe fruits were extension services are not performing? purchased from the Honiara Market, seeds extracted and this was to be followed by on field

7 trials to test out the latex contents for the 16. Mr HAOMAE to the Minister for different varieties. Agriculture and & Livestock: Can the Mr Speaker, this project could not Honorable Minister inform Parliament progress any further due to none availability of of the Government’s policy and set land to conduct the on-farm trials. Like many criteria for the Ministry’s disbursement development activities this undertaking was not of the cocoa and coconut rehabilitation a budgeted item. The officer responsible was fund to rural farmers? merely doing the work at his expense hoping his expenses would be reimbursed by the Hon OLAVAE: Mr Speaker, may I inform this Department. Being an unbudgeted item Mr Honorable House of the established procedures Speaker, he has to abandon the exercise. It was put in place by my staff in assessing and never a priority during previous governments as approving projects funded under the 2005/2006 agriculture was never given any priority. Law cocoa rehabilitation project. and order, health and education were high on Sir, application received covered cocoa their agenda. processing units - that is cocoa fermentary units Mr Speaker, work of this nature needs plus drier units, phases of wet cocoa beans, more than just agronomic work as my office is phases of cocoa dried beans, phases of wet dried doing. We need to know the market prospects, a copra, copra drier units, cocoa replanting units, pre-export quarantine requirement, technology copra crushing mills and virgin oil mills. required and sanitary requirements for export. There is a steering committee consisting of all directors, a PS and a undersecretary with Mr Haomae: Mr Speaker, has the Ministry the Permanent Secretary of my department as taken any measures to secure land for purposes the chairperson. This committee ensures all of research on pawpaw latex? applications meet the following criteria. All Applications must be assessed by respective Hon Olavae: So far I haven’t seen any steps field officers and endorsed by the respective taken by my officers to that effect but since it is Chief Field Officers. Ensure equitable in your interest I will liaise with my officers if distribution of development projects. Ensure we could do that for further research. applicant’s ability to manage and implement the project. All relevant extension staff are Mr Haomae: Mr Speaker, why are there no informed of all respective successful applicants. steps taken to secure land to research this The latest development on these projects important commodity for export? is the drawing of an MOU signed by both parties. Commencing in August 2006 all Hon. Olavae: Mr Speaker, this is the first time successful applicants must now sign the MOU you have raised interest in this House and so you with the department. This MOU clearly states caught us by surprise because for the last 28 the Department’s responsibilities in years no one in Parliament has ever raised this implementing and monitoring of the projects. It kind of interest. You have only so far shown is clearly made clear to successful applicants interest for us to further research this that should they be found misusing the funds commodity. Your interest will be taken on they can be prosecuted. Monitoring books have board. been prepared and distributed to all participating farmers. These monitoring books will provide Hon Haomae: Mr Speaker, the Minister seems the department with a wealth of information to have contradicted himself. He said that covering expenses, sales volume of places, research on this commodity was already done in locations etc. This information must be 2001 on fruits taken from the market and now he submitted to the Department on demand every is saying this is the first time this issue is raised. one to two months when the farmer comes to In any case, I would like to thank my friend the town to sell the produce. This information will Minister for answering the question. go a long way in aiding us not only to

8 effectively monitor the projects but also assist in future directions to take. Mr Haomae: Is the Minister aware of an Sir, successful monitoring of these organized syndicate in Honiara targeting to get projects has been a problem area because of that money to be used in Honiara so that it does inadequate staffing in the Agriculture Planning not reach the rural farmers? Unit. My Department has taken action to recruit two trainer agriculturists to oversee the Hon LILO: Mr Speaker, yes both the Minister monitoring of these projects. Two more will be of Finance and I have received a report from the recruited soon. Extension staff also helps in Auditor General on the recent assessment of the monitoring these projects. use of this fund, and that matter is now currently being investigated by the office of the Auditor Mr Haomae: Supplementary question, Mr General and therefore it might be not proper for Speaker. Is the Minister aware that the bulk of us to delve into the substance of the issues the projects taken under the cocoa and coconut initially raised by the Auditor General. But, yes rehabilitation fund were given to people in the government is aware of it and on reflection it Honiara and not rural farmers? basically reflects the way the current criteria in the system put in place in implementing this Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, what the Ministry so particular project. I do not want to dwell into all far knows is that most of the proposals received the politics of it but I think it is proper for us to were on behalf of the rural populace. I do not say that, yes the office of the Auditor General is know whether the applicants are from Honiara aware of this issue and is now currently or from provinces but the budgeted allocation investigating it. were purposely for rural farmers. There are no substantiated evidences as to whether most of Mr SITAI: Mr Speaker, I just want to inform the applications belong to Honiara people but Parliament hence the Minister that two years ago rumors have it. Because the current allocation our constituency submitted a project to the was budgeted for by the previous governments Ministry for funding. So far we have never had this government will next year allocate to all any response from the Ministry. All we were rural farmers in the constituency its constituency asking for were empty drums for driers for our budget. Next year you will experience better farmers with wire netting and staple nails. So results in terms of equitable allocation to each far we have not had any response from the constituency. We are working on that. This Ministry nor the committee. Can the Minister year’s budget as I’ve said is your budget and that inform us as to why that is so? What is the is why all of us are now confused. You will see status of our application? Secondly, of all the a better budget next year that this government projects approved mentioned by the Minister can will formulate. That is the answer to my friend, the Minister also inform this Honorable the MP for South Malaita. Parliament how many have been approved for Makira/Ulawa Province? Mr Riumana: Supplementary question, does the Ministry have the capacity and logistic to Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker, when we passed the monitor the MOUs because even now the 2006 budget last year the previous government Extension Support Services is dormant due to started to implement the budgetary allocation in lack of logistic. Does the Ministry have the January. capacity to monitor the MOUs? When I came into the office, this Ministry most of the funds allocated under this Hon Olavae: Mr Speaker at the moment the year’s budget have already been spent and Ministry is working at recruiting more staff to already allocated to rural farmers. Around the meet all the requirements. That is what we have month of May I asked my officers whether there been doing. We are short of staff and we will be were some funds left for other rural farmers or accommodating that purposely to ensure all our other applicants, but I was told funds were plans are fully implemented. already allocated to applicants who applied last

9 year but were funded under this year’s project. mine. I am just putting to the House how long That is why most of the funds allocated have prospecting can take. already been spent. I do not think there are sufficient funds for this year and that is why this Mr Kengava: Mr Speaker, supplementary government will take on board a good portion of question. Why is it that mining or prospecting money for each constituency next year. takes such a long time? Is it because of the land As to how many projects were approved tenure system of this country or is it according to for Makira, I am sorry my Honorable MP but I time allowed in the Act? will have to find that out from my officers and let you know tomorrow. Hon Kaua: Mr Speaker, as you might be aware the work undertaken in prospecting is a very Mr Haomae: Mr Speaker I would like to thank technical area which takes quite sometimes the Minister for Agriculture & Livestock for his before results are coming forward. It has to take answers. sometime because of the technicalities involved in the actual prospecting and the identification, 17. Mr PACHA to the Minister for Mines & and analyzing of all prospecting items. There Energy: Can the Minister inform Parliament if needs to be time before the answer is known. steps have been taken to ensure that samples obtained in the course of prospecting are Mr Pacha: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank retained or properly kept in the country as the Honorable Minister for the answers. provided for in the Mining Act? STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS Hon KAUA: Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the Mr Fono: Point of Order Mr Speaker. I have Honorable Member for South Guadalcanal for given you notice to ask a question without notice asking this very important question. Sir, I wish under Section 21(4) of the Standing Orders. to inform the House and the questionnaire that under the current Mining Act there are and still Mr Speaker: Thank you very much for steps taking place for samples to be retained reminding me. I have forgotten it and during the course of prospecting by companies permission is granted that the Leader of the retained in the Department of Mines after Opposition ask a question without notice. relinquish of the prospecting area. QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE Mr KOLI: Mr Speaker, how many years does the government, in terms of prospecting, permit Mr Fono: Mr Speaker, this question is directed a mining company operating in a particular area to the Minister of Foreign Affairs relating to does sampling? public media concerning the arrest of the newly appointed Attorney General. Can the Minister Hon Kaua: The first prospecting license inform the House under what legal status is the normally takes two years and after that it can be newly appointed Attorney General of Solomon extended for a further three years after which the Islands, a foreigner is taking refuge at the actual mining should take place. Solomon Islands Embassy in Port Moresby?

Mr Abana: Mr Speaker, I would like to Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, I thank the Leader of the contribute to this paper. In terms of prospecting Opposition for asking the question. First and it can take a number of years. If I may refer to foremost whilst the person in question is a Gold Ridge as one of the first mining companies foreign national he has been appointed as the we have in the country. When I was a child still Attorney General under section 42 of the in primary school it started prospecting. Now I Constitution, and so in essence he is an officer am an old man and the mining has just started. of the Solomon Islands Government. Therefore, So it takes about 30 years of prospecting at Gold the government has the obligation to give Ridge, and to find results before starting to assistance where it can. His arrest in Port

10 Moresby, whilst there are complications have to interfere in the judiciary of another surrounding that particular case to which he is country even if someone is a citizen or a being charged, Solomon Islands is obliged to foreigner working for the government or private render assistance as much as possible until such whatever the case maybe, what power does the time the High Commissioner under section 22 of Solomon Islands Government have to act in the first schedule of the 1978 Diplomatic contrary to judiciary proceedings? Privileges and Immunities Act, which is the Vienna Convention 1961 on Diplomatic Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, at this stage we have yet Privileges. In fact he is kept at the High to give documentary evidence to confirm exactly Commission at the discretion of the High where the order came from to arrest the person Commissioner in accordance with Section 22 in question. We are working very closely with Schedule 1 of the Diplomatic Privileges and the Government of Papua New Guinea to Immunities Act 1978. establish whether or not it is an order within the jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea or from Mr Fono: Mr Speaker, does this newly without. For example, I have here an order by appointed Attorney General any diplomatic the Magistrate in Queensland Australia for the passport so that it qualifies him under the section arrest of the persons concerned to be seen in any quoted by the Minister? of the states in Australia. Definitely from within the territory of Australia there is such an order. Hon Oti: You do not have to travel under a We have yet to be furnished with an order of diplomatic passport to enjoy the availability of similar nature coming from the Magistrate of premises of a diplomatic mission under the Papua New Guinea. At this stage we do not Vienna Convention. have it yet. Mr Speaker, but definitely for his arrest in any of the states in Australia the issue Mr Huniehu: In the absence of the newly warrant by the Magistrate in Queensland is to appointed Attorney General, who is now the have him arrested should he be located legal counsel to Parliament? I understand the anywhere within the jurisdiction of Australia. Minister for Justice is a qualified lawyer but at This does not extend to any other jurisdictions the same time the Constitution clearly provides whether PNG or Solomon Islands. for the Attorney General to be the legal counsel for Parliament. So who advises Parliament Mr Fono: Why is the Government so now? concerned and insisted in getting this person in question given the wide publicity about his Mr Speaker: Under the relevant provision of dubious character? the Constitution section 42(4), it provides that it is only when the Minister appointed for the Mr Sogavare: Mr Speaker, the Government Minister for Police and Justice has no legal also has the same concern too. The case in qualification that the Attorney General attends question here is alleged to have been committed Parliament. Now that we have a Minister who is nine years ago. This individual has been in and legally qualified to practice law in Solomon out of the states of Australia all these years and Islands appointed as a Minister, the Attorney no attempt was made by Australia to arrest him General does not need to attend Parliament. if this issue is something that Australia is concerned about. However, it did not. It is only Mr Kemakeza: I guess the MP for East Are after this Government appointed this individual Are gets that answer before another to take up this important office in Solomon supplementary question to my hardworking Islands that Australia moved to arrest this Minister for Foreign Affairs. Mr Speaker, the person, and so there are a lot of funny things Attorney General was actually ordered by the going on here. Magistrate of Papua New Guinea to be detained The same thing applied to Justice in custody. Since he now disobeyed orders what Marcus Enfield Mr Speaker. This person serve power does the Solomon Islands Government the Australian judicial service for 40 years,

11 colorful service and no attempt was made to in PNG what is the Solomon Islands arrest him or to question his legal qualifications. Government position, will he still be employed It is only after the Solomon Islands Government as the Attorney General? appointed him to the Commission of Inquiry that Australia moved to start question his Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, depending on the cases qualification. This just goes to prove how far which he will be convicted on. His being Australia can shoot its own citizens. It does not detained in Papua New Guinea was basically on care about its own citizens if they are taking up extradition arrangement between Papua New responsibilities the Solomon Islands Guinea and Australia based on the crimes that he Government is giving them. And in the case of was acquitted of in Vanuatu in 1997, about nine the Commission of Inquiry that Australia is so years ago. He was arrested and detained. This concerned about, and it will be in the Statement really is not on this case because the crimes the Minister for Foreign Affairs will give this committed in Vanutatu, New Caledonia for morning to explain the position of the Solomon which he has been acquitted, now the order to Islands Government on this. arrest him only dated on the 29th September, Equally so, the Solomon Islands which is last week for crimes which he was Government too has concern over this and the convicted in Vanuatu, tried and acquitted. He is extradition laws are very clear. If the move to being held in Papua New Guinea to be extradited extradite this person to Australia is of a political to Australia to be tried in Australia for these ground then the government that protects that crimes which committed in Vanuatu for which person has no obligation to allow that person to the Vanuatu Courts have acquitted him. Can be extradited to that country. We are concern you see the other side of the system, networking both in here and Papua New Guinea that this or what? Crime committed in Vanuatu, thing is moved by politics and these two acquitted in Vanuatu by the Vanuatu Courts, countries have the obligations to protect the ordered for arrest 29th September 2006, held to person. Mr Speaker, thank you. be tried in Australia, held in Papua New Guinea to be extradited to Australia for these trials. So Mr Fono: Further supplementary question. the case in Papua New Guinea is about This really shows that the Government has not extradition, extraditing him from Papua New done any diligent check on the characters of the Guinea to Australia to face the charges for which individuals it appointed for these posts. he has been acquitted in Vanuatu. You don’t have to be a NASA scientist to work out what Hon Sogavare: Mr Speaker, if institutions, this is all about. legally established institutions are something to go by and decisions that the legal institutions Mr Huniehu: Mr Speaker, is the Minister made are something to go back, the Vanuatu aware that the decision made by the Australian Court has made a decision and acquitted that Government to re-examine him was based on person from this crime. This move is seen as the new revelations that the newly appointed Australia Government having no confidence in Attorney General must have tampered with the the Court System of Vanuatu. What is that Mr court’s decision in Vanuatu and therefore the Speaker, a foreign government playing a Australia has the right to demand its citizen to be bullying tactic to small countries like Vanuatu tried in its own country to face its own laws. Is and Solomon Islands? We are equally concern. the Minister aware of these new revelations or he is just giving defense of a person who must Mr Kengava: Mr Speaker, earlier on the be tried. Minister of Foreign Affairs alluded that there are no documents received by the Government to Hon Oti: If there were indeed new revelations prove any convictions by PNG. I want to know that are not contained in these charges, have you if such documents were in the government’s got them. hand or with the Solomon Islands Government. If the designated Attorney General is convicted

12 Mr Speaker: The Honorable Minister does Services Commission is satisfied and did the have a point that if you make a statement you appointment. need to substantiate it. If there are any new Mr Speaker, this issue is more involved revelations mentioned in Parliament could the than just Mr Moti and I don’t want to go into all honorable Member substantiate them? the details in here.

Mr Huniehu: Mr Speaker, I can substantiate Mr Haomae: Mr Speaker, there are rumors that what I said in Parliament. I can substantiate. Australia had cancelled the passport of the Attorney General. I would like to ask the Hon Sanga: Point of order Mr Speaker. I think Minister of Foreign Affairs for his indulgence if we make reference to court proceedings it whether that is true or not. would be helpful for this Parliament to obtain documents from the appropriate courts. Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, I will not answer rumors.

Mr Haomae: The newly appointed Attorney Mr Fono: Before thanking the Honorable General of Solomon Islands seeks refuge at the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Honorable Solomon Islands High Commission Office. Is Prime Minister, I think the Opposition is so he staying there as a government officer or just concerned about events which publicly tarnished like any one seeking refuge in the grounds of our the image of Solomon Islands, not only the High Commission in Port Moresby? Government but the nation for having appointed a Legal Advisor to the government who has very Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, I thought I made that dubious characters. And not only that but for a clarification when I answered the question. First foreigner to take refuge at our Embassy when of all, the government is obliged to assist him the High Commissioner is away in Fiji can be since he is the appointed Attorney General of seen as abusing sovereignty that we talked so Solomon Islands under section 42 of the much about. However, Mr Speaker, we leave it Constitution. as events are still happening and so we will find out what steps will be take. I hope the Mr Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, did the Minister Government is going to be serious in for Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister follow or reconsidering the appointment that is already even the Minister of Public Service follow tarnishing not only the individual himself but the proper procedures of recruitment to get a due government and our nation. diligence of this individual before considering him as the Attorney General? I say this because STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF the same individual was brought up during my PLANNING AND AID COORDINATION administration to appoint him in the Government service. What I did then was get a due diligence Mr LILO: Mr Speaker, thank you for granting report from the country he was a citizen of, in leave under Standing Order 24 to present a brief this case Australia. The question is, does this on the current state of the national economy. government done likewise before deciding Mr Speaker, I am delighted to report that otherwise. the National Economy has continued to rebound during this year. Domestic economic growth is Hon Sogavare: The body that does the forecast to remain stable at nearly 6% for 2006, appointment of the Attorney General is the and more than 6% is expected for 2007 Judicial and Legal Services Commission acting economic growth. on the advice of the Prime Minister. Relevant Mr Speaker, this is by far the fastest rate documents were submitted to the Commission. of economic growth in the South Pacific. The In fact there are exchanges of communication high economic growth is mainly attributed to between the Prime Minister’s Office and the growth in the forest sector. Strong growth has Judicial Services Commission over these issues. also been recorded in distribution and utilities At the end of the day, the Judicial and Legal sector.

13 Mr Speaker, the global economy by Sir, in terms of medium term economic comparison is forecast to grow by around 5.1% outlook, the national economy is making good in 2006. Nevertheless growth in the global progress. However, major challenges remain if economy is expected to slow marginally in 2007 we are to raise the living standards of all at around 4.9%. The growth forecast for our Solomon Islanders over the medium term. Sir, major trading partners in the Asia/Pacific region the biggest single pressure comes from our fast however, are also strong. This is good news for growing population. Currently the population is Solomon Islands. We are a small trading nation growing at around, as we all know, 2.8% per directly affected by the world economy. In this annum. This is one of the fastest population connection Mr Speaker, I am pleased to report growth rates in the world and to maintain our that all of our major export commodities have so current level of income per head the economy far registered increases in 2006. In the June needs to grow by the same rate as the quarter exports of timber, fish and copra were population. significantly higher than the same period in Mr Speaker, one our biggest challenges is to 2005. This is record high export receipts, more generate the broad base road necessary to than double export receipts in 2001. provide enough opportunities for our growing Mr Speaker, the overall balance of population, especially for our young people. A payments for the first six months to June 2006 is big contributor to our economy for many years a surplus of around 13.2million. This reflects has been the foreign sector. Currently it increases in export receipts and positive provides around two thirds of our export income outcomes in services, transfers and capital and around 15% of our economy. Its accounts. In addition donor assistance has contribution to national income and growth of remained strong. The gross internal reserves are the economy has offset weaknesses in other currently estimated at 755million, which is sectors of our economy. equivalent to about five months of import cover. Mr Speaker, presently we are exporting This is an increase of around 5% from the around 1million cubic metres of timber a year. December quarter in 2005. We cannot afford to be totally dependent on this Mr Speaker, amidst these very one commodity for growth of our economy. encouraging and promising developments there Without investment and growth in other sectors are a number of immediate risk and shocks to and industries any decline in incomes from our economy, most particularly oil prices and forest industries will reduce incomes for our inflation. Mr Speaker, the global oil price has people, particularly those living in rural areas continued to rise over 2006 and is expected to and resulted in a decline in our rate of economy remain high. This is mainly attributed to growth. This situation could occur within the strength in the world economy particularly from life of the current Parliament. Moreover sir, growth in China and India as well as constraints failing to create the conditions necessary for on supply. Higher oil prices have also strong growth of all key sectors of our economy contributed to upward price pressures in the could result in a significant decline in our real national economy both for our domestically annual growth rate. produced goods and our imports. Mr Speaker, if on the other hand we Sir, annual inflation continued to pursue vigorous reforms combined with prudent increase throughout 2006 rising to almost 10%. and physical and monetary management, the real Much of this is attributed to the high oil prices annual growth rate in the medium term could feeding into cost of transport and utility. Also remain high at six percent and raise the living contributing to price pressures in the economy is standards of all Solomon Islanders. our recent experience of strong growth together Mr Speaker, we cannot afford to wait. with capacity constraints. Domestic or We must act now. This is a role and international pressures are expected to diminish responsibility the government must take head-on in the near future. Accordingly inflation is in order to provide an enabling environment expected to remain around 10% through to 2007. which our economy can grow and thrive upon.

14 Mr Speaker, the path to achieving cease trading, but now SOLTAI can move ahead sustainable national development is to ensure as a major employer in the Western Province of diversified growth across the economy. Sir, the this country. government has developed a comprehensive The Government has also continued to economic development strategy. This strategy is show commitment to the Auluta Basin Palm Oil to maintain macro economic stability, increase Project in East Malaita. We are currently the return to Solomon Islanders from our natural engaging landowners and the Malaita Provincial resources, address key barriers to growth and Government to discuss the strategy of this take a bottom up approach to rural economic project. As stated earlier during question time development. the groundbreaking ceremony will be done in Mr Speaker, macro economic stability is December this year. Mr Speaker, in addition to the most important condition for economic all these initiatives the key to unlocking the growth. The government is committed to economic potential of this nation is to address maintaining macro economic stability and good barriers to growth in particular rural Solomon macro economic management. This entails Islands. working towards a low inflation environment Mr Speaker, there are three main areas and a stable financial system. The Central Bank to growth in our economy. First, is the distance of Solomon Islands has proved to be an able – our rural areas are disadvantaged by isolation steward of these key elements. and distance from markets. They also lack The Government is also contributing to access to telecommunication services, macro economic stability through its balanced electricity, water and sanitation and reliable fiscal policy. This means all of our spending is transportation. fully financed without borrowing. The The second key barrier to growth is our government has been actively pursuing regulatory and tax environment. Businesses in initiatives to help Solomon Islanders increase our economy are strangled by high tax rates, the return from their natural resources. During excessive regulatory costs and uncertainty when 2006 we saw the re-establishment of a number dealing with the government. of major businesses such as the Guadalcanal The third key barrier to growth is Plains Palm Oil Limited and the Pacific Timbers inadequate business skills and entrepreneurship Sawmill. Also important was the reopening of among our people. The Government is the Gold Ridge Mine. committed to removing these barriers to growth Sir, the Government is also involved in through the strategic framework for rural active negotiations to develop mineral projects development and other related economic in Solomon Islands. There are ongoing initiatives. To remove the barriers of distance negotiations with landowners at Mase on North that hinder the growth of our economic and New Georgia Island about a gold mine. The living standards of our people, we have put in Government is also continuing to support the place comprehensive reforms to the transport Bugotu Nickel Mine on Isabel although and communication sectors. negotiations with landowners and the Isabel Mr Speaker, transport is at the centre of Provincial Government have been delayed the government’s economic development because of legal proceedings. Also the strategy. The Government’s objective under the Government has received a progress report from National Transport Plan is to provide effective Sumitomo Corporation of its phase 2 transport infrastructure and efficient services and prospecting license report at Suri on North East to support, sustain economic growth and social Choiseul of its findings which should lead to development. This will include regular reliable another gold mine in three years time. and privately operated shipping services to all The Government has continued to areas. Shipping services will be supported by support our tuna industry. Earlier this year the both improved roads and air services. These Government announced an agreement with initiatives will help our people access markets SOLTAI to stabilize its debt situation. Without for their produce. this agreement SOLTAI would have had to

15 Mr Speaker, the Government has an Mr Speaker, action is also being taken to ongoing agenda to improve affordable access to expand access to financial services for those in telecommunication services by introducing rural areas. The government recently announced competition. The Government looks forward to a new credit guarantee scheme to help people working productively with Solomon Telekom on with robust business proposals to access this matter for the benefit of our people. commercial bank loans. The Government is also forging ahead Sir, steps are also been taken by with moves to improve the regulatory and commercial banks to expand their services to taxation environment facing business in the rural areas. More automatic teller machines or country. The Government has recently gazetted ATM machines are now being installed; mobile the Foreign Investment Act on the 26th June of banking is reaching rural villages with savings this year and since then I am delighted to report and micro credit products; the post office is that there has been serge of new investment offering banking services; and new bank registrations across almost all sectors of our branches are operating in rural commercial economy. centres. The government is seriously looking at Mr Speaker, I am also happy to report options for supporting the spread of these that the Business Law Reform Project launched services. this week is part of the Government’s Mr Speaker, the final element of our commitment to create a better business legal, economic development strategy and the key regulatory environment to ensure our people pillar of our strategic framework for rural participate in business and contribute to the development is the government’s constituency national economy. development model. This model will mobilize The National Tax System has become local communities in planning and development. outdated to the point that it works against This will provide a basis for better targeting business development. The Tax System government and donor support for our rural increases business input cost for local business communities, and thus building private sector operators. Worse still, some businesses and culture in our rural communities. families have to pay high rates of tax while In summation, Mr Speaker, our others get special deals through exemption and economy has continued to rebound. However, remission. We need a simpler system where our future growth will very much depend on everyone pays the fair share. A number of steps unlocking the economic potentials of our nation. have already been taken including exemption It will depend on helping our people particularly guidelines and cessation of round log export our rural people to actively participate in duty exemption. Soon the Government will growing our economy. It will depend on raising announce reforms that will reduce the cost of the incomes and standards of living of us all and import duties for local businesses. Over the not just a few. coming months the government will further This government has an economic progress the tax reform agenda by pursuing its strategy for our economy and people, commitment to abolish the Goods and Sales Tax particularly our rural people. The strategy will and substitute it with a better tax system. remove the barriers to growth. Sir, the Government is also committed This strategy will help our people to to providing support to local businesses access greater opportunities in an environment particularly in the rural communities. We have that encourages participation in the economy been concerned that assistance currently rather than being mere spectators. This strategy provided is not well targeted and not supporting will also help to provide the transport links our businesses that need it most. people need to access opportunities and markets. Sir, the Government is working on a It will help to provide better communications. It range of measures to provided effective will help our local entrepreneurs access finance assistance to local people to start and run a and build the skills necessary to run successful business including business skills training with businesses. It will provide a regulatory and tax focus on rural areas and provincial centres.

16 environment that encourages business and because of the cessation of exemption that has investment. been inherited over the years including the Mr Speaker, this government’s strategy previous government which the current is for us all. We will not leave anyone behind. government has put a halt to. That has made a Our rural development strategy will make sure lot of impact in terms of our fiscal revenue. of this. Our strategy and vision is for every That has given us a good ability to meet our Solomon Islander, from the biggest town and debts at this point in time. Thank you. cities to the most far flung villages to enjoy improved services, better infrastructure, greater Hon Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, I want to ask the opportunities and a higher standard of living. Minister on what is the government’s position in Mr Speaker, this government’s strategy relation to the national economic recovery will help Solomon Islanders to work and invest reform and development plan 2003 – 2006 in for the future – for the good of us all. which wider consultation was made between Thank you Mr Speaker. parliamentarians, provincial premiers, provincial governments, all government departments, Mr Speaker: Honorable Members would multilateral and bilateral donors, private realize that statements are not open for debate. companies, organizations, NGOs and individuals If one or two questions are essential they can be looking at the five important key areas, which received obviously but it is not for debate. are normalization of the law, order and security situation in the country. Strengthening Mr Fono: Mr Speaker, under section 24(2) of democracy, human rights and good governance, the Standing Orders questions can be raised. restoration of fiscal and financial stability and Can I ask a question to the Minister? reforming of the public sector and the list goes In his statement on the economy I have on. I would like to ask the Minister if he has not heard anything about repayment of our deviated from this important plan agreed to by loans. Have they been paid up to date or have this House, by all premiers, all departments, non we fallen back into arrears? governmental organizations as well as private companies? What is the position of the present Hon Darcy: Mr Speaker, I think I did refer to government when this important plan was that when I spoke on fiscal balance strategy that charged by non other than the Minister who is the government is maintaining at this point in making this statement? time and that is to avoid further borrowing and to look towards reductions in our total public Hon Darcy: Mr Speaker, the status of the debt stock. NERRDP 2003-2006 is still very much intact. A Mr Speaker, to date there has been a lot of programs and activities that have been significant reduction in public total debt of this identified and carried out under the NERRDP country. We have made a lot of progress in are still continuing. In fact, they are doing a lot terms of our domestic debts with repayments of good and positive outcome to the country, the made to major financial institutions. There have economy, and the social conditions of this been redemption of a lot of bonds and treasury country in terms of priority areas stated by the bills and some have also been restructured into honorable Member for Savo. new strategic securities that have been re-floated But at the same time, Mr Speaker, we into the securities market. On external debts we have to move on to create new grounds to build have made quite a lot of progress in terms of opportunities that have been made over the past repayment to some of our strategic lenders, and building them in a stronger way so as to financial institutions and donors, and therefore build a stronger future for this country. That is has continued to receive very good and basically what the government is doing by favorable response and communications from introducing the Rural Development Strategy that them. featured three key major elements I stated in my A lot of this and the ability of us in statement, which we believe will really drive the meeting our debts has been made possible economic growth of this country, not only at the

17 urban level but right down to the rural areas. Mr Sir, it is the government’s conviction Speaker, some parts of those new activities that that our people be appropriately informed will be incorporated into a new plan which is through this House about what transpired over now currently been carried out by all permanent the last few weeks in regard to the bilateral secretaries with close supervision by the Office relations between Solomon Islands and of the Prime Minister and my department, is the Australia, in particular what is now seem to be a incorporation of corporate plans that will really diplomatic stand-off between the two countries, unveil some of the key strategic areas the following the expulsion of Australia’s High government will embark on, building on to this Commissioner to Solomon Islands on the 12th very strong intention of the government to September 2006. approach development in this country from a Mr Speaker, respect for state rural development strategy. sovereignty is the cornerstone and the basis of international relations. This is a fundamental Mr Kemakeza: In the light of the Minister’s principle that sovereign states and governments, statement Mr Speaker, is the government whether large or small or weak, uphold in prepared to review the development plan to take conducting their diplomatic and bilateral onboard the policy directive of the new relations. It is also a conventional practice and government? Is that your intention? norm that diplomats are at least expected not to interfere in the domestic affairs of their host Hon Darcy: Exactly Mr Speaker. It is not a states. While they pursue their countries’ review to sideline NERRDP. It is a review to interests in the receiving state, they should not capture the good and strong programs out of undermine the policies of the host government. NEDRP and build it into a new program under One must demonstrate mutual respect and the Rural Development Strategy the government understanding. Sir, the expelled High is undertaking. Commissioner, in the judgment of the government violated these norms and practices, Statement by Hon Patteson Oti, Minister of hence was declared persona non grata on the 12th Foreign Affairs & External Trade on the September 2006. Diplomatic Impasse between Solomon Islands Mr Speaker, declaring a diplomat and Australia, Under Order 24 of the persona non grata is of course a very serious Parliamentary Standing Orders, on the matter in diplomacy, hence Australia’s strong occasion of the Eighth Parliament – First disappointment and anger over the action taken Session – Second Meeting, 3 October 2006 by Solomon Islands. However, Mr Speaker, the government firmly believes that it took the right Hon OTI: Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank action. The former Australian High you for the opportunity to make issue statement Commissioner blatantly undermined the policies on behalf of the government, under Order 24 of and initiatives of the Sovereign Government of the Parliamentary Standing Orders. Solomon Islands. He was expelled because he Mr Speaker, at the outset I would like to supposedly was campaigning against the take this opportunity to thank those in Solomon Government’s Commission of Inquiry Islands, more so particularly abroad, those who established to investigate the April 18 riots, have stated privately in support of actions the contrary Mr Speaker, to claims publicly Solomon Islands has taken. advanced by Australia wherein it was said that Sir, at the outset, I wish to stress and the High Commissioner was declared persona remind us, that this Honorable House is not only non grata because he (the former High the highest law and decisionmaking body in this Commissioner) was talking to the Leader and land, but is also a symbol of the sovereignty of Offices of the Leader of Opposition. Mr our people and country, Solomon Islands. All Speaker, that is not the reason for his expulsion. Members of Parliament are therefore duty bound Mr Speaker, as Minister responsible for to uphold, cherish and defend this sovereignty. Foreign Affairs and as a matter of duty within the portfolio I am in charge of, I feel obliged to

18 inform Parliament and only through Parliament, without incident is a clear indication of what I not the media and the people of Solomon Islands would like to call ‘political persecution’ by the events culminating in the expulsion of the Australia aimed at the Government of Solomon former High Commissioner on the 12 September Islands for its appointment of the individual as 2006. Attorney General. Mr Speaker, prior to taking the decision Mr Speaker, it has also become common to expel the High Commissioner, the Prime knowledge as was alluded to earlier by the Minister of Solomon islands telephoned on 11th Prime Minister that Australia has also smeared September, courteously requesting his the standing of one of its own retired judges Australian Counterpart to recall the High when that person was appointed to chair the Commissioner. The Prime Minister of Australia Commission of Inquiry to look into the April 18 Mr Speaker, blatantly refused to do so. Our riots. Prime Minister henceforth has no choice but to Mr Speaker, what we need to be declare the High Commissioner persona non consciously aware of is that Australia’s actions grata in accordance with Article 9 of the 1961 to these cases are deliberately targeting and Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular painting a negative image of the Government of Relations which are quite in order. The events, I Solomon Islands. have just relayed to you, happened in just two Mr Speaker, while in New York two days – 11th and 12th September 2006. weeks ago for the 61st Session of the General Sir, it is now common knowledge that Assembly, the Prime Minister and myself took Australia has taken retaliatory action by the opportunity, in fact we had appointments immediately canceling Australian multiple entry lined out particularly because of what transpired visas issued to all Members of parliament, here in September, to meet with a number of pursuant to section 1278 of the Australian leaders including the Prime Minister of Papua Migration Act 1958, and other subsequent New Guinea who is the current Chair of the enabling subsidiary legislations currently in Forum, the Foreign Minister of Australia, which force in the Commonwealth of Australia. I have I met personally, the Foreign Affairs of New my letter here dated 21st September 2006 where I Zealand which I met personally, the Foreign was informed that my visa has been cancelled Minister of Fiji, and of course the Prime within the provisions of the relevant laws of Minister had an audience with the Deputy Prime Australia, and I am sure other Members of Minister and Foreign Minister of Vanuatu. The Parliament who have Australian visas might Secretary General of the Commonwealth, the US have also been issued the same letter. I have Assistant Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific, and replied the letter and said thank you very much. lastly but not the least the United Nations Under I acknowledged the letter and I appreciate and I Secretary for Political Affairs. We took this comply with the laws of Australia. I have no opportunity to explain the Solomon Islands qualms about it. position on the apparent divide between Mr Speaker, Australia has also Australia and Solomon Islands. The Australian threatened to further punish Solomon Islands in Foreign Minister drowned in his anger took the the international arena, and indeed this is opportunity to label all political leaders in continuing. Sir, the detention that was Solomon Islands including those who have questioned this morning of the recently already passed away as corrupt. Might I also appointed Attorney-General last Friday in Port add that my colleague and Australian Moresby on his way to Honiara, is again read by counterpart, in my view demonstrated a lack of the Government of Solomon Islands as respect and accused us of not showing the Australia’s efforts to undermine the decisions of Pacific Way when we expelled his country’s the Sovereign Government of Solomon Islands. principle representative. However, Mr Speaker, The fact that the person in question was I very much regretted to have observed the exonerated from all charges in the Republic demeaning of the much talked about “Pacific Vanuatu about 10 or so years ago, has been Way” by those less qualified to discuss what the traveling to Australia since he was discharged,

19 “Pacific Way” might have meant in essence to RAMSI into the debate since RAMSI is a Pacific indigenes. regional initiative under the auspices of the Mr Speaker, it is important that Forum’s Biketawa Declaration. Solomon Islands maintains a consistent and Closely analysed, the stand-off is more clear position. The Government has adopted a to do with the conduct of Australia’s principle position on the matter, including charting a representative (the former one) than the overall possible way forward. The point of contention relations between the two countries, let alone the here is basically the terms of reference of the wider Pacific region. (We hope would not be Commission of Inquiry. drawn into the cobweb). Australia however, has In this regard, Australia as we all know, been standing firm behind the conduct of its has been actively campaigning against the former High Commissioner and considers the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, action taken by Solomon Islands as a big slap on particularly those paragraphs which relate to the the bilateral relations between the two countries. case of the two Members of Parliament who are Furthermore Mr Speaker, Australia in custody. It has been heard before the courts seems to have brought RAMSI into the stand-off of high court of Solomon Islands and cleared by and threatened that any moves by the Solomon the way. Islands Government to redirect RAMSI will lead Mr Speaker, a Commission of Inquiry is to the disintegration of RAMSI. The Australian a normal mechanism established under the laws Government has openly criticized Solomon of Solomon Islands, laws of this Parliament to Islands for failing to acknowledge its 800 investigate the circumstances surrounding a million Australian dollars assistance to Solomon particular event or situation. As far as this Islands under RAMSI. While we recognize and Government is concerned, the establishment of acknowledge RAMSI’s contribution to restoring the Commission is not only for the sake of law and order in the country, it would be transparency and accountability, the very same interesting to know how much of the 800 million principles that members of the international is actually spent in this country. But I guess Mr community including Australia have been Speaker, we cannot expect to have our cake and preaching about, but also as part of its genuine eat it, as far as Australia is concerned. efforts to address the root causes of the riots and Mr Speaker, as the main financier of the recent ethnic tension, thus enhancing long RAMSI, Australia will continue to use RAMSI term peace and stability in this country. We in its dealings with Solomon Islands. It is need to address the root causes of these events if becoming difficult to differentiate between we are to ensure sustainable peace, stability and Australia’s traditional bilateral assistance development in our country. program through AUSAid in Solomon Islands Sir, it is in our national interest to and Australia’s contribution to RAMSI in this proceed with the Commission, a point reiterated country. The bilateral package should not be by His Excellency, the Governor-General in his tied to Australia’s contribution to RAMSI and speech to Parliament yesterday. In this regard, vice versa. There needs to be a clear the Government welcomes and accepts the offer demarcation between the two. It must be noted by the Government of Papua New Guinea to that RAMSI is a partnership between the Forum provide a Chairman and a member of the Island Countries and Solomon Islands, and it Commission. It is the Government’s hope that must remain so. The fact that a particular the findings of the Commission will not only country pays for most of RAMSI’s operations shed light on the events of April 18, but also should not be a license to do whatever it wants assist the government in initiating the necessary to do with RAMSI. At least, this is the view of measures to prevent similar incidents from the Solomon Islands Government. happening in the future. Mr Speaker, the Pacific Islands Forum Mr Speaker, the current diplomatic through the Forum Chair, in our view, must now impasse is primarily a bilateral matter between take charge of the overall monitoring and Solomon Islands and Australia. It should not be supervision of RAMSI and coordinate any linked to RAMSI. We must avoid dragging discussions and dialogue concerning the future

20 of RAMSI. It is the position of the present diplomatic impasse. The expulsion of the Government that Solomon Islands and Australia former High Commissioner, in our view should should not discuss RAMSI matters directly but it now be a non-issue. The Government is must be done so through the Forum and its chair. prepared to consider Australia’s replacement for Mr Speaker, the review of RAMSI must the previous one and hope that he or she would also determine whether RAMSI is operating on demonstrate a better sense of understanding and the basis and principles of the Biketawa mutual respect including respect for the Declaration. If it is not, then RAMSI could lose principles of non-interference in the domestic its regional nature, which would be most affairs of Solomon Islands or any sovereign state regrettable and hence the answer to the question for that matter. of whose interests it really serves becomes more In looking for a way forward, Mr obvious. Speaker, the government is now engaging the Sir, the Government will be raising this kind support and services of officials from MSG issue at the upcoming Forum Leaders Summit in countries as a “go between” for Australia and Fiji later this month, in particular the need for an Solomon Islands with a set of options which independent body to review the operations of they will be putting to Canberra this Friday for RAMSI, with a view to strengthening RAMSI its consideration. We will await Canberra’s and in order for the people of Solomon Islands response before engaging in further dialogue. to sustain their trust and confidence in RAMSI. We hope the issue will be resolved prior to the Sir, in my meeting with the UN Leaders Summit in Fiji later this month so that authorities in New York, two weeks ago, I both countries (Australia and Solomon Islands) stressed the need for the international can rebuild their relations based on mutual community in particular UN agencies and understanding and respect for each other’s UNDP in particular to take a proactive role in sovereignty. implementing some of the development related Finally, but not the least, Mr Speaker, aspects of RAMSI. Indeed, Mr Speaker, the later this week we will be debating the motion UNDP Council approved the upgrading of the by the Leader of the Opposition on no UNDP sub-office in Honiara to country level confidence on the government. In debating the status in 2007 last month. We hope this motion and I am not debating the motion now, I initiative will see more the United Nations am just reminding us before that motion comes involvement in our rebuilding and development that in casting our votes, we must do so based on endeavours. our sound judgement of what is best for this Sir, moreover, Solomon Islands needs to country. explore and utilize the opportunities under The current diplomatic stand-off should South-South Cooperation, and that is not be used as a factor in influencing ones cooperation between developing countries. That position or vote. The stand-off is basically a tug is working closely with other developing of war on sovereignty. It is about a so called countries, as I said. The government in this fragile and weak state reminding a big and regard is in the process of exploring, I repeat, in powerful neighbour to observe and uphold the the process of exploring a number of technical principles of respect and non interference in the cooperation framework agreements with domestic affairs of another state or government. developing countries including South Africa, This Parliament, Mr Speaker, as I have India, Cuba, and we are in the place of said must remain a symbol of our country’s concluding one with the Republic of China in sovereignty and we should be proud and Taiwan. Mr Speaker, these would complement passionate in defending this sovereignty the existing cooperation and support we derive including defending it from outside influences from our traditional development partners and interferences. The onus is on every one of including Australia. us to make the right decision, and the right Mr Speaker, the Government is now decision is to support a government that is prepared to enter into dialogue with Australia to working diligently against all odds to maintain find an amicable solution to the current

21 its sovereign rights including shaping the destiny regardless of who. It is the laws that are enacted of its people and future generations. by Parliament – the constitution, the regulations I thank you Mr Speaker sir. is where our sovereignty is based on. When I said defend the sovereignty I mean defend the (applause) laws of this country including the laws to appoint who we want to appoint which is Mr Speaker: Are there any one or two contained in the provisions of our constitution. questions anyone may wish to raise? Thank you Mr Speaker.

Mr Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, the same Member Mr Kemakeza: The Minister mentioned other of Parliament who is now the Minister for countries for bilateral assistance or multilateral Foreign Affairs moved a motion against my like Cuba and Africa. During that time Mr government in 2001, 2002, in fact two motions Speaker, the same Minister for Foreign Affairs over the issue of sovereignty because it was ended up in Cuba. What was the response at claimed that sovereignty is in the hands of a few that time when you were in desperate need as individuals in Solomon Islands and not in the compared to this time that has not come to our hands of the people of Solomon Islands. That assistance? was the meat of the motion. Here you are, the same Member of Mr Oti: Mr Speaker, nothing is static. Nothing Parliament, now a Minister is now questioning is static in this world, forever it is just moving the word ‘sovereignty’ Mr Speaker. To me especially in the age of globalization. In sovereignty must first of all be demonstrated at particularly what is now happening globally is home likewise in 2001 – 2002. that more and more and developing countries are Where do you draw the line, Minister in finding it easier for them because of their similar situations of that nature? First of all sovereignty situations and circumstances to work laterally must be in Solomon Islands before the outside and that is across themselves than opposed to world is recognized. In this case that was the vertical cooperation, which is developed meat of your motion that very few people of countries against developing countries. Because Solomon Islands have, and this is looking at of the experiences and situations that a lot of your statement. Where do you draw the line in developing countries including we in Solomon situations like this where very few people in Islands, some of our situations cannot be Solomon Islands hold the sovereignty of this addressed by developed countries. They can nation? My government then cannot operate in only be assisted through the assistance with the hands of a very few people. Here we have cooperation engaged with developing countries other people coming in to help us bring back our because of similar situations that exist and we sovereignty in Solomon Islands. see it from the same lens, understanding each The question is Mr Speaker, where do other and more so when we come down to the you draw the line in situations like this? region and then go further down to the sub regions. Like in the MSG you will see that Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, I can draw the line only cooperation is very easy. It does not really need in terms of the difference of the situation that he us thinking about it very much. We are just one made reference to and the current situation we people. People like to work better with people are in now. These are two different situations you know than those you do not really know. I and I will have to excuse my memory if indeed think this is a new paradigm in international that was the gist of the motion made reference to relations in so far as cooperation between by the honourable colleague MP for developing countries is concerned, and that is Savo/Russells. what I made reference to as in the South-South I just like want to say here that Cooperation. sovereignty does not lie in people. Sovereignty The MP for Savo/Russells made lies in institutions, laws and the constitution of reference to the case of Cuba. Yes, in 1998 and this country. That is where sovereignty lies, we were in the process of concluding something

22 then when events overtook us. We met again Mr Kemakeza: Mr Speaker, because the with Cuban officials in June 2006 at the ACP Member for East Are Are is outside of the Council of Ministers in Port Moresby and they question, let me come into the question. are interested to revisit the areas that we want to Mr Speaker, the Minister of Foreign cooperate in. Mr Speaker, while we were at the Affairs graduated in foreign relations, and that is United Nations for 61st General Assembly the his profession. He is very experienced on this Prime Minister had audience with the Vice issue, and I thank him for his understanding. President of Cuba. Perhaps with your These organizations have syndicates Mr indulgence Mr Speaker, I will ask the Prime Speaker, and similar situations and thank you for Minister to just clarify the kind of discussions driving at Africa, Zimbabwe. What is the that took place between himself and the Vice different situation, still on diplomacy area, the President in terms of what I mentioned in the situation in Zimbabwe that you look at as future statement – “exploring”, we are exploring focus for Solomon Islands? options. We are not concluding anything, but we are exploring what we can get and what we Hon OTI: Mr Speaker, I’ve not really heard can give. Thank you Mr Speaker. what the MP was saying but is he is saying of the behavior of Zimbabwe in the international Mr Huniehu: Mr Speaker, it is a pity that the community especially within the bilateral relationship between Solomon Islands Commonwealth, of course it has been expelled I and Australia is taken on the floor of Parliament think from the Commonwealth. What the when the whole question really started with the Honorable Member is saying is how this stand-off between the present government and situation is developing that we might end up like the legal fraternity. The stand-off between the the case of Zimbabwe. present government and the legal fraternity then Mr Speaker, in our discussions, snowballed into the issue of a diplomatic Zimbabwe’s case is currently dealt with under relationship with Australia and Solomon Islands. CE because that’s the Commonwealth expert The Minister of Justice is sitting very quietly not advisors Secretary General. That is why we had knowing what to do I guess or maybe waiting an audience with the Secretary General of the some questions for him to clarify. Commonwealth in the Commonwealth at New I think the bilateral issue is very York last two weeks basically to measure up and secondary. What this Government needs to to inform them of the situation here, and they clarify to the floor of Parliament and to the will have the right to carry out their own people of this country is the stand-off, the assessments and when they think we are now relationship between the legal fraternity and the qualified to be put as Zimbabwe on this matter government. It is the independence of the then they will tell us. But in the interim I think judiciary that is in question here. it does not warrant any action to be taken to that I want one of those good Ministers to extent. Thank you Mr Speaker. give Parliament some qualified and dignified answers please. Mr Fono: Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister for clarifying the involvement of the outgoing High Hon Oti: Point of order. In regards to Commissioner. It is not so much on talking with statements issued under Order 24, I think the the Leader of the Opposition or Members on this honourable Member should make short side of the House as propagated by the media questions. I cannot respond to the questions before he left. Thank you for clarifying that. because they fall outside the purview of the My question is, Mr Speaker, can the statement that was made. Minister inform the House that he has personality differences with the outgoing High Mr Speaker: I was going to say that too Commissioner during the last Government when honorable Minister. he was also a Minister, which maybe those personality differences gave rise to advising the Prime Minister to expel the High Commissioner,

23 and not so much his political influence. I would again based on mutual respect for one another. like the Minister to confirm whether he has any Where we have committed mistakes we can personality differences during the last revisit those and rebuild on where we are government when he was a Minister in the currently at. But I’d like to dismiss any claims previous government. or any insinuations that it has to do with a situation that I was involved in, in 2004. Hon Oti: Thank you Leader of Opposition for that question. Yes, unfortunately I would not Mr Speaker: That is the end of questions to that like to be read along those lines because particular statement. personality does not come in the conduct of government business. Of course, we might have BILLS differences outside but that should not be the Bills – First Reading basis. The 2006 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2006 Mr Fono: Point of Order, Mr Speaker. Human as we are a man can use his personality MOTIONS differences to influence government decisions therefore compromising sovereignty. Hon TAUSINGA: Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to respond to the motion before Hon Oti: Mr Speaker, I would like to be us to offers words of thanks to the Speech from informed of any particular time that I revisited the Throne delivered by His Excellency, the the problems that arose between myself and the Governor-General on 2nd October 2006. High Commissioner in December 2004. I have Perhaps, Mr Speaker, to start my discussions on not. I have been dealing with the High the Motion, I want to share an anecdote that I Commissioner on official business and had previously. My first overseas official duty encourage him in terms of dialoging on bilateral since the inauguration of the Solomon Islands issues. Of course, I am in a weak position to Government on April and May this year was a defend it, but I think you can get a view from the trip to Japan. The meeting was for leaders of former High Commissioner whether in fact in Forum Countries, the Prime Ministers and his reading it has to do with it. Presidents to discuss Japanese Aid Assistance to In the statement I issued I simply made the Forum Countries and to advance the Pacific reference to particular issues that he has been Plan. Except for Fiji represented by the Minister involved in, and I do not see in those any of Foreign Affairs and Solomon Islands personality clashes come in so far as my person represented by myself, the Deputy Prime to person engagement. In fact I am a very good Minister, all Forum Countries were represented friend of the former High Commission, only as a by the Heads of Government, Presidents and matter of principle this is where we apply the Prime Ministers. I had a suit on, a mandarin laws. There’s nothing dubious, there is nothing collar, the collar-less all the days of the meeting. illegal about it as they are all within the laws of The suit I wore, Mr Speaker, the mandarin collar Solomon Islands. Australia also abides to the might have given the impression to my same Vienna Convention and all the colleagues that I was a Minister of the Church or International Community. That particular perhaps an evangelist, and so after the second provision has been applied to Australia in the day’s meeting my secretary came and told me past in 1947 in Korea, in the 90’s a that my colleagues were curious and asked representative of New Caledonia. In fact in whether or not I was the Minister of the Church. Vanuatu a while ago the expulsion of the First I asked the Secretary what did he tell them. I Secretary of the Australian High Commission was much more interested in how much my also happened. These are normal practices. In Secretary knows about me than what my our research we found that countries take this colleagues would want to know. “I told them opportunity to check each other and to size up, that you are not but that you came from a measure up and as everyone knows we can start missionary family background” he replied. I

24 was amused of his straightforwardness; he all citizens to help each other improve their lives pulled no punches because there are times that I thus the country. love to pull people’s legs. Secretary, I said in Mr Speaker, I hold the view that men reply you have just made a great mistake. He who seek to alter life for living usually find looked at me with some bewilderment. How, he themselves in vicious circle and usually live in responded. You know, I continued, you should illusion and can outrun by time. It is illogical have told them that I am a Minister and I also to even contemplate the notion to seek to represent the Universal Church of Solomon alter living for life. The reality is, it is easy for Islands, the Solomon Government. But the life and living to alter man. And so those who difference between the ordinary church and the seek to improve their lives do so because they universal church that I represent in the meeting, want improved life from the experiences of I went on, is that the church collects offerings discomforts of their everyday lives. The pain of from members whilst the government collects not having sufficient food for the family and aid grants from strangers. The church speaks to children on the table, the inadequate basic the hearts of members whilst the government comforts the family failed to enjoy, lack of fuel speaks to the minds of strangers. The church for lighting, inadequate household needs, speaks from the Holy Scriptures whilst the inadequate medical attentions or services for a governments speaks holy from constitutional sick child, lack of medicinal provisions, the poor liberator and policy manuals. The church speaks health of a family, the banishment of a student with charisma and straightforwardness whilst the from school because of the inability to pay government speaks with diplomacy that many school fees, are sufficient reasons to men’s times goes wrong. I ended my little dialogue earning and strive to improve life. with my Secretary that next time they ask please Thus, Mr Speaker, the logic is that do tell them that I am a preacher, an advocate on improved life of every individual is the almost anything and a Minister. The improved welfare of the country and a testimony opportunity did not come our way, my Secretary to economic and social advancement of the gave up my obscurity and so I missed what country. In the context of Solomon Islands an should have been my amusement. With that improved life of an individual is the improved story to begin the day, I am duty bound now to life of communities, thus a testimony to social accept the formality of this meeting. and economic progress put together and Mr Speaker, I am indeed delighted to becomes scanty wide make the outcome a have been given the opportunity to respond and sovereign state of Solomon Islands. Therefore, thank his Excellency, the Governor-General for the fundamental development consideration in the Speech from the Throne that was delivered at focus expounded by the speech from the throne the opening of Parliament yesterday. This is the aims at improving the life and lives of our fourth time that I perform the duty to offer citizens. The new political directions necessary thanks to his Excellency, the Governor-General to take the nation forward, the pressing issues for the speech from the throne for the past years. facing our people, the identified prospects that The opening ceremony of the Parliament will help our people and the nation to achieve and upon which the speech was pronounced improved life and thus national prosperity. This though simple was indeed significant. It was consideration, Mr Speaker, the speech testified significant not because it was traditional in its are the basis upon which the government deliverance, not because it was a speech from advance its governance to provide for the the throne thus represents the monarch, neither it environment conducive to people’s participation is significant because it was addressed to the in activities that promised them an improved life assemblance at the opening, but rather the and living. There can be no better choice then to speech from the throne promises the citizens of identify the involvement of the people, the real the country, Solomon Islands that the people in making Solomon Islands propel into Government has identified their development the future. needs and new political directions that summon The bottom up approach is indeed recognition of the participatory role by the

25 people and their resources, and to use the quote Though living and non living resources are from the speech, ‘a bottom up and holistic usually considered to be separate, however, both approach that encompasses the empowerment of are inextricably interlinked as they are both basis the villages through appropriate rural for the advancement of human life and welfare advancement strategies’. This, Mr Speaker, is and the strength of a country. what I term putting human face into the I concur to the fact, Mr Speaker, that we have economy. It is now time that all of us give our immense wealth in Solomon Islands from the support and immediately identify areas where beautiful people to beautiful sceneries, from land our rural people can engage in economic and under the land to the sea and under the sea, activities, the appropriate infrastructures to the marine life and fisheries. It maybe facilitate these activities and the adjustment of conceived that we are reminded of the vast and related institutions both public and commercial immense wealth that Solomon Islands have on to give importance to these initiatives. land and in the ocean - the land, the forest, the The intention to work on the pressing fisheries and marine resources. But to be issue as well as the identified prospects is a reminded is to stay focused and to remain result of our desire to put in place appropriate focused for purposes of development of the measure that can enable us to provide for the natural resources come many challenges. improvement of life and the lives of the people. Because, Mr Speaker, the development The choice of the theme “creating a new and of these resources is indeed a testimony of better Solomon Islands” is relevant and human activities and with human activities come important indeed. It is relevant and important environmental and conservation issues. In other because the theme relates to the question of words, the development of natural resources is “how can we make Solomon Islands better for human activity for human needs. Human ourselves and our children”. I am satisfied that activity and human needs are environmental and the Government is putting policies sufficiently conservation issues, environmental and aggressive and people related as well as conservation issues are resources management resources utilization focused to help in creating a issues. Resource management issue is a national better Solomon Islands. duty and national duty is every body’s duty and Creating a new and better Solomon everybody’s duty makes it relevant that we have Islands or to put it in a question “how can we the duty to meet the challenges on the make Solomon Islands better for ourselves and development of this resources. This our children”. The speech from the throne consideration my honorable colleagues make it expounded on the premises of the government all more appropriate for the theme to be relevant that sought to create a new and better Solomon and important. Islands. But to make a new and better country I am in agreement to the view that the requires that we must develop our resources and immense wealth we have from the land and the thus the theme is important because in creating a sea must be properly managed. The national new and better Solomon Islands it relates to the policy emphasizes clearly policy directions, development of our natural resources, the legislative instruments, institutional management of our natural resources and our strengthening and sustainability. Our deficiency usage of them to better the lives of our people. to advance the national policy statement is on Quite often we start to develop these natural technical and human resource capacity, and it is resources and quite often we are blinded by of importance that the government continues our economic and profitability that we sacrifice our important partnership with donor countries and resources with minimal gains and unsustainable to also seek from them where possible assistance exploitation that insignificant gains by the of these limitations. people. But we must allow the development and But I suppose, Mr Speaker, that the utilization of these resources both living and non significant single determining factor for natural living. Their development is significant for resources development is land. Land, its purposes of improving and providing quality life ownership arrangement, its usage and potential and lives for people in Solomon Islands. usage, is the base upon security and comforts of

26 life and lives of individuals, families and the In Solomon Islands, Mr Speaker, no one country can be improved. And thus we all should be landless. Customary ownership and recognize that land is the foundation upon all rights do not allow this. But I suppose the other developments to improve life and lives can question before and the subject of the be sourced from and so it is right that we government’s future consideration is not the consider ways and means to properly use it to mismatch of customary ownership of land and better the life and lives of the many subjects we state ownership concept embodied in our land profess and assign to serve throughout the policies or development policies and legislation. country. In other words, land is the basis for the Not a landless that the law made out of our survival of people in the country or all life forms people, nor the other nation of customary land in or humanity on earth. But we tend to see land the early years of colonization or the for self and disregard the sacred nature of land inadequacies of land usage and development but that is shared by genealogies and relatives and rather the question of how we can organize support individual who reside on it. people’s potentials and it led them to the land, The many litigation over ownership of and in view of making both the land and the land, disputes about chieftaincy over the tribes people become productive and thus improved that own the lands, litigation about investment their life and lives thus contribute to social and interests on the land and the many disagreement economic advancement of the country. between brothers, uncles and members of the Yes, land is important for it is the basis tribes and landholding groups of the activities on upon which all developments are founded, and the lands and in respect of the cash benefits, sum so it is pleasing to note that the government is up our self importance and above all the life keen to find ways to get people to actively support nature of land for all who are entitled to participate in developments and opted for live on it. Often we are short in our memory relevant land reforms that can advance the life that the many endless disputes we have over and lives to a standard reasonable and customary ownership are hindrance to comfortable for the families. developments. Many people, particular Sir, I have briefly mentioned the expatriates suggested that customary tenure of potential we have in terms of mineral deposits land in Solomon Islands is not conducive to and the development and development focus and economic and commercial development. Yes, the challenges that generally come with such observation maybe true because of development of the resources. Solomon Islands, comparative analysis with other contrasted for example has high potentials for the discovery ownership in other countries. Such reasoning is of high grade mineral deposits - copper, oil, from a mind set that is from the state ownership nickel, possibly call it the gemstones and frame of mind. Such a mind set failed to seek to offshore oil and gas deposits as well. But you understand the customary tenure and to make will agree with me, Sir, the development of any efforts to assist in reform that can help in the deposit of any minerals is a complex process freeing of the land for the people and the tribes that involves good knowledge of our geology, its to use but without alienating the owners. effective promotion and facilitation of The common law of settlement of land exploration activity and of course the land disputes, the court adjudication that is based on ownership and lease arrangement of the land. evidence is relevant though the general Hand in hand with these is our ability to monitor application in the customary ownership concept projects, their progress, economic and social is indeed a mismatch. The test that is usually impacts so that we can ensure the development applied in litigation so that many people should is sustainable and environmentally friendly as have rights and who are from the same much as possible. genealogies in many circumstances, become All these require an appropriate policy landless. This is the mismatch of our customary and legislation be put in place and technical tenure and common law principles that was capability to effectively implement and monitor based in state ownership concept. the progress of mineral exploration and development must be provided. If what we

27 called the Solomon Islands first mine at Gold skills to better themselves. Our concern must Ridge in Guadalcanal was commissioned in also be those who are pushed outs and who will 1998 and as an omen of improved life for the end up as fishermen, farmers, shop owners in the people and an economic bonus to our evolving villages. These are people that need our support trade and industry sectors. The closure came in marketing their products. I am pleased that about two years later as a result of the ethnic the rural approach initiated by the government is unrest - a demonstration of what man can do to a vehicle upon which such considerations can be himself and the country. The closure and the advanced. consequent damage to the infrastructures had far On health services, I had the opportunity reaching repercussions for the exploration recently to co-host the handing over ceremony industry with the Solomon Islands being tagged of equipments from the Republic of China to the with a-too-difficult to deal with image. It is Peoples’ Referral Hospital, popularly known as satisfying to note that serious attempts have the Honiara Referral Hospital. Present at the since been made to have the mine reopened and handing over ceremony were the Taiwan Mobile it is the desire of the people and the government Medical Mission, the Republic of China to reach some understanding and have the mine Ambassador, medical professionals and opened as soon as practicable. Essentially executives and the public. The donation of preparatory works are now in progress that equipments and medicines spoke volumes about should see the reopening of the mine in mid the concern of the Republic of China on the 2007 or as soon as practicable. health of the people of Solomon Islands. It is Mr Speaker, our people and our country strive indeed gratifying to note that though these towards greater economic stability and better people are from a far away country, they are livelihood for the people. A major impediment important to the health of the citizens of the has always been the continued rise of energy country. But that is one side of the coin. costs and the immediate future does not promise In that occasion Mr Speaker, and on my us any reasonable hope. It affects both small remarks are attempted to establish an atolls and large islands in our country. And as understanding which I want to share with you. the demand for better and quality services from Solomon Islands is interdependent with other our people continues, the government must countries of the world. Traveling from countries execute the implementation of the national plans is now made easy and as the world becomes for greater use of renewable energy options – smaller because of modern transport and winds, bio fuels, coconut oils etc, etc. technologies, the influence of global The vast distances within and between communities have a direct impact on the health islands made transportation additional to the of people. The eating habits, the choice of food costs. This therefore reinforces the urgency of we eat, the many choice over the many drinks the option for renewable energy. we have, the diseases that respect no territorial On education, Mr Speaker, it is the duty boundaries, HIV/AIDS, tuberculoses, diabetes of the people and the government to provide and other contagious diseases. These diseases quality education for the children of the country. are threats to human lives. But if there is Many believe that education is the powerhouse anything I need to establish perhaps it would of the country. I think those who believe so have to be the fact that medical and health have every reason to tag education as a services are usually provided for individual powerhouse because it appears that it is the whose physical health are in need of medical ticket to cope with modernization and a passport attention and cure. to improved life and lives of the people. However, this must not be misconstrued The skills that children learn shall to mean that the National Referral Hospital or enable them to face challenges in their lives and the Ministry of Health and Medical Service is make life reasonable and comfortable. solely responsible for the health of every citizen However, there must be a balance between of the land. This contemplation is misguided educating the children of the country and the understanding because men as an individual creation of opportunities for the exercise of their alone is responsible for his/her own health.

28 What do you do with your own health is what with. In such a situation the option available for you decide to do with your life. In other words, both Solomon Islands and Australia must opt for the health you choose to enjoy is the life you a win- win situation and must not have hard want to live. So whilst we are being assisted by feelings towards each other. donor countries in our medical and health Mr Speaker, I will now come to the services we must not be complacent and forget conclusion of my discussion on the motion, and that the health of Solomon Islanders must be as I said the motion is a vote of thanks to His controlled and regulated from within the Excellency, the Governor-General for the country. This simply means that health is an Speech from the Throne. It does not require me individual duty and thus one must care for ones to submit argumentative debates. Debates own health. If everybody does care for their argumentative can come later in the own health, the cost of medical services can be supplementary appropriation bill that is being set greatly reduced and men can become simple and down for second reading in days ahead. enjoy life to the fullest. Sir, I wish to reinforce that the Mr Speaker, my colleague, the Minister observations I made in my remarks is merely to of Foreign Affairs had just informed the House thank His Excellency the Governor General and of the current diplomatic impasse between the Speech from the Throne. Solomon Islands and Australia. I wish to make I wish also to reinforce that the a short observation though I am not an expert in observation that I have made on my remarks to diplomacy. I tend to observe that there is a the Governor General focused on the need to misunderstanding that exists on the part of the improve people’s life and lives. People make up leaders of Australia. The Commission of the country and thus if people’s life and lives are Inquiry into the riot is an exercise to identify the improved then there is improvement in the causes of the disorder that saw the devastation of country. To this extent, the observation made by our capital. This consideration emerges forth his Excellency the Governor General and I from the rationale that the country needs to quote, “The future of Solomon Islands passes know what went wrong in order to avoid the through the family” holds the truth. same mistake in future, simple as that. Mr Speaker, I wish to again thank His The concern that the Commission of Excellency the Governor General for the Speech Inquiry will interfere in the Judiciary is a from the Throne once again. I thank him on consideration that had been determined by the behalf of the people of North New Georgia Court and therefore a non issue. The fear that constituency and I wish him and his good lady RAMSI officers or the Solomon Islands Police God’s blessings and happiness. God saves Force will be implicated is insignificant, Solomon Islands from shore to shore. I beg to particularly if one holds the view that we are move. attempting to identify our role and seek to put things right. (applause) I think as a sovereign nation we are entitled to peace in our country, and for those The motion is open for debate who love peace, we should help each other to make peace a reality and for the solace of our Sitting suspended for lunch break children. I am always reminded of relevant songs to relevant situations and one that came to mind is, “Oh freedom, oh freedom. Oh freedom Sitting resumed at 2 pm over me, over me, and before I’ll be a slave, I’ll be burred in my grave and go home to my Lord Mr KEMAKEZA: Mr Speaker, as noted there and be free”. seems to be no quorum but since nobody would Mr Speaker, if freedom is fundamental like to take the floor I will take the floor. and a basis of sovereignty, and if sovereignty is Sir, the other side of the House is empty. seen to be tampered with then I submit that my Mr Speaker, before I touch on the speech from freedom to decide for my country is tampered the throne, I first of all would like to thank the

29 mover of this motion for introducing this motion advice to the Prime Minister then there is break for us to thank his Excellency the Governor- down in political direction. General. These are very important people in the Mr Speaker, in doing so I also would Prime Minister’s Office. You have been a Prime like to reiterate what the mover has said. Minister in the past, Mr Speaker, and you know However, I am a little bit confused whether I am this. I thank now the Minister of Mines and going to debate the speech from the throne or the Energy who used to be my Secretary to Prime speech from the Deputy Prime Minister. It is Minister and Cabinet. He is very experienced in quite unusual, Mr Speaker, as it seems to be that that post. I wonder why the Prime Minister did there are two statements from the Government not seek his advice as well as the Minister of and so it confuses if not this side of the House Public Service and many other great leaders on then myself. that other side when making this statement. Mr Speaker, also I am not a Minister or If I were on that side, Mr Speaker, I Pastor or Priest or Bishop as the mover has said would consider their future because if they but I am a very committed Christian. advise the Prime Minister wrongly then they Mr Speaker, I would also like to take deserve to be disciplined or if they don’t advise this opportunity to join the mover, the Deputy the Prime Minister then the Prime Minister must Prime Minister in thanking his Excellency the explain where he gets his advice from. Governor-General for taking the trouble or the Mr Speaker, when you look at this decision to deliver the speech from the throne. I speech I would like to thank the government for also would like to thank the Government for taking my advice during the first meeting. I said making this important speech outlining the that if there are some good policies of the policies of the government. In doing so, Mr previous administration it would be good to take Speaker, I would like to congratulate the them on board. They are not bad but are for the government which I have very high respect on good of this country and people. They are the members of the Grand Coalition for Change. collectively formulated policies, especially the Great leaders are on the other side, NERRDP, the National Economic Recovery and which the Member for Savo/Russells has every Development Plan of the previous respect for them, especially the Prime Minister administration and so is the policy of the and the Deputy who is a long serving Member of government. Parliament. Mr Speaker, I called this speech from I also would like to congratulate the the throne an acknowledgement of what the Prime Minister for appointing advisors to previous government has done. There is nothing government departments especially the new in this speech. I haven’t seen any single Permanent Secretaries and for further endorsing area in the speech that talks about political my appointment. Almost all Permanent direction. No more, no less. It is just empty Secretaries that I appointed during my time have statements. been reappointed. I thank the Prime Minister for The performances and activities of the that because they are the backbone of the government now as stipulated in this speech, is government machinery and they are advisors to only talking too much and doing very little or if the Ministers in the important portfolios they not nothing at all. look after. I am even surprised Mr Speaker, that His But I am rather disappointed that the Excellency the Governor-General has seen it fit Secretary to Prime Minister and Cabinet is not to come and deliver these empty promises for here in Parliament for the second time. No this country and people. It is a mockery of the wonder the Prime Minister made some very, Head of the State with all high respect to that very ill decisions because he does not have an office. I must warn him that he ensures that advisor, likewise the Special Secretary to the office is not politicized. Prime Minister and the Chief of staff. If these Let me say this with justification. The three important qualified officers cannot give last speech from the throne was in 1998. You were the Speaker at that time. And do you know

30 what happens to that speech from the throne in The roadmap by the previous 1998, the country collapsed, the end of it, back administration is private sector driven and the to zero. For that reason my government who has model for that is the former SIPL. That’s how been in power for four years did not want to we started it and the second one is the Auluta make a mockery of the Head of State to deliver a Basin which the Minister for Agriculture cannot speech from the throne. give proper answers to this morning. It seems I know this speech is untimely, it is that he loses touch of the policy directives of this uncalled for and it is all about acknowledgement undertaking. of the previous administration. That is all I have Mr Speaker, I cannot understand why seen in this speech. I will go into the details of the government cannot draw up the 2007 the speech later on, Mr Speaker. estimates, and instead said it is a new concept by There is no meeting, no highlight of the the Minister of Finance, my good friend. I government’s achievements, nothing. It is just would like him to harmonize these two reports. talking too much with doing very little. No I will assist him do that, and I will not talk like wonder the Minister of Finance said he has no the Deputy Prime Minister who is out of the time to formulate the 2007 budget. Why, may I concept by going back to old dreams. So there ask? I am at home when I heard my friend, the is nothing in this speech and I will justify this MP for Aoke/Langa Langa, the Minister of later on. Finance talking saying he has no time because Sir, this is the 1998 speech from the he wants to put a new policy directive. throne, but by different well respected people Let me inform this House that the policy but the same. The SIAC Government is the directive the Minister of Finance talked about is government for change and now there is also this one, the Aoke/Langa Langa Constituency another government for change that comes up Apex Association. That is what he would like to with this speech. talk about because inside it talks about 50 I thank you for acknowledging the SIPL. constituencies, and let me quote. He said, “in I thank you for acknowledging SOLTAI. I order to make development planning people thank you for acknowledging the Gold Ridge. I centered it is recommended that 50 thank you for acknowledging the roadmap. I constituencies become a community based thank you for acknowledging the services. I units/organizations to be charged with planning thank you for acknowledging law and order. I of either people or communities for the purpose thank you for acknowledging the economic of facilitating, coordinating and supervising the growth of the country at 5.5%. I thank you for implementation of that development plan”. It is acknowledging the services that are now a project profile for this. provided. I thank you for acknowledging the Further on, on page 7 who is to fund infrastructures. I thank you for all these. But this? It is aid-donors and this is quite different what have you achieved from April up to now? from the old roadmap. Sir, the new roadmap for Nothing but creating enemy, enemy, enemy, and economic recovery and development for the doing nothing. You will end up nowhere when building of the nation Solomon Islands is not a you create a lot of enemies. You talked too new idea. This was formulated by my much and doing nothing for this country. This is government in 2003, this one here, by none exactly what happened in 1998 Mr Speaker, and other than my friend, the Minister of Finance for the 2006 speech from the throne is a repetition having given the task to do that under the policy of the 1998 speech from the throne. No more no of the government then Mr Speaker. less. But these two policies are different. Mr Speaker, talk about God fearing for One is aid-donor driven and the other one is what? Who is not a Christian on this floor of private sector driven. That’s the difference Parliament? Any may I ask? Is there anyone between the two policies, because that confirms here who is not a Christian? Is there anyone the Aoke/Langa Langa’s Apex Association - aid- here not baptized? Is there anyone not a donors driven. Christian on this floor of Parliament? Solomon Islands is a Christian country according to your

31 statement, the founding father of this nation, and direction. Don’t tell me that what you talked I thank you for that. about in this speech is political direction. The That statement alone justifies that all of second one is the executive direction. The us are God fearing people. Remember Mr Cabinet gives the directive and this is where Speaker, that upon on your advice, according to changes come about. You are now five to six his Lordship, the fear of God is the beginning of months in power but you cannot even bring a wisdom. Get back to your Bible and read it. So small amendment to take care of your changes. who is not God fearing in this country and who I thank you for maintaining the departments that is not God fearing on the floor of Parliament for I formed. Where is your change here? Where? you to start question it? Even in your program There is none in this speech. There is nothing. I of actions before independence and under was asking who drafted the Speech for the Head successive governments program that I have of State to read in here. This person must go for read, just for the benefit of Parliament I have further training on how to write a speech and those reports here, every successive government must be a person who understands and knows talked about God inside their programs because the English language a bit. this is a Christian country and so who are you to Let me make some observations because tell us. Who are you? Maybe you yourselves the debate is about the speech. First of all the are not Christians. No wonder you made color of the book is cloudy and it is not like decisions that made us go from bad to worse. yours sir. This is yours (shows a copy of the You seem to run this country like cowboys’ book on the speech from the throne during the countries when people of this nation deserve Speaker’s term as prime minister). Compare your respect and so you should respect these them. One big cloud lay across here. The people. Minister of Mines or the Deputy Prime Minister Remember, Mr Speaker, the 34 should advise the Prime Minister’s Office to Members of Parliament in the Government side, make a better one next time or are you just if at all that number is correct, must know that sitting down there watching the pot cooking. this country does not belong to them alone. No. Coming to the addresses, Mr Speaker, Who said this is your country? one golden hen that lays the egg is not Mr Speaker, this country belongs to acknowledged and that is the private sector. All more than half a million people of Solomon the others are acknowledged but the person who Islands. We all have our parts to play so do not pays our wages, the private sector is missing. think that when you are there you can run the This is an address from the Head of State and it show. Not at all, but it is happening in this is embarrassing if I do not acknowledge the speech from the throne. private sector’s part in this nation. That is why I I am surprised at whoever drafted this said this country does not only belong to you but speech? Who writes this speech? I am not it is for more than half a million people in surprised because the Secretary to the Prime Solomon Islands. So to miss a very important Minister is still in the United States of sector talked about this morning by the Deputy American. He is still there today and even Prime Minister during the course of introducing during the last Parliament he was there - a highly this motion is not acknowledged in the speech paid public officer who cannot even advise our from throne but you acknowledged yourself. Prime Minister. God resists the proud and gives grace to the I am not surprised because directives humble. come two parts and let me tell you that both are There is nothing that convinced me in political directives. One is from the Secretary to this speech. I guess it should be redone again. Prime Minister (SPM) down to the ranks and If you go further down on pages 1, 2, 3 & 4 files in the operational area directed by none there is nothing there but only other than the Cabinet. The job of the SPM is to acknowledgements, which took half if not two pass on directives to Ministers and Permanent or three hours. Secretaries of all departments and down the I also look at the priority areas in this ranks and files. That is another political speech. I would say there are three - new

32 political directions, pressing issues, identifying humbleness, you talk very kindly and soft but prospects for the future – on what. What are the inside you are hot. That is the character that you prospects for the future? Is it the bottom up also have, not like me sometimes when I am approach or the land tenure system? You talked angry I told you to get out, I do not want to see about land tenure system but how are you going you, which is wrong. May be the Prime to address this? May I ask another question? Is Minister has that same character but his attitude it the white paper of the former Member for is different. That is the key factor. West Are Are or the paper of the now You talk about the land tenure system Commissioner of Lands or is it the bills that I but how are you going to address this so as to put to the office that you do not introduce? How make your dreams come true. The bottom up are you going to deal with this issue because it is approach of our government in 2003 called the the key factor to any development? Mind you new based roadmap for economic recovery that 85% of land in Solomon Islands belongs to allowed resource owners to deal direct with people - customary land. investors and the government is only there as a I am not even surprised that the Bina facilitator. Is that true the Minister for Harbour does not take off the ground because Fisheries? That was our approach in the past. It caveats after caveats were made until today. is your paper, Mr Speaker, but now he said it is How are you going to do your bottom up not good and so he ran away to the other side. approach and your aid donor driven policy? Try to teach your people as this is your people Here you are creating enemies against aid and ideas. The Minister of Mines, and the donors. That is the reason why I said earlier Minister of Public Service are all great leaders today that it is a syndicate where you slap the on the other side. I have every respect on you. face of another one, the one who comes to help You can do it, nothing is impossible. Remember and you will end up like Zimbabwe. what I said in my profile that nothing is The statement by the Minister for impossible in this world. If you are having Foreign Affairs does not convince me, not at all. difficulties, as you are now, I am surprised you We say Solomon Islands people are very strong must not be a human being, you must be living in wantok business. I tell you they are worse off in a different planet. than us. So when you are talking about the Sir, political direction and I want to World Bank, when you talk about the European reiterate it now when many Ministers are here Union, when you talk about the Asian and does not come from anywhere else but from two Development Bank, when you talk about the very important areas only. The Secretary to International Monetary Fund you have to be Prime Minister gives directives to Permanent careful because they are a syndicate. Secretaries and Permanent Secretaries expect They will say it is all right and tap your clear directives from the Secretary to the Prime back. That is diplomacy but inside it is very hot Minister who is not on the floor of Parliament like fire. You must train to be a diplomat. You today and he is not in the office either. That is are a very good Minister thank you for doing the his job because he is the boss. He is the one right thing. We will help you but I think there is who is supposed to give directives to all the one string still tied in here. ‘You do this and we Permanent Secretaries. All Permanent will consider’. When the word ‘consider’ comes Secretaries are waiting eagerly to get directives the MP for Rendova/Tetepare knows this very from the SPM either be it an executive directive well as he was my Minister of Finance. He is a or a policy directive issue on operational very good dealer, he succeeded in all his matters. That is a direction, and there are only negotiations. I do not put him off from office two directions to make things happen, which is but he puts himself out of office. I have all the in the Cabinet and the Office of the Secretary to respect for the MP for Rendova/Tetepare. He is the Prime Minister. Nowhere else everyone in a good negotiator like the MP for Aoke/Langa this country are hoping and wishing to see Langa, now my colleague Minister for Finance. directives coming out from there. Do not tell me They are very good negotiators like yourself too, it will come out from other place. Not from you Sir. Because you use your humor, your Ministers because you are scared otherwise you

33 will be fired, and no wonder some have already advisor on 27th March 2002, and another one on been fired. You are awaiting directives from the 17th July 2000. This is the same Economic boss and if the boss is not giving clear directives Advisor of the Prime Minister, who is Secretary to you how are you going to move. Is it only of the SOCRED Party. Only people in this day in and day out? country with no right sense will follow this You may be thinking that this will make book. No wonder we are also tempted to go for people of this country think you are doing another scheme. Tomorrow I will ask a question something instead you are not doing anything to the Minister for Finance on the Charity Fund. for us. We expect you to deliver goods and It was claimed that the funds are there but it was services to the people and this country. That is diverted by Kemakeza. I want you to answer me what we are expecting from you and yet you are properly tomorrow. giving us a bad to worse situation. I do not Mr Speaker, where are we going from know where this country is heading to. Unless here? Who is causing these pressing issues for you decide otherwise we are going for disaster this country? I would have thought you would and this will be a repetition of 1999 – 2000. I just continue on making sure there is law and bet you because people are now getting order, infrastructure, and there is no priority frustrated. Take a simple analysis by walking either. There is no priority on these areas. from KGVI to White River and you will hear Where do you start? Is it the Federal System conversations in the street saying this when provinces go from bad to worse that you government is not good, that person is bad. Not wanted to do this? Where is your priority on the every one of you is bad. You are very good infrastructure program? I know the Minister is people but the fact that you are wearing that hat working very hard on this. He has already you are considered bad by people in the streets. received my letter on this. Infrastructure should I thought I was worse off but I am a much better. be the priority of any government. Why Mr This is true. Speaker? That is where the economy is going to From day one – when you appointed the lay. Throw it back to infrastructure. Why start SPM - this person I have all the respect for him. on the Federal system when those people do not In fact I awarded him with an honor. Is this true, have money yet? the Minister of Mines? He deserves that award I fully support you on your bottom up for being instrumental in the Solomon Islands approach because you are continuing with this Development Trust (SIDT). But do you know except the funding aspect of it. You got my what happened, Mr Speaker, he was a total support on that. failure, a total failure. Where is SIDT, where is Mr Speaker, we must quickly settle this the Iumi Together Holdings now, a subsidiary impasse so that the pressing issue is answered. business arm of that non government If not identify the prospects for this country and organization. Where is it now? To take another go forward. failure to come and be the SPM will surely and The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that truly make this country to fail. it must not be separated. Do not separate You are saying foreign influence, RAMSI and this impasse with Australia. Who is foreign influence. Kemakeza Government is a meeting the bill? Is it the Solomon Islands foreign influenced government. But look at the Government, the Forum countries or the Forum Prime Minister’s Office now, the Secretary to Secretariat? The real person you had the the Prime Minister is a foreigner, the Attorney impasse with actually meets the bills. She meets General is a foreigner, the Chairman to the the bill, the cost of RAMSI in this country. You Commission of Inquiry is a foreigner. But why do not need to research this to find the answers. are you telling other people that my government You do not need to get another two degrees to is foreign influenced. You better look around find the answers. This is purely common sense. yourself. Who is giving these wrong advices? Can you just sit down idly if one of your The Economic Advisor is a foreigner relatives slaps your child and he cries to you and these are the books he has written. One is because one of his arms is broken? Do you called ‘Debt Free Money’ given to me by the think you would look after your relative for

34 doing that to your child? I do not think so with your fat salaries to the inflation. When you because he slaps your son. This is basic human walk pass people are going to say this is the man logic. causing inflation and so one term for him. Sir, get another course for us so that we Goodbye because that is the price you are going can learn about ethics although we write about to get. Not like the Deputy Prime Minister who ethics in this paper but we need some more is unopposed because he is a Minister, but most training. Your office and my office should try to of us are not Ministers. organize another training so that we keep human Sir, this decision again has what I called ethics. multiple effects to our country. It also goes on I agree with page 6 of the speech to decisions that I could not believe. Argue with because it is the continuation of my policy. the Attorney General, sacking of the CBSI Pages 7 and 8, there is no sense. Page 9, the Governor General, argue with judges of the Deputy Prime Minister talked about logging High Court, argue with diplomats, argue with companies but I acknowledge his hard work for business people, argue with other foreigners. his reforestation plantations. In fact if there are What is going to happen to our country? other people like him and his group this country Sir, no wonder you are our founding will develop. Thank you for acknowledging father, a God given grace, which should be an that. I also acknowledge that. example to those of us coming after you. I have Sir, I do not wish to talk very much done my part, now it is your turn, and so do it. because there is nothing in here for me to People are expecting you to deliver the many discuss. This speech should be a good report for promises you made. the end of my term of four years. If anyone of You talk during the launching of your you here still is not certain what I left behind, money program of action, you talk at Lawson this is the report on that. This is the report on Tama during independence, you talk in the my work because there is nothing new. You just media, you talk to the press, you come and talk continue on with what the last administration has in Parliament and keep on promising, promising put except you are going to destroy it, last time and promising but nothing done so far. You with weapons but now with the economy. have not delivered anything yet. Those of us The only thing I see is the increase in getting the RCDF we are okay. That is what I the salaries of Members of Parliament. I am have been dreaming about and saw. happy that I get that increase but I am not happy I asked the Minister for Infrastructure that my people are going to suffer more. That is for my wharf at Savo but he is yet to do it. I the only record I have for this Government of asked the Minister for Health to go and make my Change. You are just making inflation to go water supply but not yet. The Police Station at high. I say this because who is going to follow Savo is not yet built the Minister for Police. But up next after looking at the price index. Unions anyway these are in your good hands and I will come in saying now that you are getting big respect you. The people of this country think salaries they too must receive big salaries. highly of you. In fact all of you are graduates, Teachers will come, public servants will degree holders with high expectations. I hope come, lawyers will come and then the private and pray that you will do better for this nation. sector is going to say that it cannot meet the But I will warn you again for the second price index and so pay us as well, increase our time that if you mess it up, you will reap it salaries too. So the person owning the company yourself. With these Mr Speaker, I support the can only make two decisions. He will either motion. close down or increase his products – increase the price of his products. Who is going to (applause) suffer? Who are the consumers? Our voters. Then comes 2010, and that is why I do not want Mr KWANAIRARA: Honourable Speaker sir, to be in Honiara, I do not want to be a Minister let me join in the debate to contribute to the but I stay at home so that I start to campaign – Speech from the Throne moved by His day one for four years. You live in paradise here Excellency, the Governor General of Solomon

35 Islands, Sir Nathaniel Waena on Monday 2nd In short sir, we have to blame ourselves October 2006. in our leadership struggles over the last decades, Indeed it is my privilege to take this for the problems we have experienced during the opportunity to contribute to the debate of the ethnic years and the recent Black Tuesday in Speech from the Throne moved by His April at Honiara. These are reminders to us all Excellency the Governor General in Parliament of the quality of leaders we have in this on Monday the 2nd of October 2006. Parliament. It has been written that whatever The Speech which covers a total of shall a man planted he shall reap the twenty pages is a Traditional Speech moved by consequences of that. His Excellency in National Parliament at the On resources both human and natural beginning of the Session of Parliament, resources, indeed, the nation is blessed with both especially when the new government was human and natural resources God had provided. elected after General Election. It should contain Our population although is just under half a materials which provide bird’s eye view of the million mark, it is growing at a national average government of the day statement of policy and of 2.8% per year a highest in the South Pacific development strategies. Region and by world standards. According to the national constitution as There are so many features of the human Leader of the Independent Group let me make resources, first it is youthful population where some observation of the issues which the speech 50% is below the age of twenty years. Secondly raised, and in doing so, I’m fulfilling my duty as about 85% of this population lives in the villages Leader of the Independent Group. scattered across the provinces and islands of this The Speech has covered wide range of nation which poses a challenge to any issues and I shall try to offer my congratulations government on how best to provide goods and to the government, and where needed, I shall services toe ach of our people to better their make constructive criticisms and advice to the rural livelihood. government of the day. One of the features which attracts my Firstly the national motto “To lead is to attention is the national population density give serve.” The process of selection of national the finite size of this nation, is about 13 persons leaders was made during the last general per square kilometer. However the provincial elections, and this House is made up of the population distribution and density in 1999 selected fifty from among the hundreds of census is a challenge because population candidates who contested the national election. pressure given the land availability is a problem Each of us is duty bound to live the motto: in Temotu, Central including Renbel provinces. “Lead is to serve”. Given the land tenure system where 80% of the I wish to observe that the quality of lands are customary held, distribution and leadership promoted by this House over the last density of population is a threat to any twenty eight years after independence has left government. me with no option but to state that as a nation we The other observation sir, is that have failed to instill the quality of national Honiara urban constitutes 12% while 84% live leadership as required of us by the nation motto. in the rural areas. The dark history we have been through Population growth impacts on economic during the ethnic years from 1998 to 2003 and social development is given the rate of reflected very badly on the quality of leadership. population growth, the provision of goods and The process of selection of leaders to this services have to be the same in order just to keep honourable House needs to be reviewed to pace with the natural annual increase of reflect the quality of leadership available in the population. community, and encourage party education to This nation as we know is blessed with educate the electorate to select leadership group natural resources, the land, forest, the sea and in Parliament after careful scrutiny of each the air, and we can adequately provide the need individual and their leadership qualities. for each person to improve his livelihood. Unfortunately Mr Speaker sir, over the last 30

36 years as a nation we have failed to provide better this too short a time to see these new political development policies and strategies, institutional directions bear fruits. We need strong political constraints which includes structural one as well. parties and quality leadership to lead these Mr Speaker, there are signs of widening reforms. disparities in income standards of living among The bottom-up and holistic approach the population and increasing levels of will not work unless there is concerted efforts disadvantages and poverty among the people of and mechanism in place to empower the 85% of Solomon Islands. It is here I acknowledge the the population living in the rural areas or government statement of policy which tries to villages. There is a need to ensure that address the problems of the development challenges that inhibit improvement in rural impacts on population and resources. However livelihood are addressed; some of these sir, we need clear strategies on how best to impediments are customary land issues, lack of deliver goods and services to the population. infrastructures, lack of adequate provision of On national diversities and unities, services, and non availability of “growth under the national constitution we are but one centres” within the villages to stimulate rural nation and one people living within our geo- economic and social growth. political areas where God during His creation Whilst I do appreciate the government, process put us where we are. Mr Speaker, the statement of policy on bottom- Again it is my observation that “Top – up-holistic approach” to development, the To Bottom” had not worked since independence, government had not identified clear strategies on and how much we try to make us one nation and how best to implement those policies. one people we will find it difficult to impose to The improvement of government the people the notion of One Solomon Islands finances which is the last political leadership nation without due regards to the geo-political instituted would make savings to enable the and realities and recognition of our rich cultural government of the day meet its rural heritage, and enormous diversities. development initiatives. Unfortunately the huge There are in my view needs to recognize salaries and wages increases brought about by the three levels of independent nations. The first this government will leave less for rural nation is the people in their cultural setting; development. living in their villages, having their own cultural The rural development needs direct identities and social norms. The second nation government intervention. In my argument above is at the national constituency level. The sir, I have alluded that we need to recognize the clusters of these make up the provinces. Their villages as first set of nations hence the need to nation is the national government. There are allocate resources to enhance rural and village enormous diversities that naturally exist with us growth. in our villages, constituencies and national The village people owned 85% of all the government level. These, I agree Mr Speaker, customary lands in this nation and unless direct must be enhanced as basis for national unity. allocation of funding for their development is Without recognition of these levels of nations, provided by government budgetary allocations, national unity and respect will merely be a this House will be liable for raising false hopes political slogan by planners and bureaucrats. among our people in the rural community. The new political directions, issues and In my view allocations of millions of prospects. Honourable Speaker the high turn dollars to rural development over and above over of governments since independence 28 RCDF and Millennium Poverty Funds, I am years of independence and weak political system afraid sir, nothing will happen. There needs to we have had made it difficult to accomplish the be a direct partnership with the first nation, the new political directions promoted by political village people. government over the years. Over these years we Talking about pressing issues sir, have seven Prime Ministers and seven government needs to revisit list of pressing governments, which mean each leader on issues of Constitutional Reform, Ethical average, provided with four years of leadership,

37 Leadership, and Truth and Reconciliation are We need a federal system of government development issues, but not “pressing issues”. Mr Speaker, if it recognises the levels of nations On the need to improve relations with I describe these are the village as the first nation, development partners, in my view sir, the most the constituencies as the second nation and the pressing issue is the need to transform village national government. and rural livelihood, and in order for the I shall move on to the Commission of government to allocate substantial resources Inquiry and Truth and Reconciliation both human and funds as well is to review our Commissions. The establishment of relationships with all our development partners Commission of Enquiry is provided for under as far as budgetary support is concerned. the Constitution, and I do not see any There is a need for improve relationship controversy over this establishment. The with these development partners let alone problem is Mr Speaker, that it seems certain mending the relationship with Australia, which government leaders have vested interests in the is strained each day as we go on. The whole affairs. I suggest the politicians should contribution by Australian Government to stay out from interfering with the object of this development budget over the years 2005 and Commission. 2006 amounts to $314.3 million, highest by any Mr Speaker sir, the government should bilateral development partners. facilitate enough resources to enable the Mr Speaker, if the government continues commissions to do their work and bring their to allow the diplomatic row between Australia findings to the government to take appropriate and Solomon Islands continue unresolved, I am actions. afraid the government priority for rural Government policy framework and development will be badly affected. interpretation of the same. Mr Speaker, let me Mr Speaker sir, while I appreciate the now to sectoral development policy of the general sentiment expressed by the speech to government and offer these advice and criticism assure the development partners the desire of the in good faith to assist the responsible Ministers government of Solomon Islands and people to take appropriate actions: enhance the need for development cooperation, there are leaders in the government who have 1.1 Development Challenges hidden motives to see RAMSI exist from There are four crosscutting growth Solomon Islands. (There is therefore, it seems a factors (investment, labour, land and contradiction between the Government Policy political governance) and five on RAMSI and recent statements and press productive sectors (agriculture, fisheries, releases by the Honourable Prime Minister on forestry, mining, petroleum, and the issue of RAMSI). tourism) that need to be addressed as The development of rural areas will government implements its development depend very much on the law and order policies. situation, and participation of Regional Mission to these islands is vital to enhancing rural (b) Growth Factors development. Mr Speaker sir, the most important issue (i) investment and private now is the need for rural development and the sector development government will do well by allocating resources to assist the village livelihood programmes. Honourable Speaker, the government needs to Federal system of government. I know facilitate private investment, not crowd it out Mr Speaker, that government hopes to finalise directly involved in commercial activities or by the new federal system of government by mid imposing burden some regulations or excessive 2007. While I do appreciate that wish appeal to taxation. Talking about private investment, we the government to embark on a wider sector need peace and security in the place. The world consultation with all the stakeholders. wide television images of China Town burning

38 broadcasted each week is affecting the potential Mr Speaker, we need effective political investors to come to Solomon Islands. leadership at all level, be it in the family, community, provincial, churches and in the (ii) Tackling the problems of national government. Solomon Islands sir, is not political instability, law and exception into the rule. There are few ways we order, and corruption. can achieve our political governance roles, these are in strengthening our electoral system, Honourable Speaker sir, we need to pursue good improving parliament and oversight institutions. governance programmes and continue to In this regard, Mr Speaker, the strengthen government institutions. Nobody is government should present to Parliament as above the law Mr Speaker, so why should some soon as possible legislation to counter party leaders in government continue to interfere with fragmentation and frequent party – hoping, and the judicial system and independence of courts. also sir, to assist the political parties to improve Let justice prevail. their administration. There is one other thing Mr Speaker, that I would like to mention that is the (b) The national infrastructure deficiency need for partnership with all the developmental stakeholders, be they the civil society, churches Mr Speaker, transport and telecommunications or community base groups to improve cost in Solomon Islands are one of the highest in governance, together we can promote the region. Power and water supply unreliable transparency and increase the amount of and non-existence in the rural areas. The other information put into the public domain. areas that government needs to address are in the The importance of productive sectors followings: developing financial markets where Mr Speaker, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, credits in the rural areas are impossible to mining and tourism cannot be over emphasis. obtain, need to reform legal and regulatory The agriculture ensures the nation for its food systems, since most of our systems are outdated, security and rural employment of the 80% of the reviewing the government position with state- population who live in the rural areas. Yet in owned enterprises, and finally to work with this country agriculture is operating at well private sector to build dialogue and capacity. below potential. On Land issues, land issue is more In this stance Mr Speaker, I urge the contentious in the country, however sir, in order government not to delay further the opening of the bottom-up approach policy implementation, Auluta Basin and East Fataleka Palm Oil government must introduce land reform for Project. These projects are very important to the change is essential. The customary ownership rural development of Malaita Province for it will for land groups in the community need to act as a development catalyst upon which many register their perpetual titles in order to lease to other rural activities will flourish. commercially develop the lands. There are other On fisheries we need to ensure that local important areas that the government needs to cannery at Noro is producing to the maximum address. These are; improving land recording of capacity in terms of tuna products. land rights, establishing an effective legal On forestry when natural forest is been framework for land dealings, establishing depleted within few more years, the government dispute settlement machinery such as special should turn to assisting small holders plantations land courts and procedures, and improving land to cushion the natural forest is exhaustibly registration. And finally improving land harvested. administration service issues. On tourism we need to do more to Mr Speaker, on political governance, the attract visitors from other lands. In so doing we current political arrangements in the Pacific need to address the internal and external including Solomon Islands are not delivering the constraints, develop a well defined national desired economic outcomes. It is said in the tourism policy, and provide tourism related region there are too much corruption, political training and funding and finally improve instability, and too little pursuit of public good. marketing.

39 In concluding, Mr Speaker, I have should not be jumping up and down about it as covered what I wanted to cover and I shall leave well. other Members of my group in Parliament for Mr Speaker, we have made certain that matter to address other areas. remarks regarding the system we have inherited. Thank you. Sir, the country we now called Solomon Islands is not the same country we knew, and not the Hon ULUFA’ALU: Thank you Mr Speaker for same country our ancestors knew about. The giving me this opportunity to join fellow country our ancestors knew was quite different. colleagues in contributing to the Speech from They were autonomous independent on their the Throne. own right. For example, we in Aoke Langa Mr Speaker, the Speech from the Throne Langa are used to be called the Walas. That is a is normal prescribed in the practices of nation of its own with its owns institutions, its Westminster System Parliamentary Democracy own constitution, its own money and its own that we inherited. Henceforth Mr Speaker, no structure. The Arekes is also another country, one should be alarmed at its relevancy or and so you have different countries in the past irrelevancy or on the point or outside of the and so they are no longer the same as what we point Mr Speaker. It is a matter of procedure have today. just fulfilling the requirements What we have today is a creation of the Mr Speaker, the Speech from the Throne colonial powers and it was for them this country is supposed to give each session of Parliament in Solomon Islands was created and the three terms of its four year that opportunity for any pillars of that creation is one, divide and rule, new incoming government to state categorically two - alienation and third is dependent growth. clear to all the people in the nation what it No wonder this country was not made for us. intends to do in the next four years. That is what We in this country were supposed to be the speech is all about. That is why it is given at perpetual slaves. We are supposed to be under the opening of each session of Parliament and it slavery because divide and rule, alienation and would be honourable for all of us to respect that dependent growth had the pillars that countries in the future while annual budgets is just used to suppress those people. reviewing of the implementing stages of the four Ever since the creation of Solomon year program the government gave itself. In the Islands are not different from those we read past Mr Speaker, each government tried to limit about in the Bible in Egypt, in Babylon, and its programs to its lifetime so that it can Syria. We are the same; we are the products of implement its programs. It moves away from divide and rule, alienation and dependent the five year development plan to a four year growth. That is why we find it difficult to program of action. That is what transpired over achieve unity. Those are the pillars of the years Mr Speaker, and therefore it should not colonialism. So what do we do? come as a surprise to all of us in this Chamber In the Speech the government of the day because it is the tradition of Parliament. endeavors to come up with replacement to the Honorable Colleagues like the Member for three pillars of colonialism which created Savo/Russells should not jump up and down Solomon Islands as we know it today. And the about this matter of process and procedures. replacement of those three pillars of colonialism Mr Speaker, the Speech from the Throne is diversity in unity for nation building. That sets out what the Government intends to do over means diversity is the essence of unity. Without the next four years. That is exactly what this diversity there is no unity. And it is unity that is Speech from the Throne which this motion to the pillar for doing things. If there is no unity give thanks to the Head of State, the we cannot do anything and so if we are divided Representative of the Queen is. This motion by we cannot do a thing. A nation that is divided the Deputy Prime Minister is in order and hence will fall. is in compliance to the practices of our Throughout the Speech it was trying to parliamentary democracy and therefore we put that slogan in, diversity in unity for nation building. And then the second pillar of

40 colonialism is to be replaced by legalization that copycat somebody. And that is what the instead of alienation it is legalization. alienation process is all about. It is refusing to Legalization means our way of life becomes our be yourself by becoming something else. That is law. At the moment legitimacy is not the same the product of alienation. That is why our land as legality. Legitimacy is our way of life but is called alienated land because it is taking away that is not the law. The law is something from our ownership, our type of ownership to different so our way of life is not alive, it is dead something else. When it is with us it has no it has no value. And something that has no value but when it is with foreigners under their value cannot be grown. No wonder our way of law, which is the law of the land at the moment life is dying because it has no value. It is not then it has value. recognized by the law. You cannot walk to the No wonder, our foreign friends and banks and use your properties in your home to colleagues had the advantage over us Solomon secure your loans. You cannot because as far as Islanders. That is a fact. And this is what we the law is concern your property does not exist. have to address. We have to address. Because if It is void. This is why the second pillar is to we are denying ourselves then whose image are legalize, to make our way of life becomes the we. law so that our way of life has value and when it Mr Speaker the qualification of being in has value it means it is alive and can grow. the image of God is to be a creator. You become The third pillar, Mr Speaker, in the a creator and that is the only thing that qualifies Speech is interdependent growth. In other you for ownership. If you don’t create words, everything grows because they need each something then you cannot own it. It belongs to other. Through diversity we need each other and the person who creates it. That is the our specialty through the diversity principle is qualification in the image of God. Creation is what creates interdependent growth and the qualification for ownership and ownership interdependent growth is the third pillar of a qualifies you to conformity. In other words, sovereign nation. That is what the Speech from compliance to the rule of creation so that you the Throne is trying to put across to all of us. ensure the thing is sustainable. Creation, Unfortunately we fail to see it. Unless we ownership, compliance and sustainability is one replace the three pillars of colonialism we can language. And unless we put that into context never be developed, we can never be civilized. we will not appreciate what we have. That is We will be perpetual slaves, and that is the truth. why we are tearing the system down because we For the last 30 years Mr Speaker some did not create it. It was never ours. We should of us were privileged to be associated with have revisited the work of creation by foreigners development in this country we have seen this, so that we make it ours. We have recreated it to and your good self, Mr Speaker, is fully well be ours. That is what we should have done after abreast with this. As we proceed from our independence, we should have revisited independence day matters get worse and worse these things so that the act of creation becomes and worse. Compliance to law becomes a bigger the qualification for ownership and ownership is problem. Why? Because of the creation, people the qualification for compliance and who created Solomon Islands are gone and sustainability. Solomon Islands was created for foreign Without those, we are fighting a losing game, ownership. That is why you have foreigners not only here in Solomon Islands but third world having advantage over Solomon Islanders countries in the world as well. That is the global because it was made for them, it was not made era. That is Whiteman supremacy, the very for us. That is the very basis of alienation. essence of Whiteman supremacy placing the Alienation is moving from one way of life to developing countries in perpetual state of another way. In other words, we Solomon slavery. They are slaves. We are slaves unto Islanders are trying to become like the white ourselves. That is the problem which this people. Well, can we be? No, we will be government today is trying to address. Why is it evoking the anger of the Almighty God because that people do not have respect for institutions? we are denying our true selves by trying to It is because they did not build it, they did not

41 create it. If they had created it they would have we did not make it for our own end it instead respect for them. A husband and a wife produce destroy us. We were the opposite of the a child and they care for the child because it is intentions of God. We were not the creator. their creation. That is the universal rule of Sir, we therefore have to create things. ownership. The universal rule of ownership is to We have to create the system in this country to be the creator before you claim ownership, make this country ours. If you look at all the before you claim compliance and before coconuts today they belong to our old people. compliance means sustainability. That is what But where are the coconuts of the young people this new government is trying to say in the today? There is none. Those coconuts belong to Speech from the Throne. It is trying to combat the old people and they almost reach their life. the very essence of colonialism which made us. So where are our coconuts? There is nothing. It The only part of the world that is would seem the years of creation have all gone. managing to do things by itself is South East People who were made in God’s image are all Asia. It is growing at the moment at the fastest gone. I do not know what image are we made? economic rate. And we in Solomon Islands are Here is a serious fundamental question part of South East Asia. We should be doing it that each one of us in this chamber should begin the way they are doing it. There is no country in to address not by ourselves but with our people. the world that has become developed as a result Each of us is responsible for constituencies. We of being on the aid money. There is none. In should make our constituencies become creative. fact they all get into trouble there is none. But how do you do that? Well, the good Lord The Bible does not talk about grants. said, I am the way the truth and the life. The Bible talks about borrowing - pay of debts. Mr Speaker, is there any other way? It does not talk about grant and so grant itself There is no other way. You are the way, you are will not do it. But if you borrow it means you the truth and you are the life. There is no other are advancing your sweat. You are advancing way. Where will the other way come from? your sweat to create things and so when you Who will it come from? So there is no other sweated you pay it back. And that is rewarded, way. We are the way, we are the truth and we it is blessed and the Bible talks about borrowing are the life and there is no other way. That is rather than grant. what we should be doing. That is what we in Solomon Islands If we regard ourselves like that we will should be doing. We should be creating things. see the positiveness in each one of us to help Every women, every men, every boy and girl, each other. Because as it goes, ‘before you point every old men and old women should be out a speck of dust in your neighbor’s eyes remove creating things and not playing with the same the log in your eyes. It means the worse enemy soccer ball which somebody create and we are to myself is myself. I am the worse enemy. If I all trying to kick the same ball. realize that all my disability like myself at the That is what we should be doing. We moment, I am disabled, my eyesight is gone, I should be out creating and doing things. am sick man with a hole at the side of my Unfortunately we are not. We seem to be busy tummy. Who would I blame for all these? I destroying things. Instead of creating things we cannot blame anybody else. For me to be able to destroy them. We are destroying things because do something about it I must blame myself. they were never our creation anyway. Why? I now localize it so that it is within my Look at the logic of it, Mr Speaker. You reach to do something about it. If you destroy it because it was never yours. You steal externalize the problem it is not within your it because it was never yours. How can you reach to do anything about it. It is somebody steal your own things? else. But when you localize the problem it is Mr Speaker, all of us are running into within your reach to do something about it the system trying to make ends meet by because it is you. For example, I stopped manipulating the system because we never own drinking beer, I stopped womanizing and all that the system, and therefore we look for ways to stuff because we can now conceive the thing manipulate it for our own end. But in the end properly. You have to localize your problem as

42 it is within your reach, whereas when you presented Speech. Mr Speaker, I also thank the externalize it you thought another person honorable Prime Minister for shouldering the poisons you but you are just making it responsibility of leading this nation Solomon impossible. to do something about it. When Islands and managing the affairs of half a you localize it you make it within your reach. million people during this period when the You now can go to the limits that no one else nation is still economically weak to fully satisfy has ever gone. In fact you can do miracles like the unlimited wants and needs of Solomon Jesus has done because you are Him and this is Islanders. because you localize it and make it your To Minister of the Crown, I also thank problem. you for accepting ministerial responsibilities as If we conceive ourselves in this chamber you are very important to spearhead the like that, the problem of this country will be implementation of policy initiatives and within our reach to do something about it. We programs of the Grand Coalition Government. cannot push it to Australia or New Zealand or As key players in overseeing the implementation UK. They can never do it for us. They have of the government’s rural development policy tried and many years have gone with aid initiative much should be required of us. assistance which gets us nowhere. So it is up to Mr Speaker, I would also like to thank us to do it because it is us is the way, the truth the Permanent Secretaries and public officers for and the life. There is no other one. And that is their role in the formulation and implementation what we should be doing that. of government policies. Without their So I appeal to Members of this chamber knowledge and efforts sound government to be looking at these issues in their own policies could not materialize. The government context, in their own individual context, in their has placed full trust on Permanent Secretaries own family context, in their own constituency and Public Officers to carry out policy programs context so that they can see that it is within their of the government very effectively and within reach. It is within our reach and we can do the implementing time frame. something about it. Mr Speaker, while there is appreciation If we externalize it and blame others for of the economical policies, corruption which is our failures and shortcomings we can never do rampant internally must also be tackled in order anything about it and no one else will do it for to see that the policy initiatives of the us. That is what this Speech from the Throne is government are implemented very effectively. trying to show. That is the spirit the Speech As leaders we should take the leading from the Throne is trying to give us. The motion role in tackling corruption, improving work by the Deputy Prime Minister who had a lot of performance, increase in productivity and experience in self reliance is trying to say as increasing the role of the law. well. I am appealing to all of us to be along Mr Speaker, indeed I am proud to say the same line of thinking. It is us who has to that the government under its policy objectives liberate us as no one else will do it. has placed importance on improving the Sir, I do not want to talk too much I will machinery of the government to effectively have my opportunity to speak tomorrow on the tackle corruption by strengthening the Supplementary Appropriation and the motion on democratic process, improving quality resolution when I will have time to speak more leadership and enhancing corporate governance on this issue. With that Mr Speaker, I support at all levels. the motion. Mr Speaker, the role that our chiefs play in the communities and the governing of our Hon SOFU: Mr Speaker, thank you for giving nation is also very important in promoting socio me this opportunity to join other Members of economic development and sustainable political Parliament to contribute to this very important stability. The chiefs are the custodians of Speech from the Throne. customs and cultural heritance in our In so doing Mr Speaker, first of all I communities to encourage and harness peace, would like to thank His Excellency for the well

43 unity, good moral values and coexistence in our On Provincial Government, there are societies. nine provinces, we could come up and identify With that, Mr Speaker, I would like to what sort of economical activities and register my vote of thanks to all our chiefs in the infrastructures should be put in our various country, especially my chiefs in East Kwaio. constituencies in line with provincial The country’s new development model - government plans. the bottom-up approach which underpins rural Mr Speaker, today when I came in I development focuses and encourages full heard the Member of Parliament for participation of the 85% of the rural populace in Savo/Russells saying that the Minister for socio economic development cannot alienate our Infrastructure is not doing something that he chiefs especially in facilitating customary land needs in his constituency. I would like to assure recording, identifying land boundaries and the Member of Parliament for Savo that his settling land disputes. constituency is included in the Ministry’s work Mr Speaker, the ineffectiveness of the plans. common law in putting end to customary land Mr Speaker, the government recognizes disputes must be considered seriously, and that that developing and improving the country’s is the role of every parliamentarian sitting down fiscal infrastructure is very important to enhance inside this House. It is very important as the implementation of the government’s rural members of Parliament and our respective development policy program. constituencies that it is our bound duty to talk to While on this sector, Mr Speaker, I our chiefs and show them better use of would also like to reiterate here that the national economical activities that we talk so much transport fund has been established within the about. Department of Infrastructure to meet immediate Mr Speaker, the recent ethnic tension needs relating to deteriorating country’s has shown the grievances of the country’s good infrastructure such as maintenance of roads, people at the failure of government policies to bridges, wharves and airfields around the decentralize economic infrastructure, promote country. private sector investment, improve customary The 1998 Stabex Fund under the land administration to meet the employment European Union Assistance to Solomon Islands demand of the increasing population and has been earmarked to address this area of workforce having forced to present their infrastructure development. grievances in the form of violence. There needs Mr Speaker, may I take this opportunity to be planning by us the 50 Members of to acknowledge the assistance rendered by the Parliament who are sitting right now in this European Union towards the construction of Chambers. It is our duty to plan for this nation. seven wharves around the country for phase 1 Mr Speaker, the government’s and another seven wharves to be constructed introduction of the new rural development under phase 2 of the project. I am glad that one policy program is a step in the right direction to of those wharves is going to be built at the Atoifi embark on a workable development model that Hospital in my constituency. best reflects the country’s land tenure system by recognising the role of chiefs in customary land (hear, hear) administration, which is the foremost thing in fostering rural development. Mr Speaker, I would also like to In terms of infrastructure development, acknowledge help from the Asian Development Mr Speaker, I as the Minister responsible for this Bank through soft loan arrangement with the sector would like to inform all Members of Solomon Islands Government to effect the Parliament and the good people of Solomon implementation of the post conflict rehabilitation Islands that the government has introduced a project on some components of roads in National Transport Plan. I believe letters have Guadalcanal, Honiara and Malaita. been sent to all Members of Parliament. The Australia and New Zealand Governments have also rendered assistance

44 towards improving the country’s road Mr Speaker, the recent ethnic tension infrastructure under the Solomon Islands Road had also shown churches participating in conflict Improvement Project (SIRIP). The other seven resolution, which led to the cessation of warring remaining provinces will benefit from the SIRIP parties given the important roles that churches in program soon. Solomon Islands have played in the nation’s As the Minister responsible, Mr development process. I wish to applaud the Speaker, I would like to acknowledge all donors government in recognizing this sector by for the invaluable assistance in this area. introducing a formula based on the Christian Mr Speaker, the Japanese Government principle of one tenth contributions on a given has also contributed to finance the cost of bridge amount of state revenue to the Ministry of Home reconstruction on Guadalcanal. May I also Affairs to assist in churches’ administration to acknowledge the Japanese Government for its effectively participate in the country’s valuable support towards the country’s development process. infrastructure development needs. Mr Speaker, do we only talk about It is also important to appreciate the recognition of the churches? What is our country’s political history in order to fully involvement Mr Speaker? This government has appreciate the downfall of the country’s seen the important role that churches are playing economy. Over the last 28 years Solomon in this nation. Islands has experienced numerous political Mr Speaker, having raised issues of instabilities resulting in the public taking the law importance to the development process of the into their own hands. country, I am also proud of the contribution Mr Speaker, our people want to see real made by the country’s former leaders in development and not political instability which successive governments and the people of is detrimental to fostering growth and Solomon Islands have made in the last twenty development of the economy. I am happy to see eight years in terms of the country’s socio that the Grand Coalition Government is very economic and political development. Even mindful to establish a conducive environment though they have faced many challenges the for political stability and to tackle corruption at country’s sovereignty still remains intact. I all levels. would like to thank them. May I also stress here that the growth of Mr Speaker, while there is great the domestic economy cannot do away with appreciation for the formulation of sound healthy and productive human resources and as policies, I must admit that the road ahead is such the government has given priority in always tough, undermined by internal factors addressing this sector. relating to the country’s disadvantage as a small May I thank the Government on behalf island state characterized by a small economy of of my people of East Kwaio for the recognition scale, poor technology, high population growth of private hospitals for which in its bottom-up rate increasing unemployment, rising poverty approach policy has provided for assistance in level, high debt burden, increasing government the 2007 Budget under the Ministry of Health spending and a weakening export sector. and Medical Services. Mr Speaker, in raising these issues of The churches’ roles in our country’s economic and political importance to the development process are also very important and country, I must again acknowledge the fact that have to be applauded. Churches have the government itself cannot lift the country out established training avenues to subsidize of its economical, financial and political government human resources trainings. The problems. It depends very much on us Mr establishment of vocational schools throughout Speaker. However, with the cooperation of all the country is a clear indication of the extent stakeholders to help facilitate and establish a which churches have contributed to the conducive environment for the implementation development process of our beloved nation in of the government’s rural development policy terms of manpower training. program, I believe the country can get out of its socio economic and political problems.

45 Mr Speaker, it requires the cooperation of all Members of Parliament, the private sector, government organizations and the 85% of the rural population, in order to realize the results of the objectives of the government’s rural development program. History also reveals that some of the external development assistance to Solomon Islands were suspended or halted because of people’s disturbance in the implementation process. May I call for the understanding of the 85% of the rural population to recognize the importance of the invaluable assistances that our international friends have contributed towards developing the Solomon Islands’ economy. It needs all of us as stakeholders, those in our constituencies and resource owners to work together. It is high time that the good people of Solomon Islands need to change from their bad habits so that development in the rural areas could be expanded and progress effectively. On this note Mr Speaker, I once again would like to take this time to thank His Excellency for a well presented speech outlining the government’s work program for the next three years. With this, I support the Speech from the Throne, and I resume my seat. May God bless Solomon Islands!

Hon TAUSINGA: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the debate on the Speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor General be adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th of October, 2006.

Debate on the Speech from the Throne adjourned for the next day.

Hon Tausinga: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that Parliament do now adjourn.

The House adjourned at 4.00 p.m.

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