Politics Archive August 2009

Former Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare may not have to give evidence to support the defence of former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti, who is facing child sex charges.

Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare, says the massive public outcry concerning the proposed parliamentary entitlements, including the much debated $50,000 dollars terminal grant for MPs spouses, has not fallen on deaf ears.

The Minister for Police and National Security James Tora has tabled the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bill 2009 in parliament yesterday.

Parliament has passed the 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill in its Second Reading.

The United Nations Development Programme Parliamentary Strengthening Program does not end when Project Manager Warren Cahill leaves.

The new Parliamentary entitlements will cost approximately $50 million dollars over a four year term of Parliament, bringing the total costs of the Parliamentary entitlements close to $200 million.

Acting Prime Minister, Fred Fono, has told Parliament that Cabinet has lifted the 35 percent reservation it had imposed on national grants to the provinces.

The Government is studying public concerns on the newly introduced increases in entitlements of Members of Parliament.

The 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2009 of about 80 million dollars is necessary in light of the current uncertain economic situation as a result of the global financial crisis.

Parliament is expected to table the 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2009 in it's second reading this week starting today.

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SICCI, has called on members of parliament to show good leadership and to improve the country in terms of economic and social development.