Fwd: Solomon Islands Information Network: Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) payments; USP Doma campus
Sean Linton
From: Clive Moore <c.m...@uq.edu.au>
Date: 20 December 2012 10:33
Subject: Solomon Islands Information Network: Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) payments; USP Doma campus
To: Clive Moore <c.m...@uq.edu.au>
Solomon Star 19 Dec 2012
HUNDREDS of disgruntled contractors from the recent Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) threatened to destroy and burn down office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism yesterday.
The angry workers were the contractors, shell money makers, securities, landscapers and those in charge of the catering services during the FOPA in July.
At about 1pm yesterday, the angry workers threatened to take matters into their own hands and destroy the office following claims the government had failed to pay their outstanding variations after the Arts Festival.
However, swift action by the Police Response Team (PRT) quickly dispersed the crowd away from the Commonwealth Street.
Police blocked off the road leading down to the main wharf with heavy presence of the PRT present until late yesterday evening.
Speaking to some of the angry workers they claimed it had been seven months and the government had been lying to them all along.
“We want to know the truth whether the government will be paying us or not because they have been pushing us around and lying to us all along,” they said.
It is understood Police Commissioner John Lansley, who was also at the scene, had to calm the crowd down with the help of his officers.
Mr Lansley also accompanied some of the workers yesterday to the Parliament House where Parliament had to be interrupted for a few minutes to call for a special meeting to address the workers demand.
The Solomon Star understands the workers have been assured by government leaders at parliament that their claims would be dealt with.
It is also understood foreign affairs officer Senda Fifi’I and defunct FOPA director Robert Au have been summoned to appear before Parliament today to answer to some of the workers claims.
One of the workers spokesmen John Buluwale after returning from Parliament yesterday told the workers that the government would be addressing their claims.
However, the workers angrily responded that the government should not delay the process because they are responsible for all the problems.
“The government must address this issue or else we will continue to protest in front of their office,” the workers said.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner John Lansley urged members of the public not to take matters into their own hands and to refrain and consider peaceful means that will settle their claims.
Mr Langsley said the rule of law cannot be compromised by people seeking to threaten or intimidate through activities which could cause harm or distress to people.
He said their prime interest is to see that our town and people will not be threatened or harmed.
“Police will not tolerate anyone with self interest to cause fear amongst the public, particularly with this type of behavior,” he said.
Commissioner Langsley also called on those who are affected to be patient and allow rightful authorities to discuss and find ways to solve their claims rather than approach it in such a destructive way.
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GUADALCANAL has transferred the perpetual estate of the 100 hectare land proposed for the fourth USP Campus at Doma in North West Guadalcanal, back to the Commissioner of Land.
This is to allow the Commissioner of Land to grant fixed term estate and lease of 75 years to the USP Campus.
The transfer was made possible following the signing of an agreement and payment of $800,000 by lands commissioner Silva Dunge to the Premier of Guadalcanal Anthony Veke yesterday.
Mr Dunge explained that the transfer of PE back to his office is a legal requirement that will allow him to grant the fixed term estate to the USP campus.
He said by next week he will send a MOU to the Vice Chancellor of the USP to sign it.
Mr Dunge said once he signed all the necessary documents USP can come in and carry out work at the land.
Premier Veke said they have done their part and it is up to the government and USP Campus to carry out the project.
He said his government, through its task force, was pleased to get the project to this stage and hope to work together with the government and the USP campus to establish the 4th campus here.
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SIBC 19 Dec 2012
Education Minister Dickson Ha'amori has taken delivery of the Transition and Implementation Action Plan document for the country's first University.
The document was drawn up by a Project Team appointed by the SICHE Council and led by the Council's Agriculture Representative Dr Richard Pauku.
At the brief ceremony, the Education Minister encouraged the Council to do what needs to be done to ensure the College's successful transition to University status.
The Transition and Implementation Action Plan begins next year and is a three-year document of transition plans on the National University's academic programs, infrastructure, human resources, organizational structure and financing.
It was officially handed over during the final meeting of the College Council this morning.
Professor Clive Moore, CSI, FAHA
Head of School
School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics | The University of Queensland | Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
Telephone: +61 7 3365 6800 | Fax: +61 7 3365 1968 | Email: c.m...@uq.edu.au
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