BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) is a grant designed to assist individuals and businesses in generating income, aimed at bolstering the economy of the Solomon Islands in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
This initiative was introduced during the pandemic period.
Residents from rural areas have been informed that the fund is intended to support farmers in collaborating with their communities to enhance livelihood activities, including cocoa production, pig farming, poultry, copra, various agricultural projects, fisheries, and tourism. Upon receiving this news, there was considerable excitement, as the funding represented a significant opportunity for change, with a substantial amount of money available.
“I am among the beneficiaries of this grant,” said former cocoa buyer and processor, Cyril Kulisiua. Kulisiua has a vested interest in this initiative, as he continued his cocoa project even before the COVID-19 period. “I purchase cocoa from local farmers, process it by drying, and subsequently sell it in Honiara to cocoa exporters,” he explained. He applied for the ESP funding in 2021.
“The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) was responsible for issuing the application forms, which were distributed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) field officers. We completed the forms, which included several criteria, such as the necessity of having a registered business, obtaining a business license, and possessing a company Haus certificate. Many of us made determined efforts to meet these requirements,” Kulisiua told Island Sun.
Kulisiua, from Weathercoast in Guadalcanal Province, submitted his application through the Guadalcanal Province for his business, called DB Cocoa Processing & Marketing, which involves purchasing, processing, and marketing cocoa. “I submitted my form to the provincial office after completing the forms,” he said.
“In my proposal, I outlined a budget of $250,000, which was intended for the construction of a drying facility, storage, and labor costs, as well as ongoing cocoa purchases. This was the detailed breakdown of my ESP proposal,” he explained. Unfortunately, he was only awarded $10,000.
“I received a call informing me that my cheque was available at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT). This situation did not adhere to the standard procedure of signing a contract agreement. Typically, when funds are allocated, a contract or agreement must be signed with the relevant ministry.
“We have encountered this process when applying for community projects, which usually involves a donor and the community. In my case, the absence of a formal agreement meant we were not bound by the usual stipulations, including the clause that improper use of the funds could lead to legal consequences,” Kulisiua said.
Kulisiua received the cheque in 2022, after submitting his application in 2021. “With the $10,000 I was awarded, I purchased a scale, a few copra bags, and carried out some minor maintenance. However, this amount was insufficient to significantly enhance productivity as I had initially planned. The funds did not align with my project plans, resulting in a loss of potential benefits. If I had the appropriate facilities and equipment, as previously outlined, the $10,000 would have been immensely beneficial, and I would not have encountered any issues,” he added.
“Unfortunately, I lack a proper cocoa drying house, adequate storage, and the necessary funds to cover labor costs, which has hindered my progress. Since that time, I have not engaged in cocoa production up to the present day,” said Kulisiua.
There have been reports suggesting that government officials misappropriate substantial sums of money, yet it remains unclear how these funds are being utilized.
“Although someone collected the cheque on my behalf, it was actually my wife who did so, rather than myself. Ideally, I should have been the one to collect the cheque, as I am the designated recipient responsible for signing for the release of the funds. However, at that time, the process involved my wife being contacted, and she subsequently informed me that my cheque was ready for collection,” shared the concerned farmer.
