Recent articles written to the Solomon Star concerning the quality of SOLTAI products needs further input. I present my personal opinions in a positive fashion.
How fast our memories are to forget a few facts.
1. The Japanese involved in this original joint venture left during the "Ethnic Tension" for reasons that need not be mentioned or detailed here. Also the Company at that time always claimed a loss on their Balance Sheet, year after year.
2. The Company was badly in debt (excess of 10 million SID).
3. The Profit and Loss Statement or Revenue Statement for the Business indicated clear measures that needed to be taken to keep the Business viable.
A. A need to increase production efficiently to meet the demand for its products.
B. A need to address its debt.
C. A need to reduce expenses.
D. A restructuring of Management was also a key factor that would allow the business to remain viable, solvent and efficient.
4. The demand for its products was not being met.
Therefore, the Company with the assistance of the Provincial and the National Governments took what to some may seem to be 'drastic' measures and prevented the Business from becoming a great failure or even being sold to other Investors, which would have been a great loss as a major asset of the Province and the Nation as a whole.
Actions taken were:
* The Government wisely wrote -off a debt in excess of $10 million SID from the advice of then Finance Minister Hon. Peter Boyers MP West New Georgia and Vona Vona Lagoon.
* A new Board of Management was formed.
* A New General Manager and other senior Administrators were hired.
* Redundancies were made in certain divisions.
* The Company decided to concentrate on production and leave the actual fishing operation to be carried out by Tri-Marine and NFD.
* Old or obsolete fixed assets were disposed of in whatever manner was necessary.
* Certain areas were re-vamped/upgraded and necessary repairs and maintenance was done where it was needed.
Workers conditions changed and the necessary changes were made from recommendation from the Board with the advice of the General Manager.
A prime fixture (rented fixed asset), the Chili Taiyo canning machine was sent to the USA (from where it is leased, as it cannot be purchased and remain a Company Fixed Asset) for necessary repairs and maintenance; this machine to be returned in early 2010.
Purse Seine nets are now predominately used instead of the former Pole and Line method to meet the demand in the cannery for fish, this method is cost saving - efficient.
As the market in Japan has shifted, they no longer show an interest in 'smoked fish' after several queries into their Market. Should a market demand for such a product which could be sold at a profitable rate, SOLTAI is willing to resume production of 'smoked fish'
A market for Tuna loins opened in Italy and SOLTAI immediately began and continues to provide the frozen Tuna loins; this is generating profits which are being plowed back into the Company to improve the Company as a whole.
Now, last week claims (FALSE) have been made accusing SOLTAI of producing 'contaminated' fish. It is more like "POISON PEN".
Some people seem to be adverse to change, prefer the status-quo and regular "routine". Well welcome to the real world of Commerce and understand that at the end of the day the Company will prove itself.
It could be that some past or present disgruntled workers are releasing misinformation; time will tell who these people are.
You must change with the times in the Commercial competitive field or else you are doomed to fail.
I am sure that the Administration is approachable on any aspect of its decisions/policies and as to how it operates, and willing to discuss any such related matters with its employees.
In a world recovering from a recession which has affected many people i.e. most of the world, it should be appreciated that jobs at SOLTAI are available and will increase with production (now in excess of 60 metric tonnes per day) which will be reflected in more employment, confirmed positions, promotions, attractive remuneration and job security.
The Western Provincial Government has been condemned for over-spending etc. - the same applies here, in both cases, (SOLTAI & the Western Provincial Executive); the new Management has been handed over a Financially unhealthy Entity and blamed for any actions taken even if they are shown to be improvements "IN THE LONG RUN" Thumbs up to the Western Provincial Executive for its actions.
Careful not to "Kill the goose that lays the golden egg" or you may end-up with some other Country owning and operating SOLTAI or its collapse and then you will depend on 'Diana' or 'Waioka' tin tuna.
As for me, I prefer a local quality product which generates much needed revenue and employment for the Country. Give me Chili Tuna or Baby- Blue any day!
I am not biased and have visited the Company on countless occasions including taking students on 'Field - Trips' - tours of the whole operation when I was a Teacher.
I have also been hired to do some Consultancy work for the Company which included Cooking and Fishing and Cinematography on a Pole and Line Fishing Vessel (SOLTAI # 6) for three glorious months with 24 fellow Solomon Islands Crew and 6 Marine Biologist in Papua New Guinea.
As a Solomon Islander and therefore a stakeholder in SOLTAI, I am proud of the Company and its products taking into consideration all the ups and downs the Company has gone through.
Give credit where credit is due! And at the end of 2010, let’s look at the situation over-all and then make necessary comments. "NO SPOILEM KAMPANI BLONG IUMI".
The alternatives are perhaps a change in career or buying tin fish from another country which only makes the Solomons lose valuable Revenue instead of gaining it.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but all views in this article are my own (NO PEN NAME). Thumbs-up also for SOLTAI Administration and its patient employees who are part of a dedicated team!
I have seen SOLTAI'S (Solomon Taiyo) generosity since 1985 when I was Posted to Siota PSS near the Tulagi Base.
As the economy improves, I am sure SOLTAI will continue its generosity in general.
I had a tin of Chili Tuna for breakfast (One that was within the so-called contaminated time zone of production) with biscuits and it tasted great!
I have energy for the day and no ill affects.
Richard Thomas Joyce
Noro
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
