THE Prospecting Licence holder of the Jejevo Nickel Project, Sunshine Minerals says prospecting work on the Isabel nickel project will start soon as a new partner with technical capability has been accepted to join the Sunshine Minerals team.
Directors of Sunshine Minerals announced yesterday in Honiara that the new partner is METMINCO Limited, an Australian gold producer which has bought the entire share capital of Sunshine Minerals.
Sunshine Minerals owns 80 percent stake in the Jejevo Nickel Project.
Sunshine Minerals, the Directors say sees the partnership with METMINCO Ltd as the provider of the opportunity to develop the Jejevo Nickel Project.
And the Directors of Sunshine Minerals, Mr Pawel Misiec and Nelson Kile commend the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia for his foresight on the development of the Jejevo Nickel Project.
They say the issuance of the prospecting licence to their company by Mr Tovosia means he understands the need to utilise the Jejevo Nickel resource to improve the resource owners’ earnings, that of the Isabel province and the country as a whole.
They add, nickel mining operations can also create jobs for thousands of school leavers and university graduates, especially from Isabel province, who presently are unable to find employment.
And most importantly, they say, having METMINCO Ltd as a partner with the right resources and the technical capability does mean the development of the Jejevo Nickel Project will soon become a reality.
Executive Chairman of METMINCO Ltd, Kevin Wilson has led a company delegation to Honiara to discuss with the Directors of Sunshine Minerals and their small team about the nickel project, whether or not Solomon Islands has a conducive environment for investment and general information about the country.
Prior to arriving in Honiara, Mr Wilson said his company was interested in acquiring stake in Nickel and Bauxite Projects in Solomon Islands.
He said METMINCO Ltd is operating Quinchia Gold Project in Colombia, South America.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Minerals says it also has a prospecting license to operate Tausere Bauxite prospect on South Choiseul, Choiseul province.
It adds METMINCO Ltd is also a partner in the Tausere Bauxite Project.
A man facing one count of rape has told court that he needs a lawyer to represent him.
Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti told the accused that if he needs a lawyer then he must continue following up on his requests made to the Public Solicitor’s office.
The accused told the court that he had made several requests to the PSO but has not had any lawyer visit him.
Beneteti said that he must continue to check on the PSO with the assistance of the Correctional Services and not to give up as the PSO is also facing a shortage of lawyers.
Meanwhile Public Prosecutor John Zoze informed the court that investigation into the alleged incident has already completed and disclosures have been prepared and are ready to be served to the defence.
The court then adjourned the case to October 15 for the accused to secure a lawyer so that the case can proceed.
On another separate case of rape incident that occurred in August and September of this year, the prosecution said that investigation is continuing and also the accused is still without a lawyer to represent him.
Prosecution also said that it is a new matter and the case is yet to be allocated to a prosecutor.
The case has also been adjourned to October 15 for mention.
A man found guilty of assaulting his mother in-law with a stick at Wanderer Bay in Guadalcanal province will be sentenced today at the Honiara Magistrate Court.
The case was mentioned in court yesterday for sentencing but the presiding magistrate said that he will deliver it today.
This is the case against Edwin Belei who was charged with one count of domestic violence physical abuse under the Family protection act 4 (1) (a).
Police said that the man assaulted his mother in-law with a stick at their village in Wanderer Bay.
As a result of that incident the man was reported to the police in which he was arrested and charged for his actions.
Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the matter in court.
KOSSA and Real Kakamora contest ends in a stalemate
BY ROMULUS HUTA
REAL Kakamora striker and former Solomon Islands rep Adrian Mara is the current leader of the Telekom S-League goal scorers’ list.
After round five matches, Mara finds himself leading the race with five goals.
Clement Baegeni Henderson Eels), Bonnie Pride (Henderson Eels), Jerry Donga (Solomon Warriors) and Kensi Tangis (Solomon Warriors) are second with four goals each, respectively.
Players sitting on third spot with three goals are Moffat deramoa (KOSSA), Moffat Kilifa (Western United), Molea Tigi (Solomon Warriors) and Paul Wale (KOSSA).
On the fourth spot with two goals are Lawrence Foanaota (Malaita Kingz), Eddie Kasute’e (KOSSA), Raphael Le’ai (Marist), Nicholas Muri (KOSSA), Coleman Makau (Western), Mahlon Nonone (Real Kakamora) and George Suri (Henderson Eels).
Meanwhile, the top-flight domestic competition has a new leader at the top of the table following the weekend’s round of matches.
Defending champions Solomon Warriors finds itself at the top with 10 points after clinching a convincing 9-2 win over Real Kakamora on Saturday.
Previous leaders Henderson Eels slid down to fourth position after losing 3-2 against Malaita Kingz on Sunday.
Western United maintained its second spot on the table although they are equal on 10 points with Warriors as well. Differences on goals pushed United to sit at second while KOSSA clings on to third spot.
The victory by Malaita Kingz over Eels at the weekend helped them register their first three points of the competition so far after losing all their first four matches.
A Solomon Islands player makes a run between three Turkish players in yesterday’s contest of the Rugby League
Emerging Nations World Cup currently underway in Sydney, Australia.
League boys go down fighting against Turkey
SOLOMON Islands went down to a 30-22 defeat against an unranked Turkish side in their opening Group C match of the Rugby League Emerging Nations World Championship currently underway in Australia.
Played at the Windsor Sports Complex in Sydney, Solomon Islands’ Jimmy Maebata managed to score two tries while the two tries came from Calwyn Tengemoana and Tony Kaypuya, along with three goals coming from Eddie Moe’ava in a closely contested match.
According to the Rugby League ENWC online news site, it would take Turkey just 2 minutes to grab the game’s opening try, launching an assault on the Solomon Islands‘ line after an error before a neat kick through from Jaydin Salman-Cochrane was collected by Arda Dalcik who raced through to score, the conversion missed by Huseyin Karabork.
The Turkish intensity in defence was beginning to disrupt the Solomon Islands rhythm, players flying out of the line and forcing errors from their counterparts.
A Solomon Islands player makes a run between three Turkish players in yesterday’s contest of the Rugby League Emerging Nations World Cup currently underway in Sydney, Australia.
Turkey would somehow survive an onslaught of attacks when a penalty gave the Solomon Islands two sets of six on the Turkey line, the Solomon Islands left centre going close but spilling the ball over the line.
Turkey would soon have their second try of the game from a kick, Aiden Salman-Cochrane dribbling the ball off the boot, the bobbling kick spilled by the Solomon Islands and Volkan Er was the fastest to react to the loose ball, the conversion missed, taking the score to 8-0.
The Solomon Islands would hand Turkey possession from a penalty from the restart, Turkey spilling the ball from the restart and then proceeding to give a penalty for lifting.
The Solomon Islands penalised for an incorrect play the ball and the chance going begging.
The Solomon Islands would go close once more, Sanya and Tanga Moana both held just shy of the line as the Turkish side survived yet another attack. The Solomon Islands then handing the ball back to Turkey for crossing, a real chance missed.
Turkey would make the Solomon islands pay for ill discipline, Arda Dalcik going very close with a 20 metre solo effort to get Turkey within touching distance of the line, the ball spread right and Aiden Solman-Cochrane slotting himself through a gap to score, the conversion scored by Ali Bokeyhan Surer.
The Solomon Islands would steal a try 5 minutes before the half, Tony Kaypuya diving over from dummy half close to the Turkish line to get his sides first points of the day, the conversion successful by Eddie Moe’ava, 14-6.
Turkey would respond immediately after conceding, the kick off shallow and to the right of the field, forcing the Solomon Islands player off the field of play.
Turkey driving deep into opposition territory and coming up with points through Ali Bokeyhan Surer out of dummy half and over the line to extend the Turkey lead, Ali Bokeyhan Surer converting his own try to make it 20-6 at the half.
Aiden Solman-Cochrane would grab his second of the game when he shaped to pass at the Solomon Islands’ line and ghosted through a gap to open the scoring for the second half, Ali Bokeyhan Surer on target with the kick.
Dalcik would have his second of the game after Ali Bokeyhan Surer went close for the Turkish side, the ball shipped to the left at speed and a basketball pass found the left centre to dive into the corner, Ali Bokeyhan Surer hitting the crossbar with the conversion attempt, Turkey taking a 30-6 lead.
The Solomon Islands would see possession very briefly in the form of a drop out on the 20 after kicking a penalty too long, Arda Dalcik screeching out the line and delivering a rib rattler to force the ball loose and hand Turkey possession.
The Solomon Islands were still creating chances after the fullback broke from behind the scrum, the strong run followed up by Pura Lavonstarr, the ball spilled 5 metres from the line two tackles later.
Singamoana was causing problems for the Turkish side as he made yet another huge solo break, the Solomon Islands using that as the platform and the human wrecking ball that is Jimmy Maebata steamed onto a flat ball from 10 metres out, Timo Sanga with the successful conversion to make it 30-12.
Tengamoana would be the latest Solomon Islands player to cross, the number 9 going over from close range after Jimmy Maebata was forced back over the line to prevent a certain try, the kick missed.
The Solomon Islands would grab another late try with 1 minute to play, Tengamoana shipping the ball from dummy half to the big man Jimmy Maebata to help himself to a double from within 10 of the line, too little too late though as Turkey held on to be 30-22 winners.
Solomon Islands: 22
Tries – Jimmy Maebata (2), Tony Kaypuya, Carlwyn Tengamoana
Goals – Eddie Moe’ava (3)
Turkey: 30
Tries – Arda Dalcik (2), Aiden Solman-Cochrane (2), Volkan Er, Ali Bokeyhan Surer
Responsible ministry fails to attend BLC hearing, gov’t commitment on revival initiative questioned
By Gary Hatigeva
THE Government’s commitment in ensuring the establishment of its much anticipated Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) has come under heavy criticism and draws concerns for those who are behind its initiation.
The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) was due to start its inquiry into the institute’s initiation through a Development Bank of Solomon Islands Bill 2018, but the ministry responsible failed to turn up.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) who is responsible for the Bill, was supposed to appear with representatives from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and the Government’s Legal Drafts person, to talk about the bill.
Unfortunately, only the other two parties were present, and this has forced the Committee to adjourn its sitting into the bill for a later date, which the committee said would depend very much on the proceedings into the other outstanding bills.
Chairman of the BLC Matthew Wale when interviewed after the adjournment, explained that the committee has a very tight schedule and cannot afford to be dragged by this bill because they have other bills to look into before parliament resumes at the end of this month.
With less than three weeks left before the house resumes, the BLC Chair expressed his disappointment in the Ministry responsible, for the lack of commitments shown, knowing this is one of the current government’s major policy intentions, and a promise to the rural people of this country.
It is understood that the BLC has written a letter of protest to the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for what was described as, a no-care attitude from ministry officials, particularly those responsible for the DBSI bill.
Island Sun was also told that arrangements were made weeks ahead of the hearing, summoning all those involved in the Bill to appear before the Committee for the inquiry, but the MOFT has not given direct confirmations and these weak responses, according to officials, are questionable as there is likely lack of commitment on the policy agenda.
Meanwhile, a follow up with the Ministry reveals that many of those who are part of the DBSI bill have been engaged in other government occasions, which the BLC thought are mere excuses covering for their unpreparedness to present their case on the bill.
The BLC Chair said everyone involved in the bill were well notified and should have no excuses to miss the hearing.
When adjourning the proceedings into the DBSI Bill 2018, the BLC Chairman stressed that the Committee will probably look into the DBSI Bill later, which will depend very much on their tight schedule, but outlined that for now, the committee will set focus on the Payment System Bill 2018.
Former Prime Minister Sogavare, during his tenure announced his government’s policy intent to re-establish the former Development Bank of Solomon Islands, which was also taken on by the new government under Rick Hou’s leadership.
The intention was something government officials involved in its consultation programmes, revealed to have gotten strong support from the rural people throughout the country, describing it to be a policy that brings new hope for those in such settings to borrow money.
With so much hopes and anticipation, a subcommittee was established to work closely with CBSI for its realization through a proposed legal framework, but the weak coordination from officials and indications of lack of commitments, were highly questioned by supporters of the policy intention, stressing that this bill cannot be left out and must be given priorities in whatever proceedings or processes it will have to go through.
ACTING Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was chief guest of honour during the occasion marking the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the University of the South Pacific in Honiara yesterday afternoon.
An alumni of the university himself, Sogavare addressed a crowd of academics, alumni, scholars and members of the general public.
“The 50th anniversary day celebrates our past, who we were, what we have become or who we are and where we are going. It is a time to reflect on the achievements our University has made in the past 50 years,” he said.
“I am sure you are proud just like I am to have been given the scholarship and opportunity to study and learn at the USP. I am also proud of our past and present students, alumni, staff and our community which is spread over 12 countries and there is scope for other neighbouring countries to join the USP family.”
The acting Prime Minister reiterated that as former USP students, the knowledge and skills gained have enabled for the improvement of lives and to become “the persons that we dreamed of becoming when we were young”.
Sogavare further acknowledged the contribution made to the country by USP graduates through the application of their skills and stated that they have exhibited their commitment to the good of the people and country.
Acknowledging that whilst education does no stop after graduating from an institution the acting Prime Minister Sogavare further reiterated.
“Rather you should continue to learn whenever you can in order to add to the vast knowledge you have already possessed.”
Acting PM Sogavare with staff of USP
He further added that if learning stops, progress in the work places become stagnant and uninteresting and there would be feeling of anxiety of all sorts and burn-out as well.
Sogavare further acknowledges the theme and stated, “This is a moment for all of us to shine and make a difference in our country; a very appropriate time to talk about this responsibility as the country is moving towards another general elections and we cannot afford to maintain the status quo.”
The acting Prime Minister also made a call to the members of the USP alumni to rise above the challenges to make Solomon Islands a country that is worthy of its calling and to be a significant player in the regional effort to continue to make the Pacific Islands a peaceful corner of the world.
“Our future generations need a Pacific Islands that they can enjoy peace, progress and prosperity, that men should brothers be, make nation see, as our national anthem prayerfully reminds us,” he stated.
“That is a Pacific that is worthy of celebrating. That kind of environment does not fall from the sky; rather it is created by people like you and me who are privileged to be educated. That is where USP plays a strategic role.
“So, arise and shine.” He ended.
The acting Prime Minister was also accompanied by officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Medical specialists and clinicians at the training.
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
Medical specialists and clinicians at the training.
A recent collaboration between Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) has resulted in the country and region’s first intensive training on Clinical Management of Rape.
According to UNPFA, the training conducted by Dr Carina Hickling was provided for medical specialists, clinicians and midwives.
The training was held for a cadre of trainers to support the facilitation of training across the country.
UNPFA expressed that Dr Hickling is confident that the specialists will support the health ministry sustain a critical specialist area of response for survivors of gender based violence, most specifically on clinical management of rape for women, girls and children in the country.
MHMS Coordinator for National GBV (Gender Based Violence), Mr Nashley Vozoto referred to the training as the first of its kind in the country and region, representing significant progress in building the health sector’s capacity to support and end violence against women.
National Referral Hospital’s Head of Accidents and Emergency Department, Dr Trina Sale said the training has clarified what they mean by clinical management of rape, emphasized importance of safety, confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and has set out strategies for the provision of quality care.
“The training has demystified what we mean by clinical management of rape, highlighted the importance of ensuring safety, confidentiality, respect and non-discrimination and given us strategies for providing quality care within our setting”, she said.
Meanwhile, a Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for Clinical Management of Rape in Solomon Islands is underway, being drafted by the CMR with technical guidance and assistance from Dr Hickling.
UNFPA stressed that MHMS recognizes the crucial role it has in preventing and responding to violence.
“Never before, has it been more important that health workers in all cadres have the knowledge, confidence and competence to respond to women, girls and children affected by violence”
“The Family Protection Act 2014 quite clearly mandates health workers to carry out specific tasks to enhance the health and safety of women, girls and children, and for the first time ever, the National Health Strategic Plan (2016-2020) identifies violence against women, girls and children as a health issue and has called for improving service responsiveness and quality of health services available to women, girls and children affected by violence”, said UNPFA.
UNFPA voices that in order for the health work force, especially doctors and nurses to have the capacity, competence and confidence to deliver high quality standard of care and treatment, specifically in the clinical management of rape amongst women, girls and children, investment in the health sector is required.
One report titled “Domestic Violence in Solomon Islands”, says Solomon Islands has one of the highest rates of family and sexual violence (FSV) in the world where 64 percentage of women between ages, 15 to 49 have reported physical or sexual abuse or both by a partner.
Youth Development Officer for Malaita and Isabel Mr Methodius Iapara.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
Youth Development Officer for Malaita and Isabel Mr Methodius Iapara.
THE consideration of young people in the Traditional Governance and Custom Facilitation Bill 2018 is a must, according to Youth Development Officer for Malaita and Isabel Mr Methodius Iapara.
Iapara appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) recently when the parliament special select committee met stakeholders regarding the said Bill.
Chaired by Matthew Wale (MP), the hearing also sought inputs from young Solomon Islanders.
Wale said, “The bill deals with chiefs, setting up structure for chiefs, but youths are an important sector in our society and it is crucial that any proposed law must also cater for the interests of young people.”
Agreeing to the statement, Iapara says young people should be included in the Bill because young people can also be traditional leaders and chiefs.
He said there are also some sectors where traditional leaders can be women or young girls as well.
He said the Bill is general, and not specific to young people.
“I see as for first comer, it is alright but if we need to work on, we must consider few specific areas inside like how sections inside the bill will cater for participation of young people in leadership,” Iapora said in response to Wale’s question on role of youths in tribal traditional governance.
“For example if traditional chief is there, how will his son will considered as next chief when there is absence of trainings and teachings.”
Also during the hearing, Wale asked if the custom way of doing things to deal with leaders and leadership succession is enough to which Iapora said it is enough.
“We already factored in the new National Youth Policy which is on objective six.
“It stated that we will work alignment with the implementation of mechanisms in place along with the provincial ordinance is there.
“But given the chance to speak, I want to say something that maybe will give more something clear that young people are not excluded as young men and women are gender sustainability of Solomon Islands,” Iapora said.
A National Youth Policy 2017 – 2030 was launched in Honiara August this year (2018).
Prime Minister Hou met briefly with Gary Allen president to United Nations Christian Mission.
Prime Minister Hou met briefly with Gary Allen president to United Nations Christian Mission.
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has been applauded for championing the fight against Malaria in the Pacific region.
Foreign leaders and donor partners have particularly commended the Prime Minister for initiating the signing of the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Malaria Alliance (APLMA’s) 2030 goal to eliminate malaria from the Asia-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Houenipwela, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neil and Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai signed the APLMA in London at the margins of CHOGM early this year.
Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and PNG account for 92 percent of all cases in the Western Pacific Region.
Consequently, Asia Pacific’s ability to achieve elimination will hinge on Melanesia.
Speaking during the Malaria Summit, Houenipwela said the support of development partners and health organisations are crucial to allow pacific countries to innovate and modernise their systems.
“In the Solomon Islands, the Global Fund is piloting a Cash-on-Delivery model that allows us to fully integrate elimination of malaria as an integral part of our health system.
“This approach to financing is changing the way we deliver health services. Innovative funding approaches must be part of the solution to eliminate malaria,” he told the summit.
The Prime Minister said he is also encouraged by the new partnership between the Global Fund and the Asian Development Bank.
This partnership will offer the region new ways of reaching the SDGs, by investing directly in results.
“There is much to do. But, with all our collective support, I have no doubt we will eliminate malaria from Solomon Islands, from Melanesia, from the Asia-Pacific region and ultimately from the whole world. I am convinced we will be the generation that eradicated malaria,” he said.
