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Honiara youths empowered under Crime Prevention Strategy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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RSIPF and the Solomon Island Police Support Program.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

YOUTHS in Honiara have successfully completed a workshop on Crime Prevention Strategy held at the Honiara Youth Hub, aimed to increase young people’s awareness and engagement in issues affecting them and society.

The workshop was facilitated by the National Community Policing Team of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Island Police Support Programme (SIPSP).

The event was organised with aim to increase awareness and engagement of young people on the Crime Prevention Strategy which the RSIPF are working on.

As part of implementing the strategy, the RSIPF is also introducing a new model called SARA which is part and parcel of the Crime Prevention Strategy, and young people have a part to play in it.

RSIPF and the Solomon Island Police Support Program.

National Community Policing Programme Coordinator Sergeant (Sgt) John Manegaua said the workshop was organised with aim for the RSIPF and youth leaders to come together and learn about crime prevention and problem-solving using the SARA model.

“In any problem solving we need to Scan-by asking what the problem is, Analyse-what contributes to the problem, response-what can we do to improve the problem and Asses-did the response work.”

“We had the opportunity with the presence of former Prime Minister of New Zealand Ms Clark who spoke at the occasion and took questions from the audience which was a fantastic bonus.

“As a former NZ Prime Minister and former Head of the United Nations Development Programme, Ms Clark has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she was more than happy to share.

“Ms Clark’s message of active citizenship was well received and timely as it coincided with the intent of the workshop.”

Ms Clark encouraged young people to get involved in politics, enrol to vote and cast a ballot in the general election next year.

She noted that 80 percent country’s population is under 30 years and their voice and influence must be heard.

The City Mayor Andrew Mua during the workshop strongly supported the importance of involving and encouraging youth on the Crime Prevention Strategy.

He thanked the New Zealand Government’s support in the ongoing development of facilities for Honiara youth, including an extension to the multipurpose stadium.

Police officers picture with a youth dressed in cultural costume before the workshop.

Makira-Ulawa overdue problem addressed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The new Kirakira market building with guests during the opening.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Makira Ulawa Deputy provincial secretary Mr Wilson Billy Rafiau.

MAKIRA Ulawa provincial government has stepped in to address an ‘overdue problem’ in constructing a new proper market facility which was launched on Monday.

Market venders across Makira/Ulawa province again have a venue to sell their products after the old market house was demolished few years ago.

Premier for Makira Ulawa province Stanley Siapu said the driving force behind this facility is the fact that market venders especially women who come with their markets are exposed to sun and rain.

Mr Siapu in his remarks assured venders that this is just the beginning of the provincial government’s commitment to continue improving the facility in the near future.

“Therefore let me assure you (market venders) this is the first step and as soon as other related matters are settled the whole area near the market building will be developed for you vendors and the people of Makira Ulawa province,” said Siapu

On the same note deputy provincial secretary Wilson Billy Rafiau thanked the current executive members led by Hon Premier for the wisdom and the vision they have for the people of the province in addressing one crucial need of market vendors.

Mr Rafiau said having this newly built facility chases away the days of being exposed to sun and rainy weather.

“To you market vendors I guarantee you today (yesterday) that the days the rain and heat chased you are all gone. You will now find a new home to do your buying and selling,” said Rafiau.

Cecilia Tagua on behalf of the market venders said, “The completion of this market building is great relief to our cries for a proper market facility also thanks to the provincial government for fulfilling its obligation in the completion of the market house.”

The opening ceremony of the market building was held at the provincial headquarter yesterday at the Kirakira town, in Makira.

The facility was successfully through the support of the Ministry of Provincial government & Institution strengthening (MPGIS) through the Makira Ulawa provincial government and was constructed by Jabez Construction, a Honiara based company owned by Mr Jason Fa’akelema Takila.

The new Kirakira market building with guests during the opening.
Makira Ulawa Premier Hon Stanley Siapu receives the handover from Jabez Construction managing director Mr Jason
Fa’akelema.

Three suspects arrested in North Malaita following store break-in

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE in North Malaita, Malaita province have arrested three suspects in connection with an alleged store break-in which occurred on Saturday, August 25 at the Malu’u station.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi says, “The value of goods stolen is estimated at around $5,000.

“The three suspects aged between 20 and 30 years old were arrested and charged for alleged store break-in and have been formally bailed.

“The three suspects are expected to appear in the Auki Magistrates Court on 8 October 8, 2018.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Court urges investigators to execute warrants of arrest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Augustine Aulanga has again urged police investigators to execute warrants of arrest issued by the court in relation to accused released on bail but never turn up for court hearing.

He made the comments in court yesterday when few cases were called for review of the warrants of arrest.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that the warrants are yet to be executed but will be checking on the investigators for any feedback in relation to the warrants.

But Magistrate Aulanga said there are many outstanding warrants yet to be executed and police investigators must follow up on the warrants.

He told the prosecutor to convey the orders from the court to the investigators so that investigators quickly execute the warrants.

Traffic accident claims one life in Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A 22-year-old male person was killed during a traffic accident at the Ferakui Hill, near Dala North, West Kwara’ae, Malaita province on August 25, 2018.

Supervising Police Provincial Commander Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi, “It is alleged that the incident occurred when the vehicle was on its way to the North Road to do trading of cargo at villages along the road.

“Besides the cargo there were also 17 passengers on board the vehicle.

“Whilst driving up the Ferakui Hill, the vehicle engine stopped, veered off the road and overturned.

“The male person died instantly while four others have been admitted at the Kilu’ufi Hospital near Auki.

“The driver has been arrested and Police are now investigating the matter.

“I want to remind vehicle owners and drivers to properly check your vehicles before travelling.

“Some of our road conditions are in a bad state and we must be mindful of how we drive on those roads.

“Make sure our vehicles are road worthy and have a valid vehicle licence.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Croc attack kills 14-yr in West

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE officers in Munda, Western province have received a report about a crocodile attack on a 14-year-old boy in the Rendova Harbour area on August 24, 2018.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander Western Province, Superintendent Cedar Nevol says, “On Friday evening children from Rendova Harbour went out on a diving trip to an Island called Bao not far from their village.

“Whilst diving, a crocodile grabbed the victim and pulled him into the sea. On seeing this, the other children went back to the village and reported the incident.

“The matter was reported to police at Munda and two officers assisted the villagers to search for the victim.

“And it was not until 6pm in the evening that the boy was found already deceased.

“Arrangements are underway to deploy Police Response Team (PRT) officers to the place of incident as soon as possible.

“I want to extend my condolences to the family of the deceased, and want to encourage others if you sight any crocodile around your villages and want police assistance, please go to your nearest station so that officers can assist you to fill in a form required for the destruction of crocodiles.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Status on cost of living calls for an overall review to SI Tax system: Wale

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Aoke/Langalanga MP, Matthew Wale

By Gary Hatigeva

“HAVING compared to neighbouring countries in the region, Solomon Islands has one of the highest costs of living,” says Matthew Wale, Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga and Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee.

Presenting his speech on the debate session of the Goods Tax (Amendment) Bill 2018, the Aoke/Langalanga MP stressed that food and transportation, electricity, water, accommodation, basic healthcare system, the basic education and clothing are basic necessities for all families.

He said families are however struggling to make ends meet, as most of the economy does not pay a living wage, and families are unable, on the basis of their income, to meet all the necessities of life.

“Thus, the quality of life is not where it should be. It must be government responsibility to address these through robust and responsible policy.

“Taxation is a burden on the family. No one is arguing that we must not contribute. However, there is a strong case against the arbitrariness of the GST formula – its inclusion of customs duty as the base amount that GST is then calculated on,” Wale said.

He added that the inclusion represents an unjustified intrusion into family incomes, as it represents a cost of government that is unfairly levied on the people, and he suggested for it to be changed.

“And if it is changed, that saving must be passed on to the consumers, and not be hoarded by the wholesalers.”

He further pointed out that this is a result of an overdue taxation system, which needs a complete overhaul.

Wale said such an overhaul must aim, above all considerations, to strike the balance between incentivising or encouraging increased private investment in the appropriate sectors of the economy and efficient government expenditure in reasonable quality public services.

The BLC Chair said this is not an easy balance to achieve, but the country through responsible governments, must strive for it, and such a balance will be demonstrated by the number of quality job opportunities that will be created in the economy over the mid to long term.

“And such jobs should provide a reasonable living wage, and that taken with reduced cost of living will afford families savings and the means to meet the basic necessities of life in our country.”

Meanwhile, in his concluding remarks, Wale stressed that the government needs revenue to fund public services sustainably, and Taxation is the government’s primary revenue raising tool, but this policy must be guided by the principles that contribute to creating a just, fair, and a more equal society.

This bill remedies a loophole in the current Act that allows some wholesalers to evade paying the correct amount of GST.

“In that objective, it is laudable and the House must support it. However, the formula for calculating GST betrays an arbitrariness that is inherently unfair to taxpayers.

“Further, it is a major contributor to the high cost of living in our country. Government ought to review this formula to ensure that these considerations are given adequate weight in the on-going reforms to our taxation system,” the legislator further stressed.

RSIPF warn communities in North Guadalcanal of bomb blasting

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will conduct a live demolition of a bomb in the Taihohoru Area of North West Guadalcanal on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

Officer In-charge (OIC) of EOD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki says, “This bomb was reported recently to EOD by communities in the area. The task is to safely destroy the bomb by explosive means.

“The Taihohoru area in North West Guadalcanal area will be active from 9am to 4pm on August 29, 2018.”

“Farmers, hunters and the people living in the Taihohoru area are kindly asked to keep out from the area while the operation is underway.

“I am appealing to all communities in and around the Taihohoru area to also keep out from the area while the operation is in progress.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Road conditions in north Malaita worsen

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE conditions of the roads in north Malaita are reportedly worsening, with some sections said to be almost impassable.

This has prompted concerned constituents to call on their leaders to consider fixing the roads.

A Mr Henry Tuhu, speaking to Island Sun Auki, said people (travellers) from east and northern parts of Malaita continue to complain about the matter, and it is high time that this be brought to the attention of their leaders.

He said the matter has been affecting the people for quite a long time and complaints continue to rise, but no attempt so far has been made by responsible authorities.

Tuhu said the poor conditions of the roads remain the same and are worsening, and the people continue to suffer the brunt of the problem.

Describing the status of the road, he said, “pothole is one of the common road damage people knew, but for the case of north Malaita road, it goes beyond that and now pools are on the roads.

“There are parts of the roads where drainages are not on the sides of the road, drainages now lay across or along the roads.”

He added that to make things worse for the people, public transport owners are increasing the fares, and many are complaining that they sometimes cannot afford them.

Meanwhile, this paper recently reported a dialogue between World Bank and MPG on a tar seal project to be funded by World Bank for roads in the province.

The project will be from Auki to Dala (north direction) and Auki to Bina (south direction).

This paper also understands that currently a road rehabilitation construction is underway on the south road, and recently it reported to have reach Maoa area in West Kwaio.

Malaysia supports SINU’s fisheries studies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Secretary to the Honorary Consul-General of Malaysia Ms Sylvia Wong hands over cheque to Vice-Chancellor (Ag) Prof Prem Rai. Photo from SINU Media.
Secretary to the Honorary Consul-General of Malaysia Ms Sylvia Wong hands over cheque to Vice-Chancellor (Ag) Prof Prem Rai.
Photo from SINU Media.

MALAYSIA has piped in financial assistance to SINU’s department of fisheries studies.

As part of its corporate social responsibility and philanthropic gestures to institutions and organisations in Honiara, and elsewhere in the Solomon Islands, the Honorary Consul-General of Malaysia to the Solomon Islands, presents a cheque of SBD60,000 to the Department of Fisheries Studies (DFS).

The cheque is presented by Ms Sylvia Wong, Secretary to the Honorary Consul-General of Malaysia.

The donation is to assist the young department in its operational activities to help ensure efficient running of its programmes.

DFS is a newly re-established department under the Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Studies, at the School of Technology and Maritime Studies, Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

The department, established with assistance from the government and people of South Korea, under its international development agency, KOICA, is in its infancy and needs every assistance to help actualise its vision of becoming a regional leader in fisheries training, with the highest standards of education, research and innovation.

The Solomon Islands National University and its School of Technology and Maritime Studies, on behalf of DFS, express sincere gratitude to the Honorary Consul-General of Malaysia to the Solomon Islands and their donors, who contributed in the golf tournament fundraising event, for this generous offer.

The Malaysia Consulate hosted a golf tournament last weekend, during the anniversary celebration of Malaysia’s 61st Merdeka, and funds raised from the tournament were donated to various local educational and sporting organisations.

It is the hope of the University and the department, that this gesture will set the tone for medium to long-term productive relationship between the Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Studies and the Office of the Consul-General of Malaysia to the Solomon Islands.

The University assures the Honorary Consul-General of Malaysia to the Solomon Islands that the gift will be used, exclusively, to serve the purpose for which it is intended; to support the delivery of fisheries training in the Department of Fisheries Studies.

–SINU PRESS

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