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RSIPF steps up policing in Isabel province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Isabel Province have been kept busy during the past month of July 2018 with policing duties in that province.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Isabel Province, Superintendent Leonard Tahnimana says, “My officers have been very busy during the month of July with various activities in the province as part of the Crime Prevention Strategy roll out.”

The activities in which officers of RSIPF in Isabel attended include:

  • Arrest of a 60-year-old male at Bagovu Village in the Maringe District on August 2, 2018, for alleged assault of another person. Accused has been charged and released on bail to appear before a magistrate at a later date;
  • Witnessed the enthronement service of Chief Clement Rojumana as the Paramount Chief of Maringe District of Isabel province;
  • Arrest of two male persons at Maglau Village in the Maringe District for causing grievous bodily harm to another male person on July 30, 2018. The two accused have been released on bail to appear before a magistrate at a later date;
  • Witnessed the ceremony for the custom handing over of land to Sisters of the Church at Havihua in the Bugotu District of Isabel Province from July 27 to 28, 2018;
  • Conducted a high visibility Police operation during the Kodili Festival held in Buala July 24 – 29, 2018;
  • Attended the launching and commissioning of the new vessel UTA Princess II at Susubona Village in the Hograno District of Isabel Province on July 21, 2018; and
  • Provided security presence from July 4 – 7, 2018 during the “PHOGA” event in the Highlands of Maringe District.

“I would like to thank the people in the various communities in Isabel for assisting my officers during the various activities,” says PPC Tahnimana.

“I would also like to commend my officers for actively ensuring policing in Isabel is very much alive.

“Your police is here for you and I appeal to the good people of Isabel Province to assist ensure our communities are safe.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Time running out to stop prospecting on Ngella

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

TIME is now running out for Ngella in Central Islands Province (CIP) to stop mining prospecting on their island.

This comes after Ngella landowners and Chiefs signed a surface agreement on prospecting last month, July 23, along Sandfly Passage with SOLFISH Company causing stir of conflict amongst the indigenous people of the island not wanting such activity to take place there.

The only hope to stop the operation to take place now falls under the mining regulations that other members of the same land area signed may object within 30 days being a requirement under ‘The Mines and Minerals Regulation 1996’.

Taking on this task now is the famous Ngella Forum (NGF) Team who are to facilitate signings of objection from family members within the land signed to operate on. Out of the agreement signings that took place last month, 48 out of 53 participants signed the agreement having five ignoring it.

According to Mr Kenneth Sagupari on behalf of NGF to Island Sun yesterday, they will be focusing on North Ngella’s side along Mboli and Belagha Districts because it is most Chiefs from there who had signed the surface access prospecting agreement with SOLFISH Company.

“If we do not make the appeal then the Ministry of Mines will issue the license. As soon as the Ministry issue’s the license then CIP’s Provincial Government will have to issue the licence because the company has completed the process and there is no reason the Provincial Government will not have to issue the license,” said NGF Team worrying.

CIP’s Provincial Government on the other hand feels uncomfortable with the recent signings confirming in standing ground to not issue the business license for the prospecting to take place being understood that they are even yet to complete the assessment over logging impacts in Ngella too.

The Premier Hon Patrick Vasuni stressed that when they are yet finding ways to totally ban logging on Ngella and come up with plans in how to replant forest trees and such after damages to trees and the environment have taken place, mining activities will only disturb their aim.

“How come will we accept mining or prospecting activities to take place on Ngella when logging has already caused negative impacts on the island causing us yet to re-solve the destruction it has left behind on our island,” said the Premier.

On focusing, the priority now on this task is the appeal of the signatures that will make sure the Ministry of Mines does not issue the license.

By 22nd of this month August, the 30 days for any objection should be lapsed meaning time is running out before Ngella will experience an unsure future concerning their environment.

Logging facilitate abuse of alcohol in rural communities of Malaita: Report

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

SOCIAL problems as a result of alcohol abuse is ripe in communities engaged in logging in Malaita province.

According to a report title “From happy hour to hungry hour: Logging, fisheries and food security in Malaita, Solomon Islands” recently released by WorldFish Auki, social problems related to increased alcohol consumption come up spontaneously.

The report stated that alcohol is generally not available in the company shops and its consumption is prohibited on log ponds, but enforcement of such prohibitions is poor.

Logging companies facilitate the local sale of alcohol by allowing landowners to transport liquor on logging barges to start local bottle shops, which often involves a shortcut on the rules.

“Procedure was, in order to get a licence to sell alcohol you should first get permission from the chiefs and the church leaders.”

But what the people are now doing is that they only request the permit in Auki and they easily get it or in some cases permit is not considered by those who sell alcohol.

The increased alcohol consumption increases family problems. Men are said to spend their logging wages on drinking.

So many families break up and in the places where logging takes place, some ‘daddies’ are always getting drunk.

The report stated that men employed under logging companies don’t take care of their families well. They just drink beer month after month.

A teacher from West Are’Are expressed concerns about the vulnerability of young people to alcohol abuse, saying that whenever the logging barge has arrived she witnesses drunkenness among schoolchildren.

In short, “Alcohol is disturbing the whole community now. Before logging, drinking would only happen when it was time to celebrate, but now it happens Monday to Sunday.

The young and the old, everyone drinks and it happens everywhere too. Before, drinking would happen at the edge of the village.

Now it happens in the middle of it, within the view and hearing of children, who see and hear all the swearing and the fighting.

Women get frustrated too when their husbands spend all the money they earn on beer.

So to get it balanced, they also start drinking. And then a lot of fighting happens inside the house, and the children don’t know where to run to anymore.

This chapter has shown that at the outset of logging, expectations of the anticipated benefits are sky-high.

Rural Malaitans view logging companies as potential providers of cash, jobs, key services and infrastructure.

However, few of these expectations are met as the cash rewards are mostly disappointing and badly managed, jobs are short term and low paid, and benefit sharing agreements are poorly formalized and rarely implemented.

Meanwhile, logging is invariably associated with heightened levels of conflict, increased sexual exploitation of girls and women and widespread alcohol abuse, which leave communities fractioned and bitter.

Gov’t wants extra $226M

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has on Monday started its proceedings into the 2018 Appropriation Bill 2018 with so much at stake as a lot of government ministries and agencies already indicating urgent needs to have their projected allocations approved.

The government had proposed under its supplementary budget for an addition of around $220 million to further fund government’s operations toward the end of this year.

PAC began its public hearing schedule on Monday with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands who presented its general overview of the national economy, with details from the state of the economy in 2018, and the Economic outlook for 2018 and the prospects for 2019.

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury was next with a strong delegation who presented a breakdown on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, arguing that it is an urgent matter for PAC’s thorough consideration as the government continues delivering its services.

In a breakdown of the total of $226 Million under the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018, Under Secretary (US) Fiscal of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Norman Hiropuhi, explained that $1.3 Million is projected for contingency warrant, while $23 million for advance warrant.

Hiropuhi added that the remaining three quarter or more of the Supplementary, with a total of $200.1 Million has been projected for additional supplementary expenditures of various government services, and should allow for continued delivery until December 31, 2018.

Interestingly, with a new approach, the government went and seek parliament’s consent and had it put in for it first and second reading last week, and then put in for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC’s) scrutiny, which is currently underway.

The government was however cautioned that the estimate of the budgeted expenditure this year has now grown from around 42 percent of GDP (in the 2018 Appropriation Act) to 44 percent of GDP when including the 2018 SAB.

Deputy Governor of Central Bank, Gane Simbe pointed out that this would be at approximately the same expenditure level witnessed in 2017.

“We note government under this SAB has to reallocate funds to address unforeseen circumstances, legalise budgetary support allocations from donors and meet key priority areas (such as the elections and tourism).

“Nonetheless, it would also be prudent if government could minimise arrears from previous periods into a new spending year as it will likely crowd out activities and investments,” Deputy Governor Simbe explained.

He said it is noted that the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill has more arrears from 2017 in addition to the ones already cleared in the 2018 Appropriation Act.

Moreover, he suggested that some of the claims are for fixed-type costs such as rental and salaries that could have been appropriately budgeted and expended in their respective year.

Following PAC’s scrutiny into it, the Supplementary Appropriation Bill will be brought back into parliament when parliament resumes next week for its debates and Committee of Supplies for its proceedings.

PAC continues this morning with the Ministry of Home of Affairs expected to appear before the committee, but before that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is likely to take the lead, and to be followed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and then the Ministry of Rural Development before lunch.

Today’s second half of the session is expected to see strong teams from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.

Parliament will resume in a few day’s time, and the report on the hearings is expected to be presented in Parliament before the Bill is being passed, but this will depend very much on the commitment of government ministries, some of which were called back due to unpreparedness and others, due to other factors.

PAC according to the Hearing Schedule, is expected to complete this Wednesday but could go on until Thursday or Friday.

Lea’i brace bags three point

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Marist FC Raphael Lea’i.

“Our combination play failed” Coach Talo

By Taromane Martin

Marist FC Raphael Lea’i.

A double from 16-year-old Raphael Lea’i saw Marist FC bag their first three points in the new season of the Telekom Soccer League.

Boosted with a number of unrecognizable youngsters in the starting 11 on Sunday Marist handed Malaita Kingz FC their second defeat in the season defeating them 3-1 at the Lawson Tama on Sunday.

Lea’i found the back of the net in the first half helping Marist lead 2-0 at half time but saw Malaita King FC fighting their way back through Alford Po’oia grabbed a goal back in 15 minutes into half time.

Forward Charles Mani was brilliant for M/Kingz on the other end of the pitch but could not find enough gel with strike partner Benjamin Toata to grab the equalizer.

PNG international and Kapuls former team captain Michael Foster picked up a yellow card for a hefty challenge on Lea’i 68th minutes in the second half.

Lea’i sealed the victory for his side 76 minutes into the second half while Kingz left flanker Eddie Huniehu was denied by the goal post toward the final five minutes of play.

“At the moment the mood is not that great because losing is not good for the club,” Malaita Kingz Coach Rence Talo told SunSPORTS after their loss yesterday.

“Our combination play failed, a couple of the boys seemed to be struggling and I’m currently missing four of my players who are currently away on international duties which made a huge difference for the team.

“From here I think we have to make some adjustments during training and see where we go from then.

“Like I told the boys after the game we have to keep our heads up, work extra harder and look forward to meeting them next time around,” he said.

Marist Head Coach Jerry Allen was pleased with the victory and performance from his young side saying he was pleased with how his young and inexperienced side played yesterday.

“Yes I’m pleased with the young boys today. Team is very young but they played well today.

“I was not with the team for our opening match however the young boys played really well today.

“We always and I always try and encourage the boys to take it one game at a time and look forward for our next game whether it is tough or not.

“The boys received instructions well today. But then again there are still a lot of things to improve in the team and I believe, as the season progress on the boys will learn and improve.

“The season is still starting and it’s still very much anyone’s game,” Coach Allen said.

Other result from yesterday’s 4pm match between Solomon Warriors FC and Western United FC ended 1-1, Lency Norman on target for W/United while defender Allen Pita salvaged a crucial point for Solomon Warriors FC.

Mani named captain

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Malaita Kings FC forward Charles Mani is rumoured to have been appointed as team captain for the national U-16 team. Photo Taromane Martin.

By Taromane Martin

Malaita Kings FC forward Charles Mani is rumoured to have been appointed as team captain for the national U-16 team. Photo Taromane Martin.

SIXTEEN year old Charles Mani has been named captain for the Solomon Islands national Under 16 soccer team for next month’s OFC U-16 Championship.

The Malaita Kingz FC forward who won the Youth Solomon Cup with the Malaita Eagles U-19 team last year has been a revelation for football in the country along with the likes of U-19 players Henly Ramo, Frank Kabui, Patrick Taroga and Lino Houairia.

Mani will lead the lads in green, blue and yellow next month here at Lawson Tama Stadium when Honiara plays host to the 2018 OFC U-16 Championships from September 9-12.

Solomon Islands are in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

Solomon Islands takes on Melanesian neighbours Papua New Guinea in their opening match 3pm on the opening day of competition September 9.

The two finalists from the OFC U-16 Championship will get qualification for next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru.

New president for Baseball and Softball

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Oceania Base Ball AND SOFT BALL CONFEDERATION PRESINT Laurent Cassier with Secretary General SIBSF Nihal Seneviratne

By Taromane Martin

Oceania Base Ball AND SOFT BALL CONFEDERATION PRESINT Laurent Cassier with Secretary General SIBSF Nihal Seneviratne

THE Solomon Islands Base Ball and Soft Ball Federation have a new executive board.

The new executive board was elected on Sunday following an urgent call to meet at the Panatina Oval.

The new executive board sees acting president Mr Francis Deve voted in as the President while Ms Sakae Inoue voted in as the vice president.

Nihal Seneviratne is the Secretary General, Mrs Loti Otuana the treasurer, trainer Genki Iimori and three members Mento Maeto, Alick Oitalo and Sofi Ata.

The new executive is now tasked with reviving the sport in the county after 11 years, organising local championships, prepare teams and players for Oceania Championships.

A statement from the newly elected executive board says they know there are a lot of areas to address in order to make the sports popular again saying they are up to the task.

National Under-18 hockey teams fly out tomorrow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Taromane Martin

THE country’s national Under-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams will leave the country tomorrow to compete at the 2018 FIH World Series competition in Port Villa, Vanuatu.

A squad of nine boys and nine girls selected from the current Samlinsan High Schools Hockey League will leave the country 1:03pm tomorrow.

Federation President Mr Nihal Seneviratne confirmed the team will leave in the afternoon for the hockey five competitions which will kick off on Wednesday at the Wan Smol Bag Hockey field.

Mr Seneviratne meanwhile thanked their sponsors who have been supporting their program and leagues in the country

“Solomon Islands Hockey Federation would like to acknowledge our Corporate Sponsor Samlinsan Logging Company who are currently sponsoring the high School Hockey League and Club League.

“Also big thank you to Solomon Tuna Ltd and Colombo Consultancy Managing Director Lakmal Hewagama for sponsoring the national teams for the competition,” Mr Seneviratne said.

Meanwhile the selected U-18 hockey players to represent the country at the FI H World Hockey Series are:

HOCKEY 5s – WORLD SERIES- VANUATU

14th to 22nd AUGUST 2018

MENS

JOHN WESLY – CAPTAIN

PAUL LUIRAMO

RALPH MASAE

REGINALD AITOREA – GK

LEON KAURA

BROOKLYN WANETENIA

PAUL BROWN

JUNIOR SUIMAE

JASON IVIN

WOMENS

ESMIE BELO- CAPTAIN

LYN BASII-GK

ROVINA MANU

CLAUDIA VOTU

ALISON SANGA

HILDA KABINI

JEREMY OLIVER

MARY USUA

LOVELYN MAEOLI.

Women’s Right Action Movement with new board members

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Mrs Anika Kingmele.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Mrs Anika Kingmele.

WOMEN’S Right Action Movement (WRAM) a non-governmental organisation in the country have successfully elected its new board members to stir and make sure the organisation has adequate resource to advance its mission and vision.

The election was done over the weekend when the organisation had its Annual General Meeting at the Kairos conference room in Honiara.

The outcome of the election concluded as Maria Pepa was voted in as the new President, Afulia Billy the vice president, Christina Bakolo as secretary to the board and with five ordinary members.

Speaking at the occasion of board members election Ms Pepa the new president said she was honored to be voted in to the presidency post for WRAM board.

Ms Pepa uttered all she needed is cooperation and support from WRAM and its members in taking up this responsibility for the next 12 months.

“I‘ll try to do my best to move the institution forward together with the current new board members of WRAM to ensure its mission and vision is fulfilled, with that I believe that this will possible through the putting together of different strength’s, talents and abilities of WRAM board members and its members to the board,” said Ms Pepa the new elected president.

On the same matter Anika Kingmele the outgoing president uttered that she was very privilege to serve the organisation for four years and is pleased to hand over her responsibility to her successor Ms Pepa.

“I would like to thank all WRAM members for encouragement during m y reign as the president. My four years with the organization has developed my capacity and confidence in working with women as well as expanding the knowledge of child right as based on my profession into women’ right area,” said Kingmele the outgoing president.

She adds by thanking WRAM members for support, time, commitment and sacrifices made to make the organisation grow from strengthen to strength.

WRAM is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2011 to effectively remind government of gender issues in the country and their commitments to addressing these issues and with a mission to support government to promote , protect and fulfill the rights of women and men equally , to take affirmative action to address in equalities faced by women and to work with NGOs to promote good governance in Solomon Islands.

CHEC intern completes training

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Timothy Itogho (centre) with his Certificate.

BY ELLISON VAHI

Timothy Itogho (centre) with his Certificate.

LOCAL CHEC surveyor Mr Timothy Itogho has completed his three weeks internship with the China Harbour Engineering Company limited last week with a certificate.

Itogho who hails from Aola village in east Guadalcanal is a graduate certificate student at the national university (SINU) and has joined the group company since July 18 this year in doing his internship under the close watch of his supervisor and mentor Mr Raine whom is the QA/QC Manager.

Speaking to the Island Sun last week, Itogho said the training has given him an opportunity as well has equipped him with a lot of confidence in building him towards his future career.

He give all the credit to his mentors for their kind support in mentoring him throughout, and hence wishes to thank them, especially; Mr Raine, Oscar, Jimmy and Andy.

Mr Raine said that Timothy is with a lot of passion for his field career.

“Timothy has never hestitated to learn and ask what he doesn’t know about and thus working with him was great.”

China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd is helping Solomon Islands rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by flash floods in 2014.

Since then, the project under the NTF has help fund construction of vital infrastructure designed to be more resilient against disasters and other climate threats. It also has restores bridges, stream crossings, culverts, and bridge approach roads.

To date, since 2015 has completed a lot of flood recovery bridges, including the Naro –lambi project in west Guadalcanal are currently reconstructing the Mbokokimbo Bridge at east Guadalcanal and hence once completed will then that their contract will be laps and hopes that the project will complete before the end of this year 2018.

Hence, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) is a world-renowned international contractor that is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd.

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