(L-R) Ms Java Karrie (MCTC Director ), Ms. Lie of Maskit, Hon Alick Maeaba,
Ms. Ran a Suidan (Course Staff ) and Shachar Re’em (Deputy Director MCTC).
PHOTO BY ITZIK YONA.
By Mike Puia
(L-R) Ms Java Karrie (MCTC Director ), Ms. Lie of Maskit, Hon Alick Maeaba, Ms. Ran a Suidan (Course Staff ) and Shachar Re’em (Deputy Director MCTC). PHOTO BY ITZIK YONA.
THE Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Mr Alick Maeaba, has returned to the country a convinced man of Israel’s Innovativeness.
“Israel is truly the land of innovation and Science,” Maeaba said.
He said he had learned so many things whilst in the holy land with many fond memories of the place.
“My experience in Israel is beyond my expectation,” Maeaba said.
He said during his stay he attended a leadership training program and also held meetings with various government officials and stakeholders.
Looking back, Maeaba said he is happy that he had fulfilled the purpose of his visit by utilizing every minutes of his stay.
The Deputy Premier was sponsored by the government of Israel through MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Cooperation and Development) to travel and attend the training in Israel along nationals from other parts of the world.
He took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the people of Israel for their assistance and support throughout his stay.
“I am thankful to our Solomon Islands Government for standing Israel in the past months at the United Nations General Assembly.
“It has surely make me a Solomon Islander and a leader to be proud whist in Israel that our nation is a true friend of Israel and all Israeli I met during my visit knows that,” the deputy premier of Malaita said.
He said he wants to see this country maintaining its stand behind Israel in years to come.
Maeaba was farewelled by the management of the Golda Meir International Training Centre in Haifa, Israel.
DELAYS in appointing new Board Members to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) have reportedly brought the State-Owned Enterprise’s multi-million dollar reform programme to a standstill.
SIPA had five Board Members, but the number has dwindled to just three following the recent death of one and the conviction of another. The non-renewal of Chairman and former Attorney General, Billy Titiulu’s contract has reportedly worsened the situation.
Mr Titiulu’s contract was said to have lapsed last February and has not been renewed.
At just two Board Members presently, SIPA is without a quorum to meet or approve any major capital spending.
As a result, SIPA’s multi-million dollar reform program has reportedly come to a standstill. By law, all SIPA spendings must first be approved by the Board before any transactions are made, sources told Island Sun over the weekend.
It is understood SIPA’s concerns were recently raised with the Minister of Finance and Treasury and Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, who undertook to look into the matter. To date, there has been no action on the issue of appointment of new Board Members.
SIPA requires two new Board Members to replace the late Michael Ahikau, who passed away recently and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Henry Murray, who in March this year was convicted of official corruptions.
Sources told Island Sun that unless responsible authorities act on the SIPA Board issue, its work program including a comprehensive reform program would continue to suffer.
Responsibility for SIPA is shared between the Minister of Finance and Treasury and the Minister for Infrastructure Development.
SIPA’s reforms include upgrading of the overseas wharf at Noro in Western Province and other works to improve cargo-handling efficiency at the overseas wharves as well as safety at the domestic jetties at Point Cruz.
Solomon Warriors wing forward player and new signing Alwin Hou attempts to drive upfield as he is being tightly marked by the Marist player in yesterday's match of the Telekom S-League at Lawson Tama. Warriors won 2-0. PICTURE: ROMULUS HUTA
New signing instrumental in Warriors victory
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Solomon Warriors wing forward player and new signing Alwin Hou attempts to drive upfield as he is being tightly marked by the Marist player in yesterday’s match of the Telekom S-League at Lawson Tama. Warriors won 2-0. PICTURE: ROMULUS HUTA
NEW signing Alwin Hou starred as he scored one goal and provided one assist in Solomon Warriors’ 2-0 victory over Marist on Sunday afternoon’s contest of the Telekom S-League.
Hou, one of the new players recruited by coach Moses Toata during the transfer window prior to the start of the season, proved his worth during the opening encounter that was played under Lawson Tama Stadium’s sweltering heat condition.
Apparently, the win yesterday signals a good start toward Warriors’ title defense campaign in the domestic soccer league.
Marist showed up to the match with a relatively inexperienced young side compared to last season’s star-studded group but came out to hold Warriors to a goalless first half.
Things changed in the second spell and Warriors’ Vanuatu imported player Kensi Tangis managed to put his side upfront in the 54th minute when he latched on to a pass from Hou inside the six yard box.
The goal liven things up for Warriors and they appeared dominant in ball possession.
In the 77th minute, Referee Dick Ngota had Warriors midfielder Tigi Molea sent off for an early shower with a red-card for using abusive language.
The red card did not dampen Warriors’ hopes as they bagged one more goal three minutes later in the 80th minute through Hou when Jerry Donga picked up the ball on the edge of the box to drive in between three Marist defenders, before setting up his team mate for a fine finish into an empty goal mouth.
Warriors held on to the 2-0 lead until final whistle.
Speaking in the post-match conference, Toata gave credit to his boys for a well-deserved win.
“I’m very pleased with the win. In fact, before we went into today’s (yesterday) game I told my boys that we must win. I demanded them to win because it is important as being champions, we must start right and they did it.
“Although I’d like to say that it’s not what I expected of Marist, but a win is a win.
“From here, we’ll build on that for our next game. I have seen a lot of weakness exposed in today’s (yesterday) game and we’ll work on improving them before our next match.
“If you watched today’s game, we have a lot of spaces at the back and we’re bit slow in our build up.
“In the second half, I pushed my boys to be more positive with more forward playing and they changed their attitude which resulted in the goals,” Toata explained.
Toata also took the opportunity to congratulate his new players for their contribution in the win.
“To be fair to our new players, I think they did quite well today.
“Alwin did exceptionally well where he actually scored one goal and set up another.
“Robert is one of my new important players and he needs a bit more concentration in his game. At the moment he is with the beach soccer national team and he’s been to and fro and he needs to step up.
“But he’s an experienced player and he finds no problem to gel in with the boys,” he added.
Been one of their rivals last season, Toata admitted that Marist played with a totally different team yesterday.
“With due respect to Marist, they are totally different from last year’s team.
“This year you have seen they have a very young side but they did well today.
“They have their chances but the dominance they used to have is lacking. I think the loss of their key players before the start of the season affected their performance.”
On similar note, Marist coach Jerry laments the loss of their key senior players from last season which left them with a huge gap to be filled up.
“The first game is always tough but I would like to give credit to my boys where our team this season is a very new team and a new season for us after our campaign last year with very senior experienced players.
“When they all moved out, they left a very big gap in our team where we have tried as much as possible to try and fill in the space,” Sam expressed.
Meanwhile, the TSL returns to Lawson Tama on Wednesday for the third round one match between Henderson Eels and FC Guadalcanal commencing at 3pm while set down for Thursday 3pm is Malaita Kingz taking on Western United.
Chiefs witnessing receipt of the $498, 000 dividends on West Russell on Saturday.
RIPEL and LSL directors stage a weekend coup in visiting Russell
By Alfred Sasako
Chiefs witnessing receipt of the $498, 000 dividends on West Russell on Saturday.
IT was a coup of sorts as directors of Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL) and Lever Solomon Ltd (LSL) and their boss, businessman Patrick Wong returned to a hero’s welcome on Russell Islands over the weekend.
The visit follows an invitation to the Board of Directors of RIPEL and LSL by Lavukal Chiefs, according to sources familiar with the visit, which was kept under wrap from the public.
Sources told Island Sun last night the joint Board of directors accepted the invitation and on Saturday, Directors Maurice Mae, Augustine Rose, Marion Wong, Oliver Salopuka, Patrick Wong and John Kapentana slipped in quietly landed at Marulaon Village in West Russell, using a helicopter.
Up to 500 people were at hand to welcome the delegation, many of whom had heard through the grapevines that businessman Patrick Wong himself would be amongst the delegation.
“They were not disappointed as Mr Wong stepped out to join in the celebration and feasting that followed. Mr Wong was also the star attraction as he addressed many of the outstanding issues,” one source said.
“About half a dozen of the ex-Worker representatives also attended. The day started with customary dancing and welcome speeches,” the source said.
“It was a huge event as one could see from the number of people who were there and the quantity of food prepared beforehand for the occasion.”
The source said Paramount Chiefs, village chiefs and clan chiefs all extended and expressed their welcome to all the directors.
“After all the formalities the main part of the event started as the people were waiting to hear for themselves, directly from Mr Patrick Wong,” another source present at the ceremony said.
The source said a number of questions were raised, ranging from what will happen to Yandina, will company resume, to the current High Court case and the Court of Appeal case, Scholarship, return of Shares to Lavukal Investment Company Limited and the payment of Dividends.
Wong explained to the crowd that the Company was in discussions with SIG, adding this has slowed down, as SIG was supposed to pay LSL $50 million for Hells Point based on the High Court ruling and enforcement Orders.
He told them that despite holding a Court Order, issued in November last year plus serving an Enforcement Order issued by the High Court of Solomon Islands, SIG has not come forward despite repeated number of letters and emails to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Wong said it was extremely difficult if government of the day does not wish to enter into dialogue and does not obey the orders of the High Court of Solomon Islands.
On scholarship, Wong said that the Board have a number of plans, however these have not been finalised yet nor have they been passed by the Board. He explained that some will take up to 6-12 months to implement.
On the Court cases, Wong explained that Judge Kouhota handed down his Judgement on May 11, 2018. The judgement dismissed the case and Ordered that Chief Kubu and lawyer Wilson Rano pay the cost on a 50/50 basis.
“It was made clear, that on this occasion, the Court did not rule that Lavukal pay, despite the proceedings was started in the name of Lavukal,” Wong told them.
He said there was no Application for a Stay of those Orders and accordingly, the Orders of May 11, 2018 “are still alive and enforceable.”
Wong said he believed an Appeal was filed, but lawyers for the Defendants have all not been served.
“I am not sure who filed the Appeal, was it the Lavukal as appellant or a selected few like Samuel Kubu and Leslie Norris, however indications are that Lavukal name has again been used.
“In the end, this is a matter for Lavukal to consider. Take proper advice and act accordingly, stressing that when making such a serious and important decision, they must always act what is always in the best Interest of Lavukal.
“Not what is in the best interest of either Mr Wim Van Vlymen; not what is in the best interest of Mr Patrick Wong; not what John Whiteside wants – BUT instead what Lavukal all wants,” the source who attended the meeting said.
“If Lavukal truly elects to continue with the Appeal, the Company Lawyers and Barristers are ready.”
Wong then explained there is No Stay on the Judgement Orders of 344/2017 Court case by Judge Kouhota.
“This means these Orders are alive and active. Accordingly the Board has met and decided to return their 3,222,487 shares, as it was one of the prayers of 344/2017.”
As if he kept the best for the last, Mr Wong then turned to address the issue of dividends.
“It was correct that the Company has declared some dividends. There were two lots of Dividends declared. For Lavukal, One was for $ 1.50 million and second one for Four Hundred and Ninety-eight thousand dollars ($498,000)
“The $1.50m is tied up and is directly linked to the court cases. Once these were completed, it would immediately be paid out.”
Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley condemns allegations that his officers used excessive force during an arrest in Makira-Ulawa province and then tried to cover up by lying to public.
Mr Varley labels these allegations as outright false.
In a police media conference on Thursday, Varley responded to questions relating to the arrest few weeks ago of the suspect into the burning of a police ray-boat in Makira.
“That is not true, there is no suggestion that in fact Deputy Commissioner of Police in Makira Gabriel Manelusi tried to lie to the community or in did the PPC try to lie to the community.
“We received range of information and reports from officers involved in that operation from Makira, Honiara and Police Response Team (PRT) and on all accounts this information above indicates men was treated in accordance with police procedures and with proper custody procedures.”
Varley explained that what Commissioner Manelusi reported last week was that if there are complaints about police with evidence supporting them, then they should be brought forward for proper investigation.
“I think it’s unfortunate and it’s unfair to then perhaps degrade the character of the acting PPC for saying that there has been some attempt to lie to the community that is simply not true,” Varley said.
Varley said on June 15 officers of the Honiara-based PRT unit were deployed to Makira to arrest the suspect.
He said the first attempt failed, which prompted a second attempt, however this time with the use of undercover tactics, which turned out successful.
Varley said that during this second attempt, officers had to use capsicum spray to incapacitate the suspect, who had reportedly resisted arrest.
He was then brought to Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa capital.
At that time there was a large number of community members observing the police operation.
He said reports from individual officers witnessing different scene when the case occurred highlighted the man was brought safely to Kirakira with no evidence of injuries or badly harmed as claimed by his relatives on the media.
“Upon arrival at Kirakira I was informed that the suspect walked well into the station and there was nothing to hide in terms of injuries he had suffered at that time.
“At this time the matter is before the court and he is still on remand.
“Should relatives or other community members have evidence to bring forward to the police about the men’s mistreatment, we encouraged them to do that these message has been sent over last week to Supervising Commissioner Manelusi,” said Varley.
Acting PNG High Commissioner H.E Joseph Konu presents the boxes of medical supplies to SSPM John Muria Jnr.
Acting PNG High Commissioner H.E Joseph Konu presents the boxes of medical supplies to SSPM John Muria Jnr.
THE Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday received boxes of medical supplies from the Papua New Guinea Government.
The medical supplies were handed over by the PNG Government through its High Commission Office in Honiara.
The five cartons of medical supplies contained 23 different types of essential and life-saving drugs which arrived in the country over the weekend.
The supplies were officially handed over by the acting PNG High Commissioner Joseph Konu to the Special Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM) John Muria Jnr.
In a very brief ceremony, Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers thanked the PNG Government on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Solomon Islands Government.
“Receiving the drugs from our big Melanesian Brother is particularly pleasing. It demonstrates the close relationship between our two island countries and our resolve to help each other in times of great need such as the shortage of essential drugs we are going through in Solomon Islands,” he said.
Rodgers paid a special tribute to the Papua New Guinea Minister of Health, Sir Dr Puka Temu, and his Secretary for Health, Mr Pascoe Kase, both of whom he knows well; for their prompt response to the urgent request for assistance presented to them.
The acting PNG high commissioner HE Konu in response said he is honoured that his first official act as his country’s representative to Solomon Islands is the handing over of these essential drugs.
Acting PNG High Commissioner H.E Joseph Konu presents the boxes of medical supplies to SSPM John Muria Jnr.
“I also acknowledge Minister Dr Sir Puka Temu and his Secretary for their vision and commitment to support Solomon Islands at its time of need,” he said.
Since Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela intervened on the medical supplies shortage on July 15, the drug shortage situation has since been stabilised.
The Prime Minister who was not able to attend the handing over ceremony because of Parliament, also conveyed his sincere appreciation.
The Prime Minister had also written personally to PNG’s Minister of Health, Sir Dr Puka Temu to convey his profound gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands for the support provided by the PNG’s Department of Health to help address our drug shortage situation in the country.
Meanwhile, Rodgers said the country’s supply of essential drugs and consumables are expected to be back to normal by September 2018.
“The emergency supplies received from PNG will help bridge the gap between now and when our full orders arrive,” he said.
THE Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) is looking to have the Strata Titles Bill 2017, once passed, be commenced before the middle of next year.
Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey, Andrew Manepora revealed this when questioned over his ministry’s expected timeframe, based on government policy direction, during day one of committee proceedings into the Strata Titles Bill.
In his question, the Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga who is also Chair of the Bills and Legislation Committee, Matthew Wale questioned what forward planning the ministry has invested into the bill.
“Looking at the prerequisite requirements especially, the length of time that you will need and are confidence for the commencement of the act,” Wale said.
Meanwhile, Minister Manepora in his reply, revealed that the ministry is looking at around March next year for the commencement of the bill.
And that, the Minister added that it will be realised once everything especially when all the formalities and capacity trainings are in place for the implementation of the act, before we can make the act to be commenced.
“If we do all the capacity building and if we are satisfied that the ministry is ready to implement the act, the ministry is looking at next year,” Manepora reiterated.
However, those from the opposition and independent groups disagreed, highlighting that the timeframe projected is too short and needs to be expanded.
Speaking out on this, the Independent Leader, Dr Derick Sikua recalled that during the inquiry of BLC into the Bill, there were strong arguments from staff of the ministry, particularly, from the office of the Surveyor General and the office of the Registrar of Titles including those of the Honiara City Council.
He said they were of the professional view that two years will be an appropriate timeframe, long enough for all trainings and capacity strengthening programmes for all three particular bodies that will be in charge of implementing the act.
“And I therefore think March will not be enough for the capacity programme to properly equip those responsible,” Sikua said.
But the Minister thought otherwise, pointing out that there are supporting mechanisms indicated, which has given them the confident to project it to the end of the first quarter of next year.
“Certainly we are looking at March because SPC has assured us that they will assist in funding the capacity building programme and so we are thinking that if it’s fully supported, it will not need to take that long as two years will be too much for a projection.
“Therefore, we are anticipating March in our proposed programme,” the Lands Minister told parliament.
MOST local women and girls keep stories of rape and violence against them to themselves because such topics are regarded by most tradition as taboo.
But, former Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena, believes it is possible to get these stories out if members of the community are equipped with counselling skills.
Sir Waena made these comments during a session held by a team from the Office of Development Effectiveness (ODE) of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra.
The ODE team used the session in Honiara yesterday to present its preliminary results from the evaluation it conducted in the country over the past weeks.
The team has been evaluating Australia’s development assistance towards efforts to end violence against women and girls in the country.
During the session members of the team shared the experience of women and girls they meet.
Leader of the evaluation team, Mary Ellsberg, said there are women and girls in places they visited who wanted to talk about these issues but appeared uncomfortable to share because they are not use to openly talk about them.
When her team raised these issues, Ellsberg said, some women took the courage to talk, providing more information about women and girls’ experiences of rape and violence.
She said it appeared most women and girls have experience some forms issues relating to rape and violence.
Sir Nathaniel said issues around rape and violence are regarded taboo and many will chose not to talk freely.
He said training men and women from the provinces to deal with victims and perpetrators of violence are important so that they can help address this issue in a holistic way.
“We need expert advice so we can open doors that are being shut for too long,” Sir Nathaniel said.
The evaluation noted that there has been more media coverage about issues around rape and violence which has promoted open discussions about these issues.
WORK on proposals for the re-establishing the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) is ongoing, with a draft bill now laid in parliament for the Bills and Legislation Committee to look at, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Manasseh Sogovare.
This, the Finance Minister revealed on the floor of Parliament when asked during a question and answer session when Parliament resumed yesterday morning.
In the Q&A session, Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for East Malaita, Manasseh Maelanga questioned the government on the status of its proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements for the re-establishment of DBSI.
The Opposition Leader also questioned the government on who will run the operations and whether the proposal for reopening of the institution will include any private investor.
In his response, the Finance Minister explained that a draft bill on the reestablishment has been sent up to parliament for the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) to look into it.
In response to the issue of operation and shares, Sogavare further explained that the bank will be fully owned by the Solomon Islands government, with the option to give shares to any other interested party that are credible, based on the government’s assessment.
“The government will be opted to give shares, but it (DBSI) will be fully owned by the government,” the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.
Parliament was also told that the government had to look into proposals for a change in the name of the bank to the Rural Development Bank of Solomon Islands, but revealed that after reviewing the intentions, Sogavare added that the decision was to adopt the same name, “which will continue to be the Development Bank of Solomon Islands”.
Meanwhile, in a supplementary question, the Leader of the Independent group and Member of Parliament for Northeast Guadalcanal, Dr Derick Sikiua pointed out that if the bank was to be fully owned by the government as explained by the Finance Minister, he questioned how the government will be able to raise capitals to establish and run this bank
However, when responding to the question of raising capitals for the re-establishment of the Development Bank, Sogavare clarified that the issue of funds for the establishment is well covered in the bill.
“Provisions in the act will give recommendations to the minister who will then look into application but approvals will be based on guidelines in the legislation,” the Finance Minister further clarified.
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to two and half year’s imprisonment after being found guilty by the Honiara Central Magistrates Court yesterday for stealing more $36,000 from his employer.
The defendant was employed by a Chinese at a shop in Kukum, East Honiara.
“On Monday July 30, 2018, the owner of the shop gave a total of $36,300 to the accused to pay cargo that he had ordered from another shop at Point Cruz,” says Provincial Police Commander Honiara City, Alfred Uiga.
“The defendant took the money, got into the company’s two tonne truck and drove off.
“The victim realises that the defendant was gone too long and did not return.
“He called his phone but the suspect did not answer.
“It was not until his [suspect’s] wife, who is employed at the same shop, contacted him that he told her that the vehicle was at the Borderline area in East Honiara.
“The company truck was found in the Borderline area but the defendant had left already.
“The matter was reported to Police during the same evening and on the next day, July 31, 2018, the accused was apprehended in the evening at Foxwood in North Guadalcanal.
“He was then arrested and charged for Larceny by servant contrary to Section 273 (a) (i) of the Penal Code. Some of the money has been recovered.
“He was taken to court this afternoon (August 2, 2018) by Police investigators from Naha Police Station and pleaded guilty to the charge. He was sentenced to two and half year’s imprisonment.”
