A 55-year-old male from Malaysia alleged of human trafficking will have his case mentioned in court today.
The accused, Thien Seng Wong, was an employee of a Malaysian logging giant Earthmovers and is facing count of human trafficking under the section 77 of the Immigration Act 2012.
He was accused of carrying out internal human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation between November 30, 2015 and January 2016.
Prosecution alleged that Seng had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl in 2015 up until 2016.
The alleged incident occurred at a logging camp in Isabel province where the accused was working as a manager at the logging camp at that time of the alleged incident.
Prosecution said the father of the girl was also working at that logging camp.
The camp belongs to Jubilant Development Logging, an offshoot of Earth Movers logging company.
That logging company has a camp in Isabel as well as in Vella La Vella.
It was alleged the accused started living with the girl at the Isabel logging camp.
He also took the girl with him when he was transferred to the camp at Vella La Vella.
The accused was arrested after a joint operation made up of police and immigration officers investigated the matter following a media article on the matter.
The office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown on the case.
Alibusu from Malaita Province perfoming their items during the Macfest.
THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has applauded the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) for the successful hosting of the 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFest) from July 1-10 at various venues in Honiara.
SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dennis Meone applauds the Permanent Secretary, Andrew Nihopara, and the National Organising Committee including his team at the ministry for a splendid job in successfully hosting the regional event despite the numerous challenges faced.
More than 1500 delegates from all over Melanesia converged in Honiara to celebrate Melanesia’s rich culture and heritage during the MACFest which ended with a memorable closing ceremony on Tuesday.
A contigent from PNG.
Mr Meone said from what the country has witnessed these past days the MACFest has truly lived up to its significance, which is to help young people maintain and conserve their unique art and culture and instil a sense of pride in their identity as Melanesians.
From a business perspective, the MACFest also provides economic benefits, gathering revenue for the host country in terms of the visitors’ arrival and the increase in economic activities.
Meone said by hosting the MACFest, Solomon Islands as a country and its Government have brought together Melanesian people of different views, skills, knowledge and backgrounds together to ensure that our culture and traditions live on for generations to come.
Alibusu from Malaita Province perfoming their items during the Macfest.
The event has brought together key stakeholders from both government and private sector through the national organising committee in working together to making it a success.
The theme of the 6th MACFest – “Past Recollections; Future Connections” – reinforced the significance of the festival as a time to reminisce about their history and cultures while at the same time connecting as one people in diversity.
The idea was conceived by leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group in 1995, with Solomon Islands hosting the first MACFest in 1998. MACFest takes place every four years.
DEAR EDITOR, it is my understanding that Ms Emma Garo, the Honiara Chief Magistrate, has been honoured by the United States Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, H.E. Catherine Ebert Gray, with this year’s ‘Women of Courage Award in recognition of Ms Garo’s work in standing up for justice, human rights, constitutional reform and the rule of law, often disregarding any personal or professional risk.
THOUSANDS of customers of Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) trading as Solomon Water have been dealt a double whammy – an extra bill to pay in the event their accounts are disconnected and forefeiture of their initial deposit.
Apart from settling their arrears and reconnection fee, defaulters will now be required to put down a house deposit fee, according to documents sighted by Island Sun.
House deposit once upon a time only applied to new connections.
Now it appears that once an account is disconnected, the account holder has to pay a new house deposit, besides arrears and reconnection fee.
In one case sighted by Island Sun, the existing customer was told to pay $1,010 (one thousand and ten dollars) in new house deposit charge before his account could be reconnected.
The new charge has prompted a former Honiara City Councillor, Charles Lesimaoma, to demand an explanation from the Solomon Water management, saying such a huge outlay is not justified.
“The Management of Solomon Water needs to explain to its customers why it is putting extra financial burden, especially on families, who are struggling to get by,” Mr Lesimaoma said.
“The Management needs to explain this new charge.”
Lesimaoma said the new connection and reconnection fees are fair, but certainly not the new house deposit charge, when you are disconnected.
Island Sun was unable to get a comment by Solomon Water on Tuesday.
Telekom S-League to kick off new season next weekend
BY ROMULUS HUTA
THE new season of the Telekom S-League is less than two weeks away from kick off.
The 2018/19 season will take off July 21 which is next Saturday.
Already the participating teams in the TSL are now hard at preparation.
The eight participating teams are Solomon Warriors, Marist, KOSSA, Henderson Eels, Malaita Kingz, Western United, FC Guadalcanal and Real Kakamora.
Some teams have also taken in new players from other clubs.
Defending champions Warriors have secured the services of national number goalkeeper Philip Mango from Real Kakamora and so as Robert Laua and John Aeta from Marist.
Dennis Ifunaoa and Timothy Maearasia also joined in from Henderson Eels.
Henderson Eels have retained most of their key players from last season and are also eyeing some overseas imports to bolster their squad.
Meanwhile, the TSL participating clubs have been given a July 15 deadline to get registered.
During a press conference held last month, a member of the TSL Board Treasurer Henry Kapu said their board have been discussing ways on how to improve and grow the competition more, saying they are thinking of increasing the prize money for the TSL competition.
“During our recent board meeting we came up with some new thinking. First one is on the gate revenue sharing for each team.
“The custom way regarding this matter is that at the end of the season we sit down with clubs and give their shares from the gate revenues collected that season.
“How we do it is, forty percent goes to the franchise clubs, thirty percent goes to SIFF and then another thirty percent goes to TSL.
“However, the plan we discussed was to share the gate revenues collected amongst the eight clubs on a monthly basis.
“I know some clubs have issues with money so the revenue sharing instead of us giving it to the clubs at the end of the season we’ll give it to them on a monthly basis so it can help clubs manage themselves.
“The other thing we discussed but is waiting to be approved in our next board meeting is to increase the prize money for the competition.
“Now that SIFF has given us financial support plus what we have in our reserve we can probably see this happening for the next TSL season and championship.
“However these will be confirmed later with more details on these matters to be known after our next executive board meeting,” the Treasurer said.
Central Province Tourism Mentor Ms Annabelle Hender delivering her
speech.
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
IN many ways, Central Islands Province (CIP) current Tourism Mentor from Australia Ms Annabelle Hender think that Pana (root vegetable) is a lot like tourism.
Taking part in the Pana Festival last week coinciding with the 2018 Independence Cruise at Haroro Village (Big Ngella) along Sandfly Passage, CIP’s Tourism Mentor explained with encouragement during her speech that a community needs to agree together first in deciding they want to harvest tourism.
“Then you need to work together to plant the seed (tourism infrastructure),” said Hender.
“Things like establishing water resources, building guest houses and facilities, sweeping rubbish from the beach, agriculture, completing hospitality training or working at your specialist traditional trades.
“At first progress is slow and it might appear as if nothing is happening and maybe there are set-backs such as through bad weather or natural disasters, but continue to work hard maintaining your crop believing that tourism will grow.
“Today we can enjoy not only the yield from hardworking Pana farmers but we can also see a fine example of what can happen when a community works together towards a goal.
Imperial Travel Service Managing Director, Ender Rence, the Pana Festival local committee of Haroro and guests during the 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival.
“There is a famous motto which I believe was once written on Solomon Islands emblem which says ‘Together we stand, divided we fall’. It takes the co-operation and effort of an entire community to achieve a celebration like this, and I applaud the planning committee, tour and transport operators, local businesses, performers, tradespeople and community members for their collaborative approach in creating this event.
“You have demonstrated that by working together in which you really can achieve great things.
Central Province Tourism Mentor Ms Annabelle Hender delivering her speech.
“The theme for today’s celebration is ‘Own your future, Embrace it’, here in Solomon Islands I can see you face challenging times in making the right decisions regarding your resources and economic development. There are many tempting options such as mining and logging which promise quick gains but so often result in irreversible environmental damage. Now more than ever, it is important to ‘Own your future’.
“It is time to think now about the legacy you will choose to leave behind for future generations.”
Ms Hender took the opportunity then to congratulate the people of Haroro for having the vision to see that they determine their own future and in taking steps to preserve their traditions and cultural practises by sharing them with others.
Showcasing the different varieties of Pana during the 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival at Haroro Village, Big Ngella, last week.
“The CIP Tourism Officer has informed me that you are a shining example practicing and preserving your customs such as wood carving, dancing, traditional songs and of course growing and cooking Pana.
“I want to thank you for sharing them with us all today,” said an appreciating Ms Hender.
“With proper planning and protection of resources, tourism can provide a sustainable economic future for Solomon Islands. And it’s our job within the Tourism Division at the Central Provincial Government to help facilitate this so that instead of cutting down forests, we can celebrate the beauty of them.
“Instead of blowing up the reefs with dynamite, we can protect them so that marine life species can thrive. Instead of local customs and traditions being lost, let us celebrate them as we are here today and continue to see them being passed on to the children and grandchildren.”
One of the local Ngella women’s dancing group performing for visitors during the 2018 Pana Festival at Ngella.
Ms Hender before completing her speech thanked all the visitors who chose to attend the Pana Festival last week Friday coinciding with the 2018 Independence Cruise to mark Solomon Islands 40th Anniversary.
“Thanks for coming with such a positive outlook and for your eagerness to learn about customs and the way of life in this region,” said Hender.
“As you enjoy today’s festival, I encourage you to take a moment to look around you at the faces of the community members.
“These are the people whose futures are a little brighter and more secure as a direct result of attendance here today.
CIP’s Tourism Mentor added that it is fair to say Haroro Community have been working diligently towards their tourism crop, and while it has not been easy, they have persevered as now is the time to join together to enjoy the harvest.
The Managing Director for Imperial Travel Service, Ender Rence, really appreciated Ms Hender’s contribution in the festival, boosting up few hiccup areas of expectations where some prominent leaders should have contributed in as well.
Pana Festival being held at Ngella is the first of its kind and is suggested to be an annual event for Ngella people to showcase the significance of Pana to their tradition and culture.
Haroro’s Pana Festival local committee leader Mr Peter Sagupari during the recent memorable event at Ngella being held for the first time.
Haroro Community and Sandfly (Big Ngella) as a whole are grateful that despite the fact of hiccups faced, they thank everyone who has assisted in one way or another to make the festival take place into reality.
Special thanks also goes for the Tulaghi police and business houses who have contributed in kind such as the Solomon Star, Tropic Aluminium and Glass, EIGHTH Note, Sunday Isles Media and Fair West Shipping.
Local Ngella women said the festival gives an opportunity for them to showcase Pana’s significant value of life in how it is planted, harvested, eaten and respected by their people.
Arrival of visitors to Haroro Village along Sandfly Passage at Ngella during the 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival. Greeting them on Ngella shores were Haroro Community’s local warriors and garlanding girls.
Just for a start but visitors both locals and foreigners during the 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival are already looking forward for the next festival expressing their appreciation in having the chance to experience knowing, learning and understanding the unique local root vegetable and its significance to the people of Ngella.
This includes exploring the natural beautiful environment of Ngella as well. Others amongst the visitors during the Pana Festival were also foreigners taking part at the MACFest in Honiara.
Fourteen different varieties of Pana were displayed during the Pana Festival. To add the flavour to the festival day, different traditional recipes out of Pana were also prepared for the visitors to have sample tastes from in which they did and enjoyed.
The 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival was a successful event organised by Imperial Travel Service and Haroro’s local committee headed by Mr Peter Sagupari.
Pana Festival is also dubbed to promote peace, happiness and unity within Solomon Islands.
2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival visitors enjoying their time to taste the different recipes of Pana being prepared during the special event.A female visitor travelling during the 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival enjoying her time learning a local traditional pattern dance with a Haroro community women dancing group.Owner of Roderick Bay lodge at Sandfly Passage, Haroro, Mr Patrick Sara during explaining to visitors the different varieties of Pana.Custom story drama showcased by Ngella’s famous local musician Mr Peter MekeVisitors visiting local stalls during the 2018 Independence Cruise Pana Festival
THE St Francis Parish in White River held its second cruise trip to the Central Islands on June 7.
Island Sun was able to join the one day cruise which parishioners, families and friends all enjoyed.
The Central Islands is home to a string of islands complimented with white sandy beaches, mangroves and welcoming villagers who waved as the vessel carrying the passengers on the trip, MV Estrella passed by.
After passing through islands covered by clear blue waters, we finally rested on Hanesavo Island where kids went canoeing and swimming.
Villagers also paddled to the island to sell locally prepared food before everyone was entertained by the St Francis choir who belted out tunes to local gospel songs.
Parish Rector and member of the committee responsible for organising the trip, Father Stephen Sage explained that the trip is purposely to raise funds that will go towards the construction of a new church building for the parish.
When asked if they plan on organizing another cruise trip in the future, he said they have already considered hosting one next year.
“Yes, of course. We will organize one next year, a cruise trip on Easter Monday,” said Father Sage.
YOUTHS in Temotu province are benefiting from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) projects which were implemented in 2008.
In a report by the provincial government of the two projects implemented for youths and sports sector, 4,051 female and 4,108 males have benefited by way of employment.
Since the inception of Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) in July 2008, there has been positive impact of development successfully implemented, and youths and sports is one of them.
Other benefits include a new dormitory for 120 boys at Luesalemba Secondary School.
Two new sixth form classroom blocks provide a lot of opportunities to students to complete their sixth form in Temotu.
More than 500 students have gone through sixth form and few have made it to various universities of higher education.
A concerned citizen voices that Solomon Islands after 40 years of independence still hasn’t changed much.
Mr Solomon Wala of Malaita province expressed this to the paper yesterday.
He explained that back in 1978, when the country first gained its independence, the independence celebration back then was not just colorful from Henderson to White River, but the capital was also clean.
Wala added that Solomon Islands is now 40 years old but Honiara remains very dirty and the peace experienced in the past is non-existent today.
He emphasised that some recent developments also indicate that the country is also moving backwards.
Wala referred to CBSI’s newly introduced $40 note as an example.
He pointed out that instead of a new $40 note, why not the announcements of a new $200 note to show that we are moving forward.
“40 years after independence and we are moving backwards,” said Wala.
He mentioned that if Honiara benefited from previous governments we should see changes.
Wala furthered that our capital should look better and much cleaner after 40 years of being an independent country yet this is not the case.
“This means that something is not right,” said Wala.
THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has congratulated the people and Government of Solomon Islands on the occasion of the country’s 40th Independence Anniversary on July 7, 2018.
As the peak body representing the private sector in Solomon Islands, SICCI acknowledged the positive and tremendous changes that have occurred in the economy in the last 40 years.
SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dennis Meone highlighted that the private sector has grown with huge investments occurring in the country, underpinned by a lot of foreign direct investment but also many Solomon Islanders venturing into business which is a very positive thing.
“We should celebrate the fact that a lot of Solomon Islanders are into entrepreneurship and commercial activities,” he said.
One of the key features of the private sector is, the sector has expanded and grown from a very small sector – “In fact the private sector is now is very different from that in the past,” Mr Meone said.
Although small compared to other regional countries and internationally, the private sector is still the mainstay of the economy because it is where jobs are created and it is where goods and services are being marketed.
SICCI is also conscious of the realties the country is faced with including the fast-growing population. Our economy has huge potential but in order to maximize these huge potentials we must ensure that our priorities are right.
Policy dialogue between government and private sector has to happen and has already happened. The Advisory Group has been functioning and is an excellent start but the work has just begun. “The biggest question is where we see ourselves in 20 to 40 years’ time,” says the CEO.
PM Hon Rick Hou (center), SICCI CEO Dennis Meone (left) and SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett (right).
A lot hinges on the relationship and interaction that the private sector has with the government, to ensure that investments (big or small) do happen and the benefits are actually felt in the economy.
The CEO highlighted that SICCI’s relationship with Government is really important.
Meanwhile, SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett highlighted the very need for getting our vision and priorities right, reinforcing that as a country we need to be vigilant in realizing what changes we want to see and what changes we believe we need to develop into in the next forty years.
“As a country that is heavily dependent on aid, we are blessed with all the resources, we are blessed with population.
“We have a young population and that is a good opportunity that we have a young population that can work and create economic growth,” says the SICCI Chair.
Mr Bartlett said geographically Solomon Islands is located in a strategic position in the Pacific where it can become a hub for aviation, shipping and transportation.
“We have got the elements to become a successful country and with our human capital we need to uplift our education standards and this human capital can drive this growth.
“We need the leadership and the political will to be able to implement and carry out the reforms that will create this growth that we desperately need. I think we can do it, 100 percent,” Mr Bartlett boldly said.
