A Honiara businessman has until today to settle outstanding National Provident Fund (NPF) contributions on behalf his workers or face prosecution, according to documents obtained by Island Sun.
The documents show Alick Wane, also known as Tabe’u, owed his eight workers NPF contributions totalling $57,047.50 between 2012 and 2017.
The NPF has written to Mr Wane, demanding that the businessman settles his arrears within 14 days or face prosecution, according to the NPF Contributions Payment Demand – 14 day Notice letter dated April 13, 2018.
That demand notice lapses today.
Since it was recommended by the Office of the Ombudsman and by virtue of section 13(1) of the SINPF ACT CAP 109, you are hereby demanded to settle all this long outstanding contributions within 14 days as of the date of this letter.
Failure to comply as demanded herein will only indicate your willingness for this matter to be referred to prosecution,” the letter, written by Senior Enforcement Officer, Collin Narasia, said.
It is understood overtures by Mr Wane to settle out of court the matter with his former workers have been rejected. It is also understood that SINPF had issued a similar demand letter in May 2017.
However that demand appeared to have been ignored.
THE trial date for the case against the Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola Constituency will be re-scheduled because there will be no prosecutor free on the initial date.
Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda told court yesterday the trial date on May 7 will not be possible for the prosecution as they have other matters for trial that same week.
Dalipanda said the date was set by his colleague prosecutor, who has since been on study leave. Thus, the case has been re-issued to Dalipanda.
However Chief Magistrate Emma Garo said re-scheduling of the case is another problem to the court, because there are only three court rooms shared among six magistrates.
She said if a case is already set for trial and lawyers wanted to vacate the trial date, the case will not be heard until after six months.
Ms Garo said the accused, Mr David Tome, is charged in relation to incidents in 2011, and if the trial date is moved for next year, this means the case would have been delayed for eight years.
Meanwhile defence lawyer Michael Pitakaka suggested that prosecution prioritises this case over other cases before them.
Defence also made application to vary Mr Tome’s bail condition as he will be travelling to Australia for his medical review next month.
The case has adjourned to today for ruling on bail variation and to confirm the trial date.
This is the case against MP David Tome who is alleged to have been involved in converting funds in relation to incidents in 2011.
Prosecution alleged that in 2011 Tome obtained public funds for a constituency project; however those funds were not used as intended and was converted for his own use.
The MP is charged with 14 counts of Conversion under Section 278(1) (c) (i) of the Penal Code, involving funds totalling $67,170.
The minister is on $2,000 cash bail and will appear in court faithfully till his case is completed.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela earlier this week opened the new High Commission office of Solomon Islands in London. This is seen as Solomon Islands further strengthening its traditional
ties with Great Britain, which Prime Minister Hou says ‘has never wavered’. (Pictured) PM Rick Hounipwela proposing a toast to mark the opening.
Prime Minister Hou opens SI High Commission in London
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has officially opened the Solomon Islands High Commission Office in London.
Speaking during the occasion, the Prime Minister Hou said it is an historic moment for Solomon Islands as it also marks a new era in our long history with the United Kingdom (UK).
He said just as the UK is looking to re-engage in the Pacific Islands region, Solomon Islands is also looking to further strengthen its traditional ties with the UK.
UK Minister Mark Field congratulating the PM after he unveiled the plaque.
“History tells us that Solomon Islands gained her Independence from Great Britain 40 years ago this year. Yet today, in the era of globalisation, we cannot deny the value of interdependency. Genuine and durable partnerships that result in tangible mutual benefits has now replaced the donor-recipient relations of yesteryear,” he said.
He said the opening of our diplomatic mission in London is also a manifestation of our strengthened partnership with the United Kingdom.
“This new paradigm, with a focus on partnership in the development cooperation sphere, is the way forward. In this connection, Solomon Islands looks forward to enhancing and strengthening its already successful partnership with the United Kingdom through this renewed commitment between our nations.
Minister Field delivering his remarks. Photos from PM Press Secretariate
“One may ask as to why it has taken this long for Solomon Islands to establish a mission in the UK. Let me say that despite the absence of a physical presence in London, our relation with the UK has always been solid,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Solomon Islands relationship with UK has never wavered.
“Given UK is exiting the EU, we see an opportunity for us to benefit and engage more directly at a bilateral level. As they say, as one door closes, another even bigger one opens,” he said.
Foreign Minister Milner Tozaka (right) and High Commissioner designate Eliam Tangirongo.
Prime Minister Hou said Solomon Islands representation in London will also allow Solomon Islands to work more effectively with its international partners in promoting collective agendas.
“It will also allow us to bring to bear our national interests and priorities in these agendas as well that will further strengthen our cooperation in the area of investment, trade and development cooperation,” he said.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the UK Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hon Mark Field, Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Minister for Foreign Affairs & External Trade of the Solomon Islands Hon Milner Tozaka, High Commissioner designate Mr Eliam Tangirongo, Solomon Islanders living in and around London and other parts of the UK and friends of Solomon Islands.
Mr Field speaking on behalf of the UK Government has congratulated Solomon Islands for opening its office in London.
He said it is a new beginning as Solomon Islands continues to reach out to its friends around the world.
–OPMC PRESS
(Left to Right) SI ambassador to Brussels Moses Mose, Foreign Minister Tozaka and PS Junior Kenilorea.Fiji Govt reps presenting a gift to PM Hou during the opening.Some members of the UK Solomon Islands community.
Front row from left to right, Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Mr Eranda Kotelawala, Manager of Business Development Limited for PRONTO Software Mr Peter Hoek and ports authority senior staffs (standing)
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
A new benchmark was set yesterday between Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and Pronto Software Limited from Australia.
Both parties signed a new agreement to implement a new streamline software called Pronto which looks at improving daily service deliveries of ports authority’s international wharf.
SIPA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Eranda Kotelawala said implementation of the Pronto software will provide better customer service and experiences to all levels internationally, regionally and nationally.
Kotelawala explained such newly introduced digitised system will slowly remove all manual systems which SIPA is currently using.
“We have a lot of manual systems in place and now we are trying to move into making them more digital to provide a better service, revenue collection and also for stakeholders like shipping agent getting their invoices accurately on time and with much more details,” he adds
“It will also improve our finance and billing systems to speed up invoicing procedures.”
Kotelawala said interesting part of the Pronto software is when implemented it will improve internal processes, outputs and relationships undertaken with other stakeholders.
Front row from left to right, Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Mr Eranda Kotelawala, Manager of Business Development Limited for PRONTO Software Mr Peter Hoek and ports authority senior staffs (standing)
He adds, it will liaise Ports with international shipping lines, fast track invoice procedure and clearing of all the deliverables.
Manager of Business Development for Pronto Software Mr Peter Hoek said they are very proud and humbled by the trust SIPA has given to assist in its development ambition.
“With our assistance on this journey we would like to look at improving the commercial aspect of SIPA so that Solomon Islands will be able to benefit from.
“I would like to say we are very proud to be selected, hence let make it happened,” he said.
With the Pronto software, Solomon Islands is the first Ports in the Pacific to embark on this journey especially with the newly introduced initiatives which combine weight motion, integrated finance and billing system.
Also, the software combines effective billing of Human Resource and Pay roll which puts the country on the next level.
THE Melanesian Arts and Culture Organising Committee have paid tribute to the late Stella Lucas who passed away in a tragic river incident on Thursday last week.
The late Stella was an active and loyal officer who served the country during events such as Arts and Culture Festivals in recent years.
A minute of silence was made in her honour both by representatives of MACFest-NOC and the Solomon Islands of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI) at a corporate meeting last Friday.
Vice Chairman of MACFest-NOC and Under Secretary of the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Moses Tepai said the late Stella’s passing is a huge loss to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as her family and friends.
“We at the Ministry and her colleagues at SIVB will miss her presence and untiring services to our Government and country,” Mr Tepai said.
The late Stella was a marketing officer with the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) at the time of her tragic death last Thursday.
Israel’s Advisor and Counsellor for Pacific Islands Mr Yaron Sultan Dadon during his
meeting with Small Malaita’s Liwe community Chief, Walter Hou.
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Israel’s Advisor and Counsellor for Pacific Islands Mr Yaron Sultan Dadon during his meeting with Small Malaita’s Liwe community Chief, Walter Hou.
ISRAEL’S Advisor and Counsellor for Pacific Islands Mr Yaron Sultan-Dadon said there is enough talk, let them now act and implement something for the people of Malaita Province.
Advisor Yaron Sultan-Dadon met with the Malaita Provincial Premier Hon Peter Ramohia and his Executive during the past week and learnt of the many challenges facing the people and province in which he said Israel would like to assist.
Having a strong connection in friendship is why the Israel Advisor said they are to see what they can do as a friendly country in rendering some assistance in lifting the well-being of Malaita people being the most populated province in Solomon Islands.
“We will stand with you and your people as you ‘battle’ against the many challenges facing your people and province,” said Advisor Yaron.
“To get rolling, we will assist the people of Malaita through medical services by getting our medical teams from Israel and equipment for Kilu’ufi Hospital in the next few weeks.
“This will include dental, eye, operating theatre and other urgent requirements of the Hospital. Our Israeli specialists will be here at the hospital and clinics throughout the Island in whatever area that you need us to assist.
“When our team is here at Kilu’ufi Hospital, they can also recommend to us what equipment or medical specialists they need to be posted to Auki in helping the people.”
Currently in Malaita Province according to Advisor Yaron, the doctor to population ratio is one (1) doctor to 23,000 people.
“We are willing to address this alarming data in the Health sector and I think Israel can start in this sector whilst the other challenging areas will be attended to,” said Advisor Yaron.
“I am also thankful to have met community Chief Walter Hou of Liwe village at Small Malaita. I will discuss his request with our Israeli investor’s that are already in the region on how to assist.”
Advisor Yaron’s visit was a very successful one as Malaita Province also celebrated the Israeli 70 years Independence Anniversary with friends and families in Auki, hosted by the Pacific Israel Jewish Council, Solomon Islands.
A three-man delegation to be headed by the Minister of Agriculture & Livestock Hon. Augustine Auga Maeue will be travelling to Israel early next month.
The Minister will be Israel’s guest at the upcoming Agritech May 8-10, 2018 under Hon Uri Ariel, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“We are looking after all the costs of our guest including his travels and his stay in Israel,” said Advisor Yaron.
During the three days of visit in the country, Advisor Yaron also met National Government officials, the Provincial Government of Malaita, Private sector representatives and civil society organizations.
One of the Private Sectors representatives meeting up with was Mr Tony Tepe of Food Works Supplies in Honiara.
Intending candidate for Viviru Ward 4 in South Choiseul Province Mr Irwin Surudao makes a strong call for the upcoming 16 new provincial members of Choiseul Province to work together.
This is purposely to develop Choiseul and avoid hiccups that are currently affecting their province.
Through Mr Nerio Ulemiki the media coordinator for Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru Northwest Choiseul reporting, Mr Surudao wants the new provincial government to put as priority the Choiseul Bay township project and to put more emphasis on improving the forestry, agriculture and tourism sectors of the province.
“This is to improve the economic base for the rural populace in Choiseul and to encourage more industries to the province that will provide more job opportunities for the youths,” said Surudao.
A Solomon Islander volunteer Mr Jacob Sibia will be awarded with the 42nd Commonwealth Point of Light award, which was recognised by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday April 2.
This is in honour of his exceptional voluntary service providing access to education for children in need and the outstanding volunteer work done every day of the week.
His outstanding performance has made a difference in his community which had inspire others to create innovative solutions to social challenges in their communities and beyond.
Speaking with the British High Commission to Solomon Islands Media Officer Mrs Betty Wasuka, she said the awardees have been recognised by the Queen in terms of appreciating inspirational volunteers across the 52 Commonwealth nations for making difference in their communities and beyond
Sibia will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth and will be presented to him by the British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, HE David Ward.
Sibia is a pastor in the village of Belaha in Central Guadalcanal, who also built his own school originally using traditional materials.
FORMER councillor Charles Lesimaoma yesterday sent out an SOS to the Honiara City Council and the MP for West Honiara to help fix the White River Community High School sports ground, claiming it has been neglected for far too long.
“The sports field has been neglected for a long time and is now covered in tall grasses,” Mr Lesimaoma told Island Sun yesterday.
“I am concerned for my community of White River as well as the students of the school as the community no longer has a place to play sports. It would seem the decision to leave the field unattended for months was intentional,” he said.
Lesimaoma, who served as a councillor for three terms of 12 years from 1974, said his investigation has established the area where the sports field is located is under the Honiara City Council.
“I call on the Honiara City Council and the MP for West Honiara, Hon Namson Tran to do something about the sports field. All it needs is proper drainage so that it remains dry even in wet weather,” he said.
Lesimaoma said the Honiara City Council in particular has a lot of money allocated in the Council’s budget this year.
He produced a document which showed the Ward Grant for Ward 1, which covers White River, for this year is $265,000. The Council Member for Ward 1 is Lord Mayor Andrew Mua.
“Why not use this money to fix this important sports field? It is for the kids of the White River Community High School. I wish to repeat the call on those responsible to ensure the sports is fixed immediately,” Lesimaoma said.
During his term as a Councillor, Lesimaoma once served as Deputy President of what is now Honiara City Council.
THE case against the Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola Constituency will be mentioned in court for an interim mention, as the trial date has already been set for May.
This is the case against David Tome who was alleged to have involved in converting funds in relation to incidents which occurred in 2011.
Prosecution alleged that in 2011 the MP obtained public funds for a constituency project; however those funds were not used as intended and was converted for his own use.
The MP is charged with 14 counts of Conversion under Section 278(1) (c) (i) of the Penal Code, involving funds totalling $67,170.
The minister was on $2000 cash bail and will appear in court faithfully till his case is completed.
The office of Director Public Prosecution is prosecuting the case in court.
