By Mike Puia

AN inspection exercise conducted on secondary, primary and early childhood education schools in Malaita province has found a lot of issues with teachers in the province.

The Whole School Inspection (WSI) exercise was carried out and completed in November last year. 10 schools were covered in this exercise.

Its final report was presented to the Malaita provincial education board last week.

Of the 14 findings noted in the report, two stood out. They are; teachers supplying answers to their students during school exams and teachers not going to classes or absent from class.

Team leader of the exercise, Golman Holi, confirmed the issue of teachers supplying students with answers during exams.

Mr Holi, principal education inspectorate officer, said students and teachers interviewed confirmed this.

He said when comparing marks scored by year-six students in Malaita schools to that of year-six students of Honiara schools, year-six students in Malaita schools got “very high marks” in their national exams.

But, Holi said when one inspects Malaita schools he or she would found out that teachers are without lesson plans, school-based tests and assessment records and there are high teachers absent.

He said teacher absenteeism is “very high” in Malaita schools.

Schools having no clear mission and vision, school leaders not monitoring teachers and students’ assessment, schools lack education policies, weak school board and parent support, school’s grant used outside intended purposes, unsafe classrooms, poor sanitation and drinking water are other findings in the report.

Holi added they hope to inspect 20 more schools in the province next year.

The exercise involves inspectors conducting interviews with students, parents, school committees, teachers and chairman of school boards.

Inspectors also observe teachers in action in their classrooms, what documents they used, how they do their presentations in class and what resources are available in schools.

Holi said they will soon provide their recommendations to the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), parents, teachers, their provincial education board and education authorities.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE trial of a man charged with the murder of a young woman at Noro in March 2015 is in its second week in the Gizo Magistrate court, Western province.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Ronald Bei Talasasa Jr has called 11 witnesses so far.

He said the cause of death is undetermined and there is no eye witness.

The accused is represented by George Gray and Mr Waroka, both of the Public Solicitors Office.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

PEOPLE of Rarumana island are disputing a logging operation at the Iriri Paspas camp, Vonavona lagoon, which is reported to have begun on Monday this week.

A well-placed source in Rarumana told the Island Sun Gizo yesterday that Focus Lumber Enterprises logging company conducted its first transshipment of machines inside the bay without the consent of the chiefs and people of Rarumana.

“Community elders ordered the landing craft on Monday morning not to unload the machines before their approval but the company refused,” the source said.

“Chiefs of Rarumana and other villagers were unhappy with the trustees of Vurangare who made the deal to unload the machines, which were also filled with the giant African snail, at Rarumana.

“Villagers were surprised to see the large boat entering the shore without proper consultations with villagers and chiefs of Rarumana.

“The landing craft ship trespassed and will cause potential pollution to the marine environment within our surroundings.”

It is understood that Focus Lumber Enterprises logging Company began operations this week at Iriri Paspas camp, and the landowners and chiefs of Rarumana are not happy with the trustees of Vurangare for going behind their backs and signing the company.

“Community leaders are working closely with the logging firm to halt the operation until further notice,” the source said.

Meanwhile, people of Rarumana are also fearing the introduction of the giant African snail to their shores.

Many have heard of how lethal the pest can be in destroying vegetation, and are worried for their gardens and the island’s flora.

The source said villagers have been urge not to take the law in their own hand but let responsible parties deal with the matter.

The company could not be reached for comments before this paper went to print.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against a man alleged of murder in Bauro, Makira province, has adjourned for April 5 to allow prosecution to get additional statements from the investigators.

Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze, appearing for his colleague, said investigators in Kirakira are taking additional statements in regards to the murder incident and are yet to provide the documents to prosecution.

Meanwhile, in the previous occasion the defence lawyer had suggested to prosecution to reconsider the charge of murder due to insufficient evidence.

However the court was told yesterday that the prosecutor in carriage of the case is yet to make a memo to the Director of Public Prosecution in regards to the issue.

Therefore, prosecution sought a 14-day adjournment on the case to allow them to collect all required documents and disclose it to the defence.

Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika then granted the adjournment and the accused is further remanded in custody till April 5.

This is in relation to the case against the accused, Jimmy Baukuhu, who is faced with one count of murder.

Prosecution alleged that Mr Baukuhu and his associates killed the deceased from Bauro on May 24, 2016.

Prosecution said that the deceased was found lying dead at a seaside near Kirakira with a rope tied to his neck.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

GIZO police have charged and remanded the 70-year-old man accused of having raped a six-year-old girl at the Helena Goldie compound.

He is being kept in custody awaiting his court date.

RSIPF Police Commissioner Mr Mathew Varley has described the case in a press conference yesterday as ‘very sensitive and difficult case’.

He acknowledges the work of his officers who were involved in the arrest.

“I want to acknowledge the work of police officers involved in this case because it is a very difficult and sensitive case obviously and very traumatic case for everyone involves not least the family of this young girl,” Varley said.

He reiterates that there is no reason to insult or harm any woman or girl in this country, and in particular, the case of insulting a child is not acceptable, adding that police is taking this case seriously.

Meanwhile, he appeals to members of the community where the incident occurred to come forward if they have any information and share it with the police.

“If there is any further report or information on sexual assault on young girls in your community, come forward to the police, it’s time that communities say enough is enough and police will take action,” Varley said.