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Renbel police investigate arson incident

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE in the Rennell-Bellona Province are investigating an alleged arson incident in the Kavau area on Rennell Island during which two permanent buildings and a security house belonging to a logging company were burnt down on November 5, 2017.

It was alleged the incident occurred as a result of a land dispute between the logging company, Samlinsan Limited and land owners.

No arrests have been made so far.

Provincial Police Commander, Rennell-Bellona Province, Macfretch Tesuatai says, “My officers have attended the report and continuing our enquiry into the serious matter.”

“I appeal to the land owners concerned and the company to try to resolve the dispute peacefully and ask for community support in giving more information to Tingoa police about the burning incident,” says PPC Tesuatai.

–POLICE MEDIA

Unpredictable politics

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

WITH the date set for Wednesday next week for the election of the Prime Minister, the country’s political situation remains unpredictable with its number-lock.

Those in the Heritage Park Hotel Camp that consists of the remnant members of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG), confirmed to Island Sun last night that they are still maintaining their number at 30.

Parliamentary Wing Leader of the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita, Hon Rick Hou, is the group’s candidate for the Prime Minister (PM) post following the fall of the now caretaker Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare in a motion of no confidence.

MPs within the HP camp told the paper last night that there is still much sensitivity in reorganising portfolios to make up a new Government following the boost done by the Democratic Alliance Party and Solomon Islands Peoples First Party regrouping with the remaining 23 members of the DCCG.

This sensitivity has been agreed to be put aside until after the set date to elect a new Prime Minister on Wednesday next week.

Hefty work will be lined up once a new Government comes into office.

This will include merging of party policies and priorities.

The paper was also told in confidence last night that the camp at Honiara Hotel that consists of the MPs that defected from the Government are offering high profile portfolios to six members from the Heritage Park Hotel camp to lure more numbers.

The country’s political arena has always been an unpredictable one and anything could happen over the next few days prior to the election of the PM on Wednesday next week.

This could result by pulling strings in the number lock.

These next few days will also be a test for all Members of Parliament who are now caught in the toss whether national interest comes first and foremost when it comes to dealing with the nation’s affairs and integrity or self-serving personal interest.

Tight police presence at political camps

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley says they are providing very close police presence at the two political camps.

Varley said tight security by police around Honiara Hotel and Heritage Park hotel is to prevent disturbances or provocation to the already sensitive political and social situation.

“Each location has patrolling officers and standing guards supplementing private security that are in place in the hotels. But on top of that we have some officers that are in a proximity to response.

“And they are there for anyone who may come to interfere with the peace and security of the hotel. Obviously at the hotels there’s a number of a senior politicians at both sides staying in the locations.

“Obviously we don’t want to be locking down hotels in terms of burdening guests staying there, but we have a strong police presence on the ground and police to response.”

Varley said this is a normal security precaution, adding it is important for people to know that police has not suggested risk to public safety.

Sinking in the wrong place

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Bikoi 1 wrecking on the reefs near Tulaghi townships undersea water supply pipelines now for months. PHOTO by MANEBONA BARNABAS.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

BIKOI 1 is sinking near Tulaghi town’s undersea water supply pipeline, and there is nothing coming from authorities raising concerns from locals.

There’s fear over the impacts of the ship’s sinking on the environment, oil spills, and damage to the nearby water supply pipes.

The Premier of the Central province Hon Patrick Vasuni has given a strong call for its removal, saying his government will soon claim fee for its overdue anchorage.

“We are yet on track trying to query who the owner of the ship is to ask for its removal because it is raising concern that it might only be left there to be neglected now,” said the Premier.

“Our province is no ship dumping site so we are now asking the owner of the ship to remove it if it has no purpose in the province.”

According to Silent World Officers in Tulaghi, the ship was supposed to go up the slipway for maintenance but because of non-payment of fees it was anchored instead at the Sasape sea area further behind Tulaghi Island.

Locals living near Sasape speaking to this paper said that the ship’s rope had broken off allowing sea currents to wreck the ship where it is submerged now.

Speaking with the Acting Director of Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Authority (SIMSA) Captain Tim Harris, he assured that he will speak with the Director of Operations to see how they can address the issue.

“I will see what we can do about this particular issue but it is the owner’s responsibility to get the ship out of dangerous situations,” said the SIMSA Acting Director.

Owning Bikoi 1 during the past was Bikoi Shipping Company, but it is said that they had gone into bankruptcy meaning the ship is now owned by someone else.

Further enquiries to who is really the owner of the ship is still under investigation as Island Sun is striving to get to the bottom of this issue.

Hou confirms nomination for PM

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hon Rick Hou

BY BEN BILUA

MEMBER of Parliament for Small Malaita, Honourable Rick Hou, has confirmed his nomination to become the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

In an interview with this paper, Hou said his nominators include; Caretaker Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare, Hon Peter Shanel, Hon Stanley Sofu and Hon Freda Tuki along with the former DCCG government.

“I’m yet to be elected as Prime Minister as the election is seven days away.

“For the moment, I can confirm that those who are left with DCCG have endorsed my candidacy,” he said.

Hou explained that the new government is a coalition of five parties; Kandere Party, United Democratic Party, People Allies Party, Democratic Allies Party and SI People’s First Party.

He told this paper that the government camp is yet to discuss other portfolios like the deputy Prime Minister and ministerial portfolios.

Hou said coalition leaders have decided that distribution of portfolios will be made when the right time calls.

Meanwhile, he condemned Alfred Sasako’s article which imparted wrong information regarding the government portfolio distribution, saying the article needs to be corrected.

When asked about the priorities of the new government, Hou said party members are now working on the priorities that the new government will prioritise in the next 10 months.

“I’m confident to say that one of the top priority of the new government is to stabilise the current fiscal situation the country is facing at the moment by consolidating the budget and inject confidence into the economy,” he said.

Hou stressed that the outline of the new government’s priorities will be made after the new Prime Minister is elected and officially enthroned.

Police aware of corruption allegations raised by Sogavare

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley says they have taken note of corruption allegations echoed on the floor of parliament during the motion of no confidence debate earlier this week.

However, Varley reminds everyone that those allegations need to be produced to the police with evidence.

“At this point of time we aware of those allegations from the first hand reporting from parliament as you have.

“But obviously we would ask that the ministries and authorities to bring forward those allegations to the police with evidence so that we can review them.

“Obviously this is very controversial area and I don’t want make comment on what politicians do or don’t say on the floor of parliament.

“But should people have evidence or allegation of corruption brings them forward to the police and we will evaluate and review them and where evidence exists we will take actions,” he said.

Varley said they still have many cases of corruption in their radar and are continuing on with their work behind the scene.

Chan wants nothing to do with politics

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Sir Thomas Chan

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

PRESIDENT of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Sir Thomas Chan, says he refuses to have anything to do with the current political situation.

Chan strongly emphasised in a phone conversation with Island Sun last night when queried about the current political situation and the Opposition camp at the Honiara Hotel.

UDP is the main political party that makes up the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG).

Honourable Snyder Rini and Hon Danny Phillip have not formally resigned as members of the UDP.

This was confirmed to the paper last night by the Registrar of the Political Parties Commission, Calvin Ziru.

Since they have not formally resigned from UDP, the duo remain key leaders of the party following the resignation of the caretaker Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare and others from UDP.

Chan told Island Sun last night that at this time, he refuses to comment on anything with regards to the political situation because he chooses not to be judgemental of the politicians’ decisions.

“I will comment at a later time when I see is fit and when it comes to national interest and the welfare of the people of Solomon Islands and the future of our children,” Sir Thomas said.

Prosecution eyes appealing Sae’s acquittal

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Director of Public Procecution Mr Ronald Bei Talasasa

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Director of Public Prosecution Ronald Bei Talasasa has declared prosecution will review the judgment on the case against the now-exonerated Edmond Sae.

The court’s judgment had found Mr Sae not guilty on the murder of former Police Commissioner Sir Frederick Soaki in 2003 at the Auki Motel in Auki, Malaita.

Responding to criticisms on the social media network, Talasasa said that he has no comment but the decision as it stands has to be respected.

“The courts must be respected and allow the processes of law be fully exhausted.

“I did not expect the acquittal therefore I will review the judgement and determine in the next 2 weeks whether or not, to appeal the verdict.”

Talasasa said that he will also meet with the family to explain the verdict and the process from hereon.

Justice John Brown had acquitted the former fugitive due to the inconsistencies of crown witness’s evidences testified in court during the months of trial.

Sae was faced with one count of escaping from police custody, two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of purchasing, acquiring and possession of firearm and ammunition without licence.

He was accused of gunning Sir Frederick on February 10, 2003 at the Auki Motel in Auki, Malaita.

Prosecution said Sir Fredrick was attending a workshop with other participants at Auki on the demobilisation programme for special constables.

The workshop was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office.

Prosecution said Sae, after escaping from police custody, avoided police arrest for more than 10 years.

With much police effort, Sae was re-arrested in October 2015 and was brought to Honiara to face court.

Prosecution said one of the murder charges and the attempted murder relates to an allegation on April 30, 2003 at the Auki Police Station, where a man in custody was shot dead and another injured.

Prosecution said he committed those offences shortly after he escaped from police custody, after his initial arrest for the murder of Sir Fredrick.

The defence case was that the identification of the gunman to have been Sae has not been proved beyond reasonable doubt while the Crown case was that three people recognised the gunman to be Sae and that on the evidence of others, a circumstantial case has been made out sufficient for the court to be satisfied to the requisite degree.

Justice Brown, in his ruling, said the evidences of the crown witnesses as to recognising Sae are unreliable, and their evidences had left him in real doubt about their veracity.

Justice Brown said from witnesses evidence there was no direct evidence to connect Sae with possession of a 9mm pistol at the time of the shooting and whilst the other witnesses (four police officers ) with him that afternoon, none specially describe a pistol which may be inferred to be a 9mm weapon.

Though he is acquitted of Soaki’s murder, Sae is sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter charge in relation to the death of an inmate, Saeni Orea, at Auki Police Station during which Sae used a machine gun in the shoot-out on April 30, 2003.

Why we split

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the DCC Group

PM candidate Hou reveals reasons for switching camp, hints SI is in financial trouble

BY BEN BILUA

THE seven members of parliament (MPs) who moved from the opposition camp to the Government side this week have given three reasons for divorcing alliance with their former group.

MP for Small Malaita, Hon Rick Hou, who is also the government’s choice candidate for prime-ministership, tells Island Sun the original Opposition group defected simply for three reasons.

Firstly, is ‘to stabilise the government as the government continues to face political instability over the past years’.

Hou explains that the government has been very unstable though it had numerical strength because it had been filled with leaders who ‘cause the instability’.

“From our Party perspective, we want to stabilise the government because there have been two occasions where the government faced no-confidence motion.

“We decided and believe that our move will instil some stability to the government,” he said.

Secondly, Hou says his group was not confident on how the proposed allocation of portfolios was made by the Honiara Hotel Camp.

He said the parties that he and his fellow defectors represent fear that the proposed allocation of portfolios will achieve nothing in the next 12 months.

“When we sit down and tried to discuss the portfolio allocations we realise something is wrong.

“We did not know how the portfolios are going to be distributed but before we knew, it appears to us that our colleagues already came with a package and our parties are not in that package.

“We were not consulted and our colleagues were very strong with their position.

“They proposed to take the PM position, Deputy Prime Minister Position, Minister of Finance and Ministry of Development Planning.

“This proposed allocation of portfolios demonstrated to us that we are ineffective so there is no point for us joining a government that has such line-up,” Hou said.

Finally, Hou says they believe that their support is crucial to revamping and stabilising the financial situation Solomon Islands is currently facing.

They believe that their new coalition with the DCC government is timely to save the country’s financial woes from worsening.

Hou clarified that their decision to join the government was made in consultation with their political parties, adding, party executives support the decision for the Original Opposition group to team up with the government.

“Some of us come from DAP and we stand by our policies and integrity so we went back to our executive and our executives are totally behind us,” Hou said.

He concludes that the move was decided based on matters their parties think best to stabilise the government and the welfare of the country.

Twenty-six points for Marist

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Timothy Bakale of Marist FC tries to keep the ball in play during their mid week TSL clash with Real Kakamora FC yesterday. Marist won 4-1...Photo Taromane Martin

By Taromane Martin

MARIST FC moved four points clear over third placed KOSSA FC after picking three more points from Real Kakamora FC in their mid-week clash yesterday.

First half goals from Mathias Iani and Davidson Tome saw Marist fight back for a 2-1 lead at the break. Papua New Guinea international Koriak Upaiga added their third goal 52 minutes in the second half before Tome sealed the win a minute later with his second of the match.

The win sees Marist FC in second place with 26 points followed by KOSSA FC in third with 22 points and Henderson Eels FC in fourth position with 21 points.

Acting Head Coach Jerry Allen was pleased with the victory but says they will continue to work hard with two big matches still left to play.

“Well done to the boys. I’m really happy with them especially being in this position, fighting for second spot on the table,” Coach Allen said.

“Looking at the table it’s a very close race and with two big matches still left to go it won’t be easy and we have to work hard.

“Every game will be different and I have to continue reminding the boys that we have to continue work hard especially with the race gap so close.

“Real Kakamora FC is a good team but our win definitely will release some pressure now that we now have 26 points,” he said.

Real Kakamora FC Head Coach Batram Suri was honest saying Marist FC deserved to win stressing their club always tries to make it difficult for other clubs during their matches.

“Marist deserved to win the game. We tried our best to move up from the bottom of the table but it’s quite difficult with a team that does not have a lot of good players compared to the other clubs.

“It’s quite hard to expect a victory unless we have luck on our side. Otherwise we tried our best to make it hard for the other teams in all our matches and when I’m with a team I always try to win one more match,” Suri said.

Meanwhile TSL fixtures for this weekend will see Solomon Warriors FC taking on Malaita Kingz FC on Saturday at 2pm followed by Henderson Eels Fc and Western United FC at 4pm.

Matches for Sunday see Marist FC taking on KOSSA FC at 2pm followed by Real Kakamora FC and FC Guadalcanal at 4pm.

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