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RSIPF WESTERN PROVINCE INVESTIGATES DEAD BODY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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RSIPF Officers in the Western Province are investigating the dead body of an adult female person found at Kinamara Village near Noro this morning 15 August 2017.

Provincial Police Commander, Western Province, Mathias Lenialu says reports reaching the police say the female in her 30’s was missing from her home since Friday 12 August 2017.

“The missing person was not reported to the Police until the body was found this morning. My officers from Gizo are travelling to Kinamara Village where they will meet up with officers from Noro and examine the body and interview people in the village,” says PPC Lenialu

“People in the village have been advised not to disturb the body as the parent of the deceased female have requested that the body must not be removed until the police and medical personnel have attended the scene,” says Mr Lenialu

The PPC Western Province, Mathias Lenialu reminds members of the public especially parents to report to the police when any member of their families fail to return home and do not know where they are so a search can be mounted at the earliest opportunity.

SOURCE: RSIPF Media Unit

RSIPF officers in Task Force JANUS arrest MID PS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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RSIPF officers in Task Force JANUS yesterday arrested permanent secretary Henry Murray of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID)  and charged him with multiple counts of official corruption, pursuant to Section 91 of the Penal Code of Solomon Islands

The wife of the suspect was also arrested and charged with multiple counts of false pretences.

It is alleged that the permanent secretary approved multiple payments for motor vehicle hire to a company registered to his wife and himself. The value of the payments is in excess of $1.1 million.

They appear at the Honiara Magistrates Court today.

 

Commissioner of Police, Matthew Varley acknowledges the efforts of Task Force JANUS and assistance of members of the Internal Audit Office of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

“Government employees charged with the responsibilities under the Public Financial Management legislation are duty bound to ensure payments made with Solomon Islands Government funds are made honestly and transparently with due regard to the right processes and procedures,” says Commissioner, Varley.

OPPOSITION DEPLORES REMOVAL OF BLOODY RIDGE PLAQUE

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele

The Parliamentary Opposition Office has deplored the action of vandalizers who removed the engraved plaque that marked the opening of the Bloody Ridge Park.

The Opposition Office stated that such act of vandalism is shameful and derogatory on the part of the citizens of the country.

The Opposition Office has called on people especially those residing within the vicinity of the monument to refrain from such bad behaviors and show respect.

“The vandalism that took place merely a week after the unveiling of the plaque is not only a crime but it indicates that few people in the country have no respect for state properties”, the Opposition Office added.

The Parliamentary Opposition Office emphasized that those monuments and particularly the Bloody Ridge Park puts Solomon Islands on the map, and is one of the main tourist attractions.

“However, such callous behaviors’ by a very few Solomon Islanders give a bad name to the country. The behavior is uncalled for and a national embarrassment”, the Opposition Office added.

The Parliamentary Opposition Office reiterated that the Bloody Ridge monument and others mark a significant part of Solomon Islands history and as citizens it should be our duty to protect them.

The Opposition Office called on the government to quickly build a fence around the Bloody Ridge monument to avoid further actions of vandalism.

-Opposition Press

Sumitomo withdrawal a setback to the industry: SICCI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) has expressed regret over the withdrawal of Japanese nickel mining giant Sumitomo Metal Mining, and called for improvement to the regulatory policies for incoming investors and businesses.

SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett said it is unfortunate and regretful for a major international investor such as SMM to leave the Solomon Islands after spending most of its time and resources in the courts.

Mr Bartlett stressed the importance of a transparent legislative and regulatory framework for all investors and business to avoid another loss of a potential contributor to the economy.

Retaining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is just as important, if not more important, than attracting FDI, he added.

He said SMM’s withdrawal is a huge loss for the country especially at a critical time when we need to broaden our narrow economic base and look at alternative growth in other sectors to replace the logging sector. Unfortunately, unclear regulatory systems are disincentives for prospective investments and the departure of SMM is a classic example for us to learn from.

“What message does the closure bring to potential investors?”

“The Chamber views Sumitomo’s withdrawal a loss and an opportunity missed for the economy,” said the Chair. “This has cost potentially hundreds of jobs for many Solomon Islanders and the loss of benefits for resource owners.”

Mr Bartlett said furthermore many local businesses and service providers are going to be affected.

The Chamber acknowledges SMM’s decision to leave based on the plunge of bauxite pricing, however, also noting the implications of the 6 years long legal battle for nickel mining rights at Isabel Province.

SICCI is concern and pleads to relevant government authorities to ensure internal regulatory systems are robust, credible and encourages FDIs inflows.

-SICCI Press

Young people realize their potential as peace builders

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A number of young people who live in informal settlements around Honiara city learned ways to become active Peace builders as a result of a training on Peace Building, which they attended last week.

The training was part of a collaboration between the UN Peace Building Fund implemented by UNDP, UN Woman and Youth@Work.

At the end of the training these young people who have been part of the training, shares their reflections on what they have learnt.

“I have learnt about intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, it’s like at first I have difficulty in communicating well. “Now it is clear as I have knowledge of Peace building as a means of removing conflict, a participant Jethro Siosi said.

He goes on to say, “from this I will start a business in using these skills I will study the character of people, finding ways to influence as my customers.”

The kind of business I have in mind is; instead of aiming to make money for profit, I will make money to help my community instead, he said.

Wilma too shared the same sentiments of learning new things that made her reflect on the actions she has taken and inspired to do things differently.

Mss. Mamangon said, “to become a peace builder and influence my peers to do the same, I first have to change my behavior and attitude only can make a difference.”

Wilma revealed that she has learned a lot and planned that after “I would find time to talk my peers in the area where I live, I believe in doing so, it would help them see things differently and become peace builders as well.

The workshop was held over a period of two weeks and those who have attended were young people in communities from Burns Creek, Lunga, Boarderline and Green valley.

The facilitator, Chief Reconciliation Officer Moses Aipuru, said that he has also learned a lot from the youth who attended.

“There’s active participation and it shows that they are continuously learning and I believe they are getting something out from the training,” Mr. Aipuru said.

This training is part of an entrepreneurship initiative, where young people will eventually set-up their small businesses, enabling them to become economically empowered.

SUMITOMO PULLS OUT

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Giant mining company withdraws from race for Nickel in the country

SUMITOMO Metal Mining Solomon Limited, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd (“SMM”) has withdrawn its interest from the nickel exploration project in the country.

The giant mining company made the announcement on Wednesday 9th August 2017.

A statement to this paper stated that SMM will no longer carry on with the project that they started but remain indolent as a result of litigation processes the company faced over the past years.

The reason(s) behind their withdrawal is still not clear but according to the SMM, the decision was made as a result of comprehensive review as the company continues to face business circumstances.

“As the result of our comprehensive review of such business circumstances, the final judgment in the legal proceedings and other factors, SMMS concluded that it is difficult for SMMS to implement the project that SMMS had sought to realize by integrating SMMS’ Own Areas with the International Tender Areas, SMMS has decided to withdraw from Solomon Exploration Project,” the statement said.

The statement further says that SMMS will withdraw from all of its pending applications for mining leases regarding SMMS’ Own Areas and SMMS will cease operation of the company except for those remaining matters arising from the withdrawal.

“We acquired the prospecting license after we obtained the surface access rights from the landowners of the prospecting areas in Choiseul and Isabel, then conducted exploration activities, employ local and also initiate other programmes during the exploration, however all these activities will be put to rest,” the statement said.

SMMS started its acquisition of prospecting licenses and exploration activities in 2005 and completed the activities under prospecting license they acquired on Choiseul province and Isabel province.

In 2014 SMM applied for the mining leases in three areas as part of integrated project (“SMMS’ Own Areas”) but the applications were pendant due to legal proceeding.

SMMS brought legal proceedings against Axiom KB Limited (Axiom) and others regarding the international tender areas in Isabel province (International Tender Areas) because the rights that has been awarded to SMMS had been cancelled.

While waiting for the result of the court decision, SMMS engaged in CSR activities with emphasis on Community Support activities and implemented 5 measures, Clean-up Campaign, Kiko-Clay Stove (a handmade efficient smoke less cooking oven made of local natural materials), Composting, Garden Vegetable Farming, and Home Nutrition Workshop toward building a sustainable healthy families and communities.

The legal proceedings lasted six years until March 2017 and ended with neither SMMS nor Axiom being granted the rights over the International Tender Areas resulting in the nickel price to tumble with market forecast prediction continue to fall into harsh market conditions that lead to a significant change in Solomon Exploration Project.

Giving his last words, the Managing Director of SMM Solomon Limited Mr Yoritoshi Ochi expressed the company’s acknowledgement to the government, provincial government, landowners and individuals who have worked with SMM Solomon Limited.

“We are proud of having completed the exploration based on the Mines and Minerals Act in Solomon Islands.

“We would like to make the following statement of appreciation.

“We greatly appreciate to assistance and help of Solomon Islands Government, Hon. Prime Minister Sogavare and other PMs in the past, Ministers and officers of Ministry of Mines and Energy and Rural Electrification and other government organizations.

“We also give great thanks to premiers and the officers of the provincial government of Choiseul and Isabel.

“We are very grateful to the landowners in Isabel and Choiseul regarding our exploration activities and CSR activities and other related matters.

“We will continue the scholarship system for the students in the prospecting areas of Choiseul and Isabel next year in 2018 as we have since 2012,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr Ochi said SMM Solomon Limited will work in accordance with the Mines and Minerals Act and other related matters after this announcement.

 By Ben Bilua

SKYEYE AND TELEKOM PARTNER IN NEW TECHNOLOGY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SKYEYE (Left to Right) Don Ross, Neil Constantine (Gamma logistics) Christopher Saili and Gibson Satu (SKYEYE). Photo from SKYEYE.

SKYEYE Solomons Ltd (SSL) and Telekom have begun working together to help deliver a GPS vehicle and vessel tracking solution for the Solomon Islands.

Over spending on fuel, vehicle accidents and passenger safety aboard boats are some of the leading concerns for customers wanting to GPS track their vehicles or vessels.

Managing Director for SKYEYE Christopher Saili said, “Every year business and government vehicles around the Pacific waste an incredible amount of money on wasted fuel, we wanted to create a solution that could save our customers money and time.”

Working with Telekom has enabled the GPS tracking technology developed by SKYEYE to work in the Solomon Islands.

The technology requires the use of Telekom’s expansive network and a SIM card is placed in each GPS device to enable the location of the vessel or vehicle to be transmitted to the client’s phone or computer.

Customers such as Markwarth Oil, Tropic Glass Builders and Solbrew can now monitor the speeds of their vehicles as well as locations the vehicles or boats spent time at.

Managing Director of Gamma Logistics Neil Constantine recently had the SS Charisma installed with a vessel monitoring system and already has seen the benefits.

He said, “Having the SKYEYE system onboard the Charisma now allows me to view the location of the ship at any time providing it is in coverage, we carry passengers and cargo to Makira so safety of the passengers is a priority.”

“Without the help of Telekom SKYEYE would have to use expensive Satellite systems and would be too expensive for medium to smaller operators.

“Telekom’s network coverage across the Solomon Islands means that SKYEYE can deploy its solutions right across the provinces.”

SKYEYE not only deploys GPS tracking technology but also specialises in the use of drone technology or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).

SKYEYE has conducted over 100 individual flights in the Solomon Islands and its applications vary, says Managing Director Christopher Saili.

“Last year we concluded a project where we counted all the organic coconut trees in Samoa using drones, last week we flew drones for a farmer wanting to measure his land so it’s hard to say what drones are particularly used for as we keep finding new ways to use the technology.”

Christopher acknowledges that SKYEYE wouldn’t be able to develop its technology without the support of the local business community.

“GPPOL in particular were very supportive of our solutions and engaged us at a very early stage of setting up here in the Solomon Islands, this has allowed us to grow and provide employment opportunities for young Solomon Islanders to learn cutting edge technology.”

Through its partnership with Telekom SKYEYE hopes that it can inspire young Solomon Islanders to be excited about technology, its possibilities and understand that technology and innovation can be developed right here in the Solomon Islands.

–OUR TELEKOM PRESS

MORE FEMALE INTEREST IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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FEMALE empowerment in the music industry is rising in the Solomon Islands as reflected in the annual Solo Icon event this year.

The Solo Icon this year engaged 20 young female contestants out 16 male contestants from total of 36 who made to second stage of elimination round.

Two contestants are returning ones from last year with one a female and one male.

It seems that females interested in the music industry is rising in the Solomon Islands compared to previous ones, with the Solo Icon providing them with the avenue to unleash their potential singing talents.

The next show down is scheduled for Sunday 25 at the Art Gallery, and would be the second elimination round—kick starting with both the children and star school category before the Icon category.

Solo Icon Coordinator; Geoffrey Alacky said it is quite interesting to note that there are potential in every single person.

He said the showdown recently was a hilarious big bang with interesting contestants and looks promising that a lot of stars will emerge from this year’s round.

There are two-times contestants participating this year, and Mr Alacky said they have proven themselves by implementing the theory and principle, if you put an energy in one thing you want in life, you will acquire it, and that’s exactly what they have proven.

There are more than eight Schools who have already booked their placement for star school competition this Sunday.

Last year’s winner for star school is Marara,West Guadalcanal, and they are set to defend their title with stiff challenge.

NEW BIOCHEMISTRY ANALYSER FOR NRH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(L to R) Mr Ansa Wate - prinicipal Laboratory scientist, Mr Li Xianbo, - Engineer, Mr Alfred Dofai – Director Medical Laboratory, Mr Romson Nuake – Biochemistry staff.

The National Referral Hospital [NRH] Medical Laboratory has installed a new biochemistry analyser on 8th August by the factory engineer, Mr Li Xianbo.

The installation of the analyser is to replace the old one which was in use for more than 10 years, said Director of Medical Laboratory, Mr Alfred Dofai.

The new analyser is much more robust and can do up to 400 tests per hour compared to the old machine processing 300 tests per hour.

The biochemistry analyser is a machine that tests for kidney, liver, heart, sugar, gout and other body chemistries.

The NRH Chief Executive officer [Acting], Dr Rooney Jagilly, says he is pleased about its installation. With the current increase of life styles diseases in the country, the availability of the biochemistry analyser will enable diagnosis of diseases for immediate treatment, he said.

Dr Jagilly, wishes to acknowledge the MHMS Equipment Committee and government in availing funds to acquire the new equipment that will improve care and lives of Solomon Islanders.

The purchasing of the analyser was part of SIG government tender CTB48/2016 whereby Premier Biomedical Engineering Limited of NSW, Australia was the successful bidder.

Meanwhile, another one bench top analyser for Taro hospital was also installed. Both equipment was purchased at a cost of SBD$1.3m.

The NRH testing does around 100 specimens per day covering NRH, private clinics, as well as for other provinces. These analysers delivery was fast tracked by the Equipment Committee.

– NRH Press

Morrinsville resident hunkers down during police shoot out

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(RNZ) A Morrinsville resident has described hunkering down in his home, after hearing a volley of gunfire in the police shoot out less than 500 metres away, with the gunman still on the loose.

Police investigators at Kuranui Road today and the two cars involved in the incident.

Police investigators at Kuranui Road today and the two cars involved in the incident. Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang

An armed police cordon remains in place around part of Morrinsville after the gunman and the police exchanged shots.

Craig Burmester and his wife woke to the intense gunfire in the early hours of this morning.

He said he initially thought the shots were fireworks, until he noticed police lights, and later officers, running down Kuranui Road towards his property.

“There was a police car down the end of our road with its lights flashing, but of course being dark and really foggy, we couldn’t see what was happening and it was hard to make out where the [shots] was coming from.

“Then a little bit later we saw four figures running towards our house.”

He then rang police, thinking the people could have been offenders on the loose, but was told they were officers and to stay inside and turn all the lights off.

Craig Burmester said he and his wife woke to the intense gunfire in the early hours of the morning.

Craig Burmester said he and his wife woke to the intense gunfire in the early hours of the morning. Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang

They stayed, hunkered down, as a police helicopter circled above them.

He said the whole ordeal was unsettling.

“Deep down you think it’s gun fire, but you don’t want to know it’s gunfire. It’s pretty scary. You could hear two different gun sounds, and quite a few shots went off.”

Another Morrinsville resident said she thought about hiding in a cupboard to escape the gunman.

The woman, who doesn’t want to be named, lives about 300 metres away from where it happened with her husband and daughter.

She said she woke to the very loud gunshots and sirens.

“You try to be really rational and calm, you don’t want to assume the worst but obviously with lots of lights, sirens and choppers, you absolutely fear the worst,” she said.

She and her husband ended up staying up most of the night.

“A lot of the time that we were awake for those six hours we certainly contemplated hiding in the cupboard, or [saying] ‘which is the safest room in the house?’

“The police actually rang us at 2am to tell us that something happened and that we needed to stay inside with our lights off, and that’s what we did, because it’s very close, you could see it [the police car] from the playroom window.”

She said the police have been keeping in touch with updates and information about road closures.

That helped ease her concerns, but she hoped life would soon be able to return to normal.

“We’re just waiting until they find the person, and we can have our lives back and stop walking on eggshells and worrying.”

Gunman still at large

The incident began, shortly after midnight when the gunman, who was speeding with two passengers in a red Holden Commodore, failed to stop for police on Avenue Road.

After an officer gave chase the offender pulled over on Kuranui Road and fired at the officer using a military-style semi-automatic weapon.

Police reinforcements arrived as the officer took shelter, and a gunfight ensued.

Police want to hear from anyone with information about this 2015 Holden Commodore registration 1AZIF1.

Police want to hear from anyone with information about this 2015 Holden Commodore registration 1AZIF1. Photo: NZ Police

Nobody was injured in the shootout, and the three officers were rescued by Armed Offenders Squad members shortly afterwards.

The police have spoken to two of the people in the car: a man and a woman, aged between 25 and 30.

However the gunman remains at large.

Waikato’s district commander Bruce Bird said a 30-strong team was looking for the man, and he asked anyone who had any connection to a red Holden Commodore with the licence place 1AZIF1 to get in touch.

Mr Bird said it was a surreal situation.

“This is quite frightening. It’s an attack of an intensity on a police officer that I have not come across in 40 years of my service.

“I think everybody should be vigilant – we just don’t know what the mindset of this particular offender is.”

Officers will now comb Morrinsville and surrounding areas for information about the offender.

Bruce Bird said anyone with any helpful information should get in touch with the police immediately.

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