BY ROMINAH FAKA 

Interim-mention of the case of a man accused of abusing and raping two underage girls was held at the High Court on Monday, July 14, 2025.

During the hearing, no issue was raised.

Trial is set to begin on August 29 before Judge John Keniapisia.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is currently facing two counts of indecent act and one count of rape involving two girls aged 12 and 15.

Prosecution is expected to call three witnesses during trial.

Prosecution alleged that the first incident occurred on an unknown date between January 1 and December 31, 2022, in Honiara, where the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim without her consent, or being reckless to lack of consent.  

The second incident allegedly occurred on an unknown date between January 1 and December 31, 2022 as well in Honiara, when the defendant exposed his private body part to the 12-year-old victim.

The third incident, occurred on August 21, 2023, in Honiara, where the defendant allegedly held the 15-year-old girl’s breast without her consent.

Georgina Oroi from the Officer of Director of Public Prosecution act for the crown and a PSO lawyer is representing the defendant.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court is set to deliver its ruling today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 on the first bail application for a man accused of killing a woman in Marau in 2023.

The ruling was initially scheduled for yesterday but Deputy Chief Justice Rex Faukona was sick.

The bail application was filed in the High Court for the defendant, Constance Manepania, who is charged with one count of murder and is seeking to be released on bail to see his family while waiting for his trial in August.

Police alleged that in the late evening of October 8, 2023, the deceased and some of her relatives boarded a canoe to an island called Ravi within the Marau area to sleep over so they could go out fishing later at night.

On the next day, at about 8am, the deceased and two other relatives boarded a canoe to the mainland to collect food and water for the group on the island.

At about 4pm, the deceased and the other girls loaded their canoe and departed for Ravi Island.

About few metres from the mainland, the deceased complained that she was not feeling and was afraid to go to Ravi Island, so she decided to stay back on the mainland.

The other girls left the deceased along the shore so that she could walk back home.

The deceased left Tawanikeni village along the sea shore back to her village.

Prosecution alleged that it was on her way back to her home village that the accused attacked her.

A witness who was on his way along the airport heard what sounded like a person crying. When the witness got closer to where this sound was coming from, he saw Manepania holding a bush knife in his right hand.

Manepania led the witness to where the deceased was lying unconscious then he stepped onto the deceased’s forehead and squeezed the neck of the deceased until she stopped breathing.

After that Manepania demanded and ordered the witness to take the dead body down to the sea and sink it.

The accused allegedly threatened the witness to carry out this act, saying he would cut the witness with the bush knife if he did not comply.

Police at Marau received a report of the incident on October 10, 2023, when villagers around Marau area saw the deceased’s body washed ashore in front of the Conflict Lodge.

Letiara Pellie from the ODPP is prosecuting and Ben Alasia of PSO represents Manepania.

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-Opposition Leader grills new Environment Minister on Mataniko River encroachment

-Warnings from past flash floods ignored

BY NED GAGAHE

Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale pressed Environment Minister Polycarp Paea in Parliament yesterday over the government’s lack of immediate action to rehabilitate riverbanks and prevent further encroachment along the Mataniko River.

Opposition Leader Wale asked what steps the ministry has taken to address the environmental risks and protect communities vulnerable to flooding.

Minister Paea responded briefly, saying he would provide the information later.

Unsatisfied, Wale pushed further. He questioned the status of the ministry’s efforts to manage wastewater disposal into the river and what environmental standards currently apply.

The minister again deferred, stating that the Ministries of Mines and Environment would address those issues at a later time.

Wale also raised concerns about illegal structures built along the riverbanks, including retainer walls that appear to encroach directly into the river.

“One of the key lessons from the last Mataniko flash floods is clear, when the water hit one bank, it surged to the other side and swept away homes.

“As you move down the river, especially near the commercial area, it’s clear some of these retainer walls are built right into the river. That should be illegal both environmentally and from the Land’s perspective. Yet this is being allowed, even facilitated, through actions like pegging plots inside the river boundary.

“This kind of behaviour reflects a careless attitude. I want to know what steps the ministry is taking to address this. Just from driving over the bridge, I can see at least four structures that have clearly moved further into the river than they were before,” Wale said.

He called for urgent government action to remove illegal developments and prevent further encroachment along the waterway.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Honiara came alive on Saturday night, July 12, 2025 as international reggae dancehall star Busy Signal, Reanno Devon Gordon, rocked the stage with his famous hits at DC Park.

The event drew thousands of excited fans who sang along to some of his biggest global hits like One More Night, Perfect Spot and Comfort Zone, among others.

The audience danced, sang along and soaked up the vibrant rhythms as the Jamaican superstar delivered a high-powered show.

“Peace and love to everyone. No matter where you are, who you are, where you from – peace and love,” Busy said to the massive crowd.

Prior to the show, upon arrival at Honiara International Airport, he received a warm welcome from traditional panpipers, local fans, event organisers and members of the media.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Busy said it’s “our love” and they are here to represent the music, the people and to empower people through the love of music.

“It is a worldwide blessing for us. It’s about love,” he said.

Born in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, in 1979, Busy Signal became one of the most recognisable names in dancehall reggae, known for his energetic performances and messages of love and unity.

His visit adds to a rich legacy of international stars who have performed in the country, joining the ranks of artists such as Julian Marley (2014), Shaggy (2014), Fiji Veikoso (2014), Inner Circle (2014), Gramps Morgan (2012), Big Mountain (2018), Anthony B (2020), Rock City (2020), Christafari (2019 & 2025), and IYAZ (2020).

The Busy Signal Live Concert was co-hosted by Solutions International Group (SI Group), Kandere Party and Cowboys Bar & Grill as part of a broader initiative to promote international music tourism and celebrate 1st Wan Kadere Independence Day Festival 2025.

In a statement, Kadere Party said, “The Busy Signal Live Concert is more than entertainment – it’s a bold step forward in music tourism for the Solomon Islands. By hosting internationally renowned artists right here at home, we’re:

• Showcasing our nation as a rising destination for global music and culture
• Creating job opportunities for local creatives, vendors and event professionals
• Promoting cultural exchange and unity through music
• Inspiring a new generation of Solomon Islands artists”

With his full stage band by his side, Busy Signal not only delivered a world-class performance but also helped position Solomon Islands on the global music map.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A four-day pastoral leadership refresher workshop was successfully conducted earlier this month at Baliland, the central hub of the Lauru Region’s United Church Solomon Islands (UCSI).

The workshop brought together 28 pastors representing four circuits within the region: Katupika, Babatana, Tepazaka and Batava.

The purpose of the training was to strengthen leadership capacity and refresh the spiritual and administrative skills of church leaders serving in local communities.

One of the organisers said the workshop was a much-needed opportunity to renew their focus and enhance the pastoral leadership in their region.

“It allowed us to reflect, learn and share experiences that will support the work of the church in rural and remote areas,” said one of the organizers.

Over the four days, participants were engaged in ten key topics essential to effective church leadership, including:

-Bible Studies

-UCSI Constitution

-Church Structure

-SWOT Analysis

-Conflict Analysis

The training emphasized both spiritual guidance and practical skills, helping pastors better understand their responsibilities and strengthen the structure of local congregations.

It also encouraged collaboration between circuits and promoted unity among church leaders.

Leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the core values of their pastoral mission and plans are already being discussed to conduct a similar training in other regions.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Joe Lovi, the founder and owner of HJ Sewing Center, is urging parents of school dropouts and underprivileged youth to consider a transformative alternative to traditional education; one that has already changed countless lives through a humble needle and thread.

Reflecting on a journey that all started back in 2015, he said it is about changing one life with one stitch at a time.

Over the past decade, the HJ Sewing Center has offered intensive sewing courses that have helped individuals from all walks of life being medical professionals, office workers, housewives or school dropouts to gain practical skills and economic independence.

“We’ve seen our students’ faces glow with deep passion as they pursue their dreams.

“Some have gone on to start their own tailoring businesses, while others have used sewing as a stepping stone to further study, including through programs like APTC,” said Lovi.

He emphasized the program’s role in creating second chances, especially for young girls and women who left school early or lacked access to formal education.

“The satisfaction we’ve seen throughout the years is proof that this course gives people the confidence and skills to change their lives,” said Lovi.

Now, with the school term in full swing and many dropout youths sitting at home with uncertain futures, Lovi is making a renewed appeal to families.

Especially to the parents of those who feel that the formal education system has failed their children to give this opportunity a chance.

According to Lovi, students who take this short course can often begin earning income sooner than their peers who follow the traditional academic path.

“This is more than just a skill it’s a life path. From the first stitch, your child could be on their way to building a future of independence and dignity,” he said.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

FOSTERING stronger partnerships between education institutions and the private sector is key to building a skilled workforce and driving economic growth, says Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Franco Rodie.

Speaking at the National Business Forum last week, PS Rodie emphasised that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by the government and education sector alone.

“This transformation cannot be driven by government and education alone.

“Employers, in particular, must clearly articulate the skills they need and play an active role in shaping relevant training programs,” he said.

PS Rodie urged industries to offer more opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and on-the-job training for young people.

He also highlighted the ministry’s long-standing goal to bring industry professionals into classrooms as mentors and advisors to inspire students and help them understand the real-world relevance of their studies.

“We want to move beyond the outdated model where students are trained in isolation to one where education and business core create the future workforce,” he said.

PS Rodie also acknowledged the importance of instilling the right attitude among young people.

“Employers often tell us we can train for skills, but we need young people with the right attitude. That means our education system must also nurture strong work ethic and discipline, respect for others and self-confidence initiative,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of nurturing young people to become self-starters who can independently take on initiatives.

PS Rodie said these values must be cultivated throughout the learning journey, from early childhood to higher education and training centres.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Eleven Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers from rural areas of West Kwaio, Malaita Province, have gained new skills and knowledge through a four-day literacy workshop held last week at Kwaidingale School.

The workshop aims to enhance the teachers’ capacity to effectively support over-age students who join ECE classes, which are typically designed for children aged three to five years.

One of the participants, Raphaelle Mosokeni, said this was the fourth workshop delivered by the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands to support rural ECE schools.

She said the training helped them better understand how to adapt adult-level language books to suit older children in ECE classes.

“The workshop aims to provide the skills and knowledge needed to adjust home language books to a level appropriate for ECE students who are above the standard age range.

“Since ECE is designed for ages three to five, this workshop addresses the needs of those slightly older students who still join ECE classes,” said Mosokeni.

She also emphasized that attending this fourth workshop was a bonus, especially since they only began using the language books late last year.

Mosokeni added that although the language books were introduced alongside academic materials last year, students have already shown significant learning progress.

The workshop was organized and funded by the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands.

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