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Court to deliver ruling on unlawful wounding case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court is set to deliver its ruling on prosecution’s application seeking to discharge a man accused of unlawful wounding.

Michael Lena is facing one count of unlawful wounding.

The ruling will be delivered this Friday, July 18, by Chief Magistrate Emma Garo.

This matter had been schedule for trial, with prosecution intending to call two witnesses.

However, before a summon could be served on the crown eye witness, police learnt that the witness had already travelled to Australia under the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) programme for seasonal work.

Because of that, prosecution filed an application under section 52 and 53 of the Evidence Act, seeking to allow the witness to give evidence via Audio Visual Link. (AVL).

The prosecution said the AVL option will enable the witness to testify via video or audio link without having to return to Honiara.

However, court refused the prosecution application for the use of Audio-Visual Link.

In response, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the prosecution made an application under section 190 (2) (b) (ii) of Criminal Procedural Code, requesting that the charge against the defendant Micheal Lena be withdrawn.

This is so that they have time to liaise with the LMU office and contact the Australia employer of the witness to determine when the witness might return to Honiara.

The incident occurred on June 28, 2024, between 9 and 10pm, at Wind Valley, White River.

The complainant, who resided in Choviri, travelled with others to Namoruka to solve an issue involving an assault on an elderly person.

The matter could not be resolved so the group decided to return to Choviri using the Wind Valley Road.

Along the way, they met defendant Lena and some other boys.

The defendant and the boys reportedly attacked the complainant and two others with iron, sticks, and stones.

The defendant struck the right side of the complainant’s head with an iron and when he fell to the ground, the defendant continued to kick him in the face.

The complainant sustained injuries to his head and face.

The complainant was transported to the National Referral Hospital for medical attention.

Paul Junior Fanasia is prosecuting and Jagilly Weigant of Public Solicitor’s Office act for the defendant.

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High Court moves 2013 MHMS scandal case appeal for August 15

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court has postponed the appeal hearing into the 2013 Health ministry fraud scandal case for August 15.

The case involves former procurement officer from the health ministry (MHMS), who was convicted of corruption for receiving a large sum of money in exchange for facilitating payment to a fake shipping company.

The hearing was initially scheduled for Friday last week, July 11, but was deferred after prosecution sought an adjournment due to a death in their office.

Court granted the adjournment and the matter has been rescheduled for hearing on August 15, 2025.

The Magistrate Court has sentenced defendant Robert Manu to two years imprisonment, which was suspended under section 44 of the Penal Code.

In delivering the sentence, the presiding magistrate highlighted the significant eight-year delay in the case, which began in 2016.

The delay was considered a mitigating factor in the sentencing decision.

The magistrate noted that the prolong delay was caused by lack of proper case management and timely investigation.

The office of Director of Public Persecution was not satisfied with this and filed an appeal in the High Court, appealing that the sentence imposed by the Magistrate was manifestly inadequate.

The defendant, Robert Manu, former procurement officer at the MHMS was charged with four counts of official corruption.

Defendant Manu’s role was authorizing payments to Eroba Shipping, totaling to $1,608,371, by bypassing proper procurement procedures in exchange for large sums of money deposited into his personal bank account.

The payment he received amounted to $195,000.

This case is linked to a larger scandal that involved the ministry between 2012 and 2013, involving 15 fraudulent payments to Eroba Shipping Services and Joke Shipping, managed by John Biliki and Wesley Poloso.

In August 2013, an internal audit revealed that all 15 payments were fraudulent, with evidence suggesting involvement between MHMS officials and shipping agents to defraud the Solomon Islands Government.

Manu also charged with a separate charge of false pretence, together with other former Health workers, former finance controller, Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant, Randy Hatigeva, and former Accounts Officer, Dalcy Maena.

These former health workers allegedly caused a total of $1,594,935.10 to be paid to the ghost shipping service, Joke Shipping Services by fraud.

The two shipping agents John Biliki and Wesley Poloso of Eroba Shipping Service and Joke Shipping Service defrauded the Solomon Islands Government of approximately $7.3 million.

These millions of dollars were Aid donor funding and Solomon Islands Government money intended to support and improve rural health services. This severely affected the implementation of health projects in rural areas and left negative impact on the provision of government health services in rural areas.

Sabrina Habu of Public Prosecution office is prosecuting and Jim Seuika act for Manu.

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Court issues summons for man accused of domestic violence

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate court has issued summons for a man accused of domestic violence who did not turn up for his hearing yesterday.

A ruling on legal issues relating to his case was scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

The defendant is facing one count of domestic violence.

The prosecution applied for a warrant of arrest to be issued against the defendant, however, the presiding magistrate refused the application and instead issued summons to be served on the defendant.

The court stated that the matter was initially listed to be heard last week but was administratively adjourned.

As a result, the defendant may not have been aware of the new court date, which could have explained his absence.

The case has been adjourned to July 29, 2025, for court to deliver its ruling on the legal issues raised, particularly concerning the definition of assault in the previous hearing.

The alleged victim is a 61-year-old man and the defendant is 19-year-old male.

The defendant is the complainant’s youngest son.

Police alleged that on May 24, 2025, between 4 and 5pm, the defendant was reportedly drunk and attacked the complainant while he was sitting in front of his house with his wife.

It is alleged that the defendant was holding a piece of 4×1 timber approximately one and a half metres in length, which he used in an attempt to strike the victim.

However, both of the defendant attempts to assault the victim were unsuccessful.

Following the incident, the victim reported the matter to Naha Police Station.

Able Maelanga of Police Prosecution Department is prosecuting and the defendant is self-represented.

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ECONOMY WEAKENS

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CBSI reports weaker global and domestic outlook in first quarter 2025

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands’ economy has weakened since January this year, according to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).

In its March 2025 Quarterly Report released on July 8, 2025, CBSI said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its April 2025 World Economic Outlook had revised global growth for 2025 down to 2.8 percent from the previously forecasted 3.3 percent.

IMF attributed the downgrade to the widespread impact of US tariff hikes and retaliatory measures by key trading partners.

It expects a mild recovery to 3.0% in 2026.

On domestic economy, CBSI said domestic economic activity was mixed in the first quarter of 2025.

“The primary sector shrank, with the production index dropping to 119 points from 125 in the last quarter of 2024. The fall came from weaker output in agriculture, fishing, and mining, though forestry posted gains,” CBSI said.

CBSI said the secondary sector also remained weak due to low performance in manufacturing and utilities.

“Services delivered uneven results across subsectors, while investment remained moderate and labour market conditions improved slightly as inflation cooled in the first quarter.

“Headline inflation dropped to 2.4% in March, down from 4.6% in December 2024.

“Lower electricity prices and better food supply helped push domestic inflation down. This outweighed a small rise in imported inflation.” the report said.

Core inflation also declined, reaching 0.9% in March from 1.9%, while external conditions weakened in early 2025.

The balance of payments (BOP) surplus narrowed to $237 million, down from $277 million in the last quarter of 2024.

This was due to a smaller capital and financial account surplus, despite gains in the current account.

Gross foreign reserves rose by 1% to $5,889 million, covering about 10.9 months of imports.

On fiscal position, the government recorded a provisional fiscal surplus of $83 million in Q1, reversing a $225 million deficit from Q4 2024.

CBSI said the surplus comes from a sharp drop in development spending due to slow budget execution.

“Revenue declined slightly but stayed in line with budget plans. Public debt also dropped, aided by consistent debt servicing,” the report said.

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UNICEF visits key partners in Western province

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

A high-level delegation led by UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Solomon Islands and Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands visited key partners of the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals Project upon their arrival in Gizo yesterday, Monday, July 14, 2025.

The team began their visit by paying a courtesy call to Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive before touring Gizo Hospital, where they met with Director of Health and Medical Services Dr Dickson Boara and his staff.

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Higuchi thanked Premier Veo and his executive for their support, adding that Japan is pleased to fund and assist the school meal project.

UNICEF Solomon Islands Chief of Field Office, Benjamin Grubb acknowledged both the Government of Japan and Western Provincial Administration for their collaboration.

He emphasised UNICEF’s commitment to child welfare in Solomon Islands, particularly through the nutrition-focused school meal project, currently piloted in Western and Isabel Provinces.

Grubb highlighted concerns about children’s growing dependence on processed foods and stressed the importance of improving diets to enhance learning outcomes.

“We need to address this issue with our young generation and I count on Western Province to make this project a success,” Grubb said.

Premier Veo welcomed the initiative, expressing readiness to support the programme.

He also thanked UNICEF for selecting six schools in the province to be part of the pilot phase, calling the project “vital” in promoting healthy eating habits.

Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena shared similar sentiment saying that the programme revives the tradition of using local foods in school diets.

He said Western Province’s Planning Division will closely coordinate with partners to ensure successful implementation.

The project, funded by Japan and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with national and provincial governments, aims to introduce climate-smart, school-based meal programs in nine schools—six of which are in Western Province and three in Isabel Province.

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Ghemu showcases yellow page digital directory

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Afred Ghemu, founder of the Yellow Page Solomon Digital Directory, showcased his innovative digital platform at the National Trade Fair, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward digital transformation.

Speaking with Island Sun, Ghemu described the fair as “a great opportunity for us to come out and tell people about our service,” highlighting the increasing importance of digital solutions in today’s modern era.

“In the Solomon Islands, we’ve only had manual directories. What we’ve introduced here is digital. Yellow Page provides digital assistance for finding businesses, services, and contacts right at your fingertips,” he said.

Ghemu began developing the digital directory in 2017, and after years of dedication and perseverance, the platform was officially launched just two years ago. The directory aims to make it easier for people in the Solomon Islands and abroad to connect with local businesses and services.

“One of our main goals is to put the Solomon Islands on the map not only nationally, but internationally especially to expose our businesses to overseas markets,” Ghemu explained.

The introduction of the Yellow Page Solomon Digital Directory marks a pivotal shift towards embracing digital innovation in the country, offering new opportunities for local businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

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Govt urged to support AMA students’ innovations

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Students from AMA University in Philippines are calling on government authorities to support their innovative ideas aimed at addressing local challenges and contributing to national transformation.

Speaking to Island Sun News, Joe Dominic, winner of the National Trade Fair Innovation Competition emphasised the potential of their projects to help modernise and improve life across the Solomon Islands.

“These innovation ideas are part of transforming this country to the next level. We showcased only a few during the Trade Show, like our prototype auto trash opener and a noise detector system. But we have many more ideas. What matters now is turning them into action and for that, we need help,” he said.

Dominic stressed that one of their key focus areas is waste management, which remains a pressing issue in many communities.

“Rubbish is a big issue we need to solve. Our innovations can help ease this problem in and around our city and communities,” he said.

Dominic also expressed gratitude to the government for organising the National Trade Fair, which gave young innovators like himself a platform to present their ideas.

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Loboi promotes healthy living through local fruit juice

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Local entrepreneur Elizabeth Loboi is using her business, “Blend and Bloom Local Fruit Juice”, to promote better health outcomes for Solomon Islanders, especially for those managing diabetes and high blood sugar levels.

At the recent National Trade Fair, she proudly showcased her locally made fruit juices, which she says are not only refreshing but are also carefully crafted to support healthier lifestyles.

In an interview with Island Sun, Loboi shared her journey into entrepreneurship.

“I actually started with an art and craft business. But after facing many challenges during the hard blow of COVID-19, I shifted my focus to something new and that’s when Blend and Bloom was born,” said Loboi.

She said the target is customers with health concerns, particularly those living with diabetes.

“My goal is to concentrate on making local fruit juice that’s affordable and good for people with high sugar levels. Some of my regular customers have said the juice works well for them,” she explained.

Loboi said the well-being of her customers is her top priority.

“When you run a business, your customers come first. Whether it’s food or drink, it should be affordable and good for their health,” she said.

Loboi also expressed her gratitude to the event organizers, thanking the responsible authorities for the opportunity to take part in the trade fair.

“It’s a great opportunity and the right time for us to come and showcase our products—not just to the people of Solomon Islands, but also to international visitors who attended the show.

“A big thank you to the organizing committee for a job well done,” she said.

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UNICEF nutrition project to transform school meals and farming practices

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

SCHOOLS in Western and Isabel provinces are set to benefit from a comprehensive initiative under the Nutrition Improvement through School Meal Project, aimed at strengthening school infrastructure, enhancing farming techniques and promoting better nutrition for students.

Speaking to media yesterday, UNICEF Solomon Islands Chief of Field Office, Benjamin Grubb outlined that the project goes beyond providing proper meals.

“It also focuses on long-term support through improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and agricultural knowledge.

“To boost food production, schools will receive agricultural machinery and tractors, designed to modernise farming methods and revive traditional farming practices,” he said.

Grubb said the project has several components including the construction of new kitchens, provision of cooking equipment, and improvements to water and sanitation facilities.

He said the tools will help schools grow fresh, nutritious food, reducing reliance on processed products such as noodles.

“Not long ago, students used to eat healthy home-grown foods like cassava, slippery cabbage, and sweet potatoes.

“We are trying to tackle the decline in nutritional value seen in recent years,” Grubb said.

He continues to say that part of the project also aims to educate students and school communities about the value of nutrition and help integrate traditional food knowledge into daily practices.

Grubb said water and sanitation components of the project will further support this vision, with upgrades to clean water access, toilets and shower facilities.

He stated that the broader goal is to create a model that can be replicated across the country to combat malnutrition and promote sustainable school-based farming.

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Police deliver mindset plus training and community engagements in Makira

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) officers have recently undergone a Mindset Plus training in Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa Province.

According to RSIPF, the training which included seventeen officers from RSIPF and three from CSSI was supported by the New Zealand Police through the Solomon Islands Policing Support Programme (SIPSP).

Sergeant Audrey Suhata, Makira-Ulawa Community Policing and Provincial training officer and Sergeant Vincent of Ngelea, training officer from Honiara had the training focused on areas like developing high-performing teams, effective community engagement and implementing effective crime prevention strategies.

RSIPF also stated that CSSI officers further enhanced the training by sharing their knowledge on rehabilitation programs designed to change offender behaviours and prevent re-offense.

In addition to this training, a workshop was held by SIPSP advisors and Sergeant Audrey with community leaders from the Horu community, where they taught them how to use the problem-solving model SARA (Scan, Analyse, Response, Assess) and the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) strategic planning tool.

RSIPF stressed that this will significantly boost the capacity of community leaders to respond to pressing issues and will also be vital for the completion and implementation of Horu community’s by laws.

Later on, the team visited Manama School and Sergent Audrey Suhata delivered important safety messages on crime prevention awareness to the students.

Following this was a presentation of sports items to the school to support student engagement and physical development.

RSIPF stated that the continued partnership between RSIPF and New Zealand Police remains instrumental in strengthening community-based crime prevention through equipping them with essential tools and knowledge.

“The training, school and community visits and discussions in Makira reinforce the RSIPF commitment to keeping the Solomon Islands a safe and peaceful place,” said RSIPF.

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