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Court to hear application to dismiss charges in fraud case

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A gavel rests on sounding block next to a brass scale of justice in front of a long row of law books on a desk in a law office. Photographed with a very shallow depth of field.

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court is scheduled to hear an application for the dismissal of charge or a stay of proceedings in a fraud case involving three defendants on July 9. 

The matter will be heard before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly.

Defendant Chief John Kokoro Clinty, Chief Alosi Jonah Taka and Jerry Madada Pakivai are jointly charged with one count of false pretence, contrary to section 306 (a) of the Penal Code, read together with section 21 of the Penal Code. They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

On Wednesday last week, during the court hearing, defence submitted an application for a bail variation of bail conditions. The application was not contested by Prosecution.

Thus, court granted the bail variation and gave permission for the defendants to travel during the interim period, with the condition that they return by July 8.

In addition, the Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC) documents have been duly signed and filed by respective counsels.

The court will determine whether the matter proceeds to trial proper based on the outcome of the application to stay the proceedings or dismiss the charge.

Police alleged that on July 12, 2022, complainant Johnny Yeh, met with defendants Chief John Kokoro Clinty, Chief Alosi Jonah Taka, and Jerry Madada Pakivai at Coral Sea Resort Hotel to discuss matters related to the development plans for Robroy Island.

The defendants informed the complainant about the latest development concerning the reconciliation process with the Volaikana Soa Tribe.

It was further alleged that the defendants informed the complainant that the reconciliation works are still in progress, as both tribes (Volaikana Soa Tribe and Volaikana Tribe) had yet to reach an agreement on royalty sharing and other important tribal matters.

So, they allegedly needed more time to complete the reconciliation process in the near future.

The defendant requested complainant’s continued support in their reconciliation process, emphasizing its importance to the development of Robroy Island.

Upon hearing this, the complainant agreed and accepted defendants request for continuous financial support for their cause at the meeting.

On July 14, 2022, the defendant invited the complainant to Heritage Park Hotel for a meeting.

During the meeting, the defendants requested an allowance of $1,500 each for the seven chiefs and elders including themselves.

They also attached a letter dated 13 July 2022 address to the complainant company, requesting financial assistance for reconciliation purposes. Complainant upon seeing that, was satisfied and willing to provide support.

The allegations further stated that, at that time, the complainant did not know that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had already been made between the Volaikana Soa Tribe and New Venture on July 8, 2022.

A total of $10,500 was given to the defendants for reconciliation purposes, as requested.

The allegation also stated that the complainant gave $1,500 in cash to defendant Alosi Jonah and another $ 1,500 in cash to Jerry Pakivai in Honiara. The remaining $7,500 was deposited into defendant Kokoro personal BSP bank account on 16 July 2022 by POB, Greenland Enterprise Limited.

On July 18, 2022, the money was transferred to defendant Kokoro’s personal BSP bank account.

Police alleged that the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) confirmed that Volaikana Tribe and Volaikana Soa Tribe had completed their reconciliation and both tribes agreed to allow New Venture Limited to conduct Logging Operations on Robroy Island.

The complainant was not happy with what happened and reported the matter to the Fraud Squad at Rove Police Headquarter on February 13, 2025.

The defendants were subsequently arrested and charged and bailed.

Defendant Kokoro Clinty participated in a Record of Interview and denied receiving the $7,500.

Defendant Jonah Taka, during his record of interview, admitted receiving $1,500 but denied meeting with the complainant at Heritage Park Hotel.

Defendant Pakivai in record of interview remained silent when he was questioned about the allegations.

Mr. Lazarus Kwaiga from L&L Lawyers represent defendant Kokoro and Joseph Iroga of Florida International Legal Service represent Pakivai and Taka and Leonard Chite from Bridge Legal and Consultancy firm special prosecutor assigned by Office of Public Prosecution to prosecute the case.

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Man to be sentenced today for assault

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man who pled guilty to assault is to be sentenced this morning at the magistrate’s court.

Flex Asuana, 38, was charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard that the incident occurred on December 22, 2022, at around 9.15am.

The complainant was at the Borderline bus stop market area chewing betel-nut before heading home.

Suddenly, the defendant approached him from behind and pulled his basket. When the complainant turned around to see who it was, the defendant picked up a piece of timber and strike him on the right hand, causing injury to his little finger.

As a result, the victim sustained an open wound and swelling on one of his fingers on his right hand.

After the incident, the complainant reported the matter to Naha Police, who then arrested the defendant who was formally charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm.

Philip Muliungu from Police Prosecution department is prosecuting and Kevin Maelanga act for the defendant Flex.

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Strong wind warning

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By Ben Bilua

Solomon Islands Meteorological Service is calling on small boat operators to take extra precaution as strong wind continues to pose risk to travelers.

A general southeast trade wind flow reaching 20 to 25 knot is persistent over Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Central Province.

Sea will be moderate and rough at times with moderate swells up to 2.5 metres.

People in the concerned areas must take precautionary measure to avoid lives and properties at risk.

Sea travelers, especially small boats are urged to consider safety as such wind speed can produce dangerous waves.

The strong wind warning is current for waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Central Provinces.

Next strong wind warning update was issued at 7am this morning.

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Executive set

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“Premier Sagupari’s Government ready to roll”

BY BEN BILUA

PREMIER of Central Provincial Government, Kenneth Sagupari has officially announced his executive members after a formal proceeding was done at the Ministry of Provincial Government yesterday.

Five Executive members took their oath in front of the Speaker of Central Province, Provincial Secretary and officials from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

The five executive members are; Deputy Premier and Minister of Education & Human Resources Development, Sports, Youths, Women’s and Children’s Affairs, Hon Percival Vaga’a, Minister of Finance, Commerce and Investment Hon Dagnal Meleha, Minister of Lands, Forestry, Mines and Energy Hon Dennis Akorea, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Hon Richard Selson and Minister of Health and Medical Service Hon Edgar Tarai.

Sagupari took his oath last week as Premier and Minister of Tourism & Culture, Disaster, Police and Security.

Speaker of Central Provincial Assembly, Francis Moah congratulated Premier Sagupari and his executive for taking up roles and responsibilities to serve Central province.

He urged the appointed executive members to support the premier to deliver better services and development for the people of Central province.

“You have made an oath to serve Central Islands Province. I encourage you to work with the premier in any development aspiration,” Mr Moah said.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government also shared similar sentiments saying that the oath is a binding document that articulates the role and responsibilities of each executive member to the people of Central Province.

“You have taken an oath to serve your people and also Solomon Islands. I want you to remember your oaths,” Robert Kaua said.

He also called on Sagupari and his executive to look at easy-to-execute and tangible projects that will have long term impacts.

“I encourage you to aim for one project that will make a living testament of your leadership.

“There will be lots of project ideas but not all projects are achievable, I encourage you to choose one project that will become a milestone of your leadership,” he said.

Premier Sagupari acknowledged his executive, officials from the ministry and officials from Central Province for their support towards the formation of his government.

He said his government is looking forward to working closely with the Ministry of Provincial Government, Central Provincial Administration and the people of Central Province.

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Vave in bid to deter sexual offenders

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BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Home Affairs Isikeli Tuwai Vave Jnr says he is liaising with the Minister for Police to elevate penalties for sexual offenders in a bid to deter offenders from committing sexual offences.

The Minister’s move came following the alleged raping of a 16-year-old girl at a community in east Honiara on 2 June 2025.

In a statement Minister Vave said as the Minister responsible for the Social Well-being of Solomon Islanders, he condemned such incident in strongest terms.

“As the Minister of Home Affairs, who is responsible for the Social Well-being of Solomon Islanders, I condemn in the strongest terms the extremely cruel alleged raping of a 16-year-old girl.

He said such cruel and brutal behaviour is unacceptable and must be stopped from happening again in our communities and nation.

The Minister said Solomon Islanders must fully engage in building and maintaining healthy relationships and having meaningful, authentic interactions with others.

“The victim is an innocent young girl and a citizen of our country whose life was shuttered and devastated and her entire life will no longer be the same again.

“In addition, feelings of uncertainty, despair, intimidation and fear will continue to haunt the victim for the rest of her life.

“I will be liaising with my colleague minister from the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Jimson Tanaganda to elevate the penalties for sexual offences (rape, indecent assault and defilement) contained in the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 7 of the Revised Laws of Solomon Islands.

“The proposed elevation of the punishments for rape and other sexual offences is to deter offenders from committing sexual offences.” Minister Vave said.

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Prosecution file 11 amended charges in fraud case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

THE case involving a man arrested by the Janus Task Force for forgery with intent to defraud or deceive the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification was heard in the Magistrate Court on Wednesday this week.

Chrisbane Hebala, 47, was charged with 11 counts of forgery with intent to defraud or deceive contrary to section 341 (1) of the Penal Code.

During the hearing, the prosecution made an application under Section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) to amend the initial charge originally filed on October 16, 2024.

The prosecution submitted an amended charge dated June 11, 2025, requesting that it replace the original charge.

The court granted the prosecution’s application, ruling that the amended charge would supersede the initial charge and the defendant was formally discharged from the original charge.

The defence counsel raised no objection to the amended charge upon reviewing it. The court adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025 to allow time for the defence counsel to obtain instructions.

The charge is related to the allegation that occurred in 2021, 2022 and 2023 at the time when Hebala was a sales manager with Raretech Enterprises, a Honiara based business which supplies ICT equipment and services.

Prosecution alleged that the defendant Hebala provided multiple false invoices from the competitors to the Ministry of Mines Energy and Rural Electrification, in order to ensure that Raretech Enterprises provided the lowest quotation for goods and services, ultimately securing contracts worth almost $ 400,000 over two years.

An investigation by Task force Janus is made up of specialist officers from the RSIPF and MoFT internal audit office, led to the arrest of defendant Hebala.

Taskforce Janus was established in August 2016.

John Wesley Zoze is prosecuting and George Gray represents Hebala.

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Parliament to host training on parliamentary roles and processes for journalists

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BY NED GAGAHE

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands is set to host a one-day course on Parliamentary Roles and Processes to assist journalists in covering parliamentary proceedings and to help them better understand the fundamental processes of Parliament.

The training will be held at the Mendana Hotel on Monday, 16th June 2025.

Philemon Loe, Principal Media and Communications Officer, said the one-day course is a brief overview designed to support journalists in reporting on parliamentary activities more effectively.

“We see this as a very important component of our ongoing efforts to create and develop a well-versed and professional Press Gallery for 2026 and beyond,” Mr. Loe stated.

Topics to be covered Include:

  • Roles and Functions of Standing Select Committees
  • Roles and Functions of Special Select Committees
  • The Lawmaking Process (General Overview)
  • From National Policy to a Bill
  • Structure of a Bill
  • Debating Bills in Parliament – Rules of Debate
  • Motions vs Bills – Key Differences
  • Understanding the Enactment Formula
  • Application and Implementation of Legislation

Those nominated (media organizations) to attend will be considered designated Parliamentary Political Reporters.

The program is supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

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China donates medical supplies, boosting new facility

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Chinese embassy recently handed over a batch of medical supplies, valued at an estimated SBD 168,000, to support the newly opened Comprehensive Medical Center at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Ambassador Cai Weiming described the donation as a gesture of goodwill and friendship from the Chinese people to the people of the Solomon Islands.

“We hope they could help the newly opened NRH CMC play a greater role in providing high quality medical services to the local population,” he said during the opening of the facility on Wednesday.

The ambassador also highlighted China’s ongoing support in strengthening the Solomon Islands’ health sector, stating that over 50 medical professionals, including doctors and nurses have participated in bilateral and multilateral training programs since early 2025.

Ambassador Weiming emphasized that the new center stands as a “monument to healing and hope,” demonstrating the strength of close cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands in advancing health priorities.

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Medical Centre to offer laser treatment for kidney stones

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

HEALTH Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai has announced that the newly opened Comprehensive Medical Centre will soon begin offering advanced treatment for kidney stones, including laser procedure. 

Speaking at the official opening of the specialized facility on Wednesday, Minister Bosawai said the center will be equipped to manage kidney stone cases with modern technology.

“I was told by the urologist that we will have laser treatment available for kidney stones,” Minister Bosawai said.

 “This is a major step forward for our healthcare system, especially for those suffering from complications such as urinary obstruction and hydronephrosis.”

He added that the urologist has confirmed that the necessary equipment will arrive within the next two months. “With this capability, we will be able to treat patients more effectively,” the minister added.

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Symposium to spotlight ACOM education system: Waita

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BY NED GAGAHE

The much-anticipated one-day Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Education Symposium aims to assess the performance of the ACOM education system.

The event will be hosted at St Barnabas Cathedral Leaf Hut on Tuesday 17 June from 8am-5pm and will bring together well over 60 participants.

ACOM Education Secretary Desmond Waita said the three main sessions of the symposium will highlight the past, the present and future of ACOM education.

The event follows a resolution passed at the ACOM General Synod held in November 2023 at Selwyn College.

“The symposium will provide an opportunity for ACOM education leaders and its key education stakeholders to have an open discussion on the outcomes achieved by ACOM education system, obstacles faced, shared experiences, lessons learned and propose remedies to address challenges to improve implementation of its education system.” Mr Waita said.

He said three main sessions of the symposium will highlight the past, present and the future of ACOM education.

“On this regard, the overall objective of the symposium is to assess the performance of ACOM education based on analysis of its performance, identify key issues and challenges encountered and agree on actions to overcome the issues.

Education Secretary Waita said that expected results of the symposium is to seek clarity on priority areas for implementation by ACOM education stakeholders and better improve collaboration, coordination and cooperation between stakeholders and the ACOM education department.

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