Tandai House of Chiefs claim their rights have been deprived by government, want dialogue

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Tandai House of Chiefs are calling on the national government to have a roundtable discussion with them.

Father Patteson Tako, one of the chiefs spoke about this to the paper recently.

He stressed that the people of Tandai have been deprived of their rights by the national government through colonialism.

Tako highlighted that there is no proper acquisition of the lands of Tandai, people have become very poor in their own land and this is a sad story.

He explained that the Tandai House of Chiefs which include 5 tribes have met recently and request the present government to have a roundtable discussion with them in regards to partnering with HCC to create a native land trust account of which all business houses should be a part of for the benefit of the 5 tribes of Tandai.

Tako said from their meeting they have agreed to work with the government so that proper acquisition of Tandai is carried out, recognized and respected for the five tribes of Tandai namely; Haubata tribe, Kakau tribe, Simbo tribe, Lakuili tribe and Kindipale tribe.

He added that their other resolution is that the Seafront area must be well explained to the people of Tandai in regards to ownership according to the customs of their five tribes.

“We don’t dispute the current developers but we want some courtesy of respect and recognition in terms of benefits.”

Moreover, Tako said should we reflect on the past, there was an ethnic tension regarding land issues but we don’t want to repeat that.

“Time to fight is over.

All guns, knives and axes must be thrown in the sea. It is time for us to have dialogue to create a common understanding for the present and the future.”

Tako added that they also call on all MPAs of Guadalcanal province to work together with the Tandai House of Chiefs to address these issues.

“Without land, there is no development.”

Tako noted that the present government called on Tandai House of Chiefs to meet with the Ministry of Lands for the purpose of Greater Honiara and land recordings which they respect and accept.

However, he said the Tandai House of Chiefs also call on government to quickly address the Tandai land issue.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

EIGHT local journalists have successfully completed a weeklong International Media Visit to Australia, gaining valuable insights into media professionalism and the Australian media landscape.

The group, which returned over the weekend, began their visit in the Australian Capital Territory—Canberra—and concluded it in Sydney.

The visit provided first-hand experience and exposure to various aspects of the Australian media industry, including visits to some of the country’s media outlets and participations in roundtable discussions.

Ruthina Koroa, station manager of ZFM radio station and participant in the programme, described the tour of Triple J—a youth-focused radio station owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as a highlight of her visit.

 “The visit to triple J was the highlight, I learned how they maintain journalistic integrity while still being creative and relatable to younger audience. It was inspiring to see how they balance fun with serious reporting,” she said.

Koroa also extended her appreciation to the Australian Government stating “Many thanks to the Australian Government for the opportunity, it has helped us to grow as journalists and build strong connection with the media professionals.”

The eight participants include: Ronald Toito’ona (In-depth Solomons), Bradford Noda (Tavuli News), Christopher Adifaka, (Barava FM), Lachlan Eddie (SIBC), Ruthina Koroa (ZFM), Indy Mae’alasia (The Island Sun newspaper), Georgina Maka’a (In-depth Solomons) and Loretta Manele (The Island Sun newspaper).

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Kenneth Sagupari, Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 2 – Central West Ngella has been elected new Premier for Central Islands province.

Sagupari, who led the non-executive members of CIP in a no confidence vote last week that ousted former premier Michael Salini, has won the premier’s election yesterday.

Sagupari won the election against David Manetiva – who was the candidate for the former executive, with an overwhelming 8-4 votes, whilst one vote was spoilt.

Speaker to CIP assembly, Francis Moah confirmed the election result after the election was held yesterday afternoon at CIP’s capital, Tulagi.

“The election was held successfully, he said. “The result is; Mr Sagupari won with 8-4 votes and is now the new Premier of CIP, Moah added.

He also said after the election, Mr Sagupari was sworn-in to officially take up the premier’s post for the province.

The newly elected Premier and team will settle down and expect to work on the line-up of the new executive or government of CIP soon.

An immediate task ahead of them is to compile a policy to guide the leadership of the newly formed government, as they will lead CIP into the future.

The former premier, Mr Salini was reported to have spent just a year as premier for CIP before he was removed during the no confidence vote last week.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Center has officially opened its doors yesterday, marking a milestone in delivering specialized healthcare services to tackle Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Handed over in January, the facility is now set to offer a wide range of specialized services including urology, cardiology and nephrology which have been lacking in the national health system.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr. Paul Bosawai described the facility as a “beacon of hope and progress” representing shared commitment to improving healthcare standards and accessibility across the country.

To support the center’s operations, the Minister stated that approximately 167 specialized staff are expected to be engaged.

“Incremental planning will guide the implementation of the draft service plan for this facility. At present, skeletal staffing for these specialist units is in place, forming an extension of the current workforce at the National Referral Hospital,” Minister Bosawai stated.

“This careful and strategic approach will ensure the smooth integration and operation of the new facility,” he added.

Meanwhile the Chinese ambassador Cai Weiming reaffirmed willingness to “stand with SIG” in advancing the country’s health priorities, ensuring the development aspiration and well-being of its people.

An additional batch of medical supplies worth over SBD 168,000 was also handed over to the Ministry.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The trial of two men accused of killing an off-duty officer at Dragon Pub last year has been adjourned for June 23 for continuation of the prosecution case.

Paul Daoburi, 35 and his co-accused James Solomon Kai, 21, are jointly charged with one count of murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

So far, the prosecution has called three witnesses, with three more remaining to give evidence when the trial resumes on June 23.

The reason for the adjournment was because the defence counsel for defendant James Solomon Kai is currency involved in another trial at High Court and the Public Solicitor Office (PSO) was also engaged in a meeting.

The allegation is that the deceased and his colleague along with the colleague’s wife went to Dragon Pub on the night of May 16, 2024 for drinks.

Some time between 12 am and 1 am in the morning an argument broke out between the deceased and a group of men, following an assault on his colleague’s wife in which a bottle was allegedly smashed against her head causing her to fell to the ground unconsciously.

It was alleged that during the course of the argument the deceased took out and applied a pepper spray on the group of men he was arguing with at that time.

The deceased was later dragged out of the pub by an off-duty security defendant Daoburi.

The prosecution alleged that at the time of the incident, the defendant Paul Daoburi was in possession of a snooker stick, which he used to strike the deceased on the head.

His co-accused defendant James Solomon Kai was also at the Dragon Pub area. He was in possession of a bottle which he used to hit the head of the deceased with it.

Following the assaults, the deceased was rushed to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The prosecution case aims to prove that the actions of the defendants directly led to the death of the deceased.

Patricia Tabepuda Waisanau together with Martha Mutukera are prosecuting and Hubert Fugui of HOF Law Chambers act for Kai and Oxley Limeniala act for Daoburi.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Investigation into the case involving three men accused of murder in the killing at Markworth area, Lunga is still ongoing, as police is yet to obtain outstanding documents related to the case.

Junior Kupa, 21, Richard Kupa 25, and Mathias Kupa, 22, are charged with one count of murder.

During the court hearing yesterday, prosecution confirmed that two documents that are still outstanding are the forensic photo album and the autopsy medical report of the deceased.

The prosecution informed the court that the file is yet to be allocated to a prosecutor in their office.

Prosecution also updated the court that, the perusal disclosures are ready to be served to the defence counsels once confirmed.

Though, when court asked the defendants whether they have legal representative or not, they stated that they had spoken with a lawyer on Tuesday this week however, they could not recall the lawyer’s name.

The court has adjourned the matter to 25 June 2025 for mention. By then, police are expected to obtain the two outstanding documents and complete their investigation. The prosecution must also serve full disclosures to the defence counsel by close of business on the 18 June 2025.

Furthermore, the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) are directed to allocate legal representatives to all three defendants ahead of the next court appearance.

According to police, the incident occurred on the 10 May 2025 at Markworth in the Lunga area, Henderson. It is alleged that the deceased became involved in an argument with another individual.

At the time of the argument, the other man was reportedly rolling a local cigarette (referred to as savu savu) and holding a can of SB beer.

Police allege that the deceased approached from behind and grabbed the SB can from the man. In response, the man took the can back and allegedly told the deceased that he would not give him any beer, stating that the deceased “always becomes aggressive when he drinks.”

The deceased became angry at the individual and swore at him. In response, the individual reportedly ran back to his house and retrieved a knife, intending to confront the deceased. However, his father intervened and stopped him.

Shortly after, defendant Richard arrived at the scene and asked the individual what kind of insult or swear word the deceased had used against him.

The individual then informed Richard, who proceeded to follow the deceased and kicked the deceased on the right side of his abdomen with his left leg, causing the deceased to fall to the ground and strike his back at the base of a tree.

When the deceased lay on the ground facing upward, the other two defendants, Junior and Mathias, joined Richard and continuously kicked and punched the deceased until he laid still.

Later they rushed the deceased to the hospital however, upon arrival, he was pronounced dead.

A doctor confirmed that the cause of death was due to the assault inflicted by the three defendants.

Martha Mutukera appears for the crown.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Beat Plastic Pollution, the theme for World Environment Day (WED) 2025, has underlined the growing scientific evidence on the impacts of plastic pollution.

This year, the Solomon Islands Rangers Association hosted the World Environment Day at Kiu in West Are’Are, Malaita Province.

Solomon Islands Rangers Association Programme Manager Edward Huitarau told Island Sun that this is the second time the SI Rangers Association hosted the WED outside of Honiara

“We held a small program that involved the Kiu community, Students of Kiu Community High School, community leaders and 34 rangers from seven conservation groups in Ward 25 in West Are’Are,” he said.

“After the speeches and official program, we all participated in a clean-up campaign around the school compound and nearby coastline,” said Mr Huitarau.

He said that WED spotlight the growing scientific evidence on the impacts of plastic pollution and drives momentum to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink plastics use.

“It reinforces the global commitment made in 2022 to end plastic pollution through a global plastic pollution treaty. The celebrations emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to address plastic pollution, aligning with the goals set by the UN Environment Assembly,” he said.

Mr Huitarau said that the focus on collaboration highlights the role of individual and collective actions in fostering a sustainable future and combating the pervasive issue of plastic pollution.

“This initiative aims to inspire innovative waste management practices and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic, ultimately contributing to a circular economy and the protection of our environment,” he said.

“This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for a circular economy, which emphasises recycling and sustainable resource use to combat plastic pollution effectively and promote environmental sustainability,” said Mr Huitarau.

He said that by engaging individuals, communities and businesses, everyone can collectively drive the change needed for a healthier community, islands, provinces, countries and the planet.

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