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Renbel escapes PCDF penalty

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Rennell Bellona province escapes the worse penalty possible any province could get for serious mismanagement of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program, administered under the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen (MPGIS).

Over the past years, abuse and maladministration of the fund was rife in the province, where Rennell Bellona province was known for the record of “failing PCDF assessments.”

The province was also given with the “disclaimer status” – the lowest rating of the PCDF assessment and even reached the point where MPGIS had to revoke their PCDF account – an area Rennell Bellona government is currently working on with MPGIS.

Fortunately, Premier Pongi led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government RBRPG of Rennell Bellona province has rescued and restored the province back on the program in 2023.

He revealed that prior to his government, Rennell Bellona province had the worst record of PCDF assessments.

“For long time, Rennel Bellona didn’t pass the PCDF assessment. Even, the province was given with a disclaimer status, based on auditing of the PCDF fund.

“It is shameful for a province to hold that disclaimer status and continued to fail the PCDF program for many years.

“And for a small province to continue failed the funding program, it only deprived the people of Rennell Bellona province from this much needed funding,” Pongi said.

He stated a key area past governments had been disqualifying the province on the PCDF program was failure to pay the ward development grant.

Pongi explained ward grant becomes a Minimum Condition under the PCDF, and if it is not paid, the province can be disqualified.

Adding there were other areas, but this was the key area for their disqualification.

With all these, when Pongi led government took office, one of their aims was to pass the province’s PCDF assessment and restore the province in the program.

This is so that they can regain the trust of the national government, development partners, NGOs and the people of Rennell Bellona province.

He said they did it. “After coming in, we were able to pass the 2022/2023 PCDF assessment.

“Since then, we are improving the status of the province on the funding program with positive progress.

“We ensure, Ward Development Committee (WDCs) are well set-up, by creating their accounts and issuing the funds.

“This is a big achievement for Rennell Bellona province especially its people, who have been deprived from the fund for the past years,” Pongi said.   

Meanwhile, he emphasized that while Rennell Bellona province has requalified for the PCDF program, it was a signal to everyone that the current executive of Renbel province means business.

“Simply, we are saying you can trust us.

“This is what we want. We want national government, NGOs, donor partners and the people of Rennell Bellona province to trust us,” Pongi said.

According to the premier, after passing the 2022/2023 PCDF assessment, which belonged to the previous government, they were awarded with around SBD $3.3 million.

His government also received a funding of SBD $927,000 from UNDP and SBD $1 million dollar for East Rennell tourism.

He noted that the SBD $3.3 million and other funds received has doubled the budget of Rennell Bellona province for the first time.

Pongi highlighted the milestone achievement of the province on the PCDF program and assured the commitment of this government to maintain and improve on the program.

He said the province expects the PCDF assessment for 2023/2024 next month and the first PCDF assessment under his leadership will begin next year.

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By-elections set for June 4

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Upcoming By-elections for West Guadalcanal Constituency and Paripao Provincial Ward have been confirmed for Wednesday, June 4.

Governor General David Tiva Kapu yesterday formally appointed the date for the National Parliament by-election for West Guadalcanal Constituency in a live coverage broadcasted through SIBC. 

Similarly, the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Wayne Ghemu, issued a notice scheduling the Paripao Provincial Ward By-election for the same date.

In a press conference, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Jasper Anisi confirmed to local media that nomination opens today (April 9) and will conclude on April 15.

Anisi also announced that 2,741 voters are expected to vote in the Paripao Ward while 8,098 voters for West Guadalcanal constituency.

The Chief Electoral Officer also called on election observers interested to observe the by-elections to visit the SIEC office for accreditation.

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Men arrested over gambling in public

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Members of RSIPF in Auki have arrested a total of eight males for illegal gambling, especially the pass-pass card game in public places of Auki town.

The men were charged for gambling in public place contrary to section 4(1) of the gaming and lotteries Act and appeared before Auki Magistrate court on 7th April 2025.

PPC Malaita, chief superintendent Tex Tafoa said in a statement the arrest was made during an operation conducted by police to crackdown on illegal gambling and sales of marijuana and kwaso in Auki.

He explained the operation was a joint effort between Malaita province and RSIPF to curb and prevent drivers of crimes in Auki.

Tafoa also said the operation was in response to concern raised by the public to discourage unlawful gambling in public places in and around Auki town.

“During the operations, several hotspots were raided, resulted in removing several illegal market stalls along Auki main road and within Kilu’ufii hospital compound,” he said.

According to PPC Tafoa, gambling is an offence under the Solomon Islands statute law – the Gaming and Lotteries Act, and police will not tolerate it.

He told the public of Auki that gambling in public places and managing unlawful games, such as card games or whatever game of lucky for money are prohibited.

Tafoa said people must aware of this, while urging them to cooperate with police to crackdown on gambling and other illegal activities in Auki.

He warned the public of Auki that police will continue the operation and arrest whosoever engage in the illegal gambling games.

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First interim-mention for two police officers accused of bribery

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The first interim mention in the case of two police officers accused of bribery in the case of stolen gold dust was brought to court.

Prosecution and defence told court they had no issues regarding the trial which is set for June 23-27.

Previously during the Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC) prosecution confirmed it would call three witnesses and about seven witnesses by defence.

Matter was adjourned for April 25 for second interim-mention. Both defendants are excused to appear in court and their bail was extended.

Gravis Afuga and Allen Noni are charged jointly with one count of bribery contrary to section 122 (a) of the Penal Code, read with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code.

Allen Noni is charged separately for one count of bribery.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

On November 8, 2024 an investigation of the stolen gold ashes was in progress.

It was alleged that officer Noni contacted the General Police Station leading investigator of the gold case, and allegedly bribed him with a sum of $10,000 in return for the investigator to leave out the investigation file of accused Max Gura.

Gura and Miriam Keni Sasau were charged with simple larceny by working together with prime suspect to sell gold ashes.

On November 12, 2024, the Central Police Station leading investigator received another call from accused Noni arranging for the investigator to meet with him and officer Afuga at Hender-son.

Noni allegedly bribed the investigator again with another $20,000 cash.

The investigator went back to the Central Police Station and update his supervisor about what officers Noni and Afuga had done and recorded the money as exhibits.

Later Noni and Afuga were arrested and charged with bribery.

Jeremy Oiofa from Office of Director of Public Prosecution is Prosecuting and Donation Houa from the Public Solicitor Office act for defendants Afuga and Noni.

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4 men charged with break-in at Tech Hub to face court for plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Four people accused of being involved in a breaking in at Tech Hub will return to court on April 15 to take their plea.

Yesterday the matter was heard in the Magistrate Court and prosecution informed court that there were few additional statements from police and civilians which have been obtained but yet to be signed.

Also, the main prime suspect is still at large.

Prosecution also told court that perusal disclosures have been served to defence.

Court adjourned the matter and made directions for the additional statements to be signed during the course of adjournment and full disclosures to be served to defence before April 15.

Defence was also instructed to obtain instructions from the defendants for plea.

Stephen Yim, Jared Meke, Andrew Kiriau and Jimmy Kiriau are together charged with one count of shop break-in.

Police alleged on Friday, January 31, 2025, the complainant was informed that someone had broken into her shop, the Tech Hub Shop situated at Koloale area.

She then went to her shop and upon entering saw a hole at the ceiling.

She also noticed that a glass counter of which phones were displayed in, was broken and her lockup in which phones are stored was also broken and left open.

She then checked all the properties inside the shop and confirmed that these following items were stolen – 18 iPhone 8s worth $27,000, 65 iPhone 7s worth $65,000, 1 Samsung Galaxy S21 worth $3,800 and cash of $560.

The complainant checked the installed CCTV camera and saw footage of the thief who stole the mobile phones and cash, case allegations said.

Police alleged that prior to the incident, one of her employees at Tech Hub shop who is defendant Mr Jimmy Kiriau, provided information to the other four defendants about the business activity at Tech Hub shop, phone lockup storage at tech hub, cashier table, CCTV camera position inside the shop and the surrounding and security of the Tech Hub shop.

The information was provided to his associates to help their planning to break and steal from the shop, police said.

In the early hours of January 31 between 4am and 5am, defendants Stephen Yim, Jared Meke, Andrew Kiriau and another suspect who is still at large boarded a dark-tinted gray van, police said.

They drove to Koloale area at Tech Hub shop and when they reached the junction, they dropped off the suspect who is still at large and drove back to a market stall located few metres away from Tech Hub shop.

It is alleged the market stall was owned by the security officer of Tech Hub.

The allegation said defendant Stephen Yim left the van while defendant Jared Meke and Andrew Kiriau remained inside the vehicle and watched while Yim distracted the security officer from concentrating towards the Tech Hub shop.

Yim engaged in conversation with the security officer and started telling jokes to gain his attention. Yim also allegedly played loud music from the vehicle to distract any noise from Tech Hub shop when the suspect who is still at large broke in through the shop roof and entered, police alleged.

After sometime the security officer heard loud banging noises coming from Tech Hub shop so he walked towards the building to see where the noise came from.

He entered the main door and saw the backside of the suspect, who is still at large, exiting the Tech Hub and walking up the Koloale road to the car wash area.

The security officer walked back to defendant Yim and told him what he saw, and in response Yim told the security that he would assist him chase after the suspect and so he went inside the vehicle and drove after the suspect.

But instead of chasing the suspect, Yim picked up the suspect, police said.

Yim droves back his van and slowly passed the security officer and asked if the security had seen the suspect. The officer replied saying no and defendant Yim drove off, police said.

On February 3, 2025, officers from Central Response Unit and Central Police Criminal Investigations Department located defendant Yim, Meke and Andrew Kiriau at Namuruka, White River.

Police said they all had in their possession iPhones and were arrested.

Police recovered eight iPhones from defendant Yim, seven iPhones from Meke and 18 iPhones from defendant Andrew Kiriau.

The complainant made identification on the recovered iPhones on February 3, 2025 and confirmed that they were iPhones stolen from the Tech Hub shop.

Police made two attempts to apprehended the prime suspect who is still at large but failed. He is reportedly holding on a large portion of the stolen iPhones and cash, police alleged.

Jeremy Oiofa from Office of Public Prosecutions appears for the crown and a PSO lawyers appeared for the defendants.

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Police warn of bomb blasting at Alligator Creek tomorrow

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Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point in the Alligator Creek area, east of Honiara tomorrow, April 9.

Acting Director of EODD, Senior Sergeant (SSgt) Peter Ririvere, says, “The Hells Point Demolition Range in Central Guadalcanal will be active from 8am to 2pm.

“Farmers, fishermen, hunters and the general public in and around the Henderson area at Alligator Creek and St Joseph’s Tenaru school are kindly warned to keep out from Hells Point while the operation is in progress.

“Safe evacuations of people and roadblocks will be enforced within these areas from East Henderson to St Joseph’s Tenaru school bus stop.

“This is our normal weekly EODD task aimed at reducing the number of unexploded ordnances stored at the site to a minimum level,” says Mr Ririvere.

The Air Traffic Control Tower at the Honiara International Airport will coordinate the firing of each serial, police media statement yesterday said.

EODD operators will be posted at the control tower during this operation from the actual times of the demolition, the statement said.

Regional conference to address issues impacting wellbeing of Pacific children

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A staggering number of Pacific children, some as young as five, experience abuse, neglect, and mental health challenges both in and out of school.

Strengthening child protection mechanisms in schools will enhance capacity to manage risks to children, ensuring their safety and well-being wherever they may be affected, a UNICEF statement yesterday said.

Representatives from the education systems of 11 Pacific Island countries have come together for a two-day Regional Conference on Counselling and Child Protection Policy in Schools this week.

They are collaborating and sharing resources to address gaps and to overcome challenges in prioritizing a safe, protected school environment, the statement said.

They are also focusing on creating quality inclusive and accessible child protection policies, ensuring these translate into concrete actions within school communities.

Rates of violence against children in the Pacific remain among the highest in the world and is evidenced in all the countries in the region where the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey* and other research projects have been conducted so far. In Fiji and Nauru, 81 percent of children aged between 1-14 years have experienced violent discipline, while the number increases to 91 percent in Samoa.

“With high rates of violence and abuse in the region, safe schools with quality counselling and strong child protection systems are critical,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Jonathan Veitch.

“Urgent action is needed to strengthen support systems and ensure that every child receives the protection and care they deserve within the school environment.”

The 11 Pacific Island Countries participating in the conference include Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.

This regional conference is part of UNICEF’s contribution to the PacREF partnership, which is funded through support from the Global Partnership for Education, Government of New Zealand, and the Asian Development Bank.

SolAir announces 7-day discount flights

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Solomon Airlines has announced a limited-time seven-day sale offering 25 percent off return Economy Class fares on all international routes.

This is available for bookings made between April 7 and April 13, 2025, with travel dates between April 20 and June 30, 2025, a statement by SolAir yesterday said.

“Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, visiting family, or traveling for business, this special offer allows passengers to enjoy incredible savings on international flights, all while flying in comfort and style,” the SolAir statement said.

Return economy airfares inclusive of taxes and surcharges:

Departing from Brisbane

• Brisbane – Auckland: AUD 469 | Auckland – Brisbane: NZD 520

• Brisbane – Honiara: AUD 734 | Honiara – Brisbane: SBD 4,147

• Brisbane – Santo: AUD 629 | Santo – Brisbane: VUV 51,465

• Brisbane – Port Vila: AUD 653 | Port Vila – Brisbane: VUV 49,580

• Brisbane – Munda: AUD 883 | Munda – Brisbane: SBD 4,867

Departing from Auckland

• Auckland – Port Vila: NZD 731 | Port Vila – Auckland: VUV 45,940

• Auckland – Santo: NZD 737 | Santo – Auckland: VUV 46,340

• Auckland – Honiara: NZD 1,058 | Honiara – Auckland: SBD 4,616

Departing from Honiara

• Honiara – Port Vila: SBD 2,345 | Port Vila – Honiara: VUV 37,580

• Honiara – Nadi: SBD 2,922| Nadi – Honiara: FJD 835

This promotion includes all the perks that make flying with Solomon Airlines comfortable and rewarding:

• 30kg checked baggage allowance – bring all your travel essentials with ease

• Comfortable seating – enjoy generous legroom for a more relaxed journey

• Complimentary onboard services – savour delicious meals and refreshments served with Solomon Airlines’ warm hospitality

This offer is subject to availability and applies only on Solomon Airlines operated international routes, SolAir said.

Blackout dates apply on certain routes. The terms and conditions can be found at www.flysolomons.com, the statement said.

Kilu’ufi hospital receives new vehicle

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Kilu’ufi hospital in Malaita province has received a new Toyota landcruiser from the ministry of health (MHMS).

Health Minister Dr Paul Bosawai together with Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Layten Lacob handed over the Toyota Land Cruiser Double Cabin for Kilu’ufi Hospital to the Malaita Province Health Director Dr David Danitofea.

In handing over the vehicle, Mr Bosawai said this is part of government and the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to the improvement of rural health care services in the provinces, a MHMS statement yesterday said.

“This is part of the ministry’s continuous effort and commitment to improve rural health care services around the country.

“Malaita Province is a densely populated area, and this vehicle will add to, and improve the logistical support to enable health services delivery in Malaita Province, especially the Kilu’ufi Hospital,” said Bosawai.

Receiving the vehicle, Danitofea thanked the Minister and the Ministry for seeing fit and chose to donate the vehicle to Kilu’ufi Hospital, the statement said.

“Given the high population in Malaita, this vehicle will ease some of the logistic burdens, such as transporting of medical suppliers and other important hospital errands the hospital encounters,” said Danitofea.

MAL Minister and PS head for Buala on Friday

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and his Permanent Secretary (PS) will travel to Buala on Friday this week.

Minister Franklyn Wasi and PS Dr Samson Viulu are going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Isabel provincial government on Monday.

Minister Wasi said that the main objective of the MOU is to facilitate the use of the Gozoruru Property by MAL for the Establishment of Facilities and Development of Land for Agriculture Developments.

“The MOU made between the (MAL) and Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) for the use of any unallocated and suitable available lands within the Gozoruru property referenced to as L.R. 174; L.R. 176 and L.R. 177 for Agriculture Development Initiatives,’’ Wasi told this paper.

He said that the MoU was already signed by former PS Jimi Saelea and former Premier James Habu.

“This MOU supersedes the previous MOUs signed respectively by the Departments of Research and Extension Services with IPG,’’ he said.

He said that IPG would provide 373 hectares of Land within the Gozoruru Property for the MAL development initiatives on rent-free.

He said that in partnership with IPG, MAL will establish, manage and control the livestock and research development initiatives and associated facilities whose beneficiaries will be the Farmers and people of Isabel Province and the country at large.

“MAL in partnership with IPG will facilitate to establishing an initial 100 hectares of Integrated Commercial Rice Development at Gozoruru and expand to 400 hectares either within the Gozoruru property or other IPG properties,’’ Wasi said in an interview.

He said that the annual operating profit- sharing formula will be 70% for MAL and 30% percent for IPG once the developments attract income.

He said that MAL intends to implement its National Programmes in Horticulture Research for Development, Livestock Development and Integrated Commercial Rice Development in the Gozoruru property. 

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