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Court imposes $2000 fine for man who possessed Police VHF radio

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has sentenced Darren Maelaua who pleaded guilty for having possessing of the Police VHF radio to a fine of $2000 or in default of three months’ imprisonment.

On Friday last week, court ordered that Maelaua pay a fine of $2000 before 3pm on Jan 17 and failure to pay the fine will result in three months’ imprisonment.  

Maelaua charge for one count of possessing police property which he pleaded guilty and convicted by the court.

In delivering the sentence, court highlighted the aggravating factors which the offending itself speaks volumes of the seriousness involved. The item was found under Maelaua which belonged to the Royal Police Force, a creature created by statue whose functions are extensive and requisite to maintain peace, security and justice in the Solomon Islands.

Moreover, this particular item is assigned to Close Protection Department, a unit within the RSIPF that is tasked with the critical role of making sure of the safety and well-being of very high-profile individuals, such as the Prime Minister, and the Governor General of the country.

Matters for the mitigating factors, the earlier guilty plea, first time offender, his personal circumstances, his cooperation with the police and his faithfulness to attend to all his court hearings.

In sentencing remarks, court also highlighted the circumstance leading to this incident is a clear display of Maelaua poor judgement or ignorance and negligence. Court also emphasised his actions posed a risk to the public safety and security since that the Motorola radio could have been misused.

Court therefore starts with a starting point of $ 2,500 and added $1000 for aggravating factors and then deduct 1/3 for earlier guilty plea which is $900 and further deduct $600 for other mitigating factors. This leaves Maelaua a fine of $ 2000.

The court facts said on October 18, 2024, the defendant and another man went to Koloale Car Wash and asked a person who runs a tinting business there to tint his vehicle window glasses.

Whilst his vehicle is being tint, the defendant and the other male person who accompanied him sat at the back trailer of the vehicle.

Later, the defendant went to the passenger seat of his vehicle and took out the Police Radio handset.

He then switched on the radio and then returned it to his vehicle to recharged it because it was flat.

An informant who saw the defendant in possession of the police radio then contacted the police.

The Police Response Team Officer attended the scene at Koloale car wash and searched the defendant vehicle.

The officers then found the radio inside the defendant vehicle and identified it as a Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) radio, hence confiscate it from the defendant possession.

Police Prosecutor Smith Abuo is representing the accused and PSO for defendant.

Man gets 1 month jail time for spreading false rumours

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate court has sentenced Junior Harry Gereniu to one month imprisonment for spreading false rumours contrary to section 63 (a) of the Penal Code.

The sentence was delivered yesterday by Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou.

In delivering sentence court highlighted the aggravating factors. There was general panic among public, especially parents and guardians of the children who reside in Honiara. Work was missed just to attend to their children at school or at home. So, for a moment a lot of work for family welfare was just forgone to attend to ensuring the safety of children. All these was just for the lie that Gereniu had actively contributed to spread.

Further to that, Honiara City Council responded by prohibiting public vehicles from dark window tints. In effect, public transport owners were denied from protecting the vehicles windows with dark tints. This has caused so much trouble with protection of clients from the direct heat of sun with the tints and privacy from public view.

Another aggravating factor, the act was carefully planned and executed. It was live record of Gereniu recounting of the alleged attempt of abduction. The story, in order to appear real, must be carefully constructed, planned and rehearsed. Not only that, the story when posted in Facebook exacerbated the lie as it spreads further.

For the mitigating factors, Gereniu guilty plea saved the court further expenses, time and effort, his remorse shows that he has regretted and possibly reflect that he has learnt from his mistake and become reformed to become a better citizen.

He is a young man who is 24 years old. Though his reason for his post was to send message to his adoptive parents overseas to get their attention. As he claimed to have been missing them of their attention and needed help. However, must be mindful of those other young people who have struggle in life without their parents but have not resorted so such unlawful acts.

Further to that he has no previous convictions, his cooperation with the police during the investigation and admitted his wrongdoing.

Court delivers that deterrence is a must for accused and for other like-minded persons. Thus, a custodial sentence is suitable.

Court therefore, imposed a starting point of 4 months imprisonment is appropriate. The aggravating factors make up to 2 months to be added.

The mitigating factors are very strong and so, it will account to 5 months deduction. Therefore, the final sentence is one month’s imprisonment.

Gereniu pleaded guilty to one count of spreading rumours contrary to section 63 (a) of the Penal Code.

Agreed facts stated, during the month of October 2024, there were rumours going around in Honiara that caused alarm to people living in Honiara, that there were some unknown men going around in dark tinted vehicles with no registration licenses number plate to kidnap people for organ harvesting.

On October 19, 2024, around 9.15 pm Gereniu went live on Facebook, alleging that a white Toyota Rav 4 without registration licenses number plate attempted to abduct him using a hook to steal a basket containing his visa and passport at Kola Ridge Cemetery Road heading up at Talise Market.

Gereniu live posted on Facebook caused a lot of fear to viewers for their safety to move around in town freely.

Police Prosecutor Florence Hirosshachi for the crown and Ms Pitamama for Gereniu.

TOBACCO BOSS IN COURT

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

General Manager for Solomon Islands tobacco company is in court accused of illegally advertising tobacco products.

The case of Darren John Corby was mentioned in court on Wednesday last week and was adjourned to March 3 for court to set further directions as to accused plea.

The defence counsel informed court that it was the first mention of the case after bail application last year.

Defence also tendered to the court the schedule of their clients related to his work travel to overseas, and seek that the accused bail conditions are continued to be varied on same terms, as their clients will be traveling out of the country again on February 15.

Court granted the accused schedule submitted by his lawyer and orders for the accused bail to be extended and continue on the same terms.

Prosecution charged Mr Corby with one count of Restriction of Advertisement of Tobacco Product contrary to section 4 of the Tobacco Control Act 2010.

Prosecution alleged on August 31, 2024, the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited held a product launch event at Cowboys’ Grill Bar and Restaurant, Kukum, Honiara. 

They were introducing their new product, Pall Mall Blast and various business agents and representatives attended the event.

It was further alleged that during the lunching, Company officers, did a presentation during the launch, the promotional staffs conducted promotional activities, including a detailed slide presentation and promotional video footage, highlighting key features of the Pall Mall Blast product.

The presentation allegedly to focused on the unique qualities of Pall Mall Blast, particularly its berry menthol flavour capsule, which distinguishes it from other tobacco products in the market.

It was also alleged that the video captured setting during the lunching involving promotional activities, such as displayed of promotional materials such as banners and promotional cigarettes boxes depicting the new brand package inside the restaurant. 

The promotional video of the product was alleged to be repeatedly played on a large video screen for people to watch.

The Tobacco Control Act 2010, prohibits advertising or promotion of any tobacco product. 

On December 10 last year the defendant (General Manager of SITCO) was invited to attend at the NCID Rove Police Head Quarter and the allegation was put to him and arrested.

On the same date police issue a police bail on him.

Mr Lepe of Sol Law represent the defendant while Mr. Jonathan Auga prosecuting.

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SIRAP changes infrastructure face of Malaita

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Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The World Bank funded Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP) continues to change the infrastructure face in Malaita province.

The project involves various infrastructure development include; road upgrade, road pavement and construction of new bridges.

Commending World Bank and Solomon Islands Government through SIRAP is Premier of Malaita, Premier Elijah Asilaua expressing the commitment of his government to establish partnership with donors to develop infrastructure in the province.

“My government remain committed with World Bank through SIRAP that completed the north corridor road, Bio one and two bridges and the Koa bridge.

“This strip of road will be officially handed over next month in February. It is also noted the first 21 km road in the east corridor has been completed as well under the SIRAP.

“The next portion of the road for another 22 km to Atori is already endorsed for additional funding. In process with procurement formalities as requirements for the construction work,” he said.

Asilaua also acknowledged SIRAP for supporting Bira and Su’u harbor bridges along the south road corridor of Malaita province.

He said CCECC is implementing the two projects and construction is well progressing.

Asilaua noted that the completion of the two bridges will help a lot to connect communities with better transport services.

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Target investments, employment

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

SOLOMON Islands could achieve 100% full employment if the country targets investments in agriculture, fisheries and tourism in the next fifty years.

The opposition Leader, Matthew Wale highlighted this in a recent tok stori session.

“ When we are thinking of the kind of economy we want to build in the Solomon Islands, we must think of what we want to achieve in the next fifty years,” he said.

Wale highlighted that the country can realistically build the economy in four areas: Agriculture production/ farming, Agricultural processing, Fisheries processing and Tourism.

“If we harness one of those, I think we can multiply our current employment level five times more….” he said.

Wale highlighted that crops like coconut, cocoa and fish have the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP.

“ We have the resources, land and people for it but what is lacking is the vision for it, and to connect the dots,” Wale said.  

Wale further emphasized that in order to have such vision, it is crucial for young people to engage in leadership whether it is parliament or other levels of leadership.

“Young people must take up this challenge,” he added.

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East Honiara Constituency provides much-needed support to local churches and communities

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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Last week, the East Honiara Constituency (EHC) undertook a significant initiative, delivering essential materials to churches and communities within the constituency as part of their ongoing support efforts.

The deliveries mark a continuation of EHC’s commitment to fostering development and addressing local needs.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, East Honiara Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Leslie Lamani highlighted the office’s dedication to uplifting communities.

“This handing-over ceremony is a continuation of material deliveries we’ve carried out for church groups, schools, and communities in East Honiara,” Lamani said.

The support included essential building materials such as bags of cement, roofing irons, tile cement, nails, louver frames, plywood, and power tools like drills and electric planes.

Among the beneficiaries were St. Vincent Church in Burns Creek, Rurete Gilbertese Community, Unity Fellowship Church, and other groups such as the Aekfao SSEC Church and Panatina Anglican Church of Melanesia.

Lamani emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative, noting that churches submitted proposals detailing their material needs.

“Upon receiving their requests, the office worked to address their specific requirements. While we haven’t covered all churches within the constituency yet, we aim to support more this year,” Lamani added.

Representatives from various communities expressed heartfelt appreciation for the timely support.

Rayleen Iamarui, a teacher at St. Vincent Primary School, shared her gratitude on behalf of her community.

“We’ve been struggling to complete our Early Childhood Education (ECE) facility despite fundraising efforts. The materials from the EHC office will allow us to finish the much-needed classroom. Thank you so much for supporting our school,” she said.

Timothy Koria from the Rurete Gilbertese community also highlighted the impact of the support on their cultural infrastructure.

“The materials will help us construct our custom house (Temaneaba), a significant place for hosting community programs, feasts, and other activities. This will be a legacy for our future generations. Thank you to our Member of Parliament for this meaningful assistance,” Koria said.

The EHC office reassured communities that more support is on the way. Lamani reiterated that although not all churches could be assisted this time, the budget for 2025 would ensure that all churches within the constituency receive similar aid. This initiative underscores the EHC office’s commitment to fostering community development and supporting the spiritual and cultural well-being of East Honiara residents.

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Wale Emphasizes Family Support in Child Education Success

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale recently emphasized the crucial role that a child’s home environment plays in shaping their educational journey during a tok stori.

He stressed that home and family represent the first stage in a child’s education, asserting that “it is not in schools.”

Wale pointed out that if a child feels insecure in their own home due to family problems, school may become a place of escape rather than a place of learning.

He noted that students who receive emotional and spiritual support from their families often perform exceptionally well compared to their peers who have less support.

Wale reminded parents and extended families of the vital role they play in encouraging children to pursue their education.

He emphasized the importance of nurturing children who are eager and excited to learn.

“The kind of student we want to encourage is one who looks forward to going to the classroom—not because they are trying to escape family problems or are bored at home, but because they are eager to learn new things,” Wale said.

However, he also stressed the importance of having teachers who are innovative and capable of making lessons engaging.

“Students should look forward to going to school because teachers explain lessons in ways that are interesting and relatable,” he added.

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Suidani and Talifilu case moved for Jan 23

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The setting of the trial date for the case of two Malaitan leaders, Daniel Suidani and Celsus Talifilu has been moved to January 23.

This is for the date to be set before the presiding magistrate.

The presiding magistrate was at Tulagi for a meeting so counsels sought seven days adjournment for the magistrate to be available before they can set the trial date.

Bail for the two accused was extended.

Suidani and Talifilu are charged together with two counts of unlawful assembly and were pleaded not guilty to the charge on previously hearing.

It was alleged the two accused were taken into custody for their alleged role in masterminding a number of unlawful assemblies and protests in Auki, Malaita Provincial capital in 2021.

Those unlawful assemblies and protests were allegedly carried out by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D).

The two defendants later arrested on 3rd of October 2024 and charged.

Mary-Anne Zurenuoc acts for crown and Lilly Ramo represent both defendants.

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EXPANSION OF HEALTH SERVICES

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MECTG commits to expanding rural health services in the province

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Asilaua-led Malaita Economic Cooperation for Transformation Government (MECTG) of Malaita Province is committed to expanding rural health services in the province.

Premier Elijah Asilaua announced this on Monday last week, highlighting it as one of the key initiatives of his government for the final period of 2024/2025.

He stated that the focus of his government is to expand healthcare services to remote areas, ensuring that every Malaitan has access to quality healthcare.

He also emphasized that mobile health clinics and telemedicine services are vital to bridging the health gap that rural Malaitans face daily.

The Malaita provincial government has made significant contributions to health development and improvement in the province over the past years, primarily through the PCDF program.

Since the Ramohia-led MART government, MPG has built rural health clinics in various parts of the province, including Manaoba Rural Clinic on Manaoba Island in the Lau Lagoon and Gwounatolo Clinic at Foia in Baegu Asifola.

The most recent rural clinic project was completed during the Suidani-led MARA government at Ote in Ward 22, Asi-meuri, Small Malaita.

These clinics have since been providing much-needed healthcare services to people and communities across Malaita Province.

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PCDF shares 35% of MPG’s revise budget

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The recent qualification of Malaita province for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program has a significant positive impact on its 2024/2025 revised budget estimate.

The qualification will see 35% of the province’s current revised budget, which represents $11,873,158.00 million received under the funding will incorporate into the budget.

“I am pleased to report that Malaita province was back again to access the Provincial Capacity Development Fund this year with $11,873,158.00 in capital budget.

“That indicates 35% of the total budget of $34,330,635.00 to be implemented in social and economic projects to improve the livelihoods of our communities in our five regions.

“This achievement must not detract from our strong people-centered focus to remain committed and improve our good financial governance codes of practices.

“This is the strategy for our provincial government to directly access this performance-based grant to provide more development and improve services to our people as everyone desires,” Premier Elijah Asilaua said.

He, on that note, appealed to colleague leaders assuring them that the future outlook for the province will only determine by their current decisions.

Emphasizing the need to remain committed to utilize the province’s limited financial resources for the benefit of its people.

The premier added this will be done through investing in opportunity costs in partnership with national government, development partners, private investors, non-government organizations and local resource owners.

Asilaua said the partnership will elevate the province into global development perspectives, trade, and economy to gain better tangible and intangible results to improve the lives of people in Malaita province.

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