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Court strikes out petition case against MP Freda

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court has struck out the election petition case against the Member of Parliament for Temotu Vatud Constituency Freda Tuki Soriacomua.

The ruling was delivered on September 11 by Judge Augustine Sylver Aulanga in High Court.

In delivering the ruling, court dismissed the four allegations of bribery that the petitioner Angella Doris Tahani filed against Tuki.

Maito’o Hauirae who represented Tuki told the Island Sun outside of the court room that the respondent grounds to strike out the election petition are; the petition was served to the respondent Tuki inside the National Parliament building which breached the Parliamentary Privilege.

The second grounds for strike out is that the petitioner came to court with unclean hands, as the person who made the sworn statement for the petitioner, his text messages issued to court shows he kept on asking money from the respondent Tuki, which means petitioner came to court with bad motive or unclean hands.

And the final grounds, the petitioner did not specify the section of the electoral act.

Freda was re-elected on April 17 for Vatud constituency and later on she sworn in as the Minister for Ministry for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

Tuki return for the second term as the Minster for Ministry of Women, Youth and Children and Family Affairs.

Tuki is one of the election petition cases that is strike out in High Court.

Maito’o Hauirae of Peter Teddy Law Practice represent the respondent Freda Tuki Soriacomua and DBL Lawyer represent petitioner Angella Doris Tahani.

National consultation needed for Pacific Policing Initiative: PM Manele

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has highlighted the importance of conducting a “national consultation” on the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) to deepen understanding of its core pillars and strengthened national ownership.

The PPI, a major regional effort aimed at boosting collective peace and security across the Pacific Islands, is backed by Australia.

The Australian government has committed around AUD $400 million over the next five years to support the initiative, which includes developing new Policing Centers of Excellence in the region.

This initiative is designed to align with the Pacific Islands Forum’s peace and security goals outlined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and builds on recent experiences with the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF).

“At the Forum Retreat, we endorsed the initiative in principle, as was the decision of the cabinet. However, the consensus was that while the leaders endorsed the initiative, we still need to undertake national consultations,” said Prime Minister Manele.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the national consultations are essential as the country reviews its national security and border strategies.

These consultations will help identify gaps and determine how the PPI can be integrated into the country’s strategic framework.

“We will conduct further analysis to determine the best approach for engaging with the PPI during the development of the implementation arrangements as requested by leaders,” he added.

Additionally, Prime Minister Manele noted that during the Forum, the MSG Leaders discussed the 2015 MSG Framework for establishing an MSG Police Unit, which aligns with one of the proposed pillars of the Pacific Policing Initiative.

Auki Passport office thrives

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Just 25 days after the opening of Auki passport office during the Malaita 2nd Appointed Day celebration last month, the first batch of 24 Malaitans have already received their passports.  The second batch consisted of 28 applicants who expect to receive their passports next week.

A great beginning for the newly established office, as it indicates thrives for this much needed service in Malaita province.

And with these 52 passports, the Auki Inland Revenue has collected an approximate SBD51,000 from the service, which is another contribution into the national coffer.

Thus, this is just the beginning and Auki passport office expects well more than applicants received so far, over the coming weeks and months.

Premier Elijah Asilaua, PS Eric George, Senior Immigration officer in Auki, Mr Selwyn Ramoni and his staff, Mr Micah Aaisango joined the first batch of recipients with their passports in a photo session.

The photo session aimed to highlight landmark accomplishment of the undertaking in the partnership between national government through Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and the people and provincial government of Malaita.

“Since the establishment of the passport office, Malaitans expressed gratitude to both the provincial and national government for this great undertaking.

“One of the common sentiments shared by people coming to office is the service is cheap here rather than going to Honiara which is expensive and also causes economic pressure on relatives,” Ramoni said.

He said this is however one of the aims to establish passport office in Auki.

Ramoni also said that while supplement services such as police and medical clearance, ID photos and declarations are offer in Auki, the service is much cheaper for people.

He said although the office is just a month into service, demand for the service is high as they are receiving piles of applicants after the first and second batches of applicants.

Provincial Secretary of Malaita province Mr Eric George acknowledged GNUT through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration for seeing it fit to decentralize this needed service to Malaita province.

He said Malaita provincial government will continue to work in close cooperation with the national government on other areas of development on the service for the province.

Premier Elijah Asilaua also expressed gratitude on behalf of his government to GNUT and MCILI for this milestone undertaking which is now materialize for Malaitans.

“I am so happy to see the achievement made by Auki passport office so far, and more to come as my government are working on supplementary support to the service.

“My advice is the passport is now at our doorstep and I urge Malaitans, who may have need of the service to make great use of it,” he said.

VISA SERVICE FOR MALAITA

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Immigration Division under the Ministry of Commerce (MCILI) will soon provide visa system service at the passport office in Auki, Malaita province.

This is the second phase of the newly established passport service in Auki, as MCILI is behind a plan to introduce this additional immigration service to the passport office.

Senior Immigration Officer, who is in charge of Auki passport office, Mr Selwyn Ramoni announced the plan yesterday as MCILI is working on it.

“Later on, we will go into visa system. The service will provide access of vise at the passport office in Auki. We are working on it and when ready the service will be offered,” he said.

Ramoni said this is an additional service to the current passport service in Auki. The vise system will encourage investors to come and invest in Malaita.

He added that through the investment, opportunities will be created for Malaitans to engage in employment and businesses to support local economy.

Ramoni said Malaita province is looking forward for more development in the province and service is needed to administer immigration needs associate with the developments.

He reiterated that the Immigration Division under MCILI is behind the plan, and as long as things are ready vise service will offer in Auki.

Ruling on strike-out of MP Tagini’s petition Sept 11

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Ruling on the application to strike out the petition case against MP Baegu/Asifola Makario Tagini is expected September 11.

Court heard the deliberations on the strike-out application on Wednesday this week.

Tagini’s lawyer had applied for court to strike out 13 bribery allegations against Tagini, saying they were frivolous and vexatious.

Tagini was elected as MP for Baegu/Asifola Constituency on April 17 and later appointed as the Minister for Forestry and Research.

Lilly Ramo represents the Petitioner Celsus Talifilu and L&L Lawyers represents Tagini.

Court remands 31-yo man accused of indecent acts on daughter

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate court has remanded a 31-year-old man accused of performing indecent acts on his biological daughter.

The incidents reportedly occurred in October 2021 in one of the settlements around Honiara but the complainant did not report them until July this year following an assault by the accused.

The complainant who is now 14 years old was 11 when the alleged indecent acts were committed on her by the accused.

On July 18 this year the matter was reported to police and August 6 the accused was charged and bailed to appear before the court on August 21.

But, the accused failed to attend and the matter was adjourned for September 4 with summons by the court on the accused.

Again the accused failed to attend when the matter was mentioned in court on Wednesday this week (Sept 4) therefore court placed him on remand.

The case was adjourned for mention on September 18.

Police investigations are continuing.

Allegations say on October 15, 2021 the complainant was sleeping when the accused came and laid beside her, touching her body in an indecent manner.

The victim woke up and shouted, and the accused apologised and told her not to tell anyone, promising the complainant that he would not do it again.

On October 16, 2021, however the accused reportedly assaulted the complainant during which he removed her shirt leaving her topless.

The accused, with a knife in hand, threatened the complainant not to tell anyone about what had happened the previous day and told her to put on a shirt.

Later that day, when the complainant was sleeping, the accused went over and cradled her in his arms and committed the act of searching for lice on her head.

The victim woke and froze, reportedly too scared to do anything.

The accused then reportedly began touching her indecently.

The accused told her to allow him to touch her body indecently, promising her that he would buy her a smartphone.

The complainant did not accept what the accused was doing to her that she reportedly stood up crying and went outside the house.

The complainant did not report anything to anybody.

In July this year, the accused allegedly assaulted the complainant.

Following this, the complainant decided to report her father so she went and reported to her aunt, who in turn reported the matter to police on July 18.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown.

Court remands 31-yo man accused of indecent acts on daughter

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate court has remanded a 31-year-old man accused of performing indecent acts on his biological daughter.

The incidents reportedly occurred in October 2021 in one of the settlements around Honiara but the complainant did not report them until July this year following an assault by the accused.

The complainant who is now 14 years old was 11 when the alleged indecent acts were committed on her by the accused.

On July 18 this year the matter was reported to police and August 6 the accused was charged and bailed to appear before the court on August 21.

But, the accused failed to attend and the matter was adjourned for September 4 with summons by the court on the accused.

Again the accused failed to attend when the matter was mentioned in court on Wednesday this week (Sept 4) therefore court placed him on remand.

The case was adjourned for mention on September 18.

Police investigations are continuing.

Allegations say on October 15, 2021 the complainant was sleeping when the accused came and laid beside her, touching her body in an indecent manner.

The victim woke up and shouted, and the accused apologised and told her not to tell anyone, promising the complainant that he would not do it again.

On October 16, 2021, however the accused reportedly assaulted the complainant during which he removed her shirt leaving her topless.

The accused, with a knife in hand, threatened the complainant not to tell anyone about what had happened the previous day and told her to put on a shirt.

Later that day, when the complainant was sleeping, the accused went over and cradled her in his arms and committed the act of searching for lice on her head.

The victim woke and froze, reportedly too scared to do anything.

The accused then reportedly began touching her indecently.

The accused told her to allow him to touch her body indecently, promising her that he would buy her a smartphone.

The complainant did not accept what the accused was doing to her that she reportedly stood up crying and went outside the house.

The complainant did not report anything to anybody.

In July this year, the accused allegedly assaulted the complainant.

Following this, the complainant decided to report her father so she went and reported to her aunt, who in turn reported the matter to police on July 18.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown.

Ruling on Tovosia’s petition case Sept 11

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Ruling on the election petition against Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia is expected to be delivered on September 11.

On Wednesday this week court heard deliberations on defence’s application to have the petition struck off.

Tovosia’s lawyer had applied for a strike-out against the petition’s allegations of bribery and undue influence.

Tovosia’s lawyer argued that the allegations were not properly pleaded in the initial petition.

Petitioner Jessy Koli and his lawyer had filed two allegations against MP Tovosia – undue influence and bribery.

Tovosia was re-elected as MP for East Guadalcanal and later sworn in as the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification.

Wilson Rano acts for Tovosia and Gabrial Suri acts for Mr Koli.

MEDICINE HELP FOR ATOLLS

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Sikaiana Island. PHOTO GEORGE HERMING

Sikaiana people thank MHMS for ship and medicine supplies

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

People of Sikaiana are welcoming the announcement by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) of a ship for the atolls on September 11.

MHMS yesterday reiterated its commitment to delivering medication to Sikaiana saying that it is sending six-month’s worth of medicine.

These include medication for pain relief, antibiotics for common infection, blood pressure medications, anti-malaria’s, gauze, cotton wool and other consumables.

The Malaita province’s outlier reported early this month of lack of medicine at their clinic, along with food shortage following four months without any shipping service.

Island Sun published earlier this week grievances shared by a group of concerned elders from the Honiara-based Sikaiana community whose people on the atolls were suffering from this shipping problem.

Food, fuel, medicine and other basic necessities were lacking in Sikaiana, forcing the 300-plus population on the atoll to call for help.

Regarding MHMS’s announcement, the MPA for Sikaiana, ward 33, Lemuel Kevianga welcomes this ‘good news for his people’.

“On behalf of my good people of Sikaiana, we thank the GNUT government through the MHMS.

“The national government taking heed to this simple and humble request shows that the national government is serious about issues affecting the rural populace.

“I’m so thankful about this and the quick response from the MHMS,” Mr Kevianga said.

The MHMS media statement yesterday said:

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirms that a Government chartered vessel is scheduled to depart on September 11, 2024 from Honiara to Sikaiana. This vessel, as part of the telecommunication system-commissioning programme, will carry the necessary medical supplies to alleviate the current shortage of medicines faced on the atoll.

The clarification follows recent concerns in the media regarding a shortage of medical supplies in Sikaiana. MHMS understands the challenges that irregular shipping services pose, and we are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our communities remain a priority.

While, the Ministry acknowledges the difficulties experienced due to the logistical constraints affecting Sikaiana, it wants to give the assurance that it is taking necessary steps and measures to address this issue. The dedicated team at the National Medical Stores has prepared a substantial amount of medicine and medical supplies to be loaded onto the boat bound for Sikaiana.

The National Medical Stores Manager, Wesley Kukutu clarifies what sort of medication is being prepared for delivery to communities in Sikaiana.

“National Medical Stores has prepared six months’ worth of basic clinic medicines and consumables. This includes Medication for pain relief, antibiotics for common infection, blood pressure medications, anti-malaria’s, gauze, cotton wool and other consumables. More medical supplies will be delivered to the provinces over the coming weeks, once the containers at the Ports are released this week,” said Mr Kukutu.

MHMS remains committed to overcoming the logistical challenges and ensuring that every island community receives timely and adequate medical support. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve services and to address these issues.

Judgement for cliff murder in Russell on October 14

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Judgment into the case of a man accused of murdering another man and throwing his body off a cliff in Russell islands, Central province last year is set to be delivered on October 14.

Yesterday defence closed its case with the accused choosing to remain silent.

Jonathan Felega is charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty and the trial ensued at the High Court before Judge John Keniapisia.

Court adjourned for October 14 for judgment.

Prosecution called two witnesses, doctor Roy Maraka and Felega’s nephew, a 12-year-old boy (juvenile) who at the time of the incident had accompanied Felega.

Court heard that on August 11, 2023 Felega and his nephew went to Sagelua village to buy betel nut.

When they reached Sagelua village the accused drank some beers with other boys.

After that Felega told his nephew for them to go back to their village Minisi.

On their way to Minisi village, they encountered the deceased.

The accused confronted the deceased, saying, “iu na killm mi ba [weren’t you the one who had assaulted me the other time?].”

He got hold of a stick and struck the deceased on the back of the neck and on his right cheek which caused the deceased to fall to the ground.

Felega lifted the deceased and carried him to the edge of the cliff and threw the body down the cliff.

After that, they both went down the cliff to where the deceased lay and the juvenile told the court that he saw blood came out of the deceased nose and his neck was twisted and broken.

Felega then carried the deceased and laid him near the base of a tree.

After that they went to the deceased’s brother’s house and Felega told them about the deceased having fallen off a cliff.

Director of Public Prosecution Andrew Kelesi acts for the crown and Ben Alasia acts for the defence.

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