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Miss Lauru crowned Miss Solomon Islands 2024-2025

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Ofani Eremae
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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Miss Lauru, Elsie Polosovai has been crowned Miss Solomon Islands 2024-2025 after a six hours spectacular showdown of glitz and glamour at the Pacific Crown Hotel (PCH).
Declared the winner around 1AM yesterday, Polosovai triumphed over five other talented contestants.”
A crowd favorite, Polosovai excelled in the Speech, Interview, Contemporary Traditional Wear, Talent, Introduction, and Social Media.
In her acceptance speech, she pledged to represent the country with grace and honor.
“It is with great honor and humility to take on the role as your next Miss Solomon Islands, I humbly accept this role and I would do my best to my abilities to represent all of us on the pacific stage and to carry the pride of Solomon Islands with me everywhere I go” she said.
Speaking to the media about her reaction, Polosovai expressed a deep sense of honor and purpose.
“A lot of honor and respect and I feel in my heart that it is a calling. I have come all the way from New Zealand and I see the need where our women in our country are still vulnerable and we must stick together and I am happy that I will reach out to many people” she shared.
Polosovai also expressed gratitude to her sponsor, the Lauru People Association for trusting and supporting her.
Looking ahead to the Miss Pacific Islands pageant in Honiara next year, Polosovai expressed confidence in her ability to make history and win the prestigious title.
“I am confident I can do it. With the support and the right people, we can carry ourselves through”.
Polosovai has used her platform to advocate for women’s reproductive health and showcase Choiseul province’s unique culture.
Achievements of other contestants:
Miss Tourism, Kerrie Faradatolo, named 1st runner- up advocated for tourism and celebrated Solomon Islands cultural diversity throughout each of the categories.
Miss Coral Seas Resort & Casino, Sharllyma Aruhane, 2nd runner-up advocated for gender-based violence and snatched the sarong award.
Miss Tulagi Jayn Zayniellar 3rd runner-up advocated for women and youth empowerment, domestic violence prevention, and the promotion of tourism particularly for Ngella Island. She was awarded the Float and Miss Photogenic award.
Miss Solomon Islands Climate Action Network (SICAN), Azarinna Zolela Stevens- 4th Runner-Up advocated for climate change and has put on a bold show reflecting her passion.
Miss Guadalcanal Ezinma Keni Kausua- 5th Runner-Up advocated for Non-Communicable Diseases/health and showcased the rich cultural diversity of Guadalcanal province. She was awarded Miss Personality.
The final placements are as follows:
Miss Solomon Islands – Miss Lauru Elsie Polosovai
1st Runner Up – Miss Tourism, Kerrie Faradatolo
2nd Runner Up, – Miss Coral Sea Resort and Casino, Sharllyma Aruhane
3rd Runner Up– Miss Tulagi Jayne Zayniellar Soakai
4th Runer Up – Miss SICAN, Azarinna Zolela Stevens
5th Runner, – Miss Guadalcanal Ezinma Keni Kausua

Application to strike out petition against MP Mahaga to be heard Sept 2

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The strike-out application by MP Trevor Mahaga on the petition against him will be heard on September 2.

The hearing will be made before Judge Augustine Malanga.

Court yesterday also told MP Mahaga and his lawyer to have their written application for a strike out filed by Tuesday next week.

The petitioner, former MP Samuel Manetoali, and the Attorney General, who represents the second respondent, were also told to file their written submissions by August 30.

Manetoali filed two allegations against Mahaga – bribery and breaching the electoral act.

Manetoalis also filed six allegations against second respondent – electoral officials.

Mahaga’s grounds for applying for a strike-out include: the petition does not specify which section of the act Mahaga allegedly breached, thus the petition is vexatious and frivolous.

Secondly, the petition claims Mahaga breached sections 1-4 of the electoral law in allegedly campaigning when he was not supposed to. However, Mahaga’s lawyer argues that campaigning is specified under section 5 and not 1-4 as claimed by petitioner.

Mahaga won the national general elections on April 17 this year, ousting long-time MP Manetoali.

Mahaga was later sworn in as minister for environment (MECDM).

L&L Lawyers represents Manetoali and Rano and Company represents first respondent Mahaga and Attorney General represents Electoral officers as second respondent.

Two brothers to plea Monday

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Brothers Joe Malau and Matthew Malau are expected to take their pleas at the magistrate court on Monday next week.

The matter was listed for plea yesterday but was suspended to Monday next week.

Investigations have completed and full disclosures being served to the defence counsels.

Prosecution charged Joe and Matthew with burglary contrary to section 299 of Penal Code.

Bobby Harunari represents Joe Malau and Ron Dickey Pulekera for Mathew Malau and Public Prosecution Office for crown and Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari is the presiding principal magistrate.

Prime Minister Manele heads to Tonga this weekend to attend 53PIF Leaders Meeting

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PM Manele

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will depart this weekend to attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting in Tonga.

The PIF meeting begins in the capital Nukualofa Monday 26th August, 2024 which will bring together Prime Ministers and Presidents from 16 member countries including Australia and New Zealand.

Parliament passed a special adjournment motion on Thursday 22, August 2024 to allow Prime Minister Manele’s full engagement at the Forum leaders meeting.

The Forum Leaders’ Meeting is the highest political regional decision-making body, held annually, where Prime Ministers and Presidents of member countries gather to deliberate on critical matters of significance to the region.

“Mr Speaker, the PIF Meeting as you know is the annual meeting where we deliberate on critical matters of importance to our region. This is one of the mandatory international meetings, the Prime Minister attends every year.” Prime Minister Manele said when he moved the special adjournment motion in Parliament.

“Sir, the Forum Leaders Meeting is the apex for regional political decision making, our participation at the meeting will ensure that the decisions that are made collectively by Pacific Leaders at this regional forum respects and do undermine our sovereignty and foster stronger collaboration and cooperation amongst and between countries in our region.” He said.

The Prime Minister noted the PIF receives and considers recommendations from regional ministerial meetings and that requires the decision of the highest political level in the region.

Manele said his participation as the Prime Minister at the 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting this year is even more important because Solomon Islands will host the 54th Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara in August 2025.

  “As the incoming host of the 54th PIF, Solomon Islands will be more closely involved on the Forum agenda in the next 12 months.” Manele said. 

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said agenda for next week’s plenary sessions focuses on matters of significant importance- 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, Health, Education, Climate Change and Sea Level Rise, Ocean, Fisheries, Policing and Security, Disaster risk reduction, among others.

The statement said further plans are being finalized for Prime Minister Manele’s bilateral engagements at the margins of the Forum.  About 15 formal requests have been received so far from 12 countries and 3 international entities in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s attendance and active participation in the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting will assist amplify national issues, concerns and priorities as well as articulate effectively towards the region’s collective future direction.

The last time the Solomon Islands hosted the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting was in 1992. The country hosted the 23rd South Pacific Forum Meeting from 8 to 9 July 1992.

The Prime Minister returns next weekend.

Marau murder accused to take plea Sept 16

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of killing a female at Marau and demanding a witness to carry the body and sink it in the sea is set to face court for plea on September 16.

On August 22 the hearing was for the accused to take his plea however defence informed court that he is yet to obtain instructions from his client for plea and therefore sought time.

Defence also informed court that he was only allocated the file recently so he needs time to look through the file.

Constance Manepania is charged with one count of murder.

Police alleged October 8, 2023 late in the evening, the deceased and some of her relatives boarded a canoe to an island called Ravi within the Marau area to sleep over for fishing during the night time.

Next day at about 8am, the deceased and two other relatives boarded another canoe to the mainland to collect food and water for the group on the island.

When they reached mainland, they dug some swamp taro, refilled some containers of water.

At about 4pm the deceased and the other girls loaded their canoe and departed for Ravi Island.

About few meters from the mainland the deceased complained that her body was not feeling good, and was afraid to go to Ravi Island, so she decided to stay back on the mainland.

The other girls left the deceased along the shore so that she could walk back home.

The deceased then left Tawanikeni village along the sea shore back to her village Kompa’u.

Prosecution alleged that it was on her way back to her home village that the accused attacked her.

A witness who was on his way along the airport that day heard a sound of a crying person. When the witness got closer to where the crying sound came from, he saw Manepania holding a bush knife in his right hand.

Manepania led the witness to where the deceased was lying unconscious then he stepped onto the deceased’s forehead and squeezed the neck of the deceased until she stopped breathing.

After that Manepania demanded and ordered the witness to take the dead body down to the sea and sink it.

The accused allegedly threatened the witness to carry out this act, saying he would cut the witness with the bush knife if he did not comply.

Police at Marau received a report of the incident on October 10, 2023, when villagers around

Marau area saw the deceased’s body washed ashore in front of the Conflict Lodge.

Steward Tonowane appears for the Crown and Ben Alasia of PSO represent Manepania.

JAPAN TOUCHES LIVES

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Japan continues to positively impact lives of Malaitans

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

From infrastructure projects to human resources development, Japan’s footprints continue to touch the lives of Malaitans in rural Malaita.

This is following Japan’s support and continuous supports toward the development and most importantly addressing some of development challenges faced in the province.

As one of the development partners of Solomon Islands, Japan continues to support Malaita province through its grassroots project scheme involved infrastructure projects such as; water supply, classroom, staff houses and other projects that continues to contribute to the social development of the province.

The ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki said amongst schemes administered by Japan embassy in its cooperation with the country, grassroots project is amongst them.

He said that under the scheme, basic social service is very important that the grassroots grant project has been and will continue to empower rural economy in Malaita and the country.

Miwa said these kinds of projects will generate cash income to the communities, address development challenges and improve the livelihood of rural people.

He added that another area Japan has also been supporting Malaita province on is the Japanese Oversea Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) or the JICA volunteer program.

Miwa said Japan established relationship with Solomon Islands soon after the country’s independence in 1978, and the JOCV program is one that the two countries have been cooperating on.

“One of the very important people who contributed a lot to establish the good relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands are the JICA volunteers (JOCV).

“The first two Japanese JICA volunteer started work in Malaita province. Malaita is the first province to be dispatched with JICA volunteers.

“To date, around 70 JICA volunteers have worked in Malaita province. Their major areas of activities are; education, health and administration.

“And under the program, we are still cooperating on till today, and we are working to dispatch JICA volunteers to Malaita in the future,” he said.

Miwa furthered that Japan through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also contributed a lot to the infrastructure development of Auki town.

“When I visit Auki, I will arrive at Auki jetty and then Auki Market that were built by Japan. These are very important contribution by the Japanese government to Malaita province.

“The projects are very important for people to exchange goods by selling products and transactions that will enhance the economy of Malaita province,” he said.

Miwa said Japan is a traditional partner of Solomon Islands and to transform their cooperation, infrastructure is important to contribute to the development the local economy.

He said this is what Japan is thinking to develop the country and to deepen the cooperation between Japan and Solomon Islands.

“I believe our cooperation is very good. We have a very strong friendship and I really understand how strong our relationship is,” Miwa said.

VATA helps locals with value added timber product

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Samie Waikori
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PM Manele

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The government through Ministry of Forest and Research (MRF) is implementing downstream processing for wood/timber in the country.

This is through the establishment of the Value Added Timber Association by MFR that aims at encouraging and supporting local entrepreneurs in the forestry and timber industry.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently said in Auki that VATA has been supporting locals across the country and more than 45 percent of its financial members are from Malaita province.

He said according to VATA, most of its sawn timbers received in the recent years came from Malaita province.

Manele also said that apart from VATA’s timber yards in Honiara and Noro, the MFR is planning to establish one in Malaita province in the coming years.

“The program has over the years continued to assist timber producers from provinces through freight subsidies, provisions of mails and chainsaws.

“Also technical capacities, marketing and certification to ensure timber products meet international market standards,” he said.

The program is part of national government’s efforts to work with communities and resource owners toward reforestation and importantly to benefit from valued added forest/timber product.

PTC for NRH compound murder yet to be settled

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC) for the case against Micheal Sodu and Philip Mamuala, charged with murdering a man at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in November 2023 is yet to be finalised.

Prosecution yesterday informed court they had served PTC documents to defence on Tuesday this week.

Defence sought the court time to allow them to look through the PTC documents.

Court adjourned for September 12 for mention. Counsels to settle the PTC during the course of adjournment.

Micheal Sodu and Philip Mamuala are charged jointly with one count of murder and both pleaded not guilty.

The matter was committed to the High Court for the two defendants to stand trial.

The two accused are facing an allegation that occurred on November 2, 2023 at the NRH Compound.

Around 11am that day, the 43-year-old deceased went to the Mental Health Unit.

It is said the deceased normally visits the Mental Health Unit because he suffered from a mental illness.

Prosecution further alleged that the deceased later went to the sea-front market located at the Hospital compound where he aggressively reacted to the people who were there and started chasing them.

He also allegedly threw stones.

This was continued until the afternoon when Sodu allegedly attacked the deceased. Sodu stopped assaulting the deceased after he was told that the deceased was a mentally-ill person.

Later, when the deceased was lying down at the market area, the accused Mamuala went and attacked him, and Sodu also joined in the attack.

The deceased tried to defend himself from both men but was unfortunately not able to do because he was lying down.

He tried to sit up but then fell back and struggled to breathe and unfortunately died on the spot.

DPP appears for Crown and PSO appears for defence.

31 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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Chinese Scholarship recipients with SI Ambassador to China HE Barret Salato(left from front row)Minister of Education Hon Tozen Leokana, Charge d' Affaires Ding Yonghua.Photo supplied.

Chinese scholarship recipients set to commence studies

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Solomon Islands has hosted a farewell reception yesterday for the 2024/2025 Chinese Scholarship recipients.

The event marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey for 31 Solomon Islanders although three had already departed, leaving 28 presents at the reception.

The remaining recipients will soon travel to China to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs at various prestigious Chinese universities.

Their studies will span a diverse range of disciplines, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Medicine, Business, and Humanities.

During the reception, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Tozen Leokana thanked the PRC government.

“On behalf of the Government of National Unity and Transformation. I would like to thank you- Your excellency for facilitating the PRC Government funded scholarship program for Solomon Islands” Leokana said.

The Minister also called on them to be good ambassadors of their country. “I would like to advise the students to be good ambassadors of our country in the universities in China they will be studying at. It is my humble request that you should make use of the scholarship you are offered” he advised.  

The Minister continued “I would like to caution you that the university life in China is totally different. You will have to look after yourself. There will be no longer a teacher to monitor your daily attendance like what you have experienced during your secondary school days or when you were with your parents” 

Leokana further encouraged them to embrace the “China culture way of life” by respecting the laws and customs and learning from the experience. 

Charge d’Affaires Ding Yonghua also addressed the recipients, urging them to make the most of their time in China and to contribute positively to the Solomon Islands upon their return.

Since 2019, China has awarded scholarships to approximately 160 Solomon Islanders.

SECOND DEFEAT

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Action between New Zealand and Solomon Islands yesterday at the Friendship Hall.

…Solomon Islands Women’s Futsal Team Suffers Second Defeat in Nations Cup

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands women’s futsal team faced its second defeat in the inaugural Women’s Futsal Nations Cup, losing 4-0 to New Zealand at Friendship Hall in Honiara. Despite their best efforts, the team struggled against a well-organized and undefeated New Zealand side, which dominated the match from start to finish.

The tournament began on a challenging note for the Solomon Islands, as they opened their campaign with a loss to Tahiti. However, they showed resilience by bouncing back in their second match, securing a win against Tonga. The victory briefly lifted the team’s spirits, but their encounter with New Zealand proved to be a significant hurdle.

New Zealand quickly established their dominance, taking a 2-0 lead by halftime. The Solomon Islands team, although determined, found it difficult to break through New Zealand’s defense. In the second half, New Zealand added two more goals, solidifying their victory and continuing their winning streak in the tournament.

Arthur Barko, the Solomon Islands’ first national women’s futsal coach, expressed mixed emotions after the match. While acknowledging the defeat, he commended his team for their defensive improvements. “The girls showed a lot of heart and effort today against a very confident side,” Barko said. “Our defense was solid, but finishing remains a challenge. We had our chances, but we couldn’t convert them into goals.”

Barko emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and learning from each match. “Despite the loss, I’m proud of the progress the team has made,” he continued. “They stuck to our game plan, which focused on defense and taking advantage of scoring opportunities. We just need to work on our finishing.”

Looking ahead, the Solomon Islands team is gearing up for their final group match against Fiji. Barko described the upcoming match as crucial for the team’s chances of advancing to the finals. “Taking on Fiji will be another tough test for us,” he said. “We know they won’t be an easy opponent, but I’ve seen the team’s concentration level improve, and that’s a positive sign.”

Barko is optimistic about the team’s development, noting that the players are gradually gaining confidence with each game. “The girls are slowly getting more comfortable on the court, and that’s encouraging. We’ll stick to our game plan and make sure to capitalize on every opportunity to score. Winning the final group match is essential to keep our hopes alive for the finals.”

In addition to his focus on the team’s performance, Barko expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from local fans. He urged them to continue cheering for the team as they navigate the challenges of the tournament. “The support from the fans has been incredible,” Barko said. “This is the team’s first time competing in the tournament, and they need all the encouragement they can get. Let’s keep supporting them and helping them grow in futsal.”

The Solomon Islands will face Fiji tonight at 5:00 PM at Friendship Hall. A victory in this match is crucial for the team’s chances of advancing to the finals on Sunday.

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