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CHINA WANTS MORE

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Dragon’s Pub Murder Case Adjourned to August 19

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a police officer killed at the Dragons pub in the Kukum area has adjourned for August 19 for the two accused to plead.

Yesterday prosecution told court full disclosures have been served to defence lawyers for Paul Daoburi and James Solomon Kai.

Defence asked court for time to consult with their clients and to prepare them for arraignment.

Remand for the two accused was extended.

Prosecution charged Paul Daoburi, 35, and James Solomon Kai, 21 with murder.

Allegation said the deceased and his colleague, along with the colleague’s wife, went to the Dragon Pub on the night of May 16 for drinks.

Sometime between 12am and 1am an argument broke out between the deceased and a group of men, following an assault on the colleague’s wife in which a bottle was allegedly smashed on her head causing her to fall to the ground unconscious.

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

The deceased was later dragged out of the Pub by an off-duty security, accused Daoburi, where the deceased was attacked by a group of more than 10 men outside of the Pub.

The allegation further stated Daoburi joined in the attack, using a snooker cue stick with which he used to beat the deceased’s head multiple times.

The second accused Solomon Kai, with the nickname Solo, allegedly attacked the deceased using a bottle.

A policeman who arrived at the scene intervened and took the deceased to National Referral Hospital (NRH) where he was pronounced dead.

Irene Mae appears for the crown and PSO for Daoburi and HOF Law Chambers for Kai.

Strike out on Pele MP’s petition case to be heard Aug 27

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The petition case against MP for Temotu Pele, James Bonuga, returns August 27 for court to hear defence’s move to have it struck out.

The case was heard at the high court yesterday, and defence filed an application for court to strike out the petition on grounds that there is no sufficient evidence to prove the petition claims.

Schottler Kwaiga, the petitioner’s lawyer, told Island Sun outside court there are two grounds of corrupt and illegal practice of bribery which they filed against MP Bonuga.

Following the April 17 National General Election Bonuga unseated former MP Dubbley Kopu.

Petitioner Dubbley Kopu represented by L& L Lawyers and Francis Waleanisia represent by the respondent James Bonuga.

Strike out application for petition on NW Guale MP September 3

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The petition case against MP for Northwest Guadalcanal will return on September 3 for court to
hear the strike-out application by defence.
MP Francis Sade is facing a petition by the former MP, Bodo Dettke.
Defence told Island Sun outside court yesterday the two grounds for its strike-out application.
First is the petitioner Mr Dettke through his lawyer when they filed their petition, did not plead
properly the particulars of their petition, which makes the petition frivolous and vexatious.
Second is that there is no sufficient evidence presented in the petition to meet the standard of
proof.
Three allegations MP Sade are undue influence, bribery and interference with voters.
Two allegation grounds of bribery were been withdrawn by the petitioner’s lawyer himself.
Court directions for the petitioner to file an amended petition by close of business today,
August 13, and for defence to amend its application for a strike-out before August 23.
Hearing of the strike out will be done on September 3 before Judge Howard Lowry.
Sade is the former Guadalcanal Premier and following the April 17 National General Election
Sade unseated former MP Dettke.
Wilson Rano represents Francis Belande Sade and Gabriel Suri represents petitioner Bodo
Dettke.

CUCUMBER POLICY PENDING

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Sea cucumber. Photo supplied.

Sea cucumber policy soon to be implemented

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has developed a comprehensive sea cucumber fishery management policy to be implemented soon.

Minister Nestor Ghiro said during the three-day Melanesia Sea cucumber dialogue held in Honiara last week.

Ghiro said that the Government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has committed to the sustainable management of marine resources.

“Our sea cucumber fisheries, a valuable asset to our economy and marine biodiversity, have faced challenges due to overexploitation. Recognizing this, we have implemented several key initiatives to ensure their recovery and long-term sustainability,’’ said Minister Ghiro.

He said that one of the flagship programs has been the restocking of sea cucumbers which involves transferring hatchery-raised juvenile sea cucumbers to open reef systems.

He said that this program aims to replenish depleted wild stocks and provides valuable data for planning large-scale breeding and management efforts across the country.

“In addition to restocking, the Ministry has developed a comprehensive sea cucumber fishery management policy, set to be implemented soon. This policy is designed to address the current overexploitation by introducing measures such as controlled harvest seasons,’’ he said.

“We are also dedicated to enhancing our data collection and monitoring systems to inform better management decisions. The (MFMR) is actively engaging with local communities, stakeholders, and regional partners to ensure that our management practices are both effective and inclusive,’’ said Ghiro.

Minster Ghiro also highlighted the importance of the dialogue as an excellent opportunity to identify opportunities for policy development.

“By sharing data, information, and best practices, we can empower each other to manage sea cucumber fisheries at the community level effectively. I am told that a significant goal of this dialogue is to gather insights that will contribute to revising the MSG Roadmap for Sustainable Inshore Fisheries 2015-2024. This roadmap emphasizes the importance of sea cucumber management and restoration, aiming to maximize long-term economic value and ecological sustainability,’’ he said.

“The (MFMR) is proud to partner with the USAID OurFish OurFuture project and WWF. We recognize the investment made by the United States Government through activities such as this. Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for our sea cucumber fisheries and our communities,’’ he said.

The goal of the 3-day Melanesia Sea Cucumber Dialogue is to gather information, best practices and potential input to the review of the MSG Roadmap for sustainable inshore fisheries 2015-2024, which is supported by the USAID project.

The objective is to share successes and challenges in managing sea cucumbers in the Pacific region, identify opportunities to develop or expand on regional, national, and local policies, build a Community of Practice to share data, information, and best practices across countries and engaging stakeholders at local, national, and regional levels to identify solutions to improve and empower the management of sea cucumbers at the community scale.

Community governance regime program of MUP questioned

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Premier Stanley Siapu delivered his speech during the recent celebrations Makira /Ulawa province second appointed day.Photo supplied.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa province calls on the GNUT government to update the province on the Community Governance Regime, a program established by the Makira Ulawa province back in 2006.

The program came following a gap identified in the Provincial Government Act that there is a distance between the act and the traditional governance.

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Hon Stanley Siapu said in 2006, the then government saw a gap in governance linkage with the then Area Council abolished by the PGA 1997, leaving rural people distanced from government immediate attention and focus.

He said in 2006, the formation and introduction of a traditional governance the Community Governance Regime established in all the twenty (20) wards in Makira Ulawa province.

Siapu said it was endorsed by the ministry of provincial government and blessed by the national government by way of the presence of then prime minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare.

However, he said that to this day the national government is yet to support and resource the regime.

“If we care to refer to our national constitution, somewhere there, it provides for and recognizes traditional leadership in governance.

“Now, it is also within the scope of national intentions hence the establishment of the Ministry of Traditional Governance and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

“Somewhere there on the shelves, the Traditional Governance Bill is awaiting and I hope it-re table in Parliament.

“High on the agenda of our much-awaited federal state government, is a community government structure similar to what we have now.

“So, looking at the Kakamora perspective, I think we have not erred nor misled any one on all these doings.

“We can now ask ourselves “what have we achieved, accomplished in the last 41 years?” Siapu asked.

Siapu outlines some of the initiatives his gov’t is pursuing for MUP

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Premier of Makira Ulawa Province Stanley Siapu.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu led People’s Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) provincial government off Makira Ulawa province outlines some of the initiatives they will undertake for the progress of the province.

Speaking during the province’s 2nd Appointed Day celebration at Kirakira last week, he said his government is working on number of areas to achieve the development aspirations of the people and the province of Makira Ulawa province.

He said one area his government is working on is to re-establish the province’s 3rd tier governance system.

Siapu explained that this is the people’s government that will directly involve people’s participation in the province’s governance, let alone development aspirations.

He said MUPG only owned 2.2% of the provinces land mass, leaving 97.8% in customary ownership, and in a layman’s perspective, development initiatives and projects belongs to and own by the Makira Ulawa people.

Therefore, he said that central to any rural based development are the people and PACRA government to uphold the philosophy.

Siapu said the PACRA government also believe in trying other alternative ways to boost advancement and progress of the province.

He said with that the provincial executive will soon deliberate on sister -sister province relationship as an alternative way to encourage economic and social exchanges and involvement.

Siapu said his government believed in private sector to drive the provinces production sector and is committed to assist.

He said these areas include; fisheries, agriculture, livestock and tourism as the backbone of the province’s economy, sectoral policies and ordinances to support which will address later.

Siapu said that going forward for his government, the PACRA policy document is completed and ready for launching.

He said his executive is now working on aligning it policy with the national GNUT policy direction before they could do so.

Siapu on that appealed to MP Manele, who presented as guest of honour to the celebration for a courtesy call by his government to the national government.

He said this will include; ministers and their respective ministries, diplomatic offices and other appropriate partners and stakeholders hopefully straight after the celebration.

Siapu said high on the agenda will be a mutually agreed communique highlighting the immediate priority program and projects for Makira Ulawa province.

Managing sea cucumber needs collective action

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Deputy Chief of Party Senior Regional Fisheries Adviser, Robert Jimmy.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Sea cucumber is the second most important marine resource in the Pacific, especially for Melanesia said Robert Jimmy, Chief of Party for the OurFish OurFuture Project.

He said that while sea cucumber is a significant resource that supports livelihood across the Pacific it is also faced with a lot of challenges in effectively managing it.

“We feel that it is a complicated resource to manage, so I think approaching it from a sub-regional perspective, I think it is perhaps the way to go because sea cucumber resources feature very strongly under the current Melanesian Spearhead Group Indo-Fisheries Roadmap.

“The issue of compliance is another area that is of concern, and the different prices and how much each community and each country gets out of sea cucumber resources varies between the Melanesian countries.

“So, we are looking at a common approach to try and get that dialogue happening and get countries to start sharing information to collectively manage this resource,’’ Jimmy said in an interview during last week’s Melanesia Sea Cucumber Dialogue aimed to help guide the policy directions to better manage sea cucumbers in the Pacific Island countries.

He said that it also requires countries to consult with their governments to get political support.

“It is quite an area that covers a wide range of communities, involvement, and engagements, and an area that is also politically sensitive. Because we feel, at the end of the day, that the communities need to get a better benefit out of the resource,’’ he said.

“In terms of moving forward with any incentive, there is a need for political will, and that political will need to be driven by each of the countries, for the technical people to voice that, to take those mechanisms through the national mechanisms, so that at the end of the day it can help provide regional guidance to regional institutions that would help provide technical support to the countries.

“We have the population, we have the resources, it is the Pacific’s most diverse region, and looking at the way forward for Sea cucumber, we need to address it on a sub-regional level, so that we can perhaps share information and share approaches into how best we could better safeguard these resources for the benefit of our communities,’’ said the chief.

Hongsun Christian School celebrates inaugural cultural day

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Students from Isabel province showcasing their culture

BY NED GAGAHE

Hongsun Christian School, Koloale, marked a significant milestone in its history by hosting its inaugural Cultural Day.

The event, held on Friday 9th August, 2024, was an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to celebrate and appreciate the diverse cultures that enrich the school community.

Speaking at the event, David Leong, one of the School Directors, emphasized the importance of Cultural Day as a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of cultures within the school.

“On behalf of Hongsun School and its management, principal, teachers, and dear parents, today we gather here to celebrate the rich cultural mosaic that defines our community,” said Leong.

“Cultural Day is not just about celebrating our diverse traditions; it’s an opportunity for us to learn from one another, appreciate our differences, and strengthen our bonds.”

Leong highlighted that each culture brings unique stories, customs, and values, which shape our perspectives and experiences.

“Each culture has its own unique stories, customs and values. These element shapes who we are and how view the world.

He encouraged participants to engage with the various cultural activities offered.

“Today, we have the chance to explore various cultures through food, dances, music and arts. Let us remember that our differences are not the barrier but a bridge that connects us and enriches our lives.” he noted.

School Principal Lucy Tanasimae also spoke about the significance of the event. Reflecting on the students’ educational journey, she emphasized the importance of understanding their cultural origins.

“Today’s event aims to instill a deep sense of pride in our students about their cultural heritage,” Tanasimae explained.

“While many of our students may have grown up in urban centers, it’s crucial to remember our diverse provincial and island backgrounds. Understanding their cultural background is vital for their growth and identity.” She said.

Tanasimae stated that Cultural Day would become an annual tradition, building on the success of the inaugural event.

“This is our first cultural day, and I hope it becomes a significant annual tradition. We plan to build on the success of today’s event and make next year’s celebration even better.” She said.

She extended her gratitude to the parents for their support and involvement, which contributed to the day’s success.

“The positive turnout from parents, teachers, and the entire school community has been incredibly encouraging. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the parents for their tremendous support in preparing for this event.

“Thank you all for making today such a success. I look forward to celebrating our cultural heritage with you again next year.” She said.

Hongsun Christian School, established in 2016 under the Living Word Education Authority.

The school was founded by David Leong and Peter Chao, currently enrolls 732 students from Early Childhood Education to Grade 6.

The school features five streams in Early Childhood Education and double streams for Prep through Grade 6.

The inaugural Cultural Day was met with enthusiastic participation from the entire school community, promising a strong foundation for future celebrations of cultural diversity.

The event featured participation from all the nine provinces.

Malaita province was represented by six groups within the province.

Playing guitar, more than just a talent

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    Jimmy Nicklam doing what he loves. Photo supplied.

    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

    Jimmy Nicklam Iro started learning to play guitar when he was only five, taking inspiration from influential music figures like Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Tupac, Elvis Presley, Eddie Van Halen, Marty Friedman and many more.

    “I am motivated to play guitar by my deep love for music and the emotional bond it creates,’’ said Iro from Malaita province.

    Guitar has been a basic part of his life since he was young, starting from the homemade guitar his parents crafted for him at the age of three to the first actual guitar gifted to him by her Aunt Rose.

    “Mastering various genres and expressing my emotions through music has been incredibly fulfilling. Even when I practiced without any amplification or effects, the desire to create music that connects with others motivated me to keep going,’’ explained Iro.

    The 28-years guitarist, stepped in as a session guitarist for the Plug 19 band, filling the role of the band’s original guitarist, Abel Niumaoma, who left to pursue his studies in Papua New Guinea.

    This year, 2024, Iro had the opportunity to perform twice in Vanuatu for the Galaxy FC 10th anniversary alongside top international and Solomon Islands artists such as Jaro Local, Jah Boy, De Van De, and Ismuki.

    His second tour took him to Santo Island, where he performed during the Vanuatu Independence Day celebrations, to help bring people together and support children and those in hospitals.

    Iro gained significant experience by performing and collaborating with local bands such as Plug 19, Unik7, Jambuckz, and The Colleaguez and participating in major music events, including the Bonfire Festival and the Pacific Games 2023 Closing Ceremony.

    “I also contributed guitar work for renowned artists like Young Davie, featuring Vanessa Quai on “Baby Dada,” and several of Davie’s other tracks. My work extends to Ramo’s songs, including “No Sign,” and collaborations with artists like Kayler, Wendy Tia Kealau, and Jammin on songs like “Pretend No More,’’ he said.

    Iro also provided guitar work for SDA gospel artists, collaborating with Solomon Maneoru as a producer.

    “My contributions include working with upcoming artists like SAH and Jammin on tracks like “Mangoku,” and collaborating with Jefina Waleka and on my father’s gospel songs, as well as other Christian musicians in the country,’’ said Iro who has been playing the guitar for nearly 28 years.

    According to Iro, in their family of six, one of his brothers namely Maclean is also a highly skilled guitarist.

    “As a professional guitarist, my music goals include, mastering techniques, songwriting, composing, performing live, recording, expanding knowledge about different genres, and styles, building a Brand, and Networking and connecting with other musicians, industry professionals, and fans to create opportunities and grow professionally,’’ he said.

    “Here’s some advice for upcoming guitar players, practice regularly, consistency is key. Learn Music theory, explore different genres, play with others, record yourself, stay Inspired, take care of your gear, be patient and persistent, seek feedback, and have fun, remember to enjoy the process and have fun with your music. Passion and enjoyment will drive you to keep improving,’’ Iro said.

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