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NPOA envisions the need to protect marine turtle

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Hawksbill turtles

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles 2023-2027 envisions the need to protect, manage, and sustainably utilize marine turtles in the Solomon Islands.

Revived from the National Marine Turtle Strategic Action Plan (MTSAP) 2008-2012, demonstrates the government’s commitment to meet regional and international duty under relevant pacts relating to the conservation of Marine Turtles.

“The work started in 2021-2023. We thank the WCS for leading the review and giving feedback to the Solomon Islands Turtle Technical working committee, which comprises of National Government, conservation organizations, marine turtle experts, scientists from international and local NGOs, and community-based organizations,’’ said Valentine Hubert.

The Fisheries Principal Officer said that the NPOA has called for continuing efforts to enhance the building capacity within MRMR and MECDM to deliver and implement the visions and goals of the five-year action plan.

He said that the vision of the plan is for a healthy and viable marine turtle population that continues to provide ecological, social-cultural, and economic benefits for the Solomon Islands, the region now and into the future.

“The goal is to ensure steady recovery and maintenance of marine turtle populations through appropriate management and conservation measures for their ecological services and socio-cultural and economic values for the Solomon Islands and the region,’’ said Hubert.

Mr Hubert however Solomon Islands is a party to some international agreements and legislation dose provided, there have been some challenges that pose threats to marine turtles in the Solomon Islands.

“This includes fisheries by-catch, community consumption, wildlife trade, climate change, predation, plastic pollution, ghost nets, unsustainable coastal development, and many more,’’ said Mr Hubert.

He further said that in pursuit of the collective commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of marine turtles, the turtle working committee has developed themes and objectives to guide the NPOA.

According to Mr Hubert, themes include; legislation & enforcement, education and awareness, research & monitoring, capacity building, national turtle database, sustainable financing, and collaboration and partnership.

Minister Wasi urges strong collaboration for sustainable agriculture development

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Franklyn Derek Wasi, Honourable Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

BY NED GAGAHE

Franklyn Derek Wasi Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has urged attendees during the one-day Solomon Islands Country Investment Roundtable to build strong partnerships to empowers farmers and drives sustainable agricultural development.

In his keynote remarks at the forum Minister Wasi said the roundtable presents an invaluable opportunity for partners and stakeholders to discuss, strategize, and implement initiatives that will enhance our agricultural sector’s resilience, productivity, and contribution to our national economy.

Held at the King Solomon Hotel yesterday, the forum is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA).

The roundtable aimed to address the critical issues related to rural and agricultural finance in the Island country and to harness the potentials in developing sustainable agribusiness through enhanced financial inclusion and economic development of all actors in the agricultural value chains.

“As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to build strong partnerships between the government, financial institutions, and the private sector. Together, we can create a supportive ecosystem that empowers our farmers and drives sustainable agricultural development.

“I urge all stakeholders to collaborate and harness the synergies presented at this roundtable. Let us leverage our collective expertise, resources, and commitment to drive transformative change in our agricultural sector. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous future for the Solomon Islands.

In conclusion Minister Wasi said, “I would like to express my gratitude to FAO-RAP and APRACA for organizing this pivotal event.

“I am confident that our discussions today will pave the way for meaningful investments and sustainable development in our agricultural sector.” Minister Wasi said.

Solomon, nesting site for turtle

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Hawksbill turtles

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands is considered one of the main nesting sites for Marine Turtles in the western Pacific Ocean according to the recently launched National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles (NPOA) 2023 -2027.

Based on the NPOA, whilst young leatherbacks have not been recorded in the Solomon Islands, adult females do nest on a number of beaches throughout the country.

While islands such as Isabel and Rendova are likely to have the most nesting females, all sites are worthy of protection given the critically endangered status of this species.

According to the recently launched document, Rendova and Isabel Island host the greatest number of nesting leatherbacks.

From 2019 to 2021 an average of 165 nests were recorded on Rendova and Isabel, the most productive beaches, Haveo and Sasakalo recorded 97 and 80 nests respectively from 2020 to 2021.

According to Hamilton et al. 2021, as quoted in the NPOA document, Arnavon Island is the most important site for hawksbill turtles although found to nest or forge in several sites in the country.

Olive ridleys have been recorded on Guadalcanal, Wagina, and Makira and hatching was also observed by the Wai-Hau Ranger in Malaita province, however, the number remains unknown given the rareness of observation.

Amongst the five Marine Turtle species recorded in the Solomon Islands are Loggerhead turtle and green turtle.

According to NPOA 2023-2027, most of the marine turtle species is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red list and listed in Appendix I of the CITES convention.

Two charged with housebreaking, 1 denies, the other yet to take plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against two people charged with housebreaking and felony was mentioned in court yesterday before Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari.

Prosecution informed court the accused Ron Mewa is in remand and his co-accused Junior Jack Haikiu is on bail.

Mewa pleaded not guilty.

Haikiu did not appear in court and court instructed prosection to prepare a summon for him.

Lautalo sought 14 days adjournment for Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC) for Mewa and time for Haikiu to be summoned.

Court adjourned for August 2 for mention.

Prosecution alleged on April 29, 2024 at Tasahe B, the complainant left his house under the care of his neighbour.

When the complainant returned the neighbor informed him about somebody had broken into his house.

Valuable properties stolen include a TV Screen 50 inches Samsung brand with remote that cost $14,000.00 SBD, 35 set of smart phones OPPO brand that cost $35,000, 100 Mobile phone chargers that cost $2,000 and box air pods that cost $5,000 SBD.

The two accused took part in a recorded interview at White River where both admitted that they entered the dwelling house of the victim and removed his properties.

Herrick Lautalo of ODPP act for crown and Ben Alasia of PSO act for Ron Mewa.

Man convicted for arson

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man has been found guilty of burning a dwelling house in the Foxwood area, east of Honiara.

Court convicted Jade Kekea for setting fire to his grandfather’s house at Betinivua Settlement, Foxwood, Guadalcanal, yesterday in magistrate court before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge of arson and a trial was conducted before Iomea.

Prosecution called three police constable officers and the daughter of the complainant as the witnesses. Crown also tended exhibits of the complainant and others.

After prosecution closed the crown case Kekea through his lawyer opted to remain silent.

Yesterday DCM Iomea delivered the court judgement stating that court satisfied with the evidence produced in court and the burden of proof or the standard of proof prosecution proof it beyond reasonable doubt.

Court suspended the matter for July 26 for sentencing submission by counsels. Court also extended Kekea’s bail.

The agreed facts court heard is Kekea is the grandson of the complainant.

Kekea’s parents got separated and the complainant and his wife took Jade and looked after him when he was about two years old.

Prior to December 26, 2021 there was three houses at the Betinivua Settlement.

On December 26 2021, Kekea willfully set fire to a house at Betinivua settlement, Foxwood. The house was built by the complainant in 1989 purposely as a canteen.

The house was a semi-permanent house and was completely burned to the ground by Kekea.

The house was occupied by the children of the complainant’s daughter. Two of her children would sleep in the house almost every night in the years prior to the burning. Their mother lives in town and would visit them sometimes.

Kekea did not live at the house that was burnt. He lived with the complainant and his wife at a different house.

Kekea was interviewed by Henderson police on May 17, 2022 and said he had his reasons why he did it.

Fransica Luza act for crown and Emy Rusi act for Kekea.

HUMANS THREATEN GARDENS

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Humans-biggest threat to botanical garden

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

While efforts have been ongoing to protect and serve guard the Botanical Garden people have been the biggest threat to the important site.

“The Botanical Garden is currently the largest green space within Honiara. It acts as an oxygen House for Honiara itself with the ecological role that connects to resilience to climate-related issues, thus, we have to protect the natural happening there for the interaction with flora,’’ Myknee Sirikolo.

The Director of the National Herbarium Botanical Garden told Island Sun that their role at the National Herbarium involved documenting and taxonomic of the plant species, crucial for the benefit of the country and Honiara itself.

He said that the Botanical Garden also has a nursery of plants which is usually used to supply tree planting projects for Honiara which often helps improve landscaping and improve Honiara’s resilient city.

“Our role at the National Herbarium involved documenting the type of plant and tree species we have in the country to develop its potential usages. We describe and give names to the list of plants or trees based on the different languages of our islands,’’ said Sirikolo.

“We deal with plant species classification to give their scientific names and identify different species of trees. So, our main role is to document different names, usage, where the plants grow, how they are processed for food, building material, medicine, and many more usages.  We collect the specimens and store them,’’ he said.

“Currently we have more than 50,000 specimens of leaves, fruits, park, and parts of different trees and plants at the National Herbarium Botanical Garden. We store that information and share to the general public and students who are conducting their researches,’’ said Sirikolo from Choiseul province.

Mr. Sirikolo who has been taking the leadership role as Director for almost 36 years revealed that one of the services that was also provided by National Herbarium is verification and confirmation.

“For example, in any case, for plant certification it has to come to us. For instance, in all police cases regarding marijuana, especially since marijuana is one of the illegal drugs in the country, we assist police, we report to confirm before going to court for prosecution,’’ said Mr Sirikolo.

He stated that the Botanical Garden is a public space but for quite a while people have shown no respect and appreciation it.

“But we are trying our best to provide facilities putting in endemic or rare plant species to grow because we have a collection of living plants at the botanical garden. So, at the National Herbarium, we have dried plant species to do botanical scientific studies to develop potential products we have in the country.

“However, with encroachments, people trespassing, building of houses, gardens, managing of the area is quite challenging. I want to appeal to the general public to understand the role and importance of botanical gardens and respect it,’’ said the Director.

Vokia trial adjourns July 24

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The trial involving the member of parliament for Northeast Guadalcanal Jamie Lency Vokia has adjourned for July 24.

The defendants in the case include Ethel Claudia Lency Vokia, Jamie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Polycarp and Beason Moses.

Presiding Chief Magistrate Emma Garo was sick and thus suspended the trial to continue Wednesday next week for continuation of cross-examination of Dr Derek Sikua the complainant in this case.

Bail was extended for all five defendants.

The prosecution charged all five defendants with conspiracy to defeat justice and interference with the witness contrary to section 116 (b) of the Penal Code to be read with section 21 (a) and (c) of the Penal Code (Cap 26).

Prosecution alleged Mr. Jaimmie Lency Vokia, directed his agents to bring Hilda Vuturua from her home village to testify on his behalf in the election petition case filed against him by Dr. Sikua.

When Hilda Vuturua decided to tell the truth after witnessing her son, Walter Sale give evidence in court, that she saw Mrs. Ethel Vokia gave money an amount of $250 to her grandson Basil Dii to induce him into voting for her husband, Mr. Vokia. That was when the defendants Mrs. Vokia along with defendant Tala, Peresini and Moses interfered and prevent Ms. Vuturua from going to court.

Prosecution further stated that the defendants took Vuturua to lawyer office to make a new sworn statement, stating that she could not attend court because she was sick and did not want to testify against her son Basil in court.

Furthermore, to support the claim prosecution further alleged that they took Vuturua to Medical Centre where they obtained a medical report to support their claim that Vuturua was too ill to testify in court.

Sabrina Habu from Public Prosecution Office appears for crown and Wilson Rano of Rano & Company act for all accused.

2021 riot case mentioned in court

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a man charged with unlawful assembly and sedition in relation to the November 2021 riots will return to court on July 25.

Yesterday prosecution informed court that this was the first mention of the case after police arrested Joe Lefoto’o and remanded him in custody for absconding.

Prosecution further stated that Lefoto’o was arrested by Auki police and transferred to Honiara magistrate court on the previous hearing.

Prosecution at that time then filed a remand application in court telling the court that accused Lefoto’o was abscond morning of his trial which are to be conducted in magistrate court. And so, court ruled in favor of the crown application and remanded the accused Lefoto’o in custody.

Defence told court she is intending to file a proposal to the crown so she sought a seven-day adjournment to file her proposal application. Lefoto’o’s remand warrant was extended.

Lefoto’o, 38, is charged with one count of unlawful assembly and one count of sedition.

Prosecution alleged on November 24, 2021, Lefoto’o travelled in Auki Express from Auki to Honiara.

Upon his arrival at Honiara Ports Authority, he led a group of people along with his co-accused John Maga, unlawfully to protest at the National Parliament of Solomon Islands raising discontent among Solomon Islanders about the former Prime Minister.

Fransica Luza appears for the crown and Emy Rusi act for Lefoto’o.

MSG SPEAKS OUT

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MSG condemns unrest in New Caledonia

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has condemned France for its handling of the UN-mandated decolonisation of New Caledonia.

New Caledonia is crippled by deadly violence which have been going on for more than two months.

The MSG statement was made on Wednesday, July 17 at the sidelines of the current Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Japan, and is dubbed the Tokyo Statement.

Solomon Islands along with Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), the body which represents the indigenous Kanaks of New Caledonia, joined voices to condemn and raise concerns on the unrest in New Caledonia.

Protests and riots have been going on in New Caledonia since May 13 this year. So far 10 people have died and damages have reportedly climbed to nearly USD2 billion. France has deployed its military to the Pacific island territory.

The violence was sparked by France’s move to unfreeze New Caledonia’s electoral roll and weaken the Kanaky indigenous votes.

MSG’s Tokyo statement calls on France to allow for the return to the decolonisation process and for more dialogue towards this end.

“We regret the recent events in New Caledonia after the passing by the French National Assembly of the Constitutional Bill on 13 May 2024, seeking to “unfreeze” the electoral roll for the provincial elections in New Caledonia, which precipitated the carnage that followed.

“We condemn the destruction of property and the unnecessary loss of lives that has effectively caused untold damage to the economy and extreme suffering for the people of New Caledonia.

“We are concerned that certain members of the Cell for Coordinating Field Action (CCAT) have been arrested and deported to France to face trial in a different endroit where the alleged offenses were committed, and we are of the strong view that this is not helpful, to create a harmonious and peaceful environment in New Caledonia.

“We are also strongly opposed to the apparent militarisation of New Caledonia since 13 May 2024, which has the potential to undermine the peaceful resolution to the situation in New Caledonia,” the Tokyo statement said.

“We note, with deep regret, that the voices and concerns of the indigenous people Kanaky, particularly relating to the forceful and unilateral decision by the French State to hold the third Self-Determination Referendum amidst the unprecedented challenges imposed on the indigenous peoples by COVID-19, restriction to movement of people, lack of clarity on election timelines, the difficulties in organizing campaigns and customary mourning rituals, and in spite of collective calls to defer the Referendum until after the 2022 French Presidential Elections.

“We reaffirm our strong opposition, as echoed in our 22nd MSG Leaders’ Summit Communique of August 2023, to the way the third self-determination Referendum was conducted, where less than 50% (only 43%) of the voting population participated and where traditional obligations and Kanak customs relating to COVID 19 deaths were completely ignored.

“We are of the strong view that the conduct was not in accordance with the UN principles allowing a fair and unfettered process to be expressed by the indigenous peoples concerned, in particular, the obligation of the Administering Power to give “due respect for the culture of the peoples concerned” during COVID 19, and therefore regard the conduct and the result as illegitimate and null and void.

“We call for a new and fair self-determination referendum to be conducted with technical preparatory supervision by UN experts and observation missions for the actual independence referendum to determine the political future of New Caledonia.”

On the post-third referendum negotiations on future political status of Kanaky New Caledonia, the MSG said:

“Aware that the Noumea Accord envisaged negotiations to be held between the Noumea Accord Signatories after the third self-determination Referendum, we call for the speedy resumption of these talks and urge the French State and its instrumentalities of Government to be impartial and honest brokers as was demonstrated in the negotiations and conclusion of the Noumea Accords.

“We strongly believe that the lasting peace we are all seeking can only be guaranteed over time by efforts on both sides to propose political solutions that respond to the legitimate aspirations of the colonized indigenous people of Kanaky-New Caledonia as part of the decolonization process that has been underway since the Nouméa Accords.

“We are pleased to note that the French State and the signatories to the Nouméa Accord have proven that goodwill and magnanimity are possible in our search for a win-win situation in New Caledonia, as witnessed by the 26 years of peace that have prevailed since the signing of the Nouméa Accord in 1998; and we call for a return to the spirit of the Nouméa Accord which recognizes the rights of the indigenous people of Kanaky-New Caledonia.

“We call on the French authorities to urgently make the announcement on the resumption of talks, convinced that this announcement will help create an environment conducive to the continuation of negotiations for a new political solution or agreement for the future of New Caledonia, which remains within the decolonization process envisaged in the Nouméa Accord.”

On 13 May 2024 protests and riots broke out in Noumea following a controversial voting reform aiming to change existing conditions that prevent up to one-fifth of the population from voting in provincial election.

In 1998 what is known as the Nouméa Accord was signed allowing New Caledonia to hold three referendums to decide on the future status of the territory, whether for New Caledonia to be independent from France or to remain under France.

As part of the Nouméa Accord of 1998, the population of New Caledonia continued to vote in national elections—for the French president and National Assembly—but the number of people who could vote in provincial elections and independence referendums was restricted.

This so-called “frozen electorate” consists only of those who were already living in New Caledonia in 1998 as well as their children, provided they maintained uninterrupted residence for ten years before each election.

This deprived later immigrants, whether European or Polynesian, of voting rights.

The FLNKS officially joined the MSG in 1989.

Thirty-nine percent of New Caledonia’s population is made up of

Kanaks make up 39 percent of New Caledonia’s population, and Europeans at 27 percent, most of whom were born in New Caledonia.

The rest of the population prefer to be identified as ‘Caledonian’ and are either migrants from other Pacific countries or are of mixed heritage.

“Go with a goal in mind”: Kerrie

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Miss Tourism Kerrie Faradatolo.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

As the countdown begins to the highly anticipated Miss Solomon Islands Pageant (MSIP) next month, one young woman is not only embracing the glamour and dazzle on stage but also seizing the opportunity to advocate for tourism and education.

Meet 25 year-old Kerrie Faradatolo from Malaita Province, a contestant of the 2024 MSIP and inspired to be raising her voice for a good cause.

“Growing up, I’ve always seen pageants happen. I saw it as a great platform for women and girls to advocate for particular issues that are affecting them directly or that are affecting people and society” Kerrie shared.

So when the opportunity came up, she did not let it slip “When I saw the ad on the last week before the closing of application, I had a chat with my coworkers and then I put in an application on the very last day and got in” Kerrie said.

Describing herself as “reserved”, Kerrie’s acceptance surprised her family but garnered support. “They are supportive and I’ve got a good team in the background cheering me on so I am excited for the journey” she said. 

Entering the pageant as Miss Tourism, she has set an ambitious goal, to promote the country’s tourism sector.

“We have a very vibrant tourism destination here but we need the support, we need the exposure. We need people to see how beautiful the Islands are and what we can offer and share with them” Kerrie emphasized.  

Beyond her advocacy for tourism, she is equipped with a Bachelor of Laws, Professional Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the University of the South Pacific(USP). Kerrie is also passionate about advocating for the introduction of legal education into the current education system.

“Teach them young, set them on the straight road, get them to have an understanding and knowledge that there are laws we have in society, and it is backed by teaching from home” she emphasized.

“It goes hand in hand, home teaching, education and respect of the law” she added.

The road to the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant (MSIP) is undeniably intense, with all six contestants engaged in meticulous planning, and relentless preparation.

For Kerrie, who works as a senior legislative drafting counsel at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, striking a balance is key.

“I’m currently working so I have to find time to balance the priorities at work first, home and also the pageant events” she said.

But she remained optimistic “But I have a supportive team both at work, home and with my sponsors so we are pushing forward and we are going strong, I would say”

With only a month left to the grand event, in which the best will be selected to represent Solomon Islands in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant to be held in Honiara on February 2024, Kerrie wants to be an inspiration to other younger women.

“Maintain your confidence, maintain your composure and go with a goal in mind. It is not about the pretty dresses or the makeup. It’s about achieving something and making something better for everyone” Kerrie added.

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