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‘ROAD SAFETY NEEDED’

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SINU student association makes call after female student dies, hit by vehicle at highway road crossing

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA) is calling for an increase in road safety measures.

This follows the tragic incident on Monday, where a young DFL student was struck by a truck at the SINU Panatina Campus highway road crossing (also known as the zebra crossing).

SINUSA President Ray William Ereoli said this heartbreaking event has left the university community in shock and mourning.

In a statement, Mr Ereoli extended condolences to the family and friends of the victim, emphasising the need for action to prevent future tragedies.

He urged the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) to implement comprehensive training for drivers, highlighting the critical importance of road safety.

Ereoli reflected on the daily risks faced by pedestrians, urging drivers to exercise caution, especially near crossings.

“We urge all drivers to slow down and remain vigilant, as lives depend on it,” he said.

Ereoli said the tragic incident not only underscores the dangers present on the roads but also serves as a call to action for safer driving practices.

He said SINU as a community honours the memory of their fellow student and are committed to promoting awareness and ensuring that their campuses become a safe environment for everyone.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We stand united in our grief and commitment to improving safety for all,” Ereoli said.

Kenilorea raises concerns over media MOUs with China

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Peter Kenilorea Jnr.

BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament for East Areare, Peter Kenilorea Jr, has expressed concerns about the two media cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the Solomon Islands Government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s official visit in July this year.

MP Peter Kenilorea Jr, who is also the Leader of the Independent Group, expressed his concerns in Parliament last week after it was disclosed that the Government signed 13 MOUs during the trip.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Peter Shanel Agovaka revealed that the Government had signed two MOUs on media cooperation with PRC.

One MOU is between Xinhua News of China and the Government Communication Unit, which aims to establish a framework for collaboration in news and information.

The second MOU is with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and involves cooperation with China Media Group, facilitating content exchange, co-productions, internships, training, and technological collaboration.

Minister Agovaka emphasized that these agreements will enhance media relations between China and Solomon Islands.

However, the Leader of the Independent Group stated that while Solomon Islands is ranked relatively high in media freedom, he said it is crucial to examine the implications of these MOUs.

He mentioned that Solomon Islands holds a higher ranking than the PRC and is even ahead of Fiji.

The Leader of the Independent Group also disclosed that China is ranked second to last, just above North Korea.

“What insights can we gain from a country that operates with significantly less transparency and openness? Xinhua News, being a state-controlled media outlet, raises questions about its role in shaping narratives.

“How can we truly benefit from this partnership, considering the differences in media freedoms and practices?

“It’s important to assess whether these agreements will enhance our media landscape or limit our independence in reporting.” MP Peter Kenilorea Jnr said.

In response to the concerns raised by the Leader of the Independent Group, Minister Agovaka stated, “These agreements in more broad sense facilitate cooperation between the two governments, enabling Xinhua News and the Government Communication Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office to engage in mutually beneficial collaboration in the areas of news and information.”

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of media cooperation, noting that while ‘we’ respect media freedom, we acknowledge the challenges faced by various countries, including the PRC.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the exchanges will primarily target improvements in media technology.

 “This is a field where we are somewhat behind, and it will be a focal point of our efforts under these agreements.” Prime Minister Manele said.

SIPPA reopens after closed by fraudulent activities at top level

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Plan Parenthood (SIPPA) has restarted operations following a temporary closure in July due to alleged fraudulent activities at its top management level.

Relevant sources told this paper that SIPPA resumed normal operation on August 7, 2024, after being inactive for three weeks in July.

The sources who remain anonymous claimed that the alleged fraudulent actions had disrupted the organization’s regular operations.

“From what I understand, both the Director and the financial controller are involved in misconduct of the organization’s funds,” one informer stated.

 “The diversion and depletion of funds have adversely impacted employee salaries, leading to instances of partial payments or, at times, no payments at all. Additionally, many of the organization’s initiatives, including community outreach and awareness programs, have been hindered due to financial constraints,” the insider said.

“Sometimes I was told to write a report, but what report can I produce when I haven’t rolled out my program to show it in the report? So, it’s something I have experienced for quite some time and it affects my work as someone responsible for outreach programs,’’ said the informer.

One insider who wishes to remain anonymous also said that the two positions were recently advertised for new candidates.

“Candidates for the Finance post contacted their interviews last week. For the Directors post, it has been advertised but there were no interviews contacted yet,’’ the insider told the paper.

The source said that the organization’s inability to organize some of its outdoor programs was an ongoing issue but has come to an end after the matter was reported this year.

“We have experienced a shortage of money for a long time. It hasn’t started this year 2024. The matter was brought to light after we had our new Program coordinator. This is how the issue was reported for investigation.

“Right now, we are operating with little amount of funds from donors. However, since they are aware of the issue, they don’t want to give funds to the organization. Moreover, the organization is offering clinical work, not outreach programs anymore since there is no money to facilitate the activities. So SIPPA only operated clinical work, and many programs have been not yet rolled out and now the year near ends,’’ the source said.

“Consequently, the Board has opted to terminate both the Director and the financial controller in light of these claims and advertised the two vacant posts,” the source added.

Ruling on MP Kuma’s strike-out application Oct 6

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

MP for Northwest Choiseul Harry Kuma will know on October 6 whether the petition against him will proceed to trial or not.

The hearing of Kuma’s application to strike out the petition was done on Friday last week.

Grounds for the strike-out application include – claim that the petition is frivolous and vexatious, no sufficient grounds at law, abuse of court process and no reasonable cause of action known to law.

These are the four grounds which Kuma’s lawyer made in application to strike out the petition.

The petitioner Alick Flemming Pukakoqoro formally withdraw three grounds of bribery and one ground of accepting campaign donations which were initially alleged against Kuma, leaving only three grounds of bribery.

Whilst for the second and third respondent (the Electoral Officers) the petitioner alleged three grounds of electoral offences against them.

Lily Ramo represents Mr Pukakoqoro, Walter Rotumana represents the first respondent Kuma and Attorney General’s Chamber represents the 2nd and 3rd respondents (the Electoral Officers).

2022 Kukum murder case suspended for Oct 1

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of man found guilty of the murder of a 15-year-old male at Kukum, Honiara in 2022 has been adjourned for October 1.

It was heard in court last week and was adjourned to allow counsels to decide on their submissions on the minimum term for parole.

The accused Michael Tate pleaded not guilty to murder and a trial was conducted in the High court before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Jnr.

Prosecution called eight witnesses at the trial while Tate chose to remain silent and his defence lawyer did not call any witness.

After the trial, court found Tate guilty of murder.

Court heard on August 7, 2022 at Kukum, Tate beat the deceased with a branch from a fallen raintree.

This occurred after the victim and another boy allegedly stole a bag from a car parked in front of a shop at Kukum.

Tate used the branch of the fallen raintree and struck the deceased with it, landing on his head, shoulder, ribs, back and legs.

After Tate beat the deceased, the deceased escaped towards Mbua Valley School and went through Ports housing area before he collapsed on the main road towards Mbua Valley.

The deceased was rushed to the National Referral Hospital by police officers and pronounced dead the next day.

L & L Lawyers represent accused Tate and the Office of Public Prosecution represent the crown.

Sogavare’s petition case returns to court Sept 26

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The election petition case for MP for East Choiseul Manasseh Sogavare will be heard at the High Court on Thursday this week.

In the previous hearing on September 11 lawyer for Sogavare, Jillian Soaika told Island Sun that the mention was to determine whether to set a hearing date for the respondent’s application to strike out or to set directions for the respondent to file his defence.

However, the matter was returned to the High Court Registrar for reallocation of the new judge.

The matter has now been reallocated to CJ Sir Albert Palmer.

The petitioner David Qurusu and his lawyer filed on May 29 this year six allegations of election bribery against the respondent Sogavare.

Five of the allegations are claimed to have been committed by the respondent through his purported agents, while one alleged to have been made by the Respondent himself.

On July 29 the respondent through his lawyer, filed an application to strike out the petition on the basis that it is frivolous and vexatious and that the alleged grounds are insufficient to amount to election bribery.

Later on August 27, the respondent filed an amended application to strike out, adding non- compliance with court orders as an additional ground for the strike out, since court directions were not complied with the petitioner.

L& L Lawyers represents the petitioner David Qurusu and Jillian Soaika from Rano & Company represents Sogavare.

POLITICAL CHANGE LOOMS

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Western province government shaken by resignation of deputy premier, caucus chair with reports of more to follow

BY MORRIS NAFU

A motion of no-confidence is reportedly looming over the Western province government.

The government is said to be on shaky grounds after yesterday’s resignation of the deputy premier and caucus chairman, it is reported.

Four more from the Executive will follow suit this week, it is reported.

Deputy Premier Carlrick Runimetu and Chairman of Caucus Freedom Tozaka reportedly left due to alleged incompetence and poor performance by Premier Billy Veo and his executive.

“Amongst other issues raised, the Policies of ACAREA Government cannot be implemented due to the Executive Ministers not effectively executing their role in the highest office, hence not taking their role seriously as responsible Ministers,” a statement from the non-executive last night said.

“Also the Deputy Premier and Chairman of Caucus find it quite difficult to work with the ACAREA Government Executive, thus plans are ignored and are not effectively carried out as expected, and no proper coordination within the top ranks of the Province.

“Furthermore, ACAREA Ministers are not serious in their roles, hence their contributions in discussions does not reflect their positions as Ministers in the Executive Government.”

Since forming the ACAREA Government, Premier Billy Veo and his Executive have been inactive towards the development aspiration in terms of moving the Province forward, yet spending so much money on unproductive undertakings which are not align with the policies, the statement adds.

Premier Veo did not respond when sought for comment before this paper went to press last night.

Western province is the second largest economy in the country after Honiara.

The move will be seen as a reawakening call for a change of leadership within the second most developed province in the country.

New laboratory for Lata Hospital

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A new state-of-the-art laboratory was handed over to Lata Hospital last month.

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy told Senior members of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services last week.

Speaking at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Headquarters on Thursday Conroy said that handing over was witnessed by the Health Minister and Australian High Commissioner.

“Last month, Minister Paul Popora Bosawai and High Commissioner Hilton travelled together to Temotu province, to hand over a new state-of-the-art bimolecular laboratory for Lata Hospital,’’ said Conroy.

He said that this laboratory is one of three that Australia built across the Solomon Islands and already provided on-site pathology results, helping doctors to make faster and more accurate medical diagnoses and treatment in health outcomes.

“We’re trying to achieve a highly skilled lab technician and ensure the lab continues to serve the community for years to come,’’ he told Solomon Islands Senior health officials Thursday last week.

“All these infrastructures are pretty cool, but one of the people has the skills and expertise to deliver these services,’’ said Conroy.

He further said that Australia also delivered over five cubic metres of urgently needed medical supplies during this visit.

“Some purchase over Australia and was recently announced the Emergency Medical Supply at the procurement of $9.1 million Solomon Dollars to the National Medical Store,’’ he said.

Minister Conroy also thanks Dr. Paul Bosawai for his advocating and strong encouragement in the sector and proud of the support Australia has provided.

“It will save lives and ease the suffering of those living with injuries, diseases and chronic health conditions,’’ he said.

He said that Australia’s rapid response to the medical supply emergency demonstrates a big commitment to the people of the Solomon Islands and the strength of our long-standing partnership in health.

“Also acting on your priorities and your needs. We’re contributing to whole-service delivery across every province and here in Honiara with more than $180 million in Solomon Dollars providers since 2016. Together we’re including service delivery for new and structured initiatives such as biomedical laboratories and new high-frequency units, which is improving care in the most acute cases at number nine,’’ said Conroy.

Conroy has climate change talk with Minister Mahaga

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Hon. Pat Conroy Minister for International Development and the Pacific said he had a fruitful conversation with Environment Minister Trevor Magaha during his recent visit to the country.

“I had a good conversation with the climate change minister,’’ said Minister Conroy.

“Climate change is the number one existential threat to the Pacific including Australia and we are proud that we’re taking strong climate action in Australia and supporting strong climate action in the Pacific,’’ he said.

Speaking to local media at the SINU Panatina campus last week, Conroy said that Australia is supporting the rollout of Renewable energy in SI and is the main backer of the Tina Hydro project.

“we’re supporting the rollout of renewable energy in the Solomon Islands including being a big backer of the Tina River Hydropower project that will provide 70% of the power to Honiara.

He further stated that Australia supports four off-grid renewable energy partnerships with 5.4 million Solomon Island dollars and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Importantly, we’re also helping the Solomon Islands access international climate finance, global climate finance, but that’s taking too long and the Pacific is not getting its fair share. So, we’re also investing in Pacific climate funds. So, we’ve announced a 550 million Solomon dollars investment in the Pacific Climate Resilient Fund, Pacific Resilient Fund,’’ said Conroy.

He said that the PRF is about small climate projects for the Pacific that are being funded and run by the Pacific.

“So, you don’t have to worry about the big bureaucracy around the world. It can be the Pacific driving this agenda and we’re proud to be the biggest contributor to it and providing 550 million Solomon Island dollars. So, we’re a strong climate partner with the Solomon Islands,’’ he said.

He stated that Australia will continue to advocate for strong climate action and match their rhetoric with action on the ground.

MP Nori highlights rice farming as vital in parliament

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Member of Parliament(MP) for Maringe Kokota, Cathy Nori, has urged the government to prioritize rice farming, highlighting its vital role as a food staple in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking in parliament last week, Nori reflected on the BSA Ltd rice farm that once flourished in the Guadalcanal plains.

“I remember growing up and getting educated in the Guadalcanal plains, Selwyn College there was a rice farm called BSA, it was running very successfully,” she said.

Nori stressed that reviving rice farming would be cost –saving for the government.

“Why can’t we start growing rice again in the country, I am sure it will save a lot of money instead of paying rice from overseas.” She said.

Nori emphasized that rice can be found in every household from urban areas to rural areas and has taken over home grown food.

A 2014 Rice Consumption and Production assessment from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s(MAL) reported that rice is the major staple diets for Solomon Islanders. 

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