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Court withdraws murder charge against 27-yo man

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has withdrawn the charge of murder against a man who was accused following the death of a man near the Florence Young school in May this year.

This follows insufficient evidence against the accused at this stage. Investigations are continuing.

Once police find enough evidence then the charge against the accused can be reinstated.

On Monday, prosecution made an application under section 190 (2)(b) (ii) of Criminal Procedural Code (CPC) for withdrawal of the murder charge from the accused Primo Diudi.

Court granted the application and order to release Diudi from remand until further investigation continues, and if there is sufficient evidence gather then prosecution will again reinstate the charged against Diudi.

Primo Diudi was charged for one count of murder in relation to Kukum murder that took place on 12 May 2024 at the Scorpion pub, Kukum highway.

It was alleged on 12 of May 2024 at Scorpion pub, Kukum highway, the deceased and his wife left the pub and were making a phone call when a male person grabbed the decreased wife phone and ran off.

The deceased ran after the male person and was assaulted by a group of boys at the road heading up to Florence Young School.

The 27-year-old suspect was identified by a witness as a member from the group of boys who attacked the deceased.

Hellen Nagu appears for crown.

Opening of new USP campus delayed

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New USP SI campus. Photo credit - USPSI

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The much-anticipated opening of the new University of the South Pacific (USP)Solomon Islands Campus in East Honiara has been delayed due to pending furniture installations.

USPSI Campus Director, Billy Fitoo confirmed this with Island Sun recently.

Initially scheduled to open doors in May, in time for the start of the second semester, Fitoo explained that the delay is expected to be resolved with the arrival of furniture by late July.

The director further confirmed that once the campus is furnished, it is set to officially open in October.

Designed to serve as USP’s public health school in the region, the new campus boasts cutting-edge features including modern technology, high-speed internet, state-of-the-art learning and teaching facilities, and energy-efficient lighting.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the USP’s second largest campus is predicted to accommodate over 4,000 students.

Fafale leads discussion on youth issues in 12th Parliament induction

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) Board Treasurer Shona Fafale has presented a comprehensive case study on youth issues, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Solomon Islands at the 12th Parliament Induction.

In a statement SINYC said “We are proud to be part of the 12th Parliament Induction, Orientation, and Ongoing Professional Development Program for MPs.

“Today, Members of Parliament delved into policy and legislation with a special emphasis on youth issues in the Solomon Islands.

“National Youth Congress Board Treasurer Ms Shona Fafale, was a part of the insightful session.

“She presented a comprehensive case study on youth issues, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Solomon Islands.

“Ms Fafale’s expertise and passion for youth advocacy provided MPs with a deeper understanding of the critical role they play in shaping policies that directly impact Solomon Island’s young generation.

“She emphasized the importance of engaging youth in the legislative process and ensuring their voices are heard.

Meanwhile, contributions from Professor Aidan Craney and Dr. Cendrick Alependava, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs offered valuable perspectives on effectively addressing youth-related policies.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands for inviting us to be part of the 12th Parliament Induction, Orientation, and Ongoing Professional Development Program.

“It was an honor to contribute to the insightful discussions on youth issues, and we are grateful for the opportunity.” The statement said.

SSEC youths support MPG green campaign in Auki

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SSEC youths during the clean-up activity in Auki town on Monday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Youths of the South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) in Malaita province have been commended by the provincial government for support demonstrated towards its green campaign.

This is following a clean-up activity organised by Malaita province through its youth desk in Auki on Monday that saw youths from SEEC taking part in the activity.

The youths were in Auki over the weekend after they assembled at Kakara last week ahead of their journey for a youth-arise programme in Honiara.

Malaita province youth coordinator, Mr Francis Samo on behalf of Malaita province acknowledged the youths for the clean-up activity in Auki.

He said though the clean-up activity carried out by the youths might seeing small, it shows capability of youths to contribute to the community under the right supervision.

Samo said this is one of the objectives Malaita province is working towards – to see youths contribute meaningfully toward the development of the province.

He added that Malaita province through its youth desk also prioritises youth programmes aimed at empowering youths to realise their potentials.

Samo said although funds being the obstacle face to drive youth programmes and activities in the province, Malaita province is steadfast to see youth development in the province.

Meanwhile, Samo thanked the SSEC for the youth arise to engage youths in Malaita province on religious and related programmes that are important for them.

He said government is one among many other stakeholders that could contribute toward nurturing young people in Malaita to bring about change in the province.

Samo reiterated his thanked to the SSEC church for the religious programme which will engage young people in Malaita and the country on programme will contribute to their life and everyone.

Tuki has hope for development with GNUT

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Minister for Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Freda Rotutafi Rangirei.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Temotu Vatud, Freda Tuki Rangirei expressed hope for new developments under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

The MP expressed her anticipations and confidence in GNUT during the sine die motion in parliament on Monday.

Rangirei acknowledged the government for fulfilling its commitment to deliver a new shipping vessel that is expected to provide transport services between the islands in Temotu province.

However, she expressed concerns that this vessel might not adequately meet the demands of passengers traveling between the islands regularly. Therefore, she urged the government to assist in refloating the MV Vatud Star ship to address these concerns.

Rangirei also expressed hope for significant progress in the proposed development of an airport on Vanikoro, urging for support from responsible ministries and stakeholders. She confirmed ongoing discussions with chiefs and progress in involving other key representatives.

Additionally, Rangirei appealed to the government for support in establishing a proposed Mini Hospital on Vanikoro. She emphasized the importance of this infrastructure in providing essential healthcare services to her people, especially given the geographical challenges they face in accessing health centers.

Rangirei reaffirmed her commitment to supporting her constituents and delivering developments that align with their needs.

Ramofafia urges move towards graduation from LDC by 2027

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Minister Rexon Ramofafia

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have been urged to work together to ensure Solomon Islands graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2027.

Minister of the National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia, emphasised this during a parliamentary session on Monday.

He highlighted that such joint effort is important to prevent the country from relapsing after achieving graduation in 2027, stressing the urgent need for the government to increase investment in the country’s development priorities.

As part of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUTs) 100 days program, the government aims to complete the review of the National Development Strategy 2016-2035.

Ramofafia underscored that this review is important to strengthen the country’s engagement and align its priorities with development partners.

He explained that over the past five years, 85 percent of development fundings have been allocated to address the NDS objective 1) Sustainable inclusive economic growth and NDS objective 5) Unified nation with stable and effective governance and public order.

However, Ramofafia acknowledged significant challenge in addressing NDS objective 2) Poverty alleviated across the whole of the Solomon Islands, basic needs addressed and food security improved; benefits of development more equitably distributed NDS Objective 3) All Solomon Islanders have access to quality health and education and NDS Objective 4) Resilient and environmentally sustainable development with effective disaster risk management, response and recovery.

Additionally, Ramofafia stressed that his ministry role is to ensure the government policies and budgets implemented in ways suited to address the development needs of the country.

Vave eyes ‘missed’ development for Shortlands

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Isikeli Junior Vave. Photo supplied..

BY MORRIS NAFU

Member of Parliament for Shortlands has promised to address missed opportunities his constituency has encountered for the ‘past 10 or so years’.

While acknowledging accomplishments done by his predecessors, MP Isikeli Vave expressed there are ‘other significant opportunities’ his constituency has missed over the past decade.

He expressed concerns that while the rest of the country has progressed, Shortlands constituency has not received its fair share of development initiatives.

Vave made the statement during the Sine Die Motion tabled on the floor of Parliament which concluded on Monday this week.

Highlighting specific issues, Vave pointed out the lack of support for Shortlands residents in engaging with the labour mobility scheme, a programme that has transformed lives elsewhere in the country.

He lamented the absence of leadership in promoting participation in this scheme, which could provide life-changing opportunities for many in his constituency.

He further added sports development is also one the forgotten aspects in youth building capacity in his entire constituency.

Vave stress since there’s no sports activities in place, playing fields have now turned into paddocks and farming activities.

Vave reveals the demographic landscape of Shortlands constituency, primarily consisting of young people ranging from 15 to 35 years of age.

“Youths are the future leaders and should be given the test of responsibility and not letting them strangle in their own,” he said.

Furthermore, Vave highlighted the lack of focus on women’s development programs in the constituency over the past decade.

He emphasised the importance of empowering women and ensuring they have equal access to opportunities that could contribute significantly to community advancement.

Shortlands constituency however is situated at the border of the Solomon Islands and Bougainville, and is one of eight constituencies in the Western Province.

Its unique geographical location presents both challenges and opportunities that Vave is determined to leverage for the benefit of his constituents.

Case of attempt to export drugs returns June 26

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against two people accused of attempting to export dangerous drugs has adjourned for June 26 for Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC).

The matter was mentioned in court on Monday this week for a review of warrant for accused Etekia Kauai.

Prosecution told court the accused was present in court however the warrant of arrest issued was not executed.

Prosecution explained that police could not find Mr Kauai therefore could not execute the warrant.

So, police called the relatives of the accused and informed them to relay the message to Kauai to appear in court on Monday this week.

Kauai explained his reason for not appearing in the previous hearing was because he was sick with malaria and pneumonia.

Court exercised its discretion and accepted Kauai’s reason, although it was not satisfactory since he did not produce any medical evidence to prove his words.

Court cancelled the warrant against Kauai and warned him not to repeat being absent in his court hearings, or face remand.

The two accused are charged in relation to an allegation on June 19, 2019 at the Henderson International Airport.

Prosecution alleged Kauai packed eight packets of marijuana inside a speaker in 20 cm by 20 cm plastic bags. This was taken to the airport, where accused Beatrice Umea was on check-in duty for Solomon Airlines.

It was further alleged that Kauai took the package to Umea and she accepted the package as unaccompanied luggage, but tagged the package to a passenger whom she had already checked in.

When the package went through the screening, suspicious arose, the speaker was unscrewed and the packets of Marijuana were found, before it was loaded onto the flight.

The police then arrested both the accused and charge them jointly for one count of attempting to export a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane act for the Crown and Beatrice Umea represent by Jennifer Happlyn of PSO, Etekia Kauai yet to confirm legal representative.

CALL FOR EQUAL DISTRIBUTION 

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Hon_Derrick_Manuari.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for West Makira Constituency, Derrick Manuari has emphasized for equally distribution of resources and the importance of economic viability across constituencies.

Manuari said this during his contribution to the sine die motion in Parliament last Thursday.

He explained that is has become a common view that members of the government side tend to have access to most of the government programs and national projects compared to those in the opposition.

“It seems like you are no longer part of the government’s visions and projects” he said.

Manuari stressed that this view overtime has led to division and regionalism among provinces.

Furthermore, he explained that distribution of resources across all Islands and constituencies must be based on the socio-economic viability and feasibility.

Manuari said this simply means proper consultations and evidence-based assessments  must be carried out prior to implementing these projects to ensure they will yield economic benefits for the constituencies.

Manuari stressed that the lack of carrying out proper consultations will result in projects and programs that are not economic viable.

He also warned the government against implementing projects based on eagerness to fulfil political pressure and maintaining political support.

“If we are to truly achieve transformation or put down our legacy, this is a radical change that must be considered” Manuari added.

Athletes criticisms hold up

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Female sprinter Jovita Ambrose Arunia in action.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE National Athletics Federation (Athletics Solomon) has defended accusations made by national female sprinter Jovitah Ambrose Arunia regarding the recent trip to the Oceania Athletics Championship in Fiji.

Arunia, after the event, described their trip as disastrous, highlighting the need for better organization and support from the federation.

She voiced concerns about the federation’s shortcomings, which she said adversely affected the athletes’ performance.

Arunia expressed that the trip was poorly organized and that the team lacked adequate support.

She also stated that they failed to get well-prepared due to the federation’s issues with the National Sports Council (NSC).

The national sprinter further reported that their coaches failed to attend training during their preparation for the Championship.

“Many athletes are unhappy with the federation’s failure to pay its affiliation fee with the NSC, which has impacted their preparation for regional and international competitions.

“Arunia emphasized that most athletes feel neglected and that the federation is not taking their preparation seriously,” she said.

A source from the federation who called for anonymity told SunSPORTS that Oceania does the whole arrangement of bookings and traveling and not the federation.

“The same applies for most countries that participated at the recent Championship in Fiji,” the source said.

Arunia reported that before the Oceania Athletics Championship 2024 began in Laucala, she departed early to attend a leadership course organized by Oceania.

Following Arunia, Julian Sosimo competed on the first day of the Championship on June 1st, while the rest of the team left Honiara on the same day Sosimo competed in the Women’s Heptathlon Pole Vault event.

After completing the course, she received her certificate, before moving over to the game venue only to realize that their first representative, Julian Sosimo, was not accompanied by a coach for her first competition.

“I had to take up the leadership role to guide and prepare Sosimo with her warm-up drills for her Heptathlon event because the coach had not yet arrived,” Arunia said.

She added that assuming the coaching role was challenging as she was also competing on the same day, and she failed to complete her race with good timing due to a lack of proper preparation back home.

The source explained that the first competition she competed in on Saturday 1st is optional because it is an invitational and whether you run or not it doesn’t matter.

“Her real competition will start on Tuesday 4th, which she needs to qualify for the semifinals.  So the only event that is on schedule for Saturday 1st is the women’s heptathlon, which the Pole Vault women will follow on Tuesday 4th and not Saturday 1st like she claimed,” explained the source.

The source further revealed that it is shameful to blame the federation for her poor performance because she always missed a lot of training opportunities, following her huge interest in football officiating.

“To blame the federation for failure to meet NSC requirements to avail the track for training is not true.

“The requirements are demanding and need time to complete to submit. It cannot happen overnight.

“However, priority was given to athletes under the Oceania squad to use the track for training, but she was full-time training in soccer refereeing and that was one of the factors that affected her fitness level,” the source said.

The source also acknowledges her efforts while highlighting that she is the most privileged athlete who has attended 3 World championships but has not broken the National Record in the women’s 100m.

“That opportunity should be given to other athletes who deserve it.

“She should not have traveled because she didn’t win a medal last year.

“Those female athletes who won medals last year should have gone to Oceania, but they were not available when the entries were closed,” the source revealed.

Meanwhile, at the moment, Arunia is back with her passion for football refereeing and is currently in New Zealand for her appointment at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship – Qualifying Stage that will end this week.

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