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Closing submission for couple accused of indecent acts tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Closing submission into case of a couple accused of indecent acts is expected to be filed when the matter returns to court tomorrow, May 31.

The case was heard in court on Monday but defence had not prepared the documents, and sought an adjournment.

Prosecution charged the husband with two counts of indecent act, and the wife one count of indecent act.

The couple pleaded not guilty and a trial commenced at the Magistrate Court on May 21 before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

Prosecution called three witnesses, the two complainants and one eye-witness, all of whom are juveniles.

After crown closed its case, defence informed court that its clients have opted to remain silent.

Prosecution alleged on April 16, 2023 in Honiara, the 13 and 15-year-old complainants were inside the couple’s room along with two of the couple’s children.

The complainants are nieces of the second accused (wife).

On that day the husband (one of the defendants) allegedly showed his private parts to the two alleged victims.

It is also alleged that the wife had encouraged her husband to commit this act.

The parents of the two alleged victims reported the matter to the police.

Emy Rusi of Public Solicitor Office (PSO) represents both accused and Gina Oroi of Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP)act for the Crown.

Committal hearing of 43-yo man’s rape case tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a 43-year-old man accused of raping a seven-year-old boy will return tomorrow for the committal hearing.

The matter was heard in court on Monday this week where prosecution submitted to the court its committal deposition.

Court is expected to decide tomorrow whether the case has sufficient evidence to proceed to the High Court or not.

Defence has indicated Short-Form Preliminary Inquiry (PI) for the committal hearing.

Court adjourned for Friday, May 31, for ruling on the committal hearing. Bail for the accused was extended.

The accused who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, is charged with one count of rape to which he pleaded not guilty in a previous hearing.

Prosecution alleged that the suspect on an unknown date between August 1 and December 31, 2020 committed the crime on the victim.

The incident reportedly took place at a house in Talise, Central Honiara.

The victim’s mother was reportedly doing the laundry outside the house, when the accused approached the boy and told him to follow him into the bedroom.

Once inside the room, the accused allegedly instructed the child to take his clothes off.

The accused then committed the offence on the boy.

Prosecution adds that while the accused was performing the act on the boy, the accused had a knife with which he used to threaten the boy not to make a sound, otherwise he would cut the boy’s neck.

Following the incident, the boy reportedly experienced problems which include soiling himself unexpectedly and bleeding.

Later, the boy finally told his mother what the accused had done to him.

The matter was reported to police on January 8 this year.

On April 3 this year the accused was formally arrested after an investigation was conducted.

Office of Director of Public Prosecution act for the crown and Bobby Harunari act for the accused.

Kilu’ufi Hospital upgrade to commence this year: PM

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PM Manele.

BY NED GAGAHE

Work on upgrading Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita is expected to commence in the 3rd of 4th quarter of this year.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed this when he updated the media on the government’s key priority projects during the inaugural ‘meet the press session’ on Monday.

The project is funded by the Japanese Government worth SBD$120 million.

“This project which is funded by the Japanese government.

“Work is anticipated to commence in the 3rd of 4th quarter of this year after the signing of the agreement around July 2023.

“We will provide updates on details of the upgrade in future Press conferences.” Prime Minister Manele said.

Meanwhile, the expansion and improvement of Kilu’ufi Hospital project will further strengthen the function of Kilu’ufi hospital, as it will accommodate the emergency medicine and general outpatient service, medical imaging, delivery unit and operating theatres suite with a central sterilization department.

Additionally, the project will also include a new birth unit for mothers and also see operations conducted in a new theatre with upgraded facilities, supported with water and power supply.

NO BUS FOR NFs

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…..Prime Minister Distributes Tata Buses to Government Ministries and Institutions

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

NATIONAL Sports Federations had high hopes of being included in the National Hosting Authority (NHA) Legacy program, particularly in receiving the Tata buses donated by India for the Pacific Games last year.

However, these expectations were dashed as the 20 Tata buses were allocated to government ministries and institutions instead.

The official handover ceremony of the Tata buses took place yesterday at the national stadium. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele announced the distribution of the buses to 11 government ministries and institutions, including the Anglican Church of Melanesian College.

“It’s an honor to be here for the handover ceremony of the 20 Tata buses, donated by the Government of India to the National Hosting Authority for the PG23,” said Prime Minister Manele.

“A couple of weeks ago, I informed the visiting Indian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands that the buses would be handed over to their legacy owners this week. The High Commissioner was very pleased and sent his best wishes to the new owners.”

Manele explained that the NHA legacy committee established two main criteria for the allocation of the Tata buses: to support the startup of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) transport pool and to recognize institutions that significantly supported the NHA in delivering the PG23.

“The MID transport pool will assist in all government activities, including meetings and major events requiring transportation. The second criterion is to support institutions that selflessly supported the NHA in successfully delivering the PG23,” Manele added.

He noted that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) already has three buses from the recent Joint Election, with a fourth bus currently used by SIAF. Thus, MID will collect only one additional Tata bus. The RSIPF has also collected its bus, used during the election.

Prime Minister Manele emphasized that the new bus owners would be responsible for operating costs, with the MID Mechanical Works Services Department providing maintenance support for at least two years due to an adequate supply of spare parts.

Following the announcement, NHA staff handed over the keys to the new bus owners, who then drove the buses to their respective destinations.

Meanwhile, Manele said he is honored to announce and handover to the following Ministries and Institutions the Tata buses:

1 MID- 5 Tata buses

2 HCC- 3 Tata buses

3 SINU- 3 Tata buses

4 NSC- 2 Tata buses

5 G Province- 1 Tata bus

6 NRH- 1 Tata bus

7 RSIPF-1 Tata bus

8 SICS-1 Tata bus

9 Customs Divisions- 1 Tata bus

10 St Nicholas Anglican College- 1 Tata bus

11 King George Sixth School- 1 Tata bus

15 PETITION CASES

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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

Finance minister Sogavare, Dep PM Tovosia among additional filings at the High Court so far

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The new minister of Finance and former prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, is facing a petition clouding over his win in the April-17 national general election for East Choiseul constituency.

Mr Sogavare is facing multiple counts of bribery allegations.

Deputy Prime Minister Braddley Tovosia is also facing a petition.

Sogavare and Tovosia’s cases are among a total of 15 petition cases regarding the national general election which are before the High Court as of yesterday evening.

High Court Deputy Registrar Jack Taloifuila confirmed to Island Sun that his office as of 4pm yesterday has a total of 15 election petition cases before it.

On Monday this week Mr Taloifuila confirmed seven petition cases to Island Sun.

Since then, there have been eight new cases lodged with the High Court.

“These additional filed petition cases are ready for listing,” Taloifuila said.

Six of the eight new cases according to Taloifuila are as follows:

1. Duddley Kopu against MP James Bonunga, Temotu Pele constituency

2. Wilson Mamae against MP Namson Tran, West Honiara constituency

3. Doris Angella Tahani against MP Freda Tuki, Temotu Vatud constituency

4. Jessy Koli against MP Bradley Billy Smoky Rodo Tovosia, East Guadalcanal constituency

5. David Qurusu against Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, East Choiseul constituency

6. Alick Fleming Pukakoqoro against MP Harry Kuma, North West Choiseul constituency.

Taloifuila said the names of two other filed petitions are yet to reach his desk when this paper enquired yesterday.

Petitions confirmed by Taloifulia on Monday this week include:

1. Samuel Manetoali against MP Trevor Hedly Manemahaga, Gao-Bugotu constituency

2. Jeremy Manengelea against MP Peter Shanel, Central Guadalcanal constituency

3. Dickson Mua and Peter Osike against MP Oliver Salopuka, Savo-Russells constituency

4. Samson Maneke against MP Dr Paul Bosawai Popora, North Guadalcanal constituency

5. Peter Soqoilo against MP Jimson Tanangada, Gizo-Kolombangara constituency

6. Augustin Auga Maeue and Harry Philip against MP Ben Maenu’u, Lau-Baelelea constituency

7. Anthony Veke against MP Moses Garu, West Guadalcanal constituency.

“I can confirm that so far, we have received a total of 15 petition cases filed,” Taloifuila said.

“We are expecting some more to be filed tomorrow [today].”

Taloifuila said the due date of election petitions is this Friday, May 31, 2024. 

MASI commends PM Manele’s commitment to transparency through regular media engagement

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MASI board members 2024.

THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) commends Prime Minister

Jeremiah Manele’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability through regular engagement with the media.

His pledge to hold regular press conferences, as highlighted in Monday’s “Meet the Press” session, sets a commendable precedent for government communication.

In his address, Prime Minister Manele emphasised the vital role of the media in

keeping the nation informed about the government’s plans and activities.

MASI acknowledges and fully supports the Government for National Unity and

Transformation’s initiative, emphasizing that access to timely and accurate

information is fundamental to a thriving democracy.

In an era of rising misinformation and disinformation, clear communication is

paramount.

Journalists, guided by a strict code of ethics and a commitment to objectivity, stand apart from social media users who often share views based on either too much or too little knowledge, with emotions clouding judgement due to biased opinions.

The media serves as a critical link between the government and the public, ensuring accountability and transparency.

As the fourth estate of democracy, journalists serve as a crucial bridge between the government and the people, especially in the absence of parliamentary sittings.

Prime Minister Manele’s initiative to enhance communication with the press demonstrates a commitment to keeping citizens informed, particularly during periods when parliamentary sessions are suspended.

“An informed public is better equipped to engage in constructive dialogue, make

informed decisions and hold leaders accountable, all of which contribute to a robust

democracy.”

MASI encourages senior public office holders in a position to respond to media queries to follow the Prime Minister’s example by engaging with journalists and responding to their queries in a professional and timely manner.

“It is imperative for public officials to recognize their duty to the citizens of this country and uphold their right to access information on matters of national interest, whether contentious or not,” said MASI.

–MASI PRESS

Malaita PAC begins meeting

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Chairman of PAC , Glen Waneta.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE Public Account Committee (PAC) of Malaita provincial assembly began deliberation on the province’s 2024/2025 original budget report yesterday.

This was after the executive completed discussions on the report last week, which allows the PAC to look at the report ahead of full assembly meeting which is set to begin on June 3.

Chairman of PAC, Glen Waneta confirmed to SunAuki they delved into the budget report yesterday.

PAC plays a crucial role in scrutinising the province’s budget reports to ensure sub-budget of each provincial Heads of Division (HoDs) to match their annual workplans.

This is important because HoDs are the service delivering mechanism of the province and it is only through their work that people will realise services from the province.

Another important area is for PAC to scrutinize areas of priority to the executive in the budget. This will help PAC to make recommendation on them if needed.

The chairman said his team had begun on the budget report afternoon yesterday after a briefing with the PAC secretary and they will delve deeper into the budget today-on.

He said they expect to complete the PAC report on the budget by Friday and handed over the report to the executive ahead of the full assembly on Monday 3rd June.

Waneta said this is to allow executive to look at recommendations PAC might make on the report before the full assembly meeting.

SBD$140M BOND APPROVED

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Cabinet approves SBD$140 million in bond to secure buy-back of LSL and RIPEL Estates

BY NED GAGAHE

In a move aimed at reclaiming the ownership of Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) and its subsidiary Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL), Cabinet has approved the sale of an SBD$140 million bond to facilitate the buy-back of LSL and RIPEL.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed the decision during a press conference on Monday, highlighting the importance of the move amidst the ongoing liquidation proceedings overseen by Sydney-based firm HALLCHADWICK.

“I want to make the government’s position very clear on the LSL and RIPEL Estates so that there is no misinformation.

“Firstly, an Australian Court had appointed a Sydney firm, HALLCHADWICK as the Liquidators for the LSL and RIPEL Estates.

“This simply means, that HALLCHADWICK had been authorized by the Australian Court to sell these two estates, and payoff the Creditors for the two estates. 

“This process involves, settling all the monies owed to the creditors which will ensure the creditors will transfer 100% of their shares and interests to the Liquidators. The total estimated amount of funds sought to complete this settlement is AUD$25 million, or approximately SBD$140 million.

The Prime Minister said after this settlement, the creditors no longer own LSL and RIPEL Estates.

He said the Liquidator will then pass the titles and interests transferred by the creditors to them, to the entity that provided the funds to settle the outstanding dues with the creditors.

“HALLCHADWICK came to Honiara in February this year to commence the liquidation. At the time, the government did not have a resource plan to secure the amount of funds needed and was on the verge of losing the opportunity to buy-back the two estates through the Court appointed process and enabling other foreign interests to provide the funds and own the two real estates.

Prime Minister Manele stated that the Caretaker Cabinet at the time agreed to raise the $140 million dollars needed through approval of a special Bond market of $140 million for investors to buy. However, it did not have the authority to progress with this at the time as it was a Cabinet in Caretaker Mode.

“I am pleased to inform you today that the Cabinet, approved the sale of $140 million dollars in Bond to raise the funds needed to secure this buy-back through the liquidators, HALLCHADWICK.

“Once funds are transferred and the settlement is completed, some work will need to be done to clean up all the paperwork including titles of pieces of land already sold before handing back the ownership of LSL and RIPEL Estates to the government.

“I wish now to clarify that the government will establish a Cabinet Subcommittee that will be responsible to oversee the development of a mechanism to oversee and governance and management of the two Estates when they are returned to the government.

“This process will involve several steps including:

• identifying and reaffirming people that have already bought pieces of land from these two estates and have already been given legal titles

• Identifying people that have been living in parts of the two estates without legal titles.

• Identifying land that had not been used for future investment and development

“Once the above are established then solutions will be discussed, for instance those already having legal tiles will most likely be reaffirmed.

“The reason the government is involved in this massive investment is to ensure the ownership of the land returns to Solomon Islands and not remain in foreign hands.

“Once the ownership returns to Solomon Islands the Cabinet subcommittee to be responsible through consultations to establish a governance and management system to manage the two Estates.” Prime Minister Manele said.

Meanwhile, elaborating further, Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmy Rodgers said the $140 million is a lot of money that is not appropriated in the government budget.

He explained that the return of full ownership of LSL and its subsidiary RIPEL to the government holds significant cultural, social, and economic implications and long-term economic prosperity, peace and security of Solomon Islands.

Rodgers said the caretaker government had made the decision to secure and buy-back, however, it does not have the authority into actually approved any financial mechanisms.

He said the new Cabinet now has the authority to approve the bond sale.

“So, the three domestic investors are Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA).

“For SINPF and SIPA their Boards have already decided they will participate because of the importance of socially, culturally long-term peace and security, getting back ownership, don’t want this to go to foreign ownership.

“So, they agreed they will help.

“If Solomon Power agreed then they will do the same.

“Between, these three institutions they will then buy bonds equivalent to $140 million.” SPM Rodgers said.

Urban theft epidemic

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DEAR EDITOR,

As a concerned Solomon Islands resident and student, I would like to publicly point my views known about the street boys in front of the Central Market bus stop location.

I urge the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to intervene effectively and drive those offenders out of the area from further causing frustrated disturbance to the general public.

The Central market bus stop has become a hotspot for these street dwellers to do unlawful criminal activity such as stealing and consuming of illegal alcohol in public areas.

Thus, causing disturbance to local entrepreneurs and has becoming an unsafe zone especially for elderly people, women and young children.

Almost every week victimized citizens complaining about their properties including huge amount of cash got stolen without their concern in this particular area.

My opinion suggest that by implementing such duty, the spot will become safer for the general public. People will have freedom to move around and feel safe from crime, leading to better overall mental health and wellbeing.

Thus, will strengthen trust between local authorities and the general public as well as reduce crime rate.

Therefore, I call onto the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) be held accountable and take immediate and appropriate action on this serious matters.

To serve as a deterrence, I recommend the responsible department to increase law enforcement patrols and enhance penalties for repeat violators.

Imagine a safer and peaceful town would that be?

Without these common pickpockets. 

Carlos Mao                                                                                                                               

S11179420 (USP)

Urgent call for increased Police presence in Kukum compound

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Dear Editor,As a student attending USP and a concerned Solomon Islander, I am writing to address the urgent issue of escalating violence in Kukum compound. Over the past few months, Kukum has witnessed a disturbing increase in violent crimes, including murder cases on 17 March, 12 May, and 17 May, as well as thefts along the highway and assaults on innocent people. This surge in criminal activities has left residents feeling unsafe and deeply concerned.

Our local law enforcement (RSIPF) must respond to this crisis by increasing their patrols in Kukum. A stronger police presence is essential to deter criminals and provide residents with a sense of security. Regular patrols and increased visibility can prevent crime and help apprehend those responsible.

Furthermore, I urge the police department to carry out community policing initiatives. Engaging with residents through meetings and open forums can build trust and cooperation between the community and law enforcement. This approach can lead to more effective crime prevention strategies and address the specific concerns of Kukum’s residents.

We, the people of the Solomon Islands, should make ensuring the safety of our community our top priority. I hope this letter will prompt the necessary action to make Kukum a safer place for everyone.

Sincerely,
Michael Diau (S11200960)
USP Solomon Islands

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