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Target to strengthen police set

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands government has set a target to significantly strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) over the next decade with support from Australia.

Addressing the media upon his return from Australia over the weekend, Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele expressed gratitude for the positive response from the Australian Government.

“I thank the Australian Prime Minister and his government for his commitment to help grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. And we have agreed that our respective ministers and officials will further explore these” he said.

Highlighting that the force currently has 1,500 officers, with the support from Australia, the number of recruits in the next decade is projected to rise significantly.

“We are trying to grow the numbers to recruit. By 2028, we hope that we should have about 3000 police officers. By 2030 or 2032, we would like to have those numbers to 5000” he said.

Manele emphasized the critical importance of expanding the force, stating “going forward as a sovereign country, we should be able to look after ourselves”.

With current recruitment efforts falling short since the Regional Assistance to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) era, the government through the Ministry of Police, National Security and correctional Service is prioritizing the scale up of the force.

Given financial constraints, the Solomon Islands government is seeking external support, particularly from Australia, to support this ambitious target.

“We are asking Australia if they could fund the recruitment for the next 10 years. It’s a 10 years program and those details will be for the Ministry of Police and National Security to look at with Australia” he said.

During his visit, Manele visited the Federal Police Training Facilities in Brisbane and the Australian Border Forces headquarters in Canberra.

Call to review invasive pest strategy management

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Karen Mapusua. Photo Credit Pacific Community SPC.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Director of Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community Karen Mapusua has called for a review of invasive pest strategy management in the Pacific.

She made the statement during her prerecorded opening remarks at the official opening of the 2024 Coconut Pest Conference currently underway in Honiara this week at the Fisheries Lecture Theatre, Ranadi Campus, Solomon Islands National University.

The conference is made possible by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Funding with Intent Programme, the Crawford Fund, the ASEAN Fall Army Worm Action Network, and the international coconut community through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the Solomon Islands, and hosts, the Solomon Islands National University.

Ms Mapusua said that coconut is culturally and economically important and currently, Pacific countries and territories supply over 50 percent of the world’s coconut trade, with Papua New Guinea being the biggest copra exporter in the world.

She said that the coconut industry in the Pacific Island countries and territories is threatened by many challenges such as senile coconuts, the high cost of transportation and a limited breeding programme.

“More importantly, though, the region is threatened by endemic and introduced pests of the coconut, these pests continue to present challenges and barriers to coconut production and to tree planting. The infamous coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the main pests of importance in our region,” she said.

She said that the region is estimated to lose more than 300 million Fiji dollars per year by 2040 if the pest is not controlled.

“Coconut rhinoceros beetle is now present in most of our countries and territories. We have invested in research through dedicated projects, but challenges continue in the management of this invasive pest. It is time to review our strategy, moving forward to find solutions that make an impact.”

She said while efforts have been focused on the Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), there are other coconut pests of quarantine importance, and pests that are prevalent in our countries.

“Yet we’ve not focused any attention on them. It’s also time to re-look at our current strategies, so that we can tackle these pests which continue to threaten our coconut sector also. This conference provides an avenue for us to collaborate on a regional and international level, so we can learn from each other about the successes and failures of coconut pest management, which is seen as important,” she said.

She further said that the objectives of the conference are to review the available information on the biology and control of CRB, and other major insect pests of coconut in the global context to better understand the successes and limitations of the current research and methods of control, and to guide new research interventions.

“Also to devise improved research and biosecurity strategies for better management and prevention of economic outbreaks and of new incursions of coconut pests. And finally, to use the learnings of this conference to develop a regional action plan or agenda for improved management of the major coconut pests in the Pacific Islands region,” she said.

Mapusua said the conference is an opportunity to work with farmers, the private sector, and scientists and social scientists, to share ideas, develop an action plan, and identify the resources needed to minimise the threat of the region’s most important coconut pests together.

“It’s an opportunity for us to work together on priorities for the region, and to provide direction and guidance to our young researchers on the problems that we are facing. Their collective research can be tailored towards these challenges to find solutions for our coconut farming communities,” she said.

Direction hearings of petition cases continue at High Court

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Direction hearings for the election petition cases continue this week in court.

The hearings began last week, which are on the 28 election petition cases – 26 of which are against members of parliament.

The cases were called and heard before Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer and Judge Augustine Aulanga in their chambers (office).

Deputy Registrar of High Court Jack Taloifuila told Island Sun the “24 petition cases have been listed and called in at High Court chambers for directions hearing last week before CJ Palmer and Judge Aulanga.

“…and a few has been re-listed and called before Judge Augustine Aulanga this week in his chambers (office) along with the two remaining petition cases.”

Taloifuila said the direction hearings are between the judges and lawyers to discuss the housekeeping matters regarding the petition cases, as the petition cases need to be disposed within the 12-month period.

Taloifuila said the two petition case filed against provincial assembly members will be heard before High Court Registrar today for direction hearing.

The two provincial member the petition filed against are the premier of Isabel Province Lawrence Hayward MPA of Samasodu ward and Mason Ian MPA of Baolo ward.

A total of 28 petition case were filed before the High Court before the close of the petition period, 26 against members of Parliament and two against provincial assembly members.

Sentence for couple guilty of indecent acts set for July 5

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The sentence for a couple convicted of indecent acts will be delivered on July 5.

The matter was mentioned at the Magistrate court on Monday this week for prosecution and defence to submit their written and oral sentencing submissions.

Prosecution submitted its written and oral submissions, however defence could only submit its written submission.

During the submissions prosecution highlighted the aggravating factors which included breach of trust as the couple are regarded as the aunty and uncle of the two victims.

Prosecution also sought court’s consideration for a consecutive sentence for the first defendant (husband) as the case involved two separate victims despite occurring at the same time.

Defence on the other hand asked court to consider the opposite, a concurrent sentence for the ‘husband’ since the offence was committed at the same time though on two separate victims.

Defence also sought court’s consideration for the second defendant (wife) for her imprisonment sentence to be suspended to allow her to look after the couple’s children who are nine and two years old.

The couple are first-time offenders as well.

Court adjourned the matter for July 5 for sentence.

Bail for the wife was extended and she is to appear in court and remand for the husband was extended.

Court heard that 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 first accused (husband) allegedly showed his private parts to the two victims.

The wife had encouraged her husband to commit this act, court heard.

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

Georgina Oroi acts for crown and Emy Rusi act for couple.

Investigation into Tanakake murder is still ongoing

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Investigations into the murder case in which a young man was killed at Tanakake on May 25 this year is still ongoing.

20-year-old Denick Iro has been charged with one count of murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code (Cap 26).

Prosecution informed court on Monday this week that there were still documents to be obtained for this case. These documents include the autopsy report and a photo album.

Prosecution requested an additional adjournment. This request was made to allow police investigators more time to obtain the remaining documents, specifically the autopsy report and photo album.

Court adjourned for July 15 and remand for Mr Iro was extended.

It was alleged that on May 25, 2024 a fight broke out between groups of young boys in Tanakake area, Panatina when the deceased was allegedly stabbed with an object behind his head.

The deceased fell to the ground unconscious.

He was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and was pronounced dead upon the arrival.

John Wesley Zoze appears for the Crown and PSO appears for Iro.

EASIER TRAVEL DEAL

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Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka

Solomon Islands and New Zealand sign revised air service agreement

BY MORRIS NAFU

Yesterday Solomon Islands and New Zealand successfully concluded negotiations to revise their longstanding Air Service Agreement (ASA) in a signing ceremony held at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, and Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Shanel Agovaka put pen to paper on the revised ASA.

The agreement, originally signed in 1990, underwent significant updates to align with modern day realities of the aviation industry.

This gap called for a revision of the 1990 ASA to a revised version that is finer tuned to the modern-day changes of the aviation industry.

The signing of the new ASA will see an open-air service industry with the expectation of bringing aviation investments into Solomon Islands.

The decision to revise the 1990 ASA was a timely call considering the establishment of a second international airport for Solomon Islands.

Considering recent developments in the labour mobility sector, large numbers of seasonal workers from Solomon Islands have been migrating to work in New Zealand under the labour mobility scheme.

Both the New Zealand and Solomon Islands Government saw it as a need to revise the 1990 ASA to ensure that it is operational to cater for the movement of people.

The ASA is important in this regard because it serves the interest of both governments. Solomon Islands provides labour work force for New Zealand and New Zealand provides the much-needed employment for Solomon Islanders.

This updated agreement is set to open up the air service industry between the two nations, paving the way for increased flights and potential investments in Solomon Islands’ aviation sector.

Key objectives of the revised ASA include facilitating easier travel between the two countries, promoting tourism, strengthening trade links and supporting economic exchanges.

Particularly significant is its role in accommodating the movement of Solomon Islands’ seasonal workers to New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, addressing the growing demand for labour in New Zealand while providing employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders.

Minister Agovaka expressed optimism about the revised agreement, highlighting its potential to not only streamline air travel but also to bolster economic ties and benefit citizens of both nations.

He thanked the officials and stakeholders involved in the negotiation process for their dedication and efforts in achieving this milestone.

Agovaka assured Deputy Prime Minister Peters and the Government of New Zealand of Solomon Islands’ commitment to fostering a strong, mutually beneficial, and equal partnership with New Zealand.

“Together, we will continue to navigate the complexities of our evolving relationship, always striving for progress and prosperity,” Agovaka expressed.

The revised ASA signals a promising future for Solomon Islands and New Zealand, highlighting their commitment to mutual prosperity through enhanced connectivity and cooperation in the aviation sector.

From diesel generator to solar power energy

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Access to reliable energy source is a dream come true for NIDA Black Sandy Beach said Managing Director Mato Mui.

The NIDA provides service such as camping, recreational activities, birthday party or wedding party since operating almost 12-years ago.

“The NIDA Black Sandy Beach main source of lighting and water supply for its customers is through a power generated from a generator. We usually spent $600-$800-00 per month for fuel and $9600-00 for a year,’’ according to Mui.

Mui said NIDA usually has to spend $SBD150-250 Dollars every day on fuel to provide the much-needed services for his customers.

“The implementing partners of the 30KW Solar PV Power system is the Ministry of Mines and Energy, supported by the UNDP and was funded by the Global Environment facility (GEF) through SPIRES after they carried out an assessment,’’ he said.

“They found that access to reliable energy is the major problem faced by the three tourism operators, Nida black Sandy beach, and Ginger Beach and Doma bangalows. That is how we have this project. It was commissioned on Friday 21 June 2024,’’ said Mui.

“Although Nida Black Sandy Beach can have many guests every week, we cannot serve money due to fuel cost. This has clicked our minds to really go into business and seek assistance,’’ he said.

“We expect earning $SBD 100,000- per year in terms of our revenue collection but due to poor road conditions and expenses our net profit is around $24,000- per year. We have expenses as well. The net profit fluctuates since we are yet the progressing stage of the business. We are not in a position where we wait and see the profit,’’ he said.

“The work on the project started in the end of 2023. we start to use the Solar PV Power system after the NGE this yea2024. Now, we really enjoy it as we have power supply24/7. If the sun has no problem, then we have no problem as well,’’ he said.

Mr Mui said that it is the first of its kind for SPIRES to help tourism operators who rely mainly on Generator to power their programs and daily services.

“The aim of the project is to boost tourism activity within the three operators, Nida black Sandy beach, and Ginger Beach and Doma bangalows to reduce the cost of fuel and also aim at protecting the environment by using renewable energy source.

“As a Managing Director of Nida Black Sandy Beach and beneficiary of the project and I am happy and proud. Thank you, Ministry of Mines and Energy, UNDP and Global Environment facility (GEF) through SPIRES,’’ said Mui.

Subsequently operating as a Tourism Operator, serving money is also a struggle for Mui not only for fuel cost but poor road conditions.“For us Tourism operators’ infrastructures is our top priority. In our case we have a poor road condition. However, I applaud the GNUT because Infrastructures is one of the key focuses in their 100-day policy and I believe that tourism is one of the potentials to contribute to the economy. And through proper infrastructure it will connect our customer easily to access our market.

Cheroa aims to pioneering sustainable waste management solutions

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Stepping up its efforts to pioneer sustainable waste management solutions. Photo supplied.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Located at Vura 3, G Point Cheroa, a leading waste management service, is stepping up its efforts to pioneer sustainable waste management solutions.

“With a vast amount of waste being generated daily, the need for innovative and eco-friendly waste disposal methods is a greater need,’’ Director Pato Rebi told Island Sun paper.

Rabi said that the Cheroa organisation specializes in refuse collection and disposal of general and recycled waste.

He said that since its operation September of 2023, the organisation start to operate with the vision to pioneering sustainable waste management solutions that foster environmental responsibility and economic growth for all stakeholders in Solomon Islands.

He said that Cheroa Waste Management Services operate around the capital of Honiara and also provide third service for customers who are outside of Honiara Borders.  

“Since started, Cheroa Waste Management services has collected and disposed of an estimated 152.56 tons for garbage waste from Residences, communities, schools and commercial entities. The organization started as an idea back in early 2023, and start operating September of 2023 after a careful planning,’’ said Rebi.

He said that the organisation’s mission is to work in partnership with all stakeholders to minimize the environmental impact of waste through efficient and reliable services, and innovative waste solutions.

“Our Mission is to work in partnership with all stakeholders to minimize the environmental impact of waste through efficient and reliable services, and innovative waste solutions. We dedicate ourselves to enhancing the well-being of all stakeholders while incorporating comprehensive, quality health, safety, and environmental plans.

“Our Vision is to be the best Waste Management Company in the Solomon Islands pioneering sustainable waste management solutions that foster environmental responsibility and economic growth for all stakeholders,’ Rebi said.

He said that the Cheroa Waste Management services dedicate themselves to enhancing the well-being of all stakeholders while incorporating comprehensive, quality health, safety, and environmental plans.

“Our service involved collection and disposal as well as providing proper waste management facilities such as bins and garbage bags to educate our communities on how to properly dispose of their garbage. Cheroa Waste Management Service is targeting the general public, anyone who needs their services within and outside of Honiara City Borders,’’ he said.

In terms of future plans, the Director said that their goal is to educate everyone on proper waste management practices and to ensure everyone has access to proper waste management services.

He stated that the organisation also planning to get their services to everyone in the City and hopefully, branch out to the provinces.

He said that one of the achievements of the organisation for this year 2024 is the distribution of Wheelie bins, which is expected to a continuing every month.

“A plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose and disintegrate. This means that every single waste you generate no matter how big or small counts because it will not only affect our health and environment but future generations too,’’ said that Management.

“So, on behalf of our team, we would like to inform the general public to be mindful of how they manage waste. Throw your garbage in proper bins and use garbage bags where possible.  However, if you have trouble with waste solutions do not hesitate to contact us on Facebook. Let us keep our households, communities, and City clean,’’ said the Management.

with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, companies like Cheroa are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future. By pioneering innovative waste management solutions, they are setting a new standard for responsible and eco-friendly waste disposal.

Dragon pub murder case further adjourned

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case involving an off-duty officer who was killed at the Dragon Pub in Kukum area in May this year has been further postponed for July 15 for investigations to be completed.

Prosecutor Georgina Oroi informed court on Monday this week there were outstanding documents yet to be obtained from police investigators. These include the autopsy report and the photo album.

The defence counsel Hubert Fugui of HOF Law Chambers informed court his position regarding his client James Solomon Kai, the co-accused in this case.

Fugui said he acts for Mr Kai however, yesterday was the third time the matter was called in court and he still has not received any perusal or full disclosures from prosecution.

Therefore, he asked court to make directions for the DPP office to serve disclosures to their office as soon as possible.

Defence lawyer Rochella Palmer who appeared for Daniel Kwalai also informed court that Mr Kwalai has only received perusal disclosures and was still waiting for the outstanding documents.

Prosecution sought a 14-day adjournment for police to obtain those outstanding documents.

Court adjourned the matter for July 15 for plea and election of form of Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

Court made directions for the crown to serve the full disclosures to Fugui and Kwalai by close of business on July 8. The two accused Paul Daoburi and James Solomon Kai to be jointly charged and DPP to sort out and amend the charge sheets and file it with the criminal registry before July 8.

Paul Daoburi, 35, and James Solomon Kai, 21 are charged with murder and are remanded them in custody.

The 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.

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

It was alleged that during the course of the argument the deceased took out and applied pepper spray on the group of men he was arguing with at that 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 furthered that 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 nick name ‘Solo’, allegedly attacked the deceased using a bottle.

A policeman who arrived at the scene intervened and took the deceased laying bleeding on the floor into a taxi to National Referral Hospital (NRH) where he pronounced dead.

RFC24 Match Week 5 this week.

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RFC24 action at DC Park-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Renbel Football Championship 2024 (RFC24) will enter into Match Week 5 this week, starting tomorrow.

RFC24 ended its Match Week 4 fixtures played at DC Park in East Honiara last week.

Results of the games played last week saw Kutuma FC earn its second win by beating Manugano FC 5-1, while Sipa FC and Tauloto FC shared points following a 3-3 draw in the main match of the day on Thursday.

The result of the two final fixtures of the week played on Friday last week saw Suvania FC register another three points after beating Tematangi FC 2-1, while Heartland earned its first win by beating Akaumoana FC 2-1 in the main match of the day.

The overview of the current standing saw Elite FC leading Pool A with 3 points, while Kutuma FC registered 6 points following their two wins to lead Pool B.

Tematangi FC also earned a win to lead Pool C with 3 points. Heartland FC also registered a win to go top of Pool D with 3 points.

The standing is expected to change in another intensified week of football this week.

Fixtures for tomorrow will see Taisua FC taking on Usohenua FC at 1:00 PM, followed by Elite FC and Ngutuanga FC at 3:00 PM.

Fixtures for Thursday this week will see a game between TNT FC and Taipuna FC at 1:00 PM, while SPI FC and Akaumoana will face off in the final Match Week 5 fixtures at 3:00 PM.

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