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Case of former POB officer stalled by confusion over amount stolen

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

THE case of a former Pan Oceania Bank (POB) officer Shuyee Eli Yan accused of stealing and forgery is being stalled by the amount the accused is supposed to have stolen.

Court, prosecution and defence cannot agree on a specific figure to the amount which Ms Shuyee is accused of stealing.

On Tuesday this week the matter was listed at the magistrate court for sentencing submissions by counsels in corrections of the amount the accused took and the agreed facts to be settled.  

However, the matter was administratively suspended to Tuesday next week as the presiding magistrate attended a Family Protection Unit training on Tuesday.

Yan plead guilty on previous hearing to 16 counts in total, four forgery charges and 12 larceny by servant’s charges.

The accused Shuyee was charged with the following offense between 28 June 2021 and 26 August 2022, when she worked as one of the Bank Officers for the Pan Oceanic Bank (POB).

The prosecution alleged defendant stole a large amount of money between 28 June 2021 and 26 August 2022 from Saibuloa Landowners Association’s account by transferring through interest banking to the account of other POB customers or users.

The allegations state that those customers would then withdraw the money from their account and give the money to the accused Yan.

The prosecution further alleged she received a total of $350,500 after giving commissions to the customers that she used to transfer money to their account and they will withdraw the money for her (accused).

The prosecution also alleged Yan forged a document namely Application to Release Dormant Account Status of the Dangi Tughu account that contains the forged signatures of the three signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Yan also accused of forging a letter titled Authorization to Transferring of Funds from Dangi Tughu account to Saibuloa Landowners Association account that contains forged signatories of Dangi Tughu account.

She was further accused of forging a POB withdrawal slip with the sum, of $ 25,000 under the Dangi Tughu account that contains forged signatures of the two signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Vernon Taupongi of Office of Director of Public Prosecution appears for Crown and Delilah Kukura of Public Solicitor Office appears for the accused.

Balancing health and fun with hockey

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Hockey Hookin4Health program at St Nicholas Anglican College. Photo credit - NYRICK ZUNA.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Hockey Hookin4Health program is encouraging more interest to get involved in their fun games.

The hockey fun games are held every end of the month on Sunday at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance (HP) Center multi-outdoor court.

The program was delivered on a monthly basis and saw a surge of interest in both young girls and boys, especially the students.

The session was conducted on Sunday over the weekend, which saw a huge turnout.

National Hockey player, Enoch Mae Paekera, who assists in facilitating the fun games for the young talents, said this program is good for the students because it has a great impact not only on their sporting life but their health as well.

“The Hockey Hookin4Health program has been rolling out to schools for the past couple of months, resulting in the huge turnout on Sunday.

“Fortnight fun games were conducted by members of the national squads for both men and women.

“We delivered sessions for the students based on topics like team bonding and building as well as the health and wellbeing of the players. So it’s more like a balanced approach for the young talents, especially the students,” he said.

He added that the program also had a great impact on new ones to introduce the sport to their friends to be part of the fund game.

“A lot of new faces have joined the program every fortnightly,” Paekera said.

Kimsan Bong, a student from Bishop Norman Palmer School, also revealed that being part of the program is helpful for him.

“The fortnight’s hockey games are really fun and helpful for new ones who are new to the sport.

“It’s not about hockey alone, but also health. As a student, we need to have good health through being involved in sports such as hockey,” Bong added.

Wilhelmina Utukana, who was also part of the Sunday fun game over the weekend, also highlighted the importance of the program in terms of her working schedule, health, and fitness.

“I have been introduced to Hockey for the past three Sundays after I watched the program via the Hookin4Health social media page.

“I’ve learned a lot in areas like basic skills and my fitness journey as a female.

“I urge other females that this is a great program to be part of,” she said.

Meanwhile, because of the ongoing positive turnout, the fortnight’s fun games will be held weekly at the venue.

Hockey Hookin4Health Program Empowering Students for Success

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Hockey Hookin4Health Program continues its visitation to schools this month.

Some of the schools were revisited after receiving the first introduction of the program last month and earlier this month.

It was indeed a successful month for hockey as the program reached out to Mercy Community High School and Panatina Community High School.

The Hookin4Health team conducted the first introduction session for students based on the objectives of the program, which emphasizes more on the theme, Live Well, Learn Well, and Lead Well.

More than 400 students at Panatina CHS attended the introductory session.

Naha Community High School was also introduced to the program, with more than 180 students from grades 4 and 6 attending the session.

Norman Palmer School finally underwent its first training session after the program was introduced last month.

The same for St Nicholas Anglican College. They received their first training session after the program was introduced to the school early this month.

Year 7 students from St Nicholas Anglican College attended the first training session with more excitement.

Moli Reveals Squad for OFC Nations Cup 2024

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National team striker Raphael Leai in action during on of the team session at SIFF Academy.Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has announced the senior men’s national team for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup 2024, which will take place in Vanuatu next month.

SIFF confirmed that interim coach Jacob Moli and his assistant Stanley Waita will lead the squad.

“Solomon Islands Interim Head Coach Jacob Moli named his final 23-man squad for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup 2024 in Vanuatu,” SIFF stated.

The announcement was made during a press conference held yesterday at SIFF Headquarters.

The team comprises a blend of young and experienced players from the recent Pacific Games.

Notably, Moli has introduced Steven Koti from KOSSA FC and former national U23 player Haydn Irodao, who will be making their senior national team debut at the tournament.

Moli highlighted the challenges ahead during the press conference: “It won’t be easy, especially against host Vanuatu, champions New Zealand, and Pacific Games gold medalist New Caledonia. Once we put up the right focus, we will be up for the challenge. Given the short preparation time, we must now finalize and prepare more as a team.”

The team is set to depart next week.

The OFC Nations Cup 2024 will run from June 15th to June 30th at VFF Fresh Water Stadium and Lauganville Soccer City Stadium.

Squad: Philip Mango, Harold Nauania, Micheal Laulae, Leon Kofana, Javin Wae, PrinceTahunipue, Steven Kotu, David Supa, Calvin Ohasio, Junior David,Allen Peter, Hudson Oreinima, Atkin Kaua, Hardyn Irodao, Tihi Molea, Marlon Tahioa,Raphael Leai, Joses Nawo, John Orobulu, Junior Fordney, Bobby Leslie and Gagame Feni.

Officials:

Head Coach-Jacob Moli

Assistant Coach-Stanley Waita

Goalkeeper Coach-Erick Peter

Team Manager-Dixion Anga

Kit Manager- Augustine Hou

Physioterapist-Charles Guaba

SI refuses to take sides in geopolitical arena: PM Manele

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PM Manele.

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says geopolitics extends beyond the Pacific, it’s a global reality and the competition for influence presents the country with challenges and opportunities.

Responding to questions when asked about the country’s stance on geopolitics during a media conference this week, Prime Minister Manele said Solomon Islands, as a small nation, prioritises development and recognises that no single development partner can address all its needs. Hence the country refuses to be forced into taking sides, preferring to collaborate with all parties.

The Prime Minister said as a least developed country set to graduate in 2027, its focus remains on economic development.

He said geopolitical competition is undeniable, spanning regions like Africa, Europe, and the United States.

He adds that Solomon Islands will remains committed to its inclusive approach, aiming to cooperate with all nations without bias.

“Geopolitics is not only in the Pacific, it’s everywhere globally. Let’s look at this this way. Geopolitics or the competition for influence in the region is both a challenge and opportunity. So, its important that any government including Solomon Islands we work to capitalize on the opportunities but we must manage the challenges and in terms of conduct of foreign policy that’s the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

“For Solomon Islands as a small country our interest is development and one partner alone cannot meet all our development needs and challenges. So, therefore, it makes sense for us to work with all partners. Therefore, our foreign policy of friends to all and enemy to none.

“We will not be forced to take sides, but will work with everyone, because development interest and domestic security needs of Solomon Islands are broader and wider. One partner alone as I have said cannot meet all the needs that we have both on the development front and on the security front internally. So, our interest is internally in terms of security.

“We do acknowledge the big countries they have their interests, strategic, military but for us as a least developed country who is preparing for graduation in 2027 development interest is number one hence the focus of the government is in terms of the economy going forward. So, Geopolitics the competition for influence in the region is real.

“It is real, some say we should not recognize that. We have to be complacent, there is geopolitical competition not only in our region, but in Africa, Europe, United States, it is a phenomenal that for us a small country, that is why we maintain friends to all enemy to none approach because we would like to work with everyone. We will not be forced to take sides; I hope that’s clear.” Prime Minister Manele said.

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. 

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