Home Blog Page 542

Minister Kuma calls for enhanced migration cooperation

Written by
Admin
-
0
Minister Kuma speaking during the 26th PIDC Regular Annual Meeting in Honiara.

BY NED GAGAHE

Harry Kuma, the Minister for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, has highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in addressing migration challenges across the Pacific.

Speaking at the 26th Pacific Immigration Development Community’s (PIDC) Annual Meeting, Minister Kuma welcomed esteemed delegates and partners, highlighting their collective efforts in fostering regional cooperation.

Minister Kuma underscored the meeting’s significance in enhancing dialogue and sharing best practices to combat issues like human trafficking and irregular migration, aiming for sustainable solutions across Pacific nations.

“PIDC Chair, I am pleased to acknowledge the following partners that have been working with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division and as observers; the PIDC Secretariat, Australian Border Force, Papua New Guinea Immigration Citizenship Service Authority, New Zealand Government, International Organization for Migration, United Nation Office for Drugs, United States Department, European Union, Oceania Customs Organization, Pacific Transnational Organized Crime, Forum Fishery Agency, Australian Federal Police, Pacific Chief of Police, United Nation Human Right Commission, Pacific Islands Forum, South Pacific Commission, Pacific Security College, International Civil Aviation Organization and the Bali Regional Support office.

“PIDC Chair and esteemed delegates, the Solomon Islands Government is truly pleased to have Immigration experts, development partners, law enforcement officers and technical experts, who will over the course of three days contribute to constructive discussions. We will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and explore new avenues for cooperation in the field of migration management. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, we can enhance our collective capacity to address the complex challenges posed by migration, such as human trafficking, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Minister Kuma expressed confidence that the meeting serves as a platform for productive dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all our nations.

“Together, we can build a Pacific community that embraces diversity, celebrates unity, and values the contributions of every individual.

“We expect that the outcomes of the 26th PIDC Regional Annual Meeting will be successful and eventually inform policies, and decision makings to promote national and regional solutions and cooperation.

“I therefore, urge all participants, distinguished delegates, and the Secretariat to make best use of the opportunity of the 26th PIDC Regular Annual Meeting here in Honiara. I wish you all a successful and fruitful meeting. Let us together, embark on this journey towards a better future.

“In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to the Pacific Immigration Development Community, Salomon Islands Immigration Division and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration for co-hosting the 26th PIDC Regular Annual Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. I also would like to thank all participants of this meeting for your dedication and commitment to advancing the goals of the Pacific Immigration Development Community.

Let us seize this opportunity to make a positive impact and shape a brighter future for the blue Pacific.” Minister Kuma said.

FORMER BSP TELLER SENTENCED

Written by
Admin
-
0

Former BSP teller who stole more than $500k gets 2 years, 8 months prison time

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The former teller of the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) has been sentenced to two years, eight months in prison for stealing.

On Friday June 28 Principal Magistrate Beneteti Tearo delivered the sentence ruling to Tessa Solenone Rore.

Tearo highlighted that Ms Rore pleaded guilty on February 14, 2024 to two counts of larceny by servant and one count of forgery of certain documents with intention to defraud.

Prosecution along defence agreed and submitted the agreed facts to the court, indicating that the amount stolen by Rore was more than $500,000.

Principal Magistrate Tearo took into consideration aggravating factors in the sentencing.

These factors included the significate amount of money stolen, the breach of trust involved since Rore was a BSP teller and the financial loss suffered by BSP due to Rore’s actions.

In addition to the aggravating factors, court also took into consideration mitigating factors submitted by defence.

For the mitigation factors Rore is first time offender who had no previous criminal record, early guilty plea in which she admitted her wrong at an early stage of the legal proceeding. And her personal circumstances, here her lawyer submitted a sworn statement indicating remorse for her actions and her participation in church activities, which reflects her rehabilitation.  

Court orders the following sentence for Rore count 1 larceny by servant – one year in prison, count 2 larceny by servant – two years and six months in prison, and count 3 forgery of document – two years and eight months in prison.

Court has ordered that the sentence for all three counts against Tessa Solenone Rore will run concurrently. Therefore, Rore will serve a total of two years and eight months in prison for three counts combined.

Jonathan Auga of Director of Public of Public Prosecution Office act for the crown and Emy Rusi act for Rore.

Sentencing for former BSP teller further adjourns

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

Sentencing into the case of former BSP Teller further has adjourned for June 28.

On Thursday June 20 the matter was mentioned in the Magistrate court for delivering of sentence however, the presiding principal magistrate was sick and informed the court of an adjournment.

Tessa Solenone Rore pleaded guilty on the previous hearing to two counts of larceny by servant and one count of forgery of certain documents with intention to defraud.

The allegation

Court heard that Rore was employed as a Money Gram Teller at the Bank of South Pacific Limited (BSP), Central Honiara branch, since April 16, 2015.

The allegations against the accused arose when BSP customers made enquiries to the bank about suspicious withdrawals and deposits in or from their personal bank accounts in 2020.

The accused was removed from the till and the BSP Operational Risk Unit conducted an internal assessment.

It was discovered that the shortage amount from the till was around $422,737.40.

The accused took out money from the till or drawer, which resulted in cash shortages and she would do withdrawals from customer’s accounts to balance the till at the end of each business day.

Prosecution further states, on the next business day, she would deposit the money back to the customer’s account from the till.

The total amount the accused stole was more than $ 500,000.

It has been discovered that the accused had done these fraudulent transactions on 40 customers’ accounts since April, 2020.

In the month of August 2020, the accused was officially terminated from her employment.

Jonathan Auga of DPP Office act for the State and Emy Rusi of PSO act for the Accused.

Dragon Pub murder investigation yet to complete

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of an off-duty police officer who was killed at the Dragon Pub in the Kukum area in May this year has been further suspended for July 1 for police to complete investigations and obtain outstanding documents.

Paul Daopuri, 35, and James Solomon Kai, 21, are remanded in custody, charged with the murder of the police officer.

Prosecution informed court yesterday investigations is yet to complete with outstanding documents yet to be obtained for the two accused – the autopsy report and forensic photo album.

Perusal disclosures have been served to the Public Solicitors.

However, for accused James Solomon Kai he was represented by defence counsel Hubert Fugui and his lawyer did not appear in court yesterday.

Magistrate made summons for the police investigator to appear in court on the next mention date to explain the status of the investigations.

Court suspended for July 1 for mention and full disclosures to be served to defence for both accused.

Allegation say 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 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 a pepper spray on the group of men.

The deceased was later dragged out of the Pub by off-duty security Daopuri, where the deceased was attacked by a group of more than 10 men outside the Pub.

The allegation furthers Daopuri 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, nicknamed Solo, allegedly attacked the deceased using a bottle.

A policeman who arrived at the scene intervened and took the deceased to National Referral Hospital (NRH) where he pronounced dead.

Myrella Cleven appears for the crown and Daniel Kwalai appears or Daopuri.

Push for comprehensive and visionary approach to education

Written by
Admin
-
0
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, has pushed for a “comprehensive and visionary approach to education” to tackle climate change, Health crisis, and economic sustainability.  

He echoed this during the official opening of the International Education Conference on Wednesday.

“We must develop curricula that instill environmental stewardship and climate resilience, promote health and wellness, and foster economic empowerment,” Aqorau said.

Highlighting climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation that continues to affect local communities, Aqorau emphasized the importance of climate education.

“The necessity for education to include climate literacy and sustainable practices cannot be overstated,” he said. “Our education system must equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”.

Aqorau envisioned this approach to build “a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are prepared to lead and innovate in the face of ecological challenges.”.

Addressing the health crisis, particularly the alarming high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Aqorau stressed the importance of health education.

“By educating students on the importance of physical and mental health, nutrition, and preventive healthcare, we can promote healthier lifestyles and foster a more resilient population,” he said.

In regards to economic sustainability, Aqorau acknowledged the contributions of the logging, fisheries, and agriculture sectors to national revenue and employment. However, he cautioned that dependence on these sectors may not bring forth “long-term growth and resilience.”.

“To overcome these challenges,” Aqorau proposed that “our education system must evolve to equip students with a diverse array of skills that align with the demands of new and emerging industries.”

He further emphasized a shift in our educational priorities by integrating vocational training, technical education, and entrepreneurial skills into the curriculum.

“By fostering a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills, we can prepare our students to excel in fields ranging from renewable energy and information technology to tourism and the creative industries,” he added.

Incorporation of knowledge, languages, culture key to cultural preservation

Written by
Admin
-
0
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Incorporation of knowledge, languages, and culture into the education sector is vital for preservation of cultural heritage.

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau echoed this during the International Education Conference.

“Indigenous knowledge systems, developed over generations, offer invaluable insights into sustainable living, natural resource management, and community resilience” Aqorau said.

He emphasized that this approach will enrich the educational experience for educators and students alike.

“Teaching in local languages and incorporating cultural practices help students connect with their roots, fostering a deep sense of identity and pride” Aqorau emphasized.

He stressed that apart from preserving heritage and enriching the educational experience, it will also foster “community bonds and national identity” both necessary for a sustainable future. 

Aqorau further described the approach as a “powerful motivator” as it will help students develop a sense of responsibility towards their communities and the environment.

“It will provide a unique perspective that can contribute to innovative solutions for contemporary challenges, blending traditional wisdom with modern knowledge” he added.

Marau murder case first call-over at High Court on June 28

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of killing a girl at Marau in October last year was mentioned in the Magistrate court yesterday for extension of the remand warrant of the accused.

Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari made directions for the matter to be first call-over at High Court on June 28 at 1.30pm.

Constance Manepania is charged with one count of murder to which he pleaded not guilty, and a committal deposition was filed in court where court found there was sufficient evidence to commit the matter to the High court trial.

Police alleged October 8, 2023 late in the evening, the deceased and some of her relatives boarded a canoe to an island called Ravi within the Marau area to sleep over for fishing during the night time.

Next day at about 8am, the deceased and two other relatives boarded another canoe to the mainland to collect food and water for the group on the island.

When they reached mainland, they dug some swamp taro, refilled some containers of water.

At about 4pm the deceased and the other girls loaded their canoe and departed for Ravi Island.

About few metres from the mainland the deceased complained that her body was not feeling good, and was afraid to go to Ravi Island, so she decided to stay back on the mainland.

The other girls left the deceased along the shore so that she could walk back home.

The deceased then left Tawanikeni village along the sea shore back to her village Kompa’u.

Prosecution alleged that it was on her way back to her home village that the accused attacked her.

A witness who was on his way along the airport that day heard a sound of a crying person. When the witness got closer to where the crying sound came from, he saw Manepania holding a bush knife in his right hand.

Manepania led the witness to where the deceased was lying unconscious then he stepped onto the deceased’s forehead and squeezed the neck of the deceased until she stopped breathing.

After that Manepania demanded and ordered the witness to take the dead body down to the sea and sink it.

The accused allegedly threatened the witness to carry out this act, saying he would cut the witness with the bush knife if he did not comply.

Police at Marau received a report of the incident on October 10, 2023, when villagers around Marau area saw the deceased’s body washed ashore in front of the Conflict Lodge.

Paul Fanasia of DPP appears for the Crown and Delilah Kukura of PSO appears for Manepania.

ONE LINK TRIAL SET

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial into the case against a police officer accused of stealing $300,000 kept as exhibit at the Police storage facilities in Rove, Honiara in 2020 is set for October 7.

Makasi Dolaiano is facing one count of stealing as a clerk and he denied the charge by pleading not guilty.

Yesterday the matter was called at Magistrate court for interim-mention where parties informed the court they had no issues at this stage.

Court suspended for July 3 for next interim-mention date, and the accused is excused from appearing in court.

Prosecution allege that the defendant stole $336,891.20 that was kept as an exhibit for a trial in the Honiara Magistrate Court in October 2020.

It was further alleged that the defendant was said to be one of the officers manning the exhibit storage facility at the time when the $300k went missing in October 2020.

The $300k belong to One Link Pacifica customers and served as evidence and exhibit in a case against the owners of the failed money scheme in 2020.

Police recovered the monies after they arrested the manager of the money investment scheme in April 2020.

The $300k was initially kept at the exhibit storage facility at the Central Police Station and then transferred to the exhibit storage facility at the Rove Police Headquarters where it went missing.

George Gray of Public Solicitor’s Office represents Dolaiano and Mrs Olivia Ratu Manu of Office of Public Prosecution act for the Crown.

Seaweed farming surges in Lau lagoon

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
A boat load with harvested seaweed.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Malaita provincial fisheries office has reported surge in seaweed farming within Lau lagoon in the northeast of Malaita province.

The lagoon is first to introduce with the aquiculture seaweed farming activity in late 1990s on Malaita, however, a slow growth was experienced since then until 2017.

In an interview with Malaita provincial fisheries officer, Alick Konamalefo he said his office is delighted to see the reignition in interest in seaweed farming.

“The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources introduced seaweed farming at Hotedea on Manaoba island in Lau lagoon toward late 1990.

“Since then, it grew in a slow pace due to many factors such as market and even the ethnic tension, however, people didn’t let go of it.

“Until 2017, the farming regained momentum and expanded to other areas such as Ata in the northeast and Suava in the northwest of the lagoon,” he said.

Konamalefo said Malaita provincial fisheries office through Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource is grateful to see the growth of seaweed farming within area and encourages them on this livelihood activity.

He said seaweed farming in Lau lagoon mainly done by women and children as well as men and it becomes a generating income to their families.

“At the moment JQY is buying $4 per kilogram of dry seaweed from the farmers. JQY is one of the stakeholders have supported farmers in Lau on the activity.

“JQY has supported farmers with equipment such as ropes and others that helped in the farming activity. Now, they are buying the seaweed from the farmers,” Konamalefo said. 

He said being the leading agent in the province, the provincial fisheries office is supportive of the activity under its aquiculture fisheries livelihood program.

Konamalefo said these programs include seaweed farming, tilapia farming and Fishing Aggregate Device (FAD) that they have been promoting in the province.

He said the idea behind this is to create alternative fisheries activities for people to shift from over harvesting reefs and mangrove and even gain income from the activities.

YTASI senior black belts prepare for official grading

Written by
Admin
-
0
Senior Black Belts with Master Sabum Duddley.Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

YUNS Taekwondo Academy Solomon Islands (YTASI) is pleased to announce the upcoming Official Grading Ceremony for Senior Black Belts, scheduled to take place on June 27, 2024, at the Multi-Purpose Hall.

YTASI Instructor and Owner, Master Joses Dudley, confirmed the event and extended an invitation to all Senior Black Belts to embrace this opportunity for growth and achievement in their martial arts journey.

“This significant event will see Senior Black Belts from the academy undergo evaluation by the esteemed Grandmaster Ra,” Master Dudley said. “YTASI extends a warm invitation to all Senior Black Belts to embrace this opportunity for growth and achievement in their martial arts journey. We encourage all Senior Black Belts to prepare diligently and make the most of this momentous occasion.”

The ceremony is open to students, parents, guardians, and the general public, who are all invited to witness and support the dedication and skill of these martial artists.

This event marks a significant milestone for the YTASI and its Senior Black Belt students, as they strive to elevate their skills and achievements in the world of Taekwondo.

1...541542543...1,683Page 542 of 1,683