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Case against former BSP teller adjourns

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a former BSP teller was administratively adjourned yesterday because the presiding magistrate was away at the High Court.

The matter returns to court on April 3 for oral submission and mitigation submissions from the counsels, and for the summary of agreed facts to be presented to the court.

Bail for the accused was extended.

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

Allegations had said Rore was employed as a Money Gram Teller at the Bank of South Pacific Limited (BSP), Central Honiara branch, starting from April 16, 2015.

Allegations against the accused arose when BSP customers made an enquiry to the bank about suspicious withdrawals and deposits in 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 $400,000.

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

Prosecution said the next business day, she would deposit the money back to the customer’s accounts from the till.

The accused had committed these fraudulent transactions on 40 customers’ accounts since April 2020.

According to the investigation report, the total amount the accused stole from the till is about $500,000.

In 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.

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62-yo man accused of sexual intercourse with two girls under 15

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 62-year-old man is facing court over allegations of having sexual intercourse with two girls under the age of 15.

The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victims, faces two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 15. He is accused of committing these acts on two separate girls, one four years old and the other a five-year-old.

The accused told court yesterday during the first mention of his case that he was without legal representation.

Prosecution updated the court that investigations have completed and they are waiting for the accused to confirm his legal representative before they can serve disclosures.

Court adjourned for April 3 to allow the accused to seek legal representation from the Public Solicitors (PSO) and directed prosecution to serve disclosures to the PSO during the course of adjournment.

Police bail for the accused was extended, and he is required to appear in court on April 3 for court to impose a court bail on him.

Prosecution alleged that the accused had sexual intercourse with the two alleged victims at LDA, Betikama area, Guadalcanal Province on August 6, 2022.

Allegation said that day, the accused lured the two girls promising them he would give them money, and took them to a house at the Betikama area.

There he allegedly had sexual intercourse with both girls. He allegedly later told them not to tell anyone about what had happened.

The DPP office acts for the State.

PASTOR, 8 MEN CHARGED

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A pastor and 8 men accused of malicious damage, criminal trespass on Savo face court

BY ROMINAH FAKA

A pastor and eight men who reportedly went to Savo island and threatened people and damaged properties faced court yesterday.
The nine accused told court that they are yet to have legal representation.
The men are alleged of having gone to a community on Savo island where they demanded $10,000 compensation, threatened people and damaged properties.
They are facing joint charges of criminal trespass and malicious damage.
Accused are Pastor Bernard Bana, 34, Charles Bane, 72, David Bane, 35, Junior Rollin, 27, Thomas Fenli, 37, Albert Ramo, 21, Rolland Fiu, 41, Patterson Iugasia, 38, and Jacob Gore, 47.
Mr Rollin faces an extra charge of being in possession of a firearm.
Police prosecution told court the file was only transferred to their office on Tuesday this week from the Office of Public Prosecution and that investigation is yet to be completed as there are few outstanding documents to be obtained, the photos of the crime scene and of the damaged properties.
Prosecution sought a 14-day adjournment to allow police in Tulagi to complete their investigations.
A defence counsel informed court that all the accused are yet to engage a legal representative from Public Solicitors.
Court adjourned for April 3.
Remand warrant for the nine accused was extended.
Allegations said leading up to the incident, Pr Bana had locked up church properties which had been presented to the Bazo SSEC church on Savo by sister churches on Honiara.
This reportedly did not go down well with the Bazo community.
This disagreement eventually led to Bana leaving Bazo for Honiara in January this year.
Two weeks later Bana’s wife returned to Bazo to collect their belongings.
It is alleged while she was packing up their belongings, a man (who would later become the complainant in this case) approached the pastor’s wife and told her to leave the church properties alone.
The wife reported this to her husband (Bana) upon return and he responded by telling her to inform the Bazo community and the man who had approached her to prepare $10,000 as compensation for him (Bana).
On Thursday, February 22 Bana and the other eight defendants met near the Yacht club sea front where Bana paid a sea fare of $700 and they crossed to Bazo Village, Savo at 5pm.
Allegations continue that they first shored at Koromilo village where they unloaded seven cartons of beer and headed to Mora village.
They arrived around 6pm in the evening and walked straight to Bazo village, to the complainant’s house.
The complainant and his family were in their kitchen having dinner when defendant David Bane came and spoke with him. One of the defendants threw a punch at the complainant but missed.
One of the defendants grabbed the complainant’s shirt while another defendant who was armed with an axe moved in to attack the complainant. However, the complainant freed himself and escaped.
Rollin gave chase with his home-made pistol but could not catch him, so he returned and threatened one of the villagers with the weapon, it is alleged.
The defendants then turned on the complainant’s house and properties and damaged it.
The total amount of the damaged properties is reportedly $10,470. These include the damaged solar watts, large bucket, pieces of iron roofing, pots, cups, plates, spoon, luggage basket, dwelling house and kitchen house.
Allegations added that on February 23 the defendants to 16 pieces of roofing iron and a tank belonging to the Bazo church and sold them to some people from nearby Lokanipeo village.
Bazo community reported the matter to the police.
On Saturday, February 24 the defendants were about to board a boat back to Honiara when the Police Response Team arrived and apprehended all the defendants and escorted them to Tulagi police station.
Next day they were escorted to Honiara and have been remanded in the custody since.
Police Prosecution John Mark Saugaro appears for the Crown.

Social Welfare Division and Self Pleis highlights challenges

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

LIMITED human resources, lack of capacity building are some of the challenges the Social Welfare Division and Self Pleis are currently facing when trying to tackle reported case of child abuse.  

During a talkback show held yesterday at SIBC to mark the International Day of Social Work, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Social Welfare Division Director, Linda Tupe highlighted the impact limited human resources has on their services.

“For the whole country, we only have seventeen social welfare officers, so you can imagine this number serving the whole country’s population, we need more human resource to boost our response services,” she said.

According to Tupe, the number of reported child abuse cases has increased significantly unfortunately, they cannot response effectively to all cases due to being short staffed.

However, Tupe assured that her division has tried their best and are using other service providers and social services available to tackle the reported cases.

As for Seif Ples, centre manager, Brigthlyn Beauty highlighted that the lack of capacity building has hindered social officers from dealing with victims professionally and suggested proper capacity building.

“Officers at Seif Ples usually get calls from children, girls and women and especially for children, there are existing referral pathways therefore, these officers’ need capacity building/ trainings on how to better guide victims on the process and the proper referral pathways for them,” she added.   

Court grants the bail application for Panatina arm robbery case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The bail application for the case of Samson Damisulia who accused for arm robbery at Panatina Ridge in September last year was granted in court yesterday.

The presiding Principal Magistrate ruled out the bail application by imposing court strict bail condition upon the accused which include the accused to pay a cash of $500 before leaving the custody yesterday.

Court has granted bail to an accused in the armed robbery case involving a couple at Panatina Ridge who were attacked and robbed in September last year.

Samson Damisulia is one of the accused men in this case. He is facing charges of armed robbery.

Court imposed strict conditions on Damisulia and ordered that he paid $500 before leaving court yesterday.

Conditions include – Damisulia to live with his uncle, the surety, at Kukum Labourline area, he must attend all his court hearings, not to interfere with the prosecution witness, not to leave Honiara without court’s leave, always report to Kukum Police office every Wednesday between 6am and 5pm and surety to ensure compliance of the bail conditions.

Prosecution also updated the court they had no issue with the trial date which was set in the previous hearing for June 17-28.

The accused was excused from appearing in court until June 11 for final-interim mention.

Bail for Damisulia was extended.

This case is related to allegations a Solomon Islander couple of Korean origins were attacked while burgled at their home on September 7, 2023, at the Panatina Ridge.

Allegations said around 2am the couple realised two burglars were in their home. When the couple approached them, the burglars attacked them with weapons.

The burglars then fled with three mobile phones and $1,200 cash.

The couple ended up at the national referral hospital seeking medical attention to injuries sustained during the attack.

Prosecution alleged one of the two men, Damisulia, escaped to his home province Malaita but was arrested by the police on September 15 and escorted back to Honiara on September 17, where he has been placed in custody at Rove.

Vernon Taupongi of Office of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and Emy Rusi of Public Solicitor Office appears for the Defendant.

SINU hails deal with Australia as ‘tangible’

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau has deemed the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australia as a “tangible step” towards achieving the institution’s goals and vision.

Speaking during the signing last week at SINU’s Kukum Campus, Professor Aqorau described the MOU as a “catalyst” that will enable the university to transform their vision into action, harness the potential of students and faculties and in turn, having a great impact in the community and beyond.

The signed MOU outlined a 10 years partnership between SINU and Australia and aims to develop and establish sustainable links with Australian universities, foster collaborative research programs, trainings, strengthen governance, foster civil engagement and nurture security and development cooperation in the country.

Professor Aqorau further stated the MOU sets the direction towards the vision he has for the university since his inauguration.

“A vision of an institution that can be a beacon of hope, an oasis of learning, and a leader of innovation. We aspire to develop a university that espouses zero tolerance for abuse and corrosion of systems, with a keen interest in emerging technologies and the power of ICT to achieve efficiencies, improve the efficacy of teaching, and enhance all processes within the organization”  he said.

Aiming to provide world class education, leading in research and innovation and fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, Aqorau admitted that these can be accomplished through the assistance of donors like Australia.

Also speaking during the signing, Australia’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton said they are grateful to be partnering with the institution to strengthen the education sector as they recognise its socio-economic impacts.

“By working together, we can unlock new opportunities, address common challenges, and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that is so essential to diversify the economy, build prosperity, and foster a more inclusive dynamic society” Hilton said.

Hilton said the Australian Government is honoured to help the University to achieve it visions, goals and advance the nation.

OUR Party accuses SIEC of ‘not independent and impartial’, pokes Australia and UNDP

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Ownership, Unity, Responsibility (OUR) Party has accused the Electoral Commission (SIEC) of being ‘not independent and impartial’.

OUR party also insinuated Australia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) had an ‘influence’ on what the party is accusing SIEC of.

At the heart of OUR party’s concern are two community text messages sent by SIEC which the Party views as a “not too subtle” attempt to sway votes away from OUR party candidates.

OUR party is suspicious of the presence of the word ‘change’ in SIEC’s text messages.

The text messages in contention are:

“You are never too little to make a CHANGE. The Power is in Your Two Votes. People with Disabilities, Women, Young People, Everyone. April 17 – Make that CHANGE.” This text was sent on February 7.

“You can MAKE THE CHANGE. Use your two votes to CHOOSE YOUR Members. People with Disabilities, women, young people, everyone. Vote Blo You Pawa Blo You [Your vote is your power].” This text was sent on March 13.

In a media statement on March 14, OUR party explains that the word ‘change’ is used by rival political parties, the United Party (UP) and Umi 4 Change (U4C) in their campaign slogans to lure support.

[The UP is led by Peter Kenilorea Jnr and U4C is led by former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani]

OUR party argues, “You can see that the not too subtle message here is to change the government. Notice how the word ‘change’ jumps out to you? Yes, all in upper case and it is designed this way to leave a lasting impression on you, that come Election Day, we must vote for change, by voting out this government and voting in a new government.”

Referring to the March-13 text, OUR party said, “The message here is more express and forceful. It now has ‘MAKE THE CHANGE’ in uppercase which is clearly a directive for voters to use their voted to effect change. SIEC mandate is not to tell voters who or what to vote for.

“By making messages that associate the SIEC with various political parties, undermines the impartiality, neutrality and independence of the Commission. Or could it be that the Commission does not have control over its officers?” OUR party added.

OUR party stretched its allegations to include SIEC’s donor partners, Australia and UNDP’s SECSIP.

“OUR Party understands that the funding for the election is provided for by the Australian Government. OUR Party also understands that UNDP SECSIP also supports SIEC and has a contract with Our Telekom for these text blasts. This then raises the issue that would such messages be the result of the influence of a donor partner.

“If this is so, then clearly, this is a blatant campaign for regime change advocated by a foreign power and its agents,” OUR party said.

The statement concludes with OUR party threatening to ‘challenge any election result after the 2024 National General Election that is not in favour of OUR Party candidates’, and demanding an ‘immediate public apology’ from SIEC.

OUR party also hinted on potential legal action against SIEC and the chief electoral officer (CEO).

The SIEC has not responded to Island Sun’s enquiries for comments.

However, SIEC CEO Jasper Anisi made repeated emphasis of the Commission’s independence during his remarks on Sunday’s [March 17] electoral talkback show at the SIBC.

The Australian High Commission has not responded to enquiries for comment.

Meanwhile, on social media, there have mixed reaction to OUR party’s statement, which was published on the popular SBM Online page on Thursday, March 14.

Many have brushed the accusations aside as mere speculations, seeing something which is not there.

“The messages from the SIEC appear to promote voter engagement and inclusivity, rather than advocating for any specific political party. Accusations of foreign influence seem speculative without concrete evidence,” says one commentator.

“The word ‘change’ used in SIEC text message must not be misinterpreted to mean referring to a specific Government or Party and or a person. It is generally used to describe the change needed to see an improvement to standard of living, health services, vibrant economy, quality education, good transportations, employment opportunities, reserve business for Solomon islanders, maximum benefit from our resources, etc, etc. Forty-five years into nationhood and our people are still crying for a right formula to realise an improved standard of living for Solomon islanders,” said another commentator.

“The same old election message of ‘VOTE FOR CHANGE’ now becomes a threat! I wonder what went wrong this time with the same old phrase ‘VOTE FOR CHANGE?’,” another commentator puts it.

Few agreed with OUR party. “True one too ia issue raised by OUR Party. Time me lookim messages for change, me wonder too especially when office blo SIEC hem under PMO group,” one commentator wondered.

Speaking to Island Sun, local political commentator Andrew Muaki dismissed OUR party’s accusation of Australia and UNDP.

“Our Party’s concern is valid. If the texts were from SIEC the independence of the commission is called into question.

“However, I think OUR Party’s allegations about UNDP and Australia is uncalled for. There is no need to taint donors here.

“Secondly, OUR Party should not dictate to the SIEC how it should address the issue, if any. OUR Party has no right to tell SIEC to apologise or even to demand SIEC to issue an apology in the way it wants. That’s basically an interference into the working of the SIEC.

“They complain about SIEC not remaining neutral then they turn around and threaten and dictate to SIEC how to respond to its concerns? SIEC should be free to decide its response, if any.

“UNDP and Australia are long time donors to SIEC.”

The overwhelming majority of members of parliament (MPs) of the former government, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), are members of OUR party.

Caretaker prime minister Manasseh Sogavare is the wing leader of OUR party.

The SIEC is under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Solomon Islands goes to the polls on April 17.

US VOWS CLIMATE CHANGE SUPPORT

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Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock.

US government committed to share Solomon Islands’ climate change burden

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

The United States government says it is fully committed to support Solomon Islands in sharing the unequal burden of climate change.

Non-Resident Ambassador to Solomon Islands Ann Marie Yastishock echoed the above sentiment in a recent press roundtable briefing held in Honiara.

Yastishock said the US government’s third area of focus here in Solomon Islands is climate change which is an existential threat and the US is deeply committed to addressing it.

“We understand that Solomon Islands shares an unequal burden of the consequence of climate change. The US is dedicating to supporting the Solomon Islands needs for improved climate resilient, disaster response, biodiversity, adaptation capacity and renewable energy,” Yastishock said.

She stressed that President Joe Biden’s emphasis on the climate crisis carries deep importance here as Solomon Islands adapts and manages the effects of climate change.

“We stand to support the abundance of natural resources of the Solomon Islands and protect the human economy which depends on the forest for shelter, minerals for critical industries and fish for food,” Yastishock said.

She echoed that Solomon Islands vast mineral resources are essential for the wellbeing of the generations to come.

“And protection of fishing resources today to critical for the legacy of tomorrow to endure. So, these challenges faces are significant.

“I commit to work with the government and people of Solomon Islands to face these challenges together,” Yastishock said.

She furthered that “in addressing climate change there still a lot of work that we need to do on the adaptation portion of it and mitigation, and some of that is bringing in renewable energy as well as looking at resilient infrastructure type of work and even as far as resilient agriculture type of products.

“So again, there is also of work that we need to work together on and figure out how to prioritise these areas,” Yastishock said.

Central Honiara constituency is ‘New York’ of Solomon Islands: Lilo

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MP elect for Central Honiara Gordon Darcy Lilo.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The significance of Central Honiara constituency has been underscored by SIPRA candidate Gordon Darcy Lilo as the ‘New York’ of the country.

Mr Lilo, president of Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA) coined this phrase when speaking to the paper yesterday on his visions to bring up Central Honiara to realise its potential of being a powerhouse constituency.

He said SIPRA’s visions and policies can be translated and implemented to empower Central Honiara constituency and its constituents, and the country overall.

“I want my constituents to understand that Central Honiara is the New York of Solomon Islands.

“The great institutions of this country and regional institutions are hosted in this constituency. The Central Bank, the financial institutions such as banks, the cathedrals and main churches and their headquarter offices, the national referral hospital (NRH), the Legislature (parliament), the Judiciary including the Magistrate and the High Court which is shared between West and Central Honiara, the National Provident Fund (NPF) which hosts all the liquidity of the country, the fuel company which controls supplies in the country – South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL), University of the South Pacific (USP), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) a premier regional organisation, and most of the Government ministries’ head offices. The Honiara city’s central business district (CBD) is here also.”

Lilo, a one-time prime minister from 2011-2014 and a strong contender for the top job once elected as Central Honiara’s parliamentary representative, said Central Honiara has potential in its huge population, which can be tapped using SIPRA’s visions and policies.

SIPRA visions and policies aim at resurrecting the country’s ailing economy to become a vibrant one.

One of SIPRA’s visions and policies which will tackle the current huge unemployment and youth/women population in the country is incorporating TVETs in community high schools; another will be the propping up and support for more small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the country.

“SIPRA’s plans to use SMEs and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will turn the huge unemployed population of Central Honiara constituency to active contributors of the economy. SIPRA’s TVET plan will prepare Central Honiara’s youth and women to enter the SMEs and generate income and drive the economy.”

Lilo explains that SMEs are the only realistic channels through which government and donor funds can go directly to the citizens’ households and back into the economy as a whole.

“The larger enterprises not so much.”

Lilo explains that SIPRA’s vision and policies to provide more education and employment opportunities will also greatly impact the country.

Making example of his plans for Central Honiara constituency if he is elected, Lilo said:

“The huge number of people living in informal settlements behind Central Honiara have ties with their tribes and communities back in their provinces of origin, so providing education and employment opportunities for them, while improving livelihoods and economy in Central Honiara, will also have positive spill-over effects in their communities back in their provinces, improving the livelihoods and economies there.

“Central Honiara constituency will pilot these policies. SME will be the platform that will lift the women and youths here. The TVETs in all the community high schools will absorb them and prepare them to be ready for SMEs to have better opportunities either in the social service sector or the economic sectors.

“We will also fix the land registration problem in Central Honiara. We will make a drive to make sure that urbanisation in Central Honiara must be fixed first, so that they [Central Honiara constituents] have the potential to be able to use that to draw capital in the financial institutions, and even in SMEs too.”

SIPRA has a lot of visions and policies to move the country forward, Lilo explains, and one of them is to diversify and expand on the current labour mobility scheme to include other countries, such as Canada with the under-utilised CITREC programme.

He said this poses huge opportunities for the unemployed youth and women of Central Honiara constituency.

Meanwhile, the labour mobility legislation was passed when Lilo was prime minister in 2012.

Central Honiara is the country’s second most heavily populated constituency, behind East Honiara constituency.

The country goes to the polls on April 17.

US committed to support SI women 

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Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

UNITED States government has voiced its commitment to elevate the roles of Solomon Islands women in all sectors.

US non-resident Ambassador to Solomon Islands Ann Marie Yastishock said, “On the role of women, we are together have the capacity to enhance public systems grounded in democratic values, the rule of law and education, serving as the foundation for productive inclusive sand productive societies and part of that is really ensuring women are fundamental part of this process.

“We are committed to work with Solomon Islands on in helping to lift up women in ensure they have the skills they need to strive,” Yastishock said.

She says one of these programmes is the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs.

A workshop supported by the United States which provides core business skills and enable women to grow their businesses and create partnerships that can lasts for years.

“We hosted three women from the Solomon Islands as part of AWE cohorts in Papua New Guinea in the past. This year partnering with AWE alumni we are proud to pilot first AWE cohort here in Solomon Islands and we hope to send more women through this life changing training,” Yastishock said.

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