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Asilaua’s camp with 20 MPAs

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Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE camp led by MPA for ward 11 Elijah Asilaua claims the majority of 20 out of 33 MPAs under Malaita provincial assembly as of yesterday afternoon.

Asilaua confirmed this to SunAuki saying they expect an inclusion of one more MPA to join the camp ahead of speaker’s election tomorrow.

He said his camp currently holds the majority of the assembly with 20 MPAs, and they are confident to form the next provincial government of Malaia province.

Spokesman MPA for Raroisu’u ward 21, Jerry Hite reaffirmed the number of 20 MPAs in a conversation with this paper yesterday.

“We are 20 rock solid and I’m confident we will be together till the election next week, despite the fact that lobbying is still underway,” he said.

Hite said the camp has 20 MPAs and they expect another one which will be the MPA for Sikaiana ward 33 of Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

He said the MPA is still in Sikaiana and is expected to be in Auki either by Friday or over the weekend for the election of the premier next week.

When asked on whether the withdrawal of Daniel Suidani from contesting the premiers post could encourage MPAs to defect to their camp, he said he’s confident it won’t happen.

He said lobbying is still active and anything can happen, but they continue to consult each other even keep close surveillance on those who seem easy to defect.

Hite said similar goals and ambitions shared by MPAs at the camp believe to be the fabric for their number strength and form the next government of Malaita. 

Also, this paper yesterday witnessed the three MPAs whom one of them reported earlier this week they are still yet to join a camp had already at Asilaua’s camp.

They are MPA for ward 27, Simon Ke’ebo, MPA for ward 9, George Ganiau and MPA for ward 10, Jimmy Daoni.

Ke’ebo and Daoni were last week at the camp once led by Suidani. Another MPA that was also seen at the camp is MPA for ward 12, Henry Maenu’u, who is also at Asilaua’s camp.

While Asilaua’s camp is claiming 21 MPAs, the other camp is reportedly with only 12 MPAs. Thus, lobbying is still active and change on the numerical strengthen of the camps is likely to happen.

Asilaua refutes allegations of luring MPAs with $300,000 each to his camp

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Elijah Asilaua has refuted allegations leveled against his camp of luring MPAs with $300,000 and lucrative development projects for MPAs to join his camp.

The MPA made the statement in an interview to respond to the allegations, describing it as fabricated and aimed to tarnish the reputation of his camp.

The allegations published by Malaita Issues last week said, “the Honiara-based camp (Asilaua’s camp) has been accused of employing questionable tactics to lure MPAS to their side.

“Sources revealed that they have been offering large sums of money, as well as promising lucrative development projects, in an attempt to get MPAs to defect from Suidani’s camp.

“MPAs currently residing in Suidani’s camp disclosed that they have been receiving phone calls from the Honiara group with promise of $300,000 and projects for their respective wards if they switch allegiance,” Malaita Issues said.

Asilaua acknowledged the allegations as political language as lobbying is underway.

‘It holds no truth and only false’, he said

He said his camp is about reconnecting the disconnect with the national government. Opening arms to all partners to develop Malaita province.

Asilaua said this is what lured MPAs to his camp, because they shared similar ideas to work together with national government to drive the province forward.

Spokesman for the camp, MPA for Raroisu’u ward 21, Jerry Hite echoed Asilaua’s comments.

He said their camp wasn’t aware of the allegations and that they are false.

Hite said they want to work together with the national government and development partners.

He said this was what had pulled them together as they look forward to work towards achieving development for Malaita province.

Asilaua added that the outgoing redirection government had begun reconnecting the disconnect with the national government and it must continue.

He said only through close synergy with national government and development partners Malaita province will realize its visions and dream for the province.

Suidani withdraws candidacy for Malaita premier post

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Samie Waikori
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Daneil Suidani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Daniel Suidani has announced his withdrawal from the contest for the premier post of Malaita province.

Mr Suidani, MPA for west Fataleka ward 5 said his withdrawal is based on principles of genuine leadership for Malaita.

His withdrawal is his response to wide speculations that he would pose hinderance to proposed development projects for Malaita, such as the planned tar-seal road project for Auki.

Suidani said he does not have any notion of blocking any development plans for Malaita, and to prove this, he is stepping down from the premiership race.

The announcement was made in a video clip published by Malaita Issues on Tuesday this week as he publicly declared his withdrawal due to issues targeted at him.

He said since lobbying began there have been speculations going round that he would pose a stumbling block to proposed development for Malaita, such as the Auki tar-seal road project.

Suidani said the claim was false and he has nothing as as such in mind toward any development for Malaita.

He said if the development was agreed to by the past government and is good for Malaita province, he has nothing against it or would hinder its implementation.

Suidani said the claim has become an issue in Auki and amongst them elected MPAs and he wants to remind the public of Malaita that what was leveled against him is not true.

He explained that his stance during the MARA-government was on issues that were not clear and as a government they must question issues of the interest of the province.

He expressed his worry on how MPAs took the issue against him, which was only fabricated and even seen as personal hatred on him.

He said to prove his good intentions for Malaita, he has decided to withdraw his candidacy to represent the camp he once led for the premier’s post in the election next week.

Suidani added that his decision to withdraw also was to show that he does not to be seen as an obstacle to development in Malaita.

He said he will support any government that leads the province and also assured his support for the Auki road tar-seal and other projects for Malaita province.

Guadalcanal province elects speaker

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Re-elected Provincial Speaker Peter Aoraunisaka.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly re-elected Peter Aoraunisaka as its provincial speaker yesterday.

Th election which took place at the provincial headquarters saw Aoraunisaka as the highly favoured candidate with an overwhelming 19 out of 20 votes.

Following the close of nomination at 4pm, Tuesday 7th, four (4) candidates were officially nominated for the position they were: Robert Feratalia, Peter Aoraunisaka, Daniel Donua and Jacob Kinai.

Provincial Assembly Clerk, Edward Juvia who oversaw the election announced the following votes for each candidate.

Peter Aoraunisaka: 19 votes

Robert Feratelia: 1 vote

Daniel Donua: 0 vote

Jacob Kinai: 0 vote

Aoraunisaka was sworn in to office at 1 pm in a small ceremony which was witnessed by the MPAs and staff members.

Addressing them promptly after the ceremony, he expressed gratitude to the MPAs “Thank you all honorable members for the trust and the confidence you have displayed in the election of the speaker. Truly, it shows the overwhelming support for me to work alongside all of you to work together”.

Prior to his re-election for the 10th Assembly, he was initially elected as the provincial speaker in 2019 to 2024 and also served as the Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Birao Ward in 2014-2019.

According to GP statement, the nomination and election for the Deputy speaker is likely to be on Monday 13th.

The newly elected speaker will be presiding the election of the new premier which is scheduled for Friday 10th at 2pm.

Appointment process for Governor-General next

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Governor General Sir David Vunagi

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

IN the Solomon Islands, the appointment of the Governor-General is a procedure distinct from electoral processes, according to official sources.

Contrary to popular election procedures, the Governor-General is appointed by the Monarch – King Charles III, following the recommendation of the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.

This appointment is made after careful consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Prime Minister and other key officials.

Once appointed, the Governor-General assumes the role of the Monarch’s representative in the Solomon Islands, undertaking ceremonial, constitutional, and diplomatic responsibilities on the King’s behalf.

According To the Solomon Islands Constitution, it stipulates that the term of the Governor General is five years.

Sir David Vunagi commenced his term as Governor General in 2019.

As such, the position of Governor-General is not subject to electoral contests but rather follows established protocols and procedures outlined in constitutional frameworks.

12th Parliament’s first sitting date determined by constitutional provision

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Solomon Islands National Parliament

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

THE Solomon Islands Constitution mandates the convening of Parliament within a reasonable timeframe following a general election, according to a statement released by government officials today.

As per constitutional guidelines, the newly elected members of Parliament are expected to gather for the inaugural sitting to undertake various formalities, including taking oaths, electing a Speaker, and initiating parliamentary proceedings for the new term.

While the specific date for the first sitting is subject to determination by the Governor-General, the process typically unfolds within several weeks after the conclusion of a general election the election of the Prime Minister . This timeline allows for essential administrative arrangements and ensures a smooth transition into the new parliamentary term.

Further updates on the scheduling of the first sitting of Parliament, will be announced by official sources including the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI) and communicated to the public.

Residents express concern over inconsistent rubbish collection in Mbokonavera 1

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BY NED GAGAHE

The residents of Mbokonavera one have voiced their dissatisfaction with the irregular and unreliable rubbish collection services in the area.

This has resulted in pile of rubbish along the roadside in the community sparking health concern.

An elder of the community took to the media yesterday to vent the community’s frustration after witnessing almost months without rubbish collection in the neighbourhood.

The resident stated that the inconsistent pickup schedules and inadequate service provision has become a normal routine for HCC waste management.

“It’s now almost a month that HCC rubbish collection has been stopped.

“The rubbish collection just stopped for no reason, and we don’t know when it will resume again.

“I call on the HCC waste management responsible for picking up rubbish to come and collect rubbish at Mbokonavera 1.” The resident said.

Meanwhile, this outcry highlights the pressing need for improvements in waste management infrastructure to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the community.

Attempts to get comments from waste management division of the HCC yesterday was unsuccessful.

Case against 43-yo man accused of defiling 7-yo boy mentioned in court

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a 43-year-old man charged with sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 15, a male child aged seven years old, was mentioned at the Magistrate Court yesterday.

The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, is on police bail and appeared in court yesterday.

Yesterday was the case’s second mention where prosecution informed court that the accused is yet to confirm his legal representation.

However, a defence counsel present in court said he was the legal representative allocated from Public Solicitors for the accused.

Defence said it is yet to receive disclosures from prosecution.

Prosecution said it needed time to compile its case, since it had just received outstanding documents on Tuesday this week.

Court adjourned the case for May 15, where the suspect is expected to take his plea.

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.

Sentencing for former BSP teller on May 29

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The sentence against a former Bank South Pacific teller who had admitted to stealing is expected to be delivered on May 29.

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.

Yesterday prosecution and defence gave their mitigation statements to the court.

Crown highlighted to the court the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) from the BSP where they suffered loss as there was no recovery of the money the accused had stolen.

Defence emphasised the early guilty plea by Ms Rore which saved court’s time and resources.

Defence also highlighted Rore’s remorse for her action, adding that she had written an apology letter to the bank manager on August 10, 2020, two days after she was suspended.

The delay in the case proceeding was also touched on by defence as a mitigation factor for court to take note of.

Defence counsel also sought court for her to file a sworn statement for her client and served it to prosecution before close of business yesterday.

Court adjourned to May 29 for sentence.

Bail was extended for Rore.

The allegation said 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 an enquiry 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’ account 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.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL NEXT WEEK

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The last major high school basketball tournament was back in Honiara was in 2021 finals between Selwyn College and KGVI. Picture supplied.

…. SIBF Prepares to Kick Off High School Basketball Competition 2024

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE much anticipated high school basketball competition for this year will kick off next week on the 19th of May 2024.

The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) confirmed the final meeting for the competition will be conducted tomorrow between members of the federation and school sports staffs.

“The federation is proud to announce the launch of the SIBF High School Basketball Competition 2024, set to kick off on May 19th, 2024.

“This exciting competition will showcase the talents of almost 250 young basketball players from nearly 10 to 12 participating schools in Honiara.

“Featuring both boys’ and girls’ divisions, the SIBF High School Basketball Competition (HSBC) 2024 will see a total of possibly 20 teams vying for glory throughout the competition from May till June/July 2024,” SIBF confirmed.

SIBF also confirmed that ahead of the competition’s commencement, they will organize a final meeting with interested school sports masters or representatives tomorrow, Friday, May 10th, to solidify draws and pool assignments.

“This initiative aims not only to foster healthy competition among the youth but also to serve as a catalyst for the development of basketball in the Solomon Islands.

“By providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, the competition encourages physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship among participating schools,” SIBF added.

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