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Case of man accused of sex with underage moved for tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of having sexual intercourse with a child has been adjourned for tomorrow, Friday 12th of April 2024.

Jabeth Iabeta is facing one count of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 15.

The hearing on Tuesday was for the accused to take his plea, however, his lawyer told the magistrate court that he is yet to take instructions from the accused regarding the plea.

Defence sought adjournment.

Remand warrant for Iabeta was extended.

Prosecution alleged on May 22, 2022 at Namoliko Heights area, Vara Creek, Central Honiara, Iabeta had sexual intercourse with a girl who was 10 years old at the time.

The matter was later reported to police on October 21, 2022 and the defendant was charged accordingly.

The accused was issued with a warrant of arrest. Early this year the warrant of arrest was executed and he has been remanded in custody since.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and Allan Tinoni act for accused.

Lack of national identity system a huge challenge in developing SIM registration law: Ziru

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TCSI Commissioner Calvin Ziru speaking during the launch of SIM card registration campaign.

BY NED GAGAHE

Telecommunication Commission Solomon Islands (TCSI) Commissioner Calvin Ziru says the country’s lack of ‘a national identity system’ is a huge challenge faced in developing SIM card registration.

Ziru stated this during the launch of mandatory SIM card registration last week.

He said the two challenges faced were lack of national identity data base and the need for policies and laws to complement SIM card registration.

“A few challenges down the road in terms of what we could do. Some of the challenges two in particular, that we found in this endeavor, or at least in our attempts to register SIM cards. Firstly, we didn’t have a national identity system or database. And that that seems to be a major problem for us.

“When you were talking about how you register what documentation you will be, what evidence would be provided by people from Honiara and people from the province, in terms of who they are, birth certificates, the accuracy of that, that were major issues.

“We considered numerous ways of trying to even post passage of the Act of trying to ensure that it was easy and streamlined for our citizens, looking at options of the biometric voter registration card, NPF and driver’s licenses.

“So, what you would have is different identity systems within different departments of the government as well as the non-government sector, that really could allowed us to have a better process and a much cleaner process in terms of how we can register SIM card.

“Secondly, SIM card registration really needed to be complemented, rather, by policies or laws that would strengthen cyber security frameworks, and Solomon Islands needed to look at that.” Commissioner Ziru said.

Integrity of election process protected: SIEC

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SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has reassured public and candidates that significant cautionary measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming election process.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jasper Highwood Anisi made the assurance in light of questions raised on social media about the possibility of tampering with ballot papers and boxes during polling day.

In a talkback show aired at SIBC on Sunday, Anisi emphasized that like currency note, ballot papers possess unique security features designed to prevent possible frauds or replications.

As for contesting candidates, the CEO urged them appoint their polling agents and counting agents who will serve vital roles in the polling station and counting centers.  

“It is your duty as candidates to have polling agent and counting agent, these two people will help you, they are your eyes and ears inside the polling stations you are unable to reach and inside counting centers because you won’t be present there. These are very important people you need to employ during election so they would know their respective roles” Anisi remarked.  

He explained that when polling stations open at 7 am on election day, polling agents must record the seal’s serial numbers on the ballot boxes announced by Presiding officers and ensure the boxes are completely empty. At 4 pm when polling stations close, they also must record the final seal number used for closing the boxes. Anisi assured that both seals have completely different numbers. 

Additionally, the polling agent must provide the seal number records to the counting agent who will crosscheck at the counting centers.

In regards to security purposes, Anisi is certain that under a recent MOU signed with the Royal Solomon Islands Police force (RSIPF), the police will be tasked to provide maximum security for the ballot papers, boxes and SIEC officers.

Police in Western province ready to be deployed ahead of polling day

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Jennifer Kusapa
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PPC Lenialu

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WESTERN Province Police geared up for deployment across nine constituencies ahead of polling day.

Provincial Police Commander of Western Province Mathias Lenialu revealed during the interview with Island Sun that his officers are fully prepared to be deployed across the Western Province alongside officers from Honiara and Regional partners.

PPC Lenialu highlighted officers will station at the polling stations within the nine constituencies in the Western Province.

He said officers have been strategically zoned under four sectors, with forward commanders appointed to oversee the operations effectively.

Lenialu is confident that the situation in the Western Province will remain peaceful, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights without any fear or intimidation.

He also assured that the police force is equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the electoral process. However, in the event of situations beyond their control, additional support can be sent from Honiara.

According to Lenialu, the current situation in the province is relatively calm, with only a few minor misunderstandings among supporters, but of election campaigns.

“It was just the height of the election campaigns, with no serious concerns regarding the security of the electoral process.” Lenialu said.

He also said around 200 officers will deploy across the Western Province.

As the polling day draws nearer, the readiness of the police force in the Western Province highlights their commitment to ensuring a smooth and peaceful democratic exercise for all citizens.

SIEC warns against misinformation on social media

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Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has issued a reminder to public, emphasising the importance of verifying information found on social media platforms such as Facebook ahead of the upcoming election.

As misinformation have been circulating widely on social media in regards to the election, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jasper Anisi explained that the hour-long talkback shows on Sundays and radio programme on Tuesdays and Thursdays at SIBC is primarily to provide the right information.

He assured the public throughout the country that tuning in to these shows and programs would allow them to have their questions addressed and clarified by the SIEC Team.  

Anisi stressed that the SIEC’s Communication Department Anisi is responsible for ensuring updated information is continuously provided.

Additionally, he urged candidates to familiarize themselves with the candidate handbook to effectively conduct their campaigns and provide appropriate guidance to their voters.

Governor Forau hails IFC, WBG and donor partners

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CBSI Governor, Dr Luke Forau

BY NED GAGAHE

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) donor partners Australia, New Zealand governments and stakeholders for the development of the Solomons Automated Transfer System (SOLATS).

CBSI launched the SOLATS system in Honiara on Monday attended by guests which includes Country Head of ANZ Martin Beattie, IFC’s Pacific Payments Project Leader, Hang Nguyen, Deputy Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel, Joe Carter from the New Zealand High Commission and CBSI staff.

IFC, supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand as well as World Bank Group, provided technical expertise to CBSI for the development of SOLATS payment system.

“The Central Bank aims to achieve our mandate and objectives in ensuring financial system stability and monetary policy while promoting financial inclusion.

“At this juncture, I wish to remind the financial industry that with the National Payment System infrastructure in place, you now have the opportunity to create unique opportunities for enhanced payment mechanisms for commerce in the future.

“I am particularly interested to see the interoperability of payments systems in the country where e-payments, mobile phones and the internet will integrate with the NPS infrastructure to ensure settlements are done in real time, enabling the ordinary person to make payments fast, efficiently and cost effectively.

“Let me close by, once again, extending our gratitude to the IFC and WBG for their technical support and constant guide in this important reform work, to strengthen the legislative framework and modernizing the National Payment System to meet international standards. 

“I also acknowledge the donors and the development partners for the funding support that has made it possible for Solomon Islands to benefit from the financial market infrastructures 

“I also extend my deep appreciation to the participating banks and your hard-working project teams for having faith in the project and believing in the benefits that this great initiative will bring to the people of Solomon Islands.

“Overall, I am grateful for the general support to the CBSI project team.

“Despite the odds, we have proved our resilience and I am overwhelmed with joy by the commitment and collaboration displayed by all parties to bring about positive changes to the lives of our people.” Dr Luke Forau said.

Women urge leaders to tackle Gizo’s water crisis

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Jennifer Kusapa
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Loretta

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Several mothers in Gizo, Western Province, are urging their leaders to address the water issue in Gizo, the capital of the Western Province.

One of the mothers interviewed, Mayan Mabel, expressed concern over the longstanding water crisis in Gizo, emphasising the difficulties it poses for mothers and children. She noted that at the Gizo Market, only toilets are provided without a shower room for women, citing this as a consequence of the water issue.

Mabel emphasised the importance of Western Province leaders finding solutions to the water problem. She highlighted that the lack of adequate water infrastructure not only disrupts daily life but also presents significant obstacles to Gizo’s future development.

Western Provincial capital Gizo

Lorretta, the Acting President of the Gizo Market Vendors Association, corroborated Mabel’s statements, confirming that no shower room was built for market vendors, with only toilets provided. She also affirmed that water scarcity is one of the primary challenges facing Gizo residents.

Even though Western Province is a popular tourist spot in the Solomon Islands, Gizo still doesn’t have enough clean water, and the water problem is still a big issue for the people who live there.

Manetoali’s case adjourned

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has adjourned the case against former member of parliament Samuel Manetoali for May 6.

This was after prosecution told court it had not received any update from the court of appeal registry regarding the appeal by the former MP on his case last year.

Prosecution told court it had not seen Manetoali’s case in the alternative court of appeal case list.

Prosecution added, the last sitting of the proposed court of appeal will take two weeks, which will commence from May 20-31.

Court therefore adjourned the matter, instructing prosecution to check for updates at the court of appeal registry.

Manetoali was excused from appearing until further directions and his bail was extended.

In 2019 the Honiara magistrate court acquitted Manetoali of 18 counts of conversion after ruling on a No Case to answer submitted by Manetoali and his lawyer.

Prosecution appealed the magistrate’s decision at the High Court.

Chief Justic Sir Albert Palmer heard the appeal and dismissed the eight counts of conversion and ordered the matter to be remitted to the Magistrate court for a re-trial before another a different magistrate for 10 counts of conversion.

The allegation against Manetoali is related to the payment of $100,000 of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) into the Gao/Bugotu Account with the ANZ Bank between the 24th of December 2014 and 4th of January of 2015.

In the acquittal report, the total of ten different people were recorded as recipients of a total of $7,322 for the payment of medical, cartoon beers, old people assistance, wedding assistance and gallons of petrol.

The recipients after they did not receive the funds through their names as been appeared in the payment voucher, they went and report the matter to the police.

The allegation against Manetoali related to the payment of $ 100,000 of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) into the Gao/Bugotu Account with the ANZ Bank between December 24, 2014 and January 4, 2015.

In the acquittal report, the totals of ten different people were recorded as recipients of a total of $ 7,322 for the payment of medical, cartoon beers, old people assistance, wedding assistance and gallons of petrol.

The recipients after they did not receive the funds through their names as been appeared in the payment voucher, they went and report the matter to the police.

Olivia Ratu Manu of Office of DPP act for crown and Jim Seuika of DNS and Partners Law Firm act for defence.

Marau murder case adjourns

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The murder case from Marau, south-east Guadalcanal has been adjourned for April 23 for mention.

Constance Manepania is facing one count of murder.

Prosecution yesterday told court investigations have completed with only the photograph album left to be filed.

Prosecution also told court all disclosures except the photograph album have been served to defence.

Court meanwhile raised the concern that delays from the forensic department such as gathering photographs is becoming a norm. Court instructed prosecution to next time explain in detail why forensic documents such as photograph albums are delayed.

Court then adjourned the matter for April 23, instructing defence to indicate which type of preliminary inquiry to be carried out for committal hearing.

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 well, 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 to 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.

Irene Mae appears for the Crown and Happlyn Jennifer appears for Manepania.

Liquor ban to be enforced ahead of polls

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Jennifer Kusapa
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PPC Lenialu

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Provincial Police Commander of Western Province has announced the enforcement of a liquor ban before the April 17.

PPC Lenialu said the ban on liquor sales and consumption will be enforced prior, during and after the polling day.

This is to ensure the smooth progress of the electoral process without unnecessary disturbances from the public.

Lenialu said the liquor ban will remain effective not only during the polling day but also before and after it. This comprehensive approach is aimed at maintaining a conducive environment for the electoral activities.

PPC urges community leaders within Western Province to collaborate closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to engage with their communities on the importance of upholding peace and order during the election period.

Highlighting the significance of a peaceful electoral process, Lenialu said community leaders and chiefs have a very important role in their own communities in ensuring the successful conduct of the 2024 National Elections in Western Province.

It was also clarified that Western Province will only participate in the National Elections, with the provincial elections scheduled for 2028.

He said, the implementation of the liquor ban stands as a proactive measure to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and promote a safe environment for the people in Western Province.

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