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Tausinga launches constituency campaign

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BY INDY MAEALAISA

SOLOMON Islands United Paty Candidate, Silas Vangara Tausinga has launched his election campaign at Noro Western Province on Tuesday, pledging to bring about more developments for West New Georgia -Vona Vona Constituency.

Tausinga, a former member of parliament is eager to make a come back to secure the national seat for the fourth time in a row.

Tausinga was accompanied by UP’s Wing leader, Peter Kenilorea Jnr who is seeking a second term for the East Are’Are seat and newcomer and candidate for Central Kwara’ae, Ricky Fuo’o

Delivering an electrifying speech which was streamed lived via the UP’s FB Page, Tausinga emphasized UP as the party for “change”.   

“People say change, a lot of parties coming around say change. This is the party for change; United Party. It’s continuity towards change is what we want” he said.

Tausinga showcased a track record of infrastructure development that had taken place whilst serving his tenure since 2010, these includes the Munda International Airport, Noro-Munda Road, Noro International Ports and the Noro town road which is set to be completed soon.

He reminded supporters that their constituency has been the second most developed apart from the capital.

Most development that are happening beside Honiara are in West New Georga Vona Vona Constituency” he said

“For those sitting on the fence, for those who are sitting at the other side of the fence, come April 17th 2024, we are on the move as West New Georgia -Vona Vona, united party is coming to create government in the 12th parliament” Tausinga added.

Also speaking during the launch, UP’s Wing leader, Peter Kenilorea Jnr admitted the difficulties of uniting a richly diverse nation but reassured voters that his party chooses unity.

“United Party chooses the hard part, and the hard part is to get us all together to become truly one nation, one people serving one God” he said.

He then emphasized that “nation-building is going to be a work in progress” and reminded voters that the responsibility to make Solomon Islands a better nation for the next generation lies on everyone.

Pre-poll voters voting clarified

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Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi

BY INDY MAEALSIA

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission’s (SIEC) has clarified that Pre-poll voters will only cast their ballots for the national government due to capacity limitation and the challenge to conduct a joint election for the first time.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jasper Anisi explained the commission’s stance in the Sunday talk back show hosted at SIBC.

Since significant time and capacity has been put into including the pre-poll with the April 17th election, the commission is looking forward to successfully execute the joint election.

“This our first time to run a joint election so we want to do it perfectly and accurately and then we will slowly look at how we can best manage pre-poll” Anisi said.

He described pre-poll as basically out-of-constituency voting and highlighted the commission concern with the integrity and security of ballot papers.

“Out-of-constituency voting means movements of ballot paper here and there. At the same time, though we want everyone to participate in the election, we must also be worried about the integrity and security of the election or else they’ll be tampered with, so we must plan properly for this kind” Anisi said.

Under the Electoral Act; subdivision 2, Pre-poll voting is reserved for eligible voters including police officers, senior field election officers and electoral commission staff who are schedule for duties on polling day.

Anisi further clarified that the commission opted not to expand to include other essential services for the same capacity reason.

Additionally, Anisi reassured voters who fall within the pre-poll eligible category that they would have the opportunity to cast for the provincial assembly and Honiara City Council in the next election.

THREATS IDENTIFIED

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BY NED GAGAHE

UNSTABLE power supply and unfavorable weather conditions are amongst tough challenges faced during construction of the Comprehensive Medical Center at National Referral Hospital’s eastern end.

Despite these challenges, Chief Engineer of the project Mr. Liang has expressed confidence that his team will deliver the project on time and in high quality.

Speaking to local Journalists that since the project kicked off in December last year, they faced challenges such as unstable power supply, intense exposure to heat by Chinese workers, unfavorable weather condition.

Mr. Liang said the weather conditions was a huge challenge especially for the Chinese workers, however, they have managed to come up with solutions that addressed these challenges one of which is the utilizing the Christmas and New Year’s period when weather was favorable to schedule their work efficiently.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2025.

Chief Engineer Liang adds that in order to ensure they meet the targeted deadline; they have to work day and night given the construction period 16-months to complete the project.

Liang also expressed optimism with the current labour force of approximately 130 workers actively involved in the construction, he hopes that they will approach the finishing line by festive season.

He also revealed that the project employed around 70 Solomon Islanders working alongside their Chinese counterparts.

When asked whether the project would need more local workers, he said that will depend on the demand and should it require more locals going forward, they will hire more but currently only 70 workers who are part of the total workforce.

Known as the ‘Comprehensive Medical Center’ the project is fully funded by Chinese Government worth $90 million dollars, it is poised to become a milestone in the medical fields of the Solomon Islands, contributing to the improvement of public health standards.

The project is managed by a joint team from CSADI (on-site management team) and Jiangsu Jiangdu Construction Group. (construction technology team).

“The main building has four floors above the ground. The functions of the ground floor include consulting rooms, pharmacy, inpatient dispensing area, health workers lunge, and patient waiting area. The functions of first floor includes wards, health workers lounge, and health workers working zone.

“The functions of second floor include CT laboratory, health workers lounge, health workers working zone, and remote conference center. The functions of third floor include operation area, ICU, health workers lounge, etc. There is an ICU on the opposite side of the operation room, with a total of 3 beds.

“The outdoor power room includes domestic water pump room, fire pump room, LV distribution room, outdoor diesel generator, outdoor fire water tank, etc., which ensure the normal operation of the hospital system.” A statement from the Chinese Embassy said.

Renowned security service provider West Gate graduates more recruits

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West Gate New recruits

BY INDY MAEALASIA

West Gate Security Solutions Ltd concluded a two-week training for its latest cohort of 27 recruits on basic security at its NPF Plaza office.

Being one of the country’s most trusted security service provider, West Gate is currently providing security for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and its sites, DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) sites, residential areas of diplomats, the NPF and Anthony Saru complex, the new Kukum Market.

The Central Bank is reportedly West Gate’s latest client.

In the recent two weeks, the private security firm facilitated its usual training to prepare recruits for deployment.   

Throughout the course of the training, West Gate Director and training facilitator, renowned local security specialist Selwyn Akao delved into security professionalism.

“We covered the main duties and responsibilities of security personnel, access control and other basics of being a security guard,” Mr Akao said

Akao stressed that the training not only focussed on professionalism but also aimed to nurture the character building of each recruit to contribute back to their respective communities.

Apart from this, the training also touched on ways private security firms can support the public security agencies such as the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in providing top-notch security service for its clients.

For this round, 26 males and one female have been thoroughly selected.

“There has been many young boys and girls especially school drop-outs who had shown interests,” Akao said.

New recruit, Ronald Alley Junior who is also a former police officer said he has learnt a lot from the training.

“A lot of the things I have learnt will help me a lot, will reshape me, looking back at my time in the police force it is mostly general as for a private security firm, you will come into contact with people directly each day,” he said.

West Gate security was established in 2022 and since then has proved its outstanding professional service, receiving a lot of praise and acclaim for its trustworthy service.

47-yo man gets 11 years for rape

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 47-year-old has been slapped with a 11-year prison term for raping a young woman living with a medical condition.

The victim was 20 years old at the time of incidence.

Christopher Sugui had denied the charge of rape and a trial was carried out last year.

Delivering the sentence recently, High Court Judge John Keniapisia ordered a head-sentence of 11 years for Mr Sugui.

Mr Keniapisia said this should serve as a deterrence for any other like-minded persons from committing rape.

Court imposed a starting point sentence to reflect the gravity of the offence at eight years’ imprisonment.

After, Court looked through the aggravating factors including the physical force involved, the incident occurring at night at an isolated location, the accused being drunk, the big age disparity, victim being a vulnerable person with significate disability and the psychological harm the incident has put on the victim and her family.

For all the above six serious aggravating factors, court made an uplift from the starting point sentence to 14 years imprisonment. That is one year in respect of each aggregating factor.

Defence submitted the mitigating factors which involve Sugui’s personal circumstances, delay and compensation being paid in custom.

Court then deducted three years as a result of the valid mitigating factors. Therefore, the final head sentence court imposed on Sugui was 11 years’ imprisonment.

Court heard that Sugui is from Mwaniwiriwiri village, East Bauro, Makira island, and the victim is from Kaonasugu Village, West Bauro, Makira island.

The victim is an epileptic female person.

On April 11, 2019, at about 12am, the victim was walking back home. She had left home earlier that day because her parents had an argument.

On her way back, Sugui jumped out from the bush, held her hand tightly and asked her for sex.

The victim was frightened as the defendant had a strong smell of beer, he was drunk and was not talking properly.

The defendant pulled the complainant to the side of the road and using his right hand held the victim’s mouth shut. The victim struggled and pulled back to avoid Sugui taking her to the bush.

Court heard that Sugui then pulled down his trousers and also took off the victim’s trousers and shirt. He dragged the victim to sit down and laid her on the ground.

On the ground, Sugui laid down on top of the victim and had sexual intercourse with her.

During this course of rape, the victim’s mother and another person arrived at the scene, and Sugui got up and escaped.

Jonathan Auga acts for crown and Mr. Bosa act for Christopher Sugui.

SIDP candidate for Savo-Russells,Salopuka, launches campaign strategy

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Young Nukufero lady presenting a gift to intending candidate for Savo Russells Oliver Salopuka

With only 27 days left before the country goes to the polls, to elect the fifty members of parliament, candidates are now gearing up for the election by launching their campaign plans to their people.

Oliver Salopuka, the candidate representing the Solomon Islands Democratic Party in the CARE coalition, officially kicked off his campaign strategy vying to contest for the Savo/Russell seat at Marulaon village on Russell Islands over the weekend.

The theme of his launch is “Charting our future through inspiring leadership and teamwork for the development of Savo/Russells constituency”.

In his address, Salopuka expressed his readiness to assume the political leadership role that the community yearns for, driven by a deep concern for the well-being of future generations.

As a two-time runner-up candidate, Salopuka humbly announced his candidacy for the April 17 election, emphasising his determination to advocate for the rights of the people of Savo/Russell, who he believes have long been marginalised.

He said his primary focus once elected, include revitalising the Russell Islands Plantation, addressing issues faced by RIPEL workers, and facilitating the resettlement of vulnerable populations affected by climate change to safer locations.

“My overarching goal is to empower individuals to enhance their livelihoods across social, economic, physical, and spiritual dimensions, aligning with the vision of the Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) Party,” he said.

The candidate and his party were warmly received, with a dancing group from Karumulun village escorting them to the stage and Tikopeans, Nukufero presenting gifts as tokens of recognition.

The launch drew hundreds of supporters and voters, which ended in a  vibrant celebration featuring entertainment from both the Russells and Savo communities.

By Richard Karima,

Stringer/ Russell Islands

3 candidates set to launch campaigns in South Vella la Vella next month

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Dates have been set for three candidates who will be competing for the seat in South Vella La Vella constituency.

They are scheduled to launch their political campaigns next month, reaching out to their respective communities within the South Vella La Vella in Western Province.

The candidates include the former, Frederick Kologeto, Jacob Kwan, and Dr Hedric Kuboto Kaniki.

Kologeto will hold his campaign launch on Tuesday, April 2, at Barokoma village.

He will be representing the Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP).

Kaniki, running under the banner of the Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP), has also set a date for his campaign launch.

Kaniki confirmed on Sunday that his launch event will take place on Wednesday, April 4, in Eleoteve village.

When asked about his political launching date, Kaniki expressed his excitement and encouraged everyone to attend and participate in his launching and campaign.

Meanwhile, another candidate, Jacob Kwan, who is running independently, has confirmed that his political campaign will be held on Wednesday, April 3 in Supato village.

Kwan extended a warm invitation to the voters to witness his campaign kick-off.

These three candidates will join the others who have already completed their political launches.

Former MP Alex Lionel launched his campaign under the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) banner with a symbolic knife at Maravari village on Wednesday, March 20.

Conrad Rore, an independent candidate, also launched his campaign on the same day in Eleoteve.

Ronald Ivupitu, representing the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), held his political campaign launch at Vonunu on Thursday, March 21.

In total, South Vella La Vella constituency will see six candidates competing for the seat.

By Alfred Pagepitu

Stringer, Western province

Former POB officer pleads guilty to multiple charges of fraud

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A former Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) employee has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of fraud.

Shuyee Eli Yan pleaded guilty at the Magistrate court on Monday this week to 16 charges in total – four forgery charges and 12 larceny by servant charges.

Prosecution and defence counsels also submitted to the court subsequent sentencing and mitigation documents.

Court suspended the matter to April 8 to deliver its sentence for Ms Yan.

Allegations had said the offences occurred between June 28, 2021 and August 26, 2022, when Yan worked for POB.

Prosecution said Yan had stolen a large amount of money from Saibuloa Landowners Association’s account by transferring through interest banking to the accounts of other POB customers or users.

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

The prosecution said she received a total of $299,500 after giving commissions to the customers who had helped her in her activity.

The $299,500 was never recovered.

Prosecution also said Yan forged a document namely Application to Release Dormant Account Status of the Dangi Tughu account that contained the forged signatures of the three signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Yan also reportedly forged 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 also forged a POB withdrawal slip of $25,000 under the Dangi Tughu account that contained forged signatures of the two signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Vernon Taupongi of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and PSO appears for the accused.

Man faces court accused of sexual intercourse with underage

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man accused of having sexual intercourse with a 11-year-old girl has faced court.

The case had its first mention at the magistrate court yesterday.

The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim who is underage, is facing five counts of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 15.

Defence told court yesterday that it had only received a substitute charge on Monday this week, hence sought a seven-day adjournment to allow for time to look through the document.

Defence also told court of the intention to file a proposal for plea bargain at the close of business yesterday.

Court adjourned to April 7 for plea, with defence and prosecution to update court on their position regarding the proposal.

Remand warrant for the accused was extended.

Prosecution alleged the accused had sexual intercourse with the alleged victim, who was 11 years old at the time, on an unknown date in 2022.

Allegations said the incident took place at a village in Big Ngella, Central province.

Again, on October 28 last year, prosecution alleged that the accused had sexual intercourse with the alleged victim in the same village.

The matter was reported to police on January 23, 2024 and the accused was arrested and remanded in Rove.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the State and Office of Public Solicitor office appears for the defence.

QUALITY HEALTHCARE SOON

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Health centre under construction set to boost Solomons’ medical services: China embassy

BY NED GAGAHE

China has said its funded health centre being built on the east wing of the national referral hospital will raise the level of medical services in Solomon Islands.

Cai Weiming, the Chinese ambassador to Solomon Islands says Chinese Government funded health centre will be completed on time by raising the level of the medical services in the country to a new height offering higher quality services for the people of Solomon Islands.

With just three months after the construction phase kicked off in December last year, Jiangsu Jiangdu Construction Group, the contractor for the project has confirmed that the project is well ahead of its 16-month scheduled timeline. 

Caretaker Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana together with Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Cai Weiming and senior officials within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) visited the site of construction yesterday to witness the ongoing progress of the work.

Dubbed as the Comprehensive Medical Centre, the Chinese Government funded $90 million-dollar state-of-the-art project is set to complete by 2025.

Caretaker Minister Togamana expressed pleasure to witness the project’s initial phase was well ahead of time and keen to see it completed.

“I am indeed very delighted take time this morning to witness the project’s development and I am optimistic that the contractor would be able to meet the deadline for completion of the hospital within the timeline expected.” Togamana said.

Local media and senior officials from the MHMS joined Minister Togamana and Ambassador Cai Weiming on a site visit on the ground floor and around the site to witness the current work progress so far on the National Referral Hospital’s Comprehensive Medical Center project.

Speaking to local Journalist, Chief Engineer of the project site Mr. Liang confirmed that foundation work, footing and framework structure for the first floor had already been completed.

Mr. Togamana said the health center will soon become the ‘NCD Hospital’ as it will offer specialized medical services to patients with heart diseases, kidney patients, those with urology issues and those that needed rehabilitation including acupuncture.

“Let me once again thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for partnering with us in undertaking this important and what would be a magnificent building of the Ministry of Health, the Government of Solomon Islands and the people of Solomon Islands. We are extremely proud of the development and progress and what we have all achieved together to date.

“Despite the challenges and difficulties in timely execution of electricity and water connectivity, as well as extreme weather conditions encountered in the first quarter of the year, the ongoing commitment and the unwavering support of all of us and at all levels and the commitment demonstrated to date on this project is commendable,” the caretaker Health Minister Dr Togamana said.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said, this project will accommodate cardiology, nephrology, urology, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture clinics and wards, along with supporting medical rooms equipped with necessary equipment and furniture. It will provide 40 beds, with an additional 10-15 emergency beds (furniture).

“After three months of continuous work day and night, we have completed all the foundation and footing works as well as the first floor’s framework structure. The next step is going to be the structural construction of the second floor. We will deliver the project on time and in high quality.

“We express our gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the NRH for their support and assistance in coordinating with the Solomon Power to resolve electricity and site-related issues. The hospital also aided in setting up site fences.

Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming, said the facility is another testament of China’s commitment to aid Solomon Islands.

“The facility is another testament of China’s commitment to aid Solomon Islands in good faith in developing health infrastructures. I am sure the project will be accomplished in time and raise the medical service of Solomon Islands to a new level offering higher quality medical services for the people of Solomon Islands.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands, cooperation in the health sector has gone a long way, bringing tangible benefits for ordinary people of Solomon Islands. China regards Solomon Islands as a good friend, brother and partner. We are sure that the health and medical cooperation will continue to flourish and enhance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” said Ambassador Weiming.

The CEO of the National Referral Hospital Dr George Malefoasi says preparations are underway on how the new facility will be managed.

“An interim taskforce of clinical specialists and senior health workers along with the technical advice from the China Medical Team have started to discuss the workforce composition of specialists to run the new NCD subspecialist center. It is anticipated that there will be subspecialist training with the Chinese counterparts, the details are being finalized. There will also be capacity development in building skills and knowledge on the use of the modern diagnostics and treatment medical technology that comes with this center, “said Dr Malefoasi.

Meanwhile, a similar site visit by key stakeholders including HCC, SIEA, and SIWA will be held in the coming week.

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