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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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Irwin Angiki
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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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Irwin Angiki
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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.

No more amputations due to NCDs: Lilo

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Irwin Angiki
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MP elect for Central Honiara Gordon Darcy Lilo.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA) is promising to do away with amputations due to non-communicable diseases (NCD).

SIPRA President Gordon Darcy Lilo says there are new technologies available today which the Solomon Islands can employ to treat infected diabetic sores and avoid chopping off limbs.

“Countries such as Cuba and Israel, with whom Solomon Islands has relations, have new technology to treat diabetic foot ulcers and wounds,” Mr Lilo said.

The current common practice at the national referral hospital (NRH) to amputate infected limbs contributes hugely to many deaths of amputees, he said.

“Amputation has drastic psychological effects on the patient, which causes many to die early deaths.

“All these can be avoided if we gauge the new technologies and medication from the countries that have them and treat our NCD sufferers with,” Lilo said.

He said the previous government which did not pursue these new technologies did not have the heart for people of this country.

“Under SIPRA’s health and education policies, the next government must secure these modern technologies which will help us do away with amputations, while also advocating for healthy lifestyles,” Lilo said.

Lilo, who is a former prime minister from 2011-2014, is contesting the Central Honiara constituency seat.

He said the NRH is located in the Central Honiara constituency and once elected it will be one of his priorities to push for the country’s main medical institution will receive these new technologies to avoid unnecessary amputations.

Solomon Islands is facing a crisis with NCDs and has a high rate of amputations.

A press statement from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) on September 27 last year revealed the scale of the problem – the country ‘has the 9th highest prevalence of diabetes in the world’.

“Diabetic Foot Disease is a complication of diabetes that is causing a major impact on the lives and stories of many Solomon Island individuals, families, and communities. For many reasons, a large number of people in the Solomon Islands with (often uncontrolled) diabetes, are developing foot wounds and seeking medical assistance late, by which time their wounds are large, infected or necrotic. This often leads to acute hospital admission, surgical debridement, amputation, or death,” MHMS said.

The statement reported NRH Head of Surgery, Dr Rooney Jagilly saying, “The situation for diabetes in Solomon Islands is in a state of crisis. More than 60% of inpatients in the surgical ward have severe diabetic foot wounds and amputations.”

A World Health Organisation statement on December 20, 2023, said diabetes affects one in seven people in the Solomons.

WHO also reported that thorough washing of diabetic wounds with water and soap is emerging in some clinical centres with help from Japanese International Cooperation Agency volunteers.

US eyes fostering stronger partnership with SI, says non-resident ambassador

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Mavis Podokolo
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Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

The United States government says it is fully committed to fostering a stronger partnership and shared future with the Solomon Islands.

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

“We as the US government we are fully committed to fostering a stronger partnership with the Solomon Islands.

“The history of our people was forged not from war but from peace and is categorised cooperation shared values of freedom and democracy and celebration of diversity,” Yastishock said.

She said her aim is to focus on the shared future between United States and Solomon Islands.

“My aim is to focus on shared future work together to confront the challenges of the present day as our Embassy grows here, I eagerly anticipate collaborating on strategies to foster inclusive sustainable and transparent economic growth,” she said.

Yastishock stressed the US government remains committed to closely elevate the role of women across all sectors, promoting economic empowerment and helping communities build resilience in the face of climate change.

She said the US is again dedicated in encouraging an open free economy inclusive of the whole population, the Solomon Islands growing population here and showing demand for home grown sustainable opportunities requires both investment and ingenuity

“I am confident together we can deploy both while safeguarding the abundant natural resources to improve the livelihoods of our citizens,” Yastishock said.

She said 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 consequences of climate change. The US is dedicated to supporting Solomon Islands’ needs for improved climate resilient, disaster response, biodiversity, adaptation capacity and renewable energy,” Yastishock said.

Ulawa-Ugi candidate Titiulu to launch constituency campaign Thursday  

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Candidate contesting the Ulawa-Ugi constituency George Titiulu is set to launch his campaign this week on Thursday at Aroha village, Ulawa Island.

CARE coalition leader Matthew Wale is expected to be part of the Mr Titiulu’s campaign launch.

He said his team on the ground have put their efforts together to prepare for this launching event.

“It is anticipated that most people residing in Ulawa Island will be part of the event.”

Titiulu said there are plans to move people to the launching venue to allow them to be part of the campaign introduction.  

“Preparation on the ground have been in place and organised.

“We expect to have representatives from chiefs, coordinator representative, women representative, key message from the candidate which is myself and CARE coalition leader Matthew Wale will engage in questions and answers session of the launching programme.

“I think this will be the first time having a political party leader on the ground witnessing the launching event,” he said.

Titiulu said in general this event will involve a ‘normal kind’ of launching programme.

Former POB officer to take plea next week

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a former Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) employee has adjourned for today.

This is to allow her time to prepare for her plea to the amended charge filed by prosecution along with the sentencing and mitigation submissions.

Yan Shuyee Eli was charged with 13 counts of larceny and embezzlement by clerk or servant, 12 counts of conversion and three counts of forgery.

She was charged with the following offence between June 28, 2021 and August 26, 2022, when she worked as one of the bank officers for POB.

The prosecution alleged Ms Yan stole a large amount of money between June 28, 2021 and August 26, 2022 from Saibuloa Landowners Association’s account by transferring through interest banking to the accounts of other POB customers or users.

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

The total amount of money she allegedly transferred was $325,500.

Allegation add, she received a total of $272,000 after giving commissions to the customers who withdrew money for her.

The prosecution also alleged she forged a document namely Application to Release Dormant Account Status of the Dangi Tughu account that contains the forged signatures of the three signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

She was also accused of forging 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 was further accused of forging a POB withdrawal slip with the sum, of $25,000 under the Dangi Tughu account that contains forged signatures of the two signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for Crown and PSO appears for the accused.

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