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HCC marks annual operation adjustments with parade 

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Head of Law Enforcement Division, Mr. Robert Madeo (front) with his officers during the parade ceremony.

BY NED GAGAHE

Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Division has staged a parade to mark adjustment of their operation in terms of shift hours and team operation.

The occasion was graced by Honiara City Lord Mayor Edward Siapu and witnessed by HCC officials and members of the public at the HCC Carpark area.

In his official remarks, Lord Mayor Siapu said the occasion marked an important event in the HCC annual calendar.

“Good morning, Head of Law Enforcement and your Law Enforcement Officers.  I thank you for this wonderful occasion to inspect this Parade. I am also grateful for the opportunity to give this brief remark on this occasion. This is an important event in the annual calendar of the Honiara City Council Law Enforcement Division.

“We are here this morning for this Administrative Parade, an event mounted by the Law Enforcement Officers to mark adjustment of their operations in terms of shift hours and Team rotation. The Parade today marks commencement of rotation in Team for each enforcement post area and also commencement of adjustment operations.

“Honiara City Council is mandated under the Honiara City Act 1999, and subsequent amendment last year, and its core functions include providing services for a clean and safe Honiara City which residents and visitors will live without fear and enjoy reliable services. Safety and security means Honiara City Council must have its own law enforcement team.

Mr. Siapu reminded the Law Enforcement Division of their responsibility to ensure safety and wellbeing of residents of Honiara City.

He encourages them to enforce the Honiara City Act and Ordinances without fear or favor.

“You are a key and important team within the whole Honiara City Council institution. You have a huge responsibility to ensure Honiara City is clean, safe and secure. Section 55M and Section 55N of Honiara City Act 1999 as amended clearly provides your appointment as a Law Enforcement Officer for Honiara City Council and your functions and powers as a Law Enforcement Officer.

“I need not go through these provisions of the Act because I believe you covered everything during your training at the Police Academy. In short, your core function is to enforce the Honiara City Act and its Ordinances. You must enforce the Act and Ordinances without fear or favor.

“So Ï believe you would all agree with me that ensuring a clean, safe and secure Honiara is a core function of Honiara City Council. When we talk about Honiara here, we are referring to the Central Business District (CBD), commercial areas, industrial areas, educational areas, recreational areas, residential areas and the settlements in the periphery of the city, within the boundary of Honiara City.

“A clean, safe and secure Honiara means our streets and places will be free of thieves, pick-pockets, harassments, late night noises and threats. It means our residents and visitors will live a life in peace and without problems.” Mr. Siapu said.

APSD registers highest intake this year

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Samie Waikori
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A classroom building at the Asia Pacific Sustainable Development (APSD) Rural Training Center at Gwaigeo, on the outskirt of Auki town in Malaita province.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE Asia Pacific Sustainable Development (APSD) Rural Training Centre has announced that this year’s student intake is its highest.

Being one of the leading RTCs in Malaita province, APSD has this year enrolled around 300 students and introduced double-stream classes to cater for the number.

Principal of APSD Rural Training Center, Mr Harold Leka said they have decided to take in such a high number of students because they do want to leave anyone behind.

He said the school decided to offer the students the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute to the progress of the country.

Leka said that in the previous years, the school only enrolled close to 200 students with a maximum of 30 students per class.

“But this year we enrolled up to 300 students with about 70 students per class. And with that, we introduced double-stream classes students.

“Day scholars or day-students who live in nearby communities attend classes in the morning while boardings in the afternoon.

“Even up to now, some the students are yet to arrive at the school whilst students were picked around the country as far as Mono in the Western province,” he said.

Leka said the RTC offers courses such as; carpentry, electrical, automative, plumbing, life-skills, home economics, computing and business & marketing.

He said the RTC is a growing institution and they are looking at offering variety of courses for students choose and pursue at the school.

Leka said this will also cater for the school’s high enrollment that will help address the high unemployment faces by the country.

He on that note thanked Japan and Australia for supporting the school infrastructure and also SIG through the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for supports to the school.

RSIPF Auki fire department holds fire safety session with students of APSD

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Sergeant Robert Alegao assisting two students with the fire-extinguisher to fight a fire during the demonstration at the training center.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE Fire Department of the RSIPF in Auki held another Fire Prevention Demonstration session with students of Asia Pacific Sustainable Development (APSD) Rural Training Centre at Gwaigeo near Auki.

The demonstration was performed by RSIPF Auki Fire Officer, Sergeant Robert Alegao aimed at equipping students with required knowledge on fire safety.

“The first fire session was conducted with the automative students where they mainly learned on the operation of the fire extinguisher.

“The second session was held with the carpentry students of the school where they actually put-down a prepared fire in a demonstration,” he said.

Alegao said fire safety program came under an arrangement between RSIPF Auki and the RTC primarily for students to learn on fire safety and how to prevent fire hazard situations.

He thanked the staffs and administration of APSD training center for efforts in supporting RSIPF to carry out the program at the school.

Principal of APSD training center, Mr Harold Leka also thanked the RSIPF Auki for the fire safety program.

He said fire safety is part of almost every trade course offer at the school and it is good for students to have extensive or additional knowledge on it.

Leka said this will help them understand fire safety and how to deal with it at school or where they will work after living the school.

He also said fire risk situation can happen anywhere and having knowledge on fire prevention is important to serve life and properties.

Leka reiterated his grateful to the RSIPF Auki as they will continue to work together on other important programs for the school.

Rape case committed to High Court

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of multiple counts of rape and common assault has been committed to the High Court for trial.

John Junior Laufilu is facing four counts of rape and one count of common assault. He pleaded not guilty therefore the case will go to trial.

Presiding Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari ruled that the evidence is sufficient to commit Laufilu to the High Court to stand trial.

Oligari further directed that the case be called in the High Court on February 23. Bail for Laufilu was extended.

It was alleged on October 28, 2023 at Papaho area, Laufilu had sexual intercourse with the complainant without her consent or been reckless of lack of consent.

Also, prosecution further alleged that Laufilu assaulted the same complainant on the same day.

Again, on October 29, 2023 at Papaho, the accused had sexual intercourse with the same complainant without her consent.

After the alleged incidents the complainant went and reported the matter to the police.

Gina Oroi of DPP office act for the Crown and Ben Alasia of PSO act for the defendant.

Former BSP teller pleads guilty to stealing customers’ money

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Tessa Solenone Rore, 31, plead guilty yesterday at the magistrate court to two counts of larceny by servant and one count of forgery of certain documents with intention to defraud.

Prosecution and defence sought court for an adjournment for them to prepare the sentencing and mitigation submissions.

Court granted their request and adjourned the matter to February 28.

The allegation states, 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 arise when BSP customers made an enquiry to the bank about suspicious withdrawals and deposits in or from their personal banks’ accounts in 2020. There, 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 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.

It has been discovered that the accused had done these fraudulent transactions on 40 customers account since April, 2020.

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

In the month of August 2020, the accused was officially terminated from her employment.

Jonathan Auga of DPP Officer appears for the Crown and Emy Rusi of PSO appears for the Accused.

‘ALL WELCOME’

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Lands commissioner clarifies re-tendered land lots in South Honiara

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) has opened a second tender for land lots in the South Honiara Division.

Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil welcomes anyone to apply, whether for the first time or second.

“The land board approved a second round of lots for public tender,” Mr McNeil said.

“These are for lots where either (a) nobody applied the first time, or (b) nobody who applied met the Land Board’s minimum financial proof that they have sufficient funds to pay the offer and properly develop the land, or (c) the people who were given offers failed to pay the offer by the stated deadline.

“Anyone is welcome to apply again.”

Commissioner McNeil made this clarification in light of complaints raised by several people who missed out in the 2022 South Honiara Tender.  

A group of residents who missed out said they are willing to purchase the plots as they had settled on some of the plots since 2016 and those who were allocated the plots had never claimed them ever since

Spokesperson for the group, Robert Fo’oka said since last year, they had been trying to reach out to the MLHS by going to the office and filing in complaints to negotiate for the plots but had never received a response.

He said there are growing frustrations among the residents as the MLHS had not responded to their complaints and instead went on to retender the plots.

Fo’oka called on the Commissioner to look into their concern so they can make

payment of the plot as soon as possible instead of going through the second tender

Former MP assaulted by partner

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE former Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal Constituency has suffered head injuries, marking another unfortunate case of domestic violence.

Yesterday, this paper obtained a distressing image related to the incident, highlighting the severity of the assault.

This shocking event has prompted concern and condemnation from some members of the Central Guadalcanal Constituency, expressing their intention to address the issue through a cultural approach.

According to unconfirmed reports, the assault was a result of a heated argument between the former MP and his partner over some domestic issues.

Constituents said domestic violence is a matter of grave concern and should be condemned.

Island Sun made attempts to get a response from the police regarding the incident whether it was reported but was unsuccessful.

The former MP’s case highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive response to address domestic violence and protect not only women and children but for all genders inside communities.

Man facing counts of domestic violence to take plea on Friday

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Ofani Eremae
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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man facing multiple charges of domestic violence is expected to take his plea in court on Friday this week in light of amended charges.

Ishmael Renton was initially charged with three counts of domestic violence. Following a proposal by the defence, prosecution has decided to remove one of those charges.

Defence sent a second proposal to prosecution in the previous hearing.

This was for prosecution to withdraw a second count against the defendant.

Prosecution informed court he needed time to respond to the second proposal.

Court instructed both counsels to discuss with each other before coming back to court on Friday this week for Renton to take his plea.

Court extended bail for Renton and he is required to come to court on the next mention date.

Prosecution alleged on the unknown date between 1st and 31st of August 2022 at Mud Land, Zion defendant Renton psychologically abuses the complainant, by doing a conduct that humiliated him and insult him whilst holding onto a 24inch bush knife and a steel rod while striking the copper fence of the complainant compound.

Again, on August 12, 2023 at Mud Lack, Zion Renton did economically abuse Complainant by damaging his properties namely kitchen, copper, tank and wall of their dwelling house.

The complainant went and report the matter to the police and defendant charged.

Lydon Adifaka of Police Prosecution Department act for the Crown and Mrs. Emy Rusi of PSO appear for the defendant.

Case of rape with multiple counts committed to the High Court

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of multiple counts of rape has been committed to the High Court for trial.

John Junior Laufilu is facing four counts of rape and one count of common assault.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari delivered the ruling saying the evidence prosecution submitted was sufficient to commit the accused to the High Court to stand trial.

Oligari directed that the case be called in the High Court on February 23.  Court extended the bail for the accused Laufilu.

Prosecution alleged that on October 28, 2023 at Papaho area, Laufilu had sexual intercourse with the complainant without her consent.

The defendant also allegedly assaulted the same complainant on the same day he had sexual intercourse with her.

Again, on October 29, 2023 at Papaho, the accused allegedly had sexual intercourse with the same complainant without her consent.

Gina Oroi of DPP office act for the Crown and Ben Alasia of PSO appear for the defendant.

False pretence case back in court today

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of false pretence relating to an incident in April last year will return today for court to set a trial date.

Eli Deke is charged with one count of false pretence.

He pleaded not guilty and an oral pre-trial conference was carried out in the previous hearing.

Prosecution told court they will called two witness to testify under oath and another two witness to tend their statements unless the defence counsel requires them to appear for cross-examination.

Court made directions for the matter to be listed before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly for setting of the trial date.

Prosecution alleged that Mr Deke at Honiara, Guadalcanal Island on the 4th of April 2023, by false pretence namely, “he stated that they are selling two drums of petrol at $ 1700 dollars per drum at Markworth” and with the intention to defraud, did obtain from the complainant a sum of money said to being $ 3,400 SBD.

The complainant upon knowing the defendant defrauded her went and reported the matter to the police.

Defendant Deke was arrested and charged.

Steward Tonowane of DPP office appears for the crown and Vincent Nomae of Public Solicitor office appears for the defendant.

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