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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

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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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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.

‘ENOUGH SWEET TALK’

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Bernard Garo. Photo supplied.

Caretaker PM’s speech on national unity described as ‘mere propaganda’

Chairman of the North West Guadalcanal Subsistence Farmers Association (NWGSFA) Bernard Garo has described the Prime Minister’s speech on national unity as ‘mere propaganda’.

Mr Garo said he is surprised that the caretaker Prime Minister has the audacity to make mention of the ethnic crisis in 2000.

Garo said as a witness to the Townsville Peace Agreement, he is surprised that the caretaker Prime Minister as leader of Our Party said he is committed to address a united Solomon Islands.

“I was involved in the peace agreement and it is unfortunate that the government has failed in addressing the Townsville Agreement especially the cries of the people of Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces,” he said.

Garo said the caretaker Prime Minister with due respect is a seasoned politician and had been at the helm for four terms yet nothing has been done except empty promises.

“Successive leadership and governments have continued to preach propaganda on rehabilitation of victims and have continued to mishandle the underlying issues relating to the crisis,” he said.

Garo said one of the key factors within the Townsville Agreement was rehabilitating the lives of those who were affected; to date he said it proved nothing but sweet talk.

Garo also described the government’s push for state government as a political propaganda.

He said it is clear that the people of Guadalcanal would never see state government under this current leadership because of political rhetoric and no willpower to hear the cries of the people.

Garo said he is also surprised seven former Guadalcanal MPs in the DCGA Government have also chosen to be used as scapegoats and puppets.

“I am sad that our seven former Guadalcanal MPs have ignored the cries of our people for the last 20 years,” he said.

“Not only Guadalcanal but all other provinces. It will be business as usual because there is no political will to do these things but only sweet empty promises,” he said.

Speaking on corruption, Garo said the Prime Minister’s statement on fighting corruption is a joke.

He said the fight should start from the top down because a corrupt leadership corrupts good governance and the whole government mechanism.

“It is a pity that the Prime Minister is preaching the fight against corruption but a good number of the DCGA caretaker ministers and backbenchers have recently been charged for corruption,” he said.

“Who are you trying to fool make sure your backyard is clean,” Garo adds.

PIF calls for global action on climate change

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Henry Puna

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PACIFIC Island Forum Secretary General Henry Puna has highlighted the realities of climate change faced by the Pacific region recently.

He said climate change and sea-level rise are paramount threats endangering the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of Pacific peoples.

“If the world had heeded our calls 10 or 20 years ago, we would not be in this situation, contemplating difficult and complex choices about our homes, ancestral lands, and way of life.” Puna said.

He highlighted the specific challenges of climate-related mobility. The recently endorsed Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, a global first, has been developed with leadership from Fiji and Tuvalu over four years of inclusive consultations.

The framework places a fundamental priority on allowing Pacific people to remain in their homes while establishing mechanisms to protect the rights and dignity of those who choose to move.

He said the nature of climate mobility requires that all voices be heard. This pioneering framework addresses climate change and disaster-related mobility within the Pacific context, aiming to place our region and people on a more resilient footing.”

Highlighting the need for leadership and collaboration, Puna commended the framework’s underlying principles.

“While we should not be forced to leave our homes, responsible leaders must ensure that mechanisms and pathways are in place to protect the human rights and dignity of our people on the move.” Puna said.

The framework aligns with the Leaders’ Declaration on the Continuity of Statehood and the Protection of Persons, emphasizing the protection of human rights, culture, cultural heritage, identity, and dignity. It emphasizes the duty of states to ensure continuity of statehood for protection to be implemented and endured.

Aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the framework’s implementation will be guided by Pacific values of cooperation, innovation, and respect for diversity and heritage.

Puna expressed anticipation for strengthened engagement with partners, civil society, youth, communities, and regional and international organizations to assist Pacific people in navigating the uncertainties arising from climate change impacts.

Therefore, the Secretary General urged the global community to join hands in addressing the pressing climate challenges faced by the Pacific region.

USP new campus to offer public health

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New USP SI campus. Photo credit - USPSI

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The newly built University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands Campus will be the institution’s Public Health school.

USP-SI Campus Director, Dr Billy Fito’o told the media during a recent tour of the new USP Campus in East Honiara.

“USP currently does not have a Public Health school so once we have this completed, this school will accommodate all students around the region wishing to the pursue the program” Dr Fito’o said.

Dr Fito’o clarified that apart from it being a public health school, the institution will continue to offer all its normal programs.

He explained that since there would be students from other pacific Islands countries coming to pursue the Public Health program, the institution still has a bigger task in hand and that is to provide accommodation.

He assured that USP is aware of this and is looking to build accommodations which he stated that if it goes according to plan, it will be phase three of the current project.  

So far, the project which is nearing the completion of phase 1 includes three buildings.

Project Contractor, China Harbour Engineering and Project consultant, Kramer Ausenco assured that the complex is built with quality and fitted with the latest tech, all tailored to suit Solomon Islands’ geographical and cultural feature.

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