Home Blog Page 567

47-yo man gets 11 years for rape

Written by
Admin
-
0

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

Written by
Admin
-
0
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

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0

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

Written by
Admin
-
0

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

Written by
Admin
-
0

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

Written by
Admin
-
0

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.

MWYCFA praises APTC

Written by
Admin
-
0
MWYCFA Deputy Secretary, Aaron Pitaqae.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) has praised APTC for their investment in upskilling youths to reduce unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship.

“I believe this partnership that we are having now is a way forward for our country. It must be maintained to allow for more people to be up-skilled and recognised with qualifications that will eventually make a difference in the lives of young people. Solomon Islands needs qualified and skilled workforce.” MWYCFA Deputy Secretary Aaron Pitaqae said.  

Citing the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy, Pitaqae emphasised that such initiatives are tackling one key area, the high rate of unemployment and the lack of entrepreneurship for youths.

With youths making up 70% of the population and limited resources to meet their demands, Pitaqae emphasised that such initiatives are also vital for “peace and stability” and urged for the continuity of the programs.

“In that regard, I wish to call on all parties involved in this program to ensure continuity of the program for the benefit of our youth” he said.

He also reassured APTC and the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands that the government through his ministry will continue to provide the necessary support.

Pitaqae was the key note speaker on the recent APTC graduation held at Saint Barnabas compound.

Malaitans thanked SIG/PRC

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Malaita Premier Martin Fini presented shell money gifts in appreciation of the project.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE People of Malaita acknowledged the Solomon Islands government and People’s Republic of China (PRC) for the tar-sealing project for Auki township in Malaita province.

Mr Henry Tuhu made the above statement following the signing agreement on this infrastructure project in Honiara on Friday.

He said at the moment there is a road improvement going on in Auki town in preparation for this significant and economic impetus project.

“The project once completed will improve transport services, support delivery of goods and services and enhance other socioeconomic activities in Auki.

“The project will help improve the livelihood of people living in and around Auki in terms of small business activities they engage on in Auki.

“We look forward to support and work together with partners to this landmark project so that it materializes and benefit the people of Malaita,” Tuhu said.

Speaking during OUR party’s launching trail in Auki last week, caretaker Prime Minister said progress witnessed on the project reflected partnership between MPG, SIG and PRC.

He said this happened after the outgoing executive government of Malaita had reconnected the disconnect between Malaita provincial government and national government.

Sogavare said the tar-seal project is the fruit of the partnership and PRC will be funding the project.

He said that discussions are also going on with other donor partners to fix other roads in Malaita province include the current dormant South Road.

Sogavare said the improvement of these roads are important to flourish economic activities and delivery of goods and services in the province.

He said that his office is committed and will ensure these projects are happen for the benefit of the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.

Tran launches campaign trail, attracts huge crowd

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

Former MP for West Honiara Namson Tran has officially kicked off his campaign trail yesterday at White River Community High School field.

His campaign has attracted thousands of his supporters and residents within the West Honiara Constituency gathered to witness and listen to speakers including Tran delivered his campaign key messages.

Tran launched his campaign and contested a an independant candidate. His campaign theme, ‘Improving & Empowering You, Your Family, Our Community for a Better Future’ was attended by Caretaker DPM Manasseh Maelanga and hosts of his campaign team who spoke on various topics and sectors including church, education, students and youths, women, business, governance and people with special needs.

Speaking during the launching, Mr. Tran thanked his supporters for past 12 years for the trust, patience and faith bestowed upon him and his constituency team and as the leader representing the West Honiara Constituency in delivering much needed services to the people of West Honiara Constituency for the past three terms.

Mr. Tran also used the opportunity to highlight to the constituents the achievements of the past four years as a member representing the constituency.

He said the past four years has been a hard work, commitment and achievement and of course very tough challenges.

He said despite these challenges, it is with deep understanding, collaboration and loyalty from the supporters, that West Honiara Constituency has continued to deliver and provide much needed services to the people.

He adds, that moving forward together as a constituency under his leadership he is willing to serve the good people of West Honiara Constituency.

Chottu contesting Northwest Guadalcanal seat

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Simon Chottu

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

Thirty-five-year-old Simon Chottu is one of the candidates contesting the Northwest Guadalcanal constituency seat this coming joint elections on April 17.

Mr Chottu is from Kiribati and India. He is a born Solomon Islander and raised up in Guadalcanal. He is married with three children.

Speaking of Chottu’s work experience, he started working in 2011 as a logistics officer at Gold Ridge Limited HV and later became a Gold Ridge HV’ s Maintenance Planner. In 2014, due to one of the cyclones, Gold Ridge closed down. He was with the last group of people evacuated via helicopter because of the road’s bad condition.

From then he joined and worked at Heritage Park Hotel, Hailie’s Entertainment and Chottu’s Guadalcanal Products.

He said he chooses to be the voice for, he chooses to lead Northwest Guadalcanal and he chooses to develop Northwest Guadalcanal.

Chottu’s slogan is “Voice blo you, time blo umi” (your voice, our time) and runs with a symbol of Wheel or ship’s steer.

Chottu is affiliated to the Ownership Unity Responsibility (OUR) party, this political party underpins the country’s unity and solidarity as a Nation. OUR Party was founded and established in 1996, prior to the 2010 National General Elections. The party’s vision is focusing on achieving sustainable national unity through the facilitation of the requisites of improving the socio-economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

Chottu said that if he comes into power as a parliament member his visions and plans are as follows; family home, health, education, employment, market, economy, road, entertainment, sports and church.

1...566567568...1,680Page 567 of 1,680