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WIN WIN WINS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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A representative of Win Win company presents the $350,000 cheque in the envelope to one of the landowners at Turarana, Central Guadalcanal, Michael Kelly at Henderson Police station on Wednesday.

Resolution reached with landowners as mining company resumes operation

By EDDIE OSIFELO

After a three-week hiatus in its alluvial mining operations in Turarana, Central Guadalcanal, Win Win Mining Investment Company Ltd has successfully resumed activities following a dispute with local landowners.

The suspension was prompted by landowners’ roadblocks and their demand for compensation due to noise pollution resulting from the mining operation.

A significant breakthrough was achieved on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as Win Win Mining and the landowners came to an agreement at the Henderson Police Station.

This resolution represents a positive step towards mending the working relationship between the mining company and the local community.

As a goodwill gesture subsequent to the dispute resolution, Win Win Mining made a substantial payment of $350,000 to the landowners, which they will distribute among their families.

This compensation serves as a recognition of the landowners’ understanding and willingness to resolve the standoff.

Charles Meke, one of the local directors at Win Win, expressed his gratitude to the landowners for their cooperation in finding a mutually beneficial solution.

He underscored the Turarana mining project’s significance, comparing it to major mining operations such as Gold Ridge and others in Isabel Province.

Meke highlighted the project’s crucial role in contributing to the national economy through gold production.

Meke further clarified that the company operates within the noise level limits of 70, as prescribed by Environmental law.

He noted that if the mining operation exceeds this noise threshold, the Ministry of Environment has the authority to halt the operation.

Additionally, Meke expressed his hope that similar disputes would not arise in the future.

He reassured the landowners of Win Win Mining’s commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation of the mining project.

Chief Michael Kelly, a traditional chief of the Turarana Cultural Centre in Central Guadalcanal, extended his gratitude to Win Win Mining for the goodwill payment.

He specified that the money would be distributed among the families based on an established list.

With the successful resolution of the dispute, the Criminal Investigation Department has chosen to temporarily suspend the case.

This decision allows for the resumption of mining operations and the cultivation of a more harmonious relationship between the company and the local landowners.

The parties involved are now working towards a more cooperative and productive future for the mining project in Turarana.

MARKET & LITTER

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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HCC to deliberate on key ordinances in extraordinary meeting

By EDDIE OSIFELO

In an extraordinary meeting scheduled for this week, the Honiara City Council’s full executive members are set to deliberate on two crucial ordinances, namely the Market (Amendment) ordinance and the Litter (Amendment) ordinance.

This follows the recent passage of three other ordinances: the Dogs (Amendment) Ordinance, Building (Amendment) Ordinance, and Betelnut Control Ordinance last week.

The Honiara City Council (Markets) Bill 2009, also known as the Market Ordinance, was originally passed on November 24, 2009, and subsequently assented to by the Minister for Home Affairs on the same date.

It was gazetted on March 12, 2010, under Legal Notices No. 15 to 17.

The Market Ordinance’s primary objective is to ensure the orderly operation of markets within Honiara City, with all markets currently being overseen by the City Council.

Private market operations require prior written permission from the Council.

Similarly, the Honiara City Council (Litter) Bill 2009, known as the Litter Ordinance, was passed on November 24, 2009, and gazetted on March 12, 2010, under Legal Notice No. 16.

The Litter Ordinance’s main purpose is to maintain cleanliness within Honiara City.

It outlines the responsibilities of businesses and individuals to provide litter receptacles (rubbish bins) for waste collection.

The Council may also install receptacles in public areas and issue notices to premises failing to maintain litter receptacles in hygienic conditions.

Deputy Mayor Robert Oge stated that the full Executive was initially set to begin deliberations yesterday but postponed due to the handover ceremony of two garbage vehicles donated by China.

Oge added that the amendments to the Market and Litter ordinances aim to revise fees and penalty units, significantly increasing fines from $10 to $20 to $5000, with a maximum imprisonment term of six months.

With the passage of the Dogs ordinance, it will distinguish between stray and pet dogs, allowing dog owners to pay fees to the Council.

The ordinance also empowers the Council to take action against stray dogs within the city.

The Honiara (Dogs) By-Law, which was passed on June 22, 1965, was gazetted under Legal Notice 108 of 1965.

It has undergone further amendments on February 5, 2010, and March 23, 2010.

This ordinance was designed to regulate the possession of dogs over six months old within Honiara City, requiring legal licenses for ownership.

The Building (Amendment) ordinance also increases fines to $5000 and penalty units of six months imprisonment.

The Honiara City Council Building By-Law, passed on February 1, 1960, and gazetted under Legal Notice 41 of 1984, ensures that all buildings constructed within the city comply with legal regulations and safety standards.

It outlines the procedures for building construction and the materials approved for use. The ordinance also specifies penalties for unauthorized construction.

Additionally, it grants the Council the authority to require the demolition of illegal constructions if the proper procedures are not followed.

The meeting to deliberate on these ordinances is expected to commence later this week.

With 12 elected councillors and four ex-officio members, the Honiara City Council remains dedicated to maintaining order and enhancing the quality of life within the city.

SIPPA to carry out awareness during Games

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) in partnership with its other key stakeholders will be carrying out reproductive health awareness during the Pacific Game.

SIPPA’s Programme Manager, Nester Amasia said with United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) they will engage 20 volunteers to share information on menstrual hygiene and kits to be handed out near the game venues.

The volunteers will be undergoing specific training two days next week to better prepare them to carry out the task and interact with the public.

Though it is yet to be confirmed, Amasia said they are planning to partner with SurfAid, one of its main partners to set up a stall at the FOPA village.

This proposed stall will be used by their officers to do promotions, distribution of kits and general awareness on sexual reproductive health.

Moreover, SIPPA is also working with Telekom through the Games Organization Committee (GOC) to send out SMS to promote the services that are available to the public. This will continue until December 3.

Amasia further confirmed that SIPPA nurses will work alongside the Ministry of the Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and SafeNet at the Social Health clinic at King George area. They will be dealing specifically with social issues.

2014 Mbike shooting incident still pending hearing

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE trial concerning the Mbike shooting incident remains unresolved, as the High Court is yet to set a new trial date for the case.

Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze, who appeared onbehalf the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, informed the court that the case was initially under the direction of former DPP Rachel Olutimayin but is now in carriage of Prosecutor Margaret Suifaasia.

The defendants were not present during the appearance and the court has instructed the prosecution to re-summon them to appear in the next court date.

High Court Judge Justice Leonard Maina adjourned the case to December 8, 2023, for mention.

This the case of Jim Aita, Aikan Maelausia, Harrison Niumalefo, and Billy Kanakana Ringasui, are facing multiple charges, including Attempted Murder, Willful and Unlawful Damage of Property, Attempt to Destroy Property by Explosives, Possession of Firearm without Firearm License, Possession of Ammunition without Firearm License, and Discharging Firearm in Public.

The charges were in connection to an incident on December 9, 2014, at the Mbike Island resort in Gela, Central Province.

The allegation said that a group of armed men arrived at the resort in the early morning hours and fired at the Sun Express boat and the resort where 17 Members of Parliament were on a retreat. Following the gunfire, the accused purportedly set the Sun Express boat on fire, but the flames unexpectedly returned to their own boat.

It was further alleged the defendants threw containers of fuel into the sea and fled the scene. The crew of the Sun Express managed to extinguish the fire, allowing the MPs to return to Honiara in time for the Prime Minister’s election.

The accused individuals then fled from Mbike Island to the Bare Foot fuel depot and later to Honiara on a private boat. Police claim that the group burned the outboard motor canoe used in the incident to conceal its identity.

Private lawyer John Taupongi is representing all the accused, while the DPP is handling the case for the Crown.

Logger questions SFA’s political involvement

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

A logger has raised concerns over the apparent political involvement of the Solomon Forest Association (SFA) following its attendance at a fundraising dinner for the official launch of the OUR Party election logo at Cowboys Grill Bar & Restaurant on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The logger questioned whether SFA’s participation in the event indicated direct support for OUR Party, which is the dominated party in the Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) currently led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“Is SFA directly involved in Solomon Islands politics?” the logger asked.

In an email received by this publication, it was confirmed that SFA’s Vice President, Philip Tiew, had cordially invited all member companies of SFA to participate in the fundraising dinner.

Tiew expressed appreciation for their presence and emphasized the importance of their support for SFA in this matter.

However, SFA President, Johny Sy, clarified that he had not been in Honiara since the previous Friday and was not aware of the event’s details.

He added that fundraising events do not necessarily imply direct political involvement on SFA’s part.

Island Sun reached out to OUR Party President, Jimson Tanangada, for comment but had not received a response at the time of publishing.

Notably, Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, a Solomon Islands academic based in Hawaii, has asserted that SFA has been directly involved in the country’s politics.

In his article titled ‘LOGGING & FOREST OWNERS: A STORY FROM CHOISEUL,’ posted on Solomon Business Magazine online Facebook page on June 14, 2022, Mr Kabutaulaka highlighted that forest owners in the logging industry in the Solomon Islands typically hold relatively less influence compared to logging companies.

Kabutaulaka pointed out that logging companies tend to wield more power, as they have access and influence over politicians and civil servants, often manipulating processes and regulations to their advantage.

He further noted that these companies are backed by SFA, an influential organization not only in the logging industry but also in politics.

Kabutaulaka’s findings were based on an incident in Choiseul over 20 years ago, which remains relevant today. In 1992, Eagon Resources Development Company (SI) Limited initiated logging operations in Choiseul, later setting up camp at Tarekukure.

Despite the signing of a timber rights agreement, the landowners were not provided with a copy of the agreement, and it did not include essential clauses related to environmental protection and landowners’ rights, as mandated by the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act.

The logger’s concerns and Kabutaulaka’s assertions raise questions about the relationship between organizations like SFA and political activities in the Solomon Islands, shedding light on the complex dynamics within the country’s logging industry and its broader influence.

Wife declines to pursue case against husband

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE wife of a man facing charges of rape and assault causing actual bodily harm expressed reluctance to pursue the case against her husband.

The alleged incident took place on March 20, 2015, at the defendant’s residence in East Honiara.

Despite the gravity of the charges, the wife, now in a harmonious relationship with her husband and caring for their daughter, opted not to proceed with the legal action.

During yesterday’s trial, the prosecution failed to inform the court of the wife’s intention to withdraw the case.

The court only became aware of this when a witness, the wife, stated her desire for the case to be dropped due to their improved relationship.

The wife informed the court that the incident occurred in 2015 when they were still in a relationship, but they are now married, and she no longer wishes for the case to continue in court.

High Court Judge Justice Maina cautioned the prosecution for not disclosing this crucial information earlier, emphasizing that it is a waste of time to proceed with the trial when the intention to withdraw was already apparent.

Meanwhile, Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda highlighted the office’s adherence to a strict NO-DROP policy. According to this policy, matters reported to the police and already before the court must be prosecuted.

 Justice Maina adjourned the case to today for further discussion.

Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda appears for the crown while Ben Alasia is representing the defendant.

China to fund Auki road tar-sealing

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Martin Fini.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

China will be funding the tar-sealing of Auki township roads.

Premier of Malaita Martin Fini confirmed this in his address yesterday; the full assembly will this week sit to deliberate on the 2023/2024 revised budget.

He said, “We negotiated with national government and China to fund the Auki tar seal road.

“I had signed an agreement on behalf of my government, the national government and PRC.

“I wish to announce that PRC will soon fund the Auki Tar Sealing roads.”

Fini said this is a major achievement for his government and it needs support from stakeholders in the province to make it happen.

Also, in a recent statement the MPG said the national government had issued $10 million to Malaita provincial government.

MPG clarified that the $10m was also for Auki Road, but it would only be for road-improvement within the town.

“The 10m was not for tar-seal. It is only for road improvement in Auki township.

“From the road improvement will then come the tar-seal. It is in preparation for tar-seal in Auki town,” MPG said.

MPG also mentioned in the statement that tender for Auki road-improvement should have already been finalised, eyed to begin before 2024.

Auki tar-seal and Fiu bridge were captured in the first phase of the SIRAP programme, but has not been implemented.

Domestic violence case adjourned

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
In-court

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a man accused of domestic violence and physical abuse has been adjourned for Monday, November 13.

Monday’s court session will be an oral pre-trial conference (PTC) and the date for trial will be decided then.

Mathias Iromea is charged with one count of domestic violence-physical abuse. He pleaded not guilty before the magistrate court.

The case was heard in court earlier this week, however, defence failed to show up. Prosecution also told court that it had served all disclosures to the defence.

Remand warrant was extended for Iromea.

Police alleged at Betikama LDA area, on March 30, 2023 Iromea physically abused the complainant by doing a conduct that caused her bodily pain, slapping the complainant’s right and left side of her face.

When the complainant fell from the house to the ground, the accused went down and kicked the complainant’s back side and right-side ribs.

The complainant reported the matter to police and the accused was arrested.

Public Prosecution Office appears for the Crown and Public Solicitor Office appears for the Defendant.

MALA’S $24M BUDGET

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Assembly expected to pass 2023/24 revised estimate today

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA provincial assembly is expected to pass its 2023/2024 revised budget estimate of $24,681,929 million by the end of this week.

The budget was presented by Malaita government (MPG) finance minister, Rondal Sifoni on the floor of the assembly yesterday and was put for debate by the chamber today.

Mr Sifoni said essential aspects of the budget that cover revenue, expenditure and recurrent revenue for 2023/2024 as follows;

  • The revised total revenue budget summary is estimated at SBD24,681,929
  • The revised total expenditure budget summary is estimated at SBD24,681,929
  • The revised total recurrent revenue for financial year 2023/2024 is estimated at SBD19,575,246

He said that of the total recurrent revenue, MPG estimates its internal revenue will contribute around SBD5,497,558 and SIG through service grant at SBD11,997,656.

Sifoni said timber rights revenue of SBD300,000, receipts from MPGIS SBD1,020,000 and IEDCR supports for Ward Development Committee for training and audit fees of SBD760,032.

He furthered that from the difference of total recurrent revenue less total recurrent expenditure figures, MPG expects a surplus of SBD4,725,448 to cover the PCDF co-funding of SBD302,748 and SBD4,422,700 in the capital expenditure.

Sifoni said the total revised recurrent expenditure for financial year 2023/2024 is estimated at SBD14,849.798.

He said the disbursement of these expenditures covers core expenditure levels of the provincial government and they are;

  • Salary and wage – $7,303,980
  • Consultancy cost – $1,396,755
  • Travel and DSA expenditure of staffs – $713,502
  • Executive expenditure – $1,891,456
  • Assembly – 360,000
  • Public Accounts Committee – $190,000
  • Repair and maintenance – $420,267
  • Debt servicing – $312,389
  • Utilities – $325,000
  • Office and computer expenditure $261,681
  • Other operational costs – $1,674,768

Sifoni said this is the summary of the revised budget estimate for 2023/2024, which MPG will operate under until the original budget in the first quarter of next year.

Call to develop national Cybercrime policy and legislation

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0
Participants of the Prosecutors Conference.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecution, Andrew Kelesi, delivered a compelling message during the Prosecutors Conference, shedding light on a pressing concern: the Solomon Islands’ lack of legislation to combat the escalating threat of cybercrimes in today’s digital era.

Kelesi highlighted the impact of the absence of legislation, emphasizing its detrimental effect on the effective prosecution of cybercriminals. In the ever-evolving landscape of socio-economic development, cybercrime has emerged as a pervasive challenge, infiltrating both personal and business spheres.

DPP stressed the need for specific cybercrime legislation, aligning it with international standards such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, and also the importance of collaboration with international partners and strengthening bilateral agreements to establish a robust legal framework.

As the Solomon Islands expands its access to broadband and satellite internet, the nation becomes increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to a spectrum of cyber threats. Kelesi emphasized the parallel need to bolster human resources capacity, enhancing knowledge to protect the population from cyber threats.

Kelesi acknowledged a widespread lack of understanding among the public regarding cybercrimes.

“We must invest in educational initiatives and awareness campaigns. Knowledge is power, and an informed populace is the first line of defence against cybercrime

“We must identify and implement best practices in investigating cybercrime offences, establish mechanisms for international cooperation, and streamline the process of accessing information from social media providers. Clear guidelines for the prosecution of cybercrime offences and a dedicated cybercrime prosecution policy are crucial to ensuring consistency and fairness in legal proceedings. In the next two days, we will hear from International experts with a collective wealth of knowledge, experience, and determination who will talk about their experiences and challenges they faced in dealing with cybercrime”, DPP said.

He also would also welcome to the International expert presenters, whose knowledge and expertise are the guiding lights that their participations in the next two days will enriches our conference, promising enlightening discussions and invaluable insights that will shape our understanding of the intricate landscape of cybercrime.

Therefore, he called on the Prosecutors participated in the two days conference not there as mere spectators but eager learners actively seeking solutions to bridge knowledge and legislative gaps related to cybercrime in the Solomon Islands.

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