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Missing fishermen from Mala escape ordeal

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

TWO fishermen from Lilisiana village near Auki town in Malaita province who went missing on a fishing trip weeks ago had been found.

They were reported to have been found in Choiseul province and responsible authorities are currently working on their repatriation to Malaita.

PPC Malaita, superintendent Lesley Kili confirmed to SunAuki in an interview yesterday that the duo is in good condition after recovering from their ordeal.

He said the fishermen went on a fishing trip to Ramos Island on Tuesday 26th Sept. The trip supposed to last two days expecting back in Auki on Thursday that week.

However, PPC Kili said they didn’t make it on Thursday and relatives waited until Saturday evening that the matter was reported to Auki police.

He said on Sunday 1st Oct members of Auki police searched coastal areas of north Malaita and the search-quest was only was only unsuccessful.

Kili said Auki police issued a call during that time to coastal communities in Isabel and north Malaita to look out for the missing fishermen.

He said just recently, Auki police received report that the duo was found by communities in Choiseul province.

Kili thanked the communities and Choiseul police for rescuing them supports provided in recovering the fishermen from their ordeal.

He appealed that whilst the duo will reunite with families soon, fishermen in the province must be cautious on weather before going out to the sea.

Veo lauds SIG, World Bank and key partners for delivery of Munda airport

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Premier for Western Province Hon Veo.

BY NED GAGAHE

PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo has acknowledged, World Bank, Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and the traditional donor partners for the delivery of the Munda airport, saying that the national government’s prioritization of the project is a step towards the right direction to equally distribute development across all provinces and minimize urban drift.

Veo was joined by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, World Bank Resident Representative to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Annette Leith, Minister of Communication and Aviation Peter Shanel Agovaka, and hundreds of residents of Munda and surrounding communities to witness the historic handing over of the Munda International airport on Tuesday.

“I believe it is the right step in the right direction to distribute development across all provinces rather than centralizing all economic activities and infrastructures in Honiara.

“We have been complaining about the increase in illegal settlements in Honiara and its outskirts, the proportionate increase in unemployment, crime and not forgetting disproportionate service delivery outputs.

The Premier said by equitably distributing development, “we can minimize urban drift by providing economic opportunities for our rural people so that they can utilize their own resources to benefit themselves and their respective communities.

Premier Veo expressed deep appreciation to World Bank for the provision of resources and funds to support the project.

He said the World Bank’s continuous support and assistance over the years has played a huge part in Solomon Islands development agenda.

“While we aspire for progress. we also understand our shortcomings. We look forward to your continuous support and interactions into the future

“Special thanks are also due to the key government implementing Ministries- MOFT, MCA, MID as well as the World Bank Group Team for agreeing on the SIRAP 2 component of around USD$89M.

“The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mr. McKinnie Dentana is acknowledged for leading and successfully negotiating the terms of the funding agreement.

Veo also expressed sincere gratitude saying that Solomon Islands have been enjoying continues cordial relationship with our traditional donor partners such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and others over the years.

“Of course, it would be amiss on my government’s part if we do not acknowledge the continuous cordial working relationship and support that we have been enjoying with our traditional donor partners over the years – The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and others.

“Solomon Islands development journey has not been a ‘lone’ one but one built on the legacy of Pacific colonization and forged through the chronicles of World War 2. The recent upheavals experienced by Solomon Islands in the not-too-distant past continue to provide opportunities for meaningful interventions and assistance in ensuring a stable and peaceful South Pacific region.

“It is very pleasing to note that even given the changing dynamics of geopolitics, we continue to strengthen and enhance our traditional relationships through our development agenda as true friends and partners. We will continue to honour and respect our long-held values and ideals.

Call to look after Munda airport facilities

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
The new Munda International terminal.

BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Western Province Billy Veo has called on residence of Gizo and the whole province to look after the newly completed Munda International airport infrastructures.

Premier Veo made the call in his speech during the official handing over ceremony of the new Munda International, domestic terminal and upgraded runway overlay project on Tuesday.

Veo stressed that such facilities cost a lot of money to construct and to show our appreciation and gratitude is to show respect and regard for these facilities.

“As beneficiaries, the ball is now in our court to ensure we look after these infrastructures and maintain them so that they continue to serve our people in the years ahead.

“These infrastructures do not just suddenly appear.

“They cost a lot of money. resources and require technical people to help us construct these facilities.

“People spent sleepless nights in order to make this happen.

“The least we can do is show our appreciation and gratitude by according respect and regard for these facilities.” Premier Veo said.

Election candidate case heard in court

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
In-court

BY ROMINAH FAKA

AN election candidate Junior Silas Ika Philip was charged for one count of failing to submit his campaign expenses and fund sources to the Chief Electoral Officer of the Solomon Islands Commission.

Defendant Ika Philip pleaded guilty to the charge and awaits settling of facts and closing written sentencing submission by both parties.

Prosecution informs the court that they sent a proposed agreed facts to the defence counsel in carriage of the file, but the defence counsel is yet to respond to the Crown proposed facts. Upon an instruction from the lawyer in carriage of the file he received the proposed agreed facts however, he seeks an adjournment from the court for him to settle the facts.

Yet court instructs both parties to settle the facts and prepared the written sentencing submission at close of business on Oct 11 before coming back to court on October 12, 2023. Bail extended for defendant.

It was alleged defendant Philip registered as a candidate of East Kwaio Constituency in 2019 National General Election.

On July 19 and 20, 2019 defendant Philip failed to submit to the Chief Electoral Officer of the Solomon Islands Commission, a statement of account in an approved form, specifying the expenses incurred during his campaign for the National General Election and the source of all funds used to meet those expenses.

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

PM Sogavare joins Premier Veo to pay homage to landowners of Munda

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
The new Munda International terminal.

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has joined Premier of Western Province to pay tribute to the landowners of Munda to allow their land to host key infrastructures such as the airport facilities.

In his official address during the handover of Munda international, domestic terminal building and runway overlay project yesterday, Premier Veo expressed sincere gratitude to the forefathers and the original landowners who have decided to set aside Munda/Lambete station land for development purposes.

Premier Veo highlighted that from a development standpoint, Western Province is very fortunate because around 30 percent of its entire land mass in made up of alienated land.

Veo said for this reason, it paved the way for less complex development pathways.

“I therefore, would like to pay homage to our forefathers for their wisdom and foresight to which end, we are now witnessing today’s memorable occasion.

He adds that if it were not for those early transactions, we may not even be here today to celebrate this milestone achievement.

“Quite fittingly, Western Province is perhaps one of the regions to first encounter missionaries and traders and also our colonial masters then and it does not surprise us that such land transactions may have ensured which helped shape our current land resources distribution within the province.

We thank you for your decisions then as we look forward to fully benefitting from the Munda International Airport infrastructure development.” Premier Veo said.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Sogavare also expressed deep gratitude to the Munda landowners and the local community for your unwavering goodwill despite the complexities of land issues.

“On the outset let me acknowledge the landowners again. For your continuous cooperation. 

“In order for the success of any projects in Solomon Islands must have the support of the landowning groups as an important element. This is for the simple reason, that every square inch of land in this country is owned by tribes.

“That is a very important point we must remember in Solomon Islands. Tribes owned the land The so-called alienated land are creation of introduced laws that create another landowner called the government.

“I want to expressed my sincere gratitude to the Munda landowners and the local community for your unwavering goodwill despite the complexities of land issues, we have determined to build access roads, install, air navigation and communication equipment, expand airport facilities and address ownership issues concurrently.

“Today we extend our gratitude to individuals, and community leaders including the dedicated Tundevetubangara for their ongoing collaboration in resolving eastern end land issue. Thank you very much.

“Ladies and gentlemen this enduring partnership between the Munda community and the government has been instrumental in achieving the construction of modern and innovative infrastructure for the people of Western Province and by extension our beloved country.

“These infrastructures have contributed immensely for the achievement of the national development strategy and the provinces’ preparation towards the state government system.” Prime Minister Sogavare said.

ENDs///with pics

FORGOTTEN AND IGNORED

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
National Referral Hospital

 “Mental health services is nothing but a gross violation of principles of human rights”:Dr Orotaloa

BY INDY MAEALASIA

NUMEROUS calls to upgrade an acute mental health inpatient services at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) to date have been ignored and overlooked by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

This is according to the Head of Integrated Mental Health Services, Dr. Paul Orotaloa.

He revealed to this paper that multiple calls for renovation have been made to the health Ministry but there has not been any favorable response.

Orotaloa said in regards to facilities, in 2006 the Mental Health Service Division was using a demountable building given to the NRH by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) unfortunately, it was closed down in 2012 due to natural building deteriorations.

“Since then, we have been begging for renovation, repair, upgrade and/or restoration of an acute care unit for these services to date without a single response from the MHMS/Govt” he said.

Orotaloa stressed that if there were any response of any sort from the government it was simply the countless tactics used to appease anyone following up on the issue.

He adds “so far, the government has launched the Mental Health Policy back in July aiming to working closely with its partners and the Mental Health Services to strengthening mental health services and awareness.

Additionally Orotaloa said the Mental Health department at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) was unable to officially commemorate the 2023 World Mental Health Day yesterday due to lack of funds.

He said that, he had approached the Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) and was told there was no funds allocated for an official program this year as the government is focusing on other priorities like the upcoming pacific games. 

Dr. Orotaloa said he was disappointed as this reflects the government little concern for mental health issues

 “Today is another clear illustration of it not being a priority for the Gov’t as there is no funds for the celebrations this year because of other competing priorities such as the pacific games” he said.

Dr. Orotaloa added “People of Solomon Islands who need these services should not be ignored at all with their needs just because of a social event that needs to take place in the country”.

He said Solomon Islands as a member of the United Nation (UN) described the government’s unsupportiveness as a “gross violation”.

“Denying people of SI their rights to mental health services is nothing but a gross violation of principles of human rights which SI as a member of the UN has resolved to uphold against all odds” he said.

CAUSE project for Auki PIU to lapse soon

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0
Workers busy with construction of the footpath.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

SCHEDULE for the Community Access and Urban Service Enhancement (CAUSE) project for Auki will soon come to an end.

The project has been in Auki for the past years and number of infrastructure projects involved bridges, Jacob’s ladders, footpaths and ablutions had implemented in and around Auki.

The project was funded by World Bank International Development Association to replace Rapid Employment Project that operated in Honiara years ago.

Resident and Works Supervisor for CAUSE Auki Project Iimplementation Unit (PIU), Mr Joe Uiamanu Ruriti told SunAuki yesterday.

“At the moment, we are working on the last two infrastructure projects for Auki and surrounding communities before the project lapses.

“The projects are Ambu community hall and Molou 250-meter footpath. Implementation of Molou project is underway and expect to complete by the end of the week.

“For Ambu, we also hope to complete the project soon as we look forward to work closely with the community in implementing it,” he said.

Ruriti furthered that apart from the infrastructure projects, CAUSE clean-up program continues along Auki main road and suburb roads of the town.

He said during their tenure in Auki, CAUSE has contributed a lot to the development of Auki town and its suburb communities.

Ruriti said that whilst official timeframe for the project will lapse, MPG can still renegotiate the program if they want extension.

He said Malaita province has other suburban centers; Malu’u, Afio and Atori and project might expand to these centers if it is to be extended.

“For now, the project is coming to an end and we hope MPG and CAUSE will decide on the future of the project for Malaita province,” Ruriti said.

Man charged for stealing

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

TRIAL into the case of defendant Augustine Teama set to commence yesterday is now vacant by the court.

Parties will now communicate and find suitable date for the trial and inform the court on October 11, 2023.

The defence counsel in carriage of the file told the court she will be engaged in few courts hearing at High Court this week thus, she has an issue with the trial commencement date that previously set by the both parties and the court.

Court instructs both parties to communicate with each other and find suitable date in which  both counsels will be available and come back to court for next mention date for confirmation of new trial dates.

Prosecutions informs the court he will be calling a maximum of 4 witnesses for the trial.

Court suspended to October 11, 2023 at 1: 30 pm for setting of new trial dates. Bail extended for defendant.

Police alleged defendant Teama was arrested for simple larceny of sum of $550 SBD and pork worth $250 SBD and Haus brand mobile phone worth $450 SBD.

The matter was later reported to the police and defendant apprehended and dealt with accordingly. Police Prosecution appears for the Crown and Sheena Kilua appears for the defendant

SUSPEND AND INVESTIGATE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Wale slams NHA’s ignorance & weak control measures

LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale says the National Hosting Authority’s (NHA) ignorance shows there are weak internal control measures that are vulnerable to gross abuse.

Hon Wale said the fact that contracts like the toilet paper supplier have been inflated and later reduced as a result of public pressure raises serious questions whether it has actually gone through the tender process.

He said the fact that the toilet paper contract was grossly exaggerated suggests that there might be some inside NHA processes involved.

Hon Wale said they should be removed forthwith.

The Opposition Leader said the chairman of NHA cannot claim ignorance as it only implies that he is not applying duty of care.

“I call on the Chair of NHA to review all other awarded contracts similar to the toilet paper supplier that maybe dubious and inflated in nature including for cleaning, catering & other services,” he said.

“ I am also reiterating my call for the treasury internal audit to investigate all dubious contracts with immediate effect,” Hon Wale adds.

He said it is a shame that Solomon Islands is making PG 2023 headlines regionally for the wrong reasons.

“We are already sending a negative impression to our visitors ahead of the Games and it is a disgrace,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said it is clear that awarding of contracts might be ‘inside jobs’ where figures are inflated so that everyone has a piece of the pie.

Hon Wale said millions of donor funding have been pumped for the Games and some people are taking advantage of this for their own personal gain.

“Most of the funding is from taxpayers from our development partners and I am disgusted by the way it is being handled and misused,” he said.

The Opposition Leader also reiterated his call for the Prime Minister as minster responsible for the Games to intervene and demand serious answers from NHA.

“I am urging the Prime Minister to suspend and investigate everyone involved,” he said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

SECURITY CLAIMS REFUTED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Executive Director of NHA Mr Christian Nieng.

NHA denies affiliation to National Stadium Security Firms ahead of Pacific Games

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

IN a recent press conference, the Executive Director of the National Hosting Authority (NHA), Christian Nieng, unequivocally denied any affiliation with the two security firms currently responsible for security operations at the National Stadium.

Nieng’s statement came amidst questions from the media concerning the NHA’s involvement in the security arrangements at the venue.

Addressing reporters, Nieng clarified, “NHA has been overseeing security operations at the National Stadium during the construction phase. However, once the construction is complete, NHA will continue to manage security until the Pacific Games Organising Committee (GOC) assumes control.”

He went on to explain that the GOC had its own security partners who would collaborate with the existing security firms under the GOC’s command.

Nieng elaborated on the security situation, stating, “There are currently three security firms involved in the National Stadium’s security operations. One of them commenced its duties in conjunction with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during the initial stages of construction. Subsequently, the other two firms were brought in to address security concerns, particularly during incidents such as riots. After CCECC’s departure, it was deemed necessary to enhance security measures.”

Dr. Jimmy Rodgers, Chairman of NHA, shed light on the timeline for the transition of security responsibilities.

“The GOC will officially take control of the facility on November 27, 2023,” he declared. “Security engagement commenced on October 1st, 5th, and will continue until December 31st. During this period, NHA’s security team will augment the GOC’s security measures but will operate under the GOC’s jurisdiction.”

Dr. Rodgers also outlined the staffing requirements for the opening ceremony, stating, “We anticipate the need for 300 security officers during the opening ceremony, with 200 stationed on the eastern side of the stadium.” However, he noted that NHA’s current security personnel numbered fewer than 20.

Regarding the current security arrangement, Dr. Rodgers mentioned, “The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) will oversee security at this moment. DC Park will continue to maintain security until a comprehensive security arrangement is finalized.”

He concluded by indicating that the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) was responsible for its own security until the GOC assumes control.

As the Pacific Games draw nearer, these security arrangements are under close scrutiny, with stakeholders working together to ensure a safe and successful event.

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