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CHURCH ELDER BLAMED

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SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

Concerns arise over voter registration conducted in Central Honiara

Residents of Central Honiara are calling for the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) to take action against its workers involved in the voter registration process.

Allegations have emerged that an elder from the SSEC’s Matariu church branch falsely witnessed for an individual from another constituency to register in Central Honiara.

The elder reportedly claimed to have a personal connection with the individual, justifying their eligibility to vote in Central Honiara.

Critics argue that such actions do not align with the high moral standards expected of church elders, and they suspect political affiliations may be a motivating factor. They believe the elder in question supports the current Member of Central Honiara, Alfred Efona.

Residents are urging the SSEC Headquarters to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, especially since it involves church elders directly engaging in politics.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has voiced its concerns regarding cross-border registration issues within the electoral system.

Jasper Highwood Anisi, the Chief Electoral Officer of SIEC, emphasized that, despite provisions allowing individuals to register in multiple constituencies, the problem of cross-border voting persists.

Anisi stressed that genuine connections to a constituency, such as blood relations or residency, are essential for eligibility to vote in that constituency.

These developments highlight growing concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process and the need for oversight to ensure fair and lawful participation in elections.

World summit to build strategies for peace

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Promotional poster of HWPL Chairman Lee with the theme ‘We Are One’ of the 9th Anniversary to be marked on September 18.

“The 9th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit” will be held in the Republic of Korea for four days, from September 18 to 21 with participation of about 1,800 global leaders.

The event will be hosted by an international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in UN ECOSOC special consultative status.

This 9th-anniversary celebration will look back on the achievements of the past 10 years and discuss the theme of “Implementation of Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace”.

Leaders in politics, education, religion, women’s groups, youth groups, and the media from around the world will participate in discussions aimed at implementing strategies within each sector’s initiatives.

The sessions will cover various agendas, including the spread of a culture of institutional peace, the expansion of comparative scriptural studies, long-term peacebuilding through education, and the development of policies for promoting a culture of peace.

The concept of “Institutional Peace” as proposed by HWPL, advocates for international agreements aimed at establishing sustainable peace with frameworks based on the principles outlined in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

The DPCW is presented as a tool of peace continuum from prevention and resolving conflicts to further promoting a culture of understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples.

HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee emphasised that the participation of people from all around the world is absolutely necessary to achieve peace.

“We (HWPL) have circled the globe 32 times to carry out the work of peace. The ultimate goal has been achieving peace.

“Whether it’s within families, schools, or any other organisation, peace is a vital need.

“Not a single person has rejected the idea of peace.

“Therefore, I firmly believe that peace will be attained.”

Forum Foreign Ministers gather in Fiji to address crucial regional priorities

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

FOREIGN ministers of member countries of the Pacific Forum are in Suva, Fiji, this week for their annual discussions on the Blue Pacific.

These discussions centre on issues pertaining critical regional priorities to the Blue Pacific.

Scheduled for September 15, this meeting will be presided over by the host Chair of the forthcoming Forum Leaders Meeting in the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Hon Mark Brown.

One of the primary agenda items for deliberation is the implementation plan for the 2050 Strategy. The endorsement of the five-year implementation plan is slated to take place at the upcoming Forum Leaders Meeting.

In alignment with the objectives of the 2050 Strategy, the Ministers will engage in discussions covering global and regional strategic trends and dynamics, the pressing issue of the climate crisis, and a renewed declaration on gender equality.

These discussions will encompass the region’s crucial engagement and advocacy priorities, which encompass preparations for the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), the US-PIF Summit, the forthcoming Forum Leaders Meeting, COP28, and Japan’s proposed release of treated Fukushima nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean.

Additionally, the Forum Foreign Ministers will delve into the outcomes of recent Ministerial Meetings. These include the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, the Forum Economic Ministerial, and the Forum Fisheries Ministerial Meeting hosted by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

Henry Puna, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasized, “In addition to the extensive work centered around the implementation of the 2050 plan and international engagement and advocacy.

 “We have significant tasks ahead due to the outcomes of these recent Ministerial Meetings,” Puna said.

High Court sheriff charged with assault of police officer

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The sheriff of the High Court is facing the magistrate court charged with assault.

Bob Waleferatelifia is accused of assaulting a police officer.

Defendant Waleferatelifia received disclosures yesterday morning from Police Prosecution.

He then sought 14 days’ adjournment from the court to allow him time to find a lawyer from the Public Solicitors office.

Court adjourned for September 27 for Waleferatelifia to return with a lawyer and to take his plea.

Bail was extended for the defendant.

Police allege that on December 23, 2022 Waleferatelifia appeared very drunk and disrespectful at the White River police station arguing with his wife, who is a police officer.

The duty officers at the Station tried to calm Waleferatelifia but he would not cooperate and did not want to listen to the officers.

Because of this attitude, White River police decided to take the defendant to the Central Police Station for safekeeping, due to reasons that he was very drunk and unable to control himself or be looked after.

Upon arrival at the Central Police Station, the defendant went through safety procedures of the safekeeping room. It was during that time, Waleferatelifia allegedly took off his long pants and threw it towards the duty officer, and it landed on his face.

The duty officer then assisted the defendant into the safekeeping room. However, inside the safekeeping room, the defendant shouted at a high voice swearing at the police officers.

The defendant ranted in front of the officers saying he was a lawyer by profession.

He was formally arrested and later charged with an offence of assault on a police officer.

Police prosecution appears for the Crown.

MPG staffs brief on progress of Bina project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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During the brief session on Bina project yesterday

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A team from Bina Harbor office in Honiara briefed Heads of Department (HOD) under Malaita provincial government yesterday in Auki.

The 3-hour briefing session aimed at enlightening the staffs on the progress and the current status of the development of the program.

The session supposed to be held with the executive of Malaita provincial government but wasn’t eventuated and held with HODs instead.

During the session, MPG staffs were briefed on the multi-million-dollar project, which will host a seaport and a tuna processing plant.

They also learned on the progress of the project, its development plan and different donors and stakeholders that are together behind the project

An important are raised during the session was on establishing close tie with MPG to partner in the development of the project.

This is important for the province to provide support in areas needed under their capacity to drive the project forward and achieve its ultimate goal.

The project is currently administered under the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource, and when materializes it will require more government ministries to join in.

PS acting for Malaita province, Mr Francis Irofimae acknowledged Bina project team to inform Malaita provincial staffs on the project.

He said Bina is an important mega economic project for Malaita province and when completes it will to address lot of issues the province and country face.

Irofimae assured MPG’s support toward the project as they will always look forward to work hand in glove with Ministry of Fisheries and donor partners on the project.

He also thanked the national government through Ministry of Fisheries (MHMR) and donor partners for continues support provided toward the project.

UOG signs MOA with MEHRD

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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UOG visiting delegate (Left) and MEHRD Minister Tanangada (Right) signing the MOA.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

In another momentous boost for the country’s educational sector, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed yesterday aimed at establishing an educational center known as the UOG’s Pacific Open Campus.

The MOA was signed between the Papua New Guinea’s University of Goroka (UOG), the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the PNG High Commissioner at the PNG Chancery office.

The Campus will facilitate access to tertiary education for Solomon Islanders wishing to pursue their studies.

UOG’s Council, Robin Bazzinuc said by setting up this campus, they aim to improve the human resources to be marketable globally.

“Our aim is to guide human resources development to be more marketable in a global market not just focusing on its internal market but also to be competitive in a global market therefore, it drives its agenda on making sure UOG must put its roadmap to achieve a bigger goal” Bazzinuc said.

Bazzinuc further explained the PNG Government through UOG is not here to showcase itself but to strengthen its bilateral partnership as well. 

MEHRD Minister Hon. Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada expressed her gratitude for the partnership with UOG and how much the Ministry value their active engagement over the years.

“This day marks another important milestone for both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in the area of tertiary education and it is also a testament of a long standing and progressive bilateral relationship and co-operation between our two countries” Tanangada said. 

As a representative of PNG’s government and people PNG’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Moses Kaul commented on the signing.

“This is paving the way for the continuation of the good training services rendered to the people of Solomon Islands through UOG POC in Honiara and each partners commitment to ensuring that the friendship forged and the challenge faced will stand the challenges of time” Kaul added.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2014 between UOG and the SI Government

In attendance to witness the signing were officials from MEHRD, the UOG visiting delegates, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Armed robbery case trial set for September 18

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The trial date for an armed robbery case against three men was set by the court yesterday for Monday, September 18.

Dickson Fito’o, Hudson Susuamae, Sio Wale pleaded not guilty to the charge of Armed Robbery.

The trio faced the magistrate court yesterday for interim mention of their case.

Prosecution told court they have received advice on what grounds would be challenged in court from defence regarding only two of the defendants, Mr Fito’o and Susuamae.

Prosecution also told court they will call five witnesses to testify.

Court ordered Mr Wale’s lawyer to advise prosecution with grounds on which they will challenge the case.

Prosecution was ordered to obtain the logbook from the watchhouse at Henderson police post and give it to the defence lawyer for defendant Hudson.

Court adjourned for September 15 for final interim mention.

Bail was extended for all defendants.

Allegations said in the early hours of January 20, 2023 the trio entered the Holiday Resort Motel armed with bush knives.

One of them allegedly wounded a Chinese national. The men then allegedly escaped with $100,000 including Chinese currency notes.

A huge portion of the money has not been recovered; it is not clear exactly how much.

Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and Public Solicitor Office appears for all defendants.

SCHOLARS DISMAYED

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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In-country SIG students victimised again by allowance delay

BY NED GAGAHE

GOVERNMENT sponsored students at the USP campus in Honiara are again being victimised by delay in allowances.

This week is week-9 of semester 2 and they are still to receive anything.

Last semester, in-country SIG-sponsored students received their allowances after the semester was over, in July and August. Some are yet to receive theirs.

The Ministry of Education (MEHRD) when sought for comments said this matter is the responsibility of SITESA (Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority).

SITESA has not responded to enquiries sent to it by this paper.

About 200 government-sponsored students are studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands campus.

A group of frustrated SIG students took to media their dilemma saying the DCGA Government is creating a new practice towards in-country students whereby they receive their allowance at the end of the semester.

This practice is reportedly a hallmark of the DCGA government, one senior student said, adding that this is not the first time in-country SIG-students are being “treated unfairly”.

It is understood that allowances for SIG students in regional institutions are being paid on time.

Only Solomon Islands-based SIG students are facing this allowance delay problem.

These students are up against Honiara’s high cost of living, costs of travelling, costs internet data, costs of printing, scanning, photocopying, costs hiring or borrowing learning accessory resources such as laptops, tablets, etc, to do their schooling with.

Many of these students are bunking in with relatives in Honiara, and it is shameful for them to be unable to contribute to sustaining their households by way of food or other.

With these challenges plus many more, some students have reportedly dropped a course or two, while others are anticipating that it is likely they will fail at least one of their courses.

“Please, we need money to help us navigate this semester. We need financial backing to pay for our needs such as busfare, books, pens, foods, data,” one of the students said.

“We are now into our week nine but we are yet to receive our allowances,” another adds.

Jeffery Junior Maesala, the SIG USP Solomon Islands Student Association President when approached for comments said approximately 200 students are currently studying in-country at the SI campus in Honiara.

Mr Maesala said the delay in disbursing student stipends has been a major concern for students, it affects their welfare and learning, and has also resulted in students not satisfying the scholarship requirement of passing at least 75% of the total course enrolled in each semester.

The SIG student president said with most students undergoing online learning due to no face-to-face learning available in the USP Solomon Islands Campus, internet connectivity is crucial for accessing online tutorials and lectures, as well as submitting assessments via Moodle learning platform.

“Unfortunately, the slow disbursement of student allowances has affected their online experiences and learning. Many lectures and tutorials are mandatory and contribute towards their final marks, making it even more critical for students to have access to timely stipend disbursement, that student can be able to purchase mobile data plan to make things more convenient for themselves.

“To make matters worse, many students are yet to receive vendor number, which are required to access their allowances on time. This has further exacerbated the issue and caused undue stress for students who are already struggling to cope with the demands of online learning.

“It is important for the relevant authorities to take swift action to address this issue and ensure that students receive their stipends on time. Failure to do so will continue to adversely affect the welfare and learning outcomes of students.

“We are now in week 9 of the USP academic calendar, and the slow of SIG disbursement of student allowances has been frustratingly slow,” Maesala said.

Meanwhile, MEHRD when contacted for comments advised that the paper sought comments from SITESA regarding allowance issues.

“I was advised any issue of scholarship, SITESA office is a better position to respond. SITESA is an institution of its own that operates separately from MEHRD,” MEHRD Communication Officer Charles Kadamana told Island Sun when the paper followed up on its email to PS Franco Rodie this week.

An email sent to the new SITESA Director of Scholarship Unit Mr John Iromea for comments remained unanswered.

MPG clears Auki streets of vendors

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Auki provincial town of Malaita.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA provincial government (MPG) through Auki Town Council has cleared Auki streets of vendors and market stalls.

The operation was carried out last week after negotiations with vendors, in which some willingly vacated the streets whilst others were forced to leave.

Early last week, an order was issued by MPG through ATC for all street vendors to vacate the street and return to the betel nut market.

Many vendors adhered to this order.

However, those who used the vicinity of old fisheries in front of Auki wharf did not, and were forcibly removed by provincial security.

The provincial security confiscated their tables.

MPG has cleared other street markets in Auki town during the operation.

The order was carried out in accordance to the provincial litter ordinance that prohibits littering or activities encouraging littering within the town.

This is for the cleanliness of Auki town and also to ensure all businesses and activities within the town be uniformly structured or organised.

Teachers express concerns over education bill 2023

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dr Lionel Kakai, the Principal of King George Sixth (KGVI) School

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Some educators in the Solomon Islands have raised practical concerns regarding the proposed Education Bill 2023 currently before Parliament.

The concerns mainly revolve around teacher registration, low salaries, and the extensive powers granted to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources.

Teachers presented their apprehensions before the Bills and Legislation Committee in Parliament recently.

Dr Lionel Kakai, the Principal of King George Sixth (KGVI) School, expressed worry over the Bill’s allocation of increased authority to the Permanent Secretary.

“I question whether the Permanent Secretary can effectively manage responsibilities like teacher registration while maintaining efficiency,” he remarked.

Kakai also highlighted the prolonged teacher registration process, which takes up to a year for some educators in the Solomon Islands.

“In the Solomon Islands, we face challenges in sourcing potential teachers,” Kakai explained.

“For instance, some remote villages resort to recruiting individuals with marine experience. The new Bill mandates registration, even under circumstances where qualified teachers are scarce. Unlike countries like Australia, which boast a surplus of teachers who can be summoned to teach even when they are not actively employed, our situation is different.”

Kakai emphasised that these concerns had been raised during consultations but were met with potential penalties under the Bill.

“In cases where Form 5 graduates are needed to teach in primary and secondary schools, they face hurdles in registration due to their recent completion of high school. We recognize the need for flexibility, especially in a developing country where teacher availability struggles to keep pace with a rapidly growing population.”

Kakai said teacher shortages are prevalent, with institutions like KGVI searching for math and physics teachers for up to two years.

“The registration process poses an additional challenge when hiring part-time educators, necessitating adherence to bureaucratic procedures,” he added.

Another teacher from St John Community High School highlighted the significant obstacles teachers encounter in the registration process, involving multiple administrative bodies and protracted waiting times.

She also underscored the unattractive nature of the teaching profession due to environmental challenges, including low morale and living arrangements that hinder educators’ effectiveness in the classroom.

The Education Bill 2023 aims to modernise and streamline the administration and regulation of Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary education. It encompasses provisions for the registration of teachers, educational providers, schools, and Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres, effectively replacing the existing Education Act.

The new education framework prioritises principles such as access, equity, accountability, equality of opportunity, partnerships, quality, and relevance. The Bill grants increased autonomy to educational providers and ECE centres to enhance their management capabilities, while also improving teacher management through specific provisions for registration and oversight by the Teaching Services Commission.

This legislation promotes a province-by-province approach to education, fostering collaboration among educational providers within each province. It expands the registration scheme to cover Education Providers, schools, ECE centres, and teachers. Administrative Instructions will establish standards on various critical aspects, including child protection, gender equality, social inclusion, assessment, reporting, and other educational requirements.

The Bill introduces compulsory basic education and emphasizes transparency and accountability in government funding allocation to the education sector. The Education Bill 2023 represents a substantial overhaul of the education system in the Solomon Islands, aimed at aligning it with modern standards while upholding fairness, transparency, and educational quality.

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