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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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0

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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0

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.

MINING BEGINS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Kolosori Nickel Project in Solomon Islands commences operations

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Kolosori Nickel Project, located in Bugotu, Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, has officially entered its mining phase following the successful completion of prospecting activities. This development marks a significant milestone in the project’s timeline.

Mining Contractor and Project Scope:

Gobe Freight Services (GFS) Marine 05, a landing craft hailing from Papua New Guinea, is currently at Kolosori site to deliver essential machinery.

These machines were transported on behalf of HBS PNG, a reputable mining contractor based in Papua New Guinea, which was awarded the comprehensive project services contract.

The scope of their contract encompasses mining, earthworks, stockpiling, and the loading of barges.

Calvin Bazil, a local director at Kolosori Nickel (SI) Limited, confirmed that mining operations are now underway, signifying the transition into both the mining and production stages. The project has also attracted employees from the Gold Ridge mining sector.

Ownership and Approvals:

The project’s mining license, ML 02/22, is jointly owned by Pacific Nickel Mines Kolosori (PNMK), holding an 80% stake, and traditional landowners, who possess the remaining 20%. PNMK is a subsidiary of the renowned Australian mining company Pacific Nickel Mines.

Key regulatory milestones include the completion of a scoping study in November 2021, receipt of development consent from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment in December 2021, and the acquisition of the mining lease from the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification in September 2022. The definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the project was publicly announced in February 2023.

Production and Investment Outlook:

The Kolosori Nickel Project, primarily focused on extracting direct shipping ore (DSO) nickel laterite, is expected to have a mine life spanning six years. To commence operations, an initial investment of $21.3 million was allocated. Construction began in August 2023, and full-fledged operations are scheduled to commence in October 2023.

Mining Method and Logistics:

The mining methodology for the Kolosori nickel project centers on open-pit strip mining. Ten mining pits, situated to the north of the loadout wharf, have been identified for ore extraction. The mining process involves multiple benches, with varying widths. To minimize soil erosion and maximize ore extraction, topsoil will be stripped and subsequently backfilled.

Ore transportation will be facilitated by 30-ton and 50-ton excavators, along with all-terrain articulated haul trucks. A primary haul road will connect the mining pits to the port and stockpile area. Notably, given its status as a DSO mine, the project will not require any processing facilities on-site.

Moisture Content and Ore Handling:

The laterite ore at Kolosori contains moisture levels ranging between 20% and 40%. Ore with moisture content below the transportable moisture limit (TML) will be directly transported to barges for shipping. Conversely, ore exceeding the TML will be designated to a specific stockpile area for preshipment drying and storage.

Equipment Deployment:

In July 2023, the project witnessed the arrival of its initial equipment fleet. This included five RokBak 40-ton articulated dump trucks, two dozers, two Hyundai 50-ton excavators, one Hyundai 30-ton excavator, a service truck, and a fleet of light vehicles and ancillary workshop containers

Key Contributors to the Project:

The DFS for the Kolosori Nickel Project was prepared by Maxwell Energy and Resources, an engineering and project delivery services provider. Additionally, Australian Mine Design and Development, a mine planning and technical services provider, played a pivotal role in estimating ore reserves as part of the DFS. Resindo Resources and Energy Group, based in Indonesia, contributed to engineering studies.

Mining One Consultants, a specialist in mining, geotechnical, and geological consulting, developed the drilling and sampling programs under the DFS. Furthermore, PNMK secured a nickel ore transfer services agreement with shipowner Marinepia Shipping to supply vessels, including tugboats and barges, for ore transportation.

The environmental and social impact assessment for the project was meticulously prepared by natural resources consultant Ecological Solutions in collaboration with Quantum 7.

In an essential step towards financing, Blackbird Commodity Partners, an independent financial advisor, was appointed as the corporate advisor for the Kolosori nickel project.

As the Kolosori Nickel Project continues to progress, it promises to be a significant contributor to the local and regional economy, marking a new chapter in the mining industry of the Solomon Islands.

‘Partner of choice’ Australia donates SBD8m Kukum Traffic building to strengthen RSIPF

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Group photo of high level guests who were part of the official opening ceremony

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Australian Government, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Federal Police Policing Partnership Programme (RAPPP), has presented the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) with a state-of-the-art two-storey building valued at approximately SBD$8 million.

Assistant Commissioner of the AFP Pacific Asia Command, Nigel Ryan, emphasised Australia’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands and its neighbouring nations in achieving a peaceful and prosperous future.

He expressed the AFP’s dedication to assisting the RSIPF in maintaining peace and security while addressing current and emerging threats.

Ryan emphasised the importance of modern policing facilities that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. He stressed that such facilities should be strategically located, inviting for public engagement, and designed to provide policing services effectively both now and in the future.

“I want to reaffirm our commitment to genuinely listen to the needs of the RSIPF and deliver a partnership program that supports their future direction and enhances the safety and security of our regional community,” Ryan said.

Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton expressed gratitude for the facility provided to the RSIPF, acknowledging the need for high-standard buildings for police officers to carry out their duties effectively.

Minister of Police National Security and Correctional Service, Anthony Veke, acknowledged the invaluable support of the Australian Federal Police in the RSIPF’s journey of improvement and institutional development.

“Australia is our partner of choice, and we will continue to work closely with them,” Mr Veke affirmed.

He highlighted the substantial progress in capacity and capability seen in the RSIPF over the years, attributing much of it to the positive partnership between the two police forces and their ongoing RSIPF and RAPP partnership programmes.

Veke emphasised the significance of infrastructure development projects like the National Traffic Centre, carried out through the RAPP programme.

He called upon RSIPF and surrounding communities to safeguard and utilise these assets for their intended purposes. He also acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the ministry and urged continued support for the development of the police force.

The donation of the Kukum Traffic Building by the Australian Government represents a tangible commitment to strengthening the RSIPF and enhancing the security and safety of the Solomon Islands and the broader regional community.

Donor partners hand over electoral operation centre to SI electoral commission

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
(from left to right) UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Mr. Patrick Pee, SIEC CEO Anisi and H.E Rod Hilton cutting the ribbon to officially open the building.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

DONOR partners, including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union, officially handed over the Electoral Operation Centre to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), yesterday. The ceremony took place at the SIEC Headquarters in Vavaya Ridge, Central Honiara.

Jasper Highwood Anisi, chief electoral officer, expressed his gratitude saying that this marked the culmination of years of friendship and partnership between SIEC, the Solomon Islands Government, and their supporting organisations. He emphasised the importance of these partnerships in upholding the nation’s democratic values.

The SIEC, established under the country’s Constitution, is responsible for conducting voter registration and elections. At the time of the handover, the SIEC was in the midst of an eight-day Nationwide Biometric Voter Registration Exercise, set to continue in three phases until the year’s end.

Anisi also announced preparations for the 2024 national general elections, including Provincial Assemblies, Honiara City Council, and the National Parliamentary Election. These elections will involve over 1000 polling stations across 50 constituencies, excluding Choiseul and Western Assemblies, which conducted their elections in 2022.

The newly established Operation Centre is set to play a vital role in collecting, storing, analyzing, and disseminating information related to the electoral process. It aims to facilitate real-time issue resolution at Voter Registration Centres and polling stations, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

Anisi further explained that the decision to relocate Voter Registration Centres to various constituencies was made to address cross-border issues and enable residents to register where they live or work for more than six months.

The Operation Centre operates under a set of standard operating procedures, with responsibilities that include handling emergency issues from Voter Registration Centres, receiving daily data updates from VRCs, and responding to on-ground issues and queries in real time. The centre is managed by the Operation Manager and his team, along with four field coordinators.

Guests at the handover ceremony included Rod Hilton, the Australian High Commissioner, Patrick Pee, Acting Deputy Resident Representative UNDP, and Michael Burke, Chief Technical Advisor of UNDP (SECSIP).

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