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New Asian Mining Company press charges against angry landowners

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The New Asian Mining Company is pressing charges against landowners who reportedly demanded compensation and threatened some workers of the company with knives in Manakwai, East Malaita, recently. 

The company claims that these actions violate Section 79 (b) of the Mines and Mineral Act 1990, which states that unlawfully interfering with or obstructing any holder of a permit, license, or lease, or their servants and agents in the exercise of their rights acquired under this Act, is an offence. 

The offenders may face a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or imprisonment for up to twelve months, or both.

The company management expressed sadness over the involvement of a police officer based in Atori in the incident, who was supposed to keep law and order within the communities as expected of him. He should have resolved to have a dialogue with the Auluta Landowners Association on internal land matters.  

However, they criticised the Solomon Star for what they perceived as biased reporting, as the reporter failed to obtain the company’s perspective on the matter.

Solomon Star claimed according to sources on the ground, some of the legitimate land-owning tribes have recently become aware of the reality surrounding the New Asian Mining Company Ltd prospecting activities in East Malaita and have taken matters into their own hands. 

It has been reported that individuals used fake names to sign the Surface Access Agreement (SAA) for land that does not belong to them.

Last week, an Asian worker employed by New Asian Mining Company Ltd accompanied by the Chairman and some members of Auluta Landowners Association was allegedly threatened with knives and forced to pay $3,000 in spot compensation to the landowners after collecting mineral samples from a location called Makakwai. 

Workers left as work intended was completed and returned to Honiara for preparation for the next phase of the prospecting programme.

The sources warned that the issues surrounding the presence of New Asian Mining in East Malaita are highly sensitive due to the dishonesty surrounding the signing of the SAA.

Contrary to the company’s claim that the incident is an internal problem between two parties, there is an existing dispute among the landownership over a portion of land called Manakwai.

The company management clarified that they have signed the SAA with 24 tribes in Auluta who are within the prospecting Licence tenement. 

They argued that the incidents reported in the media are often from people outside of their tenement area and are fueled by political motives against the current government of Malaita.

The company management further stated that the project aims to gather data on the presence of minerals, as there have been rumors of diamonds beneath cocoa trees and gold found while digging post holes. 

However, they emphasised the need for actual proof of these claims. 

They also mentioned their efforts to assist the Malaita province and landowners in East Fataleka and East Malaita through additional prospecting licenses, including a one-year Reconnaissance Permit for aerial surveys using drones and an extension of their existing tenement.

The company management argued that the project contributes to the revenues of both the National Government, through tenement fees, and the Malaita Province, which receives $250,000 for the business licence. They emphasised the financial benefits that come with additional licenses and reiterated their commitment to complying with the relevant laws and regulations.

The New Asian Mining Company commenced mineral prospecting in East Malaita in April after being granted a business license worth $250,000 by the New Government for Fundamental Redirection (MNGFR) led by Premier Martin Fini. 

This Provincial business license allows them to conduct prospecting activities on 24 customary lands until the end of March 2024. Moreso, the Prospecting License issued by the National Government is valid for three years accorded to the Mines and Minerals Act 1990.

Sunway appeals to Forest Minister after suspension of felling licence

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MP for Savo/Russell Dickson Mua and Minister for Ministry of Forestry and Research.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SUNWAY (SI) Limited has submitted a written appeal to the Minister of Forests and Research, Dickson Mua, after the suspension of its felling Licence No. A102303.

The company’s operations were halted by Commissioner of Forest, Reeves Moveni, on June 16, 2023, shortly after logging activities had commenced on registered land in Vangunu, Marovo, Western Province.

According to Moveni, the suspension was prompted by a dispute over the representation of the Geruana tribe. The company claims that Plinty Vigulu, who raised the complaint, does not accurately represent the tribe and that their activities were authorized by Dr Vaeno Vigulu, the enthroned chief recognised by the Marovo councils of chiefs.

Moveni further explains that the Geruana tribe is traditionally represented by the Geruana Tribe Trust Board Association (GTTBA), of which the registered trustees of Block C were members. However, the complainant argues that Plinty Vigulu acts on behalf of the enthroned chief and should be recognized as the legitimate representative of the Geruana tribe. They contend that matters concerning customary lands should be handled by the enthroned chief rather than a self-proclaimed chief or the GTTBA.

Additionally, the company asserts that they had obtained necessary agreements, including a log pond agreement, campsite agreement, and road access agreement, with the Land Trustees of the GTTBA. They argue that the GTTBA was appointed by the Geruana people to represent their interests and that their activities were lawful based on these agreements.

However, the complainant party, under the leadership of the enthroned chief (MFR Permanent Secretary, Dr. Vaeno), disputes the legitimacy of the GTTBA’s representation. They argue that the GTTBA does not have ownership rights over the customary land and represents the business interests of a select few individuals. According to them, the Geruana customary land is under the custodianship of the enthroned chief, who denies authorising or signing the aforementioned agreements.

Consequently, Moveni suspended SUNWAY (SI) Limited’s felling licence, emphasising that their operations within the Geruana customary land, without proper timber rights or a valid felling licence, are deemed unlawful. He cited a serious breach of Regulation 10 (c) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation (Felling Licenses) Regulations 2005, as well as a forest offense under Section 4 of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act (FRTU Act).

In response, SUNWAY (SI) Limited maintains that the Geruana Tribe Trust Board Association was established and recognized by the Geruana chiefs and tribe prior to Plinty Vigulu’s complaint. They argue that their previous logging operations on Geruana Customary land were carried out without objections from the Geruana tribe or the complainant, resulting in a Timber Rights Determination in favour of the GTTBA. They stress the significance of their logging operations, highlighting the contribution to government revenue and the overall benefit to the citizens of the country.

As the appeal process unfolds, SUNWAY (SI) Limited seeks reconsideration of the suspension and the reinstatement of their felling license, highlighting the validity of the agreements they entered into and their belief in acting lawfully within the boundaries of their agreements and permissions.

The resolution of this dispute will not only determine the fate of SUNWAY (SI) Limited’s logging operations but also shed light on the broader issue of representation and authority over customary lands.

As the appeals process progresses, the Minister of Forests and Research will play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.

Police urged to make arrest in petrol bomb attack

Written by
Press Release
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Police are urged to arrest the five unidentified masked men armed with knives who used petrol bombs and attacked a couple at Kukum on July 2, 2023.

A report indicates that this practice continues in Honiara, where the group allegedly attacked a market house at Vavaya Ridge and later burned a recently torched vehicle at a workshop in Kukum.

A resident of Honiara has urged the police to promptly arrest any suspects, as failure to do so may result in people taking the law into their own hands to deal with the group.

According to one resident, the families of the victims have already provided evidence to the police regarding the suspects, but no arrests have been made thus far.

Honiara City Police Chief Superintendent Jimson Robo recently commented on the incident, describing it as sad and shocking to see criminals inventing new ways to harm ordinary citizens.

The police require the assistance of the community to eradicate such threats from reoccurring.

As of now, the suspects are still at large, and the police are appealing to anyone with information about the masked men to assist the investigators.

HCC urges repatriation of dead bodies

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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City Mayor of the Honiara City Council Eddie Siapu.Photo credit- MAVIS PODOKOLO.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

FAMILY members of dead persons are called to repatriate the body home due to grave site scarcity in Honiara.

This call was made by the City Mayor of the Honiara City Council Eddie Siapu during the celebration of the country’s 45th Independence anniversary held in Honiara last week.

He said at this point in time, space to bury our dead at the present Grave site in Kola Ridge is scarce.

“I therefore appeal to all residents to repatriate the body of any deceased family member back to his or home village for proper burial,” Siapu said.

He said Honiara City council is currently working close with relevant ministers to secure new cemetery site.

“City Council is working closely with relevant ministries of the national government and Guadalcanal Provincial Government to secure a new cemetery site,” Siapu said.

Fini’s government welcomes Chinese investors to develop Bina Harbour

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MPA for ward 3 (Buma), Hon Martin Fini.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Malaita New Government for Fundamental Redirection (MNGFR) has expressed its welcome to any Chinese investor willing to develop the Bina Harbour project in West Kwaio.

The project involves the expansion of the port to international standards and the development of tuna fisheries.

According to an article published by The Sunday Guardian on July 9, 2023, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Ghiro, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chairman of the China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC) in Beijing in May of the same year.

The signing of the MOU reportedly opened the door for the China Engineering and Construction Company and China Harbour Engineering Company to seek financing for the project, estimated to cost US$180 million.

The article’s author, Dean Baxendale, suggests that there may be additional implications to China’s involvement in the Bina Harbour project.

Baxendale points out that Bina Harbour is one of the few natural deep water ports in Malaita and highlights Malaita’s strategic location in the archipelago, implying that it could serve as a docking location for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) navy vessels, potentially countering the American security pact with Papua New Guinea.

However, it should be noted that these geopolitical implications mentioned by Baxendale are speculative and not confirmed by official sources.

Prior to the MOU signing with China, the New Zealand Government, through Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF), was already providing long-term technical assistance and funding support for the Bina Harbour project.

A project office was established, managed by Johnstaff International Development (JID), which is funded by the New Zealand Government.

The Bina Region Arrangement for Governance (BRAG) within the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is supported by the New Zealand Government to safeguard the interests of the Bina and Langa Langa communities that have rights over the land, water sources, and the harbour required for the project.

It is worth noting that the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade regarding the MOU signing did not specifically mention any Chinese investment in Bina Harbour.

The press release states that the MOU enables CNFC to invest in the Solomon Islands in areas of mutual interest.

Minister Ghiro emphasized that the purpose of the MOU is to strengthen the fisheries cooperation between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and promote tangible entrepreneurial developments in the country.

Malaita Premier Martin Fini expressed his support for China’s involvement in developing Bina Harbour, stating that if the MOU allows China to undertake the project, he welcomes it.

Premier Fini emphasized that Malaita has not witnessed significant development in major projects like Bina Harbour and Suava Bay for the past 45 years from what he refers to as “Western countries.”

He believes that if China is willing to contribute to the tangible development of these projects, it aligns with the desires of the people of Malaita.

Premier Fini visited Beijing in May to present his government’s policies on fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and education, aiming to prioritize tangible development over ongoing debates on social media regarding Western geopolitics.

DIVERS BLOCKED

Written by
Samie Waikori
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West Are’are locals turn back foreigners wanting to scuba WWII wreckage

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Foreign divers have been blocked from diving a World War II wreckage at the West Are’are Lagoon.

Three foreigners were reportedly turned back last week by locals when they failed to show their approval from the Malaita provincial government for their diving expedition.

MPA for Ward 24, Peter Clay Taraumae told SunAuki yesterday this was the result of not following protocol or procedures put in place by authorities.

He explains that WWII wreckages and relics are protected by law and foreigners have to go through processes in order to access or view them.

“Two weeks ago, I received a tip that locals within West Are Are lagoon were collaborating with some foreign divers to dive a WWII plane wreckage within the lagoon,” Taraumae said.

“I researched the tip and found it to be genuine, so I informed landowners of Ruakoaa Islands, who are at Oterama, Nari’ekeara and Masihuro villages on the matter.

“Upon dialogue, landowners demanded to know reasons for diving the plane within their sea and whether the divers and their local acquaintances get approval from MPG,” he said.

Taraumae said the divers and their local hosts got wind that he was looking for them.

“They called me and we arranged to meet on Tuesday last week in Auki. Unfortunately, our meeting did not take place.

“Despite the meeting, I expect the divers to submit proposals containing the purpose of their diving and await approval from the executive government.

“Nothing as such happened. On Wednesday a OBM from Ta’arutona picked them from Auki and transported them to West Are Are lagoon,” he said.

The MPA alerted leaders within Oterama and surrounding communities to meet with the divers and question them on their purpose for diving.

He said the landowners met with the divers and asked them for documents showing approval from the MPG, which they did not produce.

He said the landowners viewed this as failure to comply with protocols and told them not to dive.

According to the MPA, the plane wreckage is located about 40m deep near Ruakoaa Island within West Are Are lagoon.

Logger exports without Forest’s permission

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

CAPE West Enterprise Limited exported round logs on June 23 to overseas without the permission of the Commissioner of Forest.

The company is engaged in logging operations at Qoiqoi, Tangarare in West Guadalcanal.

A reliable source revealed to Island Sun that the license holder is Anthony Veke, the Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, and Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal.

Commissioner of Forest, Reeves Moveni, refused to allow the shipment after the company failed to pay a fee of $50,000.

Moveni issued the directive while he was in Brisbane with the Minister of Forestry, Dickson Mua, instructing not to permit the shipment.

However, to their surprise, the shipment proceeded behind their backs.

The close source claimed that the directive to allow the shipment came from a higher authority and not from the Commissioner of Forest or Minister Mua.

The source asserted that this is corruption in its purest form, questioning why the person in the higher authority allowed the shipment when the company did not comply with forestry regulations.

Officials from the Ministry of Forestry traveled to the logging site to halt the shipment, but they were allegedly confronted by landowners wielding knives.

Cape West Enterprise is owned by Joseph Anea, who is the elder brother of Veke.

Despite attempts, Island Sun was unsuccessful in contacting the company.

Solomon Islands celebrates 45th years of independence

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Flag dancers and cultural dance performers.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

LAWSON Tama Stadium in Honiara was packed yesterday with thousands who have flocked witness the commemoration of Solomon Islands’ 45th year of independence.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare when delivering his independence remarks congratulated the country on its 45th Independence Anniversary. 

“Men and women, boys and girls across the country – from far-flung atolls in the East to the towering mountain in the West, pristine oceans in the South to the rugged interiors of the North. I bring you warm greetings and congratulations on our 45th Independence Anniversary.

“Today Solomon Islanders across our beloved nation are celebrating this significant occasion, commemorating the day we obtained our political independence,” Sogavare said.

Flag dancers displaying the 45th years of independence

“We are truly blessed and fortunate to enjoy and live in a peaceful country. We may not be where we want to be as a country but I thank Our Almighty Father in Heaven for his never ending love, guidance, protection and blessings.

“This country is a Christian country with strong conviction and faith, and it is in God that we put our faith in.

“I have faith in our country, our children and our future. We all want a resilient, peaceful and united Solomon Islands for our children and their children.

“It is our duty, not only as leaders but as parents to ensure that the country we leave to our children is one that is resilient, peaceful and united.

“In closing, let me once again wish you all a Happy 45th Anniversary celebration on behalf of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement,” Sogavare said.

PM Sogavare, GG Sir David and Police Commissioner Mangau joined the crowd during the flag raising to mark the 45th independence anniversary.Photos by MAVIS PODOKOLO

He said it is by God’s grace and intervention that all people become one

“We are Solomon Islands because of God Almighty, the Creator of the Heaven and Earth, The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Sustainer of Life,” Sogavare said.

On the same note Honiara City Council City Mayor Eddie Siapu call on all resident of Honiara and Solomon Islands to take ownership of Honiara because Honiara City

“Let us look after the city that we can enjoy the services provided by the city all work of lives. The city council cannot do it alone we need public support.

Crowd sitting at the Lawson Tama grand stand that were part of the celebration

“To our donor partners and friends thank you for being part of our 45th independence anniversary celebration and thank you for finance and moral support you have all rendered throughout the years in the country,” Siapu said.

He also thanked Guadalcanal province and the national parliament for their ongoing support as well.

Micro Polly dancers showcasing their item.

“As we celebrate our 25th independence anniversary today (yesterday) let us continue to work together to fulfil the dreams of our forefathers, remembering the struggles and sacrifices they fought to give us this gift of sovereignty. Let us pay tribute to their wisdom and heart felt passion for us to become one nation and one people,” Siapu said.

The theme of the celebration reads“Rising above and overcoming our challenges as one people”

NO FAITH IN RAINBOWS

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

PM Sogavare uses independence anniversary speech to strongly condemn LGBTQIA+

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has reiterated his strong stand against the Rainbow community.

In his speech to mark the country’s 45th independence anniversary yesterday, Mr Sogavare strongly condemned the adoption of theLGBTQIA+ issue in Solomon Islands saying it will destroy the Christian faith and cultural values.

LGBTIQA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual, and many other terms (such as non-binary and pansexual).

Sogavare said Solomon Islanders need to uphold their Christian and cultural values and not be influenced by such issues.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders… I’m increasingly uneasy about theLGBTQIA+ issue that has gained prominence. I will explain why I’m concerned. What happens there is not a concern to us, of course.

“My concern is how LGBTQIA+ has served their foreign policy and how that would affect us.

“That is why I’m concerned. I do not want the issue of LGBTQIA+ to be weaponized against us and used as a condition to accessing aid.

“I’m watching and following the debate there very closely and as conscious as possible of how the contents of television and movies that capture this are infiltrating our society.

“That is why the Government is establishing the SIBC TV that we own and do programmes that advise on our values.

“We have values, and we will not allow others to impose their values on us,” Sogavare said.

He said Solomon Islands has the Christian faith, values, diversity, culture, heritage, and tradition, which define Solomon Islands as a nation.

He added that the Solomon Islands must celebrate its heritage and cultural values.

“Our values and faith define us as a country of islands separated by sea but connected by History, traditions, blood ties, inter-marriages, the Church and Government, and also our faith and our creator, which are what hold us together culturally and spiritually,” Sogavare said.

This is not the first time for Solomon Islands leaders to openly express homophobic sentiments.

In 2017, PM Sogavare reportedly shared his homophobic views to a local church group, speaking against same-sex marriage.

In 2018, the then-governor general Sir Frank Kabui cautioned the nation against the ‘onslaught’ of the LGBTQ into Solomon Islands’ societies.

Same-sex marriage and same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the Solomons, upholding the law which criminalised it in the 1880s.

PM TRIP TO CHINA

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

35-member delegation head out this weekend

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is set to lead a large delegation to the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) this Sunday, according to confirmed sources.

The delegation is expected to comprise more than 35 individuals.

The PRC Government will only meet the expenses of 20 members of the delegation, while the Solomon Islands Government will handle the arrangements for the rest.

The purpose of the visit and the composition of the delegation are still unclear.

In 2019, Prime Minister Sogavare made his first official visit to Beijing following an invitation from President Xi Jinping of the PRC Government.

This visit took place after the historical signing of diplomatic recognitions by Solomon Islands’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele, and State Councillor Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China on September 21, 2019, in Beijing.

It was a significant visit, marking the first time a Prime Minister from the Solomon Islands had traveled to the PRC under a diplomatic framework.

During the official visit, the Prime Minister engaged with the President and other high-level dignitaries from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The visit also included visits to areas of significant importance to both the Solomon Islands and the PRC.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Governments of the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China, covering various areas such as education, economic and technical cooperation, and foreign affairs.

These MoUs paved the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in their respective fields of engagement.

During the Prime Minister’s absence, Minister for Infrastructure Development and Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, will assume the role of acting Prime Minister.

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