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LANDOWNERS CRY ‘FRAUD’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Tubi logs lying on the sea front at Korona log camp.

Gov’t backs Malaysian logger to export illegally-cut Tubi

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

A Malaysian logging company, Sunrise Investments Limited has exported more than 10,000 cubic meters of Xanthostemon logs (tubi) from Korona, San Jorge, Isabel province.

This is despite the Korona tubi issue is still pending for Judicial Review in the High Court.

The landowners of Korona have described the export as ‘fraud’ and ‘broad daylight corruption’, allegedly backed by Attorney General Office, Solicitor General Savenaca Banuve, Director of Environment Joe Horokou, Commissioner of Forest Reeves Moveni, to allow Sunrise to export the logs on 6th November 2022.

The landowners were convinced after they cited the Bills of lading, that shows Sunrise Investments Ltd exported 5,000 cubic meters of tubi trees to the buyer, Karridale PTD, Ltd in China.

Sunrise Investments Ltd got around $4.9 million, the Free on Board (FOB) value of the logs, through a Letter of Credit from Pan Oceanic Bank, on the export.

The Bill of lading document also shows the shipping vessel, MV Victoria Voy loaded the tubi logs at Lelegia.

Lelegia is another log pond, about six kilometers across the pristine Thousand Ships Bay on the mainland of Isabel.

It has also kept huge stockpile of Tubi trees.

Mas Solo Investment Ltd, another Malaysian logger, holds the lease over the area.

The Korona landowners said the tubi issue is still pending for Judicial Review, while the Solicitor General, allegedly unlawfully ordered Director of Environment to issue export permit to Sunrise Investments Ltd.

They said Sunrise Investments Ltd owner, Richard Song Sing Ngea did plead guilty last December to a criminal case the Solomon Islands Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) filed on instructions from the Ministry of Environment, accusing the company of illegally harvesting Tubi trees.

Ngea was fined SBD$50,000 (USD$6,232), the maximum penalty for such an offence.

But the company’s license has not been cancelled so it can resume operations if it wishes.

The Korona landowners are calling on appropriate authorities to intervene and investigate this matter in order to get ride off corrupt practice within the ministries and Attorney General office.

“Who do we trust here?” one of the Korona landowners asked.

Comments are being sought from Banuve, Horokau and Moveni.

HCC awaits pending request

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Damages inside the office of the MNPDC caused by the 7.3 magnitude earthquake. Photo by Jared Koli.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

HONIARA City Council (HCC) Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) together with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) is waiting on pending request by business houses or the public for building safety purposes and use.

That is according to the National Disaster Council’s national situational report number one released earlier this week,

“Honiara City Council Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) chair has been informed and directives for Works Division to liaise with Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) for assessment of buildings is pending on request by business houses or the public (for building safety purposes and use),” the report said.

It added the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is on full activation and trying to establish communications with the south West Guadalcanal communities.

“Communications with the provinces was established to gather information on impacts and an initial Situational Overview (Fly-over) was conducted to ascertain the scope and scale of earthquake impacts,” the report stated.

It adds Guadalcanal Province Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (PEOC) is also on full activation and is establishing links with the communities of South West Guadalcanal. GP Police has activated the GP forward command post and trying to establish communities near the epicentre of the earthquake.

The report also mentioned that Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) has issued a No tsunami threat for the Solomon Island following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

SIMS also activated its call-out to first responding agencies (NEOC/RSIPF/NRH) and informed them of the situational update following the earthquake, and beside go on air with the SIBC and provide situation update regarding the event to the general public highlighting the precautionary measure that people should take following the major earthquake, the report said.

It stressed RSIPF Police Operations Centre (POC) is also on full activation .

The RSIPF personal were deployed to the coastal areas of the Honiara city to ascertain the situation and ensure communities remain calm.

Further to that, the Geological Survey Division (GSD) has issued preliminary earthquake parameters indicating the South Guadalcanal is the epicentre of this 7.3 magnitude Earthquake.

A total of three earthquake technical reports were issued.

New COVID cases in Gizo,public warned

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo Hospital

BY BEN BILUA

GIZO Hospital has recorded COVID cases over the past weeks – losing its COVID free status since border restrictions were lifted.

According to reports, cases are expected to increase given that people are returning to normal life with less precaution on public health measures.

Speaking during an awareness program at the MSG building yesterday, Western Province Environmental Health Inspector, Merilyn Vana warned betel nut vendors and the general public to be cautious.

She said COVID-19 can easily transmit in areas where people are crowded such as at betel nut stalls.

Vana adds that betel nut stalls encouraged unnecessary social gathering and that Western Provincial Administration along with other stakeholders will take necessary steps to discourage such gatherings.

She went on to warn Gizo residents to be cautious and reemphasises public health measures to stop COVID-19 from further transmission.

Siwainao hopes to get his children back soon

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Dr Jack Siwainao and her two daughters.

BY NED GAGAHE

Medical doctor and father of two Dr Jack Siwainao says he expects the soon return of his two daughters who were held against their will in Papua New Guinea.

Siwainao had posted on his facebook wall on Wednesday 23 November an acknowledgement thanking the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) James Marape and all those who are involved in response to his call for the safe return of his two daughters.

The girls accompanied their PNG mother to Moresby in 2019, but the woman remarried and has since passed away in September this year.

This left the two girls stranded in PNG and attempts by Siwainao to talk to them have proven futile.

This week, he went on social media calling for help to get his two daughters back.

His appeal went viral and has attracted a lot of supports in Solomon Islands and abroad calling for the safe return of the girls.

PNG’s Post Courier newspaper had run an article that featured Siwainao’s plea for the safe return of his daughters.

This week Director Immigration, Chris Akosawa says on Facebook he had a zoom meeting with his PNG counter-parts, the PNG Immigration Citizenship Authority (ICA), to discuss the matter.

“I have spoken with executive officers who are supportive to locate the two children for repatriation back to Solomon Islands.

“PNG ICA had advised me to inform Siwainao to contact them and Solomon Islands High Commission (SIHC) in Port Moresby (POM) for assisting him to repatriate his children back to Solomon Islands.

“I have given officer’s email so that Siwainao can communicate with PNG ICA,” Akosawa said.

He also called on everyone not to speculate about deportation, saying that it is not the best option when dealing with children related issues.

“Immigration understands Child Rights Conventions (CRC) and during any circumstances facing risks under the laws, laws to protect children always prevail.

“I will continue to communicate with our PNG counterparts to assist Dr Jack to have access to his children ensuring that PNG ICA assists the children.

“Just to assure you all that PNG ICA and Solomon Islands Immigration we have close working relations as Melanesian brothers.

“Just last month (October) I was in POM having meeting with PNG ICA over issues of common interests and one of them is visas for Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and PNG ICA supports for Solomon Islands Immigration.”

STREET BATTLE

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly

Authorities unite to remove vendors from Gizo streets

BY BEN BILUA

GIZO Town Council, Western Province Environmental Health, Gizo Police and Western Province’s Tourism Department are joining force to tackle street vending in the provincial capital.

The team took the first step yesterday with a warning that there will be no more selling of betel nuts and cooked food along Gizo streets.

Betel nut vendors and those selling cooked food on the street were given notices to cease their activities by Monday next week.

Those who fail will be slapped with appropriate penalties.

Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly said the move is to improve cleanliness and also promote a healthy environment for residents.

He said Gizo is also the headquarters of Western Province and it has been determined by the Provincial Administration to ensure order is carried out for the betterment of all.

Kelly said the drastic approach is important to break the chain of lawlessness, which continues to threaten the beauty of Gizo.

“My apologies for any inconvenience this decision may cause but we must work together to make this town a healthy and clean place to live,” Kelly said.

“We need to change our approach as we are witnessing tourists coming into our province, not only that, but we will also help ourselves to live in a clean and healthy environment,” he added.

Kelly said time for leniency is gone and it is time for drastic approach for a better cause for Gizo and Western Province.

Western Tourism Officer, Fabina Lilo welcomes Kelly’s sentiment, saying that Gizo has lost its status as a clean and beautiful town and this must be changed.

She said tourists who recently visited Gizo have a bad impression of the town as the town is invaded by wastes.

Lilo said tourism is all about giving tourists the good impression along with service provided such as diving, tours and bird watching.

“We lost our status as a clean town and we must fix this. I call on Gizo residence to work closely with Gizo Town Council to make sure our town is a must see place in Solomon Islands.

“We don’t want to see betel nut stalls as tourists’ first impression. We can do this and I need your support,” she said.

East Malaita looks forward to Taba’a road construction soon

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Stephen Maesiola

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

EAST Malaita constituency (EMC) is looking forward to the construction of Taba’a road from East Malaita to Fiu River in West Kwara’ae and Auki soon.

The project is part of the East Malaita constituency road programme.

Community project officer for the constituency, Mr William Kwalemanu told SunAuki yesterday they are preparing for another segment of the road next year.

He said Taba’a road if completed will be another road access within the region of Kwara’ae from east to west of the province and the shortest route to the current Auki/Dala to East Malaita road.

Kwalemanu said the constituency’s road programme is waiting for two of their new machines to arrive from Honiara to support their fleet in the Taba’a road construction.

Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Mr Stephen Maesiola had thanked MPs for their road programmes in Malaita province.

Speaking during the recent handover of government funded economic infrastructure projects at Malu’u, he said MID was grateful for road constructions underway in various part of the province under the support of MPs program towards infrastructure development for Malaita province.

“It is a history for the province that our MPs are working very hard to connect roads in the province,” he said.

Maesiola said under the MPs road program, people will see East Road connects through Taba’a in the highlands of East Malaita to Fiu River in West/Central Kwara’ae and Auki.

He added that there are other road constructions underway that will soon to be seen connection of roads in the northwest & east as well as in the east and central Kwara’ae and southern region of the province.

Maesiola said MID is very supportive of the MP’s road programs in Malaita province as it tries to provide transportation access to connect people and economic activities in the province.

Kwalemanu: Rehabilitation of Malaita’s east road soon

Written by
Samie Waikori
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East Malaita Road rehabilitation plan underway.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

EAST Malaita road, which is currently deteriorating, is a government road like South and North roads and plan is underway for its rehabilitation soon.

Community Project Officer for East Malaita constituency, William Kwalemanu made the statement following criticisms in social media.

Public had taken to social media asking whether the East Malaita constituency has any plans to fix the road or not.

Kwalemanu explained that EMC has a road construction programme, where they can only do emergency work on the road. He adds that the constituency office is not wholly responsible for it.

Kwalemanu said the focus of EMC’s road programme is to create road access to communities in the constituency connecting them to the main East road.

He said EMC began the road construction program years ago and number of road accesses was connected to communities especially those in the highlands of the constituency.

Kwalemanu furthered that with regard to the deteriorated status of East road, EMC through his office also shared concern on and they are liaising with MID on it.

He said MID is aware on the current issue of East road and as informed they are working on tender for the rehabilitation of road.

Kwalemanu said as along tendering formalities are done, and work is awarded, contractor will begin the rehabilitation of East road soon.

New hearing into application

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE hearing of application into the case of Karunapedige, Chandana Suresh Gunathilaka has adjourned to November 30 2022.

The prosecution is applying to the court to move back the trial date as the complainant will be away overseas for medical reasons during the trial in February 2023.

Defence Lawyer Lazarus Kwaiga informed the court that they will object to the application, however they are yet to make a proper response.

He informed court yesterday that the building where his office located, was affected by the earthquake on Tuesday afternoon and he is not able to get his files from his office.

He then asked for an adjournment so that he can respond to the application by the prosecution.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi then adjourned the case to next week for hearing of the application.

Police Prosecutor Abel Maelanga appears on behalf of his colleague John Teula.

Suspect allowed to travel home

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA      

THE bail condition of a man alleged to have involved in a fight at West Rennell on January 1, 2022 has been varied to allow him go to his home village while awaiting trial.

John Vendi of Western province is charged with another defendant Kelvin Wayne for one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Defence Lawyer Frank Kama made an application to the court previously on behalf of his client to vary some of his bail conditions to allow Vendi to travel to his home village at Nusahope.

The application was granted by the court yesterday and the defendant is now allowed to travel back to his village and while in the Western Province he is required to report to the Munda police station fortnightly.

Magistrate Taeburi also made orders that the defendant be in Honiara before the trial in February 2023.

Wayne and Vendi face one count each of murder in relation to the incident that occurred on January 1, 2022, at Temunginuku logging camp, West Rennell.

The allegation said on the night of the incident the logging company employees were celebrating the New Year’s Eve.  They were drinking alcohol and playing card games at the logging camp.

It was around midnight that the deceased who was drunk came around and started disturbing those who played card games. Thus, a fight broke out initially between the Asian and the deceased.  Those who present intercepted and separated them.

It is further alleged that not long after, the Asian and the deceased fought again. From there another defendant Mr. Vendi interfered and a fight escalated where the deceased was assaulted and sustained injuries. 

After that fight, the deceased went and slept. From there, he could not wake up, but was discovered died.

Police then were alerted and the men were arrested for the alleged incident.

Public Prosecutor Nickson Tonowane is appearing for the crown on the case while Frank Kama of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant.

Court tells defence to re-visit facts of case

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Court is confused why a defence lawyer is not pleading self-defence when evidence and sworn statements say there is a case for it.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi found this peculiarity in an assault case on Wednesday 23rd November 2022.

She said having read through the agreed facts, it is clear that it was the complainant who displayed an aggressive attitude in the matter, and that the defendant appears to have acted in self-defence.

She suggested to the defence lawyer to rethink the defendant’s guilty plea.

The incident occurred on June 4 this year, in which the defendant allegedly assaulted the complainant with a knife.

Carlos Waihunu pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding yesterday.

But, Ms Taeburi questioned the defence lawyer why defence has not raised the issue of self-defense on the case.

Taeburi said according to the facts the defendant approached the complainant and others who were drunk and arguing, and told them to listen and have their rest.

It was at that time the complainant told the defendant to mind his own business – at that time the complainant approached the defendant holding a knife in his hand.

She said the way the agreed facts are presented, the complainant is the one who was aggressive at the time of incidence, and as a result the defendant struck the knife at the back knee of the complainant.

“You people should know what the evidence in this case and if self-defense is the issue on this case, then I don’t understand as to why the defendant is pleading guilty to the charge, because in law a person has the right to defend himself,” Taeburi told the defence lawyer.

Therefore, the case was adjourned to November 25 to allow defence to re-visit the facts and address the issue of self-defense, also for sentencing and mitigation submission.

This case occurred at Marble Street in Central Honiara on June 4, 2022.

The allegation says the defendant struck the complainant’s back knee which caused injuries on the complainant.

The case was reported to police and the man was arrested and charged for one count of unlawful wounding.

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