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Prosecution and defence tug at intimidation case

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Does pulling out a bush knife, swearing and threatening someone qualify as having intent to intimidate or not?

Defence and prosecution wrangled over this in court, Tuesday.

Tony Aufanua is facing one count of intimidation in relation to an incident on June 18 this year.

His lawyer has submitted in court that prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove the charge.

Delilah Kukurah, of the Public Solicitor’s Office, says her client had no intention to intimidate the complainant.

She adds that it was only after the complainant had shouted at her client that he pulled out the bush knife.

However, police prosecutor Iete Tebakota maintains that Aufanua’s actions at the time of incident shows that he had intention to intimidate the complainant.

Tebakota said the court must consider issues that during the offending the defendant was holding a bush knife and use swearing words towards the victim, that caused fear on the victim.

Therefore, he submits that prosecution is certain that the defendant had caused fear on the victim and being intimidated by the actions and approaches of the defendant.

The defendant Aufanua is charged with one count of intimidation in relation to the incident that occurred on June 18, 2022.

Prosecution said the defendant did swore at the victim and then threatened the victim with a bush knife.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea after the submission was made adjourned the case to October 18 for judgment and bail for the defendant is extended to that date.

72-hour PCR test no longer needed

Written by
Press Release
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Honiara International Airport

The Cabinet-approved removal of the 72 hours PCR test for covid-19 requirement for incoming travelers to Solomon Islands took effect yesterday.

A Government statement said the removal follows the signing of amendments, which was published in a Gazette by the Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Frederick Kologeto.

This means that effective from the date that the Minister signed the Gazette, incoming passengers by air [and sea] no longer need to undertake a pre-departure PCR test.

“However, passengers who feel ill prior to departure are strongly advised not to travel until they are better,” the statement said.

Cabinet on October 6 approved the removal of the 72 hours PCR test prior to entering the country.

Since the re-opening of borders on July 1 and the subsequent expiry of the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) on July 24, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services stepped up its surveillance and database, which indicated isolated cases of covid-19.

The trend towards evidence-based approaches to restrictions reflects the evolving nature of the pandemic also help restore confidence in travel while help keeping both visitors and tourism workers safe.

Evidence shows that current travel restrictions are primarily effective at the early stage of the pandemic and may help to delay a pandemic, however, the effect of travel restrictions decline over time, as cases are inevitably imported.

Most countries around the world have either lifted or have partial requirements for entry without and have adopted different models of approach such as easing of burden on health facilities.

In terms of the likelihood of importation of new variants and starting, a new wave of outbreak in Solomon Islands is low while vaccination coverage of atleast one dose for those 18 years and above currently stands at 70 percent while for double doses at 53 percent.

Only travelers who are not citizens of Solomon Islands must be fully vaccinated with proof of complete vaccination against covid-19 requirements are permitted to enter the country while Solomon Islands Nationals who are unvaccinated can enter the country subject to proof of negative PCR test 72 hours prior to entering the country.

Noble: UK closely connected to Pacific

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Acting Bristish High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Nicola Noble (R) taking to KGVI School Principal Dr Lionel Kakai

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

UNITED Kingdom shares close connection with the Pacific despite the vast geographical location.

Acting British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Nicola Noble stated this during the King George Sixth Platinum Jubilee (70 years) Anniversary on Sunday.

The theme of the celebration was “celebrating 70 years of leadership and scholarship excellence since 1952”.

Noble said the UK and the Pacific sit on opposite sides of the globe – we are quite literally oceans apart.

“At first glance, you would expect those oceans, the geographical distance, the differences in size and economy, to result in narrower relationships.

“But in fact, the opposite is the case. While the distance is great, the connections are close. We have more in common than that which sets us apart,” she said.

“We are all island nations with long seafaring traditions.

“We have strong historical connections.

“We are nations built on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance. We are members of the Commonwealth.

“And we all share a commitment to finding global solutions to global problems. To working with and through the Rules-Based International Order.

“And to working together to address the existential threat that is climate change, and to protect and preserve our oceans,” she added.

Noble said following COP26 the UK committed to several large programmes on Climate Change and the Blue Economy where the Pacific can directly benefit from UK Aid, including: £40m for Small Island Developing States Capacity and Resilience; £274m for Climate Action for Resilient Asia; £500m Blue Planet Fund; £36m Sustainable Blue Economies fund, and £250m Forest Governance Markets and Climate Programme.

She said the UK has also committed £15m to the Pacific through its Conflict, Stability and Security fund to support Pacific Island Countries to address the sources of instability, transnational threats and to promote peace and security.

However, Noble said “we are living in interesting times”.

She said the tectonic plates of geopolitics are shifting under our feet – here in the Pacific as indeed they are elsewhere.

“There is a growing consensus – though not yet universal – of the existential challenge of climate change, and the pollution of our seas.

“But we are in the foothills of efforts to tackle those challenges. Economic, climate and political resilience are more important than ever – and nowhere more than in the Small Island Developing States of the Pacific.

“That is why the UK continues to strengthen our partnerships and engagement in the region. Combining our power, influence and expertise, we will work in partnership with our Pacific friends on the basis of our shared values, as we all seek to protect and preserve this beautiful world that we live in,” she said.

Governor General Sir David Vunagi and Minister of Education and Human Resources, Lanelle Tanangada were among guests that attended the celebration.

Western Province beefs up security  at MSG building, Gizo.

Written by
Ben Bilua
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The MSG building in Gizo.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN provincial administration has beefed up security at MSG Building in Gizo following a vandalism incident last week.

Report reaching Island Sun says doors of incomplete toilet facilities that is constructed under CAUSE project were broken.

In his post on Forum Gizo Facebook page, Acting Provincial Secretary of Western Province, Patrick Toiraena condemned the act and calls on Gizo residents to be responsible and respect such important facilities.

He said such facilities is very important for the general public and must be respected at all times.

“We complain about the unavailability of public restrooms for public use and other important facilities for our use and still we do not seem to appreciate what others are doing for us to help improve Gizo, being our provincial Headquarter.

“What I am advocating for is let us all be responsible and play our part by respecting and taking care of such public properties built through the kind assistance of donors and stakeholders for our use!

“The least we could do on our part is look after them as our way of appreciating their goodwill!

“I appeal to us all to please respect and take care of such facilities built for our use and benefit,” Toiraena said.

He said the entire Provincial Head Quarter including the MSG is part of the area secured by WPG Security officers and a strong advice has already been issued to officers following the incident to step up their vigilance to deter any further or future wilful damage to public properties within the provincial HQ precinct.

“WPG may have to take some serious restrictive measures to protect MSG and its supporting facilities and whilst it may affect some of our market vendors, we cannot continue to entertain such disruptive behaviour which will only serve to disadvantage those innocent ones who rely on MSG for their use, especially after hours,” Toiraena said.

Suidani disappointed with dispute causing ablution block relocation.

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Auki wharf in the provincial town of Auki, Malaita province.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Premier Daniel Suidani has expressed disappointment at a project for Auki wharf, which was forcefully relocated due to land dispute.

An ablution block was supposed to have been built at the Auki wharf under the CAUSE programme.

But, dispute between landowners of the Auki seafront led to its relocation to the Aligegeo sports ground.

Speaking during an awareness talk last week, he said Malaita provincial government is working to bring development to the province.

And, the ablution project was an example of the many projects Malaita’s development partners are willing to bring to Malaita.

In this case, it is the CAUSE programme, which the Malaita provincial engaged to implement the project.

He said over the past weeks they liaised with CAUSE on that particular project and unfortunately the project was halted due to land dispute.

“We didn’t feel happy about some of us who especially contributed to the dispute of this very important development for Auki wharf and Malaita province.

“If this project was not disputed, it would be a boost to other services that are currently provided in Auki town.

“MPG feels that when it is charging levy on the shipping services to the province, they through partners must help to improve services under the industry to people.

“When our people transiting through Auki wharf, they need a place to have their shower or use sanitation for their comfort.

“This is the reason for putting up the project so that people enjoy services provided at the wharf as well as a boost to shipping service to Auki,” he said.

ELECTION EXPENSE PLEADING.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Taro to face court today

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man accused of failing to submit his expenses during the National General Election in 2019 will enter plea on October 13, 2022.

This is the case of Mathew Taro of Makira province.

Yesterday, his case was listed for plea however due to reasons raised in court his case was adjourned to October 13.

Taro was a candidate in the 2019 National General Election (NGE). He wass alleged to have failed to submit his statement of account.

Candidates who fail to make submissions were investigated and then were reported to the Police by the Solomon Island Electoral Commission. The Candidates were charged for failing to submit Election Expenses and Donation, contrary to section 125 (2) as read with section 69 (1) (a), (b) and section 107 (1) (b), (2) of the Electoral Act 2018 and section 9A (1) as Electoral (Amendment) Regulation 2019.

Police said after the Electoral Act 2018 was passed, it strengthened the Electoral Commission thereby making it eay as much as possible among other functions to deal with all complaints and breaches that come before it.

 Police said that compliance with section 69 was one of the requirements which account must be delivered within 90 days of the declaration of the election result.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown on the matter.

Meanwhile, candidates who contested the recent West Kwaio Constituency by-election in Malaita have until 26 December 2022 to file their expenses.

Acting Chief Electoral Officer Fredrick Bosoboe said as of yesterday, the six contestants have only 76 remaining days.

“Along with these election campaign expense accounts, the law also requires, candidates to disclose, all sources of funds or donations received towards their election campaign activities,” Bosoboe said

“Candidates must disclose sources of funds from which they received funding supports and as well as give detail report on how these funds were spent,” he added.

“These election campaign expense accounts must be submitted on a special prescribed approved form that can be collected from Electoral Commission office either in hard or soft copy or can also be downloaded online from Electoral Commission Official Website, www.siec.gov.sb .

“There are two forms that will be used to submit these expenses. 

“The first one is for the submission of all the expenses and the second one is the declaration form to certify the integrity of your report. 

“This declaration must be signed by the candidate and attached with the expense report.”

Mr Bosoboe highlighted that, failure to comply with these requirements by law, results in heavy penalties. 

“If a candidate fails to submit his or her election campaign expense accounts within the 90 days given period, he or she is in breach of the electoral law and would face a penalty of $20,000 fine and or 2 years imprisonment.

“On top of that, for each day that a candidate fails to submit the report after the lapsed of the 90 days period, he or she will be charged extra $100 fine for everyday he or she fails to submit after the lapsed of the 90 days given period.

“To avoid paying accumulation of this $100 unit each day for failing to submit, candidates are encouraged to must submit within this 90-day given period.”

Premier Suidani forms new political party

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani will take the first step towards setting-up a political party he has been preaching about during his tours around his province.

The political party is named “Umi For Change” (We are for Change) and a meeting was scheduled for 17th October to appoint an interim committee to spearhead the set-up of the party.   

In a public announcement made by his political advisor, Celsius Talifilu a meeting to set up an interim committee to spearhead the proposed Umi For Change party is set for October 17 2022 in Auki.

“Premier Suidani is getting ahead with setting up of the new UMI FOR CHANGE (U4C) political party he has been preaching about during his tours around Malaita province,” Talifilu said.

He said this is a preparation to ensure the party is ready for the upcoming 2024 election.

Talifilu relayed a call by the premier to those who wish to be part of this new party to be in Auki on the 17th of October 2022.

“This will be an important gathering where the interim committee will oversee the setting up of the party and who will be appointed.

“U4C party is formed as a political vehicle to advance policy issues that the MARA government has been advocating for.

“The premier believes that this is the right and appropriate way to further these interests and is calling on those who shared the same views to come and be part of the new initiative in Auki on the 17th of October 2022,” he said.

Commenting on the party during one of his tour in the province he said the idea behind the political party is to ensure Malaita province has united leaders in government who will represent common interests and issues of Malaita.

“We are behind a political party, a party that will carry Malaita province forward as one people.

“And in order to do that, by going about things we believe on, this is the only way. We must go together as a political party,” Suidani said.

He explained that as long as the party is launched, the electorates throughout the province are encouraged to affiliate to the party by membership.

Suidani said what will happen is, members of the party from each constituencies will choose their candidates based on accord to pursue their interest if he/she wins.

He said the idea is if a constituency has a membership of more than 5,000 voters and go for a single candidate, there is a high possibility for them to win the election.

Suidani also added that if members of the party come up with more than one candidate, a preliminary election will be conducted and the one with the highest votes will represent them all in the election.

Suidani said that prior to the next general election; the political party will preach in all constituencies throughout the province for electorates to be aware and get their membership.

USAID wharf project on Malaita halted due to land dispute

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

A wharf project proposed for Matangasi, Malaita Province to be funded under the USAID SCALE program is on hold due to land issues faced with the site for the project.

Matangasi is within the Mara Masike Passage in the southern region of Malaita province and was among other regions in the province that the SCALE program earmarked its projects to be implemented.

The Premier of Malaita Province, Daniel Suidani, confirmed the news, adding it did not go well with him.

He has however, accepted it with a call for greater understanding to make way for such important developments in the province to take place. 

Last Friday, Suidani held an awareness talk in Auki and relayed concerns raised by some people from the southern region, who asked if the SCALE program has plans for the southern region.

“Yes the southern region has a project, and it is the Matangasi Wharf project.”

Suidani said initially the SCALE program had proposed a wharf project for the Afio provincial sub-centre in the southern region of Malaita province.

He said after they learned that the national government also has a similar plan/project for Afio and where work is currently underway, they have to re-strategize and relocate to Matangasi (about a Kilometre into the passage from Afio).

He said later, the SCALE program was notified of a land dispute on the proposed site for the project, and it seems the Matangasi wharf project won’t eventuate for now.

Suidani said his office has learned from the SCALE program that funds allocated for the project is already in place and they are looking at other potential sites in the province.

He also said under the SCALE program was a similar wharf project for Luaniua in the Malaita Outer Islands, fisheries project for Adakoa, Gwaigeo and others.

Dash-8 operational October 14: CEO Kraus

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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DASH-8

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

DASH-8 is expected to be operational by October 14 during the start of the peak session where a lot of people will be travelling for holidays, says Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus.

Mr Kraus echoed this in press conference this week.

“We trying to ensure that dash-8 is up and running by the 14th of this month.

“We getting into the peak session and a lot of people haven’t been moving to see their families for the last two years so we expect a good amount of travelling over the Christmas and probably around February onwards we in turn to look at our promotional airfares,” Kraus said.

He said they want to celebrate that in line with the 60th anniversary starting a bit later.

“Speaking on peak season it’s hard to measure the impact of people to go home and especially in this economy there will be a lot of government officers travelling, like leave fares for teachers, doctors and nurses

“So we need to make sure we cater for them first and February we will be starting to look at some of promotional areas,” he said.

Kraus adds, they will be putting the Solomon Airlines Logo, on the dash-8 and the twin otter so that the 60th anniversary flies with the aircraft.

Airlines to look at airfares: CEO Kraus

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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New CEO of Solomon Airlines, Gus Kraus.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Airlines will be looking at its exorbitant airfares and rates.

This follows continuing complaints by customers and members of the public.

Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus confirmed this to local journalist in a press conference held this week prior to the Solomon Airlines 60th anniversary.

“We are mandated by the board to look at air fares so we will do that. This one of the program we will be focusing on,” he said.

“On February 2023 we will focus on fares and promotions and that leads straight into the 2023 Pacific Games.

“It is bad to not plan for the games so we gonna be ready for it and we are looking at a timely meeting with the Games committee we have some ideas we like to them about.

“They already some ideas as well that will want to talk to us about. Will get that going,” he said.

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