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Ballot boxes distributed on Malaita for 2 bye-elections.

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE distribution of ballot boxes for the provincial and national bye-elections for Ward 18 and the West Kwaio constituency has started on Friday.

Returning Officer for West Kwaio constituency bye-election, Pearson Simi said they are preparing for the bye-election.

“By today (Friday), we will be transporting ballot boxes and election kits to Bina for further distribution of the kits to polling stations next week.

“Similar distribution will also happen for ward 18 of East Kwaio constituency, and the team will leave Auki to East Kwaio tomorrow (Saturday) with election kits for the provincial bye-election,” he said.

Simi said the election team s also gearing up for other important trainings and activities ahead of the bye-election which is on Wednesday, this week.

Meanwhile, a team from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) office in Honiara led by Chair of the Commission, Pattison Oti will be in Auki today.

Simi said upon arrival they will meet with the executive government of Malaita province and with representatives from stakeholders in the province on the SIEC reform.

He said members of the team will also take part in the bye-election and they are expected to be in the province until the election processes completes on Thursday.

Simi also said that ballot paper counting will be conducted in Auki after the polling on Wednesday, and hopefully results of the bye-elections should be known by Thursday.

EU not here to compete with China

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The participants that attended the European Union $4.5 million to combat Trafficking In Persons and Gender Based Violence.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE European Union funded projects in Solomon Islands are not initiated to compete with China.

EU Ambassador/ Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam mentioned this to Island Sun in an exclusive interview in Honiara last week.

Seam was in Honiara to launch four EU funded projects to benefit people in rural areas on health and education, Peoples Living with Disability (PLWD), Livelihood Improvement Project for Central Islands Province to be implemented by World Vision and to combat People in Trafficking (PIT) and Gender Based Violence in Solomon Islands.

He said EU has a strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific

“It doesn’t mean we are totally oblivion or ignorant of the geo strategic competition which takes place here in the Pacific.

“Like everyone we observe the geo strategic competition on the rivalry between China and other countries on the other hand,” he said.

“As far as the EU is concern, we have always said we have an Indo Pacific strategy and our position in the world as a global power is not against anyone.

“As mentioned in the case of Solomon Islands, it demonstrates that in the projects we have here is not to compete against China,” he said.

Seam said they are really in cooperation with the Solomon Islands, responding to needs which are expressed to us by the Solomon Islands Government.

“With respect to China, our official position is off course we have diplomatic relations with China who is a strategic partner.

However, Seam said on global issues like Climate Change, EU needs to work with China because she is a major emitter.

“If we want to address climate change and we don’t want to work with China, we won’t make a lot of difference because China remains the major emitters.

“So, they have to be included in any plans to address climate change,” he said.

Further to that, Seam said China is an economic competitor and systematic competitor because their visions are not the same.

“As far EU is concerned, we stand for democracy and good governance, human rights and protection of the most vulnerable and for international order which is based on the rule of law.

“So even though we will not position ourselves as EU which is a grouping of 27 member states in Europe, against China we have to be aware that China is at the same time a strategic partner and economic competitor and systematic partner,” he added.

Seam and his delegation returned to Fiji on Saturday.

LIFE-TERM FOR SHOP KILLER

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police retrieve the body of Chinese businesswoman Lisa after she was murdered inside her shop in April last year.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A SHOP-KEEPER who murdered his Chinese female boss in cold-blood April last year in Honiara has been jailed for life.

And High Court judge Justice Howard Lawry ordered that Max Gosia Taiga of Malaita served a minimum of 25 years before he can be eligible for parole.

Taiga hacked Li Meng Chen (Lisa), 44, to death on the morning of 13 April 2021 inside Wai Hai Shop at Point Cruz, then escaped to his home village in Malaita.

No one was inside the shop at the time of the killing. Police later found the body inside the shop in a pool of blood.

The killing shocked the nation.

At his village, Taiga’s parents talked him into surrendering to police. His father later took him over to Honiara and formally handed him over to the police.

Taiga pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared in court.

Justice Lawry said the violence that took place was premediated by Taiga and he had breached the trust placed upon him as an employee.

“I reject the submission that the term should be reduced because of the perceived slight at words the deceased had previously used,” Justice Lawry said.

“This is not a case where you even came close to losing the power of self-control,” he added.

“You killed in retaliation; you planned what you would do and waited through the night for the deceased to come to the shop.

“You had the opportunity to reflect on your plan of action.

“You chose to proceed, you attacked, restrained and killed your employer,” Justice Lawry told Taiga.

The judge stated that this is not the first occasion when an employer of a shopkeeper has used violence against an employer.

“The community has a right to know that those who choose to act violently against others who have entrusted them with employment can expect the courts to impose significant terms of imprisonment.”

The court earlier heard Lisa arrived at her shop between 8am to 8.30am.

Taiga was already inside when she came through the back door.

Police say before she died, she called her husband pleading for help.

When her husband arrived at the shop, she found his wife already dead.

Dr Roy Maraka, who conducted the port mortem, confirmed that the deceased died from exsanguination as a result of severed left internal jugular vein due to a stab wound to the left side of the neck.

The exsanguination resulted from the large cut on the internal jugular vein.

The deceased had abrasions on her neck indicating manual strangulation on the neck.

There was laceration on the left side of the head, and an incision wound at the back of the head. 

New centre for Gizo youth

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

YOUTHS in Western Province will soon have a building complex to host important trainings and other activities.

Acting Provincial Secretary of Western Province, Patrick Toiraena made the announcement during a Special Youth programme held on Tuesday this week at the MSG building in Gizo.

He said funding to build the youth center was approved and ground work is expected to kick off early next year.

“I’m pleased to formally announce that through the partnership between the Western Provincial Government and the Ministry of Women, Youths, Sport and Children Affairs, funding has been provided for the construction of a Youth Center here in Gizo.

“If all goes well, development should commence early next year. This will ensure youths have a home and a venue where they can operate from and be able to carry out their work and advocacy programmes,” Toiraena said.

Meanwhile, he said the provincial government cannot take on the development alone, as such further support from the national government, donor partners and other stakeholders is paramount.

West takes youth development seriously.

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Jehovah Witness Youth Group that participated at the youth programme in Gizo this week.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province is putting efforts toward youth’s development.

The province’s Social Sector Reform Policy direction speaks volume of the ambition.

The Social Sector Reform Policy has two thematic area, first is encouraging youth’s participation in education, employment and second is encouraging youth’s participation in politics and governance, including elections in both national government and provincial government so as community level decision making.

Acting Provincial Secretary, the Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province, Patrick Toiraena said Western Province is pushing hard to pull in the University of South Pacific, Solomon Islands National University and other tertiary institutions identified in Western Province as part of bringing tertiary education closer to its youths.

He adds that Western Province is also planning to establish its own tertiary institution in due cause when resources are available.

Toiraena continues to say that the province is also looking at rehabilitating existing sports facilities as well as build new complexes to encourage sports event.

“We want strengthen and support music development and creative arts to empower women and youths in all communities.

“Support exclusive development where both women and youths can participate in communities.

“And, working in partnership with other stakeholders and donor partners to drive youth development in Western Province.

“These ambitions are part of our Social Sector Reform and it will takes time for us to achieve some of these plans,” he said.

Toiraena said Western province has good relationship with national government through the Ministry of Women at the national level and the Ministry of Youths, Sports, and Children Affairs at the provincial level.

Gizo inter-faith hosts youth programme

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Peace - Officials and Organising Committee with youths pose for a photo after the programme.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Inter-Faith Committee has successfully hosted a special event for youths at Gizo.

The event themed “connecting youths for peace building” brought together youths from every church in Gizo together to share messages of peace.

The programme kicked off with a parade beginning at PT109 to the MSG Building for the official opening of the programme.

Youths and officials stood in silence for a minute as they paid respect and tribute to the late Head of State, Queen Elizabeth.

The event was funded by the government through the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs and in partnership with the Gizo Inter-Faith Committee.

George and Greg from St Luke Youths holding the banner during the parade

In his opening remarks, Director of the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Bruno Manele told youths that the growth and prosperity of the country is rested upon their (youths) hand.

“Every citizen of our country is responsible for strengthening the foundation of our society. Any society is incomplete without participation of young blood.

“Similarly, youths have important responsibilities to shape the country’s future.

“It is up to you to decide what future you want to live,” he told youths.

United Church Youth Group

He said his Ministry is very proud to have hosted the first ever event in Gizo.

Manele acknowledged church leaders who have been very instrumental in mapping out the programme.

He also acknowledged the provincial government and other stakeholders who were part of the programme.

“Lastly, I acknowledge all of you, our youths for your time today.

“May God continues to bless you, bless our province and bless Solomon Islands,” Manele said.

International Day of Democracy celebrated

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Students listening to a speech made during the day.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

INTERNATIONAL Democracy Day was celebrated in Honiara yesterday with the theme ‘Using the power of democracy to bring about the change we want’

Guest of honour at the event was the Member of Parliament for East Makira, Lily Maefai.

 In her speech to mark the occasion Mrs Maefai said the democratic ideal in itself seeks to guarantee equality and basic freedoms, to empower ordinary people, to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue, to respect differences and to bring about political and social renewal.

She said democracy is realized not as direct popular control over public decision making, but as control over the decision makers who act in ordinary citizen’s place.

“Democracy is based on the belief that in a government, the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by the people directly or indirectly through a system of democratic representation”, Ms Maefai said.

She said as citizens of a democratic country, democratic powers are vested in us, citizen participation in government.

“Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy, it is not only right but it is our duty, the rights of the minority must be protected, people who are not in power must be allowed to organize and speak out.

“One goal of democracy is to make the best possible decision for the society, to achieve this, respect for all people and their points of view is needed.

“Decisions are more likely to be accepted, even by those who oppose them if all citizens have been allowed to discuss, debate and question”, Maefai said.

International World Democracy Day is celebrated around the world on September 15 each year purposely to uphold and promote democracy.

This year, Solomon Islands through the Political Parties Commission and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties collaborated with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and the Solomon Islands National Parliament in taking the initiative to commemorate international Democracy Day.

Ms Maefai also acknowledge those partners and stakeholders for their continuous support  

Persons with disability launches EU-funded project

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Cutting of the cake to officially mark the launching event. From left to right PWDSI President Mr Dolaiano, PS McNeil and EU Ambassador Seam

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Disable People Association of Solomon Islands have launched an European funded project aimed at producing sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of People with disabilities.  

President of People with Disability Solomon Islands Simon Dolaiano said “The funding provided by the EU and the partnership aims to produce sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of people with disabilities.”

“We do appreciate the support of the European Union, and be rest assured that my Board and Management Team will implement to the best of our capabilities in the project for the maximum benefit of DPASI as an organisation, our affiliates and disability members.”

European Union Ambassador to the Pacific Sujiro Seam urged the Disable People Association of Solomon Islands not to celebrate to long but to quickly move into the implement part.

Guests and participants who were part of the launching event at PWDSI yesterday

“Remember the motto of the Navy seals, the motto is the only easy day was yesterday. So if you think what we have done so far was hard, wait for tomorrow,” He said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil said the EU presence in the country came at the right time as the country has just recovered from covid-19 in the last two years.

McNeil said in terms of Universal rights it means the services regardless of the status of the person.

“We must all continue to advocate for health services, social services and employment opportunities are not restricted but available for our disable people.”

“My Ministry is happy to partner with DPASI. Hopefully this partnership will set a new chapter of our partnership going forward. It’s time for all of us to rise up from our challenges and advocate for our disable people because it is our call and our duty assist them to access services,” she said.

The launching event was held at the PWDSI office in Honiara yesterday.

New BRED ATM at AJ mall

Written by
Press Release
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: Kukum Branch Manager, Rose Abana, and Senior Relationship Manager, Crayford Laura, with Aron Dawen Zheng, Sole Director/Shareholder of AJ Enterprises Limited

BRED Bank Solomon has installed an ATM at the AJ City Mall at Lunga, east Honiara.

A statement from the bank says the ATM will provide needed service to BRED customers and non-customers at the eastern side of Honiara.

“BRED Bank Solomon currently has one other ATM servicing east Honiara residents, which is situated at GTL Service Station,” it said.

Owen Thomson, CEO of BRED Bank Solomon, said BRED Bank Solomon is committed to ensuring customers have access to essential basic banking service such as withdrawals.

“We do not only want to provide ATM access; we also ensure that our ATMs have sufficient funds at all times. If an ATM is down, our customers are usually informed via our Facebook page,” Thomson said.

Staff of Bred Bank with the new ATM machine at AJ Mall.

“The new ATM is open for the public during the day when the mall is open. It is located right next to the escalator on the first floor,” he added.

“The daily ATM withdrawal limit is SBD8000 in multiples of SBD2000. BRED ATMs also accept VISA, MasterCard, and other International Cards.”

Other BRED ATMs are located at GTL (Lunga), BRED Bank Haus (Kukum), Pacific Casino (Kukum), Honiara City Council (Point Cruz), Point Cruz Branch (Commonwealth Street), LEL (Point Cruz), Solomon Post (Point Cruz), Coral Sea Casino, and Gaoming Building (Rove).

“For a modern, friendly, and comfortable environment for all your banking needs, visit BRED Bank Solomon at Kukum or Point Cruz.

“BRED Bank offers a full range of quality products including Mobile and Internet banking, with the highest level of professional service. From individual clients to large corporations, BRED has a banking service to suit everyone.”

SIPA donates furniture to Burns Creek community

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Mr. Ellison Pade hands over the furnitures to Burns Creek Health Care center

Solomon Ports handed over furnitures to the Burns Creek Health Care centre and the people of Burns creek yesterday.

A total of 35 chairs, two office tables/cabinets, and kitchen sinks were donated to the health care center.

The furniture’s were handed over today by Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Ellison Pade, to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Cori Mada Company Sergeant Major, Mika Koroi, and Burns creek Development Committee representatives.

The health care centre is currently being renovated and further improved by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Cori Mada Company, who are the ones taking the leading role in rebuilding the health care centre.

Solomon Ports also took the initiative to recognize the need of Burns Creek Community, and to help improve the community’s access to health care services.

Speaking during the handover yesterday, Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Ellison Pade was happy in providing the assistance to Burns Creek Community.

He said the furniture and sinks will be beneficial to the services that the centre will provide.

“The Management and Staff of SIPA are so happy in helping this healthcare centre and especially to the people of Burns Creek, who will benefit from this building in the future,” he said.

In response, RFMF Cori Mada Company Sergeant Major, Mika Koroi thanked Solomon Ports for the kind donation.

He said the donation was a boost to their efforts in completing the health care centre and to the people of the community who will benefit from the new building.

“To us it’s a big donation, especially on behalf of the Taskforce Cori Mada, the Burns Creek Development Committee and the people of Burns creek community, we want to say a big Vinaka vakalevu to you for this kind donation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Burns Creek Development Committee representative Julian Kete’e said Burns Creek people are thankful for the donation from Solomon Ports, as it will contribute to the improvement of health care services and overall development of the community.

“We want to thank Solomon Ports for visiting us and recognizing our needs, especially this health care centre is a big improvement to our community, and I want to thank Solomon Ports on behalf of the Burns Creek Development Committee for recognizing our need and helping us with this kind assistance, “she said.

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