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SIAF, RSIPF conduct joint foot patrol at Koa Hill

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Press Release
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Children in the community who accompany members of the patrol.

Officers of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) undertook a joint foot patrol at the Koa Hill community in Honiara recently.  

Joining the patrol were officers of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Defence Force (ADF), New Zealand Police (NZP), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) under SIAF and that of the RSIPF’s Central and National Crime Prevention Department.

“The patrol provided an opportunity for the patrolling officers to interact with members of the Kia Hill community,” a statement from SIAF said. 

“SIAF members have been supporting the RSIPF with community patrols since 2021 after the Bilateral Security Treaty was enacted following the request of the Solomon Islands Government,” the statement added.

“Regional partners have continued to support RSIPF as part of the SIAF contingent.

“The RSIPF and SIAF members also took the opportunity to discuss a range of issues with the Chairman and Chief from one of the zones during their patrol, while other members participated in a quick game of soccer with children at the Koa Hill field.”

SIAF Leading Senior Constable, Phil Bradley, said SIAF is supporting the RSIPF as it works toward building relationships with communities. 

“The foot patrols we conducted provide us with opportunities to interact with residents so we all know better understand local issues,” Constable Phil said.

SIAF plans to continue to undertake more joint patrols with the RSIPF in communities around Honiara.

Government intends to reopen Barakoma airport soon

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Proposed Barakoma Airport at South Vella

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RESOURCE owners and authorities will discuss the opening of Barakoma Airport in Vella, Western Province.

Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Riley Mesepitu said a meeting will be held on July 8 to look at issues that had led to the boycotting of this important development.

He said the meeting is aimed at addressing issues between resource owners and at the same time hearing people’s views on the importance of the airport.

Upgrading of Barakoma domestic airport has been one of the government’s intentions to expand domestic airports within the country.

Barakoma airport is one of four sites on government’s list. The other three sites are Avuavu, Babankira and Yandina.

Assessments were made and ground work have been seen on some of the sites such as Barakoma.

This paper understands that ground work at Barakoma was halted due to disagreement among few resource owners.

Last week, Easter Lelapitu, one of the resource owners, said there was no proper consultation before the Barakoma Airport project was carried out.

She said landowners never gave their consent and it was her decision to stop further ground work and also stop any flight to land on the airport.

Lelapitu said she is happy to work with the national government to solve the impasse and allow the development to continue.

Barakoma airport was built by the US Navy (USN) 58th Naval Construction Battalion on August 15, 1943.

The airport was built purposely for fighter strip – a landing site for US war planes during the war in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Possible role of churches during PG2023

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Press Release
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Like other sectors in the country, churches will play important support services when the country hosts the Pacific Games 2023 next year.

A government statement said the role of churches was highlighted last week during a meeting between representatives of the Government Services Integrated Committee (GSIC) and the National Hosting Authority (NHA) in Honiara.

“Church bodies such as the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) have been consulted previously by the Games Organising Committee (GOC) on this initiative,” the statement said.

“The roles of churches will include counselling services to athletes and team officials, organising church services for athletes and team officials, support to provinces for community engagement programs, use of church facilities including fields or halls for team trainings and assisting to deliver key messages to communities.

“Other roles that will require church support includes facilitating the Games mascot tours of church congregations and church-run schools, engagement in the games relay, provision of teams (financial contributions to congregations) for, logistics, cleaning and other voluntary services.

“The GSIC is spearheading a government-wide support to the NHA to ensure the Games are successfully hosted next week,” the statement said.

Centre records 227 victims of violence since January

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The Family Support Centre has recorded 227 clients since January this year.

FSC deals with victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Chairlady of FSC, Dolores Devesi said the 227 are new clients apart from the ones who repeatedly use their services.

“Within five months we have recorded 227 new clients that is roughly 45 new clients per month and it equates to about one and a half person a day coming through our doors or over the phone,” Ms Devesi said.

She stressed this is on top of the number of repeated clients who continue to regularly access their services.

“We also recognise that a client can experience all forms of domestic violence,” Devesi echoed.

She confirmed that the youngest clients recorded since January 2022 is seven years old and the oldest being 80 years old; that is the range of clients that Family Support Centre had to see in the past five months.

Devesi revealed this at the recent launching ceremony of the FSC five years strategic plan 2022- 2027, Gender Base Violence Training Manual and Gender Based Violence Committee Operational Manual. During that event FSC launches its toll free line number which is 699.

Wale irked by increase in Police trainings

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RSIPF members undergoing training recently

Since the riots, a noticeable change was in the increase of trainings conducted and equipment supplied to our police forces by foreign Governments.

 What we have not seen however, is the change in our own Government’s style of leadership.

According to the Leader of Opposition, the latter is what we need to address our internal security issues.

In his recent statement made at the demonstration of joint training, PM Sogavare said that there needs to be a permanent arrangement with PRC to ensure gaps within the RSIPF & CSSI are identified and addressed. According to the PM, this was to ensure that RSIPF & CSSI are capable of dealing with internal threats.

However, the Opposition Leader insists that this is not the permanent solution to our internal security issues.

According to Wale, this is because the root causes to the Nation’s security will still remain unsolved.

“It is undeniable that our security issues are internal, and our police forces must continue to grow in their capacity and ability to deal with security issues.

“However, it is also undeniable that our Nation’s security concerns are heavily linked with problems of corruption, high levels of unemployment, no access to education, poor health services, a low paid public sector, a suffocated private sector, and an exploitative economy that only benefits a few.”

Wale said because our security concerns have underlying causes the solution cannot be a military response.

 Wale insists that the permanent solution is a government and leadership that listens and is responsive to the cries and voices of the people.

“Listening and responding to the voices of the people has not been something Government has been doing. Under the PM’s leadership, Government’s attitude towards Provinces and the people has been a rule by power approach.

“This is clearly a problem that needs addressing when it comes to our security concerns.”

Wale insists that PM Sogavare should have no problem identifying this gap in his style of leadership and addressing it given his adequate analysis of the gaps that exist in the police force.

“Moving forward, what our country needs in terms of security is a government that listens and responds to the people.

“What we do not need is a government that can order a strong military response, while at the same time is deaf to its own people. That, is a recipe for disaster,” Wale concludes.

New covid-19 infections likely

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THERE is the possibility of new infection of covid-19 or a third wave following the reopening of our border on July 1.

This was mentioned in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services advisory number-three.

“With the easing of public and social measures and more importantly the reopening of our borders on the 1st of July there is also possibility of new infection of covid-19 and third wave,” the advisory said.

The health advisory stressed admissions at health facilities are also declining as well but health is recording few cases in provinces.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Health is issuing this advocacy to guide us on how to continue mitigate any possible risks of covd-19 to our communities,” the statement said.

The advisory further mentioned to practices the covid-19 health safety measures, business houses and critical infrastructures like shops and banks to follow and strengthen covid-19 safe practices, for person experiencing covid-19 symptoms to get tested at any of Honiara City Council (HCC) clinics and incoming travellers will not undergo mandatory quarantine bur they are advised to adhere to and observe covid-19 protocols.

Taxi fleets meet to seek fare increase

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Taxi drivers and owners attending the meeting on Sunday

By MIKEMACHRIS BENTLEY

TAXI fleets serving Honiara have set up a committee to negotiate with authorities on the possibility of increasing taxi fares.

This after the continuous hike in fuel prices over the last few months, which has forced taxi owners to dig deep to ensure the survival of their business.

At a meeting on Sunday, representatives of 10 radio operated Taxi fleet decided to set up a committee with the purpose of increasing the Kilometer rate from $10 to $15 and the hourly rate from $100 to $150.

The committee made up of representatives from the taxi services also would work with authorities on deciding on the right process and avenue to implement the proposed increase.

Taxi owners who gathered would like to call on the public for their understanding given the rising fuel price and the high cost of maintaining their vehicles.

The Taxi committee set up to meet with authorities

The committee, therefore said with the recent chaos with buses demanding an increase in bus fares, they are prepared to negotiate it in the legal way and in due course inform the public on the timing of any implementation.

They emphasized on dialogue before any decisions are made.

 Meanwhile, the spokesman and interim Chairman of the Honiara Taxi Association, Jimmy Tavoa told Yumi Tok Tok forum this is their proposal and our negotiation amount.

“We will start talking to responsible authorities and present our proposal.

“We will justify our proposal but will listen to authorities on what they have to say about our proposed increases.

“Whatever reached during the negotiation process we will accept it.

“But definitely we will go for an increase from the $10,” said Tavoa.

Tavoa explains that they should only apply or implement these new rates/charges after HTA formalizes discussions with rightful authorities.

Chinese men deny common assault charge

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Three Chinese men alleged to have assaulted a person at the LCSM business area on 18 April 2022 have pleaded not guilty.

They are facing the charge of common assault.

The three accused are from Guandong province in China and were charged by police due to allegation that they assaulted a person at the LCSM business area in Honiara on that date.

Yesterday, after the trio entered not guilty pleas, Police Prosecutor Abel Maelanga sought 14 days adjournment to allow him to prepare documents for pre-trial conference.

Defence lawyer Donald Marahare made no objection to the prosecution’s suggestion and the case was adjourned to July 18 for PTC.

Police alleged that the three men confronted and pushed the victim at the gate of the LCSM building.

The victim reported the matter to the police and the three accused were arrested and charged to face the court of their alleged action.

MINING LICENCE REVOKED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Garden sites at West Rennell are dug up by Bauxite Mining companies. What left are holes filled with water.

Miner ceased operation on Rennell

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Mines and Mineral Board has cancelled the mining licence of Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) Limited.

This was after APID’s mining contractor, Bintan Mining SI Limited failed to carry out bauxite mining on Rennell Islands in the last two years during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification permanent secretary, Dr Christopher Vehe said from what he got from the Mines and Mineral Board, there was no operation done due to covid-19 which left the project idle.

Vehe said APID is challenging the Mines Board for its decision to cancel its licence in court at the moment.

However, he said Nickel Enterprise SI Limited has submitted a letter of intent to the Ministry to mine bauxite on Rennell Island.

The company is owned by a Singapore based company, Solomon Enterprise PTE Limited.

Vehe said the Director of Mines and Secretariate of Mines and Mineral Board have carried out due diligence and found Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd has close associate with Bintan Mining SI Ltd.

He said Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd submitted its application during the leadership of former Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki.

As such, no company is endorsed by the Mineral Board to mine the bauxite on Rennell Island at the moment.

At the same time, APID, which holds the mining licence over the tenement on Rennell is challenging a judicial review on the Mineral Board’s decision to cancel its licence.

APID directors are Khen Chu and Rachel Fasifera.

Fasifera holds 100 shares of the company.

While Bintan Mining SI Limited is the subsidiary company of Bintan Mining Corporation (“BMC”) incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.

It was revealed BMC was in a shareholders’ voluntary liquidation on 25 March 2021 pursuant to sections 159 and 161 of the BVI Insolvency Act 2003, and the liquidator was appointed on the same date.

The members of the Creditor’s Committee of BMC have been appointed at the creditors’ meeting held on 13 April 2021.

This announcement is made by China Creative Digital Entertainment Limited (the “Company”) on a voluntary basis pursuant to Rule 17.10 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the GEM of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “GEM Listing Rules”) and the provisions of inside information under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong).

The purpose of this announcement is to keep the shareholders and potential investors of the Company informed of the latest business development of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”).

BMC is a limited company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and its principal activity is operating a bauxite mine in Rennell Island, Solomon Islands.

The mining site covers 560 km2 and the bauxite reserves are estimated to be 31.5 million dry metric tons.

 2,148 shares of BMC was held by the Group, representing 10.57% of the issued shares capital of BMC.

The investment cost in BMC was HK$90,000,000 (SBD$93,591,360.09).

As at 30 June 2020, according to annual report of the Company, the fair value of BMC was HK$23,992,000 (SBD$24,949,376.79) and such fair value represents approximately 5.51% in the Company’s total assets.

For the year ended 30 June 2020, the change in fair value arisen from BMC was HK$47,654,000 (SBD$49,555,585.26) while the total amount of dividends received from BMC was nil.

PS Mines, Vehe said he is aware of the liquidation of BMC and one reason the Ministry do not accept any application for the bauxite mining on Rennell Island.

One landowner of Rennell told Island Sun they have not receive any royalties from 33 shipments since the mining halted.

He said the company need to sort out their royalties and Community Development Agreement because they have missed out and also Rennell and Bellona Province.

In the meantime, Attorney General John Muria Junior confirmed to media recently that his has submitted a claim that amounts to millions of dollars to insurer Korea Protection and Indemnity Club (KP&I) for the 2019 oil spill on Rennell.

This was after the Government ratified the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (‘Bunkers Convention’) last year.

The accession to the Bunkers Convention was triggered by the grounding of Hong Kong based MV Solomon Trader in February 2019.

The bulk carrier spilled more than 300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into Kagava Bay, Rennell Bellona Province, which is close to the World Heritage site at Lake Tengano.

“At the moment we are still waiting for their response.

“But we are very hopeful,” Muria Junior said.

A detailed environmental damage assessment commissioned by the Government on the Rennell Oil Spill has concluded that the grounding of the ship MV Solomon Trader and the subsequent oil spill caused significant ecological impacts and economic losses in the order of $112 million (US$14 million) to $304.6 million (US$38 million).

Vella resource owners say “Yes”

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Chiefs and government officials along with Hon Kologeto and Hon Rore pose for a group photo during the event

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

LANDOWNERS of Vella La Vella, Western Province have shown their willingness and commitment to a proposed Oil Palm project.

Government Officials led by Members of Parliament for Southeast Vella Constituency, Fredrick Kologeto and Member of Parliament for North Vella Constituency Clezy Rore, Officers from the Prime Minister’s Office, Officials from Ministry of Commerce, Officials from Ministry of Rural Development, Officers from Western Provincial Government and representative of Guadalcanal Plain Palm Oil Limited sat down and discussed the proposed project with landowners who expressed their interests to work with the national government in the implementation of the project on Friday last week at the Vella Development Center.

Resource owners’ willingness and interest towards the proposed project was evident at the end of consultation as they signed a communique to kick off the process that would lead to the fulfilment of the project.

Chief Vovoro signed the document

In his short opening remarks Kologeto said the objective of the proposed project is to bring employment opportunity closer to the people as well as bringing in long term development to Vella.

He said the proposed project came about after consultations were made with leaders of Vella.

“I and my colleague Minister, Rore discussed this proposed project and see the need to carry it forward, so we consult some of our leaders and scholars about this.

“With collective brains, we decided to drive this project. It is not about us, it is about the present and future generation, and how they can benefit from our resources,” Kologeto said.

Government officials garland and shake hands with community representatives upon arrival

He acknowledged chiefs, resources owners and government officials who have responded positively to the call for the meeting.

Minister Rore shared similar sentiment saying that it is time to establish long term developments that would stimulate long term benefits for Vella and Western province.

He said Vella is a sleeping giant when comes to development and the time is right to help chiefs, resource owners and people of Vella that potential and untapped development opportunities.

“Vella has the human resources that would to drive potential development. We are the highest contributor of copra market in both domestic and international market, so why not we go further with other commodities,” Rore said.

He said the proposal is to make a difference and bring long term development that would benefit present and future generation.

 “I’m pleased to see landowners and resources owners come together today to discuss this important development aspiration. As we know, land issue has been one of the challenge that hindered national developments, as such we are here today to make way by talking to each other on how best we can drive this proposed project.

Hon Kologeto and Hon Rore greeted by garlanding team before shaking hands with chief of Vella

“We must understand that such development can bring in other important development such as roads and other infrastructures, so benefits can be tripled,” Rore said.

Former Premier, Christian Barley Mesepitu acknowledge the National Government for recognizing the importance of the project to the people of Vella and Western Province.

He also acknowledge Government delegations as well as chiefs and resources owners who showed their willingness and interests towards the proposed project.

Government Officials heading towards Vella Development Cooperation center

“I acknowledge Kologeto and Rore for working together to drive the proposed oil palm project. It has been so long where our leaders unable to work together and now is the time.

“Today we are showing the strength of working together. When national leaders, chiefs, resource owners and people work together, we can make a difference,” Mesepitu said.

On behalf of the chiefs and resources owners, Alex Lionel said resource owners fully support the proposed project and are looking forward to looking with those who will be implementing the project.

He said it is time for resource owners and landowners to come together for a common good and that is to accept the development as it will have long term benefits for not only the landowners but also people of Vella.

According to documents, the project will be implemented at Oula Basin, Vella.

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