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SIDP speaks against extending Parl

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Dr-Alice-Pollard

The Solomon Island’s Democratic Party has opposed DCGA’s proposed plan to extend Parliament.

 According to the party President Dr Alice Aruhe’eta Pollard, DCGA’s desired move is an unmandated decision that disregards the voices of everyday Solomon Islanders.

In a recent campaign to promote the extension, DCGA released an awareness pack that outlined the reasons for the extension.

 According to DCGA, hosting the Pacific games, lack of voter registration, and reforms are the main reasons for extending Parliament. Tweaking the tune from a permanent extension, the awareness pack stated that it is only an extension of the 11th Parliament. 

Dr Pollard argues that the pack does not contain good enough reasons for the extension of parliament. She insists that this pack has only amplified concerns rather than bringing clarity or confidence.

Dr Pollard explains ‘what is alarming about the pack is firstly DCGA’s inability and failure to carry out its duties and obligations within its Constitutional term of 4 years. Secondly, and more worrying, however, is the move to then take away people’s right to vote’. Even the hardships the November riots and the Covid 19 cannot be used to justify our inability to deliver within the four years constitutional term.

The SIDP President emphasizes that any Government’s inability to perform its duties within the Constitutional 4-year term should never cost Solomon Islanders their right and ability to vote. Especially, Dr Pollard stresses, when such a decision lacks a direct mandate from the people.

‘It is not the people’s fault that Government is unable to host two events in one year. It is also not the people’s fault that Government did not carry out reforms during its 4-year term. And as we all know, it is certainly not the people’s fault that Government did ensure voter registration took place since it came into power’.

‘All of these things mentioned above, including the failure to get a direct mandate from the people on this issue, are all faults of the Government. So why are the rights of women, men, boys and girls or our young people to express their voices in the NGE 2023 being taken away from them?’ Ordinary Solomon Islanders are ready to cast their votes in 2023 NGE. She says “We are ready to vote, do not delay the election”

The SIDP President therefore urges Government to do right by the people. She proposes ‘If the Government is genuine in pursuing reforms, then campaign on them at the 2023 NGE.

“ If the Government is serious about upholding democracy, then put the same energy and resource directed towards the Games into the NGE. If the Government desires to extend Parliament, then get the mandate from the people through elections. But to simply extend Parliament without any mandate or regard for the voices of the people is unacceptable,’ Dr Pollard concludes.

New Spider Species found on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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The new spider species found on Malaita

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

A new spider species was recently discovered inside the Ahetaha Water Conservation Association (AWCA) area in East Are’Are.

The species was found during a two-days terrestrial species baseline survey carried out from 11th to 13th May at Ahetaha Water conservation site.

According to Coordinator of AWACA, Eddie Huitarau the baseline survey was led by two specialists and scientists Albert Kwatelae and Corzzierrah Posala

He said apart from their expertise, Kwatelae is the President of the Solomon Islands Rangers’ office and Posala is a Tropical Ecologist and a PhD Candidate at the Lincoln University, Christ Church, New Zealand, both of whom had supported AWCA rangers during the survey to find this particular spider species.

Huitarau who is also the General Secretary of Solomon Islands Rangers Association said the species was first discovered in India and this is the first record of the species for Solomon Islands and Malaita province.

He said the finding has opened the possibility for a new record of spiders on Malaita, although it is identified in Asia, this will be an opportunity for Solomon Islands.

Huitarau said this is wonderful news for the country, and especially Malaita where information about insects and spiders are lacking.

According to Kwatelae the finding will pave way for further study.

 “The spider species is being screened against the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list,” he said.

Kwatelae said, the common name for the new spider species is Rolled-up leaf spider and is scientifically known as Poltys Mouhoti.

Huitarau described the appearance of the spider as more similar to dead leaves during day time, but it can eat up its web and destroy it before nightfall and camouflage.

And at night it builds its web to trap insects and butterflies for food.

He further described the spider roll itself as a purpose of defense and protection.

He further explained that the spider species is native to Vietnam and can be found in Thailand and Malaysia.

He said AWCA is a leading mentor to a newly established conservation group in ward 19 of East Are Are and has been always inclusive and led by examples.

He said through AWCA’s networking and recognition they have helped many new groups to become affiliated members with Solomon Islands Rangers Association and Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB).

Birao Chiefs boycott Parl extension awareness

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Chiefs of Birao, East Guadalcanal

Birao House of Chiefs in Marau, East Guadalcanal have boycotted a consultation awareness on the extension of the life of parliament which was held at the Marau station on the 6th June, by East Guadalcanal Member of Parliament (MP) Bradley Tovosia and his 10-man delegation.

Reports reaching the media stated that the Birao Chiefs have adhered to the recent call to boycott the consultation which aims to advocate on the extension of the life of parliament for another year.

It said the MP’s delegation included three Political Appointees from the Prime Minister’s Office, three Ex-militants and three others including his Constituency Development Officer.

“Our chiefs were not consulted prior to the program, not even the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, this is a complete disregard for us,” a statement from the Birao House of Chiefs representing the Marau Nima Ni Araha and Bubutalihu Valena Nonoe, on behalf of the people of Birao ward, East Guadalcanal, said today.

In their recent joint meeting, representatives of the two houses of chiefs, in agreement and in show of solidarity hereby declare their common position and stand on the proposed extension of the life of parliament from four to five years.

“Never at any time, we the people of Birao ward have supported the current government’s proposition and do not subscribe to the move to implement the proposed extension of the life of the parliament.

“It is our sincere belief and absolute duty as citizens of this nation, to accord respect and uphold the supremacy of the Solomon Islands constitution in all manner. That in the past, present and in the future, we as sovereign citizens of this country are bound to protect our constitution, protest and speak-out against any action taken by any ruling government or whosoever to undermine the rule of law in Solomon Islands,” a statement the chiefs issued on Sunday, said.

The statement adds, “We the people of Birao ward in East Guadalcanal, pledge to respect and uphold section 73(3) of the Solomon Islands Constitution which stipulates that parliament’s life “shall continue for four years from the date of the first sitting of parliament after any general election.”

“We believe our constitution is the supreme law of this country thus any proposed amendment by the ruling government to that effect should be subject to a national referendum seeking the consent of the people whom the government represents in parliament. Any action in contrary, is negligent in nature and must be condemned in the strongest term.

“We the people of Birao ward are unanimously opposed to the proposed extension of the life of parliament,” the chiefs said.

The chiefs add, “We strongly feel that the ruling government failed its duty to the people of Solomon Islands that is, to protect the constitution and on the outset is irresponsible by failing to plan and disregard the constitutional duty of its citizens to vote by proposing to delay the 2023 National General Election.

“We subscribe to the view that the 2023 Pacific Games in any way should not take pre-eminence over the constitution of this country. We further raise as a precaution, that a bad precedence would be set for future governments to repeat this situation. We firmly believe that any plan by the current ruling government to pursue such amendment should be addressed through a national referendum, to seek the consent of its people and those whom they govern before making the necessary amendments.”

The Birao ward chiefs have declared their intension to boycott any talks or consultation planned by their Member of Parliament (MP) to advocate on the matter of the extension of the life of parliament for another year.

The 10-man delegation includes;

Bradley Tovosia – MP for East Guadalcanal Constituency

Albert Kabui – Special Secretary to Prime Minister

Samson Faisi – Political Appointee in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

Tommy Mana – Political Appointee (PMO)

Joseph Sangu – Ex-militant

Andrew Te’e – Ex-militant

Tome Futa – Ex-militant

East Guadalcanal Constituency Development Officer

Patrick Savusi – Former Provincial member

Alphonse Laumanasa – Tetekaji Ward Provincial member

The statement from the Birao chiefs said their people have questioned the genuineness of the consultation and perceived such activities as a waste of time and valuable resources.

“Instead, the people of Birao ward are willing to meet and talk with our Member on the following development priorities;

“Consultation for the re-opening of the Marau Airport and discuss the challenges faced by the people of East Guadalcanal as a result of the suspension of flight by Solomon Airline months ago.

“The development of the Marau Mini-Hospital project, a critical health infrastructure project for the people of Birao ward and East Guadalcanal.

“Consultation and discussions on the proposed Marau Township project, engage with our chiefs to consider the important issues that are critical for the progress of the project and people of the people of Tasimauri.

“Consult and engage with our MP on the developments taking place within Birao ward and seek his direct support in matters relating to the development of Manikalaku provincial station.

“Discuss our concerns about the Sangasere Kaoka road infrastructure and its impacts on the lives of the people of Birao ward.

“Consult to get update on the current national issues including the recent signed security arrangement with PRC and the geo-politics surrounding the deal. Our MP should explain to us the risks and implications of such government decision and what the future holds for the people of Birao ward.

“We feel the security arrangement will compromise and undermine the role and functions of the Royal Solomon Islands Police to safeguard our security interests.

“Consult with MP on the numerous Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) being signed by the current ruling government. The people of Birao ward feel that they are being denied of such knowledge and kept confounded on these matters of national interest.

“Consult with our MP on the impact of the Blue economy MOU on our people. Without an existing legal framework to regulate our ocean resources, our people are bound to suffer the negative impact resulting from such undertaking in the near future. The people of Birao depends on its marine resources for their livelihood.

Consult on the lack of shipping service to East Guadalcanal, despite the funding obtained by the MP in the past for the purpose of purchasing a boat under the shipping grant.

“We the people of Birao ward strongly feel that these are the priorities affecting the lives of our people and our MP should prioritise them, not the proposed extension of the life parliament, a decision which potentially has already been deliberated on and approved by the cabinet.

“Our appeal is for us to engage in active consultation with our Member of Parliament (MP) on the above points as a matter of importance. May God bless Birao ward, Guadalcanal Province. May God bless Solomon Islands,” the statement concludes.

Reports reaching the paper stated another awareness at Makaruka did not go down well with chiefs there.

The awareness at Makaruka was instead held at Komuvaolu village of the Moro movement.

Legalise Townsville Agreement

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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RAMSI's arrival two years after the signing of the TPA

—GP group wants land issues addressed as development increases

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government is urged to legalise the Townsville Peace Agreement to address land issues on Guadalcanal.

Guadalcanal Post-Conflict, Reconciliation Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (GPCRRRA) Western Region made the call after successive governments including the current government are still to implement 75 percent of the agreement.

The National Government, Malaita Province, Guadalcanal Province, Isatabu Freedom Movement and Malaita Eagle Force signed the TPA in Townsville, Australia on 15 October 2000 to end the civil unrest.

GPCRRRA Western Region General Secretary George Hilly said today they see reengagement of companies, national projects and individuals on abandoned land on Guadalcanal.

Hilly said they believe that if the Government does not address the abandoned land issue, it could lead to another uprising.

He said it is important for the government to gazette the TPA into law.

“We believe this agreement paves way for peace and stability in the country,” he said.

Furthermore, Hilly said North West Guadalcanal is currently the host of two national projects at Mamara and Aruligo.

He said the coming of national projects give greenlight for other investors to come and invest on the abandoned land again.

Moreover, Chairman of GPCRRRA Western Region John Damusi said what he observed within the communities, people have disagreement over this long-awaited issue that the Government needs to address, especially on land.

He said GPCRRA Western Region looks forward for the Government to address land issues according to its timeline.

However, he said Government has put a halt on the Commission of Inquiry into abandoned land on Guadalcanal.

“The COI office at Townground has shut down already.

“We feel pressured today because of national developments and people who left have come back to resettle on these abandoned lands,” he added.

Damusi said it seems the Government under the watch of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare did not prioritise the concerns of Guadalcanal people.

In 2014, both members of the IFM and Malaita Eagle Force held a reconciliation and apology ceremony at Rove Police ground.

Hilly said it seems the Government has the interests of investors and not interests of the people.

Filualea happy with dental clinic in North Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Malu'u Area Health Central new Dental Clinic.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MEMBER of Parliament for North Malaita constituency, Senley Filualea is happy that a dental facility is in his constituency.

He said the dental facility at Malu’u health centre will see dental health service in the northern region of the province as an issue in the past.

Filualea also said that the dental clinic will save cost and risk of transporting dental patients to Kilu’ufi hospital.

“Now, the problem has solved whereas the much needed health service is serve at Malu’u and within your mean of affordability and accessibility,” the MP said.

On that note, he appealed to the management of Kilu’ufi hospital and people to take great care for the facility for the benefit of all and to benefit future generations.

“North Malaita Constituency has spent up to $250,000 to co-fund the establishment of the dental clinic and it’s your money that was been used.

“I know the clinic is not enough to serve more than 50,000 populations in the northern region of the province, but having one is better than seeking the service a far,” Filualea said.

He also called on the provincial health to support the dental clinic for its meaningful service to the people in the northern region as intended.

Filualea thanked the Australian friends and Ministry of Health (MHMS) through the provincial health, Malu’u AHC, resource owners and other stakeholders for their supports towards the establishment of the dental clinic.

Malu’u health centre begins dental service

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Dental equipment within the clinic.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALU’U Area Health Centre in North Malaita now offers dental health services.

This follows the opening of its dental facility this week.

The facility was officially handed over on Wednesday by MP for North Malaita constituency to the Director of Malaita Provincial Health Service, Dr Rex Maukera.

Speaking during handover, Mr Maukera acknowledged the Australian friends and North Malaita constituency for co-funding the facility.

“Initially, I understand that the dental caravan was donated to MHMS through our Australian friend.

Inside the dental clinic.

“With few that had arrived, the ministry through the dental department allocated one to the province and particularly to Malu’u AHC,” he said.

Maukera said from there the caravan was transported to Malu’u by MP for North Malaita Senley Lewi Filualea and constructed a building for the facility.

He thanked MP Filualea and his constituency office for serving their people and seeing the importance of health service.

Malu’u AHC staffs and people witnessing the handing over and opening of Malu’u new dental clinic on Wednesday this week.

Maukera said the establishment of the dental clinic at Malu’u AHC is a relief and advantage to support dental services to more than 50,000 people within the northern region.

He said Malu’u AHC is categorised as AHC 2, this mean Malu’u should have basic additional services like dental, x-ray, laboratory services and doctors to provide the services.

“However, we are faced with many challenges like finance, human resources, accommodation and equipment to support all these services to Malu’u.

“But seeing this dental services added to the AHC current service, I am so happy to see the fulfillment of the Role Delineation Policy and Universal Health Coverage taking shape in Malu’u AHC,” Maukera said.

On that note, he stressed the importance of partnership efforts rendered to the completion of the dental facility that clearly portrayed the slogan “health is everyone’s business” .

Maukera called on the management of Malu’u AHC to care for the facility as his office will allocate staff to look after the dental service at Malu’u AHC.

Gender analysis training completes

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Dr Atsuko Nonoguchi making an illustration as participants watches with enthusiasm

A two-day training on gender analysis targeted towards Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) was completed yesterday in Honiara.

Gender Expert, Dr Atsuko Nonoguchi under the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project facilitated the training with emphasis on why gender is a matter for Sustainable Forest Resource Management.

In his opening remarks, JICA SFRM Project Technical Advisor, Dr Nishikawa Tatsuji says JICA has been studying the forest sector and gender for a long term here, and efforts have been made to better link forestry activities with gender issue.

“Recognising the need for gender analysis in JICA SFRM project in the Solomon Islands, we asked Dr Nonoguchi to undertake this task from two years ago.

“Thus, I would like to thank her for the opportunity to having this gender seminar starting today (Wednesday), and measures to address gender issues in the Solomon Islands.

“We would like to make good use of this opportunity to exchange of views and ideas for the betterment of forest management into the future.”

He added that this the first of its kind especially gender analysis targeted towards sustainable forest resource management and the SFRM project is indeed grateful to help assist and bring the training facilitator.

Tatsuji also stresses the importance of gender analysis in the forest sector noting that in the Solomon Islands, women protect the economy of each household, as it is noticeable that women generate much of the cash needed by each household.

Thus, it is equally important that this gender issue is also factored within the forest sector as well, he adds.

Ministry of Forestry and Research Deputy Secretary, Wilfred Atomea acknowledges JICA SFRM project’s initiative for providing the training that will sure be very helpful to implementing similar approaches within the forest sector.

He also thanks the expert on gender issues as facilitator, Nonoguchi who gave time and effort to share her expertise on the ideas and views shared.

“It is indeed an opportunity that most of our foresters have learned from and trying to contextualise it in our local setting is yet another bonus to our works as we will continue with our activities with the rural communities and villages.”

–MOFR PRESS

Case of man alleged of having sex with daughter returns June 16

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man alleged of having sexual intercourse with his 13-year-old daughter in 2019 will appear again in court on June 16, 2022 for possible plea.

The accused was convicted and sentenced by the magistrate court previously, but the defence was not satisfied with the presiding magistrate’s decision and appealed the conviction and sentence to the High court.

The High court after considering the appeal made its ruling by remitting the case back to the Magistrate’s court to be re-heard by another magistrate.

Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga told court yesterday that they had received a proposal from the defence counsel for a plea bargain, and had sent a memo to the Director of Public Prosecution.

He adds, feedback was received and sent to the defence, however defence disagreed with the feedback from prosecution regarding their proposal.

Meanwhile defence lawyer Benham Ifutoo informed court that the defendant will maintain a not-guilty plea to the charges.

Ifutoo also said that he will make a bail application on behalf of his client as he has been in custody for quite some time.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi then asked the defence to file their application three days before the actual hearing date, so that prosecution can make their response once they object to the application.

This is the case that occurred on two separate dates, the first incident occurred in 2013 when the girl was seven years old.

Prosecution said the first incident occurred on unknown dates in 2013 where the father allegedly indecently assaulted his daughter while she was sleeping.

Regarding the second incident, it was alleged to have occurred on September 28, 2019 at the Panatina area, where the father allegedly had sexual intercourse with his daughter.

Case of missing One Link money trudges on

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Investigations into the missing One Link exhibit money has completed, and prosecution says it is now ready to serve defence with disclosures.

Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu told the court on Wednesday, investigations on the police officer accused of stealing the money has been completed.

The case was mentioned before Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti on Wednesday.

Ms Ratu said she would serve defence the disclosures before close of business on Wednesday.

Since the file is huge, defence said it needed time to consult with the accused.

Thus, Magistrate Beneteti adjourned the case to July 6 for mention and possible plea.

The accused, Makasi Dolaiano, is facing one count of larceny by servant in relation to an incident which allegedly occurred in 2021.

This is the case of the missing exhibit money of around $300,000 that was earlier recovered from the so-called Director of One-link Pacifica during police investigations in early 2021.

The money was kept under police custody as exhibit for the courts.

However, it was reported missing later that year.

Coral Triangle on Blue Economy

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Team WWF at their stall

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

This year’s Coral Triangle Day theme is “Sustaining the Coral Triangle Ecosystem through Blue Economy” and this aligned with the international UN World Ocean Day which calls for Revitalization of Collective Action for the Ocean.

Representative of Coral Triangle Initiative, Salome Topo said the organisation is focusing on sustainable Blue Economy to help ensure economic development of the ocean includes protecting the health of the ocean and all living creatures that lives below in doing so encourage positive contributions to true prosperity for all people at the present and into the future.

She said the ability of marine environment to provide jobs and nutrition over the long term has already under pressure from human economic activities.

“It is being further threatened by human action such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, unsustainable developments and the impact of climate change,” Topo said.

She said Blue Economy is a best approach going forward as it provides a balance in human to environment benefits.

“Blue Economy means, the use of the sea and its resources for sustainable economic development and growth. In other words, it simply means any economic activity in the maritime sector whether sustainable or not,” Topo said.

She said Coral Triangle with the help of Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment will continue to advocate as well as provides trainings on the importance of Blue Economy within the province.

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