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Police investigation will target looters, instigators

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Crowd of protestors in Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says police investigation into the recent rioting will focus on two areas – one targeting the looters and rioters and another is targeting the instigators of the incidences.

Mangau was responding to questions asked in his recent media conference said that police are also investigating the instigators and at the moment, nobody is being questioned or arrested as yet.

He said once they have proper information, they will invite the concerned people for questioning.

Meanwhile a total of 217 people have been arrested in relation to the recent unrest; 33 of the people are juveniles.

Mangau calls on the people who may have information of those involved in the past weeks looting and riot to support police in their investigation.

Yesterday police continued with its recovery of stolen items during the looting and further arrested another five people including a juvenile.

Police Media Unit revealed that a joint operation between Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant and confiscated alleged looted items buried behind Panatina village on Sunday, December 5

The joint operation was initiated to target offenders alleged to be involved in the looting and theft of machinery and tools from hardware stores in the Ranadi industrial and commercial district.

Gov’t delivers Beulah mini hydro project.

Written by
Press Release
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Government and Western Provincial Officials with members of the Beulah tribal communities at the Hydro project dam at the Gori Gori water source

THE national Government through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) delivered a micro hydro project to Beulah Provincial Secondary School in Western Province on Friday, November 3, regardless of the hardships created by covid-19 and the recent political unrest in Honiara.

The 30kW Beulah Micro Hydropower is a project fully funded project by the National Government under the National Energy Development Project through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification at a cost of approximately $2.5million.

This is one of the hydropower projects successfully implemented by the Ministry in promoting renewable energy usage and electricity access to rural areas and schools.

The Gori Gori dam that supplies water to the Beulah Mini Hydro project

The Use and Promotion of renewable energy sources in the country is one of the Ministry’s key policy programmes to promote generating electricity using renewable energy sources.

Built approximately 200 meters inland along the Gori Gori river system, the Beulah micro hydro project supplies electricity to the school and surrounding committees for the next 20-plus years.

The project was initiated by the Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tepepare constituency, Danny Philip who spearheaded negotiations with landowners of Saikile Chieftaincy for the water source and the MMERE for funding.

Mr Philip responded to the need of the school by funding a feasibility study in partnership with technical officials of the MMERE to determine the viability of the project.

Western Provincial Secretary Jeffery Wickham and a tribal elder at the Gori Gori water source that powers the hydro project

School Principal, Frank Naqu expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ministry and all stakeholders that participated in the construction of the project highlighting that the project is a game changer towards improving the students’ academic learning.

“This project is very important to us, especially students and staff members. We are looking forward to our light to assist us in our studies,” Mr Naqu said.

Chairman of the Hydro Committee, Lewan Wong urged the school management and students to take care of the project to ensure it continues to benefit the school in the future.

Beulah Hydro Committee Chairman speaking at the handover ceremony

“The project when switched-on will be your asset for the next 20 or more years so I urge you all to look after the project when it is up and running,” Mr Wong said.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Vehe has highlighted that energy is the main catalyst that drives development and without it there will be no development.

Guests view the turbine base at the Gori Gori water source

He said the National Government policy on renewable energy usage is one of the main policy agendas implemented by the MMERE with the aim for reducing the use of diesel fuel to provide power supply in the future.

“Without power supply to schools in rural areas there won’t be lighting to aid night learning, security and photocopying and printing of learning materials and exams,” Vehe said.

The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that the National Government through the MMERE is working on a National Energy Strategy that will map out where to place renewable energy sources within the country’s available energy resources.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Dr. Chris Vehe speaking at the handover ceremony

On this note, Vehe said these plans need to embrace partnership models that engage all relevant stakeholders including the National and Provincial Governments, Communities, resources owners and direct beneficiaries such as schools and other institutions.

Beulah School previously sourced its electricity supply from the nearby Bulelavata micro-hydro system but decided to have their own due to unreliable electricity supply experienced by the school in past years.

In 2016, the school management sent the Feasibility Study report to MMERE in 2016 seeking funding assistance. MMERE responded the same year by allocating AUD331, 698.21 to Pelena Energy Pty Ltd (Australian company) to supply equipment for the 30kW hydro system.

Permnanent Secretary Chrish Vehe handsover the hydro project to the Chairman of Hydro Committee and Principle of Beulah PSS

The materials were shipped to Noro in 2019 from Australia. MMERE met freight costs of transporting the equipment to Beula from Noro.

The MMERE procured the required aggregate and sand from Honiara this year and shipped to Beula which commenced recently and will soon be switched on.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Gizo residents protest against rape

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Team Save the Children who join the parade

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Justice for Mary!

How many more innocent child will suffer before leaders realize this issue!

How many more mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and relatives will mourn before leaders address this issue!

Stop violence against women and girl now!

These are the words uttered by activists during the parade to remember late Mary who was brutally murdered months ago on the island of Kolombangara.

Premier Mesepitu and Permanent Secretary Wickham took part during the parade

Men, women, youths and children turned up in numbers to show solidarity against rape and violence against women and girls during the parade.

The protest was organized to reinforce the call for justice to prevail immediately for school-girl Mary, 7, who was brutally raped and murdered few months ago.

One group marched from Power House, west Gizo, to MSG building while the other group marched from Malakerava in eastern side of Gizo to MSG where the official program was held.

Parade in front of Gizo Market going towards MSG building

Marchers, both young and old, held banners which states “Justice for Mary, stop rape, stop domestic violence” while parading Gizo town from east and west.

Newly elected Premier, Deputy Premier and also other executive members were also part of the parade to show their support towards elimination of sexual violence and rape against women and girls.

Children holding the photo of late Mary

Island Sun understands that series of protest have taken placed in Honiara and Munda to give justice for innocent child late Mary.

Protesters have called on national, provincial, religion and traditional leaders to address the increasing number of rape cases in the country.

Mesepitu calls for federalism

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Premier elect Christian Mesepitu (right) shook hands with the Deputy Speaker (left)

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Western Province’s newly elected premier has called on the government to fast-track and immediately address the issue of federalism.

Christian Mesepitu made the call during his inaugural speech after his election yesterday.

He said Western Province is more serious than ever and is calling on the national government to seriously look into pending issues regarding the transition towards statehood.

Mesepitu stressed that Western Province is ready and should be granted statehood given that needed infrastructures have been present in the province.

“We have all the required infrastructures, the manpower and the resources to such demand and I call on the national government to immediately address the matter as it has been a long standing issue for the past years,” he said.

“I know that our forefathers have laid the foundation for statehood and I will continue to pursue their wishes to become reality,” he added..

“I want to make it clear that our time in the past has been wasted with negotiations, as such it is high time for more action,” he said.

Mesepitu said the recent rioting in Honiara indicates the need to decentralize investments and resources on all provinces.

He adds that the country needs to open up provincial developments and decentralize investments in provincial centers.

Mesepitu reiterated that federalism is important given the growing population of the country.

Mesepitu is Premier of Western Province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Premier elect, Christian Mesepitu's swearing-in witnessed by Deputy Speaker (left) and Principal Magistrate (right)

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CHRISTIAN Burley Mesepitu was elected as the new Premier of Western Province yesterday.

He won by 17 votes during a closed-voting conducted by Deputy Speaker and Deputy Clerk of Western Province, and the declaration was announced in the presence of a Principal Magistrate.

Gizo residents and also people from the nearby islands also took the opportunity to witness the declaration held at the Fair Trade Building.

Speaking during the declaration, Mesepitu acknowledged fellow provincial members for the confidence rendered towards him to hold the post.

“To all our chiefs, church leaders, community leaders, elders, public servants both in private sector and public sector, Provincial Police Commander of Western Province, today I stand here as the newly elected premier of the Western Provincial Assembly. It is the greatest honor I have bestowed upon to the highest position. I have accepted this political position with grace and humility.

“To my honorable colleagues, I’m indeed most humbled by your collective-cum-political gesture of electing me to this highest position as the next Premier of Western Provincial Government.  

“Your votes demonstrates your unwavering trust and belief in me to lead our government. Based squarely on that premises, I can ask nothing but the spirit of respect for one another as we govern our people and province,” he said.

Mesepitu also acknowledged David Gina for his leadership towards the development and welfare of Western Province.

He said past differences should be put aside so that ambitions of Western Province can be achieved.

“On behalf of the Assembly and our people, we graciously render you our thanks and appreciation for your leadership. It is my humble request that you will continue to render your support to the overall cause in leading our province. Let’s forget our past and work together for the good and benefit of our people,” Mesepitu said.

OUR PARTY STRONGER

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

PM looks forward to beat vote

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) has a numerical strength of 35 members ahead of the motion of no confidence on Monday, December 6.

Only 49 members are eligible to vote during the motion of no confidence after Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology and MP for West Kwaio, Titus Fika died recently.

Secretary of OUR Party, Wilson Rano confirmed this to Island Sun yesterday that DCGA has total of 39 members, but one died and three reportedly resigned.

The trio who are reportedly resigned are:

  1. Jackson Fiulaua, Chairman of Caucus and MP for Central Kwara’ae;
  2. Martin Mokolo Kealoe, backbencher and MP for Malaita Outer Islands;
  3. Senley Levi Filualea, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and MP for North Malaita.

If the trio move over to the other side, the Opposition and Independent will only have a total of 14 members.

However, media report claimed Stanley Sofu, MP for East Kwaio and Deputy Speaker has indicated to his people in Honiara during the riot that he will resign from DCGA when he returns from his later brother Fika’s funeral.

The Ownership, Unity, Responsibility (OUR) Party led by political wing leader, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has dominated the DCGA government.

Fiulaua, Kealoe and Filualea were part of OUR until they revealed their intention to resign during the civil unrest.

The other three members in DCGA come from Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP).

They are Chacha Bule Amoi of Marovo, Fredrick Koloqeto of South Vella La Vella and Clezy Rore of North Vella La Vella.

The other Party that makes up DCGA is Kadere Party Solomon Islands (KPSI) which consists of John Maneniaru of West Are Are and Silas Vagara Tausinga of West New Georgia.

However, Kadere is going to be de-registered from DCGA after Maneniaru has moved to Opposition and Tausinga recently joined up with United Party led by Peter Kenilorea Junior in the Opposition Group.

Government House Deputy Private Secretary Rawcliffe Ziza said he is still to receive a resignation letter from Agriculture Minister Filualea.

He said upon receiving the letter, the Governor General Sir David Vunagi would acknowledge it.

Ziza said for MPs not holding ministerial posts, they can resign from their political parties without sending their letters to Government House.

Political Parties Registrar, Jasper Anisi said so far there are no resignation letters from MPs to leave Our Party.

He said according to the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014, any MP intending to resign must notify his office.

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale has filed a notice of a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Sunday 28th November 2021.

In a statement, Wale said he still does not have the numbers for such a motion to pass, after only three resignations from Sogavare’s government so far.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said he has sought a political solution to the current situation, as the Prime Minister’s lack of humility has resulted in great loss and suffering for our nation, especially in Honiara.

“No one in Honiara is spared the suffering and loss caused by the tragic events of these past few days. Now we have been informed there has been a tragic loss of lives,” the statement said.

Mr Wale said without a political solution this tragic situation will remain, even with foreign forces supporting the RSIPF to regain control and maintain order in Honiara.

Chinese business owners call to assess loss

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Carnage on the streets of Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Chinese Association (SICA) is urging its members to assess the loss and damage to their shops and cargoes from the burning and looting last week.

Most of the looting and burning occurred at Chinatown, followed by Kukum and Ranadi.

Most of the victims were Chinese businesses. Few locally owned businesses were also destroyed or damaged.

SICA President Henry Kwan said the assessment is very important so the Association can provide a credible report to the Government to assist their members in the rebuilding phase.

He said it is not possible to speculate on the cost of loss and damage because no one knows how many cargoes were in the shops.

Kwan said only when individual members provide their report before they can know the basis of the cost behind the loss and damage of the properties and cargoes.

Billy Wong, President of Solomon Islands Fujian Community in Honiara told Radio Australia more than 60 shops with cargoes were burnt, already worth around SBD$2 billion.

Wong said during the 2006 riot, the Government did not provide them assistance to help in the rebuilding.

However, SICA President, Kwan said currently such amount is mere speculation.

According to report received by Island Sun, 350 Chinese nationals were affected after about 85 shops were burnt down during the riot.

Kwan said most of them have been left homeless after the riot, sheltering at centres provided by authorities.

However, he said since the situation had return to normalcy, most are living with their friends and families at the moment.

In addition, Kwan said SICA is working with the government to arrange any flight to repatriate Chinese who want to return home.

Solomon Islands Red Cross Society said it will be doing a registration soon to ascertain the exact number of those who have been affected.

SIRCS said the assessment will likely to be completed on Sunday.

“Right now, we are in discussions with the National Disaster Management Office and partners preparing to finalize matters for the assessment proper,” SIRCS said.

Wale: PM Must Take Responsibility For Recent Tragedy

Written by
Press Release
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has categorically refuted the PM’s claim that him and other opposition members were behind the recent protests and riots.

According to the Opposition leader, these statements are not only false, but are aimed towards diverting the public’s attention from Sogavare’s own failures to properly deal with issues affecting this Nation.

Responding to this absurdity, Hon. Wale expressed that PM Sogavare must recognize his role in this tragedy. These recent events are the culmination of the PM’s leadership style which stretch back throughout his tenure as Prime Minister.

Honourable Wale pointed out that he has repeatedly made calls for the PM to humbly initiate dialogue with Malaita. In his own words, Hon. Wale emphasized ‘I have stated on several occasions the need for PM to have constructive dialogue with Malaita. In light of the deteriorating relationship between the Province and National Government, I specifically urged the PM last year to lead a delegation to Malaita to deal with their issues’.

Instead, PM Sogavare failed to do this. His negative attitude to deal with these issues, Wale insisted, is also reflected in the recent events when he ran away and refused to engage in dialogue with the people who marched to Parliament. 

Reflecting on the damage occurred, Hon. Wale stated that what has happened in the last few days is truly a tragedy. ‘As a Leader, I lament with the people who have suffered losses and condemn what has happened. Because of the large damage that occurred these past days, the public’s impulse to blame someone is understandable’. However, the PM must not take advantage of this and divert the public’s attention from his actions and omissions which have directly contributed to this problem.

The Honourable Leader of Opposition therefore calls on the Prime Minister to stop blaming others for his own failures and take responsibility as a true leader should in these circumstances.

Opposition Press///

Man who fakes own death to appear again in court today

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of an accused Peter Fakaia will appear again in court to confirm the continuation of trial on the defence case.

This is the case of Peter Fakaia who is facing trial on three counts of false pretenses relating to allegations that occurred between 21 and 26 September 2019 in Honiara.

He was alleged to have faked his own death and obtain $76,000 from a local pharmacist in Honiara in 2019.

Prosecution said the accused sought medication at the People’s Pharmacy at the Kwaimani building at Kukum, after taking his medication he then left, however on the next day he returned to the pharmacy complaining that he had allergies with the medication.

He was then given another medication and advised to see a doctor.

On 23 September at about 8 am, the complainant received a call through his office phone by a person who allegedly purported himself as the accused’s brother-in-law.

The complainant was informed by the accused’s brother-law that the accused he diagnosed died at the National Referral Hospital and was at the morgue.

The accused’s brother-in-law then allegedly demanded a compensation of $10, 000 for the cause of the death.

The complainant in total allegedly gave $76,000 to the so-called relatives of the accused of the accused’s death.

It was on 26 September police were alerted about the incident and police arrested a person who came to collect the last portion of money requested for the accused’s death.

Using the accused’s alleged associates; police finally arrested the accused after halting him in his vehicle at the Ranadi Roundabout.

Private lawyer Ben Etomea represents Fakaia while Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga is prosecuting the case in court.

Arrival of intervention forces a relief for Honiara residents

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WITH the arrival of the intervention forces in Honiara it has given Honiara residents some hope that peace and safety will be maintained during the motion of no confidence that is scheduled for next week.

A 45-year-old woman Jacquelyn Hana said the arrival of the intervention forces from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji with New Zealand personals to arrive in Honiara in the coming days, is a relief to innocent Honiara residents.

She said what happened last week is really disturbing and heartbreaking.

“Some of us were traumatized of what have happened and as a mother I am sad to see young people involved, this country’s future is in doubt if we continue with such behaviour”, Ms Hana said.

She said what happened in other parts of world now happening in Solomon Islands and while there are criticisms been made on social media regarding the call for assistance from the Prime Minister, it is good outside forces come to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

She said our police cannot control the situation as they are out-numbered.

“We have problem with our attitude and behaviour”, Ms Hana added.

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