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Malaita provincial health to inquire into magnetic claim

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial health and other support authorities will launch an inquiry to verify the authenticity of pictures and information contain in a clip that is currently circulating on social.

The same news appeared in the print media this week.

In the clip, a Ms Elizabeth was interviewed and attached a mobile phone to her left arm where she took her covid-19 jab. She claimed her arm became magnetic since she took her first dose.

Director of Malaita Provincial Health, Dr Rex Maukera said his office was aware of the clip and it was at their disposal at the moment.

He said his office is currently liaising with the ministry of health (MHMS) and other responsible authorities and soon will issue an official statement in response to the article published on the matter.

Maukera said his office is also verifying elements within the clip that will be subjected to investigation.

He said although his office respects the rights of Ms Elizabeth and those involved in producing and releasing the clip, it does not help in the vaccination roll-out in Malaita.

Maukera said the provincial health has been grappling with the vaccination program and the clip is being seen as a setback to the roll-out.

He said their worry is on the implication the clip will have on the second doze roll-out for the province that will begin this month.

Maukera asked the eligible population in the province to make wise decision amidst what is going on and understand that only solution to the pandemic is through vaccination.

He said neighboring PNG is grappling with the virus and if it is in the interest of the country and Malaita for every eligible citizen to vaccinate.

MPGIS, clarifies issues raised by the GPG Executive members.

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Press Release
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The MPGIS writes to clarify to the public some of the issues raised in the newspaper publication of 4th November 2021. It is worth noting that the MPGIS three weeks training team successfully completed its Public Expenditure Management (PEM) and Financial Management Workshop on the 4th of November 2021 (Thursday last week) and was officially closed by the Premier of Guadalcanal Province. Despite the Executive boycott of the two days allocated to them, the senior officers of GP continued and completed the rest of the training modules designed for the program. The Ministry has submitted a formal response to the issues raised by the executive to the Premier of GPG in more detail and are confident that the response would help them (MPAs) understand provincial financial management and particularly the executive role in administering provincial funds.

The training which was formally closed by the GP Premier, enabled the officers to complete the GP financial statements of 2019/20 that awaits re-submission to the OAG, the reconstruction of GP annual work plan and budget 2021/22 based on proper logical framework, the PCDF Operations Manual and issues relating to GP forthcoming assessments, recurrent and capital budgeting, the quarterly report production techniques and the validation of the roles and responsibilities of the GP executive.

Just for clarity, the timing of the GP training was confirmed by the Finance Minister of Guadalcanal Province in his July 2021 meeting with the Ministry before even a formal letter was sent to PS GP. The Finance Minister wanted the training to be conducted after the GP Second Appointed Day otherwise GP training would have been conducted before Malaita. But the timing cannot more perfect than this considering the upcoming PCDF assessment in January and the submission of audit report in December. It is rather awkward to note that the Finance minister contradicts himself on this matter, in his media statement last week.

The Ministry perfectly understands the frustration of the GP Executive members over their entitlements, but it still felt that the capacity building of the GP is a mandatory requirement of the MPGIS as the supervising Ministry of the nine provinces. Despite the reduced budget of 2021, due to the pandemic, the MPGIS prioritized Makira, Malaita, and Guadalcanal Provinces to receive the trainings on the revised IPSAS Standard and Planning and Budgeting to prepare the larger provinces for the forthcoming PCDF assessment and the submission of their Financial Statements due in December 2021.

With the Cabinet approval of SBD60m for PCDF in 2022 (as promised by the Prime Minister during his budget launch), and the chances of potential donor findings, if GP is well prepared and improves its performance, it may earn more than SDB12m in PCDF 2022 to develop its economic infrastructure next year.

The Ministry is very much concerned with the various executive decisions designed to override the PGA section 25 and the FMO. How the executive makes decision in disbursing provincial funds has direct impact on the assessment as more than 40% of the indicators and the minimum conditions would be met depending on executive decisions made during budget implementation. The Ministry worry that if the executive is not well-briefed on the new changes in the assessment, they may continue to make mistakes that would affect the people of Guadalcanal Province. The MPGIS would have expected GP executive to attend the training and then call a discussion with the Minister over their grievances for clarity, but unfortunately, they missed that opportunity and instead used the media to submit their complaints. The Ministry expect the GP executive to be more concerned with improving its performance to earn more than SBD70 million in the next five years to develop its infrastructure from SIG funding.

It must be noted that because of the capacity development of GP over the past years, the province has been qualifying and over the years it has delivered 69 solid projects at a cost of over SBD33.7M through PCDF. The MPGIS is determined to support GP to continue on this path by advising the executive to avoid decisions that would negatively impact on project delivery that is benefiting the entire province. “It is important that we should work together to abide by the provisions of PAMSAD issued by PEC until they are reviewed” the MPGIS statement said.

Given its location and the advantages it has, GP should be the first province to receive clean audit report, but after more than 30 years we are still trying to convince the executive that this is the best way forward. The recent training outcomes has, however, given us the hope that financial accountability will improve if the executive continues to cooperate and support the administration.

The policy on participatory planning that allows the Ward Development Committees to participate in the planning process and to receive funds in their account for micro projects has also kicked-off. In the approved 2021/22 budget of GP, the 21 WDCs of GP shall deliver 142 approved projects. Each ward shall receive about SBD142,348. In five years, GP WDCs shall be delivering over 620 projects paid from the ward development grants. This is a good policy to ensure community participation and service delivery where the communities themselves decide their own priorities. The MPGIS assumes that every executive in GP would appreciate policies that empower their own communities to deliver micro projects. The implementation of this policy has attracted the interest of some constituencies and the donor communities to channel funds to the communities through WDCs. The GP executive has been advised to adhere to any initiative that empowers our own communities in Guadalcanal Province. Our initial monitoring of the WDCs indicate overwhelming community approval for channeling the funds through and build their capacities in the process.

Entitlements: All entitlements approved by the PEC for members of GP executive and the Assembly have so far been paid out to them by the MPGIS, see below:

  1. The ward touring grant of SBD30,000 per MPA per annum determined by PEC has been claimed and paid to each MPA in GP.
  2. All executive members have been paid their housing allowances of SDB3,000 per month so far. Even the four members of GPG executives who are in the GP staff houses where they do not pay anything are claiming the SBD3,000 per month house rent from the Ministry (double payment).
  3. The MPAs dependent educational entitlement of SBD5,000 per annum was paid at the beginning of the year to all MPAs in GP.
  4. The Members educational grant of SBD5,000, is being paid out as claimed.
  5. The Members medical allowance of SBD5,000 is being paid by the Ministry as claimed.

It could be seen from the above that all allowances determined by the PEC are being duly paid by the Ministry. But what the Ministry did not encourage the GP executive to apply is the October 19 2020 executive determination to pay themselves monthly transport allowance of SBD2,000 each per month from the provincial funds even though some executive members are provided with GP official vehicles already, SBD4,800 per executive member being accommodation even though five of them live in GP staff houses and receiving house also house rent from MPGIS and another transport allowance of SBD2,400 per executive member for meetings.

These allowances are not determined by the PEC and therefore the GP executive should not put pressure on the administration to pay them. The Ministry made a submission to PEC already to increase MPA salaries and allowances, but it happened just before the Pandemic. The Chairman of PEC also clarified the MPA allowance issues during the premiers meeting in the month of September 2021. The MPGIS would have thought that the executive was well briefed by the Premier who attended the sessions. The MPGIS advised the executive to be patient with the SIG and PEC as the country is still recovering from the impact of COVID-19.  If they have any further matters on entitlements, they are advised that they channel it to PEC and the AG.

Autonomous Province: On the issue of autonomous provinces, the MPGIS has no jurisdiction over this. This is a Constitutional issue beyond the mandate of MPGIS. Issues to do with immediate autonomous provincial governments must be directed to the right institutions for appropriate responses and sharing of information.

RCDF: In the PSs response he advised the GP executive to discuss with the right ministries and political leaders since issues to do with RCDF are not within the MPGIS mandate. The MPGIS is responsible for the PGA administration and ensuring accountability of provincial funds, but not matters to deal with RCDF.

The 10 Ordinances: 10 Ordinances passed by the GP Assembly were sent to Ministry for the Minister’s assenting without them being vetted by the Attorney General Chambers. And yet the Premier was issued with two letters written by the AG’s Office in 2019 and 2020 that no PG should draft legal instruments and pass them unless they are either drafted by the AG’s Office or someone identified and supervised by the AG’s Office draftspersons. The full vetting of these are still required and the MPGIS held two meetings with the premier advising him to liaise with the AG’s office drafts persons.

Conclusion: The Minister of MPGIS, in his formal opening of the workshop in October, he assured the premier and his executive that he is prepared to provide continued technical support to GP to improve its performance in order to access more funds for its capital projects. The MPGIS and its technical team shall continue to provide any support required by GP to come up to speed with high performing provinces. In this way the province may be well positioned for clean audit report like Central, Isabel or Choiseul and Western. In doing this the Ministry need full cooperation from the executive. GPG should take advantage of its proximity to MPGIS HQ to access technical support at any time. It is also unfortunate that a boycott occurred during a low key training session. This incident was not relevant, since all MPAs already knows about the position of the MPGIS and SIG on those matters and advised that such media stunts would not be beneficial at all. The MPGIS, however, assured the GP Government that it will continue to work on and pursue matters within its jurisdiction and mandate, which are beneficial to the good people of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands.

—MPGIS Press Release

Aust commits to support gov’t in gender program

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Ms. Sally-Anne Vincent (Acting Australian High Commissioner)

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ACTING Australian High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent says Australia in partnership with Solomon Islands Government, continues to commit advancing gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment and leadership, agency and representation through strong support to the justice agencies, to the rule of law, together with UNDP.

She said over the years, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), through Ministry of Public Service, has noted the decrease in number of women and the delayed prolonged career progression for women across the wider SIG public sector workforce. This is an area that requires sustained effort to not lose the gains made.

“We can look to the statistics of female representation, in managerial and leadership positions across the Ministries of Justice and Police, National security and Corrections, as well as portfolio agencies.

“As stakeholders we know that there are strong, capable, and reliable women in the justice sector who have the potential to advance through roles in their agencies. I am hopeful these two days will create the space, produce conversations and dialogue to work toward better outcomes for women in the justice sector and the wider public sector in Solomon Islands,” Ms Vincent said.

She said Australia supported the UNDP Access to Justice Programme by being engaged in this forum, and also our wider Justice programme, and in their Justice programme, one of the key programme outcomes is that good practise in leadership, decision making, community engagement and public sector management is increasingly demonstrated across the sector.

“We know that all societies benefit when women are part of the decision making, especially in pursuing peace and security. Their ideas and contributions are vital.

“Australia, through the Pacific Step-Up, made commitments through Pacific Women Lead. Our Partnerships for Recovery – Australia’s COVID-19 Development response – provides support for women and girls, and the justice agencies to continue deliver and maintain stability to the people of Solomon Islands.

“These commitments recognise Pacific women for their significant contributions to their societies and economies and supports the growing acknowledgment among governments and the private sector that investing in women and girls has a powerful effect on economic growth and wellbeing,” Ms Vincent said.

United Nation Development Programme Country Manager for Solomon Islands Berdi Berdiyev also said that UNDP is looking forward to continue engage with all justice stakeholders through UNDP Access to Justice Project generously funded by the Australian Government.

239,438 vaccine doses administered to date

Written by
Press Release
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UP to 239, 438 doses of COVID-19 vaccines – both AstraZeneca and Sinopharm Vaccines 1st and 2nd doses – have been administered as of Friday last week 5th of November.

That’s according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

From the total doses administered 59, 226 (14.3%), people are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, among total vaccine eligible population ( 414,327) and 120,986 (29.2%) people with only first dose. 43.5 percent of the people have received at least one dose.  

With health care workers, 42.9 percent have received 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 76.8 percent with at least 1 dose. For our elderlies, 55 years and above only 6.8 percent have completed 2 doses and 26.1 percent with at least one dose.

With this, the Ministry of Health is urging households with elderlies to help them reach vaccination sites to get their vaccine doses. They are the most vulnerable they are more likely to get serious COVID disease.

Vaccine administration is higher among males than in females, with total of 102, 724 males vaccinated, 55 percent of total doses have been given to males as compared to females who account for 45% of the doses.

Vaccination in all provinces continues and provincial roll out update can be seen in the table below.

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With this, total number of people to be vaccinated to achieve coverage of at least 90 percent with one two doses of COVID-19 vaccines is 313, 668 and 1st dose, 192,682.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is urging people to continue coming forward to get vaccinated.

“COVID-19 vaccination remains the single most effective and efficient means in which the world is addressing COVID-19 infection.

“Do not wait for community transmission as it will already be too late,” the ministry says.

Community and church leaders who have had their vaccination also urged to encourage those vaccine-hesitant to get vaccinated, to take the courage and stand up for what is actually right,  because you can save lives, and you can make the difference in the vaccination drive”

Parl starts civic education awareness in Temotu

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Press Release
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Parliamentary Civic Education Director, Marisa Pepa Galo doing a presentation to students at Mona Community High School.

The Parliamentary Civic Education Awareness Team has begun its Civic Education awareness program in Temotu, beginning on Saturday the 6th and continues to the 16th of November 2021 particularly in the Nende Constituency.

This round of tour is to cover schools and communities in Nende constituency with plans to cover other constituencies of Temotu Province in the near future.

The team consisted of six Parliamentary officers, one UNDP support officer and four logistics support personnel on the ground and are travelling around Santa Cruz Island for the first time to present information and discuss with constituents the role of Parliament and Members of Parliament.

The program includes a series of presentations for both schools and communities, hence a total of six schools and ten communities will be visited in the constituency.

Students doing a presentation.

Since gaining political Independence from Great Britain in 1978, the Preamble of the National Constitution of Solomon Islands (SI) clearly outline the power of ruling SI belongs to the people of Solomon Islands and in order for peoples ideologies, customs, cultures and beliefs are well respected, uphold and maintained, the three arms of government were established to enforce the power of people and to take care and reconcile our many differences. The arms of state are Executive, Legislature and Judiciary 

The Legislature or Parliament as commonly known, is the only legal institution our 50 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) are mandated to carry out four functions of Parliament, this includes representation, scrutinize government of the day, its national policies and programs, make laws and consider public expenditure.

Youth listening during a presentation at Lata station.

Majority of Solomon Islanders are yet to fully understand and appreciate the electoral system of SI and its procedure good leaders into Parliament.

With around eighty percent of constituents living in the constituencies outside of Honiara having limited knowledge of the functions of Parliament and role of its members and its relationship to SI electoral system, voters themselves continued to experience difficulty understanding our electoral system.

All challenges hence, affected the electing of political representatives into Parliament.

A Parliament officer, Rexford Kouto, leading Mona students in an activity.

Since March 2011 the Parliamentary Civic Education Unit started conducting constituency visits and are able to speak to more 50,000 people across 20 constituencies already.

Temotu Nende have added the number of constituencies covered to 21 now but Parliament is hopeful to cover all 50 constituencies in the coming years. 

It is through these programs that Parliament as a democratic institution came to realize that majority of Solomon Islanders do not fully understand and appreciate the Parliament System in Solomon Islands.

Premier and staff of the National Parliament office posed for a photo during the courtesy call.

So with these program ongoing, Parliament expects that people will now be able to understand and appreciate the Parliamentary system in Solomon Islands and will be able to make informed decisions when casting their votes in future National General Elections.

Thanks to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) through the Strengthening Legislatures Capacity in Pacific Island Countries Project, for fully funding this program.

UNDP has been supporting this program and other Parliamentary programs in the past and present.

This Nende Constituency tour is expected to end on Tuesday the 16th of November 2021.

– Source: Parliament Media

Sir Tuti graduates urged to strive for success

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Hon Manele and guests congratulating the graduates

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Hograno Kia and Havulei constituency Jeremiah Manele has urged Sir Dudley Tuti College graduates to keep on striving for success.

He highlighted this during the school’s graduation ceremony for grade six, forms-3, 5,6 and 7 on Saturday.

He said graduation marks the end of one phase and the beginning of the next journey where others will continue while others will not go further.

But he said they should remember that it is not the end of the world as opportunities are always available.

“You have other opportunities to pursue including skills training and self-employed.

Sir Dudley Tuti college form 5 graduates procession for the graduation ceremony

“There are success stories of those whole only reached form 3 or even grade 6 but have become successful individuals or business entrepreneurs so stay focused and be positive,” he told the graduates.

Manele also shared some of his reflections and observations relevant to education success and learning.

He said one of the essences of success is time, discipline and punctuality.

Sir Tuti form 3 students pose for photo

“Time is of essence, do not waste your time. You have to set your priorities right and have study table daily. I believe having a study timetable is great strategy for effective learning,” he said.

Manele said he found this useful when he was at secondary school and even at university.

He said Solomon Islands has a big problem of keeping to time and that is why punctuality is important.

He said the attitude of Solomon time -turning up late for work, leaving office early and not turning up at all without good reasons will continue to have a negative impact on our country’s progress and development.

Therefore, punctuality is critical for effective learning at school but also for progress at work in our daily lives.

He added another essence of success is Aim high and work hard.

Sir Tuti graduates pose for group photo after graduation ceremony

He encourages the graduates to aim high and set their priorities right. For example, they must work or study hard to get good grades.

He said not all students are genius but through hard work they can become lawyers, teachers, pilot, engineers, carpenters and other professions.

He said to be successful in education students must also set their goals and targets.

“By setting goals and targets, we are motivating and helping to instil discipline in our children to ensure that our investment in their education will be a success. We cannot achieve our goals if we are not disciplines,” he said.

Sir Dudley Tuti form 5 students march out after their graduation

Above all, Manele said they must always put God first in their studies.

“As young people, you should always remember and put God first in your education endeavours.

He said he found this to be true when he was a student, public servant and even now as a politician.

Going forward, he urges the graduands to prepare for the challenges that lies ahead for them in order excel for success.

“You may not have the power to inspire the entire world to strive for success but you do have the power to try to achieve if for yourselves.

“I challenge you to do all that you can do to reach your full potential,” he told the graduates.

Malaita Referendum proposed

Written by
Samie Waikori
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referendum Letter

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA province quest for independence continues to be on the agenda as two organization on the Island is looking at organizing a referendum on the issue.

 The Malaita People’s Power and Malaita for Democracy (M4D) are proposing a voluntary survey (Referendum) to be carried out to all communities in Malaita province this month.

Malaitans believed this is the fight of their forefathers during the Maasina Rule movement and self determination to Malaita province will be the complete achievement of that struggle.

Later, there are also a provision for that under the Townsville agreement agreed with the belief of Malaitans for self-determination.

A joint letter by the two organizations reads “Malaita People’s Survey for Self-Autonomous State”

“This is to announce to all communities, organizations, companies/business houses and individuals. That Malaita People’s Survey for Self-Autonomous State will be conducted all through Malaita province, commencing on the month of November 2021.

“The organizing committee has prepared the group of volunteers to do the survey program.

“This is a non-government supported program which will be conducted by Malaita for Democracy (M4D) in reference to the resolutions agreed during Malaita People’s Open Forum held on 23rd and 24th September 2021 (Theme: Our Future Malaita).

“To those concerned, Malaitans must be reminded that those volunteers need our support during the implementation process as to reach all parts of Malaita for an effective and successful data collection within our province.

“Your support during the implementation process (data collection) are highly anticipated,” it said.

President of M4D, Knoxly Atu told this paper that the survey was proposed and will be carried-out after the Malaita Sons and Daughters Reconciliation and Reunion ceremony.

He said preparation is underway for the program and appeal was for communities in the province to support the survey for the good cause of their province.

Social media reveals sea-level threat in Solomon Islands

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Sea intrusion into Buluabu village in Langa langa lagoon in Malaita province. PHOTO: John Selogaga

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PICTURES on social media have revealed the immediate threat of sea level rise on the sea coasts around Solomon Islands.

This comes as global leaders and financiers are trying to find solutions on climate change in the 26 Climate of Parties Conference in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

In Lilisiana, Langa Langa lagoon in Malaita province, John Selogaga posted photos of salt water intrusion into Buluabu village.

In the pictures, water has reached the floor level of some houses in the village.

While Pappa Steeviey posted photos of Buala wharf in Isabel Province during low tide and high tide.

During high tide, water overflows on Buala wharf in Isabel Province. Pappa Steeviey

During high tide, the sea level dropped very low but at high tide, the salt water was overflowing the wharf.

Wharf at Buala, Isabel during low tide

Solomon Star female reporter, Esther Nuria published a story and photos on the impact of climate change on people of Walande in South Malaita.

She covered the story after attending the Anglican Mothers Union meeting in Walande.

The story landed her the first prize at the end of the six weeks National Security Reporting Course organized by the Media Association of Solomon Islands and Australia Pacific Security College.

David Hiba Hiriasia, Director of the Solomon Islands National Meteorological Services in reference to sea level rise said the country expects more of these events this wet season because of the La Nina.

Hiriasi posted on Facebook that the trade winds push more warm water on our side of the pacific and so sea level is expected to be higher than average

Solomon Islands is one of the vulnerable countries having very limited financial capacity to fight against climate change.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo recently, Deputy Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Chanel Iroi, said decision on Long Term Finance (LTF) must be reached at the COP26 meeting.

Buluabu village affected by sea level rise in Langalanga lagoon in Malaita province. John Selegaga

He said endorsement of the LTF will not only provide financial leverage to struggling small island states but also honor the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage which was one of the resolutions of Paris Agreement.

Iroi said Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the effect of climate change in the coming years reemphasized the need for world leaders to endorse and roll out the LTF to vulnerable countries.

He said ground work on Loss and Damages must continue at the same time global leaders must make the right choice to reduce emissions so as facilitating financial resources towards mitigation and adaptation programs.

Iroi said priority areas for slow onset events and non-economic losses on the international stage while incorporate “limits to adaptation” in National Adaptation Plans and other GCF proposals is important.

Govt yet to pay $22M to Mamara investor

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government is still to pay the $22 million to Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd.

This following rumours that the Government has paid the company owned by  Singapore’s Metropolis Pacific Ptd Limited.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Riley Mesepitu said there is no payment yet.

Mesepitu said the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey will facilitate the payment.

However, he said so far there is no payment unless an agreement is signed.

Mesepitu said the Government Communication Unit is expected to put out a press releases this week explaining the issue of payment to the company.

In a leaked letter from the current developer, Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd dated 17 May 2021, the company is seeking Government to prepare a payment of more than $21 million for the first 30 completed houses proposed for the Public Servants Housing Scheme.

The letter was addressed to the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Frederick Kologeto and copied to a number for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and the Premier of Guadalcanal Province

The houses include:

  1. Type A: 3 bedroom and 2-bathroom costs $997,000 each. So, the 5 houses will cost $4,987,500.
  2. Type B: 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom cost $798,000 each. So, the 10 houses will cost $7,980,000.
  3. Type C: 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom cost $598,500 each. So, the 15 houses will cost $8,977,500.

A citizen, Michael Salini posted on Yumi Tok Tok Forum on social media in May 20 this year, there are serious concerns already expressed by Solomon Islanders who believe their tax dollars have been used by the government to construct and pay for the Mamara housing estate.

“For its part the Solomon Islands Government has not been forthcoming with its MoU with Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd.

“Similarly, the government has not been transparent with the public about its financial arrangements with Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd,” Salini said.

He said the MoU and financial arrangements between the Solomon Islands Government and Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd were endorsed by the Cabinet.

“There has been suggestions in the past by critics of the government’s involvement in the Mamara housing development that the Solomon Islands Government would ultimately pay for the houses.

“The letter by Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd is now confirmation that taxpayers of Solomon Islands will be used to pay for these pre-fab houses at Mamara Estate,” he added.

Relatives of late Mary demands harsh justice for perpetrators.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Women and children demanding protection for vulnerable individuals and people with disability. Photo BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

RELATIVES of the late Mary Aram, 8 who was allegedly raped and murdered on Kolombangara Island last month says lenient court rulings on rape cases in the country are sending the wrong signals to rapists.

And as such, they demand that punishment for similar crimes committed on their daughter and other victims to start at 50 years to life imprisonment.

The call was made by John Aram- Kealau, uncle of the late Mary during a public demonstration held on Thursday to remember and call for justice in the case of the young child and those who met the same fate over the years.

Mr Kealau said they are appalled knowing that rape cases over the years have finished with light sentences handed out of between 1-5 years imprisonment for these offenders.

“Our society is sending the wrong message to rapists and persons with sick minds.

“We are saying it’s okay to rape, and you can get away with only 2 years, 5 years or 8 years.

“This is insane!!… a girl is traumatized for her life-time and yet the rapists are going to walk free in just a few years,” he added.

Mr, Kealau said as relatives of late Mary, they are appealing to the government and lawmakers to make amendments and begin sentences of rape cases from 50 years or life imprisonment with no release on parole.

“We further call on attempted rape cases and defilement case sentencing to start at 20 years or more.

He said the country must be serious to save the lives of our children and women from these people, who are not even worthy to be called humans.

“Let’s start sending a message that the justice system in this country cannot let rapists go free,” he remarked.

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