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ARREST RUMOURS DENIED

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Patrol boat 06 berthing at Auki wharf.

Koto: police are in Auki to maintain law and order

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

HONIARA Police are not in Auki to arrest anyone, Malaita’s acting head of police Eddie Koto says.

He instead said they are there to maintain law and order following an incident in the provincial capital last week that sparked hostility and likely confrontation between various groups of people in the province.

Koto made the explanation to the Island Sun yesterday following widespread speculation that Honiara police, who arrival on board Patrol boat Taro on Sunday, are in Auki to arrest those who are behind the recent rioting in Honiara.

Rumours have it that Premier Daniel Suidani is among those to be arrested.

Honiara police have been accompanied by members of the Papua New Guinea police who are in the country as part of the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF).

But Koto said the deployment is primarily to maintain law and order in Auki after the attempted abduction incident in Auki last Thursday.

He said since last month Auki police have been without numbers because some officers are on their annual leave.

“We currently have very limited officers on the ground to deal with anything that might arise and support is needed especially with the tense situation like what happened last week.

“This is where the deployment had come about and that is to support Auki police with resources and bring back normalcy to people and communities in the province” he says.

Koto says the team will be in Auki for sometimes and they will be engaging with the public of Auki to carry out policing work and awareness programs.

He says this is to ensure law and order is maintained and to restore public trust and confidence in the police.

“….yes we are aware of speculations about the deployment and that it was a cover-up to arrest people of interest to the police in Auki.

“But this is not true and I want Auki residents and the people of Malaita to know that.”

Koto says he had consulted Premier Daniel Suidani on the purpose of the deployment upon their arrival in Auki so the MARA government is aware of the purpose of the police presence.

He says they are working together with the provincial government and are supporting them with logistic as well liaising with the premier, and updating him on their work in Auki.

Koto calls on the public of Auki and the traveling public of Malaita to support the team and Auki police while they are there to restore law and order.

He said the PNG officers on the ground are not military personnel, but police officers.

He says rumors can sometimes cause fear, anger and other negative reactions from people.

DJOKOVIC HITS BACK

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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‘Opposition is looking for a scapegoat’

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ROBSON Djokovic has hit back at the latest attack launched against him and his employment with the Government by an appointee within the Opposition office.

The chief of staff within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet was responding to George Kosui, an economist working with Opposition leader Mathew Wale.

Kosui had question why Djokovic, who is also a nephew of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, is still being engaged by the government when he has a criminal record.

But Djokovic said Kosui was simply repeating the same rhetoric.

“He has nothing else to say so again attacking my credibility,” Djokovic said.

“The issues Kosui raised have already been answered,” he added.

“I have not breached or broken any laws.

“Check the Queensland law in relation to past convictions and no conviction has been recorded,” he said.

Djokovic said in relation to his citizenship status, the matter is before the court.

“Talk to my lawyer Wilson Rano for any legal queries.

“Talk to Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui about my role at PMO and when I was employed.

“Check my curriculum vitae for qualifications. It speaks for itself,” he added.

Djokovic said the Opposition are looking for a “political scapegoat” to undermine the Prime Minister.

Kosui has been questioning why the prime minister, the Courts, Public Service, and Immigration Office are seemingly turning a blind eye to serious allegations against Djokovic.

He touched on an article by the country’s top academic, Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, published on 3 December 2019.

In it Kabutaulaka said, “Robson Djokovic has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons since being sighted with Julian Moti handcuffed on the tarmac of Munda airstrip.”

He said the chief of staff has become one of the issues of concern, with the risk and concern that he could be riding on our judiciary and other systems in his struggle to keep his job and avoid repatriation from the country.

In his article, Kabautalaka questioned some of the issues that involved Djokovic, the COS who happens to be PM Manasseh Sogavare’s nephew as well.

Amongst others, some of the issues the PMO need to clarify are: 

  1. Does Djokovic have a work permit in the Solomon Islands?
  2. Is it legal for a foreigner to hold a political appointee (or public service) position in the Solomon Islands?
  3. What is Djokovic qualification that justify his expertise to take up the job
  4. What does Djokovic do daily, his duties in the PMO?
  5. Why is he allowed to continue working when cases are still hanging over his head?
  6. Why does the PM continue to employ a convicted criminal, drug user, and addict, and fraudster forgoing good governance principles?

Kosui said if the issues questioned above are not enough, then what issues are deemed serious that will give the court, PMO, Public Service, and Immigration Office the reasons for keeping Robson Djokovic in the top job and in the country.

He said nobody would dispute the fact that Robson Djokovic is an indigenous Solomon Islander, but he is not a Solomon Islands citizen when he opted for Australian citizenship and gave up his Solomon Islands citizenship.

Other questions that need to be clarified by the PMO include:

  1. Is the Government Caucus aware of the criminal cases that the court in Queensland, Australia has charged Robson Djokovic to continue supporting his candidacy for the SSPM (refer to SBD news – 24 March 2021)?
  2. Does the PM think it is ethically right to employ a convicted criminal, drug user/addict and fraudster?
  3. Why is Djokovic’s case taking such a long time before the courts in SI to make a decision?

Kosui said the longer it takes for the courts, PMO, Public Service, and Immigration Office to address this long outstanding issue, more questions will be asked as to how the judiciary system and responsible authorities are handling this controversial issue which was seen by many as the manifestation of corruption since his involvement in the Julian Moti saga.

“Yes, Robson Djokovic has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons and it is only relevant now that the courts decide on this case quickly so that the issue is put to rest to protect the country from abuse.

“It is unwise and ethically unjustifiable to allow a foreigner with a questionable background to hold a top job in the Office of the Prime Minister of the country,” he said.

$2,000 fine for man who breached lockdown order

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Felix Hollision has ordered a man to pay a fine of $2000 after being found guilty of breaching the recent curfew orders.

The defendant, Bruno Junior Sepo Todonga, is a 23-year-old man from Ghombua village on Guadalcanal Province and residing at Mbokonavera 1 in Honiara.

He was charged with one count of Restriction of Movement of Persons in Honiara: contrary to Regulation 5(1), (2) (a) and (b); and 9(1) of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2021 and section 3 of the Preservation of Public Security Act [Cap 27] and 21(a) of the Penal Code [Cap 26].

Prosecution said on December 4 2021 at about 0049 hours or 12:49am, the defendant was not at his place of residence at Mbokonavera 1 but was seen together with three others travelling in a white 2-ton truck along the Honiara City Council roundabout, an area designated as an emergency zone during the restriction period without any lawful excuse.

The defendant was driving the said vehicle at the time and he was intoxicated.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody for not giving a valid and satisfactory explanation as to why he did not comply with the police bail conditions for him to appear in court on a date in December 2021.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollision in sentencing the accused said the present case must generally be treated as more serious than the trial lockdowns and curfews because the relevant regulations were in place to contain the lawlessness within our nation’s capital from the 24 to 27 November 2021.

Hollision said the regulations were made for the preservation of public safety in Honiara because of the riots, burning and looting of shops and other private businesses between the 24 to 27th of November 2021. Three people also died during the course of the riots. This present offence occurred at least a week later after the said events.

The defendant was under the influence of alcohol at the material time and is very serious as he was the driver of the vehicle.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol aggravated his offending compared to his three other co-defendants who were his passengers.

“I am of the view that this case should considered as falling towards the lower end of the spectrum in terms of its severity, hence, I am satisfied that a penalty fine is appropriate for the present case”, Hollision said.

Hollision also made orders that the accused Todonga must pay the penalty fine of SBD 2000. by January7 2022 at 4:30pm, in the event that he fails to pay his fine, he shall be imprisoned for 3 months.

“I hereby order that he be released from custody so that he can be able to pay up his fine.

“I hope that he learns from his mistake and not to commit any offence in the future. This should also send a deterrent message to the public that adherence to our laws is important and the failure to do so has consequences”, Hollision added.

SIAF will remain as long as they are required: Osborne

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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SIPDP-Commander-Paul-Osborne-thanking-newly-promoted-officers

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DEPUTY Commissioner (DC) Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) Commander Paul Osborne revealed during the Commissioner’s weekly conference this week that SIAF will remain in Solomon Islands as long they are required to.

Responding to questions asked on how long the mission will stay in the country, Mr Osborne said SIAF will continue to remain here and support the RSIPF as long as they are required.

“I can only assure you that SIAF will continue to remain here and support the RSIPF as long as we are required, as long we are needed and as long as the decisions are made for us to stay here,” Osborne said.

Osborne said SIAF is a police mission comprise of police and military components and they have successful in supporting RSIPF during the recent unrest in November 2021 to restore law and order and maintain peace and security in and around Honiara.

He said countries inside SIAF are Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea and all of the countries and those part of the components of the SIAF who are here have a long history of working with the Solomon Islands and the RSIPF.

“So, we have a great deal of understanding of each other’s abilities, I think that is the whole mass of this success of the operation,” Osborne said.

He also said that one thing the public need to know is that SIAF is not taking sides in relation to the issues regarding the civil unrest, our only function here is to support the RSIPF to do responsible operation for the security of the capital in and around Honiara.

“We will always support our security family partners, because we think it’s the right thing to do, when such circumstances arise,” Osborne said.

Around 300 personnel deployed to the Solomon Islands during the unrest from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and PNG, and that number has been adjusted, Osborne said.

He said he will not reveal the exact number that are currently in country due to reason of security capability.

When asked whether China will be part of SIAF once they come to assist RSIPF, Commander Osborne said No, they are not part of SIAF.

Gov’t increases PCDF by 100%

Written by
Press Release
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The National Government is increasing the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) that is responsible for much of the provinces’ small scale infrastructure developments from $30 million to $60 million.

Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGSP), Stanley Dick Pirione revealed this in his Provincial meeting with the Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani and his nine executive members and in the presence of the Malaita Provincial Government’s Deputy Provincial Secretary.

The Provincial Meeting took place in Auki on the 22nd of December 2021.

“The 100 percent increase of the PCDF demonstrated the national government’s commitment to continue the positive impact of the funding”, Pirione stated.

PS Pirione added that the increase will be effected in this year’s development budget.

MPGIS PS further highlighted that the increase of the PCDF reflected the national government’s confidence in Provincial Governments to continue to impact peoples’ lives through small infrastructure developments.

Stanley Dick Pirione also strongly emphasized that while the funding will increase, Provincial Governments must ensure that PCDF compliance are met and that finance, audit and project management and implementation are strictly in order to ensure services continue to rollout to the people.

PS Pirione revealed as well that the national government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening will be supported with a $800 million over the next 5 years, part of this funding will go to economic or income generating infrastructure projects.

“All Provinces including Malaita will benefit from these programs,” Pirione stated.

The PS highlighted, donors are attracted to the PCDF mechanism and have shown keen interest to invest in it.

“The MPGIS since 2020 has engaged in a number of consultation and has received positive support from the European Union through UNDP and UNICEF for $78M dollars particularly for Education and health sector,” Stanley Dick Pirione revealed.

Pirione also added that other commitments including a further USD $21 million from the World bank as a top up to the PCDF for the next five years, and support through Local (EU 7M Euro) for Climate resilience and infrastructures, also UNDP Climate resilience programs, DFAT and other partners.

Pirione concluded that the PCDF mechanism has proven to be a success and the national government’s increasing its budget is a testament of the positive impact of the funding on the livelihood of the people.

Meanwhile, PCDF Assessment for the 9 provinces has started late last year and will continue first quarter 2022.

The National Government has fully supported this program since 2014 (when EU and RAMSI pulled out) and the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has put in the greatest support with $60M for this year.


This funding will go for small infrastructures in the provinces couple with capacity building workshops with continual improvement of current provincial processes and systems. 

The PCDF project is fully supported by Provincial Governments including Malaita Provincial Government because of the strong impact it has in the community level. 

—GCU

Mala women calls for ward councils

Written by
Samie Waikori
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President of Malaita Provincial Council of Women (MPCW), Ms Martha Rurai.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Council of Women (MPCW) has called on MPAs through the Malaita provincial government to support the establishment of Ward Council of Women (WCW) for the province.

President of MPCW, Martha Rurai has called for the support to ensure each of the 33 wards in the province have their own WCW.

She said setting-up of WCW ‘s are to align with the structure which the Ministry of Women (MWYCFA) through the National Council of Women (NCW) will connect to women in the province.

Rurai said the structure is, Ministry of Women (MWYCFA) through NCW will connect to MPG Women Desk Office and then to MPCW and down to WCWs, Community Council of Women and women in communities.

She said the importance of this link is; this is where programs and activities on women issues will be channeled either from national government or NGOs to reach women.

She said through the arrangement, women will be able to work uniformly on issues facing them within the society in partnership with other stakeholders.

Rurai said so far MPCW has set-up 18 WCWs and 15 WCWs are yet to established.

Rurai said the set-up of the 18 WCWs was done through the supports of donor partners like; SPC, Oxfam and the UN Humanitarian Fund.

She said they are now they left with 15 WCWs and they have invited MPAs through their Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and MPG to support them establish the WCWs.

Rurai said the alignment of this structure is an integral aspect of promoting women issues that has become an important aspect of development of the province and the country.

Malaita survey set to go

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Survey training at Hotel Malaita in Auki yesterday. Photo philip Subu

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

SURVEY on the socioeconomic, politic and self-autonomy for Malaita province will begin next week.

This after a one-day training for volunteers who will carry out the survey was completed at the Hotel Malaita in Auki yesterday.

A volunteer who attended the training, David Wairimalefo said more than 60 participants attended the training.

He said participants represented 33 wards in 14 constituencies of the province and they will go back to work with their people on the survey.

Wairimalefo said they were told during the training yesterday that the survey will begin next week.

In a recent interview with Premier Daniel Suidani, he said the idea towards the survey was passed by his executive.

Suidani said they have prepared questionnaire forms for the survey and the legitimacy of the volunteers to train and carry out the survey.

Suidani explains that the survey will not only take people’s view on the subject of autonomous, but on other issues like development affecting Malaita province.

He said this survey will be carried out from village to village basis in the 33 wards in the province and eligible people to participate in the survey are only those above 18yrs.

Suidani said the survey will also reach out to Malaitans who are in other provinces and those abroad.

He said Malaitan everywhere are part of the province and the MARA government will ensure they get informed on what the government and its people are pursuing for the province.

Suidani said after the survey, the MARA government will sit-down and look into the data collected on the survey to charter a way forward on the matter.

He said the subject of autonomy is just a portion of the whole program that will be covered during the survey.

Water bills to increase

Written by
Press Release
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SOLOMON Water yesterday announced an increased in water tariff starting 1 January 2022.

The increases, Solomon Water says, reflects the cost of delivery of water and wastewater services and the continuous improvements that it will be undertaking to provide safe and reliable water services in our areas of operations. 

It says Government, through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury approved the increase.

Other minor changes including new domestic service connections and other fees  have also been approved. 

Board Chairman designate Tony Makabo thank the Government for working with Solomon Water and supporting the need for adequate funding for improvements to Solomon Water’s services. 

“We acknowledge that some households may struggle to afford basic services but note that the water supplied by Solomon Water meets World Health Standards 98% of the time and is safe to drink,” Makabo said.

“The new tariff represents only an increase of 84 cents per Kilolitre (tonne) of water for the lowest domestic tariff band,” he added.

“Our tariff is partly driven by high electricity costs and the need to provide our share of funds into the significant donor-funded upgrade programme.

“We also need to fund loan repayments to Government for some of the donor-funded works. 

“We ask Government to assist us with further donor grant funds instead of loans to assist in keeping water affordable to all our customers.”

Solomon Water says as part of its ongoing “We Are With You” campaign, the increase will be aimed at improving reliable water services to our customers and this includes Kongulai water treatment plant, renovation of the White River bore field, increasing production in the Kombito / Panatina area and upgrades to various provincial water supplies. 

“Solomon Water appreciates the difficulties to customers at present due to wet weather affecting the water catchment areas at Kongulai and Kombito and we are taking steps to try and reduce the impacts caused by the illegal activities that are causing the dirty water. 

“We have made several improvements in 2021 to increase our production capacity to reduce the impact of these shutdowns, and have several more planned for 2022.

“The Kongulai water treatment plant will also shortly start construction around mid 2022 and will be completed in late 2023 allowing Solomon Water to produce water regardless of weather and catchment conditions.

“Forty cents from every kilolitre of water sold will go towards future management and protection of the water catchment areas.

“We appreciate that clean water and good sanitation are essential for people to remain healthy, and Solomon Water’s vision of ‘Safe water for a healthy nation’ is at the heart of us working with our stakeholders, communities and customers in improving our services. 

“Improved water and sanitation lead to better health outcomes, healthier children, less time off school and work, and reduced health costs.

“We’re with you in improving value, improving services and improving for the future – all aimed at delivering our vision of ‘Safe water for a healthy nation’.”

Solomon Water it strives to provide its customers with safe and reliable water and wastewater services.

Back in 2012, Solomon Water used to supply water for around 5 hours per day.

“With the many improvements that we are undertaking, our supply duration is now over 22 hours per day, and we are striving to provide a 24 hours water service to our customers in the near future.”

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Villagers told COVID, riot affect economy

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Fire officers trying to put off fire at the kukum area during the riot. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources and Member of the National Parliament for Central Makira, Nestor Ghiro has told the people of Manita in west Bauro how COVID-19 and the Honiara riots have badly affected nation’s economy.

He said Covid-19, with its three strains, has seriously affected the world economy.

This has had an impact on donor support to Solomon Islands.

He said because of that, the national government decided to come up with a Re-direction Policy to ensure the economy stays afloat.

But he said while the Government was still working on its Re-direction Policy development programs, out of the blue, the Honiara riots emerged, halting the progress and destroying China Town, as well as other commercial and industrial areas in the capital.

Ghiro said the Government’s economic assessment of the Honiara riots so far has put the cost to about $500 million, adding assessment is continuing.

He said as a result, the Government has requested the ministries, constituencies and the Provincial Governments to help the government by understanding the situation “our country has found itself in”.

Ghiro said while the national government will try to secure finances to continue to run the country, implementation of national projects will be slow.

He said what this means for Makira projects is the provincial projects remain Government commitments. – By George Atkin in Kirakira

Ghiro: gov’t commits to Makira projects

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Minister for Fisheries, Hon Nestor Ghiro

Touring Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister and MP for Central Makira, Nestor Ghiro, has assured the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government and its people that the National Government is committed to develop their projects.

 He made the assurance while speaking to the people of Ward 9 in West Bauro at Manita Village on Boxing Day – December 26, 2021.

He said the six provincial projects are the Kira Kira Wharf (in tender stage); the Ngorangora Airport (Tar sealing in progress); the Rawo Bridge (Feasibility Studies next year); the Rawo to Wango Emergency Road Upgrade (completed);  Warihito to Marou Bay (Assessment and costing done, awaiting tender in the New Year); the Kira Kira Cocoa Factory (procurement in the New Year); and 18 Communications Towers (5 for West Makira, (6 for Central Makira), (5 for East Makira)  and two for Ulawa.

Assessments for all the towers have been completed towards the end of 2021.

Ghiro said because of economic losses to the Government caused by Covid-19 and the Honiara riots, implementation of the projects will be slowed but “I can assure you that the government will try its very best to ensure they are not withdrawn from the list of priority projects”.

He said work on the projects will start this year and “my Central Makira Constituency with a population of between 16 and 18-thousand people will greatly benefit from some of the projects”.

“They have already been provided with road transport and other services which are expensive to maintain, but at least cocoa farmers and copra producers are able to carry their products to Kira Kira for shipment to Honiara; and garden food, vegetable and fruit producers use the same road transport to travel to KiraKira to sell their produce at the market”.

Meanwhile, he said landowners and community leaders must allow their lands earmarked for the projects to be developed because land disputes in Makira hinder development. – By George Atkin in Kirakira

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