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Landowners reject conservation plan for Onogou/Ramos Island.

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Association executives with supporters in a group photo.

A landowning Association made up of different tribes on Isabel and Malaita province are angered that a group not representing them is planning to implement conservation on Onogou Island, often known as Ramos Island, located between the two provinces.

The Anogwou Ramos Island United Solomon Islands Tribal Association made up of different tribal groups from both provinces claiming ownership of the resource rich Island and surrounding reefs said they are stunned about news that a “Nomi Teiga Conservation group” is working on establishing a platform for conservation on the Island.

Spokesperson for the Association, Emmanuel Tigi Aofia, a representative of the Walobiubaita tribe (Basikana) said Ramos Island (Onogou as it is known on Isabel) has been bound for almost 10 years by the registrar, as the Association has legal ownership over the Island.

“We have a constitution that governs activities on the Island and for a group unknown to us to come up with a conservation idea without consultation us is not right.

The Association yesterday met to discuss its latest development aspirations and to dismiss the intentions of the conservation plan put forward that did not get their approval.

Spokesman Emmanuel Tigi displaying association documents

Among those who participated in the meetings included, Paramount Chief of the Ulufera Council of Chiefs from Suava bay, Peter Sikele, representatives from Talafunu, Tolinga tribes and Mbita’ama as well as Simon Gabili, Duddley Hiroari and Ezikel Tonga, representing the three tribes of Namurefunei, Tavia and Posamogo respectively on Gao, Isabel Province.

Mr Aofia said during their meeting, all agreed that while conservation is a good idea, the timing is not right.

He stressed that as legal custodians of the Island, the Association represents the interest of the resources on the Island.

“The conservation group does not represent us, they did not approach us about their intended plan, hence must stop immediately.

The Association therefore advised Isabel Provincial Member, Holland Sikou from leading people away from consulting with the rightful owners of the Island.

Mr Michael Iro, Secretary of the Association said in their meeting yesterday, they agreed that the harvest of beche-de-mer on the Island must start, especially during economic hardships faced by the current pandemic.

Executive members

He also emphasised a further agreement that anyone wishing to harvest resources on the Island and its surrounding reefs to approach the association before doing so.

“Ramos Island, for the information of public is open for people from both sides to earn money, which would only be done through consultation with the Association,” Iro stressed.

The Association has already identified a buyer overseas that it intends to work with in the export of beche-de-mer.

This week the Nomi Teiga Conservation group consisting of Gao speaking people from Isabel Province said it has established a platform to conserve Onogou (Ramos) Island.

It said it is the first step towards conserving Onogou Island and its cultural heritage.

 Last week, a one-day workshop and conservation awareness were held at Poro village in the Gao district.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Kaloka Ward, Holland Sikou said the establishment is an approach his people want to undertake to move away from destructive activities to a more ecofriendly development.

He said the conservation initiative not only looks at conservation specifically, but also creating opportunities to boost tourism as resilience towards COVID-19.

CBSI warns of online scam

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Central Bank of Solomon Islands. Photo by CBSI

THE Central Bank (CBSI) has warned of a scam activity detected that has recently been conducted online in the last two days.

“If you receive emails or calls claiming “you have been chosen from the Central Bank to win 300,00 US dollars,” please take note that it is fake and you should never reply to it.” CBSI statement yesterday said.

“This is an initial form of online scam which means that someone is using images of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands to lure you to their online platform. They will start communicating with you to trick you to believe that you have won an amount of money. They will then try to ask for confidential information from you.

“Be advised that the Central Bank of Solomon Islands does not, and will not involve or participate in such activity. The public is therefore advised to stay out of such activity to avoid losing your hard-earned money.

“You are advised to check the online links properly. Anyone using fake online platforms cannot represent a reputable organization.

“Also check to see if the level of language in the content is formal or choice of words used must be of high official level. Anything below this is most likely from a scammer.

“Lastly the content itself must be judged accordingly. A content that sounds too good to be true is definitely non-genuine or non-legitimate, and this should be easily detected by the recipient of that message or information.”

–CBSI PRESS

Men arrested for demanding money

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Kirakira Police in Makira-Ulawa Province have arrested four men for demanding money from a 75-year-old man at Mamarawa settlement on September 12, 2021.

One of the suspects saw his daughter drinking beer with the complainant’s grandson. The father of the girl, after finding his daughter in the boy’s house, damaged 15 louvre glasses and a chair in the boy’s house.

The father then called another three suspects and went to the complainant’s house and demanded compensation.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira-Ulawa Province, Inspector Jerry Muaki says, “The matter was reported to police and the suspects were arrested and placed in police custody.

“The four suspects were dealt with and charged for unlawful demand. They were released on bail to appear before the Kirakira Magistrates’ Court on the 5 October 2021.

“What has happened is a result of taking the laws into our own hands. This incident could not have happened if both parties sought assistance from the village chiefs or elders. The police, village chiefs, church leaders are there to assist in resolving issues that arise in our communities.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Bangladeshi stabbed, attacker still at large

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A Bangladesh national is recovering following an attack on the night of September 11 at the Border-line area.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau revealed during a press conference yesterday the Bangladesh national and his wife own a shop at the Borderline; around 11pm on September 11 after closing their shop, they went to a nearby shop for a mobile top-up when the incident occurred.

Reports obtained by Police said after doing their mobile top-up, the couple returned and on their way, they were approached by the suspect asking for money.

The Bangladesh responded that he had no money as the money he had was already spent on the top-up. It was at that time the suspect became angry and pushed the victim’s wife several times. Seeing what happened the victim intended to assist his wife when the suspect pulled out a screw driver and stabbed him on the neck.

Mangau said the suspect then stabbed the victim on his mouth; the weapon went inside the victim’s mouth and broke on of his teeth.

Mangau said police were alerted and the Bangladeshi was taken to Hospital for medical attention and reports received said that the victim’s condition is now stable.

After the incident the suspect left the scene and is yet to be arrested.

“The suspect is still at large and I appeal to the suspect to surrender himself to the police. You cannot hide and stay in fear from the police. I appeal to those who present at the time of the incident to assist my investigators with information about the stabbing incident.” Mangau said

Meanwhile Mangau said investigation into the incident is currently ongoing and call on surrounding communities to assist police in their investigations.

Puna urges Japan to share relevant information

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Ben Bilua
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PIF Secretary General, Henry Puna.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Secretary General of Pacific Islands Forum has called on the government of Japan to share relevant information proposed plan to discharge over a million tonnes of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Speaking on the third briefing on Tuesday afternoon Henry Puna said the region’s unequivocal need for information as being key to safeguard the Blue Pacific as a nuclear-free zone.

While appreciative of the information being shared by Japan, Secretary General Puna reiterated. I appeal to the Government of Japan to continue to share the relevant information in its totality, and within agreed timelines,” he said.

Puna said the information are important as far as the Blue Pacific is concern when comes to the Transboundary impact of the proposed plan.

He said Pacific Island leaders require nothing less than full and complete disclosure of all information and evidence to enable decision makers to fully understand the nature and extent of the impact, and to enable Pacific Island Forum to make a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the impacts of the proposed ALPS water discharge.

“As reiterated by Forum Foreign Ministers on 27 July, the region is actively pursuing efforts to advance Forum Leaders’ commitments to international consultation, international law, and independent expertise to provide guidance and verifiable scientific assessments. To accelerate efforts, the Forum will engage independent experts to support the region’s efforts over the next months,” Puna said.

He is optimistic that there will be ways to address Pacific concerns to reach “solutions that are based on science, and consistent with legal and moral obligations.

Proposed million-dollar patrol base disputed

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Ben Bilua
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The Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost site plan in the Shortland Islands

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE proposed million dollar Border Patrol Outpost at Lofung, Shortland Island has come under scrutiny by a group who call themselves the original land owners of the land where development is expected to take place.

A source told this paper that there is a court case filed to challenge the legality of the contract made between the government and FAMOA Trust Board.

The source alleged that consultation and negotiation which led to the signing of the agreement was null and voided as original landowners were not part of the agreement.

“Currently we are challenging the agreement – meaning the development will not proceed as it is subjected to court.

“Furthermore, we put an injunction that there will be no funding or whatever transaction for the purpose of the development is made.

“We understand that this is a major blow to the proposed development but we want to take this action to give the government a clear signal to listen to landowners before pursuing development anywhere in the country,” the source said.

The source said, the original landowners have warned the government of the issue regarding the ownership of the land but the government ignore their call.

The source adds that, they have also submit similar notification to the Australian High Commission but again the notice falls on deaf ears.

The source further stated that the Original Landowners were not part of the reconciliation held at Tuha on 21st June this year.

The source said the reconciliation was between FAMOA Council of Chief and other tribes who are secondary rights ownership of the land.

On a press release published on 23rd June this year, the Government Communication Unit (GUC) states that the Australian Government is funding the multimillion-dollar Border and Patrol Boat Outpost project.

This follows when Australian Prime Minister Scot Morrison and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare jointly announced in Honiara on 7 October 2019 about the project.

The statement highlights the interest of both leaders to undertake a joint project to deliver a Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Western border region of Solomon Islands.

They stated that the design will feature environmentally sustainable elements and will be appropriate to regional conditions and will include a wharf capable of replenishing Guardian-Class patrol boats, accommodation buildings and storage facilities.

When completed that the Outpost will improve border security services in the Western region as well as supporting social and economic growth by strengthening border management, surveillance, response capability and protection from illegal activities.

Importantly, the project also aligns well with the Solomon Islands Government’s National Security Strategy and the National Border Security Strategy for better management of our borders.

Gov’t applauds reconciliation

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Hon Agovaka and Alfred Maeke accepted each other at the ceremony

A moving reconciliation ceremony initiated by the Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal Peter Shanel Agovaka to restore peace between tribal families after the death of young man in a horrific accident in July this year was applauded by the National Government.

The reconciliation ceremony at Horabau Village at Tetere in the Guadalcanal Plains was mediated by the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs and the Guadalcanal Provincial Peace Office in the presence of tribal members of the parties involved on Wednesday, September 15.

Speaking during the ceremony, Agovaka told the parents, relatives and tribal members of the victim that his tribe, whom the driver came from in Central Guadalcanal were truly sorry for causing the death of young man who has more to contribute to his family, tribe and Province.

Alfred Maeke and his family accepted the traditional shell money as a sign of acceptance of the apology of the family of perpetrator

Agovaka said the reconciliation ceremony which involved the traditional Guadalcanal Chupu ceremony is the only way forward to maintain peace amongst the families and relatives of the two tribal parties.

“Peace is the only way forward that allows all of us to move freely within our communities and enjoy our existence as people and that why is why it is important to reconcile our ill feelings and to live peacefully together,” Agovaka said.

The Father of the deceased person, Alfred Maeke and his family accepted the Chupu ceremony and expressed appreciation for the gesture of remorse expressed by Hon. Agovaka and his people.

Hon Agovaka and tribal Chief at the Chupu ceremony

“We were sad indeed by the loss of our son but through God’s grace and love for us all, he has shown us the power of forgiveness to make us leave in peace and love as brothers and sisters from Guadalcanal,” Maeke said.

Also speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the National Government was Willie Maniesu, the Chief Peace and Reconciliation officer from the Guadalcanal Peace office who said he was heartened by the gesture of saying sorry and acceptance by leaders of the two parties.

He said the Chupu ceremony represents making peace through custom and at the same time in modern society the ceremony represents restorative justice.

Hon Agovaka says sorry on behalf of his family with a traditional shell money to the Alfred Maeke the father of the deceased

Mr Maniesu said the National Government has mandated the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs to ensure Peace is developed and sustained in Solomon Islands.

“I on behalf of the Ministry and the Government acknowledged the acceptance and understanding between the two parties and we are very happy to see that culture, custom and the law has been respected,” Maniesu said.

He said culture and custom has played a very important role in our country in settling disputes in the absence of legislation that provides of compensation for deaths caused by accidents or murder incidents.

Maniesu said the Ministry will strive to ensure a legislation is in place to address peace building efforts in the country.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

From Driver to owning Apartments.

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TR Apartments.

Timothy Raurau from Takwa in North Malaita dream of owning an Apartment comes to reality yesterday.

Called T.R Apartments the magnificent building was officially open by the Minister of Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo witnessed by guests from the Australian High Commission, Bank South Pacific, Solomon Airlines and Ministry of Tourism.

It was an inspiration achievement for someone like Mr Raurau who started a job as a driver to owning a high standard apartment.

From left, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Culture Andrew Nihopara, TR Apartment Director Timothy Raurau and Minister Bartholomew Parapolo cutting the ribbon

Born in 1969 his involvement in business started when his late father Michael Raurau Snr retired and started a transport business.

However, at that time he did not realise what the future would lies ahead of him until he landed a job as a driver for passenger and cargo truck along the North Malaita road.

Being a driver doesn’t stop him to venture into other businesses such as operating transport business, road construction, cutting trees and Timber milling.

Minister Parapolo and Timothy Raurau enjoying the entertaiments

Raurau involvement in tourism started when he was approached to transfer divers touring the Solomon Islands from Honiara International Airport using mini bus. That landed him a contract with Bilikiki drive boat to transfer dive tourists from one boat to another.

It was through this relationship that he did some tour training with Visitor’s Bureau both in diving tours and eco-tourism.

But his biggest break into business occurred when he won the bids to do the Ranadi Sea front reconstruction, April Hill road and Naha road. Adding to that he met another business friend Dr Deo who he shared his vision to build the TR Apartments.

Tourism officers inside the TR Apartments

Dr Deo assisted Mr Raurau to access funding from the Bank South Pacific to eventually construct the apartment.

Looking back on his journey he appreciates and thank those who supported him through to this point of time.

He acknowledges his family, government through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, business friends, Dr Deo, contractor, Bank South Pacific, Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

He appeals for continues support with this business from all friends and business partners to see tourism grow in the country.

New Auditor General Sworn-in.

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The Governor General Sir David Vunagi congratulates David Dennis

The country’s new Auditor General David Dennis was sworn-in by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi at Government House on Tuesday 14 September.

Mr David Dennis is highly qualified for the role of Auditor General, with many years of leadership experience in the local and regional financial sectors.

He has a long track record of leadership roles executing strategic plans that improve and sustain performance and embed governance in organisations.

New Auditor General, David Dennis.

He has strong established relationships with the government, regulators, corporates, donors, and businesses in Solomon Islands.

The position of Auditor General is a Constitutional post whose office is established under Section 108 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands.

The Constitution requires the Auditor General to examine the Public Accounts of Solomon Islands including the accounts of the National and Provincial Government, including Ministries, Courts and other public authorities including the Honiara City Council.

Auditor General David Dennis flanked by Rachel McKenzie – Deputy Auditor General and Johnson Lobo – Audit Manager for GFAB

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is an independent institution responsible for upholding public sector accountability, transparency, and integrity on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands through professional, independent audit services and reports.

While formally appointed by the Governor General, the recruitment of an Auditor General is the responsibility of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Mr Dennis was endorsed by the PSC as the most suitable candidate earlier this year.

—GCU

Sexual offence case against 6-year-old child dropped

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Magistrate court has acquitted charges against a 15-year-old boy accused of committing a sexual offence against a six-year-old child.

Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga dismissed the case after the prosecution failed to prove the charges.

The defendant, a juvenile of 15 years is charged with one count of attempted rape contrary to section 136F (3) (b) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016 and one count of sexual intercourse contrary to section 139 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016.

The victim is a 6-year-old girl and since the defendant is a juvenile, her name was suppressed.

Magistrate Aulanga said on May 3rd 2021, the accused was arraigned on the two charges.

 He pleaded guilty to the attempt rape and pleaded not guilty or denied the charge of sexual intercourse.

Aulanga in his judgment said in every criminal trial, the prosecution has the onus of proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.

“There is no onus on the defendant to prove his innocence or anything at all. If the defendant decides to remain silent, as he did in this case, he can exercise that right and allow the prosecution to prove the case.

“I have perused the Medical Reportsof the victim and noted that she was examined on 28th October 2020, 19 days after the alleged incident. Dr Donna Marie Wate found that the hymen was opened which is indicative of penetration. Despite the finding, the Reports did not state whether that alleged penetration was believed to have occurred on the 9th of October 2020.

“There was no medical findings on the timing/date of the incident. The Reports are only helpful in so far as to confirm that there was vaginal penetration on the victim but they fell short to conclusively establish when the penetration was believed to have occurred.  This evidence is important because it will show that it was the defendant who had sexual intercourse with the victim that day. I find the failure of the prosecution to adduce evidence from that Doctor to establish this important nexus unfortunate”, Aulanga said.

Aulanga said in a sexual offence case like the present one, it is incumbent on the prosecution to adduce evidence from the Doctor to provide detailed explanations on that crucial evidentiary point. The prosecution should not accept the Medical Reports on face value. The Medical Reports often times are unhelpful because they lacked detailed explanations compared to the oral evidence of the Doctor in person if called in Court.

He also said the important evidence to determine whether the defendant had sexual intercourse with the victim is that of the victim.

“I have carefully considered her evidence, unfortunately, she was not consistent with her evidence. Also, I noted the failure of the prosecution to elicit evidence from the victim in a number of crucial aspects.

“I accept and is conscious of the fact that this is a difficult case involving a young 6-year-old child who is a victim of a serious sexual offence. I accept she is very young and not matured, and her level of understanding is very limited. Of course, she can be easily swayed or attracted to give contrary answers to the questions if she fails to concentrate or understand due to her immaturity. However, proof of the case beyond reasonable doubt depends on the credibility and coherence of the evidence produced. That is the cardinal rule in every criminal trial”, Aulanga said.

Therefore, considering all the evidence before the court Aulanga finds the accused not guilty on the sexual intercourse charge, the prosecution has failed to discharge that burden and for this reason, the defendant is to be given the benefit of the doubt.

“I therefore returned a verdict of Not Guilty to the defendant for the charge of sexual intercourse with a child under 15 years of age, contrary to section 139 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016”, Aulanga said.

Meanwhile in regards to the charge of attempted rape sentencing, submissions will be set for a later date.

Monica Rehomora of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown while Sholto Rodney Manebosa of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused.

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