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Oibola community conduct disaster risk simulation exercise

Written by
Samie Waikori
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An injured community member is assisted on a stretcher during the simulation exercise.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

OIBOLA community in the Langa Langa lagoon on Thursday conducted a trial disaster risk simulation exercise as part of the community’s preparation for disaster.

The exercise was supported by Oxfam through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) Disaster Ready project for Australian NGOs in the country and implemented by various Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO) offices.

A mother and kid who also take part in the simulation exercise.

Assistance Provincial Disaster Officer (PDO) through Oxfam/NDMO AHP Disaster Ready Project in Auki, Mr Tony Wale said the simulation came after months of Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training and awareness.

He said the purpose of the CBDRM program is to prepare community respond when disaster strike.

Wale said during the program, the community had carried out hazard assessment to understand type of hazards; natural, man-made and other existing hazards within community.

Community members in the evacuation centre.

He said the program is also to build the capacity of their community disaster committee and to help them provide awareness within their community to understand what to do when disaster strikes.

Wale said Oxfam through Malaita PDMO also implemented similar program in other four communities in the province include; Mbira, Baunani, Anololo, and Daedaesaru.

Branch Officer PDMO Malaita, Mr Pearson Simi expressed glee for the successful simulation exercise carried out by the community of Oibola.

“Actually, this is what NDMO wants to drive every community to practice and understand process to response to cyclone or any other hazards/disasters.

Members of Oibola village disaster committee alerting people on updating peeople on the status of hazard or disaster during the mock exercise.

“Our cyclone season begins next month and the program will prepare community to response and ready in case disaster might strike the community,” he said.

Simi said the provincial government of Malaita and NDMO continue to work together in order to build the capacity of communities through partners of NDMO as Oxfam is one of them.

He acknowledged Oxfam for leading the program for Oibola community as one of other communities they had worked with in the province.

Western Provincial Assembly Meeting 2pm today

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Set-up of Speaker's Chamber at Imagination Island Conference Room.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government will sit for their quarterly Assembly Meeting today at 2pm.

Provincial Members so as head of divisions have arrived at Imagination Island for the very important session.

Speaking to the Media yesterday, Speaker of Western Province, Adrian S Gina said the Assembly meeting is a normal process where provincial assembly meets to debate and appropriate the supplementary budget for the second and first quarter of 2022.

Seats for the Assembly Meeting

He said members will debate on expected budgets that would cater for service delivery as well as incomplete development plans.

Sina adds that the Assembly Meeting has been challenged with political upheaval following a failed Motion of No Confidence which was launched against the present government of Western Province.

However he said, the Assembly will continue with a hope that leaders will address the issue between themselves.

“The important thing here is, how we can provide the needed services for our people. Dragging the political issue will boycott no only the government of Western Province but also delay the budget allocation that would see services and development continue,” Sina said.

COMING FOR CUCUMBER

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police call for stop as illegal border crossing increases

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Illegal border crossing at the western border is continuing unabated, especially near the Shortlands.

Reports say Bougainvilleans are entering in search of sea cucumbers.

And, Police has had to resort to appealing to our neighbouring Bougainville islanders to respect Solomon Islands’ state of emergency and its associated border and travel restrictions.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau utilised yesterday’s press conference to further this call.

He says in this week alone, several illegal crossings were recorded by police manning the border. In all incidents, Bougainvilleans crossed from their side into Solomon territory.

He adds that his officers confronted the illegal border crossers and told them they were breaching the country’s border and travel restrictions.

In one incident, Mangau said, a Bougainville man picked up a spear gun and aimed it at the police officers when they approached the Bougainvillean’s boat.

Mangau said after some negotiations they finally left and went back to their side of the border.

Mangau said from reports police received, the Bougainvilleans entered the border to dive beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) and also to buy beche-de-mer from people in Choiseul and Western provinces.

He said PNG nationals especially Bougainvilleans must respect our country as Solomon Islands is a sovereign nation.

 “I make this call because in one occasion on Tuesday (14 September 2021) early morning a group of about 20 people entered our Territorial water and do fishing and dive beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) at Nunungari Island, an Island in our Territorial water.”

Meanwhile when asked whether the current number of officers deployed at the border is enough, Mangau confidently said yes.

“The number of officers deployed to the Border is enough to protect the border at the Western part of the Solomons SI/PNG border.”

He adds, so far there are no reports of illegal crossing at the Malaita Outer Island Border, but police are still monitoring that part of the border as well.

Landowners reject conservation plan for Onogou/Ramos Island.

Written by
Admin
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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

Written by
Press Release
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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

Written by
Press Release
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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

Written by
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

Written by
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

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0
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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Press Release
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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

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