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Investigations on Vokia still ongoing

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Jamie Vokia. Photo supplied.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Criminal investigations against the former MP of North East Guadalcanal Jamie Vokia is still ongoing.

This is on the bribery allegation that occurred prior to the 2019 National General Election.

Responding to queries by this paper on the progress of the case, Police Media Unit said that the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) are investigating the matter.

“It will take time to thoroughly look into such case to bring before the courts,” Police said.

Vokia was ousted on three bribery allegations under the electoral act during the 2019 national general elections.

Vokia unseated his runner up, former MP Dr Derek Sikua 1,835 to 1629 votes, during last year’s election in one of the biggest election result upsets.

However, Sikua filed an election petition which court upheld in February last year, finding Vokia guilty on three grounds of bribery.

Justice Emmanuel Kouhota ruled that Vokia’s election as MP for Northeast Guadalcanal is null and void.

Vokia was tried on four grounds but Justice Kouhota dismissed one ground of bribery.

Low jab coverage for 55-yrs plus

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

There is low vaccination coverage for the 55-years-old and above category, it is reported.

This group also happens to the be regarded as the most-at-risk to covid-19.

Simon Burggraaf, World Health Organisation Honiara Office immunisation specialist, said this group have low coverage in terms of the vaccination unlike the younger age group.

“We have recorded low coverage of the 55 plus age group in terms of our vaccination roll out programmes. I call on everyone who have elderly uncles and aunties, parents and grandparents to come forward and get vaccinated.

“This is a most the at risk age group unlike the younger age group. The old population group are the one that turn to experience the more damaging side effects and mortality,” Burggraaf said.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana early this week said despite the continued push to increase the country’s vaccination coverage since the March 2021 launch, it is extremely disappointing and worrying to note that to date only 47,921 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, 1st and 2nd dose had been administered. Only 12,183 people had been fully vaccinated, with 1st and 2nd doses.

Togamana said this represents only 2.9 percent of the national target population of 414,327 people. Only 23, 555 people having received their first dose at this point.

He said in Honiara and Guadalcanal province combined, 10,000 plus people have completed their 2nd dose which translates to only 6.9 percent of the target population.

For the Choiseul and Western Provinces, about 3.3 percent and 1.2 percent of target population respectively had received full vaccination. The 2nd dose roll out for Malaita Outer Islands was also conducted last week Togamana stated.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders, the government is extremely concerned about the terribly slow uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in the country to a level that would protect our population from COVID-19 in the event the virus breaches our borders and reach our communities,” he said.

Police development programme awaits cabinet approval

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Commissioner Mangau and an officer of the SIPDP recently

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale confirms that the next phase of the Solomon Islands Police Development Programme with the RSIPF is pending approval from cabinet.

In an interview with Island Sun, Ms Galokale said the Australian funded SIPDP and New Zealand Solomon Island Police Support Programme ended in June this year.

However, with regards to SIPDP they have reviewed and a newly designed programme completed and ready to be presented to cabinet for approval.

The New Zealand programme are asking for an extension of 12 months for review and also waiting on the New Zealand government for approval on a new programme.

She said though the next phase of the programmes is still pending, they are still rolling, the Australian and New Zealand advisors are still with the RSIPF doing their advisory role.

Galokale said her Ministry has already done consultation with stakeholders regarding the next phase of the SIPDP but they are waiting on the cabinet for approval.

She also said the Australian government already assured them of continuous support and now they are waiting on the Solomon Islands Government on their view and approval.

Galokale also explained that during the drawdown of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island in 2017, there was an agreement signed between Solomon Islands with the two countries Australia and New Zealand for their continuous support to RSIPF in terms of capacity building and improving the capability of the RSIPF on a four-years program, that program ended on June 30 this year.

Police warn against ‘Te Ka Pas’

Written by
Press Release
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POLICE have served letters to six people at the 01 Bus Stop area in White River, west Honiara, for illegal gambling known as ‘Te Ka Pas’.

Officers at City Response Unit (CRU) assisted White River Police and Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Unit to serve the letters.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City Superintendent John Matamaru said complaints have reached the Commissioner’s office that “Te Ka Pas” gambling game is common and rapidly growing 24 hours and seven days a week at the White River 01 bus stop and surrounding areas.”

PPC Matamaru said this activity attracts a huge number of people including drunkards who caused all sorts of public nuisance and disturbances to nearby residences.

“These gatherings are illegal and also not in accordance with the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) COVID-19,” adds Superintendent Matamaru.

A strong warning has been issued to stop as of 3 August 2021. The people concerned have agreed and are willing to comply.

Whilst the team is still on the ground, some information came in that similar activity have also occurred at Banana Valley area.

The team attended that area and found people actually playing. They were also advised to stop immediately.

“White River police are closely monitoring the areas of concern; arrest will be done if anyone fails to comply,” PPC Matamaru emphasizes.

—–RSIPF

Court lauds presence of police in Pelau

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Pelau police post on the atoll island of Pelau in the Malaita Outer Islands.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Magistrate Court has lauded the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for their presence despite their condition to provide policing work for the communities of Pelau and Luaniua in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

First Class Magistrate who is manning the provincial magistrate, Ishmael Kekou made the statement after his team returned from MOI on a court circuit last week.

He said the presence of the RSIPF at the Pelau police post is supportive to governing stakeholders within communities in Lord Howe and a boost to law and order for the people.

Kekou said it is understood the existence of RSIPF especially during this time to monitor the SI/PNG border at Lord Howe during this pandemic.

He said the focus of their task is rarely to deal with policing work within the atolls, rather to concentrate on monitoring and protecting the border.

However, Kekou said the officers have gone beyond it and continue to provide and support the communities of Pelau and Luaniua with police work which is really needed within the atoll.

He said as a result of their work it has made it possible for the recent court circuit trip to MOI and the provincial magistrate as its jurisdiction reached MOI, and are thankful for the RSIPF.

“If there’s no presence of police in Pelau, we won’t have the eight cases presided over in Luaniua and Pelau and we won’t even know whether the people need the service or not,” Kekou said.

He said the region of MOI under Malaita province continues to need policing work and the existence of the Pelau police post especially in Lord Howe is a boost to them.

Kekou has assured working together with Pelau police towards the final court circuit for MOI that will be on an arranged date prior to December 2021.

Magistrate hears MOI cases during recent court circuit

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Magistrate Court and the Provincial Prosecution office has heard a total of eight criminal cases on Luaniua and Pelau during a court circuit route to the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) last week.

First Class Magistrate, currently looking after the Auki Provincial Magistrate, Ishmael Kekou confirmed this to Island Sun upon returning from the circuit to Auki over the weekend.

He said a team from the Auki Provincial Magistrate, consisting of magistrate and his clerk, public solicitor and police prosecution were part of a team from the ministry of health (MHMS) deployed to MOI for the covid-19 vaccination roll-out program.

Kekou said the government funded the trip and they are happy to be given the opportunity to bring the court circuit service to the people of MOI as they only receive it seldomly.

He said the team heard five cases on Luaniua and the other three cases on Pelau. He thanked the Pelau police for preparing the cases.

Kekou said for the five cases on Luaniua; two people pleaded guilty for common assault and intimidation and they were sentence to three months imprisonment.

Adding that another two people were taken over to Auki and remanded as court will deal with them for burglary and assault and the fifth case was a physical assault who is waiting for trial during the next circuit.

Kekou said for the three cases on Pelau; one person was charged for common assault who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight months imprisonment.

The other two are charged with indecent act and malicious damage of property and are waiting their trial during the next court circuit.

He said Sikaiana reported no case and no case hearing was conducted, thus, the team provided the community with an awareness program especially on the work/role of the magistrate, DPP and related information.

Kekou said they will have the final court circuit for MOI prior to December 2021, but confirmation on a date is yet to be done.

Guadalcanal improves revenue collection

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Guadalcanal-Premier-Francis-Sade-delivering-his-speech-

BY JARED KOLI

The Guadalcanal Province’s revenue collection strategies have improved this year.

This is according to Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade during his speech at the province’s 37th Second Appointed Day Anniversary on Monday.

Premier Sade told the huge crowd that attended the ceremony that this year, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government collected $4.7 million in local revenue.

“In the first quarter of the 2019/2020 financial year we collected $2.8 million. In the same period of the last financial year 2020/2021 we collected over $3.2 million.  In the same period this year, we collected 4.7 million in local revenue. 

“My government still believes that this does not reflect the actual revenue that the province should get from business licenses, property rates, basic rates, etc,” Premier Sade said.

He said the province now has 95% updated data on businesses, vehicles and properties within the province with more work in these areas progressing.

The premier said Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s reserve stands at $337,540.72 in the first quarter.

He said property rates and land fees are the province’s biggest revenue and were yet to be fully collected. 

“My government had just completed work on GP Land Rating Role 2020 – 2025 and is waiting for final approval. 

“Thank you, the Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary, and all ranks and files in the Ministry of Lands and Housing for supporting Guadalcanal province. This is a legal document needed for the Property Rate Revenue Collection by the Government.”

The premier said with the Governments new updated Land Rating Role, Guadalcanal Province’s total Projected Property Rates Revenue for this year is estimated at $92, 264,022.78.

The land Rental fees is projected at $3,111,501.16.

“This should give a total of $95,375,523.94 for Land Property Rates and Land Rental fees that Guadalcanal Province should collect this financial year, 2021/2022.

“In terms of land fees in Honiara, work is still progressing and will further increase the projection of land rental fees,” the premier said.

Gov’t to support fisheries sector on Guadalcanal: PM

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister attending the Guadalcanal second appointed day over the weekend.

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Government will continue to support the development of the fisheries sector in the Guadalcanal Province. 

Prime Minister Sogavare in his speech at the Guadalcanal Province 2nd Appointed day on Monday this week, particularly highlighted the development of the national tilapia hatchery in Aruligo, in West Guadalcanal.

The Prime Minister said the Government is committed to harnessing socio-economic opportunities for aquaculture farmers in Guadalcanal and in our other provinces. 

“The Ministry of Fisheries will continue to work with our development partners to develop our aquaculture sector so that our people will benefit from its fisheries and aquaculture resources.  This is a key redirection policy of the government in the fisheries sector,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare also took the opportunity to thank the people of Guadalcanal for availing their land and reefs for its fisheries projects.

“This beautiful place and its natural lagoon ecosystems is an important research laboratory for fisheries.  The use of adult sea cucumber for the Ministry of Fisheries national sea cucumber breeding program since 2010 is a testament of your great support and confidence,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the grow out work of juvenile or baby sea cucumber reared in the hatchery and brought back here for trials is a successful story and soon many of these juveniles will be brought back to restock the reefs. 

He said this will be carried out at the right time as determined by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Team.

“I also wish to thank many of our coastal villages who have worked with the Ministry of Fisheries in your strive to manage your fisheries resources for the use of our future generations,” he said.

Sogavare said the sustainable use of our resources is fundamental to our livelihood.

—PMO

Malaita sets aside $660K for celebrations

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Malaita Deputy Premier, Randal Sifoni.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial executive has agreed on allocating a budget of $660,000 for the Malaita 2nd Appointed Day celebration which will falls on 15th August 2021.

The Deputy Premier, Randol Sifoni confirmed that to Sun Auki on Tuesday.

He confirmed that this is the budget that the provincial executive has agreed on for the celebration, as this year’s celebration will be held at the ward level.

Sifoni clarified that the intention of the MARA government is to bring celebrations to the people at the ward level for people in rural communities to feel part of the event rather than hosting it in Auki every year.

He said this was also announced by premier Daniel Suidani in his speech during last year’s celebration in Auki.

Sifoni explained that prior to agreeing to the current budget of $660,000, the Provincial government had only budgeted $100,000 for this year’s provincial 2nd appointed day under its provincial budget.

He said the executive has looked in the budget (100k) and if it is to be shared among the 33 MPAs, they will only receive $3,000 per head which is not enough.     

 “Considering that, the executive found ways to improve the budget and during the recent executive meeting an agreement was made to improve the budget.

“The increase was improvement from $3000 per MPA from the previous budget to $20,000 for each 33 MPA under the recently passed budget,” Sifoni said.

He said the MPAs had already received their first installment of their $20,000 each to prepare them for the celebration.

Sifoni said MPAs will receive the second installment ahead of the celebration and will complete the issuing out of the allocated money.

He said the funds issued to MPAs was purposely for them to organize with communities in their wards.

The acting premier is Honiara after joining colleague leaders in attending the recent Guadalcanal 2nd Appointed Day celebration held at Marau Sound and has left for the Makira Ulawa province yesterday for the MUP 2nd Appointed Day Celebration.

He is expected back in the province by Friday this week ahead of the Malaita 2nd Appointed Day celebration on 15th August.

PNG envoy graces Guale celebrations

Written by
Press Release
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Celebrations during the Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day at Marau over the weekend.

PAPUA New Guinea High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Moses Kaul was part of the Prime Minister’s entourage to Guadalcanal Province’s Second Appointed Day this week.

Kaul accompanied Prime Minister Sogavare from Honiara to Marau Sound where he was accorded an official welcome as well by the organisers of the Guadalcanal Province second appointed day celebration.

Kaul’s presence in the entourage prompted Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to acknowledge, in his keynote address, Papua New Guinea’s financial contribution towards the Pacific Games 2023.

The Prime Minister said the Pacific Games 2023 is funded by People’s Republic of China (PRC), Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Acknowledging PNG’s funding assistance, Prime Minister Sogavare said PNG’s assistance towards the Pacific Games 2023 is a demonstration of the brotherhood relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

“Please convey our best wishes to Prime Minister James Marape on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands,” Prime Minister Sogavare told High Commissioner Kaul in his speech.

High Commissioner Kaul returned to Honiara after the official closure of the Second Appointed Day celebration.

Papua New Guinea has contributed (40 million Kina) towards the PG 2023.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address during the second appointed day celebration, Prime Minister Sogavare also announced that the Government wants to see few sports and youth leaders to be seconded to National Hosting Authority and Games Organizing Committee.

The Prime Minister said the presence of these young leaders in NHA and the Games Organizing Committee will equip them to know how to deliver multi- sporting events in their respective provinces in future.

The Prime Minister also urged Provincial government leaders to share ideas with NHA and the Games Organizing Committee to ensure the provision of top-quality sporting event.

–GCU

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