Work on the Auki Township Road Upgrade at Kwaibala area in Auki.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
AUKI is bracing for better roads following a start to road repairs this week.
JED Enterprise Construction Company started upgrade work on the road in Auki on Monday.
Locally owned company, JED, was awarded with road rehabilitation in the province.
Deputy Provincial Secretary who is acting PS for Malaita province, Mr David Filia Tuita confirmed to Sun Auki on JED’s commencement upgrade work.
Tuita said the upgrade of Auki’s road is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID’s) road rehabilitation for the province where similar works are being carried out on south, east and north roads in the province.
He said awarding the Auki Township Road Upgrade contract to JED Enterprise was made by MID.
Tuita added that reason for Auki Township Road Upgrade was to address the current condition of roads in Auki in preparation for the upcoming Malaita 2nd Appointed Day – August 15.
On that note, he applauded JED Enterprise for showing courtesy to provincial government by obtaining a provincial business licence before commencing their work.
Tuita said other companies working on roads in parts of the province did not bother to get a licence from the Malaita provincial government.
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to attend Guadalcanal and Makira-Ulawa provinces’ second appointed days in the coming days.
The Prime Minister will fly to Marau in east Guadalcanal on Monday, August 2, to grace the province’s 37th Second Appointed Day and later fly to Makira’s provincial capital of Kirakira for their big day which falls on August 5.
Government officials will travel to Marau on Sunday, August 1, for the province’s Anniversary.
Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day theme for this year is “Inclusive and Sustainability: Harnessing Opportunities through Township, Culture and Tourism Development”.
The programme will run for four days starting from tomorrow July 30 to August 2, and will also coincide with the launch of the Marau Township Plan.
Guadalcanal Provincial Government says this year’s theme reflects the events which will take place during the four days’ event.
Official opening will be tomorrow. The programme includes a three-day Mini-Weaving and Cultural Festival program with activities such as fishing, paddling, swimming, music, netball, cooking competitions and showcase of weaving.
Chairman of 2nd Appointed Day Organising Committee Andrew Tahisihaka has called for full participation of the people of Guadalcanal province and support during the event.
“It is important that we take ownership of the program and support our government to reach our people through this initiative.
“The theme for the celebration is ‘Inclusiveness and Sustainability: Harnessing Opportunities through Township, Culture, and Tourism Development’.
“Let us embrace the spirit of participation and support,” said Tahisihaka, who is also a provincial member of Birao ward in Marau.
Makira’s Second Appointed Day theme for this year is, “Yumi Tugeda for Makira Ulawa Province”. Celebrations for this will be held in Kirakira and as well as in Honiara.
For Kirakira, the programme will be held on August 5, and Honiara on August 7.
The Kirakira programme will also include the official opening of the new ramp at Kirakira. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to officiate the completion of this new project.
THE court has reiterated that addressing sexual offences in the country requires collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, in his recent sentence on a sexual offence case, said while the courts have a duty to ensure there is sufficient general and specific deterrence in the community by the type of sentences that are imposed, it requires the concerted and collaborative effort of all stakeholders in the community to address this deluge in sexual offending against young girls.
“It is shameful that this type of offending is becoming commonplace,” Palmer said.
He said some sexual offences attract maximum sentence of life imprisonment which reflects the level of seriousness and concern with which such type of offence is considered and viewed in the community and the need to protect young girls from other men and themselves.
“The protection of young children is the focus of this type of legislation and the law provides in the case of young children that consent is not a defence. Sexual intercourse with a child below the age of 15 years does not require lack of consent as an ingredient of the offence
“This is an established principle in the law, that a child below the age of 15 years cannot consent and so the fact of sexual intercourse and the child’s age is sufficient to found a conviction; that is not disputed in this case,” he said.
He said the courts in the country have repeatedly stated that those who commit this type of offence should expect to be sent to prison. Each case however is to be treated separately on its merits and an appropriate sentence imposed.
A man has been handed a four-year jail sentence after court found him guilty of repeated sexual abuse of an underage girl.
The incidents took place on various dates in 2018.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer made the sentence during the recent court circuit in Gizo last week.
The man who cannot be named for legal reasons was charged with the offence of persistent sexual abuse of a child under 15 years contrary to section 142(2) of the Penal Code as read with section 139 of the Penal Code as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016 (“the Amendment Act 2016”).
Palmer said the offence is a new offence enacted under the Amendment Act 2016 and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
“The maximum sentence of life imprisonment reflects the level of seriousness and concern with which this type of offence is considered and viewed in the community and the need to protect young girls from other men and themselves.
“Sentences imposed in this type of offending must reflect the level of culpability and accountability based on the circumstances of offending and the offender.”
He said in this case there were three instances of sexual abuse in the offending put together under this one offence and as such the offence targets the repeated nature of offending and while there may have been consent, it is still an abuse.
Palmer also highlighted one of the aggravating features is the age disparity of prisoner; at the time of the offending the prisoner was 21 years old while the victim was 14.
As an older person, there is an expectation of being responsible and accountable in protecting young girls from this type of offence. He has failed to exercise restraint and responsibility in the circumstances of this case. As well he was already in a de facto relationship with another woman and so should have known better to not seduce the victim, Palmer said.
He also said in the facts provided before the court, there were three instances of sexual contact like sexually harassing the victim and on two occasions sexual intercourse involved.
Therefore, Palmer, after considering the submissions made by the prosecution and defence and taking into account the prisoner’s early guilty plea, a first-time offender, his remorseful and with prospects of rehabilitation fairly good, reduced three years and another year for delay, thus leaving a total sentence of four years to be served.
Palmer also made an order that the period spent in pre-trial custody is to be deducted from the sentence.
Andrew Meioko of the office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown while Lazarus Waroka of the Public Solicitor’s office represented the accused.
The case against owner of One Link Pacifica money scheme is set for mention today in court.
The case was mentioned last week for possible plea but was adjourned.
Charles Dora is facing charges under the financial institution act of 1998.
It is alleged that on July 4, 2019, he registered the money scheme One Link Pacifica (OLP) at the company Haus under the name of Mr Charles Dora as Director and Mr Dora is the proprietor and sole trader of the OLP, he is also a manager for online mentors.
OLP scheme was described as sharing resource; however, it is a Ponzi scheme, the essence of the scheme is that investors give money towards the company, on promise there will be a higher return after 30 days of investment, the creator of the scheme then used recruiting agents (mentors) for people to come along and invest their money through them.
Prosecution alleged that Dora collected deposits from mentors by way of online deposits.
Prosecution also alleged that between the period of December 2019 to March 2020, investors did not receive their money as promised. Within the period, CBSI warned public members about the operation of the scheme, that one-link Director Mr Charles Dora did not apply for a licence under the FIA to engage in the business of banking in Solomon Islands.
On March 4, 2020, CBSI wrote to Dora as Director of One-Link to make available to CBSI records, books or accounts relating to the business for examination within seven working days pursuant to section 3(3) of the FIA. However, Dora did not provide detail documents or failed to comply such their bank account details, receipt books and accounts books.
Later on, March 27, 2020, CBSI informed Police that One Link Pacifica seemed to be operating as a banking business, and does not comply with the Financial Institution Act, it was at that time investigations were made and the accused was arrested for that offence.
Prosecution alleged that Dora knowing his co-accused was arrested on April 4, 2020, went and hid at Russel Islands, Central Islands Province up until his arrest on June 1, 2021.
Extension officer marking seedlings before transplanting.
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Research Department, has established the country’s first ever Noni observation plot at Mile six in Gizo, Western Province.
The noni observation plot will support MAL research officers to generate vital information for the development of the crop through research with regard to data collection and other research related activities.
Noni nursery at Mile six, Gizo Western Province.
MAL Research Officer, Raymond Vava said a total of 150 noni seedlings were transplanted into the field (observation plot) with five plants per phenotypes.
“It took us two days to do transplanting,” Vava said.
In August last year, MAL Research Officers conducted a one-week preliminary survey to assess Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) in certain parts of Western province particularly in areas around Munda in West New Georgia, Saerangi in Gizo and Vonunu in Vella La Vella.
SINU agriculture practical students assist in the transplanting exercise.
“The objective of the survey was to identify the number of varieties present in those locations and study their morphological characteristics as well as their geographical distribution.
“The field survey was important in order to identify potential varieties that can be cultivated for commercial production.
“From the three main locations surveyed, a total of 30 noni plants phenotypes were assessed and evaluated for their morphological characteristics and will be subjected to further field observation to collect data on yield performance.
“The establishment of the noni observation plot at Mile 6 station in Western Province has been carried out successfully with the transplanting of 30 noni phenotypes that were collected from sites surveyed last year.
A practical student from SINU planted a noni seedling.
“This noni observation plot was the first to be established by MAL Research in an effort to generate vital information for the development of this crop through research.
“Data collection and other research related activities pertaining to this work will be carried out progressively in the future,” Vava explained.
A practical student from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) during the transplanting exercise.
He thanked MAL Chief Field Extension officer for Western Province Rove Sipuru, agriculture extension officers and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) agriculture practical students who have helped in the raising of the noni seedlings and assisted in field transplanting exercise.
Developing the Noni industry and others like kava and cassava is one of the key policy priority of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) therefore the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) remains committed to it.
Prime Minister Sogavare hand over the keys to Chairman of SINU Dr Culwick Togamana and Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Maebuta
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
Solomon Islands national university (SINU) has opened its $120million complex.
The new complex belongs to SINU’s Faculty of Education and Humanities, and was fully funded by the national government.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said, “we all value this occasion and cherish the new FEH complex because each one of us contribute to the achievements of this complex.
Dr Maebuta and Prime Minister Sogavare during a visit inside the new complex
“The Solomon Island National University is now in a position to use and enjoy. What we witnessed today (yesterday) is the outcome of the vision and hard work contributed by initiators and implementers of this project.”
Sogavare acknowledged the continuing support of development partners and development stakeholders for their contribution to the SIG and SINU initiatives to advance the social and economic development that would improve livelihood of all Solomon Islanders.
MP for East Are Are right during a tour inside the new complex
Dr Jack Maebuta, acting vice chancellor of SINU, said the newly opened complex is a gift from the Government to the people of Solomon Islands.
“Prime Minister Sir, we all are proud Solomon Islanders to be gifted this complex by our very own Government. As a Solomon Islander, and the Acting Vice Chancellor I’m very proud of our National Government for such a magnificent multimillion dollars investment.
Part of the guests witnessing the official handover of the SINU complex
“This is a testament to the fact that we as Solomon Islands Government, we as Solomon Islands leaders, we as Solomon National University and we as Solomon Islanders, we all can do it. We all together can build our National University to that of international standing. Yes we all can if we are all together in it,” Maebuta said.
“Prime Minister Sir, through you I want to also render my sincere gratitude and appreciation to your other colleague Members of Parliament for your strong for the university,” Maebuta said.
School of Nursing students during a visit inside the new SINU complex
He adds, CCECC in course of this project issued stop work notices to SINU when SINU did not pay them due to cash flow problems.
“However, in our tok stori with Mr Huang we were able to come to common understanding and keep the work going,” Maebuta said.
He said when the pandemic hit last year SINU was unable to practise the social distancing here in Panatina campus due to big student numbers and limited classroom spaces.
SINU student and staff providing entertainment
Maebuta said Huang, the Project Manager for CCECC, in good faith gave SINU the permission to use the classrooms when the building was not yet fully complete.
He also thanked the Kramer Ausenco for the architectural design and the management of the project. The contractor CCECC for their tireless effort in constructing the complex.
Church Leaders pose for photo with Ambassador Li Ming
Talks of cooperation, understanding and freedom of religion
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
Church leaders of Solomon Islands have come to the table with China to talk of cooperation, understanding and freedom of religion.
About 14 local church leaders met with the Chinese Ambassador at the Embassy yesterday.
These include representatives of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association.
They were invited by the Embassy to an Open House Day.
Addressing the Christian leaders, Chinese Ambassador Li Ming said his Embassy is honoured to host and to educate them about China, on relations between China and Solomon Islands and promote further understanding between the two countries.
He said China is one of the oldest civilisations in the world – over five thousand years old.
PRC Ambassador to Solomon Islands Li Ming delivers his speech
He said religion has always been an indispensable part of Chinese history, civilisation and people.
He said the Chinese government attaches great importance to safeguarding freedom of religious beliefs of the Chinese people, and advocates law, independence and socialism.
He said the total number of religious believers in China is around 200 million including 45 million Catholics and Protestants.
They have made important contributions to economic growth, social harmony, cultural prosperity, ethnic solidarity and national unification, he added.
He said the Embassy supports dialogue and cooperation between religious groups of the two countries.
“We had planned for a visit by church leaders to China in 2019, but disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Vice Chair of SICA Rev Bishop Eric Maefonea praised the Chinese Embassy for providing the opportunity for church leaders understand more about China.
Rev Bishop Eric Maefonea delivers his speech
He said the Chinese Embassy is the first development partner to have invited church leaders to engage in discussions on how churches can work together with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to drive Solomon Islands forward.
He said before the switch from Taiwan in 2019, Chinese people had been here for many years, contributing significantly to the economy of Solomon Islands.
“So, after two years into formal diplomatic relationship, Solomon Islands has been familiar with China through individuals who have been here to trade over the many years.
“On behalf of the church leaders here it is our first ever for any diplomatic establishment in the country that could ever invited head of churches in Solomon Islands.
“I wish all of development partners we have in the past did the same so as church leaders could share our hearts and engage to develop our nation,” he said.
He said the establishment of diplomatic relations between PRC and Solomon Islands have gone through stormy seas, but through that, both countries sail together with better understanding.
“We got to know each other more and your invitation to us helps us to begin to know little bit about China,” he said.
He said certain people convey there is no freedom of religion in China but with just two years diplomatic relationship in the country, PRC brings different aspect of development from medical, infrastructures, religion and investment in the country.
OPPOSITION leader Matthew Wale has confirmed he received a copy of a petition addressed to the Prime Minister, by Honiara-based Malaitans, containing 8,210 signatures.
The petition makes eight requests.
Wale stressed in a statement that it is important our people are allowed to freely and openly express their views, adding that the government must not stifle this free expression of views.
Further, Wale calls on the RSIPF and the Honiara City Council to facilitate the petitioners’ application for a permit to stage a peaceful protest.
“It is important that our people’s right to peaceful protest is not unjustifiably and unreasonably suppressed,” Wale said.
“RSIPF must not intimidate our people, and talk of arrests are intimidating,” he added.
The Opposition leader said he is however, distressed by recent media reports of an armed group with political grievances, and further stressed that if government, RSIPF and the City Council continue to suppress the people’s right to peaceful protest, it can force them to consider options that are neither legal nor peaceful.
“In our recent history, we have seen that when our people perceive that all legal and democratic processes are used against them, they have opted to taking matters in their own hands.
“We do not want to see a repeat of those.”
Furthermore, Wale calls on the organisers of the petition, in the event that they are issued a permit to stage a protest march, to ensure that such a march is peaceful, orderly and respectful.
THE Solomon Islands in Solidarity for West Papua group has reminded the Prime Minister of his obligations as the leader of one of the Melanesian nations, to ensure he supports any bid for the full membership of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
This call comes ahead of the MSG Summit and the Pacific Island Forum which are expected to be held later this year.
The group says it sees it important that the plight of the Melanesian people of West Papua is not watered down because of economic and political pressure from Indonesia.
“The PM is ought to be reminded that while we continue to enjoy these benefits from Indonesia, the human rights of the people whom Jakarta is obligated to respect, protect and fulfil to this day are yet to be adequately met,” the group said in a statement.
“Solomon Islands has a moral responsibility to stand together with fellow Melanesian brothers and sisters in upholding Melanesian integrity and to remind Indonesia of its obligations to the Spearhead Group and its commitments to the six major international human rights treaties it has ratified,” it added.
“Although the group recognizes the numerous challenges our region is facing, notably the pandemic, the group is appealing to the leaders of the region and its inhabitants to not lose focus of the mission to support the plight of the of the people of West Papua.”
The group further stressed that both the Melanesian Spearhead Group and Pacific Islands Forum, have adopted very important humanitarian agenda, so must the nation of Solomon Islands.
Melanesian leaders are also ought to be reminded on the fundaments in which the Melanesian Spearhead Group was established, and the Prime Minister must remind his counterparts when MSG meets.
The group also expressed strong support behind the PIF decision in 2019, for Indonesia to welcome the invitation of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and their strong encouragement towards finalizing the timing of the visit and for an evidence-based, informed report on the situation in West Papua.
The group also stated that as an associate member of MSG, Indonesia must respect the call by the body and uphold all its principles, which of course entreats for all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of all residents and to work to address the root causes of the conflict by peaceful means.
“We are confident that the PM will act on this call because it was through his leadership during the 2015 MSG summit in Honiara, when he was also PM that the West Papuan representative body, was awarded its observer status in MSG,” said the Solomon Islands in Solidarity group for West Papua.
