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Foreign ship not welcome back in Western Province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province has warned foreign cargo vessel MV Vimaru Pearl and its agent, saying the ship is not welcome in the province.

MV Vimaru Pearl was on the news headlines earlier this month when one of its crew tested positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, David Gina said MV Vimaru and its crews will not enter Western Province after completing quarantine in Honiara.

“I want to inform the Agent of MV Vimaru Pearl that the ship is not welcomed in Western Province and I call on the Prime Minister with the Oversight Committee not to return that ship to my province,” Gina said.

“Again, I don’t want to see that ship in Western Province,” he added.

Gina said there will be no local stevedores allowed to work onboard the ship if the government ignores the call and allow the ship back to Western Province.

He said notice will be sent to all stevedore operators not to work onboard the ship.

“I call upon stevedore operators to refrain from boarding the ship as it is still unsafe and would expose you and your families to the virus.

“We must keep our people safe from the virus and that measures must be taken to safe ourselves and those around us,” Gina said.   

He stressed that his decision is based on the interest of keeping people of Western Province from the deadly virus.

“This is serious and I don’t want my people to be exposed,” Gina said.

He also said that COVID-19 process and procedure needs to be reviewed as the original virus has replicate into different variants.

“We saw it on TV, heard it on the radio and also read it on newspaper that there is Delta virus found to be more lethal.

“Our country has established legal procedure and process in respond to COVID-19 based on the original virus, now there are different viruses and the situation now shift along with the news variants – meaning our country needs to make amendments on the existing process and procedures,” Gina said.

Plans to include governance in our education system

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JARED KOLI

The Political Parties Commission is planning to work closely with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development to include local governance structures and politics in the secondary education system.

Political Parties Commission Registrar Jasper Highwood Anisi said students need to understand the party and voting system in the country.

“Our social science subjects need to change, so we are looking at asking the Ministry of education to change some of these topics that our senior secondary schools are studying,” he said.

“Once we have this in our secondary education system, then we will see a lot of change in our politics,” he added.

He said the country has 43 years of history that needs to be taught to the next generation, and this is high time that it should move on to that level.

“We can teach them about politics and even history of political parties in our country.

“Our students need to understand the party system and voting system, so that they understand why they vote and how they should use their vote,” Anisi adds.

He said one of the things they should learn is why they should vote and why it is important they should vote for political parties.

Anisi was speaking to Island Sun in a recent interview at his office last week.

Review of PPIA soon

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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The office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

BY JARED KOLI

THE Political Party Commission will soon carry out a nationwide consultation on the review of the Political Party Integrity Act 2014.

Political Parties Commission Registrar Jasper Highwood Anisi said as part of the review process, due nationwide consultations will be undertaken, to ensure the voices of people are being captured as part of this process.

He said once the review is approved by the cabinet, they will conduct the consultation stage, hopefully early next year. 

“The Office of the Registrar has forwarded to a caucus paper to the Prime Minister’s Office, which sets out the review of the said Act.

“We want to prepare it before the next election so that the gaps which was experienced in 2014 and 2019 NGE to be addressed,” he said

Mr Anisi said the Commission want to reach out to every province but it also depend on funds for this exercise.

“But with the limited budget we have we will try to reach out to the provinces,” he said.

However, the Political Parties Registrar said they will also call out for submission from citizens to write to them their views if the consultation did not reach them.

“If people think they can contribute to the government, they can write to us and tell their views. It does not mean that the government can go down to you all the time, we are here and you can write to us and tell us your views,” Mr Anisi said.

He adds if they see good submission, they will acknowledge it and work on it.

“Especially when it comes to things like reviewing an Act, citizens need to be part of it. You need to claim it as this belongs to you and for your good. 

“You might not know the effects of it but politics affects daily life of citizens, it is like the air you breath, though you don’t want it but it will affect you because someone is making a decision on your behalf, and it will affect you. As such, citizens must participate on this,” he said.

Anisi said they have just forward caucus paper to the Special Secretary to Prime Minister because it has to first get approval from the caucus before it goes to the cabinet.

Prime Minister will present to the caucus.

“We want to prepare it before the next election so that the next election, loopholes that experienced in 2019 will be solved,” said Anisi.

Man who raped student gets three years in jail

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A 19-YEAR-OLD man from Ngella has been sentenced to three years and six months for raping a primary school student last year at a village in Central Islands Province.

High Court judge Justice Maelyn Bird after considering all the circumstances and facts of the case imposed a jail sentence of three and half years.

“Whatever the circumstances in your case must be punished for what you did to the victim, the offence for which you are charged with is very serious and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment,” Justice Bird told the defendant.

“The punishment that the court shall impose on you will show to you the gravity of the offence and the public disapproval of your action,” she added.

“It serves warning to others when you are punished for this crime because these laws are enacted for the protection of women and girls from abusive men like yourself.”

However, considering the circumstances and taking into account the accused’s early guilty plea and his youthfulness, Justice Bird directed that one year and six months of the total sentence be suspended for two years on good behaviour.

The incident occurred on 6 December 2020 at a village in Ngella.

Police said the accused met the victim after church on Sunday on that date and asked the victim, if she could meet him that night.

The victim then told the accused to came by their house.

In the evening the accused came by and called the victim to the kitchen during which she was raped.

Daniel Kwalai of the Public Solicitor’s office represents the accused while Dalcy Oligari of the office of the Director Public Prosecutions appeared for the crown.

Residents question fencing of access road

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Part of the fencing that blocked access road to residents and properties at Rove in Lower Tavio Ridge.

BY JARED KOLI

FENCING of a public access area at Rove, west Honiara, has prompted residents to call on the Town and Country Planning Board and the Commissioner of Lands to act and resolve the issue.

A long-time resident Morris Rapa’ai said the fencing was done last week and has blocked access road to their residences and properties.

“The Commissioner of Lands must work hard to correct this; this has becoming an issue and we are victims of this in Rove, Lower Tavio Ridge community,” Rapa’ai said. 

The residents also called on the Town and Country Planning Board and the Commissioner of Lands to urgently assess the fencing of this public access.

They had written to the Clerk of the Honiara City Council and copied to the Commissioner of Lands, the Honiara Town and Country Planning Board, Mayor of Honiara and the Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey to resolve the issue. 

“As dwellers and property owners in the area way back in the 1970s and 1980s, we are concern about the strip of land granted to Mr Bosokuru lately which included the public access to our area.

“As such we are lodging our formal complaint against the subdivision boundaries which does not take into proper consideration the normal planning regulation requirement for Honiara City,” the letter said.

It adds: “As such, we are lodging our formal complaint against the subdivision boundaries which does not take into proper consideration the normal planning regulation requirement for Honiara city.”

The residents request the authorities to re-assess the development and correct the subdivision boundaries to resolve the problem amicably.

“We would like to inform your authorities that our community has condemn this development in the strongest term and would continue to pursue all means to ensure we have proper standard access to our areas and homes,” it said.

The residents said the fencing will become a major hindrance to access their sites for development purposes.

“We hope you understand the situation and would act to resolve the issue accordingly,” the letter reads.

According to Lands and Title Act, public access as declared by the Minister responsible is not allowed for any property to be built on.

“If the authorities give this land to this person, then they did not take into account the regulation of town boundary and the legislation under the Lands and Title Act,” adds Mr Rapa’ai.

“Commissioner of Lands should revoke this because it is in a public access.”

Commissioner of Lands could not be reached for comments yesterday.

However, questions have already been furnished to his office.

Island Sun is also seeking comments from the Honiara Town and Country Planning Board.

MASI embarks on local scoping study

Written by
Press Release
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MASI consultation with Island Sun last week

THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is embarking on a scoping study to strengthen the media industry.

MASI executives recently consulted with media editors, senior media practitioners and other relevant bodies to identify and develop concepts to protect the media industry and to develop mechanisms to hold journalists to an expected standard to account for their work.

MASI President, Georgina Kekea says the media industry in Solomon Islands is a growing one yet there is not a set standard code of practice for media practitioners nor does it have an establishment to ensure journalists and/or media organizations account for their publication.

“We have a MASI code of ethics that sets the benchmark for high professional standards that all media have a duty to maintain,” Kekea explained.

“However, without a clear pathway for its enforcement, this document lacks the teeth to bite,” she added.

Kekea says throughout the world, the principles of journalism remain the same but the onus is on individual media organizations to respect the fundamental principles of journalism.

“The media industry in Solomon Islands is vulnerable as there are no proper mechanisms in place to ensure journalists and media organizations account for the work that they do.

“The industry needs to be protected as it is susceptible to individuals and groups with wrong intentions.”

Kekea said Solomon Islands is a vibrant democratic country with so much freedom.

However, she said with such freedom, there also comes great responsibilities. 

“A responsible media industry is what MASI stands for.

“We understand that information has the power to break or make a nation.

“We cannot sit back and allow our country to crumble before our eyes through misguided propagated news,” the MASI President said.

She says in addition to the scoping study, MASI is also undergoing a number of activities for its members.

“This includes research on the media business environment, a media cafe’ and a mass media campaign on the role of the media.

“The media campaign will start in August.”

MASI’s mission is to strengthen the media industry in Solomon Islands and the MASI Executive is keen in carrying out the mission as expected.

Data received from the study and research will guide the work of MASI and the media industry now and into the future.

“The Prime Minister is keen on bringing a Media Practitioner’s Bill to parliament in October and we are hoping the scoping study will assist us in finding the right mechanisms for us.

“The pathway for the media industry now lies in the results of the study.”

DFAT, Internews Network an international NGO supporting the work of media worldwide and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are supporting MASI in these different activities.

“I would like to thank the different organizations for their support towards MASI in trying to strengthen the work of the media in Solomon Islands.

“All these activities are initiatives of the MASI Executive and we would like to thank the different organizations for seeing the need to support us in our endeavors.

“MASI will continue to do its best to ensure the media industry is well protected and that journalists are able to do their work in a robust industry. If not now, at least for our future generation,” the MASI President said.

Inmate reconciles with relatives

Written by
Press Release
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Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi pose for a group photo with inmate Stanley Gitoa’s family and a brother of the decease

ONE of the main goals of the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands is to help offenders gain skills they need to live normal lives as law-abiding citizens after their prison sentence.

There is a widely held opinion that my organisation CSSI can help people out of their offending behaviour, however the reality is quite different
The Correctional Service aims to help them get their lives back on track by better understanding their offending behavior and learning new ways to avoid any reoffending.

Reuniting the relationship and family of the decease and inmate Stanley Gitoa together with the traditional shell money


“Our priority is God, family and partnership. Our goal is to be a place where prisoners (our most valuable asset) have the opportunity to grow spiritually, personally and intellectually,” says CSII Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi
He led a team comprising of officers from Rove Central Correctional Centre, Director of Prison Fellowship Solomon Island, welfare office, and Counselor officer as well as the media to witness the reconciliation ceremony between inmate Stanley Gitoa and a victim’s Uncle Mex and his relatives.

The reconciliation ceremony was held at Tetere Correctional Centre in East Guadalcanal on Thursday, July 22.

Manelusi said through putting God first and people second, our success as individuals in contributing to the economy of the country would be guaranteed.

Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi signed the Reconciliation Certificate

During the reconciliation ceremony at Tetere CC, Commissioner Manelusi told the people who were there to witness the event that, “reconciliation has no meaning if it is not aimed at achieving equality in life expectancy, education, employment and all the important measurable areas of disadvantages”.

Manelusi further stated that “reconciliation is about creating equity and equality, closing the gap and building relationships and also the final step in the forgiveness process done from a heart of love to the sinner, and love for others”.

The reconciliation ceremony was planned by rehabilitation programme unit with assistance from Prison Fellowship Solomon Islands known as Sycamore tree.

It turned out to be quite well-planned in terms of ground preparations and identifying middleman to get the families of the deceased and the inmate together as requested by the Executive administration.

Reconciliation (chupu or Rasi) prepared by inmate Gitoa’s family

“With the confidence and support of the stakeholders we managed to complete every paper and certificate for signing,” says Manelusi.

“It was a very emotional moment when these people spoke out their hearts’ burdens and accepted apologies, traditional shell money, $35,000.00 and garden foods presented by inmate Stanley Gitoa’s families to the families of the deceased,” he added.

Inmate Gitoa was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court. He has already served 9 years since 2012.

The reconciliation began with the welcome and followed by the CSSI Commissioner Manelusi explaining the process and procedures of why this reconciliation ceremony was very important to the Department of Correctional Service under inmates discharge planning.

Manelusi explained to the people that the reconciliation was very important for peace to prevail.

Obviously, the climax of the event was the confession from an emotional prisoner Stanley Gitoa who publicly announced his sorrow and paid customary items and cash to the victim’s families.

Manelusi, chaplain and Gabriel Soni (victim family) helped the prisoner and relatives of the victim to sign the certificates.

The ceremony and signing was also witnessed by chiefs, church leaders and representatives from the CSSI administration.

Simon Mani explained that CSSI and PFSI was the only institution in the country to conduct reconciliation programs between prisoners and victims or their family members.

He also explained that after the reconciliation, inmate Gitoa could be eligible for parole.

PETITION LOOMING

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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OPMC denied receiving any petition

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

A group claimed to be representing Honiara Malaitans have submitted a 14 days’ petition notice for Prime Minister to respond to their demand.

The group in an undated letter requested the Prime Minister to:

  1. Reconsider withdrawing the World Bank project from Malaita province.
  2.  Address the national economy cash flow issue by improving revenue collection and using public funds in a transparent manner.
  3. Ensure there are equal economic development opportunities for Solomon Islanders residing in Honiara
  4. Address the issue of high influx of Asians and Chinese cheap labourers by ensuring that first priority for jobs must be given to Solomon Islanders.
  5. Continue with your development commitment and mandate to support Malaita Province, as well as other Provinces in Solomon Islands.
  6. Honour and respect the Auki Communique and the Restorative Economy Vision Policy of Malaita Provincial Government.

According to information relayed to YTTF the group said the PMO met on Friday evening concerning the petition but is yet to issue any statement about their petition.

They claimed the petition was submitted before 4pm yesterday (Friday) bearing signatures of 12,200 Honiara Malaitans.

When asked by YTTF if their intention was what has been reported in the media recently, the group replied: “There was no meeting to topple the Government”.

“Seriously there is no meeting to topple the Prime Minister. It’s all propaganda that have been published in the Solomon Star. The only meeting being organized is for the petition. Nothing more, nothing less”.

“PMO is being carried away and a bit confused on information that being fed with them by its advisors.

“And somehow they have overreacted including Police, so they start hauling people to look for information and identify who is behind the petition”, the group added.

The group further stated that the events unfolding before our eyes needs tough actions by the people, adding as citizens it is their constitutional right. 

“We waited too long. No one seem trying to take the first steps, so we just try because we are concern about our people and our country”, the group stated.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet denied claims that the Prime Minister has received a petition submitted by a group known as Honiara Malaitans.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet confirms to Island Sun the Prime Minister did not receive or sight any letter petitioning DCGA to support the wishes and interest of the people of Malaita as claimed by the group.

China Construction Company says work in progress

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has come out to explain the progress of their projects in Solomon Islands.

This after an industry insider who chose to remain anonymous claimed the Solomon Islands’ Government has continued to engage CCECC to develop infrastructures for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, even though most of its work failed scheduled timelines and quality.

The insider claimed CCECC’s work on the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports High Performance Centre at Ranadi is far behind the scheduled timeframe.

He said another project that is far behind the scheduled timeframe is the Solomon Islands National University Complex, now experiencing leakage and other defects.

The insider pointed to even more incomplete projects including Munda International Airport terminal in Western Province, Savo-Market to Doma road in West Honiara, Monga Bridge in Aola, East Guadalcanal and the proposed PG2023 stadium.

However, project manager Qi Longbao said CCECC plans to hand over the SINIS to National Hosting Authority in August.

Longbao said CCECC has completed flooring, installed solar, ablution blocks and external toilets.

He said work has already started on upgrading the fence of the site.

Longbao said the original plan was to build a building, however NHA wants a Multipurpose Hall that will become the best in the Pacific.

He said CCECC has sub contracted the upgrading of a soccer field and beach soccer and running track to a local contractor.

Longbao said once the building accessed permanent water and power supply, then CCECC will hand over the building to NHA.

Further to that, Longbao said work on the national stadium commenced in

 May this year where CCECC has laid the foundation already.

He said CCECC expects to complete the national stadium in June 2023 before the Pacific Games from 19 November to 2 December 2023.

In terms of the upgrading of the road from Savo market to Doma in West part of Honiara, Project Manager, Liu Paodong said work on road patching has halted to allow engineers from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to sort out the Bill of Quantity.

Paodong said the National Transport Fund has rejected their budget of $9.2 million because of the bad condition of the road.

He said engineers of MID has assessed the situation and produced a report to NTF to give approval to it.

He said MID engineers requested another $2 million to complete the project.

However, Paodong said work is ongoing on vegetation trimming, round cleaning and other work.

Further to that, he said work on the new Monga bridge is still to start because SMEC is still to complete the final design.

Paodong said CCECC machines and materials are already at the campsite, ready to work.

Moreover, Alice Wan said for the Munda airport, a Netherland company and Kramer are doing the concept plan within duration of six months.

She said Ministry of Communication and Aviation has already approved the first concept design and currently moving to second design.

Wan said once the final design is submitted to MCA and approves, then work will start on the project.

Further to that, Wan said about 90 percent of work has been completed in the Solomon Islands National University building at Panatina.

She said students are currently using the building now.

However, Wan said the project was delayed for two months because of no payments.

She said the impact of covid-19 last year has also affected the progress of the project.

Wan said CCECC is a responsible company that applies its social responsibility in the society as well by donating to communities, making awareness on covid-19, repairing bridges that were affected by Cyclone Harold and refilling pot holes.

She said the company also donated gifts to Central Police station.

As such, CCECC believes it is upholding its social responsibility and aims to improve the lives of people in this country.

East Malaita communities receive water project support

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Children from one of the community recipients of the water project in Ward 16 enjoy the newly installed borehole in their village. Photo supplied

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

COMMUNITIES in East Malaita are to benefit from a project aimed at improving access to clean water for their villages.

The “Clean Water for Life” initiative is supported by the Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 16, Preston Billy as a mean to address water challenges faced by communities and other public institutions like schools and clinics in his ward.

In an interview with Sun Auki, Mr Billy said under the project a total of 22 boreholes will be received by communities in ward 16 as work on the project nears completion.

“Since the implementation of the project two weeks ago; 14 boreholes was already installed and the remaining five boreholes are expected to be set-up by the end of next week.

“The focus of the project is on communities without access to water supply as it tries to ease the burden they face.

“In some communities where the project was implemented, people had to walk long distance to access clean water and the project will be a relief to them,” he said.

Billy said communities that had already installed boreholes were happy for the support as it will address the challenge of access to clean water supply faced.

He said this is the beginning of the project as more of his communities had expressed interest for the program and he’s considering it.

Billy said the implementation of the project was carried out as part of community service by community recipients of the project.

He said the project costs more than 160k and support received towards it are through ward grant and a few small businesses he was engaged with.

Billy said an official handing over of the project will be made to community recipients, after implementation of the project is complete.

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