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New Twin Otter makes first flight

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Airlines passengers receive first commercial flight certificate to mark IE386 - Honiara -Arona - Kirakira on 20 May 2021 at Honiara Airport

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Airlines new Twin Otter has made its first commercial flight to Ngorangora Airstrip in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province on Thursday.

Heather Jeffery, Media & Public Relations of Solomon Airlines Limited confirmed this saying it was a little cloudy but here it is landing at Ngorangora Airstrip. 

She said the 19-seat Twin Otter H4-SIC completed its first commercial passenger journey from Honiara to Arona to Kirakira yesterday as flight IE386, before returning home to Honiara.

 Furthermore, yesterday afternoon the aircraft is scheduled to visit Parasi and Marau, and to touch down in Munda and Gizo in Western province this morning for the very first time.

 The completely ‘relifed’ aircraft includes an additional 1,500lb take-off and landing weight capability, new interior and seating, and airline-grade digital avionics system.

 Mr. Frank Wickham, Chairman of Solomon Airlines said the commissioning of the new Twin Otter aircraft was doubly significant for the national carrier.

 “The arrival of this aircraft opens new possibilities for our domestic operation, and it also signals confidence that even in this era of COVID-19, we can continue to progress, and we are continuing to prepare for better times ahead.

“This is a very positive development for air services between the Solomon Islands and also for the time to come when eventually we also welcome tourists back to the country,” Wickham said.

Sexual Assault Office boosted with new playroom for children

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Press Release
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Right OIC Sexual Assault Office with SIPDP Advisor in the new playroom

SEXUAL Assault Office of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has been boosted with a new playroom for children.

Officer In Charge (OIC) Sexual Assault Team, Inspector Rose Nala says police officers usually investigate serious sexual offences, including those offences done against young children.

Dolls displayed inside the room

“The new play room will provide a safe and comforting environment for child victims, and children of adult victims who attend the office,” Nala explained.

“The Australian Federal Police (AFP) through Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) has supported the RSIPF in the refurbishment of one interview room as a Children’s Retreat place,” she added.

Toys and some reading books

“Soft flooring, blankets, toys, colouring books and pencils, educational charts and a small television have been purchased by the SIPDP through partnership.”

Ms Nala thanked the AFP, through the SIPDP program, for the support rendered to the RSIPF through the new playroom.

—RSIPF

Man convicted for stealing foreign & local currencies

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A MAN accused of stealing a cash box containing thousands of local and international currencies has been found guilty by the Magistrate court.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea convicted the accused Ian Pias Walelabua for stealing a cash box containing SBD300,000, AUD 20,000 and 5000 British Pounds at a dwelling house Henderson area last year.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and a trial was conducted in which the court finds him guilty as charged.

DCM Iomea said prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of stealing the cash box.

Ian Pias Walelabua faced one count of Burglary in relation to an incident which occurred on August 28 2020 at the Henderson area.

Police alleged that accused and another male entered the complainant’s house by climbing the walling to enter the house and removed the security camera.

The allegation said when they were inside the house, they then removed a cash box.

It was also alleged that the defendant Walelabua before committing the offence did call another employee, who also works for the complainant to find out the couple’s movement that night.

The phone conversations made by the accused was to check on the couple whether they were out of their residence.

Police also said the accused Walelabua worked as an electronic officer for the complainant.

Manelusi visits Gizo School

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Press Release
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THE head of the Correctional Service in the Solomon Islands (CSSI) Gabriel Manelusi on Tuesday gave an educational talk to staff and students of the Gizo Community High School during his official visit there.

Manelusi encouraged students to remember the model of 3C’s, which are courage, good character, and with collaboration

He also encouraged the students not to worry too much if they could not make it to higher forms or University

“If you could not go further in your education pursuit, you have land back in the villages where you could go back to and engage in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, etc…” Manelusi told the students

Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi handing over soccer balls, volley balls and a ball pump to Gizo CHS Principle Richard Hiva as GCC Commandant Supt witnesses

He also reminded students to live according to the divine law (Holy Bible), customary law and our national constitution.

“Successful people are normally those who live according to the word of God and respect our laws as well as our customs”

Commissioner Manelusi handed over 5 Holy Bible to Gizo CHS chaplain Mr. Frank Hong during his official annual visit at Gizo Correctional Centre

The CSSI chief handed over two soccer balls, two volley balls and a ball pump to the school

He also thanked the school for their support to the work of CSSI in Gizo.

School principal Richard Hiva thanked Manelusi and his team for the awareness talk and leadership he has displayed as the Commissioner

Commissioner Manelusi concluded his awareness talk to youths, traditional leaders, women and elderly in the Titiana community. 

Titiana youth and community leaders pose for a photo shot with Commissioner Manelusi and Gizo CC Commandant during his visit to Titiana community

Manelusi was in Gizo as part of his annual visit to provincial CSSI Centres

Sawmill operators get hands-on training

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Utilization Officer, Barton Gomese demonstrates preparatory works, how to measure felled trees before actual cutting with the Lucas Sawmill.

MINISTRYof Forestry and Research together with the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) under Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project are training sawmill operators at Falake Community, West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.

The four days hands-on training is being conducted by the Utilization Division within the Ministry of Forestry and Research as part of ongoing main activities and one of the key components under the SFRM Project.

Utilization Officer, Barton Gamese said sawmill operator’s at Falake Community are so privileged under the SFRM Project to get detailed training on how to operate the Lucas Sawmill.

 This is even better-off when they have their own Lucas Sawmill machine provided for under the SFRM Project allowing the operators first hands-on experience, he says.

“This is a one of kind training that allows operators to better understand the whole process involved especially with particular focus on sustainable harvesting of their forest resources.

“Important thing that they have learned through the training is selective tree cutting, calculation of tree volume from when it still stand, when it is felled and eventually to calculate the estimated pieces of timbers expected of during the process of cutting timbers,” explains Gamese.

Local operators listens with interest during hands-on training in the forests of Falake, West Kwara áe

He adds the final part of the training is on grading of timbers ripped from the felled trees and eventually into the actual seasoning period.

“Such information’s and training is very important for our resource owners especially when the government is reprioritizing its direction for the forest sector, and I am grateful that this goes in line with the Sustainable Forest Resource Management Project initial planned activities.”

Local Lucas Sawmill Operator, Jerry Loft acknowledges both the Ministry of Forestry and Research together with the Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project under Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) for the hands-on training opportunity.

Mr. Loft said as for the hands-on training on the Lucas Sawmill, they are indeed fortunate to learn a lot of new practical things, stuffs that they intend to overlooked on many occasions in the past.

“More importantly on the selective cutting technique which is new but is sustainable, ways to measure tree and timber volumes including other basic techniques learned through the trainings with the forestry officer.

“It’s indeed a bonus for us as rural people, to be informed and know how to properly plan ahead and manage our resources in allocating our lands through land use planning, which areas to be use and which not for use or preserved and those areas for immediate use.

 “In that, we can understand the basics to where we can use our own land resources for short-, medium- and long-term benefits; and how we can sustain our livelihood,” expresses Loft, the delightful operator.

Similar training have been conducted for Kumoniboli Community sawmill operators on Northeast Guadalcanal, another piloted site under the Sustainable Forest Resource Management Project

– MoFR Press

Two tribes seek consultation on proposed Mala road project

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

TWO tribes have joined other three tribes to oppose the proposed road development from Taelo to Ata’a in Malaita province.

This week, Siubongi land Nelson Laurigni, the Kwakwale land, Robson Ratu and Lagwaeiano land Paul Ratu and Ismael Anita have cautioned those involved in the proposed Taelo to Ata’a road development.

Yesterday, Ausamae tribe Fred Talofaie and U’wo Peter Uiwai said there must be a proper consultation between Baegu Asifola MP, Makario Tagini on the road access.

They said people where MP Tagini consulted for the road developed are not real landowners.

As such, they urge MP Tagini not to proceed on with the road work without any consultation with tribal chiefs.

They said MP Tagini should organise a proper consultation with landowners before going ahead with the road work because it cuts through many tribal land boundaries.

Reports claimed the tribal representatives of the concerned lands had a virtual meeting with the Premier of Malaita Province currently in Brisbane, Australia on medical grounds.

In the meeting, the land-owning tribal representatives strongly assured the premier that they will not allow their tribal lands for such development.

The land-owning leaders said that they do not know how this proposed development came about and as such will not allow our land for the road development to go through.

Paul Ratu of Lagwaeiano tribal land stated “We will support and continue to work with the provincial government of Malaita and those that work with the province.

We will not work or allow our tribal lands to anyone that is not willing to work with the MARA government in the development of Malaita”.

The same sentiment is shared by the other leaders who attended the virtual meeting with the premier.

According to the information received, the proposed road development will be carried out by MP for Baegu Asifola with the support of the MP for Fataleka.

It is highly likely that the road development would be conducted under the Baefola Investment a business entity registered under the Baegu Asifola Constituency.

Such attitude is not new the two MPs in the past also brought a high-level delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara to their constituencies.

Despite knowing that the MARA Government under the Auki Communique made it clear that they will not allow any businesses that have direct connections to Peoples Republic of China to come into Malaita province and to operate a business in the province.

Aust supports childcare for SolTuna workers

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Press Release
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SolTuna General Manager, Jim Alexander, shaking hands with Strongim Bisnis Women’s Economic Empowerment Director, Gianluca Nardi after signing the partnership agreement.

AUSTRALIA’S Strongim Bisnis is working with SolTuna to establish a childcare centre at the SolTuna cannery in Noro.

This centre will provide the employees of SolTuna with access to subsidised, high-quality and safe childcare for their preschool-aged children.

The centre aims to improve workplace attendance and productivity among employees.

The Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, visited the SolTuna cannery in Noro on 12 May to discuss support for the childcare centre.


During the visit to Noro by the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Strahan, Strongim Bisnis signed a partnership with SolTuna to support the establishment of a childcare facility for SolTuna workers.
 

Strongim Bisnis signed a partnership agreement with SolTuna during Dr Strahan’s visit.

Dr Strahan said “Over 60 per cent of Soltuna’s employees are women. We know that juggling a paid job and childcare responsibilities is challenging.

“We also know that it is women, all over the world, who face this juggling act.

“Making matters yet more challenging, many of SolTuna’s workers come from other parts of Solomon Islands, meaning they aren’t able to call on wider family networks to assist with childcare.

“The childcare centre will help parents attend work knowing that their children are looked after.

“The Australian Government, as proud partners of the Solomon Islands Government, supports women’s economic empowerment.

“We hope that establishing a childcare facility at one of Solomon Islands’ largest employers of women will reduce a significant burden that can limit women’s ability to be employed and earn an income.

“Providing a childcare centre is also economically smart for a company, because it reduces absenteeism and increases productivity.

“We hope the Soltuna childcare centre will set an example for other large businesses by demonstrating the benefits of providing childcare services for employees.”


A lunch was held at SolTuna to celebrate the event.

Strongim Bisnis’ assistance will include hiring a mentor and supporting the refurbishment of the childcare facility according to international good practices of occupational health and safety.

The support aims to demonstrate that a well-supported workforce may not only result in increased job satisfaction, but better outcomes for business productivity and profitability.

Strongim Bisnis works in the cocoa, coconut, tourism, financial services, timber, horticulture and waste management sectors, with a strong focus on women, youth and people with disability.

EDITORIAL: Gov’t must clarify Mamara payment request

Written by
Admin
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THE Government needs to come clean on its involvement in the Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd.

It needs to honestly tell the nation the arrangements, if any, it has with the developer, Metropolis Pacific.

This is necessary in light of the leaked letter Metropolis Pacific wrote to the Government this week, requesting the payment of $21,945,000 for 30 houses, which it expects to complete by the end of June.

The houses include:

  1. Type A: 3 bedroom and 2-bathroom costs $997,000 each. So, the 5 houses will cost $4,987,500.
  2. Type B: 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom cost $798,000 each. So, the 10 houses will cost $7,980,000.
  3. Type C: 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom cost $598,500 each. So, the 15 houses will cost $8,977,500.

Government never tells the nation it is going to buy houses from the developer.

All it says was the developer is going to build houses which can be sold to public servants.

But how can a public servant afford a two-bedroom house – the cheapest of the three types of houses – for almost $600,000?

And is the Government going to buy off the houses and give it public servants?

If so, how is this going to work out?

In this year’s budget, there is no allocation for purchases of house. So where is the Government going to get the $22 million to buy off the houses?

Here is another concern.

The person who wrote the letter, Hii Yii Ging, who is a director of Metropolis Pacific, is also the Malaysian Honorary Consul-General in Solomon Islands.

Ging is a known logger, who has lived in Solomon Islands for many years.

He was heavily involved in the country’s logging industry.

Now we know he was also one of the directors of Metropolis Pacific, which is developing the Mamara Project.

From what has transpired, it appears the Mamara Development is a collaboration between the government and loggers.

It also appeared the project was built purposely for the Government to use tax-payers money to purchase the houses.

It’s even more intriguing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who is the government’s front-man in the project, does not even know about the letter that was address to his minister this week.

This is not how a Government facilitates a project that promises so much for the nation.

What the people expect is a transparent process so that they know the benefits the country is going to derive from this so-called investment.

The Government’s silence over this issue was quite unbelievable.

This is a serious matter that the Government needs to clarify to the people of this country.

Sinopharm vaccine launched

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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DPM Maelanga ready to receive the vaccine with PM Sogavare and Ambassador LI Ming stands beside. Photos by MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SINOPHARM COVID-19 vaccine has been officially launched and rolled out with the first shot of this vaccine received by Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga.

The official launch of this vaccine marks another key milestone in our fight against COVID-19 and the current ongoing work to vaccinate all eligible persons in our beloved country, Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during the launch of the vaccine said he expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the President of China Xi Jing Ping, the people and government of China for positively responding to Solomon Islands request with the allocation of 50,000 Sinopharm doses for people.

Rollen Seleso Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening

“Speaking of roll out, Sinopharm roll out will also be in line with the COVID-19 Vaccine National Deployment and Roll- Out Plan that was also used in the roll out of AstraZeneca. We will continue to prioritize remaining COVID-19 operations frontline workers and support staff in Honiara and the provinces, including essential workers.

Chief of Staff to Prime Minister’s office Robson Djokovic receiving the Sinopharm vaccine

There are also some of our students who plan to return to China for study including other Chinese nationals who plan to travel to China, thus will be offered the Sinopharm Vaccines. People above 40 years of age and those with co-existing other diseases will also be included in the roll out following the first group to be covered. We will also take into consideration other factors such as operational and logistic issues in the roll out of this and other vaccines so as to provide most benefit to our populations,” Sogavare said.

He said the 50,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine will be administered to 25,000 people because it requires two doses to be administered at an interval of 4 weeks. Meaning those who receive their first dose of Sinopharm will in less than four weeks receive their second dose to complete their COVID-19 vaccination.

DPM Maelanga waiting for his vaccination card whilst guests and senior officials look on

“We will continue to monitor any adverse events that may follow the administration of vaccine and will regularly share this information with you

“I join the Minister of Health to call on all those who have and will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccines to share their testimonies and stories of vaccination to their friends and family members so that when their time comes, they too can willingly come forward to receive their COVID-19 jab,” Sogavare said.

From (L-R) Mr Ming, PS McNeill, PM Sogavare and Simon from WHO

LI Ming Ambassador to China’s Embassy in Solomon Islands said on 11 April 2021, 50000 vaccines arrive in Honiara safe and sound.

“Today (yesterday) we gather to put all our efforts on the ground implement and the launch the Sinopharm vaccine rollout plan. That means the people of Solomon Islands will have access to more vaccine to protect themselves and their families,” Ming said

One of the Chinese national receiving his jab

He said having the DPM to become the first to receive this vaccine shows confidence in the vaccine.

“I take this opportunity to again congratulate the honorable Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on the successful launch of the Sinopharm vaccine,” Ming said.

He said it is highlight appreciated that DPM Maelanga and Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr Culwick Togamana welcomed the arrival of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at the Honiara International airport.

Vials of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine

The official launch was held yesterday at the Central Field Hospital, Multipurpose Hall.

Mamara demands $22m from Gov’t, leaked letter shows

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A LETTER carrying a $22 million request from the controversial Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd to the Government was leaked on social media yesterday.

Addressed to Fredrick Kologeto, the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, it revealed what could have been a “behind-the-scene” arrangement between the developer and the Government.

Director of Metro Pacific, Hii Yii Ging, wrote the letter, dated May 17, 2021.

He requested Minister Kologeto to prepare $21,945,000 payment for the first 30 houses at Mamara, which the developer expects to be complete and ready by end of June 2021.

“Appreciate if the Government could ready the above payment upon the handover of the 30 units of houses,” the letter reads.

It added, the balance of the remaining 20 houses shall be open for sale to general public due to the high demand.

When contacted, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Mr Riley Mesepitu said he was not aware of the letter.

“I am not aware of the letter. I’ll have to see it before I can comment on it,” Mesepitu told Island Sun yesterday.

The Government never disclosed to the public that it would pay the houses off from the developer.

The houses were built of imported pre-fabricated materials from China.

According to the letter, the costs and type of the houses are as follows:

  1. Type A: 3 bedroom and two-bathroom costs $997,000 each. So, the five houses will cost $4,987,500.
  2. Type B: 3 bedroom and one bathroom cost $798,000 each. So, the 10 houses will cost $7,980,000.
  3. Type C: 2 bedroom and one bathroom cost $598,500 each. So, the 15 houses will cost $8,977,500.

At the launch of the project early this month, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the Mamara Township Development Project is a “historic milestone to be proud of”.

“This is the moment we have been looking forward to for the last 25 years.

“It is the culmination of a journey strategically taken in the way projects of this magnitude is nurtured through a system that is fraught with challenges ranging from land issues, to development concepts and varying interests,” Sogavare said.

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