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Sex with underage unlawful, even with consent: Court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has reiterated that sex with an under-age girl is against the law.

Sir Albert, in sentencing an accused who entered a guilty plea on the charge of sexual intercourse with a child under 18 years, said sex with an underage girl, even if there is consent, is against the law.

“When imposing sentence on such cases, the court must consider the element of deterrence in this type of case as it becoming all so common in the communities and the importance of sending out a clear message to the community that those who commit this type of offence will expect to be sent to prison, the length of time to be determined on the merits of each case.

“Men need to know and be reminded that having sex with an underage girl, even if there is consent, is against the law, frowned against by the community and those standards need to be maintained and respected. 

“The creation of this offence and maximum sentence of imprisonment reflects the level of seriousness and concern with which Parliament views this type of offence in the community and the need to protect young girls from other men and themselves. 

“Young girls often fall victim to the uncontrolled urges of men to satisfy themselves at the expense of the victim, their dignity, families and future.  The consequences can be long lasting as has been alluded to by the victim in her Victim Impact Statement, through ongoing shame, fear and insecurity,” he said.

This is the case of a man who was charged with one count of sexual intercourse with a child under 18 years contrary to section 140 (1) (a) and (b) of the Penal Code as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment)(Sexual Offences) Act 2016.

“This is a new provision introduced under the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016, in June 2016, to criminalize sexual intercourse with a girl below the age of 18 years.  The victim in this case was 17 years of age at the time of commission,” the Chief Justice said.

He said the accused is the adopted uncle of the victim and thus placed in a position of trust or responsibility. 

Palmer said noted from the submissions the victim is not a regular in his home and so not being familiar with her, but that does not diminish his position of trust and responsibility towards the victim.  The fact he is also married accentuates that position of trust and accountability to the victim, himself, his family and the community.

The brief facts in this case did not indicate that the incident was pre-arranged and that sexual intercourse was consensual. 

Palmer said defence lawyer’s submissions in mitigation submitted, that sexual intercourse was consensual. 

“While that has not been disputed, consent is not a defence in this offence.  I keep that in mind however in relation to the sentence to be considered.

“Therefore, taking all the aggravating factors in this case into account, the court impose five years, but then considering the accused early guilty plea and the mitigating factors submitted by his lawyer, three years has been deducted and a total of two years will be served by the accuse in jail.

“Also, a period of eleven months 25 days will also be further deducted from the total sentence.”

Respiratory virus dominates Honiara

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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National Referral Hospital

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE surveillance screening exercise conducted by the Ministry pf Health and Medical have found that respiratory symptom Virus is predominant in urban Honiara.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister yesterday in his national address on covid-19 update.

“A surveillance screening exercise conducted by the Ministry of Health and Medical found that the respiratory symptom Virus a common and contagious (transmissible) virus that causes respiratory tract infection was predominant in Urban Honiara, whilst immune rhinovirus that causes acute asthma exacerbation and pneumonia was predominant in rural areas.    

“These findings means while we continue to focus on managing the covid-19 pandemic we must not take our attention from the more common health challenges facing our country,” Sogavare said.

He said the surveillance screening exercise was rolled out at the National Referral Hospital, Mataniko Pikinini clinic (Honiara City Council), Good Samaritan Hospital in Guadalcanal province and Pelau Malaita Outer Islands in Malaita Province.

Sogavare said for covid-19 results all have come back with negative test results.

New MOUs with Morocco

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Press Release
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Ambassador Medrek and High Commissioner Sisilo sign the MOUs in Canberra.

SOLOMON Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo, and the non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Solomon Islands, Karim Medrek, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and an Agreement to enhance the countries’ bilateral cooperation in Canberra last week.

The two MOUs are on diplomatic training and the establishment of a political consultation mechanism and the Agreement was on the Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Special Passports. 

Both countries have pledged to further strengthen their partnership in diplomacy through training and exchange of internships and have regular consultations on regional and international issues of common interest.     

“It’s a historic event today since these are the first MOUs our two countries have entered into since we established diplomatic relations in 2011,” Sisilo told Medrek.

“But like any MOU these are ‘expressions of intent’ which we and officials of our two countries will now have to sit down and discuss how best to translate these good intentions into actions so that something concrete is achieved,” he added.

In response, Medrek said:

“I could not agree more. 

“In addition, perhaps we should convene a zoom meeting between our Ministers and officials in 3 weeks’ time to discuss some deliverables that need not wait until COVID-19 is over. 

“For example, diplomatic training which can be done online.” 

Sisilo agreed and would discuss the idea of a zoom meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in Honiara.

The Kingdom of Morocco, in Northern Africa, is a constitutional monarchy (with a King) covering 447,000 square kilometers with a population of about 30 million and Casablanca perhaps its most famous city.

Islam is an important part of everyday ritual life in the Kingdom.

Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom on 4 February 2011.

The Embassy of Morocco hosted the signing ceremony and was witnessed by the Solomon Islands Deputy High Commissioner, Trevor Ramoni and officials from the Embassy of Morocco.

World Vision meets Premier Manetiva

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Press Release
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WorldVision staff with the Premier of Central Province Stanley Manetiva.

WORLD Vision Solomon Islands team has made a courtesy call to the Premier of Central Islands Province Stanley Manetiva at his Office in Tulagi, Sunday.

During the meeting, the team update premier on the progress of the Immunization Project that World Vision is currently implementing at ten communities in Ngella.

Also, present during the meeting was Deputy Provincial Secretary Delilah Lowe.

It was also an opportunity for WVSI National Director to meet the premier and update him on the organization’s plans for other projects to the province.  

Speaking during the meeting, Immunization Project Coordinator Noelyn Palua updated the premier that the project has now reached the third quarter of implementation.

She explained the first quarter included launching, mapping of health facilities and to the target communities and social mobilizers while the second quarter was training of health workers on community engagement, training for social mobilizers and community leaders for the immunization strategy and distribution of Information, Education and Communication materials (ICE) about immunization.

 “On the second quarter we established social mobilizer groups where in Ngella there are 25 social mobilizers in 10 communities the project is being implemented,” she said.

Palua said the third quarter is the planning stage of strengthening of clinic committees of each communities and organization of joint outreach programs for health workers and social mobilizers.

WVSI National Director Jimmy Nadapdap also took time to inform premier about the proposed project the organization working towards implementing in the province in the future.

Meanwhile, Premier Manetiva assured the team that Central Islands Province will always welcome WVSI in its plans especially if the projects are good for the Central Islands Province.

Premier Manetiva also thanked Immunization project for moving forward in its implementation and looking forward to continue partner with World Vision on future projects.

A 33-year-old story

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Bishop Ellison Quity blesses the holy water font.

Lepi celebrates the opening of its own Holy Trinity Church

By EDDIE OSIFELO

AFTER 33 years of encountering challenges, the people of Lepi village in Gao Bugotu constituency, Isabel province consecrated their multi-million-dollar church building on Saturday.

It is called the Holy Trinity Church.

Thousands of people from villages around the constituency flocked Lepi village for the two days’ celebration which ended on Sunday.

The new multi-million dollar Holy Trinity church at Lepi village

Anglican Bishop for the Diocese of Isabel, Reverend Ellison Quity was the guest of honour on this historical occasion.

Initially, the people of Lepi attended church service at the neighboring Japuana village.

Bishop of Isabel Diocese, Ellison Quity ready to cut the ribbon to officially open the new multi-million dollar Holy Trinity church at Lepi village.
Bishop Ellison Quity, MP Manetoali and committee leaders of Holy Trinity church ready to cut the consecration cake.

However, the condition of the church building was deteriorated over the years because it was built on limestone.

As a result, the villagers relocated to Lepi in 2010 and built a temporarily church building for worship.

During those years, the community took the initiative to commence the project of the building new church building.

However, the progress was delayed because of finance, ethnic conflict, disunity among community and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Quity told the gathering that good planning results in success.

Crowds waiting to welcome Bishop Ellison Quity and delegation at Lepi village
Members of Vulavu village process with their gifts for Bishop Ellison Quity at the end of the program on Sunday.

He said you have started the race and ended up good.

“In Revelations 3, God opens the door where man cannot shut it,” he said.

He assured the people that your blessing is coming like healing, aspiring for good education and so forth.

Vice Chairman of the Consecration Committee, Ben Devi said its was not an easy journey because it encountered dis-integration and disharmony between families.

One of the villages performing at the celebration.

However, he said at the end, joy, peace, harmony and cooperation have restored among the people.

Mr Devi said two major challenges encountered during the journey was the ethnic tension started in 1998 and the COVID-19 pandemic in October last year.

He said the during the ethnic conflict, there was no work for nearly three years.

Lepi panpipe group leading Bishop Ellison Quity and the delegation to the new Holy Trinity church.

Devi said there were about four committees changed and appointed to head the fundraising drive toward the project.

Further to that, Chairman of Honiara based committee, Joseph Majo said there was challenges in the coordination and implementation.

However, he asked the village to pay tribute of silence to past leaders who have left and could not witness the grand opening of the church building.

Majo thanked the government through their MP, Chiefs for their strong decision and the people.

Sir Duddley Tuti students performing at the celebration.

He said most of the costs involved in the church include hardware materials, freights, food, labour, timber, fuel, printing and hiring which adds up to more than $1.2 million.

Moreover, MP Manetoali said no matter it takes 30 – 40 years, today was the day of celebration.

He reiterated the church is the home for sick, lame and blind people.

Bishop Ellison Quity ready to open the door of Holy Trinity Church with his crozier.

Retired Fr Walter Devi said church is aside for the people to be empowered by the spirit of God.

The two days celebration also ended with cultural performances, dances, feasts and presentation of gifts to the guests.

M4D denounces rumours of SCALE being cancelled

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

The Malaita for Democracy (M4D) group has denounced rumours being circulated by government that the SCALE programme has been cancelled.

This follows reports that a Malaita government minister had told his constituents that the US-funded programme has been cancelled.

Reports say villagers approached the Winrock team when they arrived in their community for an awareness programme, asking them to verify what the government minister (their MP) had told them.

President of M4D who is also the President of MALA-MOI Council of Chief, Mr Knoxly Atu during a public rally at Auki Central market yesterday, said, “Villagers of Subobono village in the East Fataleka, Fataleka constituency have come out to say that their MP, Rex Ramofafia has been telling them that the USAID SCALE programme is not happening anymore or has been cancelled.

“The revelation of this lying behaviour came out during a SCALE-NRM awareness tour in East Malaita in the past weeks.

“Villagers voiced out that they were very shocked to see Dr Morgan Wairiu and the team from Winrock touring them because their MP Rex Ramofafia has just told them that there was no more USAID SCALE programme.”

Atu, in a statement to the paper, said the villagers were happy to learn that SCALE is still very much alive, contrary to what their MP had told them.

“They said that now they see the team and they know who is telling the true.”

In the meantime, Atu, who is also from East Fataleka, denounced the information saying no cancellation has made to the Winrock Scale programme in Malaita province and communities across the province must be aware of it. 

He said the Winrock Scale programme is just beginning to roll out in the province and this five-year project is alive and kicking.

Atu said “it’s very shocking that such fabricated information was alleged to come from a national leader who should lead cooperation with development partners to develop people and the province.”

He said the Winrock office is in Auki and any queries on their programme should be directed to them for clarification rather than collecting information around.

China reacts to premier Suidani receiving treatment in Taiwan

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Admin
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Chinese-Ambassador-HE-Ling-Ming.

The Chinese embassy in the country has responded with a note of dismay at news that the premier of Malaita province has made contact with Taiwan.

In a statement over the weekend, responding to questions seeking the Embassy’s comments on premier Daniel Suidani reportedly arriving in Taiwan for medical treatment, the Chinese embassy said:

“There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.

“One-China principle is universally recognised norm of international relations and consensus of the international community.

“China’s position on Taiwan-related issues is consistent and clear.

“China firmly opposes any official contacts in any form between Taiwan and any officials from countries having diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

“The Chinese side has already registered concerns with the government of Solomon Islands and hopes that the relevant issue be properly handled in accordance with One-China principle.”

There was no mention of the slightest concern for the health or medical status of the premier of Solomon Islands’ biggest province.

Ilia primary school commends SIG, parents for new classrooms

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The newly completed classroom building. Pictures- BY CHRIS HAPERT HA'ARABE.

BY CHRIS HAPERT HA’ARABE

THE Ilia Primary School at Gilbert Camp in East Honiara has commended Government (SIG) and students’ parents for its new classrooms.

Head Teacher Henry Bruno Ravikeni said the new classrooms brings to an end afternoon classes, which they have had for the past two years.

Mr Ravikeni explained last year and this year the school managed to complete two classroom buildings; one on the other side of the existing building which accommodates three classrooms, and the other building, which was completed this year, accommodating six classrooms.

“Teachers are really enjoying teaching inside the newly completed classroom buildings, and the students as well are really enjoying their studies because it is conducive for them,” he said.

Ilia Primary school recently introduced secondary classes – up to form two.

 “We have the other unfinished classroom building that needs to be completed anytime this year depending on the constructor, and the supplier of housing materials for its completion,” Ravikeni said.

He uttered once it is completed, the school should have form three and four next year.

“I am appealing to the SIG to urge the constructor to quickly complete the classroom building as soon as possible before this year 2021 lapses,” he said.

A parent and as well a former chairman of the school board Mr James Blake said he was very happy to see such infrastructure development on the ground.

“We need powerful leaders like this in the school to boost the development of the school,” Blake uttered.

A female standard six student, Annett Kolagi said she is enjoying her studies inside the newly completed classroom buildings.

“I love doing my studies inside the new classroom buildings because it is conducive, it provides friendly environment for us students,” she expressed.

Japan embassy calls for care of funded facility on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Newly built staff houses with the clinic facility.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

COUNSELOR of the Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands, Norimasa Yoshida has urged communities within the catchment of Rade Aekoa RHC to care for their health facilities to ensure its services to them endures.

The Embassy who was co-funder of the clinic was delighted to see the money of the government and people of Japan was materialized.

Councellor Yoshida cuts a ribbon to officially open the clinic.

“I am delighted to attend and celebrate this very special ceremony for Rade Aekoa Health Clinic opening which is co-funded by the government of Japan. It’s a milestone for all,” he said.

Yoshida said the new health facility will serve medical treatments to the people who live in ward 30 and the catchment areas in Langa Langa lagoon.

Crowds watching entertainments during the ceremony.

He said it will improve the access to primary health care in remote areas and benefit thousands of people.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the Malaita provincial health service for setting up the new medical service here. 

Ms Julie Hatai from the provincial health (left) and Ms Hiro Takegami, JICA Project Coordinator (right) display shell money ornaments receive from Rade Aekoa communities.

“I would also like to say thank you to the health board members and the stakeholders for your tireless and concerted efforts.

“I hope that the facility will be well maintained in order to benefit many generations in the catchment areas, and he remembered as a symbol of the friendship between the two peoples of Japan and Solomon Islands for many years to come,” he said.

The newly open Rade Aekoa Rural Health Clinic (RHC).

Yoshida said on behalf of the Embassy of Japan, they congratulated the communities for efforts rendered into successfully completing the project which is now ready to use.

Sea View Lodge the place to be in Taro

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Taro Island

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

LOCATED a few minutes’ walk from the Taro Jetty is Sea View Lodge – a semi-permanent building sitting above the sea with rooms for guests and also a bar to cool down while watching the sun set.

The two storey building is owned by 54 year old Joby Galo. It has 13 rooms upstairs, three rooms’ downstairs, a bottle shop and a bar.

A room costs around SBD$350.00 per night but the price is negotiable depending on circumstance.

Closer view of Sea View Lodge

The setting is fitting for guests to enjoy the view overlooking the white sandy beach of Supizae Island on the left and the lagoon leading to Choiseul Bay Provincial Secondary School on the right.

Add to the bonus is the newly built bar, where guests can see the coral reefs decorated with colorful fish playing below, or guests can take a five minutes boat ride provided by Sea View to a water fall.

Bridge to the incomplete bar

Overall, the fresh lagoon breeze can carry your mind away.

I met up with the owner of Sea View Lodge during my trip to cover the South Choiseul by-election last week and during our conversations he asked if I could helped promote his local business.

From our conversation, I sensed that Galo has big plans and ambitions to improve his services to meet the market.

Joby Galo, the Owner Sea View Taro

“I’m planning to establish a proper setting to my lodge. Currently I’m working on self-contained rooms. I plan to install shower and toilet rooms on every self-contained room. I ‘am also looking at renovating part of this building for a conference room, restaurant and also a bar.

“It’s quite challenging for me to achieve my goals but I’m confident that I will get there in the future,” he said.

View from the Lodge

According to Galo, finance is his weakness to accomplish his dream of owning a well-established lodge with sufficient services for guests to enjoy when visiting Taro or Choiseul province.

“My liquor shop is the only income that helped me purchase materials to improve my lodge. Last year, I was fortunate to receive assistance from the government through the stimulus package. But the fund is not enough. I’ve used the fund to build the bar which is yet to be completed,” he said.

Galo was busy during the by-election period as guests flood in looking for rooms to stay. From observation, Sea View was a preferred place to rent as rules are flexible for guests compared to other motels.

“This is a busy week for me and I’m glad that I have lots of guests though there is no one to help me promote my business.

“I’ve never dreamt of having this much guests because I never market my business. I believe people to people conversation helped market Sea View Lodge which is a good thing for me,” he said.

When asked about security, Galo stressed that the welfare of his guests is paramount and that there are sets of rules for non-guests.

“I want my guests to enjoy their stay while at Sea View Lodge. My guest’s privacy is my concern and I always make sure there is no disturbance to my guests.

“Furthermore, my guests can enjoy beers at the bar till late but respect my property. This rule is only for guests,” he said.

Galo’s business journey started 18 years ago when he was 37 years old. A builder himself, he started constructing the motel in 2004.

The year that followed he sent his daughter to study Tourism and Hospitality at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Sea View bottleshop

“This is a family business and I want my sons and daughters to be part of this business. My kids have to work to earn income. My daughter is now looking after catering and my son is looking after the liquor shop.

“I’m partly satisfied with the achievement and the benefits of this small business to my family so far,” Galo said

A glimpse of Sea View hospitality is perfect beginning with the owner himself, Galo a cool guy, easy going and well-respected person. His staff are also friendly – meaning security is guaranteed.

I can imagine, the new face of Sea View Lodge will be much better compared to the existing setting after the renovation.

The proposed bar which sits above the sea, the beautiful view and friendly staff makes Sea View Lodge a must visit lodge in Taro.

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