Public is being encouraged to continue with basic covid-19 safety measures.
Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil issued this advice amid the roll-out of the covid-19 vaccine.
She said despite being vaccinated, public must continue practising the safety measures
She said the basic COVID-19 basic safety practices include; washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, covering mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing – dispose of the tissue immediately and clean your hands afterwards, keeping your distance, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding unnecessary overcrowding and social gathering.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare early this week in his national address also reminded public to maintain the above measures.
“It is crucial we maintain covid-19 safety practises that have been announced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Service in their awareness programmes,” he said.
Defence lawyer of a Bangladeshi facing rape charges is accusing prosecution of playing delay tactics.
Lawyer Hubert Fugui told court yesterday prosecution had been slow in providing disclosures regarding the charges against the accused.
Fugui explained that the case had been brought before the court on April 17; he was given the disclosures several weeks later.
And, he adds that the dates on the medical report were dated April 18.
He said prosecution should assess the evidence and properly update court on the status of investigation, rather than coming to court and seeking adjournments.
Court then adjourned the case for June 8, for the accused to enter a plea.
This is the case of a Bangladesh national who is faced with counts of rape, indecent act, criminal trespass and count of intimidation.
Regarding the rape charge, police alleged that the accused raped an underage girl on unknown dates early this year.
Prosecution alleged that the Bangladeshi raped an 11-year-old girl at an area in East Honiara.
According to Police the case was reported to the Henderson police station by the mother of the victim.
Police said the victim’s mother called in at Henderson Police Station and reported that her daughter was raped by a Bangladesh national in his bedroom.
The mother said she only knew of the incident when she heard stories from other girls about what happened to her, it was at that time the mother asked her daughter and confirmed that the accused has been doing sexual action on her for about a week but she was afraid to tell anyone about it.
The case of a police officer accused of crashing a police vehicle into the Holy Cross cathedral brick wall has been adjourned for today.
The incident occurred in 2019.
Police officer Markie Rokoto’s case was mentioned in court yesterday before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.
The trial date had been set for May 31, and yesterday’s session was an interim mention.
Iomea however announced that he would be hearing another trial on that week, and suggested that this case be re-allocated to another magistrate or the trial date be changed.
Public Prosecutor Helen Naqu said her office has already made arrangements for their two witnesses to be transported over to Honiara on the trial date. However, given Magistrate Iomea’s situation, public prosecution would have to re-book the witnesses.
Iomea then adjourned the case for today to re-confirm the trial date.
Rokoto is facing charges in relation to an allegation between 10.30pm and 11pm on February 19, 2019 at the Holy Cross Cathedral along the Mbokonavera road.
The allegation said that Rokoto drove at a high speed along the Mbokonavera road while under the influence of liquor and was heading south when he ran the vehicle into the Holy Cross Cathedral brick wall near the road and overturned.
It was also alleged that there were two other police officers in the vehicle with Rokoto during the accident.
TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) commends the Commissioner of Lands (CoL) Mr.Alan McNeil for reporting the forgery allegation to police and refusing to grant the Fixed Term Estate (FTE) to Chengs Constructions Ltd.
The allegation [forgery] by the Commissioner of Lands that the signature of the Levers [RIPEL?] Solomons Ltd Board Director, Mr Patrick Wong was forged is a serious allegation requiring the police and other responsible institutions [JANUS] to step in, investigate and arrest the person or persons or firms hired or engaged by Chengs Company implicated in this corrupt dealing.
With the current Commissioner of Lands who has vowed to clean up corruption in State land dealings gone are the days of corruption when corrupt and unscrupulous dealers, speculators can easily forged documents in order to get land title from the Ministry of Lands.
Commissioner of Lands Mr McNeil must be commended, and we need more officer like him to be sitting in positions of power to curb corruption that is widespread in every aspect of government procurement, allocation of government land, issuing of concessions, etc. The integrity of the public office has gone down the drain and there is very little consciousness amongst public officials when it comes to corrupt conduct and practice.
The fight against corruption is a must for all of us. It is because of corruption that our doctors and nurses and patients do not have a decent hospital from which to provide health and medical care to the taxpayers of Solomon Islands. It is of corruption that the clinics are without medicine, Taro hospital and other health infrastructure are in the state they are in today. Corruption is the Tsunami that is killing most of our people and denying our graduates employment opportunities. It is the climate change that we need to address today and not wait for the next day or next year. There are many public servants who want to do the right thing in fighting corruption, but they are faced with two major challenges, risk to their lives and for economic reasons. It is therefore important that the police who is empowered to investigate must step up to the challenge. Transparency Solomon Islands also calls on the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption [SIICAC] to step up and look into giving the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 a tooth to bite. So far the Commission has not gone out to meet stakeholders in this space, not to the Commissioner of Lands who is really trying his best to learn more about the corruption conducts in that ministry as would be for other ministries. Yes Transparency Solomon Islands understands that the Commission does not have funds and is not resourced, but does it really need funds to go and consult with the Commissioner of Lands? Letting him know he has their support. It is time that SIICAC goes out and meet and support those officials who are trying their best as in this case.
There are those holding important decision-making positions within the government who make an effort to stand against corruption and are saying no to corruption, but they need to know that the authorities are with them and that the public is appreciative of their efforts as in the case of the Commissioner of Lands. The action of the Commissioner of Lands is one that contributes to stopping the Corruption Tsunami that is hitting the country bad, be it forestry, mining, land dealing, procurement etc. and will save the country from corruption and serve the interest of the nation first than those corrupt businesses and individuals. This is not the first time the Commissioner of Lands uncovers suspicious corrupt dealings relating to land dealings by officials within his ministry. McNeil must be commended for his stand to refuse giving Chengs Company the FTE and for referring the matter to police for criminal investigation. But how many more before the police, the SIICAC etc. before they investigate and charge those responsible.
Whether Chengs Company already bought the land or not, TSI holds the view that the location of the plot which Chengs has already erected a building is supposedly on land that was compulsory acquired from Levers for development needs of the National Airport in the name of public good and purpose. Such compulsory acquired land should remain the property of the government for the purpose for which it was acquired. There is therefore besides what the Commissioner of Land is fighting for a lot dealings that needs to be examined here. Perhaps this is a scheme for extortion of money from the government when the airport is developed and improved. How can Chengs Company be allowed to do so through this foreigner.
The reason why this land cannot be allocated to anyone be it with correct signatory from Patrick Wong or not is simple. Plane used the airport every day for take-off and landing, thus the airport needs a clear space on its surrounding areas unlike this building was built just a meter away from the fence. The building which the company built is just beside the fence of the Henderson airport and right under the power lines of Solomon Power. The building is located between the airport fence and the highway road is very risky and portrays that something is not right with those dealing with the company to construct a building on that area. Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Aviation and Communication (MCA) Mr. Moses Virivolomo in the past years when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has already question the responsible authorities on the land dealing surrounding the Henderson airport, which were allocated left and right to Asian companies to build high buildings. The building must be taken down and relocated somewhere that is distance away from the airport and the electric lines. Whilst Transparency Solomon Islands notes the question from the PS of Aviation and Communication, the allocation of those land was started by the Civil Aviation Committee and put to a stop when the former Commissioner of Land [Ruth Liloqula] questioned it and put a stop to any further allocation other than for government purpose. Since then, land has been allocated left right and everywhere.
It was also revealed in the Island Sun news yesterday that Chengs Company engaged Robert Mani’s consultation firm to follow up on the matter and a sum of $450,000 was paid to LSL, including a Hilux. Transparency Solomon Islands holds the view that LSL has breached its Grant Instrument terms and should not continue but surrender the land back to the Commissioner of Land. The safety of the travelling public and the future expansion and development of the airport are more important than Chengs Company. The police must investigate, and Guadalcanal provincial government put a stop building on the site on Cheng Company.
Transparency Solomon Islands fully supports the action taken by the Commissioner of Land Mr. McNeil and asks police not to sleep on this case now that it has been reported. The alleged forgery must be investigated and the person responsible must be arrested and prosecuted. The high prevalence of corruption in this country is an indication of poor performance of responsible authorities, and more importantly the under resourcing of them pose a more serious problem, especially when one looks at the pillars of the National Integrity Systems [NIS] of the country. Civil Society Organisations are a pillar of the NIS and as such must step up and be truly the voice of the voiceless as always claimed in dialogues with the government.
Thank You Commissioner of Lands for the stand you took and for exposing this corrupt deal. Forgery is an offense in the Penal Code so the laws are there. The police now need to do its part.
Officers carrying the casket of the late PC Elizabeth Kala Auna into the St. Barnabas Cathedral
PRESS RELEASE
The Royal Solomon Islands police force (RSIPF) yesterday farewelled one of its officers who passed away late last week.
Officers in Honiara farewelled their colleague officer the late Police Constable (PC) Elizabeth Kala Auna during a funeral service at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral. She passed away on May 14, 2020.
Speaking at the funeral service RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “I am humbled to stand here on behalf of all ranks and files of the RSIPF throughout Solomon Islands.
“I am lost for words to describe the sadness that all of us have experienced at the news about the passing away of one of our own. I would like to inform relatives and friends that we are greatly saddened at the unfortunate passing away of the late Police Constable Auna.”
Members of the family of the late PC Auna
The late constable Auna had served in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for 11 years. She was 32 years old when she passed away.
Mangau adds, “As a very energetic young lady during and after her schooling days she saw the importance of policing which inspired her to join the RSIPF as a recruit on 16 August 2010.
“Upon joining the RSIPF she was first posted to the Honiara City Central Police Station on a two-year probation where she worked in General Duties, Community Policing, the Liquor Squad and other departments within Honiara City police.”
PC Auna was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police on July 30, 2012 as a permanent member of the RSIPF.
Work mates of the late PC Auna pay their last respects to the late officer
On March 14, 2016 she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation along with other officers by the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City for outstanding work performance during the 2016 Telekom S-League.
In June 2016 PC Auna attended a Basic Intelligence Course conducted by the Police academy and on July 14, 2016, she was transferred from Honiara City to the National Intelligence Department (NID) as an Intel field officer.
During her time at the NID, PC Auna held several supervisory positions and attended several Intelligence training courses both locally and online.
Mangau says, “The passing away of late PC Auna denied her long and satisfying career. Let me assure the relatives and friends this afternoon that the RSIPF salute her and will continue to remember the legacy she has left behind, her positive contributions to the RSIPF to provide leadership in the National Intelligence Department in Honiara where she had served and spent most of her time in Policing.
“We valued so much her contributions to the RSIPF and the people of Solomon Islands. The length of time she served in the RSIPF was highly commendable and honoured by all ranks and files of the RSIPF for unselfishly serving the people of this country by enlisting into the RSIPF to protect life and property and to maintain law and order.
“It is sad to note that her untimely passing away caught her quickly and took her life. Her passing away is not only a loss to the husband, relatives and communities of Tawatana/Heuru village, in Makira, but also a great loss to the RSIPF.
“I want to thank the family, relatives and friends and the community of Tawatana/Heuru village for allowing her to serve in the RSIPF.
“I salute her for her service,” says Commissioner Mangau.
LANDOWNERS of Nukuma’anu in east Rennell, Renbel Province, claim a logging craft that drifted from west of the island landed on their shoreline last month, causing extensive damages to marine life in their bay.
And tribal spokesman Jim Sevesi said they are working closely with the province’s deputy secretary Aubrey Puia assist in mediating a settlement with owners of the craft.
He said the logging craft was owned by logging contractors Solomon Resources and Gulf Three, who are conducting operations in west Rennell.
“It’s a common practice in the forestry sector that when such incidents like this occurred, those responsible, including the loggers, are obliged to step in and sort things out with resource owners,” Sevesi said.
“We have submitted a formal claim to Solomon Resources and Gulf Three, which provided the basis for our discussion on this matter,” he added.
“The deputy secretary Puia is familiar with the firm’s concern in his official role. He is a trusted person so we believe he will able to help sort out this matter.”
People in Buena Vista and surrounding islands in the Central province are being warned of an increasing number of crocodile sightings.
A Mr Desmond Probets Mae told Island Sun yesterday villages in Buena Vista are at risk from the reptiles, especially along the coast and creeks.
“Advice is needed as to how they can reduce the number of the growing population of crocs and the crocodile threat to the community at Kobuana village.
“Our elders advised people within Kobuana to be cautious of crocodiles and to keep away from crocodile’s hot spots.
“They are now calling on the Tulagi Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to hunt the increasing number of crocodiles before someone from the community becomes a victim,” Mae said.
He said the community members needed assistance from the police because they were afraid of the increasing number of crocodiles.
Tulagi police station, when contacted yesterday, confirmed having received reports of the increased sightings of the reptile.
“I would like to call on the people to call the police station if you locate any crocodile resting places.
“This means police have to request assistance from the RSIPF response team to do the actual hunting of crocodiles,” a Tulagi police officer told Island Sun.
He appeals to communities to keep away from crocodiles and quickly reports to police.
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Australia have been approved to be used in Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister in his nationwide address on Monday said the approval was made following considerations by the National Medicines and Therapeutic Committee.
He said the Australian manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine uses the same formula to the AstraZeneca vaccine that we had received from India through the COVAX facility.
“The Australian manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine has already been rolled out in Australia. It has also received approvals from other Pacific countries including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, Palau, and Timor Leste,” he said.
Timor Leste has received 20,000 doses, and Fiji has received their first 10,000 doses.
Prime Minister Sogavare said the Australian Government has offered 60,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine over a 6-months period, in batches of 10,000 doses per month.
The Prime Minister said we are anticipating our first lot of 10,000 vaccine doses soon.
“If there is a delay in delivery of the balance of the COVAX supplied AstraZeneca vaccines, we may have to consider using the Australian made AstraZeneca vaccine for the second dose in June 2021,” he said.
Prime Minister Sogavare said the approval AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines have put our country on an excellent platform.
He said both vaccines can be used safely and effectively to protect those vaccinated from COVID-19 infections.
VOTERS in South Choiseul will return to the polls today to elect their new Member of Parliament.
This by-election becomes necessary after Robertson Galokale, who was elected in the 2019 elections, lost the seat last year in an election petition case.
The High Court found Galokale, a businessman, guilty of bribery during the last election.
Today’s election offers voters of South Choiseul the chance to bring in a replacement, who will be their voice in parliament.
Six candidates, including one female, are vying for the seat. We wish them well and may the best candidate, wins.
Members of Parliament are the people’s representative in the highest decision-making body of the land.
They are expected to be physically fit, healthy, proactive and outspoken.
They are also expected to be mature, intelligent, wise and honest.
When they take up their place in parliament, they not only represent their constituency, but also the entire nation.
He or she becomes a national leader.
This is why voters must choose wisely when they go to the polls.
During campaigns, candidates will make all sorts of promises – some too good to be true.
But the right to choose is an individual decision.
No body should be telling you who to vote for. It’s your decision, based on your belief and conviction.
If you cast your ballot for a candidate just because that person gives you money or a bag of rice, then you are not honest with yourself. In fact, you are abusing your ballot.
To voters of South Choiseul, when you go to the polls today, think about your future and that of your children.
This is important so that you cast your ballot for the right candidate.
Apart from South Choiseul, voters in Kirugela ward in Choiseul and Tikopia/Anuta ward in Temotu, will also go to the polls today to elect their new provincial members.
These are two provincial by-elections conducted to elect new provincial members for these two wards.
Like at the national level, provincial leaders also play important roles in the governance and administration of our provinces.
It’s important we get the right people in there, who have the heart to lead at the provincial level.
With police around to provide security, we can only hope for a peaceful election day.
ECD Officer Fredrick Dotho with some of the Community Elders during the meeting in Leona Village,
North Vella Lavella. Photo by Ravin Dhari. April 2021.
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT officials from the Environment and Conservation Division have successfully completed a protected areas verification process at the Barekasi Protected Forest Area in North Vella Lavella, Western Province, on 30 April.
The Barekasi Tribal Association is amongst many who are now pushing to have parts or all of their forests conserved and sustainably managed.
Faced with threats of increasing logging operations on the island of Vella Lavella, the tribal-based group established their association with a vision to conserve their forest and protect it from the logging industry.
In 2007, landowners opposed and successfully stopped a logging company from harvesting their biodiversity-rich forest.
Since then, they had continued to engage in conservation programs as an ongoing effort to protect their forest from commercial logging and other human activities.
With the support of the Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF), an Environmental Organisation based in Gizo, Western Province, the tribal group received funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Funding (CEPF) to help their conservation efforts.
One of their activities is to commence the national process to have their forest area legally recognised as a protected area under the Protected Areas Act 2010.
In 2020, the group applied for the ECD’s involvement to assess and verify their proposal.
The key objective of the protected areas verification was to ground-truth the proposed area and its natural features and boundaries, review the forest management plan, consult with the management committee and to meet leaders and community members of Leona Village and the Barekasi Tribal Association to verify other interests and issues relating to the proposed protected area.
ECD Officer Fredrick Dotho said verification is necessary as mandated under the Protected Areas Act 2010 that permits the Director of ECD to ‘verify the rights and interests in the area; identify, assess, evaluate the conservation, protection and management options for the area’.
Fredrick Dotho and Chief Marlon Kuve walk into the Barekasi Conservation site (est. coverage of more than 1,200 Ha). Photos by Ravin Dhari. April 2021
“We are trying to ensure that technical and legal requirements were considered during the preparation of the application by the group including conducting consultations with neighbouring tribes and stakeholders,” Dotho said.
As part of the verification process, the ECD visit is an opportunity to provide awareness on key components of the Protected Areas law, which is important for the community members to understand.
During the community meeting, many community elders were grateful for updates on their application and are looking forward in obtaining a national declaration of their area soon.
There was also growing interest to explore the Carbon Credit scheme through the MFAT Funded Nakau Program of which will be an opportunity to add value to their forest conservation program.
CEPF rep, Ravin Dhari who was also part of the visit, highlighted that CEPF is grateful to have provided the funding support to Barekasi Tribal Association.
CEPF supported Barekasi through a number of key areas, which includes; strengthening of governance structures and systems, ranger support and this initial protected area process.
Part of the Barekasi Forest area
“We hoped that through this support, Barekasi was enabled to grow as an Association and would have the potential to better manage its resources,” Dhari said.
“We also wanted to see that their aim come true and they are able to achieve a protected area status soon,” he added.
Speaking during the close of the community meeting, Chief Marlon Kuve of Barekasi thanked the Ministry of Environment through ECD in carrying out the PA verification process.
He also thanked CEPF for the funding support and anticipates a smooth process towards obtaining their forest PA status.
To date, only three areas in country are legally protected under the Protected Areas Act 2010 administered by the Environment and Conservation Division.
