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Kenilorea graces Filipino community induction event

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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FILCOMSI members presenting Hon. Kenilorea with a certificate of appreciation for his participation at their event.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

MEMBER of Parliament for East Are’are Peter Kenilorea Jnr graced an induction event of office bearers for the Filipino Community in Honiara.

Kenilorea used the occasion to pay tribute to the Filipino community for their service within various key sectors in Solomon Islands.

“Filipinos are known for their contribution to the global services sector the world over,” Kenilorea said.

“I have witnessed this in the USA and in many of the countries that I have visited. They have proven to be trustworthy, loyal, professional and caring employees,” he added.

Newly inducted FILCOMSI members and officers during a photoshoot with guest speaker Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr

Kenilorea also highlighted their contribution and support as fellow Christians.

A FILCOMSI member pose for the camera

 “In the Solomon Islands, they are contributing as well. Their sense of community is strong. They share with us, many of the values we uphold as Christian nations. As they work, they support each other through their network of communities. 

“Today, I was honoured to be the guest for the Filipino Community of Solomon Islands as they inducted their new members of their executive.

Inducted FILCOMSI Officer Soledad Bilaro receiving her certificate

“My wife and I enjoyed the delicious dishes served which was a bonus to what was an enjoyable occasion. Thank you for your service to Solomon Islands businesses,” Kenilorea stated.

FILCOMSI was established in 2007, a non-profitable organization to promote the Filipino culture and foster good relationships in the Solomon Islands, contribute to the welfare of Filipinos working or living in the country and establishing links with organizations.

Members of the FILCOMSI during the induction event

Their new officer bearers are:

1. Engr. Leo Salonoy – PRESIDENT

2. Magdalena Quirimit- VICE PRESIDENT (internal)

3. Myrtle Atienza – VICE PRESIDENT (External) & Board Member in Sports

4. Francisco Lontoc – Treasurer

5. Cynthia Bukayaro – Asst Treasurer

6. Natalia Noprada – Secretary

7. Villa Repollo – Asst Secretary

8. Vonriech Saban- Board Member in Membership

9. Lolito Jr Monte Ceredon – Board Member in Social Media and Public Relation

Induction of officers was held at Don Bosco Technical Institute.

Police reminds public to clear own area for bombs

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police are strongly encouraging people in the country, especially in islands where World War II had taken place, to make sure their area is clear of unexploded ordnance before erecting a building.

This follows the unexpected explosion of a WWI unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Lengakiki Ministers Road suburbs on May 9, which led to the death of a young man and three other people in serious condition.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, in his weekly media conference yesterday, said WWII UXO are lying around in most of our islands.

This, he says, is because Solomon Islands was one of the hotspots in the battle between America and Japan for the South Pacific.

“Therefore, the public must be reminded that if you are not sure whether your area is safe to build then call the responsible people to do the clearance,” Mangau said.

He said “there are contractors in the country who have the capability to do clearance of UXO or World War II bombs”.

Mangau also clarified that Police Explosive Ordnance team are currently not doing the clearance. However, he says they are responsible to collect and dispose bombs – “once they are found in your area”.

The police commissioner did not give any specific information on just who exactly are the companies or individuals on whom public can all upon to do UXO clearance.

Life saving call

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Linta Mabo

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

A survivor of congenital heart disease Andy Tolobua calls for support to save Linta Mabo who shared similar heart disease.

Young Tolobua made the call because he shared the same life situation and successfully underwent lifesaving heart surgery in Israel.

“As a person who went through similar situation, I am calling on the public to come forward and support her to give her a second chance to live,” he said.

He said after surgery he is living a normal life because of support from the public, friends and families with the help from Goodridge Foundation in Australia and Wolfson Medical Center in Israel.

He underwent lifesaving heart surgery on 18 July 2019 at the Wolfson Medical Center by the volunteer medical team members of Save a Child Heart in Israel.



Andy Tolobua shows his support for Linta Mabo

Young Linta Mabo from Roghavolo village in North Guadalcanal is suffering congestive cardiac failure/Valvular Heart disease 20 Rheumatic Heart Disease and needs SBD$300,000 to undergo heart surgery in Australia.

Her parents also appeal for financial support for their daughter to undergo urgent surgery in Australia by June.

“We are writing to request for financial support to help in sending our daughter overseas for the surgery.

“The fundraising is critical since she has been ill for long period now and since our National Referral Hospital cannot afford to do heart surgery here, we kindly seek your support,” the parents said.

Those who wish to support her can be reached on phone 7587793 or 7475274.

Win Win confirms export of its gold

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

WIN Win Mining company started export of alluvial gold to Hong Kong in January this year.

This was after the company’s Mamasa-Turarana operations on Central Guadalcanal was disrupted by the 2020 Chinese New Year and the closure of borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Win Win has extracted alluvial deposits on the stream beds of both tenements to get the minerals, especially gold.

Initially, Win Win received its Mining Lease from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals on December 2018.

Managing Director of Win Win, Dan Shi told Island Sun in an interview yesterday that their machines and equipment were set up in a camp at Mamasa on August 2019.

Shi said operations started on Mamasa, however the company discovered the tenement had low alluvial deposits on its stream beds.

He said the company is now moving to Turarana which is believed to have high alluvial deposits.

However, he said the operation slowed down after 80 percent of its workers returned to China to celebrate the Chinese New Year in January 2020 and the impact of COVID-19.

Shi said operation has resumed around September 2020.

He said work is slowly picking up again this year after the armed robbery last December.

As part of royalty, Win Win pays three percent to the Government and other three percent to the landowners.

Shi said the three percent royalty of the government remains at the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, while the other three percent for the landowners will be paid to their trustee’s accounts when they are formalized it.

Shi said the company is following the laws stipulated under the Mines and Mineral Act and other related Acts.

He said the company is open to discuss any issues through dialogue rather than debating it in the media.

Win Win mining company last year made headlines when its camp was robbed by men disguised as police officers who made away with gold bars, $140,000 cash and 15 mobile phones from workers.

Police have arrested the men and the case is currently before the courts.

Fini defends Malaita PAC visit on national government

Written by
Samie Waikori
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OPMC and MPG-PAC Officials at the Prime Minister’s Office

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recent courtesy visit and dialogue with the national PAC is for the interest and benefit of Malaita province.

Chairman of the Malaita provincial PAC, Martin Fini made the statement in response to critics in social media by Malaitans and colleague MPAs.

He explained that the visit has two components; (1) to meet with the National Public Accounts Committee and (2) to meet and dialogue with line ministries and PMO.

Fini said the purpose of the visit is to learn from each other especially learning from the national PAC on similar role they play in the provincial level.

He said during their dialogue with the national PAC they learned a lot from them especially how they carried out scrutiny on the national budget which is useful for them to apply on the provincial budget.

Fini said the visits to line ministries resulted in fruitful discussions, as questions were raised and updates on national government’s development plans for Malaita province.

He stressed that the visit is to capacitate them with knowledge that will enhance them on the role they play to scrutinise the provincial budget for interest and benefit of Malaitans.

Fini also clarified that the visit has nothing to do with personnel gain for it was budgeted for under the 2021/2022 MPG budget.

Fini said in terms of legality of the visit, there are provisions provided for under the Standing Order that allows them to carry out courtesy visits.

He said nothing is covert about the visit as it is funded by MPG and soon after completing report on the visit, the report will be published and accessible to anyone.

Fini said as chairman of the provincial PAC who led the team, he welcome all critics because the visit was done not in the interest of his team, but the interest and benefit of Malaitans.

Gender responsive project to increase access to services and safer environment

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Group photo of all attendees on the launching event of Gender Responsive Peacebuilding Extractive Industries in Isabel province.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A recently launched project focusing on gender responsive on peacebuilding and extractive industries in Isabel province will increase access to women’s services and contribute to a physically safer environment.

This was according to Dr Jennifer Butler, Director, and UNFPA Pacific who revealed this during the launch of the project virtually.

“The programme will increase access to women’s services and contribute to a physically safer environment, key factors which will mitigate the risk of harm to women and young women. Raising awareness of the need for services and infrastructure which are women centred and provide women with an environment in which they are able to exercise their rights, including the right to participation, is another key part of this programme,” Butler said.

She said this project will also connecting women together through the eco peacebuilding groups will empower women together to seek redress and continue to build and sustain their role in peacebuilding after the project end. 

Butler stressed it (project) aligns well with the Solomon Island National Peace Policy and National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Further, it aligns with the National Gender Equality and Women’s Development (GEWD) policy which aims to achieve gender equality and human rights in Solomon Islands.  

He said in addition, the project objective also aligns with the Solomon Islands National Policy to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls. This outlines five policy priority outcomes pertaining to eliminating violence against women and girls. Specifically, outcome three strives to ensure victims and survivors have better access to medical, legal and protective services. 

“We are thrilled to launch this project and thank you all greatly for your time,” Butler said.

On the same note Mr. Pär Liljert, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission & Coordinator for the Pacific said regarding service provision, the programme will address needs to increase services that are provided on issues of gender-based violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SHR), safety, PSS and Justice Services to remote and isolated areas.

Liljert said currently, in the Isabel province, only one civil society organisation is able to provide gender-based violence and justice support. This programme will directly increase the availability of these services.

Man allegedly rapes mother

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man has been arrested over the Mother’s Day weekend for allegedly raping his own mother.

The incident occurred at a village on Ngella in the Central Islands Province.

Police say the mother was around 65-70 years of age.

Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau yesterday condemned the alleged action by the 44-year-old son.

He described the act as “inhumane and not acceptable”.

Mangau said the mother was in the kitchen preparing food when her son came and allegedly committed the offence.

He said the mother reported the incident and with the help of village chiefs and committees in the Community Policing team, called the Tulagi police and arrested the man.

“In our communities we do not accept such acts because we have our traditional values and customs, that we have to respect our mothers, women and girls.

“Therefore, I strongly condemn such actions and a full investigation will be done on this case so that the accuse face the court of law,” Mangau said.

He added the alleged suspect has been charged with one count of incest by malescontrary to section 163 (1) of the Penal Code and is currently remanded in custody awaiting his court date.

Asked whether the suspect is mentally ill, Mangau said this will be the subject of their investigation.

Police appeal for peaceful by-elections

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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0

PRESS RELEASE

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have appealed to the people of South Choiseul Constituency, Kirugela ward in North East Choiseul, and Anuta and Tikopia Island in Temotu Province to ensure peaceful by-elections next week.

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Managu said by-Election in South Choiseul Constituency became necessary after the Member of Parliament lost his seat in an election petition after the National General Election in April 2019.

The North East Choiseul Kirugela ward by election came after the passing away of their Member of Provincial Assembly.”

Commissioner Mangau also said the Ward by-election for Anuta and Tikopia (ward 16) Island has become necessary after the Member of Provincial Assembly was terminated.

He appealed to voters to assist the police in ensuring communities remain safe and peaceful during the by-elections.

 “Let us continue to show respect to one another and maintain peace like we did during the past elections. 

“Respect for one another is an integral part of Solomon Islands tradition and culture. Do not allow any disagreements to cause divisions amongst us.”

About 50 RSIPF officers comprising those from Taro, Gizo and Police Response Team (PRT) will be deployed to 17 polling stations in South Choiseul Constituency and three polling stations in Kirugela ward in North East Choiseul.

Eight officers from Lata Police Station will be deployed to three polling stations in Anuta and Tikopia ward.

Commissioner Mangau said the deployment is paramount to ensure polling day is done peacefully and that all registered voters are allowed to cast their votes without any fear of violence.

“We also want to appeal to voters to accept the outcome of the by-elections and to work together with your new member of Parliament and Members of Provincial Assemblies.

“We also want to appeal directly to all candidates, supporters and political party members to remember your responsibilities as leaders during such period.

“Please observe rules and regulations under the Electoral Act.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Police investigate suicide in Renbel

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Tigoa in the Renbel Province are investigating the discovery of the body of a 19-year-old male who reportedly hanged himself in his room at his uncle’s residence on May 5, 2021.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The deceased lived with his uncle and his uncle told him that he will be leaving to next village to complete his canoe work and will return the next day (May 6, 2021).

“About 5pm on May 6 his uncle returned home, he saw the deceased room locked from inside. He called for him but no sign of movement. 

“His uncle called several times but still no sign of response from inside the deceased room so he went into the next room and peeped through a hole on the walling and found the deceased hanging.

“He ran to the door and kicked open the door and saw the deceased hanging. He took his knife cut down the rope and found that the deceased already stiff.

“He shouted for help and people in the village who were gathered to played football ran and assisted him. They took the body of the deceased to his parent’s house where they mourned over his body.

“My condolences to the relative of the deceased for the loss of their dear son.”

Police at Tigoa appeal to the people living in and around the area to come forward with any information that may assist with the investigation in this sad incident.

“I want to urge youth in the Renbel Province to approach their parents, close relatives or their best friend if they have issues that are bothering them.

“I also encourage parents and relatives to look out for signs that might indicate their children are having any problems and to find time to sit down and talk with them,” says Mangau.

Keni defends Win Win

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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0
Turarana river, where the WinWin mining company is operating.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GOLD Dealer Licence holder, Primo Keni has clarified that different agents have been involved in buying the 78.47 kg of alluvial gold from community on Mamasa and Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.

This came after a landowner, Joel Jackson claimed Win Win bought gold from gold-panners in the community and exported them overseas.

Kenny said he bought 20.1 kg of alluvial gold, while the rest are from other agents in Honiara.

“I buy $240 per gramme for one gold from people in Honiara and $200-210 from panners in the village.”

Under section 54 of Mines and Mineral Act 1990, only a Gold dealer can export alluvial gold, not the alluvial miner.

Win Win Managing Director, Dan Shi said the Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki verbally granted them to buy gold from landowners after he mentioned the economic hardship facing the people.

Shi said the company appointed an agent who signed an agreement with Kenny to buy gold from the people.

Furthermore, Kenny said all the details of the alluvial gold are available with Director of Mines because inspection and weighing were done at the Mines Division before sending to Customs for processing and then exporting to Hong Kong.

He said the value of the export is determined by the refinery on analysis and Assay report is sent back to Customs in Honiara to determine the value and calculate the 5 percent tax.

Under Mines and Minerals and Minerals (Amendment) Act 2014, all credits of the minerals other than gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite and iron ore are credited to the Mining Royalty Special Fund, which the Minister of Mines would authorise to landowners.

The credits of gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite and iron ore shall be included in the consolidate revenue of the Government.

The trustees and the government would get their shares from the consolidated revenue.

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