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Suspect escapes to the Shortlands

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man wanted for questioning over a death in Gizo early this week has reportedly escaped to his home in the Shortland islands, Western province.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said yesterday police in Gizo are investigating the death of a 40-year-old man in Gizo on the afternoon of May 10, 2021.

Mangau said the man was alleged to have been assaulted by a man from Shortland Island on May 8 in Gizo around 3pm to 4pm, in which he sustained injury to his mouth as a result of that assault.

At that time the deceased was also drunk and did not report the assault incident to the police or even went to the clinic for medical check-up.

On the next day he started to experience dizziness but still did not bother to visit the clinic, Mangau said.  

However, later on May 11 he collapsed at his home and was rushed to the hospital by some people, unfortunately pronounced dead by the doctor at Gizo hospital, Mangau said.

Mangau said police then were alerted about the incident and an investigation was carried out, however police were informed that the suspect had already escaped to the Shortland Islands after the assault incident.

Mangau also confirmed that the deceased’s body has been sent back to Isabel, and police Forensic in Honiara with a Pathologist are in Buala this week conducting post-mortem on the deceased.

The post-mortem was conducted as part of the police investigation.

He also called on the communities in Shortland to support police in their investigation to locate the suspect on the case.

EDITORIAL-What is the Minister of Home Affairs waiting for?

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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0

WHY are we still talking about the current Honiara City Council (HCC) executive?

By now, we should be discussing a competent authority appointed to run the affairs of the council.

We should be talking about how that authority should prepare Honiara for the Pacific Games in 2023.

And we should be talking about making Honiara a beautiful and livable city.

Instead, we’ve wasted so much of our precious time talking about a hopeless bunch of councilors who went in there and treated the council as their private business.

They offered themselves contracts, awarded internal vehicle tenders to themselves, sold market lock-up shops for exorbitant amounts and simply mismanaged the council.

These councilliors should have been kicked out immediately after the special audit report into the affairs of the council came out last year.

But the Government, for whatever reason, simply failed to act.

This lack of action allowed this bunch to remain in power and ended up selling a piece of council land that was currently used by the Biosecurity Unit to an Asian logger.

The Commissioner of Lands has to be forced to resume the land – but of course at tax payers’ cost.

In a attempt to improve their standing and regain public confidence, the councilors kicked out city clerk Rence Sore and mayor Wilson Mamae.

They voted in a new mayor and a new executive was appointed.

But they were the same old bunch from the same old executive.

There’s no hope they’ll bring any positive and meaningful changes to the HCC and the people.

Question now is why does it take the Minister of Home Affairs too long to dissolve the council?

The evidences are all out there. You don’t have to go looking for it.

Take action now minister and dissolve the council.

The people of Honiara have had enough of this stupidity.

Fugui commissioned for China mission

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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0
From L-R: Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, Governor General Sir David Vunagi, Ambassador designate John Moffat Fugui and Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele at Government House

PRESS RELEASE

The country’s ambassador designate to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), John Moffat Fugui was commissioned by the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House yesterday.

The ceremony now formalized Ambassador Fugui’s appointment to take up post in Beijing.

 During the ceremony, Sir David charged Ambassador Fugui with a number of responsibilities including his first and foremost task to represent and promote the interests of the Government of Solomon Islands in the country he is accredited. 

Sir David said the Government and people of Solomon Islands expect Ambassador Fugui to provide sound advice and deliberation on all matters during his tenure of office. These could be political, economic, social and cultural.

“At no time should personal interests and other forms of persuasions compromise these.  Your full commitment is therefore expected. 

“You are the link between the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of the country to which you are accredited. In true Solomon Islands tradition, your office and home will be the safe haven for Solomon Islanders in times of need,” Sir David said.

As Solomon Islands Chief Representative to the People’s Republic of China, Fugui’s allegiance is to the Government of the day and his instructions on all occasions during his mission will come from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to whom he is answerable.

Sir David added that the maintenance of permanent diplomatic missions overseas is a very costly exercise. 

“The operating cost of these is substantial and considering the country’s weak financial situation, cost-saving measures that will not compromise the effective discharge of your duty should become the order of the day.  Extravagance must be avoided at all costs,” Sir David said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Fugui thanked the Solomon Island government, especially, the Cabinet for the endorsement of his Ambassadorial Candidacy and vowed to do his utmost best to serve the mission in Beijing.

Fugui said the nature of his diplomatic tasks is multi-varied which include providing advice and consultations on political, economic, socio-cultural, and during this Covid-period can be medical in nature.

The Office in Beijing will be the bridge between PRC and Solomon Islands. It will be the refuge for Solomon Island citizens in China, which Ambassador Fugui is committed to carry out with the greatest of care.

Ambassador Fugui will leave for Beijing as soon as convenient where he is expected to present his credentials to the President of the Republic of China.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele, Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, senior Government Officials and family members witnessed the commissioning ceremony,

Ulawa clinic gets timely support

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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0
The hardware materials at the Clinic’s staff house

A RURAL health centre on Ulawa Island has received hardware materials worth more than $7,000.

The materials would be used to repair the Taheramo Clinic which has seen a decline over the years.

Clinic’s committee chairperson Godfrey Sautehi confirmed the hardware materials were safely off loaded at Suu Moli port yesterday and are now at the clinic ready for work to kick off.

“My committee had received a total of 20 bags of cement, 25 sheets of Masonite as well as nails worth $5,301 of hardware from Tongs Hardware Company which was purchased by the Makira Ulawa province health division upon a request our committee submitted last month,” Sautehi said.

“A total of $7,087-00 was paid for materials, freight and petrol for milled timbers which are very big help for us in ward one, which is Taheramo clinic’s catchment area,” he further added.

He is also happy with the positive outcome from responsible authorities which shows concern for the quality health service provided for his people.

“I want to thank the Kirakira Hospital administration on behalf of the people here for supporting and considering the need of the Taheramo clinic where our communities for a long time needed to improve its infrastructure,” Sautehi added.

He further adds that work on the clinic will start soon as and would be completed by June.

The Chairman said he looks forward for more support to clinics on Ulawa in the future, so that people on the island can access quality and reliable health services in the future.

By Lionel Taorao

In Ulawa

China’s approach a game changer, says Tovavaki

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Counsellor Gong in middle, CDO of South Vella Mr Tovavaki far right and DS of MRD Hebala left having a discussion after the launching of the Coconut Crushing Mill

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Constituency Development Officer (CDO) of South Vella has described the project implementation approach of Peoples Republic of China as a “game changer” that would lead to tangible development in rural communities.

Lemech Tovavaki made the statement when officials from the Chinese Embassy and Government visited the Economic Growth Center, yesterday.

The visit coincided with the launch of South Vella Coconut Crushing Mill.

Tovavaki stressed that China has shown an important example of how projects should be implemented by establishing strategy from funding to monitoring and evaluation of project.

Coconut crushing equipment

He added the strategy is a game changer as constituency developments are subjected to proper regulatory system which can lead to tangible development.

“It is fitting for officials from the Chinese embassy in Honiara to visit projects funded under their contribution through the Constituency Development Fund.”

Tovavaki adds that such visit will determine whether the projects are progressing well or not.

Guests tour the Crushing Mill facilities after the opening

“We want to express our gratitude to the People’ Republic of China for core funding our economic growth center and also our Crushing Mill.

“Your visit today displays your determination and commitments towards our community social and economic development.

“Today, we launched the South Vella Crushing Mill, which is fully funded by CDF and I understand that People’s Republic of China have made major contributions to the CDF.

“CDF also plays major role in the development of our economic center and we thank you for your assistance,” he said.

Coconut ready to be milled

Tovavaki said Crushing Mill and Economic Center development project is part of the constituency’s social and economic development.

He said the project will add value to the existing services for people to generate income especially selling of coconuts and other products.

Tovavaki adds that the rehabilitation of Barakoma Airstrip will also bring benefits to the people of South Vella in terms of economic activities.

Prime Minister’s Policy Advisor in Productive Sector, Samson Viulu said South Vella is a huge contributor of coconut production in the country and it is fitting for the constituency to venture into coconut crushing mill.

He said the government is looking at improving the benefit of coconut product.

Viulu added South Vella is one among other constituencies that will be part of a pilot project looking at value adding to the product for greater benefits.

“Currently you are selling the crushed coconut meat to buyers, our plan is to assist you to also sell the coconut milk so as the crushed coconut powder which can be used for chicken or pig feeder,” he said.

Deputy Head teacher of Bilua School receives the gifts on behlaf of the students

Viulu said South Vella constituency has made an impressive effort to bring greater development to its communities.

He called on the people and leaders of South Vella to work in partnership with the government through their Member of Parliament and donors.

In her speech, Counsellor Rui Gong from the People’s Republic of China said China is keen to support income generating projects that would touch the lives of the people.

She said China is not here as spectator but as a true friend with lots to offer in terms of economic and social development.

“We want to be your friend and partner in any development that can lead to greater benefits for your people.

“As a new friend, we are still learning how to effectively procure, monitor and evaluate proposed development projects and I want to say that we are slowly getting there,” Gong said.

She said China is always ready to help the people of Solomon Islands in any way possible.

Manelusi visits Lata school

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi handed over volley and soccer balls to school principle Roselyn Lemoba after his presentation

PRESS RELEASE

HEAD of Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) Gabriel Manelusi gave an educational talk to staff and students of Lata Community School during his recent visit there.

During his talk, Manelusi encouraged students to have visions, develop right attitude to learning and aim higher.

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

Lata CHS School Chaplain received Bible from Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi

“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.

He also reminded students to live according to the bible, our national law and respect our customs.

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

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

Lata Community High School Teachers, School Chairman and Student pose for a photo shot with Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi and LCC officers during his visit to Lata CHS

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

School principal Roselyn Lemoba in turn thanked Manelusi and his team for the visit and the awareness talk.

Manelusi was in Lata as part of his annual visit to provincial CSSI centres.

‘Fishy’ payments to city councillor

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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1

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

A COMPANY owned by Honiara City councillor Dorah Huapii Irofia collected almost $1 million in highly questionable payments for the first three months of 2020, for supplying basic furniture, stationeries and office equipment to the council.

That’s according to a report the former council deputy treasurer compiled as part of investigations into how the current council executive allegedly mismanaged the affairs of the council.

Dora, who is councilor for Cruz Ward, is the director of DOD’s General Supplier, which the report stated was one of the council’s “Preferred Suppliers”.

The contract was awarded direct to DOD without any tender process.

It was not just the amount of money paid out within four months that got the attention of the former deputy treasurer, but also the frequency at which it was paid.

For instance, on 20 January 2020, DOD received a cheque for $122,400 in the morning and another cheque for $34,600 in the afternoon.

The following month on 19 February, DOD was paid two other separate cheques on the same day – one for $34,460 and another for $53,000.

Five days later on 25 February, DOD collected two further payments – the first for $43,900 and the second for $141,600.

And on 25 March, DOD received two more cheques for $70,000 and $45,000 to cap off its spoil for the first quarter of 2020.

The report showed for the month of January, DOD collected three payments totaling $231,500.

For February, it received nine cheques worth $588,960.

And in March, DOD collected $115,000 to bring the total amount it got paid, to $935,460.

The report was critical of two particular payments.

The first was an $85,000 cheque paid to Cruz Women’s Group on 6 February, while the second was a $70,000 cheque raised in the name of Cr. Dorah Huapii Irofia on 14 February instead to DOD General Supplier.

The report pointed out that the $85,000 cheque to Cruz Women’s Group was highly suspicious and needs to be investigated.

The $70,000 paid to Cr. Dorah Huapii Irofia, the report added, should be raised in the name of DOD as the supplier and not to a councilor.

Although the only female councilor in the current executive, the report stated Councillor Dorah is one of the leading and highly influential figures in the council’s politics.

The report said while the council has a lot of outstanding bills to settle, (then) city clerk Rence Sore appeared to have given priority to paying DOD bills.

“This may be a reflection of how (then) city mayor Wilson Mamae, Sore and Cr. Dorah run the council.

“Obviously by studying the flow of payment to DOD’s General Supplier one can conclude that Sore prioritises payments that benefits himself through commissions.

“As a result lots of payments paid to DOD’s General Supplier were signed and released,” the report said.

The report also questioned the way in which payments are made to suppliers within the Honiara City Council.

“In the financial instruction there are clear guidelines on how procurement process should take its course.

“However, within the Honiara City Council cheque payments that supposed to be raised and paid to suppliers are raised under the name of council officers, cashed by the officers and later paid to suppliers.

“A clear example is on the 13/01/2020 chq payment was raised under the name of Honiara City Council finance Officer June Qae and was cashed and later spend the money for Fuel & lubricants (chq # 101771).

“On another occasion another chq payment was raised on the 30/01/2020 chq # 101862 and paid to Kadiba Alu, Media officer within the Honiara City Council, for printing of finance staff.

“The question again is why can’t these payouts be made straight to the suppliers?

“Honiara City Council adopted all procurement instruction in the Supplier Chain Management under Financial Instruction however, the act of cashing cheques and later procure items conflicted with clear guidelines set out in the Financial Instruction.

“The act of the officers put their integrity at question.”

In his final report before he was sacked from the council, Sore highlighted the poor procurement practices within the council.

He said these include insufficient planning, lack of documentation and non-consideration for value for money.

“These arise mainly because of the confusion that exists between the lines of governance and management of the council,” Sore said in his report.

He added the confusion is evident in the current council on matters like the allocation of market lock up shops, administration of vehicle tenders and the Kukum Market project.

“Good procurement practices will never be achieved in the life of this current house of the city council,” Sore said.

Dissolve HCC now: Wale

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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1
Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the Minister for Home Affairs to quickly dissolve the Honiara City Council and to review its structure.

The call was made in light of the damning allegations of corrupt activities made in the Special Audit Report and another report made by recently terminated City Clerk, Mr Rence Sore to the government.

“The latter amongst others, blew the whistle on suspected corrupt sale of HCC vehicles and allocation of lockup shops in the Honiara main market by the new mayor and other Councillors. It seems this kind of practices has been going on unnoticed for long now,” says Mr Wale.

He said the recent allegations by Sore sends clear signals that the level of corruption within HCC goes far beyond what was earlier investigated and regrettably, appear endemic and deliberately engineered to serve the interest of Councillors.

“This is serious and raises major concerns on the credibility and integrity of leadership in HCC.  How can the people of Honiara trust this kind of leadership to look after their affairs?  Something must be done,” the Opposition Leader points out.

The Opposition Leader goes on to add that, “Given the magnitude of the allegations, the right thing to do is to stop the current HCC and take whatever action necessary to address the causes of such corrupt practices. If public confidence is to be restored and the governance of Honiara is to serve the people, such drastic measures must be employed now”.

“I therefore call on the responsible Minister to dissolve HCC and replace it with a competent authority to run the affairs of the Council until the 2023 elections. The appointment of such an authority will ensure that independent investigations are completed and appropriate action taken against those implicated. This cannot be expected with allegations hanging over the whole of the Council.

“I also urge the responsible Minister to review the manner in which the City clerk gets selected.  The recent revelations are proof enough that political hand picking does not serve the best interest of management of HCC affairs. The discretion therefore must be removed from HCC and Councillors.”

–OPPOSITION PRESS

TSI says city mayor needs to step down

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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0

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands says recently elected city mayor Eddie Siapu must step down over his decision to hide a council vehicle from auditors.

“The allegation that the newly elected city mayor was responsible for hiding the Hilux sought by the auditors when implementing the special audit on HCC already reflects badly of him as someone not to be trusted by the people who is capable of leading with integrity and transparency,” TSI said in a statement.

“He needs to step down as well as explain his action to the people with regard to the vehicle,” the statement added.

Auditors from the Auditor General’s office were unable to locate the vehicle worth $274,000 during a special audit of the City Council in 2020.

Although he knew about the vehicle being in Siapu’s hands at that time, city clerk Rence Sore did not disclose that to the auditors.

However, Sore revealed in a report he compiled just before he was sacked in March this year that the vehicle was actually being kept by Siapu.

At the time the audit was undertaken, Siapu, the councilor for Rove/Lengakiki who was elected last month to the mayor’s position, was part of the city council executive under the leadership of Wilson Mamae.

The audit found that in 2020, the council spent $1.6 million on six vehicles.

But further checks found only five vehicles were in the possession of the council.

The sixth, a hilux worth $274,000, could not be located.

In his report, the disgraced Sore revealed Siapu kept that missing sixth vehicle and was using it as his private property.

Earlier, Siapu told the Island Sun he would respond to Sore’s revelation at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, TSI calls on the Leadership Code Commission needs to look into allegations of unexplained wealth exposed in Sore’s report.

Some of the unexplained wealth revealed in the report were:

[1] the Hilux cost $274,000 now used as a private vehicle of the newly elected City Mayor Eddie Siapu. The vehicle could not be located when the special audit report was carried out to ascertain $1.6 million spent for six vehicles where one was missing. It was revealed by the sacked City Clerk that Siapu took it as his private vehicle.

[2] An alleged million-dollar worth residence built at Titinge, is owned by the HCC treasurer, Tony Lenson.

[3]. Another million-dollar worth residence built at Tasahe B and is allegedly owned by former treasurer of HCC Robert Lauomea. It is described as a million-dollar mansion at Tasahe B.

[4]. The other expensive residence is reportedly located at West Kola Ridge and is allegedly owned by former deputy treasurer, Grace Malefoasi. It is a million-dollar worth residence as well. Grace Malefoasi is the finance officer that looks after projects under the city council.

[5] Residential property at Vura Heights, East Honiara is owned by a junior HCC Treasury Staff-June Qae.

“The names and locations have been made public providing a lead for responsible authorities to carry out investigation of these allegations.

“We call on the police, the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Leadership Code Commission to investigate these to either clear them of it or convict them bringing trust back to HCC. 

“Any allegations of unexplained wealth must be investigated for they have a direct impact on the provision of services to the rate payers of Honiara City.”

US-Winrock to begin awareness in Malaita

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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3

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE US-funded Winrock SCALE-NRM programme in Malaita province will begin its awareness to communities next week.

First up is East Malaita.

A one and half week awareness programme has been set and a team from Winrock office in Auki will be visiting communities in East Malaita starting next week.

President of MALAMOI Council of Chiefs, Mr Knoxly Atu who is supporting Winrock in coordinating the visit to East Malaita told this paper preparation is underway for the programme.

He said the awareness is an important component of the SCALE project, to inform resource owners on programmes and activities under the project for Malaita.

Atu also said through the awareness, people will learn of SCALE and is also a chance to discuss and raise queries they may have.

Importantly, he said the consultation is a preparation on how resource owners and Winrock would partner to implement SCALE for the benefit of Malaitans.

Winrock team will leave on Monday next week for ward 14 of East Fataleka to begin community consultations.

The team is scheduled to hold awareness sessions at Bethel (Monday), Subobono and Manu (Tuesday) and Onefala and Adaliua (Wednesday) to complete ward 14.

On Thursday, the team will have awareness at Gete and Atori substation and a half-day session at Faumamanu scheduled for Friday to complete ward 15.

In the afternoon of Friday, the team will meet with the people of Kwai/Ngongosila Islands and on Saturday (May 22) to Nafinua station and Busuone.

The team proposed a visit to Leli Island on Sunday (May 23) and their last two community awareness programmes for ward 15 will be at Kwaiafa School and Fera’abu community centre on May 24.

On May 25, the team will hold their last awareness at Kwaiabu in ward four before returning to Auki in the afternoon of that day.

Around 100 villages in East Malaita will attend the awareness talk.

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