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3 men sent to jail for manslaughter

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THREE men who were found guilty of manslaughter relating to the death of a man, whose cadaver was found floating at sea in Usu’usue, North East Malaita were sent to jail last week.

Casper Maedani, Ben Anisi and Mostyn Sara were each charged with one count of manslaughter relating to the incident, which occurred on June 9, 2020.

Prosecution says that around 11pm and 12am, the deceased’s dead body was found at sea by some fisherman, and was taken to a nearby clinic; the medical worker identified that the deceased had some knife injuries on both his arms.

Prosecution said prior to the incident people in Ato village, Malaita province, saw the deceased residing at their village for some time before he went back to his village that night.

When he returned to his village, he took a fibre-glass canoe belonging to one of the accused without permission; some boys from the village went after the deceased and took the canoe back.

Meanwhile, Maedani, Anisi and Sara went after him, it was at that time a fight broke out in which the deceased sustained injuries to his arm.

According to the Doctor’s report there was no haemorrhage or fracture to the bones but that he might have probably died from drowning as a result of slash wounds on both his arms.

High Court Judge Justice Maelyn Bird in her sentence said she is assisted by the guidelines and principles used by the courts in like offences, in manslaughter cases the usual sentence that the court normally imposes is one of incarceration.

She told the three men that the incident occurred at night time is an aggravating feature,
“you used the cover of night to commit the offending, at night no one could see what type of assault was coming”.

She also told the accused men that “there is no justification to take a man’s life like you did”.

“You could have exercised restraint but you did not,” Ms Bird said.

Therefore, considering all the circumstances of the case, Bird imposed sentences – for Maedani he will serve three years imprisonment, Anisi three years imprisonment while Sara four years imprisonment.

Bangladeshi to appear in court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A Bangladesh national facing sexual offence charges on a child under 15 years of age will appear again in court for mention.

The Bangladeshi is alleged of raping an 11-year-old girl at the Lungga area; he faces three other charges.

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 had been raped by a Bangladesh national in his bedroom weeks ago.

The mother said she only knew of the incident when she heard stories from other girls about what had happened to her, it was at that time the mother asked her daughter and confirmed that the accused had done sexual actions on her about a week prior but she was afraid to tell anyone about it.

PACER Plus assessment underway

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Press Release
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THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade hosted an introductory session on Wednesday 28th April 2021 to kick off consultations for the Rapid Needs Assessment to identify the challenges and opportunities in implementing the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus.

Bilateral consultations were held later in the afternoon with the respective stakeholders and will continue on the 5th and 6th of May 2021.

The PACER Plus is a trade, development and economic cooperation agreement between the Forum Island Countries (FICs), Australia and New Zealand.

PACER Plus entered into force on 13 December 2020.

The parties to the agreement are Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga. Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are in the process of finalising their respective ratification of the Agreement. 

The assessment aims to identify early priorities in preparation for the implementation of the Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme provided by the joint funding support of AUD$25.5 million over five years by Australia and New Zealand for support towards FICs in implementing the PACER Plus. 

The Government of Australia has commissioned the Institute for International Trade(IIT), of the University of Adelaide to undertake the Rapid Needs Assessments which will be conducted remotely.

The consultations will also occur in other PACER Plus FICs throughout April and May to ensure the funding addresses the most critical trade related challenges shared by Pacific members.

Speaking in front of more than 40 representatives from government line ministries, private sector, development partners and non-governmental organization that were present at the venue and connecting via zoom remotely from their respective offices, the Trade Commissioner, \Barrett Salato within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade highlighted, ‘Trade as a development pillar is cross cutting, the various agencies represented here today each has a role in participating in or facilitating trade.’

‘This Rapid Needs Assessment will provide an avenue to update the information of trade related issues and support important for Solomon Islands to be captured in the Work Programme.

Also identifying broader aid for trade activities that will strengthen institutions and address trade-related constraints.

The trade-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as we have all felt is an important consideration to be had in these changing dynamics’.

Trade Commissioner Salato thanked the team from IIT for their support and look forward to their lead in the plenary session and upcoming consultations.

–MFAET PRESS

Muaki questions Mamara town development & govt

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SINGAPORE’s METROPOLIC Pacific PTE Ltd move to build 5000 houses at Mamara in North West Guadalcanal has raised more questions than answers for some landowners.

Former Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Andrew Muaki alleged the Tandai landowners demanded the return of the whole land area after the previous Fixed Term Estate (FTE) owner of the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mawo decided to offload her interests in or around 1995-1996.

Muaki said their demand was based on the government policy of returning alienated land to customary land owners.

The Tandai Land Owners had two principal demands:

  1. Return of the Perpetual Estate (PE), and
  2. Return/surrender of the FTE.

However, Muaki claimed the then Solomon Islands Government ignored both demands despite the government policy and the fact it was still possible to accommodate both the Tandai Land Owners interests and that of Metropolis Ltd.

“A year or so later the Guadalcanal people decided to evict non-Guadalcanal settlers from their land.

“It should be noted that the Guadalcanal people in the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mawo area were some of the strongest supporters of the social unrest on Guadalcanal Island. Their views on land and other matters affecting Guadalcanal Province has not subsided to this day,” he claimed.

Muaki alleged the SIG argued the Mamara area was ideal for hotel development.

He said it would be, according to government officials, Solomon Islands first five-star hotel, to be built at Mamara, together with golf courses and other amenities.

However, Muaki alleged it has come as a major surprise to Tandai Land Owners and the communities there that Metropolis Ltd and the government started off with 5,000 housing estate for Solomon Islanders.

“It seems all the concerns raised by the Tandai Land Owners, surrounding communities and Guadalcanal Province has landed on deaf ears,” he claimed.

Furthermore, Muaki claimed to ensure Tandai Land Owners would not demand the return of their land or stop any future development proposed by Metropolis Ltd, the SIG agreed to the proposal by Metropolis Ltd and its lawyer, the late Julian Moti, that Mamara land was in need of a special legislation.

He said in 1997 the SIG took to Parliament the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mawo Agreement Bill which was passed and is now the only piece of legislation that governs the current development at Mamara.

“If Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mawo is quite special to the SIG, how about the LSL land from Lungga to Fox wood? Should it also have a special legislation? And how about the RIPEL FTE in the Russell Islands? Should it also have a special legislation to protect the interests of the investor and government?” he asked.

Muaki said to placate the Tandai Land Owners and Guadalcanal Province from raising the issue, every government, if not most governments, would appoint the MP from Northwest Guadalcanal as the minister of lands.

“Thus, for most of their ministerial life, late Francis Orodani and late Sirako Usa were appointed to be lands minister.

“If the local MP was not appointed (MP Bodo never appointed in governments he was in), another MP from Guadalcanal Province would be appointed to be the lands minister,” he claimed.

Muaki claimed the government has been lying to the people of Guadalcanal Province for far too long.

“Perhaps the lessons of the past have not been helpful in shaping our dealings with people’s land and concerns.

“Or perhaps the government has other interests to take care of. But whatever it is, history tends to repeat itself in many ways,” he claimed.

Island Sun understands based on the Mamara City plan, it also includes a hotel, a stadium and other developments.

Agriculture sector under pressure

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE country’s State of Environment Report has highlighted that there is huge obstacle in the development of the Agriculture Sector due to natural, social and economic challenges.

The report states that production has continued to decrease in crops like cocoa and coconut over the past years.

It states that the decreased in production is due to natural disasters such as flash flooding, volatile prices in the market, lack of private and public investment and instability political and economic environment.

The report warns that efforts to enhance agricultural production should focus on managing the environmental effects as expanding croplands have a range of impacts on loss of forest cover, water quality, and cultural heritage and conservation sites.

It states that agricultural sector is the most important sector for the country’s economy, with subsistence farming being the predominant occupation of around 80% of the population.

The report states that the National Development Strategy 2016-2035 and the Agriculture and Livestock Sector Policy 2015-2019 targets have extensive proposals to sustainably increase the contribution of the sector to gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

The report is compiled by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with the help of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

The report was launched last week as COVID-19 prevented its proposed launching last year.

Responding positively to COVID -19 challenges

Written by
Ben Bilua
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supervising director for the Women's Development Division (WDD) within the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Vaela Ngai said the rate of Domestic violence has increased over the years.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SAFENET Affiliates have established women safety strategy in respond to COVID-19.

Speaking during the 14th Triennial Conference, Acting Director of Women’s Development Department in the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Vaela Ngai said SAFENET network has looked at other alternatives to make sure women’s safety is secured at this time of pandemic.

She said referral pathways have been incorporated with different COVID-19 measures such as developing and distribution of emergency call lines.

Ngai explained that the strategy is aimed at making the services available to vulnerable women during lockdown so as on a daily basis.

She adds that SAFENET Network has also utilized social media platform on Facebook to channel important information and also provide access for key stakeholders to communicate.

“The covid 19 pandemic demanded that we had to quite quickly adapt our referral pathway to the pandemic context by incorporating the different COVID 19 health measures, developing phone trees that was widely distributed showing available services during lockdown situations including developing a safenet facebook page,” Ngai said.

SICCI reassures commitment to partnership with Govt

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Press Release
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Representatives from SICCI and the Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare.

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has reiterated its commitment to continue growing the strong partnership it has established with the Solomon Islands Government.

SICCI Chairman, Mr Ricky Fuo’o in a meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted that continuous collaboration is important since the private sector plays a critical role for economic growth and jobs creations in the country.

Representative from the private sector organisation led by the Chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister yesterday and also took the opportunity to introduce its new Board Members elected during March’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The new Board Members are Namoi Kaluae (Co-founder Adkonect/Pacific Tenders), Kazi Mushfiqur Rahman (SITCO General Manager) and Dr. Lazarus Tavichikai.

Fuo’o highlighted that the composition of the SICCI Board is a diverse representation of both large companies and small businesses coming together to form a collective voice for all businesses in the country.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Natalina Hong updated the Prime Minister on some of the activities and work the Chamber has achieved so far this year including Private Sector Pathway to Recovery Strategy, the Chamber’s submission to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee inquiry and the recently successful Directorship Programme.

Chairman Fuo’o also flagged important events the Chamber has coming up like the Prime Minister’s Breakfast, Business Excellence Awards (BEA) and an Infrastructure Symposium.

He said the proposed symposium is a platform that brings together critical role-players in the infrastructure investment space as the Chamber believes infrastructure is a key factor in the country’s economic recovery.

“There are currently around SBD7.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects that are either underway or tabled for the next four to five years.

“SICCI continues to encourage Government and relevant authorities to ensure there is sufficient local content included in the billion-dollar worth of infrastructure projects that are planned to enable that economic benefit remain in Solomon Islands,” Fuo’o said.

He also added that a level playing field and compliance is important to promote fair competition across all the industries.

Prime Minister Sogavare in response acknowledge SICCI for taking the initiative to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

“The Private Sector plays a key role in financing the national budget and it is only fitting that they are consulted in this process,” he said.

The Prime Minister also made known his support towards SICCI’s upcoming events in particular the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) and the Infrastructure Symposium.

SICCI Chairman Fuo’o said the Chamber looks forward to more meaningful engagement on key impediments to growth, progressing the formalised Public Private Partnership (PPP) through the MOU with the Government.

“Government remains our key stakeholder. We will maintain the current good level of collaboration with the government,” he said.

The MoU provides a platform that complements SICCI’s advocacy towards solutions to improving Infrastructure needs, tax reforms, inefficiencies caused by bureaucratic corruption, and unlocking potential economic and land resources.

“A conducive business environment where the private sector can flourish means more contribution to Government revenue, more jobs for our growing population,” Fuo’o said.

–SICCI MEDIA

Support journalists to overcome barriers: Kenilorea

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Guest speaker of MASI Open Day Dr David Gegeo and United Nations Joint Presence representative Alicia Kenilorea

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country must support journalists to overcome barriers to their work, says Alicia Kenilorea, United Nations Joint Presence representative at yesterday’s Press Freedom Day event in Honiara.

“At this time, we must also support journalists to overcome barriers to their work,” Kenilorea told those who were present.

“This year, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO with a consortium of researchers launched a study titled the chilling: globe trends in online violence against women journalists.

“As we reflect on the theme for this year, I would like to reiterate the importance of free and independent media; providing support for the strengthening of journalism and being able to cherish verified and reliable information.

 “Today, we recognize the journalists and media workers who commit to keeping us informed and exposing injustices,” Mrs Kenilorea.

She said Journalists play a critical role in informing, to allow for meaningful participation and decision making.

“For if we say that information is a public good then it must be provided for the benefit of the community. It also means we should be bale access and use information responsibly so as not to cause harm or prevent others from accessing it.

“Media is a critical partner in all collective effort to pursue peace, development and well-being and today we salute all journalists and media workers for the role that you play,” Kenilorea said.

MASI marks Press Freedom Day

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

MEDIA Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), in partnership with the Journalism and Media School at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), hosted an Open Day as part of World Press Freedom Day event yesterday

The celebration was held at the Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) Village, Panatina.

Guest speaker Dr David Gegeo, Head of SINU’s School of Humanities, said journalists have done an excellent job in terms of keeping the public informed and updated in various issues and happenings.

MASI President Georgina Kekea with Guests of MASI Open Day.

“Today I want to congratulate journalists for reporting news especially meeting deadlines,” Gegeo said.

He said using English to communicate news and meeting deadlines is not easy as English is a foreign language brought into the country by British.

“I salute you all journalists for the great job you have done in informing the public with updated stories.

White River students
Participating students.

“Also, I congratulate them for taking a lot of risk. One moment they are happy, the next moment their lives are in danger,” Gegeo said.

He said having said that there is always room for improvement.

“Let’s create an environment where journalists can keep us informed.

“Let me say here we need to create an atmosphere free from hate, atmosphere filled with love, respect and admiration for their work.

“At the end of the day our mass media is the mouthpiece and voice of our nation as they influence, educate and entertain us,” Gegeo said.

Solomon Star staffs Andrew Fanasia and Esther Nuria explaining the roles of Journalist to students

Alecia Kenilorea on-behalf of UNFPA lauded MASI for hosting this event to mark the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on 3 May 2021.

“Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we pause to reflect on the crucial work that journalists in Solomon Islands and around the world do.

“This year’s theme ‘information as a public good’ affirms the importance of cherishing information.

“It calls for the transparent production, dissemination and consumption information that benefits all, including the vulnerable and marginalized.”

Georgina Kekea President to Media Association of Solomon Islands says she is grateful to see secondary school students, SINU students and members of the media association who turned up to be part of the event.

Kekea said the World Press Freedom Day is a very important day on MASI’s calendar.

It’s a day where media organizations, journalists and media staff come together to celebrate and reflect on their work especially inside the country.

She said there is also an increase of journalists needed inside our country especially in the news industry.

“With this theme, we believe that information is only as good as the person that writes it.” Kekea said.      

She added with the limited resources and support from MASI members they were able to host the program yesterday.

CELSUS HITS BACK

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Admin
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Malaita's Political Advisor, Celsus Irokwato Talifilu

Sasako serves his own interest

Malaita province political advisor Celsus Irokwato Talifilu has hit back at Sasako report saying he is in Taipei to hold talks with Taiwan political leaders as false.

In fact, he is in Australia to prepare health arrangement for Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani.

He said this is import because he has been referred to seek medical attention in Honiara but due to lack of proper facility in Honiara, they have to seek medical attention overseas.

Talifilu instead describes the recent front page on Solomon Star “Malaita Political Advisor Reportedly in Taiwan” as nothing but the continuation of Sasako’s litany of liars, fabrications and insensitivity.

“This is not surprising because Sasako has history of promoting propaganda and twisted stories through print media to promote his personal and self-interest agenda.

“The legacy of Sasako’s cunning approach is easily found in the public domain.

For example, Sasako’s involvement and promotion of the failed Evita investment in East Fataleka said to have operated from a tourist motel in Honiara.

Talifilu allegedly claimed Sasako twisted stories that landed him a lucrative $62, 000.00 a month salary with the ACP in Brussels then unceremoniously booted out due to double dipping. As expected, Sasako ended up blaming two other Solomon Islands MPs for the ACP decision.

“Between 2010 – 2012 Sasako was hired by Phoenix a New Zealand company to promote it’s business interest in Solomon Islands. He unleased powerful articles about the promises of the Phoenix investment but then the investment turned out not to be genuine.

“Perhaps one of the self-interest and ignorant statement by Sasako was the “Storm in a Team Cup.” Sasako arrogantly made this statement in the media as Minister of State downplaying the ethnic crisis when it started. We all know what happened but thanks to our neighbors for coming to our rescue.

“The headlines and the story Sasako made about me being in Taiwan on the front page of the Solomon Star was an eloquent one that reflects his propaganda, fabricated and twist media writing approach. But we all know that when Sasako writes or makes a statement in the media it is all about his self-interest.

“For example, Sasako spins the Taiwan and China story as way of promoting his interest with China and its presence in Solomon Islands. Sasako is a supporter and promoter of China through his connection with Pacific China Friendship Association. He was the vice president of the Solomon Islands China Friendship Association.

“So Sasako is a man on a mission who continues to promote Communist China into Solomon Islands,” Talifilu

He has taken an extraordinary attitude in using the media to mesmerize the public of Solomon Islands about all the glory that will come since Solomon Islands diplomatically switched from Taiwan to China.

“In the greater scheme of things, it is obvious to say that Sasako’s recent article about me is yet again a clear demonstration of the litany of twisted stories and propaganda in the media that Sasako continues to promote in pursuit of his self-serving interesting,” he said.

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