Home Blog Page 932

Mayor yet to name executive

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0
NEW MAYOR: Edmond Siapu after being elected.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

HONIARA Mayor Eddie Siapu is yet to name his executive members despite taking office two weeks ago

Mr Siapu following his election named councillor Robert Oge as his deputy with a promise to finalize his executive members as soon as he settles down, which is yet to happen.

This raised questions over the delay in naming his new council executive members.

Honiara residence Jeffrey Walton questioned such a delay as worrying.

“We understand that the new mayor has been elected and since then people have not heard anything from the mayor over his executive line-up.

“It is the responsibility of the new Mayor to appoint new executive members of the council.

“Therefore, it is now the responsibility of Cr Siapu to appoint the new executive and City Clerk,” said Walton.

He said that Honiara City needs them and a City Clerk to re-enforce the Litter bylaws to keep Honiara a clean city, strengthen the Council’s Law Enforcement team to be tough to enforce the Litter bylaw and create new steps to make Honiara a clean city and one of the steps is to take tough measures.

Vanilla farmers benefit from training

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0
Vanilla farm worker

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

LOCAL Vanilla farmers from East Central Guadalcanal have benefited from their recent training and are confident to expand their farm.

The training was supported by Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal Ishmael Avui to assist farmers venture into vanilla farming.

Chief and Community Leader Joseph Sungina of Patima Village acknowledged Hon. Ishmael Avui’s vision of educating local farmers in the rural communities.

“We appreciate our MP for providing such training for farmers in the rural villages.

“I participated in similar Vanilla trainings since 2014 to 2017 and I am willing to work with other vanilla farmers in my community.

“This year, a small assistance by Hon. Avui has enabled us to put into practice what we have learned from the CSP training,” he said.

Sungina said in 2018 he planted 200 plants which now bear flowers.

He said he is expecting to sell his vanilla beans by September.

He said after attending the training he is now preparing to expand his farm to up to 1,000 plants.

Sungina added he is now establishing a Vanilla Co-operative for East Central Guadalcanal.

 “This is good for our community to grow vanilla because it is highly priced and does not cause stress on land fertility and soil erosion compared to other cash crops,” he said.

 Meanwhile, Joseph said vanilla does not need much input to grow because it is easy to manage in the rural villages.

 He said that with the skills he gained from an expert from France through the CSP programme, he is organising a training for members of his constituency co-operative society.

Meanwhile he calls on the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to support rural vanilla farmers to develop their own farm.

 “We are very grateful to our MP because the programme helped local farmers include rural people to understand the value of vanilla,” he added.

“The story of vanilla we have been hearing from other counties has now come to our doorstep.

“I believe out of the training the local farmers will put into practise what they have learnt.

He assured Hon Avui and his team that with the knowledge they gained from the training they are confident to make a difference for families and communities with his constituency.

Gizo CAUSE establishes platform for women economic empowerment

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
One of the projects being worked under the CAUSE programme in Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

COMMUNITY Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE) in Gizo, Western Province is providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in its programme.

Half of its employees are women and it was seen as true demonstration of gender equality, especially in areas of women economic empowerment.

Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Gizo Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Penny Siliako said women are the most vulnerable in society and as such CAUSE Project in Gizo is encouraging more women to participate in various projects and training, they do.

He said most women recruited hold the position of team leaders in their respective work sites and CAUSE project Gizo will be recruiting 50 more women and girls to add to the numbers of women currently engaged in its projects.

“Our aim is to boost women’s economic opportunities, while also encouraging equality and coordinating anti-harassment and sexual violence campaigns. 

“Women eliminate gender stereotypes when they participate in activities with this type of involvement and it is a strategy that goes beyond the scope of the project.

“We believe that workers who participate in this type of work will have a more open attitude towards women in their own societies or when they leave to work on other sites.

“We continue to encourage more women and girls (16 years and older) who are doing nothing to come forward and join our 7-day ISDT training in order to be eligible to work in the small construction projects that we are implementing.” Siliako said.

Communities earn money out of poor road conditions on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
A woman takes off a bamboo after receiving $200 fee for the blockade.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

VEHICLE owners on Malaita are losing huge amounts of money on fees charged for road maintenance conducted by individuals and communities living along the north and east roads from Auki.

The practice started a few months back and continues, especially within the areas of Dala to Gwounaoa in west Kwara’ae.

The people behind the activity are claiming money for temporary patching of certain parts of the road with gravels and even soil.

On Tuesday this week, Island Sun joined a team from World Vision Solomon Islands to travel up to East Malaita and upon the team’s return to Auki, they came across a road block just before going to Airahu.

A bamboo was placed across the road and on one end of it was a paper attached with a demand of $100 written on it.

A woman in her 30s was manning the road block in a nearby canteen house and when the two vehicles used by the team stopped at the road block, she approached the first vehicle.

She said the boys who put up the road block went somewhere and she was told to look after the blockade and collect money from passing vehicles.

Without hesitation, $200 was given to her from the team for the two vehicles before the bamboo was removed.

This paper also witnessed similar incidents a few months ago within the areas of Fote to Kwaisuliniu and in certain areas along the east road.

The public of north and east Malaita especially transport owners are the ones affected the most on such practice as they provide regular transport service along the roads.

This paper also understands that the east road is currently under rehabilitation.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Rachel Rahii owner of Wisdom Enterprises, her business is focusing on exporting marine product

Marine Product exporter shares Covid-19 story

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

“NEVER give up on what business initiatives you do for survival, because COVID-19 is not here to stay, it is only here for a matter of time, but your business and yourself are here to stay,” these are the words of indigenous female Marine Product exporter, Rachel Rahii.

Mrs Rahii who had seen her busines crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic this week tailored her story to the Sun weekend paper on how the pandemic affected her Marine Product export business, especially focusing on exporting coral.

She is the owner of the locally owned Marine Product export business called Wisdom Enterprises on East Henderson. The business has been in operational for almost 11 years.

Rahii said she is no exception when it comes to the impacts of Covid-19, and has been harshly affected by the global pandemic like other businesses.

“Having impacted by Covid-19 and cyclone Harold in 2020, we have scaled back on our employment opportunities and can manage to hire only three women and one unemployed youth on a casual basis.

Despite this pandemic we have set our mind on a recovery strategy for 2021 through to 2022, that will not only counter the negative impacts but provide the best growth opportunities available to us through the trade platforms online. 

Also, in spite of the economic down turn, the opportunities and technologies available are astounding; therefore, our current recovery strategy is to increase our online presence. We are using a combination of B2B, B2C and will be developing a trading website.  We are embarking on a strong online marketing presence on trade websites such as go 4worldbusiness, Global Trade Alliance and social media such as Facebook and are slowly rolling into Instagram.

“We believe in equal opportunity for all. Initially, we were established to buy and export dead clamshell shells, but have since evolved into what we are today. We buy corals from locally endorsed reef owners, process the corals and export them overseas to countries such as Australia, USA, Greece and our latest inclusion is France. Our corals are legally and sustainably harvested, and we supply on a consistent basis.

We pride ourselves in supplying some of the most unique and beautiful corals and boast ourselves in providing the experience of the underwater world of the pacific in your own homes,” she said.

Some of the various coral properly bleach and ready for export

Mrs Rahii said in coral business, apart from the direct competition on the international level, such as from Indonesia and Fiji who holds the world record for the highest and second highest country of export (respectfully). Wisdom Enterprises also competes with fabricated corals made from synthetic materials not to mentioned the local competition that is coming from local established business trading in dead or raw coral exports.

“Assessing how far we have come; our strength lays in being able to adapt to changing business climate. And ride on those changes as is evident with the changing means of marketing and selling to customer using B2B and B2C platforms. Therefore, in 2021 to 2022, we are embarking on increasing our online presence which means developing a marketing website and subscribing to and registering with trade websites.

In doing business on the global scene, we need to protect ourselves from risks associated with trading globally, and so we have assessed our commercial risk, political risks, and market and payment risks and we have decided to put in place Credit risk assurance, financing options that will not only ensure success in business but also guide us against the volatile business environment out there. New sales contracts have been drawn for better payment terms and better financing options that are favorable to boosting productivity. In light of what has transpired out of Covid19 is the risk associated with health problems which created the need to go online,” she said.

Rahii said there have been strategies, goals and objectives identified by the business for the next two years. Also, the resources and needed skills to be accomplished.

“We are also looking at rebranding the coral brand to “Solomon Coral” that is legally and sustainably harvested. Registering this brand name- sells the best, do not compete on price

“I would like to say, we must not forget that God has seen our struggles and despair. For me what keeps me motivated and going each day during the pandemic is the word of God that is planted inside of me. I hold on to his Word and keep believing in him for a greater future,” she said.

Mrs Rahii coral exporting business is legal as it was approved by the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and authorized responsible partners of the Ministry.

Guale demands order

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

Premier Sade wants mechanisms to govern Mamara city

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GUADALCANAL Premier, Francis Mbelande Sade wants to see mechanisms in place and enforced over the new Mamara City on North West Guadalcanal.

He said this is to guide the multi-million-dollar project which can pose potential economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts.

Speaking at the official launch of the project yesterday, Premier Sade said first, the potential environmental impact on the Mamara-Tasivarongo area.

“I am aware that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out.

“It is vital that the developer and the national government ensure that the issues highlighted in the EIA are addressed. We have seen the negative environmental impacts that Honiara has produced and do not want to see it repeated here,” he said.

Secondly, Premier Sade said the national government and the Developer must ensure there is a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study to ensure they reduce the potential negative social impacts this development could have on this part of the island in particular, and the province more generally.

“Such a study should include culturally appropriate protocols for engaging with Guadalcanal people and a respect for the values inherent in those cultures.

“This means that, regardless of the legal status of the land on which the ‘Mamara New Capital City’ is, the communities, elders and knowledge leaders in the surrounding areas must be, not only consulted, but meaningfully included,” he said.

“Such an involvement could, for example, include the establishment of a Community Citizens Forum for the ‘Mamara New Capital City’ that is co-chaired by a community leader and the developer, and includes the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and national government,” he added.

Premier Sade said third, the national government and the Metropolis Pacific Pty Ltd must consult and include the Guadalcanal Provincial Government in the decision-making processes and in ensuring fair and equitable benefits from this project.

He said there is a need to include the Guadalcanal Provincial Planning and Development Board in discussions and decision-making processes.

“In order to solve this, Guadalcanal Province must not be NOT hindered by clause 12 of the Agreement signed between the SIG and the Developer regarding the imposition of property rates over the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development area.

“Furthermore, Guadalcanal Province must benefit from rental payments as provided for under Clause 12 of the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development Agreement Act 1997,” he said.

Premier Sade said fourth, the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo Development Council must be inclusive as much as possible.

It should include the following:

  1. The Member of Parliament for North-West Guadalcanal constituency;
  2. A representative of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government; and,
  3. A representative of the surrounding communities.

Premier Sade said fifth, last year, prior to the re-settlement of the Guadalcanal people who once lived in this area, “I’ve raised a concern about the need to ensure that this development creates employment opportunities for Guadalcanal people in the surrounding areas.”

He said this is not only about creating economic opportunities, but also a social safety net in which the people in these areas feel part of the development and that the government is listening to their needs.

Moreover, Premier Sade said this is the right time for the national government to implement the re-integration of ex-combatants in the area.

“Creating and securing jobs for our men who have been affected by the conflict,” he said.

Premier Sade said sixth, there is a need to ensure that any foreshore developments such as wharves and jetties must recognize customary rights.

“Consequently, before any foreshore development occurs, the Solomon Islands Government and Developer must first consult customary landowners and follow due processes as stipulated by the Lands and Titles Act and other relevant statutes.

“The issues that I have highlighted must not be taken as a negative response to this magnificent development. Rather, they are comments meant to ensure that such developments benefit our people,” he said.

Premier Sade said it is important that “our people are central to, rather than at the economic and social margins of urban centres.

“An inclusive, environmentally clean, and economically affordable city, is a peaceful and beautiful city,” he added.

Court releases man due to delay

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HIGH Court judge Justice Maelyn Bird has sentenced a man for two years but released him at the rising of the court due to substantial delay in the prosecution of the case.

This is in regards to a case that was recently sentenced in Auki during the High Court circuit last week.

Ms Bird said she has noted that there is a period of more than ‘five years delay in the case.

“I have noted with concern the substantial delay in the prosecution of your case.

“The offending occurred on the 24th December 2015, you were committed, to this court on the 8th October 2018. A request to file- information by the high court to the office of the DPP was made on the 5th November 2018.

“The initial information was not filed by the Office of DPP until the 4th March 2019, I have also taken into account that you were remanded in custody for a period of 7 months and 28 days”, Ms Bird said.

She therefore said that after convicting the accused of one count of grievous harm a sentence of two years was imposed.

 “But due to the reasons of delay, the court further ordered for the release of the accused at the rising of the court.

This is the case of 35-year-old Brian Iro Elesia of Orukalia village North Malaita, who was accused of assaulting a 46-year-old man on December 24 2015.

The accused was initially charged with attempted murder, but that charge was amended to grievous harm and the accused entered a guilty plea.

The victim was 46 years old at the time of the incident and is a teacher by profession.

On December 23 2015, the victim left his home at Basakanä Island and went to Auki to do banking as he was a primary school teacher at the Basäkana Primary School.

On December 24 2015, the victim returned from Auki via a 3-ton truck owned by someone from Mbitaama, at that time there were also some passengers in the truck

As they were travelling all of the passengers dropped off and he was the only passenger left in the vehicle.

When they reached Orukalia, the accused stopped the truck and talked to the driver and asked to go to Maluü. At that time, it was around 7 to 7:30pm and it was already dark, the accused then jumped into the truck and they continued their journey.

When they reached Fulifoea, the place where the people of Basakana usually dropped to get across by canoe, both the victim and the defendant dropped. The truck also turned back when they were dropped off.

The defendant helped the victim to unload his belongings from the vehicle and then he asked the victim for a match to light his smoke. The victim gave him his matches and only one handle was in the box; the defendant lit his smoke using that last handle.

The victim then started to argue with the defendant about that matches. The victim then punched the defendant. After that punch, the defendant held a piece of timber from the ground and hit the victim’s head and chest with it and then he left. The victim was unconscious as a result of the assault. The victim’s Wife and children came and assisted him.

The case was then reported to the police in which the accused was charged for the offence.

Murder accused released on $5000 cash bail

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HIGH Court judge Justice Maelyn Bird has released a man accused of murder, Jimmy Junior Lusibaea on bail with strict conditions.

The prosecution had earlier charged Lusibaea with one count of murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code (cap 26), one count of driving unlicensed motor vehicle contrary to section 7(1) of the Road Transport Act and one count of driving without a valid license contrary to section 20 (l) of the Road Transport Act.

Justice Bird in her ruling on the bail application explained that it must be observed that the right to bail of a person charged with a criminal offence is protected under section 5 and section 10 of our national constitution.

She said the current applicant in this bail application is charged with the offence of murder together with other minor offences.

“It is not uncommon for the courts in this jurisdiction to release people on bail who are facing murder charges, there have been numerous cases where accused have been admitted to bail notwithstanding that they were charged with the offence of murder”, Justice Bird said.

Ms Bird taking into account the applicant’s presumption of innocence and the applicant’s right to personal liberty together with all relevant factors of the bail application, granted bail for the accused to be released from custody while waiting for his hearing on the case.

Therefore, she imposed a $5000 cash bail with a curfew order to the effect that the applicant must be confined within the Lion Heart Co Ltd’s compound area, Henderson, from 7pm to 6:30am each day until his matter is finalised by the court.

Other conditions also imposed is that the applicant shall not take alcoholic liquor whilst on bail.

The alleged incident occurred at the Henderson area East Honiara in the early hours of December 6.

The allegation said a fast-moving vehicle hit the deceased in front of the Island Night Club in the Henderson area during an argument and rock throwing between two parties.

Prosecution said the accused drove a double cabin Hilux at a high speed to and fro in front of the Club area when he allegedly hit the deceased.

The deceased after being hit was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara by his relatives and but died shortly afterwards.

Prosecution also said that following the incident, a reconciliation was made between the two parties, and compensation was paid to the deceased’s family.

Lusibaea was then arrested and remanded in custody since December 16 2020.

3 YEARS FOR WIFE BEATER

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man found guilty for assaulting his wife with a knife will be jailed for three years and six months.

High Court Judge Justice Maelyn Bird made the sentence at the High Court yesterday.

This is in relation to the case of a 20-year-old man Michael Fasiadi charged on one count of acts intended to cause grievous harm in relation to an incident which occurred on May 27 2020.

The incident happened at the Tina Road on Central Guadalcanal.

Justice Bird in her sentencing told the accused that the injuries sustained by the victim are serious as she had multiple injuries to various parts of her body.

She said the victim was blessed that the various injuries were not fatal.

Ms Bird told the accused that from what transpired on the date of the offending, it would be advisable that you must not allow yourself to get so intoxicated that you are unable to control your behaviour and temper.

“If you have killed the victim on that occasion, you could have been liable to face a sentence of life imprisonment, I urge you to learn from this grave mistake and do not re-offend.

“I have also seen from the agreed facts that you committed the offending between the hours of 4am to 6am, the victim was sleeping at your house with your three months old baby when you arrived and caused an argument with her.

“There is no justification for your action on the victim, your action had deprived the victim of her peace and tranquility at home, you terrorized her, in her own home in the early hours of the date of offending”, Ms Bird said.

Ms Bird also took into account the reconciliation between the victim’s family and the accused family.

Therefore, she told the accused to always learn to discuss and dialogue with his wife to settle issues affecting their family as there is no need to commit violence on your wife.

“Respect yourself so that you can also respect your wife and your child”, Ms Bird added.

Ziata tribes to shut Noro water source this week.

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

NORO township is likely to face a water crisis as landowning tribes are threatening to close down the Ziata water source from Tuesday this week.

 The action by the tribes follows disagreement over the non-settlement of outstanding grievances by the National Government for nearly 50 years.

 The water source supplies water to Noro township.

 A tribal representative and spokesperson Rex Biku issued a public notice to all Noro Town residents dated 29th April 2021, advising them and the surrounding communities that the Ziata Water Source will be closed for public use as of Tuesday 04/05/21.

 Biku said the action will continue after all governments have terribly failed to live up to their promises.

 He stressed that the DCGA Government has failed to respond positively in addressing the outstanding claim of the GGMV Tribes of Munda.

 “The Government was given a 7 days’ notice on this matter which had commenced on Wednesday 28th April and will lapse on Tuesday 4th May 2021,” Biku said.

 Biku therefore said the general public residing in and around Noro Township are kindly advised to prepare themselves by refilling their water tanks, water containers, water buckets and any other water-holding utensils for household uses.

 He explained that the public in the Noro Township will be advised should the situation changes on or before the 7 days’ notice has lapsed.

1...931932933...1,662Page 932 of 1,662