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Gov’t on $21.9m Mamara request

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Press Release
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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

THE Government says it is yet to make any formal agreement with Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd to buy houses for public Servants that are under construction at the Mamara New City, west of Honiara.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Riley Mesepitu clarified this following the publication of a leaked letter from the current developer, Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd.

The letter dated 17 May 2021 and addressed to the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Frederick Kologeto and copied to a number for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and the Premier of Guadalcanal Province is seeking Government to prepare a payment of more than $21 million for the first 30 completed houses proposed for the Public Servants Housing Scheme.

The proposal to buy houses is still to be approved as the Government has set up a Taskforce headed by the Ministry of Public Service to review the Public Service Rental Scheme to compare financing options for the Housing scheme.

Mesepitu said the outcome of the review would be presented to cabinet in June for consideration before any decision can be made.

“The revised policy on Public Service Rental Scheme would provide the suitable financing option that government will consider,” he said.

“The government supports the development but at this stage it is not committing any financial obligation to the project,” he added.

Mesepitu confirmed that until the revised policy on Public Service Rental Scheme is done and the cabinet’s final decision on the appropriate financing option, government will not commit itself to any financial request from the developer at this stage.

–GCU

Gov’t sitting on US diplomatic note

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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BY EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) is reportedly sitting on a diplomatic note the US Government sent at the end of March for the Government to facilitate the entry of its diplomatic and aid officials.

 That’s according to information provided to Island Sun.

By the end of this month, the diplomatic note would be sleeping with MFAET for around two months.

“What we are seeing basically is that MFAET has been sitting on the diplomatic note since March, and the DCGA COVID committee also has been delaying any COVID application by USAID diplomatic officials as well,” sources said.

“This is shameful to say the least that such treatment should be accorded to our long-time diplomatic friend,” sources added.

When contacted, Permanent Secretary Collin Beck confirmed his ministry’s receiving of the diplomatic note, but said the matter has been referred to the relevant body.

“There are established requirements and processes that need to put in place,” Beck told Island Sun yesterday.

He said bilaterally, they have been talking to the US on the matters raised in the note.

He added the US is aware they are working on general bilateral arrangement that will structure the relationship between the two states. 

On the question of timing, Beck said they are working as quickly as possible.

He said consultation is going on and will be finalised soon.

The US Government last year announced a US$25 million (SBD$200 million) aid assistance to Malaita Province for the next five years.

Implementation is expected to start this year.

Already, locals employed under the project are doing awareness work around the province.

Unhelpful communities, suspect eludes police

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The scene of the crime: PHOTO CHARLES KADAMANA

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Police have admitted they cannot catch the suspect into April-13 killing of a Chinese woman.

This is because they are not receiving help and assistance from the communities in East and West Kwaio.

Assistant Commissioner Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta said police are lacking reliable information from the communities, as people are not willing to give information regarding the suspect who is currently at large.

“The case is our priority and we are still working to get the suspect to face justice,” Ms Leta.

She continues to call on communities in East and West Kwaio to support police in the search of the suspect.

This is regarding the killing incident which occurred this year on the morning of April 13 at the White Angel building.

The suspect was believed to have escaped when police started their investigation into the alleged murder incident.

Allegation said the 44-year-old Chinese woman left her house in the Ranadi area, east Honiara to drop off her twin sons at school in the morning and then went down to her shop inside the White Angel Building in Point Cruz to open it as normal.

While the shopkeepers were waiting outside for the deceased to open the shop, the husband of the deceased arrived and sought assistance from a nearby shop to open their shop as the doors were locked from inside. However, that was unsuccessful and police were alerted in which the Police Fire Service came to their assistance and opened the shop and that is when the husband discovered his wife lying on the floor with blood all over her body.

Renovation for isolation ward nears completion

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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National Referral Hospital. Photo supplied

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE covid-19 isolation ward renovation at the National Referral Hospital funded by the government of China is nearing completion, says Ambassador Li Ming.

Mr Li, Ambassador to China in Solomon Islands, confirmed this this week at the handover event of USD$150,000 from Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services covid-19 vaccination roll-out plan.

“The building of the covid-19 Isolation ward at the National Referral Hospital funded by the government of China is near completion,” he said.

Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil in her statement in relation to the covid-19 isolation ward renovation said it is vital to note that isolation wards are important facilities not only for covid-19 but for all other infectious diseases from the sick patients to health workers, other sick patients at the hospital and the general public.

“As such, the isolation ward will not only be used for COVID-19 patients but also other patients with infectious disease such as TB, measles or any future pandemics similar to COVID-19,” McNeil said.

Minister for Health Dr Culwick Togamana said his ministry is grateful and filled with sincere appreciation towards the government and people of China for the continuous support rendered towards health efforts against covid-19 pandemic including covid-19 vaccination. 

Suspect in rape of 6-yo girl on the run

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A young man, 20, is on the run after allegedly raping a six-year-old girl on May 7 this year.

And, police are appealing to the man to turn himself in.

Police are also appealing to communities to assist in the search for the suspect.

The incident occurred in a village in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita province.

Speaking yesterday during the police weekly media conference Assistant Commissioner Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta said the suspect escaped straight after he committed the offence.

Ms Leta said on the day of the incident the victim with two other girls her age were out at the seaside of that village in Central Kwaraae looking for ngali-nut.

On their way back they met the suspect, and he lured them to follow him fishing.

The children then followed the suspect to the beachside and the suspect went fishing while the victim and others were playing.

Police then alleged that after some time at the beach fishing, the suspect then asked the victim to follow him into the cocoa plantation to find worm for bait.

It was during that time the alleged incident happened.

Police in Malaita were informed by the mother of the victim and investigation is ongoing, Leta said.

She said the suspect is 20 years old and is alleged to have escaped after committing the offence on the six-year-old victim.

Leta calls on the communities if they have information of the whereabouts of the suspect to assist police in their investigation.

Leta said citizens of this country must respect young girls and children from such occurrences as such incidents continue to occur on underage girls and women, which is not acceptable.

She also said mothers must not trust men and young boys to look after their children, but make sure always take extra care before leaving their children alone or with men.

Leta also said that police alone cannot address the issue but with the support of communities including village chiefs’ and stakeholders hopefully it will reduce the rising sexual offences against women and girls.

Tourism deal

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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From left, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Tourism Andrew Nihopara, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana and DBSI Chief Executive officer Tukana Bovoro with the copies of the agreement.

First tranche of $2m loan available

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

Ministry of Culture and Tourism have signed $2 million guarantee support scheme with Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) to support local tourism operators yesterday.

The grant agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture and Tourism Andrew Nihopara, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana and DBSI Chief Executive officer Tukana Bovoro witnessed by official from the office of the Prime Minister.

Under the agreement DBSI will manage the tourism loan in liaison with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).

Mr Nihopara explains that guarantee support scheme targets existing tourism operators in the rural villages to improve their facilities.

He said to be eligible the tourism operators will apply in a form of loan at DBSI with endorsement from the MCT.

He said the migration of tourism support fund to DBSI goes in line with policy redirection of the current government.

He said previously the tourism operators get direct support from the Ministry but as of now they are taking a more commercial approach so that it can be managed through loan or tourism facility by financial institution.

He said the guarantee scheme will go through a transition phase.

“We are providing a tourism guarantee support scheme and then through the process we hope to working with the bank to refine the process and then hopefully by next year we should move to lending portfolio.

“For a start the ministry is putting the first tranche of $2 million into to DBSI that will help the establishment of this process going forward.

“It will be an ongoing process that will continuously refining over the first year and hopefully by next year we will have much more established tourism support facility within the bank.”

He acknowledges DBSI for accepting his team proposal to work on tourism support facility that will be managed with the bank.

PS Finance Mr McKinnie Dentana describes the partnership as historical evidence since the resumption of DBSI last year.

 “I congratulate my colleague here not only as first product that engage with the bank but also as one of the ministries in the process of implementing the 2021 budget.

“As far as my responsibility as chairman to this bank is concerned, one of the policy resumptions of the bank is to ensure the institution carries forward some of the important policies of the government to promote certain activities in our economy,” Dentana said.

He said the signing of MOU is a fulfilment of the policy that is in the legislation of the bank and this is a great achievement.

“This is the first arrangement that we witness, there are some more arrangement that will come in the future next year. One is on agriculture.

“I would like to have this kind of facilities to sustain the programme for the long term that can benefit other operators as well in the industry,” he said.

CEO Bovoro said the singing of the agreement is the first of such collaboration between the government and DBSI.

He said part of DBSI strategy is try to implement government policy and programmes based on bank category.

He said the discussion between the two parties is very clear and will be followed.

He said in order for the customer to comply there are certain steps both parties will comply with their rules and banks is happy to be part of the program.

He said with the initial support of $2 million DBSI will use it to the existing players in various ways-either as a loan, a guaranty.

“We are trying to develop is an interest payment support mechanism,” he said.

He said Covid-19 has kill the tourism industry in the country and this is a time for them to fixing their facilities in preparation for when the tourism boarder opens back.

He said due to limited funding they are targeting the low hanging fruits to improve their facilities.

SIEA to light up Supizae Island

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Wood polls and rolls of cables at Supizae Island

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RESIDENTS on Supizae Island in Choiseul Province will soon enjoy electricity.

Teo Electrical Company which won the bid to connect the power line from Taro to Supizae is currently on the ground doing feasibility studies and erecting power lines.

In an interview with SunGizo, Aquila Kiroto Karani, who supervises the ground work said his team had already completed part of the task last week.

“We have identified how the main line and LV line going to run through the village.

Boys sitting on some of the polls

“I also engage community members in digging holes for the post line – An idea which based on giving back to host community the benefits of the project,” he said.

Karani said 25 boys from Honiara some of whom have technical experts with local boys have been engaged to complete the task.

An employee tries out the floater

He said the job is very difficult as there is no existing infrastructure like roads to transport the poll.

“There are challenges but with creativity we slowly overcome some of the challenges.

“We use floaters to transport the polls. We create a bed with floaters, put the polls on the beddings and our boys swim with the polls to the venue identified to erect the polls.

“Transporting 106 polls is very difficult but I’m confident that we will complete what is required before the due date,” Karani said.

Aquila Kiroto Karani at Supizae

He said, the project will due in 66 days but he believe the task will be completed before the contract’s expiry date.

Deputy Provincial Secretary, Nelson Tanito said Choiseul province welcomes the development as it will bring great benefit to not only Supizae residence but also the province.

Workers try to float the floaters to transport the polls

“Some of our staffs lives on the Island and this project will surely help our staffs to enjoy their living and also work performance.

“We are very supportive of the project and will render needed support to make sure the project is completed,” he said.

RSIPF review team meets Taro Police

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AC Evelyn Thugea speaking during a muster with officers

Choiseul Police had a muster with the border review team led by Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Police National Capital and Crime Prevention (RSIPF COVID-19 Operation Commander) Simpson Pogeava on May 24, 2021.

“We are here for the purpose of what you officers here in Taro, Gizo and Honiara have done for this country in relation to the border security as we try to fight against this COVID-19 disease,” says Pogeava.

“The objective of this review is to make sure that we are cost effective as we all know that this border operation had deployed with a lot of resources.”

Speaking at the musters Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operation Everlyn Thugea says, “We understand that this pandemic has been affecting us for a year now and who knows how long it will take. However, reviewing of this operation is very essential as we look into what needs to be done, what  improvement needed and what has to be maintained in order to keep up and to step forward into the level of securing our borders.”

Taro police officers during the muster ceremony

“We are well aware how easily COVID-19 could transmit and with a great initiative done to create contingency plans by the deployed Police Response Team (PRT) to Taro. I believe it will assist if there is any positive case arise within our work environment or in the community to protect our families and us. We have to apply precautionary measures at all times as advised by the health experts to protect us.

“It has truly a miles stone for the RSIPF even though we are just a supporting agency to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). We have done a lot and am so proud of you by taking part in this operation. Because of your commitments no cases of COVID-19 have entered into our shore through our borders.

“I want to thank the communities in Choiseul Province for assisting police officers with their daily mandated jobs, especially for supporting them in working together during these trying times.

Team leader of the PRT deployed to Taro raising issues during the muster ceremony

“I want to acknowledge you police officers for the comments and recommendations raised with feedback. It will assist us on how we will plan this operation and how we can manage either in the short or long term as operation continues on,” says Thugea.

–POLICE MEDIA

Plasticwise Gizo, a beacon of hope

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Members of Plastic-wise Gizo showcase Hand bags made from rope which normally wraps around carton of noodles

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

OUR Islands, Our Wastes and Our Future. This was the message Plasticwise Gizo put across during the launching of their programme yesterday.

The programme is looking at addressing solid wastes such as plastics both on land and ocean.

Proud members of Plasticwise Gizo, which includes Gizo based women groups, members of the provincial Government, church representatives and Gizo residence packed the MSG building to witness the launching.

Innovative. trash bin made from can drinks

Guest of Honor, Under Secretary Technical of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Meteorology and Disaster Management, Chanel Iroi flew to Gizo to be part of the important event.

In his speech, Iroi commends Plasticwise Gizo for taking the lead in community based approaches to dealing with plastics.

He told those present that Plasticwise Gizo is a beacon of hope for positive environmental efforts in Western Province and the country as a whole. 

“I acknowledge your commitment in the environment sector through waste management initiatives that you have engaged with here in Gizo and Western Province as a whole.

Guest of Honor Under Secretary Technical of MECMD Chanel Iroi delivers the keynote address

“Your programmes, projects and activities are contributing to the implementation of national policies, plans and strategies to addressing waste management and environmental issues in the country,” Iroi said.

He said Plasticwise Gizo has been recognized at the regional and international level through their collaborative engagement with some of the projects that the Ministry is partnering such as the Commonwealth Marine Litter Project by CEFAS.

Members of Plasticwise Gizo performs their theme song during the launching

Iroi said his ministry has engaged Plasticwise Gizo in consultation, data collection and identifying issues and solutions to manage waste in the country through the waste minimization activities such as Reuse and Recycling.

He adds that Plasticwise Gizo has been instrumental in sharing experience and demonstrated waste minimization by reuse/recycle of plastics workshop held in Auki, Malaita Province in 2018.

Provincial Minister for Forestry and Environment, George Stucliffe congratulates the founder of Plasticwise Gizo and her members for leading plastic management in Gizo.

Officials who witness the launching

He said, the association has proved its capacity through some of its existing initiatives such as turning plastic wastes into useful products.

“Accept my government’s highest accolade over the progress and achievement you have made so far. You have undertaken an overwhelming challenge trying to address the massive onslaught of plastic wastes of all forms and sizes. Plastic waste is a single most destructive curse facing our beautiful God-given land, shorelines, reefs, seas, streams, forests and various inhabitants.

“I commend your enthusiastic and commitments towards visions,” Stucliffe said.

Active partners of Plasticwise Gizo pose for a photo after the launching

He said Western Provincial Government is looking forward to working in partnership with Plasticwise Gizo in its endeavors.

Plasticwise Gizo is a leading local Non-Government Organisation based in Gizo Western Province. The Organisation has gained regional and international recognition in waste management. Its membership statistic has been increasing over the past four years and now working in partnership with two international donors.

JUSTICE FOR T-27

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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27 lives were lost on the MV Taimareho in April 2020 when the ship sailed through rough weather.

Owners of MV Taimareho land in court for sea tragedy of April 3, 2020

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

OWNERS of passenger vessel MV Taimareho are facing criminal charges in the High Court, one year after the sea tragedy.

Twenty-seven people lost their lives onboard the ship during a fateful trip from Honiara to the southern region of Malaita on April 3, 2020.

Solomon Islands Maritime Administration (SIMA) filed the charges against the directors, general manager, skippers and the West Are’are Constituency Shipping Company.

SIMA accused them of being responsible for the deaths of the 27 people, who were amongst more than 700 passengers escaping Honiara back to the safety of their villages from the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Government chartered the ship for the people to travel, but it met Cyclone Harold while out at sea, resulting in the tragedy.

In fact a cyclone warning was already issued before the ship set sail from Point Cruz wharf.

The case was called at the High Court before Justice Maelyn Bird for the defendants to enter their pleas.

However, lawyer James Apaniai, who represents the defendants, did not get the disclosures and sought for further adjournment.

He also informed the court that two of his clients were not able to be in court as they are in Malaita.

Apaniai also asked SIMA to provide him the Shipping Conventions as Solomon Islands is a party to various Maritime conventions relating to shipping.

He said some of the charges against his clients referred to a couple of those conventions.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecution Rachel Olutimayin, who appeared for SIMA on this case, told the court that the disclosures were already served to WAC Shipping Company office on the last occasion.

Olutimayin said the defendants were facing a total of 102 counts under the 1998 Shipping Act.

Some of the charges include sending an unsafe vessel to sea, Vessel going to sea without a valid certificate, Taking an unsafe vessel to sea, Disciplinary offences, Failing to keep an official log book, Failing to notify the principal surveyor of change in condition of a vessel and not complying with the international convention on standards of training certification and watch keeping for seafarers.

She also said that a police bail should be imposed on the defendants, so that they can appear when their case is called before the court.

Olutimayin told the court investigations are still open.

Justice Bird after hearing the submissions from counsels adjourned the case to June 28 for possible plea.

The 12 people charged include Michael Roy Galo (ship master) Joe Malepa and Stephen Waina’a (captains) shipping directors Esther Hoasihere, John Bosco Houanihunu, Lawrence Hunumeme, Stephen Maahanua, Aaron Oritaimae, William Parairato and Aloysius Poiohia, and general manager Cypriano Taamora.

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