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Communities benefit from bylaws in Malaita province

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

A total of 34 communities in five wards in Malaita province have launched and enforced their community bylaws as are now benefiting from them.

The launching of these community bylaws came as a result of great work done under the Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGMP), supported by MPGIS through MPG and donor partners for Malaita province. 

Coordinator for CGGMP in Malaita, Mr Emmanuel Maesua said in 2019, his office prepared a bylaw draft after consultation with other responsible stakeholders and issued the draft to communities in the province through CLOS.

He said the whole idea is to create a roadmap through the bylaw template for communities to contribute by way of contextualising the draft to their situation and adopt it.

Maesua said this is what had happened and positive feedbacks have been received from communities on the initiative on achievements made so far.

He said first launching of the bylaw under the CGGMP was made in ward-five which is a “ward bylaw” governing 27 communities within the ward which is represented by Premier Daniel Suidani.

Maesua said other community bylaws included three in ward 28, two in ward 29 and one each for ward 10 and nine in the province.

He said at the moment his office has 47 community bylaws which are at a draft stage.

Maesua said so far his office continues to receive requests for the programme and he expects more communities to take onboard the initiative for the good of their communities.

He said the programme was one of the major components under the CGGMP that try to address and manage grievances through the governing structures in communities.

Maesua said the bylaw component however support the project through its strive to keep law and order in communities that can also allow the governing system in the community to prosper.

Malaita’s CLO interviews next week

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Coordinator of CGGM Programme for Malaita province, Mr Emmanuel Maesua.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Malaita provincial government will short-list candidates for its community liaisons officer (CLO) programme starting next week.

This will be done through the Community Governance Grievance Management Project (CGGMP).

Coordinator for CGGMP in Malaita province, Mr Emmanuel Maesua confirmed to this paper yesterday preparation is underway for the interviews which will begin on Tuesday, June 1.

Maesua said Ward Development Committees (WDC) had spent the past weeks sifting through all the applications and now his office has received the final short-listed candidates for interview.

He said also in regards to the short listing process, WDCs for 11 wards in the province had made direct appointment of CLOs for their wards while another 22 wards short listed candidates for interview.

“For these 22 wards, two teams, one will cover northern and eastern regions and another team will cover central and southern regions for the interview on Tuesday next week.

“The interview process will take us two weeks as it involve logistic and other efforts to facilitate interviews in provincial substations and hope to complete it and notify selected candidates week later,” Maesua said.

He said for phase II of the CGGM project, MPG has agreed to recruit 63 candidates, two CLOs per ward for 30 wards on mainland Malaita and three CLOs for three wards in Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

However, Maesua explained that for now, MPG will only support 33 CLOs despite their recommendation for 63 CLOs, so the project will take onboard 33 CLOs for the start.

He said MPG has asked CGGMP to support them with the remaining 30 CLOs, so the project will identify them during the interview and reserve them until when funds are available for the project.

Maesua said this is the phase II of the CGGM Project in the province after phase I has expired around October 2020.

Since then the project was held until a five months extension has begun on December 2020 – April 2021 which already lapsed last months and extended for another two months until June 2021.

Lab inconclusive over dead fish mystery in Tulagi water

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Tulagi township, Central Province

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) in Honiara has not found what caused the dead fishes found in waters near Tulagi early this month.

However, the local lab has ruled out the possibility of the fishes dying from poisoning.

The first report issued by NPHL said it does not have HPLC machines (specialised) equipment for fish testing as this issue.

This machines, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a form of column chromatography that pumps a sample mixture or analyte in a solvent (known as the mobile phase) at high pressure through a column with chromatographic packing material (stationary phase).

The advantages of using HPLC is that it requires a small sample size, testing can be modified depending on the level of quantification needed, and it produces reliable results.

Central Islands Province, Environmental Health Division Health Inspector Julienne Leinga said that tests were done on Microbiology but the test does not give precise results because the fish were already decomposed and had high concentration of bacteria in the flesh.

“NPHL has done Microbiology Test Result, Chemical Test Result and Physical Test Result.

“Microbiology Test Result shows that a high micro count on enterococci which is common since most communities along the coastline uses mangroves as their disposal site (sanitation). Except Boboro stream because there is no one living there for quite a while thus no human activities around that area as well. The family had moved to Tulagi for some time now.

“Chemical Test Result refers to the tests shown, according to the WHO standard the chemicals present and were tested are not hazardous as to kill a large amount of marine lives over a long period of time.

“Physical Test Result refers to the test results shown, and interesting findings were seen in the dissolved oxygen (DO).

“This means when the amount of oxygen in water decreases it causes the fish to suffocate which in this context during the interview the villagers confirmed such occurrence. However, often climate change can also be the cause of death for the fish such as the algae bloom.

“There is no confirmation from the test as to what causes the water to have a very low DO,” said Leinga.

Meanwhile, Leinga on behalf of the division, acknowledged the National Public Health Lab Team for their effort in taking the samples and having them tested.

“We look forward to the collaborative effort with other line ministries to solve this issue and hope for a better solution,” she said.

Leinga reminded the people to practise good hygiene at all times as Tulagi area including surrounding communities are being reported dead fish.

ESP committee urged to be gender balance

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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West Wainoni women

THE West Wainoni Council of Women in East Makira of Makira Ulawa Province has requested the national government’s Economic Stimulus Package Committee to be gender balance when deciding who should get financial help under the COVID -19 pandemic.

The Treasurer of the West Wainoni Council of Women, Evalyn Kahia uttered the request when she and the Vice President, Prudence Katawea took delivery recently of a Laptop, a Printer, Dongle, accessories and stationeries from the Team Leader of the Rural Development Program, Annie Rafeasi in Kira Kira.

She said ESP assistance should be extended to help rural women who toil the soil to ascertain family survival and earnings to meet basic needs.

Kahia said the 2015 Household Income and Expenditure Survey Report indicated for the first time in Solomon Islands that communities in Makira and Guadalcanal are living under poverty line.

But she said the RDP assistance is part of West Wainoni Council of Women’s collective efforts towards alleviating poverty.

Meanwhile, Kahia said some achievements the West Wainoni Council of Women has attained so far are 17 boreholes have been drilled while 20 more are being drilled by Clean Water 4 Life Ministry, funded by Christians all over the World.

She said the Women’s Council has also been selling US-made Sawyer Water Filters, which means clean water is available to villagers in the area.

Kahia said the West Wainoni Council of Women has also received RDP funding towards “Vegetable Production (May)”, “Fruit Trees Production (June)”, “Food Nutrition (July)”, “Food Processing and Food Safety (August)”, and “Financial Literacy (Sept)”. – By George Atkin  Kira Kira Correspondent

Man convicted for 2014 attack at Kingsley kaibar

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man facing one count of being an accessory to an attempted murder incident in 2014 has been convicted by the High Court.

This is the case against Frank Fakani who was charged with one count of being an accessory after the facts to attempted murder contrary to section 387 of the penal code.

He had been charged with attempted murder contrary to section 215 of the penal code, however, on May 6, 2021 the Director of Public Prosecution filed a nolle proseque in relation to that charge and presented the information charging him as an accessory. On the same day the fresh charge was laid, Fakani pleaded guilty to the charge.

The defendant is a taxi driver and on November 8, 2014 he drove three customers in his taxi from the taxi base at Kukum to the domestic airport at Henderson. The victim on this case also travelled to the domestic airport Henderson on a flight from Rennell.

Prosecution said at the domestic airport the victim boarded a car and travelled to Honiara, the Defendant was directed by one of his passengers to follow the car in which the victim travelled, the defendant then followed his passengers’ instruction and followed the car.

The victim then came to a stop at the Kingsley Fast Food Bar at Point Cruz and it was there the passengers in the defendant’s car exited the car armed with 30cm bush knife and assaulted the victim.

The victim sustained a serious open fracture to his left arm. He was rushed to hospital.

High Court Judge Justice Howard Lawry in sentencing the accused said he is satisfied that the offence is sufficiently serious that it warrants a term of imprisonment.

“It is necessary to deter others who may take it on themselves to assist violent offenders. However, the factors I have taken into account in mitigation, in particular the guilty plea, the previous good character and the lack of offending since his arrest all persuade me, that this is a case where the sentence can be fully suspended.

“This means you will be sentenced to 9 months’ imprisonment. That sentence will not take effect unless during the next 12 months you commit another offence punishable with imprisonment and a court orders under section 45 that the original sentence shall take effect,” Lawry said.

Man facing sex charges on 3-yo, returns June 7

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in 2019 will appear again in court on June 7, 2021.

Prosecution informed court that they were still waiting on the defence lawyer’s response on the documents sent to them.

Meanwhile the accused told the court that his lawyer was not feeling well and not able to appear in court.

Judge Maelyn Bird then adjourned the case for next week and made direction for the accused to see his lawyer before the next court appearance.

The accused on this case is charged with one count of Sexual intercourse with child under 15 contrary to section 139 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016

Prosecution alleged that the accused was drunk and he carried the complainant from outside her house to his house and committed the offence on her.

The complainant was three years of age at that time of offending. The incident happened in Honiara in 2019.

Public Prosecutor Margaret Suifaasia appear on behalf of her colleague prosecutor Hellen Naqu for the crown.

Lawyers to talk of minimum time for killer of elderly man

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The case of a man found guilty of killing an elderly person in 2017 will return to court next week to discuss ‘minimum term sentence’.

Allen Liomauri was convicted of murder in the previous occasion, over the killing which took place at Ranadi, east Honiara.

Appearing before High Court Judge, Justice Maelyn Bird yesterday Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Andrew Kelesi said he was yet to file a written submission but was however prepared to make oral submission.

Defence lawyer Daniel Kwalai also shared that defence needed some time to prepare and file their written submission on the issue.

Having heard submissions from the lawyers, Justice Bird adjourned the case for next week for submissions.

Liomauri who was 25 years-old at the time of incident, assaulted the elderly person on January 14, 2017.

Prosecution said the deceased was 57-year-old and was the security officer then at the Sugar and Salt Company at Ranadi, it was on his way to work that he was attacked by Liomauri.

Prosecution said the deceased had met a female and was talking with her at the road side, it was at that time Liomauri who was also at the vicinity swore at him and a brief argument ensured.

Liomauri assaulted the deceased in which he fell and hit his head on the ground; whilst on the ground Liomauri continued to kick him.

The female then stopped the accused from further assaulting and the deceased was taken to his work place and later returned home.

He stayed at home and after two days, experienced severe abdominal pain and on January 16, 2017 sought medical attention at the National Referral Hospital.

On the following day, he died and the matter was reported to police that same day.

Maesiola wants complainants to visit his office

Written by
Admin
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MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Stephen Maesiola

THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Stephen Maesiola has urged people who have grievances regarding contract awards to raise their concerns to his Office.

Maesiola made the request following a number of complaints on this topic in the media recently.

He said contracts processed by MID follow proper guidelines to ensure requirements are followed.

“The Ministry is aware that people who raised complaints through the media were mostly unsuccessful bidders,” Maesiola claimed.

“Expressing your grievances in the media won’t solve your concerns. It is only proper to report any allegations to my office so that we deal with them,” he added.

Maesiola said his Ministry would continue to carry out its services according to established guidelines and policies set by the Government.

Gov’t eyes better tax system

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and SICCI Chairman Ricky Fuo’o.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) says it is fully committed to deliver a fair, simple and broad- based tax system.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted this recently.

“The government is aware that the country’s current tax system is complex, expensive to administer, includes distortionary exemptions, and relies on high rates applied to a narrow base, which discourages compliance,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, getting the tax system right is important as the government seeks higher levels of productive investment to support job creation and sustainable growth.

The government had embarked on a tax review to deliver a fair, simple, and broad-based tax system prior to Covid-19.

“There are plans to introduce a value-added tax to replace various goods taxes, sales tax, stamp duties, and customs duties that currently have multiple rates of tax, and different rules and procedures,” the Prime Minister highlighted.

The Prime Minister further said, “In 2020, government had intended to introduce the Tax Administration Bill 2020 in Parliament, but this had to be delayed for 2021 as a result COVID-19 disruptions in the country.”

According to the Prime Minister, the government looks forward for the passage of this Bill as it would greatly strengthen its revenue administration capacity to support the economic recovery process.

He further acknowledged that the Government is fully aware that the delays in the payment of goods and services has a direct impact on the private sector.

“As a result, the Government plans to introduce a new payment system called the National Payment System infrastructure,” he said.

“This will be an automated transfer system,” he reiterated. 

According to Sogavare, the system should help in the timely Government payment to all suppliers of goods, services and infrastructure projects.

“The DCGA is fully committed to the implementation of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment and national stability.”

Successful Pentecost celebration at Don Bosco

Written by
Press Release
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Youths who participated in singing.

More than 300 Catholic youths of Holy Cross Parish, Bishop Epalle Mass Centre and Good Shepherd gathered at Don Bosco, Henderson, East Honiara for the Pentecost weekend which successfully ended on Sunday.

The Youth weekend Camp opened with an opening Holy Mass led by His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, concelebrated by Don Bosco Rector and Holy Cross Youth Chaplain and Ast Secretary to Bishop Conference Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PNGSI).

Breakfast preparations for the youths

The youths were also privileged to sit and listen to inspiring talks and encouragement from two Catholic priests Fr James Ere’ai who teaches at Holy Name of Mary Seminary and Bishop Epalle Catholic School on Fundamental Moral Theology based hi Basic Moral Theology and Fr Mark Misiwasi Youth Chaplain.

Holy Cross Cathedral Parish Youth Chaplain Fr Misiwasi told Catholic Communication that it is important to involve youths in programmes that should form them to become better individuals.

Openning Mass Led by Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP

Moreover, this gathering prepared youths for the upcoming Saint Joseph’s Cup that is in June. Therefore, this weekend involved inspiration talks and at the same time sports and a time to reflect. He said

Youth girls playing Netball during the fun day

“Most times youths have been neglected and this programme hopes to equip them with positive attitudes and good moral so that when they go back to their communities they feel like they belong in a community of love and care.”

The weekend was filled with games, inspiring talks, prayer and meditation and more fun.

Fr. Mark Misiwasi [Holy Cross Youth Chaplain and Ast.Sec.Bishop Conference PNGSI] and Fr. James Ereai [Lecturer at Holy Name of Mary Seminary and BECS Chaplain]

They ended youth Pentecost weekend on Pentecost Sunday, the 5th Sunday after Easter when the Holy Spirit transformed fearful apostles into courageous witnesses to Christ. According to the scriptures, three thousand people had themselves baptised and the miracle of the language on Pentecost shows that the Church is there for all peoples from the very beginning and today the Holy Spirit is the Soul of the Church, the essential principle of her life.

Boys Played Soccer during the pentecost weekend

Main celebrant was Fr Mark Misiwasi with his concelebrant Fr John, who is also Director of Don Bosco Technical Institution at Henderson, East Honiara.

The beautiful liturgy was sang by the Holy Cross youths and more than 400 youths and peoples of the surrounding area came to celebrate the feast day of Holy Spirit and to witness the games and fun.

Youths who participated

During the inspiration homily Fr Mark said the reading reminded them of the three important truths about the Church as essentially missionary and all her member.

“First is that all who are baptised in the spirit and are call to be missionaries not just priests and religious.

 “Second is that the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of mission.

“We are members of the church and are simply instruments in her hands.”

He then reflected on a story that pictured the youths to allow the power of the Holy Spirit to lead them.

“The question on Pentecost, is not whether God is blessing our own plans and programmes but whether we are OPEN to the great opportunities to which his spirit calls us.”

–CATHOLIC MEDIA

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