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CSSI leader visits Kirakira Centre

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DCO Mr Nagu chats with KCC Commandant and his staff

THE Correctional Centre in Kirakira, Makira province was recently paid a visit by the Deputy Commissioner Operation of the Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI).

Deputy Commissioner, Michael Nagu visited the Kira Kira centre as part of his 2021 annual visit to staff and inmates at the institution.

The official visit was also strategically to oversee the Centre’s function, inmates and Provincial key stakeholders on CSSI’s COVID- 19 Preparedness and other important matters of interest to the Organisation.

DCO Mr. Nagu update KCC inmates on Rehabilitation programs

During his discussion with KCC staffs, Nagu reiterated the re-enforcement of staff discipline and work ethics.

 He asked them to maintain safety, security and standards, adding that the implementation of prisoner program activities as rehabilitation is the key priority of Government

Deputy Commissioner Operation Mr. Michael Nagu inspect the parade

“Despite all the precautions, the unexpected Covid-19 emergency situations and plans is a new challenge to control. Again, it is challenging to be reminded of the long outstanding issues like over-crowdedness in jails among a few which goes beyond our control and could only place hope in responsible authorities like the RSIPF and Courts” Mr Nagu added.

He said it is their duty and responsibility to develop capacity development and the work progress of the Centre.

“This is by organizing programmes that need to move forward and achieve outcomes for the rehabilitation of inmates

The Deputy Commissioner and his team met with the Makira Provincial Premier MPA Julian Makaa purposely to talk on the Rehabilitation of Prisoner, Land allocation and Staff housing

KCC Commandant Mr. Michael Koroa (Centre) Hon. Premier Julian Makaa and DCO Mr. Michael Nagu

KCC acting Commandant Michael Koroa thanked the office of the Commissioner and Executive Staff for their timely visit

–CSSI

Veke outlines flagship policies

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Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.

MINISTER for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke says police will continue to support the country’s fight against COVID-19.

Minister Veke during his 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021 Budget Speech in Parliament recently, said the fight against COVID-19 and ongoing operations at the western border remains top priority.

The Police Minister said despite budgetary limitations, he thanked the National Government for making positive improvements in terms of the Ministry’s development budget allocation, which has slightly increased from the 2020 revised development budget.

Minister Veke said the Development Budget will continue to progress infrastructure developments of the two disciplined agencies under his ministry.

“It will also support the rehabilitation and reintegration program of the correctional services, support the crime prevention strategy and upgrading of police CODAN radio project, and support to coordinate the whole of government approach, in the implementation of the national security and national border security strategies,” he said

Mr Veke said a per the government’s Re-Direction Policy, the ministry have a number of flagship policies.

Firstly, he said the Ministry is reviewing and updating laws and regulations relevant to law and order, criminal investigations, national security and parole.

Secondly, Minister Veke said another flagship policy is the implementation of the national security strategy and the national border security strategy with all stakeholders.

“This is to establish relevant mechanisms and frameworks including the establishment of the Institutional Intelligence Agency and increasing our support to border security in terms of infrastructures and ongoing deployments at the main border entry points,” he said.

Thirdly, Mr Veke said work has commenced in conducting reviews on the police and correctional academy with the aim to upgrade the current programs to offer recognized international qualifications in policing and correctional services.

“Fourthly, to develop the operations and capabilities of the RSIPF. This is to ensure that it has the capability to respond to and manage the security or serious criminal threats to Solomon Islands,” he said.

The Police Minister said another important aspect is to continue the review to improve the terms and conditions of service for police and corrections officers.

—PMO

EDITORIAL- You can run, but you cannot hide

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POLICE are now going after a man they wanted to speak to in relation to the killing of a Chinese woman last week at her Point Cruz shop in Honiara.

The man is reportedly evading police and is believed to on the run in the Kwaio region of Malaita.

Police have spoken to the man on the day of the killing.

But when they returned to speak to him again, he could not be located.

Later, police were made aware the man left Honiara and is now in Malaita.

Malaita’s Provincial Police Commander Stanley Riolo told the Island Sun they knew the man’s identity and have deployed officers to bring him in.

However, he said a team of officers dispatched to the man’s village last Sunday could not locate him.

That’s because he left his village and is in the hiding.

This person may be in the jungles of Kwaio and is not reading this editorial.

But he needs to know this.

No one ever escapes the long arms of justice.

You can escape and hide from the police in the mountains. But you cannot hide forever.

Justice will stretch out its long arms in search for you.

No matter how long you may try to hide in the push, justice will come looking for you.

Malaitan murder convict Edmond Sae once tried to hide from justice.

He led the life of a nomad in the hills of Malaita, becoming a fugitive as he tried to keep away from the police.

But one night, justice caught up with him while he was sleeping in a relative’s house.

Long story short, he is now serving life at Rove Correctional Centre.

If they have a chance meeting, relatives of the man wanted for this latest killing must advise him to surrender and face justice.

We have a functioning justice system that will ensure he is given a fair trial.

Communities in Malaita must help the police to locate this man.

He must not be welcomed in any community.

That’s the least Malaitans can do to ensure this case is resolved once and for all.

Media gets refresher training on court reporting

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Jennifer Kusapa
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MASI Vice President, Douglas Marau welcoming participants of the training. PHOTOS BY DOROTHY WICKHAM

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Media personnel are on a three-day refresher workshop on court reporting, starting yesterday.

The workshop is an initiative by the media association of Solomon Islands to improve on how journalists report on court cases and other court-related matters.

It is funded by the Australia Broadcasting Corporation International Development through its programme, PACMAS.

One of the country’s most experienced journalists, Ms Dorothy Wickham is the facilitator.

Public Solicitors started off day-one presentations represented by their legal advisor, Alan Watson, and senior officer William Kadi.

Public Solicitor’s legal advisor, Alan Watson discussing with participants of the workshop.

Mr Watson explained the importance of the courts, outlined its history in relation to historical developments in the United Kingdom, relayed the procedures of the court and defined and simplified common jargons used in the courts.

Mr Kadi contextualised technical terms and processes of the law and courts using case studies on few past cases in the country.

Both incumbents gave guidelines to the journalists on how and when to safely and accurately report court stories according to the tight daily schedules of their newsrooms.

Associate Professor Dr Shailendra Singh, USP School of Journalism, gave an online talk via zoom on media ethics and media laws.

He stressed the importance of having more of such refresher trainings, encouraging media in the Solomon Islands to offer more for local journalists.

He adds that this refresher training is the first in a long time.

Mr Singh hit home on the vital roles that media laws and ethics play, though being separate entities, saying that without them, the media industry and individuals will be handicapped.

He urged journalists to always stick to media ethics and abide by media laws, avoiding professional breach by all costs, which he warns has “far-reaching consequences”.

Island Sun’s subeditor, Irwin Angiki listening attentively to the discussions.

He reminded journalists that each has a reputation to protect.

Charmaine Rodriguez – Pacific Governance and Freedom of Information Expert, capped off the day offering participants with techniques on how to ensure that they are reporting safely, accurately and balanced.

She encouraged reporters on the specialty of court reporting, highlighting that the job informs public on cases which are of particular importance or interest.

She provided a new concept, commonly called the ‘Harms test’, which allows reporters to know whether their story is okay to be published or not.

Solomon star’s court reporter Assumpta Buchanan.

She urged court reporters to always “weigh the benefits of disclosure against the harm that it would cause” before publishing.

Participants share that day-one has provided a lot of insight into the specialised branch of reporting on court matters, adding that many things presented by the experts are eye-openers.

Day-two of the refresher training begins 9am today at the Heritage Park Hotel conference room.

POLICE AFTER SUSPECT

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Alfred Pagepitu
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The scene of the crime: PHOTO CHARLES KADAMANA

Man takes to hiding in East Malaita, RSIPF officers deployed

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU & JENNIFER KUSAPA

Police now have a suspect into the April-13 White Angel killing.

However, the suspect is on the run, reportedly in the rurals of Kwaio region, Malaita province.

According to police, the suspect had been one of the persons taken in and interviewed on the day of the killing of the Chinese business woman, April 13.

He was later released, the same day.

He however became a suspect the next day when police tried to contact him for further statements only to find that he was missing.

Police say they have received information that the suspect had escaped to his home village in Kwaio.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, Malaita PPC Stanley Riolo said they know the suspect’s identity and have deployed officers to bring him in.

He adds that he has received reports that the suspect is evading his officers.

“We have deployed officers to the suspect’s village, Namolalae village, in East Malaita on Sunday to try and track him down

“My officers were deployed to the area following several reports that the suspect is around.

“As my officer approached Namolalae Village the suspect escaped somewhere.

“This should be a wake-up call for community leaders, not only in East and West Kwaio, but throughout Malaita. If any law and order problem pops up, community leaders should be the ones to take the lead and involve police to sort out issues.”

Police meanwhile are appealing to the suspect to surrender himself. They are also calling on communities in East and West Malaita to assist them in capturing the suspect.

In a police statement yesterday, Assistant Commissioner Crime and Intel Patricia Leta says, “Anyone with information can call Auki Police Station on phone 40132 or National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) on phone 21192 or Police Communication Centre on 23666.

“I would like to assure the Chinese community and the public that we are working very hard to apprehend the suspect to face his fair trial. It is not an easy task but police are working tirelessly behind the scene for possible arrest to be done.”

On April 13, somewhere police have put between 8am and 9am, a Chinese business woman was killed while she was opening up shop.

Police have described the killing as brutal, revealing that the body had several stab wounds, one with a broken kitchen knife blade embedded in the wound at the back.

The incident occurred at the White Angel building, situated at one of the Pt Cruz’s busiest parts.

The incident has raised much condemnation across country; government, Honiara city council, country’s business chamber (SICCI) and public at large have denounced the killing as barbaric and unwelcomed.

The Chinese embassy over the weekend issued a statement condemning the killing, describing it as “cold-blooded and brutal”. The embassy has also pinned the Royal Solomon Islands police force to its promise of catching the “culprits”.

On Monday this week, the Chinese – Solomon Islands Friendship organisation demanded police hasten its investigation and any arrest to be made soon.

Budget passed

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Eddie Osifelo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PARLIAMENT has passed the $4 billion budget without amendments after four days of scrutiny in the Committee of Supply.

Both sides of the house have met until after 7pm on Monday to complete the scrutiny of the $2.7 billion recurrent budget for the 24 ministries and four constitutional offices.

They completed the scrutiny of the budget support expenditures for eight ministries and development expenditures for all 24 ministries continues yesterday.

About $938 million is allocated under the Development Budget for projects.

While $258.5 million is allocated under Budget Support Expenditures.

The budget supports are money provided by donors to the eight ministries to spend this year.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma has also made correction to the Bill before it is sent to Governor General for ascending.

Parliament resumes at 9.30am today.

‘Parliament road’ a failed project: Maelanga

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga has confirmed the abandoned road development from the Girl Guide area up to the western precinct of Parliament was a ‘failed’ project.

Maelanga confirmed this in Parliament during the discussion on the development projects around Parliament in the Committee of Supply yesterday.

He said a company owned by the current Premier of Malaita Province; Daniel Suidani cleared the road up to Parliament.

MID has given the project to Suidani’s company to construct the road to help Members arrive at Parliament in time due to the ongoing traffic jam on the main road.

Members of Parliament are still to use the road until today as MID has halted the road development.

However, former Prime Minister and MP for Small Malaita, Rick Hou said it is good that the road is closed because when it was in operation, he had struggled to drive up the road.

Hou, also Chairman of House Committee, said people looking after the road told him to go down the road and reverse up.

“I actually reversed up the hill and just reached the middle and decided to drive down,” he added.

Hou said at one time he was advised to reverse his vehicle up the hill but it abruptly stopped on the middle of the hill.

Speaker of Parliament, Patterson Oti said discussion is ongoing.

He said an approach is made to one donor to respond to the requirement of the road to serve purposes of Parliament avoiding congestion when Members come to work.

Suidani slams moves to extend life of parl

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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani has cautioned the national government on its intention to extend the life of the current parliament from four to five years.

As has been shared on the local social media the Prime Minister has presented a Cabinet paper not long ago seeking for the extension of the life of the current parliament from 4 to 5 years and the Cabinet have agreed on the proposal.

But Suidani said that he sees no reasonable reasons why the life of the current parliament has to be extended.

He said that the reasons stated in the Cabinet paper as shared on social media have no fundamental groundings to necessitate an amendment to an important aspect of our Constitution and the governance of the country.

“The reasons and obligations stated by the PM can still be dealt with within the 4 years period of the life of this parliament,” Suidani said.

“Things like the implementation of the TRC report and the Federal Government System are matters that have been around for some time,” he added.

“Should the government be serious about these matters it should have addressed them a long time ago.

“In any case, there is the principle of government continuity and that such fundamental matters would take more than one political government to implement.”

Suidani said that he is very doubtful that this issue is even part of the much-promoted DCGA policy redirection. 

“The way this whole thing is put together is no different from how DCGA has handled the diplomatic switch policy.

“It started from nowhere but ended up occupying much of the government’s time.

“Let’s not keep on repeating unpopular decisions because our people are fed up with this kind of decision-making.”

Suidani encourages the government to implement its policy redirection rather than engaging in something that benefits no one.

“There are so many dislocations in the development of this country and the government should concentrate on addressing these development issues rather than making an amendment that will benefit no one but the political leaders.”

New COVID case detected on foreign cargo vessel

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PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced a new COVID-19 case in the country.

The Prime Minister in his special nationwide address yesterday said the case was detected amongst a crewmember of the Cargo Vessel MV Chefoo.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the case was detected following a comprehensive risk assessment undertaken by the ‘Vessels’ Exemption Committee’ over the weekend.

“This individual was one of five new crew members that joined the vessel at Lae Port in PNG on 15th April 2021.

“It is notable that all five new crew members that joined the vessel at Lae, tested negative for COVID-19 at Lae on 12th April 2021, three days before boarding the vessel,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the vessel left Lae for Honiara at 8pm on 15th April and arrived in Honiara at 7pm on 17th April – 1 hour short of two days sailing time.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the Oversight Committee on the advice of the Vessel Exemption Committee has set five days as the ‘minimum quarantine at sea period’ for any vessel that travels from any PNG port to any Solomon Islands port.

He said this is to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission through vessels.

The Prime Minister said the Exemption Committee can grant exemptions to the vessels if the assessment shows low or negligible levels of risk for COVID-19 transmission.

“If the COVID-19 risk assessment is high, the vessel does not get any exemption and must serve the full 5 days quarantine at sea before it can be cleared to discharge its cargo,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said because of the high level of community transmission of COVID-19 in PNG, including in Lae, the Exemption Committee advised the Agent of the Vessel that all the five new crewmembers that joined the vessel in Lae, had to be re-tested to ensure they are still negative before the vessel can be cleared.

“Let me express my sincere gratitude to the Agent and the Principal of MV Chefoo for agreeing to have the five crew members tested, and for facilitating the boarding of the swabbing team to the vessel on Sunday 18th April to do the swabbing,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said it was fortuitous that the Exemption Committee insisted on doing the repeat swabs on the five-crew members.

“This could have turned into a more serious situation for the vessel, the ship owner and operator and the shipping agent if there was to be a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the crew on the vessel,” he said.

The Prime Minister said given that many people affected by COVID-19 in PNG are asymptomatic, there would have been no way of knowing until someone actually gets sick due to the virus.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare has explained that while this new case was diagnosed in our Molecular laboratory, it will not be registered as a Solomon Islands case.

He said this case will come under ‘Conveyance’ and registered under the name of the Vessel.

–PMO

Hiking rate of malaria in Malaita province

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Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI 

MALAITA Provincial Vector Borne Disease Control Office in Auki has reported an annual increase of malaria in the province over the past years.

Programme Manager of Vector Borne Control programme for Malaita province, Mr John Susubi said in 2020, an increase of eight percent parasite incidental rate of malaria was recorded for the province compared to 2019.

He said the summary of records collected in the past years showed malaria keeps increasing year after year on a head-on rate.

Susubi said there were causes identified for the increase, but the primary cause was due to weaknesses in malaria control activities in the province.

He said there was also finding that an upsurge of malaria cases is always recorded from the month of November to April then May to October every year.

Susubi said whether this can be related to weather pattern of the country is interesting to know and is subjected to scientific study.

However, he said in order to reduce the rate of malaria in the province, it’s everybody’s business to work together in malaria control activities in the province.

Susubi said under vector borne control, three major components involved in the fight against malaria are, human being, environment and chemical.

He explained that under the component “human being” it comes with medication or treatment for people when tested positive and sick of malaria.

And this is the common malaria control people often resolve to, but this should be the last control people should seek in the campaign against malaria.

Susubi furthered that the second component is “environment”; this involves proper clean-ups in and around homes to avoid malaria and its reproduction in the environment.

He said the third component is chemical; that involves anti-malaria chemicals like Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and others that applied in homes some years ago.

Saying that under the component is bed-net commonly known as mosquito net that is distributed to communities and can be accessible in malaria centres in the country.    

Susubi said another factor that keeps malaria active is because it has treatment in place, so people tend to become complacent since they think that treatment is available so everything will be ok.

He said fight against malaria should be a joint effort by everyone that requires personnel commitments to reduce the rate of malaria especially in Malaita province.

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