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South Choiseul by-election successful

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Assistant Returning Officer of Susumungga Polling Station seals one of the ballot boxes

BY BEN BILUA

In Choiseul

THE by-election to vote a Member of Parliament for South Choiseul Constituency was successfully completed yesterday.

A total of 17 polling stations were established for voters to cast their votes with 21 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers providing security.

Voters at Sasamungga went to poll around 7am yesterday morning. Voters already joined the queue as early as 6am before the media and observers reached the polling station.

A similar enthusiastic response was seen at Malangono. Voters came in early to cast their votes; as a result, polling was completed around midday.

Eighty years old Agnes Jacob assisted by two women to return home after casting her vote

All polling stations closed at 5pm and all the ballot boxes were sealed before being transported to Malangono Polling Station for safe keeping. They were later transported to Taro for counting today.

Susan Tamana point to the notice before casting her vote while Officer Mary Saqo smiles

Speaking to the media, South Choiseul Returning Officer, Henry Deva said 80 percent of 6,800-plus voters casted their vote.

He told the media that some of the voters have died, and that changed the voters list.

Hard working Returning Officer of South Choiseul Constituency Henry Deva

Deva said the polling station have established special voting access for people with disability and the elderly, and that welcomes the elderly to cast their votes.

“I was impressed to see voters turn out today (yesterday). On top of that, I was also impressed that voters follow the COVID-19 instructions like hand washing in all polling station.”

He said the ballot papers will be kept overnight at Malangono Polling station with 22 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force plus electoral officials on guard.

Voters searched for their names at Susumungga

“Tonight (yesterday night) all ballot boxes will be kept overnight at Malangono. Our Police officers will guide the ballot boxes to avoid tempering. Tomorrow morning (today morning) the ballot boxes will be transported to Taro by the police,” Deva explained.

He salutes the five Assistant Electoral officers who have played an important role making it easier to mobilise activities during the polling day.

Deva stressed that team work really paid resulting in the successful roll out of the polling day.

A voter tries to locate his name from the voting list at Malangono

He acknowledged voters for behaving during the voting as well as respecting the process and procedures of electoral commission.

Djokovic charged

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ROBSON Djokovic is expected to front the Honiara Magistrate’s Court today after police charged him for alleged breaches of the Electoral Act.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea will preside over the case this morning.

Police yesterday confirmed Djokovic, Prime Minister Sogavare’s nephew and chief of staff, is facing three counts.

The charges were laid after on instructions of the Director of Public Prosecution following recent High Court ruling that although an indigenous Solomon Islander, Djokovic is not a citizen.

His lawyer is appealing the decision.

Djokovic, whose mother is from Choiseul and father Australian, has been charged with:

  1. Obtaining registration by false pretense Contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code.
  2. Fraudulent Voting Contrary to Section 120 (c) of the Electoral Act 2018.
  3. Prohibition of a non-citizen from membership of a Political Party Contrary to section 41 (1) of the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

RSIPF Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta says:

“Information gathered concerning this matter stated that the chief of staff, a holder of an Australian Passport was a member of ‘Our Party’ that has been registered under the Political Parties integrity Act and a registered voter of South Choiseul Constituency in the 2019 National General Election (NGE).”

Meanwhile, his defence lawyer Wilson Rano confirmed to the Island Sun yesterday that he received notice that Djokovic’s case will be mentioned today in the Magistrate’s Court.

On their appeal case regarding Djokovic’s citizenship status, Rano said a direction hearing will be conducted in the High Court this afternoon.

1 recorded anaphylactic reaction to AstraZeneca

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by NDTV.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country has recorded one case of a serious anaphylactic reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the case was witnessed in the Shortland Vaccination roll out.

“I am duty bound to inform you that we witness our first serious anaphylactic reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine in the Shortland Vaccination roll out.

“The reaction was diagnosed very quickly and was treated promptly by the Medical team.

“The lady recovered all her vital signs, pulse, and blood pressure sensation within an hour,” he said.

Sogavare said Anaphylaxis is described by doctors as a severe form of an allergic reaction to something – in this case the AstraZeneca vaccine.

He said like any other medicine the AstraZeneca vaccine has its side effects in this case it was severe and the more common side effects very mild and non-specific like dizziness and headaches.

Sogavare said the key is recognising the side effects when the anaphylactic reaction occurs and treating them promptly and appropriately.

“I commend health team for the excellent job in identifying and treating the anaphylactic reaction in the lady resulting in immediate dull recovery,” he said

Sogavare adds, more than 13,000 people across the country have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccines and vaccination for Honiara and Malaita Outer Islands have closed.

“Will advise in due cause when further vaccination in these two location will recommence. Vaccination in Choiseul and Western will continue,” he said.

SI’s first light steel factory

Written by
Press Release
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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

PRESS RELEASE

Construction of a light steel factory is underway near the Mamara New City project west of Honiara, which will provide more job opportunities for locals with the potential to boost the country’s export sector.

Once operational, the factory will put Solomon Islands in the list of few countries in the region to host a steel factory besides Australia and New Zealand.

The factory is part of the development plan for the Mamara New City project at the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo land.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) Riley Mesepitu said the factory would be located at Poha.

He said the factory will not only provide job opportunities for locals but it will also boost the country’s potential for exportation of primary products.

Mr Mesepitu added that construction work is now underway alongside the construction of the public servants’ housing project.

The developer’s representative, Mr Yii Ging Hii who is also Malaysia’s honorary consul to Solomon Islands, said earlier the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo project will not only host residential homes, hotels and other facilities but will also host light industries.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Continue with covid-19 basic measures: McNeil

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Public is being encouraged to continue with basic covid-19 safety measures.

Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil issued this advice amid the roll-out of the covid-19 vaccine.

She said despite being vaccinated, public must continue practising the safety measures

She said the basic COVID-19 basic safety practices include; washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, covering mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing – dispose of the tissue immediately and clean your hands afterwards, keeping your distance, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding unnecessary overcrowding and social gathering.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare early this week in his national address also reminded public to maintain the above measures.

“It is crucial we maintain covid-19 safety practises that have been announced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Service in their awareness programmes,” he said.

Bangladeshi’s defence accuse prosecution

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Defence lawyer of a Bangladeshi facing rape charges is accusing prosecution of playing delay tactics.

Lawyer Hubert Fugui told court yesterday prosecution had been slow in providing disclosures regarding the charges against the accused.

Fugui explained that the case had been brought before the court on April 17; he was given the disclosures several weeks later.

And, he adds that the dates on the medical report were dated April 18.

He said prosecution should assess the evidence and properly update court on the status of investigation, rather than coming to court and seeking adjournments.

Court then adjourned the case for June 8, for the accused to enter a plea.

This is the case of a Bangladesh national who is faced with counts of rape, indecent act, criminal trespass and count of intimidation.

Regarding the rape charge, police alleged that the accused raped an underage girl on unknown dates early this year.

Prosecution alleged that the Bangladeshi raped an 11-year-old girl at an area in East Honiara.

According to Police the case was reported to the Henderson police station by the mother of the victim.

Police said the victim’s mother called in at Henderson Police Station and reported that her daughter was raped by a Bangladesh national in his bedroom.

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

Police officer’s case returns in court

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The case of a police officer accused of crashing a police vehicle into the Holy Cross cathedral brick wall has been adjourned for today.

The incident occurred in 2019.

Police officer Markie Rokoto’s case was mentioned in court yesterday before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

The trial date had been set for May 31, and yesterday’s session was an interim mention.

Iomea however announced that he would be hearing another trial on that week, and suggested that this case be re-allocated to another magistrate or the trial date be changed.

Public Prosecutor Helen Naqu said her office has already made arrangements for their two witnesses to be transported over to Honiara on the trial date. However, given Magistrate Iomea’s situation, public prosecution would have to re-book the witnesses.

Iomea then adjourned the case for today to re-confirm the trial date.

Rokoto is facing charges in relation to an allegation between 10.30pm and 11pm on February 19, 2019 at the Holy Cross Cathedral along the Mbokonavera road.

The allegation said that Rokoto drove at a high speed along the Mbokonavera road while under the influence of liquor and was heading south when he ran the vehicle into the Holy Cross Cathedral brick wall near the road and overturned.

It was also alleged that there were two other police officers in the vehicle with Rokoto during the accident.

PRIVATE VIEW- TSI commends McNeil, urges police to arrest

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) commends the Commissioner of Lands (CoL) Mr.Alan McNeil for reporting the forgery allegation to police and refusing to grant the Fixed Term Estate (FTE) to Chengs Constructions Ltd.

The allegation [forgery] by the Commissioner of Lands that the signature of the Levers [RIPEL?] Solomons Ltd Board Director, Mr Patrick Wong was forged is a serious allegation requiring the police and other responsible institutions [JANUS] to step in, investigate and arrest the person or persons or firms hired or engaged by Chengs Company implicated in this corrupt dealing.

With the current Commissioner of Lands who has vowed to clean up corruption in State land dealings gone are the days of corruption when corrupt and unscrupulous dealers, speculators can easily forged documents in order to get land title from the Ministry of Lands.

Commissioner of Lands Mr McNeil must be commended, and we need more officer like him to be sitting in positions of power to curb corruption that is widespread in every aspect of government procurement, allocation of government land, issuing of concessions, etc. The integrity of the public office has gone down the drain and there is very little consciousness amongst public officials when it comes to corrupt conduct and practice.  

The fight against corruption is a must for all of us.  It is because of corruption that our doctors and nurses and patients do not have a decent hospital from which to provide health and medical care to the taxpayers of Solomon Islands. It is of corruption that the clinics are without medicine, Taro hospital and other health infrastructure are in the state they are in today. Corruption is the Tsunami that is killing most of our people and denying our graduates employment opportunities. It is the climate change that we need to address today and not wait for the next day or next year.  There are many public servants who want to do the right thing in fighting corruption, but they are faced with two major challenges, risk to their lives and for economic reasons. It is therefore important that the police who is empowered to investigate must step up to the challenge.  Transparency Solomon Islands also calls on the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption [SIICAC] to step up and look into giving the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 a tooth to bite.  So far the Commission has not gone out to meet stakeholders in this space, not to the Commissioner of Lands who is really trying his best to learn more about the corruption conducts in that ministry as would be for other ministries. Yes Transparency Solomon Islands understands that the Commission does not have funds and is not resourced, but does it really need funds to go and consult with the Commissioner of Lands? Letting him know he has their support. It is time that SIICAC goes out and meet and support those officials who are trying their best as in this case.

There are those holding important decision-making positions within the government who make an effort to stand against corruption and are saying no to corruption, but they need to know that the authorities are with them and that the public is appreciative of their efforts as in the case of the Commissioner of Lands. The action of the Commissioner of Lands is one that contributes to stopping the Corruption Tsunami that is hitting the country bad, be it forestry, mining, land dealing, procurement etc. and will save the country from corruption and serve the interest of the nation first than those corrupt businesses and individuals. This is not the first time the Commissioner of Lands uncovers suspicious corrupt dealings relating to land dealings by officials within his ministry. McNeil must be commended for his stand to refuse giving Chengs Company the FTE and for referring the matter to police for criminal investigation. But how many more before the police, the SIICAC etc. before they investigate and charge those responsible.

Whether Chengs Company already bought the land or not, TSI holds the view that the location of the plot which Chengs has already erected a building is supposedly on land that was compulsory acquired from Levers for development needs of the National Airport in the name of public good and purpose.  Such compulsory acquired land should remain the property of the government for the purpose for which it was acquired. There is therefore besides what the Commissioner of Land is fighting for a lot dealings that needs to be examined here.  Perhaps this is a scheme for extortion of money from the government when the airport is developed and improved.  How can Chengs Company be allowed to do so through this foreigner.

The reason why this land cannot be allocated to anyone be it with correct signatory from Patrick Wong or not is simple. Plane used the airport every day for take-off and landing, thus the airport needs a clear space on its surrounding areas unlike this building was built just a meter away from the fence.  The building which the company built is just beside the fence of the Henderson airport and right under the power lines of Solomon Power. The building is located between the airport fence and the highway road is very risky and portrays that something is not right with those dealing with the company to construct a building on that area. Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Aviation and Communication (MCA) Mr. Moses Virivolomo in the past years when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has already question the responsible authorities on the land dealing surrounding the Henderson airport, which were allocated left and right to Asian companies to build high buildings. The building must be taken down and relocated somewhere that is distance away from the airport and the electric lines. Whilst Transparency Solomon Islands notes the question from the PS of Aviation and Communication, the allocation of those land was started by the Civil Aviation Committee and put to a stop when the former Commissioner of Land [Ruth Liloqula] questioned it and put a stop to any further allocation other than for government purpose.  Since then, land has been allocated left right and everywhere.

It was also revealed in the Island Sun news yesterday that Chengs Company engaged Robert Mani’s consultation firm to follow up on the matter and a sum of $450,000 was paid to LSL, including a Hilux. Transparency Solomon Islands holds the view that LSL has breached its Grant Instrument terms and should not continue but surrender the land back to the Commissioner of Land. The safety of the travelling public and the future expansion and development of the airport are more important than Chengs Company. The police must investigate, and Guadalcanal provincial government put a stop building on the site on Cheng Company.

Transparency Solomon Islands fully supports the action taken by the Commissioner of Land Mr. McNeil and asks police not to sleep on this case now that it has been reported. The alleged forgery must be investigated and the person responsible must be arrested and prosecuted. The high prevalence of corruption in this country is an indication of poor performance of responsible authorities, and more importantly the under resourcing of them pose a more serious problem, especially when one looks at the pillars of the National Integrity Systems [NIS] of the country. Civil Society Organisations are a pillar of the NIS and as such must step up and be truly the voice of the voiceless as always claimed in dialogues with the government.

Thank You Commissioner of Lands for the stand you took and for exposing this corrupt deal.  Forgery is an offense in the Penal Code so the laws are there.  The police now need to do its part.

–TSI

RSIPF farewells late PC Auna

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Officers carrying the casket of the late PC Elizabeth Kala Auna into the St. Barnabas Cathedral

PRESS RELEASE

The Royal Solomon Islands police force (RSIPF) yesterday farewelled one of its officers who passed away late last week.

Officers in Honiara farewelled their colleague officer the late Police Constable (PC) Elizabeth Kala Auna during a funeral service at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral. She passed away on May 14, 2020.

Speaking at the funeral service RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “I am humbled to stand here on behalf of all ranks and files of the RSIPF throughout Solomon Islands.

 “I am lost for words to describe the sadness that all of us have experienced at the news about the passing away of one of our own.  I would like to inform relatives and friends that we are greatly saddened at the unfortunate passing away of the late Police Constable  Auna.”

Members of the family of the late PC Auna

The late constable Auna had served in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for 11 years. She was 32 years old when she passed away.

Mangau adds, “As a very energetic young lady during and after her schooling days she saw the importance of policing which inspired her to join the RSIPF as a recruit on 16 August 2010.

“Upon joining the RSIPF she was first posted to the Honiara City Central Police Station on a two-year probation where she worked in General Duties, Community Policing, the Liquor Squad and other departments within Honiara City police.”

PC Auna was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police on July 30, 2012 as a permanent member of the RSIPF.

Work mates of the late PC Auna pay their last respects to the late officer

On March 14, 2016 she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation along with other officers by the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City for outstanding work performance during the 2016 Telekom S-League.

In June 2016 PC Auna attended a Basic Intelligence Course conducted by the Police academy and on July 14, 2016, she was transferred from Honiara City to the National Intelligence Department (NID) as an Intel field officer.

During her time at the NID, PC Auna held several supervisory positions and attended several Intelligence training courses both locally and online.

Mangau says, “The passing away of late PC Auna denied her long and satisfying career.  Let me assure the relatives and friends this afternoon that the RSIPF salute her and will continue to remember the legacy she has left behind, her positive contributions to the RSIPF to provide leadership in the National Intelligence Department in Honiara where she had served and spent most of her time in Policing.

“We valued so much her contributions to the RSIPF and the people of Solomon Islands.  The length of time she served in the RSIPF was highly commendable and honoured by all ranks and files of the RSIPF for unselfishly serving the people of this country by enlisting into the RSIPF to protect life and property and to maintain law and order.

“It is sad to note that her untimely passing away caught her quickly and took her life. Her passing away is not only a loss to the husband, relatives and communities of Tawatana/Heuru village, in Makira, but also a great loss to the RSIPF.

“I want to thank the family, relatives and friends and the community of Tawatana/Heuru village for allowing her to serve in the RSIPF. 

“I salute her for her service,” says Commissioner Mangau.

–POLICE MEDIA

Rennell villagers claim logging craft damages their marine life

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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LANDOWNERS of Nukuma’anu in east Rennell, Renbel Province, claim a logging craft that drifted from west of the island landed on their shoreline last month, causing extensive damages to marine life in their bay.

And tribal spokesman Jim Sevesi said they are working closely with the province’s deputy secretary Aubrey Puia assist in mediating a settlement with owners of the craft.

He said the logging craft was owned by logging contractors Solomon Resources and Gulf Three, who are conducting operations in west Rennell.

“It’s a common practice in the forestry sector that when such incidents like this occurred, those responsible, including the loggers, are obliged to step in and sort things out with resource owners,” Sevesi said.

“We have submitted a formal claim to Solomon Resources and Gulf Three, which provided the basis for our discussion on this matter,” he added.

“The deputy secretary Puia is familiar with the firm’s concern in his official role. He is a trusted person so we believe he will able to help sort out this matter.”

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