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Police appeal for peaceful by-elections

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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PRESS RELEASE

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have appealed to the people of South Choiseul Constituency, Kirugela ward in North East Choiseul, and Anuta and Tikopia Island in Temotu Province to ensure peaceful by-elections next week.

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Managu said by-Election in South Choiseul Constituency became necessary after the Member of Parliament lost his seat in an election petition after the National General Election in April 2019.

The North East Choiseul Kirugela ward by election came after the passing away of their Member of Provincial Assembly.”

Commissioner Mangau also said the Ward by-election for Anuta and Tikopia (ward 16) Island has become necessary after the Member of Provincial Assembly was terminated.

He appealed to voters to assist the police in ensuring communities remain safe and peaceful during the by-elections.

 “Let us continue to show respect to one another and maintain peace like we did during the past elections. 

“Respect for one another is an integral part of Solomon Islands tradition and culture. Do not allow any disagreements to cause divisions amongst us.”

About 50 RSIPF officers comprising those from Taro, Gizo and Police Response Team (PRT) will be deployed to 17 polling stations in South Choiseul Constituency and three polling stations in Kirugela ward in North East Choiseul.

Eight officers from Lata Police Station will be deployed to three polling stations in Anuta and Tikopia ward.

Commissioner Mangau said the deployment is paramount to ensure polling day is done peacefully and that all registered voters are allowed to cast their votes without any fear of violence.

“We also want to appeal to voters to accept the outcome of the by-elections and to work together with your new member of Parliament and Members of Provincial Assemblies.

“We also want to appeal directly to all candidates, supporters and political party members to remember your responsibilities as leaders during such period.

“Please observe rules and regulations under the Electoral Act.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Police investigate suicide in Renbel

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Tigoa in the Renbel Province are investigating the discovery of the body of a 19-year-old male who reportedly hanged himself in his room at his uncle’s residence on May 5, 2021.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The deceased lived with his uncle and his uncle told him that he will be leaving to next village to complete his canoe work and will return the next day (May 6, 2021).

“About 5pm on May 6 his uncle returned home, he saw the deceased room locked from inside. He called for him but no sign of movement. 

“His uncle called several times but still no sign of response from inside the deceased room so he went into the next room and peeped through a hole on the walling and found the deceased hanging.

“He ran to the door and kicked open the door and saw the deceased hanging. He took his knife cut down the rope and found that the deceased already stiff.

“He shouted for help and people in the village who were gathered to played football ran and assisted him. They took the body of the deceased to his parent’s house where they mourned over his body.

“My condolences to the relative of the deceased for the loss of their dear son.”

Police at Tigoa appeal to the people living in and around the area to come forward with any information that may assist with the investigation in this sad incident.

“I want to urge youth in the Renbel Province to approach their parents, close relatives or their best friend if they have issues that are bothering them.

“I also encourage parents and relatives to look out for signs that might indicate their children are having any problems and to find time to sit down and talk with them,” says Mangau.

Keni defends Win Win

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Turarana river, where the WinWin mining company is operating.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GOLD Dealer Licence holder, Primo Keni has clarified that different agents have been involved in buying the 78.47 kg of alluvial gold from community on Mamasa and Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.

This came after a landowner, Joel Jackson claimed Win Win bought gold from gold-panners in the community and exported them overseas.

Kenny said he bought 20.1 kg of alluvial gold, while the rest are from other agents in Honiara.

“I buy $240 per gramme for one gold from people in Honiara and $200-210 from panners in the village.”

Under section 54 of Mines and Mineral Act 1990, only a Gold dealer can export alluvial gold, not the alluvial miner.

Win Win Managing Director, Dan Shi said the Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki verbally granted them to buy gold from landowners after he mentioned the economic hardship facing the people.

Shi said the company appointed an agent who signed an agreement with Kenny to buy gold from the people.

Furthermore, Kenny said all the details of the alluvial gold are available with Director of Mines because inspection and weighing were done at the Mines Division before sending to Customs for processing and then exporting to Hong Kong.

He said the value of the export is determined by the refinery on analysis and Assay report is sent back to Customs in Honiara to determine the value and calculate the 5 percent tax.

Under Mines and Minerals and Minerals (Amendment) Act 2014, all credits of the minerals other than gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite and iron ore are credited to the Mining Royalty Special Fund, which the Minister of Mines would authorise to landowners.

The credits of gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite and iron ore shall be included in the consolidate revenue of the Government.

The trustees and the government would get their shares from the consolidated revenue.

Suspect escapes to the Shortlands

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man wanted for questioning over a death in Gizo early this week has reportedly escaped to his home in the Shortland islands, Western province.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said yesterday police in Gizo are investigating the death of a 40-year-old man in Gizo on the afternoon of May 10, 2021.

Mangau said the man was alleged to have been assaulted by a man from Shortland Island on May 8 in Gizo around 3pm to 4pm, in which he sustained injury to his mouth as a result of that assault.

At that time the deceased was also drunk and did not report the assault incident to the police or even went to the clinic for medical check-up.

On the next day he started to experience dizziness but still did not bother to visit the clinic, Mangau said.  

However, later on May 11 he collapsed at his home and was rushed to the hospital by some people, unfortunately pronounced dead by the doctor at Gizo hospital, Mangau said.

Mangau said police then were alerted about the incident and an investigation was carried out, however police were informed that the suspect had already escaped to the Shortland Islands after the assault incident.

Mangau also confirmed that the deceased’s body has been sent back to Isabel, and police Forensic in Honiara with a Pathologist are in Buala this week conducting post-mortem on the deceased.

The post-mortem was conducted as part of the police investigation.

He also called on the communities in Shortland to support police in their investigation to locate the suspect on the case.

EDITORIAL-What is the Minister of Home Affairs waiting for?

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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WHY are we still talking about the current Honiara City Council (HCC) executive?

By now, we should be discussing a competent authority appointed to run the affairs of the council.

We should be talking about how that authority should prepare Honiara for the Pacific Games in 2023.

And we should be talking about making Honiara a beautiful and livable city.

Instead, we’ve wasted so much of our precious time talking about a hopeless bunch of councilors who went in there and treated the council as their private business.

They offered themselves contracts, awarded internal vehicle tenders to themselves, sold market lock-up shops for exorbitant amounts and simply mismanaged the council.

These councilliors should have been kicked out immediately after the special audit report into the affairs of the council came out last year.

But the Government, for whatever reason, simply failed to act.

This lack of action allowed this bunch to remain in power and ended up selling a piece of council land that was currently used by the Biosecurity Unit to an Asian logger.

The Commissioner of Lands has to be forced to resume the land – but of course at tax payers’ cost.

In a attempt to improve their standing and regain public confidence, the councilors kicked out city clerk Rence Sore and mayor Wilson Mamae.

They voted in a new mayor and a new executive was appointed.

But they were the same old bunch from the same old executive.

There’s no hope they’ll bring any positive and meaningful changes to the HCC and the people.

Question now is why does it take the Minister of Home Affairs too long to dissolve the council?

The evidences are all out there. You don’t have to go looking for it.

Take action now minister and dissolve the council.

The people of Honiara have had enough of this stupidity.

Fugui commissioned for China mission

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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From L-R: Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, Governor General Sir David Vunagi, Ambassador designate John Moffat Fugui and Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele at Government House

PRESS RELEASE

The country’s ambassador designate to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), John Moffat Fugui was commissioned by the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House yesterday.

The ceremony now formalized Ambassador Fugui’s appointment to take up post in Beijing.

 During the ceremony, Sir David charged Ambassador Fugui with a number of responsibilities including his first and foremost task to represent and promote the interests of the Government of Solomon Islands in the country he is accredited. 

Sir David said the Government and people of Solomon Islands expect Ambassador Fugui to provide sound advice and deliberation on all matters during his tenure of office. These could be political, economic, social and cultural.

“At no time should personal interests and other forms of persuasions compromise these.  Your full commitment is therefore expected. 

“You are the link between the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of the country to which you are accredited. In true Solomon Islands tradition, your office and home will be the safe haven for Solomon Islanders in times of need,” Sir David said.

As Solomon Islands Chief Representative to the People’s Republic of China, Fugui’s allegiance is to the Government of the day and his instructions on all occasions during his mission will come from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to whom he is answerable.

Sir David added that the maintenance of permanent diplomatic missions overseas is a very costly exercise. 

“The operating cost of these is substantial and considering the country’s weak financial situation, cost-saving measures that will not compromise the effective discharge of your duty should become the order of the day.  Extravagance must be avoided at all costs,” Sir David said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Fugui thanked the Solomon Island government, especially, the Cabinet for the endorsement of his Ambassadorial Candidacy and vowed to do his utmost best to serve the mission in Beijing.

Fugui said the nature of his diplomatic tasks is multi-varied which include providing advice and consultations on political, economic, socio-cultural, and during this Covid-period can be medical in nature.

The Office in Beijing will be the bridge between PRC and Solomon Islands. It will be the refuge for Solomon Island citizens in China, which Ambassador Fugui is committed to carry out with the greatest of care.

Ambassador Fugui will leave for Beijing as soon as convenient where he is expected to present his credentials to the President of the Republic of China.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele, Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, senior Government Officials and family members witnessed the commissioning ceremony,

Ulawa clinic gets timely support

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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The hardware materials at the Clinic’s staff house

A RURAL health centre on Ulawa Island has received hardware materials worth more than $7,000.

The materials would be used to repair the Taheramo Clinic which has seen a decline over the years.

Clinic’s committee chairperson Godfrey Sautehi confirmed the hardware materials were safely off loaded at Suu Moli port yesterday and are now at the clinic ready for work to kick off.

“My committee had received a total of 20 bags of cement, 25 sheets of Masonite as well as nails worth $5,301 of hardware from Tongs Hardware Company which was purchased by the Makira Ulawa province health division upon a request our committee submitted last month,” Sautehi said.

“A total of $7,087-00 was paid for materials, freight and petrol for milled timbers which are very big help for us in ward one, which is Taheramo clinic’s catchment area,” he further added.

He is also happy with the positive outcome from responsible authorities which shows concern for the quality health service provided for his people.

“I want to thank the Kirakira Hospital administration on behalf of the people here for supporting and considering the need of the Taheramo clinic where our communities for a long time needed to improve its infrastructure,” Sautehi added.

He further adds that work on the clinic will start soon as and would be completed by June.

The Chairman said he looks forward for more support to clinics on Ulawa in the future, so that people on the island can access quality and reliable health services in the future.

By Lionel Taorao

In Ulawa

China’s approach a game changer, says Tovavaki

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Counsellor Gong in middle, CDO of South Vella Mr Tovavaki far right and DS of MRD Hebala left having a discussion after the launching of the Coconut Crushing Mill

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Constituency Development Officer (CDO) of South Vella has described the project implementation approach of Peoples Republic of China as a “game changer” that would lead to tangible development in rural communities.

Lemech Tovavaki made the statement when officials from the Chinese Embassy and Government visited the Economic Growth Center, yesterday.

The visit coincided with the launch of South Vella Coconut Crushing Mill.

Tovavaki stressed that China has shown an important example of how projects should be implemented by establishing strategy from funding to monitoring and evaluation of project.

Coconut crushing equipment

He added the strategy is a game changer as constituency developments are subjected to proper regulatory system which can lead to tangible development.

“It is fitting for officials from the Chinese embassy in Honiara to visit projects funded under their contribution through the Constituency Development Fund.”

Tovavaki adds that such visit will determine whether the projects are progressing well or not.

Guests tour the Crushing Mill facilities after the opening

“We want to express our gratitude to the People’ Republic of China for core funding our economic growth center and also our Crushing Mill.

“Your visit today displays your determination and commitments towards our community social and economic development.

“Today, we launched the South Vella Crushing Mill, which is fully funded by CDF and I understand that People’s Republic of China have made major contributions to the CDF.

“CDF also plays major role in the development of our economic center and we thank you for your assistance,” he said.

Coconut ready to be milled

Tovavaki said Crushing Mill and Economic Center development project is part of the constituency’s social and economic development.

He said the project will add value to the existing services for people to generate income especially selling of coconuts and other products.

Tovavaki adds that the rehabilitation of Barakoma Airstrip will also bring benefits to the people of South Vella in terms of economic activities.

Prime Minister’s Policy Advisor in Productive Sector, Samson Viulu said South Vella is a huge contributor of coconut production in the country and it is fitting for the constituency to venture into coconut crushing mill.

He said the government is looking at improving the benefit of coconut product.

Viulu added South Vella is one among other constituencies that will be part of a pilot project looking at value adding to the product for greater benefits.

“Currently you are selling the crushed coconut meat to buyers, our plan is to assist you to also sell the coconut milk so as the crushed coconut powder which can be used for chicken or pig feeder,” he said.

Deputy Head teacher of Bilua School receives the gifts on behlaf of the students

Viulu said South Vella constituency has made an impressive effort to bring greater development to its communities.

He called on the people and leaders of South Vella to work in partnership with the government through their Member of Parliament and donors.

In her speech, Counsellor Rui Gong from the People’s Republic of China said China is keen to support income generating projects that would touch the lives of the people.

She said China is not here as spectator but as a true friend with lots to offer in terms of economic and social development.

“We want to be your friend and partner in any development that can lead to greater benefits for your people.

“As a new friend, we are still learning how to effectively procure, monitor and evaluate proposed development projects and I want to say that we are slowly getting there,” Gong said.

She said China is always ready to help the people of Solomon Islands in any way possible.

Manelusi visits Lata school

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi handed over volley and soccer balls to school principle Roselyn Lemoba after his presentation

PRESS RELEASE

HEAD of Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) Gabriel Manelusi gave an educational talk to staff and students of Lata Community School during his recent visit there.

During his talk, Manelusi encouraged students to have visions, develop right attitude to learning and aim higher.

He also encouraged the students not to worry too much if they could not make it to higher forms or university.

Lata CHS School Chaplain received Bible from Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi

“If you could not go further in your education pursuit, you have land back in the villages where you could go back to and engage in agriculture, tourism, fisheries etc..” Manelusi told the students.

He also reminded students to live according to the bible, our national law and respect our customs.

“Successful people are normally those who live according to the word of God and respect our laws as well as our customs.”

The CSSI chief handed over two soccer balls, two volley balls and a ball pump to the school.

Lata Community High School Teachers, School Chairman and Student pose for a photo shot with Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi and LCC officers during his visit to Lata CHS

He also thanked the school for their support to the work of CSSI in Lata.

School principal Roselyn Lemoba in turn thanked Manelusi and his team for the visit and the awareness talk.

Manelusi was in Lata as part of his annual visit to provincial CSSI centres.

‘Fishy’ payments to city councillor

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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1

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

A COMPANY owned by Honiara City councillor Dorah Huapii Irofia collected almost $1 million in highly questionable payments for the first three months of 2020, for supplying basic furniture, stationeries and office equipment to the council.

That’s according to a report the former council deputy treasurer compiled as part of investigations into how the current council executive allegedly mismanaged the affairs of the council.

Dora, who is councilor for Cruz Ward, is the director of DOD’s General Supplier, which the report stated was one of the council’s “Preferred Suppliers”.

The contract was awarded direct to DOD without any tender process.

It was not just the amount of money paid out within four months that got the attention of the former deputy treasurer, but also the frequency at which it was paid.

For instance, on 20 January 2020, DOD received a cheque for $122,400 in the morning and another cheque for $34,600 in the afternoon.

The following month on 19 February, DOD was paid two other separate cheques on the same day – one for $34,460 and another for $53,000.

Five days later on 25 February, DOD collected two further payments – the first for $43,900 and the second for $141,600.

And on 25 March, DOD received two more cheques for $70,000 and $45,000 to cap off its spoil for the first quarter of 2020.

The report showed for the month of January, DOD collected three payments totaling $231,500.

For February, it received nine cheques worth $588,960.

And in March, DOD collected $115,000 to bring the total amount it got paid, to $935,460.

The report was critical of two particular payments.

The first was an $85,000 cheque paid to Cruz Women’s Group on 6 February, while the second was a $70,000 cheque raised in the name of Cr. Dorah Huapii Irofia on 14 February instead to DOD General Supplier.

The report pointed out that the $85,000 cheque to Cruz Women’s Group was highly suspicious and needs to be investigated.

The $70,000 paid to Cr. Dorah Huapii Irofia, the report added, should be raised in the name of DOD as the supplier and not to a councilor.

Although the only female councilor in the current executive, the report stated Councillor Dorah is one of the leading and highly influential figures in the council’s politics.

The report said while the council has a lot of outstanding bills to settle, (then) city clerk Rence Sore appeared to have given priority to paying DOD bills.

“This may be a reflection of how (then) city mayor Wilson Mamae, Sore and Cr. Dorah run the council.

“Obviously by studying the flow of payment to DOD’s General Supplier one can conclude that Sore prioritises payments that benefits himself through commissions.

“As a result lots of payments paid to DOD’s General Supplier were signed and released,” the report said.

The report also questioned the way in which payments are made to suppliers within the Honiara City Council.

“In the financial instruction there are clear guidelines on how procurement process should take its course.

“However, within the Honiara City Council cheque payments that supposed to be raised and paid to suppliers are raised under the name of council officers, cashed by the officers and later paid to suppliers.

“A clear example is on the 13/01/2020 chq payment was raised under the name of Honiara City Council finance Officer June Qae and was cashed and later spend the money for Fuel & lubricants (chq # 101771).

“On another occasion another chq payment was raised on the 30/01/2020 chq # 101862 and paid to Kadiba Alu, Media officer within the Honiara City Council, for printing of finance staff.

“The question again is why can’t these payouts be made straight to the suppliers?

“Honiara City Council adopted all procurement instruction in the Supplier Chain Management under Financial Instruction however, the act of cashing cheques and later procure items conflicted with clear guidelines set out in the Financial Instruction.

“The act of the officers put their integrity at question.”

In his final report before he was sacked from the council, Sore highlighted the poor procurement practices within the council.

He said these include insufficient planning, lack of documentation and non-consideration for value for money.

“These arise mainly because of the confusion that exists between the lines of governance and management of the council,” Sore said in his report.

He added the confusion is evident in the current council on matters like the allocation of market lock up shops, administration of vehicle tenders and the Kukum Market project.

“Good procurement practices will never be achieved in the life of this current house of the city council,” Sore said.

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