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21-yo man jailed for rape

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to three years for raping a 16-year-old girl in Santa Cruz, Temotu province.

The incident occurred in 2019, when the man was 19 years old.

The man had admitted to the court having committed the offence on the said date.

High Court Justice Maelyn Bird in her sentence yesterday told the man that the offence of rape is a serious one and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“It is as serious as a murder charge because you have intruded into the privacy of the victim,” Ms Bird said.

She told the man that he had taken advantage of the victim’s vulnerability as a weaker gender.

“The victim is of the weaker sex and in such an isolated place, anything could have happened to her.”

The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon on an unknown date betweenMarch 17 and 24, 2019; the victim left her home to get banana for her family at their plantation.

It was during that time the accused met the victim and committed the offence on her.

The accused also threatened the victim not to shout and, later, not to tell her parents about what happened.

However later in April the victim had a severe stomach ache and called her mother to feel her stomach.

“Her mother asked her if she had met a man but she did not answer. The mother told the father about it and the father asked the victim if she had slept with a man. The complainant did not answer. The victim later told her parents that you had sex with her,” Bird told the accused.

The victim was then taken to Lata Hospital and examined by a doctor, in which the doctor found evidence of infection resulting from a sexually transmitted disease.

“There she was treated with medication regarding the infection,” Bird said.

Therefore, considering all facts and mitigation before the court Justice Bird imposed a sentence of three years and also made directions that the period spent in custody will be deducted from the total sentence.

ENDS//

Magistrate speaks out on marijuana

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The Magistrates court has issued a strong statement against marijuana and its link to mental illness in young people.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea in sentencing a man to prison over possession of the illegal substance, said Marijuana is one of the dangerous substances under the Dangerous Drug Act and that court must impose punishment that will deter others from committing such offence.

Jimmy Mau faced two counts of possession of marijuana on separate dates and is sent to prison for 10 months. His co-accused, Michael Maehaka, who faced one count of marijuana possession, is fined $500, to be paid before March 22, 2021.

Court also orders that the 10 months imprisonment on Mr Mau be backdated to the time he had spent in prison.

Iomea said marijuana is one of the causes of mental illness in the country among some young people and like-minded offenders must refrain from involving in such activities.

He said the first incident against Mau occurred on May 31, 2020.

Police were attending to a report of someone using abusive words at the Mbokona area in Central Honiara.

Police arrived at the scene and arrested Mau.

They escorted him to the Central Police Station and it was when they did a search on him they found what appeared to be a roll of marijuana on his left side ear.

The second incident on June 5, 2020, also at the Mbokona area, this time involving both men.

That night, Police received information from a security officer at the Mbokona area that a group of boys were preparing rolls of Marijuana to sell at a market stall near the school area.

Upon receiving the report police officers drove up to the said market stall and saw two at the very spot.

Police conducted a search at the stall and found 31 short paper-rolled marijuana and a newspaper parcel containing marijuana branches.

They also found a paper-rolled marijuana on Maehaka’s left ear.

The two were then arrested and taken to the Central Police Station.

Police Prosecutor Iete Tebakota prosecuted the case in court while a lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s office represented Mau and Maehaka.

MPA concerned with border crossers

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Choiseul province government is wary of the high risk of covid-19 entering the country via the western border.

Ward 12 MPA, Nerio Ulemiki voiced concern on how traditional border crossers from Western region and Bougainville could potentially bring in the virus.

This follows the increase in covid-19 cases in Papua New Guinea and neighbouring Bougainville.

He interestingly says that people are crossing the border everyday, unchecked.

“I would like to call on those traditional border crossers to respect the Law and abide with regulations while we are under the State of Public Emergency.

“Our security and agencies must now step in and identify people who are travelling in and out through the border must be medically checked before coming into the country.

“We are not doing enough awareness in most rural communities and experience mass death on the spread of the coronavirus like other countries around the globe experience. This is because of manpower and logistics issues.”

He said people living along the border have been advised to ensure they do not allow any illegal crossing into the communities.

Ministers told to lead with integrity

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Governor General Sir David Vunagi

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNOR General Sir David Vunagi has encouraged and reminded ministers of the Crown to discharge their constitutional mandate with integrity and   statesmanship.  

Delivering his Speech from the Throne in Parliament yesterday, Sir David said “the future  of our   beloved country  depends  on  your  sound judgement and  vision in  leading our  country forward into  the  future.

“I pray that you will rise to the occasion and deliver on your policies for the good of this country,” he said.

Likewise, GG  also   encourages  the Leader  of  the Official Opposition as  the   leader  of  the   alternative government, to  exercise the  check and   balance  functions of the  Opposition Office in  a rigorous but  responsible  and ethical    manner.   

Sir David said the Official  Opposition   plays    an important  Constitutional  role  in  ensuring  that   the Government held   accountable,  transparent   and   attentive in   its    decision  making   and    in   the    discharge   of   its constitutional   mandate   in   leading  and    governing  our people.

By the  same token, GG encourages the  Leader of the Independent  Group to  continue  with the   good work that done  so   far   in   representing   a  balanced  and constructive view on national issues of public interest.

Sir David said the Office of the Leader of the Independent is a Constitutional Office that is independent of both the government and the office of the opposition.

“It is  my  prayer that   you  continue to   advocate  for   the   national  interest  by   independently discharging  the   functions  of  your  office without  fear   or favour whilst ensuring  that   both the  Government and  the Official Opposition are  held   accountable  in  the  discharge of their constitutional  mandate.

Furthermore, Sir David encouraged all   members of   the    National Parliament to discharge their constitutional mandate without fear or favour.

He said this is an overwhelming and ethical responsibility that   needs sound guidance, ethical leadership and requires a clear vision.

“I trust that you will discharge your duties with due diligence and integrity.”

Malaita PS challenges Public Service over ‘unlawful’ suspension

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

MALAITA Provincial Secretary Fredrick Fa’abasua is challenging his suspension.

The province said Fa’asubua will initiate legal proceeding unless the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Public Service, Nego Sisiolo “withdraws the unlawful suspension on him”.

Premier Daniel Suidani confirmed this in a statement yesterday after PS Sisiolo issued the suspension letter to Fa’abasua last Friday.

Suidani said Sisiolo accused Fa’abasua of financial allegations that were “untrue, and in the same letter, he ordered the suspension of our PS, effective immediately”.

“Unfortunately, in doing so, Sisiolo did not follow the process set out in the Public Service Act and its Regulations,” Suidani said.

“The Public Service Act and its regulations have a specific legal process set out, by which such accusations can be taken up and acted upon,” he added.

Suidani said this legal process provides the opportunity for natural justice, and this process was not, repeat was not, followed by Sisiolo.

He said the Public Service Act sets out a process by which any officer alleging misconduct and having supervisory responsibility over the PS must have a report about this accusation filed to the PS of Public Service. 

The PS of Public Service in turn must give a minimum period of seven days to the officer to respond.

“None of these steps have happened or if it had happened the PS has not been aware of it, and therefore our PS has decided to put these issues before the Permanent Secretary of Public Service for him to do the right thing by following the clear process that is set down.

“Soon these matters will be at court but for now I will say the following:

  1. PS Fa’abasua has been an exemplary public officer and a real servant to Malaita people.
  2. His hard work and integrity has led to the repayment of millions of dollars of outstanding debt left by previous provincial executives.
  3. His dedication and faithfulness have seen the charging of fair business licenses on the logging companies ripping our people’s land.
  4. His careful diligence has given pride and hope to the people of Malaita Province.”

Suidani said it is sad after all this work, two different ministries have tried to remove PS Fa’abasua from serving the people of Malaita Province.

Last year in December the Ministry of Provincial Government demanded the removal of PS Fa’abasua back to Honiara.

Suidani said no reason was given in this demand and the PS kept serving the people of Malaita.

He alleged this current action by Sisiolo from Ministry of Public Service is similarly motivated. 

“He (Sisiolo) is trying to remove PS from Malaita Province, this time by trying to suspend him without any proper evidence put against the PS and without even complying with his own regulations.

“I am not sure of the real reason for these constant attacks on PS Fa’abasua, but the timing of this action by Sisiolo will have some severe effects on the people and province of Malaita,” he said.

Suidani said his Executive is scheduled to meet today Tuesday, March 16, to pass the budget for Malaita Province.

“If Sisiolo’s action succeeds, then our PS will be suspended when he should be helping the Executive pass this budget. Malaita Province will then have no budget to spend this year and this will have serious impact on the people of Malaita.

“In light of this seriousness, I appeal to Sisiolo for the withdrawal of the order to immediately suspend PS Fa’abasua. If he has genuine concerns for upholding the rule of law, I invite him to proceed as set out in the Public Service Act,” he said.

Suidani said the PS of Public Service without any good reason is attempting to discipline the PS of Malaita Province, yet he is allowing a person who has been found to be a foreigner by the High Court of Solomon Islands to continue holding senior sensitive political jobs in the Prime Minister’s Office.

“That person too has contravened the Electoral Acts of this country yet the leaders of this country including the PS of Public Service are turning a blind eye on that situation. 

“The PS of Public Service needs to explain that to the people of Malaita.  Why is he tolerating wilful and reckless behaviour by a foreigner and harassing a national without due process?” he asked.

However, PS Sisiolo said the suspension decision is due to serious allegations around unaccountable sum of government revenue in which the PS is alleged to have directly involved in.

“As part of protecting the credibility of the service and upholding better governance, my office deemed it is prudent to suspend the officer from duty to allow investigation into the allegations.

“As usual, the PS will be accorded natural justice process as we pursue the disciplinary process,” he said.

PS Sisiolo said the incumbent of the office of the provincial secretary is an extremely important public office because it administers service delivery that affects the affairs of the rural people.

“Therefore any decision that will affect the said office expected HR capacity is accorded thorough thinking,” he said.

A statement from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) yesterday stated that the Provincial Secretary for Malaita Province is suspended based on allegations raised by former disgruntled Malaita workers.

“Based on documents submitted, the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) perused those matters reported by former employees. Based on the allegations, the MPS carried out a preliminary investigation and decided to suspend the Public Officer to give way for a full investigation.

“These cases were brought forward by concerned and aggrieved citizens and not in any way reflect any attempts by the MPGIS or the Solomon Islands Government to tarnish either the PS or the Malaita Provincial Government,” the statement said.

CSSI farewell retirees

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Admin
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Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi and Executive staff in group photo with Retirees officers

Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) mounted a parade farewell for 17 retirees and their family members on March 12, 2021 at CSSI Headquarter Rove, in Honiara.

According to the CSSI Act section 12(2) (f) the Minister may make regulations in respect of period of Service and retirement age of officers.

Speaking during the farewell parade, Commissioner of the Correctional Service Solomon Islands Mr Gabriel Manelusi says, “it’s a wonderful parade this morning for everyone to come out and wish and farewell our retired officers the best for the next chapter of their lives.

“This morning we have a very special parade and we will be recognising a group of CSSI officers who have served the organisation with long standing distinction and pride over many years throughout the course of their careers. We will present them the retirement certificates and plaques in commemoration of their outstanding service to the organisation and people of Solomon Islands.




Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi presented a certificate of appreciation to Inspector David Bosokuru

“When you look back at the history of this organisation it is built on the hard work, determination and the courage of officers like those who are retiring today. On behalf of your CSSI colleagues here today and your colleague across the country and the grateful people of Solomon Islands, we congratulate you for your service and we say thank you.”

Manelusi reiterated in the context of Melanesian culture rooted in the life journey of Christianity, “if the CSSI organisation or individual officers offended you or your families we say ‘Sorry’ and seek your forgiveness, so that the organisation will travel with a new vision and changes that meet the need of our country. My work colleagues and retirees set godly example to our people around us, live a life of prayer and keep oneself spiritually and physically clean.


Retiree’s eyes on Birthday cake while Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi cutting the cake

Meanwhile representative of the retired officers chief superintend William Aheia says, “I would like to say to all remaining officers, for you officers of CSSI there will always be challenges

“But we are here to serve our people, our country, our communities and our nation as a whole. We had run the race and reached the finishing line of our career journey. Let us always remind ourselves to be patient which will bring us to reach the top.”

–CSSI PRESS

Work on Mamara Tasivarongo awaits materials

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Interim secretary of the Council Lonsdale-Lungana at the Mamara estate site

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

WORK on Mamara Tasivarongo project awaits materials which are still delayed at Noro Port in a vessel that is waiting clearance before it can come over to the project site.

Premier for Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Francis Sade confirmed this to Island Sun over the weekend.

“At the moment workers are waiting on the vessel that will bring building materials to kick start the work on site. The ship is currently berthing at Noro port in Western Province and is still undergoing clearance before will leave Noro for Honiara to unload the materials,” said Sade.

He said in terms of local workers to be part of this project, applications are open for interested individuals.

Sade said so far, they have 130 local applicants or Solomon Islanders. These successful applicants will start their interviews very soon for them to join the work force.

He said the project was delayed because of COVID-19 but they are hoping at the end of the year they should have up to 300-400 houses (and they should complete the hotel).

People with disability lack support

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

The Solomon Islands government has not done much for disabled people even though they are equal partners in development.

This was revealed by a number of persons living with special need in an inclusive three-day workshop which ended on Friday last week.

This was organised and funded by Oxfam in partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development (ABCID).

A spokesman, who requested anonymity, says there are a lot of persons like him with disability in Honiara who are without support.

He said many are walking around aimlessly and begging in the streets.

“I feel for those people with disabilities sitting along the street begging for money from the general public as beggars.

“Some of them are now regulars and the money they collect is used for their daily needs.

“These unfortunate people are neglected by their own families and friends who do not provide them food, clothing and shelter,” he said.

He said that if the government has no proper avenue to address their needs, then they should be repatriated to their respective places of origin.

“I would like to thank Red Cross, and other NGOs for recognising our need and empowering us to become equal partners in development.”

He is calling on the government, NGOs, stakeholders and the people to respect the rights of people with special needs in the country.

Former SSPM questions PMO officials

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Special Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM), Andrew Muaki has questioned the integrity of some political appointees in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMO) after they defended Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic.

This is after the current SSPM, Albert Kabui, stated in a PMO Media statement last week that the recent High Court decision concerning the citizenship status of Djokovic in no way impacts on his appointment as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Kabui said this is because his employment is fully compliant with all relevant laws and legislations of the Solomon Islands. In this particular case the issue of citizenship and employment are not the same.

Therefore, Mr Robson Djokovic is still the Chief of Staff.

However, Muaki posted on social media that it is unfortunate that some officials within PMO are coming to the defence of the current Chief of Staff as regards his citizenship case with the SI Citizenship Commission, the Electoral Commission and the Political Parties Integrity Commission.

“Given that these defendants are public Institutions, the public expect officials in the PMO to come to the defence of these Institutions.

“It should be noted that the Electoral Commission and the Political Parties Integrity Commission come under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,” Muaki said.

He said the minister responsible for these two important institutions is the Hon. Prime Minister himself.

“The prime minister is expected to defend these two Institutions both in public and on the floor of Parliament.

“It should be further noted that these Institutions have limited opportunities to engage in public debates given the nature of their statutory roles and responsibilities,” he said.

“Therefore, these Institutions bank their faith and trust on their ministry (PMO) to defend and protect their success in court.

“The least they expect is for officials at PMO to downplay their court success,” he said.

“Unfortunately some officials at PMO are already going in the opposite direction.

“Is this a sign that officials within PMO are pledging their support to the Chief of Staff instead of the government and country they serve?” he asked.

Muaki said the right thing to do is to support the High Court judgment and defend the success of the Electoral Commission, the Political Parties Integrity Commission and the Citizenship Commission.

27 quarantiners

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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A briefing during graduation at Chengs Quarantine Station. Photo by NEOC

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country currently has 27 persons in quarantine.

This figure is however set to increase as the country expects a repatriation flight tomorrow, and two other incoming flights in the coming month.

This was confirmed by Dr Gregory Jilini, incident controller to Ministry of Health and Medical Services on Sunday.

“At moment we have a total of 27 people are still in quarantine facilities,” said Jilini.

He said the public health team continues to do monitoring of those who are in quarantine and also do testing as per testing protocol

“Last week we have a total of three new arrivals from Brisbane flight at the same period we also discharged six and another 17 yesterday,” said Jilini.

James Bosamata, deputy secretary to Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, confirmed yesterday that 36 of the students were confirmed to come home in the last Manila repatriation flight.

These students will be accommodated at the government funded facilities, which will increase the number of quarantiners.

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