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Reparation may not make it in the 10th parliament

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

THE current Government’s efforts to put in place a new legislation on its reparation policy intent, may not make parliament for the last set of sittings when the house resumes at the end of this month.

The Reparation policy intention looks to provide a guideline for the national government to design an inclusive policy and legislation to address issues that gave rise to the ethnic tensions from 1998 to 2003 including impacts of the subsequence violence as well as the Bougainville crisis.

Reparation according to government officials comes as an important component of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.

The Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) had initiated for this bill to be realised before the 10th Parliament House is dissolved, but insiders say this may not happen due to the little time in hand.

The SIDCCG was looking to introduce a legal framework on the reparation as an avenue to help those affected in the ethnic tension and Bougainville crisis, and bring a once broken society to live in genuine peace.

Only at its workshop and awareness stage and those responsible for coming up with a bill on it, are worried it may not be completed before parliament is reconvened.

They revealed that the team working on the reparation policy, was looking to bring a bill on it in for the November sitting, but shared that with the little time left, intentions for the proposed reparation legislation may likely be put forward for the next house.

They added that the issue surrounding allocations of funds for the bill to be realised particularly, in the phases involved, which includes it being put for consultation, and compiled, are but some of the factors

“These are some of the obvious factors that might not allow for this important bill to be put in for the last sittings of the 10th house”.

Insiders told Island Sun that the government particularly, the Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation will require around $3 million to run the consultation phase of the reparation if it is drawn into a bill.

At its current phase, the awareness programme on this policy intent is funded by the United Nations Peace Building project through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the UN Women with the support of the Solomon Islands government.

Those involved in the policy were out in the Western, Choiseul, Malaita and Guadalcanal Provinces last month, holding awareness programmes on this bill, with hopes to gage people’s views on it, for the documentation of the proposed legislation.

Meanwhile, insiders also revealed that based on recommendations made, suggesting for the government through the responsible ministry, not to rush the bill and allow for it to be thoroughly covered and put together.

Around seven bills, including the 2019 Appropriation Bill are expected to be tabled when parliament resumes on the 31st of this month, which is expected to run through November and winds up in on the 17th of December.

However, some of the bills set to be put in for parliament’s deliberation are also in doubt due to what has been described as, lacking proper consultations.

RSIPF strongly remind sea travelers to think safety first

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) strongly remind sea travelers in the country to always think safety first when travelling in our waters.

This comes after Police at Yandina received a report about a boat which sank on 6 October 2018.

Director Police Maritime, Chief Superintendent Charles Fox Sau says, “On Friday 5 October 2018 a boat powered by a 40 Horse power Suzuki out boat motor engine, was travelling from Honiara to the Russell Islands when they encountered bad weather and capsized. There were three people on board including a female and two male persons.

Chief Superintendent Sau adds: “When the boat sank, one male and the female person swam to an island using floaters whilst the other male remained floating with the sunken boat.”

He adds: “The other two reached the island at night and the next morning they saw a boat travelling towards Guadalcanal when they waved for help. The boat assisted them to Yandina where they reported the incident to Police.”

Chief Superintendent Sau says, “A Police Maritime stabicraft and other marine vessels within the area were notified and a search was conducted by my officers. It was not until 7 October 2018 that the man was found holding onto the boat and was picked up by a pole and line vessel Soltai 105, 13.6 nautical miles from Langalau light, Russell Islands.

Chief Superintendent Sau emphasizes: “I would like to remind our sea travelers across the country to always think safety first when travelling on our waters. The most important thing is to ensure that you check the weather forecast issued by the Meteorology office broadcast by the SIBC daily. Ensure that your OBM works properly. Carry extra paddles water and fuel. And boat owners and skippers make sure you have proper life jackets in your boats.”

–RSIPF MEDIA

Suspect on murder and rape incident transported to Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mathew Varley has confirmed during the police conference on Thursday that the suspect into the alleged murder and rape of a girl on Tikopia Island will be brought to Honiara.

Commissioner Varley said it is a very tragic and gruesome incident and police are condemning the incident.

“This is a very sad and tragic incident where a young girl innocent life has been gruesomely and tragically taken away”, Varley said.

He said police investigation has progressed very well and further updates on the case will be issued when the officers arrive back today.

The alleged murder and rape incident occurred in Tikopia on October 4 2018. Due to the seriousness of the issue, police have been deployed to Tikopia via the Police Patrol Boat with police officers investigating the case.

The young girl aged between10-12 was allegedly raped and subsequently murdered, her body found floating the next day in a lake near her village.

“This is a very tragic and confronting case once we heard the case last week we immediately dispatch the officers to travel down onboard the police patrol boat”, Varley said.

He said post mortem was also conducted on the deceased this week.

Varley said the suspect in this case was taken into custody by the village chief soon after the incident and was handed over to police before inquiry and investigations continued from there.

“As we said before, the rate of violence against women and girls in this country is high and needs to stop. And we will do everything in our power to continue investigate trace down and prosecute those who destroy women’s life this way”, Varley added.

NZ and Aus age care shortage can be solved by Pacific Island Countries employees

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE severe shortage of age care workers in New Zealand and Australia could be solved by welcoming more skilled employees from neighboring Pacific Islands Countries.

This was reported by David Curtain in accordance to the World Bank new released report presented at the opening ceremony of Pacific Labour Mobility Annual General Meeting PLMAM on Wednesday this week.

Curtain said according to the World Bank’s report it stated that there has been shortage of age care workers in Australia and New Zealand and it could solved by welcoming more skilled workers form Pacific Island Countries.

He said according to the expanding pathways for Pacific Islanders in the Australia and New Zealand aged care sector the report it line that expected requirement of age care providers in which it determines the steps required for Pacific Island countries to supply the relevant skills sets;

And also suggests a model that uses both new and existing migration pathways to deliver more skilled worker.

Case of men facing fraud charges to appear today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against three men allegedly charged for false pretence will be mentioned in court today.

This is the case against accused men Gordon Mark, Nelson Maeta and John Nelson Ross. The trio were charged in relation to an incident that occurred in 2011 in Honiara.

This case has been on trial and then adjourned due to other issues that needs to be sorted out.

The allegation provided in court said, between November one and 30, 2011, the two accused and other men obtained more than $300,000 by selling the victim fake gold bars.

Police alleged the men approached the victim, Hypolite Taremae, who is the former Minister of Truth Reconciliation and Peace, at his office at Anthony Saru Building.

Police said the men went to see the alleged victim with the intention to obtain money through false pretence and also to lure him into believing their made up stories.

The men and others allegedly told Taremae that they were from Weather-coast in Guadalcanal. And in the coming days a reconciliation ceremony will take place in their village but they did not have enough money.

It was at that time they showed a picture of a gold bar to Taremae which they claimed to be in their possession, Police said.

They allegedly said they have some gold bars which were stolen by the former Guadalcanal war-lord Harold Keke that was taken from the former Ross Mining during the height of the ethnic tension.

The men also allegedly showed Taremae a certification letter from the Director of Mines that confirmed that the gold bars were gold and worth six million dollars.

Having heard from the accused and seen all the documents, Taremae was convinced.

Then on various occasions between July and November 2011, the accused men allegedly handed Taremae three gold bars. In return they receive $300,000.

The victim however, later found that the men lied to him and he took the “gold bars” to a dealer who confirmed they were fake.

The bars were made from lead metal and painted with gold colour paint.

It was also alleged that the men threatened the officer who was investigating their case. It was alleged that the men say they will shoot him with a gun.

The allegation further said that the men claimed that they still have guns and will hunt for the case officer everywhere and will kill him.

Abba’s back

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Abba (with the ball) playing in the NZ Central League during the 2013 winter season with Wellington Olympic AFC

NZ club Waitakere United signs up former Solomon Islands international

 

BY ROMULUS HUTA

FORMER Solomon Islands international Andrew Abba re-emerges back onto Oceania’s top football club level after his recent signing with Waitakere United for the new season of the ISPS Handa Premiership in New Zealand.

Abba, 28, was picked by Coach Chris Milicich to join Waitakere this season after helping Western Spring FC to finish at second spot in the winter season of New Zealand’s Northern Premier League – hauling in five goals and provided 14 assists in the process across 22 matches.

Milicich, who is the former coach of Solomon Islands duo Benjamin Totori and late Commins Menapi at the Trusts Arena believes the addition of the Solomon Islander will create the much-needed spark upfront in the new season.

“Andrew is a good addition to our line-up this season.

“He has good playing experience with NZ football and that is a bonus for us and we hope he will deliver for us.”

The recent signing with Waitakere will surely reinstate Abba back on the regional football scene following a five-year absence from the NZ top flight league since he last featured for Team Wellington during the 2012/13 NZFC season.

Who is Andrew Abba?

Andrew Abba while playing for Team Wellington in 2011.

Abba, who hails from Malaita Province, was identified as an interesting future prospect when he featured during the 2002 National Under-14 Championship in Honiara.

Played for Temotu Arrows, he emerged to be the most feared striker during the two-week tournament, racking up eight goals decently enough for him to lay hands onto the golden boot award.

Three years later, the youngster found himself representing the country at the Under-17 World Cup qualifying tourney in New Caledonia, playing alongside Judd Molea as a forward and helping Solomon Islands to a third place finish behind New Zealand and Vanuatu, respectively.

The following year he scored an opportunity of a lifetime to undertake a football scholarship at Nelson College in New Zealand.

Equally adept at playing out on the wings, he helped Nelson College to finish fourth at the secondary schools’ competition in 2006 and also finishing third in the Jim Wizzard tourney at Timaru.

In 2008, he received his first ever big call up by Hawke’s Bay United coach Jonathan Gould to join his team in the NZFC where he perfectly marked his debut after coming off the bench in a 2-1 win over Waikato FC at the age of 18.

Abba featured with Hawkes Bay for the next two seasons before teaming up with fellow Solomon Islander Michael Fifi’i at Team Wellington where he stayed on until his departure by the conclusion of the 2012/13 season.

Despite making a good presence in competing at the top club level in New Zealand during those years, Abba was never called up to represent the country anymore at any upper level age group since the 2005 Oceania under-17 championship.

It was until the Oceania qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup where he finally gets the nod in an away 2-0 loss against Tahiti. This also marks the only time he gets to don the national colours at the senior level.

Meanwhile, Abba’s Waitakere will begin their New Zealand football campaign next weekend against Hamilton Wanderers.

Abba (with the ball) playing in the NZ Central League during the 2013 winter season with Wellington Olympic AFC

Xmas comes early for Ministers?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Members of the parliament

Estimated $7 million said to be shared as payouts, thanks to secret fund

 

By Alfred Sasako

IT’S Christmas come early for Ministers, Government Backbench MPs and some Opposition Members – thanks to Taiwan’s secret fund.

The lucky MPs shared an estimated $7 million, which the Office of the Prime Minister paid out last week, insiders told Island Sun last night.

The 21 Government Ministers and some backbench received $303, 000 each, while a selected number of Opposition MPs and some unlucky government backbench received only $87, 000 each, the insiders said.

“Not all in the Opposition received the payments either. Those who did were actually rewarded for supporting the Government in passing the amendment to the Constitution in respect of the new Electoral Act 2018,” one insider said.

“As you know the government did not have the number to pass the amendment. “Fortunately, some Opposition MPs made up the 38 MPs required to pass the amendment.

“The payment was a token of appreciation to them,” the insider said.

Successive governments and Taiwan have consistently denied the existence of the secret fund, which Taiwan usually pays out every year just before Christmas. No explanation was given for the early release of the fund this year.

The insider said the distribution of the funds is at the discretion of the Prime Minister. But whether the funds are intended for Constituencies remains a grey area.

A backlash by Government Ministers over the distribution of the secret funds in 2011 led to the ousting of former Prime Minister, Danny Philip in November of that year.

At the time, there was $13 million in the till.

The news of the payment to Government MPs is certain to infuriate many, particularly those who are still waiting to be paid.

One group is the team of workers who carried out voter registration work in the Constituencies.

These workers were paid 20 per cent of their allowances at the time they were engaged with promises the balance of 80 per cent would be paid at the conclusion of the voter registration exercise.

“This is the second week since the voter registration had ended and we are still waiting for our payment,” one frustrated worker told Island Sun.

“This is not good enough. We have family and other commitments to take care of,” he said.

Taiwanese in Solomon Islands celebrates double Ten

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PM Rick Hou and wife and HE Roger Luo and wife cutting the cake to the Taiwan’s 107the National Day

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

PM Rick Hou and wife and HE Roger Luo and wife cutting the cake to the Taiwan’s 107the National Day

TAIWANESE living in Solomon Islands has celebrated their 107th National Day on Tuesday 9.

Hundreds of Taiwanese nationals and Solomon Islanders turned up to celebrate Taiwan’s national day commonly known as “double ten”.

The event should take place on October 10 to commemorate the start of the 1911 Wuchang Uprising in mainland China, but Taiwan people in Honiara decided to celebrate it earlier.

Taiwan Ambassador His Excellency Roger Luo said as Taiwan turned 107 years; they are honored and proud to share longstanding relationship with Solomon Islands.

He said both countries have achieved tremendous development over the years in terms of Health, Education, Agriculture as well as a new trade and investment that will be established soon.

Luo said a recent achievement is the mutual visits and signing of agreement and Memorandum of Understanding during President Tsai Ing-wen’s state visit last year.

“I am proud to point out that these visits not only enhanced our mutual understanding, they also led to signing of the Agreement on Police Cooperation and the MOU on Maritime Cooperation between Solomon Islands and Taiwan,” Luo said.

“I also want to assure the Honorable Prime Minister and all the other senior officials present tonight, my Government vows to work even closer with SIG in order to advance the livelihood of Solomon Islanders,” he said.

“We are confident that our bilateral relations will remain robust and continue to grow from strength to strength,” Luo said.

Group photo of Taiwanese community in Solomon Islands

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said Taiwan’s national day this year also marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between ROC (Taiwan) and Solomon Islands.

He said Solomon Islands is excited joined the 23 million people of Taiwan celebrating its 107th National Day which is a significant milestone that deserves our joint retrospection and celebration.

“Bilaterally, Solomon Islands and Taiwan established diplomatic relations 35 years ago, and over these years our friendship has grown steadily,” PM said.

“Allowing us to jointly see the best of the sunlight and the worst of the storms, signifying Taiwan’s outstanding role as a traditional and loyal friend to our country,” he adds.

“I am confident that our relationship is based on mutual and beneficial constructiveness, social cooperation and a shared vision for progress and prosperity of our peoples,” PM said.

“Therefore my government is committed to maintaining, and further consolidating and strengthening our relations,” he adds.

Solomon students now free to work in Taiwan after studies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Taiwan Ambassador HE Roger Luo.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE Republic of China (Taiwan) has opened a new opportunity for Solomon Islands scholars to live and work in Taiwan.

His Excellency Roger Luo on Tuesday said the programme commences this year.

He said, “We have gone even further to amended our law and allow Solomon Islands students who graduate from our scholarship programs to stay and work in Taiwan starting from this year.”

In terms of scholarship intake, Mr Luo said in the past, they used to award 10 Solomon Islanders scholarship for undergraduate study with seven to eight under Taiwan ICDF Scholarship for master and doctoral degrees.

However, during President Tsai’s visit to Honiara last year, the number was increased from 10 awardees to 15.

“Through the efforts of our Embassy, we actually ended up sending 18 Taiwan scholarship awardees and 8 Taiwan ICDF Scholarship awardees to Taiwan this year,” he said.

Environmental Learning Centre for sustainable development

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Group photo of officials from HCC and JICA in front of the storage facility at the Ranadi Landfill

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of officials from HCC and JICA in front of the storage facility at the Ranadi Landfill

HONIARA City Council has received a new storage of environmental learning Centre for waste management for sustainable community development from JICA yesterday.

The Centre was located at the Ranadi Landfill. It is an initiative from the Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation for Children (LEAF), a project under the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The establishment of the learning Centre is basically for waste management at Ranadi Landfill, compost at SINU and Nature Environment at the National Herbarium.

Furthermore, the Centre will also be opened for schools around Honiara. This is to assist them in their studies in environment as well as for their research and other source of learning.

Deputy Mayor Eddie Ngava says the importance of this learning Centre is that it focuses on education where children and youths can learn about looking after the environment and how to manage waste.

“If we look at the households in town, a lot of litter come from children and youths because of ignorance”, Ngava said.

“But with the initiative from LEAF, this should pave the way in educating our young ones in waste management”, he said.

Ngava said the learning Centre is the foundation where children will learn about waste management and littering.

He said such a project has paved the way forward for HCC to be at par in managing litter in the City although there are many challenges ahead.

Ngava said the project is adequate for HCC in the long run. At this implementation stage, children and youths will be much educated in managing waste.

The occasion brought together leaders from JICA and HCC to witness the official MOU signing and handing over of the storage of Environmental Learning Centre.

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