THE Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) has renewed its call on the 14 Members of Parliament (MPs) from Malaita province and the three Honiara MPs to produce and show independent audited reports of how they administer the constituency funds allocated to their respective constituencies.
The forum’s bold stand was decided during its executive meeting in Honiara on August 14.
In a press conference in Honiara yesterday, MMF vice president William Gua insisted Malaita and Honiara MPs must present audited reports of these funds before the National General Elections take place.
Gua said the Forum will take legal action against MPs who fail to comply.
He said their call is in line with the Public Financial Management Act 2013, Public Finance and Audit Act 1996 and CDF Act 2013.
He said these acts regulates the purpose, disbursement, reporting and auditing of the CDF paid from the national government’s consolidated funds into CDF accounts held by MPs and their officers.
He said complying with these acts will ensure all constituents are equally informed about projects funded under CDF.
Gua confirmed MMF has served letters to these MPs yesterday informing them to produce and display audited reports of how constituency development funds are being used dated back to 2010 to date.
He said they will give MPs time to respond but if they failed the Forum will resolve to legal options it opted to take.
Gua said for too long people have been denied the right to know how the funds intended to help them are being used.
He added he hope other provinces would take on the bold step the Forum has taken.
In a statement, MMF stated that the resolution demanding Malaita MPs to provide audited reports of the RCDF was made based on verbal complaints coming from its members about the unfair and unrepresentative distribution of the funds.
Honiara MPs have been included as majority of registered voters in these constituencies are Malaitans.
MMF stated that Malaita and Honiara MPs must lead by example by championing transparency and accountability in the way they discharge their roles and responsibilities at the national and constituency level.
A chief from Fataleka Constituency in Malaita province insists that screening or blocking people who register at their constituency’s registration booth at Town Ground is necessary.
Chief Jeffery Simiga was reacting to reports of voters being screened by a group of people from the constituency on arrival at the constituency’s registration booth for registration.
Currently, voters throughout the country are going to registration centres and booths to have their names registered to vote during the upcoming national general elections.
The group of frustrated Fataleka electors staged the screening in protest targeting their current Member of Parliament.
The action was taken by the people with the hope only the indigenous people of Fataleka constituency are registered.
Charles Uimauri, a chief from the constituency who led the move, explained the protest is a response to the cross border voting practice their current MP allegedly capitalised on in the last three elections.
Chief Simiga welcomes the move, saying their constituency does not believe a “verifiable list” will come out after the objection period.
He said screening those who show up and register in their constituency will ensure only those from the constituency or are connected to the constituency through blood and marriage registered.
Simiga said it will be difficult to verify people who register during the objection period therefore the screening their people carried out at their registration booth at Town Ground is necessary.
He said this will help ease the work of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) in its attempt to verify and produce a credible voters list to be used in the elections.
Simiga said anyone who is not from Fataleka constituency should not waste his or her time registering in their constituency.
“Anyone who has no connection to our constituency should not waste his or her time registering in our constituency. We will look out for you. You will be turned away at the polling station. You will be shamed,” Simiga said.
He said they want their own people to choose their own national leader as their people suffered from the action of people from other constituency who enter and vote in their constituency.
Chief Simiga appealed to the SIEC for understanding.
“To the SIEC, please don’t take us wrong. We just had enough of different who people depriving our indigenous people’s right to choose a leader to serve our interest,” Chief Simiga said.
He added once people who do the screening don’t incite violence he sees no reason why this practice is bad.
SIEC, in a notice, called for the group to evacuate the venue.
The Commission said frustrated electors should wait for the right time allowed under the law where names can be objected and omitted if proven in public hearings.
THE Solomon Islands public has been called on to stand behind the Government’s efforts in its enforcement of the Tobaccos Control Act 2010, putting a stop to activities in breach of the law.
In a press conference yesterday, Director of the Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) division within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Dr Geoffrey Kenilorea told local media that the Ministry responsible for the Act, is now working in collaboration with its stakeholders to crackdown on illegal tobacco related issues.
The enforcement also comes as part of a planned operation to curb the ongoing developments that are reportedly breaching laws regulating the misconduct of service providers, which include the public transportation and shop operations.
The recently revealed selling and promoting of the Smoke Candy that the ministry had declared illegal, as it endangered the vulnerability of children to fall into smoking tobacco at early ages, is but one of the major activities set as the targeted issues of focus for the enforcement operation.
Kenilorea told reporters that with its enforcement strategy in place, the ministry is now working closely with police, as one of their important partners to carry out the enforcement operation, with high anticipation to control tobacco products.
“We are currently working with police to ensure that they are aware of their full powers under the law.
“Plans are in place for police to scale up enforcement operations in Honiara and across the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kenilorea pointed out that the role of community will be crucial in the operations as a matter of protection for children, and that members of the public are also urged to refuse giving businesses to shops and individuals involved in activities that are highlighted as matters of concern.
“We can send a strong message to shop owners that the community does not support these products and activities,” Kenilorea said.
He noted that the community was already showing its power when it comes to tobacco, with more people standing up against those who illegally smoke in buses.
He then pointed to schools taking action, with some teachers banning the smoke candies amongst their students, is a good example of community and public support towards the enforcement programme.
These are the kinds of community actions that can really make a big difference,” said Kenilorea.
“We need to stand together against tobacco companies, and against any business promoting smoking, to protect our children.”
He noted that vendors selling single rolls or selling cigarettes to minors can also be targeted by the community, encouraging members of the public to notify the police if they see illegal activities.
The NCD Division Director further urged for people to stand up to shop owners and other individuals by not rendering support to their businesses while they are breaking the law.
THE two men accused of killing a Chinese couple at their Town Ground premises last year, have been found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday by the Court.
Jimson Erega Goufi and Raymond Keota had denied involvment in the incident and a trial was conducted in which statements tendered in court and footages of the camera with witnesses identifying the accused were called in court to testify.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer said in court yesterday that he is satisfied that prosecution have proven beyond reasonable doubt that the two defendant were the persons involved in the most cruel and inhumane killing of the two innocent Chinese couple going about their daily business at the LGZ shop.
Sir Albert said that the two accused were jointly charged for the killing of the two couple Lao Gongzhen and Wu Yuegui on the evening of April 15, 2017.
The two men attacked and killed the couple within the confines of the building from which they ran their business.
At the time of the killing when the bodies were discovered on April 17 there was a public outcry and rumours were ripe as to the motive for the killing.
All these however, have been put to rest by a series of surveillance cameras which capture vividly the gruesome and cruel killing that took place within that short window of time of about 10 minutes.
“I accept that there is no dispute that what has been captured by the security cameras at the LGZ shop showed a gruesome and merciless killing of two unsuspecting and innocent victims in the hands of the two persons seen in the footages of security camera,” Sir Albert said.
It is also not in dispute that the murder weapons used were bush knife and what appeared to be a kitchen knife which was used to kill the other victim.
Sir Albert said in relation Mr Erega, known as D1, when all evidence are collated and put together the video footages, the circumstances surrounding the offence at that time, the important identification evidence by the prosecution witness and the defendant’s own confessional statement to police.
“I am satisfied that one of the killers identified in the video footages and prints was none other than D1. It could not be anyone else for he never left the scene of the crime after signing off the logbook, instead he turned around, jumped over the counter and assisted the second killer to attack and then took over from him to kill Victim 1 with the knife.
“I am satisfied Prosecution have discharged the onus of proof beyond reasonable doubt as to his identity in this murder that occurred at the LGZ shop premises,” Sir Albert said.
In relation to Mr Keota, known as D2, the evidence that been adduced in this case is not the second or third form but that of positive-identification evidence, the first form of identification in which the second attack had been clearly and distinctly identified by a relative of D2 who is also a police officer of some 15 years in the police force.
Sir Albert said that by viewing the footages and from the identification made by the relative, the court is satisfied that the identification of D2 was also contradicted, and prosecution have discharged the onus of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The issue of cause of death and proof of death have never been in issue for the evidence contained in the video footages showed a gruesome killing.
“Once identification had been secured, I am satisfied so that I am sure, prosecution had discharged the onus placed on it to prove that D2 was the one who attacked and killed Victim 2,” Sir Albert said.
Sir Albert after giving his judgment convicted the men and sentenced them to life imprisonment.
In relation to submission on the minimum sentence the submission will be made on October 26.
The MHMS Panel in yesterday’s press conference at the Ministry Headquarters.
Director of NCD Dr. Geoffrey Kenilorea (centre) explaining the status of the Candy
Cigarette which is illegal under the Tobacco Control Act 2010.
Health Ministry issues strong warning for removal of cigarette candy from shops
By Gary Hatigeva
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has made a strong call for the removal of the ‘smoke candy’, commonly known as the ‘cigarette candy’ – because it is illegal.
Over the past two weeks, the smoke candy made headlines in the mainstream media and almost all the local online forums where the issue attracted widespread concerns and worries amongst members especially, parents who fear it (candy) has a strong impact on forcing children to smoke at early ages.
In response to revelations on the product, the Ministry of Health is stepping up its enforcement strategies for a major operation to crackdown on those who are promoting and selling the candy cigarettes, while at the same time, ensuring that it is removed from shelves in shops.
Speaking to the local media on this, Director of the Communicable Diseases (NCD) Division within the Ministry, Dr Geoffrey Kenilorea explained that in Solomon Islands the candy cigarette may not be directly banned like it is in other countries but it is banned in terms of certain sections of the Tobacco Control Act 2010 and other related Acts.
He further explained that candies resembling tobacco products or use tobacco brand names or designs are banned under the Tobacco law.
He said this is because they promote and normalise smoking behaviour, which adds to the worries of the many parents who came out firing at the authorities on it.
The MHMS Panel in yesterday’s press conference at the Ministry Headquarters. Director of NCD Dr. Geoffrey Kenilorea (centre) explaining the status of the Candy Cigarette which is illegal under the Tobacco Control Act 2010.
The NCD Director said the product is just one of the ways that the tobacco industry markets its products and encourages children to become smokers, and together, the country needs to take a strong stand together against such tactics.
“Protecting our children should be everyone’s number one priority. We urge the public to join us and take a stand against tobacco, and against any products that promote smoking,” Kenilorea added.
The cigarette candy is part of the many internationally banned products, and other countries have actually specified the ban of the candy, and the Solomon Islands Laws according to Ministry officials, is in consistence with international laws that regulate such products and the use of tobacco.
Cigarette candies are a candy introduced in the early 20th century made out of chalky sugar, bubblegum or chocolate, wrapped in paper and packaged and branded so as to resemble cigarettes.
Some products contain powdered sugar hidden in the wrapper, allowing the user to blow on the cigarette and produce “smoke” on the other end.
Research showed that cigarette candy’s place on the market has long been controversial because many critics believe the candy desensitises children, leading them to become smokers later in life.
Because of this, the selling of cigarette candy has been banned in several countries, and with mounting pressure for the reduction of smoking, many manufacturers however, now describe their products as candy sticks, bubble gum, or simply candy, and they’re the direct result of tobacco company strategies to hook a new generation.
To boost sales, manufacturers have introduced the cigarette candy and other forms of candies in various flavours and marketed them aggressively.
These sweet flavours lure kids, and it is a worry that the candy could fulfill international studies, which found that four in five kids who ever experimented with tobacco started with a flavoured product.
Additionally, what we are seeing with the likes of this product is a survival marketing strategy, manufacturers or the industry is using, and the obvious target is the new generation.
Kenilorea however warned that importing or selling these smoke candies is a crime and penalties are severe, with a minimum of $20,000 on individuals caught involved in such activities or face imprisonment.
“A company could be fined $500,000, and the government through the responsible authorities will be coming down hard on anyone who wants to break the law,” the NCD Director added.
The fear of encouraging children into accepting the practice of smoking through the candy cigarette, is because smoking related diseases are the main causes of deaths in Solomon Islands, with a record of four in every 10 kids smoke, and the country cannot afford to lose its future and important assets.
Officials then reiterated that shop owners in Honiara and elsewhere in the country, are reminded to stop selling the candy smokes, along with other tobacco themed product, to prevent kids from trying the real stuff one day.
Those who are found or choose to defy the calls, will be dealt with and should expect heavy penalties, which according to Honiara City Council (HCC) officials, the disobedient could also lead to losing of business operational licences.
THE Vanuatu national under-16 side is ready for next week’s Oceania Under-16 Championship in Honiara, says team head coach upon arrival yesterday.
Speaking to SUNSPORTS from the team camp at Pacific Casino Hotel, head coach Joel Rarua said their biggest worry prior to coming here was the weather.
“As soon we arrive today, the first thing we’re bit worried about is the weather condition.
“You know in Solomon Islands, it’s a bit hot than back home in Vanuatu so that’s the main challenge. But as soon as we arrive at the airport, the weather feels more like home, I think for me and the boys we have done okay with that.
“It’s a matter of getting the boys ready for our matches. The boys will play to their best in this competition.
“We are having first training session this afternoon and we’ve come prepared.
“We respect Solomon Islands as the host team as the host team always have the home support.
“But we are here for the competition and ready to compete. We will do our best in all our matches until the end of the 90 minutes.
“All members of my team are home-based players and I have a lot of confidence in them,” said Rarua.
Vanuatu is placed in Pool A host Solomon Islands, New Zealand and PNG.
Vanuatu will open their campaign against New Zealand on Sunday 10am at Lawson Tama followed by PNG on Wednesday and Solomon Islands next Saturday.
Part of the members of the PNG soccer team upon Wednesday's arrival.
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Part of the members of the PNG soccer team upon Wednesday’s arrival.
THE PNG national under-16 soccer boys landed in Honiara on Wednesday afternoon with high hopes ahead of Sunday’s kick-off of the 2018 OFC Under-16 Championship at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Led by Anthony Pakatoka as head coach, the former PNG national representative has brought with him a total of 20 playing members plus other accompanying team officials.
“We are excited to be here and we look forward to participate in the tournament,” Mr. Pakatoka said, upon arrival at the Henderson Airport.
PNG is placed in Pool A and will go against host nation Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Vanuatu in the group stage competition.
“Solomon Islands I think, they have prepared well, so as Vanuatu and New Zealand, they are a very high quality side.
“We would expect very stiff challenges from them. I think it would be a big task for us to meet them as we head on,” Mr. Pakatoka added.
The PNG youngsters will have three days of training before kicking off their campaign opener against Solomon Islands at 3pm on Sunday.
“The first game will be tough because we are playing against the host nation.
“They are a very good side. We will do our best but Solomon Islands teams are always well prepared. We will try our best to challenge them.”
Following Sunday’s contest, Vanuatu awaits PNG for their second fixture set for Wednesday while their final pool match is against New Zealand next Saturday.
“Our aim is to get past the pool stage and qualify into the semi-finals, and maybe, who knows, get a shot for the finals to earn a place at the world cup,” Pakatoka said.
A view overlooking the swimming facility and lake Tegano.
By Taromane Martin
A view overlooking the swimming facility and lake Tegano.
FATE of the 2018 Solomon Games in Rennell and Bellona Province in November is still yet to be confirmed.
The hosting of the games came under question last month after it was announced via Facebook that Prime Minister Rick Hounipwela had told Member of Parliament for Rennell and Bellona Dr Tautai Anigikimua Kaituu via text messaging that the games were now postponed for 2019, with named Honiara as the new host.
Vice Chairman for the Renbel Solomon Games, Mr Nick Hatigeva said the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) had convened a joint meeting with members of the Renbel Solomon Games task force and the local organizing committee Thursday last week, to review NOCSI’s report regarding their first visit to the province in June.
Mr Hatigeva said last weeks’ meeting was good but hopes the leaders can have a change of heart and let Renbel host the games.
“NOCSI convened a joint meeting with members of the Renbel Solomon Games Task Force and LOC at the NOCSI conference center to review NOCSI’s report/presentation that will be submitted/presented to caucus today and presented to the cabinet early next week,” Mr Hatigeva said.
“It was a good meeting where good ideas were tossed around and agreed on and one that enabled participating stakeholders to be on the same page regarding the Solomon Games matters.
“Let’s wish the president of NOCSI and his team all the best as they prepare to present the Renbel Solomon Games case to the national government and let’s hope that our national leaders will be kind to us, by giving Renbel the green light to go ahead and host,” he said.
Hatigeva said at the moment they are still waiting official decisions from cabinet and hopes they have a change of heart and allow their province to host the games.
“To date the Renbel provincial government, the Renbel Task Force and the Solomon Games LOC have not received any official notice from the national government nor from NOCSI.
“So the Renbel Solomon Games Task Force had decided to strive to complete some of its tasks at hand and complete the report on the 2m funding that was received from the national government in June this year, whilst waiting and hoping for a change of heart by the national government,” Hatigeva earlier said.
A move which saw Renbel Province Premier Mr Collin Singamoana calling on both leaders to stop politicizing the games and not to interfere with their province’s preparation to host the national games.
NOCSI is planning to make a second visit to the province this month for their second assessment on ground preparations according to Chairman for national events commission Mr Morris Maitaki .
“Point is Renbel has learnt from these shortcomings and shortsightedness experienced during the past Solomon Games and we are prepared to offer a better tournament compared to previous ones,” Mr Hatigeva said.
Group photo of SIPPA Executive and HE Brazier and delegation
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
Group photo of SIPPA Executive and HE Brazier and delegation
THE Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) will relocate in six days’ time temporarily as the old complex undergoes refurbishment funded by the Australian government.
Currently, SIPPA staff and volunteers are packing their belongings to relocate to a new building next door, a facility belonging to the Red Cross Solomon Islands.
Prior to the relocation, Australia High Commissioner His Excellency Roderick Brazier and wife Meta Brazier and other officers visited the SIPPA complex on Wednesday.
For the refurbishment, it costs SIPPA $1.4million, which in no time, Australian government through DFAT had stepped in to support alongside the partnership for health project.
SIPPA President Mr Charles Meke while hosting HE Brazier and team in a visit, said, “This building will undergo refurbishment, changing the roof structure and internal structure to provide more room and space to provide quality services for our clients.
“The duration for refurbishment is three-month and it cost SIPPA SBD$1.4M which made all made possible through Australia government through the partnership for health project.”
Mr Meke acknowledged the Australian government and people for such generous support as it will help women and youths through clinical services and SRHR programme.
Brazier said Australia remains firmly committed to promoting and defending sexual and reproductive health and rights globally.
In doing so, Brazier said IPPF and SIPPA are key partners in ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health, which particularly for women and girls is fundamental to national development.
He also adds that SIPPA’s combined approach surrounding service delivery, advocating to political and religious leaders and targeted educational campaigns has helped them achieve tangible results in a challenging environment.
With the great work done, Brazier said Australia also values SIPPA’s work with adolescents.
“SIPPA’s work in providing outreach services to otherwise unserved populations is critical and Australia hopes this work can continue to expand in future years,” he said.
Meanwhile, SIPPA’s current executive board members consist of four members, four ordinary board members and two youth representatives—board requirements have 50 percent female and 20 percent youths.
SIPPA aimed to bring its governance to highest helm and stronger Member Association with other developing countries.
They established in four provinces such as SIPPA Honiara, Auki, Gizo and Taro with 120 community based educators and distributors.
Currently, SIPPA is managing four project apart from IPPF—Partnership for Health, Humanitarian SPRINT project and Safe Abortion Action Funds.
This year SIPPA is looking forward to create new partnership with the SAFENET to support in addressing Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
Chairlady (Ms Angeline Tony) of Maleai Maliluana Talaiba Savings Group receiving funds for their loan from Assistant
Chief of Maleai, Mr Dominic Bakele.
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
WOMEN in rural areas are participating more in economic activities then before.
In the rural areas of Shortland Islands, Savings Club are growing and gaining momentum with the latest being the inception of a loan component for Maleai Maliluana Talaiba Savings Club.
Coordinator of the Women’s Saving Club in Shortland Islands, Mrs Angellah Kingmele-Anisi says the financial scheme was established with the intention to help women save their money.
Anisi says these financial schemes are growing despite the challenges faced in remote areas like Shortland Islands.
“It is a bit difficult and we find it hard to send money via plane most times especially security wise. So what we’ve done is that the monies are left for the women to manage themselves. Mobile banking is an option but again poor network communication is an obstacle.”
From left, Ms Angeline Tony (Chairlady, MMTSG), Mr Dominic Bakele, Assistant Chief, Maleai village and Dr Alice Pollard (Faciliatator, WARA).
Anisi says for the women of Maleai, they have been saving their money for three years already. She said apart from the loan scheme which they have just launched last week, withdrawal of money saved is another component of the saving club.
She said nowadays, people in the rural areas rely heavily on cash to buy goods and services thus this financial scheme has been very
helpful.
“The West Areare Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) has assisted to establish the Savings group three years ago. Through our network with WARA, we managed to secure $10,000 funding from Strongim Bisnis. In addition to that $10K, we also received a funding of $10,000 from Chief Edward Kingmele from their own community funds of Chiefs. In total, the women have $20,000 in total towards their loan scheme.”
Anisi says 80 percent of members’ withdrawals from women in the savings club went towards school fees for their children.
Chairlady (Ms Angeline Tony) of Maleai Maliluana Talaiba Savings Group receiving funds for their loan from Assistant Chief of Maleai, Mr Dominic Bakele.
However she said the loan scheme is mainly for business activities.
“Because with the loan they have to pay back with a 10 percent interest so they need to have an income generating activity to repay their loan.”
She said school fees do not fall under the loan category but rather in the withdrawal category where women can withdraw up to 80 percent of their savings.
While Solomon Islands is reported to have a low literacy level, the inclusion and participation of women in Shortland Islands in these financial activities speaks highly of resilience.
With limited access to communication, technology and banking services, these more than 150 women continued to strive.
The financial trainings they receive are adequate for them to carry out their financial and economic activities.
“I saw that their level of understanding in financial terms has improved a lot. They can now place names to the activities that they normally do. Like interest, income, expense are words which they can now relate to the activities of ‘buying and selling’ they do every day.”
Members of MMTSG participating in a refresher Financial Literacy training conducted by Dr Alice Pollard, WARA.
She said women in rural areas once given the right training will be able to work hard for themselves.
Anisi said it is also encouraging to see these women participate in such activities.
“Most times we talk in policy level that we forget those in the rural areas that lack access to services. We feel encouraged that we have done something for the women and we feel that we have a purpose in life.”
The savings club scheme for women in Maleai Maliluan Talaiba was initiated by Chief Edward Kingmele. Most of the work done for the savings club comes mainly from his family in conjunction with WARA, through Dr Alice Pollard.
With the assistance of WARA, another Savings Club was established in Toumoa, also in Shortland Islands recently.
