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No law in SI to tackle cybercrime

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, cybercrime is a term we don’t hear often, if at all in the Solomon Islands although we see it happening around us.

The reason why we don’t hear about this kind of crime is because there are currently no laws at all in the Solomon Islands to specifically deal with the issue of cybercrime.

I strongly suggest that the legislature make laws to deal with cybercrimes.

But firstly, what is cybercrime?

A cybercrime is a crime committed using the internet, for example, infecting a computer with a virus or stealing somebody’s personal details through the internet.

One of the most common types of cybercrime in the Solomon Islands is online harassment. Examples of online harassment are impersonation or revenge porn.

Impersonation is when somebody, on a social media platform, creates an account and pretends to be another person.

While this may seem harmless, it can cause a lot of conflicts for example, a person using a fake account can use it to spread rumors and lies about the actual person, creating lots of conflict for the real person and can even lead to harm.

The second type of online harassment is revenge porn and to explain it, we shall use a scenario. Imagine a couple who are in a relationship, and at one point, one of the two people, say for example, the girl, sends intimate and nude, semi-nude photos of herself to the boyfriend.

But then it so happens that they break up and out of anger, the boyfriend posts the photos of the girl online.

This type of scenario seems to be a common occurrence in Solomon Islands these days. If you go on the social media platforms, you will most certainly find photos posted by groups and pages made by Solomon Islanders containing such photos.

Although these photos are blurred out most times, we can clearly see what is going on in these photos and the faces of these people are exposed and are not blurred out at all.

Is this not wrong? Shouldn’t there be laws to protect the victims and convict the perpetrators?

I strongly insist that there should be such laws.

The legislature should create laws and protect its citizens against such crimes and actions.

Yours sincerely,

Francis Peter Waleanisia

Domestic violence

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, to be fair, acts of domestic violence can be committed against by both genders.

However, I am only basing this article on violence inflicted against women. In the Solomon Island, it is rare to see on the News headline about domestic violence against Women.

This is Because, women in the Solomon Island who have abusive Partners that assault them never report the matter to the police.

Two factors that contribute to this firstly, is our cultural perspective that Men are the head of the family and it will be a shame to report your own husband to law enforcement bodies and that doing so will result in a lot of negative comments from your community or society.

The second factor, is that many believe that this issue should not be taken to the law enforcement bodies as it is a family matter and should be dealt with privately through compensation or forgiveness between the two parties. However the question that women who are facing such situation should ask themselves is, how long will such treatment continue?

Therefore I urge women to stand and speak out, let our voice be heard to stop such action. Report your abusive partner to the police and show him that you have the strength to fight back.

You are not inferior to him and he is not your superior. Husbands and wives, partners should stand shoulder to shoulder, eye to eye.

Show your partner that you deserved to be treated with respect and equality and that you are no lesser than him.

Yours sincerely

Karen Tagalagi

A welcome visit to people with special needs in Isabel Province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I was very pleased to read in Monday’s copy of the Island Sun newspaper that a group of provincial officers in Isabel Province recently visited and spent time with many persons with special needs in the more remote areas of the Maringe and Hograno highlands, including Tirotonna, Bara, Kolkofa, Koge, Nemei Primary School and Peopeko settlements.

Mr Edward Tadarea, the Provincial Youth Coordinator, said the visit to the remote regions was the first of its kind to raise awareness of special needs and the visit was much appreciated by all those they contacted.

The group expressed the view that communities must do more to respect people with special needs and to see they are integrated into the community and given help in all social activities.

The group also called on all stakeholders to do much more for all people with special needs, especially in terms of mobility and their sanitation requirements.

I heartily congratulate the group of provincial officers from Isabel in undertaking the visit, meeting with and raising the important needs of persons in the province with special needs.

It would my wish that the initiative undertaken in Isabel Province be followed-up in all the provinces in the country to ensure no persons with special needs are left unseen and out of mind any longer.

We have a collective responsibility to care for the needs of others and the example set by the Isabel group should be a reminder of our duty of care, compassion, understanding and responsibilities.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Survey work on undersea cable project soon

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE first initial Route Survey for the proposed Coral Sea Cable System in Solomon Islands will be conducted between October 8 and December 4, 2018.

The survey will be carried out within the inshore waters of Honiara, Tulagi, Noro and Taro Township by a contractor, the Earth Sciences and Surveying, EGS, (Asia) Ltd.

The primary objective of the survey is to ascertain a suitable route to determine exact cable length, cable design, deployment and survivability of the cable network.

An offshore survey team comprising experts will conduct the route survey in a survey vessel, RV Northern Endeavour, and operations will be carried on 24-hour basis.

The survey will include offshore geophysical survey, seabed sampling and Mini Cone Penetration Test.

The offshore geophysical survey will be conducted in the waters and core samples and CPT survey would be taken every 10km and 4km respectively throughout.

There are two types of seabed sampling that will be employed in water depths of less than 1,000m, a conventional Shipek type grab sampler and a 3m gravity corer to scoop sediment.

A Mini Cone Penetration Test System (MCPT) will be deployed to acquire in-situ geotechnical data for determining the physical and mechanical properties of the sub-sea strata in water depths less than 1,000m.

However, coral, sea grass and environmentally sensitive areas will not subject to sampling.

Locations are selected in areas where sediment is present with reef habitats and areas of biological significance are avoided.

Daily Report will be distributed to all parties concerned and relevant authorities during the course of the survey.

EGS (Asia) Ltd has been appointed by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) as the Coral Sea Cable System’s survey contractor, responsible for undertaking the route survey.

Vocus Group and ASN have signed a contract to deploy the Coral Sea Cable System in Solomon Islands.

This new submarine cable will boost international connectivity and provide high speed telecommunications capacity to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

This project is a key element of Australia’s development assistance programme to the Pacific and will connect Honiara and Port Moresby with Sydney via a state-of-the-art fibre optic cable system over 4,000 km in length.

–GCU

LSL’s MV Nuatabu resumes service

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

AFTER months of dry dock for maintenance at Aviavi slipway, in the Central Islands Province, Lauru Shipping Limited’s cargo boat, M.V Nuatabu, is back on service.

The ship was briefly held up for not settling its maintenance bill. The bill was over $300,000. Lauru Shipping Limited was reported to have only paid less than half which resulted in the slipway management halting the ship.

Attempt to get information from LSL office was unsuccessful as its office landline has been disconnected over non-payment of bill.

But, information reaching this paper confirmed the ship has been freed and has already arrived in Honiara.

It is not clear whether the bill has been cleared or a special arrangement has been made.

MV Nuabatu was bought by the Lauru Shipping Limited from a local ship operator. The ship was called M.V Channella but when LSL took over, it renamed her to MV Nuatabu.

DPP yet to respond on defence proposal

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE defence is still waiting on the prosecution to respond to the proposal given to them in regards to the charge against the accused Maraki Teururu.

Public Prosecutor John Zoze told the court that DPP will be arriving in the country this afternoon and prosecution seeks a shot adjournment to allow the DPP perused the memo that sent to him last week.

This is in relation to the case occurred at Whiteriver where police arrested a man for the charged of attempted murder.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea grants the adjournment to this Thursday to allow the DPP perused the file and also for prosecution to respond on the proposal made.

The defence lawyer representing Mr Maraki after viewing the file against the accused made a proposal to the Prosecution in regards to the charge.

Public Prosecutor John Zoze prosecutes the case in court.

Local university still taking baby steps

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dr Jack Maebuta

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

New Pro Vice-Chancellor
Academic, Dr Jack Maebuta

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) is progressing well.

New Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, Dr Jack Maebuta says the local university has just started and it has not been easy for them. Despite that, he said the local university is progressing well.

In an interview, Maebuta told Island Sun that Solomon Islanders need to have the vision and learn from past mistakes.

Maebuta said the local university has just started and it is still taking baby steps. He said people should not expect to see results overnight.

He said as Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic his role is to work with the Deans from the different schools to identify programs and courses for the students.

“SINU has a huge potential in terms of the needs out there. But we have do things in our own strength. It is the strength of all of us Solomon Islanders. Sometimes things do not work out because we as Solomon Islanders tend not to trust each other. Because we have this perception that in order for something to work out good, it has to come from outside then we will believe that it will work. Little did we realize that we can go forward by recognizing our own strength, appreciate our own strength, and appreciate who we are as Solomon Islanders and what we can do,” Maebuta said.

Maebuta an academic by profession has just joined SINU but not one new to a university’s function. He was a Senior Fellow in Educational Administration at the University of the South Pacific (USP) as well as had years of experience in academic leadership positions.

With his experience in the education sector, Maebuta says Solomon Islanders must try not to compare the local university to other regional universities. He said USP is turning 50 years this year while the local university is still learning along the way.

“We have to take one step at a time.”

He said with the inclusion of courses like post graduate certificate in leadership and management for health care workers in the School of Nursing, these are milestones and achievements for the local university.

“Recognising our own needs, where we as a local university believe in our self that we can do it, we will be able to do it.”

Maebuta continued to say that in order to progress, the university needs a collective effort from everyone. He said Solomon Islanders should appreciate the efforts and the progressive results that the university continue to deliver each time. He said Solomon Islanders should continue to build each other, instead of breaking each other.

He said in the long run, he hoped to see more students attending the local university instead of going to universities overseas for studies.

“This will help Government save money and the money spent for scholarships overseas can be utilised in development projects to help develop our country.”

The Solomon Islands National University was initiated after parliament passed a bill in 2012 for the establishment of a local university for the country. Before that it was known as the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE).

Police probe machete attack in Central province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE at Tulagi in the Central province have arrested and charged a 27-year-old man for alleged assault causing bodily harm following an incident which occurred at Soka Village, Sand-fly on the evening of September 10, 2018.

It is alleged that the suspect and his brothers were consuming alcohol at their home at Vatutaria Village not far from Soka Village when the suspect disappeared.

His brothers thought that he left for Soka Village so they shouted after him to return.

When the other party from Soka Village heard the shout they thought that they shouted at them. The group from Soka Village came and argued with the group from Vaturia Village during which the suspect allegedly used a bush knife to cut a 12-year-old boy who sustained a minor injury to his left upper shoulder.

The matter was reported to police and the suspect was apprehended on September 11, 2018.

The suspect is released on $500 bail to appear at the Tulagi Magistrates Court on October 22, 2018.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “I appeal to all the good people of Central Province not to take the law into your own hands.

“There are many ways to resolve problems in a more peaceful and meaningful way that will always unite us together. Consult your chiefs or village elders to resolve those issues rather than resorting to violence.”

The maximum penalty if found guilty of the charge of assault causing bodily harm is five years imprisonment.

–POLICE MEDIA

Fear causes illegal route taken, nuisance caused for public

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

FEAR from usual threats of asking money and causing nuisance to public buses along the Kobito and Borderline bus stops affect certain drivers to not drive legally along legal public bus routes.

This is according to a certain young public bus driver and his bus fare conductor when asked yesterday.

A current practice many from the public have been victimised of in recent days is certain buses picking passengers at the SDA bus stop area behind off-shore the Hot Bread Kitchen shouting “Kobito, Kolaridge” end up not driving passengers up along the Vura road but between the Kukum SDA and old HCC labour-line road turning up the Kolaridge road and passing Florence Young Christian School (FYCS).

This adds problem for passengers as many in the public buses travelling live along the Fulisango, Zion, Green Valley and Borderline side of Honiara in which they will only be dropped along the Green Tank area at East Kolaridge causing difficult option for them either to walk or try waiting to stop another public transport that comes their way causing frustration.

Members of the public are now calling for the Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to step-up in ensuring that such areas of high bad social behaviours in Honiara are usually monitored for the safety of the public as well as to check on certain formed short bus routes by public buses if or whether such practise is legal or not.

“It was frustrating seeing it already being dark and instead of heading straight up along the destiny of our homes at Borderline, we were driven back along the PORTS road past Mbua Valley road only to be dropped at East Kolaridge causing me and my family to walk for another kilometre and a half before finally reaching our home territory,” complained Thomas Ulu, a parent over the weekend at Borderline Bus Stop.

Similar concerns have been raised towards public buses taking such route in which some observe that certain public buses are only taking advantage of making more money by breaking the law in creating their own bus routes.

“These are situations that if the responsible authorities look after properly under the laws of the Crown then such would not occur causing problems and difficulty for us innocent people,” raised members of the general public.

Goods and services down

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela (left) arriving for the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane. Photo by Priestley Habru

Fall in log exports & fishing expected to lower country’s GDP next year

 

BY PRIESTLEY HABRU

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela (left) arriving for the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane. Photo by Priestley Habru

SOLOMON Islands Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to drop in 2019.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela told participants of the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane last week, the GDP growth is projected to drop from 3.5 percent this year to 3.4 percent in 2019.

“The strong momentum experienced in 2017 is not expected to carry into 2018 and 2019, with GDP growth projected to be 3.5 percent in 2018 and 3.4 percent in 2019. This is primarily due to the expected fall in the value of log exports and fishing activities.”

PM Hou said of the 3.5 percent growth, the primary sector is expected to contribute to around 0.5 percentage points to growth.

Service and industrial are forecast to contribute 2.4 percent and 0.6 percent growth in 2018.

“Output in logging activities is anticipated to be stable (albeit at high level) in 2018-19 and expected to slowly decline in the medium term.

“Fishing activities is projected to drop in 2018, due to a reduction of number of fishing days and unfavourable weather pattern.”

The Prime Minister said a key challenge for Solomon Islands is therefore to seek alternatives for fishing and log exports.

“A key challenge we must start to contemplate is that the levels of both these resources will decline and with that decline, key parts of our revenue generation will also decline.

“We must start thinking of alternatives to round log exports to supplement future growth,” he added.

Meanwhile PM Hou stated that the Solomon Islands Current Account Deficit is expected to widen to around 5 to 6 percent of GDP in 2018- 2019 compared to 4 percent of GDP in 2017.

“This is in line with the expected stabilizations in the value of logs exports, stabilisation of donor inflows allied with the expected increase in the value of oil imports and associated with large project investments. Balance of trade fell by 0.6 percent of GDP in 2017 compared to 1.2 percent of GDP in 2016.”

A key economic risk for Solomon Islands according to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) now the PM; are the recent uncertain developments of logging activities and outbreaks of Coconut rhinoceros beetle.

Despite these challenges PM Hou believes the 2016-2035 National Development Strategy (NDS) is the country’s long-term national vision to improving the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

“And I want to continue welcoming newcomers who bring the skills and experience that we need in Solomon Islands.

“We cannot, and must not, close our doors to the world around us. Our economy and our people can thrive on globalization. Our challenge is to ensure that all our people reap the benefits of development, modernisation and globalisation.”

The Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum, hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brings together senior Australian and Solomon Islands business and government representatives to hear and discuss information on current issues relating to doing business in the Solomon Islands.

Honiara will host the 11th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum next year.

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