THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will be staging its Open Day from September 27-28.
Police Commissioner Matthew Varley said the Open Day will coincide with the Police Blue Ribbon Day, an annual commemoration day for police officers to remember officers who have passed away in their time of service for the country.
The open day is also an opportunity for public to come along and hear from departments and units of the RSIPF and learn more about the work of the police in keeping the country safe.
Varley said they are inviting their partners to also showcase their activities during the two days.
He said the general public must come along, especially students and also those who intend to join the police as their career in the future.
He said it is an opportunity for public to witness and ask questions to officers the roles and responsibility of their Police Force.
Electors question neutrality of registration booth in CDO’s residence
By Gary Hatigeva
West Honiara registration booth at the residence of west Honiara constituency CDO Brian Taupiri, White River. Photo supplied
AS this week begins with hype and excitement for the registration programmes of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), voters in the West Honiara Constituency are concerned over the establishment of a registration booth within the private residence of the Constituency’s Development Officer (CDO).
In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of SIEC, cited by this paper, a Mr Bobby Soro Ledi has questioned the commission over the booth and its neutrality, which he said is not even in the designated venue.
In his letter, Ledi expressed on behalf of all eligible electors who shared concerns and complaints regarding the booth, which they thought was totally wrong and bias in nature.
“It raises questions of the neutrality of your office to ensure fairness and justice in this very important process of electing our national leaders.
“It is obvious that having chosen the CDO’s residence gives an advantage to one candidate over other candidates.
“This is already an indication of your office being influenced or infiltrated by one candidate to his advantage,” Ledi stated.
He then alleged that this also gives a clear indication of the corrupt practice happening within SIEC office in this registration process.
The concerned elector added that as such, based on such a decision, already a three-tonne truck registered no MB2089 (see photo attached) has made a lot of people to register in support of the candidate whom the resident owner supports.
He further added that it is also suspicious as to why other registration booths for West Honiara Constituency were not set up on time while the said registration booth was first to be set up.
Speaking on the same note, other concerned electors interviewed on Monday, are also questioning why the CDO’s residence when it is not in the SIEC’s Biometric Voter Registration Movement Plan.
“As far as we know, the only venue indicated in the Commission’s registration official programme is, at the Laundry Valley, more specifically, the Church Building and not the CDO’s premises,” a member of the concerned group shared.
Meanwhile, the West Honiara CDO Brian Taupiri when contacted denied the allegations and refuted claims he or the Constituency office is involved in the process.
Taupiri said the decisions to attend to the registration booth within his area is based on people’s choices and not being brought in or forced as alleged.
The CDO said he sees nothing wrong with it being held in his residence as it has always been used as a registration hub since 2006 up to the last one in 2014, and that the current registration programme in his premises is no different as it is a straight forward process for anyone to take part in if they are eligible.
He however pointed out that the decision to establish the booth at his area is something the officers in charge chose, knowing it is within his residence, and not at anytime his office ever asked the SIEC to play host to the important electoral programme.
CDO Taupiri said interestingly, there were other intending candidates seen on Monday, taking photos of the happenings at his place, and questioned their intentions as it is just a normal registration programme for all, and suggested for us to call the Registration Officer responsible.
He however called on intending candidates to be professional in their activities and allow for the process to take its course and not be used to score political points as it is not helping anyone.
This paper was able to talk to the SIEC Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala, who in his response said it was also a shocker for his office as it was never in the Commission’s official movement plan or the approved venues for all registration booths within West Honiara.
He explained that he was only made aware of the venue late on Monday and after being made aware of the matter, he had instructed for his office to deal with whoever that was responsible for the change and will be dealt with accordingly.
He added that a similar incident was also reported in one of the provinces and the SI Electoral Commission has dealt with the officer responsible, and it will see that the same is done with the officer(s) responsible for this uncalled for move to override an official decision.
The concerned group on the other hand stressed that as citizens and genuine voters within the West Honiara Constituency, they demanded for the registration booth to be removed and the electoral commission office to scrutinize the officers responsible for the changes.
The group stressed that while there is respect for the commission’s call for no obstruction to the registration process and to workers, such complaint as raised, may force people to do so if not dealt with accordingly.
They however pointed out that prompt action to this demand would be highly appreciated and would maintained respect to the SIEC’s call for no obstruction to the registration process.
But the SIEC CEO urged and reminded voters especially those unhappy with the raised matter, to leave the issue to the SIEC to deal with and not get involved in any unwanted and perhaps unlawful activities, but allow for the rightful authority to deal with them.
He also warned other areas and constituencies to be vigilante and ensure such situations and matters are reported to the Commission for proper actions.
Additionally, the group pointed out that with his confirmation of the questioned booth, not in the officially approved venues, the concerned voters further questioned the legality of the list that will come out from this booth and questioned if they (lists) will be used for the 2019 elections.
“Already, having the booth set up at the CDO’s resident gives an upper hand to the current MP, where anyone they brought in from other constituencies will have a free ride in being registered, even if they are in breach of the relevant sections of the new Electoral Act,” the group added.
According to the SIEC Biometric Voter Registration Movement Plan, there is never an indication of the CDO’s residence to be one of the venues for a registration booth, however, two other residential areas are pointed out but are further in different area, and not close to the CDO’s residence.
And this is something the SIEC, according to officials, will not allow knowing the area belongs to someone attached or close to either the current MP or any other candidates for that matter.
The Movement Plan also shows that the only approved location for the booth around that area was at the Anglican Church Building within the Laundry Valley boundary, which is about half a kilometre away from the CDO’s area.
DEAR EDITOR, earlier this month we saw the launching of the Solomon Islands Youth Status Report 2018
I welcome this initiative and very much hope to see much greater-youth-political participation than I have observed over the last two decades in the Solomon Islands.
During the launching of the official report, the Hon. Minister for Women Youth Children and Family Affairs, Ms Freda Tuki, said as Solomon Islands was embarking on a new set of SDG’s and a national development strategy, it was important to recognise young people’s roles as key stakeholders in achieving such goals.
She added today’s young generation would inherit and drive the future development of Solomon Islands.
Also speaking at the launching ceremony for the Solomon Islands Status Report 2018, Ms. Azusa Kubota, the United Nations Development Programme (Solomon Islands) Country Manager, was quoted as having said, “If the nation wants to boost its economy, foster positive change and meet the 17 SDGs which are aimed at bringing prosperity to all by 2030; then it must engage youth politics and youth civic participation.”
Ms Kubota was also understood to have said the UNDP under the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund Project in Solomon Islands was currently working to provide platforms for dialogue and empowerment to help youth across the country act as agent of change.
I very much look forward to being able to witness better employment opportunities resulting in jobs and the engagement of youths in politics and civic participation which, as I have mentioned, has not been evident for far too long.
Ms Kubota particularly mentioned the greater participation of youths in helping to meet the 17 Solomon Islands Development Goals (SIDG) by 2030.
While I agree with what Ms Kubata has said about youth participation in relation to the SIDG targets for 2030, I have to say that a very much bigger obstacle in reaching the targets lies in the fact that substantial challenges remain in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and NCDs, and in urban and environmental health.
According to the United Nations (UN) Solomon Islands has among the highest rates of malaria incidence, of mortality attributed to exposure to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, and of mortality attributed to unintentional poisoning, compared to other countries in the Region.
Speaking at a press conference in Honiara last year, the National Advisor for Non Communicable Diseases, Dr Geoff Kenilorea, reportedly said non communicable diseases like diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks were increasing.
He also said two-thirds of beds at the National Referral Hospital were then taken up by patients with non-communicable diseases.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for almost 70 percent of all deaths worldwide.
Almost three quarters of all NCD deaths, and 82 percent of the 16 million people who died prematurely, or before reaching 70 years of age, occur in low- and middle-income countries.
The rise of NCDs has been driven by primarily four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.
At home real challenges remain in service capacity and access and in infectious disease and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, specifically in lowering blood pressure levels, tobacco use and access to improved sanitation.
LEAGUE leaders Avaiki rugby club and table runner ups Henderson Hammerhead Sharks remains undefeated after securing their fifth win in the 2018 Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) 15s competition over the weekend.
Hammerheads destroyed Diesel Service 41-0, a team compromising mostly of forwards players in the first game on Saturday at the Panatina Rugby Oval.
Diesel forward pack had the competition but it was their back line which left them in struggling allowing Hammerheads back halves, notably Sanga Sade amongst the try scorers for Sharks.
League leaders Avaiki also had an easy run on Saturday defeating Islanders 43-7 in the second match of the day.
Avaiki lead 12-0 at the break but saw Islanders claiming a penalty try 15 minutes into the second half, match referee Ryan Wickham awarding it for a late high tackle shot.
Jonathan Maitaki extended Avaiki’s lead after a nice one two play with Eddie Sanga, Islanders struggling to find composure in defence due to the lack of substitute players for them.
Avaiki leading try scorer in the tournament Moses Singamoana managed three tries in the second half while Bruce Baiabe sealed off the win with a late converted try to claim their club’s fifth win in the competition.
Sixth place TIA Warriors also had a successful run on Saturday defeating a development Realas side. Realas looked good in the opening minutes of the game but lacked enough experience as they suffered their fourth straight loss in the competition.
Meanwhile matches for the HRUA rugby 15s competition will continue this afternoon at the Panatina Rugby Oval.
This match is schedule for 3pm today as Matangiki takes on the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) Warriors who are sitting second to the last on the competition table with a point to their name.
NATIONAL female weightlifting representative Jenly Wini has blasted the Ministry of Home Affairs for prolonging the cash award payment promised to them.
This follows the empty envelopes given to them at last Friday’s awards presentation held at the Cowboys Bar and Grill in Honiara.
The payment is to reward their efforts for winning medals at last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.
However, in Wini’s case, it’s quite different. Her Mini Games reward will double with her achievement from last April’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Her bronze medal becomes the first ever for the country at the commonwealth level.
A copy of the award letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs to athletes.
Wini is currently based at the performance-enhancing Oceania Weightlifting Training Institute in New Caledonia.
Upon learning about last Friday’s cash rewards presentation with high anticipation, she had to fly back home to attend the event, skipping some training days in her important build-up toward November’s World Weightlifting Championship in Turkmenistan.
The cash rewards presentation was organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) as the event coincides with the launching of the fundraising drive for Samoa 2019 Pacific Games.
The presentation started and all medal winning athletes were called up to the front to receive their rewards which were placed in all yellow envelopes.
To her dismay, she could not believe what she saw when she opened her envelope.
Instead of the promised cash or a cheque, nothing was found in there except for a letter addressed to them from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Permanent Secretary Acting John Foteliwale.
In the letter it states, “Congratulation to you from the Ministry of Home Affairs as a Medal Recipient.
“Your cash award will be presented to you in the coming week. You will be notified on the exact day and time in due course.
“The Ministry seek your understanding and cooperation in this regard.
“Once again Congratulations to you on your achievement.”
Wini followed up with the responsible body this week and nothing was given to her until her departure for New Caledonia on Thursday.
Wini said this is not acceptable.
“This is not how they should treat the athletes. We worked so hard all year round to achieve the medals in the name of our country Solomon Islands. Success comes with a lot of hard work.
“The Ministry should wait until funds are available before organising such an event. It’s a national shame.
“I had to skip my training in Noumea to come over to attend the event but ended up receiving nothing. Had they informed me earlier, I should’ve stayed back to concentrate on my training in New Caledonia.
“Such treatment is not good. I’m voicing this out on behalf of myself and my other medal-winning athlete colleagues from last year’s Mini Games,” a disappointed Wini expressed.
SunSPORTS’ attempt to get comments from the PS Acting of the Home Affairs Ministry proved futile as Foteliwale was not in office on Sunday.
Two of the Taiwanese youth ambassadors presented gifts to children with special needs of the Special Development Centre of the Red Cross Solomon Islands.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
Two of the Taiwanese youth ambassadors presented gifts to children with special needs of the Special Development Centre of the Red Cross Solomon Islands.
TAIWAN’S Youth Ambassadors have touched the hearts of children with special needs in presentation of gifts and cultural performances on Friday last week.
It was a great opportunity and life memory for children with disability of the Special Development Centre of the Red Cross Solomon Islands to mingle and interact with Taiwan’s Youth Ambassadors.
Children with special needs were gifted with exercise books and pencil each as donations from the Youth Ambassadors of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as part of the cultural exchange programme.
The Taiwan youths put on an extraordinary performance to the children giving them a glimpse of Taiwan through dancing, music and arts.
The impressive performance is the nose flute, a traditional music practised by the Paiwan tribe – one of the 16 tribes in Taiwan.
Principal for Special Development Centre Mr Jiope Iputu said the visit of Taiwan Youth Ambassadors to the centre is important for the children to learn the cultures of other people or countries.
He said the coming of the Taiwanese youths will improve the learning abilities of children in terms of culture and offer opportunity as well for the Taiwanese to learn from Solomon Islands’ culture.
“Today is a good for children because they learn from Taiwan culture, as we know, Taiwan is a good friend of Solomon and they need to expose too on how people do things about their culture,” he said.
He said one area children lucking is interacting, and such visits has open great opportunity for children to interact and mingle because many time they were confine on certain areas.
Director General on Home Assignment Department of International Corporation and Economic Affairs Mr David WT Chang said their purpose of the visits is to strengthen the cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and Taiwan which was established since 1983.
As part of that, he said cultural exchange is one component they visited Solomon Islands and choosing children with special needs in Solomon Islands is part of the cultural exchange programme.
However, the visiting friends from Taiwan will depart to Thailand today for another cultural exchange programme.
Meanwhile, Special Development Centre has enrolled 115 students this year with 13 teachers.
Programmes they undertake includes maths and English and live skills learning.
70 percent of the students are impairment ranging from physical and intellectual.
The centre is 41 years old this year; the 40th anniversary was celebrated last year.
Deputy Director Conservation, ECDMECD Josef Hurutarau
BY ELLISON VAHI
Deputy Director Conservation, ECDMECD Josef Hurutarau
WITH the increase in awareness to conserve dugongs in the country, a total of 50 participants competed the National Dugong & Seagrass Art & Creative Writing.
The participants were awarded at the SINU school of Technology & Maritime studies during the Wednesday National Dugong & Seagrass Art & Creative Writing Award event.
Giving her remarks, Mrs Rosalie Masu, Deputy Director, and Inshore Fisheries Division said that she was very encouraged to see the creativity and talents that have been displayed through the competition and said that she is sure that the judges might have had a difficult time judging the works as they are all of high calibre.
Deputy Director –conservation, ECD/MECDM, Mr Josef Hurutarau also said that the national event has highlights the importance and significance of the mammal to the people of Solomon Islands.
He said that while he too was honoured to join the award ceremony, the National Dugong & Seagrass Art & Creative Writing competition is one of the climax of the Dugong & Seagrass conservation programme (DSCP).
“As we witness this award giving ceremony I ask that we also share deep reflections on true values of dugongs as translated in those writings and piece of artworks.
“Essentially as a campaign tool, encouraged by this competition it helps to raise awareness in schools and amongst public to improving knowledge on this mammal, appreciate the importance and values of dugong as well it also reminds us that dugong population is vulnerable and can easily become extinct.”
Hurutarau continued that his Ministry will continue to encourage the participant’s contribution and support through conservation messages and reliving values through art and stories.
“As we are a very verbal community, distant touch with nature is becoming inevitable therefore, we need to be inspired through captured memories through time and space.
“Also, I wish to encourage you to share school messages and entertain practical activities to ensure young generation re-tell stories of special places, plants and animals.”
Rosalie Masu- deputy Director for inshore fisheries division.
National Facilitator DSCP project- Chelcia Gomes then highlights that as part of the campaign art & writing is also useful as well is a powerful medium means of expressing views and ideas.
In the meanwhile, the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project is coordinated and implemented by the National Facilitating Committee (NFC) through the Solomon Islands Community Conservation Partnership (SICCP), CM2, and World Fish.
The scope of work involves dugong and seagrass monitoring, conducting nationwide Dugong and Seagrass awareness and drafting of policy recommendations and a National Strategy for the conservation and management of dugong and seagrass for Solomon Islands.
In relation to, the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project supports partner countries to conserve seagrass ecosystems through a combination of science and research, conservation policy development and implementation, community incentives, as well as outreach and education programmes.
More than 26 partners and 38 projects across eight countries (Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu) result into national development plans to conserve dugong and seagrass habitats.
The Project is executed by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MbZSCF), with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implementation support by United Nations Environmental Programme and technical support from the Convention on Migratory Species Dugong MoU Secretariat.
Jubilant Party members stands United and in anticipation for their upcoming plans for the country.
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
A space to congregate and strategize is particularly important for any grouping or association wishing to do something for the country.
On Sunday Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP) are pleased to open a new office space where they can come together to strategise and discuss issues pertaining to the party’s interest and the country as a whole.
Though being the first political party to lead the country in 1978, for 40 years, SIUP has been without an office.
Speaking to Island Sun on the opening of their office at Ranadi, SIUP interim President Peter Kenilorea Jnr says they are pleased and indebted to Adam Bartlett and family who had been instrumental in acquiring a space for them.
Jubilant Party members stands United and in anticipation for their upcoming plans for the country.
He said in the long run they want to see the politics in Solomon Islands deviate towards a party system and this office space will be useful for them in the future.
Kenilorea Jnr says SIUP feels strongly that this office space is established whether or not a candidate of theirs gets into parliament.
“In Solomon Islands we are very much focused on the cult of personality. So that cult of personality is driving our politics still. But we feel there is a big role where party politics can play in terms of shaping policies.”
He said SIUP in the past had been trying to vie people to vote for parties but the cult of personality was very strong.
“All time people do not vote by party but by person,” Kenilorea Jnr said.
United Party Interim President Peter Kenilorea Jnr and Party member Adam Bartlett officially opens the SIUP new office space.
THE Malaita Local Council has reported progress in their pursuit of a dumpsite for the provincial town of Auki.
Director of the Local Council and Regional Affairs, Mr George Waleka said assessment has already been conducted on two sites; one will be selected for the project.
He said the report of the assessment is important as it will decide the suitability of the site looking at the nature of the project.
Waleka said the two assessed sites include, Bablokona towards south of Auki town and a site near Aimela School towards north of Auki town.
He said the two sites were picked out of the other two sites previously identified Kunu and Molou which had to be dropped due to land related issues.
Waleka said they are now compiling report of the assessments and soon to be given to the executive for deliberation and approval.
He highlighted that the project will not merely dumpsite, but advance into a standard landfill where waste will properly segregated.
Waleka said at the moment the town is using a temporary dumpsite and establishing the project will become the permanent landfill for Auki town.
He said the issue of dumpsite for Auki town went back to around 1994 when the dumpsite used by the town was closed due to development.
Waleka said the issue remained since than until now where ideas now put together to pursue and address the area.
Officer in Charge of the Police Traffic Section in Malaita Province, Sergeant Geraldo Kaihou explains to a vehicle driver in Auki the need to renew his driver’s and vehicle license. Photo from police media.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
THE Ministry of Police, National Security and Correction Service through RSIPF has been urged to introduce breathalysers in Auki.
The call follows an increase in drink driving in Auki, which concerned members of public say needs to be addressed immediately before any casualty takes place.
A Mr John Kaia said drivers especially those engaged in passenger runs in and out of Auki town are risking the lives of their passengers when they drink and drive.
Kaia added, “Passengers sometimes raise complaint on the matter, but it continues that goes beyond what we can do.”
Kaia believes that introducing the breathalyser can help curb the problem.
Kaia said the travelling public in Malaita province deserve quality and reliable road transport service that is free from endangering their lives.
Officer in Charge of the Police Traffic Section in Malaita Province, Sergeant Geraldo Kaihou explains to a vehicle driver in Auki the need to renew his driver’s and vehicle license. Photo from police media.
