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Police continue with investigation of missing man

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PROVINCIAL Police Commander (PPC) Makira Ulawa Province, Superintendent Peter Sitai says investigation into man who went missing after allegedly falling into the sea from a boat on February 15, 2018 near the Kirakira Airport is progressing well.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, was returning from dropping off a late passenger travelling on the MV KCB2 from Kirakira to Honiara when the alleged incident happened.

Sitai says, “Police investigators in Kirakira have so far detained the boat involved in the alleged incident and interviewed eight witnesses including the skipper of the boat and the crew.

“Investigators have also conducted searches along the shoreline near the airport in Kirakira but so far there has been no sighting of the person.

“I want to thank the family members and relatives of the missing person for their understanding in allowing the police to investigate the alleged incident and cooperating with the investigators.

“I also want to thank those witnesses who have come forward with information to assist the police investigation into the missing person. Police call on any other person who may have seen what happened or any other important information, to contact the Kirakira Police Station.”

PPC Sitai reminds drivers of OBM boats to supply life jackets to their passengers as thinking safety first will save a life.

Police at the Kirakira Police Station can be contacted on phones 50299 or 50266.

–POLICE MEDIA

Solomon to participate in qualifiers for women’s nations cup

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE national women’s senior soccer team will represent the country in the preliminary qualifiers for this year’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Women’s development officer Diane Justus confirmed yesterday.

In the preliminary qualifiers to be held from August 25 to 31 in Lautoka, Fiji, the Solomon Islands women soccer side will go up against American Samoa, Vanuatu and the hosts.

In the lead up to the upcoming important event, SIFF technical department will soon name a training squad for the preliminary qualifiers.

The training squad will be named from the upcoming open women’s soccer league to be organised by SIFF in collaboration with Honiara Football Association (HFA).

The women’s league will kick off this month, according to organisers.

“Solomon Islands will participate in the qualifiers. The squad will be picked from the league that is due to begin this month,” Justus said.

The winner of the qualifiers will progress into the main draw of the 2018 OFC Women’s Nations Cup against Cook Islands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.

The 2018 OFC Women’s Nations Cup will be held in Noumea, New Caledonia from 18 November to 1 December with the winner progressing not only for a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, but for a berth at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020.

The draw for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup will take place at the OFC Headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand with the results to be published on Thursday 22 March.

New Zealand are the current holders of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup after winning the tenth edition of the competition in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea in 2014.

National debut set for youngsters

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Members of the national 7s rugby squad with representatives of Soltuna at the Honiara International Airport...Photo Taromane Martin.

Rugby 7s squad leaves for Fiji

By Taromane Martin

Steward Iro

FOR 18 year olds Elvis Made and Steward Iro, the opportunity to play for the Solomon Islands national rugby 7s team is a chance to get new experience while competing against some of the pacific’s best.

Made and Iro are part of a 15-man squad that left the country yesterday to compete at the Soltuna and Marist Rugby 7s competitions in Suva, Fiji.

The Soltuna 7s will kick off this Saturday. The competition is hosted by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) with the purpose of building relationships with Solomon descendants in Fiji.

After the Soltuna 7s the national team will then compete in the Marist 7s competition which is set for March 23rd.

Both players said they were proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the country at both competitions.

“I’m proud being selected from the High School League to represent the country,” Iro who plays for the Selwyn College Stormers said.

“This is my first competition overseas and I feel proud to be playing with the other boys. This is going to be a good experience for me.

Elvis Made

“I look forward to reaching the finals and also playing amongst the best and giving a good challenge over there with the boys for the country,” he said.

For Malaita Rugby Union Association (MRUF) rugby club giants, Ambu player, Elvis made the call up as a surprise.

“I was really surprised when I got the news I was selected for the national team. I was not expecting it.

“This will be a new experience for me. I’m excited and really looking forward to gaining new experiences,” Made said.

The national 7s team left the country yesterday but are without team captain Roman Tongaka who had issues with his passport.

Tongaka is expected to join the squad in Suva this Friday.

Members of the national 7s rugby squad with representatives of Soltuna at the Honiara International Airport…Photo Taromane Martin.

Islanders’ 7s boys leaves for Fiji

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Islanders Brothers Honiara-based players and Officials prior to departure for Fiji on Monday

BY ROMULUS HUTA

FIVE members of the Honiara-based Islanders Brothers rugby left the country yesterday for Fiji to participate in the upcoming Soltuna 7s and the Marist 7s in Suva.

The five players will team up with the remaining 10 members of the Fiji-based Islanders Brothers making it 15 players in total.

The players are Dazward Kaipua, Ben Puia, Mike Tuhaika, Clive Saueha and Paul Tiakitai and they are being accompanied by three officials.

The Soltuna 7s will kick off this Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.

The 2018 Fiji Bitter Marist 7s will be held from March 23 to 24.

The Soltuna 7s is organised by Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) and funded by Tri-Marine owned Soltuna Company.

The aim of the tournament is to strengthen the bond, relationship and most important scout for potentials players to represent Solomons in the y Oceania 7s Championship, Pacific Games and World Sevens Series.

Along with Islanders Brothers, the Solomon Islands national 7s are also participating in both events.

Islanders Brothers squad for Marist and Soltuna 7s:

  1. ATONIO SAUBALE
  2. DAZWARD KAIPUA
  3. VATU CIRI
  4. PECELI ROKOTUIVATU
  5. SAI MATEO
  6. VILI NIUTAMATA
  7. ALIPATE STANLEY
  8. SOLOMON KADAVU
  9. CLIVE SAUEHA
  10. ILLATIA KINI
  11. TEVITA KUILEVU
  12. MIKE SOGOKIU TUHAIKA
  13. PAUL TIAKITAI
  14. SAKIASI NIUTAMATA
  15. BEN PUIA
Islanders Brothers Honiara-based players and Officials prior to departure for Fiji on Monday

“Help me”

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Henry Kia of SINU

Boxers call for assistance to aid his C’wealth Games preparation

By Taromane Martin

BOXER Henry Kia says he needs more assistance in his preparation to represent the country at next month’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Kia has been confirmed by the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) to fight in the 60kg division at the games.

He told SunSPORTS over the weekend that although he is fit and ready to represent, he wants more training and support in order to be ready for the competitive level that awaits him at the Commonwealth Games.

“Now I feel confident because of the exposure I had in Gold Coast and Port Villa,” Kia who represented Solomon Islands at last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu said.

“The Mini-Games was a really good experience for me. I was really prepared and fit for that competition. This will be my third tournament overseas and I have grown from the two experiences.

“I know what to expect at the games but right now my training is not enough. I know now why other fighters who represented our country get nervous at that level.

“For me I know there will be good fighters at that level but there is no difference because everyone can box.

“The outcome depends on me, my commitment to training and the support I get. The result in the ring, only I can determine,” he adds.

Kia who used to fight in the 64kg division said making the switch to 60kg was a bit difficult but now he is very comfortable in this weight class.

“I used to fight in the 64kg division but made the switch down to 60kg. Vanuatu was my first time to compete in this weight class.

“It was tough but now I’m really comfortable and confident competing in the 60kg.

“Currently I’m doing my own trainings and working on my fitness. But I really need help with my training as my coach is also a busy man.

“But anyway that is that. Fitness for me is not a problem. It’s the venue and facilities for me to use which is a problem.

“I mean I’m going to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games but still there is not a proper place to train yet,” he said.

Kia currently holds the record for the fastest TKO in the Honiara Amateur Boxing Association (HABA) fortnight fights after knocking out Jotham Naamoana of SOLMATIC boxing club, one minute-thirty seven seconds in the first round.

He fights for the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) boxing club.

DPP told to settle house matters

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Magistrate Emma Garo has lashed out at statements by the Director of Public Prosecution published in the media recently.

This is in relation to the comments made in court by Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi in a case in which two police officers were acquitted of charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

She said in her statement that the DPP Ronald Bei Talasasa is perfectly aware that such issues can be sorted out internally.

“If the DPP has concerns over her comments, then he is perfectly aware that such issues can be raised with either myself or the Chief Justice, or alternatively he can make a formal referral to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission through the Registrar of the High Court.

“What is totally unacceptable is to bypass all the official and transparent complaints procedures (which would allow considered deliberations on the issues and provide the Magistrate with a right to respond) in order to lambast a Magistrate’s conduct and accuse her of “inexperience” and “ignorance” through the media,” Ms Garo said

Garo said that the Magistrate’s Court takes great exception to these comments which are unwarranted, unfounded, and inappropriate and way out of line.

“Madame Taeburi is an experienced and accomplished Magistrate who strives to manage her cases appropriately.

“I wish to point out that it is the duty of all Magistrates to take control of the management and handling of cases that come before them, in order to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays and ensure the best use of court time. In this regard, if a magistrate has concerns about the conduct of any party or their counsel it is perfectly appropriate to voice those concerns in the court room.

“Everyone must be aware what is expected of them, and that the Magistrate’s Courts in this country will no longer tolerate unnecessary adjournment, delays and the avoidable waste of its time,” Garo said.

She also said that she will not discuss the precise details of the case and Taeburi’s judgment, but says that Taeburi was fully justified in raising her genuine concerns in court.

Alleged 64-yr-old rapist to appear in court

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE 64-year-old elderly man from Isabel province alleged of raping a nine-year-old girl in 2015 will appear in court today for mention.

The man is faced with three counts of rape under the Amendment (Sexual Offence) Act.

The allegation said that the man committed the incidents over a period of three years on unknown dates of 2015 and February 2018 at a village in Isabel province.

Prosecution alleges that the old man and the girl were from the same village.

The case was reported to Buala police which led to his arrested.

He was sent to Honiara to appear before the court on the allegations against him.

He was remanded on the last occasion and will appear today for confirmation of his legal representation to assist him with his charges.

The Public Prosecution appears for the state.

PM orders probe

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Hon Rick Hou during press conference with media on Monday

Prime Minister’s office orders investigation into logging of government land

By Alfred Sasako

THE Management of Mbahumea logging company is calling for urgent police investigation into why the Commissioner of Forest, Reeves Moveni, issued a felling licence to log government land.

The call coincides with a directive by the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday that the Commissioner’s activities be put under the microscope.

It follows an investigation by the Island Sun newspaper which uncovered a major fraud in the forestry industry, linking Commissioner Moveni, who issued a felling licence for the operation despite being aware that the land was on lease to the government.

Documents obtained by Island Sun show Mr Moveni signed off Parcel Numbers 191-060-1, 191-060-2 and 191-060-3 for the logging operations.

The Map of the Reserve shows these Parcel Numbers are the same numbers for the catchment area, over which the Government has a 75-year lease.

The government is paying $500,000 in rentals for the three parcels, according to documents obtained from the Honiara Land Registry.

These documents show Mr Moveni granted Felling Licence No. A101521 to Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd on April 24, 2015.

Under the licence, the company is given an annual production quota of 50,000 cubic metres – 40,000 cubic metres for export annually and an additional 10,000 cubic metres of sawn timber, the documents show.

The company has since entered into a “Mutual Technology and Management Agreement” with an Asian company called One Pacific Company Ltd. The document was signed by a Mr Peter Isaac, a Mr Aaron Devesi, a Mr Serapino Pero and a Mr Sam Kulolo on behalf of Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd.

Mr Wong Heek Ping, signed as director on behalf of One Pacific Company Ltd.

A spokesman for Mbahumea Logging Company told Island Sun yesterday illegal logging practices had gone on for far too long.

“We are calling on the police to investigate this matter because the logging operation in Parcel Nos. 191-060-01, 191-060-02 and 191-060-03 in east Guadalcanal is illegal. It is illegal because the land is on lease to the government for 75 years, from 2nd December 1980,” the spokesman said.

“If regular police including members of the Criminal Investigation Division are unable to do it for one reason or another, then Janus, the special anti-corruption crack unit should step in immediately,” the spokesman told Island Sun yesterday.

“The illegal practice has been allowed to go on for far too long. It is time those knowingly allowed this type of practice to continue unabated are made to answer for their actions.”

Meanwhile Prime Minister Ricky Houenipwela yesterday ordered his Chief of Staff, John Usuramo “to get to the bottom of the matter”.

Mr Usuramo has established a four-man team to undertake the task.

“We will investigate this matter and take (the) necessary action as soon as we obtain further information. We cannot tolerate such actions,” the Prime Minister said in a statement issued by the Press Secretariat yesterday.

The statement said the Prime Minister has taken the Island Sun report seriously and assured that the individuals, including any government officer that is involved in such illegal activities, will be dealt with accordingly.

“We are concerned that the Government is losing tens of millions of dollars through this kind of dealing. The time has come that this must stop,” a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister told Island Sun yesterday.

Auki Y@W provides training in Foia community

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Auki Y@W provides training in Foia community

FIFTY-THREE young people from selected villages in Malaita had the privilege to be in a training under the Auki Youth@Work programme starting this week.

They are from Sulufou and Foia in North and Foumamanu in east Malaita who came to attend the two week training in Foia village.

It is an introductory training which will lead up to a young entrepreneur’s training facilitated by the Youth@Work programme.

The small informal opening was graced the Provincial Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Hon Rose Liata.

Speaking to the youth during the ceremony, Ms Liata encouraged them to be prepared in becoming assets of their societies.

She further assured them that the Malaita provincial government has provided in its policy a framework to enhance the provisions for youth training and development therefore they should not think they are being left out.

During ceremony there was a section for questions and answers which gave the chance for participants to ask directly about the types of services available for them whether within the government or through other organisations such as Youth@Work.

The training was aimed at getting these young people to become self-aware of the potentials which they possess, issues that affect them and the roles they are responsible for in their families and their communities.

Specifically focused on the youth mindset development and their surrounding environment and become aware of issues like the Non-Communicable Diseases, Climate Change and the effects of a growing population which proves to put pressure on their available resources.

Speaking to the Youth@Work Provincial Coordinator Mr Hika Gone, he shared his enthusiasm and explains further what the training has contributed to in the lives of the young individuals.

“I understand it is very important for young people to know who they are individually or as a team, in that way they can utilize their potential for the better of their family and society.

“Through observation for the past few days, they have embraced the opportunity and in their time spending it together it has brought down some indifferences which they harbor in the past and this is one of the things we are proud to witness.”

Mr Gone said that most of the participants and the leaders in the community has showed positive response and have expressed their gratitude towards the initiative that was introduced to them.

He concluded by saying, that most of the participants have found the training to be an eye opener.

Among the dignitaries and facilitators Youth@Work thanks the support of Olafou Solomon Islands, the provincial youth division and other ministries who have attended and facilitated.

Youth@Work programme is implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in partnership with Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs with funding from the Queens Young Leaders Programme (UK), the Australian Government Aid Programme, the Pacific Leadership Programme and Plan International. Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and to help youth of the Solomon Islands find pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

–YOUTH@WORK PRESS

Forest fraud

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Logs

Illegal logging of government land at Komaridi costs government $30m in lost revenue

BY ALFRED SASAKO

AN investigation by the Island Sun newspaper has uncovered a major fraud in the logging industry, linking the Commissioner of Forest, Reeves Moveni and the landowners of a 5,560 hectare tract of land reserved for the development of the Komaridi Hydro scheme in east Guadalcanal.

The Government has abandoned the project but the land is still on a 75-year lease to the Government.

Landowners have however been logging it, raking in about $64 million in revenue under a felling licence granted by Mr Moveni, allegedly knowingly for the land already on lease to the Government.

Sources told Island Sun that this is a major fraud, and those responsible should be arrested and charged for defrauding the Government.

“This is costing the Government up to $30 million in lost revenue since Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd and One Pacific Company Ltd signed a five-year deal to log the reserve.

“Those who facilitated the illegal logging deal should be investigated with a view to charging them for being part of the scheme to defraud the Government,” one source knowledgeable about the logging industry told Island Sun on the weekend.

Documents obtained by Island Sun show Moveni has signed off Parcel Numbers 191-060-1, 191-060-2 and 191-060-3 for the logging operations. The Map of the Reserve shows these Parcel Numbers are the same numbers for the catchment area, over which the Government has a 75-year lease in force since December 2, 1980.

The government is paying $500,000 in rentals for the three parcels, according to the Lease Register documents obtained from the Honiara Land Registry.

These documents show Moveni granted Felling Licence No. A101521 to Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd on April 24, 2015. Under the licence, the company is given an annual production quota of 50,000 cubic metres – 40, 000 cubic metres for export annually and an additional 10,000 cubic metres of sawn timber, the documents show.

The company has since entered into a “Mutual Technology and Management Agreement” with an Asian company called One Pacific Company Ltd.

Many suspect the Asian company is a shelf company, established for the convenience of accessing the rich forest resources in the reserve, owned by the Government.

It is estimated that the reserve still has about 400,000 cubic metres to be harvested.

One Pacific Company Ltd has been logging the reserve since it signed a five-year agreement with Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd on April 23, 2015.

The five-year agreement expires on April 24, 2020.

Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd and One Pacific Company Ltd share the proceeds of sale of round logs extracted from the operation.

A Malaysian-owned company, Gallego, owns the machinery used in the illegal felling of trees on the government land. The company uses its logo pond at Tenaru Beach, east of Honiara, to smuggle the illegal logs from the logging site, using its joint venture operation under Mbahumea logging company.

It is estimated that Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd received $63,751,172.76 since shipments began on November 24, 2015, according to shipment log obtained by Island Sun.

In terms of volume, some 65, 698.631 cubic metres of round logs were exported between November 24, 2015 and October 4 last year. In that time the company paid about $15 million in export duties.

The money should have been going to government coffers given it is the legal custodian of Parcel No. 191-060-01, 191-060-02 and 191-060-03 under the lease agreement. Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd, has however claimed it has not received any rental payments for quite some time and is engaged in the logging operations to recover what it is owed.

Island Sun was unable to contact Mr Moveni for comments.

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