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Malaita peace office questioned

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malaita Provincial Peace and Reconciliation Office in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Malaita province peace and reconciliation office is being accused for not working with the restoration group of Malaita’s former combatants (SIPCRRA).

Leader of the Solomon Island Post Conflict Restoration Rehabilitation Association, Mr Moses Ako said, “Under the programmes SIPCRRA is one among the recommended stakeholder in the province to work with Malaita Provincial Peace Office on the programme.

“But as the programmes implemented, we always not part of them and even knew nothing about the programmes.

“Reason is unknown to us, and we ask MPPRO to explain to us. So with that SIPCRRA Malaita don’t know whether they are truly implementing the programmes or not.”

Ako claims that many people in Malaita do not know anything regarding peace programmes carried out by the province’s peace office. And, he says this indicates that the personnel in that office are not doing their jobs.

“Another thing I want clarification on is the reason MPPRO refuses to work with SIPCRRA on those programmes.

“As a body responsible for restoration of peace in the province just as MPPRO, we feel to be part of any peace processes in the province.”

However, the SIPCRRA leader reiterated his call for MPPRO to explain his call on issues of concern he raised.

He said peace in the province is everyone’s business and it requires everyone as well to work for it.

Some like it hidden

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BENJAMIN Afuga, the Man Of The Year, an award accorded him by Robert Iroga’s magazine, started the Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) some years ago, boasting thousands of members.

But a falling out between him and his Vice President over alleged financial mismanagement saw the FSII catapulted into the social media wilderness. As a Man of the Year, Mr Afuga never gave up.

He saw to it that a new avenue is open. Today, that thriving avenue is the YUMI TOKTOK FORUM.

It’s a good social media forum except the similarities in administration that we witnessed in FSII continues.

Last week for example, I pointed out to Mr Afuga he was wrong in crediting former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo with the birth of the Munda Airport. It was a fact.

Immediately, those responsible for administering the YUMI TOKTOK FORUM slapped a ban on any and all the comments I had made in trying to join debates on various issues, including politics.

That ban blocked me from responding to any or all personal attacks on me. It has since been a one-way traffic.

On Tuesday someone using the pseudonym of Jorge Nostrodame was at it again.

Here’s what he had to say.

“Mae karange, are we still on the bandwagon of fifth columnists. Wake up people, useless journalism set to only confuse. Can the PM now ban Island Sun from publishing rubbish?”

And a Joe Faoso who came up with the term, “Murmur Reporters” of reports of what is going on behind the scene.

The fact of the matter is this. Journalism is about reporting what people say. If indeed there is any confusion, it is those who are manufacturing the untruths that are causing the confusion.

Mr Nostradame is a brave man. Island Sun could sue him for rubbishing it.

Don’t blame the messenger.

Island Sun has been consistent in trying to get to the bottom of what has and continues to happen behind the scene. Here’s why I say Island Sun has been consistent in its reporting of what is going on behind the scene.

On 18 January this year, the following comments were attributed to Prime Minister Ricky Houenipwela, “I have no time for political gambling: Hou.”

In that story which appeared on Page 3 of the Island Sun newspaper, the Prime Minister admitted to “certain elements outside Cabinet intent on driving a wedge between the group, I am not deterred by such ill-fated actions by desperate individuals.”

So was the Prime Minister talking about journalists? Certainly not. If his admission were to be taken into context, it meant that the Prime Minister was well aware of who within the Government but outside Cabinet, intent on driving a wedge between his DAP group and other Political groupings in the Coalition.

That much is crystal clear from the comments attributed to the Prime Minister.

Anyone suggesting that journalists manufacture the apparent division within the ruling coalition is obviously suffering a political blind spot.

Our business is to report the truth. In this case, we have not got to the bottom of it yet. But we will because we know there are people out there who are and will be willing to speak the truth to us.

Truth will never be brushed aside. Truth will never go away, however much we hate it or try to hide it.

For some of us who have been in the reporting business for almost half a century, we will never be deterred from focusing on achieving the truth and nothing but the truth.

We will never be swayed either. Truth must always prevail despite being called names by those who know little or nothing at all about journalism. If you cannot identify yourself publicly as some do, then you simply don’t have what it takes to be a journalist worth his or her salt.

Independence and the role of the Media

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE role of media in society is very crucial.

Media is an important pillar of our democracy.

It holds government officials, public figures as well as organisations and corporations accountable.

To maintain that standard, it must not only be free and independent but be seen to be free and independent.

It is the role of the media to highlight achievements and development aspirations of the nation.

The media has three main objectives – inform, educate and entertain.

The people have the right to know about what is happening around them.

Comparatively, Solomon Islands media is freer than most in terms of accessing information.

Recently, the media in Solomon Islands has come under heavy criticisms.

Many accused the media of misleading the public, causing political instability.

But is it the media that is responsible for causing instability? The media merely reports it.

Recognising the need for the independence of the media and freedom of expression, Prime Minister Ricky Houenipwela took the admirable step in relinquishing his position as Patron of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), the body that looks after the affairs of the media in the country.

More of his exemplary action should be followed.

In a report by the Solomon Islands Media Assistance Scheme (SOLMAS) in 2012, the independence of media was highlighted with some citing an independent media as one that is empowered to question authority take an analytical stance and critique information rather than simply provide an outlet for information.

In light of all this we must remember that media cannot work independently nor run its own show.

There are still no laws safeguarding and protecting the rights of journalists and media practitioners in the country.

They work under trying conditions, particularly in getting information.

Government drives the environment in which the media operates.

Thus media in order for media practitioners, companies and journalists to carry out their work effectively, they must be protected by law.

Like all other industries, the media industry needs laws and regulations that will safeguard and promote their interests and wellbeing. In this regard, it is hoped that patronage is the only thing our Prime Minister has removed himself from no more.

Dark tinted taxi bus stops April 1

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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No tinted vehicle by April 1st according to HCC Taskforce responsible for transportation

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

AS of April 1 there will be no heavily tinted public transport, bus and taxi, says Honiara City Council (HCC).

HCC will reinforce an old ordinance which bans dark tints in public transport vehicles.

The council’s taskforce has been running awareness with public transport owners on the said ordinance, and have urged owners to comply come April 1.

Chairman of the taskforce, Councillor Eddie Ngava said, “I want to remind buses as we already told them during inspection recently, as of April 1st all buses will be no more tinted.

“I will be talking to the taxi owners as well about the same issue so that by April taxi too must do the same.”

However, Ngava says if owners want to tint their vehicles then they are allowed to tint at 50 percent, which allows the windows to be still be transparent and a person outside can see inside without difficulty.

“If bus and taxi owners not comply with this, HCC will remove their license from providing public services because it is an ordinance that every public transport must abide to.”

He said the aim is provide safety for the general public.

“The ordinance has been there and now we are trying to enforce it and by April it will be implemented,” Ngava said.

Border control highlighted

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PS Jeffery Wickham

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE Western province government has called on the national government to improve border control and monitoring with the SI-PNG border.

Provincial secretary Jeffery Wickham says this should one of the national government’s priorities.

He highlights last week’s incident as a fine example that should send the message of the importance of border control to the national government.

“Western Province have for too long taken the brunt of continuous illegal incursions and we call on the national government must pull up its socks to quickly address matter.

“Effective border control and monitoring is paramount. We need national security policy development and progress to establishing a national coordinating mechanism for muilti-sectorial collaboration in border security.

“Our national government must consider and prioritize to addressing boarder issues rather than misusing of fundings.”

Naha short route to end soon

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Chairman of the Taskforce Mr Eddie Ngava said they are aware many bus still running short route from SDA to Naha route

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE short bus route from the Kukum Hot Bread Kitchen to Naha will close as the SDA church junction completes.

Honiara City Council (HCC) taskforce reassures public of this after many complaints hit social media over buses running the short route.

Chairman of the Taskforce Councillor Eddie Ngava said they are aware many buses are still running the short route from SDA to Naha.

However, he says they have allowed this to continue awaiting the completion of the SDA church junction before they come down hard on buses running that short route.

“At the moment we are liberal to buses which is one reason why people see short route continue there, and HCC Law Enforcement are not regularly seen bus stop for inspection that far.”

But, as soon as highway and roundabout completes, bus operators on that area will not have any excuses, he adds.

“So far so good, we are happy that everybody is complying, and we understand big issue now is short bus route from SDA to Naha but it is only allow while the road upgrading is there,” Mr Ngava said.

Meanwhile, HCC plans to put additional bus routes to backway roads, and this will come to effect after the highway is complete

“During our monitoring we are looking at putting additional bus route to back ways roads , for example transport services to people use Kombevatu, but we will assess it properly before we can say yes to it,” Ngava said.

HCC advices public to use their toll free number—25190 and 21191 Law Enforcement to give information relating to public transportation.

“Council also needs support from community and individuals as they cannot be seen everywhere at once,” Ngava said.

New alliance of defiance gives PM Hou ultimatum

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the DCC Group

By Alfred Sasako

MEMBERS of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have merged with Kadere after resigning their membership over the weekend, sources confirmed last night.

UDP Members include former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, former Finance and Treasury Minister, Snyder Rini and former Development Planning and Aid Coordination Minister, Danny Philip.

Letters of their resignations were received by the UDP this week, confirming a front page article in the Island Sun yesterday that Kadere and former UDP members have merged into a new 21-member strong Alliance.

They have made their position clear that any moves to dismiss any of them must include removing the entire group. “It’s all or none,” Island Sun was told on Tuesday evening.

As of last night, there has been a new development. There are unconfirmed reports that the new Alliance of Defiance has given the Prime Minister Ricky Houenipwela an ultimatum.

“Do as we say or we will walk out from you,” according various reports Island Sun was able to put together from various sources.

“That ultimatum could be given to the Prime Minister as early as tomorrow [today],” those familiar with behind-the-scene political developments said.

No one seems to put a finger on what the new Alliance wants from the Prime Minister, although there are suggestions this could be connected with the payment of $50 million awarded by the High Court for the Hell’s Point waste land east of Honiara.

It was suggested that both Hon Houenipwela and his Deputy and Finance and Treasury Minister, Manasseh Sogavare had struck a deal to address the payment issue.

But soon after assuming office, the Prime Minister allegedly reneged on the undertaking, a move that had been blamed for the alleged rift between the two men.

Kadere Party President and Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), Peter Boyers, who returned from the SINPF-owned resort of Tavanipupu two days ago, is also a strong proponent of the $50 million payment.

Prime Minister Houenipwela has however put his foot down, suggesting he might be taking legal advice on the matter from the Attorney General’s Chamber, which has reportedly advised against the payment.

Instead, it has suggested that the land be repossessed under the new Amendment to the 2016 Land and Titles Act.

Maepioh requests extended PRT presence in West

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Former Western Province Premier Hon. Wayne Maepio

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

WESTERN Province Premier Wayne Maepio has called for an extension to PRT’s presence in the border.

Mr Maepioh says the formidable police response team (PRT) is an integral factor to keeping the peace in the province.

He says, from experience they feel that a retaliation may happen if the PRT withdraws early from the province, while emotions are still high.

“Despite of what we have achieved so for, we do not really know what will happen next as the border is so open and no proper control of the movement of the people.

“Our fear is what next for those we repatriated. This doesn’t mean we undermine the potential of our police officers here, but we are looking at strengthening their capacity so that we can combat any other illegal happening thereafter.”

Meanwhile, Maepioh thanks the Bougainvilleans who had surrendered themselves to the police and had been repatriated.

He calls on the people of Western province to continue with normal business activities and normal living.

“We have achieved so far through this combine efforts, together with Chiefs, Church elders, government and RSIPF.

“I am pretty sure that we will further enhance the trust and confidence through working together to bring peace in our province and country as a whole.

“We thank you Chiefs and elders of Bourneville, Shortland Island, the RSIPF commissioner Mathew Valey, police officers, PRT and general public for your concern to restore peace in our beautiful Western province.”

No dumpsite in Auki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
The old dumpsite in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Provincial Town, Auki is without a dumpsite after the old area got sold.

Chief Health Inspector for Malaita Province, Ms Gloria Siwainao said currently only burning, burying and keeping wastes for recycling is practised.

Ms Siwainao said as an alternative to the matter her office has conducted awareness to people in Auki on how to manage wastes in the town.

“Despite that we continue to face the issue as there’s no dumpsite in placed so that waste can properly kept.

“As little as we go things are quietly done but this is not the solution for the matter as far as my office is concern.

“I’ve been in negotiation with land owners here and there are greenlights given on land for the new dumpsite.

“I won’t say everything is going well on land procurement for the activity since no formalities is yet made,” she said.

Siwainao said landowners recognise the importance of having a dumpsite for Auki and have consented their land. However, the fear that the province will not live up to any agreement is an underlying factor keeping LOs at a distance.

“Through my negotiation with landowners, they don’t want outright purchase of their lands, what they want is lease.

“But their fear as said is whether the provincial government will stick to any payment under the lease or not.

“This is exactly the landowners alarm, but my office still continue pushing through with landowners and province for a tangible solution for the issue,” Ms Siwainao said.

“We’ve lost two points”: Moizan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
AS Magenta Coach Alan Moizan.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

AS Magenta coach feels to have had the impression that his boys lost two important points after yesterday’s one-all against home side Marist in match day two of the Oceania Champions League Group D competition at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Frenchman Alain Moizan was hoping for his boys to secure a win over Marist and get early qualification into the quarterfinals following the first win recorded over Lupe Ole Soaga on Saturday.

In the post-match conference, Moizan said it was a close match but feels they have lost two points.

“We have the impression that we’ve lost two points.

“In the ensemble it was a close match and probably with better control from us we could have won.

“It’s football, you need to be effectual in front of the goal and once again today we weren’t.”

In an entertaining fast-paced contest, the homeside took up earlier lead in the first five minutes through a header by Michael Boso.

Boso’s goal emerged via a well-crafted free kick which was sent from the right by Atkin Kaua.

Magenta equalized six minutes later through stunning strike by Joseph Athale from outside the area.

That 1-1 scoreline remained until fulltime.

Magenta will play their final pool match against favourites and three-time Oceania finalists Team Wellington 1pm on Friday.

Moizan and his boys ought to remain focused ahead of the final pool encounter with the aim of going after maximum points.

“We’ll play our final game with our usual high pressing tactic.

“They’re a team this year, which from what I’ve seen, is a little weaker than last year.

“We’ll do everything to win this match.

“If we win we’ll qualify and finish top of the group so we’ll do our best to recover over the next two days, then we’ll see on Friday,” the former national New Caledonia said.

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