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Police increase presence in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Police loading members of the 29 Bougainvilleans arrested for illegal entry into Solomon Waters before their mass escape. Photo by SIBC Online

By Gary Hatigeva

Police loading members of the 29 Bougainvilleans arrested for illegal entry into Solomon Waters before their mass escape. Photo by SIBC Online

THE escape of 29 bougainvillean men from immigration custody in the early hours of Wednesday morning has sparked fear among residents in Gizo, Western Province.

This has forced police in the Headquarters here in Honiara to send reinforcements to support the operation to locate the escapees and ensure the safety of the people in that region.

Police Commissioner Mathew Varley said further police resources were sent to Gizo on Wednesday afternoon and added additional patrols and additional resources from Gizo to support the operation.

Mr Varley revealed that RSIPF now has a taskforce of around 100 police officers in Gizo, who he said are dedicated to the operation to ensure public safety and to locate the men.

He said while the main focus is on the mission to return the 29 escapees into immigration custody, it is the force’s concern as well to provide reassurance to the community of Gizo and reduce their fears through a high visibility police presence.

“We had a large scale police operation overnight to make sure that the community was safe,” Varley explained.

He then assured the people in Gizo and the surrounding communities that police will continue to conduct their high visibility patrols around the area and will continue to be present in the community in significant numbers until the situation is resolved.

Two patrol boats are currently in the western waters continuing with civilian and a RSIPF assistant commissioner is also in Gizo whom Varley says has command over the overall operations on the ground.

Meanwhile, officials from Gizo confirmed last night that at this point, the situation is calm and there have been no outbreaks of violence that police or the local authorities are aware of, and no reports of injuries, risks of safety to any person or police officers have been reported since the last 12 hours.

Minister Tozaka acknowledges Island Sun newspaper

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hand-over between Minister Rimbink Pato and Minister Milner Tozaka

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Hand-over between Minister Rimbink Pato and Minister Milner Tozaka

MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs and Trade have acknowledged the Island Sun newspaper for the paper’s wide coverage of the recent MSG meeting in Papua New Guinea.

Minister Milner Tozaka in an exclusive talk with Island Sun recently, acknowledged the management of the Island Sun newspaper for informing countrymen and women on the MSG meeting.

Mr Tozaka said the coverage Island Sun did is a wide coverage which is good.

“Tell your bosses, thank you very much for doing wide coverage on recent MSG meet at PNG, I am excited and salute your company’s work,” Tozaka said.

Tozaka had followed Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela’s delegation to PNG for the MSG meeting.

During the meeting, PM Hou assured Solomon Islands’ support in the Melanesian Spearhead Group especially for the new Chair – PNG.

PM said SIG is confident and supports the Chair of the MSG office and will continue to offer its unwavering support to the Chair and Secretariat.

Bail application for man alleged of human trafficking refused

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a 55-year-old male from Malaysia will appear in court today for a pre-trial conference. He is being alleged of human trafficking.

Thien Seng, an employee of Malaysian logging giant Earthmovers, is facing one count of human trafficking under the section 77 of the Immigration Act 2012.

He was accused of carrying out internal human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation between November 30, 2015 and January 2016.

The prosecution alleged that Mr Seng had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl in 2015 up until 2016.

The alleged incident occurred at a logging camp in Isabel province where the accused was working as a manager at the logging camp at the time of the alleged incident.

The father of the girl was also working at that logging camp.

The camp belongs to Jubilant Development Logging, an offshoot of Earth Movers logging company.

That logging company has a camp in Isabel as well as in Vella la Vella.

It was alleged the accused started living with the girl at the Isabel logging camp.

He also took the girl with him when he was transferred to the camp at Vella la Vella.

The accused was arrested after a joint operation made up of police and immigration officers investigated the matter following a media article on the matter.

The office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown on the case.

Police investigate Gizo escape incident

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

TWO officers from the Professional Standards and Internal Investigating team of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are currently in Gizo to investigate how the remanded Bougainvilleans managed to escape custody.

The officers were part of the last load of personnel who flew down to Gizo yesterday evening and are now on the ground making inquiries and reporting back to Headquarters about what occurred.

“Part of our inquiry and part of our investigation at the moment is and will be, how the escape occurred.”

Meanwhile, questions were raised on the circumstances surrounding the escape of the 29 men who were arrested on Tuesday for what could be a number of alleged offences under Solomon Islands laws.

In his weekly meeting with the local media, Police Commissioner Mathew Varley accepted the humiliation on behalf of what had happened and taking full responsibility.

“We understand that the community is also still very concerned about this issue and about the legitimate questions around how the escape occurred.

“We understand, that in time, there are serious questions for the RSIPF to answer and I don’t shy away from that and we accept responsibility for what occurred and we are working very hard to make sure that the situation is returned to normal, safely and peacefully,” Mr Varley said.

He further explained that at this stage the inquiries are in an early stage and it’s too early for his office to make any decisions or judgments on exactly what and how the escape incident happened.

He however stressed that while the investigation is on, the force’s number one priority at the moment is on the search of the men and the safety of the community.

Varley reiterated his calls to anyone in Gizo town who may have information to see police there or call 999 and help solve the matter.

He said that people with knowledge of where these men are, or maybe in communication with them, should come forward and provide the information to the police in confidence.

“I want to assure the community that those men are no risk or no danger to the community at this time, we have no intelligence to suggest that they pause an immediate threat but of course they are deemed as foreign nationals without immigration approval.

“We do believe that there are people in the Gizo community who know where these men are and we would like people to take responsibility and come forward and provide those information to police,” the police commissioner added.

Noro death accident: Police

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

POLICE have ruled out claims of foulplay into the death of a man from Shortland Islands and Bougainville in Noro, Western Province early this month.

Police Commissioner Mathew Varley revealed this during his weekly press conference with the Media in Honiara yesterday.

Over the past days, police have been dealing with what they describe as a very significant case involving a large group of Bougainvillean men who went to Maleae village in Shortland Islands, responding to concerns that the death was suspicious and a result of foulplay.

“We have worked very hard with our local police in the Shortlands and with local chiefs and elders who are part of that community to engage in extensive negations to explain the police investigation into the man’s death.”

Some of that group of men from Bougainville were relatives and family members of the deceased and many of them expressed that they were unhappy with police investigation and there was a continued believe that there was a foulplay into the course of his death.

However, Mr Varley clarified to local journalists that police in Noro have been investigating that death since the incident occurred.

He said the investigation team were pushed to do a very thorough job because of the allegation of the suspicious death.

The investigations into that case has also been supported and since reviewed through officers from the National Criminal Investigation Division (NCSID) serious crime squad and that is because of a lot of rumours and community concerns circulating that the man’s death was a result of foulplay.

The Police Commissioner however stressed that at this point all of the investigations into the death case at the moment, from start up to now have always indicated that this was a tragic accident.

“We have obtained numerous statements including from three eyewitnesses who were there at that time, who saw that the deceased man accidently fell over and struck his head on a rock.”

He said following the accident, according to consistent statements, the body of the deceased man was cared for and was taken to a medical clinic where he was pronounced dead by a nurse.

“Soon afterwards the relatives of the deceased claimed his body and took him for traditional burial before any post mortem examination could be done.

“But that said, the police conducted a very thorough investigation and on all the evidences to date the best determination of our serious crimes squad investigators and our police officers in Noro is that there’s no foul play in this death and that indeed, it was a tragic accident,” Varley explained.

Opposition refutes media claims, urges Gov’t on

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga.

THE Parliamentary Opposition has refuted the Island Sun headline on Tuesday this week alleging that it is colluding with Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare to overthrow Prime Minister Rick Hou.

Opposition Leader Hon Manasseh Maelanga said the reports come as a surprise to the Opposition Group as they have no intention to support any move to remove the Prime Minister, who was only elected three months ago.

Mr Maelanga said he had already clearly articulated the position of the Opposition Group after one of the local newspapers made similar allegations earlier on. The group will not meddle in any internal politics of the government.

He said that Opposition aims to allow Prime Minister Hou to complete his term in office whilst the Opposition Group will continue to support the Prime Minister and his Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) through the responsible and effective discharge of its watchdog role.

The Opposition Leader meanwhile called on the SIDCCG to quickly resolve its internal rifts and factions within the SIDCCG which is trying to tarnish the integrity of the Opposition Group with fabricated allegations.

He further said the political groupings within the SIDCCG must stop their rivalry and political games and focus more on implementing its key priorities.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Standing orders for daily maintenance of police vehicles and driving standards

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, an article published in Thursday’s edition of the Island Sun newspaper, from a retired police officer, Henry Kahui, recounted how police drivers in the past were instructed how to drive their allocated police vehicles and how to properly maintain them.

Perhaps, Mr Kahui might remember the Standing Orders that I issued in 1997 when I assumed the position of Commissioner of Police of the RSIP.

Those Standing Orders laid down the duty requirements demanded of all police drivers and the manner and procedure in which the vehicles assigned to their charge were to be checked thoroughly and maintained daily, checking on oil and water needs etc.

The Orders also laid out some supplementary demands for police drivers to obey in regard to the pursuit of their duties. Here I can quote some of the sentences I wrote referring to the traffic control work they would undertake.

“It is incumbent of every police officer to have a sound knowledge of the expected driving standards and of the relevant Road Traffic Act and Regulations.

“By setting an example of courtesy and safe driving, police drivers will always be watched by others; their smallest mistake will be noticed and good manners imitated.

“By showing the ‘flag’ the mere presence of good driving practice by a police driver will have a steadying effect.

“In carrying out the duties as a police driver, as in all police work, it is especially necessary to be patient and courteous in every sort of circumstance, even in difficult urban and congested road conditions, because the whole success of police work, and that of traffic enforcement in particular, depends largely on the ability to drive safely and a police driver to remain calm and polite when other road users might be liable to be excited and aggrieved.”

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

MP Tome back in court today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against the Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola constituency will appear again in the Honiara Magistrate Court for mention today.

David Tome is the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola Constituency in Malaita province.

He is currently facing charges of conversion in relation to incidents which occurred in 2011.

Prosecution allege that in 2011 the MP obtained public funds for a constituency project; however those funds were not used as intended and was converted for his own use.

The MP is charged with 14 counts of Conversion under Section 278(1) (c) (i) of the Penal Code, involving funds totalling $67,170.

The minister was on $2,000 cash bail and will appear in court faithfully till his case completed.

The office of Director Public Prosecution is prosecuting the case in court.

PGC commend Govt’s strong support to deliver 2023 Games

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou speaking to the PGC President Vidhya Lakhan (middle) and PGC CEO Andrew Minogue at his office.
PM Hou speaking to the PGC President Vidhya Lakhan (middle) and PGC CEO Andrew Minogue at his office.

THE Pacific Games Council has commended the Government for its strong commitment in ensuring Solomon Islands delivers the Pacific Games in 2023.

Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan and his CEO Andrew Minoque highlighted this when they met with the Prime Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday afternoon.

Mr Lakhan also assured the Prime Minister of the Council’s support and the ongoing work with NOCSI and the Home Affairs Ministry.

He also informed the Prime Minister that the Council is expected to formulate an agreement to draw up a timeframe and tasks on what is expected to happen this year and leading up to 2023.

“The critical years are this year and next year and we are on track,” Mr Lakhan said.

The Games CEO Mr Minoque said Solomon Islands can make history as the first country apart from the seven pacific countries that have hosted the Games in recent years.

Prime Minister Houenipwela in response has assured the PGC President and CEO that the whole nation is throwing its full support for the Games in 2023.

“I can assure you that my Government and if I am correct the Opposition and Independent Groups are fully supportive of this Games and are eager to see it happen. The challenge is we must do the right thing,” he said.

The Prime Minister also insisted that the timeframes be formulated in time so that it can also be submitted to the Government so that it can push everyone involved to get down to business.

Prime Minister Rick Hou , PGC leaders, NOCSI officials and Home Affairs PS.

Prime Minister Houenipwela also informed the PGC leaders that as part of the Government’s plan they are looking at upgrading existing facilities which can later be handed over to institutions in the country to manage.

“The whole idea is to build what we can manage and sustain after the 2023 Games. We do not want to build white elephants which will end up being unsustainable,” the Prime Minister said.

Both Mr Lakhan and Mr Minoque have agreed with the sentiments shared with the Prime Minister that it is wise to build infrastructures that can be sustained in future.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has also informed the PGC leaders that starting this year until 2023 the Government will be putting aside budget allocation for preparations towards the Games.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the Government, NOCSI and all partners involved must work together to get things off the ground as soon as possible.

—PMO PRESS

Swimmers to compete in PNG

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Members of the national swimming team during a training session last year at Honiara Hotel.

By Taromane Martin

Members of the national swimming team during a training session last year at Honiara Hotel.

SOLOMON Islands Swimming Federation (SISF) has confirmed the names of the athletes who will take part in the upcoming 12th Oceania Swimming Championships in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The championship will begin on June 24 in Port Moresby.

Federation Vice President Mr Nihal Seneviratne said this will be the first time Solomon Islands will compete in this competition.

“This is the first time in the history for Solomon Islands swimming to participate in this event,” Mr Seneviratne said.

“18 countries from Oceania and 19 smaller countries from the South East Asia are invited to compete in the synchronized event.

“Event’s participation will be a big boost to the Solomon Islands swimming athletes as they prepare for the 2023 Pacific Games,” he adds.

The 12th Oceania Swimming Championships will see athletes contesting in swimming for four days, the synchronize event for three days and the open water category which will last for two days.

The swimming and the synchronized contests will be held at the Taurama Aquatic Center while the open water competition will be held in the Fairfax Harbour in the heart of Port Moresby.

Meanwhile, the local swimming federation yesterday released their 17 man training squad for the Oceania Championships.

Seneviratne pointed out that the athletes are currently undergoing preparation to compete in the open water category.

“At the moment the national squad is training at Kakabona Beach for the Open water swimming category,” he said.

Head Coach Mr Stance Beula said they will select only six boys and four girls to represent the country at the championships.

NATIONAL TRAINING SQUAD SELECT

Women’s

ANGELA CHARLES

CINDY AUNGARIMA

WENDY CHRLES

ROSE LIMATO

RACHEL GESUNA

HANE BEN

JIHAN LARISA

MEN’S

CLAYMENT LAFIARA ILL

EDGAR IRO

JUSTIN TANAFERU

CLIFTON GAE

ALBERT KADO

JOHN AUTHA

ELIAS MANUI

CHRITLEAN AUKOBA

EDDIE CARREN

ERIC JUSTIN

HEAD COACH- STANCE BEULA SANGA

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