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Islanders’ Marriage Act inconsistent with conventions

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The country’s existing Islanders’ Marriage Act is inconsistent with two UN conventions that prohibit the marriage of children under 15 years of age.

Ellen Siale Kahui, Solomon Islands Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinin (SIEVAP) Project manager, said this when she presented the (SIEVAP) Make It 18 Report Friday last week in Honiara.

Solomon Islands is a state party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

The country ratified the CRC on April 10, 1995 and acceded to CEDAW on May 6, 2002.

Kahui said that the country’s legal context accepts child marriage with parental consent based on the current situational analysis in the country.

“There is no proof needed to verify the parties’ age. The law also recognises customary marriage and the importance of bride price. Plus, there is no requirement to register customary marriages,” she said.

“It should be noted that our country has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). With these inconsistencies in our law, our children are vulnerable to getting married at an early age,” she said.

She said that this is even more sad because the cultural and traditional practices, whereby early forced and arranged marriages are widely accepted.

“Economic hardships. Bride price also influences early marriage decisions. Limited education access. School dropouts. Not going to school increases child marriage risk, especially for girls. Legal gaps when it comes to the definition of a child,” said Ms Kahui.

She said that statistics also show that 21% of girls and 4% of boys are married before the age of 18, while 6% of girls are married before the age of 15.

She said that the government of Solomon Islands has ratified the CRC and CEDAW and so is legally obligated to implement legislative and policy measures to prevent child marriage.

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Malaita Youth Council condemns killing, calls for youth empowerment

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BY NED GAGAHE

The President of the Malaita Youth Council, Phillip Subu, has issued a strong statement following the tragic death of a young man from Makira Province, allegedly at the hands of youth.

In a statement, Subu expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident, describing it as a collective wound to the nation and a painful reflection of underlying issues affecting young people in Malaita.

“The act of taking another youth’s life is a stain on our community. It shatters hopes and dreams, and reveals that something has gone terribly wrong among our youth,” Subu said.

He said that the senseless act of violence does not reflect the values of all Malaitan youths and called for calm, unity, and peace among young people especially those living in Honiara.

“We seek to live in a world where there is peace and respect towards our provincial brothers and sisters. What has transpired does not reflect the heart and values of Malaita at all,” he added.

Subu acknowledged the current despair faced by many young Malaitans, citing lack of education, employment, and meaningful opportunities as major contributing factors to social unrest and violence.

In a direct appeal to Malaitan leaders, the youth president urged a re-evaluation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), calling for a more youth-focused approach to development.

“The funds and resources allocated through the CDF should be redirected towards initiatives that directly benefit the young people of Malaita. We need to invest in education, vocational training, and job creation.”

He proposed several solutions, including: Improving access and quality of education, expanding vocational training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, agriculture and supporting youth entrepreneurship and return migration to Malaita for economic development.

Subu thanked the Members of Parliament from Malaita who have constructively engaged with the grieving family and helped calm the situation.

“Let the tragic loss of this young life be a wake-up call for all of us. Let it be a catalyst for change.”

He concluded by urging all unemployed Malaitan youths living in Honiara to return to Malaita and invest their time in agriculture and local industries, contributing to rebuilding their province and creating a sustainable future.

“If you have no purpose to live for in Honiara, you must return to Malaita and help build our province,” he said.

Subu reaffirmed that Malaita Youth Council’s stand for peace, unity and development and calls on all Solomon Islanders to work together in respect and solidarity.

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Milestone community leaders offer $10k peace money to family of deceased

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Community leaders of Milestone settlement behind Borderline area in East Honiara have acted to ensure peace following the alleged murder of a young man over the weekend.

The killing occurred at Jacob’s Ladder in the Milestone area within the vicinity of Mamulele in east Honiara.

Community elders came forward with cash money of $10,000 along with one Malaita shell Money (tafuliae) and Kwaio shell Money (Ba’aniu) believing the killers are from Kwaio district in Malaita Province.

The suspects’ representatives said the money presented was only a “peace money” to ease the tense situation between both parties with reconciliation and compensation will be further discussed after police completes its investigation.

The community elders expressed their regret and sympathy to the deceased’s family and relatives saying they support police to hold those involved to face the law.

“On behalf of the Milestone community and the people of Kwaio we regret to see this inhuman action taking the life of an innocent young man as we plead for the people of Makira and the relatives of the deceased to accept our sincere apology,” the elders said.

“We understand that words cannot take back the life of the young man but we ask your forgiveness and we promise to help the police in whatever we can to put those involve to face the full force of the law.”

In response, Member for East Makira and the Minister of Agriculture Franklyn Derek Wasi accepted the peace offering while expressing the deep loss faced by the family and demanded full force of the law to be taken against those involved in the killing.

“We don’t demand for any amount but we accept anything you offer as life is worth more than anything.

“All we need now is justice to be served for the loss of our young man,” he said.

The money was accepted by Wasi along with Member of Parliament for West Makira and Minister of Mines and Energy Derrick Rawcliff Manuari along with relatives of the deceased.

The ceremony was conducted at the central Police station with the Naha Police commander mediating the ceremony.

Police media however confirmed the police have taken steps into the issue with five suspects arrested on May 17, among them a female. Another two suspects are still at large.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta said the Serious Crime Unit under the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), supported by Naha police, is investigating the murder incident.

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HCC condemns killing of young man over the weekend

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City Mayor Eddie Siapu has condemned the recent killing of a young man in the Mamulele area, east of Honiara.

This act of violence has deeply saddened the community and underscores the urgent need for collective responsibility in maintaining peace and order within our city, a statement by the Honiara City Council (HCC) yesterday said.

HCC calls upon community leaders, tribal elders, and family members of youths involved in such acts of violence to rise up and take proactive steps, the statement said.

“It is vital that these issues are addressed through culturally appropriate means, fostering dialogue and reconciliation within our communities. We believe resolving conflicts through traditional mechanisms can help restore harmony and prevent further tragedies.

“On this note, the Council acknowledges customary reconciliation between leaders of Kwaio and East Makira, signifying remorse for the murder by Kwaio leaders, and acceptance of the apology by East Makira leaders and relatives of the deceased,” the statement said.

HCC also urges Police to continue their diligent investigations into this matter and to bring those responsible to justice.

Law enforcement agencies are essential in maintaining law and order, and we request that they intensify their efforts, the statement said.

“Regular patrols around Honiara City are necessary to deter criminal activities and reassure residents of their safety. The visibility and presence of police officers in the community are crucial elements in the ongoing effort to uphold peace and security.”

Mayor Siapu appeals to community and tribal leaders to actively engage with the youth in their areas.

“Many young people are roaming aimlessly, which can lead to involvement in criminal activities. To prevent this, communities should organize constructive activities, such as farming, planting vegetables, and other community development projects.”

MP Marau breaches bail condition

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Member of Parliament for Ugi/Ulawa Constituency, William Bradford Marau, has breached his bail conditions after court had varied his bail to allow him to travel to Australia for medical purposes.

In the previous hearing, the accused’s bail was varied to allow him to travel to Australia for medical purposes. The hearing yesterday was to confirm whether the accused had returned, as his scheduled return date was May 11.

However, defence informed court that following the accused’s medical check-up, he was admitted for further treatment.

The accused subsequently sent an email stating that his final review is scheduled for May 29 and therefore is expected to return either at the end of this month or early next month, depending on his medical condition.

Prosecution raised no objection to the adjournment but instructed defence to obtain the relevant medical documents as evidence and provide them.

Court adjourned the matter for May 28. Defence was directed to obtain the defendant’s medical certificates and provide copies to both the prosecutor in carriage of the matter and to the court.

Marau is the re-elected Member of Parliament for Ugi/Ulawa Constituency.

Prosecution charged Marau with conversion and he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Trial was set to commence on June 2.

Marau is facing one count of conversion in relation to the allegation of misappropriation of $5 million designated to shipping funds in year 2016.

On April 27, 2017 constituency report was submitted to National Criminal Investigation Department which they investigate following that particular reported submitted.

Prosecution further alleged from the investigation it was revealed that on January 22 of 2016, Solomon Island Government deposited $ 5 million into Ulawa Constituency account with Bank of South Pacific (BSP) for shipping fund.

It was further alleged, on February 17, 2016 the defendant instructed the BSP Bank to transfer the entire sum of said amount $ 5 million into his own personal account with ANZ Bank.

Prosecution also stated 65 withdrawals which total to $ 6,023,326.70 has been made from then defendant personal account.

In addition to that, ten withdrawals amounting to $ 4,550,00 deposited into the business account of Aslan Stationaries with ANZ a private company owned by the defendant.

And at the end of 2016 the remaining balance in the defendant personal account was $27,868.87.

Office of Public Prosecution act for the Crown and Jillian Soaika of Rano and Company law firm acts for the defendant.

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Female among 5 arrested over death of man in Mamulele area

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Police have arrested five suspects in relation to an alleged murder of a 24-year-old male from Star Harbour, Makira/Ulawa province.

Two other suspects are still at large, and police are appealing for information on their whereabouts.

The killing occurred at Jacob’s Ladder in the Milestone area within the vicinity of Mamulele in east Honiara over the weekend, a media statement from police yesterday said.

Among the five suspects arrested on May 17 is a female. Two other suspects are still at large.

It was alleged that two suspects attacked the deceased with stones and another suspect used a screwdriver to further harm the deceased, which led to his death, the police statement said.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta said the Serious Crime Unit under the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), supported by Naha police, is investigating the murder incident.

Ms Leta shared her condolences with the family of the deceased for the tragic loss of one of their family members.

Leta also assured the family of the deceased and the public that the police are committed to bringing those responsible to face the full force of law, the statement said.

She calls on the other two suspects to surrender to police and appeals to anyone who may know any information about the incident to come forward and assist the police.

Man pleads not guilty to indecent act

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate Court yesterday to two counts of indecent act to two juvenile girls.

The matter was adjourned for June 2 for prosecution and defence to confirm to court whether the case can be tried at the Magistrate court or not.

If it can, then a pre-trial conference will be carried out. If not, then committal deposition will occur.

The defendant who cannot be named to protect the alleged victims’ identities, is a 40-year-old man.

The two alleged victims were 13 and 14 years old when the allegations occurred.

The incident occurred on March 21, 2022 between 12pm and 2pm.

Both complainants walked past and the defendant called out to both of them to go to him. They went to the defendant who was having his cup of tea.  

Both the complainant went and sat at the door of the defendant’s house and defendant allegedly showed his private body part to the victims and forced the victim to see his private part three times.

Police also alleged the victim showed his private body part not only to these two victims but several girls and used to show porn videos to young girls.

The two alleged victims report the matter to Buala police and an investigation was carried out.

The defendant was charged with indecent act without consent.

Nickson Tonowane appears for crown and Thompson Fiuga appears for the defendant.

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Court issues warrant for man accused of indecent act

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court has issued a warrant of arrest for a 40-year-old man following his failure to attend his case in court yesterday.

Defence informed court the accused did not come to the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) after the last hearing.

Prosecution requested court to issue a warrant of arrest for the defendant for failing to appear in court.

The matter was adjourned to June 16 for review of the warrant.

Police allege that the incident occurred on April 7, 2025, at around 3am. The complainant was in her kitchen cooking fish and chips, while her brother was lying in the veranda of their house.

Seeing the complainant alone in the kitchen, the defendant who was intoxicated at the time approached her, entered the kitchen and blocked her, preventing her from escaping the area near the fireplace.  

During that time, the defendant engaged the complainant in conversation. Without her consent, he then touched her private parts and proceeded to tell her that he had $100 and would give it to her if she went with him behind the toilet.

Feeling threatened, the complainant shouted for the defendant to leave. Upon hearing the noise, her brother approached and intervened.

During the enquiry, the brother learnt that the defendant had forced the complainant to take the money and follow him to the toilet. The brother did not accept the defendant’s actions, which led to an argument between them.

As the argument escalated, the defendant retreated to his house while continuing to shout abusive and threatening words at the complainant’s brother.

The complainant and her brother then called in at White River Police Station and established a case file against the defendant. Police apprehended the defendant the same day and he was taken to the watchhouse, where he was formally arrested.

On April 9 the defendant was released from cell and participated in a record of interview with White River Police under caution. He was then charged with one count of indecent act without consent.

Nickson Tonowane appears for the Crown and PSO appears for the defendant.

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Lilo suggests government apply indirect tax on capital gain

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Gordon Darcy Lilo, Central Honiara Member of Parliament and Independent member has strongly suggested that government apply direct tax on capital gains.

Speaking on the floor of parliament on Monday, May 12 he said the country is missing taxation and stamp duty is not enough to get the real value of income that is moving around.

Lilo said there are only two forms of tax and they are direct tax and indirect tax.

While direct tax is paid directly by a person or organization, indirect tax is tax passed off by the government on goods and services.

He stressed that one form of direct tax is to tax capital gains; a tax on the profit when you sell something such as an asset that has increased in its value.

Lilo said this involves taxing the wealthier.

“There is huge money going around in the country right now. Assets have been transferred from one to the other.”

Lilo said as Solomon Islands is a small economy, we have to balance this now in the way we apply tax.

He reiterated that they must choose to apply direct tax or indirect tax, balance the two or not.

Lilo encouraged government that given the current situation, taxing capital gains is one avenue that should be taken.

“So, my submission is this. If you want to strengthen the fiscal situation more, you need to tax now.”

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The test now is not policy design but execution: Maelanga

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Manasseh Maelanga, Member of Parliament for East Malaita and member of the Independent Group stressed on the execution of policies in parliament on Monday, May 12.

In early remarks, he said the National Buildings Standard Bill, the re-establishment of the Public Works Department and the Provincial Works Department and a new draft Government Vehicle Policy are positive steps, however are not new ideas.

Maelanga mentioned that many of these policies were initiated or drafted in previous terms.

Speaking of policies, he expressed that the test now is not policy design but in executing these policies.

In terms of infrastructure, Maelanga voiced that today, we often see ground-breaking ceremonies followed by silence.

He added that there are roads after having being laid, crumble within a season and commissioned buildings without water or electricity.

“This must change.”

He pointed out that infrastructure must reflect total value, not just cost, but quality, longevity, accessibility and community belief.

Maelanga, said it has been a previous challenge and will continue to be a challenge for the hard-working officers of the Ministry of Infrastructure (MID).

He stated that building new roads and maintaining our infrastructures will always be a national challenge until we have a permanent fixed rate.

“I encourage the government and our new Minister for Infrastructure to consider establishing a National Infrastructure Delivery Authority with the capacity and autonomy to implement complex projects.”

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