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Court sentences two women to pay fines for common assault

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrates’ Court has sentenced two women, charged with one count of common assault, to pay fines for attacking the complainant at GPPOL 2, Tetere Estate. The fines were to be paid in cash before the close of business yesterday.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea delivered the sentence, ordering the principal offender, Anna Vathagi, to pay a fine of $1,500, with a default penalty of two months’ imprisonment.

For Lisa Kope, the court sentenced her to pay a fine of $1,000, also with a default penalty of two months’ imprisonment.

The court further ordered that both fines be paid at the court registry by 4 p.m. yesterday. Failure to pay would result in default imprisonment of two months in custody.

Lisa Kope, 40, and Anna Vathagi, 29, were jointly charged with one count of common assault and both pleaded guilty to the charge.

The incident occurred on July 2, 2024, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at GPPOL 2, Tetere Estate Office.

The assault stemmed from an argument involving the victim and Vathagi’s husband, whom the victim accused of having a sexual affair with another woman.

On the day of the incident, the victim was preparing chemicals for spraying at the GPPOL 2 Tetere Estate Office when the two defendants approached her.

Lisa Kope grabbed the victim’s hand and held it tightly, while Anna Vathagi also grabbed the victim’s hand and struck her forehead once with a stone.

The victim sustained a mild injury, which was not serious. The two defendants were arrested on August 4, 2024, and were released on bail the same day.

A reconciliation meeting later took place at Tetere Police Station, where the defendants paid $500 as compensation to the victim.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Iomea highlighted the aggravating factors, noting that the defendants failed to control their anger, planned the attack, and used a stone as a weapon, causing the victim to sustain an injury.

“There are peaceful ways of dealing with such issues. What happened on this occasion demonstrates that the two defendants decided to take the law into their own hands and impose punishment on the victim,” Iomea stated.

He added, “Assaulting another person without a lawful excuse is a criminal offense, and one must face the consequences if caught.”

The court also noted mitigating factors, such as the defendants pleading guilty to the offense, demonstrating remorse and a willingness to accept responsibility. Additionally, both defendants are first-time offenders.

Herrick Lautalo prosecuted the case. Ron Dicky Pulekera represented Lisa Kope, while Bobby Harunari acted for Anna Vathagi.

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‘RING-FENCED’

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Wale welcomes Economic Stimulus Package report referral to Police

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale, has welcomed reports that police investigations into the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) referrals have commenced.

In a statement yesterday, Wale commended the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for its diligent work.

He said the responsibility has now passed to the Police Commissioner to give this investigation serious priority.

“People in this country will be watching to ensure that the investigations are not tampered with. The onus is now on the Police Commissioner and his team to do the right thing—millions of dollars were involved in that mess,” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader reiterated that the ESP investigations must be ring-fenced from political or other influence and urged the Police Commissioner to seek support from Australian partners for forensic financial investigators.

He emphasized that it is crucial for the police investigations to remain free from corruption and unnecessary delays.

Wale stressed that no one is above accountability and urged the police to resist any pressures that might compromise the integrity of the investigations.

The Opposition Leader further stated that the manner in which the ESP was managed by the government was reckless.

“This is an issue that was irresponsibly handled by the government, and the public must keep a close eye on the progress of the investigations,” Wale reiterated.

The Opposition Office understands that some very senior politicians and government officials are implicated in the ESP report findings.

Besi ACE Christian school celebrates first graduate enrolling at USP

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In a significant milestone for Besi Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Christian School, Alyssum Firisua has become the first student from the school to enrol in a Bachelor’s programme at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

This achievement marks a proud moment for the school, which is located in Besi community, in the hinterlands of North Malaita.

Established in 2003, Besi ACE faced criticism and skepticism about its ability to produce students who would make it to university.

Today, Alyssum’s success has answered those doubts, proving the school’s commitment to delivering quality education.

Abel Wanesuia, a young and passionate youth leader at Besi ACE, reflected on the journey of the school.

As a child, he frequently heard criticism questioning the future of Besi ACE students. But now, as a key figure in the school’s development, Wanesuia has played a pivotal role in creating a pathway for students from Besi ACE to access higher education.

His leadership has opened doors for the school, helping it bridge the gap between rural education and university programmes.

Besi ACE Christian School offers a unique and flexible educational approach through the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) programme.

Unlike traditional schooling systems, ACE operates on a self-paced learning model, where students have the freedom to progress through their lessons at their own speed.

This personalised method allows students to master one concept before moving on to the next, ensuring a solid foundation and understanding of each subject.

The ACE curriculum blends academic, spiritual, and physical education, providing students with a holistic education that nurtures both intellectual and personal growth.

The school’s ACE programme draws inspiration from New Zealand and Australia’s education systems, focusing on practical life skills, including agricultural knowledge and community development—skills that are particularly valuable in rural settings.

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, promoting independence and self-discipline while still receiving guidance from dedicated teachers and mentors.

Besi ACE Christian School is also known for its unique approach to education. Unlike many other schools, Besi ACE students do not experience failure in their educational journey.

The school’s tailored programmes ensure that students who begin their studies at the school are able to complete their Year 13 in three to four years, a fast-track that leads to university admission.

Wanesuia, who is known for his dedication to the school and the community, emphasised the importance of government support for institutions like Besi ACE, which are committed to nurturing young leaders who can go on to succeed in higher education and beyond.

He urged government to recognise the potential of private schools like Besi ACE in shaping the future of the nation.

The vision of Besi ACE is clear: by the time students reach 17 or 18 years old, they should be ready to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a university.

Alyssum Firisua, at just 18 years old, has realised this vision by successfully enrolling in USP’s Bachelor programme, making her the first of many to follow in her footsteps.

Her success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teachers, staff, and leadership at Besi ACE Christian School.

The school’s ability to provide a strong foundation for its students is now being recognized on a national scale, proving that education, regardless of location, can lead to great achievements.

Sentencing for assault case moved for Feb 21

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Sentencing on a man who pled guilty to assault causing bodily harm has been moved to February 21.

It was initially set for Friday last week but there were issues with defence’s submissions.

On Friday last week hearing, court raised issues in court with regards to defence’s submissions. Court informed defence to file additional submissions on the issue of self defence which defence raised on the agreed facts but did not cover in its submissions.

James Sugegeo was charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Facts of the case state that Sugegeo is the uncle of the victim.

He lived with the victim and her mother at Red Label Area at White River.

On 10th of November 2024, victim and her mother and father were at Red Label area, White River at a fundraising program.

The accused was drinking Kwaso and an argument broke out between the victim and the accused.

The accused whom under the influence of the alcohol cannot control himself, he gets up and tackle the victim to the ground, whilst on the ground, he took out a kitchen knife from his bag and stab the victim right thighs and his right-side ribs.

The accused then escaped from the victim when the victim mother shouted at them and rushed into her daughter rescue.

The mother rushed the victim to National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Jeremy Oiofa of Office of Public Prosecution act for crown and Delilah Kukura Fagani of PSO for defendant.

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Case of two police officers facing bribery moved for Feb 19

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against two police officers accused of bribery has been moved for February 19.

This is for prosecution to file application in court under section 190 (2) (b) (i) of Criminal Procedural Code in relations to the first accused, Gravis Afuga and amend the charge for the second accused, Allen Noni.  

Prosecution informed court yesterday that after assessing the file, crown wished to make an application in court also in position to amend the charge.

So, crown seeks short adjournment to tomorrow to file the applications in court before accused can take their plea and bail for two defendants extend.

Afuga and Noni are charged jointly for Bribery contrary to section 122 (a) of the Penal Code read with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code.

On November 8, 2024 an investigation of the stolen gold ashes is in progress.

It was alleged that accused officer Allen Noni contacted the General Police Station leading investigator of the gold case, and allegedly bribe him with a sum of $10,000 in return for the investigator to leave out the investigation file of accused Max Gura who being remanded at Magistrate Court for stealing the gold ashes.

Max Gura and Miriam Keni Sasau are charged with simple larceny by working together with prime suspect to sell gold ashes.

On November 12, 2024, the Central Police Station leading investigator received another call from accused Allen Noni, he made arrangement for the investigator to meet with him and officer Afuga at Henderson.

It was alleged during the conversation between the leading investigator and accused Afuga and Noni.

Noni hold into his bag and bribe the investigator again with another $20,000 cash.

The investigator went back to the Central Police Station and update their supervisor about what the officer Allen Noni and Gravis Afuga have done and recorded the money as exhibits.

Later Officer Noni and Afuga were arrested and charged with bribery.

Office of Director of Public Prosecution is Prosecuting and Donation Houa act for the accused.

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Cocoa working group held its first meeting

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Members of the Cocoa Industry Committee, along with government officials and relevant stakeholders held their first meeting for this year 2025.

The meeting was convened Friday last week in the Board Room of the Commodity Export Management Authority.

A statement from the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) said that the meeting is to address key issues impacting the cocoa sector.

The SICCI statement said that the agendas of the meeting include discussions on achievements for the year 2024, a market report presented by CEMA, deliberations regarding the calendar year 2025, and insights from the Amsterdam Cocoa Week held from February 4 to 9, 2025.

The SICCI said in the statement that a pressing issue highlighted during the meeting was the EU Deforestation Regulation.

It adds that the European Union is implementing measures to reduce the risk of products linked to deforestation entering its market and to promote the demand for products that are free from deforestation.

The statement further said that according to the measures, producers and exporters of cocoa, coffee, oil palm, coconut, and cattle have 317 days remaining to comply with this regulation, indicating that further consultations are necessary to establish common ground that will assist local exporters in adapting to the new requirements.

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Only 3 out of 500 people absconded

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By Loretta B Manele

Only 3 out of 500 people absconded whilst working overseas as migrant workers.

Nathalie Hanley, IOM (International Organization for Migration), UN Migration, Programme Manager in Solomon Islands spoke briefly with the media after IOM launched its “Returned Migrant Workers in Solomon Islands” January 2025 report last month at the Heritage Park Hotel.

She said one of the questions people were asked during a survey for the report was if they absconded or left their jobs and the reason for it.

According to IOM’s survey, Hanley stated that only 3 out of 500 respondents reported that they absconded and referred to it is a very small percentage.

She said these three people reported that they absconded from their jobs because they were experiencing unfair treatment at their workplaces.

Hanley mentioned that if people abscond it creates a vulnerability because if they’re employed outside the framework of the formal labour mobility agreements that they went through, there’s less protection for them.

“And in this case, it’s because people were receiving unfair treatment at their original site of employment, and I guess weren’t able to get a successful resolution to that situation, so opted to remove themselves from it.”

According to the report, these three people were employed in the agriculture and farming sector.

All three reported that during the period they absconded from their jobs, they did not face any challenges with authorities and their second employer provided a better working environment for them.

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High copra production affects cash supply

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

While copra producers in the North Malaita region were pleased with the establishment of a buying center in Malu’u, they have raised concerns over a cash shortage.

Speaking to Island Sun over the weekend, copra producer Eddie Ramo said they began experiencing a cash shortage at the start of this month.

“Copra producers in the northern region of Malaita frequently face cash shortages at the Malu’u CEMA buying center due to high copra production,” said Ramo.

He noted that the farmers affected are from the Toabaita area, as well as those from Manaoba and Urure in the Lau Baelelea constituency.

The price per kilogram at the Malu’u buying center is currently $4/kg, he said.

According to Ramo, the issue of frequent cash shortages has been more pronounced this year compared to 2024.

“Last year was fine, but the frequent shortages only started this year. In recent weeks, we have witnessed cash running out at the center, causing frustration among farmers as they are unable to meet their immediate needs,” he said.

Ramo added that the establishment of a buying center in Malu’u has made it easier for copra producers to sell their products locally instead of transporting them to Auki, which is costly, particularly in terms of freight expenses.

Concerned farmers are calling on CEMA to provide sufficient cash to avoid further frustration.

He emphasized that the North Malaita region is widely known for its high copra production within Malaita Province.

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Promoting economic growth and boosting climate resilience

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By Loretta B Manele

The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement 2 (CAUSE) project is an initiative that promotes economic growth and boosts climate and disaster resilience.

According to the CAUSE 2 project booklet, the project aims to do the above by delivering key climate-resilient infrastructure projects through national contractors.

This project is made up of four components namely; resilient township development, safe and inclusive communities, enhanced urban productivity and land administration and urban management.

Under “resilient township development”, CAUSE 2 aims to have 120,000 Solomon Islanders benefit from improved climate resilient infrastructure and services, build or upgrade 25 climate resilient economic infrastructures and maintain 450 tertiary roads by low-cost community contracts.

Through “safe and inclusive communities”, the project target is to have 90% of local residents report improved environment and access to transport and services, 166 climate-resilient community infrastructure projects completed and 4,700 vulnerable people trained and receiving short-term employment.

As for the “enhanced urban productivity” component, CAUSE is looking at training more than 700 people in literacy and numeracy skills development, having more than 1,600 micro-firm owners trained on income generation and more than 2,300 people accessing employment, support and referral services.

Last but not least, there is the fourth component which is the “land administration and urban management” that aims to have 10,000 land registry records in Honiara digitalized, 100% of contract management system operational in MID and a 40% increase in annual land rent and property rates revenue for Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Honiara City Council (HCC) and Guadalcanal provincial government.

CAUSE is a government initiative led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), HCC, Ministry of Lands and Guadalcanal, Malaita and Western provincial governments.

This project was launched earlier this month and will progress until 2030 with a funding from World Bank at US $20.2 million and US $17.3 million from the Australian government through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PPIUF).

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Communities vulnerable

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Climate change significantly impacts community resources, making these communities more vulnerable to various challenges, said Marlchom Zion Rowe of the Climate Change Division.

“Vulnerability refers to the ease with which a community can change behavior or leadership structures, indicating a reduced capacity to endure hardships, which may evolve over time,” he said.

He highlighted that projected risks, such as rising sea levels, are a primary concern.

“In the case of tropical cyclones, while their frequency may decrease, their intensity is expected to rise. Communities will continue to face the effects of sea level rise and increased rainfall in the coming years,” said Rowe.

“At present, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions regarding the status of the Solomon Islands in relation to climate change, as ongoing research is still in progress. However, preliminary findings indicate that communities are facing significant food security challenges. For instance, while crops may appear healthy, their yields are often minimal, and root vegetables in gardens are prone to rot, worsening community vulnerability,” he said.

Mr. Rowe emphasized that water resources are another critical area affected by climate change, further increasing community vulnerability.

“Rising temperatures cause water sources to sink deeper into the ground, forcing communities to walk longer distances for access to clean water.

“The depletion of seafood stocks also forces individuals to venture further into the sea, often spending long hours fishing. There have even been instances of individuals going missing at sea—not due to suicide, but as a consequence of their struggle to secure food for their families,” said Rowe.

He noted that communities face heightened vulnerability due to these pressing issues, particularly when they lack access to essential services.

Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the resilience of community members.

“However, this resilience is increasingly being tested by the ongoing impacts of climate change,” he said.

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