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Man found guilty of murdering victim and throwing body off cliff in Russells in 2023

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The man accused of murdering his victim and then throwing the body off a cliff in the Russell island, Central province, last year has been found guilty by the High Court.

Jonathan Felega is sentenced to life imprisonment, and the matter will return to court at a later date for counsels to make their submissions on the minimum parole term.

Mr Felega was handed his judgement by Judge John Keniapisia on Monday this week.

Felega was charged with one count of murder and he denied the charge and a trial was conducted before Judge Keniapisia from August 28-29 this year.

Prosecution called two witnesses – Felega’s nephew and Doctor Roy Maraka.

After crown complete its case Felega opted to remain silent without calling any witness.

Court heard that on August 11, 2023 Felega and his nephew went to Sagelua village to buy betel nut.

When they reached Sagelua village the accused drank some beers with other boys.

After that Felega told his nephew for them to go back to their village, Minisi.

On their way to Minisi village, they encountered the deceased.

The accused confronted the deceased, saying, “iu na killm mi ba [weren’t you the one who had assaulted me the other time?].”

He got hold of a stick and struck the deceased on the back of the neck and on his right cheek which caused the deceased to fall to the ground.

Felega lifted the deceased and carried him to the edge of the cliff and threw the body down the cliff.

After that, they both went down the cliff to where the deceased lay.

The juvenile told the court that he saw blood come out of the deceased’s nose and his neck was twisted and broken.

Felega then carried the deceased and laid him near the base of a tree.

After that they went to the deceased’s brother’s house and Felega told them about the deceased having fallen off a cliff.

Director of Public Prosecution Andrew Kelesi acts for the crown and Ben Alasia acts for the Felega.

High court quashes petition case against MP Kuma

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

High Court has struck out the petition case against Member of Parliament for Northwest Choiseul Harry Kuma.

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday this week by Justice Howard Lawry.

High Court ruled also that the petitioner pays the costs of the first, second, third and fourth respondents, if not agreed to be assessed.

The petitioner Alick Flemming Pukakoqoro had filed a petition seeking declaration that the election of Mr Kuma as Northwest Choiseul MP was null and void.  

The petitioner alleged about eight grounds challenging the validity of the election.

However after reviewing the material before the court, Mr Flemming Pukakoqoro decided to pursue only three grounds of election bribery against Kuma.

Kuma’s lawyer filed an application to have the petition struck out based on – the pleading was insufficient, and there was insufficient grounds to warrant the hearing of the petition.

Furthermore, for the allegations against the second respondent, Iulah Pitamama (Returning Officer), third respondent, Blaise Noqekesa (Counting Official) and fourth respondent, Attorney General, the petitioner submitted that each breached a duty contrary to section 112 (1) (d) of the Electoral Act.

Court ruled that the allegations against these electoral officers were insufficient to warrant the hearing of the petition and frivolous.

Walter Rotumana and Shelia Kilua represented MP Kuma and Lily Ramo represented the petitioner Pukakoqoro and Howard Lapo represented the second and third and fourth respondent (Electoral officers).

Growth prospects for pacific islands like SI lower 

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World Bank Economist for Solomon Islands, Lodewijk Smets.

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Growth prospects for pacific island countries like Solomon Islands is lower compared to Emerging Market Developing Economies (EMDEs).

Lodewijk Smets, Solomon Islands economist from World Bank said this in a recent interview with the media.

Regarding World Bank’s latest Pacific Economic Update on “Diminishing Growth amid Global Uncertainty: Ramping up Investment in the Pacific” report, he said one of the comparisons they make is between Solomon Islands and EMDEs.

Smets said what stands out is that the growth prospects for the pacific are lower to emerging markets.

He explained that emerging markets like countries in Africa, countries in South America and other emerging markets are expected to grow their economies more than pacific islands countries.

Smets said this should ring a bell.

“What is the issue here? How come other economies, developing countries, are able to grow more or at higher rates than the Pacific?”

Smets said the report highlights a few reasons for this.

The first one as mentioned is “lack of investment” in the pacific countries as compared to other emerging markets.

“So, in other markets, in other developing countries, there’s more investment taking place and investment leads to economic growth because there’s machinery, there’s tools, there’s new factories being set up”

Smets expressed that investment like this is good for the economy.

The second reason for the difference in growth prospects between pacific island countries and the EMDEs is that pacific countries are very vulnerable to climate disasters.

Smets said these are two important factors why growth prospects and the growth outlook is lower for pacific countries than those of emerging markets.

TRIP COST REVEALED

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PM Jeremiah Manele. Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele announced that the total cost of his official trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE was SBD$2.1 million.

He revealed this yesterday during a media conference with the local media in response to media concerns about the trip’s expenses.

The Prime Minister also revealed that Saudi Arabia will provide USD 1 million (about SBD 8.3 million) in immediate budget support.

PM Manele stated that this support, while modest, is crucial given the country’s tight budgetary constraints and financial challenges.

He defended the trip stating that the money already exceeds the cost of his trip by more than SBD 6 million, or 300%.

“Saudi Arabia provided an immediate budget support of USD 1 million, that is about SBD 8.3 million. This money will be deposited into our central bank account as soon as we provide the account for the funds to be remitted to.

“You could say that this is very small or this is very little, but it’s something especially given the tight budgetary constraints and the financial situation that we are facing.

“So, from this perspective alone, the grant funding of SBD8.3 million achieved during my visit already surpassed the cost of my delegation’s trip of about USD 2.1 million that the media was complaining about by more than SBD 6 million or 300 percent.

“However, the most important immediate benefit that will result in longer-term benefits is the appreciation by the Saudi and UAE authorities of my visit to them only five months after my election as Prime Minister.

“To these leaders they saw or to these countries they saw my visit as a genuine gesture of friendship, recognition of their status in the world and a commitment to work with them. It is these types of attributes that will determine longer-term benefits from such visits.

Prime Minister Manele said in terms of short to medium-term benefits, support to the 2025 Forum on Sports Legacy, Saudi Arabia has indicated its support to the government in the hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in the Solomon Islands in next year.

“They have also indicated support to a legacy programme through the National Hosting Authority for the use of the Pacific Games 2023 facilities.

“While we are still rehearsing on the actual amounts, we anticipate substantial financial support on these priorities of more than USD 8.4 million in grant funding. That is approximately SBD 70 million.

Thanks for criticising Bonfire : Jaro

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aro local hyped the crowd at the Bonfire Fest on Saturday.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A bonfire represents a gathering space where individuals can come together, sit around, and enjoy the experience through singing.

Famous pop artist Jaro Local clarified during an exclusive interview with local media after the Bonfire Festival successfully concluded in Honiara.

He clarified that before hosting the event, there had been some criticism or backlash concerning the term ‘Bonfire.’

“We intend to avoid excessive emphasis on the fire itself and instead help people understand the essence of a Bonfire. any interpretations or opinions that arise beyond this are subjective and everyone is entitled to their viewpoint,’’ said Jaro.

“From our perspective, those of us who initiated the Bonfire, this is how we define its significance,’’ he said.

Jaro said that he appreciated the feedback regarding the Bonfire, as it helps them remain focused and aligned with their goals.

Pacific’s most prolific musicians, Ronnie Riti (Paeva).

“It is evident that criticism, while sometimes challenging, is beneficial as it encourages growth and improvement.

“We extend our gratitude to all who participated in the event. I understand that we had over 3,000 attendees and we thank everyone for their support, regardless of the opinions expressed,’’ said Jaro.

He said that the Bonfire continues to thrive, and they are committed to enhancing the experience each year.

One of the Pacific’s most prolific musicians, Ronnie Riti (Paeva) said that when addressing matters of this nature, events play a crucial role in enhancing our artists’ confidence and increasing their visibility.

“I consider this event a significant achievement. This is the second event, and I anticipate that the third will be even more successful, as we are continually learning and improving,’’ he said.

He said that the second Bonfire Festival marks yet another milestone for local music and the Solomon Islands.

“Traditionally, we have participated in events abroad, but now we are focusing on organizing our own, with support from groups like the Rhythm Crew a Lighting House from Vanuatu contributing to the festival’s success,’’ he said.

Bill should strengthen SOE governance: Wale

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Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

BY NED GAGAHE

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale expressed his strong concerns about the proposed State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Amendment Bill 2024 arguing that it could result in more power being concentrated in one Minister, less accountability, and a return to the mismanagement issues that have plagued SOEs in the past.

Wale shared his concerns during last week’s Parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee hearing on the State-Owned Enterprise (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The objective of the State-Owned Enterprises (Amendment) Bill 2024 is to amend the State-Owned Enterprises Act 2007 in accordance with the Government’s endorsement of the SOE Ownership Policy 2018 and the National Gender Equality and Women’s Development Policy 2016-2020 to:

(a) to consolidate ownership monitoring responsibility for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs;) in the Minister of Finance alone,

(b) clarify the process through which state-owned enterprises provide Community Service Obligations: and

(c) strengthen the publication requirements of a state-owned enterprise of documents or information about the state-owned enterprise that are tabled in Parliament; and

(d) include a regulation-making power relating to the evaluation of directors of state-owned enterprises and the election of board chairpersons and deputy chairpersons

The Opposition Leader stated that the bill consolidates authority primarily within the Minister of Finance, eliminating the necessary “constructive tension” that previously existed between the responsible minister of an SOE and “minister” which is the minister for Finance.

He emphasized that this shift could undermine the governance framework that was designed to prevent political interference in the operations of SOEs.

“Assigning almost all powers to a single minister is a dangerous move,” Wale stated.

“This legislation risks backsliding into the cronyism and financial mismanagement that have plagued our state-owned enterprises in the past.

He recounted past incidents of corruption, where ministers appointed boards filled with friends and cronies, resulting in significant financial losses.

“The existing Act was designed to create “constructive tension” by involving two ministers in the oversight of state-owned enterprises. The technical ministry’s minister is one of the accountable figures, while the Minister of Finance also plays a crucial role. This relationship has been essential in improving governance and turning SOEs around.”

“If you have just one minister overseeing SOEs, that’s not ideal. This bill removes the necessary tension by assigning almost all powers to the finance minister alone, essentially allowing the minister to monopolize authority over SOEs. Is that a good policy? While policy decisions are ultimately for the government, we all have a stake in this country and can question what the government is trying to achieve—whether it’s for the good or not.” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader also criticized the bill’s approach to the Statement of Corporate Objectives (SCO), which was intended to limit political directives to SOEs.

He argued that the new legislation undermines this framework, opening the door to increased political meddling.

“Under Section 13 of the existing legislation, the Statement of Corporate Objectives is possibly the most powerful tool the political government has. Previously, ministers issued directives to SOEs without clear boundaries.

“This bill aimed to put a stop to that by establishing a framework where ministers engage in a Statement of Corporate Objectives once a year. If they want to make any changes, the SOE board can propose them, and the minister simply reacts. This framework was designed to prevent political interference in the governance of SOEs.” Wale said.

Furthermore, Wale raised alarms over proposed changes in the election process for SOE board positions, warning that it could introduce unhealthy dynamics such as lobbying and corruption.

He further expressed frustration over the allocation of funding for community service obligations, calling for a more structured approach.

“Without clear accountability and oversight, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past. This bill must be re-evaluated to ensure that the governance of our state-owned enterprises is strengthened, not weakened.

“When SIEA proposes to expand the grid to capture 80,000 customers, the financial aspects should be included in the Statement of Corporate Objectives, but much of it will be technical. This bill undermines the necessary involvement of both ministers, removing the technical expertise that has been built over many years. We’re backsliding to previous governance issues, as seen with SIBC and Solomon Water, where boards were pressured politically.

“The current legislation lacks a clear process for when a minister wants the board to take action, which should come through the annual Statement of Corporate Objectives. If the board disagrees, there should be a mechanism for contestation. The absence of this process in the bill poses a risk of concentrating power in the hands of one minister, leading to dangerous territory for governance.

“By removing one minister from the equation, the Statement of Corporate Objectives becomes dominated by financial considerations, sidelining the technical input necessary for effective governance. This is a significant concern.” The Opposition Leader said.

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) when appeared before the Committee defended the amendments stating that consultations between the two ministers will still remain.

MoFT Permanent Secretary McKinnie Dentana stated that the intention of the policy is to ensure that consultation remains a part of the appointment process for directors.

“While we think it may not be strictly necessary, there will still be consultation among the experts involved in the act.

However, Wale pointed out that the bill lacks any reference to this requirement and emphasized that it needs to be incorporated into the legislative framework.

“There’s nothing in the law that compels the Minister of Finance to involve the other minister in decisions. If the Minister of Finance chooses to make regulations that grant him monopoly over appointments, that could be perfectly lawful. This raises a significant concern.

“Currently, there’s no express provision for this collaboration. Therefore, I recommend that we consider an amendment to the law that requires both ministers to work together, rather than relying on an assumption. While the current arrangement has been functioning well, that effectiveness is not actually enshrined in the law.” The Opposition Leader said.

DEBT RISING FOR GOOD

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World Bank Economist for Solomon Islands, Lodewijk Smets.

Country’s debt is increasing but for a good reason

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The country’s debt is increasing but for a good reason.

This was voiced by World Bank’s Economist for Solomon Islands, Lodewijk Smets whilst speaking to the media earlier this week.

Speaking of public debt, he said public debt to GDP ratios has been low in the past years, less than 10 percent of GDP five years ago.

Smets mentioned that this is partly due to debt forgiveness after the Ramsey period and after the tensions and Solomon Islands is now about 20-22 percent of GDP.

He said debt is increasing but for a good reason because the development needs of the country are still large.

Smets pointed out that infrastructure needs are still large and it’s important to invest in the country so that the country can meet its national development goals.

“So that’s part of the reason why debt is increasing, to invest and to make productive investment”

Smets said what will be key is that these investments that we are currently making such as roads, airport infrastructure, investments in ports are sustainable.

He added that it’s important that these investments10 years from now are sustainable, are still functioning and maintained.

“So, while the increase in debt leads to investment, we need to ensure that the investments have good economic returns and are sustainable”

Smets said this also means complementary reforms as in ensuring that we can set some funds aside for the maintenance of all that infrastructure that we’re now investing in.

He noted that if you look at other Pacific countries like Fiji, the debt to GDP ratio in Fiji is a lot larger; it’s close to 80 percent of GDP, but it is on a declining trend.

Smets said it’s all about making sure that your debt is sustainable and currently that is still the case for Solomon Island which is sustainable.

However also stated is that the country must make sure that the investments made and the loans the government takes on are well invested.

“The investments they make must have good economic and social returns and benefit the people and the economy”

Former police officer sentenced one year, 10 months for fraud

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A female former police officer has been sentenced to one year, 10 months imprisonment for defrauding her victim off $40,000 in 2019.

Pauline Pequa Sipi was found guilty following a trial, and was handed her sentence on Tuesday this week by principal magistrate Tearo Beneteti.

Court also made orders for the time spent in custody to be taken into account.

Ms Peqoa Sipi was also instructed to undergo spiritual counselling while in prison on the following topics – falsehood vs being truthful, freedom in Christ, live in content, peace and truth by God for his purposes – to be completed before she is released.

In delivering sentence, principal magistrate Beneteti highlighted the aggravating factors which include – breach of trust between Peqoa Sipi and the victim given the fact she was a police officer and the victim was an ordinary citizen; pre-planning as Peqoa Sipi planned to act with false pretence to defraud and obtain $40,000 from the victim; Peqoa Sipi’s failure to reimburse the victim’s money even though the victim gave her time to do that. Thus, victim suffered a big loss.

Mitigating factors include – Peqoa Sipi being a first-time offender, the sole bread winner for her family, cooperation with police and attending all her court hearings till the sentence date.

Court heard Peqoa Sipi at Henderson area on July 3, 2019, obtained $5,000 from the victim for a first payment for a single cabin, white Ute vehicle, registration number G2124 which she claimed to have won through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force vehicle tender bidding process.

Again, on August 2, 2019 Peqoa Sipi took $20,000 from the victim for the second payment of the same vehicle.

On August 18, 2019 she obtained $2,500 from the victim to reimburse the money she borrowed from Mrs Sinita Amota for a part payment of the same vehicle.

Finally, Peqoa Sipi at Bank South Pacific, Heritage Park Branch, on November 6, 2019 obtained from the victim $12,500.

Peqoa Sipi in total took $40,000 from the victim.

Steward Tonowane of Office of Public Prosecution acted for the Crown and Allan Tinoni of Public Solicitor Office acted for Peqoa Sipi.

Couple in rape case to know fate tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A couple accused of raping a girl in Ngella, Central province in 2017 are expected to receive their judgement tomorrow.

Judge Leonard Maina presides over the case against the two accused – George Solopoto and Elizabeth Koka.

Solopoto and Koka stood trial before Judge Maina in 2021 after both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Solopoto faced one count of rape while Koka faced one count of compelled sexual intercourse.

The prosecution called about four witnesses and after it closed its case the two accused opted to remain silent without calling any witnesses.

The couple were charged in relation to an incident occurred on July 1, 2017 at a beach on Ngella island.

Crown alleged that Koka asked the victim’s parents for the victim to follow them to another village to attend the closing of the traditional 10 days mourning period of a man at Olevuga Village.

They went to the Olevuga village that day and later that night the couple took the girl to an isolated beach.  

It was alleged at the beach Koka assisted her husband by holding the alleged victim’s hands while her husband raped her.

They were caught by a man who came from the seaside and flashed his torch light at them.

The couple and the girl then walked back to the village.

On August 3, 2017 the matter was reported to police and the couple were arrested on August 5, 2017.

Olivia Ratu Manu acts for the crown and Frank Brenan Kama acts for the couple.

Court dismisses petition against Agovaka

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court has dismissed the petition against Central Guadalcanal Member of Parliament, Peter Shanel Agovaka.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer delivered the ruling on Monday.

Petitioner Jeromy Manengelea Rex had filed three bribery allegations against Agovaka, as well as nine allegations of Electoral Act 2018 breaches against the Electoral Commission and its officers.

However, the court accepted Agovaka’s lawyer’s application to strike out the bribery allegations, citing insufficient particulars that failed to establish a reasonable cause of action against Agovaka.

The Chief Justice ruled that the bribery allegations were frivolous, vexatious, and lacked sufficient grounds to warrant a hearing. Similarly, the allegations against the Electoral Commission and its officers were dismissed due to their vague, ambiguous, and presumptive nature.

Agovaka was represented by McChesney Ale, while Freliz Fakari’i acted for the Electoral officers, and Evan Olofia represented the petitioner, Jeromy Manengelea Rex.

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