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Ruling on strike-out application in MP Sade petition case today

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Ruling on the application to strike out the petition case against MP for Northwest Guadalcanal Francis Sade will be delivered today at the high court.

On September 19 MP Sade through his lawyer made an application in court to strike out the election petition case against him.

The ruling was supposed to be delivered on October 16 however, Judge Howard Lawry moved the ruling to be delivered today 1pm.

The grounds which the petitioner Dettke alleged against Sade is; election bribery which alleged on or about April 17 between 11am and 12pm at Visale station, an Agent and Supporter of 1st Respondent, committed the offence of bribery by giving to a woman of Ka’ar Village in North West Guadalcanal the sum of $100 cash, and instructed her to go and look for Sade’s symbol and tick it.

The second allegations the petitioner alleged against the respondent Sade is; interfering with voting. It was alleged on 17 April 2024 at Visale Polling Station, the 1st Respondent  Sade, interfered with voting by sitting on a chair at the entrance of the Polling Station for almost 1 hour and shaking hands and talking with voters who queued and walked past to cast their Ballot Papers at that said Polling Station in clear view of the public.

Furthermore, for the second respondent (Returning Officer) for North-West Guadalcanal Constituency and third respondent (Presiding Officer) for Visale 2 Polling Station North-West Guadalcanal.

The allegations against them also relates to the interference or obstruction of the voters. The petitioner alleged that the second and third respondent who work during that voting day April 17 have seen the first respondent Hon. Sade sitting on a chair at the entrance of the polling station for an hour and shaking hands of the voters who queued to cast their ballot paper however, they did not do something about it.

Walter Rotumana from Rano &Company law firm represent the first respondent Francis Belande Sade and Attorney General Chamber represent the second and third respondent and Gabriel Suri represent the petitioner Bodo Heinz Horst Dettke.

Court withdraws Seleso’s petition

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court has granted that the withdrawal of the election petition case against the Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal Constituency Rollen Seleso yesterday.

Gabrial Suri who represent the Petitioner David Day Pacha told court yesterday that he had sent an email to the High Court Registrar regarding any update on the Notice for substitute however, no substitute since the notice been issued on September 18.

Thus, Judge Howard Lawry granted the leave to withdraw the election petition against Seleso yesterday.

Court also orders for the security deposit cost of $40,000 which paid by the petitioner to be distribute between the petitioner and the respondent.

The petitioner initially filed about five allegations against the respondent Seleso however, Suri assess the petition file and withdrawn all the grounds leaving only one ground of undue influence against Seleso.

Due to financial issue as it is very costly for petitioner to continue with the petition case, the petitioner informs his lawyer Suri that he cannot able to afford him thus, he asks for withdrawal of the petition.

Gabrial Suri represents petitioner Pacha and Rano &Company represents Seleso.

Couple who teamed up to rape a girl await judgement Oct 11

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Judgement against a couple accused of working together to rape a girl in 2017 in Ngella, Central province, will have their judgement on October 11.

George Solopoto and his wife Elizabeth Koka are facing the charge of compelled sexual intercourse.

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

Court heard that Koka asked the victim’s parents for the girl to follow her and Solopoto to another village to attend the closing of the traditional 10-day mourning period of a man at Olevuga Village.

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

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

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 from the beach.

Later the victim reported the matter to her aunt using Koka’s mobile phone which Koka gave her to use as torch since it was very dark.

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

DPP appears for Crown and PSO for both accused.

Court finds 40-yo man guilty of persistent abuse of child

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has found a 40-year-old man guilty of persistently abusing a seven-year-old female child.

The 40-year-old man who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim was given his judgement by the high court last week.

The man had pleaded not guilty to the charge and a trial was conducted before Judge Ronald Talasasa.

The prosecution called three witnesses to testify in court and after crown closed its case, defence proceeded however the defendant opted to remain silent without calling any witness.

Court adjourned for October 13 for sentencing submissions.

Court heard between August 1, 2021 and October 31, 2022 the incidents occurred in Honiara, where the accused did acts of persistent abuse to the victim in four separate occasions.  

The victim is the grand-niece of the 40-year-old man and they had lived as neighbours when the incidents occurred.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for state and PSO for victim.

Nearly half-million not acquitted in ESP: OAG report

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Imprest payments amounting to over $473,696 made in 2021 under the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) have not been acquitted.

Auditor General David Teika Dennis stated that this is a violation of the applicable financial regulations governing the management of standing imprest accounts.

Dennis disclosed this information during the most recent Accountability Workshop held by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) on Wednesday, October 2, coinciding with the release of the 2020-2021 Economic Stimulus Package Audit Report.

He said that the ministry’s utilization of the Corporate Service Standing Imprest account as a special imprest holder for grant disbursements, with retirement processed through a general adjustment journal, does not align with the financial instructions set forth by the Solomon Islands Government (SIG).

“The examination of these imprest transactions could not be finalized as 11 payments from the selected sample, totalling $473,696.97, remain unacquitted, despite the last payment being made in September 2021,” he stated.

He highlighted that the persistent failure to properly manage imprest accounts is a widespread issue within the Solomon Islands government bureaucracy, which significantly undermines accountability.

“Additionally, among the imprest payments were disbursements totalling $1.2 million to seven different constituency development offices for distribution. As previously noted, the majority of grant applications could not be located, making it impossible to verify that grants were awarded to eligible beneficiaries,” Dennis said.

He further revealed that most Constituency Development Offices received a total of $800,000, paid in two instalments: $600,000 in mid-2020 and an additional $200,000 in mid-2021.

“The OAG requested the committee secretariat to provide copies of the submissions for these funds; however, the secretariat was only able to supply nine of these applications,” he added.

One specific case he pointed out involved the South Choiseul constituency, which lacked a sitting member of parliament at that time.

He explained that these funds were allocated following a successful election petition against the incumbent, resulting in no ESP funding being received.

“Two payments totalling $120,000 were paid out to members of parliament from the Choiseul province, followed by a third payment of $360,000 made to the successful candidate following the South Choiseul by-election in 2021,’’ said Dennis.

He said that these payments were directed to the constituency development office without any conditions regarding the utilization of the funds.

“None of the reports offered insights into the criteria for selecting beneficiaries or whether this selection process ensured equal access to these funds for all constituents,’’ he said.

He said that one constituency development office submitted a list of payments averaging between $20,000 and $30,000 to 30 constituents, yet there was no clarification on how these constituents were chosen or their intended use of the funds.

“Another provided a receipt for $290,000 for wire mesh, but there was no explanation regarding the purpose of the mesh,” Dennis stated.

Makario’s petition trial date set for next year

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial for the election petition case against Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola Constituency Makario Tagini is set for hearing on February 5, 2025.

On Wednesday last week the matter was heard in High Court where the lawyer for Makario informed court that, Rano and Company law firm took over carriage of the matter from the L& L Lawyers.

Counsel also proposed directions for parties to prepare the matter for trial.

The petitioner lawyer Lily Ramo from JustLaw did not attend to the hearing however, agreed to all the directions that were made.

The court make directions for trial hearing of evidence to be commence on February 5th, 2025 and parties to return to court on February 12, 2025 for closing submissions.

Court adjourns to January 29, 2025 for Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC).

The petitioner Celsus Talifilu initially filed a13 grounds of election bribery against respondent Makario however, on August 13, 2024 the petitioner amended their initial petition eliminating the three grounds of their allegations, which leaves them with only 10 grounds of election bribery against Makario.

The respondent Makario and his lawyer after receiving the petition allegations they made an application to the court to strike out the election petition.

Court ruled the strike out application by dismissing only three grounds of the election bribery allegations against Makario however, refused seven grounds and order for those seven grounds to proceed to trial.

Lily Ramo from JustLaw firm act for Petitioner Celsus Talifilu and Rano and Company now represent Makario Tagini.

MV Taimareho trial returns to court today

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The trial into the 27 deaths on MV Taimareho is set to resume today in court.

The matter was adjourned from last week after the defence lawyer was reported sick.

Prosecution is expected to continue with its case today.

Previously prosecutor called two witness who already gave evidence in court and 17 more witnesses are yet to be called – also crown reserved the right to call more.

The prosecutor charge accused Michael Roy Galo with 27 counts of manslaughter.

Galo pleaded not guilty and trial was then conducted.

Prosecution alleged Galo is the captain of the MV Taimareho 1 when the incident occurred at the sea between Guadalcanal and Malaita at the early house of April 3, 2020, which took the life of the 27 passengers.

In March of 2020, the National Government at that time came up with a repatriation plan amid fears of the COVID-19 which saw a number of people in Honiara leaving to their respective provinces.

On the night of 2 April 2020, MV Taimareho 1 left Honiara with 738 passengers despite the warning from the Maritime advising all vessels not to travel to provinces due to Clyclone Harold.

However, Mv Taimareho on its voyage to Are-are in Malaita.

It was alleged a huge wave struck the ship during the night and swept 27 people overboard.

The ship however, continue voyage and arrived at Su’u harbour on morning of April 3, 2020.

There the ship rested and head count conducted and were found that 27 passengers were missing.

Most of these missing passengers were mostly high school students.

Only six bodies were recovered after the search.

Steward Tonowane of Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown and George Gray appears for accused Galo.

‘ACT ON ESP REPORT’

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Trade Union throws weight behind call on government to set up inquiry into Economic Stimulus Package 2020-21 disaster exposed by OAG audit

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has requested an inquiry into the recently published 2020-2021 audit report concerning the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).

While commending the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for its efforts, SICTU emphasized that the findings of the audit are vital for promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources.

“The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions strongly urges the government to promptly refer for investigation public officers and recipients implicated in the audit report.  SICTU will take proactive action in holding those implicated accountable if the government fails to provide transparent and responsible leadership,’’ it adds.

In its statement, SICTU stated the necessity for the government to act promptly and decisively in addressing the recommendations outlined in the report to rectify any identified deficiencies and ensure the effective and efficient use of public funds.

“Given the serious implications highlighted in the audit report, SICTU urged the government to take immediate action to protect the officers mentioned in the findings, allowing them the opportunity to respond while also remaining accountable to public expectations for justice through a formal investigation of those responsible for the breaches identified,’’ the SICTU statement said.

The SICTU statement adds that it is essential that these officers are allowed to respond to the report and present their perspectives on the matter.  

“This will not only ensure fairness and due process but also contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand,’’ the statement said.

“SICTU expressed confidence that the government would prioritize accountability and transparency in addressing the audit report’s findings and would take proactive measures to protect the public’s interests,’’ said SICTU.

Additionally, SICTU announced plans to convene a special council meeting to facilitate a presentation aimed at informing council affiliate members about the matter.

“SICTU affiliate’s members distance themselves from public officers implicated in the report until their names are cleared. It is imperative that those responsible for misusing public funds are held accountable and that transparent and ethical leadership is upheld to safeguard the interests of the people,’’ said SICTU.

The SICTU calls upon all workers to join forces in this crucial effort to uphold integrity and demand justice for our nation when the need arises.

The statement said that those entrusted with public resources must be held to the highest standards of integrity and are held accountable for their actions.

Students embrace new USP facility

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Students at the University of the South Pacific’s Solomon Islands(USPSI) Campus are thrilled with the newly opened facility, which they say fosters an ideal environment for their studies and enhances their overall learning experience.

The campus, dubbed as a “state-of-the-art facility” is the latest of the university’s newest facilities after the Covid pandemic.

Officially opening its door with much celebration last Thursday at King George East Honiara, many have praised the facility’s impressive features.

Elizabeth Enoch, a student undertaking a Bachelor of Arts, Double Majors Sociology and Land Management expressed her appreciation to this paper.

“This new campus is great. As a student coming here for my studies every day, I have learned a lot because of its setup. It is good for learning,” Enoch said.

Enoch highlighted how the new facility differs from the previous campus, noting that it better caters to her study needs.

“When I come here, I always feel like I am in the mood for studies and I find myself concentrating on my work,” she said.

Patterson White, also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Double Major in Social Work and Sociology shared his sentiments.

“This environment itself is conducive, it is spacious, it has enough computers for students to use and enough lecture theaters. This has boosted my learning and motivated me to study very hard,” White said.

He expressed gratitude to the funders for making the project a reality, calling it one of USP’s most modernized facilities. “Everything is here; much credit goes to the funders,” he emphasized.

As the campus becomes fully operational, White urged fellow students to take care of the facility.

 “It comes back to the students to take ownership of this campus, this is not only for the current students but also our children who would be using it in the future,” he added.

The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Supervising Prime Minister Bradley S. Tovosia, Governor General David T. Kapu, and other local and international dignitaries.

Graduates urged to become change makers

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

GRADUATES of the University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands(USPSI) Campus have been called to become “change makers” in their families and communities.

USP’s Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia echoed this during the graduation ceremony on Friday.

“I challenge you all to be the change makers,” he stated. “We all need to embody our Pacific spirit of working together for the benefit of all, and to shape a better future for the Pacific.”

Highlighting the increasing number of female graduates across the region, Professor Ahluwalia emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering women in leadership roles.

“We want to see more women play leading roles in such spaces. And we just have to look at the crowd and the graduates before us to realize that even this graduation replicates those numbers,” he remarked.

Addressing the graduates as the “emerging leaders” of the pacific region, he urged them to uphold excellence in education.

 “Together, we can contribute to an agile, evolving, and highly productive knowledge economy that can fully realize 2050 blue Pacific vision,” he noted.

Professor Ahluwalia also reminded the graduates of the profound impact of their education.

 “As you go forward, remember the power of your education, not only the knowledge you gain, but also in the wisdom you’ve cultivated. This wisdom will guide you to navigate the complexities of a world that is often unpredictable and ever-jaded,” he added.

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