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Rise in rape cases alarming  

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Dear Editor,

The alarming rise in reported rape cases in the Solomon Islands this year reflects a dire reality for women and girls in our community.

This spike not only reveals the extent of violence against them but also suggests that many victims remain silent, fearing stigma or retribution. The implications are profound, indicating a community in need of urgent change.

To combat this crisis, we must implement multifaceted solutions. Educating our youth on the importance of respecting others from a young age is crucial. Initiatives should include workshops in schools that promote empathy, consent, and healthy relationships.

Additionally, community support programs must be established to provide safe spaces for victims to share their experiences without fear.

In conclusion, fostering a culture of respect for all individuals is essential. As stated in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It’s time for us to come together, recognize the gravity of this issue, and take collective action to create a safer, more respectful environment for all.

Sincerely,

Nauna Revo, Honiara

Concerns over ongoing women’s rights violations

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to express deep concern about the ongoing violation of women’s rights in our country. The situation in Solomon Islands, particularly in urban areas, is alarming and demands immediate attention.

Women in our communities face daily challenges accessing basic necessities like clean water and sanitation. They are forced to walk long distances, often risking their safety, to collect water or use communal facilities. This exposes them to physical and sexual violence, yet many cases go unreported due to fear of reprisals.

The government’s 2010 policy to eliminate violence against women was a step in the right direction, but more concrete action is needed. We must address the root causes of this crisis, including inadequate infrastructure and deeply ingrained gender inequalities.

I urge the authorities to prioritize the development of safe water and sanitation facilities, especially in slum areas. Additionally, we need stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and girls from violence.

It’s time for Solomon Islands to truly honor its commitment to CEDAW and ensure equal rights and dignity for all its citizens.

Sincerely,

[Adrian waisanau]

[USP students}

Domestic violence in our community Honiara Solomon Islands

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Dear editor,

As a concern citizen of this nation Honiara Solomon Islands, I am writing this letter to draw attention regarding the rapidly increase of issues like domestic violence cases in our communities and country as a whole.

Most of the violence that are happen in our country are basically physical and sexual abuses. This situation was occurred due to the disrespected attitudes, not enough legal protection and societal regulations that keep going violence.

Having read through the online news and the local media out lets reports have highlighted that every single week there must be a violence case published in the newspaper. This can be done whether physical or sexual abuses that continue to affects women and girls regularly in our society today. The effects of this issues will lead to a psychological problem which can be result in complication such as insecurity, depression, anxiety and so on.

Furthermore, domestic violence has become a major issue and most time overlooked by the responsible authorities as it need agent response before it was get worst. On the same note, here are some of the steps or ideas to follow in get addressing this issues as follows, police and legislation must work together and ensure to impose tough penalties to anyone that found committed the crime and our government should increase the funding of victim support services in our local communities.

I urge policy makers, human rights organization and the government to prioritize these issues by raising more awareness to the local communities so that they have clear understanding on this issues and support measures that will lead to tangible improvements. This issue should not blame our responsible authorities to consider but it is our national responsibility to stand in hand and work towards that vision.

Headley Tango (USPSI CAMPUS)

S11216728

NSO and OAG’S budget allocation needs to be increased: Governor Forau

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CBSI Governor, Dr Luke Forau

BY LORETTA B. MANELE

The National Statistics Office and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) budget allocations need an increase.

This was raised by CBSI Governor, Dr Luke Forau during the launching programme of CAPSA (Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit) Project at the Mendana Hotel last week.

The project includes the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024-2025 and the National Economic Establishment Census (NEEC) 2024.

Forau said the World Bank funded project is a very important project for the government and for the country as a whole.

He added that it is an interesting combination of the two agencies and this is the approach going forward for other projects.

Forau however pointed out that both agencies have been under resourced.

He stressed that NSO has never been able to fully address its mandate while OAG on the other hand is a very critical institution that needs to be fully resourced.

“In general, they need to have their budget allocations increased”

He stressed that the project is very important for the country.

“We’ve been coming up with policies but we are not sure if it is based on data, some yes but some maybe qualitative”

Forau said statistics is like the brain of the government when it comes to formulating any policy and intervention in regards to the delivery of services to our people.

He said we really need data to make quality interventions in our country.

Forau voiced that having good data is needed in order for the country to make some interventions especially regarding graduating from our LDC (Least Developed Country) status.

He said if we don’t make interventions now, we can end up graduating only to find out later that we should have not graduated because of finding out later information like people in the rural areas have not improved in their living standards as compared to those in urban areas.

“Data is very important for us to have so we can make proper and accurate interventions”

INVESTIGATE POLITICIANS,GOVT OFFICIALS

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Trade Union council doubles down on demand to hold to account people responsible for ESP disaster uncovered by OAG audit

BY NED GAGAHE

Politicians and public officials linked to the failed economic stimulus package (ESP) should be held accountable and face the full force of the law.

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) demands this, adding that there should be a thorough investigation into the findings disclosed by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).

In a statement SICTU described the OAG findings as “alarming findings of corruption and mismanagement within the government’s ESP programme”.

SICTU said the audit report has implicated several high-ranking politicians and public officers in the misuse of funds allocated for the ESP, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the program and the accountability of those responsible.

“As such, SICTU is now calling on the Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission (LCC), the Chairman of Solomon Islands Independence Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), and the Commissioner of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the actions of these implicated individuals. It is imperative that those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds are held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law.”

SICTU said OAG has completed its mandated tasked resulted in the audit report presented to government and public last week.

SICTU also reminds the Commissioner of Police of the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) he signed on behalf of (RSIPF) with the Auditor General committing the two institutions to high level of cooperation.

“The ESP program was designed to provide much-needed economic relief to the citizens in our community, especially during the height of corvid pandemic period.

“However, the findings of the audit report paint a troubling picture of misuse, embezzlement, and fraud within the programme.

“Such actions not only betray the trust of the public but also undermine the government’s efforts to support those in need.

“Therefore, we urge the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are brought to book.

“The Chairman of LCC, SIICAC, and the Commissioner of Police must work together to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations raised in the ESP audit report.

“No one should be above the law, especially those entrusted with the responsibility of serving the public.”

SICTU said it is crucial that the integrity of our governance institutions is upheld and that public can have faith in the accountability mechanisms in place.

“We call on the authorities to demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption and malfeasance by investigating these serious allegations thoroughly and ensuring that those found guilty are held accountable.

SICTU said its affiliated trade unions stand united in our demand for justice and accountability.

The council of trade union said the people now witness what they deserve to know when audit report of the ESP fund of more than $300 million released with culprits identified and the truth about the misuse of public funds and is demanding to see those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

“We trust that the Chairman of LCC, SIICAC, and the Commissioner of Police will take swift action to investigate the implicated politicians and public officers for prosecutions. Such action will restore faith in the integrity of our government institutions,” SICTU said.

SIHF welcomes new executive board

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New elected, Hockey President Dr Alex Buadley Munamua.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday at Heritage Park Hotel.

The AGM saw the election of the federation’s new Executive Board for the next term of four years hockey development.

The meeting was witnessed by Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) Continental Development Officer, Gill Gemming, representatives from member associations and former Executive Members, led by the outgoing President Winky Yee.

Dr Alex Munamua was elected as the newly President for Hockey Federation. Munamua will lead the new executive for four years, leading the federation to success.

The Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) Medical representative is looking forward to lead the federation to new heights.

His leadership will be flanked by General Secretary Enoch Mae and Treasurer Eran Soma. Two new elected Board Members are Jeremy Oliver and Panninah Martin.

The new executive will be embarking on a challenging term in promoting the sport for success across the Solomon Islands.

The SIHF is committed to developing hockey in the country and the new executive board is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal.

The AGM was a significant occasion, with the presence of Gemming and representatives from member associations and former Executive Members, adding to the importance of the event.

The outgoing President Winky Yee handed over the leadership to Dr Munamua, marking a new chapter in the development of hockey in the country. The SIHF is expected to continue its efforts in promoting hockey and developing the sport in the Solomon Islands.

Dr Alex Munamua is congratulated by outgoing President Winky Yee and Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) Continental Development Officer, Gill Gemming, after being elected as the new President of the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation.

6.3 MILLION DRIED-UP

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… Iumi Water Sport Center Remains Shut Down

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Iumi Water Sport Center at DC Park near Alligator Creek will remain shut down due to two main reasons, National Sport Council (NSC) Chairman Joe Sika has announced.

According to Sika, the facility has not been used since its handover to the NSC because two national federations, Sailing and Outrigger and Canoe, have yet to meet their obligations under the Solomon Islands National Sports Council Act.

The Act requires all national federations to register with the NSC annually, but despite numerous attempts, neither federation has done so.

Sika also cited safety concerns as a major reason for the closure.

The facility, which was used during the Pacific Games last year, lacks essential safety equipment, which was not transferred to the NSC during the handover.

With Alligator Creek in close proximity, the safety concerns are heightened, making it impossible to open the facility to national federations and the public.

The NSC has tried to get all national federations to comply with requirements of the SI NSC Act by registering since the beginning of the year.

 However, the NSC has yet to receive registration documents from the two national federations.

The Solomon Islands Outrigger and Canoe Federation has taken steps to register with the NSC as soon as possible.

Sika said that the NSC looks forward to receiving all sports and safety equipment to open the facilities to all. The NSC needs these registration documents to ensure good governance and to what extent their sports are active.

The closure of the Iumi Water Sport Center at DC Park is a setback for water sports in the country.

The facility was expected to host several water sports events this year, but the closure has put these plans on hold.

The $6.3 million Water Sport facility was funded by the Australian Government in support of the hosting of the Pacific Games last year for water sport federations, specifically Va’a and Sailing.

The facility was handed over to the NSC by the National Hosting Authority on 1 May 2024.

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.

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