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UNILATERAL APPOINTMENT

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NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng. Photo credit - ELTON LONARATHA JNR.

.. NSC Jump the Gun in Appointing SINIS Executive Director

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE National Hosting Authority (NHA) is currently making attempts to meet with the National Sports Council (NSC) Board following the appointment of the new Executive Director opted by the NSC to be in charge of the National Institute of Sport (SINIS), which is yet to be officially handed over to NSC and the National Olympic Committee of the Solomon Islands (NOCSI), through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

During the first phase handover of the seven Pacific Games facilities from the Government through NHA to NSC, NOCSI, and MHA last week, the Former Prime Minster who was also the Minister for the Pacific Games 2023, Manasseh Sogavare, clearly stated that according to the Pacific Games Act, all facilities will be transferred from NHA to NSC after the games.

He also confirmed that besides the first seven facilities that were handed over to NSC, another four facilities will be handed over later. SINIS is one of the four facilities yet to be handed over to NSC.

While NHA is yet to officially hand the High-Performance Center to NSC to look after, the NSC CEO made an early appointment of a new Executive Director moving in at the SINIS Executive Director office this week.

NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng told SunSPORTS that NSC failed to discuss the matter before making the appointment of the new Executive Director to look after the facility that is yet to be handed over.

“The NSC Board knew about the change in policy as was mentioned by the Caretaker PM in his statements during the handing-over ceremony last week.

“NSC Board, however, went ahead and announced the new appointment without having the courtesy to consult NHA.

“We planned to hold a joint NHA/NSC board meeting but the NSC board even went ahead with their decisions without meeting with the NHA Board,” Nieng said.

The NHA Director added that they are making attempts for the two boards (NHA/NSC) to meet, but clearly, NSC’s actions contrary to the announcement of the Caretaker Prime Minister is of a concern which they hope to be cleared at the two boards’ meeting to be convened urgently.

“NSC has signed several venue use agreements even when the land titles and the properties are still under NHA.

“It’s interesting to see how the CEO of NSC drives the NSC business.

“They have been taking revenue from the venues and depositing the cash into their accounts even before the venues are handed over to them,” Nieng told SunSPORTS.

Sogavare during the first phase handover of the Pacific Games facilities revealed that the four facilities that are still under NHA and will be handed over to NSC at a later date include, the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS), Multipurpose Hall at East End Sports Park, Sports Legacy House, and Administration at the Sport City.

Meanwhile, this week, NSC has appointed Andy Roosen, a former NSC part-time consultant, and current High Performance Director, as the new Executive Director for SINIS.

Roosen welcomed the appointment and confirmed that this week he commenced as High Performance Director for both NSC and SINIS.

SunSPORTS tried to get further clarification from the NSC CEO and Chairman, but they were not answerable.

Armed robbery case adjourns

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Case involving the trio Dickson Fito’o, Hudson Susuamae and Sio Wale charged with arm robbery of $100,000 and Chinese currencies at Holiday Resort Motel early last year, is yet to have a new trial date.

Yesterday the matter was mentioned at the magistrate court and prosecution asked for an adjournment for next week when a new trial date will be decided.

Defence counsel Lazarus Waroka told the court yesterday morning that he is withdrawing his representation for accused Mr Wale because of conflict of interest.

Waroka further told the court that he will inform the Public Solicitor Practice Manager for allocation of a new lawyer for Wale.

Court suspended the matter to May 16 for mention, parties to communicate and email each other their available date for the trial and copy email to the court registrar and PM Hilly clerk.

All three defendants Fito’o, Susuamae and Wale have pleaded not guilty to the joint charge of armed robbery.

It was alleged in the early hours on January 20, 2023 the trio allegedly entered into the Holiday Resort Motel armed with bush knives.

One of the defendants wounded a victim who is a Chinese national during their alleged attack.

They allegedly escaped with $100,000 including a Chinese currency.

Prosecution alleged that police had recovered a hand bag during the arrest of the three defendants but huge amount of money was never recovered.

Vernon Taupongi act for State and Rochella Palmer represent Dickson Fito’o, Bobby Harunari represent Hudson Susuamae and Sio Wale is yet to be allocated to PSO lawyer.

Gegeu’s grievous harm trial set for another date and magistrate

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial for the case against a man accused of causing grievous body harm on another man on New Year’s this year has been set to be carried out on a new date under a new magistrate.

Zane Taisia Gegeu is facing a grievous harm charge. He pleaded not guilty in a previous hearing.

Yesterday, Principal Magistrate Elma Rizzu Hilly told both parties that she will no longer be presiding over the case due to a conflict of interest.

She adjourned the matter for May 23 to be heard before a different magistrate.

Gegeu’s co-accused, Brendon Kakai is charged with common assault. He pleaded guilty to the charge and is waiting for Gegeu’s trial to complete so that his lawyer can submit his sentencing and mitigation submissions to the court.

Bail for Kakai was extended and remand for Gegeu was extended.

Taisia is also facing an ongoing murder and driving without licence charges which he pleaded not guilty to.

This matter has been committed to the High Court for trial.

With the Gegeu and Brendon’s joint case, it is alleged that early morning January 1 this year, Gegeu together with co-accused Kakai without a lawful excuse assaulted the complainant at the Pacific Crown Hotel who at the time was arguing with Gegeu’s sister.

It was further alleged that Gegeu took a Solbrew bottle and hit the complainant’s head with it, causing blood and injury to the complainant’s forehead.

The complainant reported the matter to police the next day.

John Wesley Zoze from Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) act for the Crown and Lazurus Waroka of PSO represent Zane Taisia Gegeu and Ron Pulekera represent Brendon Kakai.

Trial in October for 4 men accused of attacking man at HCC depot area

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BY ROMIAN FAKA

Trial into the case against four men accused of attacking and injuring a man at the Town Council depot area last year has been set for October 7-18.


Yesterday both prosecution and defence agreed with the court on the tentative trial date which was set in the last mention.
Defence confirmed to court that she was the allocated lawyer for accused Daniel Rofeta and Daniel Fugui for the trial.
Court then suspended the matter for June 6 for first interim-mention.


All the suspects are excused from attending the court sessions until the final interim mention on October 3.
Prosecution charged Luise Meke, Daniel Rofeta, Warren Basil and Daniel Fugui jointly for one count of grievous bodily harm.
All the four accused have pleaded not guilty to the charge.


It was alleged around 1 and 2am in the morning of August 16, 2023 at the Town Council Depot area, the complainant was waiting at the front gate of the Holy Cross transit in front of his girlfriend’s residence.


It was alleged the complainant honked for the security guard to open the gate for him and while waiting saw the four accused running towards him from the opposite side of the road.


The victim got suspicious that this group might harm him and he quickly drove away to escape from them.
After 30 minutes the complainant returned to the same location and while waiting for the security to open the gate, smoked a cigarette.


All of the sudden the group attacked the complainant from behind.


They used a hard object to strike the complainant’s right hand, causing him to fall onto the road unconsciously.


Luckily, one of the security officers at the Honiara City Council (HCC) workshop witnessed the attack and intervened and prevented the boys from further harming the complainant.


Later the complainant was assisted to his girlfriend’s residence.


That same night the complainant was not feeling well and went to the National Referral Hospital.


He was informed that the right side of his skull was cracked and there was internal bleeding.


The injuries sustained by the complainant were severe, he was referred to Gold Coast University Hospital in Queensland, Australia for further medical attention.


Vernon Taupongi acts for the crown and Delilah Kukura represent Luise Meke, Daniel Onorio represent Warren Basil, Jennifer Happilyn represent Daniel Fugui and Daniel Rofeta.

Mammogram machine donation unused

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Mammogram machine.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MONTHS after receiving a donated mammogram machine—the vital screening tool for detecting breast cancer—the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has yet to make it operational.

The life-saving machine worth SBD1.2 million was donated by the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) on November 20, 2023.

According to an insider source, following the donation, a specialist was tasked with installing the machine; unfortunately, the machine cannot be used due to the absence of a part.

Based on an Oncology Unit report, breast cancer remains one of the top five cancers in the country and ranks second behind cervical cancer.

Responding to queries, the NRH said in a press statement, “The NRH has contacted the supplier, and plans are in place for the supplier to deliver the additional part in May or June this year.

The statement also said that “the supplier will also be doing appropriate calibrations and application training with local staff at the same time.”.

Furthermore, the NRH authorities gave the assurance that the public would be informed once the machine was operational.

Previously, during the official handover ceremony in December 2023, the Permanent Secretary of MHMS, Pauline Boseto McNeil, said the new machine is a strategic effort to control the high cases of breast cancer.

Additionally, the donation of the machine is an outcome of a 2022 MOU signed between SIMA and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) as part of SIMA’s community engagement and contribution to the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Two candidates for Malaita’s provincial speaker

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

TWO candidates have been nominated to contest the seat of the Speaker for Malaita provincial assembly.

This was after the three-day nomination issued by the office of the provincial clerk that opened on Tuesday, closed at 4pm yesterday.

In a notice issued by the office of the provincial clerk on the nomination at 4pm yesterday, “At the close of nomination on Thursday 9th May 2024 at 4pm two nominations have been received.

“Therefore, in accordance with the standing order 16, I hereby place on notice that the following persons are the candidates for the speaker position

“Mr Joe Heroau and Mr Dickson Pola.

“The election for the position of the speaker of Malaita provincial assembly will take place on Friday 10th May 2024 at the provincial assembly chamber in Auki.”

Both Heroau and Pola had served in the former Malaita provincial assembly. Heroau served as the former MPA for ward 25 and Pola as former MPA for ward 21.

After the election of the provincial speaker today, the speaker will schedule date for the nomination and election of the premier of Malaita province.

KWATO’O REPLACES SUIDANI

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Philip Kwato'o. Photo supplied.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Newcomer Phillip Kwato’o has replaced Daniel Suidani as the leader of their camp ahead of Malaita’s premier election next week.

Mr Kwato’o, part Malaita and Choiseul, is the MPA for Ward 29, in Central Kwara’ae and was nominated on Wednesday this week.

He brings with him the sense of fresh blood and positive change into the arena of provincial governance politics of Malaita.

But, leadership and service is not new to Kwato’o.

Before entering politics, Kwato’o was engaged in years of philanthropic work for his communities in and around his village of Malawai in Central Kwara’ae and communities in Choiseul. These include the building of rest houses, clinic and classrooms.

He holds a bachelors in Mining Engineering, and had worked in various organisations including heading the School of Gemology and Jewellery at the Technical Institute of Malaita, Training Manager at SolBrew, Camp Manager for an exploration operation in Isabel.

Kwato’o is up against the odds, coming in to lead a camp that is reportedly with a minority group of 13 MPAs against Elijah Asilaua’s camp, which claims to have 20 members.

However, Kwato’o is unfazed, saying that in politics the buck stops with the announcement of results.

Thus, he says they are confident of boosting their numbers ahead of the premier’s election next week.

Kwato’o believes that the other camp has genuine leaders who will believe in his visions for the province, and will join his camp.

He said he believes in working together for the betterment of Malaita, so all MPAs should have a part to play in his administration.

Meanwhile, Asilaua’s camp continues to claim they are strongly bonded heading to next week’s election.

An MPA from Asilaua’s camp, Jerry Hite said they are waiting on Sikaiana’s MPA to arrive in Auki before their 20-strong membership is complete.

Hite said they are also working on luring MPAs from Kwato’o’s camp.

Aoraunisaka calls for unity, collaboration

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Re-elected Provincial Speaker Peter Aoraunisaka.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE re-elected provincial speaker for the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly has called for collaboration.

Addressing the twenty (20) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) after swearing-in yesterday at the Provincial headquarters, Speaker, Peter Aoraunisaka urged for unity onwards.  

“Even if the speaker is recognized as the head of the legislature of Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, I want us to all work together” he remarked.

He reminded them that there will be challenges to address ahead and more work that needs to be done.

Aoraunisaka mentioned that there are few non- assented ordinances that require their attention and other development matters that needed to be dealt with.

He than thanked them for the support and the trust they have in re-electing him to be the speaker.

Public transport user urges respect for women’s safety

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Harassment

BY NED GAGAHE

In a plea to public transport providers, a young mother is speaking out about the urgent need to respect of female passengers.

The mother who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her experience with the Island Sun recently recounted her horrifying ordeal after an incident earlier this week.

As a regular client of a well-known taxi service in Honiara (name withheld), the mother called for a cab to transport her from her residence in Kaibia to her workplace at Point Cruz.

However, what should have been a 10-15 minutes ride turned into a harrowing experience, prompting her to raise her voice on behalf of women elsewhere.

“On the way, he started asking me, disrespectful questions then started touching my legs and hands.

“Despite my pleas for him to stop, he ignored.

“The worst happened as we approached the King Solomon Hotel, he reached for my chest and then to my breast.

“I fear the worst might yet to come, if I fought back, he might harm me, so I tried to keep calm at the same time using my hands to keep him from touching me.

“The window for me to escape arrived when he slowed down at the raintree in front of King Solomon Hotel.

“I quickly opened the door and escaped. As soon as I backed out, I took a photo of the cab’s number plate.” The mother said.

she confirmed she is pursuing the harassment case with police.

Meanwhile, the mother believes her story highlights the critical importance of ensuring that public transport services maintain a safe and respectful environment for all passengers, particularly women.

Asilaua’s camp with 20 MPAs

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE camp led by MPA for ward 11 Elijah Asilaua claims the majority of 20 out of 33 MPAs under Malaita provincial assembly as of yesterday afternoon.

Asilaua confirmed this to SunAuki saying they expect an inclusion of one more MPA to join the camp ahead of speaker’s election tomorrow.

He said his camp currently holds the majority of the assembly with 20 MPAs, and they are confident to form the next provincial government of Malaia province.

Spokesman MPA for Raroisu’u ward 21, Jerry Hite reaffirmed the number of 20 MPAs in a conversation with this paper yesterday.

“We are 20 rock solid and I’m confident we will be together till the election next week, despite the fact that lobbying is still underway,” he said.

Hite said the camp has 20 MPAs and they expect another one which will be the MPA for Sikaiana ward 33 of Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

He said the MPA is still in Sikaiana and is expected to be in Auki either by Friday or over the weekend for the election of the premier next week.

When asked on whether the withdrawal of Daniel Suidani from contesting the premiers post could encourage MPAs to defect to their camp, he said he’s confident it won’t happen.

He said lobbying is still active and anything can happen, but they continue to consult each other even keep close surveillance on those who seem easy to defect.

Hite said similar goals and ambitions shared by MPAs at the camp believe to be the fabric for their number strength and form the next government of Malaita. 

Also, this paper yesterday witnessed the three MPAs whom one of them reported earlier this week they are still yet to join a camp had already at Asilaua’s camp.

They are MPA for ward 27, Simon Ke’ebo, MPA for ward 9, George Ganiau and MPA for ward 10, Jimmy Daoni.

Ke’ebo and Daoni were last week at the camp once led by Suidani. Another MPA that was also seen at the camp is MPA for ward 12, Henry Maenu’u, who is also at Asilaua’s camp.

While Asilaua’s camp is claiming 21 MPAs, the other camp is reportedly with only 12 MPAs. Thus, lobbying is still active and change on the numerical strengthen of the camps is likely to happen.

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