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Default judgement sought in Suidani’s $5m lawsuit

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Former Malaita premier Suidani’s $5 million lawsuit against the Solomon Star newspaper and journalist Alfred Sasako could be heading for default judgement.

This is according to a media statement by Daniel Suidani’s advisor, Celsus Talifilu Friday last week.

Suidani’s lawyer, Ms Lily Ramo, of the JustLaw Attorneys, confirmed to Island Sun yesterday she had filed on Thursday last week, April 20 for the default judgement.

Defence Lawyer Jim Seuika of L&L law firm told Island Sun yesterday however they are yet to receive any application for a default judgement.

Mr Seuika adds that they will object it.

“In our current case, we are yet to receive any formal application for default judgment in which it is obvious we will object to it.

“We have our argument to submit if this application is file[d].”

Talifilu had reported that Suidani’s lawyer was pursuing a default judgement after the defendants failed to file a response within 28 days of receiving court papers from the complainant.

“The failures by Sasako and Solomon Star to file a response and a defence within the given lawful time periods means that Suidani’s lawyer will now be applying to the High Court for a default judgment,” Talifilu said.

Suidani had filed the $5 million lawsuit in the High Court against Solomon Star and Sasako for alleged defamatory and malicious publications.

Lawyer Ms Ramo confirmed the lawsuit was filed on March 21, 2023.

She adds, the 28 days in which the defendants were supposed to file a response lapsed on Tuesday last week, thus allowing them to move forward seeking default judgement.

WE ARE NET ZERO

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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MECDM staff and stakeholders who participated in the Validation workshop. Photo credit - MECDM Comms.

Preliminary report findings indicate Solomon Islands achieving main goal against climate change

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Solomon Islands has already reached net-zero status in its emitting and absorption of carbon.

While this is yet to be made official, findings from the Green House Gas (GHG) Assessment carried out under our Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change confirms it.

Reaching net-zero status is the main goal the United Nations has set for all countries in the global effort to slow down climate change.

Net-zero is when the rate of releasing carbon (and greenhouse gases) into the air equals the rate of removing them from the air.

Only eight countries are officially declared net-zero. They are Bhutan, Comoros, Gabon, Guyana, Madagascar, Niue, Panama and Suriname, according to the World Economic Forum in December last year.

Being net-zero reinforces Solomon Islands rights to ‘global helps’ such as climate finance, and further empowers the country’s calls for huge global emitters such as US and China to reduce emission.

However, the ministry of environment and climate change (MECDM) warns “we need to be vigilant to ensure we do not allow our emissions to surpass removals into the future.”

This statement was made by the Permanent Secretary for MECDM Dr Melchior Mataki when addressing stakeholders who gathered in Honiara last week to validate the Solomon Islands Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS), MECDM Media statement yesterday said.

One of the participants in the validation workshop, Henry Tufah, deputy director of MECDM’s Climate Change Division, explains to the paper that knowing our status can help policymakers, the MECDM (which is leading the charge against climate change) and stakeholders map the way forward.

Mr Tufah however echoes that challenges to this endeavour such as unsustainable deforestation activities accompanying extractive industries – logging and mining, could become significant if we are not careful.

Other emitters include industries under transportation (mainly ships and trucks), developments which include infrastructure and businesses, agriculture, etc. Solid waste pollution is also a major across-the-board challenge.

“From 1994 to 2012, emission was high. Since then, up to 2018, it has dropped. But, atmospheric carbon removal by forests is again declining due to unsustainable logging practices and conversion of forest for other uses.”

Tufah also explains that availability of data is one soft challenge, which government and stakeholders are addressing.

It is understood that the only data available, which revealed our net-zero status, are based on forests alone. Marine and mangroves are needed.

PS Mataki in the MECDM statement yesterday said: “The Solomon Islands is least responsible for the human induced change in our global climate system and yet we are at the forefront of climate change impacts.

“Regardless of our situation we recognise our role in the global effort to curtail GHGs emission.

“This is particularly important because major emitters and those with historical responsibility are doing very little to drastically reduce their emissions. 

“The benefits of shifting to a low carbon society are sufficient on their own to warrant the shift irrespective of the requirements of the Paris Agreement.

“A high GHG emitting society is indicative of unsustainable production and consumption patterns and behaviours. As such a LEDS is needed for the Solomon Islands.

“The Solomon Islands LEDS which started way back in 2021 seeks to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with transformational changes that is needed to maintain our net zero status while at the same continue to work on reducing our GHG emission from the energy, agriculture, industrial processes and product use and waste.

“The purpose of the LEDS is twofold, first it will be for local application and second for international cooperation.

“Domestically it will complement short- and medium-term development and sectoral strategies of the country including the National Development Strategy, National Climate Change Policy, National Determined Contributions and the National Forestry policy.

“On the international front, it will be used to help Solomon Islands meet its obligations and support climate action on the global level under the Paris Agreement.”

Earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the body which advises the UN on temperature rise, released a report which has been described as “what could be mankind’s last warning” to reverse climate change.

The report had prompted the UN to call on countries to fast-track their efforts towards net-zero and to bring their timelines forward by 10 years.

The AR6 report also demands that leading global emitters reduce their emission by almost half.

UN secretary General António Guterres labels the world’s situation the “ticking climate time bomb”.

The IPCC chair, Hoesung Lee described the lack of commitment by leading world emitters in this phrase – “we are walking when we should be sprinting”.

Temperature rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius (since pre-industrial days) could be realised in the 2030s, just seven years away. We are already at 1.1 C.

Mysterious bus conductor praised for his dress code

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY NED GAGAHE

An unnamed bus conductor has shot to fame on Facebook overnight after a picture of him neatly dressed with a necktie was posted on the popular Facebook group YUMI TOKTOK Forum.

Commentors have taken on Facebook to praise him for his dress code, fun character and politeness.

The unnamed conductor’s photo (PICTURED) was posted in the YUMI TOKTOK Forum by Benjamin Afuga has raked up 350 comments, 1.2k likes and people are praising him for his dress code on YUMI TOKTOK Facebook Page.

Others have commented that his dress code should be a role model on how a bus conductor should be dressed.

Neatly dressed with a long pant, a long white official sleeve and a necktie, his picture was captured somewhere in Honiara city.

Soon after Mr. Afuga posted his picture on the forum many have praised him even a kind hearted citizen has offered to buy him pair of shoes and shirts for him.

“Someone has offered to provide a new shoe and shirt for this bus conductor.

“To those that know this bus conductor, please contact me about him so that I can connect him with this good citizen. Thank you.” Mr. Afuga posted on the forum.

“I’ve been on this bus today. He’s very polite and fun. When the bus stops, he warmly welcomed passengers saying “please on-board ladies and gentlemen” and when passenger go down, he would say thank you for riding with us, have a nice weekend and do take care, hope to have you again on board with us next time. He’s amazing!” one commentor said.

The conductor’s picture has triggered fresh calls by concerned members of the public bus conductors and drivers, taxis to have decent dress code.

Bus conductors and drivers dress code in Honiara have been a subject of criticisms due to poor dress code and customer service.

BOULDER KILLS THREE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE

Three adult men have been killed in a tragic incident at King George Sixth area over the weekend after a large rock loosened off from its hilltop position and tumbled down the slopes and crashed on dwelling home killing the men inside as it rolled down the slopes.

The substandard dwelling home where the men were staying inside was built beneath a cliff towering above the home.

Police have yet to issue an official statement about the incident however unofficial reports reaching the Island Sun yesterday stated that the men were playing card games on the balcony of the substandard building built facing the pathway of the rock.

When the rock loosened from its position it rolled downwards destroying the part of the home where the men were sitting and killing them as a result of the crash.

No further details have been released following the tragedy, however according to neighbors the recent rainy weather was blamed for the loosened rock.

It was reported that the two men were brothers from West Kwara’ae in Malaita Province whilst the other deceased was their in-law from Maringe in Isabel province.

A doctor at the National Referral Hospital has confirmed the death of the men.

Meanwhile, people have taken to social media to convey their sympathy following the tragic death of the men.

Attempts to get comments from the Police Media yesterday was unsuccessful.

Funding is SINU most significant challenge: Aqorau

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau says funding is one most significant challenge of the Solomon Islands National University.

Aqorau   Echoed this at the recent 10th anniversary celebration of the Solomon Islands National University.   

He said despite its many achievements, the Solomon Islands National University faces several challenges.

“One of the most significant challenges is funding. The university relies heavily on government funding, which is often inadequate. This makes it challenging for the university to provide the necessary resources and facilities to its students and faculty,” Aqorau said.

He adds the need for more qualified and experienced faculty members is
another challenge faced by the university

“The university needs more qualified teachers and researchers to maintain its high standards of education and research,” Aqorau said.

Govt to give more powers to provinces: PM Sogavare

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Government will give more powers to the provinces preparing them for the federal constitution, prime minister Sogavare told parliament on Thursday.

But, it will take time and more work, he hinted.

He also highlighted his concern on recommendations to amend a section of the constitution.

“The government will commence the process of empowering provinces through the reform of the Provincial Government Act to devolve more powers to the provinces including financial resources and other logistics as a way of preparing the provinces.”

Responding to the speech on the throne on the recommendations by the Eminent Persons Advisory Council (EPAC) and People’s Congress (PC) on the Federal Constitution PM Manasseh Sogavare said the recommendation is problematic.

“… in that it recommends as a starting process, the amendment to section 61 of the constitution to establish the Constituent Assembly which all members of Parliament will be part of to bring the new constitution into force.

“This recommendation overlooks very important considerations and assume that the new constitution is ready to go,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare described the process as “putting the cart before the horse and in that it requires the Parliament to begin the process without the benefit of appreciating what will be getting ourselves into under the new government system”.

“As advised by His Excellency the Government will subject the draft to a peer review and economic analysis,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare adds that the matter is not a simple matter as “our future hangs on it, and the government is not taking the advice lightly”.

Malaria deaths

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Deputy Secretary Health Improvement, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Nemia Bainivalu

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

UNDERSECRETARY for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Nemia Bainivalu confirmed malaria deaths following the current increase of Malaria in Honiara and some parts of the country.

Bainivalu echoed this yesterday in a press conference.

“According to analysis and records that we have at NRH and some clinics unfortunately we have seen some deaths from Malaria and also other diseases. Very unfortunate,” he said.

Bainivalu said divisions responsible in the health ministry are currently monitoring the number of diseases (malaria, influenza and dengue) because of the increase.

He said in terms of the monitoring the Ministry will be using four key aspects in addressing these diseases the first one is on prevention, second one is early detection, and effective treatment is the third one and the fourth is the vector control.

Bainivalu adds at this time the type of Malaria that is currently spread rapidly is   plasmodium vivax in terms of its biology this parasite is the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria.

WORKSHOP CUT SHORT

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western province MPA induction programme disrupted due to allowance disagreement

BY BEN BILUA

THE workshop organised by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening for the members of the Western Provincial Assembly has been prematurely ended due to allowance and logistics disagreements.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government called off the workshop yesterday though attempts were made by provincial executives and Western Provincial Administration to continue with the workshop.

The workshop came to a standstill on Thursday when MPAs bombarded the Ministry’s officials on the ground with comments surrounding logistics and allowances.

Premier Billy Veo was clear in his statement saying that the training is important for leaders of Western Province to deliver effective services and at the same time maintain clean operations in accordance to the minimum conditions provisions and performance measures provided for under the Provincial Government Institutional Strengthening Program.

“While it is true that there were no guideline given to MPAs for the travel arrangements to attend the meeting and MPAs were not aware of the logistical arrangement where respective MPAs have been allocated certain amount of money for their travel to Gizo for the meeting, the matter should be addressed amicably and let the workshop continue,” he said.

Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) under the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) Momodou Lamin Sawaneh said the decision has already been made by the Ministry and that officers on the ground cannot do anything but to follow the decision.

He adds that next week’s presentations have also been cancelled. This means that the teams from OAG, Ombudsman’s Office, Leadership Code Commission and other have now been advised to cancel their planned sessions for next week.

“Unfortunately, we (the team facilitating the workshop) do not make decisions, we are implementers, and the decision makers is the Executive management of MPGIS.

“Since we do not bring ourselves here and the resources we are using are public resources, the decision to cut short the training is unfortunate.

“We appreciate the effort of the Premier, the Speaker, and the Provincial Secretary to discuss interventions as to how the training can be continued.

“We also appreciate the patience of the MPAs and Western Province’s Administration officials,” Sawaneh said.

He acknowledged the MPAs and officials for turning up during yesterday’s meeting for the final announcement and closing of the workshop.

In his final remarks, the Speaker of Western Province, Ramrakha Talasasa Jr said the Premier will liaise with the Ministry to see if there is a chance for the workshop to be conducted at another time.

Divit girls training centre receives new furniture from Australia through APTC

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Counsellor Mika Kontiainen of Australian High Commission officially hand over the furniture to Principal of Divit Training Centre Daniela Tovatada.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DIVIT Training centre is the latest institution to receive support from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) assistance in development and training towards vocational schools in the country.

Yesterday’s handover of new furniture to the centre will help students of Divit training centre learn in a conducive environment and boost their learning capacity.

Divit Training Centre is a girls training centre manned by Catholic sisters.

Speaking during the handover of the furniture Mika Kontiainen Counsellor – Human Development, Australian High Commission said Australia is pleased to see APTC’s partnership with Divit Rural Training Centre flourishing and it is a clear demonstration of the spirit of partnership and goodwill.

Students of Divit Training Centre posing for a photo with the guests.

He said Australia is a partner of Solomon Islands and one of their shared goals is to foster more jobs contributing to economic growth that will also enable Solomon Islanders to engage fully in economic activities and live productive lives. 

“A healthy, educated and inclusive society is fundamental to achieving this, which is why Australia’s support includes a strong focus on strengthening TVET. TVET provides the skills that form the backbone of any country’s economic growth and development.

“There is also a need to continue building the skills of workers in the Solomon Islands to contribute to economic recovery”, Counsellor Kontiainen said.

He said Australia’s support to Divit Rural Training Centre with new furniture including chairs, tables, whiteboards, shelves and cabinets will help strengthen its training delivery and further boost learning and development for students.

Counsellor Mika signing off the papers with the Divit Principal Sr Daniela Tovatada while APTC Director Ms Chang looks on.

The Australian Government is pleased to support training institutions like Divit RTC, given the importance of TVET and Australia will remain committed to helping improve TVET systems and training delivery in the Solomon Islands.

“We hope today’s contribution will add value to the important work you are already doing to help transform lives through training and skills for employment”, Counsellor Kontiainen adds.

Meanwhile Principal of Divit Girls Training centre Sister, Daniela Tovatada highlighted that APTC is playing a very important role in the development of their school and their support and assistance will certainly boost students in their learning.

She also urged the students to take a good care of the facilities that have been donated to them.

MPG hopes for better result in upcoming PCDF assessment

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA Provincial Government hopes for a better result on its PCDF status this time-round, as assessment for 2022/2023 expects for this month.

Last year, MPG disqualified for the programme and it severely affected implementation of its earmarked projects due to reduction of fund as a result of the disqualification.

Deputy Provincial Secretary, who also the Provincial Secretary acting of Malaita province, Mr David Filia Tuita told SunAuki that the province is looking forward to another round of assessment this year.

He said the assessment is a normal procedure carry out on all provinces to establish their performance measure which referred to as minimum conditions with regards to the fund.

“A team will be in the province soon to carry out the assessment. We are preparing for the assessment and we hope the province passes all minimum conditions,” he said.

Tuita said a solemn issue MPG faces with is its ward development grants that would have severe impact on the assessment, but fortunately SIG assured to address the matter.

Minister of Finance under the Fini led MNGFR, Hon Randol Sifoni has also recently shared his optimism to pass the assessment for 2022/2023 fiscal year.

He said one area that would have negative consequence on the province as experienced is failing to pass the 2022/2023 revised budget that the assembly joined effort to pass it.

“I would share my profound gratitude for passing the 2022/2023 revised budget as this could have hindered compliance issues for our government.

“Without your positive vision it would provide negative repercussions on the future PCDF assessment for MPG.

“In doing so, the province now looks forward to another round of assessment in April 2023 and hopefully MPG passes all the ten minimum conditions,” Sifoni said.

He said this would allow the province to implement the 29 projects proposed for 2023/2024 fiscal year.

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