Former Malaita premier Daniel Suidani’s legal team is turning its eyes on the presiding judge on their case against the Solomon Star and veteran journalist Alfred Sasako.
Suidani’s lawyer, Ms Lily Ramo, is intending to make an application to recuse the current presiding judge on the Suidani v Sasako lawsuit.
Daniel Suidani sued Solomon Star and Alfred Sasako for publications that served as evidence of false, malicious, and defamatory publications against Suidani.
The case was mentioned in court and was adjourned to June 27 2023 for the hearing of the application.
According to Mr. Suidani, the numerous reports he saw in the Solomon Star’s publication weren’t due to errors or oversights on the part of the newspaper’s staff or veteran reporter Mr. Sasako; rather, they were an example of the newspaper’s and Mr. Sasako’s reckless behavior over a period of months in an effort to damage Mr. Suidani’s good name among his supporters in Malaita and the Solomon Islands as well the world.
Mr. Suidani says that Solomon Star and Mr. Sasako will be forced to produce evidence of the truth of what they reported in several print newspaper publications and on Solomon Star’s online website to the Court and for the public to see.
Photo: IAEA task force members during a site visit to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station to conduct a comprehensive review mission regarding the planned discharge of ALPS treated water. Image credit: TEPCO
Forum experts will meet with the IAEA in virtual mode in early June, to discuss the planned discharge of treated nuclear wastewater from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean.
The session with the International Atomic Energy Agency experts comes after Pacific Islands Forum and Japan scientific experts met for a fifth time on June 1, 2023 to further discuss a number of technical issues.
This meeting follows their fourth meeting held April 14, 2023, and in pursuit of a clearer understanding on the data and information, and thereby on matters related to the safety or otherwise to Pacific Island states of Japan’s proposed plans.
The fifth meeting was co-chaired by PIF Acting Secretary General, Dr Filimon Manoni, and Mr Shinichi Sato, Director of the International Nuclear Energy Cooperation Division of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Acting SG Manoni recalled and emphasised the assurance by Prime Minister Kishida that Japan will not discharge the ALPS treated nuclear wastewater until such time that that it is verifiably safe to do so and based on a relationship built of trust and in the spirit of friendship.
Intensive scientific dialogue will continue next week when PIF experts meet a second time with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts, following a first meeting on 20 April 2023.
Further, an Informal Working Group of Forum Members are looking at international legal issues related to the proposed plans.
These include identification of relevant international legal treaties and instruments, and assessment of related rules and mechanisms, noting the transboundary and intergenerational issues related to the ocean, environment, health, and human rights.
In a high-level face to face meeting between the Forum Chair, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at an initial meeting in Tokyo on February 7, 2023, concerns over urgent sharing of scientific information and progressing political dialogue were raised.
They agreed on further intensive dialogue at the scientific and political level, affirming the need for facilitated exchange of information and dialogue between Japan and PIF experts, and the importance of science and data to guide the political decision on the discharge.
At the Special Leaders Retreat on 24 February 2023, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders “recalled their strong concerns for the significance of the potential threat of nuclear contamination to the health and security of the Blue Pacific, its people and prospects, and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring international consultation, international law, and independent and verifiable scientific assessments as per the PALM9 Declaration”.
The PIF Panel of Independent Scientific Experts continue to support Forum Members with independent scientific assessments of data and information provided by Japan on its plans to discharge over a million tonnes of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next four decades.
As articulated at the First Rarotonga Treaty States Parties Meeting held 15 December 2020, Forum Members “urge[d] Japan to take all steps necessary to address any potential harm to the Pacific” and “to take all appropriate measures within their territory, jurisdiction or control to prevent significant transboundary harm to the territory of another state, as required under international law”.
The Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school in Malu’u, Malaita province, is now expanding into information and communication technology (ICT), giving young people in the northern region a chance to pursue their educational goals.
For many years, when it comes to educational prospects, young people from Malu’u, Lau/Mbaelelea constituency, and even Baegu/Asifola constituency have long traveled to Honiara. It’s because Honiara serves as the hub for several training institutions, including USP and the Solomon Islands National University.
Such a movement is linked to numerous difficulties facing young people and the guidance. For instance, knowing that the cost of living in Honiara is too high has become a hardship for them in terms of their living expenses and social welfare.
As a result, Arnon Atomea school is stepping up to address this issue by creating an ICT hub and inviting USP and the Solomon Islands National University to establish at the school so that young people in the northern region can have access to the same opportunities centralized in Honiara.
As of right now, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Malaita Province and Solomon Islands National University, all support the school by providing WIFI, satellite discs, and three computer labs. With 10 students, the Arnon Atomea started the first-ever form seven arts this year, and form seven science will be the next soon. It is run by the University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands campus.
Additionally, enrollment in the Distant Flexible Learning (DFL) program offered by the Solomon Islands National University at the Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school is growing. Now, young people in Malu’u and across northern region will share the same opportunities of education, trainings, and employment available in Honiara.
The principal of Arnon Atomea school, Henry Bare, stated that the achievements and opportunities provided by the Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school in Malu’u are commendable and have the potential to have a significant impact on the educational prospects of young people in Malaita province’s northern region.
He added, by expanding into information and communication technology (ICT) and establishing partnerships with institutions such as the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Solomon Islands National University, the school is bringing much-needed educational opportunities closer to home, addressing the challenges faced by young people who had to travel to Honiara for further education and training.
“These achievements and opportunities are transformative for young people in Malu’u and the northern region. It offers a chance to pursue their educational goals without the burden of significant expenses and geographical barriers.”
“This initiative has the potential to positively impact the lives of individuals, families, and the community as a whole, by creating a more accessible and inclusive educational environment.”
Mr Bare further explained saying the goal behind bringing these opportunities to the remote level, is to address the educational limitations and difficulties faced by young people in the northern region, particularly in Malu’u and surrounding constituencies.
According to Nason Nunufia, a youth club leader at Raubabate community in Malu’u, said Arnon Atomea provincial secondary school’s collaboration with these institutions is truly a milestone for not only the young people in Malu’u, but also for the northern region as a whole.
He adds that such collaboration will provides the opportunity and change for young people to showcase their potential and abilities to pursue further academic as well as skill-set trainings, and it helps reduce parental costs, especially with relatives living in Auki and in Honiara,” he said.
“I strongly believe as a youth, it will provide maximum benefit in terms of student research as well as access to other programs at USP, SINU and even other online programs available. Given this opportunity at our door step would be truly a blessing to our region,” Nason said.
Arnon Atomea is a provincial secondary school under the Malaita Education Authority. The school was established by the late Arnon Atomea of Manakwai village, who was also the first Reverend of the South Sea Evangelical Church in the Solomon Islands.
The school was established with a vision to ensure all school-age children are enrolled and given the education they need to live independently in a setting where learning takes place in a secure, welcoming, stimulating, and joyful environment.
Furthermore, they envision that their communities taking an active role in the school’s development in physical, spiritual, and social, and through the upskilling of teachers and the Board of Management, the school acting as a catalyst for healthy community growth.
Officers of fire services and rescue trying their best to get the two trapped person out of the lifter at Anthony Saru building.
Two people trapped in Anthony Saru elevator, renewed calls for NPF to fix the damaged building
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
Two people went through a harrowing experience, trapped in the Anthony Saru elevator for nearly two hours.
The incident occurred at around midday, yesterday.
Other tenants managed to provide water for the trapped persons, and firefighters later came and freed them.
This follows the chronic power outages across the capital, Honiara, and failure of the National Provident Fund (NPF) to fix the Anthony Saru building, which was damaged by last year’s November 7.1 earthquake, while allowing tenants to continue using the building.
Tenants had repeatedly made media calls for the NPF to fix the damages, with the Fund responding that it was in the process of doing so.
Seven months later, this is the first reported incident of such.
Tenants are reiterating their call for the NPF to address the problem.
One of the trapped persons spoke to Island Sun on condition of anonymity, saying it was quite a traumatic experience.
“Having trapped inside the lifter for 154 minutes is not a good feeling I’d say.
“I felt a combination of fear and panic as well this is because when the power went off the lifter is too dark and you can’t see a thing, to make it worse there is no good air to inhale. Not a good experience,” the person said.
The person adds by calling on NPF, which owns the building to find ways to address the matter or have in place an emergency plan for the Anthony Saru building.
“I call on the responsible authority to please address this matter and also having an emergency plan for this building would be really good so when this same case happen in the future people can be rescued as quickly as possible rather than repeating this same case as today,” the person said.
Island Sun Newspaper is seeking comments from SINPF.
A senior personnel of SINPF had told the paper yesterday that the Fund is aware of the issue and will release an official statement on this matter soon.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Acting for Solomon Power Martin Sam confirmed in a recent press conference that four of the nine generators of Solomon Power are currently out of service but his team are trying their best to ensure this issue is solved.
Mr Sam said only five generators are currently up and running.
National Carrier the Solomon Airlines is expected to commence operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June.
This was confirmed by Solomon Airlines CEO Gus Kraus in a recent media conference.
The move is expected to strengthen furth further partnership with Vanuatu airline to capture the upcoming South Pacific games in November this year.
Mr. Kraus also spent an overnight trip to Vanuatu on Tuesday 9th – Wednesday 10th May 2023 to discuss further cooperation with his Vanuatu counterparts on areas of mutual interest.
“We probably anticipate second airbus probably by July 2023 at the very latest August in time hopefully to capture some of the SP games business.
“From the 5th of June 2023 we are operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June we will extend our Vila overnight to overnight in Auckland, that’s been advised but we just want to strengthen the ties up.
In an earlier statement Mr Kraus said Vanuatu is a Pacific neighbour and Air Vanuatu a valued partner airline.
“We are seeing renewed and more comprehensive partnerships with our neighbouring Pacific Islands and other national carriers in our region, and as such in good times and in difficult times we can maximise opportunities and provide support to each other,” said Mr Kraus.
In January this year the CEOs of Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu met for two days of discussions to further their Melanesian ties and discuss greater cooperation between the national carriers.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is expecting $2 million from the Government to purchase six vehicles for the Pacific Games.
The RSIPF intends to acquire a total of 16 vehicles before the start of the Games, with plans to seek donor support for the remaining 10 vehicles.
These vehicles are specifically designed for events like the Pacific Games.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau informed the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament recently that the additional vehicles are necessary as approximately 200 Correctional officers will be collaborating with the RSIPF to ensure security for visitors during the Games.
Responding to the proposal, Independent Leader John Dean Kuku said the influx of vehicles will contribute to the traffic congestion already experienced in the city.
He made reference to the National Hosting Authority plans to purchase 400 vehicles responsible for transporting athletes and officials during the Games.
Commissioner Mangau acknowledged the anticipated challenges regarding traffic and emphasized the need for collaboration to manage the Games effectively.
He acknowledged that there is only one road available and stated that measures are being explored to address traffic issues during the opening and closing ceremonies.
Commissioner Mangau added that the RSIPF will work closely with the National Hosting Authority and the Games Organising Committee to provide security at the Games venues and villages.
While these plans are set to go, Member of Parliament for West Are Are, John Maneniaru, expressed concerns about the potential damage and attacks on the police vehicles due to the nature of their work.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the assets to reflect the RSIPF’s commitment to security. Karen Galokale, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of governing vehicle usage and stated that they are constantly reviewing and strengthening their internal systems and discipline.
From left to right Jaro Local, Billy Beddoes and Ratu Naitini of VT1S and Jahboy who are all set and ready to rock and light up the weekend with greatest hit songs of all time across the Pacific at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara with some of the local artists in the country tomorrow evening. Photo Credit - Mavis Podokolo
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE much-awaited bonfire festival scheduled for 27th May 2023 is all set and ready to rock at Crown Hotel in Honiara.
The show will lighten up the weekend with greatest hit songs of all time across the Pacific.
Speaking to a media conference yesterday Jarol Local said it is about time for Solomon Islands to host a bonfire festival to enable local artists in the country to market their songs to the Melanesian market where local musicians have struggled a lot on in terms of music.
“And we looked forward for the next bonfire festival after pulling through this event. This is the first ever bonfire festival. Big thanks to our major sponsor,” Local said.
Solomon Telekom’s Marketing Manager Sean Hiele said the bonfire festival is one event that they have planned and discussed last year.
“We have discussed it with our artists on our we can bring this into reality and the good thing I found in partnering with event organisers of this bonfire event it makes the work flow very easy . Working with this type of people will enable you to achieve success in the market especially in the music segment.
“I thanked VT1S to come and boost this festival, it’s going to be hot and it’s going to be fan and exciting,” Hiele said.
Pacific Crown Hotel representative on behalf of the Pacific Crown Hotel said his team have started the entertainment this year on a top note.
“We are having few big events in the hotel and have hosted few international artists as well as local artist.
“With this bonfire festival it will take it to another level. We have been trying to make the best entertainment for everyone here in Honiara .It is amazing to have the VT1S team here with us in Solomons not only for the PCH, not only for Our Telekom and not only for bonfire but it is for the country in terms of entertainment.
“We are proud to have these guys. Come and enjoy Solomon Islands best music and Pacific’s best music. We PCH proud to be the official host,” Waimora said.
Billy Beddoes of VT1S said they are privileged to be here especially in Solomon’s saying “it’s a big opportunity”.
“Thank you Jarol Local and your brother in the music industry and the sponsors for having us to performing in the Bonfire festival. We hope to see everybody there, it’s gonna be fire,fire ,fire. The next bonfire is also coming up after this,” Beddoes said.
Ratu Naitini of VT1S further adds Solomon Islands is beautiful and VT1S is happy to be part of the bonfire festival.
“It’s a dream come true for us to come and sing along with our Melanesian brothers and sisters. Being able to share Fijian and Melanesian music.
“It is about time the Melanesians come together and share the love of music and it is great to see and meet with some big names in the music industry that we often listen to back at home. Now we will be singing together. Thank you to our sponsors as well,” Naitini said.
Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea. Photo supplied.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
DESPITE the rain, over a thousand Anslom fans showed up to watch his show last week.
Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea, performed at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara, Solomon Islands last Friday.
The event was organized on short notice, but turned up successful with the support of Sol Brew and the cooperation of everyone involved.
Alex Waimora, a marketing staff member of the Pacific Crown Hotel, expressed his gratitude for the teamwork.
He salutes Anslom saying that he (Anslom) is an outstanding artist and with a humble character.
Anslom himself expressed his love for the Solomon Islands and the warm reception he received during his short stint in Honiara.
Anslom’s music draws inspiration from renowned reggae artists such as Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, and Inner Circle.
His songs touch on various social issues including motherly love, reforestation, politics, and health.
Anslom believes that his music can raise awareness and bring about positive change in Melanesian and Pacific communities.
Anslom has achieved notable recognition for his music.
He was named Artist of the Year on Galaxy 107 FM in New Zealand and received seven nominations for the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards.
He is currently preparing for his US tour in August, with performances scheduled in Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Utah, Los Angeles, and Hawaii.
In October, he will be attending the Saxophone festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, and will then travel to Fiji to headline a reggae festival.
In November, he will embark on another US tour, this time focusing on the red rock venues.
Anslom, originally born Ronald Nakikus in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, was raised by a single mother.
Growing up in Rabaul, he was influenced by his uncles who played in the well-known local band, Barike Band.
He joined the band in 1993 and balanced his music career with his studies.
Anslom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Papua New Guinea, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Language and Literature from the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
The Pacific Crown Hotel expressed its gratitude to its director, Michael Leong, for believing in hosting Anslom at the hotel.
They also thanked the hotel staff, the stage crew, the video team of Niu Online, the lighting and sound system teams, and Stoney B.
Special mention was given to the amazing stage band, including the talented Rore daughters.
The hotel is now preparing for the BON FIRE FESTIVAL on May 27th.
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.
BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau has encouraged youths in Solomon Islands to build personal brand that can help them stand out in a competitive job market, establish credibility and attract potential employers.
Aqorau made the encouragement in his address at the weeklong youth gathering this week held at Multipurpose Hall area in front of a sizeable crowd of volunteers, youth leaders and young leaders.
“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to address you as you celebrate volunteers, youth leaders and young leaders for their sterling effort to ensure that the issues facing youth are addressed in Honiara.
“The theme of this gathering to “embrace the past, inspire the future” is appropriate for we can only look to the past, and learn from it, but we must plan for the future, and help build and shape it by what we do now. Pope John Paul II said, “The future Starts today, not tomorrow”. As we gather here amongst our youth, I am reminded also of what Samuel Ulman said that “Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind.”, so in a sense we can are all youths.
“I have been asked to speak to you about creating a personal brand. I do not claim to know much about it, but I will try my best. In today’s world, personal branding has become an essential aspect of career development.
“It is the process of creating a unique image and reputation for oneself that sets them apart from others. Personal branding is especially important for youths in Solomon Islands who are just starting their careers. Building a personal brand can help them stand out in a competitive job market, establish credibility, and attract potential employers.
“Building a personal brand is essential for youths in Solomon Islands who are just starting their careers. It can help them stand out in a competitive job market, establish credibility, and attract potential employers.
“To create a personal brand, youths should define their personal brand, build their online presence, network, and collaborate, and be consistent.
“By following these steps, youths can develop a personal brand that reflects their personality and values, and that sets them apart from others. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”, while an unknown author said “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want in life. Remember, the greatest risk is not taking any risks.” Aqorau said.
“Bishop Terry Brown wants TRC report tabled in parliament”
By EDDIE OSIFELO
ANGLICAN Bishop, Terry Brown has questioned the government as to when the Truth and Reconciliation Report will be tabled in Parliament.
During his presentation on the TRC report last week, he highlighted that, it is time for the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) report to be tabled in Parliament.
Brown said ten years have passed since the report was compiled and failing to present the report in parliament is questionable.
He acknowledged the report can’t be tabled in the past due to threats from former militants and potential liabilities that the government will face.
“I strongly believe that it is safe to table the TRC report so that the healing process can be done ones and for all,” Brown said.
Since part of the report was tabled in parliament by Gordon Darcy Lilo government in 2013, he suggested SINU should compile the first Volume of the report and put together a research books for its history students as the report covers the history of the conflict.
“This would allow students to learn about the historical context of the conflict by incorporating it into the curriculum or classrooms,” he said.
Brown suggests SINU Management to seek the government’s approval and possibilities for the university to contextualise the report into research material when the time is right.
Recalling the report, he said, Volume 2 of the report holds the most important part of the entire report as it reveals the painful stories of human rights abuses.
“Volume 4 and Volume 5 of the TRC report are not as significant, but Volume 2 holds its own importance,” Brown said.
Brown was one among others who edited the TRC report and according to his testimony, the report accommodates emotional testimonies of people who were caught during the dark years of Solomon Islands history.
Island Sun understand that, Bishop Brown was accused by the former Lilo government of releasing the TRC report ‘illegally’ on April 28th, 2013 to around 60 individuals and selected media outlets.
Lilo government managed to table the TRC report in the last sitting of Parliament in the final four years but no debate has occurred.
The current Sogavare-led government is currently planning to table a summarized version of the TRC report in Parliament this year, titled ‘Rising from the Ashes.’
However, Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Peter Kenilorea, argued that the government should not present a sensitized or sanitized report, but instead focus on the original five-volume TRC report that has already been tabled in Parliament.
The summarized version distributed by the government omitted the names of alleged perpetrators and other sensitive issues raised in the original report.
Kenilorea emphasized that a summarized or sensitized report would hinder the deeper understanding and exploration of the Truth and Reconciliation Reports.
He urged the government to treat the report with dignity and respect it deserves, considering that it arose from one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history.
Kenilorea’s concerns were also echoed by Opposition MP Claudio Teiifi, who emphasized the need to address the original TRC Report to hold the government accountable for its actions in implementing the recommendations.
