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Accused breaches bail

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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Tearo Beneteti has adjourned the case against Jareth Sialo to June 29 for the review of the warrant.

The court was informed yesterday that the accused is currently in East Guadalcanal area and the warrant is yet to be executed.

Court was also informed that when they went to the place of residence provided in the bail condition, the surety always turned them back and told the police to talk with the defence lawyer.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Beneteti said police should act according to the orders of the court and not listening to what the people are saying.

Beneteti said the orders are simple and officers should act and implement what the court has ordered.

She however, adjourned the case for the next 14 days to give time for police to execute the warrant of arrest.

 The accused is charged in relation to the incidents that occurred in 2021 and 2022.

The first allegation was an incident of rape that occurred in October 2021.

Prosecution said on October 15 2021, the accused was driving a Caldina car along the Point Cruz Road while the alleged victim walked home from work.

Prosecution said the accused was in front of the old ANZ building at Point Cruz, when he saw the victim walked past and he stopped by her side, he lowered the left window screen of the front left door of his car and asked the victim if she was heading to the market.

The victim replied the accused that she is heading that way.

The accused allegedly invited the victim into the front seat of his car but instead the victim got into and sat at the back seat.

The victim did not know the defendant therefore felt strange when in encounter with him. Inside the cab, the victim asked the defendant if he knew her and he replied yes, he knew her.

The victim told him that she did not even know him.

The defendant told the victim that she lived at Vura 3 which was right. The defendant drove off then.

The defendant told the victim that his name was Shane.

At the market bus stop, the victim was about to get out of the car and there the defendant asked for her mobile contact.

The victim gave him her mobile phone number and the defendant made a missed call to her cell phone.

On the 18th October 2021, between 1700 hours and 1900 hours, the defendant known to the victim as Shane contacted her and asked of her whereabouts.

The victim told him that she was on her way from the office to the Main Market bus stop. Not long, the defendant reached her and picked her up again in his car. Both travelled up easterly direction.

On reaching the SDA Bus Stop at Kukum area, the victim informed the defendant that she will be dropped off there. The defendant refused and insisted that they both continued up to Panatina Plaza.

So, he continued driving up to Panatina Plaza and stopped besides the fence of the Kausimae Building.

There he told the victim that he was a doctor at the National Referral Hospital, working at the Theatre Operation Department and then he moved over to the back seat where the victim was sitting and raped the victim.

The second incident is a false pretence incident that occurred on the night of February 7 2022, the defendant pulled over along the road side at Lunga and forced the complainant and her sister to board the car for a ride.

On the way, the defendant started to introduce himself and claimed that he is one of the Wickham’s and his name is “Shane Wickham”, 23 years of age and he is the youngest officer at Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Honiara.

He also claimed to have resided at the Prime Minister’s area at GBR and claimed to be part PNG and also told the complainant and her sister that his mother sent him some money through Western Union (WU) for him to rent a room at AJ City Mall.

This is where he will operate a Phone shop and owns a RAV-4, Caldina and a short boot car.

The complainant then was about to drop off at Kukum, the accused asked for their contacts, the complainant’s sister then gave her number to him.

Later that day, the complainant’s sister received a call from the defendant identified himself as Shane WICKHAM. He asked them if they can help him with an amount of $1000.00, he already had $3000.00 with him.

He claimed that he was running out of cash to pay the charges of his container at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority because if he is late to pay, extra fee charges will be charged to his container, he promised them that he will refund their money.

The defendant’s false statements convinced the complainant to believe that he is telling the truth and she gave him $1000.00 to him in front of Jasmin shop along Vura Road in Honiara.

On the next day, the defendant then called the complainant and his sister and asked them again if they could help him with another $500.00.

They started to doubt the defendant’s credibility whether or not he was telling them the truth and they decided to give him only $100.00. He drove to the same location and collected the money.

The third incident occurred on February 11 2022 between 2 to 3pm, the defendant contacted the complainant’s mobile phone and introduced himself as Lawyer- Willie.

The complainant on this matter is a Correctional officer,

The allegation said that the accused called her if she could give him of $1,000 so that he could pay for his container charges and will present a new brand-mobile phone to her in return, the complainant told him that she did not have such amount but only got $500.

Not long after the phone conversation, the defendant arrived to the complainant at Rove Correctional Center Headquarters, picked the complainant and heading up to SIEA office at Ranadi where the complainant took an amount of $500.00 and gave it to him.

Three days later as promised by the defendant that he will be refunding the complainant’s money.

She contacted him and asked for her refunds but the defendant started to make some excuses.

She kept on contacting his mobile phone but he ignored to answer her calls and avoid himself from the complainant.

Bobby Harunari of the Public Solicitor’s represents the accused in court.

Confusion over West, Choiseul elections

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN and Choiseul Provincial administrations are awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Provincial Government on whether to allow the “now-dissolved” provincial governments to take the role of caretaker or not.

Speaker of Choiseul Province and Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province were clear in the media this week saying that next move to make sure both the provincial operation and services continue depending on decisions from the Ministry of Provincial Government.

“It is still unclear whether the government will be acting as caretaker or provincial businesses and operation will be managed by the Provincial Administration.

“This is where we are still awaiting updates from the Ministry of Provincial Government.

“Previously, the ruling government normally acts as a caretaker government, when the house is dissolved. At the moment it is not clear so we are waiting for the Ministry to give us the directives,” Speaker of Choiseul Province, Greg Sokeni made these statement when Island Sun interviewed him earlier this week.

Provincial Secretary of Western Province, Patrick Toiraena made similar statements when speaking to a Solomon Star Reporter in Gizo.

It is still unclear whether both provinces have got updates from the Ministry of Provincial Government yesterday.

However, reports reaching this paper states the issue is before the Attorney General’s Office for deliberation.

Western and Choiseul Provincial governments were dissolved on Monday 13th June, this is in accordance with the law – meaning provincial operations and services are now put on halt, unless the Ministry of Provincial Government authorizes which ever strategy would make sure provincial operations continue.

A concerned leader of Western Province who wants his name withheld said the delay will not only affect service delivery in the province, but also affect a wider populace who depend on the provincial government services one way or the other.

“If we look at the issue carefully, we are heading into a disaster; delay of election means provincial services will be stalled, no budget to immediately bring services back to operation and the longer it takes, it will bring more challenges,” he said.

The concerned leader said the Ministry of Provincial Government must quickly look into the issue so that provincial operations continue as normal while waiting for fresh provincial election.

Bina landowners briefed on project

MFMR's PS Dr. Christain Ramofafia, Bina Project Manager and participants

Officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) met with over 90 representatives of communities from the Langalanga lagoon area – who hold customary rights over Bina harbour – to brief them on the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project.

MFMR officials sought their support for enabling access to the harbour area for the plant operator during a consultation which was held at Kukum Catholic Hall in Honiara on Friday 10 June, 2022.

Securing access to use the harbour is a key component of the project and the discussion was thus aimed at fully informing the people on what the project will mean to them, and to explain the process of mapping and recording their rights.  

A statement from the ministry said Permanent Secretary, Dr Christain Ramofafia, opened the discussion by noting the mandate given to MFMR in 2015 by the National Government to lead the Bina Harbour Project.

This includes leading engagement with key line government ministries, the Malaita Provincial Government, development partners and potential investors.

Dr Ramofafia highlighted that the consultation was to familiarise participants about the project’s overall concept and to build each community member’s awareness of their roles in moving the project forward.

MFMR Assistant Secretary Project Management, Lisa Sugumanu, provided an overview of how the Ministry’s Project Management Division is handling the project.

She said the project remains a top government priority because of the potential it has to drive economic growth hence provide both direct and indirect benefits, and enhance social equity.

The Project’s Community Liaison Officer for land and water source access, Julio Aihunu, provided an update on parallel community awareness activities regarding access to a water source for the plant.

He also gave an update on land settlement at Bina, noting that the long history of issues is now close to resolution, and that the Trust Deeds for the key parcels of land are expected to be signed shortly. 

The Bina Project Manager Peter Cusack described the fishing and processing model that a private sector investor is expected to follow at Bina.

Mr Cusack also outlined the considerable interest and support for the project being shown by New Zealand, Australia, the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group and USAID. 

He also noted the critical support and cooperation of the Malaita Provincial Government.

As an example of what local communities might expect when the project is operational, Mr Cusack pointed to the growth of Noro Town arising from SolTuna’s operations there. 

The Project’s Legal Consultant-Harbour, Steward Tabo told the gathering that the project team is mindful of the need to build the right foundations for success, and that meant MFMR fully recognises and respects the customary rights of local communities.  

Mr Tabo’s presentation was supplemented by Lawrence Arukwai, Community Liaison Officer for the harbour.

He said mapping the harbour rights holders is crucial to ensuring that their rights are safeguarded, while at the same time enabling use of the harbour by the Bina operator.   

Generally, the collective responses of the participants were in-principle support for the project and a general commitment to engage in detailed discussions with the Ministry about what roles they might play in supporting its realisation.  

The next round of consultation is held this week in the Bina and Langalanga area.

Kabui hits back at Opposition

Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SPECIAL Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui has hit back on Opposition paid advert on Island Sun on 10th June, describing it as “misleading”.

The Opposition highlighted six deceptions of DCGA’s strategy to extend Parliament.

First, the Opposition states the consulted groups have opposed the DCGA proposed extension.

Speaking to media yesterday, SSPM Kabui said as stated in previous press conference, Attorney General and him have consulted with Solomon Islands Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Solomon Islands Christian Associations and Premiers.

He said there are deferring views, and not all parties oppose it.

“There was no resolution made by the groups as position of the group to say oppose.

“Opposition not clear, it is for deferment to 2024 or to five years,” he said.

Kabui said the Executive government is not bound by law to consult any person or group when it comes to any policy formulation and bills, but executive as practise consult people.

He based his argument on Section 140 of the National Constitution.

“Opposition groupsopposed the consultation, they are insinuating that this is case the action of Executive to bring anything to Parliament is unlawful, that is the insinuation I take from the statement,” he added.

The Opposition states on the advert that Pacific Games 2023 is not a constitutional requirement for extending Parliament.

“I don’t see anywhere in constitution that lay the requirement for extension of Parliament, there is none.

“I don’t understand why they are saying, Pacific Games is not a constitutional requirement,” he said.

“What is a constitutional requirement, where in constitutional says, nowhere?”

Kabui said the Constitutional requirement to make an amendment is set out under the constitution under Section 61.

He said that is a process and not a requirement.

“To say that PG2023 is not a constitutional requirement for extending Parliament is misleading.

“Parliament has the power to make laws as provided under Section 59. Power to alter constitution under Section 61,” he said.

On the advert, the Opposition also states it is Government’s response to provide the budget for registration. They intentionally did not do so.

Kabui said yes, budget is formulated by government and appropriated by Parliament.

“As we know projected revenue of 2022 is severely affected by Covid 19 and November riots.

“We know November riots cost more than $800 million.

“The move to defer elections is right because our economy is not strong,” he added.

Opposition also states the DCGA lacks political will; it has misused funds; allowed too many exemptions.

“I am not sure where it comes from, but the government is exercising its political will to hold both events, not in one year but close to its other,” Kabui said,

Kabui said when it comes to misuse of funds, if there is evidence report to RSIPF.

Further to that, Kabui said Government has been, as part of its response to negative impacts of covid 19, gives tax exemptions to companies even in difficult times because company employ people to keep their families fed and cloth.

Opposition states the reforms should be ongoing. It is not a last-minute business.

“We do but slow down because of travel restriction, now travel restrictions lifted, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is going to the provinces.

“To say last minute that is misleading,” he said.

Opposition states DCGA has no respect for political parties. Our Party was registered after elections.

Kabui said to register political party, requirement is set down under Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

He said Our Party did not manage to register itself before that, so they register after and nothing is wrong with that.

“Actually, the Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale in 2014 took the Political Parties Commission and Registrar of Political Parties to court because he said there is no need to register his political party, Solomon Islands Democratic Party under the Act.

“Wale went to court and lost. As a result, members of SIDP contested in the 2014 national elections as independents,” he said.

Kabui said SIDP registered after 2014 General Elections.

As such, he said Our Party did the same thing as SIDP in 2014.

On the advert also, Opposition states DCGA’s cabinet paper clearly says extension from 4 to 5 years.

Kabui said yes it says that, and as he said in the past and will continue to repeat, they will go back to Cabinet to make the final decision.

Covid-19 situation improving

Health Minister and team talks to a mother admitted at the NRH Golden Ward during local community transmission.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE covid-19 situation in the country is now improving.

That’s according to Incident Controller in the Ministry of Health and Medical Service, Dr Nemia Baenivalu.

“With the evidence and data that is provided from our health colleagues in provinces and also in Honiara, we note that covid-19 situation in the country has greatly improved,” Baenivalu told reporters yesterday.

He said in the past weeks, NRH no longer admits anyone with severe covid-19 infections.

“Lately no infections have been detected through Rapid Antigen Testing from the screening group in front of the hospital,” he said.

Bainivalu added the covid-19 ward, known as golden ward, has now shifted back for normal operations for other patients.

“In terms of the numbers from 28th of May up until the 10th of June 2022, we noted that we have new cases of 307.

“In Honiara we have 10 cases, Malaita 9, Central Island Province 11, Western Province and Choiseul 200 plus, Makira 12, Renbel 10, and Temotu nine.

Nationally, there are 21,544 covid-19 cases.

Foreign Minister Wong due in Honiara tomorrow

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

AUSTRALIA’S Foreign Minister Penny Wong is due in Honiara this Friday for a one-day program.

“I will visit Solomon Islands, where I will meet Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and a number of his Cabinet ministers,” Wong said in a statement yesterday.

“I also look forward to engaging with the local community, including women leaders,” she added,

“We are committed to deepening our cooperation with Solomon Islands, as we work together to face shared challenges and achieve our shared goals, including on climate change.

“I look forward to discussing the ways we can continue to make progress on pandemic recovery, economic development and labour mobility priorities, and addressing our shared security interests.”

During her program in Honiara, Wong will be accompanied by Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachlan Strahan and senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The minister’s delegation will also meet with Guadalcanal Premier, Francis Sade, community leaders and Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) members at Burns Creek. 

The Australian High Commission Office in Solomon Islands invites the local media to follow and report on many elements of Minister Wong’s visit. 

The High Commission Office said the media will have the opportunity to capture imagery of the Minister throughout the visit and an opportunity to ask questions at a doorstop press conference that will be held at Henderson Airport at the end of the program. 

“While the Minister may make some remarks to dignitaries and community leaders at various stages during her visit, we would kindly ask that all questions from journalists be asked during the doorstop press conference. 

“We will try our best to ensure every Solomon Islands media outlet has the opportunity to ask the Minister questions at the doorstop,” the Australian High Commission Office says today. 

Wong was appointed Foreign minister after the Australian Labor Party came into power following the recent elections there.

Climate change in SIIP’s project designs

Climate change effects on the Mangrove habitat in Isabel Province

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Infrastructure Programme (SIIP) is considering impacts of climate change as high priority in its design for projects.

Tony Telford, infrastructure management leader in Hub confirmed this during the media breakfast event at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday.

He said the impacts of climate change is real in the Solomon Islands after their scoping visits to Malu’u (Malaita), Buala (Isabel) and Seghe (Western).

“Just focusing on climate change and disaster resilience, certainly climate change is a very real threat and it is something that is considered at the very start of any design process.

“At Malu’u, the shoreline coming closer, so that is something we need to consider at the very start of the design process,” he said.

Furthermore, Telford said the other thing that they noticed at Buala, there is a wharf next to the market and looking at photos, the wharf is under water few times each year.

He said that is another visible impact that climate change has and forefront on design process.

Moreover, Australia High Commissioner in Honiara, Dr Lachan Strahan said with the election of current Australia Government, new emphasis on climate change, step up on climate change efforts.

He said that is to adopt bigger targets and faster.

“As I moved around the country to different locations able to see what climate change is doing,” he added.

Resilient to climate change and natural disasters is one of the five guiding principles of SIIP activities.

The others are:

Aligned with the priorities of Solomon Islands and Australia and overseen by a joint Steering Committee;

Inclusive, accessible infrastructure in every province;

Local jobs and supporting industry with skills and opportunities wherever possible and;

Safe, quality and sustainable planning, design and construction.

New agreement to be signed

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FAD is one of the fishery programs being implemented under the current expired MOU between WorldFish, MPFO and MPG.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

A NEW agreement will be signed soon between WorldFish and Malaita Provincial Fisheries Office (MPFO), and the Malaita Provincial Government.

MPFO said the new agreement will replace the one they signed with Worldfish five years ago.

Worldfish is an international, non-profit research organization that strives to strengthen livelihoods and enhance food and nutrition security by improving fisheries and aquaculture.

“The agreement is to strengthen working relationship between the stakeholders on fisheries programs and activities in the province,” MPFO said.

It said fishery programs under the current MOU have been beneficial to all parties.

The programs include Community Based Resource Management (CBRM), Fishing Aggregate Devices (FAD) and Tilapia farming.

Communities across the province benefitted from these programs in the last five years.

“One of the areas the MOU is looking at is to ensure there is a sustainable use or management of marine resources,” MPFO said.

According to MPFO, several fishery activities have been done within the past five years under the MOU despite the challenges.

New concerns over Mamara project

By EDDIE OSIFELO

People living around the development at Mamara New Capital City in North West Guadalcanal are concerned about its progress.

According to Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the project would involve the construction of 1,000 to 1,300 houses for public servants; these houses are expected to be completed just before the 2023 Pacific Games.

The Government had already purchased 50 houses for public servants from developer Metropolis Pacific PTE Ltd.

The Developer plans to build hotels and other businesses like supermarket in the second phase.

The Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo development project is guided by the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo agreement Act.

The Act gives power for a council to decide and make important decisions regarding the development of the areas.

The council consists of four officials representing the government- the minister of Commerce, the minister of Lands, the Minister of Provincial Government and the Minister of Finance.

The Premier of Guadalcanal Province is also a member of the council as well as three investment members representing the developer, MPPL.

However, Guadalcanal Post-Conflict, Reconciliation Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (GPCRRRA) Western Region said the original plan of Mamara has changed.

GPCRRRA said ministers have purchased some houses there already and the people stay in fear and wait to see what government does next.

It said the government needs to address the abandoned land issues on Guadalcanal that is stipulate under the Townsville Peace Agreement.

“It is true of government not address but can spark anything.

“High Court of country try to deny TPA because it is just a mere agreement, but its pave way for peace,” GPCRRRA said.

According to GPCRRA, about 10 percent of registered land is on Guadalcanal with 95 percent customary.

It is concerned that some of the abandoned land are already occupied by people and investors without addressing the issue.

“We have no problem with Government policy to focus on major developments because Guadalcanal has given its land for Honiara city in the past.

“However, we want the Government to address some of the land issues because we can allow the extension of boundary in Honiara city,” GPCRRA said.

Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmy Rodgers said the Government is to sit with Guadalcanal people and look at what the issues are and how they are best addressed going forward.

“Is not an easy solution it is something that exist for a long time but we want to make sure that land issues not just in Guadalcanal but all over the country are dealt with in a way that achieve its objectives.

“One that convert the economic potential of the land for the landowners and others and secondly actually gives some assurance that land owners ownerships are there and is recognised,” he said.

“For example, Denarau in Fiji, the formular they do there is what we are looking at.

“It basically in Denarau that landowners are in the same shareholders in every investment that comes there,” he said.

“Every hotel that has an investment there, Denarau landowners have percentage in the profit of the investment.

“The landowners constitute the majority of the land workforce that work in those,” he said.

Ruling on Vokia’s case today

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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE ruling on the stay proceeding on the case of Member of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal Constituency Ethel Vokia, and her husband Jamie Vokia with the Member of the Provincial Assembly Rose Tala and two others will be made today.

This is on whether or not the matter can be heard in the Magistrate court or the High Court.

 The MP and all the four defendants are facing charges relating to the alleged incident that occurred during the 2019 National General Election (NGE) for bribery offences.

MP Vokia faces two charges one election Bribery: Contrary to Section 126 (1) (a) and (b) (ii) of the Elector act 2018 and conspiracy to defeat justices and interference with witness: Contrary to Section 116(b) of the panel code 9Cap26) to be read with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code (cap 26)

While Jamie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Moses Beason and Polycarp Peresini are charged with conspiracy to defeat justice and interference witness.

All accused were released on bail – MP Vokia on cash bail of $1,000, Lency Vokia $500 while other three accused were released on principal bail of $500.

Geitaba Waletofea of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution is prosecuting.