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Case adjourned for Guale MP, spouse, MPA and others

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

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 come back in court on March 28, 2022 for mention.

Their case was heard in court via zoom yesterday and there were several issues raised by lawyers regarding the case and the Chief Magistrate Emma Garo adjourned the case to March 28.

A lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s Office Rodney Manebosa told the court, that they received application from the defendants Jamie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Polycarp Peresini and Moses Beason, and they are yet to confirm their legal representation for the accused.

Meanwhile Ethel Vokia is represented by Rano Law firm.

Sina Kilua of Rano Law firm appearing on behalf of their office told court that disclosures have been received from prosecution regarding their client.

Ms Kilua also raises an issue on jurisdiction whether or not magistrate court can hear the matter against the defendants as they are facing charges under the Electoral Act 2018.

Magistrate Garo then said that Rano can make submission regarding the jurisdiction on the next court date.

The MP and all the four defendants are facing charges relating to the   incident 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 was released on cash bail of $1000, Lency Vokia $500 while other three accused were released on principal bail of $500.

Geitaba Waletofea of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown.

Alleged riot instigator’s case set for trial

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a man alleged to be one of the instigators of last year’s November riots is set for trial in April.

This was after the pre-trial conference was conducted at the Honiara Magistrate Court yesterday.

Defence Lawyer Ronald Dive also applied for bail variation on behalf of his client, to allow him to travel to Auki for work purposes, without objection from the prosecution, bail variation was granted on the accused.

This is the case of Simon Mannie who was arrested and charged by police with one count of unauthorized public assembly and public procession contrary to regulation 14(1) and (3)(a) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.3) 2021; Regulation 4 of the Emergency Powers (Covid-10) (declaration of Honiara as Emergency Zone (Amendment) Order 2020; and section 21(b) of the penal code.

Prosecution said Mannie is a leader and active member of Malaita for Democracy (M4D) and represents Honiara-based Malaitans, he is believed to have been involved in unlawful planning of authorized public assembly that led to the November 24 riot in Honiara.

Prosecution alleged that he and others planned and executed the public procession that resulted in arson, and destruction of business buildings, looting of shops and burning of Kukum Traffic Centre and damage to Naha Police Station.

The accused then was taken by police on November 29, 2021 questioned and then charged for the offence.

Andrew Kelesi Deputy Director of the Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown while Ronald Dive represents the accused.

Suidani welcomes team of engineers to Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of Kramer Ausenco Engineering group with Premier Daniel Suidani and Advisor Celsius Talifilu during their courtesy visit to Premier Suidani’s office yesterday in Auki....Photo supplied

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani has welcomed the Kramer Ausenco Engineering group to Auki yesterday to his office.

The engineering team is in Auki to conduct survey on the USAID SCALE A&E project, Kilu’ufi hospital building JICA project and Kilu’ufi isolation sites project.

According to the premier’s adviser Celsius Talifilu, the engineering group is in Auki to progress work on three main projects.

These include the USAID SCALE A & E component implemented by Green Power Technology that deals with the development of processing plants and agriculture warehouses at Gwaigeo as well as 1.8km road from the main road.

Kramer is expected to conduct a geotechnical study of the site for lab tests as well.

On the other two projects, Kramer is collecting data for the Japanese JICA Kilu’ufi new hospital building. It is expected that the data will be important for the JICA field visits in April 2022.

“Similar work will be done at Kilu’ufi in preparation for the covid-19 isolation projects sites,” Talifilu said.

Suidani said he is pleased to see progress is gradually developing on these important projects.

“It is important that you come to Auki to progress these important projects for not only Malaita but for Solomon Islands as well,” Suidani told the team.

Talifilu said the team is being assisted by Green Power Technology in Auki and they expect to be in the provincial capital for a week.

Mala PAC hearing in doubt

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

NON-EXECUTIVE members of Malaita Provincial Assembly that made-up the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are yet to be in Auki for the upcoming budget meeting.

Deputy Clerk to Malaita Provincial Assembly, Florence Idufo’oa revealed this to Island Sun yesterday as preparation for the March 28 session gets underway.

 She said, last week the executive deliberated on the budget and PAC should go through the budget this week ahead of the meeting next week.

Idufo’oa explained that as per the budget process, after PAC’s budget scrutiny, the budget should be resubmitted to the executive to deliberate on recommendation by PAC prior to the meeting.

However, she said members of PAC are yet to be in Auki.

Meanwhile, the deputy provincial secretary David Filia Tuita highlighted the need to meet the budget process before passing it.

He said the province has experienced that with the revise budget passed in September 2021, which failed to meet the process and the budget was ruled null and void.

The issue was even brought to the floor of parliament by Provincial Government minister Rolland Seleso during the vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last December.

In his contribution, he said investigation is due to be carried out into the budget passed by MPG in September 2021 because of failure to meet the process – not gone through PAC.

“And in-line to what minister had said, the MPG is currently operating on the original 2020/2021 budget and not the budget passed in September 2021,” Tuita said.

Also, the issue of reconciliation reportedly demanded by the non-executive bench with MARA government ahead of the meeting next week is yet to be done.

It is reported that members of non-executive had made a monetary demand of $160,000 and 16 tafuli’aes to be paid to them by MARA government in order to reconcile with them.

If not they will boycott the assembly meeting next week.

The demand was for unacceptable languages used on them during the motion of no confidence last year that was stopped by the Malaita public.

Explaining the compensation demand, MPA for ward 13, Danny Mana Siau recently said the demand is consultative and it’s something to deal with amongst them as leaders.

Premier Daniel Suidani said his government is ready with open arms to welcome colleague leaders from the non-executive bench for reconciliation to iron out things between them.

And with regards to the monetary demand, he said it’s something to discuss between them.

On that note, Tuita said his office continues to liaise with both parties to try and sort-out flaws between them, so that it won’t affect the upcoming budget meeting.

Malaita Provincial Assembly looks forward to pass a new budget for the new financial year 2022/2023 next week as the current financial year 2021/2022 will lapse at the end of this month.

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Former Gina gov’t accused of creating ‘fake’ minutes

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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David Gina

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A fake minute was created to prove that Western Province Executive under former Premier David Gina approved Certificate of Determination for Sabere/Vuvure, Bokere, Misusado and Kasu customary land in Rendova on 12th July 2019.

The extra-ordinary meeting allegedly took place in Gizo in spite of no Timber Rights hearing being held by Sambere Vurevure Association, Western Province and the licensee.

It was claimed the Timber Right Hearings were conducted in Munda and Gizo before the Western Executive granted the determination.

Chief Forester Operation officer, Robert Tura confirmed in his letter to Commissioner of Forest on 5th June 2020 that the Form 1 application for Sambere Vurevure Customary land and other land situated within Ughele area was submitted for deliberation on 17th January 2016.

He claimed the applicant was Glengrow (SI) Company Ltd.

“In fact, there was no funding available to finance the sitting in 2016, so the hearing was not eventuated or took place.

“The Deputy Provincial Secretary, therefore wrote a letter to the Landowner Association to inform them that there will be no Timber Right Hearing held as Scheduled, as funding was not forth coming,” Tura said.

As such, he said there was no Timber Right Hearing as mentioned on 12th July 2019 by Sambere Vurevure Association.

“Our office records and the Provincial Office records have shown that there was no Timber Right Hearing for Sambere Vurevure Customary lands and other land on 12th July 2019.

“What has been created now is a false document and fraud,” Tura said.

“I would also like to declare that, should there be any internal arrangements with the Association and the Panel, then I would like to squash my name out from the Panel at that claimed sitting or hearing, as such is illegal and does not follow the process.

“I honestly and faithfully declared that the above statements are true to the best of my knowledge,” he added.

According to the Minutes cited by Island Sun, the former holder of the felling licence, Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries, is no longer investing in logging and have left the operation 13 years ago to undertake timber processing activities.

Aseri Tamana, who was the former Chairman of Savubo Association and licensee, claimed the felling license under Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries is valid.

He said Savubo Association following its decision to terminate its Standard Logging Agreement with the company, sought surrender of the license to the association.

During the extra-ordinary meeting, the Western Executive resolved to:

  1. Endorse Skinner Alick to replace Alick Hite as trustee of Sasabere, Vuvure and Bokere customary land and Solini George Lilo replacing George Pina Lilo deceased as Kasu customary land trustee.
  2. Endorse Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries (SI) Company Felling License No: A10449 to Savubo Association Board
  3. Grant Timber right over Sabere, Vuvure, Bokere, Misusado, and Kasu customary land to Savubo Association.

When contacted, recently ousted Premier Gina said he would have to check the record because it was long time ago.

Redfern Alesina, who was the former Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, said he was not aware of any extra sitting to approve the determination.

He recalled the extra sitting was to change the directorship and not making any determination.

Jennings Movobule, who was then Minister for Planning and Project Coordinator could not remember the extra sitting as well.

Movobule believed the sitting could happen after he was sacked by the Executive.

However, Tamana said it was the mistake of Commissioner of Forest to advise him to push Western Province Executive to hold the extra sitting to approve the determination.

He said the Commissioner of Forest did not realized that there was a first Timber Rights Hearing held already which allowed Bulacan and two subcontractors Rima and Sunware to operate under the license.

However, he said Burwood Limited did not want to use the license of Bulacan.

Therefore, Tamana said he gave $84,000 to Western Province Executive to hold the special sitting to approve the certificate of determination.

He said after the meeting, the Commissioner of Forest asked him who authorisied the special meeting of Western Province.

“The Commissioner of Forest advised me to start the process again by issuing Form 1,” he said.

Tamana said he paid another $64,000 to Western Province Executive to hold the Timber Rights hearing.

“How can I do another Timber Rights Hearing when it involved the same trustees? he asked.

Island Sun understand Savubo Tribal Community Trust Board (incorporated) and its members under a new leadership have taken Tamana to court to justify his claims and the allegations.

Site for proposed hospital under dispute

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Father Patterson Tako and his people from the Haubata Matanikalai tribe

BY MAVIS N. PODOKOLO

THE national government is urged to put a stop to any works it’s intending to do on a site it proposed to build a new hospital, east of Honiara.

Haubata Matanikalai sub tribe of the Tandai house of chiefs made the call yesterday after they were informed of survey works that were set to start at the site.

Commissioner of Lands Allan McNeil last Friday notified people living in and around the site that the Government has contracted Azimuth Surveys to carry out topographical survey and geotechnical investigation on the site.

Located behind Gilbert Camp area in east Honiara, the site, which is owned by the Government, has been earmarked to host the nation’s new National Referral Hospital (NRH).

The intention is to relocate the current NRH from its existing location to the new site due to impacts of climate change at the seafront.

McNeil asked residents living in and around the site to cooperate and not disturb the work the surveyors are going to undertake.

But responding to the notice, Haubata Manikalai tribe spokesman Fr Patterson Bako said there is a case currently before the High Court about how the land was sold to the Government.

He claimed the case is between the tribe and the person who allegedly sold the land to the government.

“We are not against this proposed development; in fact we fully supported it,” Bako told Island Sun yesterday.

“But we are against the manner the land was sold by one person without consulting the tribe,” he added.

“This is why we filed the case in the High Court.

“So we ask the Government to delay any works on the site until the High Court determines this case.”

Tako said all they are asking for is some kind of respect from the Government to the tribe.

Island Sun understands some people have built their homes on the proposed site despite knowing the land has been earmarked for a new hospital.

RSIPF DENIES GUN SHIPMENT

Written by
Press Release
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) says there was never a secret gun shipment coming into the country on board a logging vessel as reported.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau made this statement after an investigation was conducted by the RSIPF into this particular media information.

Commissioner Mangau said the only related cargo coming into the country as known are police aide training equipment (replica or plastic rifles) and riot equipment donated by the Peoples Republic of China and these training equipment are kept at Rove Police Headquarters after cleared by Customs on arrival.”

“I would like to acknowledge and honour the ongoing support and assistance provided by our bilateral partners in building and enhancing the capacity and capability of the RSIPF in its efforts to tackle and stay ahead of the security threats and challenges in this country.”

“Such commitments by our partners would also help us in contributing strategically to fortify our regional and international commitments such as the UN Peacekeeping Missions.

“I would very much welcome any other bilateral partners who wish to come forward to modernise the RSIPF to do so, as crime and security challenges are fast evolving over time threatening the lives of our people.

“It is only through such commitments and cooperation that we can be able to reap the benefits of prevailing over all forms of crimes and security challenges we face today nationally and globally.”

Commissioner Mangau said the RSIPF will continue to strengthen the interoperability and collaboration with all Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in the country and with external security agencies to ensure no such dangerous weapons or illicit goods are smuggled or illegally imported into this country.

“It is only acting in unison by all LEAs that will help us to be strong to protect and keep this nation safe. Solomon Islands is a member of INTERPOL and RSIPF INTERPOL National Central Bureau (Honiara NCB) is working with 195 police forces around the world 24/7 in sharing crime and intelligence information for the purpose of keeping our borders and countries safe.”

 “I appeal to the media to share such information to relevant authorities as soon as possible for the purpose of proper investigation and verification, other than putting it on the media, which may only cause unnecessary fear to the public.

“We must all share the responsibility of keeping the peace, safety and security of this nation.

—–RSIPF

Malaita covid-19 cases stands at 994

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Chairman of EOC Malaita who also the Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, Dr Rex Maukera.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Malaita province’s number of covid-19 cases stands at 994, but reports say this could increase in the coming days.

Chairman of EOC Malaita, Dr Rex Maukera told this paper yesterday new cases have been identified and will be announced soon by relevant authorities in Honiara.

He said from Saturday to Monday this week the province recorded 22 new cases mainly from Malu’u and Auki town.

Maukera said also within that period there were three new covid-19 related deaths, adding the total covid-19 related deaths for the province at 22.

He said since Monday this week four patients are on critical condition; two severe ones and another two on moderate status while many cases are on stable condition.

Maukera said there is also large number of recovery continuing to shown on covid-19 patient throughout the province.

He said the virus is reversing for the province, but even then people must not lay down their guide by let-going of covid-19 measures.

Maukera said the virus is not yet over and people must continue to uphold covid-19 measures and continue to work together to avoid any potential wave.

Opposition ‘concern’ about reported import of guns

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Opposition says it is concern with reportedly claims of guns brought into the country by a logging ship last week.

And leader Mathew Wale says he has written to Commissioner of Police to clarify the issue.

Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Kenilorea Junior has also written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to explain the issue in relation to foreign policy and international conventions on guns.

Kenilorea said the Government should be very concern.

“We are a bit confused, there seems to be no clear concerns here,” the East Are’Are MP says.

“Authority that should know but say they hear reports,” he added.

Kenilorea said for the sake of transparency, the police should come out clear to quell the claims given the history of Solomon Islands.

He said if there is something deeper, there are a lot of questions need to be asked and answered.

“If these things come through police, police should issue license.

“If come through diplomatic channels, then it needs to be cleared by Foreign Affairs,” he added.

Kenilorea said there are international conventions that need to be followed in relation to the shipment.

Comptroller of Customs Jim Sutton earlier dismissed the claim.

Sutton said Customs have cleared a consignment of training aids to Royal Solomon Islands Police Force including replica firearms.

Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau told reporters on Tuesday that they have only established an inquiry into a gun article published in the papers last week.

He said there is no formal report received by police, but as a matter of security, they are investigating it.

“To confirm, there is no formal report, so we encourage people with information to come forward for us to investigate.”

Former police officer convicted

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A former police officer has been convicted yesterday of one count of indecent assault and one count of consuming liquor in a vehicle.

The former officer will be sentenced during her next court appearance.

Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga passed sentence against Lily Dagi who was charged for offences in Lata in 2018.

She had earlier denied the charges and a trial was conducted on her case.

The crime occurred between 1st of September 2018 and 31st of October 2018, after a graduation ceremony of Luasalemba Secondary School, the victim is a public officer.

The victim and others including the defendant were sitting outside the house of a man located some distance away from the Luasalemba School in Temotu Province.

While they were outside, the victim, who has been drinking since the previous day, felt asleep and lied down on the ground.

Not long, others who were present with the defendant left the area, leaving the victim, the defendant and two others alone.

While the victim was sleeping facing upwards, the defendant moved over to him, pulled up her skirt and sat on top of his groin or genital area.

She then deliberately moved her buttock in sexual motion while she was on top of him.

This, according to the prosecution’s view, was done without the consent of the victim and amounted to an offence of indecent act.

Magistrate Aulanga in his judgment said the evidence established the defendant had performed the immoral act on the victim (who was asleep) without his consent.

The fact that it was done without his consent means subjected to a crime, herein, the crime of indecent act.

The absence of procuring his consent means the conduct exerted was capable of producing harm (whether mental or emotional injury) on the victim as a result of infringing or violating his fundamental rights as a person.

The fact that the indecent act was performed on him without his consent is what matters for the prosecution of the case.

Therefore, after assessing the evidence the court has satisfied beyond reasonable doubt and convict Ms Dagi of the offence.

Regarding the consumption of liquor in a vehicle, Magistrate Aulanga also convicted Ms Dagi.

Aulanga said based on the witnesses’ evidence in court during the trial he is satisfied that the defendant was drinking alcohol in the motor vehicle the material time.

“The prosecution has therefore proved this element beyond reasonable doubt and so, is the finding of the court reached herein”, Aulanga said.

He also made orders that Ms Dagi’s bail is extended pending sentence on the next court appearance.

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