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Chinese business owners call to assess loss

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Carnage on the streets of Honiara. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Chinese Association (SICA) is urging its members to assess the loss and damage to their shops and cargoes from the burning and looting last week.

Most of the looting and burning occurred at Chinatown, followed by Kukum and Ranadi.

Most of the victims were Chinese businesses. Few locally owned businesses were also destroyed or damaged.

SICA President Henry Kwan said the assessment is very important so the Association can provide a credible report to the Government to assist their members in the rebuilding phase.

He said it is not possible to speculate on the cost of loss and damage because no one knows how many cargoes were in the shops.

Kwan said only when individual members provide their report before they can know the basis of the cost behind the loss and damage of the properties and cargoes.

Billy Wong, President of Solomon Islands Fujian Community in Honiara told Radio Australia more than 60 shops with cargoes were burnt, already worth around SBD$2 billion.

Wong said during the 2006 riot, the Government did not provide them assistance to help in the rebuilding.

However, SICA President, Kwan said currently such amount is mere speculation.

According to report received by Island Sun, 350 Chinese nationals were affected after about 85 shops were burnt down during the riot.

Kwan said most of them have been left homeless after the riot, sheltering at centres provided by authorities.

However, he said since the situation had return to normalcy, most are living with their friends and families at the moment.

In addition, Kwan said SICA is working with the government to arrange any flight to repatriate Chinese who want to return home.

Solomon Islands Red Cross Society said it will be doing a registration soon to ascertain the exact number of those who have been affected.

SIRCS said the assessment will likely to be completed on Sunday.

“Right now, we are in discussions with the National Disaster Management Office and partners preparing to finalize matters for the assessment proper,” SIRCS said.

Wale: PM Must Take Responsibility For Recent Tragedy

Written by
Press Release
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has categorically refuted the PM’s claim that him and other opposition members were behind the recent protests and riots.

According to the Opposition leader, these statements are not only false, but are aimed towards diverting the public’s attention from Sogavare’s own failures to properly deal with issues affecting this Nation.

Responding to this absurdity, Hon. Wale expressed that PM Sogavare must recognize his role in this tragedy. These recent events are the culmination of the PM’s leadership style which stretch back throughout his tenure as Prime Minister.

Honourable Wale pointed out that he has repeatedly made calls for the PM to humbly initiate dialogue with Malaita. In his own words, Hon. Wale emphasized ‘I have stated on several occasions the need for PM to have constructive dialogue with Malaita. In light of the deteriorating relationship between the Province and National Government, I specifically urged the PM last year to lead a delegation to Malaita to deal with their issues’.

Instead, PM Sogavare failed to do this. His negative attitude to deal with these issues, Wale insisted, is also reflected in the recent events when he ran away and refused to engage in dialogue with the people who marched to Parliament. 

Reflecting on the damage occurred, Hon. Wale stated that what has happened in the last few days is truly a tragedy. ‘As a Leader, I lament with the people who have suffered losses and condemn what has happened. Because of the large damage that occurred these past days, the public’s impulse to blame someone is understandable’. However, the PM must not take advantage of this and divert the public’s attention from his actions and omissions which have directly contributed to this problem.

The Honourable Leader of Opposition therefore calls on the Prime Minister to stop blaming others for his own failures and take responsibility as a true leader should in these circumstances.

Opposition Press///

Man who fakes own death to appear again in court today

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of an accused Peter Fakaia will appear again in court to confirm the continuation of trial on the defence case.

This is the case of Peter Fakaia who is facing trial on three counts of false pretenses relating to allegations that occurred between 21 and 26 September 2019 in Honiara.

He was alleged to have faked his own death and obtain $76,000 from a local pharmacist in Honiara in 2019.

Prosecution said the accused sought medication at the People’s Pharmacy at the Kwaimani building at Kukum, after taking his medication he then left, however on the next day he returned to the pharmacy complaining that he had allergies with the medication.

He was then given another medication and advised to see a doctor.

On 23 September at about 8 am, the complainant received a call through his office phone by a person who allegedly purported himself as the accused’s brother-in-law.

The complainant was informed by the accused’s brother-law that the accused he diagnosed died at the National Referral Hospital and was at the morgue.

The accused’s brother-in-law then allegedly demanded a compensation of $10, 000 for the cause of the death.

The complainant in total allegedly gave $76,000 to the so-called relatives of the accused of the accused’s death.

It was on 26 September police were alerted about the incident and police arrested a person who came to collect the last portion of money requested for the accused’s death.

Using the accused’s alleged associates; police finally arrested the accused after halting him in his vehicle at the Ranadi Roundabout.

Private lawyer Ben Etomea represents Fakaia while Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga is prosecuting the case in court.

Arrival of intervention forces a relief for Honiara residents

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WITH the arrival of the intervention forces in Honiara it has given Honiara residents some hope that peace and safety will be maintained during the motion of no confidence that is scheduled for next week.

A 45-year-old woman Jacquelyn Hana said the arrival of the intervention forces from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji with New Zealand personals to arrive in Honiara in the coming days, is a relief to innocent Honiara residents.

She said what happened last week is really disturbing and heartbreaking.

“Some of us were traumatized of what have happened and as a mother I am sad to see young people involved, this country’s future is in doubt if we continue with such behaviour”, Ms Hana said.

She said what happened in other parts of world now happening in Solomon Islands and while there are criticisms been made on social media regarding the call for assistance from the Prime Minister, it is good outside forces come to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

She said our police cannot control the situation as they are out-numbered.

“We have problem with our attitude and behaviour”, Ms Hana added.

MARA gov’t’s reunion begins

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Former Deputy Premier, Randol Sifoni (left) handshakes with Premier Daniel Suidani (right) as they exchange shell monies to reconcile past events they had gone through.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

AFTER the recent political impasse that had rampage the MARA government, deserted MPAs started to reunite with the government after almost five months of differences.

Yesterday, the former Deputy Premier under MARA government, MPA for ward 30, Randol Sifoni has reconciled with Premier Daniel Suidani and members of his executive and received back by the government.

Deputy Clerk to the Provincial Assembly, Ms Florence Idufo’oa has confirmed yesterday.

She said the reconciliation was happened between Sifoni and Suidani and was witnessed by members of the executive government and chiefs within ward 30 of the Langa Langa lagoon.

According to a statement released by Malaita Provincial Development Forum the two leaders had reunited in a brief reconciliation ceremony yesterday in Auki,

“The former Deputy Premier, Randol Sifoni re-joined MARA government after a brief reconciliation ceremony with the premier and number of MARA executive members today.

“He will now hold the vacant position of the Deputy Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly.

“In the spirit of putting the past in the past, the two leaders shared that uniting Malaita for its development surpass any political differences and therefore reconciled whatever happened in the past as the best way to move forward.

“Both leaders shared that as leaders, moving forward in the spirit of brotherhood for the common good of the people of Malaita province is the top priority of their leadership.

“Both acknowledged the past and learn to move forward,” it said.

The re-inclusion of Sifoni brings MARA government to a majority of 18 MPAs in the government while the non-executive bench with minority of 15 MPAs.

SIPA vaccination site opens

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE COVID-19 vaccination site at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority Premises at point has reopened its vaccination roll-out programs for second dose and the unvaccinated qualified individuals.

This was confirmed by Dr Yogesh Choudhri senior advisor for Ministry Health and Medical Services yesterday.

Choudhri vaccination site below the Holy Cross will open soon. Discussions are currently underway to move this vaccination centre to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development parking lot.

He also adds that Vaccination centre for Kukum area will resume soon if new tent.

Island Sun Paper understands that vaccinations centers inside Honiara have closed due to the Honiara unrest.

Meanwhile, the two introduced vaccines that are currently administered in the country are AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is also already shipped into the country but id yet to be administered.

Christians Must Be Peace Makers and Peace Builders

Written by
Press Release
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His Grace Archbishop with Fr. Gabriel, Dicon, Catechist amd Alter Servers after 9am Mass

CHRISTIANS should be peace makers and peace builders instead of involving in violence and stealing.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese in Honiara shared this during his welcome home Eucharistic Mass and First Sunday of Advent at the Holy Cross Cathedral on Sunday.

He said the recent unrest is a difficult situation for the country.

Archbishop Chris urged Christians to refrain from involving in any of the unlawful activities, especially in buying from the looters or even take anything that was stolen from the shops.

“We are in the Advent season, the season that begins the Christian Liturgical Year and focuses on Christ’s threefold coming: past, present, and future. First, it is remembering His humble first coming in the town of Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Secondly, it calls us to give thanks for His presence and continual coming to us through His Word and Sacrament. Finally, it is the looking forward with hope and longing to His Second Coming in Glory.

Christians Greeted His Grace after 9am Mass

“In the Gospel Jesus tells us to be vigilant, do not sleep, Jesus Tells “pray to have the strength to escape the tribulations that are to come and to stand upright with the lord”

“Therefore, Our Message is to be Vigilant, Stay awake, Pray and Hopeful”

“Last week has been very hard in the history of Solomon Islands, 3 days of violence, stealing, hatred and distractions.

“We should be peacemakers and peace builders instead of involving in causing distractions, he continued, “for St. Mathew Gospel, also says, “Blessed are the peace makers, they will be the children of God”.

“This advent we need to reflect why this situation happened the second time and what caused Chinatown a targeted area.

“What causes violence, hatred that made people feel so bad that forced them to do terrible and distractive violence?” he continued.

“It is important for us to reflect upon the events of past few days and know that God Loves us. He is with us in good times and in bad times. And even in worst disasters where we experienced, that God is present among us.

“I hope that we don’t pay goods from people who steal or take anything from the stolen goods,” he said.

He appealed to all Christians in the country to stay away from violence.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP share Homily and advicing christians to be Peace Makers

“Violence must stop, hatred must stop and we must live as a community to rebuild our nation, and be a place to have justice for all, not just for the wealthy parliament but for all because Justice is peace,” he said.

He appreciated the good initiative that Phil Bradford of Island Enterprise put out to all. The Message of Hope to Never Give Up.

Even if Solomon Islands faces this terrible situation, there have been a lot of good things that has happened in the Solomon Islands that we may have forgotten.

“Therefore, as we are in the season of Advent, we need to ask ourselves Questions what should we do to make us go out from this situation?

“What is our hope? Who will guide us? Who will be the peace makers?

“Pray, Hope and be Vigilant is the message we should take,” he said.

Meanwhile he shared his greetings and regards from family in New York to Solomon Islands, where he spent almost 5 months due to COVID,

BY: CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION

Padakeza Rainforest Declared a Protected Area

Written by
Press Release
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Another conservation achievement is up for applaud – the launching and declaration of the Padezaka Tribal Rainforest Conservation Area as a legally designated National Protected Area.

Tuesday morning this week, Sasamungga Village hosted yet another conservation achievement for the country.

Benjamin Harrison, Premier of Choiseul Province, officiated the launching and declaration of another forest area under the Protected Areas Act 2010, on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Bradley Tovosia (who was unable to attend due to the present situation in Honiara).

The protected area covers more than 4,800 hectares of forest, and forms a portion of the Padezaka Tribal land in Babatana Ward, South Choiseul, and Choiseul Province. This forest area now becomes the third forest protected area (by law), and also the largest so far, in the country.

Delivering the speech, the Premier praised and commended the chiefs, elders, and members of the Padezaka Tribe and partners for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to conservation and sustainable development. “Your dedication for this journey is truly admired and hope you continue to be a ‘lighthouse’ to other communities and resource owners who share the common goals of protecting and sustainably managing their natural resources” he stated.

He also acknowledged with appreciation, the technical and financial support provided by Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP), Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Project implement by FAO through the Ministries of Environment, Forestry and Agriculture. Since 2018, this project through the leadership of Mr Fred Tabepuda (IFMP Choiseul Field Coordinator), guided and supported by partners such as Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) and Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands (ESSI), who have worked hard to achieve the protection of Padezaka ’s tribal forest. He also thanked the National Government through Ministry of Environment’s Division for Environment and Conservation, Choiseul Provincial Government, Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Community (LLCTC) and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund who supported these initiatives and programmes throughout the years.

The ceremony was highlighted with the handing over of the Certificate of Protected Areas Registration signed by the Minister of Environment to the Chief Godfrey Gatarukusa of Padezaka Tribe. This symbolized the fulfilment of the formal requirements and confirmation that the forest area now stands as an officially designated national protected area. These declared sites will remain out of bounds for all destructive activities including logging and mining etc

The area will now be managed by the Padezaka Protected Area Management Committee and its rangers, guided by the site’s management plan under the Protected Areas Act 2010. In addition to other four declared sites, these sites remains pillars for conservation and protection of our significant natural biodiversity and cultural values.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Manakwai High School successfully closes 2021

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Press Release
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Manakwai CHS Graduands

A total of 57 students from years 6, 9 and 11 have graduated at Manakwai Community High School.

This year’s programme was hosted under the theme “Developing Learners For Better Future Through Education”.

Principal Mr Norman Baeramo, addressing the occasion, said the school comprised primary and secondary sectors.

In the Primary sector, 146 student students with 10 teachers with the help of five Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL) student teachers.

“The Manakwai Primary School sector started in 1991. This program marks the 30th year of the primary sector.”

The secondary sector enrolls 128 students with 11 teachers along with four additional teachers on special arrangement by the school board of management. The Manakwai Community High School sector started in 1998.

According Baeramo, the school achieved very little with school infrastructure; nevertheless, they concentrated more on the student’s academic development.

The primary sector however recently received a new classroom block which is now used by the students. The supply of electricity was already connected to the classroom building.

Form 5 Dux award recipient Leeland Watson

“Developing learners for better future through education is a process full of discoveries and surprises. When the learners have and equip themselves with the right knowledge, skills, support and environment, it’s amazing what they can produce.

“Education is not an easy journey. Each year is different and 2021 is no exception. Some of us have gone through and have come to a crossroad and there is a need to think and decide which way to go from here.

The parents were told by the Principal that the best thing to spend on their children is time.

“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided them. Your children will become who you are; so be what you want them to be.”

The Principal made some recommendations to the Education Authority and Ministry. He wishes to see a fair distribution of subject teachers to each school according to the specialized subject areas. He also recommends that the current school establishment of eleven teachers be increased to fifteen. He finally highlighted the need for the school to be given the opportunity to have a form 6 arts.

The 2021 Dux Prizes

Year 9 -Hudson Selwyn

Year 11 -Leeland Watson

HEARTBREAKING MOMENT

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Honiara School principal Allen Ketei.
  • Honiara based schools close early
  • Innocent students victimised

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Honiara High School teachers and students are still traumatise following the heartbreaking situation where four of its classrooms were burnt down in the recent social unrest.

Apart of the classrooms an ICT lab, school library and one workshop were also burnt down while a school hall was partly damaged due to heat.

School principal Allen Ketei in an interview with this paper yesterday said the situation is really devasted and heartbreaking especially for those who serve the school for a long time.

He said with the burnt down of the classrooms and other important infrastructures worth more than SBD5 million it will affect the school’s new intake of form 4 next year.

Not only that, it will affect students to access quality education.

“This is very sad story for the school.

 “This situation is unfortunate and heartbreaking for those of us serving the school for long time and work hard to improve this school”.

“It is really devastated and we teachers and students are traumatised by it. We love this place because this is where nature our students and called it our second home and workplace,” he said.

Ketei said as the result of the situation the school management have recommended to the Honiara City Council Education Authority (HCC) to close early until further arrangement is done with the Ministry of Education to rebuild it.

He said with the current situation, form four students will be affected while forms 5, 6 and 7 are okay.

Ketei said at this stage the school is considering options how best they can assist students to complete their studies but that will depend very much on the supports they receive as well support from the Ministry of Education.

He adds over the years they have built the reputation, the quality and promoting leadership and made some progress but the recent destruction has pulled them down to zero level.

Despite of the situation they are not giving up.

“We will not give up; we will rebuild this school for our children and the nation. As a leader I will stand with the teachers to rebuild this school because this is our country’s,” Ketei said.

He stressed that the situation provides the school admin and current teachers to look at alternate ways to re-booster the trauma and the side effects of the destructions of the school.

When asked whether the school will conduct an investigation to identify the culprit, he said that they will depend on police.

For that purpose, he appeals to stakeholders, aid donors, former scholars, families, communities, and friends of Honiara to help them rebuild the school.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development in its circular message recommends all Honiara based Education Authorities to close this year’s academy as of yesterday.

Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Roddie said while law and order eventually restored the threat still remain.

He said the ministry following the social unrest conducted a brief survey for early closer of schools and received anonymous respond from the schools.

Based on that he approved the recommendation to close as of yesterday and not wait until Friday.

He clarifies that the circular message does not includes schools in the provinces.

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