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Eighteen-year-old denies stealing gold chain necklace

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A girl, 18, accused of stealing a gold-chain and JBL blutooth speaker on an unknown date in September this year has pleaded not guilty to the charge of larceny yesterday.

This is the case of Nicola Taru of Santa Anna Makira Ulawa Province and she is charged with one count of larceny in dwelling house.

When appeared in court yesterday before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollision, Ms Taru deny the charge and a pre-trial conference is set to be conducted on her case.

The case will come back to court today for the PTC to be conducted.

The allegation against the accused said that on an unknown date between 1st of September 2021 to 30th September 2021, the defendant Taru went into the complaint room at King Solomon Girl’s hostel in Honiara and took away 1x JBL blutooth speaker and 1 x gold chain necklace.

Police said at that time the complainant was away from her room and went to her sister at Tandai in west Honiara, on her return from her sister’s residence she went back to her room at King Solomon Girl’s hostel and found that her JBL blutooth speaker and her gold chain necklace was missing from the room.

Later on, in September 2021, the complainant went back to her sister’s house at Tandai and she saw her gold chain was on the accused’s neck.

It was at that time she told her daughter to ask the accused where she got the gold chain from, the defendant said that a male person by the name of Junior bought it for her at one of the Chinese shops at Chinatown.

Police also said the complainant upon hearing that the chain was bought by Junior, asked Junior but Junior denied buying any chain for the accused.

The gold chain necklace cost at $500SBD and JBL blutooth speaker cost at $2000 SBD.

The complainant them reported the matter to the police and the accused was charged for simple larceny.

Police also alleged that there was some admission made during the record of interview by the accused.

Police Prosecutor Iete Tebakota prosecutes the case in court.

Pfizer launched in Honiara

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 vaccine was successfully launched and rolled out in Honiara yesterday at the National Referral Hospital.

These vaccines have been prioritised for youths aged 12 to 17 and pregnant mothers.

Speaking to the official launching event Director US Embassy office in Solomon Islands, Russell Comeau said these vaccines represent a critical step in the fight against COVID-19 and the journey back to normalcy here in the country.

A female nurse withdraws the vaccine from the vial

“The first jab of the Pfizer vaccine today represents a next step towards reopening-smartly, safely and securely-with every eligible individual-man, woman, and child in Solomon Islands vaccinated against COVID-19,” 

Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr Culwick Togamana said the ministry is delighted to wrap up 2021 by launching 2021 important health preserving life serving opportunity especially for our children as well as expecting mothers.

“This Pfizer vaccine is not difference to difference to Sinopharm as well as the AstraZeneca that we have already used in the country but the beauty of this Pfizer is that children age 12 and below 18 can receive it because it is safe as well as for pregnant mothers”.

Minister for Health Dr Culwick delivers the key note address

“It is so kind of the US government to provide this vaccine for us 100,620 Pfizer vaccine doses that will allow and provide the opportunity for segment of our population who may not be able to vaccinated using the AstraZeneca as well as the Sinopahrm and that I’m grateful for,” Togamana said.    

 Dr Sevil Huseynova World Health Organisation country representative said the official launch of this vaccine is a prodigious achievement for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and for the people of Solomon Islands. “It marks the day where we have an opportunity to fight against the common enemy, the coronavirus,” Huesynova said

Malaita received more grant from MPGIS than others.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MALAITA Province has received $146 million of the total $639 million fixed grant from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening since 2009.

This is 23 percent of the total allocation provided by MPGIS to all the provinces.

Minister Rollen Seleso told Parliament during the Sine Die motion last week that this was the biggest allocation due to the population factor.

“But Malaita also shares the geographical challenge faced by all provinces as well which has severely impact service delivery mechanism including transport and communication.

“Service grants are used for utilities, bills and normal operations plus salary and wages for all direct staff,” he said.

In addition to the grants, Seleso said provinces have also received revenue through their own source revenue including basic rates, property rates and passengers’ levies and other fees and licenses.

“To make unfold claims that province do not receive grants and expense for their own operations would be unfair and bias since this grant allocation has been the main functions of the Ministry since the establishment of the Provincial Government Act.

“On top of these grant allocations and operation expense allocations, the Ministry also work with Provincial Governments on how best revenue can be utilized and share,” he said.

Seleso said this is the main demand of the provincial government in ensuring the proceeding that came out of the National Revenue be allocated to provinces to determine their own operations.

“In addition to the mandate and allocated functions, this is what the Ministry has been working very hard on, particularly on the area of absorption, capacity where provinces must be able to receive capacity, expertise and capabilities require to tackle this bigger responsibility,” he added.

PM highlights importance of unity

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Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Photo supplied.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare spoke strongly of the need to maintain national unity no matter whatever we do as a nation.

The Prime Minister made the reminder during the celebration of the Western Province’s Second Appointed Day in Gizo this week.

Prime Minister Sogavare emphasized the importance of caring for each other as one nation and one people.

“The challenge that we are grappling with as a nation is to ensure that whatever we do, we do not undermine our National Unity and that our collective responsibility to look after each other as one nation and one people is maintained”, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said.

PM Sogavare further added that together as one nation and one people is a commitment that we have declared to the world through our national anthem.

“This is a commitment we expressed to the world through our National Anthem. We reminded ourselves with these words: “Our Solomon Islands, Our Solomon Islands, Our Nation Solomon Islands Stands Forevermore”, the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare strongly emphasized.

The Prime Minister thanked the Western Province’s past and present leaders’ for their humility and leadership in putting up with the unfairness over the years and remain resolute in ensuring that as a country we remain one nation.

 PM Sogavare further highlighted that with the prevalent view for state government system, that should not take away the notion of one nation.

He pointed out that he is hopeful that the new state government system will still build a united country even though, resource wise, other provinces are more ready than few others.

 “I would like to be optimistic that the new state government system will strengthen our solidarity and unity, and stronger states will translate into a stronger country. Some provinces are more ready than others to become states but since all provinces are calling for this state system, it is becoming very difficult not to take heed of these calls,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stressed.

PM Sogavare reiterated his personal trust in God that through Him as a nation we can navigate through the new journey that we intend to partake in.

“I pray that as we move forward we do not lose sight of what hold us together as a family of Solomon Islanders. I put my faith and trust in our Father in Heaven to be the guiding light of wisdom as we move forward together on this new journey,” the Prime Minister stated.

—OPMC

Bishop Seka retires

Written by
Press Release
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Bishop Seka lying down the pastoral staff on the alter

THE Right Rev Ben Seka, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Solomons (DOCS) in the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) officially laid down the diocesan Pastoral staff that was handed to him when he was consecrated Bishop of the diocese on February 20, 2011.

The laying down of the pastoral staff on the altar of the Diocesan Cathedral symbolises the act of relinquishing the authority vested upon him as the Diocesan Bishop of Central Solomons.

During the laying down of the Pastoral staff, the Retired Bishop said; “In compliance with the requirements of the Laws of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, I do hereby relinquish the authority vested upon me as the Diocesan Bishop of Central Solomons, by laying the Pastoral staff of this diocese on the Altar of this Diocesan Cathedral.”

Seka is the second Bishop of the diocese succeeding the late Bishop Charles Koete.

He served as Bishop of DOCS for 11 years. He was the Principal of Bishop Patteson Theological College (BPTC), Kohimarama when he was elected Bishop.

Procession to the Alter

Archbishop of ACOM, the Most Rev Leonard Dawea in his acknowledgment speech after the ceremony, thanked Bishop Seka for his enormous contributions to the ACOM as a Priest and Bishop.

“Seka participated in various provincial decision-making bodies of the Church including the General Synod, Executive Council, Council of Bishops (CoB), Diocesan and Provincial electoral boards. Given his heavy involvement in these important decision-making bodies, it is not hard to see the extent of Bp. Seka’s influence in the life of the ACoM over the last 11 years.” Dawea said.

Retired Bishop Seka also thanked the ACOM and all members of the church for the support rendered to him and his family during his term as an active Priest and Bishop of the ACOM.

Archbishop Leonard, retired Bishop Seka and clergy after the service

“To my diocesan staff who have been with me in the past and those who have just came into the diocese; we have shared, worshipped and celebrated together in the past 11 years. I thank you for your unceasing love and support in one way or the other. It’s time for me to move so that another Bishop will come and continue the work that God has chosen him to carry on.”

He also thanked the Member of Parliament for Ngella Constituency, Bartholomew Parapolo; the Premier, Stanley Manetiva and the Central Islands Provincial Government, other sister churches, business houses and stakeholders in Central Islands Province for the excellent working relationship, and the support rendered to the Diocese of Central Solomons during his eleven years as bishop of the diocese.

“Without your support, DOCS will not be able to achieve some of the achievements we have seen in the diocese.”

Newly commissioned Bishop Seka building

Representatives from the various parishes, districts, ministerial groups, institutions and family members have all echoed the same sentiment of acknowledgement to the retired Bishop for his fine achievements in the diocese and the whole church.

The newly completed and commissioned Bishop Seka Building that will house the diocesan head office with huge conference rooms both upstairs and ground floor, with kitchens and other amenities is one major achievement of Bishop Seka before retiring.

The Archbishop calls on the whole church to pray for Bishop Seka and his family as they take on a well-deserved retirement.

Bishop Seka will be succeeded by Rev. Stephen Koete (Bishop-Elect) who will be consecrated bishop on 27 February 2022. The Archbishop will be the supervising bishop of the diocese during this period of transition.

–ACOM PRESS

Govt announces commitment to state government system.

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Press Release
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Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has used the occasion of the Second Appointed Day of Western Province to reaffirm government’s commitment to ensure that the much sought-after state government system will be implemented.

The Prime Minister reminded the people of Western Province that self- autonomy was not new and that it was brought up during the time country gained independence in 1978.

“Self- Autonomy is a theme that the people of Western District as it was then known, which includes Western and Choiseul Islands are familiar with. We do not celebrate when our country attained political independence from Great Britain in July 1978 when the other islands did,” PM Sogavare stated.

“Why? Because leading to and right from the word go, we asked the right questions. Will the system of Government, we adopt at independence work for us? Will it fairly acknowledge the contribution of our different island groups which eventually became Provinces in the distribution of the national wealth of the new independent nation? Will it provide the incentive for people to work hard?” the Prime Minister continued.

PM Sogavare pointed out that these are the questions that have continued to haunt us as a country.

He added that the simple answer to these questions is that the system of government we have adopted at the independence cannot accommodate those questions.

The Prime Minister pointed out that he understands the feeling and argument of the people that the current provincial government system does not reward provincial productivity.

“Did the Provincial Government system as a form of government give us the autonomy that is conducive to hard work and entrepreneurship? Our people think otherwise and rightly so…because there is a perception that there is no guarantee under the centralized budgetary system to reward provincial productivity. I can also understand the frustrations of our people in that regard too,” Sogavare stated.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the answer to peoples’ frustrations is the State Government System, further adding government will not consider any other forms of self-autonomy but it will stand on the recommendation by Eminent Persons Group for the Federal System.

PM Sogavare pointed out that the draft Federal Constitution takes more than 10 years and over $100 million of budgetary provisions to develop. 

The Prime Minister made a strong assurance that government is committed to introducing the Federal System of Government as recommended by the Imminent Persons Group.

PM Sogavare also used the occasion to dispel the rumour that government is being influenced to brush aside the issue of State Government System.

“Contrary to any thinking that the Government may have succumbed to the dictates of some foreign influences to shelve the State Government system, I want to assure you…that the DCGA is fully committed to introducing the Federal System of Government recommended by the Imminent Persons Group,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Western Province’s Second Appointed Day celebration was delayed by a week, and the Prime Minister was invited as the chief guest.

—OPMC

Suidani queries presence of foreign military vessel

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Admin
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Australian Patrol boat outside Auki this week. PHOTO: Celsus Irokwato Talifilu

MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani says his province have no need of any foreign forces.

He highlighted this yesterday after observing foreign military style vessel appearing at least three times within waters off the Auki Harbor.

“On three occasions the public of Auki and the surrounding communities of Malaita have been observing and wondering what the foreign military vessel have been doing in the waters off Auki,” Suidani said in a statement.

“Whoever is behind these rather threatening appearances should at least informed the people and the government of Malaita what their intentions are,” he added.

“This is because Malaita has always been peaceful and thus there is no need for any foreign military vessels to patrol our jurisdictional waters.

“If this is a case of power posturing then whoever is doing it is basically out of touch with the reality of Malaita province.”

Suidani reinforces autonomy survey pledge

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier-Daniel-Suidani-meets-members-of-his-executive-upon-his-arrival-at-Auki-wharf.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

ON Monday, Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani again reinforced his government’s plan to carry out a survey seeking an autonomous government for his province.

In a public address at Auki main market, he said his government is steadfast on the proposal and are working on required necessities for the survey.

He said this is his second public address on the matter and shows his government is grim to take onboard this long-standing issue to get people’s view on it.

Suidani clarified that the survey will be carried out and people to voluntarily engage in the survey will be trained before embarking on the survey.

He said his government has proposed a training for the surveyors on 29th December 2021 to prepare them for the survey to begin on 5th January 2022.

Suidani said the survey team will conduct the survey on a village-to-village approach and discuss with people the questions on the survey form.

He said the survey questions will not merely centre on the autonomy itself, but on development and other pressing issues the province is faced with.

Suidani said after collecting data from the survey his government will then look at it to charter the way forward on this autonomy for the province.

He also explained that the province’s current pursue for self-autonomy doesn’t mean independence thereafter.

Suidani said this is the beginning of the road towards whether the province is going to adopt federal system of government or independence.

This paper also understands that the Premier of Western province, Christian Burley Mesepitu also called on the national government to fast track the federal system of government.

Premier Mesepitu made the call during Western Province Second Appointed held at Gizo provincial capital on Tuesday this week.

Tourism to introduce “green lane” for tourists

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister for Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Tourism and Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are planning to introduce a ‘green lane’ for international tourists and tourism investors before the reopening of the border.

Tourism Minister Bartholomew Parapolo confirmed this during the Sine Die motion in Parliament last week.

Parapolo said this exercise is important for his ministry in 2022 as it will allow much needed revenue inflows for tourism businesses and the government.

He said the ‘green lane’ entry concept will also ensure to facilitate and secure investment interests and overseas investors who are keen to establish tourism operation before the border reopen.

Parapolo confirmed other countries in the world have used this ‘green lane’ where a world system has data input of those people who get their vaccination against covid-19.

In Philippines, it was reported that arriving passengers who can avail of “green lanes” no longer need to observe a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, so long as they are fully vaccinated and test negative for the coronavirus.

Kologeto updates on gov’t redirection policy projects

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Frederick Kologeto has updated some of the government’s project under the re-direction policy.

These include the Kirakira Cocoa Oil factory supposed to be completed this year, construction of Bonale pineapple factory this year and the Malu’u Fishery project.

Speaking during the Sine Die motion in Parliament, Kologeto said the delay of the Kirakira cocoa oil factory was due to re design.

He said the building should happen in 2022 and comes under the budget of the Government.

Furthermore, Kologeto stressed that the Bonale Pineapple project belongs to the government and not to the Provincial government.

He said the good news is the US SCALE project has told the Ministry to take on board the project, so it will progress next year.

Furthermore, Kologeto said the Ministry has also funded the Malu’u fishery project.

“We have renovated it and completed it,” he added.

According to the Government, the policy redirection aims to support the economy in response to negative impacts of COVID-19 while maintaining a continued long-term focus on developing Solomon Islands into an economically strong and vibrant nation and advance the livelihood of our people.

This will be achieved by investing heavily on the primary industries and downstream processing.

This includes providing price and support subsidies to the main agricultural export crops such as copra and cocoa, promote kava export and embark  on  a  national  expansion  program  for  noni production.

“Some of these development initiatives will require partnership with the private sector hence, the government is formalizing the public private partnership (PPP) approach as one of the many approaches that DCGA will utilize to implement its policy redirection”, Sogavare told parliament recently.

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