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Police: lack of vehicles affected our work

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police Response Team (PRT) patrolling the Honiara City road

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has admitted that lack of vehicle has contributed to their inability to respond and serve daily policing needs to the communities in Guadalcanal.

RSIPF made the response after the court raised concerns over Henderson Police not performing their responsibilities to serve summons to witnesses.

Police said that under resourcing frontline Policing is a fact that is beyond the ability of Guadalcanal Police and its Executive to manage. 

Police said that Guadalcanal Police have submitted to the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Executive for additional vehicles but were unsuccessful due to lack of funding.

“The RSIPF Executive has deliberated on the issue and has developed possible options to procure vehicles for the frontline policing but due to the RSIPF Annual Budget constraints and the current Solomon Island Government (SIG) cash flow problem has contributed hugely into not progressing this urgent procurement in a timely manner.”

Police also said they are working on ‘Vehicle Impact Report’ to the Government to support their argument that they urgently need vehicles for the frontline policing.

“Therefore, there is no doubt that lack of vehicles at the frontline has contributed hugely into the organisation’s inability to response and serve the daily policing needs of our communities and important stakeholders. 

“It will be further worsening and has a huge impact into the frontline policing, if the issue of vehicles is not resolved quickly,” police said.  

Police also clarified that regarding the vehicles at Rove Police Headquarters, most of the existing operational vehicles are old and are listed for SIG sale by tender soon. 

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer commented that the RSIPF must think outside the box when performing their duties because availability of fund will be a problem for the government.

Chief Justice reminds officers of basics of police duties.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The High Court has reminded police officers to be punctual, vigilant and responsible when it comes to executing orders given by the courts.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer highlighted this on Tuesday when he spoke to two leading officers of the Henderson police station who had been summoned before the courts earlier.

On Monday this week, the High Court gave summons for the officer in charge of the Henderson police station to appear in court following revelations by public prosecutions (DPP) that officers there had failed to make notice witnesses to appear in court.

Superintendent Edwin Sevoa and Senior Sergeant Saxon Sai turned up on Tuesday to answerable for this failure.

Speaking to Mr Sevoa and Mr Sai, Chief Justice Palmer said:

“Police officers are to be punctual, vigilant and responsible with regards to trials reasonable time should be allowed to service of summons issues by court and that is important in this case three weeks was given for the summons to be served and police officers on their part should see summons are served on witnesses and they appeared in court on the date required for hearing.”

Sevoa and Sai said the reason their officers had not given the DPP’s summons to the witnesses was due to logistics challenges.

However, Palmer said they did not have a vehicle to serve the summons but from Henderson Police station to the Solomon Star area, as been revealed by the officers, was about 10 to 15 minutes, why not take a bus or just took a 15 minutes’ walk to the area?

“In doing that they will earlier aware that the witnesses were no longer there during the three weeks when the summons were just lying down in their office without actioning.

“This case was set for trial but delayed due to the absence of witnesses it is so important that on a day, the trial is listed all stakeholders must ensure everyone ready for the trial and that is happening in this case.”

Sir Albert also explained in court the roles and responsibilities of police officers especially on serving the summons.

“How is the summons served? Every summons shall be served by a police officer primarily in Solomon Islands Summons are served by Police officers and given the challenge regarding transport challenges police officers must think outside the box, rather relying on that RSIPF vehicle.”

Stop comparing Malaita with other provinces: Suidani.

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita Province, Daniel Suidani has asked that people stop comparing Malaita with other provinces as they are still healing.

He said critics often gaze at Malaita province other than other provinces when it comes to development, but why it is so?

Everyone should appreciate the fact that all provinces deserve development and that could only happen when people stand united and work together.

Premier Daniel Suidani recently said that despite these critics and odds, Malaita province is healing right now and will continue to heal.    

He said at the moment, Winrock and Green Power Tech under the USAID Scale project are on Malaita and the MARA government and its people must be applauded for bringing them to the province.

Suidani said that they are in the province and this is because of the strong stand by the people and government of Malaita province.

“This is an indication of togetherness and nothing is impossible when people have one mind to go.

He said it is said that nothing is happening on Malaita province, Malaita is late for development.

The question is, “who or which province are you comparing Malaita province with? Suidani asked.

Even small it might be, he said Auki town now has two new garbage trucks, a betel nut market, MPG employees get their salary at the right time and many developments are happening in the province on a small scale.

Suidani said the province is healing right now and will continue to heal. He said as you can see things are happening, Malaita is healing.

“And I want to tell you that many good things are coming,” he said.

MCA to establish internet surveillance department

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) will establish a new department to manage internet usage in the country.

Director of Information, Communication and Technology Services Alwyn Danitofea made the statement during the National Cybersecurity Policy consultation at Gizo yesterday.

He said the department will be called Solomon Islands Computer Emergency Response Team (Solomon – CERT).

Danitofea said Solomon – CERT will be supervised under MCA until such time the body is capable of functioning independently.

He adds that Solomon – CERT will be responsible for providing service related to cybersecurity to the government, statutory bodies, law enforcement agencies, business and internet users.

“It focuses on; promoting cybersecurity, providing coordination on cybersecurity related functions, raising awareness, supporting institutions and businesses in prevention, detection, response and recover cyber-attacks, maintain a 24/7 call center, supporting law enforcement agencies in investigating digital forensic investigation, managing and reporting incidents, auditing and providing special support to critical infrastructure providers,” Danitofea said.

MARA signs 9 project under USAID for Malaita province.

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

IMPLEMENTATION will soon commence on nine projects signed by the MARA government and Green Power Tech under the USAID Scale funded projects on Malaita province.

Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani recently announced this in Auki saying work is currently progressing on projects ahead of discharging them.

“As the chairman of the Green Power Tech committee under the USAID program in Malaita, I have approved 9 projects for Malaita province two weeks ago from Brisbane,” he said.

Suidani said the projects will be built by Green Power Tech and sites for the project have been earmarked.

He said the approved projects are; Bonale pineapple factory, Luaniua wharf, a pig feeders’ factory for the province, Malu’u fishery, Gwaigeo Kava factory and warehouse, Afio fisheries and warehouse and another project for Atori.

Suidani reiterated that the projects are already approved and Green Power Tech is now working on them.

He said “you heard the news from the mouth of the horse and no-one will blind you about the work of USAID in Malaita” Winrock is already on the ground and working.

On that note, Suidani assured Malaitans that he will not be afraid to talk on any good things (developments) for his people.

Like for these projects, I had already signed them and why hide it from people, he said.

Suidani said Winrock under the USAID Scale project has established office in Auki and should there be any queries, come and talk with them.

He said they are here to work with resource owners or Malaitans and the MARA government will continue to stand firm and support them in all areas required. 

Second vax dose has minimal effect: Choudri

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Technical advisor to Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Yogesh Choudri

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The effect of the second dose of the covid-19 vacccine is minimal, says Yogesh Choudhri, senior health advisor.

Choudhri says this in response to findings that most people who got their first jab, did not return for their second.

“We would request the people to start coming for their second dose of vaccination starting from June this year,” he said.

Choudhri said there are people he spoke to and they said they have some side effects of the vaccine so they are not coming to get their second jab.

“But that is not true with the second dose actually you will get very minimal side effects so we would seriously encouraged that people to come and get their second dose of vaccine,” he said.

Choudhri adds there are 58 thousand doses of vaccines still remaining, this includes both Sinopharm and AstraZeneca COVID-19.

He confirmed in few weeks of AstraZeneca will be coming in the few weeks as well. Pfizer will be shipped later next month.

“So far, no adverse event reported on the vaccine, most of the events are mild and they are being expected in terms of pain in the arm, head ache, body ache those are the side effects that are being reported,” Choudhri said.

He stressed for country to reach 90 percent coverage a target to aimed to re-open the border ,the country will be needing 334000 people to get vaccinated.

Ngati applauds road transport board

Written by
Press Release
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Honiara City Councillor, Reginald Ngati

Councillor for Vura ward in Honiara Reginald Ngati has acknowledged the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) for reigniting the responsibility of looking after roads within the city.

He said this is important for the Road Transport Board (RTB) under MID to apply rules and regulations for public to abide by.

“As a Councillor I’m pleased as this is a good impression to see changes that will put a stop to bad practices on roads.

“We have witnessed there are illegal humps been created, houses built along roads and drainages, but through the RTB I believe we can have control and try to reorganise the city into what we expect,” he said.

Ngati further called on the Minister of MID to consider Honiara City Council as the authority within the city to be part of the Road Transport Board.

“HCC needs to be part of and made aware of such developments so it is important for HCC to be included in the RTB,” he said.

He said the HCC’s works division use to do such programmes but since MID has taken back the responsibility, it will be proper if HCC can also be part of it through the RTB to be more inclusive.

He added working together with the Councillors of the 12 wards will be very important as each ward have their advisory committees who have direct link to the people to best address these issues.

–HCC PRESS

New project to reduce poverty launched here

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Cutting of the cake to mark MERMAID project official launch

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A PROJECT called Melanesia Rural Market & Innovation-Driven Development Programme (MERMAID) that aims to reduce rural poverty, improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower women and youth has been launched yesterday in Honiara.

IFAD awarded the project grant to fund this program to World Vison Solomon Islands.

This is to empower communities on nutrition, which is a very important part of our lives.

World Vison Solomon Islands National Manager Jimmy Nadapdap said the project team under his office had already signed understanding with the 10 communities to work with.

World Vision Solomon Islands National Director Mr Nadapdap delivers his remarks

“I have confidence for a successful project,” Nadapdap said.

“Our work is basically to ensure communities are resilient and be able to self-reliant through the knowledge they gained from the project,” he added.

Participants witnessing the launch

Nadapdap said nowadays rural communities have struggled with under-nutrition, over-nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

He pointed out that according to World Health Organization Survey conducted in Pacific Island nations, less than 20percent of people surveyed reported eating the five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

The World Vision manager said the survey recorded that the prevalence of under-five stunting and under-nutrition is unacceptably high at an average of 30percent (29 percent in Vanuatu, 33percent in the Solomon Islands), while at the same time, more than 70percent of adult women are overweight.

Participants attending the launch

“A drop in the diversity of available fruit and vegetables, coupled with increasing reliance on cheap food imports, have contributed to the substitution of nutrient-rich local fruits and vegetables with foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt, leading to increased rates of diet-related NCDs,” Nadapdap said.

Deputy Premier for Malaita Province, Lenty Nelson, said 10 communities in his province will benefit from the project.

“Today, World Vison has decided to launched the MERMAID program to establish scalable pathways for increased consumption of local and nutritious foods and improved rural income in Malaita,” Nelson said.

Panpipers performing on MERMAID project launching event

“I am pleased that our international partners support us in our struggle to eradicate the inequality that exist within our communities,” he added.

The goal of the project is: Reduce rural poverty, improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower women and youth (SDGs 1, 2 and 5), with an objective to: Establish scalable pathways for increased consumption of local and nutritious foods, and improved rural incomes. 

MERMAID project manager Roselyn Kabu

The project also has three key components:

Component one (1): Demonstrating Responsive Service Delivery for Rural Communities 

Component two (2): Innovations for investing in women and youth 

Component three (3): Knowledge sharing, policy and advocacy 

The project is an IFAD funded project for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

In Solomon Islands the project is implemented in 10 communities in Malaita Province, and is expected to benefit approximately 49,233 people.

Cross-road and Bloody ridge communities launch by-laws.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE communities surrounding the Cross-road area and Blood ridge have launched their community by-laws yesterday.

Chief Wesley Tuita Ramo in an interview with Island Sun said the community is very grateful for the launching of the By-laws as it will help combat issues and crimes that occur within communities from Cross-road Henderson up to Blood ridge.

Mr Ramo said following the establishment of other community by-laws in other Honiara communities and how successful they are, they called a meeting with community members and decided on establishing six zones, each with their own committees.

Chief Wesley Tuita Ramo excited after successful launch of their community policy

He said it was a very challenging job to do as people in their community are not those who can easily understand things.

“It was hard to call everybody in the community to convince them setting up such community by-laws, because people want something out of what we are doing, they don’t worry about how peaceful and free community but all they want is money.

“So, with the support of the Police, Chief and Churches we are able to over come the challenges and here we are with excitement to launch our community by-law.

Part of the crowd attending launching of the Bloody Ridge Community Policing

“It is with tears of joy that we are successful, we cannot rely on the government to do something for us, but we ourselves can make change to our communities”, Ramo said.

He said they have drawn up 50 by-laws for the communities to abide and adhere to, and once anything arises in the community, appointed committees will deal with the issues and once the committees cannot deal with it, then it goes to the Church and then the Police.

Zone two community within Bloody Ridge providing entertainment

“Any outsiders wanting to sort issues that any member in our community create will consult our committee, before dealing with the person concerned.

“We do not want people to just come and directly ask any sort of compensation to our individual members, our process is that they have to come through our committees and it is us to approach our people under our care”, Ramo said.

Zone three group perform their item

Yesterday almost a thousand people gathered at Blood ridge community to witness the launching.

TAX HOLES IN MINING

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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A recent mining exploration on Isabel Province. Photo by Axiom Mining Solomon Islands.

PM: need to properly tax miners

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there’s lack of proper taxation regime to address loopholes in the mining industry.

This was after Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale called on the Government to place an indefinite moratorium on mining licenses.

This include both prospecting and mining leases until new legislation has been passed in parliament or at the very least that the weaknesses in the current law are rectified.

Sogavare told Parliament last week that they entered mining really unprepared as a nation.

“We don’t have a specific proper taxation regime for mining.

“What do you do with excess profit?” he asked.

Sogavare said there is nothing like that in the existing system.

He said mining can be taxed as any company on their profit.

“When you frontload their costs, their big capital costs, they will obviously declare loss for nearly seven years.

“So, you don’t collect company taxes from them,” he said.

“So, what do we do. Do we value add on something we take from them?

“That decision was never made right in the beginning. We adopted a chaotic mining legislation which is already there,” he added.

Sogavare added and pressured by the need to float the economy, the need they must develop our resources to help us, they go ahead.

“This is a tough thing when we held by the throat, we allow painfully some of these things to continue,” he said.

However, Sogavare said: “The time is right for us to look seriously more on how we develop our important resources like fish, minerals and forestry.

“The main ones that continue to hold this country even before Independence.

“We owe the existence of this country on these important resources,” he said.

Sogavare said the development strategy that was handed down, that they have problem with it.

“We will work on it.

“There are people now interested on establishing gold refinery, this is something we need to look seriously into it. So, we refine the gold before it goes,” he added.

Opposition leader Wale said the first-come-first-served rule in the current law is outdated and is a great risk to the proper management of our minerals sector. 

He said it is being exploited by companies with dubious capacity owned by shareholders with dubious characters.

“The government’s policy to fast track three mining licences is a bad decision.

“Our minerals are a non-renewable resource and must be protected,” he said.

Wale said the companies that are being considered for these fast-tracked licenses have a clear and direct association with individuals we know from the logging industry to have participated in transfer pricing and other illegal and unethical conduct.

He said the government must not allow the practices in the logging industry to be migrated over to the mining industry.

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