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Proposed million-dollar patrol base disputed

Written by
Ben Bilua
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The Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost site plan in the Shortland Islands

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE proposed million dollar Border Patrol Outpost at Lofung, Shortland Island has come under scrutiny by a group who call themselves the original land owners of the land where development is expected to take place.

A source told this paper that there is a court case filed to challenge the legality of the contract made between the government and FAMOA Trust Board.

The source alleged that consultation and negotiation which led to the signing of the agreement was null and voided as original landowners were not part of the agreement.

“Currently we are challenging the agreement – meaning the development will not proceed as it is subjected to court.

“Furthermore, we put an injunction that there will be no funding or whatever transaction for the purpose of the development is made.

“We understand that this is a major blow to the proposed development but we want to take this action to give the government a clear signal to listen to landowners before pursuing development anywhere in the country,” the source said.

The source said, the original landowners have warned the government of the issue regarding the ownership of the land but the government ignore their call.

The source adds that, they have also submit similar notification to the Australian High Commission but again the notice falls on deaf ears.

The source further stated that the Original Landowners were not part of the reconciliation held at Tuha on 21st June this year.

The source said the reconciliation was between FAMOA Council of Chief and other tribes who are secondary rights ownership of the land.

On a press release published on 23rd June this year, the Government Communication Unit (GUC) states that the Australian Government is funding the multimillion-dollar Border and Patrol Boat Outpost project.

This follows when Australian Prime Minister Scot Morrison and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare jointly announced in Honiara on 7 October 2019 about the project.

The statement highlights the interest of both leaders to undertake a joint project to deliver a Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Western border region of Solomon Islands.

They stated that the design will feature environmentally sustainable elements and will be appropriate to regional conditions and will include a wharf capable of replenishing Guardian-Class patrol boats, accommodation buildings and storage facilities.

When completed that the Outpost will improve border security services in the Western region as well as supporting social and economic growth by strengthening border management, surveillance, response capability and protection from illegal activities.

Importantly, the project also aligns well with the Solomon Islands Government’s National Security Strategy and the National Border Security Strategy for better management of our borders.

Gov’t applauds reconciliation

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Press Release
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Hon Agovaka and Alfred Maeke accepted each other at the ceremony

A moving reconciliation ceremony initiated by the Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal Peter Shanel Agovaka to restore peace between tribal families after the death of young man in a horrific accident in July this year was applauded by the National Government.

The reconciliation ceremony at Horabau Village at Tetere in the Guadalcanal Plains was mediated by the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs and the Guadalcanal Provincial Peace Office in the presence of tribal members of the parties involved on Wednesday, September 15.

Speaking during the ceremony, Agovaka told the parents, relatives and tribal members of the victim that his tribe, whom the driver came from in Central Guadalcanal were truly sorry for causing the death of young man who has more to contribute to his family, tribe and Province.

Alfred Maeke and his family accepted the traditional shell money as a sign of acceptance of the apology of the family of perpetrator

Agovaka said the reconciliation ceremony which involved the traditional Guadalcanal Chupu ceremony is the only way forward to maintain peace amongst the families and relatives of the two tribal parties.

“Peace is the only way forward that allows all of us to move freely within our communities and enjoy our existence as people and that why is why it is important to reconcile our ill feelings and to live peacefully together,” Agovaka said.

The Father of the deceased person, Alfred Maeke and his family accepted the Chupu ceremony and expressed appreciation for the gesture of remorse expressed by Hon. Agovaka and his people.

Hon Agovaka and tribal Chief at the Chupu ceremony

“We were sad indeed by the loss of our son but through God’s grace and love for us all, he has shown us the power of forgiveness to make us leave in peace and love as brothers and sisters from Guadalcanal,” Maeke said.

Also speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the National Government was Willie Maniesu, the Chief Peace and Reconciliation officer from the Guadalcanal Peace office who said he was heartened by the gesture of saying sorry and acceptance by leaders of the two parties.

He said the Chupu ceremony represents making peace through custom and at the same time in modern society the ceremony represents restorative justice.

Hon Agovaka says sorry on behalf of his family with a traditional shell money to the Alfred Maeke the father of the deceased

Mr Maniesu said the National Government has mandated the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs to ensure Peace is developed and sustained in Solomon Islands.

“I on behalf of the Ministry and the Government acknowledged the acceptance and understanding between the two parties and we are very happy to see that culture, custom and the law has been respected,” Maniesu said.

He said culture and custom has played a very important role in our country in settling disputes in the absence of legislation that provides of compensation for deaths caused by accidents or murder incidents.

Maniesu said the Ministry will strive to ensure a legislation is in place to address peace building efforts in the country.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

From Driver to owning Apartments.

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Press Release
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TR Apartments.

Timothy Raurau from Takwa in North Malaita dream of owning an Apartment comes to reality yesterday.

Called T.R Apartments the magnificent building was officially open by the Minister of Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo witnessed by guests from the Australian High Commission, Bank South Pacific, Solomon Airlines and Ministry of Tourism.

It was an inspiration achievement for someone like Mr Raurau who started a job as a driver to owning a high standard apartment.

From left, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Culture Andrew Nihopara, TR Apartment Director Timothy Raurau and Minister Bartholomew Parapolo cutting the ribbon

Born in 1969 his involvement in business started when his late father Michael Raurau Snr retired and started a transport business.

However, at that time he did not realise what the future would lies ahead of him until he landed a job as a driver for passenger and cargo truck along the North Malaita road.

Being a driver doesn’t stop him to venture into other businesses such as operating transport business, road construction, cutting trees and Timber milling.

Minister Parapolo and Timothy Raurau enjoying the entertaiments

Raurau involvement in tourism started when he was approached to transfer divers touring the Solomon Islands from Honiara International Airport using mini bus. That landed him a contract with Bilikiki drive boat to transfer dive tourists from one boat to another.

It was through this relationship that he did some tour training with Visitor’s Bureau both in diving tours and eco-tourism.

But his biggest break into business occurred when he won the bids to do the Ranadi Sea front reconstruction, April Hill road and Naha road. Adding to that he met another business friend Dr Deo who he shared his vision to build the TR Apartments.

Tourism officers inside the TR Apartments

Dr Deo assisted Mr Raurau to access funding from the Bank South Pacific to eventually construct the apartment.

Looking back on his journey he appreciates and thank those who supported him through to this point of time.

He acknowledges his family, government through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, business friends, Dr Deo, contractor, Bank South Pacific, Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

He appeals for continues support with this business from all friends and business partners to see tourism grow in the country.

New Auditor General Sworn-in.

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Press Release
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The Governor General Sir David Vunagi congratulates David Dennis

The country’s new Auditor General David Dennis was sworn-in by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi at Government House on Tuesday 14 September.

Mr David Dennis is highly qualified for the role of Auditor General, with many years of leadership experience in the local and regional financial sectors.

He has a long track record of leadership roles executing strategic plans that improve and sustain performance and embed governance in organisations.

New Auditor General, David Dennis.

He has strong established relationships with the government, regulators, corporates, donors, and businesses in Solomon Islands.

The position of Auditor General is a Constitutional post whose office is established under Section 108 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands.

The Constitution requires the Auditor General to examine the Public Accounts of Solomon Islands including the accounts of the National and Provincial Government, including Ministries, Courts and other public authorities including the Honiara City Council.

Auditor General David Dennis flanked by Rachel McKenzie – Deputy Auditor General and Johnson Lobo – Audit Manager for GFAB

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is an independent institution responsible for upholding public sector accountability, transparency, and integrity on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands through professional, independent audit services and reports.

While formally appointed by the Governor General, the recruitment of an Auditor General is the responsibility of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Mr Dennis was endorsed by the PSC as the most suitable candidate earlier this year.

—GCU

Sexual offence case against 6-year-old child dropped

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Magistrate court has acquitted charges against a 15-year-old boy accused of committing a sexual offence against a six-year-old child.

Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga dismissed the case after the prosecution failed to prove the charges.

The defendant, a juvenile of 15 years is charged with one count of attempted rape contrary to section 136F (3) (b) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016 and one count of sexual intercourse contrary to section 139 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016.

The victim is a 6-year-old girl and since the defendant is a juvenile, her name was suppressed.

Magistrate Aulanga said on May 3rd 2021, the accused was arraigned on the two charges.

 He pleaded guilty to the attempt rape and pleaded not guilty or denied the charge of sexual intercourse.

Aulanga in his judgment said in every criminal trial, the prosecution has the onus of proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.

“There is no onus on the defendant to prove his innocence or anything at all. If the defendant decides to remain silent, as he did in this case, he can exercise that right and allow the prosecution to prove the case.

“I have perused the Medical Reportsof the victim and noted that she was examined on 28th October 2020, 19 days after the alleged incident. Dr Donna Marie Wate found that the hymen was opened which is indicative of penetration. Despite the finding, the Reports did not state whether that alleged penetration was believed to have occurred on the 9th of October 2020.

“There was no medical findings on the timing/date of the incident. The Reports are only helpful in so far as to confirm that there was vaginal penetration on the victim but they fell short to conclusively establish when the penetration was believed to have occurred.  This evidence is important because it will show that it was the defendant who had sexual intercourse with the victim that day. I find the failure of the prosecution to adduce evidence from that Doctor to establish this important nexus unfortunate”, Aulanga said.

Aulanga said in a sexual offence case like the present one, it is incumbent on the prosecution to adduce evidence from the Doctor to provide detailed explanations on that crucial evidentiary point. The prosecution should not accept the Medical Reports on face value. The Medical Reports often times are unhelpful because they lacked detailed explanations compared to the oral evidence of the Doctor in person if called in Court.

He also said the important evidence to determine whether the defendant had sexual intercourse with the victim is that of the victim.

“I have carefully considered her evidence, unfortunately, she was not consistent with her evidence. Also, I noted the failure of the prosecution to elicit evidence from the victim in a number of crucial aspects.

“I accept and is conscious of the fact that this is a difficult case involving a young 6-year-old child who is a victim of a serious sexual offence. I accept she is very young and not matured, and her level of understanding is very limited. Of course, she can be easily swayed or attracted to give contrary answers to the questions if she fails to concentrate or understand due to her immaturity. However, proof of the case beyond reasonable doubt depends on the credibility and coherence of the evidence produced. That is the cardinal rule in every criminal trial”, Aulanga said.

Therefore, considering all the evidence before the court Aulanga finds the accused not guilty on the sexual intercourse charge, the prosecution has failed to discharge that burden and for this reason, the defendant is to be given the benefit of the doubt.

“I therefore returned a verdict of Not Guilty to the defendant for the charge of sexual intercourse with a child under 15 years of age, contrary to section 139 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016”, Aulanga said.

Meanwhile in regards to the charge of attempted rape sentencing, submissions will be set for a later date.

Monica Rehomora of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown while Sholto Rodney Manebosa of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused.

Pacific media leaders virtual summit starts yesterday.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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MASI president with CEO and Media owners and Media representative from Solomon Isalnds.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A two-day virtual knowledge sharing session for Pacific Media CEOs and Owners on reporting on integrity and Anti-Corruption in the Pacific officially started yesterday.

The event aims at ensuring Pacific Journalists are more sustainably trained to engage in integrity and anti-corruption reporting.

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare when delivering his opening remarks congratulated the president Georgina Kekea and the executive of the Media Association of Solomon Islands for hosting this Webinar.

“Allow me to congratulate the president and executive of the Media Association of Solomon Islands. As the patron of MASI I feel deeply humbled that we have been accorded this privilege,” Sogavare said.

He stressed that the media is referred to as the fourth estate and plays a vital and pivotal role in our democracy.

 “They watch over the other three and report sometimes fairly and sometimes unfairly.

“That is why in order to be fair and accurate in reporting and exposing integrity in corruption issues in the areas that are absolutely crucial, you must first understand how these institutions operate and how they relate to other institutions within the government,” Sogavare emphasized.

Pacific Island News Association (PINA) vice president Kathalina Tohi said PINA through funding support from the Pacific Anti-corruption Journalist and Network, in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) was able to convene this virtual knowledge sharing session on integrity and anti-corruption for CEOs and Media owners.

“I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the MASI president Georgina Kekea and her team, PACJIN coordinator Samasoni Pareti and team and the UN Pacific -Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) for putting all this together,” Tohi said.

MASI president Georgina Kekea in response gave her deepest gratitude to partners for giving MASI the special treatment in this knowledge sharing session.

Kekea said as host to this conference and with the support from PINA, UN-PRAC and PACJIN, MASI hopes the conference will be a success for all.

“We hope the conference will be a success for all of us and that its objectives are met. As mentioned by Prime Minister of Solomon Islands the media plays a vital role in reporting corruption and that the media also understand the institutions established to combat corruption,” she said.

Kekea further thanked the Pacific media family, MASI board and the Media industry in Solomon Islands, CEOs and representatives of the different media organizations for prioritizing this event.

The two-day session is hosted by MASI at Tavanipupu Resort on  Marau, Guadalcanal Province with the support from Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), UN Pacific -Regional Ant-Corruption (UN-PRAC) and Pacific Anti-corruption Journalists Network (PACJIN). 

Onogou Island on Isabel to be conserved

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Onogou Island, an Island also known to those from Malaita as Ramos Island.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Nomi Teiga Conservation group consisting of Gao speaking people from Isabel Province have established a platform to conserve Onogou Island.

A first step towards conserving Onogou Island and its cultural heritage begun last week following a one-day workshop and conservation awareness held at Poro village in the Gao district.

Both Traditional and tribal Chiefs and women leaders from Ole to Gurumei villages were briefed with the importance of conservation and protection of resources for future generations.

Officials from Isabel Provincial government, the department of Environment and Fisheries played a key role in the awareness program.

Team leader, Willie Eta said conservation is very important given the growing population which stretched the existing resources.

He adds that the threats cause by logging is very high and that the only way to preserve resource is through conservation.

“There are five ways of conserving and protecting our resources, you can choose which one you prefer but make sure an outcome must be achieved which is to protect and rehab nature extinct species,” Eta said.

A Fisheries Officer based at Tatamba said marine resources such as fish have been depleting within the Gao boundary and it is timely to invest on conservation.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Kaloka Ward, Holland Sikou said the establishment is an approach his people wants to undertake to move away from destructive activities to a more ecofriendly development.

He said the conservation initiative not only looks at conservation specifically, but also creating opportunities to boost tourism as resilience towards COVID-19.

According to the Provincial Government Act, Onogou Island lays under the Isabel Provincial waters, however, Sikou said the initiative is open for those who have cultural and traditional ties with Gao people and the Island.

He adds that the initiative not only promotes the protection of ecosystem of the island but also rehabilitate and restore the degraded or threatened species on the Island.

Sikou said resources under protection are; clam shell, trocars, beech-de-mar and fish.

Using of fishing nets will also be prohibited or destroying of tabu sites so as the inhabitation of the island is prohibited.

“We are open for strategic discussion on this matter for the betterment of our future generations, we are more than willing to strengthen our relationships and connection to those that has history connection to GAO families and tribes.

“We are ocean people and so we need each other’s arm to keep us float us we face global provoking issues,” he said.

“This first step of awareness is the beginning of miles of consultation and steps to come before we find the right category and management principles of conservation to be practised on our island Onogou,” Sikou added.       

Isabel province is known for choosing severely destructive development activities such as logging and mining industries, Isabel province is increasingly reliant on logging and other resources for revenue.

Forest sector alone makes up 59.66% of Isabel provincial budget last year which Isabel likely losses around 80% of natural forest.

Striking a balance for equitable growth important: Gould

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Marovo lagoon. PHOTO: UN PHOTO

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

STRIKING a balance on how to encourage equitable economic growth is paramount in the Pacific says the World Bank’s Lead Economist and Program Leader in the East Asia and Pacific Region.

Dr David Gould said there are five principles that would help local governments achieve more equitable growth.

The first principle is understanding the economic geography. He said policy solutions need to be grounded in each country’s unique economic geography.

The second principle is to make sure interactions between outer islands and the main islands are taken into account.

“Outer islands development should consider interactions with the country’s main island as well as the global economy. So what is the economy’s comparative advantage? These are all issues that will determine what can be developed in outer islands and what should be a main island investment,” Gould said.

The third principle is a balanced approach to investments in urban areas for migration.  This is something that would help mitigate some of the problems with the migration to the urban areas on main islands. 

“So it’s a balanced approach that combines investments for migration with focused support for outer islands,” Gould said 

“I think that you need to have access to a certain level of health and education on the outer islands regardless of how much you decide to invest in the main island to achieve the best outcomes,” he explained.

The fourth principle is balanced opportunity in investment and service delivery. Contrary to expectation this may not mean the same investment on all islands.

“It’s not a matter of dollars and cents being distributed equally but where are the smart investments taking place.

Gould said, the fifth and final principle is prioritizing investment in People. 

“With limited scope to close the gap between outer islands and main islands, investments that promote livelihoods and human development should be given preference because human capital is mobile. 

“It stays with the individual no matter where they are in the country or outside,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Solomon Islands is made up of scattered islands and these principles are key to diversifying development and getting the best value from investment opportunities for the most isolated communities.

Ote Clinic, South Malaita nears completion

Written by
Samie Waikori
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A PCDF funded two story classroom building at Kakara Community High School in west Kwara’ae constituency.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) funded clinic project at Ote (ward 22) in the Small Malaita constituency is nearing completion.

The project is amongst six other PCDF projects funded by the national government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to Malaita province under it 2020/2021 financial year.

MPA for Ward 22, Martin Mae told Sun Auki that the project has reached its final stage and is expected to complete by mid next month.

“Construction has reached the interior of the building and this is the final work to be carried out on the project prior to its completion.

“Recently, the contractor of the project has received the final payment of the project that will cover its completion,” he said.

Mae said since the national government through the MPGIS had incepted the PCDF program to all provinces in 2008, ward 22 has just received its first PCDF project.

He said the people of ward 22 acknowledged the national government through MPG for the project and they look forward for the service it will provide to them.

Recently, a six block two story classroom building was handed over by minister of MPGIS, Hon Rolland Seleso to the communities of Faiako School near Auki.

The minister said Malaita province is amongst other provinces that continue to benefit from the PCDF program across the country. 

He said since the inception of PCDF in 2008, Malaita provincial government has so far delivered 190 projects across the province at a total cost of about $60m

Solomon Airlines makes online bookings easier

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Press Release
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Solomon Airlines Finance team member Vanessa Pongi supports the online shift for domestic flight sales on www.flysolomons.com through improving flight search and payment capabilities

SOLOMON Airlines has made adjustments to the airline’s website to make it easier for people to book multi-sector travel within the Solomon Islands.

Effective immediately, passengers booking between any two destinations for travel via Honiara will be able to book online, including when an overnight is required.

“We want to encourage more people to use our website as it is the most convenient way to book flights for those who have access to book and pay by credit card, ”Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines said.

“But we realise that it can take some getting used to, to book flights yourself online, and we are looking at ways to make it even easier,” he said.

“Particularly at this time of COVID-19 related international border closures, our team have been actively working on improvements to our website, stepping through procedures looking through the eyes of our customers.

“We have the opportunity to do this now in a quieter time and to prepare for the future when more people are confident to travel, and when international visitors are again permitted,” he added.

“Previously if travel plans required two flights, but travel in a single day was not possible, the two sectors of that journey needed to be searched and two bookings made and paid for as separate flights, “ Mr Sigimanu said.

“Now, it is possible to book the entire itinerary in a single booking and transaction.  A passenger travelling for example from Munda to Kirakira on a Thursday, when we don’t have a same day connection, would overnight in Honiara.  That used to require several steps and separate bookings.

“The whole process has been streamlined and can be booked easily, no different to Mondays when it is possible to book same day connecting flights in one transaction”

Mr Sigimanu confirmed the airline is also planning to introduce changes to enable payment online in additional currencies early next year.  Currently online bookings can only be paid for in Australian dollars AUD.

“In the second quarter of 2021, our online domestic flight transaction volume was 53% higher than the first quarter. Only two months into the third quarter that has already been surpassed,” he said.

“It is a case of continual improvement and for now, the shift to online sales is very positive,” he added.

“We have also introduced an interim feature on the booking screen which displays the equivalent total in SBD underneath the AUD amount. This will make it easier for our local population to understand the total price of their domestic flight in our own currency until payment in SBD is also possible through our website,” he said.

Solomon Airlines advises that all domestic scheduled flights can now be booked online with a credit card via the airline’s website www.flysolomons.com 

Solomon Airlines Press Release

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