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‘VICTIMS’ MOVE ON DEO

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dr Deo Harorimana

Working with CBSI seeking answers

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOME ‘victims’ of Dr Deogratias Harorimana’s brokering business held their first consultation with Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and its Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) yesterday.

Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, George Kosui revealed this to Island Sun.

Kosui is helping the victims, mostly local business people allegedly duped by Deo into signing loan commitments and business agreements that have left their businesses on the brink of collapsing.

He said CBSI and SIFIU requested them to compile and submit a report of the facts relating to money laundering and violation of banking regulation allegedly employed by Deo and other authorities.

He said this is to allow CBSI and SIFIU to investigate all the allegations levelled against Deo’s controversial AIPF SI Ltd before taking the next step.

So far, a person calling himself Robert Leeson on Facebook has questioned the four percent commission AIPF has charged on loans and service fees on their clients.

He gave examples:

If client 1 takes a loan of $2 million, Deo will charge a commission of $80,000. If client 2 takes a loan of $20 million, Deo will charge a commission of $800,000. If client 3 takes a loan of $40 million, Deo will charge a commission of $1.6 million. This is the motivation why AIPF(SI) Ltd would go to any extent to secure higher loan amounts even though a client’s capacity to repay is not guaranteed.

  1. Who approves and regulates AIPF’s commission rate of four percent of gross approved loan amount? For financial institutions such as BSP Bank, their interest rates are regulated and approved by CBSI.
  2. What is the commission fee for?
  3. Why is the Commission rate not standardized, but instead dependent on the gross value of the approved loan?
  4. Why charge a commission fee when a service fee is already charged to customers? As per AIPF’s own rules, their loan brokering, capital raising, and administrative support are recognised as a service and should be included in the service fee charged.
  5. Does AIPF(SI) Ltd pay relevant taxes for this four percent commission they have collected from numerous clients over the past 5-8 years?

Under clause 4 of the Declaration & Instruction to Act form, the service fees will become due on completion of the required tasks.

Clients are obligated to pay such fees when they fall due. If the client is late to meet the said payment, a default penalty of seven percent of the gross fees shall apply; followed by monthly accruing interest rate of three percent until such full payment is received.

Further to that, if service fee of $100,000 and default on the payment of fees for six months; taking into account the default penalty of 7% of gross fees and monthly accruing interest rate of 3%; below will be the situation:

   M1: $100,000 + (7% of $100,000 = $7,000) = $107,000

   M2: $107,000 + (3% of $107,000 = $3210) = $110,210

   M3: $110,210 + (3% of $110,210 = $3306.30) = $113,516.30

   M4: 113,516.30 + (3% of $113,516.30 = $3405.49) = $116,921.80

   M5: $116,921.80 + (3% of $116,921.80 = $3507.65) = $120,429.45

   M6: $120,429.45 + (3% of $120,429.45 = $3612.88) = $124,042.33

In a matter of six months of late payment, a client would be liable to pay an additional $24,042.33 on top of the charged service fee of $100,000. If the service fee is $200,000 then a late payment after 6 months will mean a client is liable to pay AIPF(SI) Ltd an additional interest of almost $50,000.

  1. Why is 10% interest charged to a service provided, at a constant price? Unlike lending money where interest is being charged, service already provided against quoted price and invoice should not be charged a monthly accruing interest rate. This basically implies that the value of the service keeps on increasing by 3% every month, in addition to the 7% default penalty. This is ridiculously insane and basically another form of scam such as One Link etc.
  2. Who gave the approval for AIPF(SI) Ltd and which law allowed Deo (a foreign investor) to charge a monthly accruing interest rate on its services?
  3. How was the 7% default penalty derived and why is it very high?
  4. Does AIPF pay tax for the extra default penalty and interest which would not be recorded in receipts paid to third parties for their service?
  5. Who collects the total interest on the service fee, AIPF or the third party?

Lastly, in clause 5 of the Declaration & Instruction to Act form, clients must sign the drawdown instructions to the lender (BSP Bank) to pay AIPF fees and any other refundable amount on the first drawdown.

“Construction management” is listed by AIPF as a service and so a service fee is chargeable.

“In specific examples where construction management was also done by a company owned by Deo’s defacto and AIPF business partner, why should this specific service fee be paid directly to AIPF or its preferred construction firm by the bank on the first drawdown, instead of installments after successful completion of key milestones or phases of the construction?

“What rights do customers have to claim back any portion of the construction management service fee if the project is not complete or done properly?” Leeson asked.

$50k for Birao ward

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary Timothy Ngele hands over the cheque to Chairman of Birao Ward, Victor Ninipua

BY JARED KOLI

Four communities in Birao ward, Marau in east Guadalcanal will benefit from a Ward Development Grant (WDG) of $50,000 to implement community projects in the provincial ward.

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government yesterday hands over the cheque in a brief handover ceremony at the Guadalcanal provincial headquarter in Honiara.

Sourced through Guadalcanal provincial government local revenue, the funding will be used in the completion of Marauiapa Womens Market, Vuravura foot path, Savekau Early Childhood Education (ECE) project and Simeruka Sanitation project. 

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Birao ward Andrew Tahisihaka congratulates the recipients and wish them success in the implementation of the approved projects for 2021/2022 financial year.

“The projects are targeting economic needs of Marauaiapa women by having a proper market venue because now there is no proper market house there for women to sell their produce. The Vuravura footpath project is more to do with safe access for our people,” Tahisihaka said.

He adds the funding will also improve access for ECE in Savekau community, and improve access to sanitation for Simeruka community. 

“I am looking forward for proper implementation of the projects and urge communities to care and properly use the facilities when they complete,” said Tahisihaka.

Island Sun was informed that currently, MPAs will no longer receive the ward grants.

Instead, the Ward development committee will receive the grants based on their annual work plans approved by provincial assembly.

Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary Timothy Ngele handed over the cheque on behalf of Guadalcanal provincial Government to Chairman of Birao Ward, Victor Ninipua.

Other officials of Guadalcanal Province are also present to witness the handing over of the cheque yesterday.

According to GPG Media, other four wards received the same grant of $50,000 each. They are Malango, Paripao, Tasimboko, and Talise wards. It says this is their second payments of $50,000 Ward Development Grants. 

Kolosori Nickel starts drilling

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

KOLOSORI Nickel (SI) Limited has commenced drilling uphill at Havihua in Bugotu, Isabel Province, three weeks ago.

One of the landowners, Fr Wilson Mapuru confirmed this to Island Sun yesterday from his home village.

Fr Mapuru said drilling and survey are now ongoing on the tenement area with the view to go into nickel mining.

KNSIL holds the Prospecting License over Havihua, which is within Kolosori.

Its investor, Pacific Nickel Mines Limited has already published the information of the current activity on the Australia Stock Exchange.

Pacific Nickel CEO Geoff Hiller commented:

 “We are excited by the progressive phase made so far on developing the Kolosori Nickel DSO mining project and the incredible support shown towards this national project by the local Kolosori communities, the Provincial Government of Isabel and the National Government.”

“The drilling program and these engineering studies are part and parcel of the development of the Kolosori Project and we remain on track to apply for the necessary Mining and Environment licenses within the next couple of months.”

The first stage of the drilling program will comprise 64 holes (including 11 metallurgical holes).

Mining One has designed an initial drill program of 224 holes for the Kolosori Nickel Project.

These holes are part of the planned 2021 pre-development activities.

The initial 64-hole drilling program is designed to infill the existing Mineral Resource of 5.89Mt at 1.55% Ni2 as well as test for extensions to the Mineral Resource. 

The core samples taken from the 11 metallurgical holes are expected to provide metallurgical information needed in marketing of the DSO product.

Technical information such as moisture content will be estimated from core samples and used for designing the materials handling systems from mining to stockpiling to exporting the DSO via barges and ships.

In addition to the commencement of drilling, the Company is also strongly progressing feasibility study work with engineering consultants Resindo. An important part of this feasibility work was the identification of a suitable port location near to the Kolosori resources.

A local marine survey consultancy group has now completed a bathymetric survey over an area previously identified by Resindo as potentially suitable for a port location. 

The results from the survey confirmed that the site is suitable as a loading point for trans-shipping barges. 

Resindo is now finalising the wharf design. 

On the back of the wharf design, Resindo is also assessing the trans-shipping requirements for loading the nickel ore onto barges, which travel about a kilometre offshore, to then load into a ship moored in deep water

Recently appointed General Manager – Project Development, Mike James, is now working closely with Mining One to progress a number of mining components of the Feasibility Study for the Kolosori Nickel Project. Specifically, he will assist Mining One with, a mine optimisation analysis which will lead to mine schedules and planning for the Feasibility Study. 

Mike has already begun engaging with local mining contractor and engineering groups as part of the feasibility work.

Mike is expected to be in country by the end of July to overlap with CEO Geoff Hiller who is currently in the Solomon Islands progressing the application of the required licenses for the project.

In the meantime, reports claimed Sunshine Nickel Limited is continuing with its activity on the other tenement on Jejevo.

Australian company, Malachite Resources Limited has acquired Sunshine Minerals Limited (“SML”), a private company incorporated in the Solomon Islands. 

SML owns an 80% in Sunshine Nickel Limited (“SNL”) which holds PL 01/18 containing the Jejevo Nickel Project located on the south coast of Santa Isabel Island.

The remaining 20% of SNL is held by local landowners.

Ngati: review of city act will not change Honiara

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Press Release
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Honiara City Councilor, Reginald Ngati said a review of the Honiara City Act will not change the image of the Capital.. Photo Benz Newman

REVIEW of the Honiara City Act will not drastically change the image of the city.

Vura ward Councilor, Reginald Ngati stated this after the city is facing road issues, traffic congestion, unregulated businesses and others.

Ngati said there are other relevant legislations that go inline with the HCC Act to make Honiara a better city.

These include legislations in Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Telecommunication, Water and others.

As such, Ngati said the HCC Act should be amended to accommodate provisions of other relevant Acts into one legislation.

He said this will make the HCC Act more proactive when enforcing rules in the City.

Further to that, Ngati said at the moment, the HCC Act is weak to address all the issues in the City because its arms are short.

Therefore, Ngati said if the review of the HCC Act is going to take so much time, amendment is a best solution.

Island Sun understand the Ministry of Home Affairs is currently reviewing the HCC Act to accommodate some of the issues facing the Council.

One of the them increasing the allowances of HCC councilors after they were paid with $1000-$2000 range.

According to Ngati, non-Executive Councilors are paid $1,325 fortnightly, while those holding Chairmanship receive $1,500 and Deputy Mayor $1,900 plus.

Luckily, the fortnight allowances of the councilors are tax free.

One Link owner lands in court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE man alleged to be the owner of One-Link Pacifica Charles Dora will appear again in court on June 16 for mention.

His case was mentioned in court yesterday before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, and since the defence is yet to receive full disclosures on the matter, an adjournment was granted to allow time for defence to obtain instruction.

Defence also proposed a bail application to be made on the next court appearance.

Meanwhile Public Prosecution said two statements are yet to be obtained by investigators, the outstanding statements are from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

Mr Dora is facing two charges under the financial institution act 1998.

Prosecution said on July 4, 2019, One-Link Pacifica (OLP) was formally registered at the company Haus under the name of Mr Charles Dora as Director. There is a business certificate in file as it appears, Dora is a Director of OLP, registered under business name One-Link Pacifica Business number 20191217 issued by Company Haus.

Dora is the proprietor and sole trader of the OLP, he is also a manager for online mentors.

OLP scheme was described as sharing resource, however it is a ponzi scheme, the essence of the scheme is that investors give money towards the company, on the promise there will be a higher return after 30 days of investment, the creator of the scheme then used recruiting agents (mentors) for people to come along and invest their money through them.

Prosecution alleged that Dora collects deposits from mentors by way of online deposits. Huge number of public members invested their money through his agencies, which totaled up to $56,440,475. This money reportedly were went missing and has not been recovered since.

The monies were from people who invested their money into One Link, the company owned by the accused.

Prosecution also said that between the period of December 2019 to March 2020, investors did not receive their money as promised. Within the period, CBSI warned public members about the operation of the schemed, that One Link Director Dora did not apply for a licence under the FIA to engage in the business of banking in Solomon Islands.

On March 4, 2020 CBSI wrote to Dora as Director of One Link to make available to CBSI record, books or accounts relating to the business for examination within seven working days pursuant to section 3(3) of the FIA. However, Dora did not provide detail documents or failed to comply.

Later on March 27, 2020, CBSI informed Police that One Link seemed to be operating as a banking business, and did not comply with the Financial Institution Act.

Prosecution then alleged that Dora knowing his co-accused was arrested on April 4, 2020, went and hid in the Russel Islands, Central Islands Province, up until his arrest on June 1, 2021.

HP beer theft case in court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

TWO former male employees of the Heritage Park Hotel are facing court for allegedly stealing alcohol to the total of $8,020.

The two had entered a not-guilty plea and their appearance yesterday was for pre-trial conference to be conducted on their case.

However, due to some documents yet to be sorted the PTC was moved to June 15.

The alleged incident occurred on January 29, 2021.

Allegations said on January 29 an on-duty waitress at the Heritage Park Hotel was serving customers at the bar, and while she was doing her duty another employee came to her and told her that some SolBrew drinks in the freezer was empty with their lids still attached.

The other employee noticed that some cans were also empty when she was serving customers.

The two female employees then did a proper check and discovered that 54 cans of SolBrew left in the freezer were empty.

It was at that time the matter was reported to their superiors and an internal investigation was conducted and the two accused were identified.

Police then were alerted and the two accused were arrested regarding the incident.

Police also alleged that CCTV footage also revealed the two accused refilling empty cans with water and placing them back in the freezer.

FAMOA supports Traditional Governance & Custom Bill

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Press Release
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Shortland Islands FAMOA Council of Chief group photo at the TGCFB 2018 consultation held at Nila

LEADERS in the Western Province have pledged their support behind the institutionalisation of the Traditional Governance Custom Facilitation Bill 2018.

The support was affirmed at a consultation held in the Shortland Islands and Kolombangara from June 2-3.

FAMOA council of Chiefs chairman, Lawrence Hotomo was among those who threw support behind the intention to institutionalise the Bill.

“The Bill is very important. We chiefs, traditional leaders and elders of FAMOA support the proposed Bill because it will empower us,” he said.

He said it will provide a platform that will enable chiefs and traditional leaders for meaningful dialogue with the government when it comes to resource management and socio-economic development on tribal or customary-owned lands.

Mr Hotomo stressed that the FAMOA Council of Chiefs, was established way back by their forefathers and is very instrumental in the Shortland Islands today.

FAMOA Council of Chiefs Chairman Chief Lawrence Hotomo speaking at the consultation

Shortland Islands is strategically located at the border and hosts some of the important government agencies, he added

“This consultation is timely and vital so that we chiefs and traditional leaders in Shortland Islands contribute to the Bill”.  

The Kolombangara Council of Chiefs representative Chief Donald Saepio acknowledged the government through the Ministry of Traditional Governance Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs for enabling the TGCFB 2018 consultation on Kolombangara Islands.

“Most of our chiefs, traditional leaders and elders have passed away, with only us young leaders and elders with these responsibilities on the Island. Therefore, this consultation is an opportunity and blessing for us to come together to share ideas”.

Kolombangara Islands participants group photo on the TGCFB 2018 consultation held at Hunda Village

He also points out that Kolombangara Island has contributed much in the country’s economy through the KFPL investment on the Island, let alone the leadership of our chiefs, traditional leaders and elders in this regard.

Chief Saepio called on all Kolombangara leaders to come together, work together and make Kolombangara a united and peaceful Island.

Director Traditional Governance Division from the Ministry of Traditional Governance Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) Chris Tabea thanked participants for accepting the invitation.

“Your participation in the consultation is very important, given this Bill is to empower chiefs, traditional leaders and elders, therefore your contributions are very much appreciated,” he said.

He said the Ministry in 2018 conducted a nationwide consultation on the draft Bill and was withdrawn on the floor of Parliament based on the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) recommendations.

“Therefore, the purpose of our coming is to consult with you on the draft TGCFB 2018 as well as identify areas whereby recommended by BLC to support the re-drafting of the Bill,” he added.

–MTGPEA PRESS RELEASE

New lab will boost local testing capacity

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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From Left Minister MHMS Dr Culwick Togamana, Contractor from Motawa Enterprises and Minister MFAET Manele scooped the ground to officially mark the ground breaking event of the new office space

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

YESTERDAY saw the long-awaited ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) office space aimed at boosting local testing capacity to international standards.

The ground-breaking ceremony was made possible through the partnership between key government ministries, donor partners and the private sector.

Addressing the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele said the new office space is worth SBD$827,068 and will enable NPHL to have its very own office space for the first time.

“This office is fully funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework EIF ECAT project to enable NPHL in its capacity to carry out proper testing and analysis of the targeted agricultural products under the Enhanced Capacity for Agriculture Trade (ECAT) Project. This is an important requirement to be able to export and ensuring general food safety for domestic consumption.

Local biologist explains to guests how to run tests on foods and drinking water.

“We are aware that the NPHL staff have been using the Lab as an office space for the past couple of years and this has affected the country’s broader objective of ISO certification and accreditation mainly on the micro-biology area.

“In order to achieve ISO certification, one of the requirements is that NPHL staff will need to have their own office space.

“It is from this that the EIF ECAT project as part of its work plans has stepped in to assist the NPHL team.”

Mr Vincent from NPHL explains his work to guests

He thanked the EIF programme and its multilateral donor partners for the financial support through which they are able to systematically prioritise and intervene in selected agriproducts but more importantly looking at the gaps in the value chain of these products.

Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Culwick Togamana said the ceremony marks another milestone of cooperation and working relationship between key Government ministries, donor partners and the private sector.

Minister for MHMS Dr Culwick Togamana Photos BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

“On behalf of the Executive and Staff of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, I wish to extend our deepest appreciation to the Enhance Integrated Framework of the World Trade Organisation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade for funding the Solomon Islands Enhanced Capacity for Agriculture Trade project, which includes the improvement of the Ministry of Health’s NPHL facility and supply of basic laboratory equipment.

Staff from NPHL listening to speeches

“The new office space will enable the NPHL to meet current ISO 17025 accommodation requirements, which will boost local testing capacity to international standards for the export of agricultural commodities such as Cassava and Taro,” Togamana said.

The ground breaking event was held yesterday at the National Public Health Laboratory premises, Solomon Islands National University.

Tools to Renbel kava farmers

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MAL Extension officer in Renbel, Florence Kwai, left, hands over kava project farming tools to the representative of Renkav new kava planting family project.

KAVA project recipients in Renbel Province have expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

This was after MAL, through its Agriculture Extension Division in Renbel, delivered essential farming tools to three farmer groups last month under its Sustainable Economic Growth and Export Strengthening (SEGES) programme.

Recipients of the tools are: GOTO Farmers Association kava expansion project group, FJ kava expansion family project and Renkav kava new planting family project.

Other two recipients that earlier received their projects are BLN Kava expansion family project and Vaikava food bulking family project.

MALA funds five projects for Renbel Province.

In a small but significant ceremony to hand over the tools to the recipient groups at Tigoa station, Premier Willie Tuhagenga on behalf of his executive expressed gratitude to the ministry (MAL) through Renbel Agriculture Division for its continuous commitment and support towards farmers within the province.


Premier Willie Tuha speaking during the brief handing over ceremony.

“On behalf of my executive, we are indeed so excited to witness this handing over of kava project tools to the successful farmers and group,” Tuhagenga said.

“Thank you MAL provincial Agriculture division for the effort spent in supporting our farmers within the province and especially recognizing the farmer’s interest in this undertaking (kava farming),” he added.

Premier Tuhagenga said he looks forward for many more similar agriculture assistances from the ministry through its extension division in the future.

One of the project recipients, Jimmy Festus of Hatagua village, West Rennell also registered his appreciation.

“I am so thankful for MAL and the Renbel agriculture extension division for the assistance by supporting us with these farming needs through our projects.


One of the project recipients, Jimmy Festus of Hatagua village, West Rennell.

“I have been longing for such assistance like this for quite a long time but today it has proven by the responsible ministry for its commitment in supporting agriculture growth and livelihoods which I want to thank MAL for it.

“Now I have the necessary farming tools that will help me and my family improve and expand our current kava farming plot to achieve our aims,” Festus expressed.

Chairperson for GOTO farmers Association group Damien Peseika, also expressed his gratitude on behalf of his group.

“I’ am so thankful for MAL for this great help rendered to our group for supporting us with the farming tools,” Peseika said.

“This is a long-time issue for our group to have our own farming tools and I hope these tools will help in improving the efficacy of our farming task more productively in building our livelihood,” he added.

Meanwhile, MAL Extension Officer in Renbel, Florence Kwai on behalf of MAL acknowledged the sentiments shared and happy to see the assistance brought smiles on the recipients’ faces.

“The ministry recognized your efforts and is pleased to assist,” Kwai said.

“This assistance came as a result of your hard work and having trust in kava farming,” she added.

“I hope these tools will give you the confidence and faith to start and continue expanding and improving your farming tasks.

“Indeed, you are contributing much in the development of kava to increase its production within our province.”

Kwai also urged the farmers to use the tools with care and look after them well and at the same time challenged them to work harder and show to others that they can do it.

“Be the key model kava farmers for Renbel province. Together we can make a change within our rural farming communities for better living.”

She thanked MAL for its continuous assistance towards Renbel agriculture Extension Division.

Tools delivered under the projects included wheel barrows, garden hoe, bush knives, garden forks, axes, square spades, poly bags and shade clothes. – Source: MAL Media

EDITORIAL- Empowering our rural farmers

Written by
Admin
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THERE’S nothing like putting smiles on the face of our villagers with small assistance that would help them move into small income generating projects.

It’s called people empowerment.

You give them the tools that they can use to earn money for themselves than relying on the MPs all the time.

This was exactly what the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock had been doing in recent weeks across the country.

In Renbel for example, the ministry last month handed over tools to three farmer groups to help them with their kava projects.

Last week, Agriculture extension officers visited the proposed National Piggery project site on Gizo, Western Province.

This was to assess the site and plan its implementation phase.

This week, the ministry delivered dozens of vegetable seeds and farming tools to the remote islands of Tikopia and Anuta, Temotu Province.

Since last year, the ministry has been assisting villagers across the country with tools and equipment to venture into farming projects.

These are the sort of assistance our people in rural areas need to help them go into small income generating projects.

More often than not, villagers are overlooked when it comes to allocation of agriculture resources.

That’s because Government tends to focus on investing in bigger projects, while ignoring the many village-based farmers across the country.

There is genuine and valid reason why the Government should be heavily investing in our village-based farmers.

It is one way of keeping our people busy in the village, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to earn an income from their land.

The rapid urban migration we’ve seen in recent years should be a serious cause of concern.

People are moving into Honiara and other urban centres because there’s nothing for them in the village.

The so-called Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which is channelled through MPs with the intention of developing the rural, is a big-time wastage of our meagre financial resources.

For the simple reason that CDF has failed to develop our rural areas and empower our people financially.

Yet, the politicians keep increasing the CDF grant almost every year.

That fund should be channelled through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock so that it reaches the rural farmers.

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