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Fini defends Malaita PAC visit on national government

Written by
Samie Waikori
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OPMC and MPG-PAC Officials at the Prime Minister’s Office

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recent courtesy visit and dialogue with the national PAC is for the interest and benefit of Malaita province.

Chairman of the Malaita provincial PAC, Martin Fini made the statement in response to critics in social media by Malaitans and colleague MPAs.

He explained that the visit has two components; (1) to meet with the National Public Accounts Committee and (2) to meet and dialogue with line ministries and PMO.

Fini said the purpose of the visit is to learn from each other especially learning from the national PAC on similar role they play in the provincial level.

He said during their dialogue with the national PAC they learned a lot from them especially how they carried out scrutiny on the national budget which is useful for them to apply on the provincial budget.

Fini said the visits to line ministries resulted in fruitful discussions, as questions were raised and updates on national government’s development plans for Malaita province.

He stressed that the visit is to capacitate them with knowledge that will enhance them on the role they play to scrutinise the provincial budget for interest and benefit of Malaitans.

Fini also clarified that the visit has nothing to do with personnel gain for it was budgeted for under the 2021/2022 MPG budget.

Fini said in terms of legality of the visit, there are provisions provided for under the Standing Order that allows them to carry out courtesy visits.

He said nothing is covert about the visit as it is funded by MPG and soon after completing report on the visit, the report will be published and accessible to anyone.

Fini said as chairman of the provincial PAC who led the team, he welcome all critics because the visit was done not in the interest of his team, but the interest and benefit of Malaitans.

Gender responsive project to increase access to services and safer environment

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Group photo of all attendees on the launching event of Gender Responsive Peacebuilding Extractive Industries in Isabel province.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A recently launched project focusing on gender responsive on peacebuilding and extractive industries in Isabel province will increase access to women’s services and contribute to a physically safer environment.

This was according to Dr Jennifer Butler, Director, and UNFPA Pacific who revealed this during the launch of the project virtually.

“The programme will increase access to women’s services and contribute to a physically safer environment, key factors which will mitigate the risk of harm to women and young women. Raising awareness of the need for services and infrastructure which are women centred and provide women with an environment in which they are able to exercise their rights, including the right to participation, is another key part of this programme,” Butler said.

She said this project will also connecting women together through the eco peacebuilding groups will empower women together to seek redress and continue to build and sustain their role in peacebuilding after the project end. 

Butler stressed it (project) aligns well with the Solomon Island National Peace Policy and National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Further, it aligns with the National Gender Equality and Women’s Development (GEWD) policy which aims to achieve gender equality and human rights in Solomon Islands.  

He said in addition, the project objective also aligns with the Solomon Islands National Policy to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls. This outlines five policy priority outcomes pertaining to eliminating violence against women and girls. Specifically, outcome three strives to ensure victims and survivors have better access to medical, legal and protective services. 

“We are thrilled to launch this project and thank you all greatly for your time,” Butler said.

On the same note Mr. Pär Liljert, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission & Coordinator for the Pacific said regarding service provision, the programme will address needs to increase services that are provided on issues of gender-based violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SHR), safety, PSS and Justice Services to remote and isolated areas.

Liljert said currently, in the Isabel province, only one civil society organisation is able to provide gender-based violence and justice support. This programme will directly increase the availability of these services.

Man allegedly rapes mother

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man has been arrested over the Mother’s Day weekend for allegedly raping his own mother.

The incident occurred at a village on Ngella in the Central Islands Province.

Police say the mother was around 65-70 years of age.

Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau yesterday condemned the alleged action by the 44-year-old son.

He described the act as “inhumane and not acceptable”.

Mangau said the mother was in the kitchen preparing food when her son came and allegedly committed the offence.

He said the mother reported the incident and with the help of village chiefs and committees in the Community Policing team, called the Tulagi police and arrested the man.

“In our communities we do not accept such acts because we have our traditional values and customs, that we have to respect our mothers, women and girls.

“Therefore, I strongly condemn such actions and a full investigation will be done on this case so that the accuse face the court of law,” Mangau said.

He added the alleged suspect has been charged with one count of incest by malescontrary to section 163 (1) of the Penal Code and is currently remanded in custody awaiting his court date.

Asked whether the suspect is mentally ill, Mangau said this will be the subject of their investigation.

Police appeal for peaceful by-elections

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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PRESS RELEASE

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have appealed to the people of South Choiseul Constituency, Kirugela ward in North East Choiseul, and Anuta and Tikopia Island in Temotu Province to ensure peaceful by-elections next week.

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Managu said by-Election in South Choiseul Constituency became necessary after the Member of Parliament lost his seat in an election petition after the National General Election in April 2019.

The North East Choiseul Kirugela ward by election came after the passing away of their Member of Provincial Assembly.”

Commissioner Mangau also said the Ward by-election for Anuta and Tikopia (ward 16) Island has become necessary after the Member of Provincial Assembly was terminated.

He appealed to voters to assist the police in ensuring communities remain safe and peaceful during the by-elections.

 “Let us continue to show respect to one another and maintain peace like we did during the past elections. 

“Respect for one another is an integral part of Solomon Islands tradition and culture. Do not allow any disagreements to cause divisions amongst us.”

About 50 RSIPF officers comprising those from Taro, Gizo and Police Response Team (PRT) will be deployed to 17 polling stations in South Choiseul Constituency and three polling stations in Kirugela ward in North East Choiseul.

Eight officers from Lata Police Station will be deployed to three polling stations in Anuta and Tikopia ward.

Commissioner Mangau said the deployment is paramount to ensure polling day is done peacefully and that all registered voters are allowed to cast their votes without any fear of violence.

“We also want to appeal to voters to accept the outcome of the by-elections and to work together with your new member of Parliament and Members of Provincial Assemblies.

“We also want to appeal directly to all candidates, supporters and political party members to remember your responsibilities as leaders during such period.

“Please observe rules and regulations under the Electoral Act.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Police investigate suicide in Renbel

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Tigoa in the Renbel Province are investigating the discovery of the body of a 19-year-old male who reportedly hanged himself in his room at his uncle’s residence on May 5, 2021.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The deceased lived with his uncle and his uncle told him that he will be leaving to next village to complete his canoe work and will return the next day (May 6, 2021).

“About 5pm on May 6 his uncle returned home, he saw the deceased room locked from inside. He called for him but no sign of movement. 

“His uncle called several times but still no sign of response from inside the deceased room so he went into the next room and peeped through a hole on the walling and found the deceased hanging.

“He ran to the door and kicked open the door and saw the deceased hanging. He took his knife cut down the rope and found that the deceased already stiff.

“He shouted for help and people in the village who were gathered to played football ran and assisted him. They took the body of the deceased to his parent’s house where they mourned over his body.

“My condolences to the relative of the deceased for the loss of their dear son.”

Police at Tigoa appeal to the people living in and around the area to come forward with any information that may assist with the investigation in this sad incident.

“I want to urge youth in the Renbel Province to approach their parents, close relatives or their best friend if they have issues that are bothering them.

“I also encourage parents and relatives to look out for signs that might indicate their children are having any problems and to find time to sit down and talk with them,” says Mangau.

Keni defends Win Win

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Turarana river, where the WinWin mining company is operating.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GOLD Dealer Licence holder, Primo Keni has clarified that different agents have been involved in buying the 78.47 kg of alluvial gold from community on Mamasa and Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.

This came after a landowner, Joel Jackson claimed Win Win bought gold from gold-panners in the community and exported them overseas.

Kenny said he bought 20.1 kg of alluvial gold, while the rest are from other agents in Honiara.

“I buy $240 per gramme for one gold from people in Honiara and $200-210 from panners in the village.”

Under section 54 of Mines and Mineral Act 1990, only a Gold dealer can export alluvial gold, not the alluvial miner.

Win Win Managing Director, Dan Shi said the Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki verbally granted them to buy gold from landowners after he mentioned the economic hardship facing the people.

Shi said the company appointed an agent who signed an agreement with Kenny to buy gold from the people.

Furthermore, Kenny said all the details of the alluvial gold are available with Director of Mines because inspection and weighing were done at the Mines Division before sending to Customs for processing and then exporting to Hong Kong.

He said the value of the export is determined by the refinery on analysis and Assay report is sent back to Customs in Honiara to determine the value and calculate the 5 percent tax.

Under Mines and Minerals and Minerals (Amendment) Act 2014, all credits of the minerals other than gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite and iron ore are credited to the Mining Royalty Special Fund, which the Minister of Mines would authorise to landowners.

The credits of gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite and iron ore shall be included in the consolidate revenue of the Government.

The trustees and the government would get their shares from the consolidated revenue.

Suspect escapes to the Shortlands

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man wanted for questioning over a death in Gizo early this week has reportedly escaped to his home in the Shortland islands, Western province.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said yesterday police in Gizo are investigating the death of a 40-year-old man in Gizo on the afternoon of May 10, 2021.

Mangau said the man was alleged to have been assaulted by a man from Shortland Island on May 8 in Gizo around 3pm to 4pm, in which he sustained injury to his mouth as a result of that assault.

At that time the deceased was also drunk and did not report the assault incident to the police or even went to the clinic for medical check-up.

On the next day he started to experience dizziness but still did not bother to visit the clinic, Mangau said.  

However, later on May 11 he collapsed at his home and was rushed to the hospital by some people, unfortunately pronounced dead by the doctor at Gizo hospital, Mangau said.

Mangau said police then were alerted about the incident and an investigation was carried out, however police were informed that the suspect had already escaped to the Shortland Islands after the assault incident.

Mangau also confirmed that the deceased’s body has been sent back to Isabel, and police Forensic in Honiara with a Pathologist are in Buala this week conducting post-mortem on the deceased.

The post-mortem was conducted as part of the police investigation.

He also called on the communities in Shortland to support police in their investigation to locate the suspect on the case.

EDITORIAL-What is the Minister of Home Affairs waiting for?

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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WHY are we still talking about the current Honiara City Council (HCC) executive?

By now, we should be discussing a competent authority appointed to run the affairs of the council.

We should be talking about how that authority should prepare Honiara for the Pacific Games in 2023.

And we should be talking about making Honiara a beautiful and livable city.

Instead, we’ve wasted so much of our precious time talking about a hopeless bunch of councilors who went in there and treated the council as their private business.

They offered themselves contracts, awarded internal vehicle tenders to themselves, sold market lock-up shops for exorbitant amounts and simply mismanaged the council.

These councilliors should have been kicked out immediately after the special audit report into the affairs of the council came out last year.

But the Government, for whatever reason, simply failed to act.

This lack of action allowed this bunch to remain in power and ended up selling a piece of council land that was currently used by the Biosecurity Unit to an Asian logger.

The Commissioner of Lands has to be forced to resume the land – but of course at tax payers’ cost.

In a attempt to improve their standing and regain public confidence, the councilors kicked out city clerk Rence Sore and mayor Wilson Mamae.

They voted in a new mayor and a new executive was appointed.

But they were the same old bunch from the same old executive.

There’s no hope they’ll bring any positive and meaningful changes to the HCC and the people.

Question now is why does it take the Minister of Home Affairs too long to dissolve the council?

The evidences are all out there. You don’t have to go looking for it.

Take action now minister and dissolve the council.

The people of Honiara have had enough of this stupidity.

Fugui commissioned for China mission

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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From L-R: Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, Governor General Sir David Vunagi, Ambassador designate John Moffat Fugui and Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele at Government House

PRESS RELEASE

The country’s ambassador designate to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), John Moffat Fugui was commissioned by the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House yesterday.

The ceremony now formalized Ambassador Fugui’s appointment to take up post in Beijing.

 During the ceremony, Sir David charged Ambassador Fugui with a number of responsibilities including his first and foremost task to represent and promote the interests of the Government of Solomon Islands in the country he is accredited. 

Sir David said the Government and people of Solomon Islands expect Ambassador Fugui to provide sound advice and deliberation on all matters during his tenure of office. These could be political, economic, social and cultural.

“At no time should personal interests and other forms of persuasions compromise these.  Your full commitment is therefore expected. 

“You are the link between the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of the country to which you are accredited. In true Solomon Islands tradition, your office and home will be the safe haven for Solomon Islanders in times of need,” Sir David said.

As Solomon Islands Chief Representative to the People’s Republic of China, Fugui’s allegiance is to the Government of the day and his instructions on all occasions during his mission will come from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to whom he is answerable.

Sir David added that the maintenance of permanent diplomatic missions overseas is a very costly exercise. 

“The operating cost of these is substantial and considering the country’s weak financial situation, cost-saving measures that will not compromise the effective discharge of your duty should become the order of the day.  Extravagance must be avoided at all costs,” Sir David said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Fugui thanked the Solomon Island government, especially, the Cabinet for the endorsement of his Ambassadorial Candidacy and vowed to do his utmost best to serve the mission in Beijing.

Fugui said the nature of his diplomatic tasks is multi-varied which include providing advice and consultations on political, economic, socio-cultural, and during this Covid-period can be medical in nature.

The Office in Beijing will be the bridge between PRC and Solomon Islands. It will be the refuge for Solomon Island citizens in China, which Ambassador Fugui is committed to carry out with the greatest of care.

Ambassador Fugui will leave for Beijing as soon as convenient where he is expected to present his credentials to the President of the Republic of China.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele, Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, senior Government Officials and family members witnessed the commissioning ceremony,

Ulawa clinic gets timely support

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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The hardware materials at the Clinic’s staff house

A RURAL health centre on Ulawa Island has received hardware materials worth more than $7,000.

The materials would be used to repair the Taheramo Clinic which has seen a decline over the years.

Clinic’s committee chairperson Godfrey Sautehi confirmed the hardware materials were safely off loaded at Suu Moli port yesterday and are now at the clinic ready for work to kick off.

“My committee had received a total of 20 bags of cement, 25 sheets of Masonite as well as nails worth $5,301 of hardware from Tongs Hardware Company which was purchased by the Makira Ulawa province health division upon a request our committee submitted last month,” Sautehi said.

“A total of $7,087-00 was paid for materials, freight and petrol for milled timbers which are very big help for us in ward one, which is Taheramo clinic’s catchment area,” he further added.

He is also happy with the positive outcome from responsible authorities which shows concern for the quality health service provided for his people.

“I want to thank the Kirakira Hospital administration on behalf of the people here for supporting and considering the need of the Taheramo clinic where our communities for a long time needed to improve its infrastructure,” Sautehi added.

He further adds that work on the clinic will start soon as and would be completed by June.

The Chairman said he looks forward for more support to clinics on Ulawa in the future, so that people on the island can access quality and reliable health services in the future.

By Lionel Taorao

In Ulawa

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