POLICE WANT PUBLIC SUPPORT TO CATCH PRISON ESCAPEE
The local police head has appealed to members of the public to support them locate their most wanted man after operation targeting him over the weekend was unsuccessful.
Escaped prisoner Stanley Gitoa, from Tetere, who has been on the run since February 2007 and is wanted by the police for murder, armed robbery and escaping lawful custody in 2008.
He escaped from Tetere Prison while on a welfare visit to his family.
Mr Gitoa was allegedly responsible for firing a semi-automatic rifle and murdering a woman in November 2001.
He is also believed to have committed other firearm, rape, attempted rape, and theft offences.
Acting Police Commissioner Walter Kola says a joint operation with PPF targeting Mr Gitoa's seven associates was unsuccessful after he was last seen with them at the Guadalcanal Plains area last Saturday.
PROVINCIAL ELECTION RESULTS DECLARED
Results for the three provincial wards who held bye elections yesterday have been declared.
Kokota Ward in Isabel Province and South Kolombangara and Mbuini Tusu ward in Western Province have declared the winners of yesterday's polling.
Returning Officer for Kokota Ward 3 in Isabel Province John Mark Lokumana confirms to SIBC News that James Habu was this morning declared as the new provincial ward member.
Mr Lokumana says yesterday's voter turn out was 73 percent and that polling had gone smoothly.
For Western Province's South Kolombangara ward 12, Sina Adrian from SIBC Gizo confirmed that John Hopa has been declared the winner at the end of counting this morning in Gizo.
John Hopa polled 287 votes while runner-up Duncan Aurther got 182 votes.
For Mbuini Tusu ward Evans Ralu was declared the new provincial member after counting was completed this morning at Seghe, Marovo.
Returning Officer for Mbuini Tusu ward Goldie Ringi confirmed to SIBC News that Mr Ralu won the seat after polling a total of 362 votes while his runner-up Vincent Vanguni polled 309 votes.
Mr Ringi says out of the 1998 registered voters, one-thousand-333 people turned up to cast their ballots yesterday.
GROUP WANTS CASE AGAINST THEIR MP STOPPED
A group representing the North Malaita constituency has called for a review case filed by member of Parliament Mathew Wale against their M-P Jimmy Lusibaea and others to cease.
The North Malaita Demonstration Council, NMDC, says it is concerned on the conduct and the delay of the review towards their member.
The group says the case had been filed for hearing with a sense of urgency and seriousness for the Parliament session on April 30th.
The outcome was to decide Mr Lusibaea's freedom to speak and represent his constituency in the House.
The group says since then, the case has lost its seriousness and has been prolonged.
The North Malaita Demonstration Council is calling for their M-P to be cleared as soon as possible so that he can represent his people and the Government freely.
Meanwhile, the High Court Registry Office says the case will appear again for a hearing on the 28th of this month.
The last time it went before the Court, Justice Chetwynd ruled that Mr Wale has a right to take up the case.
The judgement also dismissed the Police Minister and the Parole Board as defendants in the case and ordered an amendment to the claim.
Mr Wale filed the case against Police Minister James Tora, the parole board, Speaker of Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza and Mr Lusibaea.
He questioned the decision by the Police Minister and the parole board on the validity of the release of Mr Lusibaea after his two year nine month sentence imposed last year by the High Court was reduced to one month one day.
MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM VISITS TEMOTU PROVINCE
The Minister for Culture and Tourism Samuel Manetoali is visiting Temotu Province as part of a planned series of provincial visits by the Minister this year.
The aim of the visit is to meet and talk with provincial leaders and local tourism operators as well as visiting potential areas for tourism development in the Province.
Temotu, although remote and inaccessible to many Solomon Islanders has huge potential for tourism development due to its undisturbed natural environment, rich history and some of the last unique arts and cultures in the world.
During a meeting with the Temotu Provincial executive on Wednesday, Minister Manetoali said his visit is to discuss and listen to the views of Provincial Leaders and Tourism Operators on how best tourism can be developed in the Province.
Members of the Provincial executive hailed the Minister’s visit and noted that Mr Manetoali is the first Tourism Minister to visit the Province after many years of government inattention.
The meeting also discussed a proposed special arrangement between Temotu Province and the Republic of Vanuatu to explore future partnership in the tourism industry.
Vanuatu is a leading Melanesian country in terms of tourism development in the region.
Minister Manetoali said there are plans to send Provincial Tourism Officials around the country to visit Vanuatu and to learn from its experience in tourism development.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN APPLAUDS PRIME MINISTER
The National Council of Women applauds Prime Minister Danny Phillip through the Ministry of Home Affairs, for enabling the appointment of one of its members to the Honiara City Council's highest decision making body.
Serah Dyer is the Coordinator of the Women in Shared Decision Making a project of the National Council of Women, N-C-W, that aims to increase the participation of women in all forms of decision making especially at the provincial and the national levels.
In a statement the Vice President of N-CW, Ella Kauhue, says for a woman to be appointed to this highest decision making body of the Honiara City Council reflects the Prime Minister's support to advance women's leadership alongside their male counterparts.
Ms Kauhue says Ms Dyer's appointment provides the opportunity for women in Honiara to raise their concerns with her so she in turn can raise these in the Honiara City Council decision making process.
TRANSPARENCY SOLOMON ISLANDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Transparency Solomon Islands - TSI has held one of its best Annual General Meeting with a big turn-out of young people.
Chairman of TSI Bob Pollard told SIBC News the eight AGM meeting yesterday was the best so far since the establishment of TSI in 2003.
He says it was exciting because with the attendance of young people, he could see a very strong interest in the work against corruption.
Reports of the last financial year were presented to members at the meeting and a new board was elected.
Bob Pollard was retained as Chairman and Calvin Ziru was elected as Vice-Chair.
Joseph Walenesia was elected as secretary and Lester Soakia as Treasurer.
Nine other old and new office bearers completed the board.
SCIENTISTS STUDY MAROVO FISH DEATH
Scientists say the chances of Marovo lagoon in the Western Province achieving World Heritage status are diminishing because of events such as the recent widespread fish deaths.
Radio New Zealand International reports, scientists say natural factors are the main cause of the deaths but that logging is likely to have contributed.
Marovo Lagoon, which surrounds Vangunu Island in Western Province, is the largest double barrier reef in the world and has been considered for UNESCO world heritage status.
But Simon Albert, from the University of Queensland, who was part of a team sent to investigate the fish deaths says that listing is looking fragile.
Mr Albert says there’s concern about the diets and incomes of those who rely on the lagoon’s sea life.
PLAN FOR PEACE AND ORDER
A framework for working with local groups for peace and order in the Solomon Islands was launched in Honiara yesterday.
The framework was developed as part of a research project - 'Working with local strengths: supporting states to build capacity to protect.'
It was conducted by researchers form the University of Queensland based on fieldwork in the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
The team had been working with the Solomon Development Trust, S-I-D-T, since 2010 and conducted interviews and group discussions with local chiefs, church leaders, women and youth representatives, local police, RAMSI and community officers.
Speaking to SIBC News, SIDT's Project Officer Catherine Sanga says the field research focused on communities hard hit by the recent ethnic tension including Malu'u in North Malaita, Savo in Central Province, Avu Avu and Kakabona on Guadalcanal, and Sigana in Isabel province.
MELANESIAN SPEARHEAD GROUP POLICE COOPERATION MEETING RECOMMENDATIONS
The outcome of the recent Melanesian Spearhead Group Police cooperation meeting chaired by Solomon Islands, highly recommends training, exchange of information and staff amongst the MSG block.
Deputy Police Commissioner operations, Edmond Sikua says this is exciting because for a long time, such meetings were merely on talks about cooperation without much practical recommendations.
Mr Sikua says, security will be a major challenge for the MSG to tackle but it is the police officers within the MSG forces who will move things forward to ensure equal contribution, and that benefits are derived from such cooperation.
He adds, like other MSG member countries, Solomon Islands stands to benefit under this new arrangement.
But Simon Albert, from the University of Queensland, who was part of a team sent to investigate the fish deaths says that listing is looking fragile.
Mr Albert says there’s concern about the diets and incomes of those who rely on the lagoon’s sea life.
CHILD ADVOCACY PROGRAMMES START
Save the Children Solomon Islands is hosting a child advocacy program for children from Honiara and Western province this week.
Child Advocacy program manager, Emmanuel Maesua says, the three days program sums up a gathering of children, stakeholders and decision makers to promote children's rights.
He explains, the program which started yesterday, will run until tomorrow.
Mr Maesua says, the aim of the event is to ensure children's rights are upheld, realised and respected by Solomon Islanders.
NEW ZEALAND TO WITHDRAW ITS MISSION PERSONNEL
New Zealand is starting to gradually withdraw police and soldiers in the Solomon Islands who are here as part of RAMSI.
The Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI, was bought in eight years ago to restore stability following civil conflict.
Made up of Australian, New Zealand and Pacific personnel, RAMSI has been in the Solomon islands to help restore law and order.
Special coordinator for RAMSI Nicholas Coppel said the team, which has more than 70 New Zealand members, is here to support local law enforcement, "but the Royal Solomon Police Force takes the lead".
Television New Zealand reports that over the next two years, 40 per cent of New Zealand police in the Solomon Islands will pull out.
They have already stepped away from the frontline and are training their local counterparts to take over.
PLANS TO WORK WITH LOCAL GROUPS FOR PEACE AND ORDER
A framework for working with local groups for peace and order in the Solomon Islands was launched in Honiara yesterday.
The framework was developed as part of a research project - 'Working with local strengths: supporting states to build capacity to protect.'
It was conducted by researchers form the University of Queensland based on fieldwork in the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
The team had been working with the Solomon Development Trust, S-I-D-T, since 2010 and conducted interviews and group discussions with local chiefs, church leaders, women and youth representatives, local police, RAMSI and community officers.
Speaking to SIBC News, SIDT's Project Officer Catherine Sanga says the field research focused on communities hard hit by the recent ethnic tension including Malu'u in North Malaita, Savo in Central Province, Avu Avu and Kakabona on Guadalcanal, and Sigana in Isabel province.
SERVICES POTENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
A large Australian bank says the services sector has significant potential as a source of economic growth in the Pacific islands.
ANZ Bank's Pacific managing director, Michael Rowland says services could become the Pacific's second engine of growth.
He told a business conference in Nadi, Fiji, this would go beyond the existing surge in natural resources and commodities.
He identified financial services, tourism, back-office processing, telecommunications and labour hire as the top prospects.
But he said the Pacific needs to be more investor friendly if it is to attract investment.
Rowland said investors need consistent and transparent legal systems, certainty on government policy, particularly taxation and profit remittance, and constructive dialogue with government.
SOLOMON ISLANDS STUDENTS TO GET SOCCER UNIFORMS
The closure of the Burnett Heads United Soccer Club in Australia was a tough decision for members to make, but students in the Solomon Islands will soon benefit from the club’s demise.
Australia's News Mail Online reports due to lack of players, the 18-year-old club was forced to hang up its boots, but members would not let their sporting equipment go to waste.
They have donated 27 brand-new soccer balls and two sets of team shirts to 14 students at Shalom College, who are embarking tomorrow on a trip to the Solomon Islands to build a hospital.
Burnett Heads United Soccer Club life member Femia Eizema said the soccer equipment will be given to Solomon Islands children so they can get the same enjoyment out of the sport.
Ms Eizema said an Under-14 team from the Solomon Islands went to Australia last year, and they didn't have much to play in.
There are enough uniforms for a junior and senior soccer team and Ms Eizema said she was excited to see the equipment go to the students.
She said even with the club closing, something good has come out of it.
The local police head has appealed to members of the public to support them locate their most wanted man after operation targeting him over the weekend was unsuccessful.
Escaped prisoner Stanley Gitoa, from Tetere, who has been on the run since February 2007 and is wanted by the police for murder, armed robbery and escaping lawful custody in 2008.
He escaped from Tetere Prison while on a welfare visit to his family.
Mr Gitoa was allegedly responsible for firing a semi-automatic rifle and murdering a woman in November 2001.
He is also believed to have committed other firearm, rape, attempted rape, and theft offences.
Acting Police Commissioner Walter Kola says a joint operation with PPF targeting Mr Gitoa's seven associates was unsuccessful after he was last seen with them at the Guadalcanal Plains area last Saturday.
PROVINCIAL ELECTION RESULTS DECLARED
Results for the three provincial wards who held bye elections yesterday have been declared.
Kokota Ward in Isabel Province and South Kolombangara and Mbuini Tusu ward in Western Province have declared the winners of yesterday's polling.
Returning Officer for Kokota Ward 3 in Isabel Province John Mark Lokumana confirms to SIBC News that James Habu was this morning declared as the new provincial ward member.
Mr Lokumana says yesterday's voter turn out was 73 percent and that polling had gone smoothly.
For Western Province's South Kolombangara ward 12, Sina Adrian from SIBC Gizo confirmed that John Hopa has been declared the winner at the end of counting this morning in Gizo.
John Hopa polled 287 votes while runner-up Duncan Aurther got 182 votes.
For Mbuini Tusu ward Evans Ralu was declared the new provincial member after counting was completed this morning at Seghe, Marovo.
Returning Officer for Mbuini Tusu ward Goldie Ringi confirmed to SIBC News that Mr Ralu won the seat after polling a total of 362 votes while his runner-up Vincent Vanguni polled 309 votes.
Mr Ringi says out of the 1998 registered voters, one-thousand-333 people turned up to cast their ballots yesterday.
GROUP WANTS CASE AGAINST THEIR MP STOPPED
A group representing the North Malaita constituency has called for a review case filed by member of Parliament Mathew Wale against their M-P Jimmy Lusibaea and others to cease.
The North Malaita Demonstration Council, NMDC, says it is concerned on the conduct and the delay of the review towards their member.
The group says the case had been filed for hearing with a sense of urgency and seriousness for the Parliament session on April 30th.
The outcome was to decide Mr Lusibaea's freedom to speak and represent his constituency in the House.
The group says since then, the case has lost its seriousness and has been prolonged.
The North Malaita Demonstration Council is calling for their M-P to be cleared as soon as possible so that he can represent his people and the Government freely.
Meanwhile, the High Court Registry Office says the case will appear again for a hearing on the 28th of this month.
The last time it went before the Court, Justice Chetwynd ruled that Mr Wale has a right to take up the case.
The judgement also dismissed the Police Minister and the Parole Board as defendants in the case and ordered an amendment to the claim.
Mr Wale filed the case against Police Minister James Tora, the parole board, Speaker of Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza and Mr Lusibaea.
He questioned the decision by the Police Minister and the parole board on the validity of the release of Mr Lusibaea after his two year nine month sentence imposed last year by the High Court was reduced to one month one day.
MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM VISITS TEMOTU PROVINCE
The Minister for Culture and Tourism Samuel Manetoali is visiting Temotu Province as part of a planned series of provincial visits by the Minister this year.
The aim of the visit is to meet and talk with provincial leaders and local tourism operators as well as visiting potential areas for tourism development in the Province.
Temotu, although remote and inaccessible to many Solomon Islanders has huge potential for tourism development due to its undisturbed natural environment, rich history and some of the last unique arts and cultures in the world.
During a meeting with the Temotu Provincial executive on Wednesday, Minister Manetoali said his visit is to discuss and listen to the views of Provincial Leaders and Tourism Operators on how best tourism can be developed in the Province.
Members of the Provincial executive hailed the Minister’s visit and noted that Mr Manetoali is the first Tourism Minister to visit the Province after many years of government inattention.
The meeting also discussed a proposed special arrangement between Temotu Province and the Republic of Vanuatu to explore future partnership in the tourism industry.
Vanuatu is a leading Melanesian country in terms of tourism development in the region.
Minister Manetoali said there are plans to send Provincial Tourism Officials around the country to visit Vanuatu and to learn from its experience in tourism development.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN APPLAUDS PRIME MINISTER
The National Council of Women applauds Prime Minister Danny Phillip through the Ministry of Home Affairs, for enabling the appointment of one of its members to the Honiara City Council's highest decision making body.
Serah Dyer is the Coordinator of the Women in Shared Decision Making a project of the National Council of Women, N-C-W, that aims to increase the participation of women in all forms of decision making especially at the provincial and the national levels.
In a statement the Vice President of N-CW, Ella Kauhue, says for a woman to be appointed to this highest decision making body of the Honiara City Council reflects the Prime Minister's support to advance women's leadership alongside their male counterparts.
Ms Kauhue says Ms Dyer's appointment provides the opportunity for women in Honiara to raise their concerns with her so she in turn can raise these in the Honiara City Council decision making process.
TRANSPARENCY SOLOMON ISLANDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Transparency Solomon Islands - TSI has held one of its best Annual General Meeting with a big turn-out of young people.
Chairman of TSI Bob Pollard told SIBC News the eight AGM meeting yesterday was the best so far since the establishment of TSI in 2003.
He says it was exciting because with the attendance of young people, he could see a very strong interest in the work against corruption.
Reports of the last financial year were presented to members at the meeting and a new board was elected.
Bob Pollard was retained as Chairman and Calvin Ziru was elected as Vice-Chair.
Joseph Walenesia was elected as secretary and Lester Soakia as Treasurer.
Nine other old and new office bearers completed the board.
SCIENTISTS STUDY MAROVO FISH DEATH
Scientists say the chances of Marovo lagoon in the Western Province achieving World Heritage status are diminishing because of events such as the recent widespread fish deaths.
Radio New Zealand International reports, scientists say natural factors are the main cause of the deaths but that logging is likely to have contributed.
Marovo Lagoon, which surrounds Vangunu Island in Western Province, is the largest double barrier reef in the world and has been considered for UNESCO world heritage status.
But Simon Albert, from the University of Queensland, who was part of a team sent to investigate the fish deaths says that listing is looking fragile.
Mr Albert says there’s concern about the diets and incomes of those who rely on the lagoon’s sea life.
PLAN FOR PEACE AND ORDER
A framework for working with local groups for peace and order in the Solomon Islands was launched in Honiara yesterday.
The framework was developed as part of a research project - 'Working with local strengths: supporting states to build capacity to protect.'
It was conducted by researchers form the University of Queensland based on fieldwork in the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
The team had been working with the Solomon Development Trust, S-I-D-T, since 2010 and conducted interviews and group discussions with local chiefs, church leaders, women and youth representatives, local police, RAMSI and community officers.
Speaking to SIBC News, SIDT's Project Officer Catherine Sanga says the field research focused on communities hard hit by the recent ethnic tension including Malu'u in North Malaita, Savo in Central Province, Avu Avu and Kakabona on Guadalcanal, and Sigana in Isabel province.
MELANESIAN SPEARHEAD GROUP POLICE COOPERATION MEETING RECOMMENDATIONS
The outcome of the recent Melanesian Spearhead Group Police cooperation meeting chaired by Solomon Islands, highly recommends training, exchange of information and staff amongst the MSG block.
Deputy Police Commissioner operations, Edmond Sikua says this is exciting because for a long time, such meetings were merely on talks about cooperation without much practical recommendations.
Mr Sikua says, security will be a major challenge for the MSG to tackle but it is the police officers within the MSG forces who will move things forward to ensure equal contribution, and that benefits are derived from such cooperation.
He adds, like other MSG member countries, Solomon Islands stands to benefit under this new arrangement.
But Simon Albert, from the University of Queensland, who was part of a team sent to investigate the fish deaths says that listing is looking fragile.
Mr Albert says there’s concern about the diets and incomes of those who rely on the lagoon’s sea life.
CHILD ADVOCACY PROGRAMMES START
Save the Children Solomon Islands is hosting a child advocacy program for children from Honiara and Western province this week.
Child Advocacy program manager, Emmanuel Maesua says, the three days program sums up a gathering of children, stakeholders and decision makers to promote children's rights.
He explains, the program which started yesterday, will run until tomorrow.
Mr Maesua says, the aim of the event is to ensure children's rights are upheld, realised and respected by Solomon Islanders.
NEW ZEALAND TO WITHDRAW ITS MISSION PERSONNEL
New Zealand is starting to gradually withdraw police and soldiers in the Solomon Islands who are here as part of RAMSI.
The Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI, was bought in eight years ago to restore stability following civil conflict.
Made up of Australian, New Zealand and Pacific personnel, RAMSI has been in the Solomon islands to help restore law and order.
Special coordinator for RAMSI Nicholas Coppel said the team, which has more than 70 New Zealand members, is here to support local law enforcement, "but the Royal Solomon Police Force takes the lead".
Television New Zealand reports that over the next two years, 40 per cent of New Zealand police in the Solomon Islands will pull out.
They have already stepped away from the frontline and are training their local counterparts to take over.
PLANS TO WORK WITH LOCAL GROUPS FOR PEACE AND ORDER
A framework for working with local groups for peace and order in the Solomon Islands was launched in Honiara yesterday.
The framework was developed as part of a research project - 'Working with local strengths: supporting states to build capacity to protect.'
It was conducted by researchers form the University of Queensland based on fieldwork in the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
The team had been working with the Solomon Development Trust, S-I-D-T, since 2010 and conducted interviews and group discussions with local chiefs, church leaders, women and youth representatives, local police, RAMSI and community officers.
Speaking to SIBC News, SIDT's Project Officer Catherine Sanga says the field research focused on communities hard hit by the recent ethnic tension including Malu'u in North Malaita, Savo in Central Province, Avu Avu and Kakabona on Guadalcanal, and Sigana in Isabel province.
SERVICES POTENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
A large Australian bank says the services sector has significant potential as a source of economic growth in the Pacific islands.
ANZ Bank's Pacific managing director, Michael Rowland says services could become the Pacific's second engine of growth.
He told a business conference in Nadi, Fiji, this would go beyond the existing surge in natural resources and commodities.
He identified financial services, tourism, back-office processing, telecommunications and labour hire as the top prospects.
But he said the Pacific needs to be more investor friendly if it is to attract investment.
Rowland said investors need consistent and transparent legal systems, certainty on government policy, particularly taxation and profit remittance, and constructive dialogue with government.
SOLOMON ISLANDS STUDENTS TO GET SOCCER UNIFORMS
The closure of the Burnett Heads United Soccer Club in Australia was a tough decision for members to make, but students in the Solomon Islands will soon benefit from the club’s demise.
Australia's News Mail Online reports due to lack of players, the 18-year-old club was forced to hang up its boots, but members would not let their sporting equipment go to waste.
They have donated 27 brand-new soccer balls and two sets of team shirts to 14 students at Shalom College, who are embarking tomorrow on a trip to the Solomon Islands to build a hospital.
Burnett Heads United Soccer Club life member Femia Eizema said the soccer equipment will be given to Solomon Islands children so they can get the same enjoyment out of the sport.
Ms Eizema said an Under-14 team from the Solomon Islands went to Australia last year, and they didn't have much to play in.
There are enough uniforms for a junior and senior soccer team and Ms Eizema said she was excited to see the equipment go to the students.
She said even with the club closing, something good has come out of it.
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