Want to know a little bit more about Kelvyn Alp who has been very vocal in the local media in Solomon Islands? Check the following New Zealand media articles out by clicking on each link:
1. Sunday Times Article
2. Eastern Courier Article
3. New Zealand Herald Article 1
4. New Zealand Herald Article 2
You would see from these articles that Mr. Alp has a very radical reputation, even in his home country of New Zealand.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
SIBC News Update...
SIBC News
18 January
2011
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PAROLE BOARD
CHAIRMAN REPLIES TO OPPOSITION
The Chairman
of the Correctional Services Parole Board has described criticisms from the
opposition and public on it's decision to release North Malaita Member of
Parliament as nonsense, saying that the release of Mr Lusibaea was on licence
and in compliance with enacted laws.
Board Chairman Philip Tegavota in a statement, says the the Correctional Services Parole Board is an independent body established by an act of parliament through a legislation known as the Correctional Services Act in 2007.
He says the release of Mr Lusibaea on licence had been done by the Correctional Institutional Parole Board in compliance with the provisions of the Correctional Services Act 2007 and regulation 208 of the Correctional Services Regulations 2008 made under that principal act.
The Board Chairman says claims of the board's hasty appointments and the pressurising of the Correctional Services Commissioner were also nonsense.
Mr Tegavota says the parole board was appointed and gazetted on the 22nd of December last year to fulfil a requirement under the Correctional Services Act 2007.
He also explained that it was also important to set up the parole board to deal with 16 applications from prisoners for parole , nine of whom had applied as early as 2008, which the previous board was not able to deal with because it never met.
Mr Tegavota also emphasised that legal avenue for the release of prisoners has always been there and is open to every prisoner.
He adds that it is a legal mechanism enacted in law to address the concerns and issus facing prisoners who have been treated as the forgotten community under the previous Prisons Act.
He also urged the Opposition to demonstrate responsibility in making hasty unfounded allegations designed to confuse people.
Board Chairman Philip Tegavota in a statement, says the the Correctional Services Parole Board is an independent body established by an act of parliament through a legislation known as the Correctional Services Act in 2007.
He says the release of Mr Lusibaea on licence had been done by the Correctional Institutional Parole Board in compliance with the provisions of the Correctional Services Act 2007 and regulation 208 of the Correctional Services Regulations 2008 made under that principal act.
The Board Chairman says claims of the board's hasty appointments and the pressurising of the Correctional Services Commissioner were also nonsense.
Mr Tegavota says the parole board was appointed and gazetted on the 22nd of December last year to fulfil a requirement under the Correctional Services Act 2007.
He also explained that it was also important to set up the parole board to deal with 16 applications from prisoners for parole , nine of whom had applied as early as 2008, which the previous board was not able to deal with because it never met.
Mr Tegavota also emphasised that legal avenue for the release of prisoners has always been there and is open to every prisoner.
He adds that it is a legal mechanism enacted in law to address the concerns and issus facing prisoners who have been treated as the forgotten community under the previous Prisons Act.
He also urged the Opposition to demonstrate responsibility in making hasty unfounded allegations designed to confuse people.
JAILED LAWYER RELEASED BY PAROLE BOARD
Jailed
lawyer,Charles Levo has been released from prison following a recommendation by
the recently established Parole Board.
Mr Levo was the only other prisoner to have been released by the Parole Board along with jailed North Malaita M-P, Jimmy Lusibaea last Friday.
The former lawyer was charged with five counts of conversion relating to 15-thousand dollars he had embezzled from the formerly National Bank of the Solomon Islands, now Bank South Pacific, while he was working as a legal advisor for the bank.
He was sentenced in May last year to two years imprisonment with a 12 month suspended sentence.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Correctional Services, Francis Haisoma says submissions for Mr Levo's release did not go through his office.
SIBC News understands that Mr Levo is still facing another 21 counts of conversion charges which he has been committed to stand trial on at the High Court.
Mr Levo was the only other prisoner to have been released by the Parole Board along with jailed North Malaita M-P, Jimmy Lusibaea last Friday.
The former lawyer was charged with five counts of conversion relating to 15-thousand dollars he had embezzled from the formerly National Bank of the Solomon Islands, now Bank South Pacific, while he was working as a legal advisor for the bank.
He was sentenced in May last year to two years imprisonment with a 12 month suspended sentence.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Correctional Services, Francis Haisoma says submissions for Mr Levo's release did not go through his office.
SIBC News understands that Mr Levo is still facing another 21 counts of conversion charges which he has been committed to stand trial on at the High Court.
GUADALCANAL PROVINCE CALLS FOR FAIRNESS
IN THE APPLICATION OF LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR PRISONERS WHO APPLY FOR PAROLE
The
Guadalcanal provincial government calls on the national government to be fair
in its application of legal provisions for prisoners who apply for parole.
Guadalcanal provincial acting premier, Andrew Rayboy said the release last week of North Malaita MP, Jimmy Lusibaea appears to be surrounded by elements of favouritism and threat.
Mr Rayboy said there are a number of inmates who are not criminals of their own making but are serving life sentences for offences committed because of the circumstances of the ethnic unrest.
He adds that the decision was swift and surprising and a manifestation of selfish and ill considerate decision.
Mr Rayboy said, there are a number of decent young Solomon Islanders in prison from all provinces whom the national government and the parole board must also consider under the Correctional Services Act and the responsibilities of the responsible minister in making such decisions.
Meanwhile, the Acting Premier acknowledges the decision of the parole board under appropriate ordinances to grant the release of inmates on license.
Guadalcanal provincial acting premier, Andrew Rayboy said the release last week of North Malaita MP, Jimmy Lusibaea appears to be surrounded by elements of favouritism and threat.
Mr Rayboy said there are a number of inmates who are not criminals of their own making but are serving life sentences for offences committed because of the circumstances of the ethnic unrest.
He adds that the decision was swift and surprising and a manifestation of selfish and ill considerate decision.
Mr Rayboy said, there are a number of decent young Solomon Islanders in prison from all provinces whom the national government and the parole board must also consider under the Correctional Services Act and the responsibilities of the responsible minister in making such decisions.
Meanwhile, the Acting Premier acknowledges the decision of the parole board under appropriate ordinances to grant the release of inmates on license.
HYUNDAI SHOPPING MALL OPENS
Honiara's
newest shopping mall, Hyundai building, opposite to ITA has been officially
opened today.
Guests at the opening ceremony included the Prime Minister and few of his ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and the private sector.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, owner and Republic of Korea's consul, Durk (Dak) Kee Kim, acknowledged the hard work put together by various businesses and individuals towards the building.
Mr. Kim says the two years of hard work has finally paid off with the opening of the Hyundai shopping mall.
Mr. Kim says the new shopping mall will serve Solomon Islanders in general and it will also boost the country's tourism sector.
Mr. Kim also revealed that the ground floor and the first floor will house specialised shops, a supermarket, retail and food shops while the second floor will cater for corporate bodies, organizations and institutions.
Mr. Kim says the mall will be an exciting place as a variety of services will be provided under one roof.
Meanwhile Prime Minister, Danny Philip, has called on all Solomon Islands citizens to exercise nationalism, and to have hopes, interests and aspirations for the country.
The Prime Minister made the call during the opening of the city's newest shopping mall, Hyundai building.
Mr. Philip says the mall is a contribution to the economic recovery and nation- building following what the country's bad experiences in the recent past.
He says Solomon Islanders must ensure they have the same zeal, nationalism and pride for the country.
Prime Minister Philip also called on every citizen to respect investor contributions to the growth of the economy.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the efforts of private entities, individuals and companies that have contributed to the economic growth of the country.
Mr. Philip says he believes the private sector, as the economic engine, will continue to play a vital role in the development of the country's economy.
Guests at the opening ceremony included the Prime Minister and few of his ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and the private sector.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, owner and Republic of Korea's consul, Durk (Dak) Kee Kim, acknowledged the hard work put together by various businesses and individuals towards the building.
Mr. Kim says the two years of hard work has finally paid off with the opening of the Hyundai shopping mall.
Mr. Kim says the new shopping mall will serve Solomon Islanders in general and it will also boost the country's tourism sector.
Mr. Kim also revealed that the ground floor and the first floor will house specialised shops, a supermarket, retail and food shops while the second floor will cater for corporate bodies, organizations and institutions.
Mr. Kim says the mall will be an exciting place as a variety of services will be provided under one roof.
Meanwhile Prime Minister, Danny Philip, has called on all Solomon Islands citizens to exercise nationalism, and to have hopes, interests and aspirations for the country.
The Prime Minister made the call during the opening of the city's newest shopping mall, Hyundai building.
Mr. Philip says the mall is a contribution to the economic recovery and nation- building following what the country's bad experiences in the recent past.
He says Solomon Islanders must ensure they have the same zeal, nationalism and pride for the country.
Prime Minister Philip also called on every citizen to respect investor contributions to the growth of the economy.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the efforts of private entities, individuals and companies that have contributed to the economic growth of the country.
Mr. Philip says he believes the private sector, as the economic engine, will continue to play a vital role in the development of the country's economy.
MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
IN THE DARK ON RENOVATIONS FOR PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE
The Ministry
of Infrastructure Development has no knowledge of any contractors engaged to
renovate the Prime Ministers official residence.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, John Ta'aru told SIBC the design and costing for an additional wing still needs to be completed before the contract for the renovations can be put out for tender.
Mr Ta'aru says, although the outsourcing of the renovations for the PM's residence is the responsibility of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, they have been left out.
Prime-Minister Danny Phillip came under pressure last year when it was publicly revealed that the Government paid 168-thousand dollars in rentals to the tenant of the property he was residing in, while his official residence at Vavaya Ridge was being renovated.
The six month lease which was paid in advance is due to end in February.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, John Ta'aru told SIBC the design and costing for an additional wing still needs to be completed before the contract for the renovations can be put out for tender.
Mr Ta'aru says, although the outsourcing of the renovations for the PM's residence is the responsibility of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, they have been left out.
Prime-Minister Danny Phillip came under pressure last year when it was publicly revealed that the Government paid 168-thousand dollars in rentals to the tenant of the property he was residing in, while his official residence at Vavaya Ridge was being renovated.
The six month lease which was paid in advance is due to end in February.
SOLOMON ISLANDS TURNS TO FIJI FOR HYDROPOWER
ASSISTANCE
Solomon
Islands has turned to Fiji for assistance in the construction of a hydropower
in Honiara.
Fiji Times reports that a group of landowners led by former speaker and Government minister, Paul Tovua met with Fiji officials last week and visited the Monasavu Dam on Saturday.
It reported Mr Tovua saying the visit was part of the Tina River Hydro Project feasibility study and a report on the study should be given to the Solomon Islands government by April.
He says if all goes well, the US$80million (F$146.06m) project should be completed within the next four years.
Tovua says they looked to Fiji as it was one of the few countries in the region that had experience in dam construction.
Mr Tovua says for the long-term, the vision was to build a hydro that would generate 45 megawatts of electricity to Honiara.
He says the first phase would be to produce 15MW to avoid high fuel bill.
Meanwhile, Mr Tovua thanks the Government of Fiji, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organising this under short notice.
Fiji Times reports that a group of landowners led by former speaker and Government minister, Paul Tovua met with Fiji officials last week and visited the Monasavu Dam on Saturday.
It reported Mr Tovua saying the visit was part of the Tina River Hydro Project feasibility study and a report on the study should be given to the Solomon Islands government by April.
He says if all goes well, the US$80million (F$146.06m) project should be completed within the next four years.
Tovua says they looked to Fiji as it was one of the few countries in the region that had experience in dam construction.
Mr Tovua says for the long-term, the vision was to build a hydro that would generate 45 megawatts of electricity to Honiara.
He says the first phase would be to produce 15MW to avoid high fuel bill.
Meanwhile, Mr Tovua thanks the Government of Fiji, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organising this under short notice.
SMALL MALAITA MP CALLED ON TO BE
REALISTIC
A concerned
constituent has called on the Small Malaita Member of Parliament, Rick Hou, to
be realistic about his plans for Small Malaita.
Mr. Hou had recently toured his constituency to promote his idea to implement a Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS).
The Scheme will see youths playing a volunteer role in the constituency's development plans and will also include the sub- division of Small Malaita constituency into zones.
But Robert Hite says the idea by Mr. Hou to divide Small Malaita constituency into zones cannot work.
Mr. Hite says the constituency has been divided already along tribal lines.
He suggested for Mr. Hou to use the existing traditional system which has been tested and tried over time memorial.
Mr. Hite says people today do not work free but work mainly for money to cater for daily needs, thus, the young people of South Malaita cannot work for free as Mr. Hou sees it.
Mr. Hou had recently toured his constituency to promote his idea to implement a Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS).
The Scheme will see youths playing a volunteer role in the constituency's development plans and will also include the sub- division of Small Malaita constituency into zones.
But Robert Hite says the idea by Mr. Hou to divide Small Malaita constituency into zones cannot work.
Mr. Hite says the constituency has been divided already along tribal lines.
He suggested for Mr. Hou to use the existing traditional system which has been tested and tried over time memorial.
Mr. Hite says people today do not work free but work mainly for money to cater for daily needs, thus, the young people of South Malaita cannot work for free as Mr. Hou sees it.
RAPE CASES APPEAR AT THE MAGISTRATES
COURT FOR MENTION
Two rape
cases have appeared before the Magistrate's Court for mention yesterday
morning.
One case appeared for an interim mention before its pre-trial conference on the 11th of February, while the other case appeared for the prosecution to present the rest of the information on the case to the defence counsel before it's pre-trial conference.
One of the victims in the cases was a fourteen year old female student from West Guadalcanal.
Magistrate Shafi Khan adjourned each case to the 11th and 21st of February for a pre-trial conference.
Meanwhile, in the other case,a father allegedly accused of having sex with his own daughter also appeared before the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning for an interim mention before his pre-trial conference.
The father is charged with one count of incest that he allegedly committed on his fourteen year old daughter.
The pre-trial conference into the case will be held on the 28th of this month.
The accused was further remanded in custody
One case appeared for an interim mention before its pre-trial conference on the 11th of February, while the other case appeared for the prosecution to present the rest of the information on the case to the defence counsel before it's pre-trial conference.
One of the victims in the cases was a fourteen year old female student from West Guadalcanal.
Magistrate Shafi Khan adjourned each case to the 11th and 21st of February for a pre-trial conference.
Meanwhile, in the other case,a father allegedly accused of having sex with his own daughter also appeared before the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning for an interim mention before his pre-trial conference.
The father is charged with one count of incest that he allegedly committed on his fourteen year old daughter.
The pre-trial conference into the case will be held on the 28th of this month.
The accused was further remanded in custody
Monday, January 17, 2011
New online news source for Tonga
ABC Radio Australia,
17 January 2011
A Tongan media company has officially launched a website which it hopes will bring Tongans at home and overseas together.
The Taimi Media Network's Taimi Online site brings together news generated by the company's two newspapers, as well as its radio and television stations.
It will be the second online news site for the Kingdom, joining the already established Matangi Tonga online magazine.
TMN's CEO, Kalafi Moala, says the site will offer a very local feel to news, but still expects to attract readers from overseas.
"In other words, we're writing news for local consumption," he said.
"But then of course we have a lot of readership in New Zealand, Australia and the US. And we knew that it was just a matter of time to get ourselves ready and to serve communities outside of Tonga."
17 January 2011
A Tongan media company has officially launched a website which it hopes will bring Tongans at home and overseas together.
The Taimi Media Network's Taimi Online site brings together news generated by the company's two newspapers, as well as its radio and television stations.
It will be the second online news site for the Kingdom, joining the already established Matangi Tonga online magazine.
TMN's CEO, Kalafi Moala, says the site will offer a very local feel to news, but still expects to attract readers from overseas.
"In other words, we're writing news for local consumption," he said.
"But then of course we have a lot of readership in New Zealand, Australia and the US. And we knew that it was just a matter of time to get ourselves ready and to serve communities outside of Tonga."
Tuvalu remains under emergency rule
New Zealand Herald,
17th January 2011
The tiny Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu will remain under emergency rule until at least next week after protests prompted the prime minister to ban public meetings, a Tuvalu Government official says.
Prime Minister Willy Telavi declared emergency rule last Thursday after protesters marched demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Lotoala Metia.
The emergency regulations mean all public meetings, protest marches and community feasts are banned.
Radio journalist and government official Semi Lauti Malaki told NZPA the emergency regulations were enacted by Mr Telavi because it was feared the protests against Mr Metia could cause wider unrest.
The regulations would remain for two weeks after which the police would reassess the situation, Malaki said.
There had been no further protests and no arrests since the regulations were announced.
The initial protest was sparked after Mr Metia failed to meet with community elders, which was seen as breaching traditional protocol, Malaki said.
His constituent in the Nukufetau island community responded by staging a "peaceful" protest demanding his resignation.
Mr Metia had told local media he would stay in Parliament unless the law said otherwise, Malaki said.
Tuvalu, about 1100km north of Fiji, is the third smallest state in the world - after the Vatican and Nauru - with a population of about 10,400.
It was formerly known as the Ellice Islands, part of the British-owned Gilbert and Ellice group. The islands achieved independence in 1978.
Environmentalists fear the low-lying islands will disappear under the waves with rising sea levels.
- NZPA
Kama Sutra virus dupes with sexy promise- BEWARE!!!!
Computer security firm Sophos has warned that hackers are spreading a nasty computer virus with a file promising a PowerPoint presentation of sexual positions from the Kama Sutra.
"Be careful what you do with that mouse," Graham Cluley of Sophos said in an online post.
"When you click on the file you do get to see a real PowerPoint presentation, but in the background a backdoor Trojan called Troj/Bckdr-RFM is installed which allows hackers to gain remote access to your computer."
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Once a computer is infected with the malicious software, the hacker can steal personal information and spy on users' activities or use the machine for nefarious deeds such as sending spam or attacking websites.
In scant consolation, the booby-trapped file did present slides of more than a half dozen lovemaking techniques illustrated from the ancient Indian text, Mr Cluley said.
AFP
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