Mission & Justice

Gina Maka’a; 13/8/08

It has been estimated that in the Solomon Islands, almost 85%-90% of sexual assault cases of adults and children alike have not been reported to the local police or authorities. Solomon Times took the time to talk to Family Support Center’s Counselor, Lovelyn Kwaoga. The Family Support Centre, is a Non-Government Organization that supports victims of domestic violence, rape, prostitution and sexual abuse. Ms. Kwaoga states that common cases of sexual assault are often from single mothers and young girls. It has also been noted that most sexual assault cases are results of domestic violence and alcohol.

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13/8/08

It has been revealed that the Ministry of Forests has created a Monitoring Division to monitor logging activities within the Solomon Islands. The Minister for Forests, Sir Allan Kemakeza revealed this in Parliament yesterday during questions and answers particularly on the CNURA’s Government’s policy on forestry.Hon. Allan Kemakeza stated that under present forestry regulations, the local people are not entirely benefiting from their resources. “This is the first time that the Ministry has formed such a Division since the start of the forest industry. Points raised by the leader of Opposition are true. It is the resource owners that pay export duties, licenses and other costs,” states Sir. Allan.

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Published: July 24, 2008

Over 500 Papua New Guinea WYD pilgrims were stranded in Sydney yesterday with another 400 Solomon Islanders arriving unexpectedly in Brisbane after their flights home were cancelled. The Courier-Mail reports that 200 World Youth Day pilgrims were to sleep on sporting fields in the rain last night after being stranded in Brisbane trying to get home. A Brisbane spokeswoman said 400 Solomon Islanders had arrived unexpectedly in Brisbane since the week-long Catholic international gathering ended in Sydney on Sunday. Some had been provided with emergency accommodation at Australian Catholic University, Banyo, and Marist College, Rosalie.

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22/7/08

The Save Japan Dolphins Coalition is urging Solomon Islands government to consider halting Ocean Embassy/WIN from continuing their dolphin capture business in the country. This follows an announcement of the closure of a major Panama company planning to capture and traffic in live dolphins in the face of widespread public opposition. Director of the Save Japan Dolphins Coalition, Richard O’Barry stated that closure of the Panama Company “is great news for dolphins and the people who love them”. Mr. O’Barry highlighted that whilst too many aquariums and swim-with-dolphins operations are opening all around the world to cater to public interest in dolphins, these mammals do not do well in captivity, stolen from their own pods and families.

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Joy Basi, 22/7/06

Surviving continuous rise on cost of living throughout the Solomons is becoming daily for the locals. Take fresh goods sold at the Central Market in Honiara for instance which in itself has soared in price, locals have discovered that shopping is better in the evenings. “I used to prefer buying fresh goods from the market in the mornings but with the ridiculous high prices, I have discovered that sellers drop prices in the evenings so that products are not wasted,” a female shopper, Sharon Connie revealed. Shoppers came to realise that sellers at the end of the day have no choice but drop their price in order to sell their products.

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Gina Maka’a; 22/7/08

Residents of World Heritage site, Lake Tengano in East Rennell say the level of the lake is rising and is threatening their taro garden lands. Rennell-Bellona Provincial member and owner of the Kiakoe lodge, Lence Tango said the water is increasing at an alarming rate. Mr. Tango said they do not know what is causing the rise but it is certainly a big threat to taro which is their staple. He added that the level of the lake at his lodge used to be two to three feet below his landing wharf but that’s now covered.

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7/7/08; http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=2043

Police arrested a 37-year-old Russian national following the search of a foreign fishing vessel last week. The 37-year-old man was arrested for possessing three illegally obtained yellow lorikeets which is an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act. Officers from Harbour Patrol and Central CID are investigating this crime and expect to lay formal charges next week. The Russian national was released on principle bail to return to Central Police Station on 9 July 2008 for a formal interview with the assistance of an interpreter. The Russian’s passport remains with police.

Joanna Sireheti; 23/6/08

Many things have changed in the Solomon Islands since the abrupt introduction of the western culture to the country few decades ago, but a practice which has withstood the test of time is the tendency of many to walk around in bare feet. In schools, in offices, around town and even amidst a wild crowd of party goers it is not uncommon to see people walking and dancing around with nothing on their feet. And the catching practice has not only been restricted to local Solomon Islanders with an increasing number of the country’s expatriate community joining in the trend. But why is such a simple act so popular? To find out Solomon Times interviewed a number of people whose reasons ranged from financial difficulties to an act of cultural defiance.

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Gina Maka’a, 23/6/08

Some say it’s not right, others say get used to it. What’s all the commotion about? A handful of ladies, nuns to be exact, playing the panpipe. Playing the Panpipes in most parts of the Solomon Islands was often reserved to men as it was believed that the spirits guarding the pan-pipers would not protect women. This however is not the case for the Sisters of the Church of Melanesia who on Saturday surprised a lot of people by playing the pan-pipes. “Its good to see them play the pan-pipe…quite different to what I am used to, but I guess things are changing,” said one onlooker. “They are protected by God, that’s why they are confident to play,” said another. Others were less enthusiastic, “we should not let this happen…it is just that it will bring them bad luck.”

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23/6/08

PNG’s claim for an extended continental shelf between the Solomon Islands and Federated States of Micronesia will be submitted on time to the United Nations, Attorney General and Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat said last week. Dr Marat in a statement expressed confidence of PNG meeting the United Nations deadline following a meeting on June 16 with key State agencies involved in the Maritime Boundaries Delimitation Project coordinated by the Justice and Attorney General’s Department. May 2009 is the deadline set by the United Nations for countries to submit their claim for extended continental shelf for deliberations. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) all coastal States have legal continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles.

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