Home Blog Page 1014

Former covid patients cannot be reached

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

AUTHORITIES are reportedly having a hard time contacting the 10 former covid-19 patients who are being sought to undergo a re-test.

The 10 had previously recovered and tested negative before being released back to society, but due to the new covid-19 strain, government is seeking to have them re-tested to make sure the virus does not pop back up again.

They are being requested to make contact with covid authorities for check-up.

According to the National Health Emergency Operation Center (NHEOC) Situation Report No 26 issued it stressed difficulties encountered in reaching some of the ex-positives.

“There has been some difficulties encountered in reaching some of the ex-positives via phone due to phones powered off, switching of sim cards etc. A call for family members to intervene and assist health,” the report said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his nation-wide address on Monday said It is an offence to ignore public health directives under the current state of Public Emergency. If any of the 10 people do not make contact immediately or are lost to follow-up, they could face prosecution.

“It is extremely important that these 10 previously positive COVID-19 people that had been released over the past two months to come in for your follow-up checks and repeat swabs without fail this week.

“We want to make sure that all the 10 people we have discharged over the past 2 months are still negative.

“So, if you are one of these 10 people, please contact the Ministry of Health immediate on Hotline 115 or 25256 this week to arrange for your follow-up and repeat swabs.

“If you are in a province, you may also contact these two numbers or you may go to your nearest health centre or the provincial hospital for your follow-up and they will make arrangements for your repeat swab to be collected,” said Sogavare.

School results Monday

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
-
0
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Service, Lannell Tanangada speaking in Parliament yesterday. Parliament Media.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

FORMS 3 and 5 school results will be made available Monday next week, while results for form 6 will be ready on Wednesday.

Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) revealed this yesterday as parents look forward to the results this year.

A statement the ministry issued said Minister Lanelle Tanangada will sign to release forms 3 and 5 results on Monday.

She’ll do the same for form 6 results on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the ministry said its 2018 decision that it would provide the first transcript printing free of charge to students still stands.

However, it added, the cohort of students that took the National Examinations in 2020 and who wish to get a copy of their transcripts will need to visit their Education Authority offices.

“We are in communication with Provincial Education Authority Offices to provide alternative office location in Honiara, for them to use to distribute official student examination transcripts,” the statement said.

Dates for printing and distribution for the national examination transcripts are as follows:

  • Tuesday, January 19, 2021 – Printing of official transcripts starts at MEHRD, prioritising Honiara Schools.
  • Thursday, January 21, 2021 – Printed official transcripts can be collected at the Honiara Schools and Honiara-located Education Authority Offices. School Principals can access electronic copies of their respective school results for Year 10 (Form 4), Year 12 (Form 6) and Year 13 (Form 7) Placement School Results from their respective Education Authorities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Dr Franco Rodie has advised that media outlets can collect the endorsed 2020 National Examination/Placement Results from the Manager of the National Examination and Assessment Division (NEAD) if they wish to publish the results in their papers.

“For this the media needs consent or permission from the Manager of NEAD. MEHRD will also publish the same results on its website: www.mehrd.gov.sb”.

As part of the National Examination cycle, a reconsideration period (of one month) is effective from the date of endorsement of form 3, form 5 and form 6 final results and the 2020 National Examination candidates can request MEHRD through NEAD to reconsider their final examination grades.

522 released from quarantine centres

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
-
0
Chengs Quarantine Station

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

A TOTAL of 522 people quarantined have been released from the 821 that arrived during December 2020.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said 299 remained and most of these will be released today and tomorrow.

In his weekly nation-wide address on Monday, Sogavare more than 140 arrived from Fiji on Sunday night including 9 from Kiribati, and that they will undergo their 14-day mandatory quarantine.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders, we currently operate 17 quarantine stations, 12 in Honiara and 5 in Western and Choiseul provinces,” Sogavare said.

“In addition, we also operate a few diplomatic quarantine stations,” he added.

“All these stations are managed by our camp management teams and our health teams provide daily health status checks.”

The Prime Minister commended front-liners for their continued dedication in the fight to protect Solomon Islands from Coronavirus (Covid-19).

“I also reiterate my call to the public to respect the rules of the quarantine stations. They are out of bounds for members of the public.

“Please wait patiently for the release of your loved ones and do not go to the quarantine stations,” Sogavare said.

Police investigates its ‘Wild Cop’

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

POLICE say it will investigate reports that one of its officers at the Henderson police station led a mob which destroyed properties and terrorised a family on January 1, 2020.

In a statement yesterday, Police media reports that Commissioner Mangau admits that the police officer was drunk and had led some boys to attack the family.

Commissioner Mangau however fails to condemn the incident and the despicable action by his officer.

Police media statement says: Officers of the Professional Standard and Internal Investigation (PSII) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are investigating a police officer who had involved in an unlawful act at Henderson area on January 1, 2021.

Commissioner of Police Mr Mostyn Mangau says, “The officer and other three boys who resided with him were drunk at that time. The police officer later had an argument with the complainant’s nephew resulted in the complainant nephew assaulted the officer on his forehead.”

Commissioner of Police Mr Mostyn Mangau says, “In retaliation to the assault the police officer and his boys entered the complainant residence and damage properties including their dwelling house.”

Commissioner Mangau says, “For a police officer being involved in such unlawful action, you can lodge a complaint at PSII office so that they can deal with the officers involved instead of going to the media.”

“I call on members of the community at Henderson area who may have any information about the matter to come forward and report it to the PSII to assist them with their investigation,” says Commissioner Mangau.

The matter was reported to PSII and investigation continuing on the allegation. PSII can be contacted on phone 24107.

Bilikiki, Kurukuru on SIFF priorities

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

THE Solomon Island Football Federation (SIFF) beach soccer and futsal development desk are prioritizing the preparations of the national beach soccer team (Bilikiki) and futsal team (Kurukuru) entering the year 2021.

This was according to SIFF Beach soccer and futsal Development Officer, Dickson Kadau in an interview told SunSPORTS the teams’ preparations for respective competitions this year is paramount.

“As soon we settle down, we will prioritize preparing the teams this year. Their preparations since last year has been in a limbo, thus this year my department will put extra effort to have them back in serious training for competitions this year,” Kadau said.

Bilikiki will compete at the Oceania Beach Soccer Championship while Kurukuru for the FIFA Futsal World Cup later this year.

For Bilikiki, the current 24-man provisional squad will be trimmed since they have been into first two weeks of camping in December last year, and were released during the festive break.

“We will be awaiting OFC programs that are expected by end of this month, and our office meetings on our calendar of events this year will be like,” he adds.

“We will cut off the squad and involve them into educational development programs within the team.

With the SIFF headquarters being relocated Mr. Kadau says his department will have to settle down to continue its administrative work, also the hunt for a suitable training venue for the national futsal team.

“We are still to locate a venue for Kurukuru to resume training and since last year it has been a challenge for us especially with venue because of the global pandemic,” Kadau said.

“Most of the players are now been inactive which is one of our concern, some have been playing in the eleven a-side code so we hope they’ll maintain their form. They players must be active.

Kadau however, says that they are waiting on the completion of the Honiara City Council (HCC) futsal court the only option left for the reigning Oceania kings.

Not ‘That house’?

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Permanent Secretary Stephen Maesiola

MID ‘not aware’ of development believed to be related to PM’s residence

By EDDIE OSIFELO        

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) says it is not aware of the development above Lawson Tama stadium believed to be the construction of the official residence of the Prime Minister.

MID Permanent Secretary Stephen Maesiola, who is currently in Ulawa, Makira province, told Island Sun that the site for PM residence is on top of the hill next to the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) headquarters.

Maesiola said currently the ministry is still waiting for the ‘plan’ for the Architectural Design group and Survey team to deal with.

He said the current development on the hillside is not related to the PM’s official residence project.

In 2018, Under Secretary Jimmy Nuake said the Government through MID had approved the plan to build a new official residence for the Prime Minister.

Nuake said the move was based on Government’s policy initiated in 2016.

Prior to that, the Prime Minister is normally accommodated at the Red House at Vavaya Ridge.

MID had already demolished the Red House and late last year fire engulfed the Guard House.

PS Maesiola said the old PM residence at Red House, Vavaya Ridge is earmarked for Speaker’s residence because it is closer to Parliament.

He said currently the project is under government programe where the ministry waits for money to start it.

Previously, former Prime Minister Danny Philip decided not to reside at Red House due to deteriorating condition of the building after Dr Derek Sikua left.

However, incoming PM, Gordon Darcy Lilo decided to move in the Red House after small renovation was carried out on it.

After that, Rick Hou and Manasseh Sogavare decided to reside at their private residences at Lunga, East Honiara, rather than moving into Red House.

Their decision attracted public criticisms because they decided to reside at their own residence rather than in a government residence.

2000-plus tests in December

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
A man in Wuhan is being tested for body temperature, similar tests being carried out by MHMS at our airport and ports. Photo from CNA

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country had run more than 2,000 covid-19 tests for December alone and likely a similar number of tests will be done for January and February this year.

This was highlighted by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday when delivering his first national address for the new year 2021.

Sogavare said so far more than 6,000 tests have been done since ‘we have the capacity to do testing in country to date’.

“They have done more than 6,000 tests to date. More than 2,000 tests were done in December alone. In all likelihood they will be doing similar numbers in January and February 2021.

“Our Molecular laboratory staff had been performing an incredible amount of work conducting thousands of COVID-19 tests since the second phase of mass repatriation commenced in December 2020.

“We have now established COVID-19 testing capabilities in Gizo and the Public Health Laboratory in Honiara. We expect the Kilu’ufi Hospital COVID-19 testing capability to be operational very soon.

“I also commend our laboratory staff for their continued dedication in our fight to protect our country from Covid-19.

“I also thank our partners that have supplied us with the equipment and test kits and reagents to enable our staff to do the tests that allow us to protect our country,” he said.

On the same regard he commends the governments of Australia, People’s Republic of China, New Zealand, United States of America, and institutions such as the World Health Organisation and the Global Fund Against Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria that supplied the GeneXpert machines that are being used to test for Covid-19 in Gizo, Kilu’ufi and the Public Health Laboratory.

Education Bill to be tabled this year: PM

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0
Solomon Islands National Parliament

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

The Solomon Islands new Education Bill will be tabled in Parliament later this year, according to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

In his first nationwide address yesterday he said the National Education Board has considered and provided advice on the draft of the new Education Bill.

“My Government anticipates, the new Education Bill which was developed since 2013 to be tabled in Parliament later this year.”

He said the new Education Bill is designed to lead the country’s Education System into the future, providing a contemporary Solomon Islands education apparatus.  

“This will be another history created by my government as the current Education Act is more than 40 years old,” Sogavare said.

This paper understands that the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is anticipating a new Education bill to go before Parliament this year.

This is historic as the current Education Act has been law for over 40 years.

The National Education Board (NEB) has considered and provided advice on matters relating to the draft Education Bill in December 2020.

The new Education Bill is designed to lead our education system into the future to provide a contemporary Solomon Islands framework for our system.

It has been under development since 2013, after a high-level task force was formed to consult widely and prepare an advice paper.

Since that date, significant consultation has been undertaken to ensure views and opinions are considered throughout the country.  

Orion queries decision of Registrar of Companies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Logging in Solomon Islands. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ORION Limited Managing Director, Chan Chee Min has questioned the integrity of Registrar of Companies in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.

This was after the Registrar of Companies decided not to intervene in the dispute between Orion Limited and Linear Perspective Ltd with Solomon Forest Association (SFA).

SFA, a powerful association looking after logging companies in the country, has cancelled the registrations of Orion and Linear Perspective Ltd.

As a result, both companies have stopped operation and losing out in business.

Chan Chee Min said that the primary responsibilities of the Office of the Registrar of Companies is to keep records of registered entities, to monitor activities of registered entities, to ensure compliance to the “Constitutions of Solomon Islands”, the various “Statutes”, Rules and Regulations and the various applicable laws of Solomon Islands, among other responsibilities.

He said that the Deputy Registrar of Companies letter of respond to Orion Limited implies:

(a) That the Deputy Registrar of Companies is exercising and executing the “Constitution” of Solomon Forest Association.

Chan Chee Min said that the “Constitution” of Solomon Forest Association is not above the “Constitutions of Solomon Islands” and cannot be above the laws of Solomon Islands.

(b) That the Office of the Registrar of Companies will be acting in “Ultra Vires” if the Office of the Registrar of Companies were to carry out their “Statutory Obligation” and “Fiduciary Duty” to cancel the registration of Solomon Forest Association.

Chan Chee Min says that in SFA legal counsel, James Apaniai Law Chamber’s letter dated 4th November 2011 to the Registrar of Companies, it was explicitly admitted, quote “you certainly have the statutory powers to cancel the registration of charitable association”.

Chan Chee Min said the Deputy Registrar of Companies must take cognizance that the “Constitution” of Solomon Forest Association cannot override or rise above the “Constitutions of Solomon Islands”

He said the Deputy Registrar of Companies must respect himself and the “integrity” of the Office of the Registrar of Companies.

He said yes, Orion Limited will sue and Orion Limited will be diligent to know who to sue.

Last week, Deputy Registrar of Companies, Tobit Taravu said the executive of SFA has the ultimate right to deal with any internal matter or disagreement that occurred within the association.

Taravu said the cessation of membership, the rightful body to receive, hear and responsible for register or remove of association’s membership is SFA executive, because such organisation or corporate body is one that has and keep records of all association’s members.

Furthermore, Taravu said it is not right a member to request for the cancellation of the association (SFA) when the organisaton still exists.

“Thus, any person or a member cannot deduce it not functioning or inactive, unless the executive confirms by a resolution that the said association is dissolve,” he said.

Taravu said the “Statutory Obligations” and the “Fiduciary Duty” you (Chan) has made mention cannot be applied in both situations mention above as you thought or highlighted.

“Our action would be viewed ultra vires if we step in to solve the dispute, because the issue you have raised is stirred up as a result of an internal or private discrepancy.

“In that regard, we are well aware that the purported removal of both companies membership from the Association register is the prior role of Solomon Forest Association.

“Thus, our office will not invade the powers of Solomon Forest Association Registered Trustees,” he said.

SI to benefit from ‘COVAX Facility’

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
-
0
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Islands is among the countries that will benefit from a new Coronavirus (Covid-19) Vaccination initiative called the ‘COVAX Facility’.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his first 2021 ‘National Address’ yesterday updating on ‘Vaccines’ said his government submitted the country’s request to GAVI – the Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisation, which is the global health agency that co-leads the COVAX Facility on December 7, 2020.

Through the ‘COVAX facility’, participating eligible countries such as Solomon Islands will receive an initial Covid-19 vaccine to cover 20 percent of its population free. Countries are then able to co-finance the remaining doses with GAVI.

Mr Sogavare said his government has agreed to increase the vaccine coverage through the COVAX Facility to ‘50 percent’ of the population through a co-financing arrangement.

“We will secure the balance of the other 50% of the population through bilateral and other multi-lateral arrangements with our development partners,” said Sogavare.

“Fellow citizens, in-order to qualify under the COVAX Facility, the government has established a high-level National Coordinating Committee required for the COVAX Facility. It is jointly chaired by the Permanent Secretaries of Health and Finance to drive the development and deployment of a COVID-19 vaccination plan in Solomon Islands.

“The National Coordinating Committee is supported by a Technical Working Group for COVAX which also co-chaired by the Ministries of Health and Finance with membership including our development partners – namely Australia, New Zealand, Peoples Republic of China, WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

“Fellow citizens, I am happy to inform you that the Technical Working Group has developed the ‘Draft National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines’ which will be further deliberated by the national coordinating committee and the oversight committee before presentation to my Cabinet for approval. We anticipate receiving this plan by the end of January 2021.

“The Technical working group is currently reviewing available scientific information on the leading vaccines that have been certified by WHO, or used by countries under Emergency Use Authorisation, or are currently in Phase-3 development, including those that are likely to come through the COVAX Facility.

“Based on their assessment the working group will recommend which vaccines Solomon Islands might consider for its implementation. We also anticipate receiving this recommendation by the end of January 2021.

“Fellow citizens, we have also received advice that the COVAX Facility is planning to deploy enough doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to cover 0.25% of the population of its eligible countries in the first quarter of 2021. For Solomon Islands this equates to approximately 1,700 people.

“The government will be submitting its proposal to secure this allocation by the closing date of 18 January [next week Monday] 2021.

“We anticipate a decision on the approval of vaccines to be conveyed to us by end of January with a likely deployment date for the first batch of vaccines in February or March 2021.

“The technical working group and national coordinating committee are finalising the specific execution plan for the first 1,700 vaccines to be included in our proposal to be submitted on 18th January 2021.”

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare assure that work to benefit fully from Covid-19 vaccines is on track as the country look forward to receiving the first doses of vaccines to cover 0.25% of its population in the next couple of months.

“While we await the advice from our technical working group and the national coordinating committee on the mass roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in the country, it is my hope that we will be able to vaccinate the whole of our population by the end of 2021,” said Sogavare.

On ‘health update’, the number of Covid-19 cases registered in Solomon Islands remains at 17.

1...1,0131,0141,015...1,669Page 1,014 of 1,669