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Reinstate Dr Claude Posala: Wale

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Opposition Leader Matthew C Wale.

THE Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale describes the sacking of Dr Claude Posala, Head of the Eye Department at NRH by the government as ill-considered and a decision based on bad judgment.

Mr Wale said “Solomon Islands needs all the qualified professionals it has in the country to be harnessed to the fight against covid-19. Unless a health professional has committed an offence so grievous that would negatively impact the effectiveness of the fight against covid-19, he or she should not be removed.

“In this case, it appears Dr Posala has been summarily dismissed for the slightest error in posts he made on Facebook,” the Opposition Leader adds.

Wale stressed that merely posting an internal memo from the PS Health cannot be grievous enough to warrant removal.

“Although the memo was an internal memo, no damage is done in making it public. There is a place for transparency around these kinds of internal directions that is healthy and must be encouraged.”

Posala is the President of the SI Medical Association and should be accorded some understanding to allow him the space to advocate for his members’ interests.

“What benefit is gained by dismissing a frontline health professional? What cost was incurred from the Facebook post?” Wale asks.

“In weighing the benefits in retaining Dr Posala in the healthcare system at this time against the loss from his removal, surely our need to retain him should totally outweigh any wrongs he committed in his Facebook posts.”

Wale said, “I pray that common sense prevails in this case, and all matters given their due proportionate weight.”

Further, Wale added, “Regulation 26 of the Emergency Powers (COVID19) Regulations 2020 is a potential obstacle to the free flow of information from frontline experience to decision makers.

“Frontline professionals should be allowed free speech so we know what issues they are facing and must be addressed. To ban their free speech may result in lives lost, if the virus gets here,” says Wale.

Wale therefore calls on the Prime Minister to immediately reinstate Dr Posala, and to review Regulation 26 to exempt frontline professionals from the media gag.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Covid-19 window

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Open international sea access in Renbel province concerns public

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

THE open sea traffic in Rennell and Bellona province is worrying citizens, who are calling for national government to act.

While Solomon Islands is in a state of emergency as a pre-emptive measure against any possible entry by covid-19, the Bauxite mining operation in Rennell is in full swing.

Last week, a bulk carrier, MV Expert, arrived in Rennell to ship out bauxite. It had just been reportedly cleared by Customs and Health in Noro.

It reportedly arrived on March 29 in Noro, three days later it was on its way to Rennell. Why it did not undergo the compulsory 14-day quarantine is anybody’s guess.

However, a senior official in the Customs and Excise Office speaking to Island Sun in anonymity earlier this week, said otherwise, refuting reports that the ship had been given special treatment and was allowed to bypass quarantine.

“The mining vessel have been checked thoroughly, by health, customs and immigration officials in Noro. The ship spent three weeks (a week extra of the 14days quarantine) and met the standard required for quarantine purposes before it was approved to travel to the province. There are NO signs of COVID-19 symptoms on the crew members, upon its traveling date on March 29th.

“We maintained our strict monitoring strategy of vessels movements making sure they met formalities before granting passage.”

The Comptroller of Customs, Mr Jim Sutton, declined to comment however referring the paper’s enquiry to the permanent secretary of the Finance Ministry.

The PS of Finance did not respond to enquiries, there was no answer to calls made to his office.

Minister for Health Dickson Mua, in an interview on Tuesday this week, stressed that his officials in Noro have stepped up their routine checks on vessels.

“At the moment I’m yet to get an update regarding from my Permanent Secretary. However, from what I know officials there are doing their job effectively. Some of the ships spent more than the required 14 days quarantine,” Minister Mua said.

He adds that ships coming are complying with the Maritime regulations meeting its standard.

Member of Parliament for Rennell and Bellona, Tautai Agikimu’a Kaituu told Parliament on Tuesday this week that his people “want to cut the rope of the ship”.

People in Rennell are preventing crews of a foreign steamer to enter their land for fear of contacting coronavirus (COVID-19) because they have not undergone 14-day quarantine, he alluded.

Mr Kaituu later posted on Facebook that the ship arrived at Noro Port, Western province on March 29 and three days later travelled to Rennell.

Further to that, Kaituu commented that the crews would not only endanger only Renbellonese but the three quarter of the 500-plus mining employees who are from other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands’ corruption watchdog, Transparency Solomon Islands on Wednesday this week voiced its concern on the MV Expert incident, questioning why government granted the ship special treatment in being allowed to skip 14-day quarantine.

Members of public taking to social media also voice their concerns, many saying that such complacency by government compromises the country’s preparedness against covid-19.

Earlier this week, a chief of Lau/Mbaelelea, who has relatives working in the mining operations in Rennell, voiced his concerns to the paper, saying, “Is the national government allowing this at such crucial time of the COVID-19 pandemic or the provincial government?

“I call on responsible authorities to investigate the ship and its crew members. It’s not safe, putting the country at risk especially the people of the province with a small population,” Chief Galorick Iroto stressed.

It is understood that this is the second bulk carrier to arrive in Rennell since the covid-19 pandemic began early this year.

The first had brought in Solomon Islands’ first four covid-19 suspects, who were later cleared when their samples were tested negative in Melbourne, Australia.

It is understood the Bauxite mining in Rennell pays zero tax to the government.

Clinicians demoralised over doctor axed by government

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Dr Claude Posala. Photo courtesy: Soundcloud.com

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

CLINICIANS working at the National Referral Hospital have voiced they are demoralised following the termination of Dr Claude Posala, one of the country’s leading medical doctors and frontliners.

Government’s wild action has reportedly left the unity and teamwork preparedness to stop Coronavirus-19 (covid-19) entering the country at stake

According to the country’s Consultant Physician of the Internal Medicine Department and leader for covid-19 Isolation and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward Dr Jones Gabu’s post in social media, in emergency situations like this covid-19 preparedness, clinical services need all hands-on deck.

“All we have now are demoralised teams of clinicians. In emergency situation like this covid-19 preparedness, we in clinical service need all hands-on deck.

“Team spirit was what made us move in preparation. Sitting long hours brain storming and tasking and patching gaps just to make sure our people and ourselves are prepare for covid-19.

“The last few weeks and months, the momentum of teamwork can be seen in our team of clinicians. We fought fatigue to attend meetings and then plan and draw up guidelines, SOPs, Action cards etc,” said Mr Gabu.

He said creation of teams of clinicians for the covid-19 Isolation and ICU was the excited part and all these teams have their special names.

“All of us the clinicians and nurses and other front liners knew well of the risks we are taking in COVID-19, however the team spirit was what energise us to face the unknown together. Because we believe in team spirit.

“This is the spirit in team work we need as front liners. All hands-on deck. We encouraged each other to be positive in all thing. We emphasise positivity and no negativity.

“Today (Wednesday 8th April) our hearts sank, the motivation and the spirit of enthusiasm was gone. Written on our faces was sadness as if one of ours passed away.


“Some of us fought back tears as we find it difficult to grip the truth that Dr Claude Posala was terminated for raising the issue of allowances on COVID-19. May be there are outstanding issues, for now we can only speculate.

“We acknowledge the correction given to him when summoned. MHMS is our mother. She will protect us and help correct us.

“Sad reality is our mother MHMS failed us. The decision to terminate Dr Claude Posala was made without foresight. The team spirit crushed.

“All we have now are demoralized teams of clinicians. Unity and teamwork for COVID-19 is at stake,” said Gabu.

Claude Posala in response to the comments made via social media urged country men and women to not resort to hate and inflammatory remarks following his sacking.

“The authorities have acted within the bounds of the emergency regulations. I accept it. I do not hold any grudges or such as I never any ulterior motives to whatever I post. God Bless Solomon Islands,” said Posala.

Meanwhile, according to the termination letter of Posala’s employment in the Solomon Islands Public Service it stated he was terminated under the Emergency Power (COVID19) regulations 2020 (“the Regulations”).

The letter stressed that he was terminated under the regulation 26 of the regulations and note the following actions on his part.

“(a) Various posts on Facebook on certain government actions;(b) Posting false information on Facebook;(b) posting internal Government documents on Facebook in particular, the MHMS Permanent Secretary’s internal memo dated 31st March 2020.”

Government urged to reconsider PG2023

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Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale. Picture Supplied

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

THE Leader of Opposition and Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga, Honorable Matthew Wale has called on the national government to reconsider hosting the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

The Leader of Opposition made the comments during his debate speech in Parliament on Tuesday 7th April, during the motion to extend the country’s State of Emergency.

Hon. Wale suggested that the government should start considering postponing the Pacific Games 2023, as the country takes preventive cautionary measures to stand against the spreading COVID-19.

Mr. Wale further stressed that donor funded projects, especially for the infrastructure for the games, may not be feasible as it involves mobility and labour.

“Some preemptive planning must now commence to consider postponement of the games,” Hon. Wale told Parliament.

“It is important to note that the spread of the coronavirus from China to other countries followed Chinese workers returning to those countries to work. We must learn from that experience.

Mr. Wale further cautioned that the country’s national security and public health safety cannot be compromised even for the games.

“The Pacific games construction project may be affected by this, if it will require Chinese workers. Government must not take the risk of importing covid-19 through foreign workers,” he added.

On the same note, Minister of Finance & Treasury, Harry Kuma also stated that the country’s restriction measures will also delay donor support in terms of Sol2023 facilities project.

“The restraint measures against COVID-19 are likely to dampen domestic consumption and delay donor supported infrastructure projects such as Tina Hydro and the 2023 Pacific Games facilities,” Mr Kuma said.

The government’s Sol2023 National Hosting Authority recently also admitted the COVID-19 Pandemic is undoubtedly a drawback on the PG2023 preparations.

Despite the Opposition Leaders call to consider postponing the regional sporting event, Pacific Games Council Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Minogue, last month told SunSPORTS, Solomon Islands will have enough time for preparations to host the 2023 Pacific Games.

Mr. Minogue who met with the Sol2023 NHA Executive last month revealed they are working on forming a Games Organizing Committee that will be completed in the coming months.

“While work on forming the committee is on progress, progress on the constructions of facilities for the games, on the other hand, is likely to be delayed with most countries around the world imposing international travel bans to “infected countries”.

“COVID-19 will undoubtedly slow things down, but at this point there is time to manage those things because if eventually it will slow down before 2023,” Minogue said.

Employees of tourism industry and Soltuna to be laid off

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Soltuna cannery at Noro in Western province. Photo courtesy: Tri Marine

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A growing number of employees in the tourism and fisheries sectors are being laid off as the impacts of the global covid-19 pandemic grips Solomon Islands’ economy.

Soltuna company, which employed 1000-plus workers at its cannery in Noro, Western Province is expected to cut down on its workers soon.

Most of the employees at Noro are females compared to males.

Speaking in Parliament on the motion to extend the State of Public Emergency to four month on Tuesday, Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harr Kuma said fisheries exports, mostly tuna exported to Italy, also indicated a declined trend from the end of the 1st quarter and onwards.

Kuma said prices are likely to fall by 5%.

He said this will severely affect the operation of Soltuna and the employment of mainly women and girls in Noro.

In addition, Kuma said with current travel restrictions, tourism has practically disappeared.

He said tourism industry is likely to continue to loss business and employee laid off in the coming months.

Furthermore, Kuma said the restraint measures against COVID-19 are likely to dampen domestic consumption and delay donor supported infrastructure projects such as Tina Hydro and the 2023 Pacific Games stadium in Honiara.

Moreover, Kuma said under the recent assessment by International Monetary Fund, logging exports, our main export and major source of government revenue, has slowed down during February to April is likely to reduce further by July 2020.

He said the industry is highly dependent on demand from Asia, in particular China.

“The strong decline in economic activity in China during the first quarter has worsened the slowdown in already weakening logging sector,” he said.

The Minister of Finance said oil price is likely to drop significantly in 2020.

“As an oil consumer we will benefit from lower fuel price and lower import bill of fuel.

“The down side however, is that Government revenue from oil will also fall,” he said.

Despite these backdrops and challenges, Kuma wish to encourage businesses to keep going, and the rural populous to continue to plough and farm the land.

He said the government is determined and has mobilised domestic and external resources to prepare the country, limiting the financial and economic fallout of COVID-19 on our domestic economy.

Government urges ship operators to comply with maritime safety laws

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27 lives were lost on the MV Taimareho in April 2020 when the ship sailed through rough weather.

THE Government is calling on ship operators to comply with Maritime Safety Laws of the country.

The call was made as the Government launched two separate investigations into the recent sea accident involving the MV Taimareho which has resulted in 27 passengers washed overboard when the vessel encountered rough seas triggered by cyclone Harold Thursday last week.

Bodies of seven of the missing passengers have been recovered during the week while a search mission for the remaining 20 bodies are ongoing.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister today said the first investigation comprises a two-part investigation by the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA).

The first part has already commenced – the preliminary investigation into the tragic incident in which the 27 passengers were washed overboard from MV Taimareho on the night of 2 April 2020. A Marine Investigation Officer has been appointed by the Director of SIMSA in accordance with the Shipping Act 1998, and Shipping (Marine Inquiries and Investigations) Regulations 2011.

The second part involves the Commissioning of a ‘Board of Marine Inquiry’ by the Minister under the Act to conduct a formal enquiry into the incident.  The Board of Marine Inquiry will commence its work following the appointment by the Minister of its Chairperson and two members.

The second investigation is a criminal investigation commissioned by the Commissioner of Police as a result of suspicious deaths. This will involve interviews of passengers, crews, shipping company and other persons or bodies of interest to establish facts resulting in suspicious deaths.

These investigations will look at the legality of certain actions or decisions taken or not taken leading to the ship departing Honiara on the night of 2nd April including the incident and post-incident activities. The findings and recommendations of these investigations will be presented to the relevant authorities.

These two investigations will provide adequate assurance into the cause of the incident. The government does not intend to do a Commission of Inquiry simply because a proper mechanism to investigate maritime accidents already exist in law, is already executed and will accomplish a comprehensive assessment that will be completed within a much shorter timeframe. Together with the Police investigations the outcomes of these investigations could result in charges being laid.

By contrast, and based on previous Commissions of Inquiries, a Commission of Inquiry is a very lengthy and costly process that could take a few years to complete which will not enable families affected by this tragedy to have closure for a long time.

As the two levels of inquiries proceed, the government is very aware that 27 of our citizens may have all lost their lives in this tragic incident and their families and relatives are suffering.

“Ship operators and captains must not break the Maritime Laws of the country when implementing government policy. These laws govern how ships operate for safety and security of passengers. They cannot break the law to implement government policy,” the OPMC Statement said.

The government is aware and appreciative that shipping operators are responding positively to implementing the government policy decision to assist our people to relocate to their home provinces as a result of our COVID-19 measures.

A lot of commentary has been carried by the papers and social media platforms regarding the search and rescue operations following the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the government has set up a humanitarian committee coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs and representatives of families and relatives that have lost loved ones.

This Committee is tasked to consider what and how best the Government can support families of the missing passenger as a nation, as a people and as a government.

“There will be ways through which we can all contribute to ease the suffering of our fellow citizens whose loved ones had been taken away from them. We ask you all to listen out and to contribute what you can to what our committee comes up with to support our families most affected by this tragic tragedy,” the OPMC Statement said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Monday has personally met with the MP for West Are’are, Hon. John Maneniaru and family representatives of the missing person to express his profound condolences and sympathy to those affected by this tragedy.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

2 covid-19 samples airlifted, country awaits results

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Photo by Sky News.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

REMAINING two suspected covid-19 samples which have been kept awaiting any means of transport were finally flown over to Australia on Wednesday 8th April.

These two brings the total number of suspected covid-19 cases to 13. The country is still covid-19 free, after the first 11 tested negative.

Dickson Mua, Minister for Health and Medical Services, speaking to the paper yesterday, confirmed the two samples’ dispatchment, adding, “All of the 11 tests have comeback negative and now the country awaited results of the remaining two samples which was airlifted to Australia today [Wednesday 8th April].

“To date, there have been 13 patients who have been tested for the virus and 11 of these had samples sent to Melbourne for analysis. 

“I-re-emphasis that to date, there have been no positive COVID-19 cases in Solomon Islands.

“We will all need to continue to be vigilant though, if we are to minimize the damage to our population’s health and damage to the country’s economy that COVID-19 will cause, if it not brought under control,” said Mua.

Meanwhile, he adds the qPCR testing equipment provided by Australia’s government is being calibrated and will arrive in the country this week.

“Our qPRC testing equipment supported by the Australian Government is being calibrated this week and will be airlifted sometimes this week.

“The establishment of the testing equipment will minimize the lead time from five days (with testing  in Melbourne) to 45 minutes, when we have our own laboratory testing equipment in country,” said Mua.

$449M life support

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Eddie Osifelo
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Government secures additional budget support from donors

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has secured a total of $449 million in grants and concessional loans from development partners and donors to sustain the economy during this downward time caused by the global covid-19 pandemic.

This is because the government expects additional spending pressures, particularly in the health sector, depending on the severity of the domestic public health situation.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma highlighted this during his presentation on the motion to extend the State of Public Emergency to four months in Parliament on Tuesday this week.

Kuma said Asian Development Bank will provide $24 million in grants and $24 million on loan.

He said ADB will also provide $162 million on grants.

Kuma said World Bank will assist with $114 million in grants and $48 million in loan.

He said Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia will provide $63 million in grant.

This is also same with New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade that will allocate $14 million in grants.

In addition, Kuma said the country very own State Owned Enterprises namely Solomon Islands Ports Authority, Solomons Power and Solomon Islands National Provident Fund pledged their willingness to purchase Government Development bond of around $100 million.

“This will further support the implementation of the economic stimulus package,” he said.

Short but historic

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From L-R. Solomon Islands Athletes Commission Chairman Francis Manioru, Nestergeniwala and NOCSI President Martin Rara...Picture Peter Zoleveke II

Geniwala to become a ‘living testimony’  

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

SOLOMON Islands first female Olympian Mrs Nester Geniwala’a will be a ‘living testimony’ to the new generation of female athletes in their strive to become Olympians one day.

National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) President Mr Martin Rara made the comments while giving her assurance that through the International Olympic Committee (IOC) her achievement will be recognized.

It was 24 years ago, the then 16-year-old Nester, from Totongo village in Longu ward, East Guadalcanal, was selected to represent Solomon Islands at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

She recalls how she was selected to make history for sports women in the country by becoming Solomon Islands first female Olympian.

“I was in form one at the Ruavatu Provincial Secondary School at that time, I was the school’s top athlete whenever we competed at organized inter – secondary sports carnival,” Nester recalled.

“For three years, from 1994 to 1996 I represented my school as a sprinter – and then in 1996 when I was in form three, we came over for a sport carnival hosted in Honiara at the Lawson Tama stadium, it was from that event that I was called up.

“Too shy back then but I listened to my uncle, Selwyn Kole who was also an athlete at that time. They took a photo of me and told me that I have been selected to compete at the Olympics,” she said.

“I remained with my uncle in Honiara while all my school mates returned. We were housed at the old Town Ground field where we do our training sessions preparing,” she told SunSPORTS.

In fact she was the only female among three men Olympians; Selwyn Kole (Men’s 1500 m) Primo Higa (Men’s 3000 m steeplechase) Joseph Anika (Men’s 1000 m) and Weightlifter, Tony Analau (Men – 64kg) that were selected for the Atlanta Olympics.

“I remember standing on the running track looking at other competitors. I was the youngest. When I completed the race all the other athletes went straight to me, they carried me jogging around the arena waving to the thousands watching, I made friends back then,” Nester vividly recalled.

When asked if she see can identify the difference of sport development in the 90s compared to today, she said there’s a lot that has changed.

“Before, sports competitions were organized regularly engaging schools, which we all did our best to prepare for a spot to represent our schools. Unlike nowadays I don’t see or hear about such competitions no longer,” she stressed.

“Sports can take you anywhere, even if you don’t perform well academically or have a wealthy job your individual sporting talent can take you anywhere and I have proved it.

Sadly, Nester’s running days came to an end in 1997 at the height of the ethnic tension that tore the country apart. It forced her and many other talented athletes to leave school and return home.

Nowadays, Nester lives with her husband and their four children, and is enjoying typical village life.

 “Now that you no longer an athlete, its time you can give back to sports what you experienced especially to the communities you come from through schools, churches and youth groups.

“IOC and NOCSI will always open its doors to help with initiatives you decide to come up with specifically in the sport you once played,” NOCSI President Martin Rara reassured her.

Govt provides additional $5000 to students in Fiji

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Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Education and Human Resources Commins Mewa

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Education and Huma Resources has allocated an additional $5000 (1373 FJD) to government sponsored students in Fiji.

This is part of the government’s assistance to support the students as Fiji records 15 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) as of Tuesday 7th April.

Initially, the 1,100 students in Fiji normally receive $1000 FJD allowance every month.

However, with this additional $5000 SBD, the students are expected to receive $2000-plus Fijian dollar every month.

Minister Commins Mewa told Parliament on Tuesday 7th April during his contribution on the motion to extend the State of Public Emergency to four months, the students should receive the additional allowance this month.

Mewa said if the situation continues in Fiji, the students should receive their second additional allowances next month.

He said at moment, the Cabinet does not agree on the idea to repatriate the students back home because of the threat they might get the virus in buses or planes and pose a risk to the security of the country.

In the meantime, about 400 students are still lockdown in Philippines due to the coronavirus threat as well.

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