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$71m to be kept in separate account: Kuma

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE $71 million funding assistance provided by Australia Government will be kept in a separate account, says Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma.

The budget support will see $44 million go toward the Health sector covid-19 response and $27 million for the Government’s Economic Stimulus Covid-19 Response Plan.

Media raised the question in the press conference following Australia’s support towards the health sector in the past were misused by public officers through inflated contracts.

One good example was the $10 million ($1.5 million AUD) scandal in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in 2013 where eight public servants were charged for fraud.

The $10 million funding came under the Health Sector Support Programme funded by AusAID.

The Solomon Star has alleged that the irregularities were detected in transactions relating to the funding during routine risk assessment activities undertaken by the country’s Ministry of Finance.

It is alleged that contractors grossly inflated freight service charges and shipping charters for the project.

The contractors were allegedly from middle-man companies and charged around three to four times the normal price.

Minister Kuma said the ministry is setting up a separate bank account to keep COVID-19 related funding including the Australia funding.

Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dickson Mua said the $44 million will support the isolation and quarantine infrastructure requirements, logistics, medical equipment, personal protection equipment, laboratory equipment including COVID testing kits, water and sanitation projects, surge personal or technical assistance in Honiara and throughout the provinces.

Mua said the ministry want to improve the capacity of the provincial hospitals and church hospital to prepare for the COVID-19.

Multi-agency base to be established at Kulitana Bay

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahan

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A multi-million dollar base will be established at Kulitana Bay in Shortland Islands to accommodate police, health, customs and immigration officers.

This is part of the effort to monitor the international border between Bougainville and Solomon Islands from illegal crossings.

Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahan confirmed this in a press conference after the signing of a funding agreement yesterday.

A total of $71 million is given by Australia government to Solomon Islands where, $44 million goes towards Health Sector to reinforce preparation for the coronavirus and $27 million to the recent launched Economic Stimulus Package.

Dr Strahan said Australia Defence Force engineers in Canberra are working on the design of the base already.

He said the budget for the base is a separate funding.

Island Sun reporter, Alfred Sasako stated in his article in August 7 2019 that a Naval Base proposal was first mooted by the Danny Philip Administration in 2010/2011.

Sasako said Canberra rejected the proposal after the head of a political party in the then Philip coalition government suggested the Sterling Island facility should be turned into a refugee processing centre.

Insiders told Island Sun China’s growing influence in the Pacific has forced Canberra’s hands to reconsider its initial position.

On June 3, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Solomon Islands counterpart, Manasseh Sogavare said:

“In line with our bilateral security treaty, we commit to deeper cooperation on defence and security. Australia is providing technical assistance to help Solomon Islands develop a border security strategy, which will be used to inform possible future collaboration in this area.

“Australia is also pleased to provide infrastructure and communications upgrades to existing police outposts in the western border region.

“This support will be provided in accordance with the Solomon Islands’ three-phased approach to strengthening surveillance, response capability and protection of the country’s western border.”

Honiara back to class

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

Education ministry gives greenlight for schools in capital to resume this month

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

ALL schools in Honiara are to resume classes this month, says Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

Mr Rodie confirmed this yesterday in a joint press conference with Police and Health officials in Honiara.

“All examination schools in Honiara to resume classes on May 18 and the rest of the schools a week later which is on 25th of May,” he said.

Rodie said the examination classes; forms three, five, six and seven are expected to resume classes on May 18, 2020 and Early Childhood Education (ECE), the primary classes grade one up to six and non-exam secondary classes which are forms one, two and four to start academic classes on May 25.

He said the decision to begin academic classes for Honiara schools was announced after a ‘wider consultation’ with all stakeholders was carried out.

Rodie said the assessment was based on the endorsed capacity assessment and risk analysis of schools in Honiara.

He said the ministry of education and its partners have conducted a survey in 72 schools out of the 82 schools between Poha river and Tenaru.

Rodie adds, Tenaru schools and Selwyn College will also resume classes on May 18 with the rest of the schools.

He said with these announcements the ministry has established other pre-conditions to ensure students are protected on their return to their respective schools.

Moreover, a workshop is currently being organised by the ministry of education with principals, education authorities and education mangers to prepare them on their covid-19 preparedness, response and recovery plans.

More women receive vegetable seedlings

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MAL Minister Senley Filualea handing over the seedlings to the first recipient

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SEVEN women were among the ten recipients in Honiara that received free vegetables seedlings from Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on Wednesday 6th May.

The ten recipients represent three households in East Honiara, three in West Honiara and four from Central Honiara.

Each recipient received a total of 60 seedlings which include 20 seeds of pakchoi, 20 seeds of saladeer and 20 seeds of choisum.

As such, a total of 600 seedlings were given out on the day.

Newly appointed Minister of MAL, Senley Levi Filualea was at hand to deliver the seedlings to the recipients.

Farmers listening to MAL staffs during the handover ceremony

Filualea said this indicated the Democratic Coalition for Change Advancement (DCGA) Government’s commitment to help farmers in Honiara.

He said there is also a plan to extend the same initiative to the provinces through consultation with staff in the ministry.

Furthermore, the even though the coronavirus brings negative impact, it also comes with opportunities where the government sees the importance of agriculture.

His Permanent Secretary, Ethel Frances supported the sentiment saying the initiative will address food security in the country.

Minister Filualea assisting a farmer with the plants at the National Agriculture & Livestock center

She said there are a lot of families who have struggle; as such this initiative will really help them.

The Agriculture research team at the National Agriculture and Livestock Research Development Center (NARLDC) at old Taiwanese Technical farm opposite KGVI School supplied the seedlings from their mass nursery production.

The NARLDC team under the Ministry of agriculture and Livestock is mandated by the National Disaster Organising Committee Livelihood committee to carry out the task to ensure food supply (Vegetables) for Honiara is maintained even when in a lock-down situation due to COVID-19.

Seeds being nurtured at the National Agriculture & Livestock Research development center, KGVI

Chief Research Officer Maria Ghasuka said the nursery started in April 2 where they planted the seeds.

Mrs Ghasuka said they targeted 20 households in Honiara but the demands has increased and will do mass production of 8000 seedlings.

She said they need time and resources to produce the nursery and need space for extension as well for the nursery house.

“We also need money to employ casual workers to work in the nursery,” she said.

Mrs Ghasuka said the seedlings given out are already three weeks old and needs another three weeks before they are harvested by the families.

Women farmers who are part of the first ten recipients

One of the recipients, Julia Maniadalo who has a backyard vegetables beds behind her home at Bishop Eppale in West Honiara, thanked the government for the initiative.

Mrs Maniadalo said she was very happy as first recipient of this initiative.

“I am a farmer for the past ten years.

“I plant vegetables using pots, raised beds and tyres.

“To prevent pests like giant snails, I put sands around my boxes to keep them away,” she said.

With these seedlings, Mrs Maniadalo is looking forward to feed seven people in the family and may sell them if there are surplus.

Labour ward refurbishment work progressing well

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Dr John Hue Medical Superintendent, National Referral Hospital stands next to one of the new refurbished delivery cubicles.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

REFURBISHMENT work aimed at addressing the current issue faced by birthing mothers and new borns at the Labour Ward in the National Referral Hospital is progressing well, says Minister for Health Dickson Mua.

Mr Mua said work that is currently carried out is installation of aluminum doors, putting up walling, air conditioning, power points and there are other work that is yet to be done.

“Labour ward improvement near completion. Now mothers can deliver inside clean aluminum rooms with privacy,” he said.

Mua said the refurbishment work at Labour ward is supported by Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) with a total financial assistance worth $100,000.

Mua said these funds is also POBs community obligation as they want to give back to the community through such medical assistance.

“I’m glad that POB had assisted us this way especially at this crucial time of the Labour ward condition. The Labour ward plays an important role,” he said.

Mua said the current condition at the Labour include, overcrowded of the ward area both at the waiting room, stage i, stage ii and stage iii, poor ventilation, the fan or air condition not working.

Also limited space in the between the four delivery suites, no power points in the first and last delivery suits, poor lighting in the main area, need free swinging doors to the delivery and main entrance, needs repainting inside and preparation room, kitchen and outside for general upgrade.

Minister for Health Dickson Mua opening the door to one of the newly refurbished delivery cubicles.

Vegetable seedlings attract mass

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
MAL new Minister, Senly Filualea giving his key note address

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ABOUT 17,000 people in Honiara have expressed their interests to receive free vegetable seedlings from Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock when the message was posted on social media.

Undersecretary Technical Michael Ho’ota stated this after the handing over of 600 seedlings to 10 recipients in Honiara at National Agriculture and Livestock Research Development Center (NARLDC) at old Taiwanese Technical farm opposite KGVI School.

Each recipient received a total of 60 seedlings which include 20 seeds of pakchoi, 20 seeds of saladeer and 20 seeds of choisum.

Ho’ota said the government will try its best to meet the demand through the households in Honiara.

He said about half a million was allocated under the budget to do this activity.

MAL Permanent Secretary, Ethel Frances speaking giving her remarks during the brief ceremony on Wednesday 6th May

However, Ho’ota said the activity will really help the food security in Honiara during this coronavirus period and reduce Non Communicable Diseases in the long run.

Besides, he said the ministry wants to see more people participate in vegetable farming to meet the export market in future.

The Agriculture research team at the National Agriculture and Livestock Research Development Center (NARLDC) at old Taiwanese Technical farm opposite KGVI School supplied the seedlings from their mass nursery production.

The NARLDC team under the Ministry of agriculture and Livestock is mandated by the National Disaster Organising Committee Livelihood committee to carry out the task to ensure food supply (Vegetables) for Honiara is maintained even when in a lock-down situation due to COVID-19.

Chief Research Officer Maria Ghasuka said the nursery started in April 2 where they planted the seeds.

Mrs Ghasuka said they targeted 20 households in Honiara but the demands has increased and will do mass production of 8000 seedlings.

Most of the vegetables seedlings are three weeks old and need another three weeks before harvesting.

Wale supports call for PPEs to provinces

Written by
Press Release
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Director for Tuberculosis/Leprosy program Dr Henry Kako.

THE Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale calls on the government to take note of the concerns raised by the Director of the Malaita Provincial Health Services, Dr Henry Kako early this week.

The Opposition Leader points out that, “The bulk of our population reside in the provinces hence it is important for our overall preparedness plans that the provincial health workers, authorities and their systems are now engaged in any plans to roll out PPEs and access to other important health equipment”. 

He says the earlier these steps are taken the better for our provinces to prepare themselves to deal with our people.

“The spread of the country and the unpredictable weather patterns are factors that can be serious impediments to effective implementation of government plans.  They must never be discount. 

“At least all our provinces should be made aware of some realistic time line on when and how they will receive their PPE supplies, and how these are to be used. 

“I therefore call on the government and the responsible ministries to take the comments Dr Kako as constructive suggestions and not efforts to undermine government efforts,” says Wale.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Battle between DCGA and Malaita province attracts huge debate on social media

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani.

By EDDIE OSIFELO


THE battle between the National Government and its agent, Malaita province has attracted a lot of debate on social media.


This came after the Sogavare/Maelanga government has warned Malaita Province of facing suspension unless Premier Daniel Suidani stops contravening the Provincial Government Act 1977 through his actions.


Premier Suidani has been barred from undertaking overseas travels unless prior approval by Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.


However, some commentators in social media said it is unfair to suspend Malaita province when the country is preparing against any positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19).


A concerned citizen, Michael Salini commented on social media that according to the Provincial Government act, the Provincial government can be dissolved on very serious issues like the gross mismanagement of funds.


“Sending a deputy to attend a covid 19 briefing and overseas travel definitely does not fall under those criterias for suspension.


“What is clear is Suidani and his MARA government has been standing in the way of China and SIG in the country,” Salini said.


Suidina could not attended meeting in Honiara organised by the Government to update all Premiers on the COVID-19 because he went on a ward tour to make awareness to his people.


Instead, he sent his Deputy Premier to attend the briefing.


Salini said the MARA government has been giving notice to stop logging operations in Malaita due to their noncompliance to the provincial ordinance on licensing fees.


“Now it is clear who is pulling the strings on how our Government is being run.


“Look no further than china and the loggers. You touch them and you are gone,” Salini alleges.


“I am sure suidani and his team knew all along what they are fighting against.


“He is like the last man standing in a battle of ideologies and conscience. He could also be fighting against an emerging regime with some communist traits. Once he is gone that will be it. All hell will run loose and the Government will run over everyone who dares to stand in the way,” he said.


The Malaita Province promises to reply on the move by the national government to suspend it.


The Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale has already cautioned the Government not to suspend Malaita as any decision that is likely to incite social disharmony at a time when the country needs to be united in the face of covid-19.

Schools outside emergency zones to resume classes next week

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Deputy Secretary MEHRD James Bosamata

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

UNDER Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development James Bosamata has confirmed during a government talk-back show on Sunday 3rd May that schools outside of emergency zones will resume classes as of May 11, 2020.

Mr Bosamata said while exam classes around the provinces resumed classes last week, remaining schools in the provinces should start today (May 4).

“On another update on Monday, May 11 all schools in Guadalcanal, East side all schools from GPPOL, Foxwood area and beyond and from the West side Aruligo and the rest of the schools should re-open except for Selwyn College and Tenaru schools will still remain close,” Bosamata said.

With regards to schools in the Western province schools in the Noro, Munda and Gizo areas also will resume on May 11 excluding Goldie college, Bosamata said.

Bosamata also said that students and teachers of those schools that will resume on May 11 should return to school this week so that classes can start on the date mentioned.

Meanwhile Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmy Rodgers also clarified that schools in the emergency zones in Honiara, Shortland and Choiseul still remain closed until further assessments and consultations made before announcing when those schools will be re-open.

Bosamata also said that after the schools resumed the Ministry will revise the school calendar meaning there will be no school holiday in June.

Schools throughout the country were closed after a State of Emergency was declared due to the coronavirus.

Our SI/PNG border safe: Vaevaso

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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RSIPF Patrol boat Gizo. Photo by Austal.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ASSISTANT Commissioner Crime and Intel Ian Vaevaso has revealed that since the deployment of officers at the Western Border three weeks ago the Border has been safe and no crossing has been made.

He said RSIPF has deployed enough officers to the border along with other government agencies to manage and control the Border crossing.

Mr Vaevaso said RSIPF are better resourced and they are confident in manning the border.

He also said that the two RSIPF Patrol Boats are also deployed to the border on rotational basis and currently five speed crafts are also with the officers at the Border.

Vaevaso also said that with the recent gift of a new high-powered speed craft donated by the Australian Government to the RSIPF it gives additional resources to the logistical capability of the RSIPF

He said that the speed craft received last week from the Australian Government has been shipped to Western province.

Mr Vaevaso also highlighted that RSIPF has been stepping up its readiness when the Government’s declaration of the State of Emergency and has put in place regulations which one the regulation is the declaration of the Western border with Papua New Guinea as an Emergency Zone under the current State of Public Emergency, the RSIPF as the country’s leading law enforcement agency has the task of ensuring that no small craft vessels will go out or come in through the Western Common border region with PNG.

In the RSIPF strategic direction, the Force will improve its operational capabilities to support border monitoring, surveillance and reconnaissance at its maritime borders. Such a gift as this high speed patrol vessel will be utilised in areas such as:

  • Protection of natural resources;
  • Protection-Monitoring and surveillance of SI-PNG common border;
  • Response to Natural Disasters;
  • Response to Maritime search and rescue;
  • Support  general policing; and
  • Emergency medical evacuations.

Meanwhile Attorney General John Muria Jnr also said that Solomon Islands has just declared the emergency zone at the SI/PNG border after PNG already declare emergency zone at their Border.

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