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‘Need to do more’

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Member of Parliament for Aoke Langalanga and Opposition Leader Matthew Wale. Photo Credit; Pacificwin NZ Aus Pacific on LinkedIn.

WALE urges government to watch incoming vessels and students in China

The Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, calls on the government to do more in dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus in light of the unconfirmed reports that four crew members of a Bintan Mining vessel currently in Rennell, displayed illness ailments similar to the coronavirus symptoms. 

Mr Wale further calls on the government to seriously look into the situation faced by our students currently studying in China.

“Unconfirmed reports suggests that four foreign crew members of a foreign vessel that went to Rennell Island last week to pick up a consignment of bauxite owned by Bintan Mining Ltd are currently sick with coronavirus like symptoms.  

“They are believed to be still on board the vessel and are said to be monitored.”

“Reports received also suggests that this vessel was not cleared by the ports and quarantine authorities as required under law, before going over to Rennell Island, and this worrying,” says the Opposition Leader. 

Wale said if this is true then this practice of evading the law is a serious loop hole which can undermine any efforts put in place to contain the coronavirus internally.  

He said the ministry must act now to verify the reports and to quarantine the whole vessel to avert further threats, and if there are breaches of our border control laws, those responsible must be dealt with accordingly also.

“Any potential breaches of our laws that threaten our people’s health and safety is no laughing matter.”

The Leader of Opposition goes on to add, “I am also aware of at least 10 students currently studying in China and a lot more bound for China after we switched diplomatic ties. 

“These students are our future and are now at the mercy of this deadly virus hence, it is paramount that our government considers their situation as well and put in place measures to ensure their health and safety.”

—OPPOSITION PRESS

SI in ‘high risk’ areas, prevention efforts continue

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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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 ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Solomon Islands is grouped with the ‘high risk’ areas regarding the coronavirus and work has started to stop it reaching the country, health official says.

A senior official from the Health Ministry (MHMS) yesterday said this is because China is in the same region as Solomon Islands with a lot of people movement between the two countries.

He said the Health Department and the government had put in place control measures as recommendations were received from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The officer said the MHMS, SI Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration had set up mechanisms to prevent it reaching the country.

He said Under the said Regulation, if any person, who has for 14 days prior to arriving in the Solomon Islands, been in a country where there is a confirmed case of Corona Virus, will not be allowed to enter the country and will be requested to board the return flight or be subject to detention or quarantine.

“A help desk has been set up at the Honiara International Airport for travellers and a flyer containing information on the coronavirus and a declaration form have been issued to all travellers.

“Based on declaration form, you may or may not go through a further screening process,” he said.

“Those without any symptoms but had been to the Wuhan Province of China in the past 10 to 14 days will be quarantined.

“Those who have symptoms will be monitored,” he said.

Solomon Islands has taken their travel restrictions a step further, announcing regulations restricting the entry of any person who has travelled to any countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus, which has now spread to 25 countries and regions —including Australia — with the UK and Russia confirming their first cases.

A statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet advised that anyone who had visited a country with a confirmed case in the past 14 days “will not be allowed to enter the country and will be requested to board the return flight or be subject to detention or quarantine”.

The statement said that in addition to members of the public, these restrictions also applied to Government officials and members of Parliament.

“The Government acknowledges the risks associated with the outbreak of diseases as a matter of National Security,” the statement said.

4 held in Rennell

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Asians quarantined in mining operation in Renbel province suspected of China corona virus

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA and ALFRED PAGEPITU

FOUR men are being held in isolation in Rennell suspected of having the China coronavirus, it is reported.

Reports reaching Island Sun on the ground say the four men display flu-like symptoms; “Fever, cough and headache.”

Personnel from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are said to be heading over to Rennell today to check these four men.

A local doctor close to the issue, speaking to Island Sun on anonymity, says samples of body fluid and other specimens will be taken from these four men and sent overseas for analysis.

The doctor cautions that at this stage it cannot be confirmed that the men have the China coronavirus, this status will be confirmed only when results are sent back.

According to a press statement by the mining company whose operation in Rennell has seen this occurrence, Bintan Mining SI Ltd (BMSI), the ship came here from Qimudao, Shandong Province, China.

“A chartered vessel, MV Expert whose local agent is Tradco shipping limited was chartered to load Bauxite at Renell mining operations.

“The vessel departs Qimudao, Shandong Province, China on 17 January 2020 with total of 25 crews and officers on board.

“The vessel was cleared via Noro port on 30 January 2020. Four crews of the vessel have fever as of February 1st, 2020 that we are concerned that it may be related to Corona virus.”

The BMSI also adds that the four men and “the ship” are being quarantined.

However, sharing concerns on social media, public feel that the whole crew of the ship should be quarantined given the fact that the coronavirus takes a couple of days before displaying symptoms and that the crew including the four suspects have been travelling together the past two weeks.

One comments, “Given their interactions as a crew of the one and same ship for two weeks in their journey to the Solomon Islands, there is the possibility that other crew members may have contracted the virus, if it is truly the feared coronavirus.

“So the health ministry experts going over there should check the whole crew. Do not be complacent, this is serious.”

Island Sun understands that there are some factors that may contribute to the men’s condition which are independent from the China coronavirus, according to accounts by BMSI and Dr Pedical Togamae, that the crew had been working under rainy conditions the day they arrived, before the men fell ill, and that they had travelled across a climate gradient (from the winter in China to the tropical Solomon Islands).

Warriors stunned in friendly

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FC Isabel United hat-trick hero Bently Keloby winds up for a shot during their friendly match with Solomon Warriors FC on Thursday 30th. FC Isabel United won 4-2. Picture Benz Newman

Fa’arodo happy with test

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE JNR

ISABEL FC made an impressive comeback to beat Telekom Soccer League (TSL) Champions, Solomon Warriors 4-2 in a friendly match yesterday at Lawson Tama stadium.

Warriors Head Coach, Henry Fa’arodo Jnr told SunSPORTS he is happy with his side’s performance despite the result saying it was their first real test after coming back from weeks of training in build up for the Oceania Champions League next month.

“I’m happy with the results today (Thursday 29th) the performance of the boys. This is our first game after four weeks of intensive physical training,” the former national skipper said.

“We did not do much of tactical work, but the boys has shown glimpses of understanding of what we try to do tactically, so I’d say probably ninety five percent I’m happy as this is the first step we are taking to reach the level we want.

Warriors had the upper hand throughout the game scoring through Dennis Ifunaoa and Lency Norman to lead 2-0 at the breather.

The Gideon Omokirio led Isabel FC came back with a more attacking approach and pulled a goal back through Bently Kelobi who completed a hat-trick in that victory.

The match stats obviously gone Warriors way with number of shots on target as Fa’arodo involved all his players in the game.

Warrior’s lethal winger, Dennis Ifunaoa also made some good runs combining well with Jerry Donga upfront, only to be denied by a desperate Isabel FC defense.

“There’s room for improvements, which is the best thing about it. This is our stepping stone, probably the baseline of where we can be in terms of playing games as we cannot go below that but going forward,” Fa’arodo said.

The men in red were also without their top goal scorer, Vanuatu import Tony Kaltack.

“Yes, for Tony he missed out today game and our trainings because he is still in Vanuatu.

“From what I know he is still waiting for his immigration papers which is causing the hold up, but definitely he is part of the team and expected to be back next week.

Meanwhile, Warriors reclaimed the TSL title for the sixth time securing a place in next month’s 2020 OFC Champions’ League Group C in New Caledonia.

“To take the boys to the next level which is the Champions League is a big achievement for the team.

 “I think for us it’s a good group looking at the teams we are going to compete with. Now it’s up to how well be preparing in the remaining weeks lead up to the competition.

Warriors are grouped in Group C alongside AS Magenta (New Caledonia), AS Tiare Tahiti (Tahiti) and qualifying stage runner up.

Travel ban?

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Honiara International Airport. Photo by Alfred Pagepitu.

Health ministry suggests the surest temporary means of protecting Solomon Islands, all eyes on cabinet to decide

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Ministry of health and medical services (MHMS) has reportedly requested a temporary travel ban on incoming travellers from Wuhan or China.

The million dollar question is whether government will endorse this.

Senior officials within the health ministry, speaking to Island Sun in anonymity, say cabinet should view the situation as “gravely serious” because of the aggressiveness of the coronavirus and should not be complacent.

They warn cabinet not to compare the current scenario with the recent Measles campaign, in which MHMS also requested a temporary ban on incoming travels but was rejected by the Attorney General before their submission could even make it to cabinet.

Health officials say process to detect the coronavirus is made complicated by the fact that carriers do not often display symptoms for few days, hence would pass detection processes in airports or ports.

Island Sun understands that cabinet met yesterday to deliberate on the submission by MHMS on the China coronavirus; a decision was yet to be made known when this paper went to print last night.

Members of public have also taken their concerns to social media, some having turned up at the Island Sun office to express their fears and concerns that current measures may not be enough to keep out the China coronavirus.

They also share the same idea that a temporary travel ban be imposed on inbound vessels and planes.

However, skeptic health officials tell Island Sun that regarding their temporary travel ban request for the Measles outbreak, the Attorney General had turned down the suggestion citing several reasons.

Loss of business to aviation, airlines and seaports, and such, were some of the reasons stated and other reasons were financial loss to SIG due to travelers claiming compensation for flight and travel disruptions.

“AG also highlighted that our current legislation does not protect or make SIG immune to any compensation claimants or such, in such a travel ban scenario,” the health officials say.

Island Sun understands that the meeting yesterday included Government ministries such as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Communications and Aviation, Immigrations, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the National Security and including UNICEF and WHO. The briefing was to ensure all responsible stakeholders are well coordinated and are prepared to respond to the emerging threat of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to Solomon Islands.

Ministry of health is working closely with all health departments responsible for different clusters on daily basis. Daily meetings and debriefings are conducted to assess actions and monitor implementation of next actions

Gov’t through MHMS carries out measures to ensure citizens are safe

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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All incoming international travellers subjected to temperature check upon arrival at the Henderson International Airport in Honiara on Thursday 29th January.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE National Government through the Ministry Of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with other agencies is taking a leading role to manage and strategize on measures to combat coronavirus in Solomon Islands.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in accordance with the Immigration Act and Quarantine Act, Solomon Islands would advise travel advisories and measures be implemented to ensure safety to citizens of Solomon Islands.

“All persons arriving in Solomon Islands will be required to complete a Traveller’s Public Health Declaration Card (Copy attached). This advisory becomes effective from January 28, 2020. This traveller’s health declaration card replaces the one currently being used in relations to measles threat.    

“Citizens and residents of Solomon Islands who are planning to travel to China are recommended to avoid and or defer non-essential travel and take standard precautions to prevent the infection during travel.

“All incoming international travellers will be subjected to temperature check upon arrival in Solomon Islands.

“Incoming travellers who have been in China 15 days prior to their arrival in Solomon Islands are mandated to report to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Public Health Department Emergency and Surveillance Unit on telephone +677 23650 if they develop acute respiratory infection and have symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulty.

Telekom and Bemobile staffs at the airport were all use facemask

“Incoming travellers who have travelled to or from China within the past 15 days who display symptoms including fever and cough with or without breathing difficulty will be isolated upon arrival and will be investigated for 2019-n-CoV infection.

“The vessel operators and airlines operating in Solomon Islands are mandated to report presence of sick person on board as per equipment under the International Health Regulations (2005). 

The necessary directive may be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration to all countries with whom Solomon Islands has Diplomatic relations including regional bodies such as the SPC and Pacific Forum as well as airlines and shipping companies that serve the Solomon’s to implement these measures.

MHMS condemns speculation on social media

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Passengers arriving from Australia at the Honiara International airport go through thermal sensors as workers check for coronavirus symptoms on Thursday 29th January.

MHMS condemns speculation on social media

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has rubbished speculation on social media that the coronavirus has reached Solomon Islands that Ministry has done nothing over the monitoring at the Honiara international airport.

Medical authority is on full alert, monitoring procedures have been ratcheted up at air and sea ports and all other points of entry, and health officials are on hand to check all inbound passengers for signs of illness

Health officials expressed to Island Sun yesterday that speculation on social media that the coronavirus has reached Solomon Islands was “fake news”.

They said information on any confirmed cases would be made known by the Ministry of Health and responsible people to the people.

“We are working with officials at the airports and ports and screening everyone coming into the country,” they said.

“So if we have any confirmed case, we will advise through the mainstream media or inform the public the virus is reaching our shore, but at the moment Solomon Island is still safe.

“Please do not believe everything you read (on social media),” one officer said.

“We already have a team in communication with all hospitals and clinics throughout the nation.

“Any information on confirmed cases will be released through health authority,” he said.

In a statement released yesterday, MHMS permanent secretary, Pauline McNeil said that considering a number of nearby countries had already recorded suspected cases, the likelihood of Coronavirus appearing in the Solomon Islands could not be ruled out.

 Ms McNeil advised the ministry has already formed a technical working group including experts from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

 “Essential medical supplies to handle cases of 2019-nCoV are also being mobilised and development partners are standing by with additional resources should these be needed,” she said.

 “We want to reassure everyone – both local people and travellers heading to the Solomon Islands – that we are preparing for that possibility,” Ms McNeil said.

 “As a ‘first line’ of defence MHMS is working with immigration and customs officials at ports and airports, training them on how to recognise cases of 2019-nCoV.

 “Incoming visitors will be provided with guidance on what to do if they think they have the infection.”

 In the meantime, she said everyone should remain alert for signs or symptoms of the disease especially if they had visited Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in the past 15 days or had come in close contact with anyone returning from affected countries showing similar symptoms.

Flu in cabinet

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A local medical member takes the temperature of a little boy using (a digital thermometer for measuring temperature) the Honiara International Airport upon arrival of the passengers from Australia on Wednesday. Photo by Alfred Pagepitu

Government work plan to counter coronavirus

THE National Government through the Ministry Of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with other agencies is taking a leading role to manage and strategise on measures to combat coronavirus.

MHMS this week submitted a Strategy and Work Plan paper to the Cabinet for approval and endorsement to implement coronavirus Strategy and Work plan.

As a national security issue the government seriously considers key broad areas with the help of other relevant ministries and agencies.

These areas include points of entry, surveillance, laboratory, Clinical Management, Isolation/Supplies and Critical Centres, Community Enforcement, Quarantine/social and legal and Risk, Communication and Media.

MHMS will ensure proper management of our entry points and border posts for close monitoring of movement of our citizens and foreigners in and out of the country.

The support of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Immigration, Biosecurity and Customs as well as other law enforcement agencies, are important to ensure Solomon Islands is well secured and protected from the virus.

Increased surveillance and monitoring of those suspected or found to have infected with the virus in the country and outside is equally important.

Therefore, the cooperation of all law enforcement agencies is important to ensure that we work together and coordinate our working efforts.  

MHMS is also looking at laboratory and facilities to be appropriate and available for testing purposes, should we are required to do so and other medical works.

With clinical management, isolation/supplies and critical centres, MHMS will ensure that the country has adequate supplies, drugs and masks to combat the virus, when required.

On Community Enforcement, Quarantine/social and legal, MHMS will also work with the public and community at large to be vigilant at all times and be pro-active and ensure that medical advice and instructions are heeded and compiled with.

MHMS noted that so much information and publicity on the coronavirus has gone out spiral on the social media and other outlets.

Hence MHMS will work with Government Communication to disseminate accurate information for public consumption and awareness.

Other relevant government ministries and agencies identified for the work plan include Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services, Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Biosecurity, Immigration, National Disaster and Management Office, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Flu? No Pass!

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Solomon Islands Ports Authority

SIPA carries out check-ups on Chinese crews for coronavirus

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is taking proactive measures against the feared ‘China coronavirus (2019-nCoV)’, in checking all ship crews of Chinese origin before they are given shore passes.

SIPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Eranda Kotelawala, says their International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) are doing the check-ups, as they are now planning to set up a mechanism to do health checks.

Kotelawala said doing health checks will be with the support of health authorities, as they need to be certain that ship crews are not infected or carriers of the Chinese coronavirus.

“Our ISPS is checking all ship crew of Chinese origin before they are given shore passes or at the time of entry to Solomon Islands. We are now planning to set-up a mechanism to do a health check with the support of NRH/Ministry of Health as we need ascertain they are not infected or carriers of the virus.

“We will be closely monitoring the situation and getting updates from Ship’s master for any health situation on board to make sure such crew are isolated and do not disembark,” said Kotelawala.

With the rising fear of ‘coronavirus’ spreading, Solomon Airlines Corporate Manager Bill Tyson when asked about SolAir’s stand on this issue said, “The Ministry of Health carried out an excellent exercise in dealing with the potentially serious Measles situation and I have every confidence they will do likewise with this current flu outbreak.”

Regarding the health ministry’s claim of having taken proactive steps to prevent China coronavirus, Mr Tyson said he is not sure on what these steps will be, but they are awaiting advice.

“I am not sure what these steps will be and what they will expect from the airline. We are awaiting advice from them,” said Solomon Airlines Corporate Manager.

Adding to MHMS proactive action to prevent possible importation of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Solomon Islands is increasing surveillance of influenza like-illness in the Country and at points of entry, and information for travellers entering and leaving the country, among other measures.

“Considering how close these countries are to Solomon Islands, and the number of people travelling especially in the upcoming Lunar New Year season, the likelihood of importation of this infection in Solomon Islands cannot be ruled out. We want to reassure the public we are preparing for that possibility,” MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil said in a Press Statement this week.

“The MHMS has formed a technical working group, including experts from the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. The essential medical supplies to handle cases of 2019-nCoV are being mobilized, and development partners are standing by with additional resources should these be needed. As a ‘first line’ of defence MHMS is working with immigration and customs officials at ports and airports, training them on how to recognize cases of 2019-nCoV, incoming visitors will be provided with guidance on what to do if they think they have the infection.”

In the meantime, Mrs McNeil advices that the public should remain alert for signs or symptoms of the disease especially if they have visited Wuhan in the past 15 days or have come in close contact with someone returning from affected countries and had similar symptoms.

These patients should contact their local clinic or nurse aid post if they think they could possibly have the disease, calling in advance if possible so that they can be assessed at home or isolated on arrival at the health facility.

“Anyone with suspected infection should avoid public transport and public spaces and remain at home except to seek professional health care, or as advised by a health professional.

“To prevent the infection from spreading to others, practice health habits such as cover cough and sneezes, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands often. If your family member has flu-like infection, limit contact with the family member and keep your house clean.

Solomon Islands citizens having discussed Australia as Solomon Islands neighbour now battling the coronavirus reporting five cases so far, worry that it would be only a matter of time before the country will experience the same situation if there is slack monitoring on travellers coming into the country.

The outbreak of the new coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already killed 81 people in China.

According to the “New York Times’, infections have been confirmed in many other countries, but of the nearly 3,000 people who have so far contracted the virus, the vast majority live in China.

The coronavirus was first detected in early December 2019. It is reported to be a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before.

Like other coronaviruses, it has come from animals or possibly seafood.

The virus causes pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure.

As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs present against flu will not work.

If people are admitted to hospital, they may get support for their lungs and other organs as well as fluids. Recovery will depend on the strength of their immune system as many of those who have died are known to have already been in poor health.

Lengthy remands become a concern: Chief Justice

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer. Photo by RNZ

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer has raised concerned over continuous lengthy remands awaiting for trials.

He said such delays are incompatible with a society founded on firm constitutional rights and requires all stakeholders to rise to the challenge to have this ongoing issue addressed this year.

Sir Albert said on some occasion the waiting time are more than 18 months and even going up to 36 months and it should be of concern to all in the Justice Sector Agencies.

“Not only is it an affront to the Constitutional rights of an accused to have his case heard speedily, it puts pressure on other justice agencies, including the police and Correctional Service and an added cost and burden to society.  Victims too are entitled to know that their complaints are being attended to and justice being attended to”, Sir Albert said.

The core duty of the courts is to hear and dispose of cases timely.  Its’ ability and capacity to do so efficiently and effectively is ultimately what matters to the litigants, public and the Court.

He said prolonging and ongoing adjournments culminating in a failure to hear cases timely is partly to be blamed for ongoing delays and should be discouraged as these may inevitably lead to a miscarriage of justice.

“Courts should be sitting regularly to hold trials to ensure that cases are disposed of timely.  When that is done delays will eventually be reduced and the plight of those in remand addressed.

“I call on all stakeholders, the Courts and Counsel in the DPP’s office and the PSO to be vigilant and diligent in the handling of these matters and to step up to this challenge and ensure that those in remand are given priority in the listing and hearing of their cases.

“I note the criticisms and concerns expressed by both the Attorney-General and the President of the Bar Association and call on all judicial officers to prioritize decision making in the first half of the year.  All outstanding judgments will need to be seriously addressed to ensure that these are delivered promptly.

“I also call on all Legal Practitioners to step up their support and commitment to the court this year, reduce and avoid unnecessary adjournments and or interlocutory applications, which only prolong a matter, in particular on logging cases”, Sir Albert said.

Sir Albert also said that there are too many unnecessary applications for interlocutory injunctions which have little impact on the ultimate outcome of a case other than more delays.

He reminds counsel and litigants should be looking towards moving a case forward timely to ensure a just outcome and assisting the court to reach a decision quickly.  This will require not only the application of appropriate legal skills, knowledge and understanding of a case, but due diligence and alertness on the part of counsel.  There are simply too many unnecessary interlocutory applications which are slowing the timely disposal of a case down.

“A legal practitioner’s duty to his client must be balanced with his overriding duty towards the court and the law. It is improper and unethical for a lawyer to accede to his client’s request when he knows that it is contrary to the law, procedure and good practice.  Make 2020 a year when cases can be disposed of promptly and not prolonged unnecessarily, clogging up the court lists and delaying the delivery of judgments”, Sir Albert added.

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