By Alfred Sasako

SOLOMON Islands Maritime and Safety Authority (SIMSA) chairman, Robert Bokelema, has reportedly issued a news blackout on the search and recovery operations following the sea tragedy last Friday night.

At the same time it has been revealed that the ship involved in the accident, MV Taimareho, allegedly switched off its radar and radio when it left Honiara at midnight on Thursday.

Two parallel investigations are now underway – one by SIMSA and the other by police.  The SIMSA investigation is establish whether any marine rules were broken while the probe by police is to establish whether criminal negligence was committed.

Six bodies have since been recovered from the sea tragedy, including five on Sunday. Some 27 passengers were missing, reportedly fell overboard when the MV Taimareho was hit by giant waves on the crossing between Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces.

Those who fell overboard were largely high school students, according to initial reports

It is not clear whether relatives of the 21 people who remain unaccounted for are included in the news blackout, issued by Mr. Bokelema after a meeting of the SIMSA Board of Directors on Monday.

It is also unclear whether the search and recovery operation has been called off.

Island Sun contacted SIMSA yesterday and was told that it is not allowed to say anything to the media on the matter because of an order by the Chairman of SIMSA Board of Directors, Mr. Robert Bokelema

“We’ve been told not to say anything to the media until a formal report on the accident is completed,” one officer confirmed yesterday.

Asked how long the report would take, the officer said SIMSA is working on it.

Attempts to speak to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Steve Masiola were unsuccessful. He did not pick up his phone.

Search and Rescue came under scathing criticisms both in and outside Parliament.

West Are’Are MP, John Maneniaru, told Parliament the Search and Rescue Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) the “slow response to an urgent request for assistance” had cost innocent lives.

The MV Taimareho was on charter to Ward 24 of West Are’Are Constituency which owns the ship. It reportedly arrived back in Honiara yesterday afternoon.

“It takes twenty-four hours for the Search and Rescue division to respond to an urgent request for assistance,” Hon Maneniaru reportedly told Parliament on Monday.

Meanwhile, a relative of one of the missing people told Island Sun yesterday he had been informed by authorities that the radio and radar of the MV Taimareho were not switched on when the boat left at midnight last Thursday.

“Whether that was deliberate or not is a subject of SIMSA investigation because it is a violation of marine safety rules,” Charles Karamauri told Island Sun.

“I was told that even the urgent request for assistance was made via a mobile phone not the ship’s radio. This call was made when the boat was already at Su’u where it took shelter in West Kwaio. When the caller was asked why the ship’s radio was not used to make the emergency call, he simply said, it was turned off,” Mr. Karamauri said.

He said authorities also told him that responsible officers on the MV Taimareho did not even sign off on an authority form before it departed at midnight last Thursday. This form is a mandatory requirement for ships in the event the ship was stopped initially from sailing.

Mr. Karamauri said SIMSA had apparently stopped the ship from sailing because of alleged over-loading as well as the weather warning given to all ships around 3pm on Thursday.

“I am happy that these matters are now being investigated because we as relatives need answers. I would also like authorities to do a re-count because it has been reported that there were 738 passengers on board when a headcount was first taken,” he said.

Government to find out the truth of boat tragedy: Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured families of the 27 passengers who were washed overboard MV Taimareho between Guadalcanal and Malaita on April 3 that government will get to the bottom of the issue.

Mr Sogavare made this assurance when he winded the motion to extend the State of Public Emergency to four months in Parliament yesterday.

He said the government will get to the bottom without any further delay.

The government has launched two separate investigations into this incident.

The first investigation comprises a two-part investigation by the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA).

The first part is already commenced – the preliminary investigation into the tragic incident in which the 27 passengers were washed overboard from MV Taimareho. 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 Enquiry will commence its work following the appointment by the Minister of its Chairperson and two members.

The second investigation is 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 into the legality of certain actions or decisions taken or not taken leading to the ship departing Honiara on the night of 2nd April 2020. It will also look into the incident itself and the 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.

Sogavare said some people are calling for Commission of Inquiry in social media, how he said it will take lengthy period before answers are made.

He said there is not time for finger pointing or blame any persons because what happens is a tragedy due to astronomical proportion.

Sogavare said it was wrong for certain speakers to imply that the incident was a direct consequence for the government’s call for people to return to their provinces as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19.

He said it was also wrong that the people who lost are the first victims of COVID-19.

“We really need to correct that, at this time and at such circumstances; I find that kind of statement quite disconcerting.

“Such statements too early until all the facts have been established,” he said.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

OPPOSITION Leader, Mathew Wale urges the government to keep the economy functioning in this time of economic recession caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) globally.

Speaking in Parliament on the motion to approve State of Public Emergency and for its continuation for next four months, Wale said in the macro, international trade in the main commodities exported by Solomon Islands are severely curtailed.

He said commodity prices are expected to remain relatively low on the back of weak demand from the manufacturing slowdown in China.

“The length of time for demand to pick up again is uncertain, perhaps as long as six to ten months.

“Imports of food and essential items will continue, but expect a weakening demand of non-essential items,” he said.

Wale said world price for oil has dropped to its lowest level in the last 18 years.

He said Government revenues expected to fall significantly.

“Government borrowing may increase to fund the emergency costs.

“Government budget to be reprioritized,” he said.

As such, Wale said Government to urge banks to grant loan repayment holidays, at the very least, and to consider reducing lending interest rates.

“Government must address the need for a stimulus package.

“SIEA should be required by the Prime Minister to immediately suspend disconnections, and reduce tariffs by at least 30% for 3 months,” he said.

Wale said Solomon Water should immediately suspend disconnections.

In addition, he said the Prime Minister should deliver emergency orders using clear, simple messaging from government in simple Pijin.

Wale said food security is paramount.

“Vietnam has closed exports. 90% of rice is imported from Vietnam.

“Rice should be rationed, if insufficient stock levels,” he said.

Wale said the supply of local food produce may need to be nationalized, & distribution coordinated.

He said food prices to be kept very low or subsidized.

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Monday 6th April announced a three-phase lockdown option which has been forwarded to Cabinet for approval.

This involves a gradual three-phase approach.

According to the Prime Minister, the country is currently in the first phase of which will remain until such time when there is a confirmed case and a declaration made by the Prime Minister of the first case of COVD-19.

“The key feature during this phase is that we do not yet have a confirmed case of COVID 19. Of the 11 tests conducted all 11 cases have come back negative.”

He stated that two tests are awaiting transfer to Melbourne on the first flight out and noted that the two individuals are currently under isolation.

Prime Minister Sogavare further stated that restrictions on public gatherings during this phase will not be as strict as in Phase 2, “but they will be supervised to ensure compliance to social distancing instructions”.

He further made example on church services which he stated will likely to continue.

“But churches are advised to inform their congregation to practice social distancing and advice their worshippers to consider worshipping at their homes rather than necessarily congregating in churches.”

 All social public facilities such as night clubs, casinos have been closed.

The Prime Minister further stated that simulation lockdown will be undertaken during this phase to let people experience beforehand what a lockdown may entail.

“It will also allow the Government to test its response capacity and help identify any challenges that we may face during the actual lock down,” he said.

The simulated lock down will be implemented incrementally, most likely, commencing with introduction of a curfew from 8pm to 5am in the morning to restrict movement of people in the emergency zone.

“This will eventually lead to a 24-hour curfew for a short period to prepare people for what a total lockdown will look like under Phase 2 in the event a full Phase 2 is activated.

“People will be given adequate notice beforehand to help them prepare,” he said.

He further stated, “Phase 2 is when we have total lock down. This will start when the first case is confirmed and may run for an initial period of 14 days.”

Phase 2 is when a total lock down (24-hour curfew) will be implemented and only selected essential services will be allowed to operate with permission.

“During this phase the focus will be to contain and prevent local transmission for 14 days. This is to allow health personnel undertake contact tracing and quarantining or isolating all those who have come in contact with the first case.”

This is the phase where any further entry of COVID-19 into the country is prevented, and have succeeded in isolating and preventing local transmission of COVID-19 in the community.

“Total lockdown can be lifted but partial lockdowns such as night curfews and closure of social public places may continue,” he stated.

Mandatory 14-day quarantine would continue indefinitely until the global pandemic subsides or an effective vaccine is discovered and used.

The Solomon Islands Government continues to encourage all citizens to take responsibility by adhering to basic hygiene practises, listen to responsible authorities and work together in solidarity with the Government in its efforts to fight against the COVID-19.

“This is our nation, we are one people, this is our fight against COVID-19”.

–OPMC PRESS

By EDDIE OSIFELO

NEWLY appointed Marine Investigation officer, Joe Koavi will conduct a preliminary investigation into the tragic incident in which 27 missing passengers were washed overboard MV Taimareho between Guadalcanal and Malaita on April 2.

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Director, Jonah Mitau made the appointment on Sunday 6th April following the seriousness of the sea ordeal which saw high school students, women and men and family members lost at sea.

The appointment of Koavi is in line with the Shipping Act 1998 and Shipping (Marine Inquiries and Investigations) Regulations 2011.

Mitau said the investigator will commence the investigation when the ship returns to Honiara around Tuesday [tomorrow] or Wednesday because it is currently engaged in the search and rescue as well.

“The investigator will start interviewing the ship’s relevant masters, crew members, owners, shippers, passengers and witnesses and obtained signed statements from them.

“The investigator will also determine the status of the registration of the vessel and ascertain all its certificates and determine all other legal requirements applying to the vessel at the time of the incident, casualty, or even under investigation,” he said.

Mitau said the preliminary investigation will complete within 14 days or two weeks.

According to the regulation, the report of preliminary investigation shall be given to the Director, who will make it available to Minister of Infrastructure Development.

He said no report of a preliminary investigation may be used in any civil, criminal or disciplinary proceedings, except for any inquiry under the Death and Fire Inquiry Act [Cap. 9].

In addition, Mitau said due to the seriousness of the incident, he has written to the Minister to set up a Marine Inquiry.

The Minister will appoint the chairperson and two members of the Board of Marine Inquiry, who must not hold positions in SIMA.

The board will provide the final report to the Minister after going through it.

According to the regulation, the Director of SIMA shall ensure action is taken to implement the recommendation of the Board’s report and shall report to the Minister on all remedial action not less than two month.

Any answer or evidence given by a person to a Board of marine inquiry may not be used as evidence against that person in any civil or criminal proceeding taken against that person.

Further to that, the Director or the Minister may order that a safety review be conducted in accordance with this Part after the conduct of a preliminary investigation, whether a recommendation has been made for the safety review to be undertaken or not.

The Director may appoint additional advisers for the conduct of a safety review in accordance with this Part, and such advisers shall have the rights and powers stated in section 85 of the Act.

A report of a safety review shall not be admissible as evidence in any legal proceedings, except for any inquiry under the Death and Fire Inquiry Act (Cap. 9].

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
A ‘tropical cyclone warning’ has been issued for Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issuing Tropical Cyclone warning ‘number one’ yesterday evening said the special weather bulletin is now upgraded to ‘tropical cyclone warning’, and is current for all provinces in the country.
Having heavy rain warnings issued throughout this week leading up to the Tropical Cyclone warning, people are advised to seriously take precautionary measures as such bad weather has the potential to impact lives and properties.
“At 8pm this evening [yesterday], tropical cyclone Harold (category one) with a central pressure of 997 hectopascals was located near 9.8 degrees latitude south and 156.8 degrees longitude east. This is located approximately 71 nautical miles (132 kilometres) southwest of Rendova Island, Western Province,” issue SIMS.
“Cyclone Harold is moving east south east at 05 knots towards Rennel and Bellona province and strengthening.
“Gale force winds (34 to 47 knots) (63-87 kilometres per hour) with maximum gust of 50-55 knots are expected to affect Western, Guadalcanal, Central, South Malaita, Makira and Rennel Bellona provinces with rough seas and moderate to heavy swells (2.5 – 4.0 metres) and potential coastal flooding.
“Expect winds of 25-33 knots over remaining waters and land areas. Moderate to rough seas with moderate swells.
“Such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low lying areas.
“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.
“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.
“People should take precautionary measures as such bad weather have the potential to impact lives and properties.
“Please listen to SIBC and all media outlets for further updates.
“The next cyclone warning will be issued at 1:30 am early tomorrow [today] morning.”
It was made known since last year October 2019 by Met Service that the Tropical cyclone (TC) outlook for Solomon Islands between November 2019 and April 2020 is near to normal, meaning at least one to two TCs are expected indicating significant risk of impacts.
In early March this year, heavy wet weather patterns led to deaths, destruction of infrastructure, closure and evacuation of some schools, sequential water cuts in Honiara, soaring prices in the market, flooding and damages to lots of gardens and properties.
Just yesterday experiencing the heavy rain throughout the country, there were again few reports of infrastructures such as bridges being damaged.