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Police to deal with man posting lies about COVID-19 on FB

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ACTING Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has confirmed that police will deal with people or individuals who spread false information about COVID-19 case on social media.

He said so far police have received one complaint and police are investigating the case, once all evidence is gathered the individual will be called for an interview.

Mangau said only the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are to give out information about the cases of coronavirus and not individuals.

Mr Mangau said spreading false information will cause panic and fear among the public.

Because COVID-19 is a concern to all people as it is a deadly virus that causes death to countries that affected and spreading false information will cause public disturbances, Mr Mangau said.

He said people spreading false information will be charged under section 63 of the penal code and also police will seek further advice from the office of the Director Public Prosecution on such incident.

This is regarding a post on social media where a man posted that the country has positive cases of COVID-19 which is not true.

Therefore, Mr Mangau called on the social media users to stop and refrain from posting something not true.

“If you are not really sure consult the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for proper information”, Mr Mangau adds.

Police also has a working group as part of their preparedness and response towards COVID-19.

Mr Mangau said the working group will be working together with other stakeholders in providing support and assistance and will continue to maintain law and order in the country.

Additional scholarships surpass confirmed Opportunity list

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Education and Human Resources Commins Mewa

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE number of additional scholarships has exceeded the initial number of scholarships approved in the 2020 Opportunity list.

Initially, the National Scholarship Division (NSD) in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources approved 918 scholarships in 2019 for 2020.

However, it has come up with another list of 931 scholarships which brings the total number to 1,849 scholarships for this year.

Minister Commins Mewa told Parliament on Wednesday that the key reasons for additional scholarships are as follow:

  1. There was an increase in constituencies scholarships from 2 initially to 6 to cater for students who were self-sponsored in past 2-3 years
  2. These students were experiencing financial hardships and requested the government that their applications be re-considered so that they can complete their programmes and qualifications
  3. To cater for students who have four or less outstanding units, who formally requested the government for extension of their awards to complete their programmes or qualifications
  4. There were candidates who have high Grade Point Average between 3.7 and 4.0 that applied for 2020 scholarships but were not considered in initial selection process because they applied for field of studies that were not prioritised. Hence not included in the list of 2020 opportunity list, example law. Some of these students were re-considered and offered scholarships

Mewa said all the students were selected based on merit.

He said the analysis of provinces is not confirmed yet but preliminary analysis shows Malaita was awarded the highest scholarships, followed by Western province, Guadalcanal, Makira, Temotu, Choiseul, Isabel, Central Province, Renbel and Honiara.

He said students who were selected under the Opportunity list are based on the labour market demand in the country and pressure from citizens wanting to attain tertiary education.

Mewa said most of the students take up programmes in agriculture, business and commerce, education (teaching), fisheries and maritime, forestry and environment, health, infrastructure, land and planning, tourism and hospitality and vocational skills.

With 1,849 scholarships offered this year plus the total number of continuing students is 2,009, this brings the total number of scholarships for this year is 3,858.

Mewa said in his humble opinion, this is good investment for our human resources.

“Our country needs qualified and skills citizens who participate proactively in this socio economy development of our country,” he said.

From the scholarships offered this year, the qualifications are as follows, Doctorate- 6, Masters -61, Post graduate diplomas – 15, Undergraduate – 1261, Diplomas -320 and Certificates – 186.

The categories are as follows:

  1. The Pre-Service school based form 7, upgraded and others who are self-sponsored themselves is 640
  2. In Service public service is 100
  3. In Service private sector is 64
  4. In Service teachers is 77
  5. Skills development, RTC is 164
  6. Constituencies is 300
  7. Cost shares only 6
  8. Additionally 498

PM urges unemployed people in Honiara to return home

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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PM Manasseh Sogavare

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

ALL citizens not working who are living in Honiara are encouraged to return or relocate to their provinces immediately as Honiara is the most vulnerable location to Coronavirus (COVID-19) if it gets here.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his national address with regards to COVID-19 yesterday evening said it is important to reduce the population in Honiara during this time and in anticipation of a potential lockdown of the city, should an outbreak occur.

According to Sogavare as of Thursday 20th March, the government will be doing additional measures implemented to protect Solomon Islands from coronavirus.

He said the current measures to protect the entry of the virus will continue, however the time has come for the country to step up response even further to protect the people and country.

“We must sharpen our response as if the coronavirus is already here. To achieve this we need to stand together to fight the coronavirus. We need a bipartisan approach at the political level, our private sector, churches, civil society and communities must be part of our strategy to fight coronavirus,” said Sogavare.

Sogavare during his address said Solomon Islands government aims to achieve three goals.

“First to protect all Solomon Islanders and all people living in Solomon Islands, second to keep the economic engine of the country going, three, to position the country to emerge from this challenge, stronger in uniting.

“In relation to the first goal, we stepped up our response to achieve two basic objectives.  First, to prevent the introduction of the coronavirus into the country and second, to prepare the country to respond effectively and efficiently, and in a coordinated manner if the COVID-19 enters the country,” said Sogavare.

NRH restricts visitors to hospital

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Admin
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Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr John Hue

NATIONAL Referral Hospital (NRH) is implementing special emergency measures to respond to the threat of the new Coronavirus
(COVID–19).
Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr John Hue said all non-urgent clinics and Hospital services are suspended until further notice.

Under the NRH Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) protocol, there is an urgent need to control the movement of visitors, vehicles and parking at NRH, to reduce the risks of spreading COVID-19.

The following control measures were approved by the NRH Executive to address these issues :

  1. NRH Vehicle Pass – Only vehicles with an NRH pass will be allowed into the hospital car park. Ambulances and emergency transport are exempted.
  2. Patients must limit their pick up and drop off time. Strictly no parking.
  3. An NRH Clinic Pass will be given to patients attending specialized clinics, e.g. Emergency department and Outpatient clinic review, Eye Clinics, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Surgical Out Patient Department clinics, Oncology, X-rays, Medical Lab, etc.. Patients will be given NRH Clinic pass by their nurse or doctor so they may access these services at NRH. Patients must keep it for the duration of their clinic visit and return it to their nurse or doctor when finished. Access to these clinical services will be denied without a clinic pass
  4. NRH Ward Pass – Every patient admitted to NRH wards will be allowed only one (1) relative to stay at any one time. The relative must bring the NRH ward pass when returning to the ward. Relatives will not be able to enter the NRH wards without this pass.

“These control measures are being implemented to improve clinical care to to patients,” Dr Hue says. Complete recovery of patients is our priority.

NRH is our one and only hospital that provides tertiary health services in the Country.”

The NRH Executive and the Ministry of Health & Medical Services ask the public to observe and support the new control measures to ensure NRH is safe and a healing place for our Solomon Islanders.

Dr Hue also reminded the public of the need to be practising health hygiene measures when they come to the hospital.

“COVID-19 is spread when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or breathes, sending infected droplets over others and onto surfaces.

Everyone needs to get into the habit of covering their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, washing your hands often with water and soap, and keeping safe distance from others if you are sick – at least 1 metre away.

Third COVID – 19 Suspected Case Tests Negative

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Admin
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil.

RESULTS of the third suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia over the weekend has tested Negative.

This is the last of the three sample tests received to date, all of which have tested Negative.

The Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil says the public can again be rest assured and comforted by this result, and acknowledges the hard tireless work of the members of the NDOC-Health Committee and particularly the front liners who since day one have sacrificed themselves selflessly to the call of duty.

With the pleasing results of all three samples the fight against this deadly virus is not over until it is over says the Permanent Secretary, adding that there is no time to relax and the public must remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, continue to maintain social distance at least one (1) Metre apart and avoid non-essential travelling to coronavirus affected countries.

MHMS is thankful to all the recent incoming passengers and crews to Solomon Islands who are following the advice given by the health teams upon entry and who are reporting any slight changes in their health. MHMS advices all incoming passengers and crews to continue to comply with measures that are provided.

The MHMS continues to appeal to the general public to avoid rumors, misleading information and speculation, but instead to ensure to obtain accurate, correct information. You can access updated information online at www.solomons.gov.sb, or follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/officialmhmssi/

The MHMS will continue to work together with other Government Ministries, Partners, NGOs and Stakeholders to ensure our country is protected from Coronavirus.

–MHMS

Second COVID-19 suspected case test Negative

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Admin
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PS Pauline McNeil

No confirm COVID -19 case in Solomon Islands

RESULTS of the second suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia has tested Negative.

There were three (3) COVID 19 samples sent to Australia, and so far two out of three samples test received to date are negative.

Mrs. McNeil Permanent Secretary of Health says, the general public will be informed when the result of the last samples is available.

Mrs. McNeil says, the public can again be rest assured that the results of the second suspected case is negative with no detection of coronavirus.

Mrs. McNeil, acknowledges the hard tireless work of the members of the NDOC-Health Committee, our development partners, our stakeholders and particularly the front liners who have been on day one sacrificed themselves selflessly to the call of duty.

With the pleasing results received so far, this does not mean that we have to lay back but continue work hard together and therefore calls on the public to remain vigilant and practice good hygiene and continue to maintain social distance at least one (1) metre apart and avoid non-essential travelling to coronavirus affected countries.

MHMS is thankful to all the recent travellers into Solomon Islands who are following the advice given by our teams upon entry and reporting any slight changes in their health. MHMS advices our travellers to continue to comply with measures that provided.

The MHMS continues to appeal to general public to avoid rumors, misleading information and speculation, but ensure to obtain the accurate and facts information. You can access updated information on online www.solomons.gov.sb, or follow our face book page https://www.facebook.com/officialmhmssi/.

The MHMS will continue to work together with other Government Ministries, Partners and Stakeholders to ensure our country is protected from Coronavirus.

–MHMS

DCGA committed in delivering policy priorities: PM

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Admin
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PM Manasseh Sogavare

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the National Government is fully committed in delivering its policy priorities in the interests of peace, unity, national stability and economic advancement.

Speaking in Parliament this week, the Prime Minister said it is upon the foundation of peace, unity, national stability and economic advancement that sets the course of his government.

“It is upon this foundation, that, we will move this beloved country forward for the betterment of our children and our children’s children,” he said.

On that note, Prime Minister Sogavare urged all citizens to unite, join hands and work together for the common good of this nation and its people.

“One may have noticed that along with the strong commitment by the majority in aiming for the common good, there are a few individuals that have an agenda to drive the government from achieving the common good,” he said.

The Prime Minister said it is in the best interest of all Solomon Islanders for our children to grow up in a society free from wrong decisions made by their fore fathers.

“We want our children to grow into a society where they enjoy lasting peace and unity in a stable nation that fully enjoys economic prosperity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has encouraged the Office of the Official Opposition to work together with the Government in the country’s development aspirations. “We must work together for the good of this nation and its people and to refrain from resorting to petty issues by arrogantly driving a self-serving agenda that will not benefit the interest of the people,” he said.

PM provides update on 20203 Pacific Games

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Admin
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Pacific Games 2023 Solomon Islands.

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has informed Parliament on the update progress on the 2023 Pacific Games preparations.

Speaking in Parliament this week, the Prime Minister said the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand have committed to supporting various aspects of the 2023 Games.

He said the work on the indoor courts at the Old Community centre is also progressing well as we speak.

Prime Minister Sogavare said PRC is supporting the design and to build the national stadium complex, the swimming pool complex, the tennis complex, a new track and field at the KGVI grounds including a multi-purpose hall and a hockey field.

“The support by PRC is by way of grant and not loans, this must be made clear to avoid any doubt,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said Indonesia is financing a futsal multipurpose indoor hall.

He said Indonesia has already deposited $7.2 m into our escrow account to support finance this, with the rest of the financing assistance coming in the new fiscal year.

The Prime Minister adds Papua New Guinea would be supporting the building of the new Soccer Academy.

In addition, he said Australia has also committed to support the refurbishment of dormitories and classrooms plus support facilities of schools selected to accommodate athletes and staff during the Pacific Games.

“Australia is committed to support the training of elite athletes in Australia and support for the high performance centre at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports. This will be based at the former Telekom recreation field in Ranadi,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare said the National Hosting Authority (NHA) is seeking additional development partner support for currently unfunded facilities.

“Land for the Games venues and facilities have mostly been settled. Construction of some of the major facilities for the Games will commence later this year,” he said.

He said it is anticipated that most of facilities will be completed by December 2022 with the national stadium expected to be completed by March 2023, 3 months before the games. Prime Minister Sogavare said the NHA, is the body established under the 2023 Pacific Games Act to plan, manage and deliver the games, and it is in full operation.

Impact of Corona virus on Solomon Islands Economy

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Admin
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Central Bank of Solomon Islands. Photo by CBSI

THE Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) wish to provide the following updates regarding the Corona Virus/COVID 19 impact on the national economy:

  • The Coronavirus will likely have a considerable negative impact on the Solomon Islands economy. The spread and considerable disruption of this epidemic will be exacerbated by the increasingly intertwined trade and investment relationships between China and its neighbours in the Asia Pacific region. Being a small open economy, the Solomon Islands will likely be adversely affected through the trade channel and thereafter the economy, and even fiscal operations.
  • With respect to the country’s exports; Logs, one of the country’s key exports commodities would be affected. As China is the key destination for our log exports, the epidemic might see a 11% fall in log output to 2.2 million cubic metres. Foreign exchange from logs might decline by 9% to $2.3 billion. There will also be delays in log shipments to China as well as the remittance of the proceeds.
  • The negative impact on logs could thereafter affect fiscal operations.  Log duties could fall by 6% to $467 million, leading to a further 1% fall in total domestic revenue to $3.5 billion. On the expenditure side, health spending might soar if the virus spreads in the country. The fiscal balance might deteriorate to negative 1% of GDP or a reallocation and rationing of funds might be required.
  • Imports of vital goods could also be affected. This is due to the fact that the country’s key trading partners that account for 40% of total imports are at the centre of the outbreak; China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Japan. This would disrupt the supply chain of materials for consumption, manufacturing and investment in the country.
  • Due to the impact of the virus on the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, the real GDP outlook for 2020 has been projected to decline by 60 basis points to 2.0%. This decline is likely to emanate from a slowdown in activities associated with forestry, tourism, and transport-related sectors.  
  • Depending on the severity and duration of this pandemic, the Solomon Islands economy might contract further to around 1% or even fall into a recession. When this happens, there could be large-scale closure of schools and businesses. The ability of the Government to provide public goods and services could also be affected. More specifically, the health system would be stretched to its limits and government finances to support the containment measures would be under a lot of strain.
  • Support from development partners would be crucial to assist the Solomon Islands respond to the pandemic. This would be for both the emergency health response and also grant and short-term concessional debt financing to support the government and the economy.  
  • Domestically, the government, statutory agencies and private businesses must be prepared to mitigate the risk and the magnitude of these impacts. Nonetheless, post-Coronavirus containment, economic activity should pick up as in previous pandemics, as the global, Chinese and Solomon Islands economies recover.

–Central Bank of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands faces $259m shortfall due to COVID-19

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Minister Hurry Kuma

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU


SOLOMON ISLANDS is facing a revenue shortfall of $259 million as the fallout from the coronavirus leads to a dramatic deterioration in the state’s economic outlook.
This was revealed by the Minister of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) Harry Kuma on Monday in his parliament address to answer questions by the Opposition Leader Matthew Wale on how the economy is being affected by the coronavirus threat.
Mr Kuma said this revenue shortfall means expenditure will need to be rationed or reprioritised.
Kuma said Health related expenditure was expected to increase by five percent from $2467.7 million to $259.05 million and push total government expenditure by two percent against the baseline of $3.9 billion.
“Overall, the likely impact of this global pandemic will put pressure on government finances and government’s fiscal and might deteriorate.
“Our first priority is to keep up with the difficult task of keeping our people’s health as safe as we possibly can.
“This challenge, the Government is also determined and prepared to lessen the financial and economic fallout of COVID-19 on our domestic economy,” said Kuma.
Kuma said that in this connection, the government has considered a balanced fiscal and economic policy to ensure adequate resources are available to keep our people safe, and to provide fiscal stimuli to our domestic economy in this difficult time.

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