Home Blog Page 1073

COVID-19 entry will have social, economic and health impacts in SI

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
WHO representative in Solomon Islands, Dr Sevil Huseynova

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

CORONAVIRUS-19 (COVID-19) entry will have social, economic and health impacts in the country, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO representative in Solomon Islands, says the current coronavirus threat is not just a health issue but a public health emergency of national concern that entail social, economic and health impacts.

She said it is time the government and people of Solomon Islands prepare, get ready and really understand the right approaches needed when it comes to COVID-19 as it is a national concern.

“This is not just a health issue – this a Public health emergency of National Concern, that will have social, economic and health impacts on the country.

“It’s time to prepare, it’s time to get ready. It is time for us all to really understand that an all-of-government and an all-of-society approach is what is needed,” she said.

Huseynova adds, Solomon Islands is at a critical juncture in the outbreak, but to date no cases of COVID-19 have been reported. Hence, the country must continue to contain it and applying appropriate measures to prevent further spread but to also prepare for the possibility of wider transmission.

“Because it not a matter of IF the new Coronavirus comes to Solomon Islands, but WHEN,” Huseynova said.

Moreover, she said the experiences of other countries has been that, with all the screening measures in the world, they could not keep the virus out. That is because screening does not pick up people who show no symptoms.

“The country must be ready for the first case, the first cluster of cases, the first evidence of community transmission and for dealing with ongoing community transmission -all at the same time,” Huseynova said.

Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dickson Mua said he wants to assure the people of Solomon Islands that his ministry and its partner ministries are doing everything possible to prevent COVID-19 entering Solomon Islands.

“Whilst I am confident of the success of endeavours in this regard  based on the excellent work that was done to prevent Solomon Islands being affected by measles despite the measles outbreak in other countries in the region, the ministry is also making sure that we are as prepared as we can ,IF COVID-10 does reach Solomon Islands.

“I would also like to reach out to every citizen of this beloved country to pray and ask our Heavenly father for his protection at this trying and challenging times,” said Mua.

These statements were echoed at a recent joint press conference organised by Ministry of Health.   

Travelers asked to respect travel restrictions

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Clezy Rore

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

TRAVELLERS are asked to respect the travel restrictions as it is vital to prevent entry of Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) into the country.

Clezy Rore, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration has made this call with the aim to strengthen Solomon Islands border control to protect the country’s population from the potential entry of the COVID-19.

“Whilst the measures that have been introduced may cause some individuals inconvenience, the restrictions that have been put in place have been introduced in the interest of protecting the population of Solomon Islands during this global public health outbreak.

“Travellers are asked to respect the restrictions that have been put in place and not take out any frustrations that they may have on Immigration staff,” said Mr Rore.

He said the most recent Joint Travel Advisory which was issued on February 27, restricts entry to Solomon Islands by passengers who have travelled from or transited through countries where COVID-19 has been restricted.

 Rore said these countries are listed as Restricted Countries in the Travel Advisory and include the People’s Republic of China (Mainland China), the republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Hongkong (SAR), Thailand, Iran, Chinese, Taipei and Macau.

He said any person who has travelled from or through any country that is listed are restricted, at any time during the 14 days immediately prior to the day of arrival of that person in Solomon Islands, will be turned away or denied entry to Solomon Islands.

“This is indeed a drastic measure, but is absolute necessary if we are to reduce the potential for COVID-19 to enter the country,” said Rore.

He made this call at a recent joint media conference in Honiara.

New Airbus to arrive this weekend

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Solomon Airlines new airbus. Photo by Solomon Airlines

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Airlines new Airbus A320 aircraft H4-SIB is expected to arrive this weekend.

Manager Commercial, Collin Sigamanu confirmed to Island Sun on Thursday 4th March that the plane leaves Brisbane on Saturday, to arrive at Munda, Western province first before coming over to Honiara.

Sigamanu said if it leaves Brisbane on Sunday, then it fly direct to Honiara international airport.

He said there will be a small ceremony held in Honiara to welcome the new airbus.

Last month, Solomon Airlines released the first image of the airline’s shiny new Airbus A320 aircraft H4-SIB, which was painted in Townsville, Australia.

The aircraft ‘Spirit of the Solomons’ formerly flew for Air New Zealand and is being fitted to Solomon Airline’s specifications before entering service shortly, a statement from Solomon Airlines said.

Solomon Airlines will offer two classes onboard including all leather, midnight blue seating comprising 12 Business Class seats in a 2×2 seat configuration and 132 Economy Class seats in a 3×3 seat layout.

Following the completion of the interior installation, the airline will confirm its operating schedule.

The new aircraft will be ferried to Brisbane to operate its first scheduled service from Brisbane to Honiara.

Solomon Airlines is planning a VIP welcome function at Henderson International Airport at Honiara.

Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Brett Gebers said the new A320 is symbolic of the importance of international air access for the Solomon Islands.

“International services linking the Solomon Islands, near neighbour Pacific destinations and Australia are key to future tourism and economic development in the region and updating our fleet is an utmost priority for us,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring highest safety standards, comfort, and reliability across our international and domestic services for visitors and for Solomon Islands people,” Mr. Gebers said.

Solomon Airlines is updating both its international and domestic fleet.

Approximately 90 percent of the airline’s domestic operations to 22 destinations within the Solomon Islands are operated by three DHC-­‐6-­‐300 Twin Otter aircraft, with just six airstrips capable of taking its sole Bombardier Dash8-­‐100.

The airline has completed an extensive refurbishment of Its Twin Otter fleet and has recently signed an agreement to purchase a further Twin Otter to join the fleet this year.

Solomon Airlines was also instrumental in the extensive upgrade and reopening of Munda Airport in the Western Province, renowned as one of the world’s most desirable diving destinations.

Munda Airport can now accommodate international flights providing the country’s second airport to serve as a backup to the Henderson International Airport at Honiara.

The Solomon Islands, population 600,000, is an archipelago nation of nearly 1000 islands situated approximately 2,000 km to the northeast of Australia in the south-­‐west Pacific Ocean.

Coronavirus threat

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Director Immigration, Mason Fugui

Seven people turned back by Immigrations at airport since travel restrictions enforced

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO & BARNABAS MANEBONA

A total of seven passengers who have been to countries with reported coronavirus-19 (COVID) cases have been turned back and denied entry into the country by Immigration officers.

According to report, these passengers have transited through PNG and travelled to Solomon Islands on different dates and flights.

One foreign passenger travelling from Singapore and transiting through Papua New Guinea (PNG) to Solomon Islands was the latest to be denied entry by immigration Officers this week Wednesday, adding the number of six (6) passengers earlier denied entry to seven.

Director Immigration, Mason Fugui, confirming this on Thursday 5th March said a total of seven passengers who have been to countries where coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) have been reported have been turned back and denied entry into the country.

“The latest passenger was turned back on Wednesday 4th March. This particular individual had travelled from Singapore, transited through Papua New Guinea but was denied entry and turned away when he arrived here,” said Mr Fugui.

“Apart from this one passenger, six passengers who have transited through PNG have also been turned around on the same flights as they have also been to restricted countries.”

Meanwhile the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Clezy Rore said any person who has travelled from or through any country that is listed as restricted, at any time during the 14 days immediately prior to the day of arrival of that person in Solomon Islands, will be turned away and denied entry.

“This is indeed a drastic measure, but is absolutely necessary if we are to reduce the potential for COVID-19 to enter the country,” said Rore.  

From the recent issued ‘Joint travel advisory’, it stresses entry restriction to Solomon Islands by passengers who have travelled from or have transited through countries where COVID-19 cases have been confirmed.

Countries listed as ‘Restricted Countries’ in the travel Advisory include the People’s Republic of China (mainland China), the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Hong Kong (SAR), Thailand , Iran, Chinese Taipei and Macau.

When querying this issue to Solomon Airlines, Corporate Manager Bill Tyson said that it is the first he has heard of and confirmed that the flight from PNG arriving here was scheduled for 12.15pm. 

“First I heard of it. The flight from PNG arrived here scheduled for 12.15 PM.  Flight no PX (unsure),” responded Tyson.

Sol2023 preparations face uncertainty

Written by
Admin
-
0
Pacific Games 2023 Solomon Islands.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE JNR

THE Solomon Islands Government along with stakeholders are facing uncertainty as facilities preparation on the ground towards hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games has been delayed due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), declared as global health emergency.

In a latest revelation by the government authorities yesterday during a joint press conference, traveling restrictions are now in force and will affect the technical part in regards to the facilities works.

Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) Permanent Secretary, Pauline McNeil depends entirely as the country is facing risks.

“For the Ministry as well as the government in the front line, the priorities are kind of refocused for now, but of course the core business of the government is to progress as well with the task ahead,” Mrs. McNeil said.

“This is an abnormal situation where the government is faced with.  The current emergency that is ongoing has a lot of implication in terms of trade and economic – cross cutting issues regarding the facilities and services to be provided and the government will be ensuring cautious measures.

A second scoping team from the People Republic of China was supposed to be in the country on facility matters, this include the proposed national stadium.

However, discussions are done through China embassy in Papua New Guinea, and according to reports PRC are requesting travel access to begin the facility project.

Attorney General, John Muria Jr also reiterates that the government’s priority concern is the well-being of the people.

“In terms of the games there’s nothing yet as what the government can say regarding, but it is safe to say that safety and health of the citizens is the paramount concern of the government at the moment,” Mr. Muria adds.

“As you can see from the FOPA to take place in Hawaii has been cancelled, the decision was made because of the safety of people.

He added that whatever decision to be made down the track depends on the World Health Organization (WHO) declare the virus widespread, actions will be taken accordingly.

Numerous sporting events have also been either postponed or cancelled.

Meanwhile, a COVID-19 Operational Plan has been approved by the cabinet last week a step the government takes in its preparedness for the virus entry.

Malaita prepares for coronavirus

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Director for Tuberculosis/Leprosy program Dr Henry Kako.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Health Authority has put in place preparedness plans for coronavirus.

Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, Dr Henry Kako said this is in response to advice issued by WHO to countries in the Pacific region.

MHMS is implementing its preparedness plan with all its provincial health authorities across the country.

He said on February 4, the Infection Control Programme under Kilu’ufi hospital called a first meeting represented by various divisions within the hospital included Auki clinic.

Kako said during the meeting a cluster team representing these various divisions within the hospital was selected to head the preparedness plan.

So far they have had five meetings in their preparation.

“We took this corona virus outbreak seriously and want to prepare early.

“So, from the cluster team, we put together preparedness plans on how to react to the virus if it arrives in the country,” Kako said.

He said they will embark on awareness programmes in churches, to be followed by schools and public sessions in the communities.

Kako said this is to ensure public is aware of the virus, its control measures and where to go to if there is a suspected case.

“As we met and prepared, the mother ministry will send to Kilu’ufi hospital its surveillance team to conduct a training for us.

“So the team here on the ground looks forward for the training because it would be the first time MHMS to help us with the training since WHO declare the outbreak of corona virus,” he said.

Kako said they had also met with an officer from Malaita Provincial Disaster Organizing Committee who presented in their last two meetings.

“The officer helped us with good information in relations to activation of our committee or team.   

“We link with the officer to communicate our preparedness plans to the provincial government,” he said.

Beche-de-mere ban will not be lifted: MFMR

Written by
Admin
-
0

THE Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has issued a statement saying it will not lift the current ban on beche-de-mer fishery.

It made its stance clear following reports of illegal beche-de-mer harvesting in some parts of the country.

An order to ban beche-de-mer harvesting was gazetted and became effective as of May 31, 2019. The ban covers harvesting, possession and selling of all beche-de-mer species.

The decision to ban beche-de-mer was reached because the fishery is on the verge of collapse. This is evident from the data obtained by the Ministry of Fisheries during the recent opening period that more than 80 percent of the export consignment were under sized.

Based on this data, it was evident that beche-de-mer fishery was harvested unsustainably thus the need for this ban to allow the beche-de-mer population to recover.

For beche-de-mer to recover fully it would need up to 10 years at the most depending on the species and current stocks in the particular area.

The Director of Fisheries encourages the general public to observe this Order as any breaches will be deemed illegal and those found guilty will be liable for prosecution and or imprisonment.

–MFMR PRESS

Million-dollar ore stockpile remains idle on San Jorge

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
A recent mining exploration on Isabel Province. Photo by Axiom Mining Solomon Islands.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MORE than 70,000 metric tonnes of nickel ores that cost around $171 million (US$20 million) to $256 million (US$30m) in the markets are lying idle on San Jorge, Isabel province.

Axiom Mining Limited (AML) which has a lease on the tenement could not export the minerals since September last year after the government refused to grant an export permit.

The Mines and Mineral Board rejected Axiom Mining Ltd’s application for an export permit citing the company does not have a Provincial Business licence from Isabel Government.

Axiom has already filed a judicial review in the High Court against the decision of the Minerals Board, as well as a misfeasance claim against the Minister of Mines Bradley Tovosia and Director of Mines Nicholas Biliki.

The reason was they are failing to properly exercise their powers under Regulations 70 and 71 of the Mines and Minerals Regulations pertaining to the company’s export permit application.

Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Christopher Vehe said nothing can be done about the mineral because there is a judicial review case before the court.

Vehe said unless a decision is made by court before any action can be taken.

Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki said the minerals are still the property of Axiom because they have the lease over the tenement.

Biliki said government cannot interfere when the issue is before the court and Axiom owns the lease as well.

However, one mineral expert said the delay to export the minerals is causing environmental degradation to the environment and sea bed.

The expert said when it rains, the minerals can flow down to the sea and cause problems to the habitats in the sea.

Island Sun contacted the Director of Environment but could not get a reply.

General Manager of Axiom, Dr Phil Tagini last year said regarding the export permit application, there are subsequent requests for materials by the Ministry of Mines which the law does not require for the consideration of an export permit.

Dr Tagini said the application has met the requirements of the Mines and Minerals (MM) regulations and thus the company should have been granted an export permit to ship out its nickel ore products to its United States-based buyer, Traxys.

However, Tagini said Minister Tovosia in a letter dated July 18 this year informed Axiom that the Minerals Board following its extra-ordinary meeting on July 5, had decided to reject the company’s export permit application on the basis that it did not possess a business licence from the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG).

The Board had maintained that this is a requirement even though it is not required in the Act or Regulations.

Tagini explained that Axiom’s non-possession of a business licence was not deliberate on its part but was rather due to failure of the Isabel Provincial Government to respond positively to its numerous applications and attempts to obtain a business licence.

He said Axiom has come to a stage where it could no longer tolerate the overreach of the Board and must bring the matter for an independent interpretation by the Courts. 

He added Axiom’s nickel mine project on San Jorge is projected to contribute up to 15 to 20 percent of Solomon Islands Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when in the full exportation phase.

SI at risk of COVID-19 outbreak: Mua

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Minister for Forestry and Research Dickson Panakitasi Mua.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands is at a high risk of a Coronavirus -19 (COVID-19) outbreak, says Minister for Health Dickson Mua.

Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday 4th March, Mr Mua said there is a high risk of COVID-19 spread at global and regional levels and the impact risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in Solomon Islands is also high.

With this in mind, the ministry of Health and Medical Services has prepared a COVID-19 Operational Plan which Cabinet endorsed last Thursday,February 27.

“The COVID-19 Operational Plan summarises the activities that my ministry is undertaking both to prepare for the entry of COVID-19 into Solomon Islands, and to respond to the virus if it does enter the country.”

He said as part Ministry’s preparedness activities under the COVID-19 operational plan a great deal of work has been put into identifying suitable facilities that can be used for the quarantine of people entering the country who have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.

“Quarantine facilities are being established both and near the Henderson Airfield to enable prompt and safe quarantine of passengers should they need to be quarantine.

“We are also looking at establishing quarantine facilities at the provinces in the near future,” said Mua.

Government approves another $6m for coronavirus preparedness

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands Government (SIG) has approved a contingency warrant funds of $6.6million last week to support the Ministry of Health prepare for entry of the coronavirus.

The approved amount of money indicates government’s commitment to keeping the country safe from the virus, says Dickson Mua, Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

“The Solomon Islands government is committed to keeping Solomon Islands protected against potential threats and in response, approved contingency warrant funds totalling $6.6 million last week to support MHMS COVID-19 prevention and preparedness activities.

“Prevention and preparedness are key components of a strong foundation for the COVID-19 response, and contribute to a resilient Solomon Islands health systems, as well as building resilience in our communities.

“Preparedness activities include identifying command and control structures and reporting mechanism,” said Mr Mua.

He said it also involves preparation of plans and standard operating procedures, trainings of clinical and non-clinical staff including front-line workers at points of entry, ensuring that resources are ready and available and monitoring through enhanced surveillance activities.

“Preparedness activities are undertaken both at National and Provincial level as I speak,” said Mua.    

1...1,0721,0731,074...1,675Page 1,073 of 1,675