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No specific medicine to prevent COVID-19

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THERE has been no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This was highlighted during the recent joint Media Conference held in Honiara.

“To date, there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. However, those infected should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms and those with severe illness should receive care from a health provider.

“The following measures will not protect you from the virus and some can be harmful such as smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking traditional herbal teas, wearing many masks to maximize protection and taking self-medication such as antibiotics,” the statement from the press conference said.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health Pauline McNeil said the only thing the public is advised to practice to prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19 is to wash hands frequently with soap, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing , keep your distance, avoid touching eyes ,nose and mouth and avoid unnecessary overcrowding and social gatherings.

Seven petition cases pending

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer. Photo by RNZ

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer says seven petition cases are still pending hearing.

Sir Albert speaking at the opening of the High Court room two on Thursday said the courts lack of rooms for hearing of cases and with the opening of the court room 2 it will help to hear and dispose cases.

He said noting that all decisions on election petition have to be delivered not later than May 20, 2020, in some earlier depending on the date of filing it gives the court limited time.

“This narrow window of time imposed by Parliament when it passed the new Electoral Act 2018 into law, gives little room for the High Court to maneuver other than to ensure that the legislative mandate is compiled with”, Sir Albert said.

He said out of 24 remaining election petition cases, 3 are partly heard and or currently being heard, 9 have been completed and judgments delivered, 5 have been heard and awaiting judgment and 7 are waiting to be heard that comes to 24.

‘We will need to be patient and expect delays of some 2-3 months before those court rooms will become available again. We hope that there will be a quicker turn around, if Government processes can be fast tracked to enable us achieve what is necessary for the building and court rooms to be made ready”, Sir Albert adds.

He also said that the court room two will primarily be used for civil hearings.

Financial support check

Written by
Taromane Martin
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FROM L-R..NOCSI President and NHA vice chairman Martin Rara, WIKA countrymanager Addur Rachman and WIKA Project Manager during the NHA press conference on Friday 6th March 2020. Picture Taromane Martin

Indonesia to deliver Stadium by 2021

By Taromane Martin

MONEY from the Indonesian government to build the multipurpose hall to host futsal competitions during the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara is already guaranteed.

In fact, Indonesia has already given the money for the Multipurpose Hall project last year and is in a bank account co-shared by Solomon Islands and Indonesia, Sol2023 National Hosting Authority Chairman Dr Jimmy Rodgers revealed during a press conference yesterday.

“The origins of this project begun during a conversation between Indonesian President and former Prime Minister.at the margins of APEC Leaders meeting in Port Moresby,” the NHA Chairman said.

“That sort of gave birth to this where Solomon Islands at that stage raised the question of whether the Indonesian government would support our initiative, knowing very well that Indonesia had just successfully hosted the Asian Games at that time.

“It was taken very seriously and progressed really fast with the Indonesian government allocating about seven-and-a half million US dollars which roughly about 65 million Solomon dollars to this project.

“And they’ve also done something that has not happen to any projects in the country before. Money for the project was paid in last year and is in a Tesco bank account co-shared by Solomon Islands and Indonesian government.

“So basically the money for the project is already in the bank, so to speak meaning there are no financial setbacks expected on this project by the Indonesian government,” he said.

The Multi-Purpose Hall will be built in the KGVI-Panatina Sports Complex, where the Main Stadium, Aquatics and Tennis Complex for the 2023 Pacific Games will be built.

The MP hall is a single complex that will house three court areas capable of playing futsal, basketball, netball, volleyball and a host of other sports.

 Importantly the Hall will be able to function as a centre to support large gatherings such as trade shows, church assemblies, school examinations, major social events and could also provide emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster for instance.

The complex is over 5800 sq. meters and features 6 change rooms, a conference room area, and permanent retractable seating for over 1500 people. The hall could potentially hold over 4000 people in different seating configurations.

Dr Rodgers also revealed that the Indonesian government has allocated a state owned enterprise, PT Wijaya Kara (WIKA) to design and build the Multipurpose Hall facility which will be the first facility that will be ready for the games.

“We still have some finessing to get all the details signed. We’ll sign the final constructions agreements around first week of May and from then on constructions will start.

 “This will be the first facility that will be completed for the 2023 Pacific Games. So we are grateful to the Indonesian government for their support.” Dr Rodgers said.

Out for revenge

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Solomon Warriors team.

Warriors meets Magenta

By Taromane Martin

SOLOMON Warriors FC will look and hope to avenge last year’s defeat to Super Ligue side AS Magenta when the two sides meet for the Group C top of the table clash .

The top of the table clash will take place 7pm Saturday 7th March at the Super Ligue side home ground, the Stade Numa-Daly, in New Caledonia.

The last time these two sides met was on the 27th of February 2019 at Lawson Tama Stadium. Despite the home advantage, Warriors were humiliated suffering a 3-0 loss to the eventual 2019 grand finalists.

A confident Magenta Head Coach Alain Moizan as always qualification for the next round will be tough but is confident of defeating Solomon Warriors FC like they did last year at Lawson Tama.

“The most difficult thing is to win. Every year we start again from zero, last year was one thing, this year is something else,” the former French international midfielder explained.

“As always, the qualification for the next round will be a tough challenge but our aim is to beat Tiare Tahiti and Solomon Warriors, like we did beat them last year,” the As Magenta coach told OFC.

Solomon Warriors FC currently has three points and sits in second position behind the host who are leading Group C after their 5-0 win over AS Tiare Tahiti on Wednesday.

Warriors Head Coach Selson Molea following their 1-0 win over Tiare Tahiti on Sunday knows his side needs to improve and make use of their chances if they are to bring the 2020 Oceania Champions League to Lawson Tama.

Winner of this match will get rights to host a home quarterfinal match. Meanwhile after two matchdays in Group the competition table so far is as follows:

6 Solomon Islands citizens stranded in Hong Kong

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Hong Kong International Airport. Photo by Business Traveller

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SIX Solomon Islands citizens are stranding in Hong Kong after their holiday was cut short by the Coronavirus.

According to Chris Briggs they; including his friend, her sister, husband and three children went to China early in January just before the issue blew up.

Brigss said since then their “holiday” has been nothing short of a nightmare and a financial disaster.

This came after the Ministry of Health and Medical Services issued a joint travel advisory to restrict people entering Solomon Islands if they come from countries that have confirmed cases of coronavirus.

“All are Solomon Islands citizens.

“To me it is simple. A government bulletin advising all citizens that they will be welcomed home, not treated like pariahs, perhaps quarantined, but definitely not turned away from their home countries,” he said.

Briggs said none of them display any symptoms of Coronavirus.

“It is very sad that this has not already been done by the Minister of Health or the Minister of immigration. Citizens affected must be at their wits end.

“I have tried to contact the Ministers or their office with no-one answering. I have tried ringing the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, no answers,” he said.

“Now I am trying the only other thing that could help, not just my friend and her family members, but anyone else caught up in this through no fault of their own.

“I do have someone at MOH trying to get a decision for me but 2 days have passed almost and it is still going to different committees for consideration,” he said.

“It is so simple.

“Get the people home that call this place home. Solomon Islanders need support from the government and failing that, the people need to march,” he said.

Briggs said the only way that is going to happen is if organisations such as yours highlight the issue and put Ministers on the spot to earn their positions.

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

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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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
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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
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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
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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

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Admin
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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.

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