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Young Taiwan doctors complete 4 month medical journey

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dr Li Cheng Yu and Dr Liu Kuan Fu after delivering their presentation.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

TWO young Taiwanese doctors have completed a four month stay in the country, providing medical services and specialized skills as general practitioners to the national referral hospital and two Honiara City Council clinics in Honiara.

Dr Li Cheng Yu (Mick) and Dr Liu Kuan Fu (James) were dispatched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Taiwan government to assist the projects of the Taiwan Health Centre in the country from March 6th to July 19th 2018.

During their first six weeks in the country, both doctors worked at the national referral hospital. Dr Li worked in the surgical department and emergency department while Dr Liu assisted the hospital in orthopedics and internal medicine.

Dr Li also assisted NRH’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Rooney Jagilly in surgery and attended to patients in fast track area and resuscitation in the emergency room.

Dr. Liu is assessing a child’s health condition in Kukum clinic

Meanwhile, Dr Liu worked in orthopedic clinics, assisted in surgery operations, joined the daily ward round and helped take care of patients in terms of internal medicine.

Apart from providing services to the hospital, they also tried to find out the largest disease burdens in the country and what was lacking in terms of techniques and facilities provided for the public.

This led Dr Li and Dr Liu to discuss the above issue with several staff of the hospital of which information they obtained was sent back to the Taiwan Embassy and Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, the hospital responsible for the Taiwan’s Health Centre here in Honiara.

Dr Li Cheng Yu and Dr Liu Kuan Fu after delivering their presentation.

With that information passed on, they hope that it can better help Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital formulate their future plans so that donations made by the Taiwan government can meet the actual and overriding needs of Solomon Islands.

Work at the national referral hospital was followed by services offered to Kukum and Rove clinics in which they spent six weeks, from mid- April to May.

Whilst working at the clinics they found that medical practitioners were lacking so they cooperated with nurses and provided secondary consultations.

Their work in the clinics included review of patients who had complicated or more serious diseases, minor surgery and awareness talks on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Language for any foreigner is challenging so for Dr Li and Dr Liu, speaking Pijin in earlier days was a bit difficult especially when it came to communicating with their patients and trying to figure out if they were being understood.

The development of a “Medical terms in Pijin” booklet by both doctors eased this situation as patients easily understood them.

Dr. Li performed an abdominal scan for a patient in emergency department in NRH.

They emphasized that the booklet would, in the future greatly assist doctors from Taiwan when communicating with Solomon Islanders.

The last lap of their medical journey, from June 5th to June 14th was when they joined the Taiwan Mobile Medical team and provided services to people in Small Malaita.

Dr Li and Dr Liu expressed that people in Solomon Islands were very friendly and this was what gave the great amount of energy to contribute their services in many aspects to help the people.

It was a great honor for them to serve the country and they hope that they will have the chance to revisit the country in the future.

Both doctors delivered a presentation of their work experience at the Taiwan Health Centre on Tuesday.

(Left) Dr Li, two nurses and Dr Liu at Kukum clinic.

MUP plan to rehabilitate coconut plantations intact

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu

PREMIER of Makira/Ulawa province has reiterated his government’s commitment to rehabilitate coconut plantations in the province.

In an interview on Tuesday, premier Stanley Siapu said sometimes ago his government had set a taskforce to work with people on the plan.

He said the taskforce is yet to roll out with the work as necessary work required by the taskforce to do on the plan has already been prepared.

Siapu said for now the member of the taskforce whom they were his executive members are still busy on other works and as long as they done they will go for the work.

He explained that coming up with the plan is his government’s commitment to ensure turning the coconut plantations into something will benefit the people and the province.

Siapu said the purpose of rehabilitating the coconut plantations was to maintain the productivity of the plantations.

He said most of the plantations in the province were about 60-70 years old and they need rehabilitating them.

Adding that with idea of rehabilitating the plantations, the notion was to look at what already existed rather than going for something new.

He explained that if his government to look at introducing new kind of agricultural developments that will be either costly or demanding to his people, rather than rehabilitating the existing agricultural assert in the province.

However, in pursuant of the plan to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Siapu said the ministry has no budget for activity deal with development of coconut for this year.

He said despite that his government’s focus was still on the plan to ensure people to benefit from coconut development in his province.

Siapu also assured that his government also working on other areas of development for the province.

Reconciliation held in east Kwaio over Mr Bell killing

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ELLISON VAHI

A reconciliation ceremony was held in east Kwaio, Malaita province, last week between the families of Mr RW Bell and Mr Willies and families of those who also took part and lost their lives.

Speaking to Island Sun, a Mr Simon Palmer said their committee acknowledge the descendants of the two deceased, Robert Bell and Mr Willies, for willingly accepting to reconcile with the three tribes of East Kwaio especially the Nguda, Aieda and Furiilai who attacked Mr Bell and Mr Willies at Gweabe at Sinalangu east Kwaio in 1927.

Palmer mentioned that the three tribes played an active role leading to the reconciliation.

Palmer adds that the two-day programme was very touching, as was the coming together of the two parties in reconciling and making peace with each other.

The first-day programme on July 11 was called “Ririfuanimae” meaning to clear away what happened in the past with the dead ancestors involved in the killings.

This is done with a pig offered to the Fata’abu or chiefs to ask for their permission as well to convince them that the programme be accepted.

The next day was the “kwaigwaoinga” ceremony, the presentation of three pigs to the three reps from the three tribes involved in the killing of Mr Bell and Mr Willies, in remembering their leaders who were hanged by the gov’t for the killing.

“All these was part of the peace and reconciliation process,” Palmer said.

Palmer explains that following the two-day programme, the next move is to facilitate a peace programme as they are yet to do with the descendants of those innocent people from the highlands who were once abused and tortured by the Government.

He said that they are still working on how to facilitate and finance the programme.

Once all processes are done, then they will look at compensation matters with Mr Bell and Mr Willies’ relatives, as consultations have already been done.

Palmer adds that since they are facing financial difficulties, they are calling on all responsible authorities such as Ministry for Peace & Reconciliation for their support ‘as this is one main function of the ministry’.

The ‘other side’ of Honiara central market

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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At central market

By Ezekiel Talatau

At central market

WHILE most times we hear reports concerning how the affairs at the Honiara central market affects the public, much less is reported on the other side of the coin – which is the plight of the farmers and sellers.

Speaking with a local market seller yesterday, a Ms Lensa Ngora, she said they face a lot of challenges when it comes to food price.

“The problem with the food price is that, people nowadays are only considered the cheap food price that fits their own pocket. If the prices is increase, most of our foods will not be paid,” she said.

“As farmers and a market sellers, we have face a lot of challenges on how we can meet our own expenses and our demand.

“If we decided to sale our foods with low price. It is most likely that we cannot meet our own demand but to save the need of the people. This is a big loss for us.

“For each day, we have to pay our town council fee and sometimes, at the end of the day, what we earn does not meet our fee expenses.”

Esau Ija, a local seller at the central market says, “Some of us are not from Guadalcanal, we are from other provinces, and we are here to sale our foods to help us, gain some profits so that we can find some things we need in town, when we go back to our provinces.

“The problem with us today is that, most of the prices of foods we sale is not worth us a profit, this is because, our expenses such as sea fare, sea freight and town council fee are increase and our food price is not supposed to be this low.

“For example, if we sell our cabbage for 15, most people well only go for the lower price which is 10. This is really unfair for us.

“There are growing concern on some of the some local farmers in Central market thinking that, the price of foods sales here must meet our expenses in order for us to sustain and continue to do marketing.

“If what we earn does not meet our expenses, then it likely that the most farmers will not be tolerated to do marketing in the future.”

MEHRD achieves government’s priorities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

MINISTRY of Education and Human Resource Development has achieved government priorities and education reformed initiatives embedded in the National Education Action Plan 2016—2020, it is reported.

From the MEHRD’s annual report 2017, it stated that the Ministry has successfully delivered key government priorities and reform initiatives which were embedded in the NEAP 2016—2020.

According to the MEHRD, it said the achievements last year are shaped around three long term education outcomes.

The outcomes are; now girls and boy have safe and equitable access to complete education irrespective of social, economic and other status.

Girls and boys receive quality education with relevant outcomes, and management system and practices are embedded and sustained at school.

“These high-level outcomes are supported by a comprehensive set of performance measures and indictors across all MEHRD activities set out in the MEHRD Results Framework,” Ministry said.

However, Ministry adds its challenges are there is imbalance expenditure between education sectors in Solomon Islands.

In tertiary level, $425 Million spend for 2,756 students while ECE, Primary and Secondary budget is $224 million cater for 216, 137 students in the country which described imbalance share.

Besides that, Ministry also adds that teachers and students did not have enough learning resources.

Premier Gina says border issues urgent

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

WESTERN Province Premier David Gina says his government views the western border issues as an ‘urgent matter’ and recognises the need to find a ‘practical and lasting’ solution.

Gina on Tuesday said the matter has received strong backing by stakeholders during a workshop last week which brought together chiefs, the Western provincial government and other stakeholders.

He said the ongoing breaches of the territorial sovereignty and territorial integrity of Solomon Islands border by Papua New Guinea nationals is against the intent and spirit of the treaties.

He adds, there is an urgency to bring this to the attention of both governments.

“The status of the various treaties signed and ratified with Papua New Guinea Government and that both governments are now undertaking a comprehensive review of these treaties and agreements.

“The existence of province border committees and their participation in the senior officials meetings in the past but seems not to be effective now,” said Gina.

Gina also mentions that there is a strong desire among leaders in both sides of the border for the establishment of a permanent border post.

Government restricted to enter into new borrowings

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

IN its 2018 debt strategy and outlook, Government is committed to keeping the level of debt in Solomon Islands at a sustainable and affordable level.

Guided by the Debt Management Framework (DMF), the DMF provides guidelines for the Solomon Islands to enter into new borrowing.

Further to that, the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act restricted government to enter into any new borrowings.

Only the Minister for Finance has the sole authority to authorise any Government borrowing, which includes borrowing by the Central government, provincial government or a State Owned Enterprise (SOE).

In addition the provincial governments, SOEs and Honiara City Council shall require the consent of the Minister before undertaking Government borrowing.

To ensure that debt remains at a sustainable and affordable level, new debt should only be incurred incrementally, in a steady and predictable manner, the Budget outlook for 2018 says.

The Budget outlook says the Framework does not encourage large, one off borrowings, as they limit the Government’s ability to: a) adapt to economic shocks; and b) fund yet to be identified development initiatives that may exhibit high economic and social returns.

For 2018, Annual Borrowing Limit is $461.8 million a decrease from 2017. Last year the Annual Borrowing Limit was $900 million.

This comprises of $600 million for new Government borrowing related to the Tina River Hydropower Project and another $300 million for on-Tina River Hydropower Project Government borrowings.

Crop prices not profitable: farmers

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Local farmers display their pinnacles wir prices.

By Ezekiel Talatau

Local farmers display their pinnacles wir prices.

LOCAL farmer in Honiara Central Market are feeling that current prices to their products are not benefitting them as they should.

In other words, the prices are ‘not profitable’.

On Tuesday, Island Sun interviewed several farmers, who all shared the same view – that they are not getting enough for their produce.

There are many farmers out there who are struggling to sell their crops at a standard price but due to the fluctuation in prices, it affects some sellers not to earn profits at all.

One farmer said, “For instance, one local farmer selling his/her potatoes for $15 per heap whereas most are 10, this fluctuation of price creates a competition amongst us but at the end of the day, only some of us will earn profits and some are not.”

One farmer, who wanted to be anonymous, said, “Competition in price here in the central market needed to be address, this is because most of us here are come from different areas in towns and meeting our expenses is another thing.

“The differences in the price is depends on the expenses we calculated. If some of us here selling their crops or cabbage at a lower price, at the end of the day.

“We receive money that not profitable at us. What we sell must meet our expenses and at least we earn some interest. This is the main reason why we here to sell our markets.

“All farmers need to work together on crop price here in the central market so that, everyone can earn enough profit to sustain their daily needs.

“If this issue is still continue, it will affects most local’s sellers here in the main town.”

Meanwhile, a market customer says because of the difference in prices on offer, they have to scour the whole market in search of a priced produce that accommodates the money they have in their pockets.

Outgoing PNG High Commissioner happy with work done

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Outgoing PNG High Commissioner, Fred Yakasa, handing over documents and signing formatities with the incoming acting High Commissioner, Joseph Konu, at the PNG Chancery.

By Mike Puia

AFTER four years and seven months serving as Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to the country, Mr Fred Yakasa is preparing to leave for his country a satisfied man.

Yakasa handed his responsibilities to Mr Joseph Konu who will be acting PNG High Commissioner until someone takes up the post.

The handing over of responsibilities was done at a brief ceremony held at the PNG High Commission Chancery on Tuesday.

Outgoing High Commissioner Yakasa said the incoming acting High Commissioner, Konu, is not new to the role.

He said Konu has been acting High Commissioner for sometimes.

Outgoing PNG High Commissioner, Fred Yakasa.

Reflecting on the assignment he has completed, Yakasa said he took up the High Commissioner’s post in January 2014 at a “challenging time”.

It was a time when at least one PNG High Commissioner makes headline for the wrong thing. There was also this issue of the uncompleted PNG Chancery office in Honiara.

Prior to coming to the country, Yakasa said PNG image in the country went down to an unexpected level.

And so, Yakasa said his first task on taking up the post was to restore the integrity and reputation of his country.

He admitted it was a “big task”.

Outgoing PNG High Commissioner, Fred Yakasa, handing over documents and signing formatities with the incoming acting High Commissioner, Joseph
Konu, at the PNG Chancery.

Yakasa said he is happy that he has done what he had aimed to achieve well.

He said a lot has been done to date ranging from signing of agreements, attending meetings, completion of the Chancery office, meeting important dignitaries, restoring respect to connecting with people on a personal level.

Yakasa said restoring PNG’s image has been his key focus adding he is happy that PNG’s image is now at a good level.

He urged his successors to look into trade as there are potentials PNG and Solomon Islands can benefit from this area.

Yakasa said he also wanted to see PNG investments increases here.

At least 25 PNG investments are in Honiara. One notable PNG investment is the capital is the Heritage Park hotel.

In response, the incoming acting High Commissioner, Konu, said he will continue with what the outgoing High Commissioner had left.

Yakasa will be given a farewell dinner on Friday.

Outgoing PNG High Commissioner, Fred Yakasa, signing formatities with the incoming acting High Commissioner, Joseph Konu, at the PNG Chancery on Tuesday.
PNG Chancery office in Honiara.

Support article ‘grants hidden from public eyes’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I write to support the Island sun newspaper headline written by former MP Mr Alfred Sasako dated Monday 09th July 2018 concerning the above headline subject.

It is really sad and shocking to see these hidden transactions by our honest members of parliaments I applaud Mr Sasako and his team for a job very well done, for informing the public at large, nation and the whole world that we are still way back in our fight against corruption.

Those transactions have been on the table for the past 5 years and the responsible authorities have done nothing about.

Without Mr. Sasako these unlawful transactions would be stay hidden forever.

Let’s review ourselves of the words of a former Priminister and speaker of parliament once   said during his term in office;

  • “No one is above the law
  • Government by the people and for the people
  • Without people there is no Government.

Solomon Island is an independence state with its legal system, I want to ask hence, it is our legal system functioning?

Or just for the ordernary citizen and not for the MPs this is disgracing and unbelievable.

We call on the current Government the MCC unite in the Priminister’s office and POLICE JANUS taskforce to forcefully and thoroughly investigate these serious allegations and severely deal with those responsible they must be brought to justice and punished like any other citizen of the happy isles

We want to take this opportunity to call on all eligible voters of this nation to be responsible in your voting, take note that some of our current MPs are selfish and worried only of building their empires.

We feather call on the Government to do away with RCDF and other funds and redirect through responsible ministries, so that the Rural People can benefit from what is really theirs.

Our good lord once said – ‘return unto Ceaser what is Ceaser’s.

Give back to the rural people what is theirs and not feed the MPs pockets.

Peter Wale

Randi Honiara

SIPCRRA Media Unit

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