Council of trade unions challenges legality of ‘No jab, no job’ policy from covid-19 used by Attorney General to block new appointment for SICAC’s director general position

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The trades union council has called on the national government to act and clarify whether the ‘No jab, no job’ covid-19 policy is still being implemented.
Tony Kagovai, president of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU), in a statement yesterday [Jan 26] questioned the continued validity, legality and moral justification of the government’s “No Jab, No Job” policy and called for government’s urgent action.
The SICTU statement comes in light of the Attorney General’s rejection of Solomon Kalu for the Director General position at the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).
Mr Kalu, a former chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, a lawyer, and the current Team Leader for Governance at the United Nations Development Programme country office, was recommended for the role by an independent interview panel.
SIICAC has remained without a substantive Director General since the expiry of John Kouni’s contract in April last year.
Despite the panel’s recommendation, Attorney General John Muria Junior advised the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) to reject Mr Kalu’s appointment, citing his alleged non-compliance with the former government’s “No Jab, No Job” COVID-19 policy.
Kalu was one of three candidates interviewed for the position, alongside former Director General John Kouni and former Law Reform Commission Chairman Frank Paulsen.
Mr Kagovai, in the SICTU statement, said the policy, enacted during the height of the global health crisis, is now an outdated policy that continues to unfairly victimise hardworking citizens across our nation.
He said the disciplinary employment conditions attached to vaccine mandates are no longer defensible, as the public health landscape has evolved significantly.
He said that the policy’s enforcement constitutes a severe violation of workers’ rights, including the right to fair treatment, the right to work, and the right to freedom from discrimination, causing immense personal and financial hardship for many Solomon Islanders and their families, who were unjustly separated from their livelihoods in both the public service and the private sector.
President Kagovai calls on the Government to immediately invalidate and officially rescind the outdated “No Jab, No Job” policy across all sectors, and for the Recall and Reinstatement of all workers in the public service and private sector who were unfairly targeted, suspended, or terminated as a result of this policy.
These citizens must be restored to their positions with their full rights, benefits, and seniority recognised according to Kagovai.
He calls on the government and all Employers across Solomon Islands to immediately cease using this policy as grounds for any employment decision.
He said continued enforcement against workers is unacceptable and will be viewed as an act of bad faith and victimisation.
He said that SICTU stand in solidarity with any worker further targeted by this defunct policy.
He further said that SICTU is actively studying the legal foundations of this policy at the time of its enactment and its current validity under the nation’s laws and constitutional protections.
He said that the SICTU preliminary assessment raises serious legal questions regarding its proportionality and its infringement on fundamental rights.
He said SICTU will consider options, including seeking legal redress through the courts to challenge the policy’s legality and to secure justice for the victims if the government fails to act promptly and justly to rectify this injustice.
“Our nation must move forward with unity and compassion, not with policies that divide and punish. We urge the Government to do the right thing, restore dignity to our people, and repeal this unjust policy without delay,” he said.
The Solomon Star newspaper broke the news on Monday this week.
Kalu confirmed receiving the ‘written decision of the JLSC’ but declined to comment further, the SolStar report said.

BY JUNELYN KELLY

Aaron Bara Pitaqae has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
Mr Pitaqae is no stranger to the Ministry, having served in several senior leadership roles, including Deputy Secretary and Director of Research, Policy Planning and Information, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.
His appointment reflects continuity, institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to advancing the Ministry’s mandate to promote gender equality, protect children and families, and empower women and youth across the country, the GCU statement said.
Pitaqae has held senior positions within the Solomon Islands Government, including Chief Planning Officer in the Social Sector Division at the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination.
His career also spans the education sector, where he served as a senior secondary school teacher, head of department, and local tutor with the University of the South Pacific, contributing to human capital development at both secondary and tertiary levels, GCU said.
Pitaqae holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wollongong in Australia, along with Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Management and Public Administration, Sociology, and a Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of the South Pacific, GCU said.
His academic background is complemented by professional training in project management, monitoring and evaluation, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and gender statistics.
Pitaqae has been actively involved in community and civic leadership, serving in various capacities within tribal development committees, alumni associations, and civil society groups, reflecting his long-standing advocacy for education, social responsibility, and community development, GCU said.
As Permanent Secretary, Pitaqae is expected to provide strategic leadership to strengthen policy implementation, service delivery, and coordination across government and development partners, in line with national priorities and the Government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 7 (Vonunu, Vella La Vella) in Western Province, Rence Sore, has condemned the recent stabbing incidents and called for collective intervention to address the growing problem.
In an interview with Island Sun, he said the recent incident in Vella is a wake-up call for both the National and Provincial Governments to support and strengthen traditional governance systems, churches and community policing across the country.
Sore said such stabbings would not have occurred if traditional governance, ecclesia (church) and community policing were properly strengthened and supported at the community level.
He said traditional governance must be recognised and empowered so that chiefs can work closely with tribal members to maintain peace and harmony within their communities.
Sore also called on church leaders to strengthen pastoral visits in communities and encourage youths to actively participate in church-based activities as a way of guiding positive behaviour.
He said community policing remains one of the best strategies to curb community disturbances, harmful lifestyles and criminal activities.
“Government, both National and Provincial, must support community policing. There must be budgetary and personnel support.
“In the absence of these interventions, stabbing incidents, substance abuse and other criminal activities will continue in our rural communities,” Sore said.
He said such incidents are not isolated issues that communities can address on their own.
“These issues are happening everywhere in our country, and solving them requires collective efforts from government, churches, traditional leaders and communities working together,” Sore said.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Australian High Commission will hand over community partnership projects to four communities in Malaita.
These community projects are funded under the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships programme.
The projects include the Fauabu Ward Water Tank Project, Arao Clinic Admission Extension Block Project, Rameai Primary and Secondary Solar Powered Project, and Adaua Secondary School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Improvement Project.
The official handover of these projects starts today, January 28 with the Fauabu Ward Water Tank Project in West Kwara’ae and the Arao Clinic Admission Extension Block Project in Lau Baelelea constituency.
The handover for the Rameai Primary and Secondary Solar Powered Project and the Adaua Secondary School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Improvement Project will be tomorrow, January 29.
According to a media release from the Australian High Commission, the Fauabu Ward water tank project is worth SBD300,150, which includes 69 new water tanks.
This project was also made possible with the support of the West Kwara’ae member of Parliament, Alfred Tuasulia.

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The courtesy visit by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL), with the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project to Choiseul province on Monday reaffirms commitment to strengthening agricultural development.

According to MAL’s press statement, MAL Extension Department Acting Deputy Director, Michael Tanisapa emphasised during the visit the importance of collaboration between national and provincial governments in delivering effective agricultural programs that directly benefit rural communities.

Mr Tanisapa highlighted that MAL’s work is guided by the Corporate Plan 2025–2028, which focuses on food security, economic growth, and rural development.

He noted that the alignment between the Choiseul Provincial Government Development Plan and MAL’s corporate objectives, guided by the GNUTS Agriculture Policy, can enable the successful rollout of agriculture programs in the province.

“The AIM-N Project is one of the key initiatives supporting the Ministry’s objectives, and through strong partnership and coordination, we hope to see tangible benefits for our rural people,” Tanisapa said.

Deputy Premier of Choiseul Province, Lincoln Galo, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the province’s strong support for the agriculture sector, describing it as a priority area for the provincial government.

The visit gave opportunity for senior officials from MAL and the AIM-N Project to formally introduce the project to provincial leaders, confirm implementation arrangements, and secure provincial leadership awareness and support ahead of the commencement of operational activities in the province.

He acknowledged existing challenges within the sector, including limited institutional capacity, but expressed optimism that the AIM-N Project would help revitalise agricultural development in the province.

“This visit comes at a very important time. We see this project as well aligned with our provincial identity and development priorities, with the Ministry’s support, we are confident that the agriculture sector in Choiseul will begin to move forward again.”

He emphasised the importance of taking agricultural initiatives to the grassroots level to ensure communities are well informed and directly benefit from project activities.

He also noted the province’s commitment to supporting implementation through relevant Heads of Department and key stakeholders.

The AIM-N Project team is expected to be deployed to Choiseul Province in the second week of February, marking the beginning of coordinated efforts to strengthen market access, nutrition outcomes, and sustainable livelihoods for rural communities across the province.

The current visiting team will begin a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders, including representatives from the health and education sectors as well as women’s groups, throughout the week.

BY JUNELYN KELLY
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has reminded all motorists, pedestrians, and sea travellers to exercise extra caution as bad weather continues across the country.
An orange alert warning was issued by the Solomon Islands meteorological service (SIMS) yesterday, showing bad weather intensifying across country.
Slippery roads, strong winds, and rough seas can create hazardous conditions, a statement by police yesterday said.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and stay alert, the statement said.
“Pedestrians should use designated crossings and avoid walking in flooded or slippery areas.
“Sea travellers are advised to check weather updates, wear life jackets, and follow safety instructions at all times.
“Villages located in low-lying areas should take precautionary measures should any flash flood occur. Landslides easily happen during bad weather, so be careful.
“Your safety is our priority. Please plan ahead, remain vigilant, and take all necessary precautions when moving around town or on the water,” the police statement said.
Emergency contacts:
• Police (Free Toll): 999
• Police Communication Centre: 23666

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has raised serious concerns over the rejection of Solomon Kalu for the Director General position at the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), questioning both the legality and rationale behind the decision.
SIICAC has remained without a Director General since the expiry of John Kouni’s contract in April last year.
Mr Kalu, a former Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, a lawyer, and the current Team Leader for Governance at the United Nations Development Programme country office, was recommended for the role by an independent interview panel.
The panel comprises of the Ombudsman Fred Fakarii, Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) member Dr Patricia Rodie, and Law Reform Commission Chairman Philip Kanairara.
Despite the panel’s recommendation, Attorney General John Muria Junior advised the JLSC to reject Mr Kalu’s appointment, citing his alleged non-compliance with the former government’s “No Jab, No Job” COVID-19 policy.
Mr Kalu was one of three candidates interviewed for the position, alongside former Director General John Kouni and former Law Reform Commission Chairman Frank Paulsen.
In response, Transparency Solomon Islands expressed grave concern over the matter, particularly the prolonged vacancy at SIICAC.
TSI said the rejection of the interview panel’s recommendation based on vaccination status was unacceptable.
TSI further said that the policy was enforced under a State of Emergency that has since been revoked and that many affected workers have since returned to employment.
TSI called for transparent and legally grounded explanations for decisions affecting key governance institutions, warning that weak decision-making could undermine public trust and the country’s fight against corruption.
“Integrity, accountability, and due process are essential if SIICAC is to fulfil its mandate,” TSI said.
A letter cited by Island Sun also confirmed the revocation of the cabinet’s decision for implementation of the ‘No Jab, No Job’ together with the Mandatory Vaccination policy.
According to the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Luke Cheka, the cabinet cancelled the policy in its 35th meeting on December 31, 2023 and applied to all public servants.
Based on the signed document, applicants seeking jobs within the Solomon Islands government are no longer required to produce evidence of COVID-19 vaccination.
The letter dated February 2, 2024, was forwarded to secretary to the Cabinet, the Secretary to the Prime Minister’s office, Permanent Secretaries and equivalent, Private secretary government house, Clerk to National Parliament, Provincial Secretaries and Human Resources.

BY MORRIS NAFU

The bad weather has intensified with authorities issuing an Orange Alert yesterday.
A strong wind warning number-five with orange alert was issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), effective immediately for all waters surrounding the Solomon Islands.
Issued at 4pm yesterday, the warning highlights hazardous conditions driven by an active weather system.
SIMS statement highlights an active trough lies just south of the Solomon Islands, connected to a tropical low near the northern parts of Vanuatu.
This setup is expected to bring westerly winds reaching 20 to 25 knots across all Solomon Islands waters.
Seas are forecast to be moderate to rough, accompanied by moderate south to southwest swells measuring 2.5 to 3.5 metres.
Visibility is likely to be poor in areas affected by showers and thunderstorms, adding to the risks.
The meteorological service urges residents and visitors in affected areas to take precautionary measures, as these strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.
Sea travellers are strongly advised to prioritize safety, as the conditions could produce dangerous wave patterns hazardous to small boats.
The warning emphasizes sharing this information with people with disabilities to ensure everyone is informed and prepared.
The next Strong Wind Warning update is scheduled for 7:00 AM tomorrow morning. For the latest forecasts and safety tips, residents are encouraged to monitor official meteorological channels.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The recent burning of machinery and equipment at the Gold Ridge mining site in Central Guadalcanal has resulted in losses estimated at several million dollars.
Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) Chairman and Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) Director, Walton Naezon, told this paper yesterday [Jan 27] an exact figure is not yet available on the losses, but stressed that it is in the millions.
The incident occurred on the night of Tuesday, January 20, during which more than ten machines sustained damage.
Mr Naezon said that the total cost of the damage has been formally submitted to the National Government, though he declined to disclose the exact figure publicly.
“We have already made a statement to the government on the actual cost of the damaged machines. The loss amounts to a few million dollars,” Naezon said.
Despite the delay, Naezon confirmed that mining operations at Gold Ridge have resumed, with replacement machinery already on the way.
He said operations are continuing while the company awaits the arrival of new equipment, which is expected to restore full production capacity in the coming months.
“All divisions are now operating. New machines are on their way, and we expect to reach full production once they arrive,” he said.
Community members at Gold Ridge have linked the incident to growing frustration among some landowners over unresolved grievances and unfulfilled promises.
However, Naezon said investigations are ongoing and stressed that reconciliation efforts are underway with nearby settlements, some of which have denied involvement in the incident.
He said the company is working closely with the government to identify those responsible and determine the root cause of the violence.
“These are not Gold Ridge people alone. There is a mix of people with no cultural or land ties to the area who may be influencing local communities,” he said.
He added that following recent dialogue between the company, government officials, and the Landowners Council, agreements were reached with resolutions aimed at addressing concerns of the 17 tribes at Gold Ridge.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TRADERS and shoppers at Gizo Market have seen a noticeable drop in the availability of fresh crops this week, with many attributing the shortfall to prolonged bad weather conditions affecting agricultural supply routes and farming activities across Western Province.
Local vendors say that strong winds and rough seas over the past several weeks have restricted small craft to travel between nearby islands and Gizo, making it difficult for rural farmers to bring fresh vegetables, fruits, root crops and other garden produce for sale.
Many of the island communities that normally supply Gizo such as Kolombangara, Simbo, Ranogga and Vella La Vella have had to suspend trips due to the unsafe marine conditions.
Shoppers are feeling the impact at the checkout with less supply coming in, prices for some vegetables and root crops have climbed, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Market Manager Moffat Maeta confirmed that there are less produce coming into the market forcing food price to increase.
“Yes, I have seen a huge decline in produces coming into the market since last week. This is due to the bad weather for sure.
“The market is also empty as not many women came to sell their goods because weather is too cold,” he said.
One of the market vendors from Ranongga known as Mrs Haret said very few boats came across from Ranongga to Gizo with market.
“The sea is too rough and the wind is too strong. Most of the canoes have stayed ashore. We are only getting produce from Gizo Island itself,” she said.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has issued recent weather statements warning of strong winds and heavy rain, which are expected to continue to affect the province in the coming days.
These conditions are consistent with the seasonal weather patterns that will continue to disrupt travel and stall crop transport across the island chain.