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Pediatric ward wrought with challenges

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dr Wang was supported by local staffs of the NRH.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

HANDLING of patients at the national referral hospital is very poor, it is reported.

A paediatric doctor from Taiwan successfully completing his one-month volunteer work at NRH reveals this.

Dr Wang said, “Working at paediatric emergency, I was astonished by its over-crowded condition, which I used to think it will only be happened in an over-crowded country such as my homeland Taiwan.”

There is no fixed paediatrician in emergency, only registrar, and this lack of service costs patients several hours to have proper diagnosis and managements.

He said poor availability of imaging and medications makes things worse.

Dr Wang is shocked to see medical staff not wearing facial masks during contact with tuberculosis patients.

And, all these patients are mixed up with others without any direct-contact preventing managements.

“Owing to the scarcity of medical practitioners here, every one of them are very important and it will cause tremendous stress on medication system if any of them gets sick.

“While at special care nursery, I performed a lumbar puncture for a neonate who was suspected to have meningitis due to congenital syphilis.”

Deployment of Taiwanese doctors and specialists to Solomon Islands is an arrangement by SIG and Taiwan’s Government in collaboration with Taiwan Health Centre.

Wang suggests if the Taiwan Embassy and SIG could fund N95 facial masks for medical staff.

Meanwhile, the programme of Taiwan sending doctors and specialist to Solomon Islands has two months left.

With that, Taiwan Health Centre Nurse in Charge, Ms Alice Hsu said they are working on ways to extend the programme as it is an agreement between Taiwan Government and SIG.

Police recaptures remand escapees

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Two escapees Frank Firimolea and Eric Nathaniel Jnr.

POLICE have captured the two remand escapees, Frank Firimolea and Eric Nathaniel Jnr yesterday.

Eric Jnr was captured first, in the early morning at the Blue Flag Beach, Mamara area, North West Guadalcanal.

Firimolea was caught in the afternoon at White River, West Honiara.

Firimolea and Eric Jnr escaped from lawful custody at the Honiara Central Magistrate Court on October 18, 2017 when the court ordered their remand after both men were charged with armed robbery.

It is alleged that the two men were involved in an armed home invasion at Panatina Ridge on Friday, October 13, 2017.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner, National Capital and Crime Prevention, Superintendent, Patricia Leta said, “The successful recapture of Eric Junior is a result of an operation conducted by the police from Honiara City, Guadalcanal Province and other officers from Police Headquarters in Honiara including the Police Response team.

“The Police would like to thank members of the public for providing information one way or the other that assisted in the capture of the remand escapee.

“I would also like to thank all the officers who have been involved in the operation for their tireless efforts in successfully getting this escapee behind the bars.

“Our job is not complete yet as one of the escapees is still at large. We will continue the operation until he too is recaptured to ensure our communities are safe.”

“Police have also taken in the wife of Eric Jnr for questioning on giving false information to the Police.”

Both Eric Jnr and his wife are expected to appear before the Honiara Magistrates Court today.

Meanwhile, regarding Firimolea’s case, Supervising Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Gwen Ratu said, “The Criminal Investigation Department of Police in Guadalcanal Province was investigating a store break-in at the Kauvare area over the weekend and were following information and leads which led them to the car in which Frank Firimolea was travelling.

“It was parked at the White River 02 bus stop. Police surrounded the car and found Firimolea inside.

“The successful recapture of both escapees is the result of cooperation between the police and members of the community who came forward with information on the movement of the two men.

“Police applauds the public for this as it shows that people respect the rule of law in this country and will do all they can to protect it.

“I would also like to commend the determination of all those police officers involved in the operation to recapture the two escapees over past 12 days. The dedication of the officers means that people can now feel safe moving around our communities knowing too well the two escapees are now in police custody and will be processed through to the courts.”

Police will allege in court that Firimolea and Eric Jnr escaped from lawful custody.

–POLICE MEDIA

DCCG progresses on health policies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s (DCCG) Social Sector under its Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) has noted some major developments in the Health Sector.

These include the review of the Medical and Dental Act, Pharmaceutical and Poisons Act, Doctors’ Scheme of Service and the Health Infrastructure Development.

Policy Secretary Social Sector, Mr Emmanuel Iyabora said that developments in infrastructure include setting up of six Area Health Centres (AHC) in the provinces.

These include Area Health centres in Tingoa, Afio, Wagina, Waisisi, Manuopo and Avu Avu.

“Whilst site visits and master plan for the Wagina, Manuopo and Avu Avu AHC are yet to be carried out, the Tingoa AHC is almost complete,” says Iyabora.

He also said that the land acquisition process, confirmation of site and site visit for the Waisisi AHC has been completed.

Also, the refurbishment of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has continued since last month (September 2017).

Policy Secretary of the PIMEU’s Social Sector has noted that the temporary morgue construction has been completed, and awaiting the freezer machine to be installed for full operation.

“The current morgue will be demolished and the new permanent morgue (worth $6.5m) will be built on the current site,” says Iyabora.

Meanwhile progress has also been made for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) hospital development.

The first phase of the NRH relocation which consists of basic design brief, service plan, site confirmation & business case has already been started and is expected to complete by the end of 2018.

The second phase which consists of the project plan, master plan, schematic design, detail design & documentation; and design and documentations for accessibility such as roads, bridges, utilities and communication is expected to commence in 2019 and end in 2020.

The third Pphase is on procurement and is expected to commence in 2021 and end in 2022 whilst the fourth phase which is the construction and post construction is expected to start in 2022 and complete in 2025.

The DCCG policies are implemented through various ministries of the Government. The policies under the Social Sector are implemented under nine Government Ministries: MHMS, MEHRD, MPNSCS, MJLA, MWYCFA, MHA, MPGIS, MPNSCS, and MPS.

–OPMC PRESS

Culture still number-one Tourism product: SIVB

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BEN BILUA

SOLOMON Islands Visitors Bureau says more international visitors are attracted by the country’s diverse cultures.

In an interview with this paper, SIVB Sales and Marketing Manager Mrs Freda Unusi said the country’s culture and tradition continue to play a vital role in the country’s tourism industry.

She said most visitors are driven into the country by the country’s unique and diverse culture.

“Our survey last year shows that our culture is rated as the popular reason for visitors to come and enjoy in our country – followed by other products,” Unusi said.

Recapping on SIVB Visitors Survey in 2016, she said 38 percent of the visiting tourists visited the country just to rest and relax while 28 percent of all leisure-based arrivals are accounted for scuba diving.

Unusi adds that water-based activities including swimming and snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, shopping, hiking, sightseeing, culture, history in particular Second World War heritage remain among the top 10 reasons for visiting.

She stressed that one of the country’s biggest drawcards remains the friendliness of the people – a factor Stollznow describes as “compelling”.

Unusi said the country’s tourism industry is growing with visitors wish lists varied across reasons and interests to visit the country.

One week gamble

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

Motion to oust PM Sogavare set for Monday Nov 6, gov’t rules with minority

BY JARED KOLI

EMBATTLED Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will face a Motion of no Confidence – to be introduce in Parliament Monday next week.

The National Parliament has confirmed receiving a notice of the motion of no confidence to oust the Prime Minister.

Mover of the no confidence motion and Independent Leader, Hon Dr Derek Sikua submitted the notice on Sunday October 29, Clerk to Parliament Clezy Rore confirmed to Island Sun yesterday.

Rore said the notice has been endorsed by Speaker of Parliament Ajilon Nasiu and has been put to notice.

Reasons for the motion is still shallow at this stage, with the primary reason provided by the mover being ‘no confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership’.

Deputy Clerk to Parliament David Kusilifu said the reasons will be elaborated when the motion is debated in parliament.

He furthers that the motion could be introduced in Parliament Monday next week, or any day after that, after a clear seven days’ notice, according to Section 34(2) of the Constitution.

The notice follows a weekend of political drama resulting in the resignation of nine ministers and 10 backbenchers from the Sogavare-led Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG).

Head count in yesterday’s parliament meeting saw 17 members of Parliament (MPs) sitting in the government bench and 26 MPs in the Opposition and Independent bench.

Sogavare then moved a Motion on Special Adjournment that parliament shall adjourn to Thursday November 2, 2017.

Sikua yesterday sought leave from the Speaker under Parliament Standing Order 26, section (2) subsection (b) to dispense with the required notice for amending the Special Adjournment Motion by the Prime Minister for parliament to adjourn to Monday November 6, 2017 at its adjournment on Thursday November 2, 2017.

The Speaker then granted the leave and amendment to the special adjournment by Prime Minister, and was unopposed by the Prime Minister who said the government side had no problem with that.

The amendment to the Special Adjournment was then passed in parliament yesterday which spells out clear that parliament will resume on Monday November 6 at its adjournment this Thursday (November 2).

Pundits say the move by Sikua is a clear indication that the motion of no confidence will be introduced in Parliament Monday next week, November 6.

Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament has told the media that MPs have totally lost all trust and confidence in the leadership of Sogavare.

“Sogavare has allowed his controversial nephew Robson Djokovic to control government affairs.”

Djokovic serves as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

It was alleged that in a desperate move, Djokovic made “lucrative” offers to Snyder Rini and Danny Philip to remain with the government, but both MPs declined.

Sogavare counters this allegation, saying that some of the nine Ministers who have left his government were responsible for undermining the progress of the Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB).

In a statement on Sunday, the Prime Minister’s Office said the reasons the defectors have reported in the media were an attempt to disguise the underlying reasons for the move – the Anti-Corruption Bill.

The Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 went over First Reading in Parliament yesterday and was deemed to be set down for Second Reading next week.

Meanwhile, it is clear that the government is now running the country on minority.

However, as the political drama continues to unfold, reliable sources said government lobbyists are working hard behind the scenes rallying opposition and independent MPs to be sworn in as new ministers anytime until Monday November 6, 2017.

Island Sun understands that cabinet had a closed session after parliament which ended before lunch time yesterday.

Meanwhile, resigned Minister of Public Service Moffat Fugui penned his intentions while on a government sanctioned trip overseas.

A source familiar with government procedures said Fugui is legally disqualified to hold the portfolio as the Minister of Public Service during the trip because he had resigned from the government.

He left the country last week with the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Samuel Manetoali, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development John Dean Kuku and government backbencher Commins Mewa to attend UNESCO’s annual Youth Forum in Paris, France.

The resigned ministers and backbenchers are currently camping at the Honiara Hotel.

PM points to ACB as reason for walkout  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Sogavare

BY JARED KOLI

 

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has stated that some of the nine Ministers who resigned from his government were responsible for undermining the progress of the Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB).

In a statement yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office said the reasons reported in the media on the weekend were an attempt to disguise the underlying reasons for the move; the Anti-Corruption Bill.

Seven of the Ministers resigned on late Friday evening and two more resigned yesterday afternoon as confirmed by the Government House Deputy Private Secretary to the Governor General, Rawcliffe Ziza.

They are;

  • Danny Philip, Minister for National Planning and Aid Coordination and member of United Democratic Party (UDP).
  • Snyder Rini, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and Member of UDP.
  • Chris Laore, Minister of Forestry and Research and member of Peoples Alliance Party.
  • Moses Garu, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services and member of Kadere party
  • Moffat Fugui, Minister of Public Service and member of UDP.
  • Elijah Doromuala, Minister of  Justice and Legal Affairs and member of Peoples Alliance Party.

Two other Ministers that resigned yesterday are the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening David Tome – member of Peoples Alliance Party and Minister of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace – Samson Maneka who is a member of UDP.

Sources said that more Government MPs including backbenchers are likely to resign from the government and a Motion of No Confidence is expected this week.

 “Some of these resignations come as no surprise based on the fact that some of these same Ministers were responsible for undermining the progress of the ACB and the Opposition and Independent Parliamentary Groups have inadvertently aligned themselves with this agenda,” Prime Minister Sogavare said in the statement.

The statement also added that the ACB has been tabled in Parliament and is scheduled for Parliament this week.

It says the government remains intact despite the nine resignations and that Prime Minister Sogavare is confident and assures the Nation that the DCCG will deliver on its promise.

“The DCC Government will not allow petty politics to hinder the delivery of the Anti-Corruption Bill. This is what the people want and DCCG will deliver the Anti-Corruption Bill.” Hon. Sogavare MP further stated.

The political drama come on the eve of the visit of Taiwanese president Dr Tsai Ing-wen, who is due in Honiara on Wednesday.

Minister dumps allegiance in Europe

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Moffat Fugui

BY BEN BILUA

ONE of the nine Government Ministers who resigned over the weekend penned his intentions while on a government sanctioned trip overseas.

Reports reaching this paper states that Hon Moffat Fugui who appeared in the media yesterday as one of the Ministers who have resigned is part of a government delegation who will be attending a meeting in Paris.

It is still unclear whether Hon Fugui submitted his recognition while he is in the country or did he send back his resignation letter to the Governor General Office while overseas.

Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Hon Samuel Manetoali, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Hon John Dean Kuku, Minister (former) of Public Service Hon Moffat Fugui and Hon Commins Mewa left the country last week to attend UNESCO’s annual Youth Forum.

A source familiar with government procedures said Hon Fugui is legally disqualified to hold the portfolio as the Minister of Public Service during the trip because he had resigned from the government.

“If a Minister legally resigns, the post he/she once had will be vacant immediately after the announcement of his/her resignation, the government will then appoint a new candidate and refer it to the Governor General’s office for swearing in as a Minister,” the source said.

The source explained that a resigned minister of the crown is disqualified from making any statement on behalf of the country in any international convention unless the Prime Minister allows him/her to do so.

Expatriate dies in Ngossi home

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JARED KOLI

AN expatriate was found dead at his Ngossi ridge home on Friday evening.

The expatriate was identified as the Shift Manager of Coral Sea Resort and Casino and British national, Steve Brotherhood.

Reports reaching The Island Sun said Steve didn’t turn up for work on Friday. He was later called during the evening but didn’t respond.

Work colleagues then went to his house and found the dead body on the sofa in the building and alerted the police.

Police Forensic Officers including Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) soon arrived at the scene and collected evidence to assist in the investigations as reasons surrounding the death remains unknown.

The dead body was taken to the morgue for post mortem to confirm the cause of death and repatriation arrangements were made to fly the dead body home.

Call for cooperation over Manaoba MoA

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Manaoba Airport

BY JARED KOLI

CHAIRMAN of Aebusu tribe Hardyson Maenu’u and his tribal members have been called on to cooperate with the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and allow flights to Manaoba airstrip.

Chief Frank Lauta Daoga of Lolo tribe made the call yesterday after Mr Maenu’u and two of his tribal members threatened to dispute the MoA – saying they do not recognize the MoA.

The MoA was signed on October 19, 2017 by representatives of Lolo, Toniwane, Kaore and Aebusu tribes with the Commissioner of Lands at the Attorney General’s Office at the Panatina Plaza.

Aebusu tribe was represented by Hardyson Maenu’u’s elder brother Ben Maenu’u and Kelesi Robu during the MoA signing, claimed Chief Daoga.

But in a latest move, Mr Hardyson Maenu’u and two of his tribal members Vice Chairman Ben Faramai and member Robu Saeni threatened to dispute the MoA as reported in the Solomon Star on Friday.

Responding to this, Chief Daoga said Mr Hardyson Maenu’u should go along with his elder brother and tribal leader Ben Maenu’u and Kelesi Robu who signed the agreement to allow flights to Manaoba airstrip.

“Air services must be experienced in the Lau Baelelea area and other neighboring parts of Malaita province.

“We have experienced travelling by ship, now we want to experience air services to the Northern region of Malaita.

“As a chief of Lolo tribe who have legal document over the registered land I call for cooperation by Mr Hardyson and his party,” Chief Daoga said.

He said according to legal documents stemming from House of Chiefs to Customary Land Appeal Court (CLAC), Lolo tribe is currently the rightful land owner of Manaoba.

Chief Daoga said they must cooperate with Ben Maenu’u and Kelesi Robu because they are the ones pronounced as their leader to him as Chief of Lolo tribe.

Chief Daoga said there is no dispute over ownership of the airstrip pending before the High Court as Aebusu has lost all its court cases and have signed a Consent Order in the High Court on 11 March 1999.

The Consent Order signed by late Paul Maenu’u – Appellant of Aebusu tribe and late Gabriel Ramo – Respondent of Lolo tribe hereby ordered that both are members of Lolo tribe which owns the lolo/Ngwalulu disputed land where the airstrip is situated.

This consent order was an out of court understanding to serve a certain purpose including that both parties ensure that any development activities planned for the tribal land proceeds undisturbed, according to Chief Daoga.

He rubbishes Mr Hardyson Maenu’u’s claim which suggests that the MoA reflected some people wanting to get their pockets filled during the festive season as he (Hardyson) heard reports that contractors are doing grass cutting and other jobs to prepare the airstrip.
“MoA is not something that you sign to take money from the government; it is a binding document that we agree for flights to proceed.

“We must let flights go freely to Manaoba, because the government has spent huge money to build the airport, and we must let the airstrip without use which has now gone for three long years, but must allow this service” he said.

Chief Daoga said as Land Owner he welcome the notion that flights must resume to Lau and Baelelea this festive season so that people travel freely to their homes and villages to spend their holidays.

“If you have legal matters bring them to court but you cannot stop the flights, we must allow services to proceed now, and experience air service in our area.

“If we bring in air service we can experience thriving cash flow in our area, in terms of tourism, market and other goods and services locals can offer,”

“Disagreement will only create problem, a bunch of legal documents have been taken to the courts, why do we have to agree on one side and bark on each other on the other side, the court has all the right to decide on our claims.

“We should agree to the MoA and move forward,” Chief Daoga said.

On behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation who is also the Chairman of the Aviation Task Force (ATF), Attorney General James Apaniai said, apart from the four main disputing tribes, the agreement is still open for signature by any other tribes who claim ownership of the airfield and urge such tribes to come forward and sign the agreement if they want to be parties to the agreement.

Chief Daoga said he will sign the MoA today or tomorrow to allow flights to Manaoba.

Body builders make history

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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U-70kg gold medalist Rocky Teklem is the 23rd South Pacific Bodybuilding Championship overall winner…Photo Taromane Martin

Teklem is Mr South Pacific

BY TAROMANE MARTIN

SOLOMON Islands body builders competing at the 23rd South Pacific Body Building Championship in Honiara have created sports history, dominating the medal tallies over the weekend.

The body building championship was held at the Multipurpose Hall on Saturday and saw athletes from New Caledonia, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands competing to be crowned the overall South Pacific Body Builder champion.

Solomon Islands won gold in the men’s junior category, the U-65kg, U-70kg, U-80kg, U-85kg, U-90kg, U-100kg, the master’s category. Under- 75kg gold medal winner Rocky Teklem claimed the overall title as the South Pacific Body Building champion after a tough show down with U-75kg gold medalist New Caledonian Sanmarso Nelson, U-80kg gold medalist Tahitian Mataira Teripuia and Under-85kg gold medalist John Ima.

Solomon Islands Body Building Federation Vice President Dickson Kai thanked the government and their sponsors for believing in their athletes saying, “Preparations will continue for next year’s event”.

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