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Health facility must build with advice from health authority

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Dr David Danitofea

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

SUPERVISING Director of Malaita provincial health, Dr David Danitofea recently advised for close synergy with health authority when building health facilities.

The call was made following positive development where donors and communities continue to build health facilities or clinics in the province.

He said the provincial health and Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) understand the need to build more health facilities in the province.

“Our growing population is an indicator for that and the MHMS is grateful to donors and communities for taking up the initiative,” Danitofea said.

However, he explained that the MHMS has its own indicators to which clinics should be built depending on areas such as; given population requesting clinic, distance from clinic to clinic and etc…

The doctor commented on Tatali mini-hospital in East Malaita as an example on when health facilities are built without the consent of health authority.

He said work on the so-called mini hospital has started under a funding arrangement from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Danitofea furthered that the first thing to know was there is no term under the language used by MHMS as; mini hospital.

He said the MHMS only uses Area Health Center 1 and 2, provincial and national referral hospitals.

Danitofea said although these terms might not just mean anything it needs to put right according to the language used by the MHMS.

However, he said it was fortunate that the MHMS has took on board the health facility.

Danitofea added that apart from building health facilities, there are areas like registration and posting of health workers to the facility will only be done by the authority.

He said this is the very reason that although health authority doesn’t have budget to build new health facilities, the operation of the facility depends on them.

The supervising Director however thanked donors, the PCDF program and communities for supporting the MHMS to build clinics in the province.

HISTORIC MILESTONE

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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National Female Weightlifter Jenlyn Wini

Solomon Islands makes historic weightlifting achievement in XVII Pacific Games

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Islands has achieved a historic milestone in weightlifting as its lifters secured an impressive haul of 5 gold medals in the XVII Pacific Games held in Honiara.

Jenly Tegu Wini, popularly known as the “Solomon Islands Iron Lady,” dominated the 55-kilogram category and emerged victorious with three gold medals. Brown Chester Ramohaka also put up a commendable performance, winning two gold medals in the 61-kilogram category.

Overall, the Solomon Islands lifters secured a total of 17 medals, including 5 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze.

This remarkable achievement marks a significant improvement compared to the previous Pacific Games in Samoa in 2019, where the lifters secured 16 medals but no gold.

Wendy Hale, the coach and a former national lifter, expressed her satisfaction at the team’s performance on home soil.

Hale also praised the younger and first-time lifters who displayed exceptional talent and determination amidst strong competition from other participating countries.

“The lifters’ personal best performances in this competition were truly impressive,” commented Hale.

Hale highlighted the tough nature of the 59-kilogram category, which serves as a qualifier for the Olympic Games scheduled in Paris, France next year. Despite the participation of Australian lifters, Mary Kini Lifu and the young Shirmara Wini held their ground, securing the fifth and sixth positions, respectively, in this category.

However, on the concluding day of the competition at Maranatha Hall, Solomon Islands’ national lifters failed to maintain their early momentum. Eunice Kaute Mua settled for eighth position in the 87-kilogram category, while John Milton Garomo secured the fourth position in the 102-kilogram male category. Oscar Taramae concluded the competition by settling for seventh place in the 109-kilogram category.

Hale expressed optimism about the future of weightlifting in the country, citing the availability of new training facilities post the Pacific Games 2023.

This remarkable feat by the Solomon Islands weightlifting team showcases their dedication and talent, further solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the Pacific region.

MPG contributes $302,748 to its capital projects

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA provincial government revealed an appropriation co-funding of $302,748 to its Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) capital projects for 2023/2024.

The appropriation represents around 14 percent of the total PCDF revenue and an important area on the performance measures of the PCDF.

MPG’s Minister for Finance, Hon Randol Sifoni recently said that this contribution of $302,748 is important towards MPG’s development projects for 2023/2024.

He explained that the reason for the appropriation was because MPG had missed lots of marks in this area in the recent PCDF assessments.

Sifoni added that meeting the appropriation will not allow Malaita provincial government to foregone this performance measure in the future.

The PCDF assessment for 2022/2023 has shown another disqualification for Malaita province with a consequence of no SIG funding for its approved projects for 2023/2024.

This is the second time MPG has disqualified for the PCDF under the current assembly after its first disqualification in the 2021/2022 financial year.

The PCDF assessment for 2023/2024 will be next month and information within MPG had it that Malaita province will again disqualify for the third time.

Investigation ongoing into arson in East Fataleka

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

POLICE investigation is still ongoing into the arson case in East Fataleka, Malaita province.

The incident occurred several months ago when a PCDF funded classroom building in one of the secondary schools in the region was razed down.

Supervising PPC Malaita, superintendent Lesley Kili told this paper yesterday on the investigation.

He said so far two suspects were arrested into the incident which included a teacher at the school and a collaborator.

PPC Kili said the teacher was released on bail after his remand while the other suspect is still remand awaiting his court.

He said investigation into the case is ongoing and police still need evidences on the incident from the communities.

Kili said this is so that the suspects are judge correctly and justly for the crime.

The PPC on that note called on communities within the area to assist police in their investigation.

The classroom building that was burned was funded by SIG through the PCDF program that roughly cost around $1 million.

MPGIS and MPG had reacted to the incident by condemning the action which will have severe impact on the learning of children.

The incident in general is a setback to education sector in the region and even Malaita province.

We lost our game, but still proud of our team efforts: Masaea

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Maxwell , Kalita and Alex of Solomon Islands Men's basket ball team. Photo credit - MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DESPITE the loss in in their final game against Tonga, Alex Masaea, a thirty-year-old player representing the Solomon Islands in men’s basketball at the Pacific Games, remains proud of his team’s efforts.

In an interview with Island Sun, he expressed confidence about the future, emphasizing the young potential players on the team.

“Our tournament may have ended, but this is not the end for us.

“The future of basketball in the Solomon Islands is still promising, and we believe we can make a positive impact in future tournaments,” Masaea said.

Masaea’s teammates, Max and Kalita, shared similar sentiments, expressing happiness with the team’s performance. They see the loss as a challenge that will motivate them to push forward rather than setback.

“While we had hoped for a victory, the loss serves as a stepping stone for us,” Max explained. “It’s a part of our journey, and we are determined to learn from it and grow. There’s more to come in the future, and we’re ready for the challenge.”

Despite ending their campaign at the 2023 Pacific Games in the 8th position, the Solomon Islands 5×5 Basketball men’s team remains focused on the positive aspects of their experience.

The 83-59 loss to Tonga in the 7/8 position classification match at the friendship hall today is viewed as a valuable lesson and an opportunity for growth.

DBSI donates bins to HCC

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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 BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) has donated fifty four (54) wheelie bins to Honiara City Council (HCC) last Friday.

This donated bins which cost around $54,000 is DBSI’s contribution towards the Safe and Green Games Campaign for the Pacific Games that is currently underway in Honiara.

Upon receiving the bins, HCC Deputy City Clerk, Jefferson Patovaki told DBSI CEO that HCC is grateful for the donation.

“Thank you CEO for your commitment to donate the wheelie bins” he said. On behalf of the city mayor and city clerk, I would like to thank you very much for the commitment that DBSI has shown towards maintaining waste management” Pituvaka said.

Since the hand over last week, HCC‘s waste management division has stationed the bins in strategic location around the city so that they are accessible to the public.

Pituvaka also called on the public to dispose rubbish probably in the bins.

I appeal to the good citizens please use the wheelie bins, take care of the wheelie bins, they are ours and they are kindly donation from DBSI” Pituvaka said.  

 DBSI’s CEO, Nafitalai Cakacaka said they are honoured to be a part of the ceremony and thanked HCC for the partnership.

“There will more type of this partnership in the future just to work together for our city to keep it clean” Cakacaka said.

4 HOSPITALISED

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Females hospitalized after attempt to narrow their reproductive organs by herbal medicine failed

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

FOUR females have recently been hospitalized at Kilu’ufi provincial hospital in Auki after an attempt to narrow or tighten their private part by herbal medicine had gone wrong.

Supervising PPC Malaita, superintendent Lesley Kili told this paper yesterday following information his office received from Kilu’ufi hospital on the incident.

He said his office was aware of the incident, but no formal complaint was raised to police to put matter under investigation.

Kili said the incident recently happened when 4 females applied a mixed substance of Alite leaf and lime-stone to their reproductive organs.

He said the intention was to narrow or tighten their private part, but instead it turned catastrophic by burning their private parts and got hospitalized for it.

Kili said further details on who advised the victims for the medication, where and when they applied it will not reveal due to the sensitivity of the matter.

He said that the females are recovering at the hospital.

According to PPC Kili, a similar incident reported in Auki last month when a number of males hospitalized after attempt to enlarge their private part had gone wrong.

He said it alleged that the males used silicon and other substances by injecting it into their private part to enlarge.

Kili said Auki police is aware of the incident and they are treating it only as information.

He warned that if formal complaint is raised to police, they will team-up with parents and Kilu’ufi to launch full investigation into the matter.

Kili appealed to those who behind the injection to stop the activity now. He said if investigation is call, they will arrest those involved for the activity.

He called upon parents and health workers to report to the police if encounter similar problems in their communities and families

Kili called on both male and female to refrain from and such activity, which will only jeopardize their health as experienced in the two incidents.

He also appealed to parents and other community stakeholders in the province to discourage young people from such activity.

Japan’s troubling decision to release nuclear contaminated water

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

In a shocking and deeply concerning move, the Japanese government has announced its intention to release nuclear contaminated water into the ocean once again – for the third time since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. This decision is met with grave apprehension as it has ignited global concerns about the potential consequences for marine life, human health, and the long-term environmental impact. It is imperative to condemn this decision and highlight the serious risks it poses.

The release of nuclear contaminated water into the ocean has severe consequences for the marine ecosystem. Despite claims that the treated water is safe, many experts argue that trace amounts of radioactive isotopes, including tritium, still exist in the water, which could have adverse effects on marine life. Such a move poses a significant risk to the delicate balance of the oceans, potentially leading to irreversible damage to fisheries, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems as a whole.

The Japanese government’s decision overlooks the potential impact on human health, particularly for those living in coastal communities. While officials argue that the radiation levels will be within safe limits, it is crucial to consider the long-term effects on human health, especially when it comes to consumption of seafood. The release of nuclear contaminated water could undermine consumer confidence and cause an unwarranted health crisis, both domestically and in countries that import Japanese seafood.

This worrisome decision to release the contaminated water betrays a lack of consideration for alternative solutions. The Japanese government should focus on exploring and investing in technologies to further decontaminate the water instead of resorting to a method with potentially disastrous implications. The international community, too, should play an active role in assisting Japan with advanced purification methods that could eliminate the presence of radioactive elements.

One of the most concerning aspects of this decision is the lack of transparency and effective communication on behalf of the Japanese government. The decision to release nuclear contaminated water is not one that should be made lightly or without public consultation. The government must prioritize transparency, involving both domestic and international stakeholders, in order to garner trust and alleviate fears about the potential risks associated with this decision.

The decision to release nuclear contaminated water is not just a national concern, but a global one. The interconnectedness of our oceans means that any ecological damage caused by the release of radioactive substances can have far-reaching consequences for marine life, ecosystems, and coastal communities worldwide. It is important for the international community to express their concerns and collectively encourage Japan to reconsider its decision in the interest of global environmental and public health.The Japanese government’s decision to release nuclear contaminated water into the ocean for the third time is a dangerous move that demands condemnation and urgent reconsideration. The potential consequences for the environment, human health, and the international community call for a thorough exploration of alternative solutions. It is crucial for the Japanese government to prioritize transparency, engage in open communication, and collaborate with the global community to find alternatives that will ensure the protection and preservation of our oceans, ecosystems, and future generations.

PRESS RELEASE

Forecaster grateful for Australian funded office

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Senior Weather Forecaster, Lenny Olea.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

A weather forecaster of the Meteorology Service in the Ministry for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is grateful for new national weather forecasting office that was recently opened.

During a tour of the office, senior weather forecaster, Lenny Olea spoke on the difficulties they faced prior to the office and the benefits it brings.

“This is the first time we forecasters have a place or home where we could do our job before that, we usually rent around which is not conducive, now that we have a new place where we can work probably this will also boost worker’s willingness to work,” Olea said.

The Australian funded building is delivered by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and was opened by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia His Excellency the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and the Minister of MECDM, Stanley Sofu.  

Olea said he is grateful to Australia for the funds and promise to put the office to good use.

“I just want to thank the Australian Government for the great funding they have given to the country and we look forward to provide the best service for our country in terms of early warning to reduce disasters and the hazards they cause,” Olea said.

Olea further added that the new office comes with computers and forecasting tools however though the early warning system still needs improvements he said his office hoped this will be fully developed in the future.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton other Australian delegates, the Meteorology Service staff and UNDP officers.

$990k misused in Malaita: MPG

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

The Malaita government has alleged some provincial members (MPAs) had misused their allocation of a $990,000 funding from the national government in August.

This fund was given for the purpose of celebrating the Malaita Second Appointed Day this year.

The MPAs of Malaita were each given $33,000 to host their own celebrations in their wards.

MPG MPA for East Baegu ward 11, Elizah Asilaua when contributing to a resolution on the MPG-Jiangsu sister-relationship on the floor of the full assembly, said some MPAs did not stage any celebration in their wards.

He said during the province’s 2nd Appointed Day in August this year, MPG requested national government for $990,000 to celebrate Malaita Day.

Asilaua said the budget was shared equally among the 33 MPAs of the province with each provincial leader received $33,000.

He said MPG’s intention to hold celebrations in the ward level was for MPAs to go back to their people and discuss with them changes brought about by the new government and its redirection policy and the Malaita/Jiangsu MOU.

Asilaua added that ward celebrations was also to tell people that changes are continuing to happen in the province within the 11th hour.

Asilaua said unfortunately some MPAs did host any celebrations at their ward.

He stressed that such practice is uncalled for and must not be entertained.

Asilaua explained that because of this, the MPG is reluctant to ask the national government for funds to sponsor a province-wide consultation on the sister relations with Chinese province Jiangsu.

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