Home Blog Page 663

Cabinet eases entry restrictions

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Honiara International Airport

Cabinet yesterday approved further easing of restrictions to enter Solomon Islands on incoming travelers, especially, the removal of the 72 hours PCR test prior to entering the country.

Since the re-opening of borders on July 1 and the subsequent expiry of the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) on July 24, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services stepped up its surveillance and database, which, indicated isolated cases of covid-19.

“Cabinet has considered that the trend towards evidence-based approaches to restrictions reflects the evolving nature of the pandemic also help restore confidence in travel while help keeping both visitors and tourism workers safe,” a government statement said.

“Current evidence shows that current travel restrictions are primarily effective at the early stage of the pandemic and may help to delay a pandemic, however, the effect of travel restrictions decline over time as cases are inevitably imported,” it added.

“Cabinet also noted that most countries around the world have either lifted or have partial requirements for entry without and have adopted different models of approach such as easing of burden on health facilities.

“Cabinet further noted that, in terms of the likelihood of importation of new variants and starting a new wave of outbreak in Solomon Islands is low while vaccination coverage of atleast one dose for those 18 years and above currently stands at 70 percent while for double doses at 53 percent.”

In its conclusion, Cabinet maintained that only travelers who are not citizens of Solomon Islands must be fully vaccinated with proof of complete vaccination against covid-19 requirements are permitted to enter the country while nationals who are unvaccinated can enter the country subject to proof of negative PCR test 72 hours prior to entering the country.

Meanwhile, the statement said Cabinet has directed the Attorney General’s Chambers to work with the Immigration Division to amend the Immigration Regulation in order to accommodate the changes to the pre-arrival requirements, particularly, the removal of the 72 hours PCR test prior to entering the country requirement for travelers.

“Government will soon announce when this exercise will come into effect as soon as the regulation covering this requirement is amended.

“It further directed the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to step up on its surveillance capacity and capabilities and as appropriate expand and increase its surveillance sites in the provinces from 13 to 20 and to continue delivering and administering its covid vaccination rollout programme and ensure to increase coverage to 80 percent with at least one dose.”

Ship heading to Sikaiana after almost eight months

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Sikaiana Island. PHOTO GEORGE HERMING

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE 200 people living on the isolated island of Sikaiana in the Malaita Outer Islands are expecting a ship to serve them soon after being denied the service over the last eight months.

This came after the Central Tender Board in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury approved Kii Shipping as a franchise to serve this uneconomical route on a one-year contract yesterday.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development permanent secretary, Stephen Maesiola confirmed this after the CDB meeting yesterday.

Maesiola said he would liaise with his officers to inform Kii shipping on this new contract.

“I don’t know when the ship will travel to Sikaiana.

“But if the ship needs money for fuel, the ministry can help,” he said.

The plight of the Sikaiana people came to limelight after the Member of Provincial Assembly on Malaita province, Ezekiel Teusa told this paper this week.

Teusa said there are no food, medicine, and that the school has closed to allow children to accompany their parents to the smaller islets to forage for food.

More and more people are also getting sick, according to Teusa.

Concerned individuals from Sikaiana in Honiara have rallied together to call on their MP and the national government to send a ship with relief supplies to the isolated atolls.

Spokesperson Tera Tavao, during their meeting on Sunday, said they resolved to exhaust all means of reaching out to their MP Martin Kealoe Mokolo, and the national government to ask for a ship to be sent to Sikaiana.

Mokolo could not be reached for comments, however MOI constituency development officer (CDO) John Selwyn says the constituency cannot help the people on Sikaiana because of lack of funds.

“[MOI] constituency cannot charter a ship because the funds for this year have all been exhausted, expended according to their allocations.

“Sikaiana usually depends on the government franchise system which services uneconomical routes.

“But the contract for MV Airi expired earlier this year, and MID has put up this service for tender but the process is slow and the tender is yet to be made,” he said.

However, with government stepping in, it is good news for the Sikaiana people to access food and other necessities from Honiara to end the starvation.

Work on Tina Hydro project picking up again

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Chief Executive Officer of Tina Hydro Limited (THL), Younghoon Chang made a courtesy call to acting Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, yesterday

WORK on the Tina Hydro Project is picking up again after COVID-19 and few other issues put a brake on the progress of the project.

Chief Executive Officer of Tina Hydro Limited (THL), Younghoon Chang revealed this when he made a courtesy call to acting Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, yesterday.

“Covid-19 and few other issues have affected progress of the project but I am happy to say that implementation began to pick up recently with a ground breaking ceremony planned for November,” Changa said.

Maelanga told Chang that Tina Hydro project is a national flagship project, which is important for the reduction of the cost of electricity in Honiara by reducing reliance on diesel fuel to generate electricity.

“We are looking forward for the successful implementation of the Tina Hydro project to help us reduce the high cost of electricity to our people,” Maelanga said.

Tina Hydro Limited (THL) is the entity implementing the Hydropower Facility and Access Road of the Tina River Hydro Development Project.

Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) is the selected private sponsor (in association with Hyundai Engineering Company) of Components 1 and 2.

As the main project sponsor, and shareholder in the PC with management control, K-water will lead the PC and ensure that it is managed effectively and all of its contractual obligations are fully met.

K-water will, therefore, be responsible for building and operating the HPF, and ensuring that the EPC contractor effectively executes its contract. K-water is the preferred O&M contractor.

Hyundai Engineering Company is the selected private sponsor (in consortium with K-water) of Components 1 and 2.

PROVINCES PENALISED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

Central to miss out on remaining PCDF funding this year

By EDDIE OSIFELO

CENTRAL Islands province will not receive any funding from the remaining $20 million Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) this year.

Malaita and Makira Ulawa provinces are entitled to receive only 20 percent of the PCDF.

The Joint Oversight Committee of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening made this decision following their meeting with the concerned provinces in Tulagi, Central Islands, yesterday.

All three provinces have appealed to the JOC to consider their cases after their budgets were not considered by the Public Accounts Committee.

According to a provincial government insider, JOC, which also included Temotu, Rennell and Bellona and Guadalcanal, has rejected the appeals of the three provincial governments.

The insider said Central Islands has passed the assessment but because of political wrangling, their PAC and Assembly have failed to meet to pass the budget in March and June.

Island Sun could not reach the new Premier of Central Islands, Polycarp Galaigu.

However, Malaita Premier Suidani’s advisor, Celsius Talifilu posted on Malaita Development Forum on Facebook that in the case of Malaita, it has not met two minimum conditions.

Talifilu said the two minimum conditions are all related to the Public Accounts Committee that have not met last year to deliberate on the 2021 revised budget.

“As one would remember after the defeated motion of no confidence last year. Members of the Public Accounts Committee – PAC which were all non-executive members resigned from the committee in protest of the failed motion of no confidence.

“Virtually there was no PAC at that time to deliberate on the revised 2021 budget because all of them have resigned,” he said.

Talifilu said since PAC virtually did not exist at the time, there was no report produced on the 2021 revised budget.

“Thus, the assembly did not meet regarding the budget variations.

“That is the second minimum condition that MPG failed on,” he added.

A total of $40 million was allocated under the PCDF.

However, $20 million was already allocated to all nine provincial governments.

Looming wet and cyclone season here

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

As the country transitions into a wet cyclone season, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) yesterday warns the public of looming bad weather.

Each year, the tropical cyclone season starts in November and ends in April the subsequent year.

Solomon Islands is prone to tropical cyclones and up to three cyclones are forecasted in a year, even small storms can quickly turn into tropical cyclones bringing with it extreme winds, and torrential rain that can cause flash flooding and destruction.

In April 2020, widespread destruction was caused by the powerful tropical cyclone Harold in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga. In the country, 27 people lost their lives in the Taimareho boat tragedy.

SIMS Chief Forecaster Eddie Maru has reiterated the need to prepare, in an interview with the Island Sun.

Maru stated the impacts of tropical cyclones obviously demonstrate the need to develop better awareness and preparedness in strengthening the resilience of local communities and schools against the devastating impacts of tropical cyclones.

He said the wet and cyclone season starts from November to April the subsequent year.

“Be prepared -Weather Ready,”

MARU .

“Understanding the early warning information of any natural hazards and what to do before, during, and after any disaster is very important,” he added.

“Adhere to warnings and listen out to the what–to–do information issued by National Disaster Management Office tailored from the cyclone warning messages issued by SIMS before, during, and after the cyclones.

“Cyclones are extremely dangerous and are associated with which can cause prolonged heavy rain that causes flash flood, landslides, mudslides, and rivers to flood and bursts their banks.

“People living near hill slopes, low lying areas, and near river banks must quickly evacuate to safer grounds to avoid fatalities.

“Associated damaging or extreme winds can damage homes, properties and may cause loss of lives, cut or trim tall trees near homes.

“Storm surges can cause coastal flooding and damage properties, therefore people living near low-lying coastal areas must evacuate to safer grounds.

“Mariners, small boats, and ship owners must adhere to warnings and make good decisions as the seas will be extremely rough and not safe for traveling during the cyclone.”

Meanwhile, Maru and his SIMS team recently concluded a pre-cyclone preparedness awareness in schools and communities in Honiara over the past weeks.

He said the purpose of this program is to inform the schools and communities of the impacts and disasters associated with tropical cyclones as we approach the season.

“It is hoped that through the awareness programs people will be able to better appreciate the impacts of tropical cyclones and make informed decisions when early warning messages are disseminated.

“We believe young students are enthusiastic about spreading the message to their extended families during end year holiday.” Chief Forecaster Maru said.

SPREP hails PINA and MASI for successful Media Summit.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Part of the delegates attending PINA's Summit in Honiara. PHOTO: PINA

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) office has congratulated the Pacific Islands News Association and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) for a successful Media Summit.

The statement was relayed to the participants of the summit by Karl Kuper, on behalf of SPREP during the closing of the weeklong event on Thursday.

Kuper paid tribute to the MASI President Gina Kekea and her assistant Douglas Marau, on behalf of SPREP for hosting a successful regional event.

“We thank you for hosting such a successful regional event,” Kuper said.

“It has been a while since our country has hosted a regional event of this calibre and we sincerely appreciate you our pacific family for gracing our shores with your presence and participation,” he added.

Kuper also acknowledges all media personnel for their work in helping to amplify our Pacific voice.

“We look forward to working with you all in our journey ahead and to tell our Pacific stories our Pacific way. 

“Take note that we, the pacific as a family, are going to COP27 to continue the good fight for which we will be counting on you, the media as our platform to share our perspectives,” he said.

President of the Pacific Island News Association (PINA) Kora Nou mentioned that the PINA board has met and have agreed that the next host of the PINA Summit will be Niue.

“Thank you everyone for making this 6th  Pacific Media Summit a success,” Nou said.

He extended his acknowledgement to the MASI executive and support staff for all the efforts and hard work put together to making this summit a successful one.

Airlines prepare for 60th anniversary 

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Officers from Solomon Airlines, Tourism Solomon’s and Travel Solomon’s who were part of yesterday’s press conference

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Airlines is preparing for its 60th year anniversary celebrations and the introduction of a 60th anniversary logo.

Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus reiterated this to local journalists at a press conference yesterday.

Kraus said the celebration will be held next month with a festivity program.

“This milestone year is especially significant after the most difficult period in the airlines history.”

“Solomon Airlines has survived many challenges in the past, but none so difficult as the past two years and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kraus said.

He said during the event Solomon Airlines will host a 60th anniversary cocktail event for VIP and commercial representatives, corporate sponsors and aviation and tourism partners.

On the same note Marketing Manager for Tourism Solomon’s Fiona Teama said the 60th anniversary would be a proud moment for Solomon Islanders.

“The 60th anniversary would be a proud moment for us Solomon Islanders that our local national career has connected our Islands through the services provided for 60 years now.

“We also very happy and honoured to be partnering with Solomon Airlines and Travel Solomon his year to also host the peace Marathon,” Ms Teama said.

She adds the Marathon will be tied into the Solomon Airlines 60th year’s anniversary celebrations with the hope to having some international participants because the borders are now open.

Solomon Islands -New Zealand meeting significant, says Pacific security expert.

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele meeting his Aotearoa counterpart Nanaia Mahuta in Wellington this week.

SOLOMON Islands says consultation between Pacific nations could be improved, ahead of a foreign affairs bilateral meeting in New Zealand.

The nation’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele sat down with his Aotearoa counterpart Nanaia Mahuta in Wellington yesterday.

Pacific Security expert Anna Powles said Mahuta would be looking to solidify bilateral relations between the two nations after intense geopolitical scrutiny over the Solomons-Beijing security pact.

“There’ll certainly be a sense that New Zealand needs to ensure it has strong, robust and open channels of communication with the Solomon Islands going forward in the relationship,” Powles said.

News of a draft security agreement between China and Solomon Islands caught the New Zealand government by surprise in March.

Speaking at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington)’s law school Monday night, Manele reiterated the Solomon Islands’ “friends to all, enemies to none” policy.

“We work with any partner that gives us a fair go,” he said.

However, he did say consultation in the Pacific region could be improved.

“I think there is room and space to further enhance our bilateral consultations… not only at officials level but also at the ministerial level.”

Manele added while regional frameworks, like the annual Pacific Islands Forum, facilitated consultation, it was important sovereign nations could make independent decisions.

“Of course while there are regional frameworks for consultation, flexibility must also be there for sovereign states to also consult and pursue their interests as they see fit.”

The United States has made concerted efforts to counter China’s influence in the Pacific in recent months.

Last week, leaders of 14 Pacific nations were hosted at a historic U.S-Pacific Summit in Washington for two days of talks and a dinner at the White House.

Manele said Solomon Islands welcomed America’s renewed interest and engagement in the Pacific region, including an 11-part partnership declaration it signed.

“We look forward to the implementation of that arrangement and the commitments that have been made by the US in terms of its interest and engagement in the region.”

Manele said the Solomons would continue to deal with its economic challenges, fast-growing youth population and security issues through a “development lens”.

He said he “remained determined” to increase the number of people allowed to work in New Zealand through the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme to aid its recovery from the pandemic.

“We have lost a lot of ground due to Covid-19. Part of my visit is to promote Solomon Islands’ ‘here to work’ brand and ask employers in New Zealand to look our way,” he said.

Ministry of National Planning & Development hands over vehicle to Guadalcanal.

Written by
Press Release
-
0
MNPDC Permanent Secretary (Ag) Roy Mae second from left, hands over the key of the Toyota Land Cruiser to Guadalcanal Province Premier Hon. Francis Sade. Looking on are MNPDC DS Strategic Planning and Program Quality, Travis Ziku (left) and GPG Provincial Secretary (Ag) Maesac Suia (right). Photo MNPDC Press

The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) handed over a Toyota Land Cruiser to the Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) during a brief ceremony in Honiara yesterday.

The vehicle was part of assets from the Rural Development Programme (RDP) which was implemented by the National Government through the MNPDC, with the program team, development partners, provincial governments and rural communities.

MNPDC handed over the vehicle to GPG as RDP has come to a closure as of 30th September, 2022, significantly reaching a milestone of 14 years of implementation since phase 1 and now phase 2.

MNPDC Permanent Secretary (Ag) Roy Mae said GPG has been identified as one of the important stakeholders that RDP has worked with over the many years that the program had been implemented, and has been very supportive of the program.

“Therefore, we are pleased to handover this vehicle to you,” Mae said.

“I would like to encourage you to take good care of this asset and put it to good use in many more years to come to achieve the province’s development aspirations and programs, as well as to overcome the challenges that you are facing at the moment,” he added.

Mae also acknowledged and thanked the partners who contributed funding towards RDP and made its implementation possible.

This includes the Australian Government (DFAT), The European Union (EU), the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), World Bank (WB) and SIG. 

Mae also acknowledged RDP program management, commending them for a job well done in ensuring the successful implementation and completion of the program.

Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade acknowledged SIG through MNPDC for the timely handing over of the vehicle.

 He said the current GPG executive has been faced with a lot of challenges, one of which is logistics.

“Logistics is one of our challenges that we have been faced with over the last couple of months. We are blessed that you make the decision to give us this vehicle,” he said.

The premier also acknowledge the work RDP has done in the province, and said his executive is happy to continue work together with MNPDC.

The handing over came after the province submitted a formal request earlier this year.

RDP was implemented in Solomon Islands in two phases over 14 years – from 2008 to 2022.

Its objective was to improve basic infrastructure and services in rural areas and to strengthen the linkages between smallholder farming households and markets.

RDP was focused on participatory development, demand-responsive provision of Government services and creation of a supportive economic environment for small-scale rural development to foster employment and income growth.

The program was divided in three components, and was designed to respond to priorities identified by communities in order to raise the living standard of rural households.

The successful completion of the program provided improved access to infrastructure and services to approximately 300,000 people, 60% of the population.

Consultation on Immigration Act 2021 conducted in Auki

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Members of MPG, consultation team from MCILI and participants attending the two days consultation review on the Immigration Act 2021 yesterday in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Ministry of Commence, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI) will wind-up a two days consultation on the review of the Immigration Act 2012 in Aukitoday.

The consultation is to seek people’s contributions toward reviewing and strengthening the regulatory framework of the act to enable better management of the country’s border system.

Speaking during the opening of the consultation yesterday, Director Acting for the Immigration Division under MCILI, Chris Akosawa stressed that the country’s security and prosperity depend heavily on robust border legislation and policies.

“Let us focus on this bill with magnifying lenses to support us in this 21st century through policies and legislations that will make globalization work for our economy since we are no longer living in isolation.

He said managing the country’s border well with legal frameworks is imperative to connecting to Pacific neighbor and the world to manage risks by protecting and safeguarding the country.

Akosawa said this is to ensure the country benefits from the flow of goods and people including skilled immigration which is essential to grow the country’s economy.

“Therefore, this immigration bill will enable better management of our border system.

“This is instrumental with investment needs in new technologies to improve our database, speed, surveillance and integrity of movement across our borders,” he said.

Akosawa also said that the national government is supporting national economic infrastructure projects in Malaita province like Suava Economic Growth Centre, Malu’u wharf and Bina Harbour Tuna processing Plant Projects.

“These development projects upon successful completion will boost and connect our domestic economy with decentralized immigration services.

“Our preparation with this immigration bill is important to provide well-managed migration policies that take care of the cohesion of our society, community and humanitarian issues.

“This will help to maximize economic and trade opportunity through our global bilateral and multi-lateral relationships,” he said.

Akosawa said national government through the bill is vigilant about security risks that will obstruct the border controls of the country.

“It (bill) will ensure that our borders are well-protected against transnational crime.

“Enable better movement of goods and people with regulations to safeguard human health, protects our environment and ensure the sustainability and productivity of investment opportunities, employment and our primary industries,” he said.

Akosawa said the outcome of this review workshop and others will advance the ministry further with the immigration bill to repeal current act 2012.

He said the current bill is a product of a review work conducted on the immigration 2012 act with the support of Pacific Immigration Development Community in 2018, 2021-2022.

Akosawa thanked the MARA government for the support behind the bill and participants for contributing towards the review of the bill.

1...662663664...1,668Page 663 of 1,668