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Sade urges people to get jabbed

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

Guadalcanal premier Francis Sade is urging people of the province who are yet to take their covid-19 vaccine to do so.

Mr Sade made the call this week, warning that the covid-19 threat is still active.      

“I would like to state that our fight against COVID-19 is not yet over, therefore I appeal to all the unvaccinated Guadalcanal people to come forward and receive your vaccination at your nearest Area Health Centers. Also on the same note, I also share my Executive’s sympathies to all Guadalcanal people who have lost their loved ones from COVID-19,” Sade said.

He said following the opening of the international borders one month ago new BA.5 subvariant of Omicron has been detected.

“With this, I would like to humbly applaud all the Guadalcanal Province nurses and doctors and front-liners from GPHQ and downright to the community levels, who have taken extra miles to fight the outbreak of the Covid-19,” Sade said.

“In terms of vaccination – Guadalcanal Province has the largest eligible adult population of 18 years and above. The single dose achievement is now 50 percent (47,106 doses) which is bigger than the eligible population in some provinces. The double doses are 32 percent (29,490 doses) – also more than some Provinces eligible adult vaccination population.”

Sade adds, there are some Health Zones like West Guadalcanal had reached above this above of 95 percent single dose and 50 percent of double doses. “Moreover, the vaccination of our teenagers from 12-17 years and pregnant mothers is ongoing, and our nurses and doctors around our Clinics and Area Health Centres (AHC) have been trained to diagnose and manage COVID-19. This an encouraging news,” he said

Wings of Hope Christian school opens door to students

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Students and staffs of Wings of Hope Christian School

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

WINGS of Hope Christian School officially opened its door for students with a focus to securing a future that is productive and creative.

Located at Okea in the Guadalcanal plains, Wings of Hope Christian School offers Early Childhood Education.

The school is the fifth under the education authority of the Church of the Nazarene. It uses the Accelerated Christian Education Approaches and Resources.

Chairman of the school Pastor Dickson Manongi said the schools just commemorated one year of providing Early Childhood Education for children in GPPOL-one.

Cutting of ribbon to officially open Wings of Hope Christian School

Manongi said the school will provide children with education that encourages them to flourish their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

“With this I want to express my sincere appreciation to all parents who have prayed and supported the school from infancy to now,” Manongi said.

Chairman of the school Pastor Dickson Manongi

Head teacher for Wings of Hope Christian School Raymond Baro says it is such a joy each day to help children achievement their daily tasks and goals.

“Our approach of teaching and modelling of students is different from our secular government schools. We teach according to individual student peace of learning. As a teacher I see it as one of the greatest responsibilities and is a call to serve our children. It is the command from God, not just a career,” Baro said.

Ishmael Boboli on behalf of parents residing at Kondazale area said the establishment of this school is a source of blessing for parents, children and surrounding communities.

Wings of Hope Christian School

“We thanked God for putting this school at our door step. From now on we will no longer spend more money to travel far to seek education for our children. This school will help our children to grow physical, mental and spiritual well-being,” Boboli said.

Moreover, the vision of the school is for all children ages three to ten years within the school catchment must access early quality Christian education and its mission is to provide a conducive environment for early childhood teaching, teachers must always be available to teach and children are nurtured with love utilising preventive approaches with clear guidelines and expectations to help child be successful.

Teachers of Wings of Hope Christian School

MINING ROW BREWS UP ON SAN JORGE

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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A drilling operation on San Jorge Island.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ANOTHER row over resources is brewing on the resource-rich island of San Jorge in Isabel Province.

This time, it’s over minerals.

It comes as the long-running legal battle over the island’s rare tubi trees between resource owners and Asian loggers lie unresolved before the courts.

In this latest dispute, two Asian funded mining companies backed by rival landowners were at each other over rights to mine the island.

Yesterday, San Jorge Island Resource Owners Association Trust Board hit out at a Ben Devi, who attacked East Resources Company Limited in a paid article published in this paper.

The Trust Board is a shareholder in East Resources Company Ltd.

Devi, who represents Vihuvunagi Tribal group, claimed Far East Resources Company Limited directors have announced that once the Mines and Mineral Board issued their Letter of Intent, all their machines will arrive from overseas.

Devi, who works for Solomon Islands Resources Company Limited (SIRCL), that is owned by the director of Win Win mining company, said this is cheap in the making and mockery of our government, and the landowners.

“There must be a stop to this and my tribe do not have doubt of our position.

“We will welcome Far East Resource Company Limited, even if we take such a position, this company is incapable of conducting anything,” Devi said.

He said its sister company, who shared the same director/shareholders – Golden Star Resources Ltd, cannot even dig up a mount of dirt on its PL-02/21 at Hograno.

Furthermore, Devi said East Resources Company Limited is not welcomed and in the event that it pushed its way, his tribe will not support and will not execute any Surface Access Agreement (SAA).

However, chairman of San Jorge Island Resource Owners Association Trust Board, William Tohidi said they do not know anybody by the name of Ben Devi.

“To correct your statement Ben Devi, Mines and Minerals Board has met to discuss Far East resource companies’ application over South San Jorge Tenement on 28th July 2022,” Tohidi said.

“This would determine the Letter of Intent (LOI) for negotiations.  To grant Prospecting License without having LOI is unprocedural,” he added.

Tohidi said Devi’s allegations are only disturbing and have no standing on the claims he made.

“We know very well that Ben Devi works with SIRC since day one until the original SIRC sold its company share to Win Win mining company.

“Ben Devi has been working with various mining companies who have been operating in the past, yet he does not use those experiences to negotiate well for the people,” he said.

Tohidi said his Trust Board is a registered association and it represents three tribal groups who reside at Talise village, as well as the nearby villages who are close tribal members.

“We know very well the claims by south San Jorge so-called landowners who are not members of our association.

“They are pushing away our interest and want to push in theirs with the backing of Win Win.

“Devi must know that it is first come first serve policy that Far East shows interest on south San Jorge tenements, and submitted its application to the Mines and Mineral Board.

“May I call on him to refrain from the misleading letter to the Mines and Mineral Board.

“Let the board deliberate on its requirement and its findings.”

He said San Jorge Island Resource Owners Association Trust Board will not accept any company that bypasses its authority.

“We are well represented by the three tribal members who inherit the land called San Jorge Island.

“This is land passed on to us by our ancestors, and we lived and depend on it.

 “We wish to assure Ben Devi that if Far East is given the LOI, the process to negotiate with landowners will be done according to the process and requirements of the Mining Act and regulations.”  

Disaster response plan for Gizo Market

Written by
Ben Bilua
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President of Gizo Market Vendors Joyce Zoti

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Market Vendors have established a disaster response plan with the help of officers from the National Disaster Management Office.

The drafting of the disaster response plan was made possible through support from Market for Change program which is funded by the Australian Government.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, President of Gizo Market Vendors, Joyce Zoti acknowledged Market for Change program so as officials from NDMO for the knowledge shared which led to the drafting of the Gizo Market Disaster Response Plan.

She said the Gizo Market Disaster Response Plan is a vital tool when it comes to serving lives during natural disasters.

“Our market is vulnerable to natural disasters but most of the vendors are not aware of the risks. Looking back I can confidently say that we are sitting on a disaster zone every day at the market.

“Given the location of Gizo market, we are vulnerable to tsunami, strong wind and tidal waves,” Zoti said.

She said the four days training carried out by the Market for Change on Disaster Resilience and Management helped vendors to realize the hazards and also knowing their surroundings.

Zoti said the training was a stepping stone for vendors to be resilient when it comes to natural disasters.

Chief claims Baegu council of chief hijacked for political purposes

Written by
Samie Waikori
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A chief from Baegu welcome Suidani and team during their awareness talk at Urudao market.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Baegu Council of Chief – an executive body representing all tribal houses of chiefs in the Baegu Asifoloa constituency Malaita province is said to be hijacked for political purposes.

A hijack not merely involving bribe, but also an establishment of a new council of chief to replace the former council of chief although their term is yet to lapse.

Reason for the move was for the new council of chiefs to rally support from other tribal chiefs and resource owners in Baegu Asifoloa behind Chinese investment in the constituency.

And importantly to amend signatories of the Baegu council of chiefs to an earlier resolution not to allow Chinese investment or development within Baegu.  

Last week this paper visited parts of the constituency, and the truth of what happened were revealed by a number of prominent leaders within the constituency.

At Urudao village, a chief who was a member of the outgoing executive said the newly formed Baegu Council of Chief is a forged executive based on political reasons and not on people’s interests.

The chief said the outgoing council of chief still remains the Baegu council chief, thereby labeling the new council as fake and any activity done by them deemed null and void.

He said on the day of electing the new council, a meeting was held and the council was elected and agreed to only by subordinators from tribes within Baegu.

He said most of the genuine chiefs who headed the tribes did not agree on the establishment of the new council.

The chief further said during the night before electing the new council, chiefs and people were given privilege to watch propaganda clips of China and other western countries.

He said the videos had portrayed advantages of China and disadvantages of western countries like USA, Australia, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand and others.

The chief said the day after; the chiefs amended the resolution with $50 allowances to only chiefs that signed the amendment and not those who refused to sign and others that also attended the meeting.

He said reason for amending the resolution is to do away with the earlier resolution agreed to by the Baegu Council of Chief.

The chief said the outgoing Baegu Council of Chief still remains the genuine executive council and not the new council which is only for political purpose and not agreed to by tribes in Baegu.

He said the Baegu Council of Chief is ready to take legal action against the newly established council of chief should they breach the resolution on Chinese investment in Baegu.

A chief from Ata area also raised similar concerns saying the newly formed Baegu Council of Chief doesn’t represent the interest of people within Baegu.

He said the Baegu council of chief which replaced by the new council of chief is still active and they are the right council of chief of Baegu/Asifoloa.

The chief called on leaders within the Baegu Asifoloa constituency who are behind the establishment of the new council of chief to respect the traditional governing body of Baegu.

Lau/Mbaelelea still waiting for MP awareness on extension

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MP for Lau Mbaelelea, Augustine Maue Auga

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

LAU/MBAELELEA constituents are still waiting for their Member of Parliament to consult them on government’s idea to defer the current parliament from four to five years.

They are making a call for MP Augustine Auga to visit them soon and consult with them.

Constituents told this paper at Rameai village in Mbaelelea that they are still waiting for MP Auga to provide them with information on the matter.

He said they have heard that many MPs have visited their constituencies and carried out consultations with their constituents.

They said like all constituencies, people of Lau/Mbaelelea also have opinions to share on what they see and think on the matter.

They call on MP Auga to visit them soon and explain to them government’s deferment plan.

GP opens to donors on its health service

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Guadalcanal Province is open to any donor partner willing to help its dire health service, says Premier Francis Sade.

Mr Sade uttered this at the commemoration of the province’s 38th second appointed day yesterday.

“My Executive Government is open up to any donor partners who wish to also help us on our dire health situation,” Sade said.

He said the COVID-19 community transmission early this year is an example of why Guadalcanal needs an improved health service especially in terms of a tertiary hospital and second level medical stores.

“This is on the top priority list on a short/medium plan and the consultation with MHMS/SIG is ongoing at the moment.

“Having these two important health infrastructures would help solve the overcrowding of sick patients at the National Referral Hospital,” Sade said.

He also highlighted the positive progress done by the GP Health and Medical Division.

This includes:

“Opening of the Aola and Avu Avu Area Health Centers which are of high quality and built in accordance with the Ministry of Health Role Delineation Policy Standards.

“Combined action and operation to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 through the establishment of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), this is something which has never been done before.

“An increased provincial commitment to health human resources whereby five nurses have been employed by GPG early this year.

“The first ever clinic renovation by the provincial government at Barainagho Clinic, in Talise Ward, which was completed in April.

“All six GP Health Zones now have medical doctors posted to them. If accommodation is sorted out we will have our people accessing the services of a medical doctor at their nearest Area Health Center, something no province has achieved yet, and dental officers and support staff will follow soon.”

“And lastly, the improvement of nurse to population ratio at 0.8, which never been done for the last five years, this is due to the increased number of nurses to GP. We also thank the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for this,” Sade said.

Guest of honour and Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Rollen Seleso since the beginning of this year, Guadalcanal has been hit hard by the community transmission of the covid-19 virus.

“Our fight against the virus has taken much of our time, resources, and efforts. It has affected our ability to set up better plans and work programs. You will note that most of our work plans and implementations are heavily influenced by this virus,” Seleso said.

He adds they experienced the impact it has on the public sector, churches, community groups and other sectors as well, particularly in terms of tourism, shipping, communication, transportation, health and education.

“The revenue collection capabilities of both the National Government and Provinces were also severely hampered and affected service delivery networks. I believe it has also impacted on the distribution of funds to our nine provinces, which subsequently affected our communities.

“Despite this transmission and the disturbances it has created, I believe we had not lost focus on the significance of development,” Seleso said.   

Marodo house of chiefs supports MARA government

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Secretary of Marodo House of Chief, Mr Steve Micky.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MARODO House of Chiefs, governing the areas from Sasava to Takwea Rivers in Lau/Mbaelelea constituency, has thrown its support behind the Suidani-led MARA government.

Secretary to the house of chiefs, Steve Micky assured of their support in light of MARA government’s courageous stand to protect Malaita from “foreign intrusion”.

In an interview, Micky said Marodo HoC values the importance of their culture, tradition, lands and genealogy and wants to uphold them.

He said for the past four decades the country has only known developments associated with destruction of natural resources that created division among tribes, communities and people.

Women and children attended the awareness program at Abuisaia.

“Marodo House of Chiefs met with Premier Suidani and team and assured them of our continue support toward their stand for issues of common concern to Malaita,” he said.

Micky said in addressing some of the challenges faced with issues relating to Marodo HoC traditional governing system, they are working with MARA government for ways forward.

“This area is on our preparation to carry out genealogy mapping on all tribes within Marodo and educating them on their landownership and genealogy.

“This is mainly to prepare our people and resources for development by trying to minimize land dispute or related areas that may lead to disputes,” he said.

On that note, Micky thanked Premier Daniel Suidani and team for dialogue with Marodo HoC and visit to Abuisaia community within Marodo areas.

SI to pass 5,000 seasonal workers

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Part of a group of Solomon Islanders who went under the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme and Labour Mobility Scheme. PHOTO AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION OFFICE

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE five-year Labour Mobility Strategy (2019-2023) to achieve more than 5000 workers by 2023 is progressing well.

More than 4000 workers are currently working under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme in Australia and Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) in New Zealand.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade permanent secretary, Collin Beck confirmed to media last week having passed the 4000-mark.

He said by the end of December, they are projecting to pass the 5000-mark.

“Work on this is going in the right direction, there is a lot of interests.

“The challenges they face now are positive challenges, like the process of dealing with passports,” he said.

Beck said the increase of numbers is basically because “our workers have built a good reputation.

“We have built a brand ‘here to work’ which is about responsibility, commitment, dedication and courteous with the employers.

“Of course, there are one or two issues but they don’t affect the general reputation of everyone,” he said.

In addition, Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers said the projection set four years ago is to hit 5000 by 2023.

He said by 2025, it should hit 10,000.

“This is achievable,” he added.

In terms of economic impact, Central Bank of Solomon Islands has confirmed that the total remittances (inflow) for 2021 was SBD$215 million.

This is 68 percent increase from $128 million reported in 2020.

CBSI also confirms that these figures include remittances from both seasonal workers and non-seasonal workers.

The Labour Mobility Strategy was developed and endorsed by Cabinet in 2018. 

It has been developed in tandem with the Labour Mobility Policy Framework and together these documents outline the Solomon Islands Government’s [SIGs] plans and system for growing labour mobility opportunities over the next five-year period (2019 – 2023). 

Fundamental principles underpinning the labour mobility strategy are that it aligns with other government strategies for the development of the domestic economy, by: 

  1. Developing new employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders
  2. Increasing international earnings for investment in the domestic economy
  3. Developing workforce skills for entrepreneurship and the creation of new industry. 

China hands over computers to Betikama school

Written by
Press Release
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Embassy Counsellor and Deputy head of mission, Yao Ming hands over the computers to representatives of Betikama College.

THE Embassy of the People’s Republic of China last week handed over 24 computer monitors and one R240 Computer server to the Betikama Adventist College in Honiara.

The handover was made on July 27 by the Embassy Counsellor and Deputy head of mission, Yao Ming.

School principal, Partinson Bekala, Form 7 head tutor, Samantha Buka, former Form 7 class president Chrisdan Tonawane, together with representatives of teachers, students and parents attended the ceremony.

Deputy head of mission, Counsellor Yao Ming gave a briefing on the development of China and Solomon Islands relations and fruitful outcomes of exchanges and cooperation between two countries.

 He said that as a Chinese saying goes “It takes ten years to nurture a tree, but one hundred years to educate a person”.

 Education holds the key to a nation’s future. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, Betikama Adventist College has overcome enormous challenges and managed to make education opportunities accessible to the youth. China places high premium on educational cooperation with Solomon Islands.

“Hopefully by using the donated computers and server, Betikama students can improve their ICT skills and gain a better understanding of China and the world at large,” he said.

Counsellor Yao also called on students to undertake study tours in China and play roles as ambassador of good will to promote better ties between China and Solomon Islands and make contributions towards the development of this nation.

Principal Partinson Bekala shared the school’s historic background and expressed sincere appreciation for the Chinese Embassy’s valuable support.

 He said that since its opening 74 years ago, the school has remained committed to quality education and is among the prestigious high schools in Solomon Islands.

Most of the school computer facilities are out of date or inaccessible for ICT learning courses.

He said the timely donated equipment by the Chinese Embassy is instrumental for a better learning environment for students.

“Betikama Adventist College remains committed to promoting people-to-people friendship between China and Solomon Islands and will further facilitate students to learn Chinese language and Chinese culture.

After the ceremony, Counsellor Yao Ming was given a tour to the school’s computer laboratory and other learning facilities by Principal Bekala.

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