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MV Southern Coast to solve travelling to Weather-coast

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MV Southern Coast 1

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MV Southern Coast 1 is ready to serve the people of Guadalcanal following its blessing and hand over at the Point Cruz wharf on Thursday.

Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal, Rollen Seleso purchased the $2.6 million vessel under the National Transport Fund from the Anglican Church of Melanesia after winning the bid.

The original value of the vessel was $3.1 million but both parties agreed to settle on the current value following some good negotiations.

The vessel was formally named Southern Cross, which the church used to move around the country to share the gospel to the people.

Speaking at the handing over and blessing of the vessel in front of guests and constituents, Seleso said South Guadalcanal constituency has come a long way in finally achieving the acquisition of its very first ever shipping vessel.

Minister Seleso and DPM Maelanga cutting the ribbon to officially hand over the ship to South Guadalcanal.

He said this, in itself speaks volume on the gratitude and joy that they now have.

“South Guadalcanal is just on the other side of the island. It is so near….yet so far away…so remote.

“Some say that we are a people living on the edge…..and this is all true, “he said.

Seleso, who is also the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening said frequent and reliable transportation has been a challenge for their people for as long as they have lived.

Guests who attended the handover and blessing of MV Southern Coast 1 at Point Cruz wharf

“Modern day transportation is expensive and dangerous for our people rendering us out of reach of the economic opportunities presented by our capital city, Honiara.

“It is somewhat funny that some of our kids only come to know Honiara because of education or medical reasons,” he added.

Seleso, a first time MP said the achievement that they witnessed was a culmination of vision, understanding, cooperation, hard work, dedication and sheer determination of a lot of key players including government, ministries, groups and individuals.

However, Seleso said owning and operating a ship is no easy task.

“It is even more challenging when such an asset is owned by the people.

Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso made his address.

“I am happy to say that this vessel is a blessing for my constituency and people, but now the onus and challenge is on us to respect and look after it,” he said.

“I urge our people of South Guadalcanal and all travellers to take ownership and responsibility over this ship.

“The success or failure of this ship depends on us,” he added.

Contrary to common belief, South Guadalcanal constituency, though remote and considered an uneconomical route is full of potentials in terms of contributing to the national economy.

“It was because of lack of reliable transportation that our people have been unable to fully participate for such a long time.

“People have left their cocoa and coconut plantations and opted for other easier means of income as we face problems in getting our goods to Honiara,” he added.

Girls enjoying on board MV Southern Coast

“In fact, there was a time in the past when the constituency was the highest producer of cocoa in the whole of Solomon Islands.

“We also have the sweetest taros which will now be able to reach Honiara soon,” he added.

A business arm of the Constituency, the South Guadalcanal Corporate Service Company Ltd (SGCSCL) will manage and run the vessel.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga expressed his happiness and pride the see the ship.

Gifts presented to DPM Maerlanga, Premier Sade and Bishop Loe.

Maelanga said he was happy to see funds given were implemented which resulted in South Guadalcanal purchasing a ship.

He said Government has also supported other constituencies in terms of transportation as part of its policy.

Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade congratulated South Guadalcanal constituency, DCGA and the people who made this initiative come true.

Other guests who witnessed the handing over and blessing of the vessel were Minister for Planning Rex Ramofafia, MP for North Malaita Senly Filuala, Minister of Aviation and Communication, Peter Shanel, Guadalcanal Premier, Francis Sade and Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal, Benedict Loe.

PM pays visit to Tobacco Company

Written by
Press Release
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SITCO GM presenting a traditional shell money to PM.

The Prime Minister’s factory visit to Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited (SITCO) was hailed a success.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare used the occasion to acknowledge the decision made by SITCO management to stay and continue the investment despite the company being a victim of the looting and burning during the riots of November 2021.

PM Sogavare also took the opportunity to hail SITCO’s management and its workers for their show of resilience to bounce back from the looting and damages to the company, and continuing business.

PM Sogavare said such show of feat should be replicated in the government machineries as well.

Group photo

The Prime Minister further acknowledge SITCO’s management for ensuring that the welfare of its staff members and workers are prioritized after the November 2021 riot and also during the COVID- 19 community transmission.

PM Sogavare assured SITCO management and staff that government will ensure that the business environment is conducive for investors like SITCO.

PM Sogavare made the assurance that government will heavily consider a police station to be located at Ranadi.

SITCO General Manager Kazi Mushfiqur Rahman also commended the leadership of the Prime Minister for keeping the economy afloat despite of the challenges of November 2021 and the COVID- !9 community transmission.

Rahman urged Prime Minister to continue to provide the right investment environment for SITCO and other investors.

The factory visit offers the opportunity for Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to see firsthand SITCO’s cigarette and tobacco production.

—PMO

New cases sample to be sent to Australia

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE specimens collected from the current increased cases of covid-19 will be sent to Australia to determine the variant.

This is confirmed by the Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana in his national address on Thursday 14th April 2022.

“A new cohort of samples from testing done this week and late last week will be sent for genome sequencing to rule out any other variants with the current increase of COVID-19 cases detected in the capital this week,” he said.

Togamana said “we will keep you briefed about the results once they become available.”

He adds that lab samples are frequently being sent overseas on weekly basis to Australia for genome sequencing and so far, results remain to be that of the Delta variant.

Togamana further stressed that such re-infections or increase of cases are rare but can happen to individuals who have low body defence against COVID-19 or if another variant of the virus strikes the person.

No lockdown despite COVID surge

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

NO lockdown will be imposed despite the surge in covid-19 cases in Honiara as of Thursday, according to the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana.

He mentioned this during his national covid-19 update on Thursday.

“The current situation in Honiara is a matter of concern as one of the new infections recorded yesterday happened to an individual who was tested positive for COVID-19 in the past,” Togamana said.

He said “No lockdowns have been imposed for now, but I am strongly urging the Lord Howe and Alligator Creek Communities to start observing COVID safe practices protocols.”

Togamana said face masks have been distributed in the Lord Howe community and will be provided in the Alligator Creek Community.

He further reminds members of the public to avoid unnecessary travel now within and in and out of Honiara.

“Such re-infections are rare but can happen to individuals who have low body defense against COVID-19, or if another variant of the virus strikes the person.

“NRH and HCC are now on alert mode, increased testing is being carried out in selected communities such as Lord Howe settlement,” Togamana said.

Western COVID situation improving: Toiraena

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

ACTING Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Operation Committee says the COVID-19 situation in the province is slowly improving.

Patrick Toiraena said data from Gizo Hospital shows the number of positive cases has been decreasing compared to previous records.

He said the rate has determined it has dropped, however the WPDOC is still waiting for actual data from the Ministry of Health to verify the information.

“According to data collected from Gizo hospital, positive case rate is around 20 percent – meaning if 100 patients are tested, 26 patient will likely to come back positive,” Toiraena said.

He said WPDOC is working with its stakeholders to determine whether to revoke the February Gazette order or not.

Toiraena said revoking the gazette order means everything will be back to normal.

“At the moment the gazette order remains as is it for now till assessments determine the potential reasons to revoke the gazette order,” he said.

COVID CASES RISE AGAIN

Written by
Admin
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

Health workers on ‘high alert mode’

COVID-19 test results this week indicates an increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases mainly detected for both domestic arrivals from the provinces and pre-departures and testing at Honiara clinics.

This was highlighted by Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana in his national address Thursday.

“For the domestic arrival and pre-departure screening at the domestic wharf, a total of 391 RAT tests were done today of which 17 were positive and 374 were negative,” Togamana said.

“Of the 17 positives, 6 were crews of MV Arnavon, another 6 includes 1 crew and 5 passengers of MV Nuatabu, 2 crews of MV Lezna, 2 passengers of MV Airi and 1 crew of MV Onogou,” he added.

“For domestic arrivals at Henderson airport, a total of 20 RAT tests were done and 1 was positive.

“For the pre-departure screening at Central Field Hospital (CFH), a total of 82 RAT tests were done and 2 were positive.

“This brings the total RAT tests done for domestic arrivals and pre-departures to 493 of which 20 were positive.”

Togamana also announced a family whose test results are considered to be new infections.

“Additionally, a 36-years-old, female, healthcare worker (HCW) who is a resident of Lord Howe Settlement tested positive on RAT along with her three children, a 4-years-old, a 7-years-old and another 8-year-old at the Mataniko Dental Clinic screening site.

“For further confirmation of rapid antigen positive tests, additional samples were collected for PCR testing on all 6 members of the family.

“All these infections are considered to be new infections.”

The Minister expressed health’s concern on the current situation.

“The current situation in Honiara is a matter of concern to us as one of the new infections recorded on Wednesday happened in an individual who was tested positive for COVID-19 in the past.

“Such re-infections are rare but can happen in individuals who have low body defense against COVID-19 or if another variant of the virus strikes the person.

“NRH and HCC are now on alert mode, increased testing is being carried out in selected communities such as Lord Howe.

“No lockdowns have been imposed for now but I am strongly urging the Lord Howe and Alligator Creek communities to start observing COVID safe practices protocols.

“Face masks have been distributed in Lord Howe community and will be provided in Alligator Creek community.

“Avoid unnecessary travel now within and in and out of Honiara.

“The samples from these new cases are being sent to Australia for variant determination and we will keep you briefed about the results once they become available.

“As part of health’s response to the current increase, 6 Anavon crews are being quarantined at the vessel and tests are being conducted for other crew members.

“The 6 positive cases on MV Nautabu are also being contacted for institutional quarantine in managed isolation spaces.

“The nurse and her three kids have been contacted and advised for home isolation.

“Contact tracing at Mataniko clinic has been conducted and close contacts have been advised for quarantine.

“The clinic is being closed for now until further investigations.

“Swabbing teams are being mobilized for swabbing the close contact of the nurse and her 3 kids at Lord Howe settlement.”

Togamana said all the symptomatic people in Lord Howe Settlement will be tested.

He added face masks have been distributed at Lord Howe settlement and with risk communication teams being mobilized to conduct swift awareness to the community on the situation.

“National Referral Hospital and Honiara City Council are now on high alert mode for COVID-19.”

PM assassination report, Police reminds media of responsible reporting

Written by
Press Release
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is encouraging the media to report with a sense of responsibility on matters that will cause fear among people.

This reminder comes as an article was published on Solomon Star newspaper headlined ‘Plot to assassinate Sogavare’ today (9 April 2022) written by Alfred Sasako.

Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau said the article is very dangerous and appeals to the author to rethink before publishing such a story.

“The right place for this information to go to is RSIPF and not media.

Commissioner Mangau said the RSIPF is a neutral organisation. We have the responsibility to look after each citizen of this country. Police see this kind of reporting as not good enough for public consumption.

Mr Mangau said the article totally undermined the national security of this country. To make it worse the author does not have good judgement to contact RSIPF or its media team to verify or give the police side of the story.

“By doing this, it would be helpful for the readers to have a balanced side of the story. Good to be responsible when reporting on matters of national interest and security.

 This is our country. We must try as much as possible to be responsible enough,” he said.

PRC delivers five tractors to SIG

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Ambassador Li Ming handed over the tractor keys to Minister Manele of MFAET on behalf of the recipients

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) have officially delivered five tractors aimed at improving local farmers’ ability in agriculture production.

The tractors were received yesterday by the Solomon Islands government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

The recipients of the tractors include the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock with three tractors, and Sape farm and Goshen farm with one each.

Addressing the handover, Ambassador Li Ming said this event not only reflects the friendly relations between the governments and people of both countries but also China’s support to people in rural areas in Solomon Islands.

The five newly delivered tractors

“I sincerely hope the machinery could improve local farmers capability building in agriculture production,” Mr Li said

“We wish the agricultural machinery could be used as early as possible. I firmly believe that it will provide local farmers with great assistance and sow seed of friendship between China and Solomon Islands to make more contributions to the economic development and the well-being of all Solomon Islanders.”   

Jeremiah Manele, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, said the tractors will empower farmers in the rural area and support the country’s economic system.

“This is a powerful message of hope to our other farmers. My Ministry thanked the government and People of China for positively considering our request and responding to this people centred development initiative,” Manele said.

Auki police closes in on producer of fake vax cards

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Health workers are assisting passengers on covid-19 travel restrictions at Auki wharf.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

A man suspected of producing fake vaccination cards has been identified and is now on the police radar.

Acting PPC Malaita, Inspector Charles Eddie Koto told this paper yesterday they are “closing in on the person”.

He said Auki police are liaising with their counterparts in Honiara to track the person who is currently in Honiara.

Koto said after the recent detection of the matter in Auki; Auki police have launched investigation into it and now they know who the person is.

“We came up with the case after discovery of fake vaccination cards used by passengers in Auki and followed-up on the matter.

Provincial police and health teams set up checks in front of Auki wharf to monitor passengers on covid-19 travel restriction measures.

“Our investigation has resorted to that person as key figure and at the moment we had located the person’s whereabouts as investigation continues.

“Further investigation will be made when the person is arrested to know if other people also behind the illegal activity, but first we will get the person,” he said.

Koto said it’s just matter of time to get the person that will also broaden the police’s investigation into the matter.

On that note, he appealed to those in the province who in possession of the fake cards to know they’re within the loop of that illegal action.

Koto said Auki police are liaising with swabbing team at Auki wharf to monitor vaccination details of passengers coming and going out of Auki.

He said any person who is find with counterfeit vaccination card will deal with by the police as the action only poses threat to the current situation, hence it won’t be tolerated.

Aligegeo covid-19 centre awaits inspection

Written by
Samie Waikori
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One among other facilities renovated at Aligegeo School for the new covid-19 centre for Malaita province……..Photo supplied. (1)

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI    

Malaita is expecting its new covid-19 centre to open soon.

Reports say the centre is only awaiting inspection, before it can be approved for opening.

Chairman of Malaita PDOC, Inspector Charles Eddie Koto told this paper yesterday:

“Work on the centre had completed weeks ago and soon we will meet with the Emergency Operation team at Kilu’ufi to discuss the inspection work.

“This is the only remaining work on the centre and if it’s done all covid-19 operations will shift from Kilu’ufi hospital to Aligegeo School,” Koto, also acting PPC Malaita, said.

Chairman of EOC Malaita, Dr Rex Maukera also confirmed his team is waiting to meet with PDOC to carry out remaining work on the facility.

He said the facility is prepared for both general outpatient and covid-19 operations, thus they have decided to shift covid-19 program to the centre first as its work begins to lighten.

Maukera said general outpatient will still remain at the hospital as covid-19 situation in the province is declining, however if any changes they will look into it.

Koto said number of buildings within the school has been renovated to be used for general outpatient and covid-19 related programs as new covid-19 centre for the province.

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