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Ngati backs Inquiry call

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Honiara City Councillor, Reginald Ngati

By EDDIE OSIFELO

HONIARA City Council Vura ward member, Reginald Ngati supports the call made by Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer to investigate the cause of the 2021 November riot and looting.

Sir Albert had wanted to see a Commission of Inquiry set up to find a solution to the ongoing problem following the devastation and impact caused by rioters and looters on many properties during the November riots.

He issued the call through a virtual meeting to open the Legal Year on Monday this week.

Ngati said it is an important call given the background of Sir Albert who heads the legal fraternity in the country.

He recalled that the 2006 COI has given the authority information to counter the protest and riot in the future.

Further to that, Ngati said COI could help authority to point out who is responsible for the protest and riots.

“Is it the government? Is it the people or police?

“We can answer it with the report with us,” he added.

Sir Albert stressed the incident sadly was not confined to Chinatown but other parts of the city were also targeted, looted and burnt down as well.

“At the right time an investigation or a commission of enquiry should be considered to be set up to determine inter alia, the causes of the riot and recommendations to be considered as to how that part of the town and businesses and property can be better secured and protected in future,” Sir Albert said.

Attorney General John Muria Jnr said the events that occurred on November 24 was a sad one for Honiara and for Solomon Islands.

“This was a vibrant display of the lack of understanding and respect of the law and no respect for authority,” Muria said.

“Indeed, it was also a clear manifestation of the ongoing decay of moral and societal values,” he added.

Muria said what transpired during the November riots was amongst other things, a lack of understanding of basic principles of law by our youths.

He said the involvement of youths as young as 13 has prompted him to renew calls to all relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Education and Human Resources that our school syllabus needs to be reviewed to include the education of our children of legal principles.

He said this includes the teaching of legal studies at senior Primary and / or at Secondary levels of education.

Guadalcanal health team dispatched to Weather-Coast

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Press Release
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Few of the medical supplies for Lawrence Chobo's team.

The Guadalcanal Swabbing and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team left yesterday morning to train more than 12 nurses at the Area Health Centers (AHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) on the Weathercoast.

The team has split up into two mini-teams.

The first team is led by Lawrence Chobo, a GP nurse and IPC Coordinator. They left via West Guadalcanal and will be picking up one nurse each from Viso, Kuma, Madakacho, and Barainagho. They will wait for the second team at Avuavu AHC.

GP Logistics Team, Steward Ngelea and Alfy Davis waiting for more Medical and PPEs supplies at the National Medical Store.

The second team is led by Dr Zimlon Bosawai. His team left Tetere Beach at 11am via East Guadalcanal.

He will be picking up three other nurses from Saro, Balolava and Nagho and will join the first team in Avuavu.

The MP for East Central Guadalcanal Constituency, Ishmael Avui also lends his support for the team.

Both teams are expected to arrive in Avuavu yesterday evening.

The Swabbing and IPC workshop will commence at Avuavu AHC today.

Dr Zimlon will be conducting the swabbing workshop, while Mr Lawrence will conduct the IPC workshop.

The team will then regroup and head back to Tangarare this Saturday. They will be picking other nurses from Mbabanakira, Marumbo, Wanderer Bay, and Fox Bay.

Their Swabbing and IPC training will commence at the Tangarare AHC either on Sunday or Monday depending on the weather.

The Swabbing and IPC team also has 3,600 Rapid Antigens Testing (RAT) kits. The AHC and RHCs will each be receiving 600 RAT kits after their respective trainings.

The distribution of these RAT kits will boost the swabbing capacity of the Guadalcanal Province.

Dr John Hue final briefing with Dr Zimlon Bosawai before his departure at Tetere Beach yesterday morning

The report will be helpful for the GP Health Emergency Operation Committee (GHEOC) and GPDOC to not only map out the community transmission, but also to work on the next responsive phase for next week.

According to Dr Joel Denty, the GP Health Director, most of the nurses were already trained early last year before the Covid-19 outbreak.

He said that the workshops will be refreshers for most of them.

In the meantime, GHEOC and GPDOC are aware of the Covid-19 like symptoms reports received from most of the wards.

However, such reports can only be proven as Covid-19 positive once the ‘probable’ cases are being swabbed.

So, according to Dr John Hue, who is the current GP’ Covid-19 Advisor, Guadalcanal Province is expected to register more positive cases of the Delta Variant once these ‘probable’ and ‘suspected’ cases are proven positive as of next week.

But, he said that this will depend entirely on peoples’ willingness to get swabbed.

The Swabbing and IPC team is expected to return on Monday or Tuesday next week. – GP Media

China’s cool response to US come-back here

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Peoples Republic of China remains “diplomatic” despite United States of America’s intention to upgrade its consular to an Embassy in Honiara.

United States Secretary of state Antony Blinken has reconfirmed their intention following a state visit to Fiji this week.

Initially, USA has closed its Honiara’s Embassy in 1993, leaving a consular to look after her affairs in the region.

It has relocated its Embassy to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to look after Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Some media said that its purpose is to “increase U.S. influence in the South Pacific nation before China becomes strongly embedded”.

However, a spokesperson for the Embassy of PRC in Solomon Islands said the relationship between China and Solomon Islands has achieved fruitful results in the past years, and brought tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

“It serves the common interests of all countries in the region. China-Solomon Islands relations is based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, not directed against any third party.

“China is committed to a community with a shared future for mankind, and the Pacific Island countries advocate principles of “friends to all, enemy to none,” PRC spokesperson said.

“We hope all parties concerned could uphold the same spirit, abandon the cold war and zero-sum mentality, take more practical actions and contribute to the social stability and sustainable development of the Pacific island countries.”

Solomon Islands has switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to PRC in 2019.

Deadly Delta strikes country

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Health authorities have confirmed that the deadly delta variant of covid-19 is infecting the country through rapid community transmission since January this year.

This followed the 10 recent samples sent to Australia for genomic sequencing that confirmed the presence of the delta variant from those samples.

Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Culwick Togamana confirmed the results on Tuesday.

“More recently, we had sent 10 more samples to Australia and all the samples showed the presence of the delta variant, so we can now be reasonably sure that the Delta is the variant that is currently circulating in Honiara and in the Provinces,” Togamana said.

Scientifically, Delta is believed to be more than twice as infectious as previous variants, and studies have shown that it may be more likely than the original virus to put infected people in the hospital.

Studies have shown that people who are not vaccinated are most at risk, and the highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates.  

Studies also show that people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus continue to have strong protection against COVID-19 compared to those who aren’t.

While most Delta infections have been in people who have not had a vaccine, data also has shown the variant to have increased transmissibility even among some vaccinated people.

As a result of these data, Minister Togamana strongly encourage people to get vaccinated.

Health experts here to support covid efforts

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Corona

Two international epidemiologists have arrived in the country supported by the WHO and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs to provide technical support in the field of epidemiology for the current COVID-19 response.

The arrival of the epidemiologists will boost the Government’s response to in the country.

Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

It is a cornerstone of public health, and shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare.

Epidemiologist’s help with study design, collection, and statistical analysis of data, amend interpretation and dissemination of results (including peer review and occasional systematic review).

Epidemiology has helped develop methodology used in clinical research, public health studies, and, to a lesser extent, basic research in the biological sciences.

The Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services continues to receive technical advice and recommendations from UN agencies such as UNICEF and WHO.

This week the Ministry also recruited an additional 130 probationers and 23 registered nurses to the National Referral Hospital.

Additional nurses also signed their contracts Monday this week for deployment to Guadalcanal Province while several more nurses signed their contracts on Tuesday to support the Honiara City Council health response to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is working on its strategy to reengage the country’s returning nurses from Vanuatu for Provincial deployment.

Health workers warned against charging people

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Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Culwick Togamana has warned health workers that are charging monetary fees in exchange for administering vaccination on people.

The Minister said on Tuesday that there were reports that certain health workers are charging fees to the public for vaccination.

He said these practices are illegal and encouraged people who had to pay for vaccination to report such incidents to police and health authorities so that appropriate actions are taken to stop such practices. 

“My ministry would like to issue a stern warning to any health worker found to be engaged in such illegal activities that you will be reported to the police for investigation and prosecution,” the Minister warned.

Meanwhile, vaccination in Honiara is continuing at Lawson Tama stadium and the Solomon Ports Car Park area for the public.

The Health Minister warned that any entry and spread of Omicron or any new variant will infect people previously sick with the delta variant which is rapidly spreading in the country.

RSIPF praised for support to the courts

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has acknowledged the work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in their ongoing support to the courts and Judiciary in 2021.

Sir Albert said RSIPF worked long hours in difficult and trying circumstances with limited resources in the enforcement and maintenance of the rule of law.

“I thank the Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau and the ranks and file of the RSIPF for their ongoing support to the work of the courts and the Judiciary in 2021 and in striving to keep the peace and maintain law and order for the people of Solomon Islands. 

“They need the community support in their policing duties and responsibilities,” Sir Albert said.

Attorney General John Muria Jnr also shared similar sentiments in thanking the Royal Solomon Islands Police, for their continued hard work in their support to the delivery of Justice and to the Justice System.

Mr Muria also acknowledged the hardworking frontliners who selfishly worked tirelessly to ensure that community transmission of COVID-19 is contained.

“May God Bless you for your dedicated and committed service to your people of Solomon Islands. May God Bless your families as well as they support and stand by you as you discharge your duties,” Muria added.

AG urges Bar Association to continue with legal duties

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Attorney General John Muria Jnr

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ATTORNEY General John Muria Jnr has called on the Bar Association to continue discharge their legal duties without fear no favour, despite the onset of COVID-19 Community transmission in the country.

Speaking at the opening of 2022 legal year, Mr Muria said when discharging their duty, they must ensure they protect themselves first before discharging their duties.

“You are required to put your mask on first before helping others.

“I also reiterate your Lordship’s call to have all Courts and Counsels involved in the development and implementation of electronic court system. This includes finalising protocols for e-filing, e-hearings etc.

“By using these technological tools, we will be able to minimise movements, limit interaction and in turn assist in the containment of COVID-19 community transmission”, Muria said.

He said the number of Government Legal Offices have been assisted by DFAT in the donation of video conferencing equipment.

“Now is the time to make full use of these gifts from the people and Government of Australia.

“However, to aid in its implementation, it is incumbent upon each Counsel both private and government, to familiarise themselves with the available virtual platforms so as to assist the Courts in implementing its e-courts policy.

He also highlighted that Iumi Tugeda Against COVID-19, and so the saying goes. The Government, in light of Community Transmission is once again re-directing its policy.

“This will be reflected in the 2022 Annual budget. There will be changes, we however, must learn to adapt,” he added

2022 Legal Year opens

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE 2022 legal opened on Monday, with Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer thanking churches for continuing to uphold the work of the courts in their prayers and for the support and encouragement given to the judiciary.

“As we commence the opening of our legal year, let us pause to give thanks to God Almighty for his faithfulness and goodness in safely leading us through the tumultuous waters of 2021 to the safe harbours of 2022. 

“We have not travelled this way before and so it is important to commit our way to the Lord, for He is the Way, and ask him to lead us safely through the unchartered waters of 2022, to make the pathway of justice, plain and clear to follow, and to bring us safely through to complete this year successfully,” Sir Albert highlighted.

Sir Albert stressed that 2021 has not been an easy year in the delivery of justice and like other Government agencies, financial issues continue to be a pressing challenge in keeping up with the scheduled work plans and outputs for the year. 

The ongoing negative effects of Covid-19 continues to impact the capacity of the courts to sit timely and conduct hearings and sittings as scheduled, apart from maintaining basic registry and court services.

Sir Albert highlighted the challenges faced by the courts and also thank donor partners for their continuous support to the judiciary and courts.

“We are extremely grateful to the Australian government for its unwavering support through Australia’s Solomon Islands Justice Program. 

“After the court announced the cancellation of all remaining circuits and CLAC sittings for the year, Australia generously stepped in to offer financial support. 

“With an injection of an additional $460,000 the Court was able to deliver 13 sitting weeks of circuits in Seghe, Munda, Noro, Taro, Kulitanai, Buala, Kia, Malu’u, Atori, Afio, Tulagi, Yandina and Marau, and the November sittings of the Customary Land Appeal Court proceeded in Western, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira Provinces. 

“We express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Australian government for this vital, timely and much-welcome support.

“Finally, as we put our shoulders to the wheel again this year, let us all strive together to keep the courts’ doors open for those seeking justice through the courts,” Sir Albert said.

“This is not going to be an easy year for us but with God’s grace, strength and blessings we will do our best to serve our people and make justice available within our means, Sir Albert said.

He also highlighted that due to the current health crisis, court doors will be managed strictly to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all is at the forefront, while continuing to deliver justice this year.  More and more hearings will seek to be done by remote means to ease the risk of the spread of the virus to others. 

“We ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we seek to strive together to deliver justice in the midst of a health crisis,” Sir Albert added.

Oxygen, critical in COVID-19 efforts

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

OXYGEN remains critical towards clinical management of COVID-19 patients, especially those that are severely sick, according to Dr Culwick Togamana, Minister for Health and Medical Services.

Togamana said so far, they have deployed oxygen concentrators to the provinces 10 to Malaita, 12 to Western province and five to the Good Samaritan hospital.

He said this is based on the availability and type of electricity that provincial area health centres have, and where more of the concentrators will be deployed.

Togamana adds that based on the ministry’s internal assessment of stockpile, medicine stocks at the moment can cater for the demand for up to six months.

He adds with the support from the technical advice and the guidance gaps that have been identified are now addressed in terms of procurement of specialist drugs.

Togamana in terms of clinical management of Covid-19 patients’, said clinical workers are working closely with partners and relevant expertise to deal with covid-19 patients who have underlying health conditions as the country continues to note an increase in death amongst covid-19 positive patients with underlying conditions and those who are unvaccinated.

He said basically this will involve how best and safe to manage patients with covid-19 but also at the same time treat their underlying health conditions.

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