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Aust-Solomons tackle COVID-19 with boost to testing capability.

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Press Release
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L-R – Andrew Darcy, Molecular Laboratory technician, First Secretary Health, Kathleen Bombell, Human Development Counsellor, Mika Kontiainen, Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana and Alfred Dofai, Director for Laboratory.

Australia has delivered a new GeneXpert machine and 400 testing cartridges to assist the National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) molecular laboratory to diagnose COVID-19.

This machine can return COVID-19 test results within an hour. It can also test four times the number of samples at any one-time compared to previous GeneXpert machines in use, providing rapid detection of the COVID-19 virus.

This quick turn-around will enable laboratory and health care staff to identify patients who are COVID-19 positive with the result then quickly available to treating clinicians.

Better diagnostic capability is critical as we all continue to combat the spread of the virus.

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan and Jean Moselen, scientist from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

Working with the World Health Organisation, Australia supplied a PCR machine and GeneXpert cartridges in 2020 and over 100,000 rapid antigen tests in early 2022.

The new GeneXpert machine, ordered from the United States, further extends Solomon Islands’ testing capability.

The machine was set up by staff in the molecular laboratory, with help from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) in Australia.

Two Australian scientists from the Institute, Professor Patrick Reading and Jean Moselen, worked closely with local laboratory and health personnel to provide technical assistance and build capacity during the COVID-19 outbreak response in Solomon Islands.  

Providing technical assistance and testing equipment is part of Australia’s commitment to strengthening laboratory and diagnostic capacity in Solomon Islands.

Australia is also working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to renovate and extend the molecular laboratory in the coming months.

In a small ceremony on 21 March, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan and Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana, Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and Dr George Wilson Malefoasi, CEO of the National Referral Hospital marked the handover of the GeneXpert machine.

Dr Strahan and Dr Togamana also presented the staff at the laboratory with certificates to acknowledge their training in PCR techniques to detect COVID-19 in clinical samples.

Doherty Institute scientists Professor Patrick Reading and Jean Moselen with laboratory interns and staff who completed training in PCR techniques to detect COVID-19 in clinical samples.

“Staff in the molecular laboratory are highly competent at the techniques needed to detect COVID-19 and I am pleased to award these certificates in recognition of their skills” Ms Moselen said.

The Doherty Institute will continue working remotely with staff in the molecular laboratory.

Health Minister Dr Togamana highlighted the importance of additional GeneXpert machine.

“ ‘The support is timely as one of our main focus of COVID testing at this stage of our response is with COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital and for such group lab test is more appropriate, as it provides detailed data to assist clinicians in managing COVID-19 patients.

“Additionally, since the virus is transmitting more in the rural communities, the installation of the new 16 module GeneXpert machine that is capable of performing 32 tests per hour has freed up 3 other machines that have now been deployed to Guadalcanal, Makira and Temotu provinces for COVID-19 testing for clinical patients, suspected cases, and ongoing mass community testing in the provinces.

“Therefore, the additional GeneXpert is greatly appreciated,” explained Dr Togamana.

Dr Togamana also acknowledged the technical support from Doherty Institute in Australia in further building capacity of local lab technicians for COVID-19 testing of clinical sample, whilst highlighting that they will transfer knowledge and skills gained to their provincial counterparts to ensure consistency of performance across all laboratories. Thank you indeed.

The health minister praised the unwavering and steadfast, partnership and friendship of the Australian Government to the government and people of Solomon Islands.

“All the support we have received will go a long way in preserving the health and lives of our people especially at this difficult time of COVID-19 community transmission,” said Dr Togamana.

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said:

“Australia is absolutely committed to working with Solomon Islands to support its COVID-19 Response Plan.

“We have worked in lock step with the Solomon Islands Government since the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020 and our support will continue to be unwavering as we face this virus together.

“Australia’s assistance isn’t just one dimensional either. We’re committed to supporting Solomon Islands tackle COVID-19 with the appropriate infrastructure such as laboratories, medical equipment and supplies, logistics assistance and importantly, technical assistance and people like the scientists from the Doherty Institute and our AUSMAT colleagues. Australia’s COVID-19 support is wholistic and enduring.

“We’re here for the long haul.”

Australia’s longstanding health partnership is supporting Solomon Islands to respond to COVID-19 while continuing to assist with long-term health system strengthening.

–AHC

Bina Harbour processing plant project progresses

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Reconciliation made between National government through Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resource, Malaita Provincial Government and tribal groups in Bina in 2019 to support work on the Tuna Processing Plant

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

The Bina Harbour tuna processing plant project is reportedly progressing.

This is despite few challenges authorities say they have encountered along the way.

Malaita provincial government says it has been assured by the national fisheries ministry (MFMR) that funding for feasibility studies in an associated project has been approved.

MFMR Permanent Secretary Dr Christian Ramofafia, Project Manager of Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, Mr Peter Cusack and their team recently informed Premier Daniel Suidani of these updates.

This was upon a request made by Premier Suidani under the framework provided through the MOU on Bina project signed by the MFMR and MPG in 2020. 

Suidani’s political advisor, Mr Celsius Talifilu said these progresses include approved funding under DFAT’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) for Bina water supply and wastewater management feasibility study.

“This will manage by Solomon Water under an engagement with the Australian firm, SMEC to do the work as early as next week. SMEC is expecting to work closely with MFMR and MPG on the Fa’agwa water source that appears to be the ideal source.

“Another major step forward is issuing of call for expression of interest for a managing services contractor to manage the Bina Harbour Project office which will build in Auki town, Malaita province.

“The NZ government through MFMR expects that the contractor will be in place by July/August. The office is critical for driving Bina Harbour project forward and will be free from unexpected constraints of government administrative processes.

“In addition, another recent important development for Bina is that the IFC senior management has approved the Sydney-based IFC team to continue to support SIG, MPG and MFMR with Bina.

“The arrangement is framed in a Financial Advisory Services Agreement which has been vetted and approved by MFMR and will shortly be signed by IFC,” he said.

According to Talifilu under the agreement, IFC will work over the next 12 months to support environmental and social baseline studies for Bina, develop the legal and financial model for an investor to operate a tuna processing plant at Bina, further define the technical and financial model for a viable tuna fishing, trading and processing operation and develop a cost/benefit analysis of the project for SIG’s consideration.

“These services will be provided by IFC free of charge, IFC then expect to continue its support for Bina by acting as SIG’s transaction advisor for the concession to be negotiated with a global tuna industry operator,” Talifilu said.

He said the final area Premier Suidani updated on was the current legal claim that is hoped to deal with soon. The MFMR’s legal advisor has continued to press for the resolution of the outstanding clam against the Bina/Talifu land settlement.

COVID BREACH

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Uta Princess II

Health workers question ‘minister’s interference’

BY MAVIS N. PODOKOLO 

HEALTH minister Dr Culwick Togamana reportedly ignored COVID-19 protocols when he cleared without the knowledge of frontline workers a passenger ship that arrived from Isabel Province yesterday morning.

MV Uta Princess II arrived at Point Cruz wharf with 84 passengers, Island Sun was told by those who were there to clear the ship.

But while frontline health workers were there to check on the vessel, passengers left without adhering to COVID protocols that were expected to be observed by every vessel coming in from the provinces.

“The health minister took matters upon himself by giving orders for passengers to disembark without adhering to required COVID protocols,” one frontline worker told Island Sun.

The frontline worker’s claim was supported by a letter Jacob Makini of Solomon Islands Ports Authority Health team circulated to health workers yesterday.

“M.V Uta Princess II arrived with 84 passengers from Isabel Province requesting clearance from Port Health Team, was intentionally interfered with politically,” Makini wrote.

“Thus, the Port Health Team SOP was tampered with unprofessionally,” he added.

“I was checking through the documents provided by the ship’s clerk to confirm the health status of each passenger on their swab results.

“20 passengers boarded the vessel at Buala have their RAT result certificates attached that were swabbed on 21st/03/22 whilst the others who boarded the vessel from other coastal ports were confirmed not swabbed.

“On my way to the vessel to make announcements and arrangements for swabbing, and to my surprise, all passengers had already disembarked the vessel carrying their belongings/luggage to the wharf and awaiting transport.

“I approached the security and ask him who cleared the vessel and he said ‘Minister of Health Hon. C. Togamana cleared the vessel and allow passengers to disembark upon directives from Ministry of Health’.

“Please can this incident be dealt with immediately and accordingly to avoid future precedence that may arise and might go out of hand?

“Collectively, it is the responsibility of all of us to fight against this earthly evil during this difficult period,” Makini wrote.

When contacted last night, Togamana said:

“I will not make any comments unless I see and read the letter.”

In recent weeks, passengers arriving in Honiara from the provinces have to be tested to confirm their COVID status.

A vessel arriving from Western Province has to have some of its passengers quarantined for couple of days after some of the passengers were tested positive.

West to deliver $18M budget

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province has come up with a lowest budget estimate in its history this year as COVID-19 continues to hit hard on the economy.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Speaker of the province, Adrian S Gina said Western Province’s Budget Estimate for 2022/2023 is $18 million – a huge drop from 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 estimates.

He said the decline in the budget estimate is due to two reasons; one a drop in provincial revenue and two, a huge cut in national government’s allocation to provincial governments.

“We are hitting new-low but it’s not a surprise, we are expecting this due to the current situations.

“Our hope is for this budget to help provincial government arms to continue deliver needed services within the province,” Gina said.

He said the 2022/2023 Budget Estimates will be put before the assembly this week for debate.

WPG Assembly meeting on schedule: Speaker

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Provincial Assembly Hon Speaker Adrian Sinabule Gina

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SPEAKER of Western Province says the Province’s Assembly meeting dates still remains as scheduled.

Adrian Gina made the statement following reports that 18 provincial officers have tested positive of COVID-19 on Sunday.

In an interview with this Island Sun Gizo, he explained that the Assembly meeting will need a quorum – meaning more than half of attendees to proceed.

Gina said the attendees are expected to meet the quorum and the meeting will continue.

“I’ve been in contact with officials from the national government and they informed my office that quorum will be substantiated by importance of the assembly business and the challenge brought in by COVID-19.

“We can resort to 1/3 of a quorum to pass the budget if the number unable to the legal quorum preferences.

“This is tricky as we are not in normal situation so I’m working close with responsible authorities on action needed if the situation changes in the coming days,” he said.

Gina said the upcoming assembly meeting is very important and that is to pass the 2022/2023 Appropriation Budget.

He said most MPAs have arrived in Gizo while other sent in their apologies to the speaker’s office that they will not able to attend the meeting.

“My office have received few apologies most of which are based on health related issues. I accepted their apologies and wish them a quick recovery,” Gina said.

This paper understand that the meeting will takes place at MSG Building beginning Wednesday.

Case adjourned for Guale MP, spouse, MPA and others

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

MEMBER of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal Constituency Ethel Vokia, and her husband Jamie Vokia with the Member of the Provincial Assembly Rose Tala and two others will come back in court on March 28, 2022 for mention.

Their case was heard in court via zoom yesterday and there were several issues raised by lawyers regarding the case and the Chief Magistrate Emma Garo adjourned the case to March 28.

A lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s Office Rodney Manebosa told the court, that they received application from the defendants Jamie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Polycarp Peresini and Moses Beason, and they are yet to confirm their legal representation for the accused.

Meanwhile Ethel Vokia is represented by Rano Law firm.

Sina Kilua of Rano Law firm appearing on behalf of their office told court that disclosures have been received from prosecution regarding their client.

Ms Kilua also raises an issue on jurisdiction whether or not magistrate court can hear the matter against the defendants as they are facing charges under the Electoral Act 2018.

Magistrate Garo then said that Rano can make submission regarding the jurisdiction on the next court date.

The MP and all the four defendants are facing charges relating to the   incident occurred during the 2019 National General Election (NGE) for bribery offences.

MP Vokia faces two charges one election Bribery: Contrary to Section 126 (1) (a) and (b) (ii) of the Elector act 2018 and conspiracy to defeat justices and interference with witness: Contrary to Section 116(b) of the panel code 9Cap26) to be read with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code (cap 26)

While Jamie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Moses Beason and Polycarp Peresini are charged with conspiracy to defeat justice and interference witness.

All accused were released on bail. MP Vokia was released on cash bail of $1000, Lency Vokia $500 while other three accused were released on principal bail of $500.

Geitaba Waletofea of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown.

Alleged riot instigator’s case set for trial

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a man alleged to be one of the instigators of last year’s November riots is set for trial in April.

This was after the pre-trial conference was conducted at the Honiara Magistrate Court yesterday.

Defence Lawyer Ronald Dive also applied for bail variation on behalf of his client, to allow him to travel to Auki for work purposes, without objection from the prosecution, bail variation was granted on the accused.

This is the case of Simon Mannie who was arrested and charged by police with one count of unauthorized public assembly and public procession contrary to regulation 14(1) and (3)(a) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.3) 2021; Regulation 4 of the Emergency Powers (Covid-10) (declaration of Honiara as Emergency Zone (Amendment) Order 2020; and section 21(b) of the penal code.

Prosecution said Mannie is a leader and active member of Malaita for Democracy (M4D) and represents Honiara-based Malaitans, he is believed to have been involved in unlawful planning of authorized public assembly that led to the November 24 riot in Honiara.

Prosecution alleged that he and others planned and executed the public procession that resulted in arson, and destruction of business buildings, looting of shops and burning of Kukum Traffic Centre and damage to Naha Police Station.

The accused then was taken by police on November 29, 2021 questioned and then charged for the offence.

Andrew Kelesi Deputy Director of the Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown while Ronald Dive represents the accused.

Suidani welcomes team of engineers to Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of Kramer Ausenco Engineering group with Premier Daniel Suidani and Advisor Celsius Talifilu during their courtesy visit to Premier Suidani’s office yesterday in Auki....Photo supplied

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Premier Daniel Suidani has welcomed the Kramer Ausenco Engineering group to Auki yesterday to his office.

The engineering team is in Auki to conduct survey on the USAID SCALE A&E project, Kilu’ufi hospital building JICA project and Kilu’ufi isolation sites project.

According to the premier’s adviser Celsius Talifilu, the engineering group is in Auki to progress work on three main projects.

These include the USAID SCALE A & E component implemented by Green Power Technology that deals with the development of processing plants and agriculture warehouses at Gwaigeo as well as 1.8km road from the main road.

Kramer is expected to conduct a geotechnical study of the site for lab tests as well.

On the other two projects, Kramer is collecting data for the Japanese JICA Kilu’ufi new hospital building. It is expected that the data will be important for the JICA field visits in April 2022.

“Similar work will be done at Kilu’ufi in preparation for the covid-19 isolation projects sites,” Talifilu said.

Suidani said he is pleased to see progress is gradually developing on these important projects.

“It is important that you come to Auki to progress these important projects for not only Malaita but for Solomon Islands as well,” Suidani told the team.

Talifilu said the team is being assisted by Green Power Technology in Auki and they expect to be in the provincial capital for a week.

Mala PAC hearing in doubt

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

NON-EXECUTIVE members of Malaita Provincial Assembly that made-up the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are yet to be in Auki for the upcoming budget meeting.

Deputy Clerk to Malaita Provincial Assembly, Florence Idufo’oa revealed this to Island Sun yesterday as preparation for the March 28 session gets underway.

 She said, last week the executive deliberated on the budget and PAC should go through the budget this week ahead of the meeting next week.

Idufo’oa explained that as per the budget process, after PAC’s budget scrutiny, the budget should be resubmitted to the executive to deliberate on recommendation by PAC prior to the meeting.

However, she said members of PAC are yet to be in Auki.

Meanwhile, the deputy provincial secretary David Filia Tuita highlighted the need to meet the budget process before passing it.

He said the province has experienced that with the revise budget passed in September 2021, which failed to meet the process and the budget was ruled null and void.

The issue was even brought to the floor of parliament by Provincial Government minister Rolland Seleso during the vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last December.

In his contribution, he said investigation is due to be carried out into the budget passed by MPG in September 2021 because of failure to meet the process – not gone through PAC.

“And in-line to what minister had said, the MPG is currently operating on the original 2020/2021 budget and not the budget passed in September 2021,” Tuita said.

Also, the issue of reconciliation reportedly demanded by the non-executive bench with MARA government ahead of the meeting next week is yet to be done.

It is reported that members of non-executive had made a monetary demand of $160,000 and 16 tafuli’aes to be paid to them by MARA government in order to reconcile with them.

If not they will boycott the assembly meeting next week.

The demand was for unacceptable languages used on them during the motion of no confidence last year that was stopped by the Malaita public.

Explaining the compensation demand, MPA for ward 13, Danny Mana Siau recently said the demand is consultative and it’s something to deal with amongst them as leaders.

Premier Daniel Suidani said his government is ready with open arms to welcome colleague leaders from the non-executive bench for reconciliation to iron out things between them.

And with regards to the monetary demand, he said it’s something to discuss between them.

On that note, Tuita said his office continues to liaise with both parties to try and sort-out flaws between them, so that it won’t affect the upcoming budget meeting.

Malaita Provincial Assembly looks forward to pass a new budget for the new financial year 2022/2023 next week as the current financial year 2021/2022 will lapse at the end of this month.

ENDs/////////////   

Former Gina gov’t accused of creating ‘fake’ minutes

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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David Gina

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A fake minute was created to prove that Western Province Executive under former Premier David Gina approved Certificate of Determination for Sabere/Vuvure, Bokere, Misusado and Kasu customary land in Rendova on 12th July 2019.

The extra-ordinary meeting allegedly took place in Gizo in spite of no Timber Rights hearing being held by Sambere Vurevure Association, Western Province and the licensee.

It was claimed the Timber Right Hearings were conducted in Munda and Gizo before the Western Executive granted the determination.

Chief Forester Operation officer, Robert Tura confirmed in his letter to Commissioner of Forest on 5th June 2020 that the Form 1 application for Sambere Vurevure Customary land and other land situated within Ughele area was submitted for deliberation on 17th January 2016.

He claimed the applicant was Glengrow (SI) Company Ltd.

“In fact, there was no funding available to finance the sitting in 2016, so the hearing was not eventuated or took place.

“The Deputy Provincial Secretary, therefore wrote a letter to the Landowner Association to inform them that there will be no Timber Right Hearing held as Scheduled, as funding was not forth coming,” Tura said.

As such, he said there was no Timber Right Hearing as mentioned on 12th July 2019 by Sambere Vurevure Association.

“Our office records and the Provincial Office records have shown that there was no Timber Right Hearing for Sambere Vurevure Customary lands and other land on 12th July 2019.

“What has been created now is a false document and fraud,” Tura said.

“I would also like to declare that, should there be any internal arrangements with the Association and the Panel, then I would like to squash my name out from the Panel at that claimed sitting or hearing, as such is illegal and does not follow the process.

“I honestly and faithfully declared that the above statements are true to the best of my knowledge,” he added.

According to the Minutes cited by Island Sun, the former holder of the felling licence, Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries, is no longer investing in logging and have left the operation 13 years ago to undertake timber processing activities.

Aseri Tamana, who was the former Chairman of Savubo Association and licensee, claimed the felling license under Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries is valid.

He said Savubo Association following its decision to terminate its Standard Logging Agreement with the company, sought surrender of the license to the association.

During the extra-ordinary meeting, the Western Executive resolved to:

  1. Endorse Skinner Alick to replace Alick Hite as trustee of Sasabere, Vuvure and Bokere customary land and Solini George Lilo replacing George Pina Lilo deceased as Kasu customary land trustee.
  2. Endorse Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries (SI) Company Felling License No: A10449 to Savubo Association Board
  3. Grant Timber right over Sabere, Vuvure, Bokere, Misusado, and Kasu customary land to Savubo Association.

When contacted, recently ousted Premier Gina said he would have to check the record because it was long time ago.

Redfern Alesina, who was the former Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, said he was not aware of any extra sitting to approve the determination.

He recalled the extra sitting was to change the directorship and not making any determination.

Jennings Movobule, who was then Minister for Planning and Project Coordinator could not remember the extra sitting as well.

Movobule believed the sitting could happen after he was sacked by the Executive.

However, Tamana said it was the mistake of Commissioner of Forest to advise him to push Western Province Executive to hold the extra sitting to approve the determination.

He said the Commissioner of Forest did not realized that there was a first Timber Rights Hearing held already which allowed Bulacan and two subcontractors Rima and Sunware to operate under the license.

However, he said Burwood Limited did not want to use the license of Bulacan.

Therefore, Tamana said he gave $84,000 to Western Province Executive to hold the special sitting to approve the certificate of determination.

He said after the meeting, the Commissioner of Forest asked him who authorisied the special meeting of Western Province.

“The Commissioner of Forest advised me to start the process again by issuing Form 1,” he said.

Tamana said he paid another $64,000 to Western Province Executive to hold the Timber Rights hearing.

“How can I do another Timber Rights Hearing when it involved the same trustees? he asked.

Island Sun understand Savubo Tribal Community Trust Board (incorporated) and its members under a new leadership have taken Tamana to court to justify his claims and the allegations.

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