Isabel Provincial Health Director Dr Tony Quity, who is also the son of Rt Reverend Bishop Ellison Quity, taking his COVID-19 jab at the launch event.
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the country continues, but a very slow rate, it is reported.
This was reported by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
“Vaccination roll-out continues but at a slow rate. Members of the public 18 years and above are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated,” the report situational report said.
“Over sight Committee through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is calling out on all nationals to get vaccinated given the increase in cases throughout the region and more so the Delta-variant which is of great concern to the country.
“With this vaccination roll-out for all citizens including foreign nationals continues for Honiara, Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and the Malaita Provinces. Roll-out to the remaining provinces is progressing which includes training for all front liners.
“The Government remains committed in ensuring there is a zero COVID-19 community transmission and have been successful so far in containing it within the quarantine walls.”
Participants of the Grant proposal writing workshop that focused on Climate Change and Climate Finance Access
By EDDIE OSIFELO
PARTICIPANTS of the Grant proposal writing workshop that focused on Climate Change and Climate Finance Access are preparing for a writeshop on September 13.
This is after the 26 participants on-venue and 25 online participants completed the two-day workshop on theory and project proposal writing basics and processes in Honiara last week.
The workshop was facilitated by SPREP Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) Country Manager for Solomon Islands, Fred Siho Patison in partnership with Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network, Solomon Islands National University and The University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands Campus.
Gaylyn Puairana, National Coordinator for the Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network in Honiara told participants in the opening of the workshop that the objectives are to:
provide or present information on the basics concepts, issues, impacts and effective ways of writing project proposals in terms of Climate Finance Access;
and also provide an opportunity for Climate Alumnus, Australia Awards Alumnus and students from University of South Pacific and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and partners to learn and share together.
She said the participants are expected to develop a proposal and submit to a donor as the outcome of this trainings.
Patison’s team consist of local experts in climate change including Douglas Yee, Jimmy Kereseka and Viara, who also formed the BioClimate Eco-Analytics.
His team informed the participants on the RIO Conventions and UNFCCC and the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund.
Patison also taught the participants on the objective tree and problem and the Theory of Change to develop a proposal for climate change grant.
The participants have expressed their gratitude towards the local experts for enhancing their knowledge of climate change issues.
Passengers boarding the VIP scenic flight prior to pilot briefing and take off at Henderson Airport
Solomon Airlines first-ever and and fully sold out ‘Fathers Day VIP Scenic Flight’ departed at 9.35am on Saturday treating its special passengers to a very special joy flight of 75 minutes, from take-off to touchdown with spectacular views of over 300kms of scenery.
Departing from Henderson Airport on board Solomon Airline’s new Twin Otter H4-SIC, most of the sightseeing journey was operated under 1000 feet altitude, providing close and uninterrupted bird’s eye views.
Solomon Airlines first ever Fathers Day Scenic Flight passengers pose for a group photo prior to boarding. The flight was sold out.
The flight path was determined by Solomon Airlines expert pilots Captain Steve Aumanu Junior and Captain Alex Takola who flew their passengers East from Henderson Airport over Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd GPPOL, North to Tulagi and over the Ngella (Florida) Islands, then West across Savo Island for a bird’s eye view of Savo volcano, then flying over Yandina in the Russell Islands, before returning via the Guadalcanal coastline.
Fifteen passengers were hosted on the flight. All guests were warmly welcomed with a floral garland, posing for a group photo before being treated to Delite chocolate biscuits and bottled water on boarding.
Passengers Jhanvi and Seema Pratap receiving their VIP gift pack filled with SolTuna and Cathliro products
On the return to Honiara each passenger also received a VIP gift pack, including premium goodies from Soltuna and Cathliro, and a Souvenir Certificate to commemorate their flight.
“Our team put a lot of thought into creating this flight as a special experience for Fathers and their families to create memories to last a life time,” said Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines.
Solomon Airlines staff Melinder Alu and Serema Forest holding garlands to provide passengers on arrival
“Today’s Father’s Day VIP scenic flight was a tremendous success, our thanks to those passengers who joined us, and to our captains and the many staff who made this day possible. We hope to offer more special and memorable experiences like this flight, on other occasions in the future,” he added.
A number of frontline workers at the National Referral Hospital who refused to be vaccinated have left their job due a memo urging mandatory vaccination for public servants.
This was confirmed to this paper by Dr George Malefoasi, Chief Executive Officer, National Referral Hospital.
“I can confirm to you that few of our frontline health care workers have decided to refrain from their duties, due to the memo concerning the mandatory vaccine agreed by cabinet,” Malefoasi said.
He stressed that services are not affected because the rest of his health care officers have received their COVID-19 doses.
“Those who walked away are the very few and the ones that refuse to get vaccinated.
Malefoasi said they have advised health care workers to come back to work and wait on the advice from the Ministry of Public Services before further action can be taken.
It was agreed by cabinet on Friday 30th July 2021 at one of its sittings that the above-mentioned groups of people not receiving their first doses of COVID-19 vaccinations will not have access to their workplace.
Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana last month confirmed that the three groups of people to take the vaccine are as follows;
all public servants and employees of the central and provincial governments and eligible members of their families,
all staff of state-owned enterprises [SOEs] and other government institutions / subsidiaries and eligible members of their families
employees of private companies undertaking work at the front-lines – such as shipping agents, airlines, stevedores, crews of fishing vessels and eligible members of their families.
Togamana said this applies to the three mentioned groups in the provinces where the COVID-19 vaccination rollout had already commenced including Honiara, Western Province, and Choiseul Province, Guadalcanal Province and Malaita Outer Islands to receive their first doses of COVID-19 vaccination by 31st August 2021 and their second dose by 30 November 2021.
“Any person covered under the above categories who chooses not to get their 1st dose of vaccination by 31st August will not be allowed to access their place of employment, and any person in the three categories not fully vaccinated by 30th November 2021 will be taken as having chosen to self-terminate their employment,” he said.
Togamana said Cabinet also agreed that for the provinces where vaccination rollout is yet to commence, all employees under the above 3 categories will have 60 days [2 months] to get their first dose of vaccination and the last date to take their 2nd dose of vaccination will be 12 weeks from the date of the closing day for the 1st dose period.
“Like those in Honiara, Western, Choiseul, Guadalcanal provinces and Malaita Outer Islands, any person under the above categories who chooses not to receive their first dose by the end of the period for taking the first dose, will not be allowed to access their workplaces, and if they still choose not to be vaccinated by the closing date of the 2nd dose period will be taken as having chosen to self-terminate their employment,” he said.
Togamana adds that the mandatory vaccination came about because cabinet has set a national vaccination target to achieve 80 percent of their 1st dose vaccination coverage nationally by 30th November 2021, and 80 percent 2nd dose vaccination coverage nationally by 28 February 2022.
“It is not the government’s intention to punish people. Its intention is to protect the total population of this country from COVID-19,” he said.
Meanwhile, the total number of the three groups of people who have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet confirmed.
Malaita MPA dismisses accusations; declared he is still with MARA govt
MARA thanks protestors for calm behaviour.
By SAMMY WAIKORI and EDDIE OSIFELO
ONE of the nine Malaita MPAs accused of plotting to bring down Premier Daniel Suidani has dismissed claims he was paid to be part of the group.
Ward 4 MPA and the province’s Youth minister Ivan Samuel broke his silence on Friday following widespread accusations that led to a protest in Auki.
“There was no bribe paid and I am still a member of the MARA government,” Samuel told the Island Sun.
“I can only be removed from MARA if I tender my resignation or sacked by the premier,” he added.
“At the moment, this was not the case.
“I am still the minister for Youth
“I did not resign.”
Samuel was accused by Malaitans as being part of the nine MPAs who left for Honiara last week at the behest of Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga.
The political turbulence has led to a protest by disgruntled Malaitans in Auki last week who want to see MARA stay into power for its remaining term.
MARA, under the leadership of Suidanai, has refused to accept the China switch and vowed to keep China out of Malaita.
The national government has been accused of working behind the scene to bring down Suidani so that a new government friendly to China can come in place.
The nine reportedly planning to resign were allegedly part of the national government’s plot.
Samuel said he did not receive any bribes as many had claimed.
He said it was sad to see Malaitans accusing him and calling him all sorts of names.
“Malaita will never be sold,” he said.
The other eight MPAs could not be reached for comments.
Meanwhile, the MARA Government has thanked protesters for upholding the law during their peaceful march.
The protesters called on the group of executive members who are planning to resign from MARA government to reconsider their decision and remain with the government.
Speaking on behalf of MARA government, an executive member, MPA for Ward 28, Claudio Tei’ifi acknowledged the protestors for raising their concerns within the bounds of the law.
Tei’ifi, who was called to receive the protesters, said people are aware that a number of executive members are planning to resign from MARA government.
“But at this point of time, no resignations has happened yet,” he said.
“The process is a resignation letter from an executive member must go through the premier’s office, the speaker and clerk to the assembly and will prove those who resign,” he added.
“For now, there’s no resignation and we’ll wait to see what will happen before we might think of taking any more moves,” Tei’ifi said.
He assured the people that he will take their demands to the MARA executive for their discussions.
Tei’ifi called on people to maintain the peaceful behavior shown during the protest and refrain from any unlawful activities that will jeopardize the safety of everyone.
One might think the photo below is a hotel somewhere overseas. If you are one of them, you are wrong. The photo is a snapshot of a $12.5 million three storey hotel project that is currently under construction at Gizo, Western Province.
A ground breaking ceremony was held on Saturday last week where Pastor Siope from the United Church gave a formal blessing before the construction kicked off.
Community elders, friends and families were also present to witness the beginning of one of the biggest developments at Gizo.
The man behind the project is Jacob Kwan, a striving local businessman who has established few hotels and homestay in Western Province.
He also owns a Construction Company called “TOOR Building Construction”
I sat down with Kwan this week to learn more about his proposed plan and what the hotel will offer when it’s open.
About the Project
The hotel will accommodate 32 self-contain rooms, a restaurant, a VIP bar, a Sports Wear Shop, a jetty designed for elderly tourists to offload baggage and drop off upon arrival as well as departure.
One interesting thing about that hotel is, it will be the first environment friendly building ever built at Gizo as it will be powered by Solar.
“This project is a joint venture between me and my business partner from France. The design of the building is drawn up by an architect from France.
“Our first objective is to make sure it will provide the necessary services for all age groups especially elderly tourists who wish to visit Gizo.
Jacob Kwan middle holding a spade during the ground breaking ceremony with officials
“Focus of this first objective is to build a user-friendly jetty as existing jetties are not user friendly, especially to elderly passengers especially tourists. I want to build a jetty that is user friendly to all age groups,”
“Not only that, the hotel will be powered by Solar – an advocacy on its own, promoting green energy to reduce greenhouse gases,” Kwan said.
He said the timeline for the completion of the hotel is two and half years depending on weather and availability of resources so as building materials.
Kwan said TOOR Building Construction Company is leading the construction of the building and most of the construction workers are youths from rural communities.
“Currently we are at initial ground work trying to set a strong foundation before going into mapping out structure of the building.
“The area is soft so we are trying to compact the ground before proceeding to create the structure of the building.
“It is a challenging job but we are ambitious to make sure the first phase of the project is achieved,” he said.
Investment
12.5 million dollars is a huge investment that will have an impact to the province and also the country as a whole.
Part of the money that will be spent on materials and salaries will contributes to the economy through tax payments and other fees.
Did the Western Province and the National Government help the project financially? Nope! And the least Provincial and National Government should do is provide some leverages such as tax free for some of the building materials.
According to Kwan, the fund is from his own pocket and another portion comes from his business partner.
The area is been sealed off for the construction to kick off
“This is a huge project and I want the province or the national government to recognise how we as small business owners trying establish infrastructures that one way or the other help achieve the government’s objectives in terms of tourism facilities.
“I for one applied for the Stimulus Package to assist me with this project, but my application was rejected.
“It is saddening that to see people receiving the Stimulus Package doing less or nothing at all,” he said.
“I’m using my own investment to make my dream come true,” Kwan said.
The Vision
It is Kwan’s best interest to provide an efficient, well-organized and user friendly services. But most of, his vision is to promote healthy environment where both tourists and locals can enjoy while doing their business.
“Our environment best describe our lifestyles. Keeping our environment clean while taking responsibility to clean our surroundings is the best way to start.
“The best investment you’ve ever make is your own health,” Kwan said.
He encourages Gizo residence to maintain cleanliness within Gizo town and at the same time do away with the littering attitude.
Kwan said littering has been one of the major issues and it is time for every individual to be responsible to keep Gizo clean.
Inside the area where the hotel will be built
“While we promote tourism, we must be responsible to keep our town clean. We must make a stop to our traditional attitude of throwing rubbish from mouth to anywhere on the ground,”
“We must also establish network within our communities to clean the town.
“I must say that the first impression of tourists visiting our town depends on how clean we live and this reinforces the need for us to promote cleanliness in Gizo,” he said.
The hotel will be called Zaru and it will add value not only to the tourism services in Western Province but also the beauty of Gizo.
According to The Coral Triangle, Western Province is among the most popular destinations in the Solomon Islands’ nascent tourism industry and rightly so – visitors here discover a mosaic of jungle drenched islands, fringing coral reefs, lagoons and bone white beaches that are the very embodiment of the South Pacific.
Front of the building facing the main road
There are a number of dive & adventure resorts scattered throughout the region.
Visitors discovered a mosaic of jungle drenched islands, fringing coral reefs, lagoons and bone white beaches that are the very embodiment of the South Pacific.
There are 11 major islands in total and besides the incredible reefs, there are sea grass beds where dugongs cruise as well as some very special wreck dives as the Solomon Islands saw some major battles during World War II.
The province is also home to the largest uninhabited island in the Pacific – a treasure trove of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
Executive member, MPA for ward 28, Hon Claudio Tei'ifi addressing the crowd during the protest in Auki.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
MEMBERS of the public in Auki staged a passive protest last week to call on nine MPAs of Premier Daniel Suidani’s executive who are reportedly planning to resign to reconsider their decision.
Protesters took the street of Auki and marched to the provincial chamber where they presented a petition to the MARA executive.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, President of Malaita For Democracy Knoxly Atu said they staged the protest to give people the opportunity to express their disagreement about the purported action of their leaders.
Demonstrators in front of the provincial chamber last week.
“And their call was for those executive members who planned to resign or leave MARA government to reconsider their decisions and stay on with MARA,” Atu said.
“Malaita people want their leaders to stick together and work for the good of the people,” he added.
A member of M4D Jethro Siru added the protest is to show to the nine that people are not happy with their planned move.
“Everyone here wants a united provincial government that works to serve the interest of the people,” Siru said.
He said changing the government will not benefit anyone, but the politicians.
Officials from Central Province Education Authority presents their gifts
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
WESTERN Province Premier David Gina yesterday opened the sixth National Education Conference in Gizo.
He said his province was honoured to host the event.
“I on behalf of the government and people of this province warmly welcome you to Gizo,” he said.
Premier David Gina delivers his speech
“It is my hope that you will enjoy your brief stay with us in our province as we learn, share and unite together this week,” Gina added.
“I believe, for some of you, this would be your first trip to Western Province.
“If you are one of these first timers, I convey a big welcome and be informed that Gizo is not Western province.
“We have hundreds of islands, coral reefs, scenery beaches, rivers and hospitable people out there that you can visit if time permits.”
Gina said education is vital as it can set a foundation for a greater nation where joy, peace, progress and prosperity can be achieved.
Renbel Education Officer presents his gift to Premier Gina
He adds that the conference is a very important event that will establish new directions that would provide a systematic approach towards providing better access to education.
“I’m aware the subject of your discussion this week centers on the socialization with all stakeholders to form new directions and better prepared for the Education Bill is enacted.
“This is a very important and mammoth task and is no mean-undertaking.
“We need to question ourselves whether our education system have properly addressed the needs of the nation looking back 43 years ago since independent,” he said.
Performance from a Coomunity high school located west of Gizo Island
Gina told those present that the theme of the conference “Moving forward in Education now and beyond” speaks volume of the need for thorough evaluation of existing system to achieve positive change.
He said the present generation is responsible for making changes through refocusing and redirecting of potential requirements to address the need of the people.
Gina said the goal of the education system should be centered on the need to improve the lives of the people.
Rannoga Dancers
Delivering the keynote address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Franco Rodie expressed his gratitude towards Western Province for its commitments in preparations towards the event amidst COVID-19 challenges.
He also acknowledged the presence of the Premier of Western province and his executive during the opening of the conference.
Rodie further extends its acknowledgement donor partners and Educational Authority officials who made efforts to be part of the conference.
He said the country’s potential and aspiration depends on investment towards the development of the country’s children and young people.
PS Education Franco Rodie speaking during the opening of the Conference’s first session
Rodie said the existing government is very much supportive of the transformative role of education and training in building human capacity, empowering youths, women and marginalized groups.
“Discussion in depth of our people’s or country’s expectations and aspirations in education is deemed important because we can distill from such discussions, renewed commitments and plan that can enables us to develop the potentials of our country.
“How we frame education now affects what is possible later. Choosing our words carefully is paramount.
“Fatalism is high right now, and the public needs your help to see what’s possible and where they fit into creating positive and effective change.
The long que of officials and students taking part during the parade
“By strategically framing this moment and the solution that can see us to the other side of it, we can mobilize greater public will for long-term social and systematic change,” he said.
Rodie said the education system in the country is exciting yet challenging and that needs collective supports from stakeholders to minimise or address the challenges.
He told education officials present during the opening program that the responsibility to influence, make positive change and improve access to education in all levels depends entirely on collective participation of the Ministry of Education and Provincial Education Authorities.
Officials from Malaita Education Authority waves to the crowd after presenting their gift
“It is you and I together with the support of the government, community and development partners that can improve the quality of education standard in the country,” Rodie said.
No instructions to swear-in newly appointed deputy premier
No statement from MARA on ‘crack’ in ranks
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Auki
THE speaker for Malaita province says he is yet to receive any official instructions from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) to swear in the new deputy premier.
Ronnie Butala told Sun Auki he has already received a letter from Premier Daniel Suidani instructing him to facilitate a swearing-in for MPA Glen Waneta, the newly appointed deputy premier.
However, Butala says his office is answerable only to the Ministry of provincial government (MPGIS), thus will wait for any ‘confirmation’ from Minister Rolland Seleso before he can proceed.
Butala said this is the formality and his office cannot just carry-out the oath without advice and letter of appointment from the Minister of MPGIS.
“This is the formality and my office is just waiting for advice from the minister to carry-on the swearing in of Waneta.
“It must also be cleared that my office is only to facilitate the process and approval to that must be made from the minister.
“Because after facilitating the process (swearing-in), document must send back to minister for gazzetting as the appointment is made,” he explained.
Butala meanwhile, said his office has already prepared required documents for the swearing-in of Waneta.
Waneta was appointed as the new deputy premier following the sacking of the former, Randol Sifoni, by premier Daniel Suidani last week.
Meanwhile, Butala says his office has not received resignation letters from the nine executive members who are reportedly planning to leave the MARA government.
He explains that the process of resignation for an executive member is that the resignation letter be submitted to the deputy premier who will forward it to the provincial secretary (PS) and then to the minister of MPGIS.
Butala said his office will then be notified by the Minister of MPGIS.
He adds that other provincial offices such as the provincial clerk will also be notified by the MPGIS minister.
Butala said his office will work closely with the minister in such a situation and if advice is for election (if need be) then his office will facilitate the election process.
He confirmed his office is aware of the plan by some of the executive members to resign from the Malaita Alliance for Rural Advancement (MARA) government.
Attempts by Sun Auki to speak with the acting deputy premier on this issue was futile before this paper went to print last night.
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it has plans in place for persons with mental illness during a lockdown.
MHMS Covid-19 Incident Controller, Nemia Bainivalu says in the event of a lockdown they “catch” persons with mental illness who roam the streets of Honiara and place them in the mental health facility at the national referral hospital (NRH).
For those they cannot “catch”, MHMS refers their cases to the police “to deal with them”, says Bainivalu.
Bainivalu was responding to questions asked on whether or not the Ministry have plans to look at mentally ill people during a lockdown exercise and during a real lockdown in response to any covid-19 community transmission here.
He said they have plans and during the 36-hour lockdown; they have a facility provided for them and those ones where they manage to get them, they keep at the facility at the National Referral Hospital.
“We actually took some out of the streets and place them at the facility, but others we cannot catch them because they are moving from place to place very fast, and we have arranged with the police to deal with them,” Bainivalu said.
Bainivalu also said they have arranged with the Correctional Services to place the mentally ill at the facility CSSI uses to admit inmates in.
During the previous three lockdowns, persons with mental illness were reportedly allowed to roam the streets of Honiara.
Several social media posts have images taken of few freely roaming around in various locations in Honiara.
