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Maka’a calls on Health Ministry to revisit MOU

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Julian Maka’a has called on the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to revisit a Memorandum of Understanding it has signed with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to deliver health services to the Provinces.

He says as his Provincial Government has been made aware of the Memorandum of Understanding, he appeals to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to revisit it to allow the Provincial Government to support the Health Sector in the efforts to modernize health clinics in the Province.

Mr Maka’a made the statements at the recent handover of Karie Clinic in East Wainoni of East Makira to the Makira Ulawa Health and Medical Services.

He said the re-developed Karie Clinic was a clear testimony the Provincial Government had the in-house technical capability to deliver such health facilities on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services within a record time and for a cheaper cost.

But Premier Maka’a said while the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government had been using resources from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund of the Ministry of the Provincial Governments

and Institutional Strengthening, the improvement of clinical services and staff houses for health workers both at Provincial and the Rural Clinics is yet to be attended to.

He said his Provincial Government pledged technical support to build staff houses to house Provincial Health Workers in better condition homes with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services only had to secure funds under its Capital Budget.

Premier Maka’a assured the Ministry that “my government has qualified Engineers, a Technical Team and the capacity to deliver support services on your behalf on good time”.

By George Atkin

Kira Kira

TRIO DENY KILLING

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Ruling on murder inquiry next

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Three young men charged with the murder of a 23-year-old male at Forest Valley earlier this year have pleaded not guilty.

The killing took place on July 15 this year.

Sanders Mataisau, Nick Tino Wale and Randy Taia denied the charge and Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite set up a short form preliminary inquiry on their case.

Public Prosecutor Samuel Tovosia told the court that prosecution is relying on the evidence they have, the autopsy report and statements of around 30 witnesses and also eye-witnesses when the incident was committed.

Tovosia said the prosecution have sufficient evidence to proceed with the case although there were no admissions during the record of interview with the police by the three accused regarding the incident.

It is alleged that the trio acted together in assaulting the deceased which led to his death.

After receiving the submissions from Prosecution, Principal Magistrate Chite adjourned the case to October 4 ruling.

The trio will be committed to the High Court for trial if the Magistrate finds sufficient evidence against them.

Emy Rusi of the Public Solicitor’s Office appeared on behalf of her colleague lawyers yesterday for the three accused.

Pirione hits out at Star article

Written by
Press Release
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MPGIS permanent secretary Stanley Pirione.

PERMANENT Secretary for the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Stanley Dick Pirione has labelled a front-page article on the Solomon Star newspaper yesterday “out of context, provocative and malicious”.

 The article was on the Malaita Acting Premier’s walk-off from the Premiers’ Meeting on Tuesday 28th during the Attorney General’s presentation.

“This is the very reason why we have restricted the Premiers Meeting to certain groups of the media fraternity only,” Pirione stated.

“It’s because of the fact that statements can be intentionally mishandled and misquoted just for the sake of their newspaper sales,” he added.

The PS stated that the acting premier’s walk off is understandable taking into consideration the political situation in Malaita Province, and the fact that he was continuously contacted and pressured not to attend the meeting since Day 1.

He referred to the acting premier as a responsible person who did return and re-join the meeting and interacted with everyone else.

“It’s no big deal. He was just cooling off. We thank him for his understanding.”.

Pirione clarified that it is normal in every Premiers Meeting or Conferences that premiers so many times highlighted issues that are directly related to their respective Provinces.

“The discussions are robust, open and matured and yes, it can be emotional at times, but as leaders, self-control is exercised and matters are discussed responsibly with understanding and maturity.

“As the moderator of the meeting I endeavored to keep sensitive issues under control.

 “This is what I have been doing for the past 5 Premiers conferences since 2011,” he stated. “Yes some of the premiers are new and may be their first time to attend such high level and professional forum.

“What really matters most in the meeting is the updates and presentation of work programs and budgets where Provincial Governments and the National Government can work together in ironing out certain issues particularly the covid19 and the SIG’s policy Re-Direction Strategic Plan.

“All premiers truly appreciated and thank the MPGIS, the PMO and the SIG for hosting the meeting.

 “The manner in which the Solomon Star exaggerated and over-sensationalize the issue is uncalled for.”

Pirione said urges the media to report sensibly and responsibly.

“It’s inappropriate to get only one side of issues and publish them as news unnecessarily. This is irresponsible reporting on half cooked facts.”

The Premiers meeting ended on Tuesday 28th September 2021 with the signing of a Premiers communique which has already been submitted to the Minister of Provincial Government & Institutional strengthening, Rollen Seleso for his action.

EU praised for boosting local health capacity

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Dr-Nemia-Bainivalu

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services has lauded the European Union for support towards boosting infrastructure capacity which has reduced ‘bottleneck’ at the ministry.

Deputy Secretary for Public Heath Dr Nemia Bainivalu said the recent support rendered towards the ministry of health has boosted the ministry’s capacity in terms of infrastructure.

“We would like to acknowledge the recent support by European Union that helps boosts the capacity of the Environmental Health division on terms of infrastructure, housing, office and transport,” Bainivalu said.

He said his ministry is working on restructuring the division, that if approved they see by next year few units will be separated into departments to reduce bottlenecks.

“Also with the support of World Bank to COVID-19 we would like to ensure that environmental Health benefits in terms of human resources capacity and training.

“The ministry is trying to prioritize support to environmental health given the broad functions and roles it plays,” Bainivalu said.

Court to deliver sentence on One Link owner next week

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Felix Hollison will deliver his sentence on the case against Charles Dora on October 8 after sentencing and mitigation submission was made yesterday in court.

Mr Dora has been found guilty of one count unlicensed financial institution under the financial institution act of 1998.

Public Prosecutor Vernon Taupongi and defence lawyer Martha Behulu made their submissions yesterday before Magistrate Hollison.

Ms Behulu in her submission on behalf Dora told the court that her client is a family person who has three children to look after.

She said that Dora is the only bread-winner for his family as his wife is medically ill and cannot support the family.

Behulu also said that her client has already spent three months in custody since his arrest in June this year.

Prosecution said on July 4, 2019, Dora registered a money scheme One-link Pacifica and OLP was not a company incorporated under the Companies Act or established abroad, or a body corporate and Dora is the Director.

Prosecution also said during the course of the operation, Dora had three banks’ accounts at the three commercial banks, despite not having a license or an approval from the Central Bank the accused carried on a banking business, he took and received money from members of the public.

However, between the period of December 2019 to March 2020, customers or investors did not receive any form of payment as promised by Dora.

One link Pacifica scheme was described as sharing resource; however, it is a Ponzi scheme, the essence of the scheme is that investors give money towards the company, on promise there will be a higher return after 30 days of investment, the creator of the scheme then used recruiting agents (mentors) for people to come along and invest their money through them.

Court circuits to provinces cancelled due to no funds

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

COURT circuits for the provinces have been cancelled for the rest of the year.

This is reportedly due to lack of funds.

This will delay cases in the provinces, and will add to next year’s load of cases.

The Office of the Chief Magistrate at the Honiara Central Magistrate Court confirmed yesterday that remaining Magistrates’ Court Circuit and CLAC sittings for 2021 are now cancelled.

The office said that there was no fund allocated to the Magistrate Court to conduct the circuits for the remainder of 2021.

“There been insufficient funds allocated to the Magistrates’ Court to allow to conduct these events as planned.

“All Magistrates’ Court sittings at circuit locations in Western, Choiseul, Malaita, Isabel, Central, Guadalcanal and Rennell Bellona Provinces have been cancelled for the remainder of 2021.

“Additionally, all sittings of the Customary Land Appeal Court scheduled for November 2021 have also been cancelled,” the Chief Magistrate’s office revealed.

Therefore, all outstanding cases scheduled for a Magistrates’ Court circuit in those provinces or for the Customary Land Appeal Court will be re-listed for hearing in 2022.

Man killed by falling branch: Police

Written by
Press Release
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Auki police, Malaita province, have attended to a report of an adult male person who was killed by a falling branch in West Kwaio, Malaita Province on September 23, 2021.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Chief Superintendent Stanley Riolo says, “Police received a report of a death incident which occurred at Gwaunafou tribal land in the West Kwaio region.

“Police received information that there was a group of people who were going on a land survey at Gwaunafou tribal land boundary to identify a plot of land that was given to one of their female clans. However, upon their return, it was raining so they decided to take shelter under a big tree.

“While they were still hiding, a dead branch broke at the top of the tree and fell straight on them. The others managed to escape from the branch but it was unlucky for the deceased that the broken branch landed on his head and he died on the spot.

“When police arrived at the location at about 4pm to examine the scene, the Gwaunafou landowners were already there with the body of the deceased.

 “My condolences to the family members of the deceased and relatives for your great loss. We share our prayers with you during this time of sadness,” says Riolo.

–POLICE MEDIA

Gauging how many children are not in school

Written by
Press Release
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Recently, READ SI Director, Joyce Boykin, and members of Rotaract, a youth service NGO, met to discuss surveying settlements to see how many children are not in school. 

Along with the numbers of children who are out of school, the team will find out the reasons why this is happening. 

Mrs Boykin has been aware of many, many children in Honiara not receiving an education. 

This is a heart breaker so anyone who loves learning and believes that education is a human right.

The youth members of Rotaract responded to being a part of this program whole-heartedly. 

Many of the members live near settlements and are also aware of the number of children who play all day and are not learning skills to prepare them for jobs in the future.

Teams will go into settlements around the third week of October and talk to parents and children.  Seven settlements have been selected for this survey.

After the analysis of the data, this will be presented to MEHRD.  Recently, it was stated by the PS that all children are entitled to be educated.

These out of school children could be in school by next year, if we are committed to doing that.  One idea is to set up community learning centers in churches or to build simple structures where classes could be given freely. 

The time would be for only a few hours per day. 

Literacy trainers could teach basic literacy, numeracy, basic oral English and Virtues.  READ SI has materials that could be used at the learning centers. 

LASI has materials that could be purchased and used at the centers, also.

This is a conversation that needs to be between MEHRD, READ SI and Rotaract once the data analysis of the surveys is completed. 

Inclusive education is a policy which states that all children must be included in the educational system of Solomon Islands. 

Working together, parents, NGOs, MEHRD and SIG can make that a reality, at least in Honiara.

–READSI PRESS

Cuba lauded for training SI medical students

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has lauded Cuba for training our medical students.

Some have graduates after successfully completing their programmes, others are continuing.

“I wish to offer my deep thanks to Cuba for the training of our medical students. More than ninety Solomon Islands medical doctors have graduated from Cuban medical schools and we expect this number to increase.

“We note with concern the 60 year-old economic embargo imposed on Cuba remains in place and we reiterate the call for the lifting of the embargo within the spirit and purposes of the United Nations Charter,” Sogavare said.

He echoed the above statement in his statement at the recent 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

CEMA, CIP sign MOA for coconut refinery and livestock

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Belani Tekulu of CEMA and Premier Manetiva of Central Island Province sealed an agreement for coconut refinery and livestock production (1)

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PREMIER of Central Islands Province Stanley Manetiva has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with CEMA for coconut refinery and livestock production.

General Manager for CEMA Patterson Siliota said the Government programme to revitalise CEMA is a seven-year programme commencing this year to 2027 and will be in three phases.

“Already we have visited the provinces and assess what facilities they have and re-engage farmers in the purchasing, selling and exporting of all commodities, and thus will require amendments to Schedule 1 of the CEMA Act,” Siliota said.

Director of the CEMA Cabinet Sub-Committee Martin Housanau said the establishment of the MOA is very important as  government is trying to revitalise CEMA in the interest of economy.

“I congratulate Premier and the Central Islands on the signing of the agreement as it is the implementation of revitalization policy of the Government, and we are going to continue support CEMA in the implementation of the MOA,” Housanau said.

Meanwhile Provincial Secretary of Central Islands Province Christian Siale said the signing of the MOA will certainly advance the national goals of the country.

He said revitalising CEMA is one of Government’s priority and Central Islands Province is one of the provinces to be the host of Coconut refinery facility in Solomon Islands, given its highest production of coconuts in the country.

Siale said the agreement made is to show commitment between the provincial government level and the national government to advance rural growth and revitalisation of Agriculture.

He also said Livestock is dead in Solomon Islands and Central Islands province is happy to offer 95 hectares of land at Hakama for Livestock revitalization for production and downstream processing.

“So, watchout for Kula brand of mince, sausage and pork”, Siale added.

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