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CEMA buying centre to open in November

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PM-and-Premier-Makaa

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced the Commodities Export Marketing Authority will open a buying centre for Makira Ulawa Province before the year’s end.

Sogavare said, “the Government is working towards opening its Buying Centre at Pakera by November 2021.”

CEMA is working with the Makira/Ulawa Provincial Government investment arm on a proposed joint venture on the downstream processing facility that will be established at a later time, he explained.

He said, the Government knows the revitalisation of the Commodities Export Marketing Authority, CEMA is crucial towards creating jobs, access to income to the rural populace and growing the rural economy of Solomon Islands.

The Government is serious as indicated in the key national policy outcomes to revive CEMA to support commodity marketing exports of key commodities such as coconut, cocoa, oil palm, and to drive exports of potential commercial commodities such as coffee, noni, vanilla, pineapple and others, he explained.

Makira was one of the first provinces identified to host a Buying Centre.

He adds, CEMA and Makira/Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG) Executive are now working with Pakera Enterprises to lease land for CEMA to establish its buying centre to operate in for the next 24 months whilst work on a proposed site at Kirakira is progressing.

He said, the CEMA revitalisation and recapitalisation strategy will be for a seven-year period starting from 2021 to 2027 and it will require a total capital investment of SBD$77million by the Government that will be implemented in three phases over the seven-year period.

Prime Minister Sogavare was speaking as the guest of honour during today’s celebrations marking Makira Ulawa’s 38th Second Appointed Day celebration at the Provincial Capital Kirakira.

–OPMC PRESS

Sale of customary land continues to be a problem: Premier Sade

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JARED KOLI

The sale of customary land and Fixed Term Estate (FTE) titles continues to be a problem, according to Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade.

Premier Sade said land is another long-term issue, especially in and around Naghoniara.

“The sale of customary land and FTE titles continues to be a problem.  Our people complain that successive Governments have leased or sold provincial land.

“This Government is committed to work with the Ministry of Lands and Housing to continue to address land issues in the province,” Mr Sade said.

He used the occasion on Monday to announce that the Guadalcanal Provincial Government now owns the land title for the Matanikau Industrial Area in the center of Honiara City.

Sade said the Premier signed the transfer instrument on July 17, 2021.

“The Government plans to construct a building that will represent Guadalcanal Province right in the center of the city. I thank the Ministry of Lands and in particular, the Commissioner of Lands for continuously supporting Guadalcanal Province addressing lands overdue issues, including Rita the Eleven (11) Head Quarter land title.

For alienated lands, including Levers Solomon’s Limited’s Lunga/Henderson lands, the premier said his Executive Government is closely working with the Commissioner of Lands, case by case. 

He thanks the Commissioner of Lands who has been very helpful to the province.

Mr Sade said the National Government and Leavers Solomon’s Limited case is now before the court.

“I salute the Solomon Islands Government for appointing the current Commissioner of Lands who is a true servant of the Government and people Solomon Islands!

“The Government through its Lands Division is supporting communities and houses of chiefs around the province with customary land recording,” he said.

Premier Sade said the Provincial Government encourages Guadalcanal people to establish houses of chiefs to effectively coordinate customary land ownership and rights.

“This is in line with the Solomon Islands Government Traditional Governance Policy Framework.

The premier was speaking during the province’s Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebration, Monday.

Guale people told to get their jabs

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JARED KOLI

Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade appeals for the people of Guadalcanal to vaccinate against COVID-19.

“I appeal to all Guadalcanal people 18 years and above to come forward for the Covid-19 vaccination. This is important for our own families, province and country,” he told a huge crowd at Marau during the province’s Second Appointed Day celebration.

Mr Sade said the Guadalcanal Province Covid-19 vaccination rollout is in progress and 2000 people have received their first dose.

He said this is 2 percent of the target population of 94,500 (18 years and above).

“There is more work to be done,” he said.

Premier Sade also informed that the plan to build a mini hospital in Henderson is in progress. 

“I wish to inform the Prime Minister that this project is very slow. I request the Honourable Prime Minister to ask Ministry of Health to actively support the province with the proposed hospital.

“I am fully conscious that my people are not safe at this time should a community case is confirmed in the country,” the premier said.

He also use the occasion to thank the Ministry of Health and donor partners, Guadalcanal Province for the completion of Avu Avu and Aola Area Health Centers.

“They are now ready to provide quality care to our rural population. The province is now stepping in to assist the medical division with the recruitment of nurses and malaria field officers to be paid from its local revenues for the first time,” he said.

‘Get your jab before it’s too late’

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Joseph Hiele who advocates for people to get their vaccination.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A 61-year-old who braved false rumours about COVID-19 vaccination has spoken out saying getting the jab was the wisest decision he ever made.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Joseph Hiele, a popular betel nut vendor in Gizo said people should not be afraid of getting the jab but make a wise decision to protect their families and relatives.

“I was quite reluctant to get the vaccine as there were lots of misinformation. But after reading the news about the importance of getting vaccinated, I decided to get mine.

“One thing that I’ve learned from regional and international is that; those are not vaccinated are the ones suffered the most or even died.

“This is a clear message to us that we must go and get vaccinated,” he said.

Hiele said the importance of the vaccine outweigh the false information circulated in the public that force people not to get vaccinated.

He said many information circulating in the public are not true, that responsible authorities should find who is responsible for spreading such false informations.

“Let me tell what I’ve felt before and after I got my first jab. I was worried because of the misinformation at first. But I promise myself that it is a nobble act to get the vaccine than to risk my family and relative.

“After I took the vaccine, I felt sick but according to the doctor’s the experience is normal as the body reacts to the medicine while improving my immune system.

“After few days, I got better and now I’m a proud 60 year old man with improve immune system in my body,” Hiele said.

When asked about any advice to the public, he said “get your jabs before it’s too late”.

Hiele adds that people must have a good meal before and after vaccination.

Falling log kills two in Makira

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

TWO men have lost their lives at a logging operation in the Weathercoast of Makira.

Initial reports say the men, who were employees, lost their lives after a log fell on them. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred on July 30.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said Police in Makira attended to the report and confirmed the two male employees died from an accident of fallen logs from an excavator a foreign national was using to lift logs.

Mangau said the two men were having their rest when the incident occurred.

Mangau said according to reports gathered by Makira police, the two tried to escape the accident unfortunately they did make it.

Mangau reiterated his call for safety in logging companies as there are accidents of such which have occurred in the past.

He said that logging companies must make sure safety must be a priority in their working environment.

Police are currently investigating the incident and call on eye-witnesses and people around that area to support police in their investigation.

ENDS//

Police get caps from Aust and NZ

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Two police recruits recieving new hats from SIPDP and SIPDP advisors

Police have received new caps from programmes under Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Solomon Island Police Development Programme (SIPDP) and New Zealand Solomon Police Support Programme (SIPSP) says they are proud to unite to support and provide this small but sentimental gift of Police caps to the graduating Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) recruits at the Rove police Headquarters yesterday.

Commanders Paul Osborne and Mike Cook were pleased to see such a fine group of men and women graduating as RSIPF Police officers, stating that the graduation of a Police recruit is always a special occasion that will remain a treasured memory for life and this small token will add the finishing touch to what will be a memorable day for those graduating RSIPF officers and their families.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “I want to thank the Australian SIPDP and New Zealand SIPSP programmes for the gift of these items. Recruits will wear these new hats during their duties on various stations when they leave the police academy. This is a sign of a good relationship that we are happy and proud of it.

“The cap is part of the police uniforms that police issued to you. Keep it well and wear it when you are on duty. Be proud of it when you wear your cap with the sky blue police uniform.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Fiulaua to grace ward 29 Malaita Day celebration

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Member of parliament for Central Kwara’ae is set to be the guest of honour for Malaita ward 29’s Second Appointed Day celebrations.

Ward Development Committee (WDC) for ward 29 under Central Kwara’ae constituency, in a meeting this week agreed on the proposal and also agreed that ward 29 celebration of the provincial day will happen at Laulana.

The official celebration will happen on Monday, August 16 with speeches from some important people and guest of honour Jackson Fiulaua.

After the official segment of the celebration programme, a nine-a-side soccer competition will be carried out to entertain everyone for the day.

The committee agreed on eight teams from the four zones within ward 29 to take part in the competition.

The teams will be the top two teams from each of the four zones’ soccer competition.

There will also be other activities during the day and communities in ward 29 are asked to be part of this important celebration to mark the province’s 38th Second Appointed Day.

Chairlady of ward 29 WDC, Ms Rose Kala who chaired the meeting thanked her colleague committee members and looks forward for a successful celebration.

Archbishop Smith well and in home care

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Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Smith OP and Br. Michael SM at Nazareth House, Dublin, Ireland

Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Smith who had left seeking medical attention is reportedly ‘comfortable and happy’.

Catholic Media statement yesterday said Archbishop Chris Cardone had emailed the Catholic Communications office last week informing them of this uplifting news.

Cardone said that Emeritus Archbishop was visited by a classmate of his time from the Marianist:

“Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Smith was recently visited in Ireland by a friend and classmate of Archbishop Chris:  Marianist Brother Michael McAward.

“Br Michael SM is on the General Council of the Marianist Society and he recently was in Dublin Ireland doing a Visitation of his community.

“Thankfully he was able to visit Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Smith who is residing at Nazareth House an old people place a place for ‘olos’ run by the Nazareth Sisters.”

The email also stated that Emeritus was delighted to see a familiar face who he met when Br Michael SM visited Solomon Islands a while ago.

“Brother Michael SM has visited Solomon Islands and knows Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Smith, so he was delighted to see Brother Mike who conveyed sincerest greetings of Archbishop Chris Cardone OP and our SI Community.”

He ended by reminding friends and Christians to continue remember Emeritus Archbishop Adrian in their Prayers.

“Let us all remember Adrian in our daily prayers.”

Communication also get in contact with Br Michael SM with the help of His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP.

Michael stated in his email that during his visit, he had a chance to sit and talk with Emeritus and conveyed greetings from the Solomon Islands and His Grace Archbishop Chris OP.

“He looks very good and is comfortable and happy”.   

Michael ended by sharing Emeritus words of his experience in the old people house.

“He told me that the people who care for him are exceptionally nice and caring,” It stated.

Archbishop Emeritus Adrian Smith was appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Honiara, Solomon Islands in the late 1983 – 1984 and later Installed as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Honiara in 1985 until retired on June 2016.

His Grace Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Smith SM departed Solomon Islands last year in January for medical attention before the covid-19 crisis hit.

Since then he couldn’t make it back due to the pandemic and his health.

–CATHOLIC MEDIA

Successful vaccination roll-out for MOI

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Vaccination roll-out program at Luaniua in Ontong java last year.....Photo supplied

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial health has reported a successful covid-19 vaccination programme for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) during last week’s roll-out to communities on the atolls.

Leader of the provincial health vaccination team to MOI, Mr Rockson Siliota said an overwhelming turn-out was witnessed and a total of 793 people were jabbed.

Siliota said during the trip the team first rolled-out vaccination for Luaniua, Pelau and then Sikaiana. For Luaniua and Pelau, roll out was on both sinopharm and AstraZeneca and sinopharm for Sikaiana.

He said in Luaniua a total of 456 people took their jabs; 262 took their first dose (sinopharm) and 194 completed their second dose (AstraZeneca).

Siliota said after then was Pelau and a total of 212 people got vaccinated, 51 had their first dose (sinopharm) and 161 completed their covid-19 AstraZeneca dose.

He said the final vaccination roll-out programme was held at Sikaiana and a total of 105 people took their sinopharm jabs.

Siliota said the coverage at Sikaiana was low as most people on the island mostly youths had recently left for Honiara to participate in the Sikaiana Games at Red Beach.

With that, he called on those athletes and Sikaiana communities in Honiara to take their first dose if they have a chance in Honiara.

On that note, he thanked the communities of Luaniua, Pelau and Sikaiana for cooperation and confidence shown towards the vaccination roll-out programme to their islands.

Malaita prepares for vaccination rollout

Written by
Samie Waikori
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AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by NDTV.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial health through its provincial emergency operation centre for covid-19 is preparing for covid-19 vaccination roll-out for mainland Malaita.

According to information received, a meeting was held at Kilu’ufi earlier this week as part of the provincial overall preparation for covid-19 to see where to go on more after completing the vaccination roll out programme to MOI last week.

It stated that the meeting was to look at tentative programme and strategy to carry out vaccination in the province within the coming weeks.

It stated that discussed during the meeting was a workshop for health workers who will represent the four regions in the province in Auki next week.

The workshop is purposely to capacitate health workers on the provincial vaccination roll-out plan.

The training is important to equip health workers with required knowledge as they will become team leaders in the roll out of the vaccination programme in their respective regions.

It stated that the workshop is also important to enable participants prepare themselves and to begin engaging in vaccination awareness ahead of the roll-out.

The preparation is towards the vaccination roll-out in four regions in Malaita province namely, northern, eastern, central and southern region as MOI region already covered with the program.

In a recent interview with the Director of Provincial Health who is the chairman of the provincial emergency operation centre for covid-19, Dr Rex Maukera said a time scheduled has already set for the vaccination roll-out in the province.

He said the schedule timeline as follows;

23rd -30th July 2021 – MOI 2nd dose vaccination (Luaniua and Pelau) and first dose for Sikaiana and those missed-out during the first dose in Luaniua and Pelau. 

9th-13th August 2021 – Provincial Training for team leaders/zones from the regions. These team leaders will lead the vaccination roll-out in the province.

16th-20th August 2021 – Launching and frontlines vaccination roll-out.

And from 23rd August 2021 onward, commencements of the provincial vaccination roll out to communities across the province will begin.

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