Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has issued an order banning persons from countries affected by covid-19 delta variant from entering the country.
This was confirmed by the Attorney-General John Muria Junior in a recent radio talkback show on the SIBC.
“An Order has been made by the PM to prohibit entry for persons coming from country having delta variant of COVID-19,” Muria Jnr said.
He said this order has resulted in incoming flights from country recording cases of new variant being stopped from entering the country.
Muria Jnr said this is done for reasons. One of the key reasons is health officials in the country need to understand the new variant so they can be well prepared.
He also said authorities dealing with COVID-19 in the country need to learn from the stories and experiences from countries that have the delta variant.
“We have in place flight restrictions because our two gateway countries Australia and Fiji have recorded cases of delta variant. This is why we have flight restrictions currently in place,” Muria Jnr said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Dr Cedric Alependava
By EDDIE OSIFELO
MORE women are having access to education, health and incomes in the country despite the existence of gender inequality in society.
Ministry of Women, Youthc Children and Family Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Cedrick Alependava stated this during the opening of the Gender Mainstreaming in the Agriculture sector and rural development three days workshop in Honiara yesterday.
Dr Alependava said progress has been realized with increase of girls’ enrollment in schools, improvement in overall health indicators for women and more women have access to incomes.
However, he said more efforts are needed by all to achieve equal opportunities and equal outcomes in all those areas.
“Despite SIG efforts with numerous campaigns of information pertaining to gender equality – women participating in leadership and decision making at senior levels is still low.
“In addition, incidence of violence against women and girls remain very high,” he added.
Dr Alependava said similarly, while there is recognition that gender mainstreaming is a strategy to advance gender equality in government, this has not been systematically implemented.
He said the issues that require full attention includes:
Net enrolment rate at secondary schools is slightly low for both girls and boys, and women made up only 38 percent of the total estimated enrolment in tertiary education in 2012 (ADB 2015)
According to the 2009 census – 62 percent of women and 64 percent of men aged 12 and older were in labour force, but only 26 percent of women were paid in work.
Only 5 percent of senior public servants’ positions and 22 percent of mid-level positions are occupied by women (ADB 2015)
Sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls not well protected (SIG 2009)
Two out of three women between age 15-49 have experienced physical and or sexual abuse in their life time by an intimate partner (SIG 2009).
There is a structural obstacle to women’s access to justice, which include women’s lack of awareness of their own rights, scare presence of justice systems beyond Honiara, and limited presence of female top levels of judicial system and law enforcement – last year we have a female judge and more female lawyers are beginning to come through from universities.
As part of the addressing these issues, MWYCFA and Ministry of Public Service have established a Gender Focal Point officers in Government Ministries.
Dr Alependava said they are to address gender equality as well as be a watch dog for any harassment and sexual abuse at work place.
He said but more importantly to elevate rights of women to be recognized in terms of levelling, salaries and positions, or no discrimination in work place. The workshop ends on Thursday
Dr. Kakai, Rotarian Keithie Saunders, Head English Ms. Rachel Garo and ass. Libarian Elsie Kabolu receiving the donation
THE Rotary Honiara of Honiara recently received a container of donations from various Rotary Clubs in Australia.
Together with hospital equipment there was a large number of boxes of books.
The books had been collected by the Rotary Club of Albury on the NSW/Qld Border.
The Rotary Club of Albury collected the books from schools in the area, sorted and packed them into boxes.
Each box was appropriately labeled for primary or high school use.
The Container arrived in Honiara, and was unpacked by the Rotary Club of Honiara, assisted by the young Rotarian clubs called Roteracts and Interacts….
The books were sorted into groups and schools from Guadalcanal, Malaita and other provinces received books.
A request had been received from King George VI National School Headmaster for more books for the school’s Library, and Rotary was able to deliver a large number of High school books to the Library on Friday 23rd July.
KGV1 is Solomon Islands premier High School with over 875 students including boarders from other provinces.
The delivery was received by Principal Dr Lionel Kakai, Head of English, Ms Rachel Garo and Assistant Liberian Elsie Kabolu. Rotarian Keithie Saunders presented the books of behalf of the Rotary Club of Honiara.
Dr Kakai and Ms Garo thanked the Rotary Clubs of both Albury and Honiara for the wonderful donation.
They were going to sort the books in classification and advised they had just had printed more library lending cards to insert put into the books sleeves, before they were put onto shelves.
Rotary Club motto is Service Above Self…. The Club meets every Tuesday evening for a dinner meeting.
Interested persons wishing to attend or join Rotary can email:
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo
SOLOMON Islands’ High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo, in congratulating the Solomon Islands Community in Brisbane, also called on them to get vaccinated as thousands defying lock-down orders clashed with police in Sydney and other major Australian cities over the weekend.
In a pre-recorded message sent on Facebook online to mark the country’s 43rd Independence Anniversary Celebrations in Brisbane last Saturday, Sisilo told wantoks there that these are indeed desperate times and desperate times call for desperate measures.
“The 1.5 metre rule, the washing of hands, the face-masks, the lockdowns, the vaccinations are tough calls, but the right calls if we are to continue holding the line on the COVID-19 battle,” Sisilo, who will get his second jab next month, pleaded.
“Now is not the time to lose our grip on that line. Nor is it the time to say ‘wait a minute’ to COVID-19 vaccinations,” he added.
“This is the time to go for it. Get vaccinated.”
Sisilo appealed to the SI community in Brisbane and recalled Prime Minister Sogavare’s nationwide address on 7th July 2021 when he said that “the need to work together has never been greater than now.”
Sisilo also thanked the Solomon Islands community in Brisbane and greater Queensland for assisting SI seasonal workers settle in and welcoming them in their churches and homes.
With the negative impact of the pandemic on the national economy, remittances from seasonal workers provide much-needed lifelines to many of the people in Solomon Islands.
Their number is expected to reach 2,000 by the end of next month.
Sisilo, based in Canberra, also thanked and encouraged small local business to continue investing in Solomon Islands.
Some are doing very well in Mildura, Victoria, Brisbane, Canberra with a Fiji-Australian in Melbourne importing yellow cassava from the Solomon Islands.
CHAIRMAN of Solomon Power, Solomon Power Directors, Executive and Staffs, members of Western Provincial Government led by Premier David Gina, development partners and Gizo residents yesterday witnessed the official opening of Solomon Power Office in Gizo.
In his speech Chairman of Solomon Power Board, David Quan said Solomon Power is all about nation building with aggressive developments achieved so far such as the establishment of the new hybrid power station, solar farms, network extension, staff housing and office building.
Premier David Gina and Chairman of Solomon Power Board Mr David Quan ready to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the office
He said the Solomon Power office is only one part of many developments envisioned via Solomon Power’s aspirations and commitments.
“We have been aggressive in development of new power and hybrid stations, solar farms, network extensions, staff housing and office buildings.
Solomon Power staffs pose for a photo infront of the new office building
“Solomon Power has a duty of care and responsibility for our staff and our customers, and we can ensure our staff are going to work in a clean, safe and comfortable environment so that we can be able to serve our customers better.
“The new building in Gizo is a reflection of our commitments,” Quan said.
Premier David Gina said the launching of Solomon Power’s new office is a milestone for the company’s services and development aspiration in Western Province.
He adds that the successful construction and opening of new Solomon Power Office is also a complement for Western Provincial Government’s policy on Electricity which states “Power for All”.
“All communities within the Province must have the luxury to have access to power and we believe Solomon Power have the capacity to facilitate such need in the province.
“We hope the building will serve its purpose for now and into the future,” Gina said.
Premier of Western Province David Gina delivers his speech
He congratulates Solomon Power and the Gizo based construction firm Jogos Construction which is owned by Hon Joseph Gorae for the fine building.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solomon Power Donald Kiriau acknowledged everyone involved in making the project possible and a successful one.
He also acknowledged Solomon Power’s development partners, stakeholders, as well as the national and provincial government for the support and cooperation.
“Solomon Power believes that having such construction during this economic downturn is also contributing to a small stimulus to our communities in the provinces.
Officials take a tour in the building
“This is about also modernising Gizo and it’s a big facelift for Gizo Township with this new building; a building that people in Gizo would be proud of, and also staff would also be proud of having this facility in Gizo,” Kiriau said.
In his speech the owner of Jogos Construction, Joseph Gorae said COVID-19 has put lots of challenges that had affected construction.
Managing Director of Jogos Construction and Maintenance Honorable Joseph Gorae who partnered with Solomon Power to deliver this very important office facility.
However, he said the project managed to be completed on time, thanks to the leadership of Solomon Power and Western Provincial Government in collaboration with Jogos Construction.
Solomon Power had been renting an office space since 2014.
The new office houses the administrative office, cashier, and customer services on the ground floor; and touring staff accommodation facilities on the first floor. Solomon Power’s Board of Directors and Executive Management were in attendance at Gizo to witness the event.
Solomon Power Gizo staff will commence serving customers in the new Gizo Office on Monday, August 2, 2021.
Young Renbel female dressed in their cultural costumes to mark Renbel second Appointed day in Honiara. Photos BY MAVIS PODOKOLO
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
PEOPLE of Rennell and Bellona residing in Honiara have gathered for the first time to mark the province’s 28th Second Appointed Day.
The theme of the celebration is “Collaboration for Economic development with reference to our culture and friendship is exactly what we need in this era of COVID-19.”
Speaking during the commemoration, Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rolland Seleso said he is honoured to be commemorating Renbel 28th second Appointed with the people of Rennel and Bellona in Honiara.
Families with there who were part of the celebration
“I bring to you warm greetings from the National Government and Institutional Strengthening on the anniversary of your 28th Second Appointed Day.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, your hardworking executive, and the provincial administration for the continuous efforts in improving the living conditions of our people.
Papa dancers ready to entertain the crowd
“I applaud the province for choosing a very befitting theme for this 28th Second Appointed Day Anniversary of our beloved people of Rennel and Bellona province,” Seleso said.
Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rolland Seleso presented with gifts
He adds the theme of the event is therefore a wakeup call for all to renew friendship and collaborate more for economic prosperity for people.
A young female showcase how the women and girls from Renbel province do weaving
“I thank you and the hard-working people of Rennell and Bellona for a successful second appointed day celebration. I am confident that some of the challenges and the issues raised today, as we mark the 28th anniversary, will be taken note of with the objective of improving the services we are expected to deliver to our good people,”Seleso said.
Premier Tuhagega, Rolland Seleso and Dr Tautai escorted upon arrival during the introductory part of the occasion
Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province Willie Tuhagenga said the 28th anniversary of the province helped gather everyone to celebrate the day as proud Renbel people living and working here in Honiara.
Premier for Renbel province Willy Tuhagega delivering his remarks
“On behalf of the Rennell and Bellona provincial government and the organisation committee I welcome all of you who are present here today (yesterday) to witness our 28 years as a province.
Renbel Island dancers
“This celebration has a deeper meaning to all of us. This is the first time that we have a celebration in Honiara. And all of us working in Honiara appreciate that we have this in our capital city,” Tuhagenga said.
He thanked all people of Renbel who turned up yesterday to make the day special and colourful.
Two youths from Renbel with their cultural costumes
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will continue COVID-19 testing on officials that had recently boarded the MV Papamau in Honiara.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Honourable Dr Culwick Togamana said during his unexpected COVID-19 nationwide address last night, regarding MV Papamau crew members.
Dr Togamana said his Ministry was alerted that 13 of the ship’s 14 crew members had tested positive for COVID-19 in Nauru on its arrival from Honiara on Tuesday July 25th.
Togamana said a comprehensive risk assessment for all boarding parties, which included Customs, Health, Immigration, Biosecurity, Ship agents and the SI Ports boat captain was immediately conducted by the Ministry.
“Fellow citizens, ladies and gentlemen, residing in country and abroad. Thank you for tuning in to this rather unexpected nationwide address this evening,” he said.
“As your Minister for Health, it is my duty to provide timely information to all of us, especially in this time of public state of emergency and uncertainties in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic to prevent any unnecessary fear or panic, therefore this special address tonight.
“Fellow citizens, my ministry was alerted last night by one of the shipping agents, through the controller of customs of a foreign going vessel that 13 of its 14 crew members had tested positive for COVID-19 in Nauru on July 25th.
“These are crew members of MV Papamau that was offloading cargo in Honiara on 15th July and had left for Nauru on the same day.
“The vessel was boarded with one new crew member in Suva on 10th July before it set sail for Honiara. The crew member was tested negative for COVID-19 on 8th July, two days prior to boarding.
“All other 13 crew members that had been on the vessel had tested negative for COVID-19 on 21st June. The vessel left Fiji on 10th of July and arrived in Honiara port at 12 midday 14th July.
“The vessel was allowed to proceed for inward clearance at 8am the next day 15th July and outward clearance at 4pm on the same day.
“Prior to and upon arrival the exemption committee had assessed the vessel and allowed inward clearance to offload cargo after four and a half days quarantine at sea.
“The vessel went back to Nauru from Honiara where all crew members were swabbed and tested on the 25th of July, in which 13 out of the 14 tests generated positive results for COVID-19.
“With this information received, the Ministry immediately conducted a comprehensive risk assessment for all boarding parties, which included Customs, Health, Immigration, Biosecurity, Ship agents and the SI Ports boat captain.
“All individuals identified in the boarding operation to clear and offloading of the cargo have been contacted and moved to quarantine, with swabs collected and COVID-19 testing done at the National Referral Hospital Molecular Laboratory late this afternoon.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have the test results for all those that went on board with me. All tests came back negative.
“Swabbing is now being done for all Ports staffs which were on duty at that time the ship was in Honiara offloading. Praise be to God. Truly God has indeed come to our rescue,” the Minister for Health said.
THE coalition of political parties that formed the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) remains solid and united.
The DCGA issued the statement following a fake news that claims 28 Members of Parliament from the government are deserting DCGA.
The government statement says the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is unshakeable and will not deter in its effort to steer the country clear from the COVID- 19 pandemic and ensuring the economy is sustained throughout this difficult time.
“The DCGA will not allow a handful of people with ulterior motives to undermine its effort to serve the people,” the statement added.
The DCGA statement says DCGA is committed to implement its redirection policies, which premised on two important objectives; to contain and eliminate COVID- 19 in a controlled environment and to stimulate the economy to ensure it remains afloat.
The statement further adds that to date, Solomon Islands is one of the few countries in the world that effectively contained the pandemic from spreading into the communities.
“This feat is credited to government’s effective policy direction and implementation,” the statement said.
“The same is said of the economy.
“While the extent of the effectiveness of the stimulus package is still to be determined through an on- going evaluation survey, early indicators revealed that the production of timber, copra, cocoa and other commodities picks up significantly after the rollout of stimulus package.
“Business houses who benefit from the rental scheme under the stimulus package have remained in business as well and continue support the economy.
“The positive impact of the stimulus package is expected to be fully felt across the economy once all the approved projects are funded and in full operation.
“DCGA remains committed to prioritise and implement its policies all in the interest of serving the people and the economy and will not deter in this endeavour.
“DCGA sees the circulation of rumours in the print media as a trend that thrives every time parliament is about to convene its meeting and police are continuing to investigate the alleged threats of violence being perpetrated by certain individuals with self-serving agendas designed to cause political instability and provoke social disharmony.
“In the previous years the so- called veteran journalist Alfred Sasako also made similar outrageous and exaggerated news.
“History has it that it was Sasako who propagated a story saying that a government delegation that went to Indonesia returned home with envelopes of money each.
“It was Sasako as well who, at one time, claimed that the Prime Minister has appointed former long serving police officer Walter Kola as the new Police Commissioner.
“It is, therefore, not a coincidence to find Sasako playing his harp again at this time of the year.
“DCGA believes Sasako is trumpeting the views of a handful of people with self-serving agenda’s looking for opportunities to cause political instability and social disharmony.
“Government will not be deterred to implement its policy objectives and expects like- minded Solomon Islanders to remain steadfast and focused on contributing to nation- building.
“The DCGA also made a reminder that the strength of the government can be contested only on the floor parliament, any other avenue will be deemed as illegal and undemocratic.
“The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet also confirms that to date no petition has been received.”
THE Telecommunication industry in Solomon Islands has seen a drop in revenue by 14 percent to $369 million from 2019.
As such it is affecting a fall in the revenue of Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) to $862 in 2020 from $901 in 2019.
This was revealed in the Telecommunications Commission 2020 annual report released recently in Honiara.
“Although the fall in total revenue in 2020 can be indirectly linked to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic causing global and local economic recession, the trend can also indicate that the marginal revenue generated by the industry through the value-added services such as data and voice plans has not yet been realized,” the report states.
The report also states that it is noteworthy to mention that this is despite the rapidly declining cost of data since early 2020 to an estimated SBD$0.06 since the opening of the undersea cable.
Furthermore, the report states that although the mobile subscriber’s market has decreased by 10.3 percent from 2019, there is an increase in mobile broadband/internet subscribers by 3.3 percent to 133,148 in 2020 from the previous year.
However, due to limited time and availability of data, the report does not cover any new local investments in the industry and comparison of local industry with those of the regional service providers.
“Nor does it cover the accessibility of the telecommunications services to the remote areas of the country.
“It should be noted that with the use of the recent 2019 national census projected figures, the estimates for the mobile and broadband/internet penetration are slightly different from the previous figures used in the previous annual reports of TCSI,” the report states.
The report further states that the Telecommunication industry continues to maintain its share of the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 3 percent and is likely to grow given the trend in the global and local demand for the telecommunications services.
The current Solomon Islands service providers that use the cable and satellite services are Solomon Telekom Company Ltd, Bmobile SI Ltd, Satsol Limited, Pacific Vaizeds Enterprises Ltd, Patrico Communications Ltd and Solitech Limited.
MEMBER of Parliament for Hograno, Kia and Havulei Jeremiah Manele says MV Libaka is owned by the constituency through a trust board.
Manele said the trust board comprises of six wards, Havulei, Kia, Katova, Susubona, Kolotubi and Kolomola.
Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga and Hon Manele officially launched the ship
“You own this ship. It does not belong to the member of the parliament,” he told his people at the commissioning of the vessel last week.
Manele also cleared doubts to his voters and non-voters that anyone can travel on the ship as long as they pay their sea fares and freights.
“Anyone can travel on the ship, whether you vote or not for me you can travel on it so long as you pay your sea fare and freights,” he said.
SONY DSC
Manele said the constituency purchased the vessel following request from the people for a regular and non-discriminating shipping services.
He said in recognition of the importance of shipping services and to stop the discrimination, the constituency responded to fulfil the wishes of his people.
Communities at Kia put on action chorus as part of the celebration
The Foreign Affairs minister said Solomon Islands is a maritime state therefore shipping service will continue to be needed.
“With the vessel now made available it will help the communities to move around either for business, health, education or to support the mission of the church.”
He said the availability of regular shipping service is important in the social and economic development of Isabel province and the country.
Communities at Samasodu celebrating the launching of MV Lady Libaka with a dinner
But Manele cautioned his people that operating a ship is a risky business and people need to understand that to be successful, they must run it on commercial bases.
“That means even though they own the ship through HKH, the trust board, they must pay their fares and freights.
“It does not mean that we own the ship and travel free. If this is going to be the practice the ship will not be able to provide us the service for that long,” he said.
Communities from Hograno participating in the launching ceremony
Going forward, Manele said people should not politicise the operation of the ship.
He said the ship will be leased to Segeo shipping company and managed by the HKH constituency trust board.
Hon Maelanga received his gift
He acknowledges the chiefs of the six wards for working together from preparation to the launching of the ship.
Manele encourages people from his constituency to work hard and engage in productive sector like copra, fishery, cocoa and kava, and make use of the ship to boost economic right from their home.
