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COVID body to probe breach of SOPE

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Covid-19 Oversight Committee responsible will investigate the breach of the State of Public Emergency.

This was in relation to the release of information about the current COVID-19 positive case detected aboard MV Vimaru Pearl, a cargo vessel.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his Monday national address said the release of information about this case did not follow the proper process.

“The Oversight Committee is investigating this, so that it does not occur again in the future,” he said.

Sogavare said the case is registered under the category of ship last week.

Moreover, Sogavare stressed the positive case was picked up because of the COVID-19 testing protocol implemented by the Oversight Committee that required two post arrival tests on each crew member of a logging vessel that came from a high-risk country, which must both be negative.

He said vessels that come from low-risk countries require only one post arrival test for each crew member, which must be negative.

Gov’t happy to see Suidani recovering

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) is happy to see Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani recovers from his brain treatment in Taiwan recently.

In an email sent to the paper yesterday, MPGIS said it is glad that Suidani is now fine and the ministry is looking forward for his full recovery and return to perform his duties

Also the MPGIS Minister, Rollence Seleso who granted approval for Suidani’s overseas treatment is happy that the premier has recovered.

However, MPGIS said it does not have any issues with Suidani anymore after he refused the Government’s offer to be treated in Australia.

“Suidani’s ongoing media publicity has no effect as the Government is focusing attention on addressing more pressing issues facing the country during this difficult time,” MPGIS said in a statement.

According to ABC, Suidani arrived in Australia from Taiwan this week and is now completing hotel quarantine in Brisbane, before he can return home.

In an interview with ABC, Suidani said a trip to Taiwan for medical treatment had nothing to do with politics and was purely the result of a life-saving humanitarian gesture.

He said the decision to go to Taiwan for treatment was not politically motivated.

“In terms of my coming to Taiwan, first of all it was recommended by the National Referral Hospital in Solomon Islands,” he said.

For the last two years, Suidani been an outspoken critic of the Solomon Islands government’s decision to switch its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan, to China.

His provincial government has refused to accept China as a diplomatic partner or allow it be involved in any infrastructure projects.

When he developed serious health problems recently, Premier Suidani claimed the national government refused to help fund medical treatment in Australia, forcing him to turn to online fundraising.

“We managed to get a Go-Fund me, and other friends from overseas heard, and so happens that the message got to one of the professors in India, in which I thank him very much for his help in getting the information to the president of Taiwan,” he told ABC.

Suidani is expected back in the country soon and will continue his leadership for his remaining two years in power.

Prosecutor yet to get photo album for case

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PROSECUTION is yet to obtain the photo album from the Forensic department regarding s murder incident that occurred in February 2020.

Public prosecutor Margaret Suifa’asia told the court that all other disclosures were already obtained and served to the defence lawyer.

However, she said only the photo album is still outstanding.

Suifa’asia said that they have contacted the Forensic officer about the photo album but will continue follow-up on that outstanding document.

Meanwhile, she said pre-trial document have been filed to the defence.

This is the case of a woman alleged to have cause the death of her partner at the Island Nightclub in Henderson area, East of Honiara, February last year.

The 33-year-old accused Janet Savugi is charged with one count of murder.

Prosecution alleged that she was not happy with her partner when she saw him talking to another female.

Due to her disagreement, she allegedly punched the deceased on his right and as result of that punch the deceased fell back onto the floor unconscious.

The deceased was assisted by the Island nightclub securities and then was transported to his home after he regained his consciousness.

Following the incident, it was alleged the deceased felt unwell.

On February 17 the deceased was rushed to the National Referral Hospital but died later.

Police probe Boneghe theft incident

Written by
Press Release
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POLICE are investing a case of theft committed on a foreign national at the Boneghe beach, West Guadalcanal, on July 11.

Initial reports said the victim went to Boneghe beach for scuba diving.

She parked her vehicle at the beach and went diving. Upon returning to her vehicle, she discovered it was open and her money missing.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Guadalcanal Province, Superintendent Edwin Sevoa said the matter was reported to the Henderson police station and an investigation was carried out.

PPC Sevoa said Police have recorded several incidents which happened at the Boneghe beach already.

“I call on citizens and foreigners to take extra care when going out for a dive or picnic on the beaches,” Sevoa said.

“Have someone look after your properties before you go swimming or diving in the sea to avoid such incidents,” he added.

“Investigations into this matter is continuing.

“I appeal to members of the communities at Boneghe who may have any information about the incident to come forward and report it to the police.

“Please assist our investigators to get those responsible to face justice,” Sevoa said.

No fund to bring witnesses, rape trial vacated

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) yesterday applied to the High Court to vacate the hearing into the case of a man charged with rape.

This was because the DPP and the police did not have the funds to transport witnesses to Honiara for the hearing.

“We are waiting on the Ministry of Finance to release funds do our court mandates, unfortunately we are not able to proceed with the trial and my application is to vacate this trial either later this year or next year,” Director of Public Prosecution Rachael Olutimayin said.

She added both her office and the police do not have the funds to bring the witnesses over to Honiara.

Olutimayin told the court since the trial is to be vacated, they have no issues with the accused being out on bail while waiting for his trial.

Defence lawyer Ben Alasia said that he does not have any issues with the application.

Justice Maelyn Bird then adjourned the case to August 20 for mention and released the accused on bail on conditional bail.

The rape incident occurred in March 2017 at Tanagai, west of Honiara.

Man who abused child jailed for four months

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A MAN who indecently assaulted a six-year-old child early this year in Honiara was sent to four months in prison, yesterday.

This was after the accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his close connection to the child’s family, pleaded guilty before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison.

Sending the accused to jail, Magistrate Hillison said:

“Sexual violence and offending is prevalent in the country at a startling rate.

“The courts must not be complacent but to apply the law consistently and fairly at all times to protect everyone from all walks of life from sexual exploitation.”

Hollison pointed out that the amendments to the Penal Code [Cap 26] in 2016 by Parliament through the enactment of the Penal Code Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2016, is a legislative response to the general perception.

“The courts had been issuing very lenient sentences on sexual offences as echoed by various stakeholders and substantiated by data collected by government agencies, such as the Law Reform Commission which was also judicially noted by the appellate courts.

“It is my judicial role to align my sentences to the core objectives of the Penal Code Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2016 in order.

“This is to provide greater protection against sexual violence and exploitation, especially for the vulnerable children such as the victim who is only 6 years old,” Hollison said.

In his sentencing submission, lawyer for the accused asked the court to consider his client’s health status as a mentally unstable person.

Hollison initially imposed a 10-month jail term, but suspended six months for 24 months – meaning the defendant would only serve four months in jail.

WEST SET FOR MORE PRC HELP

Written by
Press Release
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MP for Marovo Chacha Bule Amoi and PRC Counselor Gong Rui officially opened the refurbished Seghe Health Center

Western Province is set to receive more support in Agriculture and Health from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) following the recent launching of the Seghe Rural Health Center Hybrid Solar Project in Marovo over the weekend.

A joint Government and PRC delegation travelled to Marovo constituency over the weekend to visit a number of PRC funded projects through the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) including the Seghe hospital hybrid solar project.

During the visit, the PRC Embassy Counselor, Gong Rui said her Government would assist the Province with Agriculture and Experts to provide support to rural people.

The Counsellor said since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Solomon Islands and PRC many good things have happened and Seghe Rural Health Centre is just one of them.

Counsellor Rui said PRC has assisted other communities in Western Province in the areas of income generation, infrastructure, health and education, women and youth projects.

She further added that to date the big project PRC involves in is the establishments of the Pacific Games infrastructures while at the same time offer scholarships for students to study in China.

“These positive contributions happened within only two years of establishing diplomatic ties between PRC and Solomon Islands government,” she said.

“More projects will come as the relationship between PRC and Solomon Islands continue to grow stronger into the future,” she added.

Meanwhile, the PRC support towards the Seghe Health Center will provide improved health services to more than 30,000 residents from three constituencies in that region

“The PRC has assisted many communities through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) because we want to see rural development and improvement in the livelihood of the people,” Counselor Rui said.

The Seghe Health Centre was built by an organization from Germany known as the EZE and the on land owned by the United Church.

The Centre was officially opened in year 2000 but was without electricity and used solar to power its electricity needs.

The Solomon Power include the centre in its power grid after PRC stepped in to assist in financing the re- wiring of the electricity system within the centre and the eventual connection of electricity to the health facility.

Member of Parliament for Marovo constituency Honourable Chachabule Amoi endorsed the request for assistance.

Stakeholders involved in the electricity project included the PRC, Solomon Islands Government through ministries of Rural Development and Health and Medical Services, United Church, Marovo constituency office and the Committee overseeing Seghe Rural Health Centre,

—GCU

Vaccines can fight covid Delta Variant

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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The Delta variant is keeping countries on edge

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE two COVID-19 vaccines – AstraZeneca and Sinopharm – are effective in fighting against the Delta Variant of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated this on Monday in his national address.

“The vaccines we are using are effective against the Delta variant of COVID-19 that is driving the new surge of infections around the world,” he said.

“They have been shown to reduce hospitalizations by 92% reduce chances of getting infected by almost 70%. Non vaccinated people have no protection at all,” he added.

“In order for us to protect our youth and children below 18 years of age, everyone about 18 years of age must be vaccinated if the whole 414,500 adults in our country are vaccinated, this constitutes about 64 percent of our population, which would offer some level of protection to the other 56 percent of our population that cannot be sectioning.”

Sogavare said those that cannot be vaccinated bank on those that can be vaccinated for their protection for their lives.

“If we do not vaccinate, we put at risk not only our lives but also the lives of our families.

“Please, I urge all of you 18 years and over, take COVID-19 vaccination seriously.

“Do not wait until there is an outbreak.

“Do it now. Visit the vaccination centers right now.

“Or go to the vaccination centers when our vaccination teams come to your area.

“Do not wait for community spread to be to come before you decide, ” Sogavare said.

Trapping the beetle at Luaniua

Written by
Press Release
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CRB pamphlets were distributed to villagers for information sharing after ABS work was done.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has established artificial breeding sites (ABS) for the management of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) at Luaniua Island in Malaita Outer Island (MOI).

Establishment of the artificial sites were conducted this week by a team of two officers Wilson Ninivai, Chief Field Officer (CFO) from the Extension Department and Joe Keniratoa from the Research Department of MAL.

Mr Ninivai said establishment of the sites was part of the ministry’s effort to manage and control the spread of CRB in the island as well as in the country.

“Luaniua has reported the presence of CRB lately and it is important that ABS’s is established and we apply Metarhizium anisopliae fungus into the ABS to control its spread. The fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) is a biological control agent that is effective against all the different life stages of the beetle,” he said.


Chief Field Officer, Wilson Ninivai from the Extension Department and Joe Keniratoa from the Research Department of MAL at work during the establishment of the ABS.
 

He said apart from the establishment of ABS, they were able to collect adult CRB samples for dissection and larvae for rearing and also do damage assessment.

The trip was funded by SIG/MAL through its Extension Department under the Livelihood Sector.

Meanwhile, the fight to control the spread of the deadly beetle, CRB that continue to threaten the country’s coconut industry and other palms is not yet over as MAL through its Biosecurity department is preparing to roll out another cleanup campaign (second phase) in some parts of the country this year with funding support from the New Zealand Government.


Joe Keniratoa from the Research Department of MAL assisted by Luaniua Island community members to set up the ABS.

The beetle (CRB) has spread to most parts of the provinces and the worst infected provinces are Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira (mostly Ulawa), Central Province especially Russell Islands and Ngella and Rennell and Bellona and Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros, was discovered in Honiara in January 2015.

Coconut industry and other palms are vulnerable to the invasive pest attack.

—MAL

UNDP praised for funding customary land recording

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Press Release
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UNDP Project Manager, Vardon Hoca at Petunia last week

THE Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey, Ishmael Avui has applauded the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its support towards implementing the Customary Land Recording Programme in the country.

The Customary Land Recording programmes was carried out in accordance with the Customary Land Act, which allowed customary landholding groups to record their primary right of ownership and usage of their land.

Avui led a joint Government and UNDP delegation to Western Province on 15 July to handover a certificate of completion to the Patubasioto Customary Landholding group in the Vona Vona Lagoon after the successful recording of their customary land in accordance to the Customary Land Recording Act.

The minister expressed his gratitude to the UNDP for the ongoing support and encouraged customary landholding group members to support the Government in the implementation of land reform programmes,

“A great thanks and appreciation to our development partner UNDP’s Inclusive Governance for Natural Resources Project for your great support towards achieving this journey,” Avui said.

“It means so much with your support in engaging your time towards our national development,” he added.

“It is also our national joy and pride in marking this great achievement.

“I believe that with all our conviction and support, it changes the perception of how we view challenges on customary land. The purpose of recording land under the Customary Land Records Act derives from the challenges and long history of land administration and management under the Torrens Land Registration System that Solomon Islands adopted since 1978.”

Meanwhile, UNDP Project Manager, Vardon Hoca who traveled with Minister Avui to Western Province, acknowledged that addressing land issues in many places is not easy but emphasized the addressing land issues is essential for peacebuilding.

“The land in Solomon Islands is so closely tied to people’s identity, culture, and traditions. Investing in the land recording is a tool for conflict resolution and social cohesion,” Hoca said.

With the Sustainable Development Goals as a guiding thread, UNDP works to promote peace and inclusive societies by supporting and collaborating with governments, civil society organizations and people to participate in processes to prevent conflict and sustain peace.

The customary land recording process is being implemented by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey under the Inclusive Governance of Natural Resources (IGNR) Project implemented by UNDP Solomon Islands and UN Women with the financial support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

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