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Gizo tests negative

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COVID-19 tests on front line workers who were under quarantine in Western Province all came back negative.

Reports reaching this paper states that the front line workers along with their family members were graduated and released after completing their 14 days quarantine last week.

Source close to the issue stated that the front line workers were checked twice and results determined were all negative.

“There should be three tests but the ones supposed to do the testing were the ones under quarantine.

“The decision to graduate the front line workers from quarantine after two tests were based on the facts that the front line workers were fully dressed with PPE when conducting testing on the foreign vessel and also these front line workers were fully vaccinated.

“By the look at the situation, there have been shortage of staff to handle the situation from the quarantine sites as those officers who supposed to carry testing are the ones in quarantine,” the source said.

The source further stated that the public should not be afraid and also stop spreading false information that would cause panic to the general public.

Island Sun understands that there has been misinformation circulating after the positive case was found.

Information reaching Island Sun Gizo office states that there has been a breached on COVID-19 Procedures and Protocol of Swabbing and handling of samples from the foreign vessel to Gizo Medical Lab.

But the source said the procedures and protocols have been respected and followed that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Foreign sailors tested positive with COVID-19

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THREE foreign sailors who called in at Honiara port over the weekend have been tested positive for COVID-19.

Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana announced this yesterday.

The sailors came on board commercial vessel, MV Run Fu 6.

But Togamana said front line workers who boarded the vessel for swabbing were in their Personal Protective Equipment and also fully vaccinated  

“With the test results, the vessel was immediately put under quarantine with no unauthorized persons to board,” he said.

“Further testing is being conducted for these crews and depending on the results, the next course of action will be determined,” he added.

Togamana then said whilst they are controlling possible transmission by air, they are now focused on ensuring the country’s protocols dealing with vessels are sharpened.

“This is to ensure we do not allow COVDI-19 infections enter the country through our ports,” he said.

Further to that he said over the past 18 months, through the efforts of the Vessels Exemption Committee they have applied protocols to be able to protect the country.

“This is the 4th Foreign Vessel (MV Run Fu 6) we have picked up COVID-19 positive crew members when the vessel is in port and before it was cleared.

“As a result of the increasing incidence of finding COVID-19 positive crew members on foreign vessels, the Oversight Committee’s Vessel exemption committee will be tightening up requirements for foreign vessels to adhere to when travelling to Solomon Islands,” Togamana said.

He said the increase in numbers of crew members testing positive is a function of possibly previously infected people boarding vessels despite testing negative for CVID-19.

“In some cases, these people continue to release the virus for longer period as they have seen in cases across the World and in Solomon Islands too.

“Hence, we are picking up most of those cases in Solomon Islands.

“They are presumed to be negative but we do all the necessary investigations and take prudent action to prevent entry of the virus.

“Thank you to the frontliners and your families who supported the detailed investigations.

These incidents and increasing trend of foreign ship crews positive with COVID-19 is one of the reasons our total eligible population must get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Togamana said.

‘Vaccine intake disappointing’

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0
Covid-19 Vaccine. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

ONLY 47,921 doses of COVID-19 vaccines – AstraZeneca and Sinopharm have been administered for 1st and 2nd doses.

And Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana said this is worrying and disappointing.

“This has happened despite the continued push to increase our vaccination coverage since the March 2021 launch,” he said in his nation-wide address.

“It is extremely disappointing and worrying to note that to date only 47,921 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, 1st and 2nd dose had been administered,” he added.

“Only 12,183 people had been fully vaccinated, with 1st and 2nd doses.

“This represents only 2.9 percent of the national target population of 414,327 people.

“Only 23, 555 people having received their first dose at this point.”

Togamana said in Honiara and Guadalcanal province combined, 10,000 plus people have completed their 2nd doses which translate to only 6.9 percent of the target population.

For the Choiseul and Western provinces, about 3.3 percent and 1.2 percent of target population respectively had received full vaccination.

The 2nd dose roll out for Malaita Outer Islands was also conducted last week he stated.

Togamana said compared to many of our neighboring Pacific Islands countries, the country’s uptake is slow and this is very concerning to the government.

He said for instance, Fiji commenced their roll out after Solomon Islands, yet they manage to administer more than 440,000 first doses that is more than 75 percent of target population with 104,000 people fully vaccinated, almost 20 percent of target population.

However, uncontrolled community transmission of Delta variant in Fiji is also helping drive the vaccination rates.

Togamana said Other Smaller Pacific countries such as Nauru and Palau have achieved 100 percent 1st does coverage of their total targe population and are approaching 100 percent, 2nd dose coverage.

“The government is extremely concerned about the terribly slow uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in the country to a level that would protect our population from COVID-19 in the event the virus breaches our borders and reach our communities.”

Gizo public urged to get vaccinated

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Director of Health and Medical Service for Western Province has called on the public in Gizo to get their first jab.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Dr Dickson Boara said people above 18 years must get their vaccinations.

He also urges people to stop spreading false information about the vaccines.

“I want to make it clear that vaccination is very important going forward towards our resilience building on COVID-19,” Boara said.

Asked about why people complained of fever after vaccination, Boara said such experience is normal.

“It is normal for few people to experience fever after vaccination as it shows the vaccine is stimulating our immune system.

“This is similar to babies when they get their injection. Babies normally have fever after injection meaning that is how the body reacts to the vaccines,” he said.

Boara said community vaccination program will kick off as soon as Gizo vaccination is completed.

He said those who are vaccinated will increase their ability to be protected from COVID-19.

Rove launches new by-laws

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A group photo during the by-law launching at Rove community in Central Province

THE only way forward for us to address anti-social issues in our communities is through partnership or working together.

That was the message Operation Manger, Tulagi police, Inspector George Mouli echoed during the launching of Rove community by-law in Central Province on 30 July 2021.

“Today marks a history for Rove community to launch its community by-law,” Mouli stated.

“Your by-law is for the good and betterment of your community when it comes to law and order,” he added.

“Law and order in the community to prevent crime is the responsibilities of everyone.

“And I believe the only way forward for us to address anti-social issues in our community is through partnership or working together.  

“Let us not work in isolation but let us work together to build a strong and consistent network to address issues in our community.

“I would try my best to provide you with policing support. 

“Let us continue to work together to support each other to prevent crime and address crime related issues in our communities for a better community for the future of our children”

Chairperson of the Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) at Rove community Fr. Rev. James Riasi in his speech said the by-laws are not new kinds of rules or laws.

“Those are the once that already exist in our communities binding the church, customs and laws for the good of our communities,” Riasi said.

 “I acknowledge the Royal Solomon Island Police Force for the partnership and working together with community leading to the successful launching of the by-law and that will enable us to learn the important concept of living with law,” he added.

Operations manager Mouli said community by-laws will relieve the people by protecting them from unlawful practices and illegal activities.

A good number of people in the community together with chiefs, Crime Prevention Committees (CPCs) and church elders witnessed the launching program.

CEMA to set up buying Centre at Manekalaku

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Marau sound. Picture: Conflict Bay lodge

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has revealed that the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) will set up its main buying center at Manekalaku substation in East Guadalcanal next year.

The Prime Minister announced in his keynote address during the Guadalcanal Province’s 37th Second Appointed Day held at Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal.

Sogavare said the buying center would consist of warehouses, administration, staff quarters, processing mill for coconut, cocoa and other commodities.

The Prime Minister said talks would commence soon with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) to start implementing the project by early 2022.

He said the other buying ports and ports of calls would be opened as a result of the launching of the new main buying center.

Besides revealing the new main buying center, the Prime Minister also spoke highly of Guadalcanal Province’s contribution to other areas of the agriculture sector.

Sogavare stated that Guadalcanal Province is the only Province that export noni and holds the monopoly over the cassava industry.

“Cassava has the potential to contribute immensely to the economy I urge you to take advantage of it and capitalize on it,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare also acknowledged the people of Guadalcanal for contributing to the food security for Honiara residents.

He said farmers must be acknowledged for toiling in their gardens in order to provide healthy and balanced diet for Honiara dwellers.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s presence at the Guadalcanal Province’s second appointed was welcomed by the people of East Guadalcanal.

He and his entourage will continue to Kirakira, Makira Province, where he will also be the guest of honor in the Province’s second appointed day.

Training addresses challenges women face in agriculture

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The “Gender mainstreaming in Agriculture and Rural Sector” Participants with the Permanent Secretary of MAL Ms. Ethel Frances (centre, front row), Director Women Development Division Vaela Devesi (third from left, front row), Trainer Pauline Soaki (first on the left, front row) and Director IPAM Solomon Manea (fourth from left, front row) and FAO FIRST rep Nichol Nonga (seventh from left, front row).

A THREE-DAY training aimed at addressing some of the gender challenges women face in the agriculture and rural sector was held from 27-29 July 2021 at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.

Focused on gender equality, analysis and mainstreaming, the training provided an opportunity for 12 females and 18 males Solomon Islands Government staff from the ministries of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Public Service (MPS) and Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) to learn more about gender mainstreaming and strengthen their capacities on how to apply a gender perspective when working on policy, planning, programming and budgeting processes within their sectors.

In a joint statement issued by FAO-EU /FIRST, SPC, MPS, MWYCFA and MAL, it said gender mainstreaming is a priority of the Solomon Islands Government especially in the areas of agriculture and food systems where women perform many important but sometimes not-so-visible functions on production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, as well as other connected roles such as the management of natural resources or those related to food and nutrition security.

“Acknowledging the complexity of the food system and the need to address its different elements from a multi-sectoral perspective, the training followed a collaborative approach that explored synergies and shared understanding of the different issues among participants to generate coordinated solutions.

“The workshop was conducted in partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and European Union’s (EU) ‘Food and Nutrition Security Impact, Resilience, Sustainability and Transformation (FIRST) Programme’, the Pacific Community (SPC) together with the Institute of Public Administration Management (IPAM) of the Ministry of Public Service and MWYCFA.

“It was designed with a practical approach that will allow the participants to identify new ways of performing their current duties in a way that acknowledges some challenges that women face in agriculture and the food system, and addresses current gender gaps through women empowerment and the provision of equitable opportunities for all. 

“The gender training modules used in this training were developed by SPC, for IPAM as the training arm of government, and complemented by specific chapters on agriculture and the rural sector designed by FAO-EU/ FIRST.

“To provide the participants with appropriate and relevant examples, the training modules built on the findings and recommendations of the FAO/SPC ‘Country Gender Assessment of Agriculture and the Rural Sector in Solomon Islands’ published in 2019,” the statement said.

Speaking during the opening part of the workshop the PS for Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Dr Cedric Alepedava, during his key note address implies at how important gender equality is for Solomon Islands Government staff and was quoted as saying, “Because we have issues of growing inequalities and high incidence of violence against Women and Girls in Solomon Islands, the government is very supportive of such a gender training workshop as this one.”  

He also said that “Gender equality is not a women’s issue only but should also concern and fully engaged men, women boys and girls”.  

Three SIG staff participants, Rieka Kwalai from Fisheries, McDonnell Hiva and Frank Odona from Agriculture also expressed their appreciation of the workshop.

“We appreciate attending this gender mainstreaming training workshop because it has given us new insights on how to identify vulnerable gender groups, knowledge and understanding of what gender equality, gender analysis and other gender terms mean and how they can be applied at work,” they say.

“It is envisaged that at the completion of the training, staff will have received improved knowledge, skills and competencies that will enable them to address gender mainstreaming, gender awareness and gender equality issues among farmers and the public in Solomon Islands, and will begin implementing the recommendations from the agriculture gender assessment.

“The training is an integral part of the FAO-EU FIRST Programme and Progressing Gender Equality in the Pacific (PGEP II) project implemented by SPC,” the statement said.

Speaking during the closing ceremony before issuing certificates to the participants Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Ethel Frances congratulated everyone for a very successful workshop and quoted from the Bible, “Genesis chapter 1:  as the basis of the gender equality, it is written that since men and women were created from each other they should support and help each other as that’s what God requires from them”. 

The Director of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Vaela Ngai in her closing remarks stated the implication for the productive sector in gender, is quite critical and important – especially the need to be gender sensitized, to ensure that all our recovery efforts do not overlook the most vulnerable groups in our societies – the women, girls, elderly, and people with disabilities.

The training was conducted both virtually and face-to-face with support from the MWYCFA, FAO and SPC technical officers.

Solbrew celebrates 365 ‘days accident free’

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Solomon Breweries celebrates 365 days accident free.

SOLOMON Breweries Limited (SolBrew)says it recently celebrated 365 days without an accident, a key milestone for the brewery that prides itself in maintaining high quality products and standards in all aspects of its business.

SolBrew’s Supply Chain (SC) Manager Kuri Yuwai said:

“We always say at SolBrew that we want each and every one of us to return home to our families as we arrive each morning, whole and that is essentially what living and breathing safety every day at SolBrew means.”

Kicking off their day of celebration SolBrew staff were paired with colleagues from different departments to share experiences on the turning points in their lives that have made them more safety conscious, highlighting the importance of having a safety first mindset beyond the workplace.

“We really wanted to make the day meaningful for us at a personal level,” said Safety Manager Edward McPherson.

“Because an accident means so much more than a loss for the business, as we have heard from our story telling session, accidents can mean the loss of income for the family or worse the loss of a loved one,” he added.

SolBrew ended the day with food and great beers, employee Safety awards and a Safety quiz.

Winners of the Safety Wow Award for the months of April, May and June received certificates for safety initiatives or compliance while select staff also took the time to share with all staff their stories from their Safety Story Telling session.

Yuwai said getting to 365 days without an accident is a very important milestone for SolBrew.

“We are very proud of this moment and while we celebrate, it is also a reminder for us that we must continue to live and breathe safety every day, at work and at home.”

Proud in culture, strong in spirit

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High Commissioner Dr Strahan with two indigenous staff of the Australian High Commission Third Secretary Political Marikki Watego (left) and First Secretary Health Kathleen Bombell.

Yuendumu Doors exhibition launched

HONIARA residents will be able to view a weeklong Australian Indigenous art exhibition launched today at the National Art Gallery by the Australian High Commissioner, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and the Permanent Secretary for Education and Human Resources Development.

The exhibition commemorates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s day, celebrated inAugust in Australia every year.

The Yuendumu Doors will be on display at the Art Gallery from Monday 2 August through to Friday 6 August.

The Yuendumu Doors constitute one of the most important cultural and artistic collections in Australia. Each artwork, painted more than 30 years ago by Walpiri elders at a remote desert school in Yuendumu in central Australia, represents stories of the Indigenous Australian Dreamtime.


Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manale speaking at the launch of the exhibition.

The theme for Children’s Day this year, ‘Proud in culture, strong in spirit’, recognises the important contribution of culture, family and community in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Launching the exhibition, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said Australia is proud of the contribution of tens of thousands of years of Indigenous history to the contemporary identity of Australia.

“We are excited to share some of that history in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day,” Strahan said.

“It’s quite fitting to exhibit the Yuendumu Doors art collection to mark Children’s Day,” he added.



Rose Sese, one of the Outstanding Women for Honiara and Guadalcanal who attended the launch of the exhibition.

“The 30 Yuendumu Doors were painted with important Dreamings, teaching the Yuendumu children about their ancestry and connection to country.

“Each door depicts a different Dreaming, using symbols which date back thousands of years to represent the people, animals and land that are so central to Warlpiri identity.

“ The doors are a way for Warlpiri people to connect their youth to their culture.”

Strahan said it was important for all people to nurture their own cultures at a time when globalisation and digital technology were flooding the world with certain dominating cultural influences.

“All of us must retain our own distinctive character, spirit and traditions, making sure that our young are actively involved in keeping them alive,” he said.

“At the same time, its equally important that we remain open and inclusive, sharing our cultures and building a greater understanding of each other.

“The Yuendumu doors exhibition plays a dual role, proudly expressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and introducing a central aspect of Warlpiri culture to the people of Solomon Islands.”

Also speaking at the launch, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele acknowledged the rich diversity, culture and history that Australia and Solomon Islands share.


Chair of Young Women’s Parliamentary Group Regina Lepping looking at one of the art exhibits.

“I would like to acknowledge the rich diversity that exists within our two states, it has given us strength,” Manele said.

“Similar experiences are also shared by our children here in Solomon Islands,” he added.

“Culture has and continues to influence their lives.

“Culture carries the stories, knowledge and life skills from previous generations that will be passed on to the next.

“We welcome the contribution that culture has shaped our lives and that of our children, particularly the children of Aborigines and Torres Strait Island. We welcome contributions that these very same children make in ensuring the world thrives and remains safe and secure for future generations. Culture remains our identity and who we are.”

The launch was attended by various government dignitaries, diplomats, and business and community leaders.

The Australian High Commission looks forward to welcoming a number of school students and the wider public to visit the exhibition over the coming days.

Entry is free of charge and the general public are welcome to come and view the artwork.  

VIEWPOINT- Delta variant is no joke: get vaccinated

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TSI

Delta variant is no joke: get vaccinated

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) would like to reiterate the call by the Prime Minister (PM) Manasseh Sogavare for citizens above the age of 18 years old to get the jab before it’s too late given the severity of the Delta strain.

It has been widely reported, the delta variant is more contagious than the other virus strains.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his nationwide address two weeks ago said the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your communities from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

With no hesitation, TSI is reiterating on the call for citizens to visit the nearest venue where vaccination is being rolled out, whether you in the province or Honiara, please do take the jab before it is too late to save yourself.

Global deaths from covid-19 stands at 4.22 million with 198 million cases so far.

United States recorded the highest death with more than 600,000 deaths followed by Brazil 556,000 deaths and the Delta variant ravaged India with 424,000 deaths.

With the rise of cases in the neighboring Fiji so as deaths from the imported delta variant from India, Solomon Islands must not take the covid-19 lightly as the delta strain is absolutely a different version of covid-19 cases that were previously treated, quarantined and contained on our shores.

As of April, this year, the second wave of covid-19 outbreak in Fiji has reached 30,400 cases with 238 deaths in a space of two months.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) the closest neighbor to our western border record 17,717 cases with 192 deaths. This shows how serious the delta variant is.

There is no time to delay taking the jab as we are on a brink of going into the same tragedy that Fiji is now experiencing with covid-19 delta variant.

Two frontline nurses were reported died because of failure to take the vaccine, according to Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health Dr. James Fong.

The latest news in Fiji digging mass graves and cremation of death bodies every day sends a strong message across the pacific nations that the delta variant is not a joke.

The continuous fear among many of our citizens due to rumors and misleading information about the side effects of the vaccine must be discourage and those responsible for spreading fears should be dealt with under the regulation within the State of Public Emergency (SOPE).

There are many things that we can be doubtful of, but not for this delta strain that is now killing hundreds of thousands globally.

Getting vaccinated will go a long way in preventing the spread and transmission of covid-19 in the country.

If we are concern about the lives of our children and those with existing medical conditions then it is important that we take the jab to ensure that we can prevent community transmission that will affect our families, getting vaccinated can save lives and contain any possible community outbreak.

For those with pre-existing medical conditions please do seek advice from medical officials for advices before taking the vaccine.

This is also important for pregnant women to seek advice from doctors and nurses.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to give any further advice on whether children and those under age of 18 should be vaccinated but our health authority will be informed of it.

The recent deaths of six people over the weekend in Fiji include a 11 months old baby has prompted the health authority there to say that it rarely happens for children to die but it also indicates that the situation has reach a point that is beyond control.

This is the sort of situation that we do not want Solomon Islands to go through, thus TSI support the call by our Prime Minister for everyone above the age of 18 to take the jab in order to save our families and the country.

TSI applaud our vigilant frontliners and the government for the combined national effort in managing and maintaining a covid-19 free status.

From the Minister of Health’s nationwide address on 2nd August 2021, it is welcoming news that new travel restrictions are now in place for countries reporting community transmission of the delta variant.

Whilst transmission via flights have been quite successful it is concerning to learn that incoming foreign vessels continue to be pose high risk of importing covid-19 into the country.

 TSI calls on the responsible authorities – the government and the Oversight Committee to ensure that all incoming foreign commercial vessels must all dock at the wharf instead of docking at private jetties, to avoid stretching our limited resources whilst at the same time, ensuring that all incoming personals do not disembark at their own will and mingle with communities as it has been previously reported.

Furthermore, Transparency Solomon Islands in its campaign for Transparency and Accountability for the COVID 19 SOE responses called for auditing of the funds spent under the name covid-19 SOE and for these to be tabled before the Parliament for debate.

The funding injections in response to COVID 19 ignited public debate in mainstream media including social media since last year. Serious allegations of fraud and nepotism in the award of contract jobs were raised.

The revelation by the acting Permanent Secretary Jimmy Nuake that $13 million was spent for renovation work alone at the quarantine centers is not only alarming but needs auditing.

 Some of these places were not used for quarantine purposes, despite the millions spent.

Some failed to meet the specifications required for Covid 19 quarantine facility requirements. 

The work done was very poor and does not reflect well on the contractors themselves.

For the millions paid out to the contractor this is not value for money.

Some of the quarantine centers where these millions were spent are King George VI dormitories, Ex-Telekom hostel and the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

It is not only an issue of value for money but one of bad planning and poor supervision on the part of those responsible and the Oversight Committee.

Finally, Transparency Solomon Islands and taxpayers of Solomon Islands demand accountability and transparency in the use of these $13 million.

Exposing and holding those milking the government to account under the guise of covid-19 is a must.

They need to be held responsible for their actions.

The allegation that some of the people awarded these contracts did not have any qualification nor the experience to undertake these construction jobs needs to be verified.

Audit must extend to funds spend on catering, security and allowances, including the repatriation package given to Members of Parliament.

Make public the findings as well as tabling it in Parliament.  This will build confidence back in the government much needed at this time of the pandemic.

Since the declaration of the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) in March last year huge funding injections by our government and those from our development partners for the purpose of covid-19 prevention must be properly accounted for.

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