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Foreigner tests positive in Gizo

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA

A crew of a foreign ship has tested positive for covid-19 in Gizo, Western province.

Western province’s Covid-19 Response team announced the positive case yesterday following a series of tests carried out on a number of incoming ships.

The patient is a crew of an international cargo ship which has been under quarantine outside Gizo since its arrival in the province last week.

He is among eight crews and his test came back positive after the third and final test.

Speaking during a meeting yesterday, Chairperson of Western Province Response Team, Jeffrey Wickham said the response team has activated its Response Plan in an effort to contain the virus from transmission.

“The crew are now under strict quarantine supervision in the ship and our frontline workers who have been doing the testing are under quarantine.

“Our front-line workers have followed required procedures during the testing. Furthermore, they have all been vaccinated and this we believe gives us a leverage that we can contain the virus on the ship,” he said.

Wickham said all the frontline workers including their families will be quarantined at Gizo Hotel Quarantine Facility and the hospital isolation site.

He said the patient is a crew of a cargo ship called MV Vimaru Pearl which left the Philippines and Vietnam – two countries listed as high risk in the world on June 27.

“The ship left Philippines and headed to Vietnam where it’s picked up the crews. Prior to their departure in Vietnam, the crew underwent two tests which came back negative.

“Upon arrival in Western Province, the ship underwent 21 days quarantine and testing,” Wickham said.

He said the first on July 5 and second test on July 13 all came back negative; however, the third and final test came back positive.

Wickham calls on the public to stay calm, listen to responsible authorities and follow instructions.

He urges people to stop spreading rumours that would cause panic for the general public.

This finding may mean that Solomon Islands loses its covid-free status after having enjoyed it for more than three months.

More updates will follow tomorrow.

22 students positive for covid-19 in Fiji

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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USP main campus in Laucala, Fiji.

BY JARED KOLI

Another 12 students in Fiji have reportedly tested positive for covid-19, bringing the total to 22.

Two weeks ago, 10 Solomon Islands students were reported having tested positive. Yesterday, Island Sun was reliably informed of 12 more cases.

But, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) are still not aware about this.

A student leader who is in contact with the positive cases informed Island Sun that the Solomon Islands High Commission Office in Fiji and the Education Attaché (EA) in Fiji have been silent on this matter.

The student leader who wants to remain anonymous, said only the Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) office has reached out to assist the covid-19 positive cases.

“However, if the current positive cases keep increasing for Solomon Islands students, and if no help rendered from the authorities, SISA savings will not be able to provide assistance to the students.

“It was unacceptable when I see the recent Prime Minister’s address that things are not that serious here. In actual fact, I think the EA and High Commission Office here are not considering this issue seriously.”

The source said another 12 students tested positive after the initial 10 positive students were reported early this month. They are all currently quarantined at their homes.

The student leader said the High Commission Office and the EA have not even informed students on the increase of cases so as to inform and keep students aware of their current status regarding the virus.

“On the part that they said they are not sick, it was not true some are sick and experience difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Currently they are only receiving help from SISA office.

“We are not aware when they will seek assistance from the national government or when the government to step in and assist us on this issue; the government take it lightly but the cases here is increasing.

“It has been four months since we are without any assistance, all these positive cases receive help from SISA only to pay and distribute food to them,” the well-placed source said from Suva yesterday. 

The source adds, housemates of those who have contracted the virus have taken their swabs and are waiting for their results.

Island Sun yesterday reached out to MHMS advisor Dr Yogesh Choudhri, MEHRD Permanent Secretary (PS) and National Scholarship Division Director – if they were already informed of this and what steps the government would take.

Only MEHRD PS Dr Franco Rodie responded. Mr Rodie said he will not comment as he has not received any update on the cases.

“I have not been updated on the cases you referred to so I will not comment.

“For your information, all SIG sponsored students in Fiji have received their allowances for the month of July and the rest of semester 2 allowances have been remitted to the Education Bank Account in Suva and will be made available to them accordingly,” said Rodie.

Fiji is recording a surge in coronavirus cases daily. It had 647 new cases and one death to report for the 24-hour period that ended at 8am on Tuesday.

There have been 59 deaths due to covid-19 in Fiji; 57 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year.

According to Fiji Ministry of Health, Fiji also have recorded 27 covid-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted covid-19; these are not classified as covid-19 deaths. 

“There have been 230 new recoveries reported since the last update, which means that there are now 9,725 active cases. There have been 11,962 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021. We have recorded a total of 12,032 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 2,221 recoveries.”

Wale queries Mamara project

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

LEADER of Opposition, Matthew Wale has questioned the Mamara New Capital City at Northwest Guadalcanal.

This followed complaints from people regarding the construction of the 1,000 to 1,300 houses, planning, equipment used and the move by developer, Metropolis Pacific Pty Ltd, a Singaporean company, to sell all the houses to the Government.

The development came about based on the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo agreement Act’ passed in parliament in 1995 to govern the development of the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo areas.

Speaking at the special adjournment motion in Parliament on Monday, Wale said there is need for greater transparency on the agreements, stakeholders and activities involved in this important undertaking.

“We note that there are subsidiary companies involved in activity that was not anticipated in the Mamara Mawo Tasivarongo Act and the original agreement.

“We note also the developer’s assumption that government will buy properties to on-sell to public servants,” he said.

“We note also the exemption in the Act from normal planning requirements for the developments.

“We view all these with great concern. Greater transparency will allow for informed discussion about this project and garnering stronger public support for it, and to glean what lessons we can from it on models of development,” he said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said there needs to be more discussion to be pursued on such approaches.

However, Sogavare said this development reflects the call for decentralisation of developments outside of Honiara as stipulated in the Townsville Agreement.

Committee recommends withdrawal of new bill

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee John Maneniaru

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Bills and Legislative Committee has recommended that the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) withdraws the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2021.

The Committee made the recommendation when officials of MCA and a draft officer in the Attorney General’s office appeared before them in Parliament on Tuesday.

Chairman of BLC, John Maneniaru said the panelists and the Committee agreed on a number of amendments to some of the clauses. It is unclear what these recommendations are.

Maneniaru said MCA will deliver their decision when they appear before the Committee today.

Island Sun understands it is highly likely the host ministry will withdraw the bill.

And, since the Bill had gone through a first-reading in Parliament (on Monday this week), it will likewise have to be withdrawn on the floor.

The Bill aims to amend the Telecommunication Act 2009 to ensure that all SIM cards are registered.

It establishes the minimum age for purchasing Sim-cards at 15 and requires person to provide valid ID when purchasing the SIM-cards from the service providers or their agents.

The service providers and the agents will be responsible for establishing an electronic registry for recording accurate information to identify the purchasers.

Director of Communications in the Ministry of Communications and Aviation, Alwyn Danitofea informed BLC on Monday that it is important to have the amendment bill passed so that when a person commits a crime, they can be responsible for what they are doing.

“Without having a name register to SIM-cards, it will be hard to implement a cybercrime bill which is in the development process.

“Registration of sim cards is really important because when someone is interacting using mobile phones, we know the person who is communicating,” Danitofea said.

He said when there is no name attached to mobile phones, it has issues because if there is something wrong to a user or a client using the service, it’s difficult to tag the names to the person responsible. 

“These are the security challenges prior towards the end or 90s or early 2000s. Misuse of the technology is becoming obvious so other countries have done this.

“This is why it is important to have mobile phone SIM-cards to register to have a name tag register to the user,” Danitofea said.

Meanwhile, through the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Cyber Cooperation Programme are supporting Solomon Islands’ cybercrime legislative reform and development of necessary instruments to implement the legislation.

Protest over failed Fiu Bridge project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Demonstrators in Auki showing placards stating their intentions during yesterday's peaceful protest.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

West Kwara’ae communities have come out voicing their disappointment at the Malaita government’s handling of the failed Fiu Bridge project proposal.

Members of communities in wards two, three and four (in West Kwara’ae constituency) staged a peaceful protest yesterday in Auki.

The purpose of the protest was to express their dissatisfaction at the Malaita government in its hardline anti-China stand, which is sacrificing much needed development for the province, such as the recent Fiu Bridge upgrade project.

Acting premier Nelson Lenty responding to the protest made by Hon Fini yesterday in Auki.

Protesters came in trucks bearing banners with messages begging answers from the province’s government regarding the Fiu Bridge project.

Leaders in the three wards decided to stage the protest in a meeting held at Gwaunaru village on May 29.

Spokesman for the demonstrators, MPA for ward three, Martin Fini, said the protest was to convey their grievances as “concerned Malaitans for development”.

Hon Martin Fini (left) shakes hand in delivering the petition document to the acting premier Hon Nelson Lenty (right).

He said they have drafted a petition demanding the Malaita government to clarify the future of the project.

The petition states:

1. We the elders of Ward two, three and four of Central and West Kwara’ae constituencies duly demand that Fiu bridge project funded by the World Bank must implemented forthwith.

2. We agreed that our elected Provincial Assembly Members shall consult with relevant authorities either provincial, national or any other stakeholders to ensure the project is implemented without unnecessary disturbance.

3. we do not agree with the position that the Malaita provincial Government Executive takes in dealing with the project.

4. We will only support the provincial position when they assure us that whatever step they intend to take will not affect the timing and the funding of this project.

5. We further demand that the so called “Political Advisor” to the premier not to directly involve in the current Fiu Bridge project as his contract had been terminated and any such advice is deemed as illegal,

6. Fiu bridge construction must be implemented as it connects the northern and eastern regions to Auki and the southern region to Gwaunaru’u airport.

7. We note that halting of the project affect the transport owners of wards one, two, three and four in the provision of essential service to the aforementioned wards and to other regions of Malaita.

8. We firmly believe that better infrastructures are essential for the movement of goods and services to markets at cheaper cost, which encourage farming and commercial activities in our respective wards.

9. We further believe that halting of the Fiu bridge project would affect the tar-sealing component of the Auki Road network from Auki Township to Dala in west Kwara’ae constituency and from Auki to Bina in west Kwaio constituency.

Fini delivered the petition to acting Premier Nelson Lenty at the provincial office yesterday.

Hon Fini addressing the acting premier on behalf of the demonstrators.

In response to the petition, acting premier Lenty acknowledged the group for exercising their democratic rights in bringing their grievances by way of a peaceful protest and petition as law has provided for.

He assured the demonstrators that their petition will be discussed by the Malaita Executive in their meeting next week.

Late last month, the government-funded Fiu Bridge upgrade project proposal was scrapped after the Malaita provincial government refused to entertain it due to the presence of a Chinese company as a bidder, which also happened to be the sole bidder.

Malaita’s government was acting on the Auki Communique, a document founded in November 2019 in response to the national government’s switch from Taiwan (a democratic ally) to its current communist ally, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Auki Communique directs the Malaita Government not to engage with any Chinese entity, even if it means foregoing any development prospects for Solomon Islands’ biggest province.

Malaita’s staunch Premier, Daniel Suidani, launched the Auki Communique on November 16, 2019.

Trial for men in Jejevo attack

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Men accused of damaging properties at Jejevo Village, Isabel Province over a mining row early this year will face trial on August 16 in Buala during the Buala circuit.

Yesterday the case was listed for interim mention and Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison adjourned the case to August 9 for the last interim mention before the trial proceeds.

The men entered not guilty pleas on the previous occasion in which a trial date was set; prosecution will be calling witness relating to the incident.

This is the case of Jimmy Taea, Tony Godwin, Hamilton Puza, Joseph Sago and Steward Gift.

The men are each facing one count of going arm in public, 13 counts of wilful and unlawful damage and three counts of simple larceny.

Police alleged that on March 8, 2021 between 2pm and 3pm at Jejevo Village, the men entered the village and committed the offences.

The allegation said on March 8 about 20 men including the five accused left Furona and went to Jejevo armed with weapons such as knives, spear guns, spears, axes and rocks.

It is alleged that the men entered the village and destroyed a number of properties belonging to 13 families in Jejevo Village and stole properties of three people; the total value of properties destroyed is $350,000 while the total value of the stolen items is more than $67,000.

The five accused are represented by a private Lawyer Lappy Hite while Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the case in court.

Call for swift police action into HCC saga

Written by
Press Release
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Jonathan Futai

LONG-TIME Honiara resident and elder, Jonathan Futai has urged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to be prompt and serious in their investigations into the controversial Honiara City Council (HCC) saga.

Over a year ago, the media explicilty expose a handful of corrupt practices within the HCC as a public entity, involving Councillors, the former City Clerk, and staff within the Council’s Accounts & Finance department.

Up until now, the Police are still investigating and no arrests have been made.

Therefore, Mr Futai is now calling on the Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau to advise his officers to help speed up the investigations.

Futai said the important thing for Mr Mangau to consider is the fear that the Police and Community Policing program might not be effective for communities in Honiara, if the HCC saga is not dealt with accordingly.

“Police must consider the cries of the people of Honiara and quickly conclude the investigations into the HCC saga and arrest those that are involved.

“The HCC saga with the increase in the amount of corruption within the council, the people of Honiara wants to see justice prevail in the end.

“This HCC saga involves a lot of corruption. If such corrupt practices involving millions of dollars are not seriously dealt with by the Police, and they continue to arrest people for petty crimes within the Honiara Communities, how do you expect residents to obey the rules,” Futai questioned.

Mr Futai also questioned the Police investigation as to why it took so long for them to make arrests as some documental evidences are already with them.

“The Police must take serious consideration into the HCC saga because some of the evidences that they need are already in the HCC audit report, the sacked deputy treasurer’s report, and the one compiled by the former Finance Chairman, Councillor Billy Abae, and others.

“I am being told that the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will also be calling another inquiry into the latest report compiled by former HCC Clerk, Rence Sore,” Futai said.

He also wishes to inform Police Commissioner Mangau that the people of Honiara City are watching the investigations into the HCC saga very closely.

Last month, Mr Mangau said they are still collecting evidences on the Honiara City Council (HCC) saga before they can constitute any charges.

Mangau explained that the audit report involving the ‘HCC saga’ is available with them. But, they are collecting evidences in terms of court proceedings and investigations.

“The complaints was received from the Home Affairs and referred to National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) to investigate it,” Mangau said in response to complaints raised by the public over how police is handling the HCC saga.

“However, it was refereed to us early this year and therefore it will not be quick as how we expect it because there are evidences that police needs to collect,” he said.

He said they are trying to find evidences to support them in the court proceedings and investigation before they can constitute charges.

PNG imposes tough travel restrictions

Written by
Press Release
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PAPUA New Guinea High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Moses Kaul has announced that the level of Covid19 restrictions enforced by his Government has been elevated recently by the State of Emergency Controller David Manning.

Kaul stated that all who wish to travel to Papua New Guinea must be granted approval as to the current established 17,340 cases of COVID19 and the presence of Delta variant in the Pacific region has given rise to this action.

“And the fact that Papua New Guinea is classified by WHO as a High-Risk Country in the Pacific,” he added in a statement.

It has been directed that no person is permitted to enter Papua New Guinea unless they have been fully vaccinated and must be approved by the Controller in writing.

The controller may exempt a person or organization from the direction, but such exemption must be in writing and reference this direction.

This new direction has superseded the measures under the National Pandemic Act 2020, measures 2, international trade measure.

“Any individuals or organisation that fails to adhere to this direction shall deemed to have committed an offence under the National Pandemic Act, 2020.

“This direction comes into effect on the 2nd July 2021 shall continue in force until varied or revoke by the Controller,” he added.

“Any person who enters Papua New Guinea will be required to be tested for COVID19 during the 21days Quarantine period.

“The conduct of these COVID19 tests will be at the individual expenses and at the approval Quarantine facility.”

High Commissioner Kaul said that in Compliance with these directives all inbound travel documents must be made available to the PNG High Commission in Honiara for Verification 14 days prior to departure.

Travel Document Requirements are as follows;

1. Completely filled in Air Passenger Travel Form. (APTF)

2. COVID19 test results, certificates/ and must be fully vaccinated.

3. I ternary _Return tickets

4. Valid Passport

5. Bio_ data page of Passport/Colour

6. Confirmed Accommodation Quarantines details.

MUP gov’t penalises 2 logging companies

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government has agreed on two resolutions to suspend two logging companies from their logging operations in Makira with immediate effect.

The Makira Ulawa Provincial Secretary, James Taeburi has written to the two logging companies, Chia Tai (SI) Ltd and Poly Logging (SI) Ltd about the Makira Ulawa Provincial Executive’s decisions.

He says the Provincial Executive meeting on May 19, 2021 agreed Chia Tai to immediately suspend its operations at Boro’oni Camp, Ward 8 of Arosi 1 in West Makira after it deliberated on matters that are related to its logging operations there.

Mr Taeburi says the Executive Government had also determined the suspension to stay in force until such time all court cases regarding the Baurosi Timber Right process are resolved.

But he says the Provincial Government will be closely monitoring Chia Tai’s operations to ensure it complies to the Resolution, because if it fails to do so, the Executive will enforce further and tougher actions.

With Poly Logging operations, Mr Taeburi says the Provincial Executive discussed May 19, 2021 matters relating to “your current and past operations in different Wards around Makira Ulawa Province.

“And it concluded your performances have been overwhelmed with undue practices and continued negligence of statutory requirements which have proved detrimental not only to the environment, but also to the people and the Provincial Government.

“Because of those reasons, the Provincial Executive Government is not in the position to look at other alternatives but to immediately ORDER suspension of your operations as of July 2, 2021”.

 Mr Taeburi says the ORDER includes and affects any arrangement with Sunway Limited to carry out logging operations in Poly Logging Concession Areas in Ward 13 and any contract by Arosi Vision Link to carry out log harvesting at Bia in Ward 5, South Arosi, West Makira.

He says Poly Logging (SI) Ltd is directed to settle all liabilities due to the government as it said it would in a letter of April 28, 2021.

And Mr Taeburi says the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government will not hesitate to cancel Poly Logging’s Business Licence if it fails to settle its liabilities.

By George Atkin

Kira Kira

SINU opens new facility

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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SCIENCE LABORATORY HERE Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Lanelle Tanangada have the opportunity to look through a microscope inside the newly open Science laboratory at Solomon Islands National University yesterday. Looking on are Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of SINU Council Dr Culwick Togamana and Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Jack Maebuta. PHOTO: CHARLES KADAMANA

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) officially opened its new state of the art science laboratory and conferencing complex yesterday.

This new facility is part of SINU’s Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest Science Research.

Minister for Ministry for Education and Human Resources Development Lanelle Tanangada graced the opening ceremony.

She stressed that she is delighted to witness the opening of the science laboratory and conference complex.

The new Science Lab at SINU

“I am also delighted to be here in symbol of the growing partnership established between our National University and the Government through my ministry,” Tanangada said.

“I cannot over-emphasis the important role of science and technology in the transformational agenda of our country, particularly in the topic of youth development through skills development and resources utilisation,” she added.

“Given access to a science research centre or laboratory, equipped with modern instrument capabilities, I have especially high expectations for your work over the years ahead.

Lab Technician Ajo Merald introduce some of the science apparatus to official guests

“Similarly, I have high expectations for those of you who are going to work in the laboratory, to step up and create the support and accountabilities that will enable your success.

“I also expect more relevant and usable research that is presented in clear and concise reporting.

“I expect a continued emphasis on and commitment to quality and rigor.

Permanent Secretary of MEHRD Dr Franco Rodie takes a quick look into the microscope

“I expect you to focus on a manageable number of key research topics, make some real progress on them and really build knowledge about them.”

Tanangada said she believes passionately in fostering both lecturers and student’s success especially in the area of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – success that is focused not just on academic excellence, but also on cultivating attributes that build a more enlightened and dynamic society.

She adds by thanking everyone at SINU who have devoted time and effort to foster stronger cultural, technical and intellectual ties with all ministries and with an overseas based research centre that may focus on the sectors identified.

Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Lanelle Tanangada hands over the key to Acting Vice Chacellor Dr Jack Maebuta

Dr Jack Maebuta, SINU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, said in compliance with the health and hygiene requirements under the COVID-19 preparedness strategies in early 2020, the completion of the complex then, was timely and handy.

Maebuta thanked the Government for the gift.

“We assure you that we will always treasure and cherish this gift deep in our hearts,” Maebuta said.

Guests witnessing the opening of the new Science lab

“We all admire the zeal and fine spirit of cooperation shared by the Solomon Islands Government and SINU,” he added.

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the planners of the complex – Isles Architects and the contractor-FT builders who have laboured around the clock and completed the work in time.”

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of SINU Council Dr Culwick Togamana thanked Minister for MEHRD for gracing the occasion and congratulated the University Management, Faculty Staff and students for this wonderful achievement.

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