Home Blog Page 879

New machines to boost SIPPA work

Written by
Press Release
-
0
SIPPA Executive Director Ben Angoa, left, receives the machines from Zema Joseph Assistant Programme Manager of Australian High Commissioner and Alicia Hilly Kenilora Programme Specialist of UNFPA in Solomon Islands today at SIPPA Headquarter in Chinatown.

WITH growing demand for its services, the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), on Tuesday took delivery of two ultra sound machines— thanks to Australia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

SIPPA Executive Director Ben Angoa said they had been trying to acquire the machines for years— but were unable to— due to financial limitation.

“We are thankful that with funding from DFAT (Australia) through UNPFA we are able to procure the machines,” he said.

He stated that the scan machines are very important as they would help them to deal with their patients effectively and treat them instantly.

The machines will enable SIPPA workers to diagnose diseases or detect what causes abdomen pain.

Angoa explained that as their work deals with reproductive health, the machines are critical to their work, as admen pain are common amongst women.

“We have so many people who walk into our clinic with abdomen pain. Most we can’t deal with them but we just have to refer them to the NRH,” he said.

However, with the arrival of the machines his nurses can now use them to detect and find out the cause(s) of the pain and give them the treatment they required rather than having to refer them to the NRH. Angoa added that furthermore this would also help the work of their doctor who visits them every two weeks.

Meanwhile Angoa explained that one of the machines will be sent to their clinic in Malaita Province as it is one of their busiest – given the its big population.

UNFPA through the support of DFAT has been providing Maternal health commodities, contraceptives and PPE to the Ministry of Health (Maternal and Reproductive health division)

Gynaecological ward at the  National Referral hospital, and now SIPPA.

–SIPPA

94% of Shortland people vaccinated.

Written by
Press Release
-
0
PM Sogavare presents a gift to a Shortlands tribal leader.

THE COVID 19 vaccination coverage rate for Shortland Islands is an exceptional 94 percent, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced.

“I want to congratulate the people of Shortlands for the vaccination coverage rate of 94 percent.”

Sogavare said he is happy that the chiefs and community leaders have stepped up to ensure community awareness program on COVID-19 is done.

“In fact, our country is made even safer by the very fact, that you border communities have worked with authorities to ensure that no crossover is done during this period,” the Prime Minister said.

He said he believes if the people of Shortlands continue to work together with our health authority, the sickness can be prevented from spreading and infecting our vulnerable people.

“I thank you all for your commitment to get vaccinated to keep our people and country safe,” he emphasised. 

He highlighted, COVID 19 is not an issue to take lightly.

“At the moment I have declared this area as part of the Emergency Zone, and it will remain so until advise is given otherwise.”

Prime Minister Sogavare understands the connection between the peoples of Shortlands and Bougainville but, at the moment it is important that we all remember that this sickness is fatal.

Prime Minister Sogavare took time yesterday (Wednesday 23rd June) at Nila, Shortlands to encourage the country’s border residents to continue with the wonderful demonstration of cooperation with the Health authorities by taking their second jab. 

Wale calls on SIG to address cash-flow Crisis

Written by
Press Release
-
0

Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale calls on the government to explain how it is going to meet the cost of salary, utility payments and other urgent obligations when Government is struggling with its revenue collections.

Mr Wale made this call after receiving news confirming the difficulty faced by the government to pay its dues as a result of a shortfall in revenue collection.

Wale stated,  “According to information I have received,  Treasury has experienced a decline in revenue collection during this month, June 2021 which has resulted in a shortfall in revenue collection of some $40 million”.

He added that, “this is affecting the settlement of outstanding payments of $103 million that was cleared through the compliance process and ready for payment. It is evident that the government’s money basket is empty”.

He said the current cash flow crisis is a challenge and the government needs to address it to allow delivery of essential services, especially health and education in the country.

The Opposition Leader therefore calls on the government to inform the people of this country to be aware of this financial crisis, especially if the cash flow problem continues’.

“The government should not hide the problem and inform people of this country of its financial position and what plans are in place to address it,” Wale added.

He also added that our people need to know about this important issue, not to be silent and pretend that everything is okay when in fact we are facing a big problem”.

Wale again calls on the government to remain alert on this situation as it seems that a nation’s financial woes will persist.

He went on to further add that, “A financial crunch seems imminent and I must warn the government to be alert and seriously look into how it will effectively increase revenue collection and build the country cash reserves to adequate and comfortable levels.  

“We can’t sit back and watch the country sink into financial difficulties while the government is giving priority to other things that are not important to the country”, Wale said.

—Office of the Leader of Opposition

Police high visibility in Honiara

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Police out in Patrol in Honiara since Wednesday. PICTURE: POLICE MEDIA

HONIARA Police have conducted high visibility presence in the outskirts of Honiara from Wednesday as part of community engagement with communities in Honiara.

A total of 20 Officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force stationed at Naha, White River and Central Police Stations were part of the engagement.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support (NSOP) an Vaevaso said the engagement is part of the RSIPF Strategic Direction 2021-2025 to ‘improve community confidence and trust’ so police officers are doing such activities to provide safe, secured and peaceful place for our communities to live in.”

DC Vaevaso emphasised that here are two group of police officers doing the high visibility police presence.

First group, started from Naha Police Station up to borderline old police post, from Green Valley to Talise bus stop and down to the Kukum Traffic Department.”

“The second group of police officers started from Naha Police Station down to Vura road, Kukum SDA bus stop and down to Kukum Traffic.

They met at the Kukum Traffic Centre and withdrew back to the Central Police Station. It is an ongoing police duty and we continue to make it a routine event to make our communities feel safe.”

He said as part of the police engagement with the community, the Isabelian officers of the RSIPF also took part in Grereo Youth Festival at Town ground by performing some cultural items and provide police presence at the event.

“During the high visibility presence, police officers have the chance to talk with the public and market vendors.

“This will help our people know that the police are there for them. I must appreciate police officers involved in the high visibility police presence. This will bring community trust and confidence in the police,” DC Vaevaso said.

–RSIPF

Airlines announce new domestic enhancement flights

Written by
Press Release
-
0

Solomon Airlines has announced domestic schedule enhancements with the national carrier’s newest Twin Otter, registered H4-SIC now in full service, enabling more direct flights, new flight options and greater frequency on selected routes.

 The new aircraft is now deployed to operate a full weekly schedule, between Honiara and Marau, Fera, Suavanao, Seghe, Santa Ana, Arona, Kirakira, Santa Cruz, Lomlom and Rennell.

The schedule changes which have been loaded into Solomon Airlines flight booking system, are effective from Monday 28 June 2021.

A summary of the main changes include:

HONIARA TO MARAU – NEW DIRECT FLIGHTS

• New direct services will operate between Honiara and Marau on Monday and Friday to support demand for long weekend stays under the Iumi Tugeda Holidays programme.

PARASI TO HONIARA – NEW DIRECT FLIGHT

• A new direct flight option from Parasi to Honiara will now operate on Fridays (services were previously operated via Marau).

MORE FLIGHTS THROUGH AUKI

• Auki has been established as an additional transit port for both Solomon Airlines Dash 8 and Twin Otter aircraft services. The airline’s Kirakira to Honiara flight on Mondays and the Honiara to Manaoba service on Tuesdays will now travel via Auki.

• Services between Honiara and Atoifi will change from Tuesdays to Wednesdays, and also travel via Auki, offering new routes from Malaita’s provincial capital.

AIRCRAFT SWAP AT SANTA CRUZ

• Due to the current runway deterioration at Santa Cruz Airport, Solomon Airlines has temporarily suspended De Havilland Dash 8-100 aircraft operations replacing the heavier aircraft with Twin Otter services and introducing a new 4th frequency on Saturdays. Solomon Airlines continues to fly to all 23 domestic destinations in the Solomon Islands domestic network.

Under the new schedule departure times may change slightly on some domestic flights. Colin Sigimanu, Commercial Manager for Solomon Airlines reviews its domestic schedule quarterly to improve services based on demand, seasonality and operating environments.

“We take many factors into account when we review our seasonal schedules, most importantly we strive to provide the services that our customers need,” he said.

“Demand for domestic travel has been steady and now with the addition of our latest Twin Otter we are able to make improvements we have been considering for some time,” he added.

 “We try always to provide the most convenient services we can between our islands, operating direct routes where possible and making sure we fly on days of the week that suit demand.

 “Our new direct flights between Honiara and Marau on Fridays and Mondays are an example of that, providing a schedule that works well with the increasing demand for weekend packages under our Iumi Tugeda Holidays,” he added.

“Unfortunately, other factors which can drive schedule changes can be outside of our control, such as the current damage and deterioration of Lata airstrip runway as well as land ownership disputes that cause runways to be closed.

“We cannot currently safely land the Dash-8 aircraft at Santa Cruz and so have no choice other than suspending Dash-8 operations until that issue is addressed,” he said

—SOLOMON AIRLINES

Reconciliation over Kwaibala river death

Written by
Press Release
-
0
The vehicle that was involved in the fatal incident at the Kwaibala river earlier this month. PICTURE: Ted Abana (Aoke Langalanga Constituency Facebook Page)

POLICE Officers at Auki, witnessed a reconciliation ceremony in relation to a fatal accident at the Kwaibala River that claimed the life of a male person earlier this month.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support Ian Vaevaso said relatives of the deceased came to police and discussed the matter of their brother’s death after it was alleged the vehicle which plunged into the river was driven by another person.

They had asked that the driver and relatives of the passengers to reconcile in their cultural way.

 “Police in Auki then organized a reconciliation between the relatives of the deceased and the driver including the passengers on 18 June 2021,”, DC Vaevaso said.

Mr Vaevaso said Police introduced the purpose of the reconciliation and the Police position in this case.

 Police were able to highlight the importance of having reconciliation to ensure peace remains amongst us, as one people in the community and province as a whole.

“The relatives accepted three shell money, they shook hands and received the shell money. A closing prayer was said at the end. They were satisfied as the situation was calm after the reconciliation,” DC Vaevaso stated.

Even though the reconciliation has happened between both parties, police will still continue with its investigation into the traffic case and ensure it is brought before the court.

—RSIPF

SOGAVARE HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF BORDER OUTPOST

Written by
Press Release
-
0
The new border outpost

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured the people of Shortland Islands that Border and Patrol Boat Outpost to be built at Lofung will bring many benefits to the communities along the western border region.

Apart from improved security benefits, Sogavare said the project once completed will bring economic and cultural benefits that come from living at the border.

People living along the border region share a border with a country that they are culturally connected to which cannot be stopped by relations purely because of international rules.

The Prime Minister however, cautioned that it is equally important that as a sovereign nation, our relationship is monitored and done, in such a way that our safety and wellbeing is being protected and not compromised.

“This border outpost is NOT here to stop the traditional border relations between Bougainville and Solomon Islands., “he said.

The Traditional Border Crossing Agreement between SIG and PNG still remains, is intact and respected.

Sogavare said the border outpost is established to ensure that everyone enjoy our border relations with PNG in a safe, regulated and peaceful manner.

The Prime Minister further assured border dwellers that this Patrol Boat Outpost is just the beginning of the good things ahead.

He said programs that may promote economic prosperity, social interaction and community partnership can be promoted as well.

This site could very well be the catalyst for FAMOA, to start planning on greater expansion for development. I hope that once completed, this project will provide the necessary enabler for other development opportunities in tourism and small to medium business ventures.

He encouraged people to see this project not only from a security lens, but also from a development aspect as well.

“We must be reminded that all things are connected, and if we view them in isolation, we may lose out on a lot of possibilities,” He said.

Currently, due to COVID -19, the border relationship is suspended, but will eventually return to a new normal.

The border outpost will serve to ensure that activities are done in a manner that does not put the security and welfare of Solomon Islanders at risk.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

“SECURITY PARAMOUNT TO WELFARE OF BORDER COMMUNITIES” SOGAVARE

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Police officers patrolling the Western border with Bougainville. PHOTO ABC

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has highlighted the significance of security for the welfare of communities along the Solomon Islands and PNG border at a historic groundbreaking ceremony at Lofang in the Shortland Islands on Wednesday.

The ceremony, according to Sogavare marks an exceptional day for both the people of Shortlands and Solomon Islands.

“I trust that we all appreciate and agree that the security and welfare of communities along the Solomon Island and PNG border is of paramount importance,” he said.

As such, the Prime Minister expressed his desire to see everyone continue to strengthen the security and welfare of our people along our borders.

“This project will go a long way in achieving this, and will ensure that our communities continue to prosper in an environment where we co-exist peacefully with our brothers and sisters across the border,” he said.

Hundreds of people including Chiefs, Elders, Women and Children of the Shortland Islands converge at Lofang and Nila to witness the event on Wednesday.

Their presence, according to the Prime Minister signify how important the project is to their families.

“I am excited and happy to be part of this occasion and it is heartening to see communities around these islands turning up in numbers as well,”

The project once completed will improve border security services in the Western border region by supporting social and economic growth by strengthening border management, surveillance, response capability and protection from illegal activities.

Importantly, the project also aligns well with the Solomon Islands Government’s National Security Strategy and the National Border Security Strategy for better management of our borders.

—GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

PM WANTS ROBUST BORDER SECURITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Premier of Western Province David Gina, Chairman of FAMOA Trust Board Chief Lawrence Hotomo, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Dr Lachlan Strahan, Minister for Police, National Security & Correctional Services Anthony Veke and Member for Shortland Islands Christopher Laore at the ground-breaking ceremony for the western border & patrol boat outpost in Honiara.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) is moving towards setting up a more robust and structured border security management approach.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced this during Wednesday’s Border and Patrol Boat Outpost groundbreaking ceremony at Lofung in the Shortland Island, Western Province.

The Multi-million-dollar Australian funded project provides much needed facilities to implement the Government’s national border security policy.

Communities living along the Solomon Islands-PNG maritime border including the shortland Islands, Choiseul and Malaita Outer Islands have been wishing for a proper border management approach in past years, which Prime Minister Sogavare said past Governments have tried to address.

“My fellow people of the Shortland Islands, I am aware that your cry for a strong border security is not a new call, and your call is the same as those resonated by Choiseul and Malaita Outer Islands”.

“It is a call that has not gone unnoticed, and for so many governments past, we have tried to see what we could do to address this call,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that Solomon Islands as a developing country with finite financial resources have to prioritize its policy and development needs, however, the need to secure our borders was always a main issue of concern.

Sogavare announced that the DCGA is tackling that concern head on with the projects once completed and will no longer rely heavily on border police posts.

”With the establishment of the Border and Patrol Boat Outpost, I am pleased to announce that we are now moving towards a more robust, structured and established border security management approach, he said at Nila.

The Prime Minister participated at the Groundbreaking ceremony alongside the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr, Lachlan Strahan, the MP for the Shortland Constituency Hon, Christopher Laore, Police Minister Anthony Veke, Western Premier David Gina and Chairman of the FAMOA Council of Chiefs and Trust Board Lawrence Hotomo at a ceremony at Lofung on Wednesday 23 June in the presence of people from all over the Shortland Islands.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT.

SHOPS CLOSED IN AUKI

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0

Malaita govt responds to matter ‘undermining’ its authority

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial government (MPG) has shut down two retail shops in Auki owned by Chinese businessmen.

Reason behind the closures, according to MPG, is “dubious means” by the Chinese businesses in obtaining their provincial business licences.

Apparently, this issue is being seen as MPG responding to a matter which it says had undermined its authority.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, acting Premier Mr Nelson Lenty, said the business closures last week has nothing to do with geopolitics, rather it is simply MPG applying the law.

Lenty said the MPG had learnt that the businesses had obtained their licences from an officer from the province’s admin team, who issued them without approval by the MPG executive. And, Lenty says this was the wrong channel to obtain a provincial business licence, therefore illegal.

He explains that the Malaita for Rural Advancement Alliance (MARA) government since coming into power had adopted the provincial Financial Management Ordinance (FMO), which says a provincial business licence must first be approved by the provincial government executive before being granted to the investor or applicant.

In the case of the closed businesses, Lenty said their licences were granted without the knowledge and approval of the MPG executive.

While Lenty does not say exactly which provincial officer is implicated in the “dubious process”, he adds that the FMO draws a boundary on the roles and duties of the provincial secretary (PS) and the deputy provincial secretary (DPS).

Meanwhile, Lenty clarifies that last week’s closure does not mean that it is the end of the road for the two businesses.

He encourages them to re-apply and to follow the proper channel for a legal provincial business licence.

“The shop-owners must not assume that the closed down of the shops is to prevent them from business operation or services in Auki.

“The grant of their business license is seen partly illegal or incomplete and they got punished for it.

“My advice to them is to reapply and allow the applications take complete process until reaching executive decision,” he said.    

Lenty said an executive meeting is being proposed for early next month and if the shop-owners are considering reapplying for business licences, they (MPG executive) might look at the applications during the meeting.

On this note, Lenty clamped down on comments made by a senior Malaita province admin staff earlier, which described MPG executive meetings as “expensive to convene just to look at business license applications, and that applications must process even without executive”.

Lenty said these comments reflect the person’s lack of respect for protocol, processes and law.

He said ordinances, channels and processes are parts of the fabric of good governance, and are established in every provincial government.

Regarding executive meetings, he says it is an ‘integral part’ of that good governance.

“Executive meetings held after every three months and there are also extra-ordinary executive meetings that should not use as excuse.

“What happened had undermined the executive government of the province and they will ensure it won’t happen again.”

1...878879880...1,662Page 879 of 1,662