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EDITORIAL- Road work must start unhindered

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FINAL documents for Phase II of the Kukum Highway Upgrading Project were signed in Honiara Monday this week.

Japan is funding the multi-million dollar road project.

It’s a continuation from phase I, which runs from the Honiara City Council round-about to Kukum Fisheries headquarters.

Phase II extends from Kukum up to Henderson.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Stephen Maesiola and Emelito Recalde of Kitano Construction signed the final documents on Monday.

This process paves the way for work on the project to start next month, with its estimated completion on 30 June 2023.

This second phase is as important as the first.

It’s a project that Honiara desperately needs, especially as it prepares to host the 2023 Pacific Games.

More so, Honiara’s businesses need better roads to boost their operations and maximise profits.

Japanese engineers Kitano is bringing in for the construction are expected in the country on July 23, pending travel documents and approval from the COVID-19 Committee.

We can hope the COVID-19 Committee will efficiently play their facilitative role to ensure the engineers are here on schedule.

This project augers well with the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Construction, funded by China, and the Honiara International Airport Upgrading Project, another Japanese Government project.

These three major projects are expected to significantly transform the physical face of Honiara at their competition.

With work about to start with the road project, betel nut vendors along the road must now dismantled their stalls and remove themselves.

The project and those carrying it out must be allowed to do their job unhindered.

Aola piggery farmers get animal husbandry training

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Castration demonstration of a male piglet.

THIRTY-THREE piggery farmers at Aola Community in East Central Guadalcanal have participated in a three-day workshop training on proper animal husbandry and management.

Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock (MAL) conducted the training from June 7-9, following an assessment report from livestock officers that earlier went to Aola on April 17, 2021 to attend to and assess reports of pigs having died-off in the region.

The training aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge especially on animal husbandry and management. Livestock officers also used the opportunity and assessed the farmer’s potentials and limitation in the livestock industry.

“The training was timely and important for the community since they have a lot of pigs which are poorly managed and also some are roaming around the villages,” Deputy Director of Livestock, Hearley Atupule said.

Participants of the training.

He said the training involved theory on the first day and practical sessions and farm visitation on the second/final day.

“It was a success as it imparted farmer’s new knowledge about animal husbandry and its importance,” Mr Atupule said.

Practical activities performed included the following;

  • Feed mixing formulation
  • Castration
  • Iron injection
  • Teeth clipping
  • Tail-docking
  • Anti-biotic injection
  • Disease observation on farm site
  • Nutritional advice on farm site

The farmers acknowledged MAL through the Livestock Department for the timely and important training and vowed to put into practice what have been learned from the training.

Principal Livestock Officer for Guadalcanal, James Pogula and a farmer at the farmers pig pen.

The livestock team members included Hearley Atupule, Deputy Director Livestock, James Pogula, Principal Livestock Officer Guadalcanal, Max Lazarus Principal Livestock Officer Research and Samson Kauli Senior Biosecurity Officer.

A separate programme for certificates presentation for participants will be held in due course.

–MAL PRESS

Harnessing Solomon Islands’ digital potential for development

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The UN Development Programme in Solomon Islands, in cooperation with the Office of Prime Minister (OPM), is conducting the Digital Readiness Assessment, which will assess the digital capacities of the country and will serve as a baseline survey for any investment towards the digital transformation.

Leading digital experts from UNDP, the Ministry of Aviation and Communication, the ICT Unit of The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), officials from all Ministries gathered to assess the country’s digital capacities and discuss how to harness its digital potential for sustainable development. 

Given the priorities for the National Development Strategy, the Digital Readiness Assessment provides rapid, high-level insights into a country’s digital strengths and areas for improvement.

It is also intended to offer “entry points” for the digital transformation initiatives going forward.

participants of the dialogue. Photo credit: UNDP/ Anastasiia Tiurmenko. 

Speaking at the opening of the event, Dr Derek Mane the Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands said, “The new commitments made today strengthen our joint ambitions for a human-centered approach to digitalization in Solomon Islands.

This Digital Readiness Assessment play a decisive role as an accelerator of the digital transition.”

“We are very grateful to UNDP for their continuous support in accelerating the digital capacities of Solomon Islands. Our aim is that every Solomon Islanders has access to the internet, which recently became a necessity to maintain workflow and communicate.”

Ultimately, “digital transformation is about people”, Dr Derek Mane said, noting the importance of increasing equal access to digital means for each community in Solomon Islands.

Echoing the same sentiments, Vardon Hoca, UNDP Project Manager emphasized this process does imply knowledge and skills of international and national experts, “Without a doubt, this is a lot to accomplish.

Fortunately, we have a lot to build on. Given our mandate and expertise, UNDP is uniquely positioned to offer the Government a comprehensive approach to digital issues.” 

He also stressed the importance of further cooperation.

He added: “We will continue to work with the Government of Solomon Islands to identify areas in digital transformation where more investment is needed so that all Solomon Islanders can benefit from digital services and innovations.”

With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, UNDP aims to harness technology’s transformative power and ensure the best possible digital future for all.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.pacific.undp.org or follow us on social at @UNDP_Pacific and @undpsolomon.

—UNDP

Australia and Solomon Islands break ground on outpost

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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.

Australia and Solomon Islands have held a ground-breaking ceremony in the Shortland Islands for the Western Border and Patrol Boat Outpost.

Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said the ground-breaking marks the next phase of the Australia and Solomon Islands infrastructure and security partnership, with the commencement of a critical, multi-million Australian dollar infrastructure project to boost Solomon Islands border and maritime security.

“Australia is proud to be working closely with Solomon Islands to promote economic development and stability in the region, and strengthen and protect its Western Border,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“We share an enduring and close friendship and this joint project demonstrates the strong security relationship between our two countries, as bilateral security treaty partners.

“The project will boost Solomon Islands’ capacity to respond to natural disasters, deliver health programs in the Western Border area and provide a foundation for economic growth in the region.

“Together we are advancing this important project while adapting to the challenges and complexities of COVID-19. Australia looks forward to working together to progress technical aspects of the project over the coming months.”

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked Australia for the security partnership and described Solomon Islands and Australia as two nations not separated by the oceans but joined by the waves of peace, cooperation, prosperity and mutual respect.


Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Dr Lachlan Strahan, Minister for Police, National Security & Correctional Services Anthony Veke, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Madam Emmy Sogavare at the ground-breaking ceremony for the western border & patrol boat outpost in Honiara. Photos from AHC Media

“I was truly glad when Prime Minister Morrison offered to support the Government’s initiative to establish a Border and Patrol Boat Outpost,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.

“I must commend the steadfast support Australia has rendered in ensuring the safety and security of Solomon Islands. In fact, our friendship is one that is not only built on trust and friendship, but one that is cemented by our friendship and recognition of mutual understanding.”

The new facility will bring together police, customs and immigration officials in a single location to reinforce the security of Solomon Islands’ Western Border and promote peaceful cross-border movements.

It will also deliver new facilities to coordinate operations, accommodation, and a wharf capable of supporting RSIPV Taro and Gizo, Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, and Australian-gifted fast boats.

Solomon Islands has chosen Lofung South in the Shortland Islands as the location for the Outpost. Construction will take up to three years. Engineers will conduct technical site investigations in the coming months on land and at sea, with the main works expected to commence in 2022.

Australia and Solomon Islands continue to work together to ensure that our Pacific home remains secure, stable and prosperous.

–DFAT PRESS

Shortlands groundbreaking fulfills people’s cry: Gov’t

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The new border outpost

The historic groundbreaking ceremony at Lofung in the Shortland Islands, Western Province Wednesday this week fulfills the long time wish and desire of people residing along the Western Border region for a robust, structured and established border security management approach.

The ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the Western Border and Patrol Boat Outpost at Lofung, a historic site on the Island of Alu which was used as a Police Operations Base during the Bougainville Crisis and other policing establishments.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachlan Strahan travelled to the Shortlands with a high-level delegation including ministers, members of parliament, provincial premiers and senior government officials to officiate the ceremony in the presence of excited Shortland Islands chiefs and people.

The Australian Government exclusively funded the multi-million dollar Border and Patrol Boat Outpost which was designed to feature environmentally sustainable elements and will be appropriate to regional conditions. It will also include a wharf capable of replenishing Guardian-Class patrol boats, accommodation buildings and storage facilities.

Prime Minister Sogavare described the ceremony as an “exceptional day for both the people of Shortland and Solomon Islands as a whole.

“Today we stand witness to the beginning of a momentous occasion, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Border and Patrol Boat Outpost project on Lofung Island.  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.


A traditional performance at a ground-breaking ceremony for the western border & patrol boat outpost in Solomon Islands.

“As such, it is my desire that we 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,” the Prime Minister added.

The ceremony highlights the start of the DCGA’s response to the long-time cry of the people of Shortlands for a strong border security, which was also resonated by people of Choiseul and Malaita Outer Islands.

With the start of the project, Sogavare proudly announced that the Government is now addressing that concern head on.

“We 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.

Prime Minister Manasseh conveyed his appreciation to the Government of Australia for its unwavering support to fund the multi-million dollar project.


Women community leaders taking part in the ceremony.

“I wish to give thanks to the people and government of the Commonwealth of Australia for their unwavering support-describing Australia as “a friend that has never faltered in their support for Solomon Islands”.

Sogavare described the friendship between Australia as one that is not only built on trust and friendship, but one that is cemented by our friendship and recognition of mutual understanding. 

“We are two nations not separated by oceans, but, are joined by the waves of peace, cooperation, prosperity and mutual respect,” he said.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation to the Member of Parliament for the Shortland Constituency, Honorable Christopher Laore for his political support and desire in moving the project forward.

Sogavare outlined that the project is one that will have lots of benefits to communities along the borders.

The is not only established to provide security, but it is also to ensure people enjoy the economic and cultural benefits that come from living at the border.

“We share a border with a country that we are culturally connected to and we cannot stop these relations purely because of international rules. However, 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,” he said.

The border outpost, according to Sogavare is NOT intended to stop the traditional border relations between Bougainville and Solomon Islands.

The Traditional Border Crossing Agreement between SIG and PNG still remains intact and respected. However, the outpost is to ensure that border all residents enjoy the border relation in a safe, regulated and peaceful manner.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Grereo festival starts

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE 2021 Grereo festival and Isabel Second Appointed Day Celebration for Isabelians residing in Honiara was officially opened yesterday with the aim to re-ignite cultural and religious values.

The event was held at Town ground with the theme “Bridging our Diversity through Unity, Culture and Behaviour.”

Speaking at the official opening of the occasion, Guest of Honour and Deputy Premier of the Isabel Provincial Government Tony Vahia said the Grereo festival is becoming a recognised event and quite an accomplishment.

Tonia Vahia , guest of honour to Grereo festival

“Grereo is becoming a very recognised event, which is an achievement. I thank the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum in organising this festival

Organising this event, not only displays your personality as humble citizens of our beloved Isabel, but a reflection of determination and courage to make this day (and event) successful and enjoyable,” Vahia said.

Japuana ward with Deputy Premier to Isabel Provincial Tony Vahia

He said in the last 37 years governing a province, not to mention the country is no easy task.

Nonetheless, I must acknowledge all individuals (past and present), our National Government, government agencies and other stakeholders who have made unimaginable sacrifices (and that of their families to serve our people and province. I’m indeed indebted to you all,” Vahia said. 

Havulei dancers escorting the Guest of honour deputy Premier to Isabel Provincial Tony Vahia

Karl Saliga on behalf of the organising committee (the IPYF) said grereo festival is an excellent platform where youths are gathered to celebrate the Isabel Second Appointed day and to re-ignite cultural and religious values.

Kaloka dancers entertaining the crowd

“Grereo is an excellent example of that concept, where youths come together to celebrate our provincial day, re-ignite our cultural and religious values and educate ourselves on how to move our province forward, ”Saliga said.

The event will run for five days and will conclude on Sunday with a thanksgiving prayer.

MHMS to address bed shortage at NRH

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Mavis Podokolo
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NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi. Photo by GCU

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services has declared it will take measures to address the ongoing bed shortage issue at the emergency ward, national referral hospital (NRH).

Dr George Malefoasi, chief executive officer for NRH, on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), revealed the measures and steps in a press conference yesterday.

Malefoasi explained to media that the problem of bed shortage issue is “not necessarily creating beds but is more about staffing, having systems and protocols in place”.

He said with the current bed issue shortage, MHMS is now working on external measures to address the matter. These include having a new hospital, Honiara City Council clinics to take up some load from NRH by extending opening hours, to open during public holidays and weekends and to invest in a private clinic.

Malefoasi said MHMS also aims to reduce ‘access block’ internally.

“We want to see that no one should wait unattended by a doctor after seeing by a nurse 30min to one hour after arriving at the designated services areas of the hospital.

“No one should sleep or lay on the floor of the hospital anymore anytime soon, no one will be overlooked while admitted to the ED, no one should die under the roof of the hospital unnecessary without any scientific cause or reasons, no one should be discharged if her/his medical needs are not met or answered and no one should leave the hospital after the treatment without proper discharge and follow up.

“The risk we are anticipating is obviously funding, our budgets were cut, the slow process of procurement which has affected our plans and even the absorptive capacity, no having enough man power we need additional staffs.

“At the end of the day it is team work and we cannot do things without the support of the government,” he said.

Malefoasi stressed, in relation to health investment they are eyeing the NRH business case implementation policy, improving the current set-up and to looking at HCC health centres and relocation.

He said they have looked at three systems in terms of financing the above-mentioned plans; these systems are the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), developing partners and public- private partnership.

Malefoasi said the current problem facing NRH is “increasing demand versus supply of bed”.

He said the ‘sick people flow’ into NRH has increased and their concern is the low risk patient which could have been seen at the clinics – that is where the difficulty comes.

Malefoasi stressed the emergency is overloaded and overcrowded. It is always worse on the weekends and public holidays in which sometimes they see 40 up to 60 patients at ED at one time.

“One of the main reasons for having 40 up to 60 patients at ED is because HCC clinics are closed on weekends and public holidays that makes life really difficult for NRH.

“Most of our primary healthcare services are somehow affected and limited and also when patients come in they remain in the hospital for more than 24 hours because of the severity of their illness.

“All of these problems lead to access block meaning something that is blocking the flow of patients, no previous planning to address this access block problem.

“Otherwise there is no previous planning to look at what is happening so far. We also found that pressure becomes worse because of public health crisis,” he said.

Permanent Secretary to MHMS Pauline McNeil when speaking of government support to NRH said the government have increased support to NRH. 

“We have seen increase on Governments support to NRH this shows commitment that they see as priority for the government so over the years we see increase of budget support.

“Like this year’s budget is SBD28million for NRH unlike 10 years ago. Hence, we have seen additional backing, we are also trying to make use of current support that we have received from COVID to improve some the services at the NRH. So there is definitely support from the government,” McNeil said.

LOGGERS WINNERS

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Brian Lezutuni
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Forest minister quashes suspension order issued by Commissioner of Forest

BY JARED KOLI

MINISTER of Forest Dickson Mua has used his power under Section 39 (2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act to quash a suspension order issued by the Commissioner of Forest (COF) over serious allegation of breach of the country’s code of logging practice.

This is in relation to logging operations inside a customary land area (Veuru land) in west Guadalcanal where the licensee, Tsetsele Investment Company and contractor, King Solomon Limited are alleged to have breached the Solomon Islands Code of Logging Practice (SICOLP), particularly Key Standard 6 of the code.

It was alleged that the contractor was operating within Buffer by felling and removing logs from Veuru land. It was further alleged that a skidding track was created to skid logs across the fuel storage which was only 10 metres away from a river bank, and trees were felled five metres from the river bank.

This was done without prior written approval from the office of the COF.

Island Sun finds out that this matter was first brought to COF attention by the Land Advisory and Legal Support Unit (LALSU) within the Public Solicitor’s Office. This was after a complaint was raised to their office.

LALSU requested the COF to issue a suspension notice to the licensee based on the breaches violated, including logging operations carried out on the water sources in the area.

On March 15 this year the Commissioner responded to the request and issued a ‘show cause’ notice to Tsetsele Investment Company. The show-cause notice directed that a seven (7) days notice be served as to why Tsetsele licence should not be suspended for breaching Key Standard 6 by operating within the buffer on Veuru customary land.

“The fate of the licence shall be known after your response is received. Otherwise, we advise that you immediately withdraw all operation from the buffer zones further restrained from entering the buffer area,” stated the letter from the office of the COF.

On April 19, 2021 the COF suspended Tsetsele Investment Company’s felling licence A101578 for reason that it breached Key Standard 6 of SICOLP and Regulation 19(f) of the Forest and Resources and Timber Utilisation (Felling Licence) 2005.

By letter dated April 27, 2021, Tsetsele Investment Company, having aggrieved with the suspension order issued by the COF, made an appeal to the Minister strongly denying breaching Key Standard 6 of the SICOLP and Regulation 19(f) of the Forest and Resources and Timber Utulisation (Felling Licence) 2005.

Tsetsele Investment Company contended that the basis of them carrying out felling and extraction of trees within buffer zones was from the fact that the legal trustees of Tsetsele inclusive of landowners have given them consent and legal right to fell and extract the commercial trees along the buffers.

They further claimed that they had complied with the requirements by applying to harvest buffers zones through the Guadalcanal Provincial forest officer, however, the provincial forestry office had failed to respond to their request.

Tsetsele Investment Company is a private company registered under Solomon Islands Company House with registration number, 201516920.

The company has three directors, they are John Potino, Francis Tsatsia and Banoventure Ture.

According to Form B of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation (Felling Licence) regulations, the company’s felling licence applies to Vungati, Vaigoro, Alesa and Paratsitsi customary land in west Guadalcanal.

Mr Tsastia (also the current director of Biosecurity, MAL) and Mr Ture told Island Sun that they had appealed the COF’s suspension order based on the fact that land owners had applied to harvest trees along the buffer zone at the first place, 10 months prior to the issuance of the suspension order by COF. But their application had been misplaced by the COF office.

Furthermore, they contended that by the time the suspension order was issued, Tsetsele had already ceased operation, withdrawn from the area and rehabilitation work carried out on the buffer zones as confirmed by the field assessment report of October 12, 2020.

The Minister of Forest, Dickson Mua after meeting with the licensee and contractor, wrote to the Director of Tsestele Investment Company and used his power under Section 39 (2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act to quash the suspension order.

Below is the extract of the letter obtained by Island Sun.

“I have viewed the field assessment report produce by Guadalcanal Forest officers and I am satisfied that the remedial and rehabilitation work on the buffer zone areas has been satisfactorily carried out and that pollution of streams and rivers are less evident.

“I am also satisfied that the suspension order issued by the Respondent (COF) is untimely and should not have been issued on the basis that the felling and extraction of commercial trees within buffer zones have since ceased and the Appellant (Tsetsele) withdrawn from the area several months prior to the licence being suspended.

“With due respect to the Respondent, such delay action to the Appellant in my view, may be unfair and unjust on their behalf.

“Having pursued the appeal together with the documents submitted hereto, I am satisfied that the suspension order issued by Respondent to Appellant did not comply with the provisions of the Forests Resources and Timber Utilisation Act as there has been a remedial measure undertaken.

“It is my view that any such claim for compensation by the complainant party should be made through the Courts.

“Therefore, pursuant to my powers under Section 39(2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act, I hereby quashed the suspension order issued by the Respondent of April 19, 2021 and accordingly, make the following orders;

  1. That the suspension order issued by the Respondent of 19th April 2021 is hereby quashed.
  • That the suspension order issued over felling licence A10415 is hereby lifted and reinstated accordingly.
  • That the Appellant refrain from further entering, felling and extracting commercial trees within buffer zones with immediate effect.
  • That the Appellant strictly observe the Solomon Islands Code of Logging Practices in your logging operations.

Section 39(2) of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act states that:

“Any person who is aggrieved by the cancellation or suspension of his licence or permit under subsection (1) may within two months thereof appeal in writing to the Minister whose decision thereon shall be final.”

The letter was copied to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry, the Commissioner of Forests, Chief Forester of Guadalcanal Province, Attorney General Chambers, Provincial Police Commander of Guadalcanal Province, President of Solomon Forest Association and Managing Director of King Solomon Development Company Ltd.

Ends…////////////

Bed shortage is ‘tip of iceberg’ to Health’s problems: McNeil

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Mavis Podokolo
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PS Pauline McNeil

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE issue of bed shortage at the National Referral Hospital is more than the availability of the beds, says Pauline McNeil, permanent secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

McNeil revealed this yesterday during a press conference on the issue of bed shortage and overcrowding at the emergency department.

“The issue is more than the availability of the bed, its systematic, it’s functional, its management, it is corporate services, so, these are the issues that we are trying to address,” she said.

McNeil said, in systematic, they have late discharged, laboratory not coming on time to report on time so that it enables the clinicians and doctors to give the results to the patients to enable them to be discharged.

She said when they (clinicians and doctors) discharge the patients, they continue remaining at the NRH because of logistics issues – due to discharged patients not being able to return home quickly.

“So it’s a whole range of issue that we are faced with, so therefore I think the immediate measures is to put in place procedurals and protocols making the clinicians and the nurses to be accountable in times of timely reporting,” McNeil said.

She said there is a lot of a systematic issues that they have to address immediately and in the long term as per the NRH business case, the first phase is NRH improvement and the second phase is east and west HCC clinics.

“We are already having discussion with the ministry of Lands for securing Kukum vicinity in terms of the area around there and we are looking at Rove so that it can provide functional services, not only at health clinic but we also want to have diagnostic laboratory services and other services that can be offered in Kukum and Rove.

“So these are short term measures but right now we want to ensure that the system is functional for NRH so that the flow can be efficient.

“The team is working hard they have started the work putting in place the mechanism in terms of the bed management system task force and already they are finding issues in managing the beds seeing the bottlenecks and all that.

“So we try to address that immediately while going forward for the short to long term measures,” McNeil said.

Covid vaccination now open to all 18yrs+: PM

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Honourable-Prime-Minister-receiving-his-first-vaccine-shot

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the covid-19 vaccination programme is now open to all persons 18 years and above in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and Malaita Outer Islands.

The Prime Minister highlighted this during his nationwide address yesterday.

The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Health’s communication team will step up and intensify efforts to create awareness and other communication activities.

This will also help address ongoing concerns and anxiety amongst the public on covid-19 vaccines and encourage people to be vaccinated.

“I urge all businesses, civil society groups, churches and community leaders, popular social media groups, to unite in encouraging our people to get vaccinated and work with our health team to disseminate correct messages to members of the public,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare also thanked Our Telekom and B-Mobile for their continuous support to disseminate covid-19 vaccine key messages and for encouraging people to be vaccinated.

The Prime Minister urged all organisations, groups, and communities in Honiara and throughout the country to support the vaccines awareness teams.

“Together we can achieve a 100 percent coverage of all eligible adults in the country. If we achieve this, we can achieve herd immunity, which will protect those that cannot be vaccinated,” he said.

–OPMC PRESS

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