THE National Referral Hospital (NRH) has set aside two waiting space for discharged patients.
The idea of having a waiting lounge for discharged patients came up following the current issue of bed shortage and overcrowding at the emergency department (ED).
Dr George Malefoasi, chief executive officer for NRH, said having a space for discharged patients is one specific measure undertaken to address the matter of bed shortage and overcrowding at the ED.
“We have identified tow space to be transformed to waiting time for discharged patients and these are spaces next to old morgue and space next to dental space while waiting for their transports and family members to pick them up,” Malefoasi said.
He said these measures are to ensure when patients leave, they have proper discharge plans.
Malefoasi stressed that one of many ‘discharged’ protocols they are working on is by 10am all patients should be out from their beds and cleaning to take place soon after.
He said if the measures are up and running the NRH will not encounter the issue of bed shortage.
MINISTRY of Finance and Treasury is facing a cash flow problem as it cuts down on its priority spending for the short term.
Treasury only has $63 million in Solomon Islands Government bank accounts and over $103 million in payments that have cleared compliance and budget checking and are ready for payment.
This was confirmed in a leaked email by Accountant General Bruce Phillips to all permanent secretaries and financial controllers last Friday (June 18).
Phillips said that “we have an immediate shortfall of $40 million and this amount is growing daily at present time.”
He said many of the $103 million are priority payments.
“Clearly something must be sacrificed in the very short term until our cash reserves are built up again,” he said.
As such in conjunction with PSF, Phillips said Treasury has agreed to priorities weekly SIG salaries, utility payments, Ministry of Rural Development related payments and provincial government grants until 30th June.
He said third quarter parliamentary allowances and housing rental payments are all due in nine business days.
Further to that, Phillips said naturally donor funded payments are not impacted nor are COVID related payments as these are funded separately from SIG.
Consequently, Phillips said he will not be approving further provincial touring imprests or payments that do not meet the above criteria until June 30, 2021 at the earliest.
“You can be assured that PSF, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and ourselves are doing everything possible to address this short-term funding challenge,” he added.
Case against the Bangladesh national accused of underage rape has been moved for June 25 for possible plea and variation of bail.
Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison adjourned the case yesterday when prosecution asked for time saying they were yet to sort out issues regarding the case.
Prosecution told court that they were waiting on the additional statements from investigators.
Prosecution explained they require additional statements from the complainant to clearly verify the number of times the alleged offending occurred on the alleged victim.
Meanwhile, the defence lawyer told court they are going to make an application to vary some of the bail conditions as the accused will be travelling out for medical review.
Hollison then adjourned the case to this Friday and made directions for prosecution to follow up with the investigators regarding the outstanding statement and also for the counsel to prepare submissions for bail variation application.
This is in relation to the case of a Bangladesh national accused to have raped an 11-year-old girl at the Lungga area.
According to Police, the case was reported to the Henderson police station by the mother of the victim.
Police said the victim’s mother called in at Henderson Police Station and reported that her daughter was raped by a Bangladesh national in his bedroom.
The mother said she only knew of the incident when she heard stories from other girls about what happened to her, it was at that time that she asked her daughter and confirmed the sexual action committed on her about a week ago but she was afraid to tell anyone about it.
The case against the owner of the One Link Pacifica money scheme has been moved to June 29.
Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison adjourned the matter yesterday after prosecution said they were yet to give the defence two outstanding statements.
Prosecution said the file had just been given to them by investigators, along with two additional statements, but one statement is yet to be typed by the investigator and verified with the witness.
Prosecution said that investigators need a day or two to complete the statement before the statement can be ready before providing it to prosecution.
Prosecution said once those outstanding statements are ready full disclosures will be served to the defence.
Meanwhile, a lawyer from the Public Solicitors office said that no instruction was obtained from the lawyer in carriage of the matter, who is currently on leave.
Therefore, the solicitor sought an adjournment on the case for a later date.
This is the case of Mr Charles Dora who is facing two charges under the financial institution act 1998.
Prosecution said on July 4, 2019, One-link Pacifica was formally registered at the company Haus under the name of Mr Charles Dora as Director.
There is a business certificate in file as it appears, Mr Charles Dora is a Director of OLP, registered under business name one link Pacifica Business number 20191217 issued by Company Haus.
Dora is the proprietor and sole trader of the OLP, he is also a manager for online mentors.
One link Pacifica scheme was described as sharing resource; however, it is a Ponzi scheme, the essence of the scheme is that investors give money towards the company, on promise there will be higher return after 30 days of investment, the creator of the scheme then used recruiting agents (mentors) for people to come along and invest their money through them.
The monies were from people who have invested their money into One link Pacifica, the company owned by the accused.
Prosecution also said that between the period of December 2019 to March 2020, investors did not receive their money as promised. Within the period, CBSI warned public members about the operation of the schemed, that Dora did not apply for a licence under the FIA to engage in the business of banking in Solomon Islands.
On March 4, 2020 CBSI wrote to Dora as Director of One-Link to make available to CBSI record, books or accounts relating to the business for examination within seven working days pursuant to section 3(3) of the FIA. However, Dora did not provide detail documents or failed to comply such their bank account details, receipt books and accounts books.
Later on, March 27, 2020, CBSI informed Police that One-link Pacifica seem to be operating as a banking business, and does not comply with the Financial Institution Act.
Prosecution then alleged that Dora knowing his co-accused was arrested on April 4, 2020, went and hid at Russel Islands, Central Islands Province up until his arrest on June 1, 2021.
Vaccination roll-out program at Luaniua in Ontong java last year.....Photo supplied
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
People in Ontong Java, Malaita Outer Islands, are facing covid-19 risk head-on, and are calling on the national government to assist them.
Border crossers of the SI-PNG border arrive at the islands unchecked.
And, the local covid-19 committees of the Luaniua and Pelau have had to face them with no personal protective equipment (PPE).
Senior Administration Officer for MOI region under MPG, Mr Manford Kelaho said about five different boats had arrived at Luaniua through the SI-PNG border and were dealt with by the covid-19 committee in Luaniua.
Kelaho said most of these boats were alleged to have come from the nearby Tasman Islands, one was a foreign sailing boat.
He said their illegal entry and opening door for potential intrusion of covid-19 to their communities and country is a huge concern.
“Like, for the situations encountered, members of Luaniua covid-19 committee had taken the situations out of covid-19 protocol due to non availability of covid-19 equipment on the ground.
“One of the cases the committee found difficult to deal was those onboard of the sailing boat as they tried to communicate with them on the campaign, but they didn’t until the boat left after a week on the island.
“The possibility for illegal entry especially through Luaniua route via SI/PNG at MOI is prevalent as police border security only focus at Pelau route through the border,” Kelaho said.
On that note, he calls on responsible authorities to step up border security at MOI and equip both Luaniua and Pelau covid-19 committees with safety covid-19 gears.
Kelaho said the committees were established under directives from responsible government agencies.
The signatories to the arrangement sitting in front (from left) Minister for Communication and Aviation Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, New Zealand High Commissioner Georgina Roberts and Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon. Harry Kuma. Officials who witnessed the signing ceremony standing (from left) Joe McCarter NZHC, Moses Virivolomo PS MCA, Jimmy Nuake DS MID, McKinnie Dentana PS MoFT, Susan Sulu PS MNPDC, Australian High Commissioner Dr. Lachlan Strahan and Zubin D’Sousa NZHC.
A funding arrangement of SBD1.4 million to support provincial airfield upgrades at Seghe and Taro was signed on Monday at the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara between New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
The agreement will enable major upgrades to provincial airports in Seghe and Taro, which will improve connectivity across Solomon Islands and increase economic development opportunities in Western Province and Choiseul. The arrangement signed on Monday will assist Solomon Islands Government officers, working with New Zealand as lead donor, to support the airfield upgrades, carry out monitoring, engage and consult with communities, and ensure social and environmental safeguards are in place.
The upgrades are currently estimated to cost around SBD240M, and include sealing and lengthening Seghe and Taro runways to make them all-weather and capable of landing the Dash-8 aircraft. The upgrades will be co-funded by New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Australia.
High Commissioner Georgina Roberts noted the importance of partnership in delivering this critical infrastructure to benefit Solomon Islands communities.
“In taking on this large investment we seek to practice kotahitanga to draw strength from our diversity and acknowledge that all of us have a unique but complementary part to play to ensure successful delivery of these airfields.
“The arrangement signed today articulates and confirms Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to this project in partnership with New Zealand and Australia.”
Minister of Communication and Aviation Peter Shanel Agovaka acknowledged the hard work over the last few years from all parties to improve connectivity in Solomon Islands.
“Our domestic partners, the Western Provincial Government, Choiseul Provincial Government, respective landowners, and the travelling public are looking forward to the implementation and completion of the projects,” he said.
“The national government and relevant ministries remain committed to ensuring this priority infrastructure project is completed.”
PEOPLE of Pelau in ward 32 of Malaita Outer Islands are recipients under the Malaita government’s FAD programme.
Fishing aggregating device (FAD) are new inventions used to promote sustainable fishing, and Malaita province is utilising FAD across its communities.
Malaita government (MPG) this year has budgeted for six FAD, six to be installed at the mainland and one in its outliers, specifically Pelau, Ontong Java.
Speaking to this paper yesterday, Senior Administration Officer for MOI region under MPG, Mr Manford Kelaho said a team from MPG visiting Lord Howe communities last week installed the FAD at Pelau.
He said the people of Pelau are delighted to receive the FAD and thank MPG for the support.
Kelaho said this is the first of such fisheries project to reach Pelau and will be a lift to their habitual inshore fishing activities to off-shore activity.
Auki senior fishery officer, Mr Matthew Isihanua (right) assisted by villagers at Pelau in the FAD preparation.
The aim of FAD is to discourage fishing at inshore fishing grounds to avoid over harvesting and encourage offshore fishing.
Meanwhile, Kelaho said there are more such fisheries projects planned for Malaita outer islands.
He said the proposal is for two FADs and a fisheries centre for Luaniua. “Work is on the proposal and as it eventuates, it will be established.”
Kelaho said MPG is working tirelessly to ensure services is distributed equally to its people and part of it is now reaching the three wards in MOI.
Zaza Gina left and Fabina Lilo right with the owner of Hambere Village Stay Venty Maena in the middle at one of the single room guest house
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
OFFICERS from the Western Province Tourism Department took time out from office to visit operators yesterday.
The Officers, Fabina Lilo and Zaza Gina travelled to Kolombagara Island where they met with the owner of Hambere Village Stay after visiting a site that a local is planning to build a home stay at Sausaga village.
Hambere Village Stay guest houses. One of the guest house is still under construction
The visit is part of a series of visits that the Western Tourism Department had carried out since the beginning of this year.
Speaking to Island Sun, Fabina Lilo who is responsible for tourism operators in Kolobagara said the visit is a normal routine where her office rolls out on a daily basis.
Fabina and Zaza hike to one of the proposed tourim site at Sausaga village
She said the purpose of the visit is to encourage operators to continue with their business.
“We understand that our operators are badly affected by the COVID-19 and our presence with our operators is one of the strategy to encourage them.
A bay where yatches can hide from bad weather at Kolombagara
“Additionally, we also want to see how we can help our operators with trainings in preparation for the borders to open.
“Furthermore, we encourage our operators to improve their facilities so that they can tap the market when the border is open,” Lilo said.
She said her office will carry out an important training early next month and that the visits is to inform the operators about the training so as facilitating logistics to bring all the operators to Gizo for the training.
White sandy beach at Sausaga proposed homestay site
Owner of Hambere Village Stay, Venty Maena said he is happy to see the Western Tourism Officials visiting operators.
He said such visit encourages operators like himself to find innovative ideas that would improve his homestay.
Maena said COVID-19 has put operators in a position that they look at the future with nothing but darkness.
“We are suffering from this pandemic and seeing officials from the Tourism office in Western Province is a huge encouragement for us.
“From our discussions, we know that good things are coming and I must applaud our tourism officials,” he said.
Some of the bird species that attract tourists to visit Hambere Village Stay
This paper understand that Western Tourism Industry is looking at creating its own bubble to help tourism operators.
In an interview with Island Sun earlier this month, Fabina Lilo said the Go West Bubble is targeting domestic market especially Asian communities who have expressed interests to be part of the bubble.
“So, we are discussing the possibility to create our own bubble. This idea has been circulating within our partners and we are hoping to get thing started by August this year,” she said.
Breath taking view at the proposed Sausaga tourism site
Lilo stressed that Western Province has a lot to offer though tourism industry has been badly affected by COVID-19 border restrictions.
She said there are activities earmarked for the later part of this year and the proposed bubble will fall in line with the activities.
“In terms of activities, we have fishing competition which will be held next month followed by JF Kennedy Swimming competition on 2nd August.
“We also have the Lagoon Festival and other small events that are supposed to be held this year.
“However, these proposed events depend on fund, as we all know, the money side of this events are quite challenging due to the state of our economy,” she said.
Lilo said Western Tourism Division is trying its best to keep the industry alive though it’s been badly affected by COVID-19.
People of the Saroba and Quormi Tribes at the ceremony
Lofung disputing tribes reconcile
BY JARED KOLI
Disputing tribes of Lofung land, the site for the multi-million-dollar new Patrol Boat outpost in Shortland Islands, reconciled yesterday with assurance for the groundbreaking and development of the national project to proceed.
The disputing tribes, Gome, Quormi and Saroba tribes come to good terms and ironed out their differences with FAMOA Council of Chiefs, the FAMOA Trust Board and FAMOA Working Committee in what was described as a symbolic reconciliation ceremony witnessed by more than 200 people.
Chiefs, Elders, Women, Youth and Children from the disputing communities converged at Tuha to exchange traditional food and cash, shake hands, pray and smile to each other since the dispute that kept them away from each other, according to statement from the Government Communication Unit (GCU).
A FAMOA Chief shakes hands with a woman from the disputing party
“The symbolic ceremony now ironed out disputes regarding the land in question and gave assurance for the development to proceed,” it said.
Chairman of the FAMOA Council of Chiefs and Trust Board, Chief Lawrence Hotomo said the ceremony builds a bridge that now connect the disputing parties together, which gave the assurance to the Government and Donor partners the confidence the allow the project to proceed without disturbances over land.
“The ceremony shows the way forward for us people of Shortlands that our traditions are alive and well in settling our internal disputes.
“We are very happy that this ceremony helped us to come together to say sorry and accept each other once again to set the way forward for development in our Islands,” Chief Hotomo said.
Chief Morris Boch leads his people to say sorry at the ceremony
Quormi and Saroba tribes who claim land rights over the land had threatened to file a case in the High Court case against FAMOA Trust Board on reasons that the transfer of the registered land at Lofung in 2003 obtained by FAMOA Trust Board were done by unscrupulous means.
In a statement to Island Sun last week, the two tribes cautioned the Australian Government of releasing the fund for the project at Lofung because the site was still in dispute, and by doing so, would cause disharmony of peace among the people of Shortland Islands.
Another disgruntled Shortland man, Alisae Laore who also claimed landownership right over the land had also threatened to challenge the FAMOA Trust Board in court.
According to GCU, yesterday’s ceremony was “symbolic indeed” and gave more assurance and hope for the people at the common Western Border between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Chief Maurice Boch of Gome Tribe told the gathering that he and his people say sorry for their differences to the FAMOA and are now willing to sacrifice their patience and support to the National Border Security plans and economic development aspirations of the people of Shortlands.
“Our long Journey has come to the river where we shall cross over to the other side and work together with our Council of Chiefs and Trust Board to benefit our people,” Chief Boch said.
The ceremony was witnessed by visiting senior government officials, the police, FAMOA Chiefs and people of surrounding communities that expressed joy through traditional dancing and music.
Top leaders from the National Government and the Australian High Commission in Honiara are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday this week.
Meanwhile, the historic ground-breaking for the new outpost will be held tomorrow Wednesday, June 23, 3021.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Australia High Commissioner are expected to attend the historic groundbreaking ceremony.
The Australian Government is funding the multimillion-dollar Border and Patrol Boat Outpost project, which Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare jointly announced in Honiara on 7 October 2019.
According to the Australian Government Department of Defence, this is part of its long-standing security cooperation with the Solomon Islands, underpinned by their bilateral security treaty.
“Defence’s support for a border and patrol boat outpost will enhance infrastructure and security cooperation between our countries, and support Solomon Islands’ border security. It aligns with the Solomon Islands’ three-phased approach to strengthen surveillance, response capability and protection of the western border.
The outpost will be used by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and other agencies in the country to support the people in western Solomon Islands.
The design will feature environmentally sustainable elements and will be appropriate to regional conditions, and will include a wharf capable of replenishing Guardian-Class patrol boats, accommodation buildings, and storage facilities.
