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OUR KIDS’ SAFETY

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Student ‘seriously’ wounded in school, education ministry investigates

BY JARED KOLI

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD) will investigate a recent incident in which a grade-one student of St Nicholas primary was ‘seriously injured’.

This was after a parent of the student wrote to MEHRD Permanent Secretary (PS) raising disappointment, calling on MEHRD and Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Education Authority to summon a special investigation on the incident.

According to the parent, his son and school mates were watering flower plants outside their classroom after class when the incident occurred.

“He and his schoolmates were watering flower plants outside their classroom after class on that day. He went to water sink near their class, saw a two-litre wine bottle in the water sink and used it as a scoop for watering their flowers.

“He refilled the wine bottle from the tap and on his return to the flower garden, just few meters from the tap, he fell down with the bottle beneath him, the bottle broke and cut his belly. He sustained severe injury on his belly, and was transported to the National Referral Hospital where was treated,” the parent said.

He then emailed MEHRD PS Dr Franco Rodie and raised the issue.

“I am seeking your authorization for a special inspection by a team within the MEHRD on St Nicholas School. I make this request as a concerned parent having learned of severe injuries of my son on Friday afternoon 4th, June 2021 within the school premises,” the parent said.

“Sir, I think the incident was a solemn concern to me and I seek if you could consider the safety of students at St Nicholas,” the email cited.

In response, Mr Rodie copied his responsible officers to explore the accident that caused harm to the student at St Nicholas School.

“The accident that your son was involved in at the school is regrettable. It seems there was no proper supervision on the part of the school management to ensure the safety of the students including your son. I am copying your email to Director of School Services and Deputy Secretary responsible for Education Authority and School Services for your noting and possible action based on the concerns you raised,” it cited.

In response to the PS, Director School Services copied the Director of School Review and Standards to visit and explore the incident at St Nicholas concerning the student’s harm.

According to the email thread sighted by Island Sun, St Nicholas School principal will be notified of the Ministry’s intervention to be made aware of MEHRD’s intent to explore to some extent how the accident occurred and what measures the school has in terms of safety of its students.

ACOM’s Education Authority’s Peter Pitia when called yesterday directed the paper to the School’s Secretary who was unable to be reached for comments. However, this paper is seeking comments on this matter with the school management. 

Lag in govt’s vaccination roll out for people with disability

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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Dr Divinal Ogaoga presenting on covid-19 to the PWD workshop on June 4

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Government is not keeping track of the country’s persons with disability community in its vaccination drive.

This concern was raised during a four-day workshop in Honiara (from June 1-4) by participants living with disability.

Lack of available government data is another worrying factor.

The ministry of health and medical services (MHMS), which looks after people with disability (PWD) through its community-based rehabilitation (CBR) division, has not responded when sought for comments since last week via MHMS Media.

Dr Divinal Ogaoga, chairman to the MHMS covid-19 technical working group (TWG), was unsure when asked during the workshop of how many people with disability had been vaccinated since government began its vaccination roll-out in March this year.

A MHMS personnel attending the workshop was also unable to provide an answer.

To date, workers and members of the People With Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI), the umbrella organisation for the country’s PWD community, are yet to be vaccinated. The same with other affiliated groups. This was revealed during the workshop.

This was in spite of government’s vaccination roll-out having run since March 24 this year, three months on.

Mr Ogaoga, presenting in the last day of the workshop (Friday, June 4) had reassured the PWD participants that a day could be set aside the following week for them to get vaccinated at the central field hospital.

Ogaoga urged PWDSI team to invite other PWD who were not at the workshop and are eligible.

Ms Naomi Tai, administration officer of PWDSI, speaking to the paper yesterday, confirmed there has been no vaccination for them since.

A workshop participant living with disability, who requested anonymity, had described government as having ‘no urgency or duty of care’ for the country’s PWD community.

“Any so-called support claimed by government given to us is yet to be felt, for we don’t receive it. The only support we have seen and felt are from NGOs and donors from overseas such as UNDP, Oxfam, and civil society organisations (CSOs).”

Regarding government’s current vaccination drive, the participant says: “We feel that we are an after-thought in government’s vaccination roll-out, despite government having announced publicly that people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable and should be among the first to be vaccinated.”

This gap was underscored early this year by Governor General Sir David Vunagi in his New Year’s National Address when he said persons with disability are “often forgotten”.

“[A] group of people always given little attention are the people with disabilities.

“We do not have a reliable data about this group but I feel that if gender and quality calls for attention from the government, churches, NGOs and has the family protection Act to advance the importance of respecting the rights of women and girls so must the people with disabilities.

“Every citizen should advocate for the rights and benefits of people with disabilities. They exist silently among us and the communities and they make no claims and demand for recognition.

“As a Christian country, how they live among us should be enough for us to recognise and advocate for them,” he said.

The workshop was held in Honiara from Tuesday, June 1, to Friday, June 4. It was run by the UNDP in partnership with PWDSI and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs through the Public Solicitor’s Office.

Fake currency warning

Written by
Press Release
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Central Bank of Solomon Islands. Photo by CBSI

MEMBERS of the public have been warned of a “fake new” currency called Sol York, which is currently being promoted by its promoters.

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) issued the warning yesterday.

“CBSI advises that there is no such currency in existence in the Solomon Islands save the Solomon Islands Dollar,” a statement CBSI issued yesterday said.

“CBSI categorically denies any involvement or participation in the new currency scheme and strongly advises the general public, including the promoters, to refrain from spreading false information and rumors about the new currency scheme,” the statement added.

“The only legal currency of Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) and CBSI has the sole authority by law, to issue currency which shall be legal tender in Solomon Islands as specified under the CBSI Act 2012.

“Any agency, corporate body or individual that attempts to produce, or issue currency apart from the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) is committing an offence under the CBSI Act 2012.

“It is advisable that any person who has fallen victim or has reliable information about the scheme, to come forward to report and launch a formal complaint with the Police, for investigation and prosecution.

“CBSI will continue to warn the public to be vigilant on where to invest their money, and to ensure that the legitimate currency of Solomon Islands is protected.”

Deo lying, claims Wanealafa

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

ONE faithful servant of the inactive East Bauro Enterprise has accused AIPF Director Dr Deogratias Harorimana of “lying in the media”.

This was after embattled foreign consultant Deo said AIPF has never dealt with such a client or its owners including East Baoro Enterprise.

Deo said “We do not know who this is.”

However, Heddie Wanealafa, who occupied East Baoro Enterprise Ltd’s 36-bed motel at Lengakiki, West Honiara, after the death of owner late Bernard Ghiro, said Deo is “lying”.

Wanealafa said he has been engaged by late Ghiro to collect outstanding rental debts of more than $2 million between 2010-2016 from Ministry of Police.

He claimed his relationship with late Ghiro was one of loyalty, which led to him occupying the motel with his family for the last eight years.

Wanealafa said Deo came into the picture when he approached late Ghiro’s son Junior to pay off an outstanding debt of $300,000 belonging to East Baoro Enterprise Ltd in the bank.

As a result, he said Deo allegedly sent some people to evict Wanealafa’s family from the motel in February.

Wanealafa responded by applying for a caveat on the property with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.

He said he took the action because Deo did not make him aware of his moves and that Deo was not fully aware of the whole story behind the motel.

He said on April 12, Deo allegedly sent some private security to evict his family from the property.

Wanealafa said on May 5, Deo allegedly sent another person to ask him to leave the property, which he refused.

On May 11, police arrived at the motel and took Wanealafa to Central police station and remanded him for some hours.

He was released through a guarantee from CID Zachariah Salopuka.

Wanealafa said there were numerous exchanges of correspondences between him and late Ghiro’s son Junior over the property.

In one of the letters to Bernard Junior Ghiro on 23rd April 2021, Wanealafa said he never claim the property as “you informed Dr Deo to imply”.

“My residency and engagement on the property is squarely on the verbal agreement reached with the owner the later Bernard Ghiro and your family, which your family still respected.

“In my view, the proper approach, as an Administrator of Will, to be taken is to work with your surviving mother and other siblings, who you claimed to hold a Will of Administration on behalf to solve me of my attachment to your property, per the Agreement made between the property owner, the late Bernard Ghiro, to its effect that I had resided and engaged on the affairs of the property,” he said.

Wanealafa said you (Junior) better cooperate with your family and further honest with your so-called advisors in attending to my issues, as Dr Deo rightly stated…help assess if anyway we can help you while you wait for relocation.

He claimed that intimidatingly and randomly selling or disposing off of the late Bernard’s properties, without clearing his commitments – with other people – like you (Junior) did with Henderson and other removable properties, and even without the consent and for no benefit of and for your family, whom you claimed to hold the Will of Administration on behalf sets a fear of deceivingly ignore “my agreed engagement in the property with late Ghiro, his surviving wife, which you (Junior) and the family knew and having been respected full well”.

As such, Wanealafa said the motel is owned by the East Baoro Enterprises Ltd, which has been deregistered on the 1st May 2017; thus, any monetary dealings with its affairs, inclusive loans could be deemed “money laundering”.

Two clients declare their stand with Deo

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dr Deo Harorimana

By EDDIE OSIFELO

TWO clients of AIPF SI Ltd have disassociated them from those who have been publishing allegations in their names under the banner of “victims” of the company.

TR Group and Perch Christian School stated this in a signed press release sent to the Island Sun yesterday.

Their responses are:

  1. We have been contacted on phone, on social media, and we were recruited/asked to a join a group of those we came to understand did not have business relationships with AIPF and Dr Deo. We were invited to attend unwelcome meetings; we have been encouraged to disclose private information and oftentimes, we were told to come up with stories. We have been referred to directly or indirectly by those posing as our representatives. As a result, we have decided to make this declaration to the public to clarify our position and defend AIPF and its Director Dr Deo.
  2. We strongly believe in the support provided to us by Deo. AIPF fees are known and they always discussed with us beforehand. We do not agree with the premise that they rush contracts. We have shared experience of taking time before reaching an agreed proposal. We may not be highly educated, but we understand the value of AIPF service to us. Dr Deo maybe a foreigner by papers, but he is a Solomon Islander by heart. He loves his country and the people. It therefore saddens us that he is being unfairly targeted this way. We want to let the public know that we stand together in solidarity and we support AIPF and Dr Deo.
  3. All of us have held a view that AIPF SI Ltd has complex expertise and capacity. We encourage prospective clients to ignore the negative forces we have heard about the media. If you are struggling to structure your business and turn around, you should approach AIPF SI Ltd. Discuss with them about their needs.
  4. We call on all those individuals to stop speaking in our names. If we ever have any issues, we know how to deal with it. Distorting facts to suits interests of individuals does not benefit our clients.
  5. We wish to thank our clients who continued to support us and our businesses during this pandemic.

Public urged on second Astra dose

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

INDIVIDUALS in Honiara due for their second dose of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine are being urged to get jabbed at the Central Field Hospital.

Pauline McNeil, permanent secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services, made this call on behalf of the ministry.

McNeil said the rollout of the second dose of AstraZeneca commenced on June 2, 2021.

“I reach out to people who are yet to receive their second dose of AstraZeneca to come get inoculated,” she said.

“Health ministry has noted at central field hospital only 1636 of 2656 individuals have already received their second dose since the commencement of the second dose earlier this month.”

She said in that case 1036 are yet to come forward to be inoculated

13k Astra from Aus

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THIRTEEN thousand doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines offered by the government of Australia arrived in the country on Friday last week.

The AstraZeneca doses were manufactured in Australia.

According to Pauline McNeil, permanent secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the AstraZeneca doses were shipped into the country following approval from the National Medicine and Therapeutic committee to use AstraZeneca produced in Australia.

McNeil said the 13-thousand AstraZeneca doses will be rolled out at the Western border to cover front liner essential workers and for those who are eligible to be vaccinated “noting the concern of cases continue to increase in Papua New Guinea

“We thank the government of Australia to be able to deliver 13 thousand AstraZeneca doses,” she said.

McNeil said 28,800 more AstraZeneca doses are to arrive in country next Friday. This will be made available through the support of the Government of New Zealand where go through the COVAX facility mechanism.

On the same note, she adds, vaccination roll out plan for provinces is still ongoing.

“The operational team at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services have collected provincial plan and budget for other provinces because eventually they want to vaccinate all people who are 18 years old and above.

“The team is headed by Dr Yogesh. They have worked very hard to map out roll out schedule for other provinces.

“I thank provincial health directors who have worked hard to support the vaccination roll out plan as well as the ongoing response effort of the country.”

Selwyn seeks fund to renovate dining hall

Written by
Admin
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Selwyn College dining hall

SELWYN College is on a mission to renovate the school dining hall.

As such the staff and students are hosting their grand bazaar in Honiara this coming weekend.

Staff, students, parents, guardians and supporters of Selwyn College will be hosting this fundraising at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral grounds on Saturday 19th June, 2021.

This is an initiative of Selwyn College staff and students with proceed to go towards the renovation of the school dining hall and kitchen.

Deputy Principal Caulton Tome said Selwyn College remains to all of its loyal supporters and donors, including parents and guardians of students.

“We are going to inaugurate this annual event this year and will continue on yearly to address the deteriorating status of the college’s physical infrastructure,” he said.

The bazaar will begin 9am and ends around 4.30pm.

There will be sales of food and drinks with entertainment and other fun activities.

Parents, supporters and former students are urged to come along and be part of the fundraising effort.

Selwyn College is located in West Guadalcanal and the premier secondary school of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).

The school celebrating its Golden Jubilee in September this year.

Arsonist to be sentenced today

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A MAN who pleaded guilty to one count of arson will be sentenced today in relation to an incident that occurred on April 24 this year.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison was supposed to deliver his ruling yesterday on the case of Junior Sangakitai of RenBel province.

Police arrested and charged the accused after the incident on 24 April 2021.

Sangakitai pleaded guilty to the charge of arson when he was brought in court.

His lawyer informed the court during the mitigation submissions that a reconciliation has been made and compensation been paid to the owner of the lodge.

The accused set on fire the lodge at Hatamoana village in the Rennel & Bellona Province.

PM attends Nela SDA church

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister and a few members of his delegation with Nela Seventh Day Adventist Church elders.

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare attended Nela Seventh Day Adventist church at Lata, Santa Cruz, on Sabbath 13th June.  

Nela Church elder John Peter Peniop described the fellowship as a ‘rare privilege.’

“The Prime Minister’s worship visit will go down in the history of this church as the first time a Prime Minister of this country visited and worshipped with us,” he said.

Welcoming the Prime Minister to Nela SDA Church, Peniop said “what is more is that you did not only come to worship with us but become God’s mouth piece in delivering His word.”

Elder Peniop said church leaders knew well that the Prime Minister is on government business but decided to submit their informal request anyway knowing that Sogavare is not only the Prime Minister but an elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Acknowledging the welcome, Prime Minister Sogavare thanked the leadership of Nela Seventh Day Adventist Church for the invitation.  

“The number one duty of all Christians is to obey the great commission to go forth and make disciples,” Sogavare added.

He said in the church of God, the only protocol that matters is that of God.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church is one of the best organized denominations in the world. Leadership even at remote areas must continue the trend. 

The Prime Minister encouraged church members of Nela to make it their habit to read the bible.

He thanked the congregation for always keeping the government in their prayers. 

“The COVID 19 free status now is the result of all of your prayers,” he said.  

Prime Minister Sogavare contributed $10, 000 to the church and pledged additional support to complete Nela Church.

He encouraged the church to keep up the good work.

“There is no work more important than spreading the Gospel to all the world as a witness before the end of time.”

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