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Malaita communities certified in Emergency Response

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A group photo of the participants after they successfully completed three days of the Emergency Response Training in Auki last week.

THE Malaita Provincial Disaster Office successfully certified 25 community leaders in Emergency Response Training (ERT), which will give communities the ability to assist authorities and carry out their own assessments in a disaster response event.

Representatives from five communities under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) Disaster READY program with Oxfam in the Pacific attended the three-day long training in Auki last week.

A young female recieves her certificate in a presentation after the three-day long training.

This is the first time the province’s disaster office has directly trained community members in ERT, says Malaita Provincial Disaster Officer Pearson Simi.

Simi says the training is not only benefitting communities, but is bridging a long-standing gap for the Malaita Provincial Disaster Office, which faces the incredibly difficult task of monitoring and assessing the country’s highest populated province during a disaster.

Communities piloting this approach with the Malaita Provincial Disaster Office are part of Oxfam in the Pacific’s AHP Disaster READY project

“Currently the national or provincial team are the ones who go out to carry out assessments. However, this can take a very long process, in fact too long because not much information is provided by communities.

“So there is a need now to build our communities so that they can assist the emergency response teams. If that is done, I can see the work or response [will be] much easier and importantly faster because communities already know what to do.”

Participants over the course were taught how to assess and help themselves, identify the needs of the people and make proper records of casualties and damages.

Complaints over the slow response process and outrage on unmatched relief items is a common story in almost every disaster situation across the country.

Representatives of Bira Community, West Kwaio, in a group activity discussion.

“In previous incidents when we respond to a community during a disaster with bags of rice, they weren’t facing food shortage, instead they needed infrastructure items.

“But this is because we did not know.

“When communities are trained to assist us like how we are doing with these five communities, they themselves will tell us how to assist them and what their right needs are, rather than we waste our resources on things they do not need.

“I am absolutely confident that the community leaders who completed the ERT will take back these learnings and will action it when the time comes.”

Simi says the Malaita Provincial Disaster Office acknowledges the partnership with Oxfam in the Pacific to work with communities in Malaita.

Communities piloting this approach with the Malaita Provincial Disaster Office are part of Oxfam in the Pacific’s AHP Disaster READY project. The five Malaita communities are; Anololo in Central Kwara’ae, Baunani and Bira in West Kwaio, Dadaesalu in West Kwara’ae and Oibola in Aoke Langa Langa.

Oxfam Solomon Islands Humanitarian Coordinator, Nicholas Suava, says, “the AHP Disaster READY partnership’s goal is to ensure that communities are better prepared for responses to slow and rapid onset disasters, focusing on the most vulnerable communities in Solomon Islands.

“The community level Emergency Response Training ensures that community disaster governance systems are functioning and that community responders realise their roles to play in supporting the community during disaster events.

Javilyn John, Chairlady of Anololo Community in Central Kwara’ae with two of her community members during the training in Auki.

“Through training such as this, their disaster preparedness and response plans are being tested and improved to reflect their community context.”

In the AHP Disaster READY partnership, the Community Based Disaster Risk Management process rollout is led by our partners NDMO through the Provincial Disaster Management offices in Malaita, Guadalcanal and Temotu provinces; working through the provincial government to reach out to vulnerable communities.”

Disaster READY focuses on inclusive community-based disaster risk management to ensure that people with disabilities, women, children and other vulnerable groups are involved in disaster planning and that their needs are being met.

Javilyn John, Chairlady of Anololo Community in Central Kwara’ae with two of her community members during the training in Auki.

Disaster READY is supported by the Australian Government and implemented through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).

AHP NGOs leading the work in the Solomon Islands are Oxfam, World Vision, Caritas /CAN DO, CARE, Live & Learn and Plan International. Activities are being implemented with communities and local governments in all provinces across Solomon Islands, in Honiara, as well as nationally.

—OXFAM

SI receives 2nd patrol boat

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All hands on deck

“It is now a Solomon Islands’ ship,” Robert Sisilo, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, declared when he accepted and received Solomon Islands second Patrol Boat the RSIPV Taro on Friday morning last week.  

“And with a life span of more than 25 years, I don’t know if I’ll still be around when Taro is decommissioned.  All I know and will always remember is that I was here very privileged and honoured to, on behalf of the Government and People of Solomon Islands, officially accept and receive the new second Guardian Class Patrol Boat RSIPV Taro from the Government and good people of the Commonwealth of Australia,” an elated Mr Sisilo told a gathering of politicians, naval officers, diplomats, the 21 officers and crew of Taro, and Solomon Islanders in Perth who also attended the handover ceremony. 

RSIPV Taro can cruise for 20 days at sea without refuelling and is the second of two Australian-made Guardian-class patrol boats to be gifted to Solomon Islands.  The first, RSIPV Gizo, was delivered in November 2019 and is already tackling regional security challenges and the delivery of RSIPV Taro will enhance RSIPF’s operational capabilities.

“With the increase of COVID-19 cases on neighbouring Bougainville, RSIPV Taro will arrive at the right time.  It will reinforce the RSIPF’s fast response capabilities in the hard-to-reach areas of our western and north western border.  It will also enhance our three-phased approach to strengthen surveillance, response capability and protection to ensure the integrity of our sea borders.” Sisilo said.

Under Australia’s $2-billion and 30-year Pacific Maritime Security Programme, 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste will receive 21 Guardian-class patrol boats.  To date 10 vessels have been delivered across the Pacific and Solomon Islands is leading the way in its use of the Guardian-class according to a Rear Admiral of the Australian Royal Navy.

GO WEST

Written by
Ben Bilua
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3 countries converge on the Western province, more project and development talks

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THREE countries are in the Western province this week, Australia, New Zealand and China.

Premier David Gina says this is a first, however, a pleasing development for his province.

It comes to show the interest these countries have for Western province and to help build it, says the premier who is knit up in a tight schedule to host the diplomats.

The diplomatic missions of these countries are in the province to discuss continuing projects as well as potential new ones.

The Australian High Commissioner and his delegation arrived yesterday morning in Gizo immediately embarking on a series of meetings, visits and signing of the PlasticWise Project.

His Excellency, Dr Lachlan Strahan and his delegates met and held discussions with Premier Gina and the Provincial Police Commander of Western Province.

Strahan’s delegation also visited Alpheus Rore Memorial School – less than 15 minutes’ drive from Gizo, before ending the day sealing off the PlasticWise Project at the Western Province Women Centre.

Behind the scene, officials from the embassy of the People’s Republic of China slipped into Gizo visiting some of their projects. The officials also arrived yesterday morning.

Premier Gina was in Noro yesterday for the launching of the Noro Port Lights.

He will meet with New Zealand High Commission delegation today in Noro before returning to Gizo for his meeting with the Chinese delegation.

Officials from the provincial government meanwhile share with Island Sun that this occurrence is interesting and that Western Province will make use of the opportunity under the “friend to all, enemy to none” principle.

This paper understand that Western Province is one of the recipients of the AUD30 million project for infrastructure, health and economic development, so as the AUD25 million Strongim Bisnis Project.

It is unknown what China is bringing to the table for the country’s tourism hub. One thing for sure is that officials of the provincial government are excited at the prospects of more development for Western province.

WHO approves Sinopharm, approval for SI this week

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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SINOPHARM VACCINE

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

FOLLOWING the approval of Sinopharm by the World Health Organisation, the National Drugs Medicine and Therapeutics committee will now consider the approval of the vaccine for use in the country this week.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders, I am extremely delighted to inform you that the WHO has approved that the Sinopharm vaccine under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

“As you know we already have 50,000 doses of Sinopahrm vaccines in the country with this approval from the WHO the National Drugs Medicine and Therapeutics committee will now consider the approval of the Sinopharm vaccine for use in Solomon Islands this week,” Sogavare said.

He said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services technical working group met yesterday to finalise the roll-out plan of the sinopharm vaccine to be presented to the National Drugs Medicine and Therapeutic Committee for approval.

“The approval by the WHO of the Sinopahrm vaccine means that it has met the relevant efficacy and safety standards required from COVID-19 vaccines for administrations to people.

This are the same standards that WHO use to approve the other four COVID-19 vaccines mentioned earlier,” Sogavare said.

He said the country has already 50,000 doses of Sinopahrm vaccines. Sinopharm is the fifth covid-19 vaccine approved by the WHO.

The other four vaccines are Pfizer vaccine, Moderna vaccine, AstraZeneca vaccine and Johnson and Johnsons vaccine.

Kengava hits out at Choiseul gov’t

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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The broken floors along the corridor inside Taro hospital

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Choiseul MPA for Tavula Ward Clement Kengava has labelled the current provincial government incompetent and incapable of bringing in development for the province.

He made this scathing attack in response to deputy premier Nerio Ulemiki’s media call for government to repair the dilapidated hospital in Taro, Choiseul’s capital.

Ulemiki had made the call via SIBC, the nation’s broadcaster on Sunday.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, Kengava said Ulemiki’s media call shows the current Premier Qoloni led government ignorance and lack of understanding of existing special relationship between Choiseul province and the national Health ministry.

“The renewed commitment made by Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Central Islands Province (CIP) recently is a good example Qoloni Government of Choiseul Province should look at seriously and follow in order to rehabilitate the rundown Taro Hospital.

“Choiseul Provincial Government is becoming a ‘sitting duck’ now after two years in coming into power from 2018 and is gradually failing to address the province’s much needed improvements in infrastructures in health and education throughout the Province because there is no political will shown by the Executive at present.

“A classic example was the failure by Choiseul Province to take the great opportunity during the recent visit to the province’s Second Appointed Day by the Prime Minister in February this year to secure and sign some tangible Funding Agreements between the National Government and Choiseul Province for the people to witness.”

Kengava pointed that the Province’s Budget for 2021/2022 is a reduction of over $4million from last year’s Budget of $22million plus.

“It shows the Provincial Government is not moving the Province ahead this year and this is a failure to the people of the Province,” he said.

Dead fish mystery heads to the lab

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Officers collecting dead fish sample and water

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Samples of the mysterious dead fish in Tulagi have been sent the national public health laboratory for testing.

Zuleeyen Leinga from the Environmental Health Division told Island Sun yesterday tests are being carried out on the mysterious deaths.

“We have submitted the result report to the National Public Health Laboratory last week on Thursday for them to interpret the technical terms and give us a simplified explanation.

“Please take note that we had just completed a sample test on marine water and streams in Haleta, Boboro, Naeli and Maliali.

“We also interviewed few fishermen and community members in these villages.

“We thanked those respondents for their time. I also wished to thank the Medical staffs and police officer to be part of the team,” said Leinga.

Australia promises million-dollar projects for Western province

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Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Australian High Commissioner has announced major development for Western Province.

Dr Lachlan Strahan made the promise during a brief meeting with Premier David Gina yesterday in Gizo.

He said the Australian government through its office in Honiara will add value to existing projects in the Province.

Strahan stressed that areas of focus will include infrastructure, health and economic development.

He said Australia is pleased and honoured to fund the Seghe Airport upgrading project, able to assist in making sure the undersea internet cable reached Noro and also ongoing support towards border security during the time of covid-19 pandemic.

Strahan adds that the Strongim Business project has also made an impact to Western Province more especially in securing markets for the province’s tourism industry.

Premier Gina acknowledged the people and government of Australia for the great support towards his Province.

He said Australia has contributed well towards the province’s social, economic and health sectors over the past years.

“I acknowledge your support towards agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development,” Gina said.

He said people of Western Province value the assets especially the Gizo market which is a living testimony of the direct support from Australia.

Gina said Western Province’s partnership with Australia is established through core principles and values with efforts made based on common understanding.

He said his government looks forward to working closely with the Australian government through the High Commission in Honiara.

Plane supplier happy to help

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SUPPLIER of Solomon Airlines’ new Twin Outer, IKHANA Aircraft Services is happy to assist the country in airline industry.

The US Aircraft company, a respected provider to the worldwide aerospace industry, delivered the new aircraft to Solomon Airlines in February.

“IKHANA is extremely delighted to help Solomon Airlines grow and expand their fleet with the addition of our Twin Otter X2™ aircraft,” stated Mr. John A. Zublin, IKHANA’s Vice-President and General Manager.

“Our Twin Otter X2™ aircraft type incorporates the latest technological and safety improvements along with increased payload capacity through our RWMI DHC-6-300HG™ modification which allows operations at 14,000 lbs. maximum take-off weight.

“This aircraft is uniquely equipped as a zero-time airplane with a full-service life in front of it, we expect the aircraft to bring many years of service to the Solomon Island communities.”

IKHANA Aircraft Services, an AEVEX Aerospace company, is a leading provider of DESIGN-BUILD-FLY solutions for jet and turboprop aircraft.  The company specialises in the complete design, manufacture, installation, and certification of complex modifications and major repairs.

Headquartered in Murrieta, California, IKHANA holds FAA, EASA, and TCCA Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) authority as well as FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (FAA PMA).   Working with both the United States FAA Aircraft Certification and Military Aircraft Certification Offices, IKHANA has designed, installed, and certified numerous aircraft modifications and repairs for both Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft, including Gulfstreams, King Airs and Twin Otters.  IKHANA holds over two dozen significant Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).

Court adjourns arson case

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Felix Hollison has adjourned the case against a 42-year-old man accused of having burnt a copra building in Temotu for today.

This is the case of Peter Dagi, 42, who is facing one count of arson relating to the incident which occurred in 2019.

The case was mentioned in court yesterday, but the defence lawyer was not in court forcing the magistrate to adjourn the case.

Dagi was accused of setting fire to a copra building at Bwa on Lord Howe Island in Temotu Province in April 2019.

He was arrested for the said offence and remanded in custody.

The accused also had issues with his status of mind and an assessment that was conducted by the psychiatrist confirmed that he “is a person of unsound mind (mentally disabled)”.

Steven Weago of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused while Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane is prosecuting.

PM to attend Temotu Day

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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the Second Appointed Day of Temotu Province next month.

This follows an invitation by Premier Clay Forau.

During a courtesy visit, leader of the Temotu Provincial Government and Premier of Temotu Province, Forau, formally thanked Prime Minister Sogavare for accepting the invitation to celebrate the Temotu Provincial day at the Provincial capital, Lata.

“A lot of preparations are being put in place. Thank you for accepting our invitation. We will be honored to have you among us for the Temotu provincial day celebrations,” said Forau.

Forau thanked the Prime Minister for the government’s continued support to the provincial government and people of Temotu province.

“Sometimes, we may have different views on governance issues but your leadership is mature and decisions always binding and promotes national unity.”

He further congratulated Prime Minister Sogavare for his leadership during this challenging time of covid-19.

“The people of Temotu Province believe, we are safe under your leadership. Your Government is capable of looking after its people,” Forau said.

Forau also raised issues of concerns for his province in relation to the shipping industry.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked Premier Forau for his continuous support to the national government. 

 “I will come. I will celebrate this year’s Second Appointed Day with you and the people of Temotu Province.” The Prime Minister assured the Premier.

He also acknowledged the issue of transportation for the province and stated the distance from Honiara to Temotu fully justifies the need for a boat for the Province.

The Temotu Second Appointment Day will be celebrated on June 8 in the provincial capital of Lata.

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