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SIPA lights up Noro

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Solomon Ports yesterday officially commissioned the first-ever LED lighting system and CCTV fibre Network for Noro Port, Western Province.

This takes Noro Port to become the second Port in the Pacific region behind Honiara Port, to have LED lighting system.

Solomon Ports remains the only port in the Pacific to use LED lighting poles system and CCTV fibre network in its operations, which is fully funded by Solomon Ports, costing $14 million.

Around thirty-two 25m light poles and over 20 CCTV cameras were installed and deployed around the Port facility.

This also accomplishes the Port’s ongoing ‘Green Port Initiative’, an effort to achieve energy efficiency and lead the Pacific’s maritime transport sector in promoting green energy use in port operations.

The Government delegation with the Premier of Western Province David Gina in Noro.

The event was attended by members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, the Premier of Western Province, Noro town representatives and Noro SIPA staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga was given the honour of officially switching on the lights, marking a major milestone for SIPA and Western Province.

Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga cutting a ribbon to signify the opening of the new lights for Noro port.

The new LED lights and CCTV fibre system will improve port efficiency and boost security capabilities, to ensure port operations is conducted with safety.

This an historical achievement and significant milestone for the port, taking it forward as of leading ports in the region.

In his keynote address, Maelanga said despite the global impact of covid-19, he is pleased with the ongoing output of port operations.

He said this new investment will certainly improve productivity and security of the port, also pushing SIPA forward to meet international standards.

“With the LED lighting and CCTV deployment, SIPA has satisfied its compliance requirements under ISPS code for physical security monitoring and high visibility,” he said.

CEO of SIPA Eranda Kotelawala.

“As an operating port, SIPA has been audited annually under the code and the authority is committed to satisfying the compliance requirements.”

Noro Port has been without proper lighting since it was established; the new lights will also be a bonus to the ongoing development of Noro town.

–SIPA PRESS

Unexplained wealth in HCC needs investigation

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TSI

GIVEN the many issues and allegations raised in media following the change of government with regard to the governance, management, administration, finances etc. of Honiara City Council, TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) urges the minister responsible to direct responsible authorities to investigate these serious allegations.

These allegations are the findings of the Special Audit Report of the Council and those raised by former City Clerk (CC) Rence Sore in the so-called confidential documents, regarding the unexplained wealth of some officers within the HCC.

Whilst Transparency Solomon Islands calls on further investigations by responsible authorities of the Honiara City Council corrupt allegations, it recognizes that there are bigger problems of corrupt conduct that need addressing. 

In this regard Transparency Solomon Islands calls for the review, reform, and amendment of the current Anti-Corruption Act 2018 so that it is fit for purpose.

As it is now, it fails to define corrupt conduct.

No does it spell out when such conduct occurs; [a]such as when a public official improperly uses, or tries to improperly use, the knowledge, power or resources of their position for personal gain or the advantage of others;[b] when a public official dishonestly exercises his or her official functions, or improperly exercises his or her official functions in a partial manner, breaches public trust or misuses information or material acquired during the course of his or her official functions; [c] when a member of the public influences, or tries to influence, a public official to use his or her position in a way that affects the probity of the public official’s exercise of functions;[d] a member of the public engages in conduct  impairs, or could impair, public confidence in public administration or government.

As it is whilst there is an Independent Commission Against Corruption in Solomon Islands, this Act fails to give the Commission the teeth it needs to bite corruption with. 

Transparency Solomon Islands urges the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption to review the act and recommend changes to make it effective, including the inclusion of unexplained wealth.

In support of the recommendations to review the Anti-Corruption Act 2018, last week TSI noted the serious allegations of corruptions leveled at and within the HCC as exposed in the media by the sacked City Clerk. Despite the fact that the former City Clerk has denied leaking this information it calls for an investigation by the Leadership Commission and the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Those allegations speak volumes about how soiled the past and ongoing corrupt administration, management and corrupt practices are by those holding positions of power within the HCC.

These are no longer rumours or allegations as can be seen in the special audit report of the HCC. 

The report unambiguously points out the poor procurement processes or the lack of it and other corrupt practices that are in place at the council.

The very poor management and administration and monitoring of the council’s finances stemmed from a lack of council policy, procedure, or guidance on procurement.

Transparency Solomon Islands calls on Minister responsible for Honiara City Council to direct that the police and other relevant bodies to investigate those allegations and hold those responsible to account.

In the audit report, anyone reading it will be in no doubt at all that the following corrupt conduct were practiced;

  • Improper uses, or attempt to improperly use, the knowledge, power or resources of their position for personal gain or the advantage of others;
  • Public official in position of power dishonestly exercises official functions, improperly exercises official functions in a partial manner, breaches public trust or misuses information or material acquired during the course of official functions;
  • Member of the public influences, or tries to influence, a public official to use position in a way that affects the integrity of the public official’s exercise of functions;
  • Member of the public engages in conduct impairs, or could impair, public confidence in public administration or government.

It is publicly talked about that the operation of HCC has been politically interfered with, and administration being meddle with political interests. Investigating these allegations can put these allegations to rest and provide facts to counter any wrongful allegations.

TSI regards the allegations revealed by the former City Clerk as very serious matter that must be investigated.

The Leadership Code Commission needs to do its job and look into these allegations of unexplained wealth.

More importantly to validate that the conducts reported in the Audit Report of HCC and allegations by the former city clerk do not constitute or involve; [1] criminal offence; [2] or a disciplinary offence; [3] or constitute reasonable grounds for dismissing or otherwise terminating the services of a public official; [4] or in the case of local government councillor, a substantial breach of an applicable code of conduct.

If proved that these officials conduct involved these they must be held to account and charged accordingly.

Some of the unexplained wealth revealed in the newspaper of both Island Sun and Solomon Star were;

[1] the Hilux cost $274,000 now used as a private vehicle of the newly elected City Mayor Mr. Eddie Siapu. The vehicle could not be located when the special audit report was carried out to ascertain $1.6 million spent for six vehicles where one was missing. It was revealed by the sacked City Clerk that Siapu took it as his private vehicle.

[2] An alleged million-dollar worth residence built at Titinge, is owned by the HCC treasurer, Tony Lenson.

[3]. Another million-dollar worth residence built at Tasahe B and is allegedly owned by former treasurer of HCC Robert Lauomea. It is described as a million-dollar mansion at Tasahe B.

[4]. The other expensive residence is reportedly located at West Kola Ridge and is allegedly owned by former deputy treasurer, Grace Malefoasi. It is a million-dollar worth residence as well. Grace Malefoasi is the finance officer that looks after projects under the city council.

[5] Residential property at Vura Heights, East Honiara is owned by a junior HCC Treasury Staff-June Qae.

The names and locations have been made public providing a lead for responsible authorities to carry out investigation of these allegations.

Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the police, the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Leadership Code Commission to investigate these to either clear them of it or convict them bringing trust back to HCC. 

Any allegations of unexplained wealth must be investigated for they have a direct impact on the provision of services to the rate payers of Honiara City.

There is lack of documentation supporting the processes in procurement as revealed by the audit report.

The financial system did not reconcile with the council’s bank statements in millions of dollars and in the meantime we have these unexplained wealth allegations.

Those who have these unexplained wealth are those handling the Council’s finances justifying an investigation proper. 

Criminal proceedings to determine their source of income to purchase million-dollar properties is a must.

The unexplained wealth should not only be applied to public servants but the HCC staff as well.

Two Permanent Secretaries (PS) were charged and jailed for approving payments of contracts and car rental to their family members.

How the HCC staff [former and current] own expensive properties that is far beyond their level of income needs to be verified.  

So far no one in position of public power has been investigated and charged with the offense of Unexplained wealth. It is a much talk about issue but very little efforts to address it.

Transparency Solomon Islands called on the national government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to take up the allegations seriously and do the clean up to get rid of all the dirt within HCC.

The Auditor’s Report warrants the dissolution of the Council for it has exposed very serious mismanagement and maladministration of the council and its finances.

A change of the Executive is not the solution.

The option to dissolve the City Council under section 52(2) of the Honiara City Act 1999 must be seriously looked into given what has been made known through the Audit Report and by the former City Council Clerk.

The allegation that the newly elected City Mayor was responsible for hiding the Hilux sought by the auditors when implementing the special audit on HCC already reflects badly of him as someone not to be trusted by the people who is capable of leading with integrity and transparency.

He needs to step down as well as explain his action to the people with regard to the vehicle.

The issue of the lock up shops is a clear example of how councilors and staff of HCC are doing things to benefit themselves without any caring attitude to stop the corruption and make things fair for every Honiara residents.

Complaints as well as information made available to Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) indicates that the process for the allocation of Lock-up shops to applicants was corrupted or manipulated for the benefit of HCC management and their cronies.

The corrupt manner in which these lock-up shops were allocated has reached a level where it can no longer be tolerated nor accepted.

The Audit Report verifies the corrupt practices in the allocation of the lock up shops.

TSI commends Rence Sore for exposing some of the corrupt issues within the HCC. 

TSI encourages others who might have any information of dirty dealings in HCC to continue report it in the media, police and other relevant bodies to help eradicate corruption in our country and for the sake of better services for Honiara City residents.

[NOTE]. For the information of Public and Executive Government, Transparency Solomon Islands is the independent national chapter of Transparency International, the Global Movements against corruption.  It is also funded by it.

Manaika- the trailblazing person with disability inspiring others.

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Alfred Pagepitu
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Jabez Manaikai is someone who will leave an impression in your life if you happen to meet him.

He was described by many of his friends and family members as an inspiration to people living with disability and to the community, he lives in.

Hailing from Rennell and Bellona province, the 30-year-old currently resides at Tandai, in West Honiara.

Many born with disability have not had access to disability schools, with only a few moving on to access the mainstream education services in the Solomon Islands.

For Manaikai, education means looking for support to allow him to live the life of his choice.

Born with low vision and gradually becoming visually impaired – Manaikai has become a beacon for others who are chasing their goals and seeking the confidence to become more independent and educated.

He attended primary school at his home village on Rennell Island.  Manaikai had four other siblings, three boys and a girl.

Manaikai recalled that when he was in grade six, the teacher asked him to stay at home because of his situation.

“Studying with able people doesn’t feel the same. The only challenge I have is walking freely like the able ones do, use other equipment able ones can do and etc,” he said

“We came over to Honiara to see some overseas doctors for an eye check, and they told us that it was too late, so they suggested my parents send me to school instead.

Growing up with disability wasn’t easy for Manaikai yet despite his impairment, he could still play soccer, rugby and swimming.

His father and mother stayed strong for him and always supported him in seeking education.

“My parents and even myself thought that was the end of my story, that there would be no future for me and no further education.

“It took me five to six years of wondering why this has happened to me,” he recalled.

“It came to a point that I believe God is still there and he can help me even when I am in this situation. And it came to a surprise that all opportunities were open for me to study.

In 2011, Manaikai went to the Seventh Day Adventist Church to complete his braille and computing studies.

He also did his computing training at the SPC before going to Australia for further literacy studies in 2012.

“After that I went to Japan on a programme called Daskin leadership training n Study office management, social welfare and assistive devices for the blind from 2016 to 2017.”

“After I completed all my studies and training, I joined SPC-Youth at work as an Administrator. Later I also worked for King Solomon Hotel as a reservation officer and worked for the Solomon Islands BroadCasting Corporation (SIBC).

He said there is a huge difference in addressing outcomes from issues such as well-being, access to healthcare and impact on employment when comparing those with disabilities and those not.

“There is fear that I am different from other employees. People with disabilities don’t really join any workforce here in Solomons.

Manaika wants the government to listen to those persons living with disability, give them the same rights and provide accurate support needed to live life that everyone has enjoyed.

His encouragement to his peers is to dream big and work towards it, prove people that they can do what they can and are good at.

“Embrace who you are and try your best to learn your rights. You cannot change who you are but you can change other people’s mind set.

“I have been forced to go on unpaid leave for four months last year, so now my request for holiday will be turned down this year due to the long holiday from Covid-19.

“I have to get vaccinated, which is something I really don’t like, so I’m still thinking about it too,” Manaika said.

Sore denies he leaked it

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Photo - Former City Clerk Rence Sore. Photo: Supplied

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Disgraced former Honiara city council (HCC) clerk, Rence Sore, has denied leaking copies of his whistle-blower report on the HCC to the media.

Early this month, media reports emerged revealing an array of corruption, mismanagement, dubious dealings, negligence of duty, etc, from within the HCC.

These reports were taken from a whistle-blower report written by Mr Sore for the national government, submitted on the day of his removal from office.

Many have seen this as a last-minute attempt by disgraced Sore to appease his masters in government after he was thrown out due to involvement in few unpopular deals, one of which was the secret sale of land in Ranadi which had housed the bio-incinerator belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Sore however denies giving media copies of his report.

“It is sad to have had a late read of the media propaganda by Alfred Sasako of Newsroom, Ronald Toitoona of Solomon Star Newspaper and Charles Kadamana of Island Sun Newspaper.

“They have twisted the facts of my report on the Political Interference in the Management of the Honiara City Council, Sore told Island Sun yesterday.

“It must be clearly mentioned that my report was written for authorities of the Government of Solomon Islands in particular that of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for the intended purpose of information and consideration of dissolution of the city council should Government sees it fit to take such a course of action or otherwise in-action – report was delivered to Government Offices on the morning of 7 April 2021 the day of my exit from the Office of the City Clerk of the Honiara City Council.

“Be that as it may, the report is strictly a Confidential Solomon Islands Government Document – and as such it is not meant for distribution beyond the legal boundaries of the Government of Solomon Islands.

“Despite the strict confidential nature of the report, it is rather sad to say that as the face behind the report I had not consented to the publication of extracts of the report by mainstream journalists in our daily newspapers.

“Neither did I give copies of the report to the dailies for publication. Nor did the editors of the two dailies called my cell number to secure my consent to the leaking of the report.

“It is also sad to say that as the face behind the report I do not concur with any bad intentions that would publicly ruin and defame the good reputation of the City Council, especially when the New Executive Governance of the New City Mayor, Councilor Eddie Siapu, is doing all it can to blend the torn pieces together, mend the broken bridges and rebuild the City Council back into a strong agency of the Government.

“As the report is strictly a Government Document, I am instructing my lawyers, i.e. Ron Law (Barrister, Solicitor and Commissioner for Oaths) to work with the Attorney Generals Chambers and the Honiara City Council Legal Office to look at laying of possible charges against the daily newspapers for leaking the contents of the strictly confidential report to the general public, in the past week of May 2021, without my formal consent.

“As a matter of adherence to responsible journalism, the daily newspapers are strongly urged to publish this denial of consenting to the leaks of the strictly confidential report for public eyes to see and at the same-time encourage guests, visitors and residents of Honiara City to protect and save the integrity of the City Council,” said Sore.

Fatal blast

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Alfred Pagepitu
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The bomb shell shrapnel that was found after the explosion 300 to 400 meters away from the scene of incident

A bomb explosion in the residential areas of Lengakiki Minister’s ridge has left one dead and three others in serious condition.

The deceased succumbed to his wounds shortly after being rushed to the hospital following the blast.

It is believed the blast came from an unexploded World War II ordnance (UXO).

The UXO is believed to have been buried not so deep beneath the fireplace which the victims were cooking on.

The incident occurred around 2.45pm yesterday – a group of youths from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Kukum Church group, Topaz, were cooking for their outreach Ministry work at the residence.

Photos by Peter Zoleveke II

Resident Duddley Posala said the group were preparing and doing an outdoor cooking under a nearby mango tree.

“It was their last cook, a pot of cabbage. They had already cooked two pots before the last one. We did not do much cooking or burning of rubbish at the area,” Posala told Island Sun at the scene.
He said it was when the final pot was being cooked that the explosion happened.

Speaking to this paper Medical Superintendent Dr John Hue also confirmed:

“There were four people injured, two male and two females were presented at the Emergency Department around 3pm today (Sunday) injured from the bomb blast incident.

“Sadly, one of them passed away at the emergency department, the other three they have serious injuries. Our team from the orthopaedic team and also Surgical as well are attending them at the moment. Basically, we will attend to their injuries and its seriousness.

“The postmortem of the one that died will happen tomorrow (today). Unfortunately, further information will be released later,” says Hue.

Island Sun also spoke to the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit containing the area who said they will release information through the police media unit.

Police media in a press statement last night reported Officer In-charge (OIC), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, Inspector Clifford Tunuki saying, “One of the four casualties has been confirmed death, other two in critical condition and one has some minor injuries.

“There are two females among the three casualties whom currently at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), whilst a male person was pronounce death.

“Based on information we have gathered. Some youths come together at the place of the incident (Legakiki) to do a fundraising drive. They prepared some food and selected a site and erected a fire to cook their food for the fundraising, without realising that there is a bomb lying underground on the location which they built the fire on.

“Police have responded to the incident and secured the scene after the blast. RSIPF Forensic and EOD team are working together to investigate the sad incident. The scene is cleared but still subject to investigation.

“EOD experts have identified the bomb which is a US 105mm High Explosive Projectile that remain after the World War II. Other parts of the bomb were safely transported to Hells Points since the base of the bomb still containing explosives for render safe.

“My condolences to the family of the deceased for the tragic loss of one of their family members,” says Tunuki.

Minister’s Ridge is the part of the Lengakiki suburbs which is closest to the city, overlooking the busy CBD of Honiara, Pt Cruz.

DON’T BUY THEM!

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Gov’t urged to abort plans to buy Mamara town houses

GOVERNMENT has been urged to reconsider its intention to purchase houses from the Mamara Tasivarongo – Mavo township project for its public servants housing scheme.

Opposition leader Mathew Wale made the call yesterday.

This was in light of a recent Cabinet decision affirming the government’s intention to secure houses in the township developed by a Chinese investor.

“It is regrettable that the Mamara Tasivarongo – Mavo Development Agreement Act excludes full application of existing laws providing for planning and infrastructure development,” Wale said in a statement. 

“The geographical location, climate change and material to be used are all matters that should be considered carefully,” he added.

“The absence of MID’s direct regulatory control and oversight raises serious questions on the standards and specifications applied by the developer to guarantee suitability of the designs and materials in our local context. 

“With the ongoing negative and severe impacts of changing weather patterns, these requirements are important to ensure safety for human habitation purposes.”

Wale said considering the scale of the project, it is even more regrettable that law prevented public and landowner opinion on the layout of the site and the suitability of the designs in the local context.  

“From what can be seen the houses already look too frail on the face of our gale force winds in full flight. 

“Anyone looking at them will certainly wonder whether the buildings can withstand such forces.

“The government must understand that the safety of public servants and interested investors must come first.

“I therefore urge the government to give these concerns serious thought.  Due diligence checks must be carried out if tax payers’ money is going to be used to purpose the houses.   

“This is a Chinese tune that can go seriously wrong for our public servants and interested investors and so the government must exercise restraint and best judgment,” the Opposition Leader added.

Wale also warned that by entering into any deal, opens the risk for manipulative increases in costs that could create a mismatch in actual value and pricing status of these houses.

The Opposition Leader however suggested that if the government so chooses to go ahead with the approved plan, then it should allow for the market forces to be at play, which could help to put pressure for lower costs.

Mother’s Day comes early for Island Sun mothers

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Alfred Pagepitu
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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Staff of Island Sun newspaper cutting a cake as they celebrate the Mother’s Day at their officer yesterday. Mother’s Day is a holiday honouring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. With the same honor the management of Island Sun hosted a reception for its staff.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

STAFF of the Island Sun paid tribute to mothers working at the newspaper with a Mother’s Day cake and light lunch yesterday.

Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring the roles of mothers in a family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the month of May every year.

While Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, the staff of the company decided to hold an early celebration as most of them would be away to celebrate with their own families tomorrow.

Human resource officer Jamal Tabepuda said Sunday is the day, a special day set aside to pay respect to all mothers.

“But for us, we did not bring much to our female staff, only to say happy Mother’s Day, which has placed a smile on their faces as they mark their special day.

“I would like to thank the management and staff of the Island Sun for hosting this special event for our female staff in our office and for preparing the foods,” Tabepuda said.

He also thanked all the staff and wished all the mothers a happy Mother’s Day celebration.

Audrey Awao, a senior Sales staff said Mother’s Day is more about expressing our gratitude than material gifts.

“If we look deep into the concept of Mother’s Day, we will realize like many others that each and every day ought to be Mother’s Day.”

“They are relentlessly performing their duty towards ensuring and working towards the well-being of their children day-in and day-out, without failure and without break,” she added.

” So we as children need to be more sensitive and grateful for this fact and thank them every moment of our lives, for the sacrifice that they have been performing for us,” said Mrs Awao.

Meanwhile, according to the Church calendar, Churches around the country will be celebrating the occasion tomorrow.

New police recruits learn English grammar

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Dr Alpheaus Zobule and students

By Jeremiah Lloyd Dauara

ONE of the primary responsibilities of a police officer is to do formal investigations into criminal and civil cases and write formal statements or reports.

This responsibility, of course, requires a good knowledge and understanding of the English Language.

These are the sentiments expressed by Inspector Clive Talo, the officer in charge of Recruit, Training and Probationary Constable Programme at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

“As the officer in charge of the recruit and training programme, I noticed that most of the new recruits did well in other training programmes except the English language, especially essay writing and dictation.

“This prompted me to consult my Advisor for approval to include English Grammar Course into the Police Academy training,” Inspector Talo said.

“When my superiors asked me to recommend an institution, I recommended Islands Bible Ministries (IBM) English Grammar Courses without any hesitation because I was a graduate at IBM and have seen the high level of grammar training offered there,” Talo added.

According to Dr Alpheaus Zobule, Director of Islands Bible Ministries, the request from Inspector Talo and RSIPF to engage IBM to teach English Grammar at the RSIPF Police Academy was gracefully considered.

“One of our core visions is to teach professional Solomon Islanders proper English Grammar,” said Dr. Zobule.

“To teach the newly recruited Police Officers is truly an honour,” he affirmed. There are seventy students and the students have been divided into two classes. The classes are organized on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 5pm.

According to Miriam Zeke, another IBM teaching staff, the students have successfully completed their first course and are now doing their second course.

Dr. Zobule stated that he was really impressed with the officers’ eagerness and commitment to learn English Grammar.

He added that the students worked so hard to ensure that they attend classes, actively participate in class discussions and complete their given assignments.

“I can confidently say that these police officers are well trained, well organized and well-disciplined in their training,” Dr Zobule said.

According to Francis Wickham, a male student officer, the English Grammar Course is very helpful. “This Grammar Course has helped us to understand English well. More so, it helps to prepare us for our police duties especially in writing reports, statements and other official work documents,” said Officer Wickham.

“Furthermore, I noticed that most of my colleagues have started speaking English at the barracks, something that you would hardly hear from typical Solomon Islanders,” added Wickham. “This is obviously the impact of this English Grammar Course,” he concluded.

For Albrina Suala Manier, a female student, this training is an eye opener. “This training helps me to improve my English Grammar and writing skills. Although some of the concepts are challenging, I see the benefits for my career as a police officer and keep striving to learn them,” said officer Manier. Both Wickham and Manier expressed joy in learning English Grammar and they credit their lecturers Dr. Alpheaus G. Zobule, Mrs Miriam Zeke and Mr Solomon Wara for the professional work in transferring the knowledge to all the newly recruited police officers.

We remain COVID-19 free: PM

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THERE are no new COVID-19 cases in the country.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his nation-wide address this week said the country maintained its ‘COVID-free status’.

“Since my last update, there are no additional cases detected. Our official figure remains at 20 cases,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the 20th COVID-19 case has now returned two consecutive negative tests and had been transferred to a step-down facility pending his next test.

The Prime Minister said if he returns a third negative test next week, a decision will then be made on his release from quarantine.

“Our 19th COVID-19 case had been released from quarantine last week following the 3-consecutive negative tests,” he said.

However, the Prime Minister said the 19th case will be followed up by the health team over the next 90 days.

“Our protocol requires us to follow-up all former positive cases in the 90-day period following their release from quarantine,” he said.

The Prime Minister also thanked both the 19th and 20th case for their cooperation and patience.

—PMO

CSII signs new partnership

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CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi (CSSI) and IBM Executive Director Dr Alpheaus G. Zobule showing the signed MOU

CORRECTIONAL Service of Solomon Islands and Islands Bible Ministries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The milestone event occurred a week ago at the CSSI Conference Room at Rove when CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi (CSSI) and IBM Executive Director Dr Alpheaus G. Zobule put ink to paper.

The two-year partnership will see officers of the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) undergo training in English Grammar.

Islands Bible Ministries (IBM), through its training arm Islands Christian College, will deliver the programme to the officers of the Correctional Service.

The first class of 30 officers will begin their training on May 3rd, and other classes may be organized during the period of the partnership.

Commissioner Manelusi highlighted his organization policy to continue to upskill Service officers so that they could perform at a higher level of professionalism.

He expressed much appreciation for the opportunity that his officers have to improve their English communication skills.

In response, the Executive Director Dr Alpheaus G. Zobule acknowledged the great importance of the work of CSSI in the country and considered it a great honor to be in partnership with CSSI in building a better Solomon Islands.

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