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PM ‘extremely’ sad with health workers

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Photo supplied.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has expressed ‘extreme’ disappointment at health workers who are reportedly promoting misinformation on covid-19 vaccines.

Mr Sogavare in his national address on Monday this week said a small group of health workers are spreading information which question the safety and efficacy of the two covid-19 vaccines government is using in its vaccination rollout.

“I am extremely disappointed that a small group of our health workers are promoting misinformation about the safety and efficacy of covid-19 vaccines.

“It is extremely sad that this group has decided not to look at the evidence of the impact of covid-19 vaccines on breaking the cycle of the global pandemic and have instead spread misinformation to the public,” he said.

Sogavare said in all the countries that have managed to slow down and to reverse the trend of covid-19 infections, almost all of them are due to covid-19 vaccines.

“Let me be clear on this point. The two vaccines that we are using in Solomon Islands, the AstraZeneca and the Sinopharm vaccines have been approved by the WHO for emergency use. They have also been approved by our own approving authority in the country.

“While I respect individual points of view, I will not allow deliberate misinformation to scare people that wish to protect themselves from covid-19.

“If such deliberate misinformation continues, those involved will be held accountable in accordance with provisions of the relevant Regulations,” he said.

While being extremely disappointed and sad with the health workers, Sogavare was expressively grateful to citizens who have come forward to be vaccinated.

“I urge you all, please get vaccinated so that in the event the virus reaches our borders and our quarantine stations you will be protected against it,” he said.

Border patrol base faces court threat

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost site plan in the Shortland Islands

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE original landowners of Lofung in the Shortland Islands plan to challenge the FAMOA Trust Board in court for selling the 20 hectares land for the Border and Patrol Boat Outpost.

Spokesperson, Alisae Laore told Island Sun yesterday this is in response to them having been left out of consultations with the national government regarding this development prospect.

Laore said the FAMOA Trust constitution states it has no right to sell or lease land to the government.

He said even the constitution of FAMOA Council of Chiefs allows provision in Part 4 and Part 6 to identify true landowners and return the land back to them.

“Why did the FAMOA Trust Board ignore its own constitution?” he asked.

As such, Laore said he will challenge the Board in court for allegation of fraud.

Furthermore, Laore said the Board’s move to sell the land to the government defies its policy to return all alienated land to the original landowners.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police and Correctional Services, Karen Galokale earlier said the current subject land is registered under FAMOA as legal Perpetual Estate holder and not a customary land.

“Hence, Government deals with the right title holders, that is, FAMOA Trust Board. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was executed with FAMOA last year and a provision of the MOU states that any land issues with customary land owners will be dealt directly with FAMOA,” Ms Galokale said.

She said according to FAMOA Constitution, FAMOA represents all the customary landowners through their respective chiefs hence locals are not left out as claimed and the Government expects FAMOA to deal with the communities directly.

However, Laore provides a deed of sale agreement signed by his grandfather in 1900s that they are the true owner of the land.

He said a chief’s decision of FAMOA Council of Chiefs was reached in 1988 which decided that they have the ownership right over that land.

Laore said “although the High Court does not recognise this decision, customarily we still claim ownership right over the land”.

Chairman of the FAMOA Working Committee, Pellion Buare earlier said FAMOA is not just an association.

He said FAMOA is a Trust Board, it is actually the registered owner of Lofung land, which is the site for the project.

“FAMOA, however, still stands by its commitment to meet with the concerned parties after finalising all the arrangement with SIG,” he said.

The ground breaking ceremony for the proposed development is set for Wednesday next week.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Australia High Commissioner are expected to attend the ceremony.

PS Galokale said tender and bidding process for the new patrol boat base is yet to be done, and work is yet to commence on the ground.

The new patrol boat outpost project will be built with support from the Government of Australia.

Manuari calls for safety measures in schools

Written by
Press Release
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Hon Derrick Manuari.

THERE’S an urgent need to impose mandatory safety standards and measures in relation to the planning and construction of school infrastructure.

And, Opposition spokesman for Education Derick Manuari urges the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development to look into this.

He made the call following an Island Sun Newspaper report of a student at St Nicholas school sustaining serious injuries from an accident in the school compound involving a part of a water sink.

“My heart goes out to this child and family,” Manuari said.

“This unfortunate incident however, has now brought to the forefront the questions of whether planning and construction of school infrastructure include appropriate safety standards and measures to protect our children and teachers,” he added.

Manuari said there’s a need to also organise a multi-sectoral approach to make available adequate space for all schools for the sake of our school children.

“It is a daily concern for parents driving by schools each day seeing children crossing where no proper crossings are provided, and amidst heavy traffic.

“If location is already a problem, there may also be problems with parking, sanitation, building structure and ventilation.

“If these are existing concerns then regrettably, our schools pose serious risks to the children which must be a concern for parents, guardians and teachers alike.

“If a sink, it might be a whole classroom structure that poses the threat. 

“As such, this unfortunate incident begs serious attention from the Government and school authorities,” the Opposition spokesperson for Education added.

Manuari added that dealing with this problem will require a multifaceted and sectoral approach hence, thus urged that the responsible Ministry start talking to the Land Board and MID to explore the possibility of allocating adequate land to schools including those in the provinces; and to also review existing school infrastructure with the view to making them safe. 

He pointed out that poor parking, lack of sports grounds, sanitation, unsound structures and poor ventilation are some of the most obvious inconveniences and threats that our children face each day. 

These are concerns, he said, that cannot be brushed under the carpet any longer. 

“I wish to however, applaud the many parent committees, communities, churches and organisations that have through their own initiatives and drives, built school infrastructure throughout the years. 

“With the right support, these efforts will better serve the needs of our school children,” Manuari said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Temotu needs a ship: Forau

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Rural Temotu communities like this one on Matema Island are in dire need of shipping services. PHOTO SUPPLIED

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE people of Temotu are calling on the national government to provide the province with a ship.

Premier Clay Forau made this call, saying the lack of a ship affects almost all aspects of development in the province.

“Almost all aspects of our development is affected by the lack of shipping services which makes us leaders and People of Temotu province to realise that for the moment our priority is that we must have a ship for Temotu province.

“We are calling on our Prime Minister and the Ministers of the crown to support us in that endeavour. We believe that if we have this piece of infrastructure we will be bale as a province to contribute to own development.”

He said this call is not coming from him but from his people of Temotu province.

“In a preparation to be able to operate a ship we have established Temotu Chamber of commerce. This body will be responsible for managing the ship on behalf of the people of Temotu province,” Forau said.

He said it can be viable to operate a ship in Temotu province.

Forau said at the moment they face difficulties and serious problems in terms of lack of shipping services

“Our students have also been affected severely by the lack of shipping services. Some of the students do not able to make it to school this year because of not transport. Those that are managed to fly by plane are now experiencing school fee problems because the school fee has gone for airfare    

“Businesses affected severely when ships not turn up here during the fortnights, our shops will go empty.

“Project given to us by the national government never get completed in a given time frame due to lack of shipping services.

“People lost their love ones from sicknesses because of distance and lack of sea transport (ship),” he said.

In response Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said while shipping and infrastructure remain a major challenge for many provinces, it is more acute in Temotu given the distance between the islands and distance from Honiara.

Sogavare said the national government will assist Temotu Province address this development challenge.

HP beer theft case moved for June 24

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Pre-trial conference (PTC) on two men accused of stealing beer from the Heritage Park Hotel has been moved to June 24.

This follows prosecution coming up with additional materials against the two accused but failing to provide them to defence.

These additional disclosures include cctv footage, which prosecution admits are yet to be made available.

The case had earlier been adjourned for yesterday for PTC.

In adjourning the case for June 24 yesterday, court ordered prosecution to make sure it serves defence with the disclosures before then.

The two men are facing a count of larceny by servant each for stealing alcohol totaling up to $8,020.

Prosecution alleged that the incident occurred on January 29, 2021.

The allegation said that on January 29 an on-duty waitress at the Heritage Park Hotel was serving customers at the bar, and while she was doing her duty another employee came to her and told her that some Solbrew drinks in the freezer were empty with their lids still stuck on.

The other employee noticed that some cans were empty when she was serving customers.

The two female employees then did a proper check and discovered that 54 cans of Solbrew left in the freezer were empty.

It was at that time the matter was reported to their superiors and an internal investigation was conducted and the two accused were identified.

Police were alerted and the two accused were arrested.

Police also alleged that cctv footage also revealed the two accused refilling the empty cans with water and placing them back in the freezer.

Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the case in court.

Temotu opens to local and overseas investors

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Premier of Temotu Province, Clay Forau speaking at the Temotu Province Second Appointed Day Celebrations last year. PHOTO: Elliot Dawea

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

TEMOTU province is open for both local and international investors with the focus to broaden the base of its economy, says the Premier Clay Forau.

Forau uttered this sentiment at the recent Temotu province second appointed day commemoration. 

“This province is open for investors to come. We invite investors not only local not also international investors to come to Temotu province.

“We are trying our best to ensure that this province is an investor destination. Because of that we become very careful in a way we address our investors here even though sometimes we have problems.

“But I call on all Temotuans that as today and onwards the only way for us to broaden our base of economy is that we must open up our province for investors not only from Solomon Islands but also from outside to invest in Temotu province,” he said.

Forau said the provincial government is currently working on a land-use policy with land owners where the province can use their land for development.

He said it quite a tough and sensitive issue to deal with, land, everywhere in the Solomon Islands.

“I believe with the proper land use policy we will and can be able to use land for development and allow the people to experience the benefits of development,” Forau said.

Temotu vows to remain a province of Solomon Islands

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Premier Clay Forau in Lata

The Premier of Temotu Province, Clay Forau has vowed that his Province will always remain part of the Solomon Islands as one nation.

Premier Forau made the assurance in the presence of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during celebrations to mark Temotu Province’s 38th Second Appointed Day in Lata last week.

He said the position of the people of Temotu Province in regards to a united Solomon Islands is clearly depicted on their Provincial Flag, which was flown during the celebration.

The Premier said the design of the National Flag embedded to the Provincial Flag symbolised Unity amongst the Province and Country as a whole.

“With 17 Wards, this flag is a symbol of our unity, not only as a Province but as member, as a province, as an agent and as a stake holder in the development of Solomon Islands.

“We will never be a separate nation according to the flag. We will always be part of Solomon Islands,” he said.

Forau also reminded fellow Temotuans that the flag points to Unity to remain part of Solomon Islands as long as the flag remains.

Meanwhile in his address a Guest of Honour during the celebrations, Prime Minister Sogavare highly acknowledged the assurance made by Premier Forau.

Sogavare also assured the Premier, Temotu Provincial Government and the people of Temotu Province of the National Government’s support and commitment towards the development aspirations of their province and all Provinces in the country.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Ming meets students over scholarships

Written by
Press Release
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Ambassador Ming meeting some of the candidates for the Chinese 2021/2022 Scholarship.

CHINESE ambassador Li Ming last week met with the candidate students from Solomon Islands who participated in the interview of PRC Government Scholarship for academic year 2021/2022.

Ambassador Ming welcomed the students to apply for the PRC Government Scholarship.

“China and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in September 2019 and opened a new chapter of cooperation between our two countries,” he said.

“China and Solomon Islands highly complement each other. Our cooperation has great potentials and bright prospect. Bracing China is bracing the future,” Ming added.

“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

“Under the leadership of CPC, the Chinese people are working hard to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

“The future of China-Solomon Islands relations is rested on the young people of our two countries.

“The Chinese Embassy will work with the education authorities of Solomon Islands to provide opportunities for further study in China.

“I wish everyone of you become goodwill ambassadors between our two countries and make more contributions to the two peoples.”

The Solomon Islands students expressed their wish to further study in China, and thanked the Chinese Embassy and Ministry of Education of Solomon Islands for organizing the interview.

Schools must have safety procedures in place: Wale

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JARED KOLI

Leader of Official Opposition Matthew Wale has said all schools must have procedures in place for safety of children.

Wale made this statement in respond to an incident where a grade one student of St Nicholas school was hospitalised from serious injury this month.

“All schools must have procedures in place to safeguard children. In some instances, accident happens or anything may happen that may out of our control. There must procedures in place to respond to this situation and ensure safety of students,” said Wale.

He said the primary responsibility for safety of all students lies in the principal and teaching staff and auxiliary staff.

“They were the ones to care for the safety of children in the first instance.  In the second instance, the second responsibility lie with education authorities in which they were the ones managing or governing these schools,” the opposition leader said.

Wale said education authorities must pass these procedures or approve these procedures, and to make it clear what is allowed or permitted on campus or within a school premises, and what is not allowed.

“That must be clear. I think it is important that the ministry of education in consultation with the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) education authority do a thorough investigation base on the fact and on establishing how this situation come about,” he said.

Wale furthers the incident must also look on how we look on student safety as well as staff safety on school grounds and school assets and buildings, properties and compasses around the country.

“This must benefit our entire our education system in terms of students and staff safety. But first of all, there needs an investigation to establish the facts of the incident,” Wale said. 

Child safety or child protection means safeguarding children from harm. Harm includes violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect.

All organizations should have safeguarding policies and procedures, especially those that work with or come into contact with children. This is to ensure that every child has a right to equal protection from all forms of harm.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which covers different rights of children states that a “child” or “young person” is anyone under the age of 18 years.

Unlike schools, ensuring that children are safeguarded should be a commitment by all organisations to enable children to take part in whatever activity free from all forms of abuse, harassment and exploitation. 

Gizo churches elect office bearers

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO based Church representatives came together yesterday to form an association that would lead the various religious organisations in the township.

Pastor Steven Aretana of SSEC has been elected as the Chair of the Association which is now known as the Church and Economical Group.

His appointment was welcomed by most church members of various denominations attending the meeting.

Pastor Aretana will be supported by his Vice Reverend Lawrence Kimaere of the Catholic Church.

According to Aretana the establishment of the association is a huge achievement to revive religious partnership between churches and also the Western Provincial Government, so as non-government organisations and civil society organisations.

He said he is looking forward to executing the task conferred to him by church members and other stakeholders.

Aretana also called on Churches to render support towards the elected executive to make sure plans and objectives are fully executed.

He acknowledged church members for the trust and confident put to him to lead the association.

Island Sun understands the executive will host another meeting at the end of this month to map out necessary objectives for the executive to tap in the next two years. Invitations will be sent to Western Provincial Government, Government agencies, NGOs and Civil Society Organisation to attend the important meeting

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