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Health workers asked to get vaccinated

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO   

DEPUTY Chair to Oversight Committee Dr Jimmie Rodger has called on health workers to come forward and be vaccinated to protect others and protecting themselves.

Rodgers made this call yesterday during the covid-19 radio talkback show.

“I plea to all Health workers in Honiara to come in and get your jab. The biggest thing is that many of our front-line health professional are not coming in and so we cannot protect this country if those of us that supposed to lead the way and suppose to protect others are not protecting ourselves,” said Rodgers.                   

He adds, due to a small number of front-line workers from front line ministries turning up to receive the vaccine, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has directed the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Services to send an urgent secular for public servants that all of them will go for vaccination and starting off with the front-line ministries.

“He has specifically mentioned that the Ministry of Health, National Referral Hospital, the Honiara City Council, Guadalcanal province team that assist in Honiara area those must actually come in and be vaccinated by  Wednesday 31st,” said Rodgers.

He stressed that some of country’s high-profile leaders are spreading false information saying the vaccine is not approved by World Health Organisation.

“I want to clarify that there is a rumour going out on face that says the vaccine we use has not been approved by WHO.

“That vaccine AstraZeneca has been approved by WHO in February and more than 50 countries are rolling it out and it is responsible for stopping transmission in many of this country.”

“And so, it very important for us to not spread rumors and people let us look at what the scientific information is.”

Almost zero environment management: PS Mataki

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Melchior Mataki.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

There is lack of priority given to environmental management by stakeholders involved in natural resource extraction in the Solomon Islands.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment Dr Melchior Mataki highlighted this in a workshop last week.

Mataki said this is evident in the conduct and environmental performances of extractive industries in the country.

He said that when lack of priority is given to environment, there are some interaction between political and economic institutions and processes, the people with power and authority.

 “Their motivations for policies and decisions including values and ideas that shape human relations and interaction.

“This means government authorities (national and provincial) and leaders, who actively support such undertakings.”

He said the pursuit of economic profit supersedes ‘environmental profit’ and this is directly supported by the prevailing political economy and amplified by the economic concept that assigns environmental outcomes of an economic activity as externalities.

“Whilst some landowners may lament over bad environmental practices by logging and mining companies, and the laxity and complicity of government authorities.”

 “They are equally responsible as well in some circumstances because they invited and participated in the processes under each respective law prior to the beginning of logging or mining operations,” he added.

“Moreover, they are closer to the operations on daily basis than government authorities and they fail to remind companies when they skid logs through rivers, encroach into adjacent lands that are not in their concession areas, and not rehabilitate pockets of land that have been mined.”

Vaccination necessary for international trade: Sogavare

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Honourable-Prime-Minister-receiving-his-first-vaccine-shot

The country’s suffering economy can be resurrected only if international trade is boosted by reopening of international borders and the relaxation of travel restrictions.

However, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare warns that the government will not reopen the country’s borders if 100 percent of the population over 18 years is not vaccinated.

Sogavare made the clarification in his Special National Address yesterday in view of questions on why we should vaccinate when we do not have covid-19 or community transmission in the country.

“For our economy to recover, we will need to reopen our borders to international trade and international travel at some stage.

“However, before we reopen our borders fully, we must ensure we have a ‘100 percent coverage’ of vaccination of every person that is above 18 years old in the first instance, pending WHO advice on vaccinations for people under 18 years of age.

“The only way we can achieve 100 percent protection is to have a 100 percent vaccination coverage – starting with front-liners and people aged over 55 years who currently have some existing diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, asthma etc.”

He thanked frontline agencies outside of the government that had already mobilised their frontline workers to be vaccinated such as Solomon Airlines and Solomon Islands Ports Authority.

The Prime Minister also encouraged those over 55-years old, and who have existing diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung diseases including asthma and other diseases to present their medical record cards when visiting the central field hospital for vaccination.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

3-HORSE RACE

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Line-out contest between Malaita Crusaders and MOI Warriors over the weekend. Crusaders won 37-12 to maintain third spot

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

The question of ‘Who will Man Up?’ this year is still open in a 3-horse race contention following round 4 of competing over the weekend in the 2021 Solrais & Fletchers Man Up Rugby 15s Challenge.

Islanders, Henderson Hammerheads and Malaita Crusaders secured the top seats of the tournament in a tight point battle.

Islanders clinched their fourth successive win with a 47 -23 bonus win over a determined SOSA young outfit to maintain their undefeated run, though head coach Paulo Tikotikoca said their performance is below par.

“The boys did well to get the win and maintain our position on the standings and secure it for now, but our game today (Saturday) if any other team we shouldn’t have got the result. How the boys perform is not to the standard I expected and we need to step up from here,” Tikotikoca said in a post-match interview.

“We need to move more swiftly in our positioning and that’s what we are going to work on our next game.

Islander leads with 16 points and a final round fixture against Diesel next weekend.

Newcomers Malaita Crusaders are also off to a remarkable campaign after collecting their third win for vital points over MOI Warriors 37-12 to maintain on third spot.

“Credit to the boys despite the short time together as a team we achieved these,” Crusaders head coach Norman Hatigeva said.

Host side HHH hand an improving Diesel side 43-10 and grab bonus points sitting second on the tally with 15 points a point behind the leaders.

“Definitely I’m happy with the win obviously it gets up us in the second spot and despite losing our initial game in the competition we are rebuilding,” HHH head coach Philip Campbell said.

The Sharks will face a rather tough challenge when they take on contenders Crusaders in a runner-up deciding clash.

A second spot finish for the Sharks will see a possible rematch against Islanders for the 1st and 2nd playoff in a week’s time.

NEW TRANSFER RULE

Written by
Taromane Martin
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HRUA President Brian Taupiri and members of the HRUA during their meeting last year. Picture ISN File

HRUA continues preparations for new season

By Taromane Martin

Transfer period of players for the 2021 Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) rugby 15s season will open next month.

HRUA President Brian Taupiri confirmed while providing updates on preparations for the new league season.

He stated the transfer period is set to begin one week after the Man Up Competition on April 19th and closes before HRUA season kicks off.

“Transfer Period opens on 19th April to 26th April 2021. Players transfer fee is 500 per player per season,” he stated.

“Team list validation is from last season 2020. No Players movement for both divisions. Affiliation Fees-$200 per annum.

“Registration Fees- $4000 Premier/ $2000 Division A/ club with two teams pays 50% Division A registration fee. New Comers to HRUA premier division- Malaita Crusader’s,” Taupiri updated.

But some clubs intending to join the new HRUA season have accused the HRUA President of personalizing the HRUA rugby competition for the benefit of TIA Warriors rugby club, which Taupiri is a patron off, and also about the inclusion of Malaita Crusaders into the Premier Division.

Taupiri denied all allegations stating M/Crusaders direct entry saying it was an executive decision and also defended the reason for the new transfer of players rule set by his executive.

“This is an executive decision, nothing to do with TIA. The reason for transfer is for integrity of players and clubs, we are trying to raise the standard of the game,” Taupiri stated.

“We need to keep the game on standard, players movement must be done properly so that Sponsors have the confidence to invest in rugby plus clubs gets the respect for its players. We must make positive changes to improve the game.

“The Crusader’s team entry into Premier Division is because it’s players, all are premier division players last season for another team.

“Premier Division has its top four direct entries and we have additional reputable teams to compete as well. Once things rolled perfectly then we can introduce a movement system see teams relegate. In the meantime, we are trying to get all loops covered and improvement.

“Transfer fees goes directly to clubs whose players are move out to another club, the receiving club is to pay $500 to the host club, and host club is too pay $100 to HRUA per player transfer.

“It applies to all clubs. Everything that my execute is doing right now is for the best interest of rugby. My executive is trying their best to raise the standard of the game and do what is for the best interest of rugby in the country,” Taupiri adds.

The HRUA President meanwhile said his executive is currently working on their ground rules for this season and once completed will all all clubs to come forward and meet to go through everything.

Cruz Ward U-19 Soccer Youths boosted with new set of uniforms

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Second from Left: HCC’s Cruz Ward 4 Councillor Dorah Irofia donating to her Ward U-19 soccer youths a new set of sport uniforms and $1,000.00 cash. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

U-19 soccer youths of Honiara City Council’s (HCC) Cruz Ward 4 have been boosted with a new set of sports uniforms from ‘shirts, trousers to socks’ last Saturday morning.

Handing over the uniforms with an additional donation of $1,000.00 purposely to help engage youths to be involved in positive development activities is none other than Cruz Ward 4’s HCC Councillor Dorah Irofia.

HCC’s first female Councillor handing over the donations to the youths and team supervisors after the blessing of the uniforms reminds that she also has a commitment towards assisting sport activities in her Ward, and that she looks forward to more commitment in this section of development.

“I look forward to a positive outcome as well from my Ward youths towards such assistance as in sports in order not to trouble their livelihoods by only getting involved in illegal activities. I want them to make use of the given opportunities,” said Irofia.

Councillor Irofia made it known to Cruz Ward youths that she is also looking forward to support their U-14 Futsal team and women in Netball.

“Not forgetting my obligation is also to support women from my Ward,” said Irofia.

WESTERN KIKIO SQUAD EXPECTED

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BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

The Western Football Association (WFA) is expected to name its provincial beach soccer squad for the 2021 Mariner Beach Soccer National Championship by the end of this month.

WFA Beach Soccer Committee rep Christopher Podokolo revealed to SunSPORTS, saying the Kikio training squad is expected today.

The WFA have rolled out its identification trial competition within four active beach soccer centers in the province namely; Lea beach at Ranogga, Paeloge beach at West Gizo and Urumage and Sirubai beach center at Vella La Vella.

“We have been advised by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) that the final squad submission date is due on Monday 29 March.

“The trial squad was selected from the four active beach soccer centers in the province,” Podokolo stated.

He revealed that the Kikio squad will be made up of 12 players including four non-traveling players.

“The twelve-man beach squad for Western Kikio along with their profiles to be finalized. The beach centers have responded very well with hosting of these trial competitions and a final select will be done by Western Kikio head coach,” Podokolo added.

“There are 18 trial squad members for Ranogga, 7 players for Paeloge and 12 players for both centers in Vella La Vella.

He adds that all trial squad members will travel to Gizo to be finalized before traveling to Honiara.

Meanwhile the national competition is scheduled for May 15th to 22nd at the DC Park, Henderson area in Honiara.

SPORTS IS IMPORTANT: Hon. Filualea

Written by
Taromane Martin
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MP Fataleka Rexon Ramofafia shoots as a Koloale FC women's player jumps

SIFF organizes small sided games

By Taromane Martin

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai last week kicked off the football for all initiative games at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

The program took place last Wednesday and saw some members of Parliament, SIFF staff and leaders from key sponsors of football participating in a fun small-sided game.

The event was initiated by SIFF President William Lai to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage inclusive of all works of life in football.

A Chinese Dragons player loads a shot

Three teams Chinese Dragons, Koloale women’s team and Parliament members played in the small-sided games,” the federation stated.

Member of Parliament for North Malaita and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock lauds SIFF for the initiative to include government leaders and other stakeholders of football to keep fit by playing small-sided games.

A football fanatic, Hon. Filualea stressed the importance of taking time out from the daily busy schedules to have fun through football.

“Thank you to SIFF first of all. This initiative they’ve done with us, our leaders is a good initiative which can help us physically,” he said.

“Most of the times we have very busy schedules and such initiative helps us mentally and physically and I believe will help us a lot.

Batram Suri chases possesion as Chinese Dragons players look to counter

“I have passion for football and I follow all our TSL team. I don’t miss any single TSL games because for me it’s all about the passion for football. I love this sport very much.

“From discussions I found out that all our other leaders also realize the importance of and I really appreciate SIFF for involving us which is really encouraging.

“For me playing once a week is not enough at least twice a week I think that will really help us,” Filualea said.

MP for West Honiara Namson Tran laughs during the small sided games last Wednesday

Evidence shows AstraZeneca prevents illness

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SCIENTIFIC evidence shows that the covid-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca, is effective in preventing illness, hospitalisation and deaths triggered by the virus.

This was according to Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr Culwick Togamana.  

“There are now scientific evidences that the covid-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca is also effective in preventing illness, hospitalisation and deaths by covid-19 as well as transmission of the covid-19 infection,” said Togamana.

He last week demonstrated his confidence in the vaccine by taking his jab on Wednesday.

“I am doing this not only to protect myself and my family but also you and your family. I hope when your turn comes you will also do the same,” said Togamana.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare adds by confirming that the government of the Peoples Republic of China will provide 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine in the first or second week of April 2021 – just a few short weeks away.

“It is possible that Solomon Islands could be the first country in the Pacific that will receive the Sinopharm vaccine. We will wait for the WHO Emergency Use Authorisation [EUA] before we roll-out the Sinopharma vaccine,” he said.

WPG to strengthen business license

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Western Province Assembly meeting currently taking place at the Imagination Island outside of provincial capital, Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government will soon take tough measures on business licence application and processes to make sure the province reaps the benefits of what is due to the province.

This was agreed during the Provincial Assembly meeting last week.

Ever since my Government came into power in mid-2018, one of the priority areas of focus is the boosting of our internal revenue collection. One of the strategies of the government to address that issue the formulation of the Revenue Taskforce during 2019/2020 financial year.

I believe we have made substantial progress in that quarter.

Premier David Gina said Western Provincial Government has issued notices to shipping operators that as of January 2021 on expected levies and reviewed license application processes.

“We will commence charging passenger levies or fees on vessels. In addition we have issued notices to shipping companies that those who failed to settle their berthing fees will not have their business licenses renewed for the 2021-2022 financial year. This will provide some sort of leverage to ensure they settle all their arrears,” he said.

Gina further states that WPG has referred a matter to the Attorney General Office regarding issues where State-Owned Enterprises operating in Western Province who continues to operate without paying levies to the province.

“Year out year in, we have always been denied business license fees and other charges that should be forthcoming from most of our state-owned enterprises – Solomon Power, Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, Solomon Airlines and others for simple reasons that they are state-owned enterprises they claimed that they are not liable to pay either business license, including building fees so as other charges,”

“We have now referred the matter to the Attorney General Chamber for some clarity so that we can have the matter solved once and for all. Our view is that, as an income generating entities, they are equally liable to the provinces just like any other business operators and should also be paying what is due to the province as ascribed by the relevant ordinance of the province,” he explained.

Gina said his executive has improved its SME data and now identify needed review on business license rates which includes liquor license.

He stressed that a reviewed policy and strategy will be submitted to the Minister of Commerce, Industries, Commerce and Labour for accenting soon.

“These reviewed rates we believe will have an impact on our local revenue level should we maximize our collection,” Gina said.

He said there are lots of improvement that needs to be done to increase the province’s revenue collection and that his government is not idle but has been actively involved in providing relevant policy direction to ensure ti maximize revenue collection.

Gina said the approach is critical now than ever in the light of the restrictions imposed to provincial government which affect their budgets for the 2021-2022 financial year.

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