Home Blog Page 1047

Our SI/PNG border safe: Vaevaso

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
RSIPF Patrol boat Gizo. Photo by Austal.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ASSISTANT Commissioner Crime and Intel Ian Vaevaso has revealed that since the deployment of officers at the Western Border three weeks ago the Border has been safe and no crossing has been made.

He said RSIPF has deployed enough officers to the border along with other government agencies to manage and control the Border crossing.

Mr Vaevaso said RSIPF are better resourced and they are confident in manning the border.

He also said that the two RSIPF Patrol Boats are also deployed to the border on rotational basis and currently five speed crafts are also with the officers at the Border.

Vaevaso also said that with the recent gift of a new high-powered speed craft donated by the Australian Government to the RSIPF it gives additional resources to the logistical capability of the RSIPF

He said that the speed craft received last week from the Australian Government has been shipped to Western province.

Mr Vaevaso also highlighted that RSIPF has been stepping up its readiness when the Government’s declaration of the State of Emergency and has put in place regulations which one the regulation is the declaration of the Western border with Papua New Guinea as an Emergency Zone under the current State of Public Emergency, the RSIPF as the country’s leading law enforcement agency has the task of ensuring that no small craft vessels will go out or come in through the Western Common border region with PNG.

In the RSIPF strategic direction, the Force will improve its operational capabilities to support border monitoring, surveillance and reconnaissance at its maritime borders. Such a gift as this high speed patrol vessel will be utilised in areas such as:

  • Protection of natural resources;
  • Protection-Monitoring and surveillance of SI-PNG common border;
  • Response to Natural Disasters;
  • Response to Maritime search and rescue;
  • Support  general policing; and
  • Emergency medical evacuations.

Meanwhile Attorney General John Muria Jnr also said that Solomon Islands has just declared the emergency zone at the SI/PNG border after PNG already declare emergency zone at their Border.

What’s unfolding?

Written by
Alfred Sasako
-
0
The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

Chief justice blasts fellow judges in high court ruling

By Alfred Sasako

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has used an election petition judgement to unleash a torrent of criticisms on two fellow judges – a move legal practitioners have described as unprecedented and unbecoming of the court.

It follows another incident in the High Court on Monday, April 27, when Judge Immanuel Kohouta reportedly almost threw up a tantrum in full view of members of the public who were in the chamber to hear their case that afternoon. Eye witnesses said Justice Kohouta reportedly held up a copy of a newspaper and announced he was not hearing the case because of allegations reported against him “in this newspaper” as he waved a copy in the air.

In his decision on an election petition case last Friday Chief Justice Palmer threw out all eight bribery allegations against the MP for Savo/Russell Dickson Mua Panakitasi, who retains his seat.

The Chief Justice appeared to have used the occasion to get stuck into Justice Maelyn Bird and Queen’s Counsel Justice Terence Higgins for expressing opposing views in interpreting the provisions of the new Electoral Act 2018.

Some legal observers told Island Sun the Chief Justice’s outburst against fellow judges suggests there is “deep division within the Judiciary, particularly amongst judges of the High Court” when it comes to election petition rulings.

They noted how in his judgement the Chief Justice considered Election Agents in contrast to how Justice Kohouta considered Agent in the case of Sikua versus Vokia.

“This is why a Court of Review for Election Cases should be established. Judges are making judgments based on their own likings of the law. There is no consistent application of the law on bribery and agency,” legal observers said.

In last Friday’s judgment, Sir Justice Palmer devoted the first four pages of the 14-page judgement to blast fellow judges Maelyn Bird and Queen’s Counsel, Terence Higgins.

The Savo/Russell Constituency petition took five months for a decision to be announced, making it the longest case in terms of decision time compared with other cases. Hearing of the case concluded on December 23 last year.

“It is important to point out from the outset that relying on proof of “guilt” of a candidate under section 126 of the Electoral Act 2018 to invalidate an election is not the right way of going about an election petition.

“I have had the opportunity to read Justice Bird’s decision in James Airahui and others –v – Peter Kenilorea Junior and Others, Civil case No. 297 of 2019 (23 March 2020), in which she expresses a different opinion, that the failure to include provisions, like section 66(1) and (2) in the new Electoral Act 2018, is a substantial omission, and so a finding of an election bribery can only be successfully pursued by way of a criminal prosecution.

“Her Ladyship went on to make a hypothetical statement that if she had found bribery established on the matter before her that she would have declined to order disqualification and invalidation of the election.

“I have also had the opportunity to read Justice Higgins judgement in Jimmy Lusibaea v. Senley Levi Filualea, in which he also referred to the difference of opinion expressed by her Ladyship and explained what the effect of repealed legislation would have: “that as a matter of statutory interpretation, the repeal of an Act or a provision thereof leaves the common law as it was before that Act was passed.

“He then went on to explain what the position of the common law has always been and its effect to elections: “that bribery to procure election in office was an offence at common law and would vitiate an election.

“What this meant is that, in the absence of legislative provision like the repealed provision, the common law would apply as the fall-back position. In Airahui, the common law position did not feature for the court found there was adequate legislative provision, which enabled it to determine the validity of an election on the grounds of bribery and or corrupt practice.

“The starting point must be the provisions of this Act, the Constitution, and any other written law that may apply, to see what must be complied with to constitute a valid election. This obviously starts with the first-past-the-post voting system (see section 6 of the Act), and so a candidate must have more votes than any other to be validly elected.

“Numerous requirements are spelled out in detail in the Act and also the Constitution, which if not complied with can result in either the election being negated or the candidate disqualified.

“For instance, in section 108(5) of the Act the Court may declare the election of a candidate void if it finds that the candidate was not qualified for election or was disqualified at the time of election.

“This court is obliged pursuant to the Electoral Act 2018 and the applicable Constitutional provisions, which provides for the constitution of parliamentary constituencies, the registration of electors, conduct of elections, hearing of petitions in relation to elections, electoral offences and provisions related thereto and consequential thereupon, to determine the validity of an election where a ground of bribery or corrupt practice is alleged in an election petition.

“At paragraph 486 in Airahui’s Case, this Court said: “48. At the end of the day it comes down to the fundamental question of what constitutes a valid election and simply put, that must be an election that is done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Act and any other applicable written law,” the Chief Justice said.

Contrary to the understanding by members of the public, the Chief Justice said, “… an election petition is not about proving guilt of a candidate. Section 126 of the Electoral Act 2018 does nothing more than define the offence of bribery as it relates to elections.

“An election petition therefore can only assert that the election of a candidate was not valid and will do that in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction, as opposed to inquiring into the offence of bribery in its criminal jurisdiction,” he said.

The Chief Justice said the petition against the MP for Savo/Russell was “defective for it merely seeks the determination of the guilt of the Respondent, when the issue before the Court should be determining the validity of the election in its civil jurisdiction on the grounds of bribery and or corrupt practice.”

“These are not the same,” he said.

“Counsel should not confuse the process in determining an election petition as opposed to proof of guilt in a criminal prosecution. Proof of guilt in a criminal prosecution is of a higher standard, while proof of bribery in an election petition is lower than the criminal standard but higher than the civil standard of “balance of probabilities”.

“I do not need to go into the details of this for it has been amply stated in numerous case authorities,” he said, quoting the cases as reference for his argument.

Election petition is not about proving guilt of a candidate: CJ

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has highlighted in his ruling on Friday 1st May on the petition case against Member of Parliament for Savo Russell Dickson Mua that an election petition is not about proving guilt of a candidate.

Sir Albert said section 126 of the Electoral Act 2018 does nothing more than define the offence of bribery as it relates to elections, an election petition therefore can only assert that the election of a candidate was not valid and will do that in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction, as opposed to inquiring into the offence of bribery in its criminal jurisdiction.

Sir Albert explained that the election petition filed by Oliver Noll Salopuka against Dickson Mua Panakitasi on May 17, 2020, alleges that the Respondent is “guilty” of eight grounds of bribery by himself and or by his agents, and relies on the provisions of section 126(1)(2)(iii)(sic) of the Electoral Act 2018 to have the election invalidated. This petition was amended on 6 September 2019 and further amended on December 16,2019.

Counsel should not confuse the process in determining an election petition as opposed to proof of guilt in a criminal prosecution. Proof of guilt in a criminal prosecution is of a higher standard, while proof of bribery in an election petition is lower than the criminal standard but higher than the civil standard of ‘balance of probabilities,” Sir Albert said.

He said as amended the petition relies on the provisions of section 126(1)(a)(b)(ii) and section 126(1)(a)(b)(iii) for the allegations of bribery. It is important to point out from the outset that relying on proof of “guilt” of a candidate under section 126 of the Electoral Act 2018 to invalidate an election is not the right way of going about an election petition.

“This is not a criminal proceeding, and an election petition is not about proving guilt of a candidate. Section 126 of the Electoral Act 2018 does nothing more than define the offence of bribery as it relates to elections. An election petition therefore can only assert that the election of a candidate was not valid and will do that in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction, as opposed to inquiring into the offence of bribery in its criminal jurisdiction”, Sir Albert said.

Sir Albert explained that the legislative intention is not hidden for it can be ascertained by viewing the committee reports and debates of Parliament as contained in the “Hansard Reports or Transcripts”, when the particular clause(s) were debated in detail (if any) in Parliament. Judicial notice can be taken of the legislative history of the Act and all facts constituting the subject-matter of the Act.

“I have had the opportunity since, to inspect the debates on Hansard, on the clauses covering Parts 8 and 9 of the Act, on “Election Petitions” and “Electoral Offences”, but found nothing to suggest, that the omission was deliberate and intended by Parliament to confine the consequences of bribery and corrupt allegations to a criminal prosecution in section 129”, Sir Albert said.

If it was the will of Parliament to confine allegations of bribery to criminal prosecutions as the only route to invalidating an election, I do not think it would have remained so silent about such change, for the effect of such change, under Parts 8 and 9 of the Act would create a vastly different regime that requires a criminal conviction before a member can be disqualified (s. 129) and his election to be invalidated. This would amount to a major policy shift, which makes it much more difficult for alleged corrupt behavior to be investigated, proven and punished, Sir Albert said in his ruling on Friday 1st May.

Therefore, he said the current petition is defective for it merely seeks the determination of the guilt of the Respondent, when the issue before the Court should be determining the validity of the election in its civil jurisdiction on the grounds of bribery and or corrupt practice.

Covid-19 rules broken?

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Matthew Wale

THE Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale is calling on the government to explain the real situation with the Chinese vessel that came into the country last week.

This call came after it was reported that a Chinese vessel, the MV Worship Light entered Solomon Islands last week and delivered cargo brought in from China under suspicious circumstances.

The vessel was said to have carried amongst others, a consignment of medical equipment required for the country’s Covid-19 preparedness activities.  It spent four days in Honiara and travelled to two other local destinations before returning to China.

According to information at hand, both SIPA and SIMSA banned the vessel from entering for failure to comply with maritime requirements, standards and procedures.  In spite of this ban, the vessel was still allowed to enter and berth at a private wharf at Ranadi.

This raises a lot of questions of public interest and concerns.

It appears as though our international maritime obligations and domestic laws have been broken.   Not only was the order by the responsible authorities disobeyed, the vessel was even allowed to berth at a private wharf not controlled by SIPA, and not in the approved wharfs, as per the quarantine requirements. 

Information at hand also reveal that the vessel’s berthing at the privately owned jetty, was done without SIPA and marine officers involvement, and one wonders how the berthing and offloading activities were handled. 

Mr Wale stated that, ‘both international and domestic maritime laws apply systems compatible with those of other countries and in times like these, it is of paramount importance that these systems are adhered to and not comprised.  Failure to do so can mean black listing of Solomon Islands, something we do not want to happen in our preparedness plans.  The decision taken to allow the vessel to enter does not make sense so I question the government on the rationale of this decision and any ramifications expected’.

Information received also suggests that the vessel did not undergo the 14-day quarantine period set for foreigners or travelers entering the country in the emergency period.

Wale added, ‘it is clear that this vessel came to the Solomon Islands from China and that it spent less than the required days in Honiara.  This too appears to be contrary to the quarantine period of 14 days for foreigners entering the country.   Again this also casts serious doubts on the government’s seriousness in enforcing the emergency regulations to safeguard the interest of our people’. 

The opposition group is concerned that given we are still to register a confirmed Covid-19 case, it is incumbent on the government to do everything necessary to prevent the virus from entering our country.  While there is so much talk on the beefing up of manpower at the borders to monitor movement of people, this vessel’s questionable entry may have just undermined all these excellent efforts.  It also appears as though this is not an isolated incident.  There may have been other similar trips in the recent past.

While medical equipment is important in our preparedness plans and activities, it is no excuse for allowing a vessel coming from China with Chinese crew to enter the country unchecked.

Wale questions the government on how this vessel was allowed to break the emergency quarantine requirements and, whether both crew and cargo were properly inspected on arrival, and what the outcomes of such inspections were.

The opposition leader called on the government to ‘clarify the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s trip.   The public are entitled to know, the legal authority upon which the vessel was allowed to enter and off load cargo without the responsible authorities, and any steps taken to ensure that the crew and cargo were properly checked before unloading’.

The opposition group accepts that the state of emergency is currently in place. But this situation does not mean our laws and established protocols on border entry and shipping laws should be relaxed. In fact the opposite should happen they should be made more stringent, given the situation we are in. That the covid-19 is an imported virus. The sealing of the borders and strict quarantine measures should be our priority.

—OPPOSITION PRESS

$15m for Gizo and Kilufu hospital upgrade

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
(L-R) Secretary to Prime Minister Jimmy Rodgers, Minister for MFAET Jeremiah Manele and NZ government High Commissioner to SI Georgina Roberts took a photo after the signing of the support letter

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

NEW Zealand (NZ) government yesterday delivered SBD$15million to the government of Solomon Islands to upgrade Gizo and Kilufi hospitals to support the country’s response effort to Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19).

In the event on Tuesday 28th April New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Her Excellency Georgina Roberts handed over the letter of support to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Jeremiah Manele.

Mr Manele said the $15 million budget will go towards the upgrading of two of the country’s provincial hospitals, the Gizo Hospital in Western province and Kiluufi Hospital in Malaita province.

He said the upgrading of both hospitals will include refurbishment and securing an isolation ward and quarantine ward in each hospital, upgrade of laboratories in each hospital, procurement of one X-ray machine and one QPCR machine for Gizo hospital.   

“Excellency, on behalf of the government and the people of Solomon Islands, I would like to convey our most sincere appreciation and thanks to the New Zealand government and people for providing the much-needed budget support assist us in our fight against the COVID-19,” said Manele.

He said the support rendered by the NZ government will contribute towards the effort that government is undertaking to ensure the country is prepared should there be any possible entry by covid-19.

Roberts on behalf of the New Zealand government said as partners of Solomon Islands they are happy to support some of the priority areas in the country in terms of the preparedness effort to respond to covid-19.

“Today’s handing over of the support letter is one part that has been under long conversation with your key persons on how NZ offer a budget support on the priority areas,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of Health and Medical Services said apart from these hospitals the Ministry will also be looking at upgrading and improving health centres in other provinces and that partners for these have been identified.

Gov’t reshuffle

Written by
Alfred Sasako
-
0
Hon. William Marau and Hon. Ishmael Avui

Tanagada, Mewa, Auga, Marau, Avui and Filualea in the cycle

By Alfred Sasako

LANELLE TANAGADA – the Gizo-Kolombangara MP who abstained from voting on the diplomatic switch to China last September – is formally rejoining the Government.

Mrs Tanagada is expected to be sworn in as the new Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MERHD) in a major ministerial reshuffle being announced later this morning, sources told Island Sun on Tuesday 28th April.

Gizo – Kolombangara MP and the new Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MERHD), Mrs Lanelle Tanagada

Government House on Tuesday 28th April confirmed that a swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10am Wednesday 29th April.

As of Tuesday 28th April, Government House was awaiting letters of appointments from the Office of the Prime Minister. These letters of appointments set out ministerial duties and responsibilities for the new Ministers.

Tanagada’s inclusion in Cabinet means she joins the only other woman politician in Parliament, Freda Tuki in the Government.

In the Cabinet reshuffle line-up being announced this morning, Tanagada will replace Mewa Aston Commins as Education Minister.

Mr Commins will be the new Minister for Forests and Research, replacing Ishmael Mali Avui, who will be the new Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, insiders told Island Sun.

Commins Mewa, the new Minister for Forest and Research

North Malaita MP, Senley Levi Filualea is the big winner in the reshuffle. He is the new Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, replacing Augustine Auga, who has been “relieved” of his duties, allegedly for non-performance.

North Malaita MP and the new Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Senley Levi Filualea

The former Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey, William Bradford Marau, takes up the chairmanship of a new body to focus on rural economic development activities in the provinces.

It is understood this new body will be the platform for agricultural activities in the rural areas. China has indicated it would support the programme through project funding throughout the provinces.

Mr Marau, who represents Ulawa/Ugi Constituency on Makira-Ulawa Province in Parliament, will retain all his ministerial entitlements in his new role, according to insiders.

Keeping football alive

Written by
Admin
-
0
SIFF Technical Director, Moses Toata handing over a ball to Micah Lea'alafa. Photo SIFF Media.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

LOCAL footballers are keeping the game yet alive by taking part in a social media ‘pass the ball’ challenge in isolation at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Former National defender and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Vice President, Marlon Houkarawa led the challenge by encouraging the young generation of footballers to remain dedicated and active at home despite the challenges posed by the deadly virus.

“Football is one of the sports that most enjoyed, we want to promote football and keeping it alive especially in this trying times. It will help to develop citizens mentally and physically from fearing threats of the spreading virus,” Houkarawa said.

Former Auckland City and Maritzburg United attacker, Micah Lea’alafa also featured in the promotion video lead by example being a multi footballer in both codes, representing the country.

SIFF is pleased with the player’s commitment to doing private exercise stay fit and in shape and for others to follow suit.

MHMS receives support to address Labour ward issue

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Labour ward staffs

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

MINISTRY of Health and Medical Services have received financial support worth $100,000 to assist them address the Labour Ward issue currently faced by birthing mothers and new born babies at the National Referral Hospital.

The timely support was rendered by Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) after they heard about the Labour ward issues.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dickson Mua confirmed to Island Sun that POB had heard about the Labour ward current condition and willingly offered their support to help assist birthing mothers and babies.

“POB heard about the Labour ward condition and offered 100k for some improvements,” said Mua.

He said yesterday POB’s Operations Manager and Director also visited the Labour ward to see if the fund donated is enough or if there needs to be any additional.

Mua said during the visit POB officers explained that these funds are POB’s community obligation as they want to give back to the community through such assistance.

“I’m glad that POB had assisted us this way especially at this crucial time of the Labour ward condition. The Labour ward plays an important role,” he said.

The condition facing mothers and babies at the Labour ward where  one bed is shared amongst two to three mothers with their newborn babies was brought to light after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made his visit to Coronavirus facility sites at the National Referral Hospital.

In the course of the visit Dr Jack Siwainao Specialist Consultant of Obstetrician Gynecologists, in charge of Labour ward, NRH, begged PM Sogavare if they can get a bigger Labour ward soon.

“Prime Minster if we can get a bigger Labour ward as soon as possible because in terms of health standard one patient should have its own bed rather than having three women sharing one bed

“There should be distance of one meter between the beds but currently the beds are cramped up and squashed up to together and has against the standards of infection control,” said Siwainao.

He said for one day they have 15 deliveries per day meaning they are producing two classrooms in two days.

“But on our heavy days we have 30 deliveries in a day and the population has grown very much but in terms of facility it remains the same,” he said.

Siwainao stressed for delivery beds they have four with 10 recovery beds which resulted with no enough space for women to have their nap during the process of recovery.

“After having their babies, they should have move to postnatal ward but because we don’t have many bed spaces, we are forced to send them home, Ideally, we should keep these women in a hospital for the first 24 hours after delivery.

This is because all the complications that happens after delivery will take place within the first 24 hours. The complications include, mothers who bleed they will bleed at that time, developing infection should happen in a first 24 hours, babies who get sick should happen in first 24 hours.

Sadly, we are forced to send them home at most 8 hours but now we are being forced to discharge mothers as early as four hours.

So, this is very risky,” he said.

Further to this , Siwainoa highlights that the ward also has the condition of poor ventilation , the fan or air condition not working, limited space in the between the four delivery suites, no power points in the first and last delivery suits, poor lighting in the main area, need free swinging doors to the delivery and main entrance, needs repainting inside and preparation room, kitchen and outside for general upgrade

On this note Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare replied “we really need to talk about solutions on these matters so, now you start to think about it now and present a recommendation.

Mua lauds POB for support

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
POB officers met with Labour ward health workers and Acting CEO for NRH Dr John Hue

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

MINISTER for Health Dickson Mua has applauded Pan Oceanic Bank for the timely support rendered to help assist National Referral Hospital’s labour ward.

Mua told Island Sun he lauds POB for donating $100,000 to assist the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) address the current condition Labour ward is facing.

“I’m glad that POB had assisted us this way especially at this crucial time of the Labour ward condition. The Labour ward plays an important role,” he said.

The current condition at the Labour include overcrowded of the ward area both at the waiting room, stage i, stage ii and stage iii, poor ventilation, the fan or air condition not working.

Also limited space in the between the four delivery suites, no power points in the first and last delivery suits, poor lighting in the main area, need free swinging doors to the delivery and main entrance, needs repainting inside and preparation room, kitchen and outside for general upgrade.

Slow start to classes

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Honiara High School. Photo by RNZ.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

IT was slow start for exam classes, mainly forms 3,5,6 and 7 outside of Honiara, Guadalcanal, Noro, Munda, Choiseul bay and Shortland Islands, which were supposed to resume classes on Monday 27th April.

This came after only few students arrived at the schools, leaving no option but wait for a later date to resume classes as opposed to Monda 27th April, the date mandated by Ministry of Education and Human Resources.

A teacher at Patukai Community High School in Marovo, Western province, Lasa Bennett said ‘only two to three’ students arrived at the school.

Bennett believes this may be blamed on students and parents living on the surrounding villages not receiving the message well.

He said on the other hand, it may be tough for some parents to send their students back to school because of boat expenses.

“Some of the students resides in Vangunu, which the weathercoast of Marovo.

“It is really expensive for some parents who don’t work to send their students back to school,” he said.

Bennett said school may likely to be in full swing next week as this week will be treated as travelling time for students.

Another teacher at Adaua Secondary school in North Malaita raised the similar sentiment.

The teacher said not many students have arrived at the school with few teachers as well.

“I think this week, most students will start arriving back at the school.

“It is likely classes may start next week,” he said.

Ministry of Education and Human Resources declared a nationwide closure for all schools towards end of March in response to the high-level covid-19 threat.

This decision is taken as a precautionary measure to protect our people and country from the threat of covid-19 and is in accordance with the Education Act (1978) section 20.

It follows the decision made on March 20, 2020 to close all schools in Honiara and Guadalcanal following the advice given by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Dr Rodie earlier said following the State of Public Emergency address by Prime Minister due to the threat of the coronavirus on national security and mass repatriation of people to the provinces which is causing anxiety, panic, confusion amongst schools and Education Authorities, the ministry decided to close all schools throughout the country.

“All students in other level or forms such as Early Childhood Centres (ECE), Primary classes 1-6, secondary forms 1, 2 and 4 and Rural Training Centres (RTC) in all locations – all students should remain at their respective homes and villages until further notice is issued by the Ministry of Education,” PS Rodie announced.

He further added that in the first week of class resumption, the Ministry will make an assessment to attain information if there is a need to recall students of schools in the remaining provinces namely Honiara, Guadalcanal, Noro, Munda, Choiseul-bay and Shortland Islands.

Further to that, PS Rhodie said schools can utilise the school grants to help students go back to boarding schools because they are not used since schools closed in March.

He said the school grants should be for six months, so schools can utilise that to assist students get back to schools.

1...1,0461,0471,048...1,664Page 1,047 of 1,664