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$15m for Gizo and Kilufu hospital upgrade

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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(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
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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

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Admin
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Provincial health directors highlight challenges in covid-19 preparedness efforts

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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PS Pauline McNeil

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

PROVINCIAL health directors have echoed challenges faced in their preparedness efforts towards covid-19.

They did so to officials from the ministry of health and medical services when they met recently.

Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for Health, said “With the discussion we have with the provincial Heath directors we noted they have challenges in terms of their Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) to be prepositioned in provinces.

“We have talked about this but we need to get a lot more PPEs to enable to move them to the provinces so this one challenge high highlighted by provincial directors,” said McNeil.

She said the other challenge is terms of the incinerators and the mortuaries that they have run down incinerators and the mortuaries also need repairing and replacement.

“We hope that with this State of Emergency support that we have. We looked at those kinds of activities to be able to not only attend to the covid-19 response but in terms of going forward for development purposes,” said McNeil.

She adds in terms of the preparations most of the Provincial Emergency Operation Centers (PEOC) have been activated after couple of days NEOC activated.

“So, I think they were well placed right from the beginning.

In terms of their progress to date most provinces have already identified their sites for quarantine and for isolation but we at the National level we have to do some work in terms of the scope of assessment on these facilities and as I speak some team have went down to provinces,”said McNeil.

She said there is team now in Isabel and there is a team going this week to Shortland to further asses the facilities at the border, so in terms of provincial schedule Western province is done, Malaita is done  and we have Isabel  that’s on going and pending now is for Choiseul province, Temotu, Makira and Renbell and Central province.

Exam classes need to resume today: PS Rodie

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Education and Human Resources has seen the need to resume exam classes mainly forms 3,5,6 and 7 living outside the Emergency zones and high risk areas.

Permanent Secretary, Dr Franco Rodie told a 4th Radio Talkback show at SIBC on Sunday 26th April that it is important to resume some classes because of the impact on students’ learning being already significant.

He said the ministry is doing this to manage the situation.

MEHR 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.

Mr 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.

However, exam classes are resuming today except for all schools in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Noro, Munda, Choiseul-bay and Shortland Islands.

 “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,” 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.

World Bank blog states that as of March 28, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing more than 1.6 billion children and youth to be out of school in 161 countries.

This is close to 80 percent of the world’s enrolled students. 

“We were already experiencing a global leaning crisis, as many students were in school, but were not learning the fundamental skills needed for life. The World Bank’s “Learning Poverty” indicator – the % of children who cannot read and understand at age 10 – stood at 53% of children in low- and middle-income countries – before the outbreak started. This pandemic has the potential to worsen these outcomes even more if we do not act fast.

“What should we be worried about in this phase of the crisis that might have an immediate impact on children and youth?

  1. Losses in learning;
  2. Increased dropout rates;
  3. Children missing their most important meal of the day.

Moreover, most countries have very unequal education systems, and these negative impacts will be felt disproportionately by poor children. When it rains, it pours for them. ,” Jame Saavedra said.

Government issues first covid-19 domestic development bond

Written by
Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

THE Solomon Islands Government has issued the first covid-19 domestic development bond of SB$120 million to interested buyers.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced this in his weekly nation-wide covid-19 address on Friday last week as one of the measures factored in the government’s stimulus package.

There are up to five domestic interested buyers of the COVID-19 Development Bonds, but the Government is considering negotiating with three prospective buyers. 

The COVID-19 Domestic Development Bond will be negotiated according to the Government’s borrowing guidelines and processes to be scheduled under the 2020 Annual Borrowing Appropriation.

“The COVID-19 Development Bonds are issued as part of the strategy to mobilise resources to fund the Government’s COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package,” Mr Sogavare said.

Key usage of the COVID-19 Bond will be directed towards major infrastructures which include bridges, roads and wharves that connect key productive and resource sector hubs, as well as infrastructure that connect to essential public services such as health and education.

A fraction of the COVID-19 Bond will be used as equity injection into the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) portfolio companies namely Soltuna, Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL), Solomon Airlines as well specific investments and products of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI).

According to Sogavare, these investments act as stimulus spending into the local economy because of the anticipation on engagement of local contractors. The investments also play an important role as a catalyst towards medium to long-term economic growth in Solomon Islands.

The COVID-19 Development Bond transaction is expected to send a positive signal to external investors that our financial and economic environment remains resilient, despite the social and economic fallout, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sogavare expressed the Government’s gratitude to the prospective buyers of the COVID-19 Domestic Development Bond.

Their confidence in the Government’s effort to ensure that economic activities and growth remain vibrant is welcoming, despite the challenges facing the country.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Police records zero border crossing: Mangau

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ACTING Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau during the talk-back show on Sunday 26th April revealed zero crossing at the Western Border.

He said police have deployed 57 police officers with its resources in manning the border with other government law enforcement agencies.

Mangau assured the public that police have the logistical capability in manning the border and so far, police have sent three speed crafts, five banana boats powered with 60horsepower engines to assist police officers and other agencies at the Border.

He also said another batch of suppliers for the officers at the Border will also be supplied sometimes this week along with some officers to replace officers on the ground.

And another police speed craft will also be deployed as well, Mangau said.

Mangau said since they have more officers at the Border there has been zero crossing zero crossing and police along with stakeholders will continue to monitor border due to the coronavirus.

He also commended the communities and Chiefs of Shortland Islands for working together with the team at the Border in ensuring that our country is COVID-19 free.

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