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Finger pointing starts

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MP for West Areare Constituency, John Maneniaru

-MP Maneniaru blames slow Search and Rescue response for 27 missing MV Taimareho passengers

-If a search and rescue responded after 24 hours, what we expect is to find dead bodies: Maneniaru

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for West Are Are John Maneniaru has blamed Search and Rescue for the 27 missing MV Taimareho passengers who are now feared dead.

Mr Maneniaru, speaking in parliament on Monday 6th April, said slow response by Search and Rescue is to be blamed for April-2 tragedy.

Twenty-seven passengers were reportedly washed overboard (Thursday night, April 2) by huge waves associated with tropical cyclone Harold, which was brewing south of Guadalcanal island that night.

However, Maneniaru did not explain why the captain and management board of the vessel allowed it to travel out with 715 passengers despite the cyclone warning issued by Meteorology for all ships to stay put.

The ship’s maximum carrying capacity is 300 passengers.

Speaking in Parliament on the motion to approve State of Public Emergency and for its continuation in the next four months, Maneniaru said the search and rescue responded after 24 hours.

He said if the search and rescue responded straight after the incident, some lives could have been saved.

“However, if a search and rescue responded after 24 hours, what we expect is to find dead bodies,” he said.

Further to that, Maneniaru said the system used to respond to disaster is inactive and some of the powers should be centralised to the Prime Minister to give orders directly during search and rescue operation.

“For example, when we asked the Patrol boat to response when docking at Tulagi, it could not do so because its anchor is broken.

“When we want to send drones to do searching, we have to get approval from an officer in the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. However, we couldn’t get the approval quickly because the officer was in church,” he said.

Maneniaru said it is time some of these legislations need to be improved and powers given to the Prime Minister to make decision in time tragedy.

In addition, Maneniaru said his constituency is not ready to deal with coronavirus (COVID-19) if it spreads in the villages because of lack of resources in the clinic.

“It is time government should focus on developing the villages to prepare for the COVID-19 if there is an outbreak in the villages,” he said.

A preliminary investigation will be conducted by Marine Investigation officer Joe Koavi on the incident.

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Director Jonah Matau made the appointment over the weekend following the seriousness of the sea ordeal which saw high school student, girls and men and families members lost at sea.

The appointment of Koavi is in line with the Shipping Act 1998 and Shipping (Marine Inquiries and Investigations) Regulations 2011.

Mitau said the investigator will commence the investigation when the ship returns to Honiara around today or tomorrow because it is currently engaged in the search and rescue as well.

“The investigator will start interviewing the ship’s relevant masters, crew members, owners, shippers, passengers and witnesses and obtained signed statements from them.

“The investigator will also determine the status of the registration of the vessel and ascertain all its certificates and determine all other legal requirements applying to the vessel at the time of the incident, casualty, or even under investigation,” he said.

Mitau said the preliminary investigation will complete within 14 days or two weeks.

The debate continues today.

Preliminary investigation on boat tragedy to begin

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

NEWLY appointed Marine Investigation officer, Joe Koavi will conduct a preliminary investigation into the tragic incident in which 27 missing passengers were washed overboard MV Taimareho between Guadalcanal and Malaita on April 2.

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Director, Jonah Mitau made the appointment on Sunday 6th April following the seriousness of the sea ordeal which saw high school students, women and men and family members lost at sea.

The appointment of Koavi is in line with the Shipping Act 1998 and Shipping (Marine Inquiries and Investigations) Regulations 2011.

Mitau said the investigator will commence the investigation when the ship returns to Honiara around Tuesday [tomorrow] or Wednesday because it is currently engaged in the search and rescue as well.

“The investigator will start interviewing the ship’s relevant masters, crew members, owners, shippers, passengers and witnesses and obtained signed statements from them.

“The investigator will also determine the status of the registration of the vessel and ascertain all its certificates and determine all other legal requirements applying to the vessel at the time of the incident, casualty, or even under investigation,” he said.

Mitau said the preliminary investigation will complete within 14 days or two weeks.

According to the regulation, the report of preliminary investigation shall be given to the Director, who will make it available to Minister of Infrastructure Development.

He said no report of a preliminary investigation may be used in any civil, criminal or disciplinary proceedings, except for any inquiry under the Death and Fire Inquiry Act [Cap. 9].

In addition, Mitau said due to the seriousness of the incident, he has written to the Minister to set up a Marine Inquiry.

The Minister will appoint the chairperson and two members of the Board of Marine Inquiry, who must not hold positions in SIMA.

The board will provide the final report to the Minister after going through it.

According to the regulation, the Director of SIMA shall ensure action is taken to implement the recommendation of the Board’s report and shall report to the Minister on all remedial action not less than two month.

Any answer or evidence given by a person to a Board of marine inquiry may not be used as evidence against that person in any civil or criminal proceeding taken against that person.

Further to that, the Director or the Minister may order that a safety review be conducted in accordance with this Part after the conduct of a preliminary investigation, whether a recommendation has been made for the safety review to be undertaken or not.

The Director may appoint additional advisers for the conduct of a safety review in accordance with this Part, and such advisers shall have the rights and powers stated in section 85 of the Act.

A report of a safety review shall not be admissible as evidence in any legal proceedings, except for any inquiry under the Death and Fire Inquiry Act (Cap. 9].

Cyclone warning

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
A ‘tropical cyclone warning’ has been issued for Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issuing Tropical Cyclone warning ‘number one’ yesterday evening said the special weather bulletin is now upgraded to ‘tropical cyclone warning’, and is current for all provinces in the country.
Having heavy rain warnings issued throughout this week leading up to the Tropical Cyclone warning, people are advised to seriously take precautionary measures as such bad weather has the potential to impact lives and properties.
“At 8pm this evening [yesterday], tropical cyclone Harold (category one) with a central pressure of 997 hectopascals was located near 9.8 degrees latitude south and 156.8 degrees longitude east. This is located approximately 71 nautical miles (132 kilometres) southwest of Rendova Island, Western Province,” issue SIMS.
“Cyclone Harold is moving east south east at 05 knots towards Rennel and Bellona province and strengthening.
“Gale force winds (34 to 47 knots) (63-87 kilometres per hour) with maximum gust of 50-55 knots are expected to affect Western, Guadalcanal, Central, South Malaita, Makira and Rennel Bellona provinces with rough seas and moderate to heavy swells (2.5 – 4.0 metres) and potential coastal flooding.
“Expect winds of 25-33 knots over remaining waters and land areas. Moderate to rough seas with moderate swells.
“Such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low lying areas.
“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.
“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.
“People should take precautionary measures as such bad weather have the potential to impact lives and properties.
“Please listen to SIBC and all media outlets for further updates.
“The next cyclone warning will be issued at 1:30 am early tomorrow [today] morning.”
It was made known since last year October 2019 by Met Service that the Tropical cyclone (TC) outlook for Solomon Islands between November 2019 and April 2020 is near to normal, meaning at least one to two TCs are expected indicating significant risk of impacts.
In early March this year, heavy wet weather patterns led to deaths, destruction of infrastructure, closure and evacuation of some schools, sequential water cuts in Honiara, soaring prices in the market, flooding and damages to lots of gardens and properties.
Just yesterday experiencing the heavy rain throughout the country, there were again few reports of infrastructures such as bridges being damaged.

Cargo ships with medical donations head for Honiara

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Medical supplies to combat COVID-19 are expected to arrive in Honiara in two weeks’ time. The medical supplies have left China for Honiara onboard two cargo ships. Photo: Supplied

By Alfred Sasako

TWO cargo ships, loaded with medical supplies to help the government in its fight to keep the COVID-19 away, have left China for Honiara, it was revealed last night.

Sources familiar with the shipment said the ships departed the port city of Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province left on Wednesday 1st April.

“They are due to arrive in Honiara in two weeks,” the sources said.

According to the sources, the two cargo ships are carrying several batches of medical supplies donated by the Guangdong Provincial Government, China Harbour Engineering Company, Jia Shu Rong He International Trade Company and Solomon Chinese Association.

They said the donations included thousands of facial masks, medical eye masks, protective gowns and infra-red thermo detector. These Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) are in acute shortage.

PPEs are urgently needed by front line workers in the fight against the potential intrusion and spread of the COVID-19 in Solomon Islands.

“The donated medical supplies are to help the Solomon Islands Government in the fight against the entry and spread of the COVID-19 here.

Solomon Islands has been spared thus far, but officials are working around the clock to ensure the country and its people. To date, all coronavirus cases referred to Australia have returned negative results.

The combined donations are quite separate from other donations being organised by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Chinese Embassy in Honiara earlier this week announced a USD300, 000 [SBD2.4 million] donation which would help Solomon Islands buy hi-tech laboratory equipment to conduct coronavirus tests in-country.

Australia has since made a similar offer.

Still covid-19-free

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Corona

Two results return negative. Country awaits two more

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GOOD news for the country as two results returned negative on Wednesday 1st April, summing up three negatives out of the latest five suspects.

The country is waiting on results to the last of four samples which were sent to Australia for testing last week.

A fifth is still being held pending any available transport to Australia. Early this week, Health Minister Dickson Mua told Island Sun that Air Nauru was an option. There is still no update to this as of last night.

The Ministry of Health in a media statement on Wednesday 1st April announced the relieving news to the country, adding that this brings to total 10 negative results to covid-19 suspects in the country since the threat began.

However, while Solomon Islands continues to remain as one of the few covid-19-free nations in the world, Health’s permanent secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil warns that public must to relapse to complacency.

“This is no time for complacency, and we need to continue to practice good hygiene such as maintaining social distancing of 1 to 2 metres.”

“While the results come as a relief for the country, citizens are reminded to continue being vigilant and practise good hygiene. Washing hands regularly with soap, coughing or sneezing into our elbow, shirt or tissue, and to avoid touching our face.

“While this is very pleasing results, the Permanent Secretary would again informed the public that that “COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus and this virus can infect anyone.

“No one is to blame for getting COVID-19. From its rapid spread across the world, we have seen that COVID-19 does not respect borders, regardless where you are from, how rich or poor you are, or about your age, race, religion or gender, therefore we should not stigmatise anyone in the communities.

“We need to create a supportive environment where COVID-19 and its impact can be discussed and addressed openly, respectfully, honestly, and guided by the science.”

The MHMS continues to appeal to the general public to avoid rumors, misleading information and speculation, but instead obtain accurate and correct information from the government. You can access updated information online at www.solomons.gov.sb, or follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/officialmhmssi.

“The MHMS will continue to work together with other Government Ministries, Partners, churches, NGOs and Stakeholders to ensure our country is protected from Coronavirus.

“Let us all join hands together to fight COVID-19. We are all in this together.”

Parliament to reconvene for emergency meeting next week

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PARLIAMENT will reconvene on Monday, April 6 to discuss the extension of the State of Emergency to four months.

This is part of the emergency meeting recalled by Speaker Patterson Oti after Governor General Sir David Vunagi declared the State of Public Emergency on Wednesday, March 25 due to the threat of coronavirus on national security.

Clerk to Parliament David Kusilifu said the date was agreed after Speaker Oti met with government officials yesterday.

Kusilifu said he would inform Members of Parliament yesterday to attend the meeting next Monday.

Parliament will need two thirds of the 50 seats which is around 33 to pass a resolution to extend the period of the State of Emergency (SOE) to four months

A state of emergency is a situation in which a government is empowered to perform actions or impose policies that it would normally not be permitted to undertake.

A government can declare such a state during a natural disaster, medical pandemic/epidemic, civil unrest, or armed conflict.

Such declarations are designed to alert citizens to change their normal behaviour and orders government agencies to implement emergency plans.

Under our Constitution, a State of Public Emergency is a declaration made by His Excellency, the Governor-General pursuant to Section 16(2) of the Constitution.

The declaration under the Constitution invokes the Emergency Powers Act [cap 11], which provides that the Governor-General may make regulations as appear to him to be reasonably justifiable for the purpose of dealing with the situation that exists in Solomon Islands.

This was the second SOE in 20 years after former Governor General Sir John Lapli declared it in 2000 following the ethnic conflict on Guadalcanal.

After the meeting, Parliament will adjourn to Monday, July 27 following the special adjournment motion moved by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on March 20, 2020.

Save yourself

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
SINPF Building in Honiara

Applications open for NPF members at Town Ground today (Wednesday 1st April)

BY EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBERS falling under the criteria of Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) must collect their forms at Town Ground (SMI area) starting today.

This is so that they can withdraw their money from the fund following the exemption approval made by the Minister of Finance Harry Kuma in consultation with the SINPF Board last week.

Since Monday, members have been turning up in huge numbers at SINPF building at Point Cruz seeking clarifications on the different categories of the fund.

Yesterday, SINPF workers gave them criteria forms and account details to make them aware of what they need to carry with them when they go to the SMI Compound today to collect and fill their forms.

Due to the need for social distancing and minimising of large public gathering, SINPF will be accepting only 50 members at a time into the Town Ground Property and serve five members at a time by five officers.

The criteria the members need to fall under are:

1. A sum of $5,000 will be made available to members under the age of 50 years, who are temporarily laid off, or stand down due to the effect of COVID-19, or employed as of December 31, 2019, and are residing within the ‘emergency zone’. Members whose balances are below five thousand dollars are to be paid 50 percent of their balances.

2. Laid-off members due to COVID-19 be waivered 3 months waiting period and be paid 1/3 of their contributions or in full if their balances are less than $10,000. Their remaining Balance will be paid according to SINPF schedule.

3. Members aged 50 years and above to withdraw up to 20 percent of their contributions should they wish to or else, they can elect to withdraw in full.

4. The Application of members’ support will be for three months period effective, April 1 to June 30, 2020.

Flight ban

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Solomon Airlines airbus

Government orders a halt to international service as pressure from covid-19 grows

By Barnabas Manebona

GOVERNMENT has officially banned international flights in and out of the country as its latest measure to keep covid-19 out.

This announcement was made last night by the Government Communication Unit, which adds that the ban became effective on Friday last week.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had alluded to this course of action in his national address on Friday last week when he said, “We are in the process of closing our borders for international flights which is being progressively implemented with a partial lock down of international flight services currently in effect.

“Solomon Airlines scheduled flights have been suspended and will only provide flight services as and when required to support emergency operations and the repatriation of our citizens should that become necessary.

“In that connection, only returning citizens and residents have permitted to enter our country from the Brisbane – Honiara flight. Upon arrival over the past week they have been placed under strict compulsory quarantine for 14 days in our quarantine facilities. There will be no other incoming flights to Honiara.”

According to Government Communications, the ban was effective on Friday last week, although it was not explicitly stated in the prime minister’s address.

The ban comes as welcomed news for members of public, who had been crying out for this measure as early as last month before the country registered its first covid-19 suspect case.

This call intensified since then, with many coming out in social media pleading with government to take this drastic measure.

Last week, the medical fraternity came out publicly calling for a total ban on international flights, saying it should be enforced immediately because the reality is that Solomon Islands is not prepared for an outbreak.

Solomon Islands Medical Association (SIMA) put it bluntly that government should ban flights before the country registers its first covid-19 case.

What remains to be seen is whether this ban is timely enough to keep out covid-19 or whether it is too late, as Solomon Islands waits for results to three out of four samples from the latest covid-19 suspects.

The first had returned negative on Saturday.

National emergency operations centre on activation mode

Written by
Press Release
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THE National Disaster Operations Centre (NEOC) based at the National Disaster Management Officer (NDMO) is now on “Full Activation” mode following the announcement by His Excellency the Governor Generals declaring a “State of Public Emergency” in Solomon Islands as of 4pm yesterday afternoon. A measure taken by the Government in response to the continuing increase of the covid-19.

Since February 4, 2020, the NEOC had been placed on “Standby Activation” mode to provide support to the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) Health Sector Committee Emergency Operations Centre establishment, all the N-DOC Sector Committees and to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centres (PEOCs) and Sector Committee of the nine provinces.

The elevation to “Activation Mode” means that the NEOC is now fully operational in supporting coordination and implementation of the N-DOC and P-DOC sector responses. The NEOC involvement is essential in that it is part of Governments overall response mechanism under the country’s disaster management coordination arrangement. AS it stands the NEOC is the engine room that ensures the COVID-19 Response Intent of the National Disaster Council (NDC), N-DOC and the COVID-19 Oversight Committee established under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) are achieved in a coordinated manner.

In its continuing effort to prevent the virus from reaching our shores the NEOC has already deployed four National Emergency Response Team (NERT) members to further support the N-DOC Sector Committee for Camp Management as of Monday, March 23, 2020 to coordinate the management of all Institutional Quarantine Facilities.

The NERT is a nationally deployable team attached to the NEOC and directly responsible to the N-DOC.

Given the State of Emergency enforce for the country, the NEOC has now taken over the development and dissemination of all SIG consolidated Situational Report (SITREP) as of Thursday, March 26, 2020.

The National disaster council through the NDOC sector committee continues to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response on COVID-19 and encourages people to practice good hygiene through washing of hands with soap. The country currently has no recorded case of covid-19.
–NDC PRESS

Government repatriation plan in place

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary Stephen Maesiola

By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE government has commenced its repatriation plan to ship people out of Honiara to other provinces including the outer islands.
This happened after Governor General Sir David Vunagi declared the Public State of Emergency on Wednesday which will be in effect until Tuesday, March 31 following the threat of coronavirus (covid-19) on the country’s national security.
A state of emergency is a situation in which a government is empowered to perform actions or impose policies that it would normally not be permitted to undertake.
A government can declare such a state during a natural disaster, medical pandemic/epidemic, civil unrest, or armed conflict.
Under our Constitution, a State of Public Emergency is a declaration made by His Excellency, the Governor-General pursuant to Section 16(2) of the Constitution.
The declaration under the Constitution invokes the Emergency Powers Act [cap 11], which provides that the Governor-General may make regulations as appear to him to be reasonably justifiable for the purpose of dealing with the situation that exists in Solomon Islands.
The Regulations will empower the Prime Minister to make Orders that are necessary for the Government to perform certain actions during the Emergency Period.
The Regulations will be signed and gazette as soon as the necessary legal clearances has been made.
Ministry of Infrastructure Development permanent secretary, Steven Maesiola said the repatriation is in line with the seven days’ notice announced by the Governor General.
Maesiola called on all ship owners to contact him on 7870128 to discuss their schedules and arrangement the government will support them by way of subsidies during this exercise.
“I need information from them to start scheduling ships to their destinations in the provinces.
“All passengers will pay fares except students which the ministry will subsidise their fares,” he said.
Some of the companies that involved in the exercise are: Anolpha Enterprise Ltd, Isabel Development Company, Franjti Shipping Company Limited, Small Malaita Shipping Company Limited, Falema Shipping Company Ltd, Fair Trade Shipping Ltd, Gulatata’e Shipping Enterprise Ltd, Vatud Shipping Company Ltd, Vatate Investment and Development Company Ltd, Rennell & Bellona Shipping Ltd, Ulawa Ugi Development Company Ltd, Haura Shipping Company Ltd and Lauru Shipping Ltd.
Island Sun understand some ships have left to other provinces since Tuesday already.

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