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Sol2023 preparations face uncertainty

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Pacific Games 2023 Solomon Islands.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE JNR

THE Solomon Islands Government along with stakeholders are facing uncertainty as facilities preparation on the ground towards hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games has been delayed due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), declared as global health emergency.

In a latest revelation by the government authorities yesterday during a joint press conference, traveling restrictions are now in force and will affect the technical part in regards to the facilities works.

Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) Permanent Secretary, Pauline McNeil depends entirely as the country is facing risks.

“For the Ministry as well as the government in the front line, the priorities are kind of refocused for now, but of course the core business of the government is to progress as well with the task ahead,” Mrs. McNeil said.

“This is an abnormal situation where the government is faced with.  The current emergency that is ongoing has a lot of implication in terms of trade and economic – cross cutting issues regarding the facilities and services to be provided and the government will be ensuring cautious measures.

A second scoping team from the People Republic of China was supposed to be in the country on facility matters, this include the proposed national stadium.

However, discussions are done through China embassy in Papua New Guinea, and according to reports PRC are requesting travel access to begin the facility project.

Attorney General, John Muria Jr also reiterates that the government’s priority concern is the well-being of the people.

“In terms of the games there’s nothing yet as what the government can say regarding, but it is safe to say that safety and health of the citizens is the paramount concern of the government at the moment,” Mr. Muria adds.

“As you can see from the FOPA to take place in Hawaii has been cancelled, the decision was made because of the safety of people.

He added that whatever decision to be made down the track depends on the World Health Organization (WHO) declare the virus widespread, actions will be taken accordingly.

Numerous sporting events have also been either postponed or cancelled.

Meanwhile, a COVID-19 Operational Plan has been approved by the cabinet last week a step the government takes in its preparedness for the virus entry.

Malaita prepares for coronavirus

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Samie Waikori
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Director for Tuberculosis/Leprosy program Dr Henry Kako.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Health Authority has put in place preparedness plans for coronavirus.

Director of Malaita Provincial Health Authority, Dr Henry Kako said this is in response to advice issued by WHO to countries in the Pacific region.

MHMS is implementing its preparedness plan with all its provincial health authorities across the country.

He said on February 4, the Infection Control Programme under Kilu’ufi hospital called a first meeting represented by various divisions within the hospital included Auki clinic.

Kako said during the meeting a cluster team representing these various divisions within the hospital was selected to head the preparedness plan.

So far they have had five meetings in their preparation.

“We took this corona virus outbreak seriously and want to prepare early.

“So, from the cluster team, we put together preparedness plans on how to react to the virus if it arrives in the country,” Kako said.

He said they will embark on awareness programmes in churches, to be followed by schools and public sessions in the communities.

Kako said this is to ensure public is aware of the virus, its control measures and where to go to if there is a suspected case.

“As we met and prepared, the mother ministry will send to Kilu’ufi hospital its surveillance team to conduct a training for us.

“So the team here on the ground looks forward for the training because it would be the first time MHMS to help us with the training since WHO declare the outbreak of corona virus,” he said.

Kako said they had also met with an officer from Malaita Provincial Disaster Organizing Committee who presented in their last two meetings.

“The officer helped us with good information in relations to activation of our committee or team.   

“We link with the officer to communicate our preparedness plans to the provincial government,” he said.

Beche-de-mere ban will not be lifted: MFMR

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THE Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has issued a statement saying it will not lift the current ban on beche-de-mer fishery.

It made its stance clear following reports of illegal beche-de-mer harvesting in some parts of the country.

An order to ban beche-de-mer harvesting was gazetted and became effective as of May 31, 2019. The ban covers harvesting, possession and selling of all beche-de-mer species.

The decision to ban beche-de-mer was reached because the fishery is on the verge of collapse. This is evident from the data obtained by the Ministry of Fisheries during the recent opening period that more than 80 percent of the export consignment were under sized.

Based on this data, it was evident that beche-de-mer fishery was harvested unsustainably thus the need for this ban to allow the beche-de-mer population to recover.

For beche-de-mer to recover fully it would need up to 10 years at the most depending on the species and current stocks in the particular area.

The Director of Fisheries encourages the general public to observe this Order as any breaches will be deemed illegal and those found guilty will be liable for prosecution and or imprisonment.

–MFMR PRESS

Million-dollar ore stockpile remains idle on San Jorge

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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A recent mining exploration on Isabel Province. Photo by Axiom Mining Solomon Islands.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MORE than 70,000 metric tonnes of nickel ores that cost around $171 million (US$20 million) to $256 million (US$30m) in the markets are lying idle on San Jorge, Isabel province.

Axiom Mining Limited (AML) which has a lease on the tenement could not export the minerals since September last year after the government refused to grant an export permit.

The Mines and Mineral Board rejected Axiom Mining Ltd’s application for an export permit citing the company does not have a Provincial Business licence from Isabel Government.

Axiom has already filed a judicial review in the High Court against the decision of the Minerals Board, as well as a misfeasance claim against the Minister of Mines Bradley Tovosia and Director of Mines Nicholas Biliki.

The reason was they are failing to properly exercise their powers under Regulations 70 and 71 of the Mines and Minerals Regulations pertaining to the company’s export permit application.

Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Christopher Vehe said nothing can be done about the mineral because there is a judicial review case before the court.

Vehe said unless a decision is made by court before any action can be taken.

Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki said the minerals are still the property of Axiom because they have the lease over the tenement.

Biliki said government cannot interfere when the issue is before the court and Axiom owns the lease as well.

However, one mineral expert said the delay to export the minerals is causing environmental degradation to the environment and sea bed.

The expert said when it rains, the minerals can flow down to the sea and cause problems to the habitats in the sea.

Island Sun contacted the Director of Environment but could not get a reply.

General Manager of Axiom, Dr Phil Tagini last year said regarding the export permit application, there are subsequent requests for materials by the Ministry of Mines which the law does not require for the consideration of an export permit.

Dr Tagini said the application has met the requirements of the Mines and Minerals (MM) regulations and thus the company should have been granted an export permit to ship out its nickel ore products to its United States-based buyer, Traxys.

However, Tagini said Minister Tovosia in a letter dated July 18 this year informed Axiom that the Minerals Board following its extra-ordinary meeting on July 5, had decided to reject the company’s export permit application on the basis that it did not possess a business licence from the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG).

The Board had maintained that this is a requirement even though it is not required in the Act or Regulations.

Tagini explained that Axiom’s non-possession of a business licence was not deliberate on its part but was rather due to failure of the Isabel Provincial Government to respond positively to its numerous applications and attempts to obtain a business licence.

He said Axiom has come to a stage where it could no longer tolerate the overreach of the Board and must bring the matter for an independent interpretation by the Courts. 

He added Axiom’s nickel mine project on San Jorge is projected to contribute up to 15 to 20 percent of Solomon Islands Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when in the full exportation phase.

SI at risk of COVID-19 outbreak: Mua

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Mavis Podokolo
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Minister for Forestry and Research Dickson Panakitasi Mua.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands is at a high risk of a Coronavirus -19 (COVID-19) outbreak, says Minister for Health Dickson Mua.

Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday 4th March, Mr Mua said there is a high risk of COVID-19 spread at global and regional levels and the impact risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in Solomon Islands is also high.

With this in mind, the ministry of Health and Medical Services has prepared a COVID-19 Operational Plan which Cabinet endorsed last Thursday,February 27.

“The COVID-19 Operational Plan summarises the activities that my ministry is undertaking both to prepare for the entry of COVID-19 into Solomon Islands, and to respond to the virus if it does enter the country.”

He said as part Ministry’s preparedness activities under the COVID-19 operational plan a great deal of work has been put into identifying suitable facilities that can be used for the quarantine of people entering the country who have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.

“Quarantine facilities are being established both and near the Henderson Airfield to enable prompt and safe quarantine of passengers should they need to be quarantine.

“We are also looking at establishing quarantine facilities at the provinces in the near future,” said Mua.

Government approves another $6m for coronavirus preparedness

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands Government (SIG) has approved a contingency warrant funds of $6.6million last week to support the Ministry of Health prepare for entry of the coronavirus.

The approved amount of money indicates government’s commitment to keeping the country safe from the virus, says Dickson Mua, Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

“The Solomon Islands government is committed to keeping Solomon Islands protected against potential threats and in response, approved contingency warrant funds totalling $6.6 million last week to support MHMS COVID-19 prevention and preparedness activities.

“Prevention and preparedness are key components of a strong foundation for the COVID-19 response, and contribute to a resilient Solomon Islands health systems, as well as building resilience in our communities.

“Preparedness activities include identifying command and control structures and reporting mechanism,” said Mr Mua.

He said it also involves preparation of plans and standard operating procedures, trainings of clinical and non-clinical staff including front-line workers at points of entry, ensuring that resources are ready and available and monitoring through enhanced surveillance activities.

“Preparedness activities are undertaken both at National and Provincial level as I speak,” said Mua.    

Not if, but when

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Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil.

Ministry of health confirms coronavirus entering Solomon Islands imminent, steps up preparedness

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

CORONAVIRUS-19 (COVID-19) entering Solomon Islands is not a question of “if” but when “when” says the Ministry of Health.

IN a press conference on Wednesday 4th March, senior officials from stakeholders and government ministries confirmed this fear, however assuring that measures being put in place will help Solomon Islands stand a fighting chance of overcoming this global threat.

Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), said in terms of preparing for this, government is working hard to ensure that right preparedness is in place along with the right measures.

“But the messaging from  the ministry is, there are certain measures in terms of what you can do at  home, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing, keep your distance, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and avoid unnecessary overcrowding and also always cook your foods well cooked.

“I’d like to say that preparedness is key for all of us, there would come a time when we need to put in place certain measures and that could include closing down of schools, closing down of churches.

“So, these are the measures the ministry is working hard to ensure that the right measures are taken place at the right time when it is called for,” said Mrs McNeil.

Minister for Health Dickson Mua said there is a high risk of COVID -19 spread at global and regional levels and the impact risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in Solomon Islands is also high.

Mr Mua said with this, his ministry has been working hard to prepare for any potential entry of virus into the country.

“My ministry is also working hard to prepare for the potential entry of the virus into the country,” he said.

Mua adds, COVID-19 has been declared a public health emergency of international concern and has the potential to be declared as a global pandemic if the spread of the virus continues to accelerate.

“As a consequence, we need to be ready in case COVID-19 reaches, Solomon Islands,” he said.

Clezy Rore Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) said strict border controls should and must be maintained to prevent the entry of this virus.

“I must stress the importance of maintaining strict border controls if we are to prevent the entry of the Coronavirus into our country.

“Whilst the measures that have been introduced may cause some individuals inconvenience, the restrictions that have been put in place have been introduced in the interest of protecting the population of Solomon Islands during this global public outbreak.

“Travellers are asked to respect the restrictions that have been put in place and not take out any frustrations they may have on Immigration staff,” said Mr Rore.

Coronavirus preparedness continues

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Permanent Secretary for the health ministry (MHMS), Pauline McNeil.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with other government ministries and partners continue preparedness efforts to prevent potential importation of COVID-19 into Solomon Islands.

To date, there is no confirmed Coronavirus disease case detected in Solomon Islands according to MHMS in a media release yesterday.

As part of its preparedness, a site has been identified for Quarantine according to MHMS.

Mrs Pauline McNeil, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of MHMS wishes to thank the support of the landlord on providing the venue and site for quarantine purposes.

“The quarantine site is a place to monitor people who are not sick, however, may have been exposed or have been to restricted and affected countries. The World Health Organisation has provided and will provide technical and financial support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services  for the set up and furbishing of the quarantine site,” said MHMS.

“Any person who becomes ill while being quarantined will be immediately transferred to the Isolation centre, for appropriate medical care by trained health workers.

“There is no evidence to suggest that surrounding communities nearby to the quarantine site are at risk of being infected of COVID-19, since those quarantines are well persons. People living around the quarantine site (s) are kindly reminded to remain vigilant by practising good personal hygiene behaviours, and respect the quarantine sites at all times by not going near the quarantine sites (s).”

It is understood from report over last weekend that a person in Auckland Hospital has become the first case of coronavirus in New Zealand, meaning the spread of the COVID-19 is now just in front of Solomon Islands door.

PM cuts link

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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Minister’s Office sides with CBSI and HCC against One Link Pacifica pyramid scheme

THE Prime Minister has joined the fray by announcing its stand with the Central Bank and the Honiara City Council against the One Link Pacifica investment scheme.

The Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) issued a statement yesterday clarifying misleading reports over support for the One Link Investment scheme by confirming that the Government cannot render any support towards such an enterprise in the absence of proper compliance by owners of the scheme including thorough due diligence and comprehensive analysis of the current legal framework regulating such enterprises within the country.

The statement from OPMC said that in view of recent information and awareness made by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), the Government also concurs that due to the nature of operations of the scheme, it recognises the One Link Pacifica scheme as a pyramid scheme.

The Government understands the case of One Link Pacifica is as follows:

1.       One Link Pacifica began operation in mid-2019 – without CBSI approval and without a Business License from HCC.

2.       One Link Pacifica investment is widespread in the country with a total membership of over 60,000 investors

3.       CBSI is firm on its decisions not to issue Banking License to One Link Pacifica

4.       HCC has refused to grant Business License to One Link Pacifica

5.       One Link Pacifica has vowed to continue its operations despite non-issuance of Banking License by CBSI and Business License by HCC

6.       HCC has issued a 7-days’ Closure of Business Notice to One Link Pacifica

The Government further encourages all to adhere to advices by the CBSI until such time an assessment being carried out under directives from the Prime Minister by relevant agencies such as MOFT, RSIPF, AGC and other related institutions, is finalised and submitted as a report to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Government does not encourage the public to be part of a pyramid scheme.

The Government further informs that any individual or organisation who is part of the One Link scheme does so at their own risk.

The Government through its relevant authorities is working collaboratively to address the One Link issue to safeguard the public from being misled by investment schemes that do not comply with existing laws and regulate financial transactions which are profit orientated.

The Government is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, CBSI, Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration also Company Haus, Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services including RSIP, Ministry of Home Affairs and Honiara City Council to meet and design plans to mitigate the potential risks that One Link Pacifica is putting on its members.

–OPMC PRESS

World A Reggae Music’ coming here

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Anthony B
World A Music collaborator and Rastafarian, Anthony B

By PETER ZOLEVEKE JNR

JAMAICAN hardcore ragamuffin and deejay, Keith Blair known better in the reggae world as Anthony B, will be performing live for the very first time in Solomon Islands on 29 February at the Pacific Casino Hotel seafront.

Major sponsors, Top Entertainment together with music promoter DJ Victor Lopez while confirming the Rastafarian tour here, are also excited again to host another international icon – as tickets will be available starting today (Sunday).

“It will be a ragamuffin party on the 29th next weekend, you don’t want to miss,” a statement from Top Entertainment said.

The ‘World A Reggae Music’ singer with his deep Rastafarian connection has been a well-known figure besides ‘roots ganja advocators and poets’, Ini Kamoze, Damian Marley aka Junior Gong, Buju Banton, Sizzla Kolonje, Capleton to name a few, where local reggae followers here already familiar with their music tradition since the 90s and early 2000.

Also dubbed as the ‘Original Fireman’, currently he is on a tour performing in Melbourne, Sydney in Australia and Vanuatu.

“I have the reggae singer on all these tours, so I again reached out to Top Entertainment’s Shelton Pio to see if we could do a show for the music lovers in Honiara.

“Well this artist I feel will appeal more to the fans as it’s a well-known reggae artist. I’m happy to have been able to bring an artist every month since Rock City in November, DaVille in December, Iyaz in January and now Anthony B in February,” DJ Victor Lopez told this paper last night.

“Now it’s confirmed! It will be a ragamuffin party, so get your tickets early,” he said.

The singer/actor is a devoted member of the Rastafarian movement since a teenager, grew up in Clark’s town of Trelawny, Jamaica.

Influenced by fellow Jamaicans, the legendary Bob Marley and Peter Tosh can definitely hear it in his vocal delivery and revolutionary attitude.

He featured international also with Wyclef Jean and Snoop Dogg, and his recent album was in 2016 when he also toured Europe and North America.

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