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Flu in cabinet

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Press Release
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A local medical member takes the temperature of a little boy using (a digital thermometer for measuring temperature) the Honiara International Airport upon arrival of the passengers from Australia on Wednesday. Photo by Alfred Pagepitu

Government work plan to counter coronavirus

THE National Government through the Ministry Of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with other agencies is taking a leading role to manage and strategise on measures to combat coronavirus.

MHMS this week submitted a Strategy and Work Plan paper to the Cabinet for approval and endorsement to implement coronavirus Strategy and Work plan.

As a national security issue the government seriously considers key broad areas with the help of other relevant ministries and agencies.

These areas include points of entry, surveillance, laboratory, Clinical Management, Isolation/Supplies and Critical Centres, Community Enforcement, Quarantine/social and legal and Risk, Communication and Media.

MHMS will ensure proper management of our entry points and border posts for close monitoring of movement of our citizens and foreigners in and out of the country.

The support of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Immigration, Biosecurity and Customs as well as other law enforcement agencies, are important to ensure Solomon Islands is well secured and protected from the virus.

Increased surveillance and monitoring of those suspected or found to have infected with the virus in the country and outside is equally important.

Therefore, the cooperation of all law enforcement agencies is important to ensure that we work together and coordinate our working efforts.  

MHMS is also looking at laboratory and facilities to be appropriate and available for testing purposes, should we are required to do so and other medical works.

With clinical management, isolation/supplies and critical centres, MHMS will ensure that the country has adequate supplies, drugs and masks to combat the virus, when required.

On Community Enforcement, Quarantine/social and legal, MHMS will also work with the public and community at large to be vigilant at all times and be pro-active and ensure that medical advice and instructions are heeded and compiled with.

MHMS noted that so much information and publicity on the coronavirus has gone out spiral on the social media and other outlets.

Hence MHMS will work with Government Communication to disseminate accurate information for public consumption and awareness.

Other relevant government ministries and agencies identified for the work plan include Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services, Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Biosecurity, Immigration, National Disaster and Management Office, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Flu? No Pass!

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Solomon Islands Ports Authority

SIPA carries out check-ups on Chinese crews for coronavirus

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is taking proactive measures against the feared ‘China coronavirus (2019-nCoV)’, in checking all ship crews of Chinese origin before they are given shore passes.

SIPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Eranda Kotelawala, says their International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) are doing the check-ups, as they are now planning to set up a mechanism to do health checks.

Kotelawala said doing health checks will be with the support of health authorities, as they need to be certain that ship crews are not infected or carriers of the Chinese coronavirus.

“Our ISPS is checking all ship crew of Chinese origin before they are given shore passes or at the time of entry to Solomon Islands. We are now planning to set-up a mechanism to do a health check with the support of NRH/Ministry of Health as we need ascertain they are not infected or carriers of the virus.

“We will be closely monitoring the situation and getting updates from Ship’s master for any health situation on board to make sure such crew are isolated and do not disembark,” said Kotelawala.

With the rising fear of ‘coronavirus’ spreading, Solomon Airlines Corporate Manager Bill Tyson when asked about SolAir’s stand on this issue said, “The Ministry of Health carried out an excellent exercise in dealing with the potentially serious Measles situation and I have every confidence they will do likewise with this current flu outbreak.”

Regarding the health ministry’s claim of having taken proactive steps to prevent China coronavirus, Mr Tyson said he is not sure on what these steps will be, but they are awaiting advice.

“I am not sure what these steps will be and what they will expect from the airline. We are awaiting advice from them,” said Solomon Airlines Corporate Manager.

Adding to MHMS proactive action to prevent possible importation of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Solomon Islands is increasing surveillance of influenza like-illness in the Country and at points of entry, and information for travellers entering and leaving the country, among other measures.

“Considering how close these countries are to Solomon Islands, and the number of people travelling especially in the upcoming Lunar New Year season, the likelihood of importation of this infection in Solomon Islands cannot be ruled out. We want to reassure the public we are preparing for that possibility,” MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil said in a Press Statement this week.

“The MHMS has formed a technical working group, including experts from the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. The essential medical supplies to handle cases of 2019-nCoV are being mobilized, and development partners are standing by with additional resources should these be needed. As a ‘first line’ of defence MHMS is working with immigration and customs officials at ports and airports, training them on how to recognize cases of 2019-nCoV, incoming visitors will be provided with guidance on what to do if they think they have the infection.”

In the meantime, Mrs McNeil advices that the public should remain alert for signs or symptoms of the disease especially if they have visited Wuhan in the past 15 days or have come in close contact with someone returning from affected countries and had similar symptoms.

These patients should contact their local clinic or nurse aid post if they think they could possibly have the disease, calling in advance if possible so that they can be assessed at home or isolated on arrival at the health facility.

“Anyone with suspected infection should avoid public transport and public spaces and remain at home except to seek professional health care, or as advised by a health professional.

“To prevent the infection from spreading to others, practice health habits such as cover cough and sneezes, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands often. If your family member has flu-like infection, limit contact with the family member and keep your house clean.

Solomon Islands citizens having discussed Australia as Solomon Islands neighbour now battling the coronavirus reporting five cases so far, worry that it would be only a matter of time before the country will experience the same situation if there is slack monitoring on travellers coming into the country.

The outbreak of the new coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already killed 81 people in China.

According to the “New York Times’, infections have been confirmed in many other countries, but of the nearly 3,000 people who have so far contracted the virus, the vast majority live in China.

The coronavirus was first detected in early December 2019. It is reported to be a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before.

Like other coronaviruses, it has come from animals or possibly seafood.

The virus causes pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure.

As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs present against flu will not work.

If people are admitted to hospital, they may get support for their lungs and other organs as well as fluids. Recovery will depend on the strength of their immune system as many of those who have died are known to have already been in poor health.

Lengthy remands become a concern: Chief Justice

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer. Photo by RNZ

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer has raised concerned over continuous lengthy remands awaiting for trials.

He said such delays are incompatible with a society founded on firm constitutional rights and requires all stakeholders to rise to the challenge to have this ongoing issue addressed this year.

Sir Albert said on some occasion the waiting time are more than 18 months and even going up to 36 months and it should be of concern to all in the Justice Sector Agencies.

“Not only is it an affront to the Constitutional rights of an accused to have his case heard speedily, it puts pressure on other justice agencies, including the police and Correctional Service and an added cost and burden to society.  Victims too are entitled to know that their complaints are being attended to and justice being attended to”, Sir Albert said.

The core duty of the courts is to hear and dispose of cases timely.  Its’ ability and capacity to do so efficiently and effectively is ultimately what matters to the litigants, public and the Court.

He said prolonging and ongoing adjournments culminating in a failure to hear cases timely is partly to be blamed for ongoing delays and should be discouraged as these may inevitably lead to a miscarriage of justice.

“Courts should be sitting regularly to hold trials to ensure that cases are disposed of timely.  When that is done delays will eventually be reduced and the plight of those in remand addressed.

“I call on all stakeholders, the Courts and Counsel in the DPP’s office and the PSO to be vigilant and diligent in the handling of these matters and to step up to this challenge and ensure that those in remand are given priority in the listing and hearing of their cases.

“I note the criticisms and concerns expressed by both the Attorney-General and the President of the Bar Association and call on all judicial officers to prioritize decision making in the first half of the year.  All outstanding judgments will need to be seriously addressed to ensure that these are delivered promptly.

“I also call on all Legal Practitioners to step up their support and commitment to the court this year, reduce and avoid unnecessary adjournments and or interlocutory applications, which only prolong a matter, in particular on logging cases”, Sir Albert said.

Sir Albert also said that there are too many unnecessary applications for interlocutory injunctions which have little impact on the ultimate outcome of a case other than more delays.

He reminds counsel and litigants should be looking towards moving a case forward timely to ensure a just outcome and assisting the court to reach a decision quickly.  This will require not only the application of appropriate legal skills, knowledge and understanding of a case, but due diligence and alertness on the part of counsel.  There are simply too many unnecessary interlocutory applications which are slowing the timely disposal of a case down.

“A legal practitioner’s duty to his client must be balanced with his overriding duty towards the court and the law. It is improper and unethical for a lawyer to accede to his client’s request when he knows that it is contrary to the law, procedure and good practice.  Make 2020 a year when cases can be disposed of promptly and not prolonged unnecessarily, clogging up the court lists and delaying the delivery of judgments”, Sir Albert added.

First test lane will come into operation soon

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Stephen Maesiola

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development first Test lane site to provide professional vehicle inspection will soon come into operation in Honiara.

The test lane is set to offer customers a professional vehicle inspection with innovative technology from Maha Company.

The test lane consists of a side-slip tester, a suspension and roller brake tester as well as an automatic tread depth gauge will be soon introduce for safety and security reason of vehicles.

MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Stephen Maesiola in an inclusive interview with this paper said that work on the test lane is currently underway to begin the  installation of the test lane.

He said to make way for the installation of the test lane they have demolished the old building at the MID workshop area.

“We will request Maha company to install the first test lane and work has now begins.”

“I am happy to announce to the general public that MID is looking at security and safety purposes to quickly install test lane in the country,”

“If this test lane comes into effect I believe most vehicles will be monitor,” said Maesiola. 

He said MID would like to improve and make sure all vehicles must reach the standard and MID officers will soon work on this to improve compare with the manual test MID did at the moment. 

Maesiola urged the public to cooperate with MID officers when carrying out the test lane process.

He said that at the moment they are doing manual test but as soon as this test lane install they will see changes to improve other areas compared with manual test.

PS said the test lane fee will cost $130 and MIS is working on it to lease with Ministry of Finance as part of its revenue collection.

Maesiola compares test lane with other country that Solomon Islands is the lowest country with no proper test lane installed therefore, we need to increase all test lane in the country.

He said that work on the test lane to the provinces is still on progress to secure land and installed test lane there.

The test lanes from MAHA are the ideal aid for objectively assessing the safety and wear condition of vehicles.

MAHA Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of workshop and vehicle inspection equipment.

As a company with an international outlook, MAHA operates two production sites in Germany and the USA and a global sales and service network in over 150 countries.

Gov’t hands $800K towards Aussie bush fire

Written by
Mike Puia
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Australian-bushfire.-photo-by-New-York-times

By Mike Puia

THE government last night handed SBD$800,000 towards the Australia bush fire disaster.

Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, handed the support to the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands, Dr. Lachlan Strahan during a cooperate dinner fundraising drive at Honiara Hotel last night.

The attendance to the drive was overwhelming. Those who attended represent the government, business community, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations.

Prime Minister Sogavare told the gathering that the drive is intended to support a country (Australia) that stood beside Solomon Islands during its darkest hours.

He said this country has witness the unfolding of the bush fire disaster in Australia and felt “devastatingly sad”.

The bush fire disaster in Australia has costed lives and destroyed over 2000 homes.

Prime Minister Sogavare said Australia always stand ready to help this country therefore it is a humane and correct thing to do to help Australia.

He said supporting Australia is not only reciprocating its help over the years but it’s about coming to the aid of a country and standing by its side in the face of challenging calamity.

The corporate dinner is part of a drive, which has the theme ‘iumi tugeda fo Australia, organized by a special committee that was setup by the government last Thursday

The committee is tasked to oversees, support and coordinate fundraising efforts towards the Australia bush fire disaster.

The committee is proposing to hold its second fundraising cooperate dinner next Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the $800,000 handed to the Australian High Commissioner comes from the National Disaster Budgetary Support.

He said even though the support is small, the prayers and hearts that come with the support is what matters.

The PM appealed to all its citizens to help lend a hand and support Australia.

Many donations were made during the dinner which will increase the money handed by the Prime Minister.

The Solomon Islands Forest Association (SIFA), for instance, handed SBD$100,000.

Prime Minister Sogavare confirmed that he has written to the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, and conveyed this country’s thoughts and prayers to the people of Australia.

He said like Australia, countries in the region are prone to disaster which is why helping another country is a standing gesture in times of disaster.

The PM appealed to all countries in the region to stand with Australian people as Australia fight to recover from the disaster that sweep through the country.

Chief Justice disappointed

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has expressed his disappointment over zero allocation for Judiciary’s development budget for this year.

He expressed his disappointment at the opening of the 2020 legal year yesterday.

Sir Albert said that their bid of SBD$2,411,800.00 for their development budget has not been prioritized by the government.

He raised his disappointment with a question “How can you expect us to cope and keep up with the many challenges and demands that is being placed on the Judiciary if you are not prepared to support us in expanding services to meet that demand head on? 

“If we had asked for $10 million or $5 million then I would not have been surprised if it was reduced to say $3 million, but we were only asking for $2.4 million.

“I do not know how we are going to meet the priority infrastructure needs in our Corporate and Annual Work plans.

“If you thought we were given $1million you can be forgiven, for what we were allocated came as a shocker, $0.00, ZERO $.  At least last year, we had $1million allocated, not this year”, Sir Albert said.

He said their bid is to enable them to draw up a concept design plans for new court buildings and offices in Honiara and in the provinces.

He said that the Judiciary has faced many challenges that court infrastructure needs will continue to feature prominently in any activities, for this is the face of justice in the community.

There are five courts in the country and each of these courts is in need of adequate court houses, office space etc. to conduct court sittings.

The Court of Appeal for instance is in need of a separate court building with judges’ chambers and facilities for court staff to enable them to conduct hearings without interference or disturbance. 

If a resident President or Justice of Appeal is to be appointed in due course, adequate facilities will need to be obtained to cater for the increasing demand for appeals to the Court of Appeal.

 Sir Albert said 41 years ago apart from the Magistrates’ Court building at Auki, the judiciary are still using court premises constructed during pre-colonial days. 

“Mind you, Auki Court house was built by RAMSI.

“I do not know if you noticed for instance when coming into this court building if you took the time to read the bronze plaque at the entrance and noted the year in which that foundational plaque was laid; 1964, which will make this building some 56 years old. 

“Some of you were not even born yet when this building was constructed.  Apart from its historic and cultural value, this building is a very important building, in the dispensation of justice to the country since we took it over.

“It is now in need for repair and refurbishment. If you look up, you will notice that there is some crack on the ceiling which will need to be investigated and repaired. 

“But this is only the High Court, and we are now running short of space not only for the courts but for our support staff as well”, Sir Albert said. 

He also revealed that the Magistrates’ Court in Honiara can no longer support the number of Magistrates that are being appointed to dispense adequate justice for the population in Honiara. 

He said they are now forced to share chambers, court rooms and space to carry out their duties.

“I cannot stress enough the urgency of the situation.  This is unacceptable”, Sir Albert said.

Police conducts investigation on PRT officers’ actions

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ACTING Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says the Police will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred at the Tenaru area where Police Response Team officers cause injury to an innocent person.

Mr Mangau said that such incident is unfortunate however such incident not only happened here but around the world in some cases it happened where security forces caught up with unfortunate incidences.

He said the incident has drawn much attention in the media this week and police are taking the issue seriously and calling on the victim to also come forward to the police to submit his complaints.

Mr Mangau said RSIPF when such incident happened, involving officers the RSIPF will not take the issue lightly but a full investigation must be conducted.

He also said the issue is currently being investigated by the Professional Standard Internal Investigation of the RSIPF and when the investigation is finalized then a report of the incident will be released.

Mr Mangau said since investigation is ongoing he will not dwell much on what is happening on the ground during the incident.

When asked about whether they have received any civil suit against the RSIPF regarding the said incident, he said nothing has been received as yet but any civil suit is welcomed as it is part of the legal process to deal with such incident.

Police on earlier report said that as part of the ‘Hunt Man’ Operation following the escape of three inmates from the Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) Rove Prison, the Police Response Team (PRT) deployed as part of the Operation given the believe that the three escapees are armed and between 8 pm and 10 pm on the night of January 6 2020 they received information that one of the wanted persons has been sighted in the Tenaru area.

Prior to arrival at the Tenaru School Bus stop the PRT team met a male person which matched the description provided by the informant earlier that evening.

The PRT team clearly identified themselves as Police Officers to the male person. In actual fact the Team identified themselves as Police Officers, three times but the male person ran away from the PRT team.

The male person refused to stop and kept on running it was at that time that the alleged incident occurred.

More female students receive Pre-Service Scholarships

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Most of the female students will pursue Bachelor, Diploma and certificates at Solomon Islands National University, USP Honiara campus, regional universities in Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Asia.

They will be joined by the remaining 406 male recipients of the Pre-Service scholarship.

Rough estimates of 978 scholarships were issued to both Pre-Service and In-Service with the latter receiving about 234 scholarships.

The in-service recipients are mostly employees of the government and private sectors.

Among the lists, there were some Year 12 students who will pursue diploma courses and self-sponsored students under the scholarship lists as well.

Further to that about 100 scholarships were allocated to the 50 constituencies in the country.

Some students have also benefited from the Cost sharing arrangement between the government and their families.
Among the recipients, 37 scholarships were allocated to Master programmes and 3 doctorates (PHD).

Unfortunately, students who have missed out in the scholarship lists will need to find other sponsorships to continue their studies this year.

There were other students and employees who pursue their studies under the Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom Scholarships.

The Solomon Islands government has also received number of scholarships from other countries especially Peoples Republic of China (PRC) after the country severed ties with Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan in September last year.

Minister of Education and Human Resources, John Moffat Fugui told Parliament during the sine die motion last month that the government has attracted number of scholarships from Peoples Republic of China (PRC), Russia and donors like Morocco, India and Indonesia.

Fugui said following the normalisation of relationship with Peoples Republic of China (PRC), the ministry has received 103 internship scholarships.

Fugui said soon the ministry will transit Solomon Islands students from Taiwan to mainland China.

“We will negotiate few more scholarships from PRC come 2020,” he said.

He said Russia has also indicated over 20 scholarships.

Further to that, the minister said there are 10 scholarships from the government of Morocco and scholarships provisions from the government of India.

He said there were scholarship offers from Government of Malaysia and their closest neighbour Indonesia.

From the three billion, eight hundred and seventeen million, one hundred and fifty- five thousand, seven hundred and two dollars ($3,817,155,702) national budget passed.

The Ministry of Education got the biggest share of $1.2 billion in the recurrent budget, $77.3 million in budget support and $28.5 million in the development budget.

This will derive from the $3.8 billion budget Parliament passed last month.

British High Commissioner pays courtesy call on PM Sogavare

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BRITISH High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Brian James Jones has paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, OPMC, on 09th January 2019.

He wished the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Solomon Islands, a happy and prosperous new year 2020.

Mr Jones said the British Government, through his office is looking forward to working closely with Solomon Islands on important upcoming events. Jones also handed a letter from Britain’s Prime Minister to Prime Minister Sogavare regarding the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting tabled in Rwanda in June 2020.

Jones said one of the important events coming up is the UN Climate talks, 26th Conference of the Parties, COP26, which Britain and Italy will be co-hosting this year. He said Solomon Islands and other small Pacific Islands are more vulnerable to climate change effects.

He added Solomon Islands and other Pacific Islands may have high level of ambition and a strong regional voice on the issue.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare assured Mr Jones of Solomon Islands support and cooperation with Britain through the High Commission Office.

Sogavare said with regards to the upcoming COP26, Solomon Islands maybe too small, but committed to support and work with other Pacific Islands countries to have a much stronger voice in the region.

He said the government is anticipating a very busy time in the coming months especially with parliamentary meetings.

Sogavare and Jones also shared their concerns on the horrific devastation caused by the bush fires in Australia and reaffirmed their support for the Australian people at this time.

HCC going tough

Written by
Mike Puia
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Betel nut selling at the Auki market

13 betel nut sellers arrested

By Mike Puia

THIRTEEN betel nut vendors were arrested and in custody as Honiara City Council (HCC) enforce tough measure against those illegally selling betel nut on the street as of yesterday.

The vendors were arrested during a Joint Operation by the Honiara City Council Legal Officer, Law Enforcement and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Central market, and along the street from HCC to ITA area.

City Clerk Rence Sore said the operation is part of their clean-up campaign and will continue for an unspecified period of time.

He said charges would be laid against four males and nine females who are expected to face the court today.

“These “illegal vendors” are in police custody and charges will be laid against them.

Sore was unable to provide information about the level of fine betel nut sellers who are arrested would pay and what charges they would face.

According to HCC Market Ordinance if anyone found guilty they face a maximum of $1000 fine or three months imprisonment or both.

Sore in his earlier statement said that they have approved amendments to their ordinances and regulations to impose higher penalties on those illegally selling betel nut on the street.

He said HCC will not only targeting betel nut sellers but also those selling other items illegally on the street.

The move has gained praised from members of the public. But, some urged HCC and the police to be consistent and fair when carrying out the operation.

A social media commentator said he heard of such operation in the past but there was no complete solution was achieved.

He said he hope this joint operation will not be a repeat of what had happen in the past as he wanted to see betel nut vendors cleared off Honiara streets completely.

He added these vendors need to be given tough legal consequences for helping to make the city filthy.

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