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A fine academic achievement for SI revealed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, a Solomon Star article last week revealed some important and fine academic achievements of Solomon Islanders.

Quoting the newspaper the report read:

“There are around 12,000 Solomon Islanders with certificates, diplomas, degrees, masters and PHD’s.

“There are currently at least 4000 students undertaking tertiary studies at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and various other regional tertiary institutions under the Solomon Islands Government sponsorship.”

“Last year government spent almost $290 million on scholarships to ensure the country’s tertiary students get quality training at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and other tertiary institutions abroad.

“The Government wants to see more Solomon Islanders graduate with higher qualifications so they can contribute in a significant way to Solomon Islands nation building efforts.”

In a separate article, also in the Solomon Star, there was a report of the success of several local students who had undertaken Mandarin studies in Taiwan and has become fluent in the language.

To all the Solomon Islands graduates and foreign language speakers I extend my congratulations and express the hope that many more local students will attain high academic qualifications and seek to acquire second language skills.

It might be appropriate to end with the Chinese proverb:   “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

Good luck!

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

SINU gives gov’t 1-month grace period

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SINUSA President Mr Reginald Ngati meet with the ongoing students of SINU studied under government’s sponsorship at the Kukum campus on Monday

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SINUSA President Mr Reginald Ngati meet with the ongoing students of SINU studied under government’s sponsorship at the Kukum campus on Monday

THE Solomon Islands national university (SINU) has granted a one-month grace period for SIG sponsored students.

This grace period allows government time to cook up funds to meet the students’ fees.

Students under government scholarship can attend classes and access services for the first month of this first semester.

The permission was granted after Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA) met with SINU management last week.

SINU is aware that continuing students have not yet received their SIG scholarship payment.

There is also the fear of what will happen if the government fails to pay up by the one month’s end.

Through email dialogue with the ministry of education (MEHRD), SINU’s Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Basil Marasinghe encourages MEHRD to use its power to expedite payment of SIG scholarship fees of both SINU’s ongoing students and new ones.

“I trust that you will be able to use your influence and good office to kindly expedite the payment of SIG scholarship fees of the SINU student,” Mr Marasinghe said in an email to Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

“I had granted the permission for the students to attend lectures for only first month of semester one 2018 during which they will have to pay their fees and get enrolled,” Marasinghe said.

Yesterday, SINUSA executive with their President Mr Reginald Ngati ran an appointment with the MEHRD to discuss the issue, to come up with alternatives to resolve students’ ongoing issue.

He said SINUSA will continue to advocate for students’ concern and have government to pay up the $12 million for their fees.

Meanwhile, he appeals to students to be calm and go to classes with focus and dedication towards their studies.

Upper Respiratory Infection high in babies

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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High number of babies taken to the Pikinini Clinic at Chinatown in recent days being affected after the stormy wet weather experienced in the country. PHOTO BY ELLISON VAHI

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

MORE than a hundred babies being brought to the “Pikinini Clinic” at China Town in recent days are diagnosed with Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI).

According to the clinic Staff, the current situation experienced is caused by exposing babies to cold environment, recently during wet weather in the country.

“Homecare is very important as babies’ health depends on it,” said the Pikinini Clinic Staff.

“URTI usually occur after weather patterns experienced recently so it is very important for parents to keep their babies indoors from the cold.

“Babies will have high fever, runny noses and hearing infections. Usually a runny nose is first spotted before a high fever. If a baby’s fever is too high then baby can experience seizure or stiffness.”

Panadol is the only usual treatment given for URTI and the Staff of Pikinini Clinic urge parents not to rely only on Panadol.

“Parents must minimize their babies fever by wiping a cool cloth on their forehead. But it is the babies’ lungs and liver where we hope to keep from getting an infection,” said the staff from Pikinini Clinic.

Tender process for lock-up shops questioned

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BEN BILUA

THE tender process to obtain an opportunity to run business at the Central Market lock-up shop has been questioned.

Number of reports have been raised stating that the allocation of awards to run the Lock-up shops has been unfair.

Concerned citizens took their frustration to popular social media network group YUMI TOK TOK Forum to express their disappointment.

Thread under the post accommodates vital information and first hand testimonies of citizens who have tried their luck without success in numbers of occasions.

A poster alleged that money has been at play in the previous tender process and selection of winning bidders to run the lock-up shops.

Another poster adds that some of the lock-up shops are owned by few top officials within Honiara City Council.

Source familiar with the issue said the lock-up shops have price tags worth 10 to 50 thousand, and that the money is normally at play during the tender and selection process.

The source alleged that top officials within HCC are also behind unfair decisions that leave genuine bidders emptyhanded.

Source said the ongoing practice highly demonstrates misuse of power, roles, responsibility and money, saying that this needs proper investigation.

The source strongly emphasised that investigation must be carried out so that interested bidders share the benefit of the public facilities.

Schools in Malaita begin classes this week

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

MOST schools in Malaita for both primary and secondary sectors will begin classes for 2018 academic year this week.

Speaking to Island Sun in Auki yesterday Chief Education Officer for Malaita province Andy Siarani said that schools under the Malaita education authority are expected to begin classes after almost two weeks of registration.

He said, there are no changes on posting of teachers but only few changes were made while most of the teachers will remain in the same schools as of last year.

He said, “Malaita province is one of the provinces that have lots of schools and teachers and when it comes to posting and shifting of teachers to other schools it will take much of our time for doing it.”

He wishes all teachers, school principals and head teachers a better and successful year 2018.

He urges teachers in all schools in Malaita to work together with the Malaita education authority for a better quality education 2018.

Dalipanda acknowledges SIMA for withdrawing strike

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Tenneth Dalipanda.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

PERMANENT Secretary of Ministry of Health and Medical Services has thanked Solomon Islands Medical Association (SIMA) for withdrawing their proposed strike.

PS Dalipanda expressed this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on doctors’ new scheme of service in Honiara.

“I salute SIMA and the Solomon Islands Government for being optimistic to avoid the strike,” Dalipanda said.

Dalipanda said his ministry is pleased to ensure the public that health services will continue.

“Public are ensured that health services for the public will continue.”

The strike proposal was of over grievances with government’s failure to review a decade-old scheme of doctors’ services.

Fraud case continues in court today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man alleged of transferring money from his uncle’s bank account to another account will appear in court for mention.

This is in relation to the matter against Don Lisi Talu of Isabel who allegedly transferred bank credit from the victim’s account to his friend’s accounts and withdrew the money for himself.

Police further alleged he used the proceeds for his personal use.

The alleged incident occurred on several occasions between December 16, 2014 and January 23, 2015 after he left the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands.

Police claim to have in possession two Bank South Pacific (BSP) cheques which Talu had claimed he found at a Vura 1 home, in Honiara.

Police also alleged that though the cheques have the names of the victim the accused never returned them to the victim but cashed it at the BSP.

It was alleged that on 11 occasions he continued to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account by forging the signature and name.

He allegedly lied to the Bank Tellers that the account was ceased and then applied for mobile banking to be connected to the account of the victim.

Police then alleged that on 11 occasions after he got connected to the mobile banking service, he made mobile credit top up to his own mobile and to other mobile phones.

He also allegedly transferred bank credit from the victim’s account to nine different BSP accounts owned by other people on 10 different occasions.

Police further alleged that when he met people in town he would ask them to transfer money to their accounts, by saying that he forgot or lost his Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).

The Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the state.

Kadere party refutes media reports on Boyers’ appointment

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Kadere Party has rejected defamatory allegations labelled against the appointment of Party President Peter Boyers as an advisor on the Government’s Traditional Governance Policy (TGP).

A party statement yesterday said Boyers‘ current contract under Prime Minister Rick Hou’s administration is an extension of service similar to his previous contract under former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare’s administration.

Boyers was previously appointed as a Consultant (Advisor) to the Ministry of National Unity Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) on the implementation of the Traditional Governance policy (TGP).

The statement said Boyers was one of the first 15 top officials to be appointed by Prime Minister Hou to implement the TGP which is a flagship policy of the Kadere Party and a priority of the SIDCC Government.

The statement further clarified that the Parliamentary Wing members of Kadere Party is 19 not 9 as misleadingly claimed by veteran journalist Mr Alfred Sasako.

“If the Public Service Commission wishes to change the salary package which was levelled for that position, Boyers is happy to accept that but at no time has there been any question or discussions or queries on the appointment conditions,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Kadere Party has reiterated its continuous strong support to Prime Minister Rick Hou and his Cabinet.

“We are particularly very happy that we have for the first time a Paramount Chief as a Prime Minister and since the Kadere Party Policy on Traditional Governance is about institutionalisation through legislating traditional governance structures, such as house of chiefs and council of chiefs, we are confident under his leadership this legislation will eventuate before the end of this term,” the statement said.

The Party said Sasako should look at himself in the mirror first before launching his unfounded speculations since he is on the payroll of political friends who are trying to destabilise the cordial relationship between Kadere Party and Prime Minister Hou.

“Sasako needs to tread carefully as he is sacrificing integrity for personal gain and is becoming offensive and defamatory and at the same time is killing the reputation of journalism in this country,” the statement said.

–KADERE PARTY PRESS

New scheme of service for doctors signed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Group photo of the leaders attending the MOU signing on Monday

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Group photo of the leaders attending the MOU signing on Monday

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) for doctors’ new scheme of service was singed yesterday at the Regional Eye Centre in Honiara.

The MOU outlines a new pathway for medical practitioners’ new scheme of services

The signing was the outcome of a dialogue between the Solomon Islands Government, Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) and Solomon Islands Medical Association (SIMA).

The MOU has a timeframe of five years but allows both parties to revise and make amendments.

Under Secretary of Ministry of Public Service Mr David Suirara said the agreement signifies confidence, trust and team work between the three parties.

He adds all three parties have encountered difficulties at the beginning of the negotiations, but the final outcome was positive.

Permanente Secretary of MHMS Dr Tenneth Dalipanda said his ministry is pleased with the outcome.

He said the MOU is a way forward to ensure health services for the public will continue.

President of Solomon Islands Medical Association (SIMA) Dr Claude Posala stressed the agreement and the current dialogue paves a way forward for SIMA.

He urged the Government and the MHMS to maintain the conducive environment the parties have built.

“The MOU is a huge achievement that will solve the working partnership between SIMA and the MHMS,” Posala said.

Representatives from the Government, MHMS and SIMA were present during the signing.

Hospital petition still open

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
NRH patient and Local Civil Society advocator Ishmael Nori with the petition form as a patient about to sign during the launch yesterday. Looking on at the back is FSII Chairman Wilfred Luiramo.

BY JARED KOLI

A petition for the Prime Minister to call for a Commission of Enquiry (COE) into the medical and health service provided at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is still open for signatures.

Local civil society advocator and NRH Patient, Ishmael Nori, yesterday informed Island Sun that some wards are yet to be visited in search of signatories.

Mr Nori said most of the patients at the surgical ward have already signed the petition forms. Two volunteers will continue distributing the petition forms to other wards within the hospital.

Nori, who has been hospitalised over the past months, hopes every ward should be completed by Friday this week.

“We are planning to go into every ward, introduce the petition and invite signatories from patients although some of them have already aware of it,” he said in a phone interview yesterday.

He said he could not stand on his own to carry out the exercise due to his medical condition, but had engaged two of his colleagues to continue collecting signatories yesterday.

The public are also invited to throw in their support for this worthy cause, this paper was told.

“After this we will compile all the signatories and see where we can go from here to present this to the Prime Minister. We are looking at presenting the signatories to the prime minister through a Member of Parliament (MP) who will act as our Ambassador.

“We want to see the recommendations set in the 2009 and 2015 Special Select Committee report into the Quality of Medical Services provided at NRH fully implemented, more on the development aspects of NRH,” Nori earlier said.

He said people and ordinary citizens of this country deserve a St Vincent-like quality hospital service provided at the NRH.

“I have observed that for many people, there is nothing much to do for them here, if we can have services that are accessed by our Ministers or Members of Parliament at St Vincent hospital here during the early stages of their sick, that could prevent deaths and save lives here,” he adds.

Nori also questions how the government prioritises health workers, doctors, nurses and technical staff on specialised trainings.

“What we want the government to do is to proritise to save lives same as the quality of service at its sister hospital, St Vincent hospital in Sydney, Australia,” Nori said.

The petition was supported by Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) and Young Women Parliamentary Group (YWPG) who on Friday last week met the Chair of the Parliamentary Health and Medical Services Committee, Charles Sigoto to push the 2009 report to the floor of parliament.

“Since the report was released, not even a Member of Parliament (MP) stood up to champion the document to parliament, and we want Mr Sigoto as Chair to move the report to the floor of parliament, Said FSII Chair, Wilfred Luiramo.

“The Chair has agreed with us to have the report to be tabled in parliament, in parallel with the hospital petition calling on Prime Minister to call for a Commission of Enquiry (COE) into service provided at NRH,” he adds.

Mr Sigoto could not be reached when Island Sun called over the weekend, however, Mr Luiramo said there is “green light” shown.

FSII and YWPG believes that the recommendations set in the report were not fully implemented, although some recommendations were addressed.

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