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No new developments on Mbike shooting incident

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Sun Xpress

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WHILE there have been rumours saying that one of the current Member of Parliament has some connection to the Mbike shooting incident in 2014, Police are not aware of such rumours.

Responding to queries asked by this paper the Police said they are not aware of any arrest of any Member of Parliament (MP) with the Mbike case however investigation into the incident is continuing.

As the country is approaching another national general election some people are questioning the police as to what happened to the Mbike incident, but the police said that investigation into the case is currently active and ongoing.

This is in relation to the shooting and arson incident which occurred at Mbike on December 9, 2014.

This is in relation to the incident occurred on December 9, 2014, where some unkn own people attacked the motor vessel Sun Express at Mbike Island, Central Province.

The persons fired a number of shots at the boat and later threw petrol onto the boat and set the petrol on fire.

Present on Mbike at the time of the attack were 17 newly elected members of parliament.

Following the attack the offenders left the scene.

And police are calling for public cooperation to establish the identity of the person or persons responsible for the shooting and arson on December 9, 2014.

The RSIPF believe that there may be others who may have had involvement, who are yet to be identified.

A reward of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or part thereof will be paid at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police and executive panel, for information leading to the apprehension and prosecution of the person or persons.

HCCHD proposed plan still in working progress

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALICE NANTARA

Honiara City Council Health Division proposed resolution concerning the Kukum, Mataniko and Rove clinics is still in working progress.

The proposed idea was to allow late evening operations carried out by these three (3) named clinics to lighten the work load of the National Referral Hospital.

Extending clinic hours is purposely proposed to address the growing rate of sick people in need of immediate medical attention during after working hours.

A spokesman for the HCCHD said that they’re currently working on some areas which they see as vital for the success of the plan.

“We want to make sure that security measures are taken into consideration. Since these are small establishments, we want to make sure that our nurses can go on with their late evening shift without interruptions from drunkards and thugs.

“Also another aspect that needs to be address before we open these clinics late is to equip these named locations with standby power sources. This is one safety measure the office has in mind.

“If the plan works out, soon nurses working in these named locations will be expected to take shifts,” he concluded.

According to other sources, the first proposed date for the clinics to start operating late should be this month but looks like it won’t happen just yet until HCCHD accomplish listed goals.

Acting Director for the HCCHD is yet to confirm the exact date when the proposed idea will be in motion.

SI & Taiwan – two friends walking the road of friendship

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Sir Frank Kabui and President Tsai Ing-wen exchanges gifts at Government House.

Excerpts of speech by Governor General Sir Frank Kabui on the occasion of the State Luncheon to mark Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to Solomon Islands

It is almost 7 years ago that I made a Speech to welcome your predecessor, President Ma, to Honiara in March, 2010. My speech then was non-partisan to the power divide in Taiwan. I was not aware then that the Koumintang, the Chinese Nationalist Party of China, did have a branch office at Tulagi, the then Protectorate’s old capital, from 1923 onwards. The building that housed the office was built in 1927.

Above the entrance to the building were written the words, “KUO MINTANG.” They were separate, not one word. Below this were the words, “The Chinese Nationalist Party” in English. The Chinese language version was also visible. I did not therefore tell him of this fact, as I was not aware of it at that time.

Rather, interesting, perhaps a prophetic omen for the future establishment of the current relationship between Taiwan and Solomon Islands.

The Speech I made then was about the people of Taiwan, their government, our friendship and their success story in the rise to economic supremacy in the Asia/Pacific Region.

Like I did then in my speech, I do likewise welcome you to Honiara on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands. They have heard much about Taiwan and you being the new President of the Republic of China, Taiwan, but have not been able to see you in person. We are happy to see you in Honiara and for others in the country knowing that you have come to visit us is knowledge enough that you show interest in us and our country.

The fact that you are a woman leader is an encouragement to our aspiring women leaders in Solomon Islands, and our girls.

I also welcome the other Hon. Members of your esteemed delegation who have come with you to visit us.

It goes without saying that we are old friends in terms of the duration of our friendship and the close relationship between your country and its people and my country and its people. It is the political leadership that changes from time to time in our two countries respectively for obvious reason.

The people to people friendship however remains and continues as I speak. This is important for now and into the future. Your country has much to offer and we have much to benefit from your experience and know-how in your economic success story. We of course offer you support as and when needed at the international level and in other areas of need. This is normal in any bilateral friendship between any two countries and Taiwan and Solomon Islands are no exception.

I and my wife had visited your beautiful country on four occasions, the recent being in May, 2016 to witness your Inauguration as the 14th President of Taiwan following the polls to choose a new President. I mentioned this at Government House this morning. The first visit was in May, 2010 following President Ma’s earlier visit in March to Solomon Islands upon becoming President.

The second visit was in 2013 to mark 30 years of friendship between our two countries. The third visit was in October, 2015 to attend the 104th National Day of Taiwan on 10th October, 2015. During these visits, I had seen significant economic and cultural landmarks in Taipei and to some extent the modern facilities at the Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital in the City of Kaohsiung.

Generally, what struck me most was the ability of the leaders and people of Taiwan to move from being a developing country to being one of the economic giants in Asia after the end of the Second World War and the 1949 Constitution. That journey is within my lifetime. It is truly mind boggling. It is beyond me. I cannot understand it but also being aware of the indisputable fact that the Chinese people have had a 5,000 year history of civilisation.

The next thing I learnt is that there is much Solomon Islanders can learn from the Taiwanese experience. Learning to speak Mandarin is one example. It is already happening. There are lots more to learn from the Taiwanese people. Already, things are happening in this regard within the last 30 years of diplomatic friendship.

I would like to say that our diplomatic relation produces development opportunities. I would like to regard our diplomatic relationship as being the basis for the creation of a “box of development opportunities” being carried along by two friends walking the road of friendship. These two friends are Taiwan and Solomon Islands. Each one holds the handle attached to the box on each side of it so that it does not fall to the ground.

Inside this box are development opportunities of various descriptions. They have been put inside the box by Taiwan and Solomon Islands by mutual agreement for the common good of these two countries. One would not be able to identify the development opportunities in the box unless the box is opened. The box is often opened by these two countries to adjust its content to reflect the needs of each country as they walk the friendship road.

As a matter of fact, this box has been opened already and the development opportunities inside are the various aid programs Taiwan has been providing to Solomon Islands. These programs are in various fields such as health, agriculture, fisheries, transportation, rural development, disaster assistance, meteorology, law and order, cultural exchanges, education, tourism and so on. These are the broad categories but the details are varied and numerous.

Also, inside the box is Solomon Islands commitment to supporting Taiwan and treating it as a friendly ally, recognising its role at international forums. These programs are at the bilateral level.

On the multi-lateral level are the regional initiatives which Solomon Islands shares with others in the region such as regional scholarships under Taiwanese funding.

The people of Solomon Islands are most grateful for these assistance programmes. Our gratefulness has been expressed in different ways and in various forums at different times over the years. One way is to invoke the fountain of honour from the Head of State whom I represent in Solomon Islands and recognise the service of persons for good cause in Solomon Islands.

We had done this for a few individuals who are citizens of Taiwan for their service to Solomon Islands as appreciation for their service.

On 26th March, 2010, the Cross of Solomon Islands (CSI) was awarded in Honiara to the then President of Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Professor Sheng-Hsiung-Sheu for his service in enhancing a close relationship in the field of medical service. In particular, enhancing a sister relationship between Kaohsiung Medical University, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital and our Referral Hospital in Honiara.

There is currently a Taiwanese Health Centre in Honiara which, amongst other things, co-ordinates visits by medical personnel from Taiwan to Solomon Islands.

On 7th July, 2010, the Cross of Solomon Islands (CSI) was awarded in Honiara to the former Taiwanese Ambassador, Mr George Chan for distinguished and dedicated service in facilitating valuable assistance to significant developments in Solomon Islands.

On 7th July, 2013, Solomon Islands Medal, Silver (SIM) was awarded to Mr Ben Wang, First Secretary, in the Taiwanese Embassy in Honiara for long and dedicated service to the development of Solomon Islands.

I had also taken the opportunity whilst in Taipei in 2013 to present two Awards to honour service provided to Solomon Islands by two of your citizens. The first Award was the Cross of Solomon Islands, (CSI) awarded to Taiwan’s former and first Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Mr Chi-kung Ning. He was responsible for long and dedicated service in bridging diplomatic relation between Taiwan and Solomon Islands in various fields of nation building developments.

The second Award was another Cross of Solomon Islands, (CSI) awarded to Mr James D Chen, the Chairman of the Board of the Kaohsiung Medical University Chug-Ho Memorial Hospital. Fund raising and donations had been organized by Kaohsiung Medical University in response to a request by the Solomon Islands Student Association for assistance to the victims of the Tsunami that devastated villages in Santa Cruz in the Temotu Province in April, 2013.

Cash donations amounted to around SBD73,000 plus second-hand clothes, blankets, toys and shoes. Mr James D Chen also made a personal donation of USD10,000 towards the appeal.

I also had had the opportunity of visiting the Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital’s museum showing the transitional journey from a back-water medical facility to a modern Hospital. This also happened within my lifetime. Its story is truly amazing. There were Solomon Islanders in training there in the past and currently at this Hospital.

I had met Mr & Mrs Chen at the Hospital in Kaohsiung city. They were both gracious individuals.

There have also been numerous visits by our leaders and citizens to Taiwan over the years and vice versa on official and non-official engagements. These exchanges of visits have been purposeful visits on both sides; they demonstrate the depth, width and breadth of our relationship over the years.

I brought home with me a copy of your Inaugural Address on May, 20th 2016. In that Address, you set out 5 new broad directions for Taiwan under your new leadership. One of them was the need to go forward in enhancing participation in diplomatic and global issues.

In your congratulatory message to me on the occasion of Independence, 7th July, 2017, you said “…Our two nations enjoy a solid friendship based on a commitment to democracy and human rights, as well as co-operation in a wide range of mutually beneficial areas.”

Your remark is clearly consistent with the broad perspectives in your Inaugural Address on the diplomatic front.

Our two countries can now safely claim to be democracies in which human rights, the rule of law, peace, security, equality of opportunity and so on are values of human decency and wholesomeness in society. Both our countries do subscribe to these values dearly.

There are of course differences between us in many ways such as economic advancement of your country, the environment, culture and arts and standard of living. And a lot more differences. Be that it may, Taiwan is a friend indeed in time of need.

I say no more and thank you.

Your Excellency, it is my pleasure to propose a Toast to your personal good health and success in your visit to Solomon Islands.

(The State Luncheon was held at Mendana Hotel yesterday, Thursday, November 2, 2017)

Sir Frank O Kabui, GCMG CSI OBE

Governor-General of Solomon Islands

26 medical interns graduate from NRH today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The NRH will hold a ceremony today to mark the graduation of 26 new doctors who will finish their clinical internship by the end of 2017, and begin work as registrars.

19 of the group began their journey to become doctors in 2008, when they went to Cuba to study medicine for seven years.

Since arriving home in 2014, they have spent a further three years – including a bridging year – as interns, increasing their knowledge and learning clinical skills to meet the particular health needs of the Solomon Islands.

The other seven graduates studied in Fiji, and began their internship at the NRH in 2015.

All medical graduates, whether trained in the Pacific Region or outside it (except University of PNG graduates), are required to do an intern training programme in the Solomon Islands before they are fully registered by the Solomon Islands Medical & Dental Board to practice medicine in Solomon Islands.

All interns undertook a 14-week rotation each in surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology, and paediatrics, while they learnt the required skills and professional practices.

Shorter rotations were spent in orthopaedics, anaesthetics, ophthalmology, medical imaging, emergency medicine as well as a placement in a rural or regional healthcare facility.

With these skills, the new registrars are set to begin their careers working as medical officers in provincial hospitals and health clinics, or to undertake further study to become consultants in specialist areas, such as paediatrics or surgery.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NRH, Dr Steve Aumanu, said, “The large numbers of trainees has placed significant pressure on the National Referral Hospital, mainly through the limited number of supervisors available to support the interns. However, the variety and number of patients makes the NRH an ideal training facility for junior doctors.

“I would also like to thank Australian Volunteers International, Fiji National University and the Republic of China for the support they have provided in the areas of technical assistance, course design and supervision.

“These have proved invaluable in developing the Intern Training Programme. With this support, the NRH stands prepared now and into the future to provide quality training facilities for future Solomon Island doctors.”

The Chair of the Medical Training Committee, Dr Aaron Oritaimae, said, “The Internship Training Program continues to create many challenges, but also windows of opportunities for the development of human resources in the health sector.

“The road map for health sector reform is clear: the emphasis is on quality of medical care, efficient and effective service delivery close to where people live.

“Despite high numbers of medical graduates returning to the Solomons over the next five years, we are confident that we will continue to meet the registration requirement of the Board, for medical officers, and expand the program to include other health professionals, to improve and maintain the standards of medical care in the Solomon Islands.

“Over the next five years, we expect to train at least 118 new medical graduates, returning from Cuba, Fiji and Taiwan, who will add to the medical workforce in Solomon Islands. Informed by the requirements of the role delineation policy, we are optimistic that we can meet the demand for medical officers in most area health centres and general hospitals, including the National Referral Hospital, by the year 2022.

“Achieving this concept needs to be guided by reform, appropriate policy instruments and enhanced collaboration with Ministry of Public Services , Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, MDPAC, MID, provincial governments, and development partners.

“The call now is for these supporting ministries enhance their collaboration, to ensure that quality health services are located where people live, employing the strategy of zonal dominance as the key approach.

“For instance, if this approach were applied to the requirements for Honiara City with a population of 80,000 in 2020 – just over two years away – it would require a minimum of 9 full-time medical officers. Currently there are only 3 medical officers.”

AVI Senior Paediatric Registrar Dr Rami Subhi, said: “Some of you have paved the way, and trained in countries and medical schools new to the Solomon Islands. You have taken it upon yourselves to push through misunderstandings and misrepresentations to become the wonderful doctors that you are. For that, we should all be eternally grateful to you.”

–MHMS PRESS

New centre boosts tourism

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE country’s tourism industry is set to benefit much from its new craft market centre.

Marketing Manager of Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB), Mrs Freda Unusi told Island Sun yesterday the new facility brings efficiency when handling tourists.

“Basically, the new Craft Market Centres will be a one-stop centre for tourists to buy souvenirs when visiting the country. Another importance of having the craft market centre is that tourists will go only to the centre to get what they want.

“Not like currently when tourists come they have to go from one location to another to get the kind of artefact they want.”

She also highlighted the centre’s importance to local artists, especially carvers, designers and weavers, saying it is a ‘dream come true’ for them as they will now have a standard facility to do their marketing.

The craft market centre is co-funded by EIF-NIU, ROC (Taiwan) and Solomon Islands Government in support of the cultural industries and tourism development in the country.

Joint police and fisheries operation releases 20 dolphins

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
RSIPF Boats involve in the joint operation

TWENTY dolphins have been released from captivity and 14 suspects arrested in a joint operation by Police officers in Gizo and Noro, Western Province and officers from the Ministry of Fisheries at Rapata Village on Kolombangara Island on November 1, 2017.

This came about after Police and Ministry of Fisheries received information that the dolphins have been allegedly trapped and kept for illegal export.

“During the operations, the team released more than twenty dolphins. We also confiscated the traps that were used to trap the dolphins,” says PPC Western Province, chief superintendent Mathias Lenialu of Gizo Police Station.

Exportation of live fish is illegal in the country according to the Fisheries Act 1998.

Lenialu commends his officers for the job well done in assisting other government stakeholders and calls on the general public to refrain from such illegal practices.

Investigations continue into the matter.

–POLICE MEDIA

Upgraded Mataniko bridge opens this month

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Director of Civil Engineering under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Mr Harry Rini.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

THE westbound Mataniko Bridge currently under the construction by Kitano and World Kaihatsu Kogyo Co Ltd Joint Venture is set to open on November 15.

This was revealed by the Director of civil engineering for Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday.

Mr Harry Rini said according to their schedule and rate of work input, the bridge is due to open this month.

He explains that the construction work which involves an additional two lanes will ease the usual bottleneck queuing congestion.

In relation, Rini said that on Nov 16 they plan to close the old Mataniko Baily Bridge located in the lower stream section of Mataniko area, have it demolished and begin work on a two lane concrete structure replacement.

He the new bridge will end the usual practice of vehicles queuing on one end while waiting for those on the opposite to pass before having their turn to reach the other end.

Fang yet to enter plea

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A Honiara businessman alleged of involving in corrupt activities is yet to be arraigned since his defence lawyer was engaged at the High Court yesterday.

James Fang is the owner of Fangs Shop and other businesses in Honiara.

The court was told yesterday that the accused’s lawyer is at the High Court therefore Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea adjourned the case to November 9 for possible plea.

Fang is facing a charge of forgery and uttering in relation to incidents which occurred some time this year.

The charges stem from an extensive enquiry into the legitimacy of a document emailed to the Inland Revenue Division.

The document was a letter purporting to have been authored by a Government Minister, authorising the waiving of $14million in tax payable to the Government of Solomon Islands, through the Inland Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance & Treasury.

Investigations revealed that signature on the letter were not that of the Minister.

Taiwan and SI against climate change

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BEN BILUA

SOLOMON Islands and Taiwan have agreed to work hand in hand in the fight against climate change.

The agreement is stamped in the signing of an MOU for meteorological cooperation by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen yesterday in Cabinet.

Speaking during her visit to Parliament, President Tsai said Taiwan and Solomon Islands are now facing the challenges of global climate change.

She said both Taiwan and Solomon Islands will be affected considerably and that cooperation is needed.

“Both Taiwan and Solomon Islands will be affected considerably.

“This demands a close cooperation if we are to turn this challenge into opportunities.

“We must do our outmost best to raise the quality of life to people in the region and work jointly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” President Tsai said.

She said the journey to mitigate climate change issues begins now and an example is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for meteorological cooperation which was signed by the Prime Minister and President of Taiwan yesterday.

President Tsai emphasised that the MOU will boost the country’s meteorological system to monitor climate change.

She add that the MOU will enable Solomon Islands and Taiwan find the connection between climate and dengue fever which would in turn boost efforts to prevent mosquito-related diseases in the country.

President Tsai said Taiwan is anticipated to provide Solomon Islands green energy related storage facilities through Taiwan cooperation and development fund and other official development assistance mechanism that will be launched today.

She said the goal is to build a more stable and sustainable electric power system for Solomon Islands.

President Tsai said Taiwan’s government will continues to work closely with Solomon Islands to mitigate the threats of climate change.

Australia solar charges 3 Guale villages

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Australian High Commissioner, Roderick Brazier handing over Solar Charging Station plus Light and Battery Kits to Community of New Tenabuti. Receiving Plaque is Project Coordinator Primo Ghesa, Community Chief Elvis Butoa and Representatives of Ghobulonga Women’s Association.

AUSTRALIA through the Direct Aid Programme (DAP) has donated a solar power charging station with light and battery kits to benefit three villages of New Tenabuti in north-east Guadalcanal; Gheghede, Ghesa and Ghovu.

Initiated by the women of New Tenabuti, the project is aimed at improving their livelihoods by alleviating energy usage, improving children’s’ education by providing access to light to study at night and ensuring that money previously used to purchase kerosene can now be used to procure other essential items for the household.

“With access to light, we can now work at night or early in the morning getting our products ready for market,” Anna, a Ghobulonga representative stated.

Project Coordinator, Primo Ghesa in his speech said, “The Ghobulonga Women’s Association charges those that want to use the solar power charging station a small amount of money, which is then channelled back into the association to assist the women with school fees and market fares.”

Australia’s High Commissioner, Roderick Brazier thanked the Ghobulonga Women’s Association for their initiative and encouraged the men of New Tenabuti to continue working with the women.

“They are the foundation of our homes and through them livelihoods can be improved,” he said.

–AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION PRESS

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