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People in West told to prepare for lockdown

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Disaster Operation Committee has called on people to stay alert and prepare for any immediate lockdown.

WPDOC gave out the message following reports of increasing cases in the province, thus the need to contain the virus.

Deputy Provincial Secretary who is acting chairperson of WPDOC Patrick Toiraena said communities and respective families must be ready at all times.

“We are in a different situation compared to our normal lives as experienced in the previous years due to this pandemic and I urge communities and families to prepare in advance to avoid panic in an event where lockdown is announced.

“Save enough funds, water, electricity, and enough food at all times. If you live in the communities, save enough fuel as a precaution should there be a need for an essential run to urban centers like Gizo, Noro, and Munda.

“One might ignore this advice but I must emphasize that the advices are very important to save your family and yourselves,” he said.

Toiraena said responsible authorities are watching the situation very closely and will inform the general public should there be a planned lockdown.

He said there is no lockdown in Western Province, however curfew has been enforced as part of the ongoing effort to minimize the spread of the virus.

Masia claims West Fataleka township proposal ‘hoax’

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Landowners of an area marked for a township proposal in West Fataleka have denounced the plan as a ‘hoax’.

Spokesman Justin Masia said consultations held towards this ideal were done improperly and non-inclusively and are being seen by many landowners as a mere ‘fundraising drive’ by those behind the initiative.

“It’s funny when four sub-towns are already in the province; Auki, Atori, Afio and Malu’u, and no development have been happening on them for the past decades.

“If another township is built, what difference would it make? It just makes no sense.

“Instead, I suggest PRC and Dr. Luke Mani should look at developing the sub-towns and Auki town where they already exist,” he said.

On the supposed consultation done by Dr. Luke Mani last week, Masia said signatures were collected from landowners towards the proposal, but it’s important to know whether the signatories are rightful landowners or not.

“And I must emphasize that when dealing with such bigger projects like that, it’s crucial to carry out consultations and other require processes openly to all landowners and stakeholders.

“The consultation meeting held last week at Rofuki village towards the project was seen with perception and even little it may, it attached to the standoff between DCGA and MARA government,” Masia said.

A consultation meeting between tribal land-owning groups in west Fataleka and a team led by Dr. Luke Mani was held at Rufoki last Wednesday.

Two days after the meeting a memorandum of agreement was signed by the landowners towards a $20 million township project proposed for Ward five in West Fataleka.

US admiral lashes out at SI-Sino security pact

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Admin
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A TOP American admiral has criticised a potential security pact between China and Solomon Islands, describing it as a “secret” arrangement worrying the US and its partners.

Australia has warned that a Chinese naval base in the Pacific nation, less than 2,000 kilometres from the Queensland coast, would “change the calculus” for the Australian Defence Force. 

Those sentiments have now been backed by the Commander of the U.S Pacific Fleet, Admiral Samuel Paparo, who said he was “undoubtedly concerned” about the situation. 

“There is still a path ahead. But anytime that a secret security arrangement makes its way into the light of day, it is a concern,” he told the ABC in Washington DC, during an event with foreign journalists.

“And it’s a concern for all of our partners throughout the western Pacific and notably, Australia, New Zealand. 

Last week Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare lashed out at critics of the draft Chinese security saying their comments were “insulting”.

Sogavare said the deal was “ready to be signed” but insisted existing security arrangements with Australia would be maintained and there were no plans to allow a Chinese military base.

“It will not be in the interest of Solomon Islands to host any naval or military base of any country, because that will immediately make Solomon Islands a military target for other countries,” Sogavare said.

“Hosting any form of naval or military bases for foreign nations will destroy, not develop, Solomon Islands,” he added.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has also weighed into the controversy over the security agreement. 

Australia has been trying to rally Pacific Island states to press Solomon Islands over the pact, with Scott Morrison ringing regional heavyweights including  Marape and Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to express concern. 

Marape told the ABC that PNG and other Pacific states were “conscious of what’s taking place” in Solomon Islands, and he had had 2conversations” with his Solomon Islands counterpart. 

He said Sogavare assured him there were no plans for China to establish a military base in the country, and that the agreement was focused on offering police support.

But Marape also suggested that Papua New Guinea and other Pacific countries were in the best position to provide police support, saying “we stand ready to work side by side in upskilling and training police [and] having more police engagements … into Solomon Islands if they require help”.

Admiral Paparo backed warnings from Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton of a growing potential for armed conflict in the Indo-Pacific region that Australians needed to be” realistic” about.

“I always operate under the notion that there’s the potential of conflict within our region within a couple of years because of the incredible unpredictability of events,” Admiral Paparo said. 

“And who last year could have predicted where Eastern Europe would be right now. In fact, that is our mission, is to always be ready as militaries.”

Admiral Paparo described the AUKUS arrangement, under which Australia will obtain nuclear-powered submarines through a deal with the US and the UK, as a “tangible sign” of rising tensions in the region. 

He also warned that China would be watching Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the context of its own claims over Taiwan. 

“Undoubtedly, the PRC (People’s Republic of China) is watching what’s happened in Ukraine and taking notes and learning from it,” he said. 

“And there will be learning and there will be adjustments to the extent that they’re able to learn from it. 

“And they will improve their capabilities based on what they learn at this time.” 

In Sydney, Defence Minister Peter Dutton has again emphasised growing military risks in the region, while announcing details of a new multi-billion-dollar missiles package.

“And when we look at what has happened in Ukraine, there is the prospect of Russia going into Poland or somewhere else in Europe, and that would be a repeat of the 1930s, and that’s not something that we should allow to happen.”

Dutton confirmed the federal government would fast track the purchase of U.S-made joint air-to-surface standoff missiles for Australia’s Super Hornets, and Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles for warships.

U. S Defence giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have also been announced as leading the US$1 billion sovereign guided weapons programme, with the aim of eventually producing missiles domestically. – Source: PACNEWS

WOMEN: END THE DEAL

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Gov’t told to discontinue security treaty with China

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

WOMEN’S group leaders in Honiara yesterday urged Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to discontinue the security treat his government is negotiating with China.

“Sogavare must cancel the deal for the sake of this nation,” Rose Isukana of the Solomon Islands National Council of Women (SINCW) told reporters.

“Even if China and Solomon Islands are now in the process of finalizing the deal, there’s nothing that should stop Sogavare from revoking it,” Isukana, who is also a member of the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA), added.

“The security deal is not in the best interest of the country. So for the sake of the nation, Sogavare must cancel it.

“He and his government are abusing their powers in pursuing the security deal.”

Isukana was speaking at a press conference women’s group leaders held in Honiara yesterday.

SINCW president Ella Kahue said women in the country were not consulted on the proposed treaty.

“We are mothers of this nation, we are mothers of the future leaders of this country and we need to be engaged in dialogue,” Kahue said.

 She said if the government is talking about public consultation, then why isn’t SINCW consulted?

“We felt that we are left out in the whole process, we kindly ask the government even if the draft agreement was already signed, they need to delay it and consult the women of this country.”

Ruth Liloqula, a member of SINCW and executive officer of Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), also expressed concern.

“We are concerned because when you look at the draft agreement, it mentioned ‘social order’,” Liloqula said.

“But the social order is our sovereignty. It should not be given to any other country to do it for us,” she added.

“Because if you do that, you are selling the sovereignty of this country by giving them the very function that belongs to the state.”

Liloqula said the Government should be addressing the real issues such as lack of infrastructure development and high unemployment rate.

“This is how we should be addressing our security concerns than selling the sovereignty of this nation.”

Prime Minister Sogavare had defended the security arrangement.

“It is our view that securing an agreement with China is one way we can respond effectively to a broader range of development needs and aspirations that Solomon Islands needs to achieve in its journey towards its sustainable development goals,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare also dismissed suggestions the security agreement will lead to the establishment of a Chinese military base here.

“It will not be in the interest of Solomon Islands to host any naval or military base of any country, because that will immediately make the Solomon Islands a military target for other countries,” Sogavare said.

“Hosting any form of naval or military bases for foreign nations will destroy, not develop, Solomon Islands.”

Under the terms of the proposed security treaty, China could send police, military personnel, and other armed forces to the Solomon Islands “to assist in maintaining social order” and for a variety of other reasons.

It could also send warships for stopovers and to replenish supplies, leading to speculation about the possibility of China establishing a naval base here.

Australia, the US and New Zealand have expressed concerns over the arrangement.

1.5 is not just a number, it’s our survival roadmap: Puna

Written by
Ben Bilua
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PIF Secretary General, Henry Puna

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SECRETARY General of Pacific Islands Forum says 1.5 degrees Celsius global target to reduce global emission is not just a number but a survival roadmap for Pacific Island states.

Henry Puna made the statement during the signing of a memorandum of understanding with FIFA – an MOU aimed at enhancing awareness of climate change mitigation action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and leverage opportunities for climate-resilient football development in the Blue Pacific region.

“For the Pacific, our number isn’t anywhere near that. Yet it is vital to the 1.1 billion and their quality of life right now. Our number is one point five degrees. For the Blue Pacific, 1.5 is not just a number. It is our survival roadmap to assure our children — and all children, of a sustainable and resilient future,” he said.

Puna said climate change affects the lives of everyone and every living thing on earth and that solutions to the climate crisis can only be realized when the interest of the planet comes above self-interest.

“As Pacific nations, our moral authority draws from lived realities and experience.

“Indeed, our Pacific islands may be small, but we are the large Ocean States controlling a vast magnitude of the world’s ocean resources larger than many of the biggest countries in Europe and Asia. We take the responsibility of being custodians of the largest ocean in our Blue Planet very seriously,” he said.

Puna said the MOU is important in the eyes of Pacific Island States which recognize the power and influence of football, together with FIFA’s global footprint in more than 200 countries.

He described the MOU as a key opportunity to influence behavior change from individuals, families, communities, businesses, and governments across the world to commit to urgent and stronger climate targets.

Puna adds that the MOU seeks to support three priorities as follows; to educate and raise awareness on climate change through sports diplomacy in the lead up to COP27, to improve access to global climate funds, leveraging on the Pacific Island Forum’s expertise, and to ensure future football infrastructure in the Pacific could withstand category five cyclones.

“This new partnership can help us drive action towards a 1.5 net-zero future, a future where the beautiful game continues to thrive– in a world that is still beautiful,” he said.

Vaccination coverage hits 470k doses administered

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country’s vaccination progress has seen about 473,000 doses administered so far.

This was confirmed by Dr. Yogesh Choudhri, technical advisor for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

“As of last week we have administered 473,000 doses of the vaccination which include AstraZeneca Sinopharm and Pfizer covid-19 vaccine,” Choudhri said.

He said the total number of AstraZeneca administered is 390,000 doses, Sinopahrm with 62,000 doses, and Pfizer 21,000 doses.

“We are still reconciling the figures of how many Pfizer doses are used for booster,” Choudhri said.

He adds in terms of distribution nationally 2/3 of the population which is 64 percent at least given one dose and 42 percent of the people have been vaccinated with both doses.

Choudhri said vaccination coverage at the provincial level is as follows Isabel province 67 percent with two does, Makira more than half, Rennel and Bellona is 43 percent, Honiara 92 percent this figure also includes other people coming from the provinces, Temotu province covered nearly half of the people with two doses but its lagging behind Guadalcanal and Malaita Province. 

“We again encourage people to come forward and start taking the vaccine if they are yet to get their first jab and those due for the second jab but did not receive it,” he said.   

Western province shop and market managers urged to be vigilant

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo market

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SHOP-OWNERS and market managers in Gizo, Noro and Munda have been urged to be vigilant and make efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Deputy Chairperson of Western Province Disaster Operation Committee (WPDOC), Patrick Toiraena said COVID continues to pose a risk to the general public, thus cooperation in public facilities such as markets and shops is vital.

He calls on market managers and securities to ensure people’s movement within market areas satisfies COVID Safety Protocols.

“Market days as approved by WPDOC are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  This is applicable to Noro, Gizo, and Munda.

“It is important that vendors and customers must wear masks at all times within the market area.

“Social Distancing, Wearing of Masks and frequent use of hand Sanitizers is important.

“I suggest vendors must have their own hand sanitizers as money transactions pose a threat to transmitting the virus,” Toiraena said.

He said overcrowding at the market and shops is not acceptable as it increases the risk for transmission.

Toiraena adds that a similar approach must be established in shops.

“Five people are allowed to enter and buy at small shops while up to 10 people can enter bigger shops to buy goods.

“Every shop must provide hand sanitizers and allocate spacing of 2 meters apart for customers,” he said.

Toiraena said such measures will ensure the public is safe and hopefully bring the number of cases down in Western Province.

NRH oxygen and food shortage settled

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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0
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

The National Referral Hospital (NRH) oxygen and food item shortage issue is now settled.

This was confirmed by Dr. Janella Solomon, medical superintendent for NRH.

She said the issue here is mainly on an outstanding payment.

“The process to settling it has gone through now and they have provided oxygen for the NHR as of Friday 1st 2022.

“Yes the issue has been settled, however, if there are any more outstanding payments we will be facing the same problem but the issue we have the previous week has been settled,” Solomon said.

Minister for Health and Medical Service Dr. Culwick Togamana also confirmed that the Hospital has been facing a shortage of food items and oxygen bottles but efforts are now put together to address it.

 “Yes I can confirm that the National Referral Hospital has been facing a shortage of food items and oxygen bottles since last week,” he said.

Togamana said the issue is with outstanding payments to the suppliers of oxygen bottles and food rations delay with these outstanding payments are due to multiple factors both within and outside of the reach of the Ministry.

“Nevertheless we are working with the Ministry of Finance to expedite this payment at the earliest. Our officials have also been in touch with the suppliers for the assurance with their understanding payments and for resumption for their services to the hospital,” he said.

MARA gov’t supports national projects in the province

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0
Former Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Suidani led MARA government is behind the progress of national projects for Malaita province.

Recently, Premier Daniel Suidani made the statement saying they his government is steadfast to make sure proposed national projects for the province “won’t be put to sleep”.

He said his government had already endorsed a number of projects, some of which have already started.

Suidani said, “these are very important projects for the local economy as they will support the livelihood of our people when up and running.”

He said one is the development of a transshipment hub at Suava bay in North Malaita.

“My executive has approved a detailed submission from the Harivava Landowning group from Suava bay for the development of a transshipment hub for Malaita province.

“Further consultation work is ongoing with the landowners on finding the way forward for this undertaking. Thus, the offer by the Harivava landowning group is welcoming to note at this stage,” Suidani said.

He said the other one is the development of Baunani International Airport for Malaita province.

Suidani said that in early 2021, his government has endorsed the greater Malaita Development Plan: 2021-2050.

He said that from the initial scope of the plan, it covers developments from Gwaunaruu right through to the Southern region that will also cover regional hubs.

Suidani said that as a way to begin rolling out the plan, one of the major projects his government has approved is Baunani International Airport in West Kwaio.

“Currently, a team of advisors is now working with the government possibly funders and stakeholders on this important project,” he said.

Suidani said that in terms of the kava industry, his government has been supporting the development of the product through the youth division under MPG for the province.

He also said a local kava buyer in Auki, Dr. Wale is actively working with farmers in the province buying kava products after his government has approved his license application in 2022.

Suidani said an initial report from the business is encouraging as they’re receiving feedback from the business.

He said there are many other projects his government had approved and working in partnership with responsible stakeholders for Malaita province.

JICA funded renovations of Kiluufi hospital ongoing

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0
Kiluufi hospital

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Japanese-funded renovations for Kiluufi hospital in Malaita province are reportedly in full swing.

The project is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Recently scoping engineering work has been done on the project that will pave way for further works or developments expected on the project.

Premier Daniel Suidani said that a group of engineers from Kramer had conducted the scoping study.

 “The scoping work is done in preparation for a Japanese Company that is expecting to arrive at Kilu’ufi hospital this month,” Suidani said.

He said the project is one of the major projects MARA government is working on together with the national government and JICA to ensure it materializes for people in the province.

On that note, Suidani said that as the Kramer group conducted work on the project; they also carried out scoping and geotech work on proposed factories at Gwaigeo and its road project under Winrock programme.

“In line with this, infrastructure designs for Gwaigeo land are now ready to be submitted to the Malaita Province Planning and Development Board for endorsement.

“We hope the tender process can happen as early as April and work on the project to start in the second part of this year 2022,” he said.

Suidani said also that with that project, Winrock under the USAID SCALE-NRM project is working on other projects for Malu’u, Atori, Afio, Matangasi and Luaniua in the province.

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