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Measles, Rubella vaccination underway in Malaita province

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Measles vaccine

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA provincial health has entered its second week of Measles and Rubella vaccination and awareness campaign.

Director of Malaita provincial health, Dr Rex Maukera told this paper yesterday the campaign is to catch-up with children who did not take their measles and rubella vaccines the last two years, as health focus was on covid-19.

Maukera said the campaign started last week and teams from the provincial health are visiting clinics and communities.

He called on parents whose child/children are yet to get the vaccines to help them when the teams come to their communities.

Coordinator of Expanded Program on Immunization at Kilu’ufi hospital, Mr Rockson Siliota who heads the campaign also stressed the importance of the campaign in a recent interview.

He said the campaign was a catch-up for children who are yet to take their measles and rubella vaccines as well as vaccines like polio and others.

Siliota said this is also to prepare eligible population to counter measles and rubella outbreaks that had been reported in other parts of the region.

He said measles and rubella vaccine usually facilitated for children when they are 12 months, first doze and second doze when they are 18 months.

Siliota said children who are within that range or above and yet to get their vaccines must help by their parents to get their vaccines and protected from the measles and rubella virus.

Judgment on Liomauri case August 12

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Court of Appeal will make their judgment on the case of Allen Liomauri on August 12, 2022 after prosecution and defence made submissions on the case yesterday.

Defence filed an appeal regarding the conviction; the accused Liomauri was convicted after a trial for killing an elderly person at Ranadi, East Honiara in 2017.

The prisoner Liomauri who was 25 years-old at that time did assault the elderly person on January 14, 2017.

Prosecution said the deceased was 57-year-old was the security officer then at the Sugar and Salt Company at Ranadi, it was on his way to work when he was attacked by the prisoner.

Prosecution said on the day of the incident he was on his way to work, and met a female and the deceased talked with her at the road side, it was at that time the prisoner Liomauri who was also at the vicinity swore at him and a brief argument ensured.

He assaulted the deceased in which he fell and hit his head on the ground and whilst on the ground, Liomauri continued to kick him.

The female then stopped the accused from further assault and the deceased was taken to his work place and later returned home.

He stayed at home and after two days, experienced severe abdominal pain and on 16 January 2017 sought medical attention at the National Referral Hospital.

On the following day, he died and the matter was reported to the police on that same day.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Andrew Kelesi appears for the crown.

NEW LAW ON GOVERNMENT PAY

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister Hurry Kuma

Kuma says bill aims to remove delay in system

By EDDIE OSIFELO

DELAYING of payments between banks and the Government will soon become a “thing of the past” once the Payment Systems Bill 2021 becomes operational.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma stated this during his second reading of the Bill in Parliament yesterday.

Kuma said the Bill will address the risks that exist in our payments landscape.

He said it will ensure that the Central Bank has the oversight and operational mandates to monitor the country’s payments environment.

“This way we are guaranteed safety, efficiency and responsibility as we go about performing our payments obligations,” he said.

Kuma also said the Bill also provides legal parameters on performances of payments service providers whilst it ensures that customers are protected in the whole payment ecosystem.

The 2018 version of the Bill was first tabled in Parliament on 29th June 2018 but never proceeded beyond its second reading.

The Bill was re-introduced again as the Payment System Bill 2020 into Parliament in 2020 but was withdrawn as the Ministry needs to re-examine the Bill and make necessary adjustments to capture our changing economic and financial environment.

In 2021, the Payment Systems Bill 2021 was re-introduced in Parliament.

Kuma said there were amendments made to the Bill at the Bills and Legislation Committee level in 2018 to ensure that the legislation correctly reflects the policy intent.

He said the amendments include the use of the terms common law, international reporting standards and international accounting in the Bill and increase the rate of penalties to deter any person from sabotaging the smooth operation of the payment ecosystem.

Debate of the Bill commences at 9.30 am today.

PM: nothing left to explain

Written by
Ben Bilua
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PM and Madam Sogavare arriving at Nausori airport.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there is nothing left to explain to the world about Solomon Islands’ security pact with China.

He says explanations to the Sino-Solomons deal have been exhausted.

He made the statement when speaking to regional journalists during the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting held in Suva, Fiji last week.

Sogavare emphasised that the best way going forward is to rebuild trust between those concerned and Solomon Islands.

“I believe it is now time for our friends and partners to also understand what we are saying and trust us. It’s all about trust.

“And accept our explanation as well our commitment to our peace progress and prosperity of our region.

“I also ask the media to be objective and accurate in presenting our case instead of contributing to misinformation which leads things blow out of proportion and this opportunity will be rested that opportunity to clear the information,” he said.

Sogavare said Solomon Islands respects the sovereignty of each country when they make decisions; and Solomon Islands asks for the same respect from others in relation with China.

He told journalists that the principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference are enshrined in the 2000 Biketawa and 2018 Boe Declaration.

“It’s important for us, very important for us, Solomon Island ask others to respect these principles in the same way Solomon Islands does not interfere in the sovereign issues of any member of Pacific family.

“As a member of the same family, we must also understand the diversity of the region, each countries equality, their stage of development and of course their needs.

“I think we must also ensure all communiques and meetings such as we are having now are very important talanoa, speak to each other, raise concerns, ask questions especially during this very challenging times when we are collectively confront by the pandemic and effects of Ukraine/ Russian war as well as increasingly complex geopolitical landscape of our region,” Sogavare said.

He said Pacific Islands Forum plays a critical role to ensure sovereign issue by each forum country do not undermine the security of forum members individually or collectively.

Sogavare said his delegation to the 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has held talks with leaders in the Pacific so as donor partners about the China/Solomon Islands Security Arrangements to which responds were positive.

SIBC board to meet with PM

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Sogavare during the recent PIF meeting

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBERS of Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) Board will meet with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to discuss their fate tomorrow.

The Prime Minister had omitted SIBC as a State-Owned Enterprise recently, leaving the Board’s status in doubt.

Sogavare could not meet with the Board after he attended the 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders meeting in Suva, Fiji from July 11-14, 2022.

The appointment of the SIBC Board will now done in accordance with the Broadcasting Act Cap 122.

Acting chairman of SIBC Board, Dr William Parairato said the members are not sure if they will be in the Board.

Parairato said under the Broadcasting Act Cap 122, the Prime Minister will appoint new Board members.

“This is one of the issues we will discuss with the Prime Minister to clear our doubts,” he said.

Under the SOE Regulation 2010, the SIBC Board has a term of 3 years or less term.

However, under the Broadcasting Act CAP 122, Corporation Board will have a term not exceeding 5 years.

Further to that, under SOE, SIBC benefited from Community Service Obligation, where the Accountable Minister may submit a proposal which describe the nature and scope of the CSO.

SIBC must meet within 10 working days, give to the Accountable Minister an estimate of the cost of SOE of providing CSO obligation.

Under the Broadcasting Act CAP 122, SIBC will now borrow money by issue of debentures or debenture stock.

A debenture is a type of debt instrument that is not backed by any collateral and usually has a term greater than 10 years.

The debenture is to assist the Corporation for:

  1. the provision of working capital;
  2. for performing the functions of the Corporation under this Act;
  3. the acquisition of undertakings;
  4. any other expenditure properly chargeable to capital account; and
  5. any other purpose whatsoever which the Minister of Finance after consultation with the Cabinet may by notice specify.

The Corporation may borrow by way of temporary loan or overdraft such sums of money as it deems fit not exceeding an amount approved by the Minister of Finance.

The revenue receive from broadcasting of advertisements and message shall not be liable to income tax.

The Corporation to receive annual subsidy from the Government.

Further to that, a Prime Minister has a power to prohibit SIBC to broadcast or televise any matter, or matter of any class or character unless it is based on national interest.

Or the Prime Minister may request the Corporation to refrain from broadcasting any such matter.

This is stipulate under Section 24 of the Broadcasting Act Cap 122.

The Government omitted SIBC as a SOE in what it claimed not making any profits as required under the SOE Act 2007.

Police officer case on missing $300k moved

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The case against a police officer alleged of stealing more than $300,000 exhibit money at the Rove exhibit facility has adjourned to August 3, 2022 for pre-trial conference.

The case was mentioned in court yesterday and was adjourned to allow counsels time to prepare papers for PTC.

Officer Makasi Dolaiano is alleged of stealing One Link Pacifica’s money that was kept as an exhibit to One-link cases before the court.

It is alleged that the said officer was the exhibit officer at that time, and was responsible for looking after the facility when the $300k exhibit money went missing in October 2020.

Investigation was conducted and he was charged with the offence.

He is currently on bail awaiting his case to be dealt with by the court.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the Crown.

FORAU FACES COURT

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Temotu premier charged with 14 counts of conversion

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

TEMOTU premier and former Member of Parliament for Temotu VATUD constituency, Clay Soalaoi Forau, is facing 14 counts of conversion in relation to an agricultural project fund in 2012.

Forau is accused of converting $358,890 for cocoa and coconut funding under the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock for his personal benefit when he was MP.

Police alleged in 2012, payments were raised to assist farmers in Temotu VATUD constituency for Cocoa and Coconut assistance fund.

On August 9, 2012 an amount of $164,131 for cocoa assistance and $186,759 for coconut totaled up to $358, 890 was paid into the VATUD constituency account.

Farmers who applied for those two funding and did not receive any assistance from Forau reported the matter to the Police for investigation.

Forau was arrested this week when he came to Honiara for official duties and charged for the alleged conversion offence.

Appearing in court before Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite, Public Prosecutor Hellen Naqu said prosecution agreed to allow bail for the defendant but on strict conditions.

She said that since the defendant will reside in Lata, he must adhere to bail conditions that a $2000 cash bail must be paid to court before he is released, report to Lata police station once a week, not to interfere with police witnesses, not to re-offend while on bail and sureties to enter into a principal bail of $500 each.

Magistrate Chite granted the conditions and released Forau on bail while his case is progressing before the court.

Chite also made orders for the defendant to adhere to the bail conditions as prosecution has the right to revoke bail once any breach occurs to the bail conditions.

Magistrate Chite adjourned the case to August 17, 2022 for mention and also at that time prosecution and defence to inform court as to where the matter will be heard – Lata or Honiara.

Australia announces awards for students to study at RTCs

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Education Secretaries together with Australian Government Acting High Commissioner Sally-Anne

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ACTING Australian High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent has announced that Australia through its Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) has awarded 125 students to undertake studies in selected Rural Training Centres.

Ms Vincent said out of the 125 awardees, 54 are young women and girls.

She said the scholarship awards will continue in 2023.

She said education is at the forefront of Australia’s support to the Solomon Islands and TVET remains the core pillar of its education program.

“TVET is key to economic development, it plays an important role in all economies providing practical and technical skills needed to make core industries drive”, Ms Vincent said.

She said 125 young people will have the opportunity to undertake their studies in the selected RTCs, and qualification can be undertaken in Agri-business, Automotive engineering, carpentry and construction, Tourism and Hospitality.

She also said that new opportunities for young women and girls on new direction programs will also be introduced.

 The program is a first of its kind to be established in country, and it is to deliver introductory training to women and girls on male dominated areas like in the trades and areas that only men and boys are involved and trained in.

Meanwhile, APTC Country Director, Abigail Chang said APTC always makes sure that the training they provided meet the standards of what the employers need.

She said Australia has supported APTC to expand and currently through support from the Australian Government, APTC now has 10 national training providers in the country.

The three national training providers are San Isidro and Kaotave in Guadalcanal and Garanga in Isabel province.

New education initiative for schools with form 6 on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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(Second from right, front row) is Mr Celsius Talifilu, Dr Edgar Pollard and Premier Daniel Suidani join heads from 11 schools in the province who attended the symposium in AUki yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Mala I Tolo Indigenous Guardianship Trust (MITIGT) group through its education Initiative component will pilot a block study course for 11 senior secondary schools on Malaita province.

The program is a new initiative, and falls in line with national guideline policies including the education action plan with the incorporation of environment and culture into the course.

A symposium for Malaita school leaders, partners of the program was held in Auki on Friday to inform them on the initiative and gather inputs for the program.

Coordinator of the Education Initiative component, Dr Edgar Pollard outlined that MITIGT was set-up in partnership with the MARA government and in line with its restorative economy policy direction.

He said this is also in response to the Malaita Moratorium passed by the MARA government to protect areas 400m above sea level also known as sky island.

Pollard said through the establishment of the trust, they have sourced funds to pilot the education initiative under MITIGT, targeting schools with form six classes in the province.

He explained that the block course has four components; Maths, English, IT online learning and Tolo which includes environment and culture.

Pollard said for Maths and English, it’s basically to help the students as part of their preparation towards exam this year.

He said under IT and online learning component, it is important students interact with online systems like laptops and tablets to prepare them for online learning in the future.

Pollard said the last component is Tolo, which incorporates the environment and their culture under the study course.

He said the course has a 20hrs duration and is planned to roll for two to three months starting next month.

Pollard said the course will be carried out by mentors who will be recruited by MITIGT and based at the schools under the subvention of the program.

He said mentors will be providing extra hand support to schools, especially for form 6 tutors to prepare students for their exams.

Pollard also said, MITIGT will help install internets in schools and provide basic IT equipment like laptops and tablets for the course.

He said an added benefit of the course is students who complete the course will be eligible to a small school support towards their tuition.

Pollard said MITIGT will pilot its education initiative program this year for schools with form 6, and next year it may roll out to other forms.

RTCs – a second chance for school drop outs

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Education Secretaries together with Australian High commission staff and ATPC staff

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

TECHNICAL Vocational Education Training or Rural Training Centre is seen as second chance education for those who are unable to further their studies in the formal education sector.

Solomon Islands Association of Rural Training Centres (SIARTC) is the umbrella body for the Rural Vocational Training Centres (RTCs), non-formal educational institutions for young men and women.

RTC trainees graduates with the appropriate knowledge and practical skills for self-sufficiency, productivity and responsible citizenship within the rural community.

SIARTC was established in March 1992.

Joseph Pitakia, Chair of National Education Board said the current Education Act does not capture TVET or RTCs, as the education act currently used was drafted way back in 1978 by late Sir Francis Bugotu.

“In that act it does not have anything to do with RTC or TVET, and what support for TVET we think should come from the Ministry of Education, it does not happen because the current act did not capture any language for the TVET sector.

“However, we are so fortunate that even though there is no act for TVET, the Government is committed to support the TVET sector with grants and paying of their staff”, Pitakia said.

He said Church Education authorities formed a coalition and supported the TVET sector to give opportunity to our children who are unable to go through.

“To be honest in the new Education Bill that we are currently working on, TVET education is not captured, although there is a need for us to have it with the population increase, we have now”, Pitakia said.

Pitakia when questioned why TVET education was not captured in the current Bill, said the Board does not have the answer, as it is the responsibility of the government and the board is only there to monitor how the act and regulation works on all institution.

“But after we raised concerns on why the TVET sector was not in the Bill, the government said they will create a mini bill so this TVET act can be nested somewhere in the main Act but that is not yet done”, Pitakia said.

Meanwhile, Pitakia thanked Australia for their support towards the TVET sector for recognizing the sector and filling in the gap by directly working with TVET as it is a real need for this country, in training young people upgrade their skills.

“The TVET sector is important as not every student was given the ability for cognitive development some of them are very skilful and I thank the Churches for their initiative in this sector,” Pitakia added

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