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Police to be deployed to covid-stricken Bellona Island

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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COVID-19 is spreading on Bellona Island.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is preparing to deploy personnel to Bellona, it is reported.

This follows an urgent request by the Bellona covid-19 committee for police to help in enforcing national covid-19 regulations and safety measures.

Police Media’s Desmond Rave yesterday told Island Sun that the RSIPF Executive have no time for media enquiries.

“They are very busy people dealing with other matters besides media inquiries. They have many things on their table to deal with.”

However, this paper managed to contact the team leader Sergeant Mick Pongi, who confirmed the deployment of four, including himself.

“Yes I can confirm that three officers and I will be heading for Bellona tomorrow [today, Thursday, March 10] to help the frontliners there enforce covid-19 safety regulations and restrictions.

“Our deployment will be a boost to the small number of frontliners on Bellona who have been struggling to cope with the unexpected invasion of covid-19 there.

“May I make an appeal for public in Bellona to please cooperate with authorities. The covid-19 outbreak can be brought to heel if we cooperate with our frontliners and adhere to the national covid-19 safety measures and regulations.”

Speaking to Island Sun from Tingoa, Renbel police commander (PPC) Staff Sergeant Eddie Peseika, who is also the chair for the province’s Disaster Operations Committee (PDOC), confirms having arranged police personnel to be sent over to support frontline work on Bellona.

“Despite difficulties in communications with Bellona, I have managed to discern the fact that there is a need for police personnel to help frontliners enforce covid-19 regulations and safety measures.

“My request has been granted by the Rove HQ, and three personnel are being prepped to be sent over to Bellona. I am still pushing for a fourth officer.

“I have also requested a scooter to be sent along with the contingent.

“As Chair of Renbel’s PDOC, I stand ready to help and support Bellona and their sub-committee in this time of covid-19 outbreak. And I appeal for more communication from the Bellona sub-committee with me regarding update reports.”

Island Sun understand from previous reports that frontliners on Bellona has only two Community Officers helping them with enforcement.

RSIPF personnel deployment promises to boost operations.

Man pleads not guilty to sex charge on underage

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man who is facing one count of sexual intercourse charge entered a not guilty plea when he appeared in court yesterday.

His case was mentioned via zoom at the Honiara Magistrate Court.

The man who cannot be named for legal reasons was accused to have committed the offence on a 12-year-old female child on December 4, 2021 at the Lungga area.

He told the court yesterday that the allegation is not true.

The accused also said that he only touches the victim without committing the sexual offence on her.

Public Prosecutor Pellie Letiara who appeared on behalf of her colleague Olivia Manu then ask the court time to allow then prepare the committal papers.

She said since the accused entered a not guilty plea, the case will be committed to the High Court for trial.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison then adjourned the case to March 15 for committal hearing.

Office of the Public Solicitor’s office is representing the accused.

Japan seals support for SIBC

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Representative from SIBC and Embassy of Japan posed for a photo shot after the signing on Monday

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Embassy of Japan has signed an agreement with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation aimed at financing a generator to support SIBC in disseminating information.

The assistance is expected to reach around $557,000 to be provided under the Embassy’s Grassroots and Human Security Scheme.

Acting Ambassador Norimasa Yoshida said this scheme supports basic information services such as radio broadcasting that enables people to get information especially in isolated rural areas where people are heavily dependent on the radio for the information.

“I believe that importance of information from the radio broadcast has just been proved under covid-19 pandemic. SIBC has been playing a very significant role of delivering the messages regarding the pandemic from the government and its agencies to all of the people through the country,” Yoshida said.

He believes that this project will have positive impacts on how to improve communication and information services in Solomon Islands and strengthen further relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan.   

Johnson Honimae, chief executive officer SIBC, acknowledged the government of Japan for accepting their project proposal despite the fact it is not located in a rural area.

“This standby generator will ensure the uninterrupted broadcast by SIBC of news, information, education and entertainment to our people,” Honimae said.

“This new standby genset we are signing the documents for this afternoon (Monday afternoon), will put an end to those interruption.”

The signing ceremony was held on Monday at the office of the Embassy of Japan in Honiara.

MV Ongou to deliver covid-19 assistance to Ongtong Java

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Mr Wei of Red Star shopping delivered the bags of rice purchased by MOI constituency office to Mr Seulu at the Wharf .Photos BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MV ONGOU is preparing to depart for Ongtong Java for the purpose of delivering COVID-19 assistance rendered by the Member of Parliament for Malaita Outer Islands Martin Kealoe.

Mr Kealoe through the Malaita Outer Islands constituency office provided 120 tonnes of rice, equivalent to 6000 20kg bags of rice to assist the people of MOI during this pandemic.

Hardworking boys loading bags of Rice

Mr Kealoe upon delivering these of assistance said this support will sustain families in ward 31 Liuania and ward 32 Pelau.  

On the same note he acknowledged the director Marine, Commissioner of Police, Malaita Province Oversight Committee and the national government for the exemption to allow the MV Ongou to carry the assistance to Ontong Java today.

Mr Seulu and one of the many hardworking boys posed with bags of rice

On the same note, Constituency Accountant Officer Frazer Seulu confirmed that Mr Kealoe through the constituency office had also supported his people residing in Honiara and those from Tetere to Aruligo.

Seulu said Sikaiana will be the next ward to receive their covid-19 support from the MOI constituency office.

He said shipment date is yet to be confirmed.

Family go hungry due to covid-19 restrictions and no support.

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PEOPLE who contracted covid-19 in the provinces have endured the brunt of related social and welfare challenges.

People are fending for their families to survive when tested positive unlike in the capital Honiara where positive patients enjoys government assistances while on isolation or quarantine.

An example of this is a family living in Gizo who has been tested positive and are now advised to stay home.

Report reaching Island Sun Gizo office states that all members of the family were tested positive and that they are restricted from moving around.

While the advice is important to stop the virus from spreading, it begs another question and that is who will provide for COVID-19 patients with foods and other necessities.

According to the report, the family was without food for sometimes and decided to find source of income to support themselves.

Again, this raised a question as to why the government is not able to balance the level of assistance towards COVID-19 patients in the province like in Honiara.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo last month, Chairperson of Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee Jeffrey Wickham said managing COVID patients undergoing home quarantine is very difficult due to many reasons.

He stressed that one of the main issue is luck of financial resources to assist patients undergoing home quarantine.

Commenting on a post on Facebook, Wickham said WPDOC has no financial capability to fulfil needed assistance.

“I’m also concerned about the welfare of families who are undergoing home quarantine. All potential sources to get funding in the province have been exhausted and now we are also running behind time in our operation,” he said.

Wickham adds that there is no regular funding to coming into WPDOC to roll out needed programs that would see welfare of COVID-19 patients are respected.

He suggests that it is high time for Members of Parliaments and the national government to help provinces with necessary financial assistances.

NPF board to decide next week on partial withdrawal of members’ fund

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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SINPF Building in Honiara

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Board will deliberate on the request next Tuesday 15th March for eligible members to partially withdraw their funds.

One Board member confirmed that Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries has sent the request to SINPF Board to assess the request due to the Covid-19 pandemic that affected most members.

Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM) and Vice Chairman of the National Oversight Committee (NOC) Dr Jimmie Rodgers also confirmed last Sunday during the National Oversight Committee Talk Back Show.

He was responding to a question raised by one of the listeners who asked if there’s any plan by SINPF Board to allow members to withdraw part of their contributions.

In response Dr Jimmie who is also the chairman SINPF Board confirmed, a request has been submitted to the Board and they will be looking at it.

“We have received a request on it and SINPF Board will be looking at it,” he said.

Initially, members have withdrew about $5000 under the SINPF Exemption Order from 1st April to 30th June 2020.

This followed the endorsement made by Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma.

SINPF General Manager, Mike Wate told media in 2020 that about 20,255 were early withdrawals by members made under the covid-19 exemption orders for $97.5 million.

The Fund is established by the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund Act 1973.

It commenced operations on 1st October 1976 and classified as a defined contribution fund.

  1. Members legally are to contribute a minimum of 5% and multiple of 10% on voluntary basis
  • Employers legally are to contribute 7.5% on behalf of his/her employee
  • Board mandated to declare a minimum statutory crediting rate of 2.5% to members on or before end of September (SINPF Amendement Act 2018)

In 2003, SINPF is deemed a financial institution under the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) and subject to prudential reviews by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)

Solomon Islands National Provident Fund comes under the responsibility of the Minister of Finance.

By virtue of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund Act, the Minister has the overall authority concerning the affairs of the Fund.

China scholarships to be opened soon

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Chinese Government Scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year will open for application shortly.

The Chinese Embassy will make public announcement at a later stage.

About 78 students are heading to China on March 21 to study in different universities.

Forty-three of the students are male while 35 are females.

The PRC Embassy in Honiara said in 2020 and 2021, together with Ministry of Education of Solomon Islands, China provided additional Government Scholarships and enrolled a good number of Solomon Islands students.

“The enrollment was strictly based on academic performance of applicants through strict procedures of Chinese universities,” PRC Embassy said.

“Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Solomon Islands students had to postpone their travels to China. They are very interested in China and eager to go for studies.

“These students will acquire knowledge and skills in Chinese universities, and become bridge of friendship between our two peoples,” PRC Embassy said.

Education is one of the priority areas of cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.

Since establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, our two countries, through friendly consultations, have discussed arrangements for Solomon Islands students to study in mainland Chinese universities.

Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers confirmed during the Talk Back show on Sunday that the students will be flown on a special charter flight by Solomon Airlines to China.

He did not indicate the actual number but stated that almost 90 students will be on the flight to China.

Kehosi denies compensation claim

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for ward 31 (Luaniua) in Malaita Outer Islands (MOI), John Kehosi says he doesn’t know of any compensation claim reported in the media of Malaita’s non-executives.

The MPA made the statement when queried on an alleged claimed of $160,000 and 16 tafulia’e to be paid to 16 MPA on the non-executive bench of MPG to reconcile with MARA government.

According to the report, the claim was purposely to recompense the non-executives for unacceptable language supporters of MARA government had made at them during last year’s failed motion of no-confidence.

In denying knowledge of the reports, Kehosi said:

“Recently, I was phoned by colleague MPA for ward 11, Hon Elijah Asilaua and informed me on a proposed reconciliation with MARA government.

“He asked me if I could find any possible mean to get to Honiara or Auki to prepare for the reconciliation ahead of the upcoming budget meeting.

“Currently, I’am with my people in Luaniua and I’m trying my luck amidst this difficult times to get to Honiara and Auki to sort things out.

“And I must say, I’m whole heartedly ready to reconcile with MARA government over past grievances and work collectively together for the good of the province,” Kehosi said.

Thus, the MPA said the way forward is to put things right amongst them leaders and move forward.

He said he’s still in Luaniua and awaiting to get any available transport to Auki ahead of the upcoming budget meeting.

Western schools will not open unless we listen, says Tozaka

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo Community High School

 BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRINCIPAL Education Officer of Western Province says schools will not open as people continue to breach covid-19 protocols resulting in the province’s surging number of cases.

Freedom Tozaka said the confidence to reopen schools is slim in Western Province as covid-19 cases continue to increase.

“Our schools will not start as we expected as most people ignore COVID-19 safety protocols

“People are not listening to advises given out by authorities.

“Worst still few individuals willingly disobey rules and regulations put forward by responsible authorities. If we continue to ignore the rules and regulations to some extent that we are not respecting the right of our children to learn,” he said.

Tozaka said Western Education Authority wants to see collaborative and collective efforts from parents, communities and elders to contain this virus.

He said action of many individuals within the province are not helping children to go back to school.

Tozaka reiterated that reopening of schools depends on the level of seriousness of from parents’, community and the general public in containing the virus.

“Unless the level of cases are decreased to certain degree, then we will going to authorise face to face mode of learning with prior approval from the Ministry,” he said.

PNG doc says he’s pursuing justice

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Dr Maine Asapo, the doctor who was earlier accused of bringing the virus into the Solomon Islands

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

A Papua New Guinea medical doctor, Dr Ma’ine Asapo has now settled down at his home a free man, but he says his fight for justice will continue.

Asapo said he is seeking legal advice with the intention to take the Solomon Islands government to court for defamation of character.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare earlier accused Asapo for being the “index” case of the COVID-19 community transmission that has since spread across the country.

Sogavare claimed Asapo “brought in the first Covid-19 transmission from Tasman to Palau on 9 January 2022.

Government later found the claim to be untrue because further investigation revealed the virus had already entered the community before Asapo arrived in Ontong Java.

Asapo was however, charged with one count of Prohibition of Entry of Non-Citizens and Restrictions of Movement of Small Craft vessel under the State of Public Emergency (SOPE).

But Sogavare intervened by exercising his power to deal with Asapo’s case administratively.

His was acquitted in court and fined $10,000.

In an exclusive interview from PNG, Asapo said his case is a clear example of the judiciary system being compromised and that the SOPE must end.

“The only thing that is very disturbing is I strongly believe the judiciary system is compromise; one can clearly see this in our case.

“The very person who is behind this has at the end interfered to save his face,” he said.

Asapo and his family flew out of the country on March 4 via a special flight that came in to pick up PNG police officers who have been serving here since December last year.

Asapo said he is happy to return home a free man but his fight for justice will continue

“I am seeking legal advice to determine my next course of action.”

When asked about his citizenship and why he travel to Ontong Java, he said he was born in Honiara and holds a PNG passport.

He explained that they travelled to OTJ because people have been travelling from Tasman to Luianiua every week since December 2021.

He said the list of border crossers are with the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) RSIPF.

Asapo claimed the SI government has imposed this draconian SOPE Act without even considering the lives of those on the OTJ -Tasman border. 

“It is even stated very clearly in the SOPE Act section 8 (4).

“I am very sad how the PM and Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) have lied to the people of SI.

“This raises serious concern and makes us lose trust and hope in the current government,” he said.

Asapo requested the PM to make an official apology in black and white to him and his group both the SI and PNG media which they have also used to tarnish his reputation.

He said his other colleagues have also been acquitted but he did not understand why they are delaying this.

“I was advised their court case on Friday (4/03/22) has been adjourned to another 14 days. “This is very unfair and very concerning.

“We committed the same offence although our charges are different in a sense that we are from PNG.

“The other two are even my blood brothers who are SI citizens.”

Attorney General John Muria in a recent talk back show clarified that Asapo and his partner were acquitted in the court but they still commit the offence for entering the country illegally and were dealt with administratively under the SOPE.

He said there are two options under the regulation in terms of charging those that breach it.

First one is to have them charged and go through the criminal proceedings in courts.

The second is the Prime Minister has an option to impose administrative penalties.

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