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Court acquits man of Bellona murder

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has acquitted a man of the murder charge relating to the incident which occurred in Bellona in 2019.  

Sir Albert in delivering judgment yesterday said he is not satisfied crown has established to the requisite standard that the killing was done with malice aforethought, that the defendant intended to cause the death of or grievous bodily harm to the deceased and disproved the defence of self-defense raised by the defendant.

“I enter a finding of not guilty and order that the defendant be acquitted herewith, he is entitled to be released at the rising of the court herewith,” Sir Albert said.

This is the case of Bruno Sapa who had been accused of killing a man at Pauta Village on April 2, 2019, Bellona Island.

The deceased in this case was a 19-year-old man from Bellona Island.

Prosecution said a group of boys including the deceased were drinking on the morning of April 2, 2019, and a heated argument arose about the elections which led to the fight between the deceased and defendant.

He entered a not guilty plea and a trial was conducted on his case.

Sir Albert said the burden of proof lies with Prosecution who is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to cause the death of or grievous bodily to the deceased.

Sir Albert after analysing the evidence produced before the court said that he is satisfied that the evidence is consistent that he was trying to stop the deceased from what he was doing at that time.

There is no evidence of any intention at that time to kill the deceased or cause grievous bodily harm to him, instead it was the deceased who had sought to attack him, if he had the intention to kill the deceased, he could have attacked him first, but he did not, Sir Albert said.

Sir Albert said the doctor’s opinion which is uncontested is relevant in my considered view to the question of self-defence, for it relates directly to the pre-emptive strike of the defendant in throwing the spear at the deceased.

“I am satisfied this is similar to what the defendant faced in this case, the fact scenario is consistent with a pre-emptive strike done to defend himself from someone he reasonably believed was about to attack him, in perceiving that imminent threat to his life, he threw the spear at the defendant and thereby fatally injured him.

“I am satisfied his action in throwing the spear was in response to a reasonable apprehension of death or serious bodily harm,” Sir Albert said.

Sir Albert also said the issue of provocation has been raised as an alternative in this case by the defence in the event that self-defence is not upheld, that however has not been the case and therefore it would not have been necessary to consider the alternative defence of provocation.

Stanley Aupai of the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the accused while Margaret Suifaasia of the Public Prosecution appears on behalf of the crown.

Maeoli says Restocin helped him recovered

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Honiara City Council Mayor, Israel Maeoli has testified that Restocin helped him recovered from the deadly coronavirus.

Restocin is an anti-cold drug in tablet form. It has been in use since 1917 to treat common colds. Restocin is a combination drug which contains paracetamol (500mg), chlorphenamine (anti-histamine) (2mg), caffeine (30mg) and phenylephrine (5mg).

Maeoli was a victim of the virus after he tested positive following a test at National Referral Hospital.

He was referred to the Multipurpose Hall Central Field Hospital for admission.

His cousin brother, Allan Siau, who is a close friend of trained medical doctor, Reginald Aipia heard about it and visited him at the Central Field Hospital.

Siau gave him the first dose of restocin upon advice from Dr Aipia.

Maeoli said the first dose helped him recover quickly from the sick bed.

“I developed short-wind at the Field Hospital so the doctors injected me.

“However, the restocin tablets I took really helped me to recover quickly,” Maeoli testified.

He encouraged public who are suffering from covid-19 to get restocin because it is very helpful.

“I already discharged from the Field hospital 1 and half week ago,” he added.

Another former HCC Mayor, Wilson Maemae was also the victim of the virus but got recovered after he took restocin.

Maemae told Solomon Star recently that he was introduced to the drug by someone.

“I was not convinced at first but then the history of Restocin convinced me. The drug was first introduced in Germany in 1917 after the First World War. It was intended to treat men who were exposed to a variety of chemicals used during the War. Restocin was also very effective against influenza-like flu and cold brought on by the wintry condition in Europe at the time, It was just a perfect drug,” he said.

“And for me and my wife, Restocin was all we needed. We were up the next day after taking the treatment. It’s a wonder drug. Now almost everyone who works for the Honiara City Council moves around with Restocin in their pockets,” Cr. Mamae said.

The news of his rapid recovery soon swept through the Council Chamber in the same way the corona virus has ravaged the country.

On Thursday 17th February, the Council Executive met and unanimously passed the resolution, authorizing the Head of the Health Division to buy and stock all Honiara City Council clinics with Restocin.

The coronavirus is a common cold, which can be effectively treated with an early intervention of three courses of Restocin over three days or five days at the longest period of treatment.

Dr. Aipia, a doctor of medicine said the reason so many people have died in Honiara is because the common cold had been allowed to develop into pneumonia.

“The National Referral Hospital should be clear of any covid patients within a week if we apply this simple yet very effective drug.

In Ontong Java some 2, 000 people were affected at the beginning of the outbreak but now they are leading a normal life and are enjoying bechedemer harvesting every day.”

Croc attack, one life lost

Written by
Ben Bilua
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A crocodile attack has claimed the life of a person in the Western province.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A crocodile attack has claimed another life yesterday at Simbilado village, North Vella, Western Province.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Patrick Vilaka from Simbilado village said the deceased, in his 20s, went out on a diving trip when he was attacked by crocodile.

He said the community sent out a search party after noticing the deceased had failed to return home yesterday morning.

“Around 11pm last night (Monday night) the deceased went out diving for fish and was not able to make it back home.

“It was in the morning that few members of the community realised that the deceased was missing.

“Young men and elder of the community then set off to look for the deceased. They were able to locate the deceased canoe with few fish inside. Another group of boys dived and search the area and found the deceased spear.

“It was the sign on the deceased spear that the search party suspected that it was a crocodile attack,” Vilaka said.

He said the body of the deceased was retrieved when a group of men spooked a huge crocodile floating not far from where the deceased was diving.

“Our men were skeptical when they saw the crocodile, but when they shot the croc with their spears, the croc left leaving the deceased’s body behind and the men retrieve his body,” Vilaka explained.

He said the angry villagers have speared the croc but it dived underwater.

Vilaka said the villagers are still hunting the killer croc.

He said the deceased left behind his wife and two daughters.

Vilaka said chiefs and elders of Simbilado village have warned community members to take extra precaution when diving within the area.

Kehosi calls on people in Ontong Java to get vaccines

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Vaccination roll-out program at Luaniua in Ontong java last year.....Photo supplied

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for ward 31 (Luaniua) in Malaita Outer Islands (MOI), John Kehosi calls on communities in Ontong Java to do all that is needed to protect them from the current covid-19 transmission.

In an interview, he said the situation is still active for the country and vaccination is paramount like never before.

He said it’s time communities within the atolls work closely together and heed health advices to protect everyone from the virus.

“One way of protecting our people is the vaccine and I urge those from Ontong Java whether on the atolls or elsewhere to take their vaccines.

“I know almost everyone of eligible population in Luaniua and Pelau had taken their vaccines, but there are few who are yet to complete their jabs and yet to get their vaccines must do so,” Kehosi said.

He said a health team is currently in Ontong Java, and it must be seen as an opportunity for the people of the two atolls to access medical help.

He adds, this is especially true given the geographic isolation of Ontong Java.

Western education thanks Aust gov’t for help

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Education Authority has acknowledged the Australian Government for its financial support towards Children Home Learning Programme.

Acknowledgement is also extended to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD) for seeing it fit to produce such an important material for children.

Principal Education Officer of Western Province Education Authority, Freedom Tozaka described the Home Learning Materials as a huge blessing to children who have been denied learning due to the pandemic.

He said the materials arrived safely at Western Province’s Education Authority and are ready for distribution to all schools in the province.

“We understand that there is a program on radio but it is sad that most parents do not have radio to listen and help their children.

“These materials are game changer and will definitely help our children to continue with their education at home.

“I on behalf of children, teachers, parents and people of Western Province wish to acknowledge Australian Government and the Ministry of Education for this important program,” Tozaka said.

Western education to distribute home learning materials

Written by
Ben Bilua
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WP Education Authority Officials pose for a photo with the Home Learning materials

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province’s Education Authority will distribute Home Learning Materials for children next week.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Principal Education Office of Western Education Authority, Freedom Tozaka said consultations on how to distribute the materials is underway.

He said his office is cautious on how to roll out Home Learning programmes as threat of COVID-19 still high in the communities.

“Our best shot is to work closely with teachers and community leaders on best approach to roll out the Home Learning Programme.

“We do not want to expose our children to this virus and this is one of our fear.

“We know that there are committees in respective communities in respect COVID-19 protocols and appeal to chiefs and leaders to work closely with our teachers when the materials arrived at respective communities,” Tozaka said.

He said the materials are very important for children learning continuity during the pandemic which has forced schools to remain closed until now.

Tozaka said the Ministry of Education has already declared children learning continuity begins this week as such collective efforts is needed in Western province to see the ambition roll out successfully.

Australia to build six provincial markets

Written by
Press Release
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The bustling Gizo Market. PHOTO: SIIP

Australia’s flagship Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) has agreed to fast track redevelopment of six markets across Malaita, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Isabel and Western Province, improve provincial ports and launch a new SIIP website.

SIIP is in its first phase of implementation. Work on the markets project is expected to commence by December 2022.

These priorities were set at SIIP’s second joint Steering Committee meeting, co-chaired by Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers and Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan.

Given the volume of high-profile and urgent work coming down the SIIP pipeline, the Committee agreed to increase its meetings from every six months to quarterly.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Rodgers emphasised that SIIP’s SBD1.5 billion infrastructure program is crucial for realising the economic potential of Solomon Islands.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Rodgers and Australian High Commissioner Dr Strahan co-chairing the meeting.jpg

“SIIP will work with our local industries to build capacity, ensure appropriate designs and create employment while delivering national infrastructure such as markets which drive economic growth.”

Australian High Commissioner Dr Strahan said social issues and economic growth were interdependent, and SIIP would drive local engagement and locally-led construction activities wherever possible.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brings into sharp focus the importance of sustainable economic growth and has highlighted the need to create meaningful economic opportunities, both in Honiara and the provinces, for everyone, including young people, women, and marginalised groups,” said High Commissioner Strahan. 

“For many, this means connecting gardens to markets to create family income.

Members of the joint steering committee at the meeting.JPG

“The new markets in Buala (Isabel), Malu’u (Malaita) and Seghe (Western province) will ensure people have economic opportunities that are accessible and inclusive.

“This will ensure the continued generation of much needed daily income, which Australia, through SIIP, is proud to facilitate,” he said.

While based on the Gizo market, the design of the additional markets will be adjusted to improve functionality and coverage of commodities such as fish. 

The locations of the markets in Honiara (one) and Guadalcanal (two) will be determined shortly. 

The SIIP Hub briefed the Steering Committee, which includes the Permanent Secretaries of the

Ministries of National Planning and Development Coordination, Susan Sulu, and Finance and Treasury, Mckinnie Dentana, on SIIP’s wide range of upcoming infrastructure activities, including by helping to realise Bina Harbour in Malaita through a water and sanitation feasibility study and undertaking an assessment to improve and expand Noro Port. 

The Steering Committee also noted the progress made on the New Zealand led project to upgrade the Taro and Seghe runways and the Australian led design for the Naha Birthing Centre and Urban Clinic. 

An ariel view of Gizo Markets

Dr Strahan complimented the program team for remaining flexible, adaptable and accessible to the changing economic circumstances of Solomon Islands. 

“Despite recent challenges of civil unrest and COVID, SIIP has laid the groundwork for an ambitious ten-year program of construction and strengthening the private sector.”

Dr Strahan said SIIP complements a range of other Australia-Solomon Islands development partnerships, including the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the Australia Awards program, the Australian Pacific Training Coalition and Strongim Bisnis. 

“As Australia’s flagship investment in Solomon Islands for promoting national connectivity and building climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, SIIP will work with these other programs to deliver SIIP’s key point of difference to traditional infrastructure projects – a long term focus on inclusive infrastructure, capacity building, inclusion of lifecycle asset planning and local opportunities for employment and business,” said Dr Strahan.

SIIP will continue working closely with a range of partners, including the local business sector, to progress the initiatives approved by the Steering Committee.

Funded by the Australian Government, SIIP is a SBD1.5 billion partnership launched last year between Australia and Solomon Islands to enhance Solomon Islands economic growth by supporting government and industry to plan, deliver and manage economic infrastructure.

Australia’s Pacific head visits here

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Press Release
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(L to R) Head of the Office of the Pacific Ewen McDonald, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan

Australia’s Head of the Pacific in Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has visited the Solomon Islands to reaffirm the two countries’ ongoing partnership.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomed the Head of the Office of the Pacific in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ewen McDonald, back to Honiara, 1-3 March 2022 to discuss the ongoing strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, including in responding to covid-19.  

 “I thank Australia for its continuous support to help Solomon Islands address COVID-19, and in responding so quickly to restore law, order and security following the November 2021 civil unrest,” Sogavare said.

“During our talks, we discussed how Australia can continue to best deliver assistance during this challenging time, including through the ongoing support of Australia through the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF),” he added.

Highlighting just one example of the close partnership with Australia, Sogavare said the Australian Pacific Labour Mobility Schemes provide a valuable opportunity for Solomon Island people to earn an income and learn new skills, including in agriculture, which they can apply when they return home”.

McDonald thanked Sogavare for his warm welcome. He extended Australia’s condolences to all those families in Solomon Islands who have lost loved ones during the covid-19 outbreak.

 “Australia has a strong commitment to the Pacific Family.  Australia and Solomon Islands are not just neighbours, but family who stick together and support each other,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare expressed his sympathy and support to the people of Australia in the face of widespread flooding along the east coast of Australia.

During their meeting, McDonald outlined Australia’s position on Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

Subsequently, both Australia and Solomon Islands voted for a United Nation’s General Assembly resolution deploring Russia’s invasion and calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

In voting for the resolution, Solomon Islands highlighted its grave concern about the invasion and called for dialogue to reach a peaceful diplomatic solution.

McDonald also met with the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma, to discuss the challenging economic and financial situation facing Solomon Islands as a result of the November 2021 civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He attended a roundtable with Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary Police, National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale, Permanent Secretary Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana, and Permanent Secretary National Planning and Development Coordination Susan Sulu.

The roundtable canvassed ongoing cooperation in the areas of policing and national security, health, education, finance and infrastructure.

McDonald subsequently attended a roundtable with development partners convened by PS Dentana, and attended by representatives of New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the ADB, the World Bank and UNDP.

McDonald also visited the National Medical Store to view part of the national COVID-19 response in action.

He underlined Australia’s strong commitment to continue supporting Solomon Islands to combat the virus, including via the provision of medical supplies and the deployment of medical experts such as two experts from the Doherty Institute in Melbourne who are currently working at the molecular laboratory at the National Referral Hospital.

At the invitation of SPM Rodgers, in his capacity as Chair of the 2023 Pacific Games Organising Committee, McDonald toured several of the venues for the Games, including the futsal hall.

He was delighted to meet numerous Australians involved in preparations for the games, as employees or volunteers, as well as Australian Award Alumni who are working on the construction projects.

The Australian delegation abided by all COVID-19 protocols agreed with the Solomon Islands Government, including pre-departure and daily COVID-19 testing, mask wearing and strict social distancing.

–AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

Patient care discussed at NRH

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Press Release
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Health Minister and team talks to a mother admitted at the NRH Golden Ward during local community transmission.

MINISTER of Health and Medical Services and senior officials visited the National Referral Hospital to discuss over care for COVID-19 patients.

 Minister Dr Culwick Togamana, Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and officials from the Ministry of Health together with Senior Management of the National Referral Hospital, yesterday held an Onsite discussion around NRH COVID-19 response and COVID-19 patient care at the NRH Golden Ward.

The Golden Ward, previously the Orthopaedic Ward, was swiftly repurposed for management of critical and severe COVID-19 patients following the outbreak in January 2022.

NRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Malefoasi, Medical Superintendent Dr Janella Solomon including senior NRH staff, Father Selwyn Hou the Director of Nursing and Dr Jones Ghabu, Head of Internal Medicine briefed the minister and team on the various aspects of the hospital’s response to COVID-19.

These include, response efforts at the initial days and weeks following the outbreak, implementation of recommendations by the Australia Medical Assistant team, treatment of COVID-19 positives with underlying health conditions, COVID medical supplies and consumables, human resources etc.

Minister Dr Togamana thanked the hospital management, clinicians, the doctors and nurses, including corporate service staff for their invaluable sacrifices, tireless efforts, hard work, courage and bravery in the management of COVID-19 patients and overall efforts to restore the hospital back to normalcy.

‘Truly it is not an easy task and I stand in great salutation to you all for your hard work, dedication and commitment to saving lives and preserving the health of our people at this difficult time,” Togamana said.

“Many of the issues raised from the need of more supplies for COVID-19 patient care to additional man power and expertise to support the various phases of managing COVID-19 patient and those with underlying health conditions are well noted and immediate actions will be undertaken to ensure these are addressed,” he added.

The health Minister and team also had the opportunity to briefly interact with COVID-19 patient under strict and top-level Infection, Prevention and Control measures.

“Having such an opportunity to talk to COVID-19 patients is crucial to ensure that when we continue to discuss issues and find solutions to our current COVID situation, we can put a face and name to these discussions and this will bring a whole new perspective and right emotions to these discussions,” explained Dr Togamana.

He encouraged the NRH medical team to share their knowledge and skills in management of COVID- patient care to counter parts out in the provinces as the ministry is working hard to equip provincial hospitals, area health centres and rural clinics with COVID-19 supplies.

Similar visits and onsite discussions to other hospitals, clinics across the country are being scheduled for the coming weeks.

Local family of 8 gets Canadian PR

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Press Release
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L to R: Mary Thomas, Mike Thomas, Julieth Thomas, Lesley Thomas, Japhet Thomas, Nickson Thomas, Dennis Thomas, Felix Thomas. Julieth holds the confirmation of the Permanent Residence document. The family of 8 became permanent residents last week. Photo: Mike Thomas

IN a milestone achievement, for the first in the history of Solomon Islands Eight Solomon Islands nationals in Canada have been successfully granted Canadian Permanent Residency.

The eight new Permanent Residents, who are presently in Canada, will call Canada their new permanent home. 

Mike Thomas and his family of seven received their confirmation of Permanent Resident Document late last week from Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada [ IRCC], Canada’s ministry responsible for Citizenship and Immigration.

The document from the Government of Canada’s Immigration division confirms that 8 Solomon Islands nationals are now admitted into Canada as Permanent Residence.

All the 8 nationals have received their official document from the Canadian government known as Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

The recipients are Mike Thomas’ spouse Mary Thomas and children which include Julieth Thomas, Lesley Thomas, Japhet Thomas, Nickson Thomas, Dennis Thomas and  Felix Thomas.

Thomas who hails from Adeade Village in East Central Guadalcanal said that when he communicated the news to his friends and family in his village there were cheers.

“I am excited and there is this joy of celebration among all of the family members who are here with me.

“This becomes our new home. Canada. But Solomon Islands will always be in our heart. It remains our motherland,” Thomas said from Canada.

He said that this is a great achievement not only for him but also for the people of the Solomon Islands.

“The fact that 8 of us here in Canada received our confirmation of permanent residence all at one time is a huge achievement.

“It’s not easy but this was all made possible through hard work, trust, and dedication and continuous support I have received throughout the process,” Thomas said.

“All glory to God who has been with me from the day I was determined to come to Canada. And today here I am in a country where opportunity is limitless.

Mr. Thomas said that he holds devotion prayers every evening.

“When I completed my devotion prayer last week, soon after I saw an email from the Government of Canada.

“I opened it and it says that our application has been approved for PR. I was shocked and excited at the same time.

“This is a big one for me and my family.

“I am so grateful to CITREC for the opportunity it has provided. It would not be possible if I had not got the support.

“That was the steppingstone for my journey to Canada. This is a long-awaited dream come true.”

Thomas also thanked the former Premier of Guadalcanal and present Central Government Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke for his strong vision and commitment to the people of Guadalcanal that saw the program being offered to Guadalcanal people.

“Veke is a visionary leader. His decision is proving results for the people of Guadalcanal,” Thomas said.

“If it was not for Veke’s vision  I and my family would not have had the opportunity and our journey to Canada would not have been possible.

“If you have the will and vision God will help you. He will guide you on every step of life. He will help your dreams come true.”

He also thanked Solomon Islands Consular General to Canada Ashwant Dwivedi for his continued support to him and his family.

“My family becomes the first one from the village to ever receive permanent residence for any country.

“My people in the village, church leaders are all very happy for my and my families’ achievements. Thank you so much Canada for making our dream come true.

“Sky is the limit for my family. My kids are all looking forward to continuing their education and training.

“Two members of my family want to go into trade like electrician and plumbers.

“With the permanent residence they can go to trades university to get their education and in Canada the government makes available student loans and support.

“So, we look forward to that,” Thomas said.

Dwivedi confirmed that eight Solomon Islands nationals have had their status changed from temporary status to Permanent Residence confirming he has received official confirmation.

“I can confirm that 8 of Solomon Islands nationals in Canada are now Canadian Permanent Residents,” Dwivedi said.

Last year alone Canada had granted in total 6 persons of two separate families Permanent Residencies.

They were all in Canada under the temporary seasonal worker program. In previous years additional individuals have been granted permanent residence status in Canada as well.

Last year during the United Nations General Assembly Address [ UNGA] Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manesseh Sogavare had acknowledged the positive impact of Canada’s labour mobility partnership with the people and government of Solomon Islands.

On social media posts Minister Veke had congratulated Thomas and family for their achievement in receiving the Permanent Residency.

“Congratulations. Thank you for your continuous support Honorary Consul,” Minister Veke said.

MP Peter Kenilorea Jnr also congratulated the recipients on the social media post.

“Excellency. A wonderful achievement which strengthens Solomon Islands/ Canada relations. Thank you, Government of Canada,” Kenilorea said.

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