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Prestige captain speaks out after MOI trip

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

CAPTAIN of Solomon Prestige 2, Billy Mamaloni believes he has not breached any law to travel to Ontong Java on February 16.

This was despite Special Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers and the Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirming that the ship was not exempted to travel to Ontong Java on the media talkback show recently.

However, Captain Mamaloni, who obtained a Class 3 (Masters) in Papua New Guinea Maritime College in Madang, said Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) had authorised the ship to sail after it completed the predeparture check.

He said the two officers of SIMA have shown the paper signed by Director Thierry Nervale to him, authorising the ship to sail.

In terms of the Covid-19 protocol, Captain Mamaloni said he has sought assistance from SIMA office number of times but was turned back at the gate by the security.

However, he was the first to fill the exemption form and the last to depart as well.

As the vessel sailed away and approximately 33 miles or 52.8km from the first port on Ontong Java and 164 miles from Isabel, Captain Mamaloni received an order from the authority asked him to turn back.

“I made a decision not to turn back because it is better to serve the lives of Solomon Islanders than turn back for one paper,” he added.

Polycap Paea of Ministry of Finance and Treasury has chartered the ship to Ontong Java.

Captain Mamaloni said all the cargoes in the ship have not been offloaded since the ship initially departed on 15th January but was turned back at Gela, Central Islands Province upon request of the authority.

He said the full loading still remain and the ship could not accept extra cargoes because it would unseaworthy.

The ship returned to Honiara last Thursday after it offloaded food and medical suppliers to Ontong Java.

Currently, the returning passengers are quarantined at Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR) at Henderson.

Captain Mamaloni said he had submitted a report to SIMA on Monday and waiting for any response at the moment.

Police Commissioner, Mangau told the Talk Back show on Sunday that investigation is ongoing on the status of the ship.

It is still not sure if the Government will deal with Solomon Prestige 2 through administratively or through the court.

RENBEL LOSES COVID-FREE STATUS

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Renbel

Temotu left as the only untouched province in the country

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO & IRWIN ANGIKI

The Renbel province has lost its covid-free status after cases were reported there.

Now Temotu is left as the only province left untouched by the virus.

In the island of Bellona, 12 cases were reported the first day of testing on Monday this week. Rennell has reported no case.

Dr Yogesh Choudhri, technical advisor to the Ministry of Health, confirmed to Island Sun yesterday evening Renbel province’s 12 cases.

“We have received report today [yesterday] that 12 new positive cases of covid-19 recorded in Bellona,” Choudhri said.

The Covid Response Sub-Committee on Bellona also confirmed to Island Sun yesterday the positive covid-19 cases, adding that they will continue with voluntary swabbing.

However, citing protocol reasons, the Committee declined to comment further when asked if any contact tracing has been done to ascertain how the virus entered Bellona.

It is understood that there is no isolation facility on Bellona, and that the positive cases have been told to self-isolate in their homes and practice covid safety measures while taking treatment.

The paper understands that following growing reports of people experiencing flu-like symptoms, adding to reports that a passenger from Bellona to Honiara had tested positive for covid-19, the Committee on Bellona decided to carry out swabbing.

Out of the 22 voluntary tests carried out on Monday, 12 returned positive.

Meanwhile, it is understood from several sources in Bellona, speaking on condition of anonymity due to cultural reasons, that contact tracing is being carried out.

One tells Island Sun that two weeks ago more and more people started speaking out having had flu-like symptoms such as running nose, body aches, loss of senses of smell and taste, coughing, chest pains, and difficulty breathing.

Many have now recovered, another tells Island Sun, after having treated themselves with herbal treatment and ‘steaming’.

“We saw this as just seasonal flu outbreak and took the usual Panadol, antibiotics, and herbal treatment plus steam. And, it has helped just as the usual flu. We did not suspect that it would be covid-19 because we had thought the two islands to be covid-free, and that no passenger had arrived from Honiara which would have made us suspect anything.”

Speaking to Island Sun from Tingoa, Rennell, the Provincial Police Commander confirmed he had heard of the news, but was awaiting an official report from Bellona’s sub-committee, before he could file his report.

PPC Eddie Peseika, who is also the chairman of Renbel’s covid response committee, adds that Rennell is still covid-free.

“We had carried out a number of tests on our frontliners after receiving the testing kits from Honiara, and all the 15 results came back negative.”

He calls for calm in Bellona’s public and to continue to follow the government’s covid-19 safety measures, while getting treatment.

Parliament staff plan for the next five years

Written by
Press Release
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Clerk and staff of National Parliament Office who participated in the workshop

Staff of the National Parliament Office (NPO) have successfully contributed to the mapping out of a five year strategic plan for the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI).

In observance of Covid -19 safe protocols, a one day consultation workshop was held on Thursday 24th February for Heads of department and senior staff of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands. This was an opportunity for staff to reflect on the current strategy and provide input into the making of the next five year strategic plan for 2022 – 2027.

Clerk to National Parliament, David Kusilifu in his opening remarks thanked Parliament staff for making the extra effort to attend, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Parliament staff attending the workshop

“What we collect today will help to shape as an institution and organization for the next 5 years. So thank you for your participation.”

He also thanked UNDP local consultant, Ezekiel Parairae for logistical support and the UNDP Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative for financial support.

Completed surveys will be sent back to the International Consultant – Warren Cahill who has been engaged to draw up the strategy. A final draft will be presented to the Parliamentary leadership as soon as all consultations are completed.

The staff workshop is part of a broad consultation process with stakeholders including Parliamentary leadership, MPs, staff and key external bodies interacting with the Parliament that will inform the strategic focus of the NPSI.

The biggest challenge NPSI experiences in implementing its previous strategic plans was implementing activities that are out of NPSI’s direct control and require inter –ministerial collaboration.

A copy of Parliament’s strategic documents can be accessed on Parliament’s website – www.parliament.gov.sb  

China boosts Solomon Islands public order management

Written by
Press Release
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Chinese Police Officers demonstrating their public order management skills

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has been boosted with Public Order Management equipment following the formal handing over of the much-needed gear by the Peoples Republic of China in Honiara yesterday.

Witnessing the handover and a demonstration by Chinese Police Liaison Officers are Police Minister Anthony Veke, Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, PRC Ambassador Li Ming and China Police Liaison Team leader, Commissioner Zhang and senior officials of both governments.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, the Ministry of Public Security of China has maintained sound cooperative relations with Royal Solomon Islands Police building on areas of common interest and support.

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government following the November riots in Honiara, the Ministry of Public Security of China dispatched a Police Liaison Team consisting of 9 members to assist the RSIPF and also planned to provide a series of police equipment.

Chinese Police Officers displaying their crowd disbursement skills

The first batch of police equipment arrived recently, including 19 kinds and 18,000 pieces with a total value of about 9.86 million RMB, consisting of five categories including uniforms, protective equipment, dispersive equipment, and restrictive equipment and warning equipment.

In addition to the hardware equipment, China police will also actively promote three assisting projects, namely the Digital Mobile Radio Communication System for Honiara, the Forensic Autopsy Laboratory and the “I-24/7” Interpol Communication System. The three projects will effectively promote the police in communications security, criminal investigation and investigation cooperation.

In recent years, with the increase of economic and trade exchanges between China and Solomon Islands, more and more Chinese citizens came to Solomon Islands to engage in infrastructure construction, business activities, tourism and cultural exchanges. Chinese citizens and Chinese enterprises expect a safe and stable social environment in Solomon Islands.

(Left) China’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, H.E Li Ming at the Handover Ceremony. (Right) Commissioner Zhang of the China Liaison Team and Commissioner, Mangau during the handover

The RSIPF is a loyal, dedicated and disciplined team under the leadership of Minister Anthony Veke and PC Mostyn Mangau making great efforts in maintaining social stability, especially during the riots last year and the epidemic prevention and control this year.

Besides providing police assistance, the China Police Liaison Team will also conduct training for RSIPF, including the use of equipment, police techniques and tactics, public order management and riot control and close personnel protection amongst others.

“We will exchange with RSIPF in different fields and various level, learn from each other, and support each other. We will fully help RSIPF to improve operational capability, to keep peace and security, to protect citizens of different countries including Chinese citizens in SI. We also are planning to extend communication and cooperation with RSIPF, to establish long-term and stable bilateral law enforcement cooperation serving the people of both countries,” Commissioner Zhang said.

—GCU

NRH emergency mode to be reviewed next month

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

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The emergency mode at the national referral hospital (NRH) will be reviewed next month.

Minister of Health Dr Culwick Togamana said NRH’s emergency mode will continue for another month before the review.

Togamana explains that while in emergency mode, they are also aware of the demand for health care services mainly for underlying conditions such as Non-communicable Diseases.

“Thus we continue to provide support as much as possible,” he said.

Togamana confirmed, “This emergency mode will remain inforce for another month before it is reviewed.”

Dr George Malefoasi, chief executive officer of NRH also confirmed the situation has improved “so the hospital is slowly, bit by bit, reintroducing other non-Covid health care services”.

“Surgical department have started to see their chronic and referral cases for follow up as well as screening patients booked for operations, if see fit.

“Paediatricians have also recommenced as of yesterday (22/02/2020) including Cancer unit whom have started seeing their patients and providing treatment.

“The number of patients to be reviewed be limited to 10-15 as the situation is monitored,” Malefoasi said.

Pfizer and booster jabs in Malaita soon

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Health Authority through its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) is preparing for the coming roll-out of Pfizer and booster vaccines in the province.

Chairman of EOC Malaita, Dr Rex Maukera told this paper in an interview yesterday that an online training in preparation for the roll-out is currently happening in Auki.

He said the training is to prepare and capacitate staffs with necessary knowledge to facilitate the roll-out of the vaccines in the province.

Maukera said the vaccines are in Honiara and will be brought over soon to Auki for administering.

He appealed to parents who have children aged 12-17yrs and antenatal or pregnant mothers to prepare them for the Pfizer vaccine.

Maukera said the booster jab will be for those who completed their two jabs.

He said the roll-out of Pfizer and booster vaccines will protect vulnerable age groups and support the covid-19 campaign in the province.

Maukera said they will announce to people when to begin the roll-out as long as they receive the vaccines from Honiara.

Consultation on greater Honiara transport master plan

Written by
Press Release
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Participants who attended the 2nd Public consultation meeting at Heritage Park Hotel.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and JICA Study Team (JST) conducted the last Public Consultation Meeting for the Project for Greater Honiara Transport Masterplan Study (GHTMPS) at Heritage Park Hotel this week.

More than 40 Participants joined through online, with a few fully vaccinated participants attended at Heritage Park hotel with Covid-19 rules applied accordingly with Government policies.

GHTMPS aims to develop a transport master plan for the GHA, thereby contributing to the long-term development of transport infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, in the urban area and contributing to improving the convenience of citizens’ life and economic activities. The aim of the public consultation is to promulgate outputs as well as to get feedbacks from participants in regards to the Environmental and Social Consideration for the projects.

Opening remarks by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Stephen Maesiola said,

“It is my sincere appreciation to JICA for being the lead of this important task, the Transport Masterplan was completed with the Government. The study commenced in 2019, it was suspended due to COVID-19, but JICA has taken it onboard. Now, we look through the Transport Masterplan in this meeting”

JST emphasized the importance of the alternative East-West Road and proposed new “Harbor View Drive”, which connects White River thru skyline to West Kola Ridge. And also recommended introducing new pavement technology of “Interlocking Block Pavement”, which was conducted as a pilot project of the study at behind Point Cruz Hot Bread.

Participants are concerned Government Ministries and Organization, doners as well as member of the chamber of commerce. They have conducted lively discussion on the presented outline of the study, environmental and social consideration, and priority projects. PS and JST responded considerately.

During discussion participants were highlighted the concern about proper footpath along shoreline and from Panatina campus to Kukum campus that would encourage pedestrians and people with special need can use the footpath and also promote a healthy lifestyle.

Project Team leader Kunimasa Yoshiro, said “those issues raise is important but didn’t include in this project, however it is important to consider the health aspect as well. Such as walking to improve healthy lifestyle and it can be added in the plan.”

The Project for Greater Honiara Transport Masterplan Study is a collaboration of Japan International Cooperation Agencies and Japanese Consultants, namely, Katahira & Engineers International, Ingerosec Corporation, Fukuyama Consultants Co., Ltd and Oriental Consultants Global.

–GHTMPS PRESS

Lack of response plan even worse than COVID itself: Wale

Written by
Press Release
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale says the lack of government foresight, direction and leadership is making the COVID crisis even worse.

Wale made this statement in response to concerns raised by provincial health authorities that the lack of any national response plan for the provinces is even worse than the COVID itself.

The Opposition Leader says it was shocking to note in the Health Minister’s speech recently that the COVID 19 transmission is heading to the most vulnerable population in the rural communities, yet there was no mention of any response plan for provinces.

“How is the government going to manage the situation in the provinces? The fact that provincial health authorities are left in the dark because of the lack of any response plan from the national government further confirms the lack of preparedness in the last two years,” he said.

 Wale said provinces have been requesting health infrastructure, human and other resources in the last two years but was ignored by the government.

The Opposition Leader said now that the provinces are faced with serious situation and with limited resources, government response is characterised by panic reactions, a confirmation of lack of robust planning.

“Its been 5 weeks since the COVID outbreak and the admittance by the health minister in his recent address that we are under testing and unaware of the extent of infections also confirms that no one knows what are government plans in tackling the crisis,” he said.

Opposition Leader Wale also questioned the COVID National Response Plan mentioned by the Prime Minister in his nationwide address on Sunday 6th February.

Mr Wale said the Prime Minister in his address two weeks ago said Caucus and Cabinet would meet to consider the National Response Plan, yet to date the country is still waiting.

“Where is the Response Plan? Have Caucus and Cabinet deliberated on it? In fact this is the most important component that should have been prioritised in the past two years. The fact that Caucus and Cabinet are just deliberating on it now further confirms the government’s gross negligence in the last 2 years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader said it is also appalling to see that the government is still conducting trainings when we are in a situation that requires people on the ground working.

“Why are we still conducting trainings during a community transmission and outbreak. These are things that should have been done in the last 2 years to respond to the current situation,” Wale said.

—OPPOSITION OFFICE

No support for Noro covid-19 oversight committee

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Lack of funds and support is crippling the Noro covid-19 oversight committee from doing its work.

Chair of Noro Covid-19 Oversight Committee Mr Robert Hickie says tasks have been very difficult to implement due to lack of financial resources.

Robert Hickie said there have been no funding allocated to the Committee since the outbreak in Noro was announced.

He stressed that lack of financial assistance has forced his committee to compromise approaches in the implementation of covid-19 cases.

“Since day one, we haven’t received any assistance from the government nor other responsible authorities.

“There was no livelihood or humanitarian supplies we received and this has been a huge challenge for our camp management team to assist those in quarantine,” Hickie said.

“It has been two months and we are yet to receive green light from the government and also provincial disaster committee,” he added.

Hickie said most people in the quarantine centres only received assistance from companies and relatives since the outbreak in Noro.

He said a proposal has been submitted but the response was negative due to lack of budget.

Hickie said his committee has decided to authorise positive cases to undergo home quarantine to avoid people starving in quarantine sites.

Limited manpower affects Choiseul covid response

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Taro Island

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Choiseul is facing a shortage of manpower to implement its COVID-19 response plan and operations.

Speaking to Island Sun Gizo, Provincial Disaster Officer of Choiseul Province, George Tego said Choiseul Province’s manpower has been stretched to the limit leaving gaps during this time of pandemic.

“On the ground, we have limited numbers of frontline workers and this has a setback to fast track COVID-19 respond plan.

“Our front line workers have to undergo quarantine for four to five days after returning from deployment to high risk areas and since there is no back officers, operation will be on hold for this period of time.

“This affects the roll out of our respond plan,” Tego said.

“At the moment we are trying our best to handle the situation with hopes the situation normalized in the near future,” he added.

Tego said the challenge can be ceased if responsible authorities establish proper respond plan by posting more nurses and doctors to the provinces.

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