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200-plus listed for first passenger run to Western province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MORE than 251 passengers have been listed to return to the Western Province onboard MV Fair Glory next week.

The passengers are from the province who have been stranded in Honiara since the outbreak followed by lockdown and closure of inter-island travels.

In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Moffat Maeta who is part of the repatriation committee said his team have registered a total of 251 passengers however, there are other teams who have also submitted their list for the repatriation trip.

“This is the list that I’m working on over the past week. I have 251 passengers on my list and there are other lists from our other team who are part of the repatriation committee.

“Again, this is the final list that I’ve submitted – meaning the number will be doubled when the final list is submitted,” he explained.

Maeta said consultation has been progressing well with Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee to bring the stranded Westerners back to their respective homes.

Here is the breakdown of passengers and drop off ports according to Maeta’s list.

175 passengers will disembark at Gizo, 66 passengers at Noro Port and six passenger at Seghe port.

JQY responds to allegations

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

DIRECTOR of JQY, Yang Jian Qing has categorically denied the allegations levelled against his company by Wendy Amongongo on social media.

Wendy, wife of former Axiom mining Chief Executive Officer Ryan Mount, claimed JQY had received $240 million from Members of Parliament Constituency Development Funds.

She, who now resides in Australia, also claimed that JQY has involved in the beche-de-mer trading in Ontong Java, Malaita Outer Islands and plans to overtake the resources from the islanders.

However, in an interview with a source this week, Yang Jian Qing denied having received any such payment from MPs.

“JQY is a preferred supplier of the Government, and as such has been given the contract to provide hardware materials for Government Ministries including the Constituencies that order materials from the company.

“As a Preferred Supplier, Government Ministries or Constituencies submit orders and get materials from the company who in turn bill the Ministry of Rural Development (SIG) for its materials,” Yang Jian said.

He clarified that JQY has not interfered nor involved directly in the procurement process as the process is done by the respective Ministry personnel including the Ministry of Finance.

Further to that, Yang Jian said as for the special relationship with the Prime Minister as claimed by the by Ms Amangongo, it is confusing to claim that JQY received special treatment from the PM to join the official delegation to China, when other business dignitaries who are owners of other private businesses are also part of the delegation.

Moreover, Yang Jian said JQY was not involved in the buying of Beche-de-mer nor providing of goods to store owners in Ontong Java.

“In fact, the ship was chartered by another company not owned by JQY.

“For Ms Amangongo’s information JQY does not involve in the trading of bechedemeer nor supplying of goods to store owners in Ontong Java,” he said.

“As far as the prices of are concerned, an agent in Pelau has revealed that prices of the bechedeemers were decided by the Chiefs and Leaders, and not as claimed by Ms. Amangongo,” he added.

In addition, Yang Jian denied any idea of the purported plot to take over all of Pelau’s bechedemeer stock.

“As for the trips by Solomon Prestige 2, during the period that leads to the outbreak of the corona in the country, JQY has no direct control over the ships since it was chartered by others who went to Pelau to buy bechedemeer.

“Management of JQY is unhappy that Ms. Amangongo or the Social Media decided to publicize the issue without proper checks to verify them,” he said.

“It is good and proper that one must be prepared to support claims with evidence because JQY has a good name and will not want that name and reputation to be tarnished by those with other agenda’s not in the interest of the business industry, people and economy of Solomon Islands,” he said.

Yang Jian said JQY Management is requesting individuals, community leaders, business houses, Provincial Government and National Government to work together to assist business houses in Solomon Islands.

He said the country is in a very difficult time, and it needs everyone to work together to build the economy of the country to get it back to its feet.

“JQY supports any endeavours to assist to grow the economy of the country,” he added.

The Director and owner of JQY Group of Companies, Yang Jian Qing first entered the business arena in 2000 in Auki, Malaita Province.

He ran a trade store in Auki from 2000 to 2008 before coming over to Honiara.

Yang Jian Qing’s brother in-law is married to a local from Malaita Province and as someone connected to people through marriage has connections to a lot of people in Malaita, especially around the Auki town area.

Yang Jian Qing has been in the country for 21 years and is a citizen of Solomon Islands.

Court acquits PNG doctor and wife

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

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The PNG doctor, who was wrongly accused by the Prime Minister as being Solomon Islands’ index covid-19 case, has been acquitted by the courts.

Dr Maine Asapo and his wife, along with two Solomon Islands locals, were charged with various counts for crossing the border into Solomon Islands during the state of emergency.

Prosecution yesterday withdrew the charges telling the Court that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had written them saying he wanted to deal with the matter “administratively”.

The doctor and his wife were charged with one count each of Prohibition of Entry of Non-citizens contrary to Clause 4 of the Emergency Powers (Covid-19)(Prohibition of Entry of Non-Citizens)Order 2020, read with Regulation 7(1)(3)(5)(a) and 7 of the Emergency Powers (Covid-19)(No. 3) Regulations 2021, and one count of Restrictions of Movement of Small Craft Vessels contrary to Clause 4(b)(c) of the Emergency Powers (Covid-10)(Restrictions of Movement of Small Craft Vessels)(Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea Border) Order 2020, read with Regulation 17(1)(a)(i) and (3) of the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) Regulations (3) 2021.

Director of Public Prosecution Rachel Olutimayin informed the court in yesterday’s appearance that she received a letter from the Prime Minister, stating he has decided to deal with the matter administratively with the powers granted on him under regulation 58 sub regulation of the emergency powers COVID-19 no.3 regulation 2021. That regulation grants the PM the power to deal with people who are charged for border crossing to be dealt with administratively.

Ms Olutimayin said the PM also instructed that he has decided to issue a fine of $5000 on each of the defendants.

She made no objection to that request and withdrew the charge against the doctor and his wife under section 190(ii) b (i) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

In regards to other two defendants Abraham Nareau and Patteson Aloe DPP awaits instruction from the PM to change the charge against them, as there was an error on the charge.

Prosecution also said the two Banana boats that was used by the defendants to travel to Pelau from Tasman on January 9 2022 will be forfeited to the state.

Defence Lawyer George Gray also said that since the PM is involved in the case the court should be relying on that as they are now the relevant authority.

Magistrate Hollison after receiving the submissions from the prosecution to withdraw charge against the two PNG nationals Dr Asapo and Naomi Turena Temoa made orders pursuant to section 190(ii) B (i) of the CPC acquitted the two defendants, so that their case can administratively deal by PM.

Hollison also directed that no conviction recorded against the two and also, they were released and reside with their relatives awaiting the grant of their visas from immigration department.

Hollison told the couple that they are now free from the criminal proceedings, but their case will be dealt with by the Government administratively.

Meanwhile in regards to other two defendants Nareau and Aloe the court granted them $1000 each cash bail after their defence lawyer made a subsequent bail application.

They were released on bail awaiting their charges to be sorted out by the responsible authority.

Hollison also said that the defendants who were tested positive for covid 19 shall either join their family members and continue with home isolation or remain at the quarantine station until they are tested negative.

The court then adjourned the case of the Nareau and Aloe to today for further mention.

Border police urged to display professionalism

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Police officers patrolling the Western border with Bougainville. PHOTO ABC

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province has called on police officers managing the Western Border to display professionalism when handling issues.

Christian Burley Mesepitu made the call following reports of police manhandling two fishermen from Buin earlier this month.

According to the report, two fishermen sustained injuries alleged to be caused by police in a confrontation at sea.

It states that the two men were out fishing between the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands border when the incident took place.

Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau has refuted this report.

However, a new report has emerged and this time, the mother of one of the boys alleged that the incident did took place and that her son sustained injuries from the confrontation.

Elaine Tobaea whose husband is part Malaita expressed her disappointment calling the Commissioner of Police to tell the truth.

Speaking to Island Sun Gizo, Mesepitu said such unfortunate incident should be avoided if professionalism superseded emotions and anger.

He said people residing in both side of border have traditional connections valued for years, as such, handling of the border issue must align with culture and traditional sensitivity.

“While I applaud the great job done by our police at the Western Border, I kindly ask our officers to handle issues professionally to avoid further disagreements between parties.

“One that note, I kindly ask our good people from the other side of the border to respect the border as we are not in a normal situation.

“We are all fighting against common good and that is to protect our people from COVID-19. This is very important and our cooperation is paramount,” Mesepitu said.

Closure of liquor shops proposed for Western

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CHAIR of Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (WPDOC) says all liquor shops should be closed.

This follows the increasing number of covid-19 positive cases in the province.

Also, there have been reports of people continuing to breach covid safety measures, congregating in crowds, with liquor consumption involved.

He said WPDOC will make a submission to Western Province’s Liquor Board to suspend selling of alcohol products within the province.

“Drinking of alcohol always encourage small gathering and this increases the risk of spreading the virus.

“With this reason, WPDOC is looking at suspending sale of alcohol for sometimes,” Wickham said.

Chair of Noro COVID-19 Oversight Committee shared similar sentiment saying that his committee has received reports of disturbance involving alcohol.

Inspector Robert Hickie said the fight against COVID-19 in Noro is far from over and that simple decision like suspending the sale of alcohol will play a major role in containment measures.

“While we respect the call to reopen liquor shops to help our business, we are disappointed that few individual have abused the decision. Now we are going back to the drawing board to impose extra measure on liquor shops,” he said.

Hickie said five people have been arrested and his committee will come with the decision whether to suspend sale of liquor or not later this week.

Courts now ‘essential service’

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Government has now recognised the Courts as an “essential service”.

And President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA) Eran Soma acknowledges the government for this.

He said since the simulated lockdown in August 2021 courts have been given recognition and the government must be commended in that regard.

He said that ordinary citizens, people of business, victims or accused, all people have a fundamental right to access the Courts at the earliest time despite COVID-19 restrictions to ask for and receive justice according to law.

“I am aware that court services and processes are changing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Specific measures are in place at courts and tribunals to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19,” Soma said.

He also highlighted that Courts cannot function without lawyers, and for completeness, SIBA would like to see legal service must also be considered essential service throughout all COVID-19 restrictions, as in more developed countries.

He said Honiara Emergency Zone had already experienced a number of lockdowns and partial lockdown orders due to the recent community outbreak of COVID-19.

“I would like to see the government, the Chief Justice, all lawyers and public to ensure that all our Courts remain open, protected and freely accessible to anyone regardless of race, colour, creed or political views, but may operate differently under an acceptable protocol or standard operating procedure,” Soma added.

SIBA calls for restart to Legal Profession bill

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

SOLOMON Islands Bar Association (SIBA) President Eran Soma has called on the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs to restart the process of enactment of the Legal Profession Bill.

He said the bill is vital as it will enhance the regulation and discipline of the legal profession.

“I wish to call upon the Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs to restart of the process of enactment of the Bill, as soon as the COVID-19 restrictions are eased,” Soma said.

Soma stressed that the Bar is hopeful that the Bills and Legislative Commission and the MJLA will take this into account its comments and recommendations before having the Bill reintroduced to parliament.

He also adds that the Bill will assist in better regulation of the legal profession and his executive is prepared to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to get this underway as soon as possible.

Australia supports CSSI

Written by
Press Release
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CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi, Advisor George Samuel, Ag DCA Catherine Kere, Ag. Director HR Peter Mase, Ag Assistant Commissioner ORRR Needy Taingeia, Ag Director Infrastructure Max Hairiu, Director clinic Hansford Afia, CSSI Chaplain Fr. Inspt. Reginald Tohutohuniu, Ag. Director RRR Jimmy Aega, Chief of Staff Bernard Ramota

The Australian government has supported the correctional service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) in its covid-19 operations.

Explaining the background to the story, CSSI Media in a statement yesterday said:

“In the past month the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) has encountered significant challenges resulting in the need to strategically manage the delivery of essential services for the preservation of safety, security and welfare of all inmates being detained in correctional centres across the country, as well as its staff.

“The introduction of COVID-19 into most communities of Solomon Islands has necessitated these actions, as well as a change in approach by CSSI as to how these services are provided and maintained.

“This has been especially so during the early lockdown periods for Honiara and the subsequent changes in relation to curfew hours.

“CSSI quickly realised that to maintain essential 24/7 operations at the Rove Central Correctional Centre (RCCC), the High Security centre for Solomon Islands, there was a need to initiate operational support for officers to be accommodated in the general vicinity of RCCC. This involved a need to establish appropriate short term temporary accommodation and support facilities.

“The Australian High Commission, through Australia’s Solomon Islands Justice Program (ASIJP), supported by Australia’s Solomon Islands Resource Facility (ASIRF), quickly responded to the emergent needs of CSSI and has in the past weeks provided significant logistical support and procurement needs from both within Solomon Islands and Australia.

This has included large tent structures, bed stretchers, washing machines and dryers, electrical fans and lighting fixtures, mobile toilet ablution units and a range of other supporting items.

“This very timely assistance has allowed CSSI to initiate Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to support COVID-19 triage procedures for all staff working in RCCC and at CSSI Headquarters.

“These procedures include clear protocols for the onsite management and accommodation of officers who are negative for COVID-19.

“They also incorporate the ongoing management of officers who present as unwell or as positive for COVID-19, in accordance with the protocols for such management as directed by health authorities.

“The Australian High Commission, through their Australian Defence Force colleagues, have also provided much needed assistance in promptly transporting supplies and personal protective equipment to correctional centres located in Auki, Gizo, Kirakira and Lata. 

“CSSI is extremely grateful for the support provided by Australia and values the relationship that exists between the agency and the Australian Government.”

–CSSI PRESS

NRH resumes non-covid health care services

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

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE National Referral Hospital on Monday resumed with other non-covid health care services.

This was revealed by Dr George Malefoasi, chief executive officer of the National Referral Hospital yesterday.

“Situation has improved so the hospital is slowly, bit by bit, reintroducing other non-Covid health care services since Monday this week,” Malefoasi said.

“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.

He adds, the diabetic centre is currently decontaminated and work flow revised and actioned.

“As soon as preparation is completed, the patients will be accepted back for review and treatment as done pre-Covid times,” Malefoasi said.

Diabetic centre closure irks patient

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi. Photo by GCU

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A diabetic patient has raised concern over the National Referral Hospital’s decision to turn the Diabetic Centre into a COVID-19 ward.

Peter Lea’a said people who have Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), particularly diabetic patients, depend much on this health centre for their screening and treatment programs, management and prevention of diabetes.

“This clinic should be available to us NCD patients to access, so we can manage our health status,” Lea’a said.

National Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr George Malefoasi in response said diabetic care services at the hospital continues for prescriptions only and some home visits for those with severe wounds.

“The diabetic centre is fully aware of its chronic patients and is keeping in touch with them,” Malefoasi said.

He said currently the diabetic centre is decontaminated and workflow revised and actioned.

“As soon as preparation is completed, the patients will be accepted back for review and treatment as during pre-Covid times,” Malefoasi said.

He adds the work flow will ensure screening and separation is done to ensure safety and limiting transmission at the diabetic centre.

“Otherwise, call 44081 Diabetic Center for prescriptions and further information and bookings.”

He further stressed that the NRH is still in emergency mode as they are also managing COVID-19 patients, thus services since the outbreak have been restricted to phone calls, SMS messaging and Whatsapp with patients such as those with NCDs or cancer, in the communities.

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