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SolAir pays tribute to Colin Sigimanu ‘a beloved member of management’

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Press Release
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Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager, Late Collin Sigimanu

The national carrier has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines, who passed away suddenly overnight, on February 21, 2022.

“The Board of Directors, management and staff of Solomon Airlines Limited, are deeply saddened and shocked on the sudden passing of our much loved and respected colleague,” the airline said.

“We send our sincerest condolences to Colin’s wife Ethel, son Eugene and daughters Hernandia, Ngirisi, Joana and Ruth, and to their extended family and friends.”

Colin Sigimanu had served the airline with pride for over 30 years, moving successfully through commercial and operational management roles after joining Solomon Airlines on 6th of February 1989, as a graduate of University of the South Pacific.

He started his aviation career as a Management Cadet within Solomon Airlines’ Commercial Department.

By 1997, he was appointed to the position of Human Resources Manager, and later moved to operations as Traffic & Cargo Manager from 2003.

Two years later he was appointed Marketing Manager for Solomon Airlines, a role he retained until resigning from the company in 2010 to contest in the National General Elections.

Between 2012 and 2015 Mr Sigimanu worked as a consultant to the national carrier before rejoining the airline’s management team as Manager Commercial from 2016 until 2022.

“We are all deeply shocked and saddened to lose our beloved friend and colleague, but also an extraordinary leader within the Solomon Islands,” said Brett Gebers CEO of Solomon Airlines.

“Colin will be very greatly missed, at our airline and in our industry, for his leadership, experience and commitment to Solomon Airlines, and as an exceptional contributor to our nation.

“Though we have lost the in-depth airline knowledge and skills that he carried, it is his capacity for understanding, positivity and encouragement, generously shared with all he came into contact with, that we will miss the most,” he said.

“Our prayers and thoughts are first and foremost with Colin’s wife Ethel, with our colleague Hernandia, her brother and sisters at this very sad time.”

–SOLAIR PRESS

Bail refused for PNG Doc

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

A Bail application for a Papua New Guinea doctor, his wife and two others accused of entering the Solomon Islands without any exemption has been refused by the Magistrate Court yesterday.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison refused the bail application made by defence lawyer George Gray on behalf of the PNG medical doctor, his wife and two others, all of whom were seeking bail while awaiting their case to be dealt with by the court.

The prosecution objected to the bail application saying they have breached the COVID-19 regulations that were declared in March 2020 and the country is in a State of Public Emergency.

Among the regulation states there should not be any small crafts or vessel entering the Solomon Islands without any exemption from the Prime Minister.

Prosecution said the defendants breached that order by entering illegally into the border between Ontong Java and Tasman around 4:30pm on January 9 2022.

Magistrate Hollison after assessing submissions from both the crown and defence remanded the defendants in custody with immediate effect.

However, since two defendants are positive with covid they are isolated from the rest of the defendants.

Hollison also made orders that the five children must be accommodated at a safe facility either with relatives or at a government approved quarantine and must be conducive for the children.

“The children must be kept safe in secured facility and police to make sure that orders of the court regarding the children must be complied with.

The case was then adjourned to February 24 for mention and the court also further orders that the defendants are at liberty to apply for subsequent bail application.

 This is the case of Papua New Guinea Nationals Mr Maine Asapo and Naomi Turena Temoa, two other defendants are Solomon Islanders Abraham Nareau and Patteson Aloe who are both natives of Pelau Village, Malaita Outer Islands

Mr Asapo and Naomi Temoa are both charged with one count 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.

While the other two defendants are charged with 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.

FIVE ASIANS ISOLATED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Investigation into their immigration status will follow, says Mesepitu

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE five Asians brought by the Patrol boat from Ontong Java over the weekend are currently in self-isolation, awaiting investigation by authorities on their immigration status.

It was alleged the five Asians travelled to Malaita Outer islands to purchase beche-de-mer from the islanders after Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources lifted the ban last year.

Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, said the investigation will start after the Immigration officer comes out from home isolation.

Mesepitu said his Immigration officer tested positive for Covid -19 after he accompanied the five Asians back to Honiara.

He said investigation is to ascertain their visa status and which company they are employed under.

“The Foreign Investment Division will also do its investigation on the status of the company the five Asians work for.

“We will also check with Ministry of Fisheries on its process to issue bech de mer license to the five Asians,” he said.

Mesepitu said after the investigation, charges can be laid against them.

According to the Immigration Act 2011, Section 28 (1), a person is a non-citizen if person’s entry into or presence in Solomon Islands contravenes section 10.

Section 10 states a non-citizen who is not an exempt person must not-

  1. enter Solomon Islands; or
  2. having entered, stay in Solomon Islands; unless the non-citizen holds a visa that is in force.

If found guilty, the non-citizen has a duty to depart Solomon Islands and liable to pay fine to the authority.

In the meantime, Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale has urged the Police Commissioner’s Office and the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet to clarify who these five Asians are and who gave instructions for them to return on the Patrol Boat.

“It is sickening to note that whilst many of our stranded citizens are still struggling to return to Honiara and back to the provinces, these people are given the privilege to travel back on the patrol boat, a state asset.

“If Ontong Java is said to be the alleged source and hotspot of COVID, then why were these Asians not even quarantined upon arrival in Honiara?” Wale questioned.

The Opposition Leader said it is highly questionable that these extremely suspicious events are happening and yet no one is taking responsibility for it.

MARA gov’t continues to support COVID-19 operation in Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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The current renovation of Aligegeo School facilities to become the new covid-19 centre for Malaita province……..Photo supplied. (2)

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial government continues to support partners in the province on the current covid-19 operation for the province.

Deputy Provincial Secretary of Malaita province, Mr David Filia Tuita made the statement to this paper in response to social media enquiries asking where the provincial government is during the current covid-19 outbreak in Malaita.

He said the support provided by MARA government is the current renovation work of facilities within Aligegeo provincial secondary school for the new provincial covid-19 centre.

He said MARA government had recently passed $1.9 million for the work and resources its staffs to carry out the very much needed work for the province.

Tuita also said MARA government through its administration office continues to liaise with PDOC and other stakeholders in the province amidst the situation.

He said renovation work on Aligegeo School facilities is near completion and will soon use as the new covid-19 centre for the province.

Tuita said MPG is ready to provide whatever support requires from them as face with the current situation.

SolAir clarifies air-freight arrangements to the provinces

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Press Release
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Solomon Airlines wishes to clarify the current airfreighting of Government and private cargo to the Solomon Islands Provinces under the arrangements supported by the Australian Government.

Solomon Airlines aircraft are providing limited, cargo-only domestic flights within the Solomon Islands, partially underwritten by the Australian Government, to support the distribution of essential Government medical equipment and supplies, including PPE, to the provinces.

The Solomon Islands Government through the COVID-19 Oversight Committee (OSC) determines every day which routes they require Solomon Airlines to fly.

“We understand that there has been some confusion among the public about opportunities to send personal cargo on these aircraft, and also about the underwriting of airfreight costs by the Australian Government,” said Solomon Airlines CEO, Brett Gebers.

“Solomon Airlines can only fly routes which have been approved by the OSC. The OSC looks at each application and prioritises the routes based on where medical supplies are required. The space left over after these essential medical supplies are transported is available for any other cargo shipped by our customers at our normal rates.

“Our normal cargo rates were set at a time when we were allowed to fly a mix of passengers and cargo in both directions. Because we are not allowed to fly passengers unless specifically approved by the OSC, we have empty sectors back to Honiara where we earn no revenue. Flying empty sectors with no income is a loss-making exercise.

“This is where the Australian Government is assisting Solomon Airlines. The Australian Government covers the costs that are not recovered from the normal sale of cargo.”

Australian High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan said, “The Australian Government is not covering the full cost of current domestic Solomon Arlines flights, but underwriting some costs to ensure the flights and SolAir can keep operating. Australia is delighted to work in this partnership with Solomon Airlines and the Government of Solomon Islands to keep Solomon Airlines operating and delivering essential medical supplies, food and other goods to the provinces.”

“Our team are working every day to ensure that if there is sufficient room for private cargo, we carry it, or if there is sufficient demand to warrant a flight, we do our utmost to make that happen,” said Brett Gebers.

“Solomon Airlines will continue to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government and Australian Government to ensure that we swiftly distribute critical medical supplies to where they are needed.

“We thank the Australian Government for their support for our nation.

“Currently Solomon Airlines is transporting medical and PPE equipment only, and we are ready, and able to also transport food supplies, should that be required of us,” he added.

–SOLAIR PRESS

MPG preparing for 2022/2023 budget

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

DEPUTY Provincial Secretary of Malaita province, Mr David Filia Tuita says the province is preparing its budget for 2022-2023 financial year.

He said the current financial year will lapse by the end of March and the assembly must pass a new budget for the new financial year.

“At the moment, the planning division office and heads of department under MPG are drawing their work plans and if finalize we’ll prepare the budget.

“We expect to do that before the end of March to allow time for executive, PAC and the full assembly to look at the budget and pass it,” Tuita said.

He said at the moment the province is operating under the original 2020/2021 budget.

Tuita said there was a revise budget passed during the sitting in September 2021, but not consider due to issues pertaining the meeting.

He said his office will be working with responsible offices within the province to sort out the issues to ensure it won’t affect the upcoming budget.

Provinces expect surge in covid-19 cases

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Corona

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A surge in COVID-19 sick patients is expected for provincial hospitals and rural health centres, according to the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana.

“We are expecting a surge in COVID-19 sick patients in our provincial hospitals, Area Health Centres and Nurse Aid post,” Togamana said.

He said the Ministry this week will continue deploy more oxygen supplies, PPEs and equipment and Pharmaceutical to level two medical stores to distribute to the various health services.

Togamana said many of these have been distributed in the past week   and are slowly reaching the designated facilities.

He also said further training for health workers were conducted last week in Honiara and the provinces in the management of COVID-19 patients from various levels like moderate to severe and critical cases.

“Such training of COVID-19 management will also be conducted for provinces to manage our vulnerable and at-risk population such as our elderly’s and those with comorbidities as well as those with long COVID-19 syndrome after being discharged from health facilities,” Togamana said.

COVID-19 safety rules translated to local language

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gideon Tuke holding the pamphlet

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A community elder of Simbo Island who is also a Senior Officer of Western Province has come up with an initiative to translate COVID-19 safety rules into the Simbo language.

Gideon Tuke said he has produced over 200 pamphlets, distributed to households in Ward Two in Simbo.

He said the pamphlet accommodates pictures as well as simple COVID-19 Safety measures.

Tuke said it is important for messages to be translated to local languages as most of the messages were written in English and Pidgin.

“Our people are action oriented and it is important for us to make such small contribution to our communities as our contributions towards fighting this pandemic.

“I come to realize that people will more attracted to their language/identity as such giving out message in local languages is very important,” he said.

Tuke encourages those who access to computers and other accessories to help communities understand COVID-19 safety measures.

Home quarantine patients urged to take responsibility in Western province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo market

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CHAIRPERSON of Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee has called on family members of people who are undergoing self-isolation at homes to take responsibility in making sure COVID-19 protocols are respected.

Jeffrey Wickham made the call following reports that few people have breached safety protocols.

He said managing home quarantine in urban centres has been very difficult given the limited manpower and financial resources to meet people’s expectations.

“We are certain that those who are undergoing home quarantine in villages are easier to manage because we have community based COVID-19 taskforce to look after the patients.

“But it is quite difficult in our towns, therefore, those concerned must be responsible not to spread the virus,” Wickham said.

Reports reaching Island Sun Gizo said that few individuals who are living with positive cases were seen walking freely at Gizo town.

Concerned Gizo residence feared such practice put the general public at high risk and that responsible authorities need to address the issue.

Australia reopens borders to fully vaccinated international travellers.

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Airlines airbus

Solomon Airlines has welcomed Australia’s new international border rules, which this week open the country’s borders to all fully vaccinated visa holders, preparing for the return of tourists, business travellers, and other visitors.

Since the Australian Government started a gradual reopening of the country’s borders from 1 November 2021, more than 580,000 overseas travellers have arrived in Australia to reunite with family and loved ones, or to work or study.

From today, travellers across all eligible visa categories can now enter Australia, as long as they are COVID-19 fully vaccinated or have acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia, and are also subject to the country’s state and territory quarantine requirements. 


Solomon Airlines said the new rules will mean many more passengers for the airline’s service between Honiara and Brisbane which currently operates every Friday through to 1 July 2022.

To coincide with Australia’s border reopening, the airline has restored its normal booking process for its Honiara to Brisbane weekly flight.  It is again possible to book seats on the flights via the website www.flysolomons.com and through travel agencies who have access to Solomon Airlines flights.

“This is a welcome relief to our business and will also be very welcome news to many people who need or want to fly to Australia and other countries via Brisbane,” said Solomon Airlines CEO Brett Gebers.

“Australia’s reopening is credited to the overwhelming COVID-19 vaccination rate within the country.

“As of this month, over 94% of all Australians over 16 years of age are fully vaccinated, a vaccination level that we must strive to get close to in the Solomon Islands,” he said.

Solomon Airlines said the convenience of again being able to book Honiara to Brisbane online, will benefit passengers who prefer to book via the airline’s website using a credit card. It also means those flying via Brisbane and transiting to other countries can book their flights on a single ticket.

Passengers travelling from Solomon Islands to Australia are currently exempt from pre-departure testing requirements. Passengers transiting in Australia to another country will likely require proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test and will need to check the requirements of their other airline and destination country.

A Digital Passenger Declaration is required to be submitted within 72 hours prior to departure, replacing the previous Australia Travel Declaration form.

Honiara to Brisbane bookings can be made online via Solomon Airlines website www.flysolomons.com or by calling the airline’s Reservations team on 177 (local call) or visiting their Point Cruz Sales Office.

Brisbane to Honiara flights are still only bookable through the airline’s Sales Offices in Point Cruz and Australia and are currently unable to be booked online, due to border restrictions, approval processes, mandatory checks and quarantine requirements.

 –SOLAIR PRESS

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