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China scholarships to be opened soon

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kehosi denies compensation claim

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

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

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

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

In denying knowledge of the reports, Kehosi said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Western schools will not open unless we listen, says Tozaka

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo Community High School

 BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PNG doc says he’s pursuing justice

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

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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0
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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0

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.

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