Home Blog Page 748

No jab, no swab, no return: Wickham

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
Jeffrey Wickham Member for ward 16 in Western Province.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PEOPLE from Western Province who are currently stranded in Honiara must satisfy all travelling measures before boarding ships to return home.

Provincial Secretary, who is also the Chairperson of Western Provincial Disaster Committee Operation (WPDOC), Jeffrey Wickham, made the reminder.

Wickham said those concerned must get vaccinated and swabs prior to boarding the ships.

“In as far as our stranded westerners are concerned we hope to finally get them home as soon as all health requirements are attended to. But this message must be clear; no vaccination, no swab, no return,” he said.

Wickham said cargo boats will travel to Western Province starting this week to deliver cargoes and fuel as these essential needs have decreased in stock.

He explained that the ships have obtained exemption permits from Honiara authorities, meaning they must fulfill COVID-19 health rules before travelling.

Wickham said his committee with the help of Western Provincial government will scrutinize the validity of permits before allowing ships to travel to Western Province.

He adds that the validity of permits will determine offloading of cargoes – meaning ship without proper documentation will be sent back to Honiara.

Wickham said his committee has identified safe protocols of offloading cargoes when the ships reached ports within Western Province.

Wale hits back: OPMC response lacks substance

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale has lashed out at the OPMC response that suggests his office is ignorant on issues raised against the Prime Minister and the government.

Wale said the response by the OPMC clearly shows that the OPMC does not even understand the constitutional mandate of the Opposition Office.

The Opposition Leader reiterated that his argument was straightforward and that is not calling to encourage Church gatherings during this time, rather it is questioning the wisdom of casinos being permitted to reopen with same risk.

“How is this ignorant? The concern here is the wisdom behind why Church gatherings are spreader events as expressed by the government and what makes casinos any different,” he clarified.

The Opposition Leader said the OPMC response also contradicts the statement by the health ministry in its talkback show on Friday.

“The response by the OPMC to try and defend their decision is very clear that they are trying to justify a political decision that is morally wrong,” he said.

The Opposition Leader reiterated that it is very clear that certain orders made under the current SOPE’s are done to only suit certain individuals within the government.

He said it is surprising that out of the many issues raised by the Opposition, this issue has struck hard on the OPMC to respond quickly to defend their decision.

“The Opposition is not interested in political point scoring. We are raising issues to make sure government decisions and actions are done properly and in the best interest of the people and the country and not only a few individuals,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said his office represents the people and it will not shy away from raising issues that are controversial in nature.

Hon Wale said there are a lot of issues raised by the Opposition which the government has chosen not to respond to because they know very well that they have failed miserably.

“We have always offered alternatives to the government but we understand they would not want to lose face and take our concerns on board because they are ignorant, arrogant and insensitive to issues affecting the lives of our people,” he said.

Shipowner queried over trip to Isabel

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Buala

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

UTA shipping management has been silent over claims they never get approval from the Isabel Provincial Disaster Operation Centre before sailing to Isabel on 12 February 2022.

Island Sun made calls to the owner and Managing Director Selwyn Riumana yesterday but was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile in a letter to the Oversight Committee the Isabel speaker and the Office of the Premier raised their disappointment towards Uta shipping management.

The letter stated that the action of Uta shipping management appears to be a breach of covid19 protocol by M.V. Uta Princess 1, the ship sailed without prior approval from PDOC- Isabel Province.

“We hereby request a full investigation into the matters stated above. Your prompt response into the matter is highly appreciated.

“The Office of the Premier and Speaker prioritizes the health of the people of Isabel, and shipping services wish to travel to the province must help to manage the virus from transmission within the villages in Ysabel Province.

“Firstly, our number one policy is to manage the transmission, we must make sure the outbreak in Honiara do not reach our elders and children in our communities.

“If it does, then we need to be very careful on how we deal with it,” the letter said.

It added shipping service is a critical service to the people because it brings in fuel and cargoes for Buala and other villages, but it can also be the vehicle in which this virus transmits.

“The process put forward by the SIMA and MHMS is very clear, make an application to SIMA and get clearance by Health and get the exemption from Police in consultation with PDOC, Buala, then a trip can be made.

“This is to ensure that we limit the chances of spreading the corona into our villages.

“However, whilst it seems so simple, we are concerned about any crossovers in the protocols.

“How do you offload cargoes on the wharf, on the beaches and in canoes along the coasts?

“What risks does this take? Do we decontaminate cargoes?

“We understand a ship has already sailed into Isabel to Bugotu and Hograno, we also understand that there are few misunderstandings that occur during its first stop-over at Lepi.

“These are the kind of things we want to clear before ships can service our communities so that communities are prepared to handle cargoes.

“Isabel Provincial Government has concern on the process for shipping companies to get exemption from SIMA or the oversight committee as the P-DOC should be informed first before such exemption is granted by the responsible authorities.”

The Premier and the Speaker of the Ysabel Province had further called for ongoing cooperation and understanding at this time of hardship.

Concern over freight costs on relief flights

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

 BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

 Concerns have been raised over the freights charged in flights carrying covid relief supplies to some provinces.

Airlines has said it has been allowed in their collaboration with the two governments of Australia and Solomon Islands to charge their normal freight rates per flight.

Speaking to Island Sun from Taro last week, Mr Max Qoso says apart from covid supplies, the residents of the township desperately need food, especially the main staple food – rice.

He adds, the recent flight did not bring any rice except a couple of noodles and biscuits.

“This is because the Airlines charged exorbitant freights on food items which private citizens wanted to send over to their relatives here in Taro, hence they could not afford to send over food.

“We have heard over the radio that the government of Australia has stepped in to fund these relief flights to the provinces, so it seems the Airlines is double dipping by getting money from the Australian government and freighting the poor people who want to send over food.

“This state-owned enterprise is making handsome profits out of the covid-19 outbreak in the country this way, and it is just not right.”

Qoso adds that Taro and nearby Supizae are small islands, and their huge number of residents are without gardens that would supplement rice.

And, with current movement restrictions, people from the mainland of Choiseul cannot bring over staple food supplements to Taro, he said.

Responding to Island Sun enquiry on the matter over the weekend, Airlines CEO Brett Gebers refutes suggestions that the airline is looking to make profit out of the covid-19 situation in the country.

He clarifies that on the contrary the airlines is not making any profit, rather is supporting the Solomons government in its effort to quell the covid outbreak.

“Solomon Airlines rejects any suggestion of improper charging or ‘double dipping’,” said Mr Gebers.

“On January 19, 2022 we were ordered by the OSC to stop flying domestically. After discussion, the OSC agreed to allow limited cargo flights to operate from Monday, February 7.

“We firstly carry medical supplies for the Government and then, if there is space left over, we are permitted to carry general cargo excluding cigarettes and betel nuts,” he said.

“The OSC told us that we must charge our normal commercial rates for cargo. These are the same rates that we have used for a long time.

“These rates do not cover the cost of carrying cargo in one direction and nothing on the return flight. We only cover our costs and make no profit on these flights as this is a service to the community,” he added.

“The Australian Government makes up the difference between the cost of operating the flight minus the revenue generated from cargo. If we did not have this arrangement in place, we could not offer the flights as the cost would be unaffordable,” Gebers said.

Manele welcomes US pledge to reopen its embassy here

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Minister Manele joined the meeting via zoom from Honiara

FOREIGN Affairs minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed the announcement made by the US Secretary of State, Antony John Blinken, to re-establish the US embassy in Honiara.

Blinken announced this during the US –Pacific Island Leaders Meeting held on Saturday, February 12, 2022. 

Manele assured Secretary Blinken that the Government stands ready to work with US diplomats to make this happen.

During the meeting, Manele used the opportunity to acknowledge the bilateral assistance provided by US in the country.

On COVID-19 response, Manele acknowledge the support provided by the US through the COVAX facility for the delivery of Pfizer vaccines last year and for additional Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines that will be delivered in the coming months.

On Climate Change, Manele reiterated that climate change remains the single greatest threat facing the region and the current low ambition under the Paris Agreement creates an uncertain future for Pacific Islands. 

In that regard, he said Solomon Islands looks to United States for leadership and those with resources to take more ambitious climate action, contribute generously to Green Climate Fund and honour the annual 100-billion-dollar pledge.

Manele further acknowledged the support by US Government through MCC Threshold programme with a commitment of USD20 million, signed on 27 of January this year, and the USAID-Scale programme.

He reaffirmed the government’s support and look forward to deepen its bilateral cooperation and engagement with the US and also look forward for the expansion of USAID programme across the country.

On the issue of UXOs, Manele also highlighted the development impediments associated with it and stated, while Solomon Islands values US support over the years to address unexploded ordinances, the country would like to keep collaborating with US on this issue.

On people to people connection, Minister Manele stated that Solomon Islands looks forward to welcoming the Peace Corps again to Solomon Islands, since the programme ceased operating in 2002. 

He said Solomon Islands shares a mutual connection with the Peace Corp programme, through the legacy of President Kennedy who served in the Solomon Islands, during World War II and later initiated the programme.

“The Solomon Islands Government hopes the Agreement that facilitates the resumption of the programme can be concluded soon,” Manele said.

Foreign Minister Manele join other Pacific Leaders attending the meeting to discuss regional issues affecting the region such climate change, COVID-19, sustainable development, oceans, and regional security.

Pacific Leaders acknowledge the support rendered by the US over the years and look forward to strengthen their cooperation and collaboration with US to address common issues and challenges faced by the region.

Minister Manele attended the meeting virtually from Honiara.

–GCU PRESS

SICA WANTS ‘FAIRNESS’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
SICA Vice Chairman, Rev Bishop Eric Maefonea

Gov’t asked to allow churches to reopen

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Christian Association (SICA) says the Government should accord churches the same favour it had given to casinos to operate at this time.

Under latest curfew orders Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed, churches, bars and nightclubs within the Honiara Emergency zone will remain close.

Only casinos will reopen.

The order stated that the temporary suspension of church services, gatherings and meetings remain effective for both Sabbath and Sunday goers, weekdays included.

The government said it is evident that these gatherings contribute to the increase of community transmission of COVID 19 currently experienced.

But in a letter sent to Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet and copied to Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs yesterday, SICA requested the government to grant freedom to churches to open as it did with casinos.

SICA Vice Chairman, Bishop Eric Maefonea said churches are aware of the spread of covid-19 now.

However, Maefonea, who is the head of the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC), said if churches can provide sanitizers, congregation to stand 2-meter distance and wear masks, they should be allowed to gather for worship.

He said some churches are fairly small and can easily implement those COVID protocols.

“If the government can consider that, certainly, churches need to organize ourselves to meet the criteria,” he added.

Chairman of Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) Pastor Ellison Bako said his executive is expected to meet on the matter this week.

“I will have to consult my executive before making any comments on the matter,” Bako told the Island Sun yesterday.

“I’m praying that the churches will open back soon,” he added.

Island Sun understands the Anglican’s St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara has opened its Sunday Eucharist service from 9am to 10am since the lockdown under strict covid-19 protocols.

All Saints Anglican church has also opened on Sunday for its congregation to gather and worship.

Schools to remain close

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Form three exam starts today.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

ALL schools in the country will remain close due the current community transmission of the deadly virus.

This was echoed by the Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers in a radio talk back show on the SIBC in Honiara.

Rodgers said the Covid-19 Oversight Committee will wait for recommendation from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development later this month to re-look on the school calendar for 2022 regard in when schools will start.

“But at this point in time all school will continue to close due to community Transmission but please listen out for the outcome of the recommendation mentioned above,” he said.

Isabel faces nurse shortage

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Buala hospital

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Buala Health and Medical team is currently facing shortage of nurses to serve at rural clinics and rural communities.

Director of Health Buala, Dr Tony Quity in his recent interview with Island Sun said that they have plans in place for covid-19 operations, but currently they are facing shortage of nurses.

He said some of their nurses are currently stranded in Honiara due to the community transmission and cannot go back to the province to resume work.

Dr Quity said only a few nurses are currently working at the Buala hospital and are monitoring the situation in Buala.

Since community transmission continues to increase, the limited nurses are stretched themselves in the situation.

“They understand the situation faced by communities in Isabel but it is beyond their control,” Dr Quity said.

He also confirmed that they are planning to visit communities within the province, but depend very much on the resources they have.

Therefore, they are calling on the communities to continue to listen for advices and adhere to the advices given out by Health authorities and the government in the fight against covid.

New cemetery for Noro

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

NORO COVID-19 Oversight Committee is working closely with the Western Provincial government to clear a provincial land at the Mbaeroko area for a new cemetery.

Chairman of Noro COVID-19 Oversight Committee, Inspector Robert Hickie said consultation was done with a Lands Officer, former Clerk of Noro Town Council and a surveyor to carry out physical mapping of the area.

He said the cemetery is important as the country is experiencing wide spread community transmission of COVID-19.

“This is a long standing issue for Noro for the last 20years, thus, no time to waste but to push this project to reality.

“We really need to have a proper cemetery for Noro Town,” Hickie said.

He said his committee is trying to fast track negotiations for machineries to clear the area immediately.

Hickie said his committee applauds the Western Provincial Government for identifying  surveyors who will conduct the demarcation and plotting of the land.

West to scout for health workers

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
Gizo Hospital

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province says his government is looking at possibilities to employ retired and newly graduate nurses to fill the shortage of manpower.

Speaking to the media this week, Premier Christian Burley Mesepitu said consultation is underway with the Western Health and Medical team to see the plan executed.

“As we are experiencing shortage of nurses, my government is willing to employ any retired nurses as well as newly graduated nurses,” he said.

Mesepitu also said that there is a possible longer period lockdown to allow the health team to carry out province-wide contact tracing and swabbing in communities.

He said the lockdown will be announced as soon as formalities are done according to law.

“I want to give this piece of information in advance so that people can stock up needed foods and other needs ahead of the lockdown,” Mesepitu said.

He said there will be no inter-island travels and the general public are urged to remain in their homes.

Mesepitu calls on people doing nothing at the urban centers especially Noro, Munda and Gizo to return to their respective communities before any hard lockdown is enforced.

“I urge our good people who have nothing important to do in our urban centers to return home. This is important as it will address overcrowding in homes and more importantly help families to ration food supplies during this challenging time,” he said.

1...747748749...1,662Page 748 of 1,662