Home Blog Page 750

CRB awareness and clean-up in Renbel

Written by
Press Release
-
0

The Biosecurity department together with the Biosecurity Emergency Coordination Centre (BECC) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in its continued efforts to contain and manage the spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) in the country has recently conducted awareness and clean-up/sanitation programme on the islands of Bellona and Rennell Islands, Renbel Province.

The programme was successfully conducted with funding support from the second batch of funding by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade through the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock – Biosecurity Department.

While in the provincial headquarter, Tingoa; the team made a courtesy visit to the provincial Premier Willy Tuhagenga and met with his executive.

At the meeting the team briefly updated the provincial executive on the ongoing work to contain and managed further spread of CRB in other parts of the country including Renbel Province.

The team also informed the premier and his executive of the activities that has been conducted while they are in the province.

The Biosecurity officers that led the teams to Bellona and Rennell also do direct recruitment of casual workers.

In Bellona casual workers has been recruited from ward 7 to ward 10 covering the whole island, while on Rennell Island, recruitment has been done only in wards 4 & 5.

The casuals were unemployed youths and men are from the two islands.

Community consultation, Awareness and interviews were conducted in both islands, people were well aware of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle which has now become a great threat to their community livelihood and economy.

Posters, brochures and merchandises has been distributed to the casuals and the communities.

The biosecurity team therefore encouraged Rennell and Bellona agriculture extension officers to continue working closely with the plantation owners and good people of Rennell & Bellona islands to closely monitor the coconut plantations and dead stock piles to avoid any further breeding of the CRB on the stock piles.

They advised that the chopped coconut trunks when dried be burnt as soon as possible.

Plantation owners must take the lead in this fight, regularly monitor the coconut palms for infected trees, cut down as soon as identified, to avoid further breeding and spread of the deadly beetle.

Clean-up and/sanitation work will continue again on other provincial sites according to the BECC proposed work plans for this year 2022.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros, was discovered in Honiara in January 2015.

The ministry (MAL) through its Biosecurity department has carried out active campaigns to eradicate and contain it within outbreak area but was not able to do so.

To date it is now confirmed that the CRB has spread to some parts of the provinces except for Choiseul province and the worst infected provinces are Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira (mostly Ulawa), Central Province especially Russell Islands and Ngella and Rennell and Bellona and Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

Coconut industry and other palms are vulnerable to the invasive pest attack.

RENBEL RECRUITS SORE

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Photo - Former City Clerk Rence Sore. Photo: Supplied

Executive defends decision to employ sacked HCC clerk

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE controversial newly-installed Rennell and Bellona Executive has defended their decision to appoint former Honiara City Council clerk, Rence Sore as a new political advisor/consultant.

This after a man from Renbel living in Australia, Duran Angiki, questioned the decision by new premier Japheth Tuhanuku, to recruit Sore, saying.

Angiki said the recruitment of Sore, who was sacked over his many alleged corrupt dealings while with HCC, is a disgrace to the people of Renbel.

“How low is the Premier and his Deputy, the former deposed Premier, Lance Tago, is preparing to drag our province down the gutter?” Angiki asked.

“Sore was sacked for allegedly stealing money and other corrupt dealings,” Angiki claimed.

“Why are we so blatant in our intentions?

“Are you thinking?” he asked.

“Our people and other Members of Provincial Assembly of the executive should speak up against it or else we are part of this scheme to perpetuate stealing and corrupting our dealings with the national government, logging and mining companies now operating in West/Rennell,” Angiki alleged.

However, Lence Tango, Deputy Premier and Minister of Works, Transport, Marine, Civil Aviation and Communication, said it was an executive decision to appoint Sore to develop the policy and translation document.

Tango said the Executive engaged Sore as a direct employee and will be responsible for paying his salary.

In addition, Tango claimed if Sore is a criminal, he should be spending time in jail.

“As far I know, he (Sore) won his case at HCC over all the allegations and Council still to pay him $2.7 million,” he said.

Therefore, Tango said if Angiki is so vocal, “I am very concern because he stays in Australia for 20 years.

“If he (Duran) is very concern, he should take him to court,” he added.

Island Sun understands Sore has already doing work for the new Executive after the members took their oaths this week.

New Renbel premier outlines govt’s plans

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
newly elected Premier Japhet Tuhanuku

By EDDIE OSIFELO

NEWLY appointed Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, Japhet Tuhanuku has decided to concentrate on covid-19, budget and the affairs of his province.

This came after his five Executive members were sworn-in Honiara on Tuesday 8 February.

This happened following the controversial motion of no confidence against former Premier Willie Tuhagenga on 20 December 2021, at Moreno Rest House on Rennel.

Tuhagenga and his full Executive did not attend the meeting after he claimed it was illegal because Provincial Speaker, Lester Hackle Saomasi breached standing order 62 when he issued a notice for the meeting.

He claimed the Speaker should consult him first before allowing the meeting to go ahead.

However, the Speaker did not bow down to Tuhagenga’s advice and proceeded with the meeting, which resulted in Tuhanuku being elected by six members.

There are total of 10 Members of Provincial Assembly in Renbel Province.

Speaking after the swearing in, Tuhanuku said “Our priority now is to deal with the covid-19 and look at the redirection of Renbel affairs.

“We will also come up with a Policy statement and translation to be tabled in the Full Assembly next week to be approved and launch,” he said.

He said his Executive will also work with Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme.

In addition, Tuhanuku said his Executive will revise the 2021 Budget 2022 before the financial year ends on March.

This is in preparation for the 2022 Budget 2023 to be tabled after the financial year.

Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rolland Seleso has appointed Tuhanuku as Premier base on the power conferred to him by Section 20(4) of the Provincial Government Act 1997.

Lence Tagosia is the Deputy Premier and Minister of Works, Transport, Marine, Civil Aviation and Communication.

Eric Saueha Tagaibasa is the Minister of Finance, Treasury, Economic Planning & Commence.

George Tango as Minister for Education, Women, Youth, Children, Sports, Tourism and Culture.

Dory Tuhaika as Minister of Medical, Health, Environment, Fisheries and Agriculture.

Warren Tamaika as the Chairman of Caucus.

Four members are in the Non-Executive.

Renbel gov’t in limbo

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Renbel

By EDDIE OSIFELO

RENNELL and Bellona Provincial Speaker, Lester Hackle Saomasi has defended his decision to allow the debate of the motion of no confidence against Premier Willie Tuhagenga on 20 December 2021.

Japhet Tuhanuku was elected as a new Premier after Tuhagenga and his five member Executives boycotted the meeting.

There are total of 10 members in the Renbel, where six are in the Executive and four non-executive members.

Tuhagenga claimed the meeting was illegal because the Provincial Speaker breached standing order 62 when he issued a notice for the meeting.

Under Standing Order 62, the Speaker may adjourn commencement day of date of the meeting after consultation with the premier where unforeseen circumstances make it impracticable or impossible to proceed as scheduled.

However, Speaker Saomasi, a former national politician and provincial member, said the meeting was legal.

Soamasi was a former Member of Parliament for West Honiara (1997-2001), Renbel (2002-2006) and provincial member for a ward in Marovo, Western Province (2009-2018).

Tuhagenga argued any call for assembly meeting is vested on the power of the premier and not the speaker.

“In fact, I’ve advised the speaker to schedule the assembly meeting on 6 December, however due to logistic and funding issues, the proposed meeting date was deferred to January 2022,” Tuhagenga said.

“But when I announced the date on 6 December, the non-executive requested for a special assembly meeting on 20 December with the main business being a motion of no-confidence in the premier,” he added.

According to the notice issued on 10 December the Speaker calls to convene the meeting on 20 December under Standing Order 58.

Speaker Saomasi said the non-executive members signed a letter and requested a special meeting to be held on 20th December.

He said it was a lawful request according to Section 58 of the Standing Order.

Section 58 states that the Speaker shall also call a meeting if a absolute majority of members present a letter to the Speaker, signed by each member, calling for a meeting on the date stated in the letter.

The letter shall state the reasons for calling the meeting and the business to be discussed at the meeting.

Speaker Saomasi said former Premier Tuhagenga advised him to defer the meeting to 20 January 2022 based on Section 62 of the Standing Order but he refused to follow him.

“Under the meeting, no one has the power to direct me.

“The Speaker proceed it to the best of his judgement,” he said.

“I cannot negotiate with the Premier because the motion was against him,” he said.

Tuhagega said the same notice was issued to him on 14 December, which means there is no clear seven days from the date of service of the notice.

He questioned the validity of issuing and approving the date.

“This is an assembly meeting and I should be consulted prior within clear seven days.

“It ought to be made clear that I have no intention to defer the assembly meeting as there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled before the meeting can proceed.”

Speaker Saomasi said the reasons given by the former Premier Tuhagenga to defer the meeting based on finance did not qualify under Section 62.

He said they knew the meeting to be held six months ago.

Speaker Saomasi said his stand against former Premier Tuhangenga was to stop the attitude spoiling the politics of Renbel.

He said in history, Renbel has been suspended twice because of such attitudes where leaders decided to hold on to power and dragged the issue without finding a solution.

Speaker Saomasi said other big provinces have gone through motion of confidence but they dealt with on the floor of chambers and elected their new Premiers without any hassles.

Tuhagenga said he’s taking the matter to court so that it can be sorted out.

He said there will be negative implications on the province if this issue is not sorted.

Tuhagenga said this so-called change of leadership through illegal means will set a bad precedence for the province and will affect its development and progress.

Speaker Saomasi said only the court is the right avenue to sort out the political impasse facing the province.

Market reopens in Auki

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

The Malaita provincial government has allowed the Auki market opened temporarily amid the covid outbreak there.

The government says this temporary measure aims at helping ease the financial hardships faced by vendors and their families, who have been hit hard by the lockdown and movement restrictions.

This includes betel nut vending and selling of other local foods.

A letter from Deputy Permanent Secretary of MPG on Tuesday says due to the current pandemic situation there are measures to adhere to when selling products at Auki central market.

Therefore, vendors are advised to follow tentative program for market vendors to enable them resume markets, but only at approved days and times.

The schedule as follows.

Fish and chips, cooked food sausage and cake are allocated for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6am – 4pm.

Bake food and lakeno, tea, coconut oil and shell money etc are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays 6am – 4pm.

According to the letter, the temporary arrangements will be strictly monitor and assess as per our current require covid-19 practices and standard.

Also note that upon consultation with the premier, he appointed somebody to look after the betel-nut market to implement rules or covid-19 measures required.

Malaitans warned to follow covid-19 rules

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Kiluufi hospital

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

MINISTER of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana has strongly reminded people in Malaita to adhere to lockdowns that are enforced.

He made the call during his national update on Tuesday evening following increase of covid cases in the province.

“To our good people in Malaita; it is critically important now than ever that all COVID-19 safe and health measures are to be strictly practised and complied with at household family levels.

“Any lockdowns or restrictions of people movements that will be enforced, must be seriously adhered to. As it was often mentioned by the Prime Minister on several of his nation address on Covid-19 pandemic, the virus can ONLY spread when we move and interact more.”

He said the virus finds a host to survive – to keep itself alive.

“Therefore, limit people movements between homes and communities and only do so if it’s necessary.

“Always wear face masks when going out or cover mouth and nose with a cloth if you don’t have face masks. Constantly practice hand washing, maintain social distancing, coughing into bent elbow and DO NOT organize any large gatherings nor participate in one.

“It is also important not to stigmatize those tested positive for COVID-19 or carrying COVID-19 like symptoms.

“Be supportive and provide encouragement to each other at this difficult time.

“Please follow the guidelines issued by the provincial and national government on how to care for a COVID-19 positive case in your homes and protect yourself,” Togamana added.

COVID recovery in Malaita as outbreak continues

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Recovery of covid-19 cases in Malaita continues to be seen as the province faces growing community transmission.

Chairman of Malaita Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), Dr Rex Maukera told this paper on Monday this week 10 patients recovered and were tested and found to be covid-19 free.

He said there are patients in isolation who are recovering, and the EOC team continues to provide them tests as they recover.

Maukera said meanwhile, community transmission is in the province, and that people in Malaita province must continue to adhere to covid-19 measures and listen out for further updates and advice.

He said cases in the province continues to increase.

He said since Monday this week, three patients had been on oxygen and are being monitored.

Maukera also said they continue to receive reports from Ontong Java (MOI), and communities there are in a stable situation.

He said that the current status of the virus will have significant impact on communities and people are asked to adhere to covid-19 measures seriously.

Maukera said the provincial health is currently facing inadequate resources and as staffs are down to the virus it has made it more difficult for them to provide expected services needed.

Covid-19 ward at NRH is now operational 

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE National Referral Hospital’s Orthopaedics ward that was transformed to into being a COVID-19 ward is now functional.

This was confirmed by Dr Culwick Togamana, minister for Health and Medical Services.    

“Hospital’s Orthopaedics ward that has been transformed into COVID-19 ward is now functional with all patients admitted to the ward, only showing mild symptoms,” Togamana said.

He said in terms of the operations of the hospital are in accordance with the zones established to distinguish between high, moderate and low risk areas.

“Also medical supplies including medicines, personal protective equipment, and all other IPC supplies are continuously being monitored, replenished and distributed for use across the hospital,” Togamana said.

“Decontamination of the facility is ongoing on daily basis to ensure hygiene and viral and bacterial free environment.

“The hospital still remains in emergency mode thus the public is advised to seek medical attention at Honiara City Council clinics for now. Only emergency cases including women in labour and those requiring medications on regular basis can come to the hospital.

“Our National Referral Hospital continues to respond to both COVID and non COVID cases presenting at its emergency department,” Togamana said.

Covid spreading in six provinces

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Six provinces are now reported with community transmission.

Health minister Dr Culwick Togamana announced this in his situation report on Tuesday this week.

“Six of our provinces namely Guadalcanal, Central Island, Western, Choiseul, Makira and Isabel are currently experiencing localised transmission to date.

“All in all, the community transmission of covid-19, as experienced in the capital and observed in the provinces is getting worse with increasing number of positive cases, hospitalization and rise in the COVID-19 related deaths.

“Despite current experience wide spread of covid-19 community transmission recoveries have also been noted across our health facilities and our communities.

“My ministry in collaboration with other line ministries is working to the best of our abilities and capabilities with the limited available resources to manage the severely sick, speed up testing making arrangement and advised on home Isolation to those infected and provide vaccination to those who are yet to get fully vaccinated against Covid-19,” Togamana said.

“Malaita province with the largest population is now experiencing an outbreak of covid-19 across the province with total case count stands at 279. These cases are from four regions of the province. Malaita provincial authority now believed and outbreak has occurred in the province. There have also been reports of community deaths related to covid-19.

“It is critically important now than ever that all covid-19 tests and health measures are to be strictly practised and complied with at household family level,” Togamana said.       

“For Guadalcanal Province the total case count have increased to 76 cases however believed to be high due to under testing, Western Province case count have increase from 83 to 115.Cases are mainly from Gizo, Noro and Munda.

“Choiseul Province cases count stands at 9 all cases are detected in Wagina village south Choiseul. Central Island Province CIP total case count is 52. Makira Province remains at two with one case remain active. For Isabel remains at 22 with 18 are currently active.

“Two remaining provinces have not yet reported any covid-19 cases, therefore both still remain covid-19 free,” Togamana said.

PNG force settles matter with victim they bashed

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Police officer from RPNGC say sorry and present cash to the pastor

By EDDIE OSIFELO

VICTIM Maxwell Filei has reconciled with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Defence Force personnel at Kingdom Harvest Church at Henderson yesterday.

The reconciliation saw the PNG Defence Force officers handed over food, cash and their shell money to Filei and his family.

Filei comes from Fanelei in Small Malaita and works at Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

In return, the church gave food to the army for the posting Filei made on on his Facebook page.

The post states: The PNG soldiers are getting out of control at Henderson sea side, moving without mask, drinking with women, threatening innocent families. Who is responsible?

Eyewitness said as a result of the post, the army allegedly turned up at Filei’s house at night with guns over the weekend and bashed him up with an object that resulted in a cut on his face.

Pastor Ellison Bako, who officiated the reconciliation ceremony, said they did it according to the wish of Filei because he is a church member and a harmless person.

Pr Bako said Felie just wanted to settle the issue and say “sorry” to the PNG army.

He said it was good and they appreciated it because the PNG army also lived on the same area.

“We want to bring back the community spirit.

“What we did is going to set the course on what to come behind?

“As we know PNG is very close to us and the church has a long-time relationship with families in PNG as well,” Pr Bako said.

Island Sun understand relatives of Filei have raised a formal complaint against the PNG force to the local police.

PNG forces are part of the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force led by Australia, which was requested by the government to restore law and order during the November riots in Honiara.

The alleged bashing has widely discussed and condemned on social media.

Local police say they are investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, Opposition spokesman and chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Kenilorea, has condemned the alleged action of the PNG soldiers.

1...749750751...1,662Page 750 of 1,662