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SIBA calls for restart to Legal Profession bill

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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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.

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

Written by
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.

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