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Hide-away at Epanga Island Resort

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Epanga Island resort in the Western Province

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WANT to hide away with your family during holidays?

Epanga Island Resort is the perfect place and the best choice.

Epanga Island Resort is less than 10 minutes boat ride from Gizo. You can enjoy the view overlooking Kolombangara, more importantly the popular John F Kennedy Island.

The resort has four accommodations, all of which are designed for both single persons and families. There is also a conference room that can accommodate up to fifty participants.

The welcome signboard at Epanga

It has a bar and huts where guests can wind down their evening while watching boats cruising by, birds dancing around schools of fish and the sun slowly disappearing on the horizon.

A built-in timber jetty close to the huts is a perfect spot for children to enjoy themselves jumping to the sea with parents’ supervision.

An open space for picnic or conference

Hospitality is not an issue. The owner is Austin Beto and his family have the expertise to treat visiting guests with absolute generosity.

According to Beto, Epanga is also part of the government travel bubble known as the “Umi Holiday Package” but only few guests have enjoyed their time at the resort.

Epanga Island Resort Bar

“We received less than five guests coming to our resort under the Umi Holiday initiative and they enjoyed their time here.

“One family in particular came back for the second time here and I think they really like it here,” he said.

Being part of the Umi Holiday initiative was not that impactful for Epanga Resort, but that doesn’t matter.

Local guests always stormed the resort nearly every week enjoying themselves with cool beers before heading to their respective destinations.

“The bar and the leaf huts are two important assets that I have at the moment,” said Beto.

Owner of Epanga Island Resort Austin Beto

“Boats pull up at our jetty every week with guests trying to enjoy few beers in our huts. Our guests are top priority so we open the bar anytime when guests request to do so,” he added.

Beto said Epanga Island Resort has come a long way and is slowly developing into a perfect environment that would add value to services.

St Luke Sunday School recently host their picnic at Epanga Island Resort.

He said the future plan includes setting up a snooker table, dart and another bar for people who are interested in playing the games while enjoying their evening.

“I want to accomplish many things but I don’t have the fund to do so. It is pain taking to see the pace of development on my resort but I accept the fact that I’m not financially capable to do all I want one time. I hope and pray that one day my vision will come to fruitful,” Beto said.

St Luke Youths enjoy their lunch at the Jetty

Like any other tourism operators in Solomon Islands, Epanga is not immune to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Beto said everything has been slow and I understand what he (Beto) meant was, that the income was low, low turnover of visitors due to border restrictions and overall the incapability of the country’s economy to assist private sectors.

At 80 years of age, soft spoken Beto is still hoping the situation will return to normal soon so that business will be good again.

Pfizer vaccine for booster doses

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that booster doses have commenced on frontline workers using the Pfizer vaccine to further strengthen their protection against the Omicron and Delta variants of COVID-19.

In his nation-wide address yesterday he said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stressed that it is important to be vaccinated to protect against the other widely circulating variants such as the Delta variant.

PM Sogavare said, “So fellow citizens, make sure to get vaccinated. If your vaccination involves two doses, it is important to receive both doses to have the maximum protection.

“We are still witnessing the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in Australia and other neighbouring countries.

“It has the same potential to spread very quickly in Solomon Islands because our vaccination rate is extremely low.

“More than 82 percent of our population is not protected because they are not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all.

“If Community transmission occurs in Solomon Islands, we will see a lot more suffering and deaths.

“Information is still limited, but there may be a small reduction in the effectiveness of vaccines against 5 this new variant. However, WHO reports that the currently available vaccines offer significant protection against severe disease and death,” Sogavare said.

He said researchers are still looking into the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron variant.

PM admits NRH hopeless if covid-19 breaks out

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE National Referral Hospital will not have the capacity to care for covid-19 patients in any case of a covid-19 break-out.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare confirmed this during his nation-wide address yesterday.

“If Community transmission occurs in Solomon Islands, we will see a lot more suffering and deaths.

“The NRH does not have the capacity to look after large numbers of people infected by COVID-19. In fact, I have been advised that we must not bring covid-19 patients to the NRH simply because it will spread very quickly among patients in the hospital due to their already compromised immune status,” Sogavare said.

“This simply means that most COVID-19 infected people will remain in their own homes.

“This will spread the infection to everyone else in the household. Many of the unvaccinated people will get infected, many will get seriously ill and sadly, many could die.

“I have been asking you all to get vaccinated since we launched our COVID-19 vaccination program in March this year. Sadly, only 18% of the population listened and got fully vaccinated. Another 29% came for their first doses. These people must take their second doses as soon as their due dates come because one dose does not protect you from COVID-19.

“Today, I again, ask all members of the public to ensure you are fully vaccinated. That is the only proven way to protect yourselves, your families, and your communities from COVID-19,” Sogavare said

Marovo communities mark Christmas in style

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Team Yellow ready for the parade

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COMMUNITIES in Marovo Lagoon, Western Province have celebrated Christmas in style.

Boats were decorated with Christmas colors and paraded the lagoon on Christmas Day.

In a brief comment to Island Sun Gizo, Don Harry Kereseka Report said that the event was held to mark a special event so dear to the communities called the Sea Festival.

He said the festival which started back in 2017 has attracted families and friends who work and live in other parts of the country so as overseas to return home every Christmas to be part of the festival.

A glimpse of the Sea Festival at Marovo Lagoon

Kereseka said the festival aimed to unite communities and at the same time gave an opportunity for people to reflect in search of better approach to live in harmony.

“But basically it’s a one high light to open up sea festive and Christmas game. The sea festival parade hem been on for years now since 2017 and gain popularity.

“It raise interest for families and even friends to return home where everyone look forward like every other communities around the country too.

Another boat decorated with Christmas color ready for the parade

“The aim is to unit and have our community live a harmonious living with us and also with diverse of people we have through intermarriage and also friends invited to come home,” he said.

Kereseka said the organizers are looking at hosting a bigger event in the future.

MINER ATTACKED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Police arrest one over alleged damages

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GUADALCANAL police have arrested one male person in relation to the damage of Win Win Mining Investment Limited properties at Turarana on Wednesday 22 December 2021.

Police Media confirmed yesterday the suspect is in police custody while investigation continues to ascertain the facts behind the incident.

A outspoken landowner on the area, Joel Jackson confirmed that he is not aware that “landowners damaged the Win Win office on the area”.

However, Jackson said the landowners staged a road block and stoned the vehicles of the company after it failed to pay their royalties.

He said after the incident, the company agreed to solve the matter “very quickly”.

Win Win company yesterday said they “decided not to dwell on the matter because of continuous publicity against the company in the media”.

The company started the trial alluvial mining operation in July 2019.

The trial mining commenced at the Mamasa alluvial flat deposit but was later shifted upstream to the Turarana Area (Kavahambe) after very low gold recoveries (0.15g/cubic meter(cu.m)) were experienced at the Mamasa alluvial flats deposit which is well below break even levels.

After heavy floods that left the Turarana wash plant inundated in October 2019; alluvial mining operations were shifted back to the Mamasa area in November, 2019 while reconstruction of the Turarana wash plant was progressing.

Mining operations were shifted back again to the Turarana wash plant in December 2019 due to improved gold recoveries experienced there.

Up to present time only the Turarana wash plant is currently being worked.

According to the Win Win’s monthly report produced on 10th July 2021 by contracted Geologist, Collin Midobatu, the company has exported a total of 3,258.47 ounce of gold from its last 6th shipment from January to June 2021.

This is worth around $48 million (USD$6million) base on the market prize of US$1,853.00 per ounce.

The export of gold shipment came from its operation at Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.

However, the company could not make any gold shipment from July 2019 to December 2020 as stated in the monthly report released on 10th July 2021.

In December 2020, armed men dressed as police officers entered the company’s premises at Turarana and got away with one gold bar weighing 3 kilograms, one gold bar weighing 1.7 kilograms which is yet to be properly cleaned, $140,000 cash and 15 mobile phones.

Police later arrested seven men in connection to the robbery.

Win Win recently took over Solomon Islands Resources Company Limited (SIRCL), a company that has secured a tenement to do nickel mining in Isabel Province.

Under a new company called, Go Win Company, it is moving to Isabel. However, landowners there have expressed their objection to the company operating on their land.

New water supply for Nusabaruku community

Written by
Ben Bilua
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0
One of the stand pipes ready to serve the community

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

NUSABARUKU Community in Western Province took ownership and will benefit from water supply project funded through their constituency funds.

Last week, the community witnessed the handing over of nine stand pipes with much excitement as their plea for proper water supply has been answered.

Josephine Aituai, Chairlady of Nusabaruku Community, said her community has been struggling to bring water supply closer to their homes for over 30 years.

She adds that residents, especially women and girls, have to walk long distance to collect water – a practice Aituai described as risky for women and girls.

Aituai acknowledged Lanelle and also Member of Provincial Assembly for Gizo, John Wale for addressing the community’s long standing issue.

“Our cries have been fulfilled and we thank you for recognizing our need,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombaranga, Lanelle Tanangada, joined the community on the occasion.

One of the stand pipes ready to serve the community

She said Nusabaruku Water Supply project is one among other major projects earmarked and enlisted under the Ward Development Committee for ward 11, which is Gizo.

Tanangada stressed that an estimate of $1.2 million has been spent to complete the water supply project while sanitation project is on its way.

She told those present that the funding was secured under Solomon Islands (SIG) Water and Sanitation Budget and People’s Republic of China (PRC).

She added that the completion of the water supply project marked another milestone for Nusabaruku community who will be enjoying the service.

“I share with you all the joy this day brought to you. I believe the long distance walk to collect water will stop.

“I congratulate those who have help one way or the other in the completion of this project.

“On that note, I urge you to take ownership of the resources so that they will have long term benefit for you and your children,” she added.

It’s understood that Nusabaruku has an estimated population of around 800 people.

Frontliners to get booster doses

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by NDTV.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

ALL frontline workers in Honiara and Guadalcanal will be given their booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his latest national address on December 26th Sunday 202.

“All frontliners in Honiara and Guadalcanal province will be given their booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible,” Sogavare said.

He also urged all school-aged children between 12-17 years old and pregnant in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province to go for Pfizer vaccine.

“All school-aged children between 12-17 years old and pregnant women that live in Honiara and G. Province please go for your Pfizer vaccines as soon as possible.

“The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education will advise on locations for Pfizer vaccines and when they can be accessed.

“For eligible adults that have not yet been vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, please ensure you take your vaccination immediately.

“The Ministry of Health will advise on where people in Honiara and Guadalcanal can access your vaccines.

“Please do not delay. COVID-19 is on the country now,” Sogavare said.

2 More Covid Case In Quarantine

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

THE Prime Minister has just announced a further two cases of covid-19 at quarantine today.

This after the parents of the 10 year old earlier detected this week for the virus were also tested and found to be positive. The family arrived in the country last week from Fiji.

This brings to four the number of covid cases at quarantine. Another passenger from a flight bringing in participants from the Dubai Expo 2020 was also tested positive.

Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare earlier told local media that there is high possibility that the case from Fiji is from the delta strain of the virus and the Dubai case, the omicron which is peaking in parts of the world.

Meanwhile, all close contact of the Covid-19 patient (Dubai) who came through the Brisbane flight have all come back negative. Repeated tests will be carried out.

Suidani praises Dala community for showing unity

Written by
Samie Waikori
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0
Altarboys leading the processing of candidates for confirmation and His Lordship, Bishop Peter Houhou and clergies to begin the consecration mass.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani congratulates communities of Dala Roman Catholic parish for the effort rendered towards the completion of their newly consecrated church building.

Speaking after the consecration mass on Monday at Dala (South), Suidani says the successful installation of the church building came as a result of the true spirit of partnership.

Premier Daniel Suidani and team who are also part of the ceremony.

He says upon what has been heard on the project, it has been proven that unity is the key virtue portrayed by communities within Dala that led to the competition of the project.

“This is one of the disappearing virtues or qualities within communities in the province which our forefathers of this island had lived and enjoyed,” the premier said.

The newly built and consecrated Dala parish church building.

“Unity comes with collective ideas and working together and when its presence is in the community, the fruit is what we had witnessed in the consecration of this new church building,” he added.

“On that note, I wish to praise the past and present people of Dala for the wonderful church history you have that contributed one way or the other to spread Christianity in the province.

Bishop Peter Houhou apoints a candidate to receive her sacrament of comfirmation.

“Education as one would count under the church history of Dala has contributed or paved way to many elite Malaitans especially within their areas.”

According to Suidani there are people up there who will count on Dala as where they begin or have contributed to their journey of success.

Panpipers entertaining the crowd during consecration of Dala Church on Monday this week.

He says with that Dala is a model, modern community for the province and it can say with visual church infrastructure in place like Dala mission CHS.

Suidani calls on the people of Dala and its parishioners to keep on the working together and live united as one people to face challenges and success together.

PNG-SI community celebrate Christmas

Written by
Press Release
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0
Fiona B. Kovingre, the only female solider currently serving with the PNG contingent, cutting the Christmas cake with Ms Tahi, a member of the PNG-SI Association.

PAPUA New Guinea-Solomon Islands Community held their Christmas celebrations on December 18 at Harmock Beach, west of Honiara.

Family, friends and PNG nationals gathered at the venue to mark Christmas along with the PNG soldiers currently serving here.

High Commissioner Moses Kaul welcomed the contingents of special forces.

“I have this special pride to say today is not just an ordinary day, but our PNG Day. We welcome the presence of the PNG contingent for coming here to the Solomon Islands,” Kaul said.

PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Moses Kaul addressing the event.

“This occasion is part of our recognition of you. Although you’re under busy schedule, yet you take this time to come and be part of this program, it’s very special,” he added.

“Evident fact here is because it’s Christmas season, and this occasion is to mark Christmas, it’s time to share, exchange, reflect and unite as one big happy family, so you (PNG Special Forces) you too are family here today.

Defence Advisor Craig Solomon, right, and a member of the PNG community here.

“You are here because your small brother had call on you, that’s why you are here to give a hand.

“You are already here during the time of RAMSI; you are here to reinforce that same duty.

“And to help support stabilize the unrest situation that we have been experiencing for the past following weeks here in Honiara. People and the Government of Solomon Islands are happy to have you here.

“Our deployment here has demanded our colour, representation in the process of engagement that we continue to demonstrate and this has led for us to continue to polish these Melanesian conceptions.

“It’s not that we will interfere with the line of your duty, but it’s that we will support you in any other ways as Papua New Guineans for a good and better outcome.”

Kaul also highlighted the achievements of PNG-SI Association.

Association members and their families during the party.

He said he has taken a personal pride on the association since his tenure at the beginning of this year, witnessing cooperation and dedication.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge whoever who commits your time and effort, it’s your sacrifice, I must acknowledge these things.

“We are Papua New Guineans, it shows our colour, our pride and our way of doing things. We owe these to our hearts.”

Contingent commander Perou N. Dranou in response said their being at the Christmas event feels like they were just in Papua New Guinea.

“I don’t see any difference between PNG and Solomon Islands.

BBQ food being served during the occasion on the beach. Photos by Lynnissha Runa of the PNG High Commission.

“We faced similar problems just recently in Enga, Southern Islands of PNG.

“And I believe through that experience we can bring that understanding to help our Solomon Islands police to stand up strong to face these kinds of issues.

“How you (PNG Community here in Honiara) received us, we feel privilege that we will miss our Christmas away from home, but still we feel as if we are having our Christmas in Port Moresby.

“To whatever reasons that we are here for, we will try our best.

 “We assure the PNG-SI Association and the High Commission, we will work enough in our good ways, and we will try our best, together with the other fellow Pacific contingents to help achieve peace, since Solomon Islands wants us to be here a little bit longer to help the RSIPF.  

PNG-SI Association members during the Christmas Party at Lela Beach.

‘Our purpose is to give confidence back to the police and the Government of Solomon Islands.”

Fiona B. Kovingre, the only female in the contingent added:

“It’s the first time for me on an overseas mission, but I’m very comfortable among my male counterparts.

 “It’s quite challenging for me, working with some of the new people that I don’t work with, but I’m very comfortable now.

“I don’t feel different from them. It’s not a new thing for me. I’ve been in many Police operations out in the highlands and in-country.

Food being served during the Christmas party

“The only thing is that we will be missing our families this Christmas and New Year, but being part of this Christmas program, we already feel at home.”

Francis Peter of the PNG-SI Association acknowledge the presence of everyone present at the event.

More than 500 people attended the event. – Lynissha Runa of PNG High Commission

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