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Renbel rolls out COVID-19 vaccine

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Renbel Premier Hon. Willy Tuhagenga taking the first COVID-19 jab for Renbel province

RENNELL and Bellona (Renbel) launched their COVID-19 vaccination roll out last Wednesday.

Makira-Ulawa Province followed on Thursday.

This leaves Temotu, the only province yet to launch its COVID-19 vaccination roll out program before nation-wide launch and commencement of roll out is completed.

Over 200 people gathered at the Renbel provincial capital, Tingoa, to join the launch program.


L-R Health Director George Pego, Premier Tuhagenga and National Director of Nursing Michael Larui cutting the ribbon to launch the COVID-19 vaccination roll out.

Delivering his address at the event, Renbel provincial health director George Pego, welcomed the provincial premier, executive and assembly members, community and church leaders, elders and chiefs and health workers in Honiara deployed to Renbel to support the roll out.

National Head of Nursing, representing the Ministry of Health and Senior Executive Management and the public were also present during the event.

“I welcome you all to this important event that marks the official launching and commencement of the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in Rennell and Bellona province. Big welcome indeed and thank you for making the effort to attend this launch”.

Pego outlined the preparations that the provincial health team have undertaken prior to the launch.


Seventh Day Adventist Pastor, Solly Tengemoana receiving his first jab

“Cold chain assessment to ensure that storage capacity meets necessary requirements conducted and happy to inform that we are now ready to distribute and administer the vaccines,” Pego said.

“All personnel to be engaged in the roll out of the vaccines have been trained ready to receive their jabs today as part of preparations to roll out the vaccines,” he added.

“While waiting for further support we have mobilized provincial health resources to ensure timely deployment of teams and vaccines.

“Roll out plan finalized and will involve three teams, Tingoa, Tegano and Bellona, which will comprise of 8-10 members that constitute the tasks involved for pre vaccine health check, registration, administration and monitoring for side effects as well as risk communication.

“We are ready.”


Senior Catechist, Anglican church receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Michael Larui, MHMS National Director of Nursing in his remarks acknowledged the support from Renbel premier, executive and assembly, the provincial health director and emergency operation centre team, community and church leaders and elders for supporting preparations for vaccine roll out and the launch itself. “Allow me to share that with the recent 36 hours lockdown in Honiara, health conducted its lockdown operations review and found that whilst there are improvements, there are also gaps, challenges and issues, therefore our best option for now is to ensure that all persons 18 years and above get vaccinated,” Larui said.


People lining up the vaccination centre to get their vaccine dose.

He also conveyed regional statistics of cases and deaths including those of neighbouring countries like Fiji and Papua New Guinea where COVID-19 has greatly impacted their health systems and people.

“So let’s not wait but get vaccinated.

“That said let me wish the Renbel province all the best in its roll out of COVID-19 vaccination across the province.”

Premier of Rennell and Bellona Willy Tuhagenga expressed sincere thanks towards the National and Provincial Ministry of Health for efforts to deploy the vaccines to Renbel together with all necessary preparations.

He also acknowledged donors and development partners such as People’s Republic of China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the COVAX Facility with support from WHO and UNICEFF who have to date donated and provided COVID-19 vaccines, part of which has been allocated to Renbel.


Part of the crowd that attended the launch event.

“Getting these vaccines into the country is not an easy task, therefore I thank the DCCG government, Oversight Committee and all others for contributions made towards getting these important vaccines into the country and our province,” Tuhagenga said.

“My good people given the state of our health systems, challenges with access to specialist health care and our population size, a community transmission will indeed be devastating for us,” he added.

“Therefore, you will not regret your choice of taking your jab as of today.”


Health workers too getting jabbed with COVID-19 vaccines during launch event

He called on the people of Renbel to not believe any rumours or information that are not from reliable sources such as social media and non-health workers and to only trust vaccine information from Health authorities and technical agencies such as WHO and UNICEF. 

“That said, I wish to call on community chiefs and elders, church leaders, and all persons 18 years and above to come forward and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Let us support this roll out program.

“My government assures of its commitment to support the roll out and to demonstrate this I am offering myself to be the first to take my jab and urge you all to follow suit,” the premier said.

On the launch date 54 people came on that day to get their first vaccine dose including government ministry personnel, health and police, community and church leaders.

SIFONI: MARA LOSES SIX

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Charles Kadamana
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Malaita Deputy Premier, Randal Sifoni.

Minister Seleso asked to revoke ‘resigned’ members

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

SIX members of the Suidani-led Malaita Province executive have reportedly resigned, a letter the Island Sun cited yesterday claimed.

The letter, dated 13/9.2021 and signed by the recently sacked deputy premier Randal Sifoni, was addressed to Provincial Government minister Rollen Seleso.

“I write to advice you that office of the premier has confirmed receiving resignation letters from six provincial ministers,” Sifono, who is MPA for Ward 30, claimed in the letter.

He named the six as:

  1. Elijah Asilaua, MPA Ward 11
  2. Alick Ofo’ofo, MPA Ward 26
  3. Ivan Tonafalea, MPA Ward 4
  4. Francis Wateliu, MPA Ward 23
  5. John Kehosi, MPA Ward 31
  6. William Longa, MPA Ward 32

Sifoni requested Seleso to revoke the appointments of the six as provincial ministers.

Island Sun was unable to verify the resignation claims with the named MPAs last night.

Also, this paper did not cite the resignation letters of the provincial ministers, except that of Asilaua, who is the Minister for Forestry, Mines and Energy.

Asilaua’s letter was dated 3/9/21.

He accused Premier Suidani of making decisions without consulting the executive.

“Your decision-making is not consistent with the principles of good governance and democracy,” Asilau said in his resignation letter to the premier.

He also stated Premier Suidani’s style of leadership is dividing the people of Malaita and this is affecting the function of the executive and its ability to deliver much needed services to the people.

“As members of the Malaita Provincial Executive we are mandated to represent our people and make sure that their views are heard during executive deliberations.

“Instead, the voices of our people have been suppressed and silenced by your non consultative approach and total disregard to the governing rules of the Malaita Provincial Government, an institution born under the constitution of Solomon Islands under the Provisions of the Provincial Government Act.”

Asilau also accused Premier Suidani of entertaining the Malaita for Democracy (M4D), a pressure group operating within Auki.

When contacted last night, acting premier, Nelson Lenty, said his office has not received any letters of resignation from its members.

Provincial Assembly Speaker Ronnie Butala also told the Island Sun his office has not cited any resignation letters.

He said normally, executive members who intend to resign will have to tender their resignation letters to the premier or in his absence, the deputy premier.

“The office of the premier would then pass on copies to the office of the speaker,” Butala explained.

“From there on, the provincial secretary would facilitate the letter and forward it to the provincial government minister,” he added.

“That’s the process.”

Premier Suidani is still in Australia awaiting his return, and could not be reached for comments last night.

In recent weeks, his government has been shaky with reports of 12 of his executive members intending to resign.

Ivan Tonafalea, the provincial Youth minister rumoured to be among the 12, has since denied the claim, stating he is still with the MARA government.

Siesie villagers celebrate International Literacy Day

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Graduates proudly holding up their certificates.

ON Wednesday, 8 September, hundreds of newly literate people gathered at Foubaba Community School in West Kwaio, to celebrate International Literacy Day. 

The day’s activities were organized by the Siesie Ward Literacy Programme.

The programme, which has been a special project of LASI (Literacy Association of Solomon Islands) since 2017, includes village communities from Sinasu to Loulana. 

 Arriving by truck and by foot, literacy students and teachers who have been involved in the literacy initiative arrived at Foubaba Community High School to celebrate the completion of literacy classes in Kwaio, Pijin and English. 

When the programme was ready to begin, classes gathered in groups to form a parade lead by the Mao Dancers from Siubongi Village.

The young boys in traditional Kwaio dress sang and danced the proud literacy students into the gathering place.


Young literacy graduates reading Pijin Scriptures.

 The National Coordinator of LASI (Literacy Association of Solomon Islands), Priscilla Maeniuta and Michael Saeni, LASI Training Coordinator, were special guests at the event.

Mrs Maeniuta praised the students for their hard work in completing the courses and encouraged them to continue their education and skills training.

She also encouraged the parents who have learned to read, to ensure that their own children learn to read and write and in that way they can help break the chain of illiteracy in Solomon Islands. 


LASI National Coordinator, Priscilla Maeniuta.

Michael Saeni thanked the teachers and students for their efforts and hard work and congratulated them on their achievement.

He also thanked Ludavic Mo’osumae, Community Literacy Coordinator for Siesie Ward, and the organizing committee for the International Literacy Day. 

The Director of LASI, Priscilla Maeniuta and Michael Saeni, LASI Training Coordinator werespecial guests at the event.  

Also in attendance were Blondie Akwasia and Hilda Waitahi from COESI (Coalition forEducation Solomon Islands).

 The LASI staff is grateful for the support of Ezekiel Obimae ,the principal of Foubaba Community School.


A proud new reader with her Kwaio New Testament.

Mr Obimae in his address said he was pleased to see the literacy programme in the community and pledged his ongoing support.

He said that as parents have learned to read and write, it has had a positive impact on students in school. 

The highlight of the programme was the awarding of certificates to the students.

More than 150 students; women, men and children proudly went forward to receive their certificates as their names were called. 

Each community literacy class had prepared a short demonstration of their newly acquired skills.


Literacy class demonstration.

Following the programme, Francis Maekoto and Andrew Steele from Malaita Island Scripture Use had Kwaio New Testaments and Dauru Agorua Nanaua Falafala Na God Gani Mai Gani, Kwaio Bible story book for sale. 

Some of the literacy students were very pleased to purchase them so they can put their new skills to use.

POLICE: $300K PROBE DONE

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Jennifer Kusapa
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Case to be forwarded to DPP

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE say their investigations into the $300,000 that was stolen from their custody have been completed, but no charges have yet been laid.

An officer who was responsible for the police exhibit room has been suspended over the matter on half pay.

“Investigations into this case has finally been completed,” Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau told reporters yesterday.

“The case officer is now putting together all the evidence to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice,” Mangau added.

The missing $300,000 was money police recovered from the operator of One-link Pacifica, a scam scheme that has robbed many Honiara residents of their hard-earned cash.

Police stored the money in their well-secured exhibit room at Rove police headquarters when it gone missing in October last year.

Mangau did not announced the missing funds until early this year – much to the shock of One-Link victims and the public.

The police chief assured the public then that the case will be given priority in terms of investigation but it took almost the whole year to reach where it is now.

Recently, there have been public calls for the police executive to come clean on the case,

There were reports that the officer who stole the money shared it with certain police executives.

Recently, police say cases like this take time to investigate.

Mangau yesterday said the investigation focused only on one person – the suspended officer.

Meanwhile, case of the One-Link operator is still before the courts.

Man jailed for lockdown breach

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Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A MAN who breached lockdown orders has been jailed for 12 months after he pleaded guilty in the Magistrate Court.

Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga imposed the sentence yesterday.

Jack Dola and was charged with one count of restriction of movement of persons in Honiara contrary to clause 4 (1) and (2) (a) and (b) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (Honiara Emergency Zone) (Restriction of Movement) Order 2021 and Regulation 15(1) (a), (2) and (4) of the Emergency Powers (COVID19) (No.2) Regulations 2021.

Magistrate Aulanga said Dola is one of those who disobeyed the 36 hours lockdown order that commenced from 6pm on 29th August to 6am on 31st August 2021.

Police said about 1pm on August 29th 2021 Dola was sighted at the Honiara Town Council depot area along the Mbokonavera road, drunk.

“That area is restricted for public movement during the lockdown period.

“At the material time, he should be at his home residence at Koa Hill, an area several hundred meters away from the place he was sighted.

“Dola was apprehended by police at that scene and placed in cell.

“He was not permitted by the authority to venture into the dark along the Honiara Town Council Depot area being a restricted area during that lockdown period.”

Aulanga said the court has reminded that Solomon Islanders must learn to obey the law put down by the State.

“And the accused, as one of the residents in the Emergency zone, should learn to obey the lockdown order by staying at his place of residence at Koa Hill.

“The need for him to drink alcohol that led him to leave his home during that lockdown is not an emergency need or a thing that might be critical or detrimental to his heath.

“I do not see that unless he drinks alcohol, he will die so that he must go out that night to drink with his friends.

“He is a 22-year-old married person and should know better that it is important to do the right thing by staying at home during the lockdown period.

“The need of the country, as stated earlier, to test the preparedness efforts of individuals, communities, organizations and state institutions against this deadly Delta variant virus overrides his right to freedom of movement in order to drink alcohol during a prohibited period, nothing more nothing less,” Aulanga said.

Steward Tonowane of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the prosecution, while Bobby Harunari of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused.

Guale fully supports Tina Hydro project

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Guadalcanal-Premier-Francis-Sade-delivering-his-speech-

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GUADALCANAL Province fully supports the Tina River Hydro Project, its premier says.

Francis Sade expressed this during the signing of the formal collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification (MMERE) and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority Solomon Power.

The signing allows a 11lkV high voltage (HV) extension and 415V low voltage (LV) distribution network running along the 9km road from Black Post leading up to the Tina community in the Bahomea Region. 

The construction of the HV extension and LV distribution network is one of the flagship programs under the Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP) and will benefit approximately 141 houses who will now be connected to the Honiara grid.

Sade said they are determined to support the national government project with the $6 million dollars’ TRHDP exemption waiver in 2019.

“I have to admit that this was a difficult choice that my Executive Government had to make, especially when we inherited $20 million plus dollars right in the beginning of our four years long journey.

“We definitely knew that we will face a lot of backlashes for this,” he said.

However, Sade said his Executive has envisioned that the positive benefits of the TRHDP will definitely outweigh the obstacle.

The signing of the agreement outlines what is expected of Solomon Power as the implementing agency responsible for feasibility, designing, construction and commissioning of the HV extension and LV distribution network. 

Chairman of Solomon Power David Quan said the Project cost is around $6.7 million and will be in construction for a duration of 111 days for HV extension and LV distribution network excluding service line connections and house wiring.

“Solomon Power is honored to announce that our scope will also include energising a total of 141 house connections by providing wiring connections inside these homes as part of this funding arrangement.

“Once again, this will not only achieve our goal of expanding the electricity grid but it will be a major boost for our local communities and the greater Solomon Islands economy.” he said.

He emphasised this particular project is about bringing the benefits of energy from the larger Tina River Hydro Project to these communities and expanding SP’s network in the Guadalcanal province.

The collaboration agreement signing is a binding document signifying the delivery of grant funding from the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF) through the World Bank for Solomon Power to implement the electrification development that will extend the existing network at Black-post to Tina village. 

Access to power for the first time in these communities will be truly life changing and now every day essential activities for residents, such as children being able to study for school effectively or women prepare and store produce to sell at the markets, will be made easier.  

The Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification     (MMERE) Bradley Tovosia, acknowledge development partners for providing the necessary technical support during the strategizing phase of the project.

He also encouraged people living in and around Tina communities to treat Tina Project as an asset.

“My good people from Tina and surrounding communities, count yourself as the most privileged in the country, as this infrastructure will be amongst the first of the many that will come because of the Tina Hydro Project.

“Treat the project as an asset of the community and the constituency,” the minister emphasized.

Work on the transmission line will commence this month with local construction contractor ANN City Power Solution.

Isabel pledges to avail land for development

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THE Isabel Provincial Government says it is availing more land for development projects at strategic locations around the province.

This was highlighted by the Province’s Deputy Premier, Tony Vahia during a ceremony on Tuesday to handover a new court house at Tatamba by the Gao-Bugotu constituency to the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.

The more than $700,000 court house was built with constituency funds under the Rural Constituency Development Funds (RCDF) scheme.

The facility was built on Provincial Government Land at the Tatamba substation under the custody of the Provincial Premier.

“Our Provincial Government is supportive such developments and others that are in the pipeline here at Tatamba,” Vahia said.

“This is one example of partnership in development, where the Provincial Government provides land while the National Government through relevant Ministries and Constituencies provide funding for infrastructure development,” Vahia added.

Such developments, according to Vahia is a way forward in terms of providing much needed infrastructure for people in rural areas within the Province.

A similar arrangement was made previously at Tatamba where the Provincial Government allocated land for a Police post and a soon to be completed Office complex building to house various Government Ministries there.

Tatamba in East Gao district was earmarked for a growth center by the Government back in 2013.

Since then, the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Samuel Manetoali and his constituency development team has steadily progressed some infrastructure projects on site to prepare for more government services in that region.

Still in the pipeline are some important infrastructure projects including a multi-sectoral Office Complex building, a mini Correctional Services Center, and airport and other vital infrastructure projects.

Manetoali said his vision is to invest constituency funds in developing infrastructures in order to attract government services as well as investment activities in Gao-Bugotu.

Diocese launches plan for new headquarters.

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From left- Mr. Stephen Panga, Jonlee Saki, Hon. Maneka, Premier Sade, Bp Loe, Chief John Seketala, Archbishop Dawea, Fr. Garimane infront of the sign board.

The Diocese of Guadalcanal in the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) launched and unveiled its diocesan headquarters development plan at Good Shephard Church, east of Honiara on Friday last week.

Guest of Honour to the ceremony, Premier of Guadalcanal Francis Sade together with the Archbishop of ACOM the Most Rev Leonard Dawea, the Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal and Member of Parliament of North Guadalcanal Constituency, Samuel Maneka were given the honour to launch and unveil the development plans on a sign board.

Loe, in his speech at the ceremony said the acquiring of land extensions and the launching of the Diocesan Headquarters development plans marks the beginning of the task of reimagining and rebuilding the body of Christ for the Diocese of Guadalcanal.

“In here, I must thank Mr Meshack Suia and his relatives and members of Ghaobata Tribe for willingly offered priority to the Diocese to pursue the legal title of the land that would be developed for the Glory and Honor of God who is the Ultimate owner of his Creation.

“May I on behalf of all Christian Denominations on Guadalcanal and Church leaders to plea to all the land owners, Province and National Government represented by our Guadalcanal Members of Parliament to stand with and for us (Churches) to please offer us space whenever and where ever land is to be discussed for the establishment. We want to bring the Church closer to the people,” Loe said.

Dawea said it is important that all dioceses and institutions have periodic strategic development plans so that “we know where we are heading to”.

“The launching ceremony today is in-line with what we want so that we know where we are going, the Archbishop said as he assured Bishop Loe of his continuous support to his diocese.”

The Archbishop also joined the Diocesan Bishop of Guadalcanal to acknowledge the land owners, the paramount Chief of Ghaobata, the FTE holders and the Provincial Government for allowing the Church to develop the land.

“The Church is everybody’s responsibility, not just the Bishop’s or the Clergy’s and any particular Ministry. Your corporation and support to the Bishop is very much needed for this very important development.”

Premier Sade said his government recognises the important role of churches on Guadalcanal in terms of good quality education, social justice, and spiritual growth for Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands citizens.

“Work closely with our Provincial Town and Country Planning Board in order to safeguard and control how we move forward.

“As we progress more and more into the future developments, we also need to strengthen the very three pillars; church, government and custom that holds together the foundation of our society.”

–ACOM PRESS

Police clarify use of PRT in Rennell logging dispute

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Deputy Commissioner (DC) Operations of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Juanita Matanga describes as misleading an article that appeared in the Solomon Star newspaper on September 8 with the headline, “Firm defies order in logging operations”.

Matanga says, “First let me put it right that the Police Response Team (PRT) as mentioned in the article as appear to be providing the erring company help is not true but PRT responded to a tense situation between parties involved in that matter.

 “Police became involved in that issue because of reports of alleged matters of criminal nature in the dispute between Mr Amos Teikagei and other landowners.

“This issue went on for some time and Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Renbel Province requested if the RSIPF Executive could authorize the PRT to travel to assist officers at Tigoa Police Station. The Executive refused to allow the PRT to travel because police firmly believe that such issues could be resolved through dialogue. The standoff between all landowners continued.”

DC Matanga further explained that during the first week of February 2021, a death occurred around that area, which involved another male person, murdered another male person. 

At that time, she said the situation on the ground was quiet but then a week later another report from PPC Renbel requesting the assistance of PRT as both parties met and they started again. 

After assessing the situation on the ground police decided to travel to Rennell to establish dialogue instead of a heavy-handed response.

“I want to make it very clear here that I was not accompanied by PRT on board the patrol boat as mentioned in the article.

“Actually, I travelled on a normal routine flight to Rennell and attended to the issue.

“On my arrival, we met with Mr. Teikangei’s in his village and discussed the issue with him.

“During our discussion, I noted that Mr Teikangei’s license  expired in 2019 but he is currently operating under the APIDL license.

“When I asked for the agreement, he mentioned that his paper work is in Honiara.  It has become clear to me that what these people are doing is not proper.

“On the next day, I called for a meeting with the other disputing landowners.  During our meeting, I wanted to understand what was the issue that caused them to fight with Mr Teikangei. 

“It was then explained that the reason why they are not happy is that they agreed with Mr Teikangei to do the re-harvesting logging within Tehakamangoku land including those nearby areas. 

“When they all agreed to do the re-harvesting, Mr Teikangei and his securities when they cut down those trees, they actually recorded those logs under Mr Teikangei’s name.” 

This is where the dispute arose.

“Upon hearing the reasons from both parties, I then arranged a meeting with all of them at the Tigoa Police station on the next day. 

“The purpose of my meeting was to try to resolve the issue.  However, in our discussion, the other party did not trust Mr Teikangei. 

“What they were saying is that he only says what they want to hear because I am still on the Island. 

“Upon observing the situation, I then talked with all of them if they could come up with resolutions for them to abide by. 

“A few weeks later, Mr Teikangei did not honor their resolutions and he continued to cause problems on the Island. 

“For that reason, I asked PPC Renbel to compile all the cases that they have investigated against Mr Teikangei. 

“When the PPC stated that there was sufficient evidence to arrest then I liaised with colleagues to support those on the ground to do the arrest. 

“That is when the patrol boat and PRT travelled to the Island.

“On my arrival back in Honiara, I set up a meeting with the Commissioner of Forestry to ask him as to why he approved the APIDL license when he is fully aware that the mining license which the APIDL is operated under is still before the High Court. 

“In our meeting, the Commissioner of Forestry agreed to look into the matter.  Until today, he never responded to our discussions. 

“But in the Solomon Star article, they have mentioned other operators. 

“At that time of dealing with the situation, there were only two valid logging operators and they are APID and Usuhenua,” says Matanga.

–POLICE MEDIA

Discussions on border reopening underway

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SOLOMON Islands cannot afford to be locked away from the rest of the world forever.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted this during his nationwide address this week.

He said the country’s economic survival depends on our ability to trade and allowing entry of people that bring investment into the country.

Sogavare said the big question that is driving the Government’s policy on maximum COVID-19 vaccination now is – ‘what percentage of our eligible population must be vaccinated before we can re-open our borders to the outside world, without travel restrictions and without the need for prolonged quarantine on arrival into the country?’.

“We cannot afford to stay locked up forever,” the Prime Minister said.

He said many countries around the world have reopened their borders because they achieved nearly 100 percent vaccination coverage of their eligible population.

In other words, he said if Solomon Islands is to reopen its borders, we must aim to achieve between 80 – 100 percent vaccination coverage of our total eligible population by a certain date.

“We have heard Fiji will reopen its borders by 1st of November this year and perhaps even earlier. Australia will reopen its borders by the end of this year. They will benefit from international trade and tourism and business-related travel that Solomon Islands will miss out on because of our extremely low vaccination rate,” he said.

Sogavare said he has directed the Oversight Committee to accord serious thinking on the possible timing and date we should target to reopen our borders and the conditions we must achieve to do so.

He said agreeing a target date to re-open our borders will also help our drive to achieve our vaccination coverage target of between 80 – 100 percent of the total eligible population for vaccination.

“If the country does not achieve this level of coverage before we reopen our borders, we will have less of a chance to prevent rapid community transmission of the virus in the event it enters the country and gets into our communities,” he said.

Sogavare said it has now come to the point where we must think seriously about reopening our borders.

He said this is to help revive our economy while at the same time ensuring we protect our population from COVID-19.

“This discussion will involve wide consultations with the private sector and business houses, provincial governments, our churches, and our communities,” he said.

–OPMC PRESS

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