POLICE yesterday arrested and charged the Constituency Development Officer (CDO) for Temotu Nende constituency for official corruption.
Police say Philip Tuplo allegedly committed the offence way back in 2013.
He faces one count of official corruption.
A number of constituents yesterday hailed the arrest.
“The arrest is long over-due,” said one.
Tuplo was released on principle bail and will appear at the Honiara Magistrate Court on 8 September 2021.
Director of National Criminal Investigation Superintendent Michael Bole says the arrest was made upon the advice of the Director Public Prosecution office.
“He was arrested over the payment of housing materials for a community project in the constituency,” Bole said.
“I would like to thank the Officer In-Charge (OIC) Corruption Investigation Unit and team for their hard work to make the arrest done,” he added.
“I call for the public to come forward to the police and report any corruption practices committed by those in authority.”
THE national government reassures the nation that they are remaining committed to ensure there is zero case in the country.
A report by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) last week said:
“The Government remains committed in ensuring there is a zero COVID-19 community transmission and have been successful so far in containing it within the quarantine walls.”
The report stressed that a total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in the country to date stands at 20. The country has been COVID free for the last four months.
With this as part of the country’s preparedness in dealing with COVID-19 community transmission, the country went into a strict lockdown on the 29th to 31st of August, 2021 on the declared Honiara Emergency Zone.
The report said vaccination roll-out also continues but at a slow rate.
“Members of the public 18 years and above are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated,” the report said.
In addition vaccination roll-out for all citizens including foreign nationals continues for Honiara, Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and the Malaita Provinces. Roll-out to the remaining provinces is progressing which includes training for all front liners.
PEOPLES Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Honiara continues to remain silent over the so-called National Development Fund where 39 members in the Government received $200,000 each.
This was after the Leader of Opposition, Mathew Wale broke the story few weeks ago.
Island Sun has sent emails to the Embassy but has not received any reply since.
It is still not clear why the Embassy does not respond to the paper’s email.
Cleo Paskal, Sunday Guardian Special Correspondent as well as Non-Resident Senior Fellow for the Indo-Pacific at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said Constituency Development Funds are essentially legal slush funds given to MPs to, theoretically, spend on their constituency.
“The Taiwanese funded them as well. However, previously (at least as known publicly), all MPs received them, not just the favoured few,” she said.
Pascal alleged the number 39 also raised eyebrows, and suspicions.
“One close observer noted that it is the number, with a small buffer, required to change the Constitution.
“Sogavare is on record as wanting to move the next election from 2023 to 2024, something that would require a constitutional change. And who knows what else he and/or Beijing would like to “adjust”,” she stated.
However, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement has denied accusations that the Prime Minister’s $200,000 National Development Fund (NDF) is for political expediency and not for development.
“The NDF was first established by the ROC when they provided these funds for discretionary use by the Prime Minister,” it said in a statement.
“Previous Prime Ministers have exercised their discretion in allocating these funds. However, when ROC gave these funds, they did not require that these funds be used for development projects,” the statement added.
“This has now changed under the Peoples Republic China but only until 2022.
“This arrangement is to ensure a transitionary period after we switched diplomatic relations and will end in 2022.
“However, under PRC, the NDF will only be used for development projects upon application.”
L to R: Wesley Kukutu of National Medical Store, MHMS DS Health Care Dr Gregory Jilini, Tina Hydropower Limited CEO Yong Hoon, Chang, THL E&S Assistant James Taluasi and THL CFO Jihun Lee.
KOREAN Water Resources Corporation (K-water) yesterday donated over $34,000 to support ongoing preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
K-water is a Korean based company that is currently in country managing operations of the Tina Hydro Dam construction in Guadalcanal.
Tina Hydro Limited is part of this mother company, K-water.
Yong Hoon Chang, Chief Executive Officer of Tina Hydro Limited in handing over the cheque expressed thanks towards the Ministry of Health as the lead government ministry in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for the job well done in keeping the people and country safe.
“Thank you so much to the Ministry of Health but also the government at large and all other important stakeholders who have worked so hard to keep us all safe from COVID-19.
“Your tireless efforts has enabled us to continue live freely and more importantly for us, continue with our work undisrupted, as would be the case if we had a COVID-19 community transmission.”
Chang said the donation is also to demonstrate commitment of the company to support national efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This virus threatens everyone and all businesses, no one is immune from it therefore in order for us to tackle it we must all work together and support each other.
“Therefore we are once again pleased to support current COVID-19 efforts with the donation of over $34,000.”
The support received from K-water is not the first; previously the company had also donated huge numbers of personal protective gears for COVID-19 frontline workers including AUD$12,000 in July 2020.
Dr Gregory Jilini MHMS Deputy Secretary Health Care, in receiving the cheque thanked K-water for their continuous support that has enabled health to afford for very basic but crucially important items to support health in its COVID-19 operations, more especially the current vaccination roll out.
“As health continues with its COVID-19 vaccination roll out across the country little things really do matter, such as bottle of water, fuel, torch lights and so forth that has the potential to halt operations if lacking or in inadequate supplies.
“Therefore thank you so much for coming our once again to support health’s efforts again COVID-19.”
Two people are reported missing in the western Solomons after their boat encountered rough seas last Friday.
Search and Rescue department in Solomon Islands Marine Authority said the boat was returning from Mono in Shortland Islands to Noro in Western Province.
A officer in the department said the boat had left Noro early in the morning to drop off a dead body at Mono.
“After dropping off the dead body at Mono, it returned to Noro.
“On its return, it got lost due to rough seas,” officer said.
He said Police of Kulitanai and Taro resumed their search yesterday after searching parts of Shortland, Vela la vela and Kolombangara.
“The search could not move far out due to rough seas.
“However, search will continue until the boat is located,” he said.
Further to that, the officer said a boat that went missing between Gela and Honiara was picked up on Saturday by another boat.
Five new promoted correctional officer pose for a photo shot after the formal Announcement with Commissioner and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MPNSCS
FIVE officers of the Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) have been promoted to the ranks of sergeant and staff sergeants.
CSII Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi announced the promotions yesterday.
They are Bernard Kungka, Vincent Polycarp Melanoli, Dennis Bule, Joven Feao and Reuben Denimana.
Two were promoted to the rank of sergeant while three to staff sergeants.
Manelusi congratulated the five on their promotions stating they become immediate role models in their jobs.
“You must lead by example and be God fearing,” Manelusi reminded the five.
“You must be the first line of supervision for correctional officers and also know that you are an essential asset in the daily operation of a Correctional Centres and Commercial Enterprise.
“You’ll provide staff with directions and resources to do their jobs and act as a source for offenders seeking additional guidance or redirection.”
THE National Referral Hospital (NRH) COVID-19 alert measures are still in place and remain active until further notice, health authorities say.
They issued the advisory in light of the current delta variant threat to the communities.
“There is no room for complacency,” the statement said.
“All people visiting the hospital for referrals, acutely ill, and emergencies will be screened,” it added.
“The similar screening actions held during the lock down exercises will continue.
“Therefore, the public maybe turned back and instructed to present themselves at their nearest Honiara City Council clinics or proceed for COVID-19 screening at the white tents in front of NRH with ongoing restrictions to the number of visitors and caregivers for the sick inpatients.”
NRH COVID-19 alert, involves strict monitoring of all entry points into the hospital.
The public car parking area at the Eye Centre is closed off for the duration of the alert period with strict management of in and outflow of vehicles to and fro emergency to accommodate space for the two tents be set up there purposely for COVID-19 screening and triaging (determining priority patients).
“All normal Outpatient Department Treatment (ODT) will be referred to Honiara clinics with referrals to the hospital to be managed mostly for only the very sick.
“All patients will undergo questioning as part of the screening and possible COVID-19 testing based on responses received.”
Dr George Malefoasi, NRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) explained that the undertaking is crucial for the hospital’s preparedness and actual response to a community transmission situation.
“Moreover, the COVID-19 alert is important to monitor our COVID-19 situation as it is also a means through which we can quickly pick up any COVID-19 case from the community,” Malefoasi explained.
He added that with COVID-19 we must not take any chances as the virus can find its way into the community undetected.
The only means through which we can swiftly pick up any of these cases outside of quarantine and isolation wards is to conduct COVID-19 screening and if need be COVID-19 testing, Malefoasi stated.
“We kindly remind the public to adhere to the following, those only emergency cases is taken to NRH with all other non- emergency cases to Honiara City clinics to prevent any disappointment.
“All family members and friends of NRH patients are kindly requested to limit visitation to the hospital and avoid crowding at the Morgue.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused but it is critical for the preservation of our health in this pandemic times.”
GOVERNMENT last week launched two projects that it hopes will boost the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
The projects are the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Credit Line to Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) and the MSME management database.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Riley Mesepitu said this was an exciting day to launch the two new products for the benefits of micro, small and medium enterprises.
DBSI’s customer relations manager Stanley Peter Havae said the products will enable entrepreneurs access a sectoral credit funding support to expand on products, interest payment support and loan guarantees under the scope and lending policies of DBSI.
“Targeted sectors include agricultural production and related industries, fisheries sector, tourism and agro-forestry,” Havae said.
“With the minimum loan of $10,000 to maximum of $3,000,000 at a low interest rate of 8% per annum over period of 5 years,” he added.
Havae said entrepreneurs will afford to access the MSME credit line facility with purposes to improve existing or start new businesses.
“Get working capital requirement and assist with export credit facilities to sustain the economy during this difficult COVID 19 pandemic.”
Director of Business Development Division Morris Raápai also took the opportunity to further explained the benefits of the MSME credit line facility and MSMEMIS data base to support the MSMEs.
Commerce minister Frederick Kologeto highlighted that investing on human resources to develop micro, small and medium enterprises involving women, youths and all working aged citizens is vital in the DCGA’s re-direction policy with strategy to create employment and income generation for recovery and transformation of the economy of Solomon Islands.
He said that investing on human resources to develop micro, small and medium enterprises involving women, youths and all working aged citizens is very vital in the DCGA’s re-direction policy with strategy to create employment and income generation for recovery and transformation of the economy of Solomon Islands.
Kologeto also stated that in lower income economies like Solomon Islands, a large share of MSMEs are informal enterprises and serve as a source of livelihood for the base of the pyramid population.
“It is more strategic to create employment and grow small and medium enterprises that transforms the informal into a broadened economic formal sector with innovative, creative and successful entrepreneurs,” Kologeto said.
“The DCGA government in recognizing the importance of MSMEs sets the re-direction policies to access appropriate business financing,” he added.
Deputy Secretary – Technical MCILI Eric George encouraged everyone to collaborate in cultivating the culture of entrepreneurship as a way forward to nurture MSMEs.
“This is through finance for MSME scale industrial enterprises, financial literacy training and mentoring programs.
“Although small-scale enterprises have key roles in industrial development in developing countries, one of the biggest challenges they face is access to financial services,” George stated.
Group photo of Health PS Mrs. Pauline McNeil, MHMS Senior Executive Members and lockdown observers, volunteers/actors and medical and public health emergency response members.
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) last week completed its two days After-Action Review (AAR)workshop following the COVID-19, 36 hours lockdown exercise.
The workshop was specifically to review all health operations during the exercise.
A statement from the ministry said the review was conducted for different functional components of the COVID-19 response.
These include Emergency health teams, Emergency Operation Centers, Surveillance (Contact tracers and swab team), Clinical Management and Patient Referral Pathway, Isolation, Risk Communication, Quarantine, Logistics, laboratory, and St. John’s Ambulance.
The review also involved volunteers engaged for role-plays during the lockdown and all participating sectors.
In addition, representatives from the WHO, Australian Health Commission and British High Commission also participated in the AAR.
British High Commissioner Brian Jones providing some feedback on health operations during the lockdown.
Speaking at the opening of the after-action review, Health Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil thanked all medical and public health officers engaged in responding to COVID-19 community transmission as part of the lockdown exercise including the volunteers and observers.
“Thank you to each and every single one of you for all your efforts during the lockdown exercise,” McNeil said.
“Your response as if the exercise was an actual community transmission is highly commendable and reflects your seriousness to stand ready to serve your people should the need arise, to the best of your knowledge, skills and capabilities,” she added.
Logistics team group discussions.
She also explained that while it can be acknowledged that there has been a lot of improvements compared to last year’s lockdown exercise; the current exercise has enabled health to note more areas for improvement.
“We can all agree that systems, processes and procedures across health teams and from the national to the provincial level needs to be strengthened, synchronized well including an improved execution of coordination, command and communication for efficient and effective response.
“This AAR gives us this opportunity to put our heads together and come up with best ways forward for responding to COVID-19 community transmission.
NRH Director of Nursing Fr. Selwyn Hou how is the head of planning for NRH community transmission response presenting his group’s outcome of his group’s discussions.
“I urge you all to put our heads together in this AAR and work together to identify issues, problems and gaps and come up as a team best ways forward.”
During the AAR, participants were divided into their functional areas discussing and debating what happened, what went wrong and what could have been done better to identify gaps, propose solutions and planning ways forward to improve responses to COVID-19 community transmission.
Group work, presentations, open and frank discussions and debating were all part of the AAR.
Participants listening closely to group presentations to understand how their own groups can link up better with others.
At the closing, National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) Incident Controller, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, thanked all members of the emergency response teams for the great effort put into the AAR.
“Every single points raised, problems and issues identified and proposed solutions for more efficient and effective ways forward have been noted both within health’s control and beyond and will be presented to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) lockdown review next week”.
Isabel Provincial Health Director Dr Tony Quity, who is also the son of Rt Reverend Bishop Ellison Quity, taking his COVID-19 jab at the launch event.
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the country continues, but a very slow rate, it is reported.
This was reported by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
“Vaccination roll-out continues but at a slow rate. Members of the public 18 years and above are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated,” the report situational report said.
“Over sight Committee through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is calling out on all nationals to get vaccinated given the increase in cases throughout the region and more so the Delta-variant which is of great concern to the country.
“With this vaccination roll-out for all citizens including foreign nationals continues for Honiara, Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and the Malaita Provinces. Roll-out to the remaining provinces is progressing which includes training for all front liners.
“The Government remains committed in ensuring there is a zero COVID-19 community transmission and have been successful so far in containing it within the quarantine walls.”
