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Suidani asked to clarify $5m help from Taiwan

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

MALAITA Provincial Assembly Member for ward 11 Elizah Asilaua has called on Premier Daniel Suidani to clarify the $5 million financial assistance from Republic of China (Taiwan) last year.

Asilaua said the financial assistance came in the name of the Malaita people and the premier must clarify how they spent that money.

He said how ROC provided that $5m assistance was also done without consultation with the executive members and the assembly; the arrangement was done by the Premier himself, his advisor and the then suspended Provincial Secretary.

“And during the executive meeting the premier confirmed to us that the financial assistance provided by Taiwan is for payment of 20030 bags of rice for all 33 wards in Malaita which was not forth coming.

“Only 17 wards in Malaita got their shares with 200 bags of rice each other 16 wards still without any rice till now, so Premier Suidani you must explain and clarify to the people of Malaita what have you and your team spent on the 5M dollar financial assistance from Taiwan,” Asilaua claimed.

He said they have been calling on the Premier to provide a break-down and report on that money but he has not responded.

Asilaua also claimed that even transport hiring for delivery of rice during that time was not paid as well and the truck owners are still asking for their bills.

Asilaua said all arrangements made in the Malaita Provincial Government was only made by the premier without any consultation from his executives and the assembly.

Asilaua also said that the action of Premier Suidani with his cronies in securing financial assistance from Taiwan and diplomatic ties with ROC cause a serious doubt on the integrity and quality of leadership by Premier Suidani; worst still, assistance from Taiwan was made outside of the legal framework of Governance under the Provincial Fund.

Asilaua also claimed that the money from Taiwan purposely was to fund MARA on its planned activities inside Malaita Province and this is a clear case where the Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly should apply section 15 (subsection 1) under the provincial government act and disqualify Suidani as MPA.

“Therefore, we do not have the trust and confidence on Suidani’s government as he is very much listening on his advisor rather his colleague ministers,” Asilaua added.

Comments are being sought from Suidani.

MEHRD pledges to improve teachers’ welfare

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has promised it will strengthen all initiatives to improve teachers’ welfare.

This was uttered by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Dr Franco Rodie during the commemoration of the World Teachers Day yesterday.

“The National Government through my Ministry recognize your roles as teachers of our nation and will continue to strengthen all Initiatives, which aim to improve the welfare of all teachers. You are indeed the pillar of our school system,” Rodie said.

He stressed teachers imparts knowledge, good values, traditions, modern-day challenges and ways to resolve them with students.

“A good teacher is an asset to the students. A teacher’s presences in a student’s life can boost their morale and guide them to be more valuable in life.

“Great teachers can change the lives of their students in many ways.

“Not only do teachers have the ability to change young lives for the better, but they also act to support system, that is lacking elsewhere in students’ lives.

“They can be role model – an inspiration to go further and to dream bigger,” Rodie said.

41 still in quarantine

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Chengs Quarantine Station

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THERE are 41 people serving their mandatory quarantine period in the country’s Institutional Quarantine facilities.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil said with all the entries no virus has been detected.

“We have now in our quarantine stations 41 people currently serving their mandatory quarantine period in Honiara,” McNeil said.

She said those quarantined include the National Futsal players who returned from the World Cup even in Europe.

“They are in country now and currently serving their quarantine period with their entry into the country and all tested negative.

McNeill adds that in relation to COVID-19 testing done in the county, almost 17 thousand samples have been tested.

She said these tests were run at the Molecular laboratory at the National Referral Hospital and Gizo Hospital laboratory.

McNeil echoed the above statement during a recent radio talk back-show on COVID-19 update on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Cooperation in Honiara.

MHMS to use schools as Pfizer entry point

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services will work closely with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources to use schools as an entry point for Pfizer vaccine.

This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Service Pauline McNeil in a radio talk back show on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation in Honiara.

“We will work together with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and will be using schools as an entry point to vaccine children and communities,” McNeil said.

She said the paper work required by the COVAX facility to get the Pfizer COVID -19 vaccine into the country has been completed by MHMS. This means all documents have been submitted to COVAX facility and established on that end.

“The National Therapeutic Committee has approved and endorsed the Pfizer vaccine to enter the country and on the policy side where the vaccine will be delivered and who to use,” McNeil said.

She said the vaccine will be used for under 18years old, 12 years old and pregnant. This population group will receive Pfizer.

“So again, when the COVID vaccines reaches your communities, I ask your school kids 18 years and 12 years and antenatal mothers to stand ready to receive the Pfizer vaccines. We are expecting Pfizer to come into the country next months,” McNeil said.

Dr Yogesh Choudhri senior Advisor to the Ministry of Health said Pfizer vaccine targets individuals under the age of 18 years.

“We will need to get consent from parents of any individuals under the age of 18 who will be receiving the vaccine. Essential work paper and information materials is currently been worked out right now concerning the Pfizer vaccine,” Choudhri said.

Report security issues with a modern lense

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Dr David W. Gegeo.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A SHIFT in National Security context in Solomon Islands needs more theoretical knowledge to address, says Professor David Gegeo of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Speaking during the first day of a virtual National Security Training yesterday for journalists, he said national security concerns in the Solomon Islands has been transformed from traditional perspective to modern context and this requires collective brains to establish effective policies and strategic approaches.

“In the olden days, immediate action towards security was based on experience. People locked doors to avoid burglars, plant more foods in preparation for possible disasters, and prepare bride price to avoid retaliation that threatens lives,” Gegeo said,

“Furthermore, villagers built their homes on higher grounds to avoid flooding or storm surge,” he added.

“The concern now is sovereignty and we need to change on how we define security.”

Gegeo said modernization has brought in new and more sophisticated security issues which brings new paradigm of approach that differ from cultural and traditional security practices.

“Now security concern has shifted to a more modern context.

“We need to redefine security concerns with line of thinking must focus on both national and international security threats,” Gegeo said.

He said interventions to step up security in Solomon Islands should be improvement of border security need such as resources, keeping international seaports on alert in every situation, police and immigration must be given best training, importation of goods from medicine, materials to foods must be from genuine lenders and trading partners must be examined before going into business.

Gegeo adds that Solomon Islands’ diplomatic relationship must be built based on shared values and respect.

He stressed that the most important step towards developing a sound national security approach is to provide quality training for people including journalists and institutions that deals with national security.

Gegeo said a secure Solomon Islands is secured Pacific.

However, he said most Solomon Islanders especially those living in rural communities so as urban centers do not take security issues seriously and this wrong has to be made right.

Gegeo said Solomon Islands still need Australia and New Zealand when it comes to national security.

“I have an unsettling feeling that Solomon Islands is exposed without Australia and New Zealand support.

“We need Australia and New Zealand to help with security,” he said.

The Canberra-based Australia Pacific Security College is conducting the workshop in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

Journalists from local media companies are attending virtually.

Langalanga people celebrate 75th anniversary of St. Joseph school

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Family members of the pioneer students pose for photo with their head stone.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE people of Langalanga and others from around Malaita province have come together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of St Joseph Tenaru Catholic School at Buloabu island in the lagoon on Sunday.

The celebration happened at Buloabu Island where St Joseph Catholic secondary school, Tenaru School, first started in 1943.

And in courtesy to the anniversary celebration a monument was built on the island of Buloabu to mark the 75th anniversary as the foundation land where the school was first established.

The school was started by some Marist brothers who enrolled the first 12 local students mainly within the Langalanga lagoon.

Late brother Ervan FM of Australia was one of the names among other missionaries who started the St Joseph Catholic Tenaru School that is now the St Joseph Tenaru Catholic School, east of Honiara.

Surabuta cultural dance group performing during anniversary celebration

Late Philip Kakasi from East Kwaio, Uru Catholic station, was the first local principal who was trained by Marist brothers.  

The pioneer students during that year of 1943 are Clement Kotibelia, Dionisio Iroagalo, John Fagani, Julian Kobiloko, and Severino Buluisu.

From Buloabu, four students were taken over to Fiji in 1945. They were Joseph Kaia, Kalisto Kobiloko, Peter Taloni, and Sosimo Sifoteilia.

Relatives and family members of the pioneer students of St Joseph Tenaru Catholic School at Buloabu Island were present in celebrating the memorial event.

Bishop Peter Houhou of Auki Catholic Diocese was the main celebrant at the memorial mass.

In his address, Houhou urged those present during the event especially the younger generation to look back with respect to what the local pioneers had done as first students of the school in 1943.

“We must know that working as volunteer was very challenging where these pioneer students had done and now within our Catholic society we are localizing the top positions and leadership,” Houhou said.

The event ended with cultural dances and feasting.

Health to address vaccine hesitancy

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by NDTV.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Service is now working on readjusting its risk communication strategy to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in communities.

This readjustment was made following vaccine resistance incidents on Malaita and some communities in other provinces.  

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil in a recent talk back-show said the ministry is making readjustments to its risk communication strategy.

The work is still ongoing.

“The readjustment to its risk communication strategy is not an easy operation but has become the ministry of health’s huge task,” McNeil said.

She said the very reason why the MHMS is calling on all communities to work together with health team in any front line ministries.

Our health team working on the ground must also negotiate with chiefs and community leaders to ensure everybody comes to the same understanding.

Secretary to Prime Minister Jimmie Rodgers said vaccine resistance is due to two things, one is fear and the other is they are lacking COVID-19 information or not well informed about the vaccine.

“According to a report some people were not receptive when they were well informed with more information about the vaccination,” Rodgers said.

He said part of the strategy is how we make communication better to some of these communities.

Rodgers said on the government they are focused on making all information available to let people know of the dangers of vaccination and what the dangers are of not having the vaccine.

“The issue here is trying to get people to better understand but not trying to deprive them of their rights. But it’s for them to understand the consequences and dangers,” he said.

World Teachers Day celebrated

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Teachers celebrating World Teacher's Day last year. PHOTO: MAVIS N PODOKOLO

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

TEACHERS are reminded to renew their commitment to provide students with quality education.

This was echoed by Dr Franco Rodie, permanent secretary for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development at the celebration of World Teachers Day yesterday in Honiara.

“May I take this opportunity to remind you to renew your commitments, to provide each student in your classroom the quality of education they deserve,” Mr Rodie said.

He said in recognition of the contribution of teachers in nation building, teachers are seen as the yard stick that measures the achievement and aspirations of a nation.

Teachers who took part in a parade to mark the World Teachers Day.

Rodie also said teachers provide the power of education to today’s youth thereby giving them opportunity for a better future.

“Good teachers do not accept failure and therefore students are most likely to successes. Teachers know when to push students, when to give a gentle nudge in the right direction, and when to let students figure it out on their own. But they won’t let a student give up.

“Teachers are the ultimate role models for students and will stay positive for their students even when things can seem grim,” he said.

CHAND’S CONTRACT SUSPENDED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Dr Ganesh Chand

Salary halt for SINU’s vice chancellor

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) Council has suspended the contract of incumbent Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand due to the prevailing covid-19 situation in Fiji as well as existing travel restrictions and border closures.

Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Lanelle Tanangada confirmed this when asked by Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou in Parliament yesterday.

Tanangada said the SINU Council in consultation with Chand has made a decision and suspended his contract as of 27 August 2021.

She said this implies Chand is no longer paid his salary nor does he benefit from the rest of his terms and conditions outlined in his contract.

Chand’s three years contract commenced on 5 March 2019 to 4 March 2022.

Tanangada said the recruitment and appointment of the Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand followed all due recruitment and appointment processes of the SINU recruitment policy and SINU Council were deem to be proper and valid.

She said owing to issues relating to his work permit, Chand took an early annual leave since October 2020 while issues regarding his work permit were addressed.

“His work permit has since been addressed and granted,” he said.

Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale who is providing leadership and management decision making since Chand’s contract has been suspended.

Tanangada said Dr Jack Maebuta is the acting VC so every responsibility is placed on him.

MP Hou asked whether SINU has started the process to find replacement of this position of substantive VC.

Tanangada said the process is now in place and SINU management are working on that until the time it will be advertised when his contract ends on 4 March 2022.

Dr Ganeshwar Chand, better known as Ganesh Chand, is a Fijian academic and former politician of Indian descent.

He is a founder of the University of Fiji and serves as a trustee of the Fiji Institute of Applied Studies and as editor of Fijian Studies: A Journal of Contemporary Fiji.

He was a member of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) in the parliamentary elections of 1999 and 2001. He was also Minister for National Planning, Local Government, Housing and Environment in 1999-2000.

Chand announced his retirement from active politics in 2004 and began focusing on academia.

Parliament continues today.

Juvenile gets 1-year suspended jail term for attempted rape.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Augustine Aulanga has imposed a one-year suspended jail term on a juvenile found guilty of attempting to rape a six-year-old girl in October 2020.

Aulanga in his sentencing highlighted that the offence of attempted rape under section 136F (3) (b) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016 is a serious offence. It has a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.

And given that maximum penalty is 15 years reflects the seriousness of this offence which is linked to the need for deterrence, Aulanga said.

However, Aulanga also explained that since the case involves a juvenile offender, it is expected that the sentence to be imposed will be substantially reduced or different to that of an adult offender.

This is because of the trite law that requires the court to impose a rehabilitative sentence than incarceration when it comes to sentencing of a juvenile offender. 

The incident occurred on 9 October 2020.

Prosecution said the victim and the accused are relatives and on that date of offending, the victim and three other little girls went to swim at a nearby river.

On their way, the three girls followed the main road while the victim followed a short-cut route.

On her way, she met the offender who asked her to go into the bush with him.

She refused to follow him.

He said that he would press her neck if she refused to follow him.

He pulled her into the bush and she followed him since she was afraid of him.

Inside the bush, he folded her skirt and was about to have sex with her when the other little girls disturbed him.

His attempt to have sex with her was unsuccessful.

Aulanga said one of the aggravating factors is that this offender used threat to press her neck as a means of forcing the victim into the bush.

“I also accept that he used force by pulling her into the bush which is another aggravating factor.

“The victim is a six-year-old girl so she is very young and that the offender is related to her as her uncle.

“The presence of these aggravating factors makes this offending quite serious,” Aulanga said.

Aulanga also said that he took into account the accused’s guilty plea, a first-time offender, he is very cooperative with the police and the court all throughout his case, his remorse and being a juvenile.

Therefore, after considering the mitigation and assessing the facts provided before the court, Magistrate Aulanga imposed a sentence of one year imprisonment on the accused of one count of attempted rape.

He further made directions that the term will be fully suspended for one year on the conditions that he is to be of good behaviour and not to be charged by the RSIPF with any new criminal offences during this operational period.

Monica Rehomora of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown while Sholto Rodney Manebosa of the Public Solicitor’s office represent the accused.

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