ABOUT 50 international vessels arrived in Solomon Islands in July.
Chairman of the Vessel Exemption Committee, Dr Jimmie Rodgers confirmed through virtual meeting from Fiji to media during a press conference in Cabinet on Wednesday.
These include four vessels, 15 cargo vessels, four tankers carrying fuel and gas, 18 fishing vessels and nine logging vessels.
Rodgers said the VEC has strict protocol to impose on ships coming to Solomon Islands.
“The most important thing is where has the ship being in the last two months and particularly the last 21 days.
“The second is the crew lists, where crew join, at what time, which country,” he said.
“So, if the crew join in Papua New Guinea, it means that it is a high-risk country.
“That mean we need to test the crew even if he had test already when he comes to Solomon Islands.”
Furthermore, Rodgers said the minimum cost for logging vessels is $68,000 for one test and $100,000 for two tests.
He said in the vessel quarantine, the highest they raised was $170,000.
Rodgers said one objective of VEC is to reduce risks of bringing covid 19 in through ships to Solomon Islands.
“So far in Solomon Islands, we have recorded formally seven positive cases that came through ships.
“But they are not recorded under Solomon Islands, because under covid protocol they are recorded under conveyance of ships,” he said.
“So, it doesn’t do injustice to the country because the country did not bring them in,” he said.
Moreover, Rodgers said about 70 of the country’s containers come from Papua New Guinea.
“If we put 14 days to ships coming from PNG, we say goodbye to the ships.
“Even if 5 days, they threaten to bypass Solomon Islands, this is not good for our economy,” he said.
Therefore, the VEC focuses on the safety and also manages the risk as well.
The Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale fully endorses recent submissions by Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, HE Robert Sisilo in Canberra, pushing for an increase in the current age limit, under the Labour Mobility Scheme and the Seasonable Workers Programme between Australia and Pacific Island Countries, up to 55 years.
Mr Wale says the dialogue in Canberra was timely given the need to ensure long term sustainability and efficiency of these programmes to continue benefiting participating countries and employers in Australia alike, hence the submissions by Mr Sisilo were crucial.
“If there is high demand in Australian urban and metropolitan areas for semi to skilled workers, the increase in the age limit will enable us fill a gap in Australian industries, while at the same time, the experience and exposure gained will no doubt add value to our efforts in keeping our domestic industry afloat moving forward,” says Wale.
The Opposition Leader therefore encourages the Government to continue the dialogue to increase the age limit, and to also push for an increase in the total number of workers going to Australia, from the current status, which is roughly 100, to at least a thousand per month.
The Opposition Leader then urged the Government to look at totally taking out the logistical costs involved, especially with passports, medical clearance, police clearance, birth certificates and other requirements, enabling more of our people to try out these opportunities.
“On this note, I also call on the High Commissioner, to establish a unit within his office, whose role is to scout for more of these opportunities in Australia.
“We need more workers to participate in this programme, so that they can contribute to our economy through remittances,” the Opposition Leader adds
Officers at the Kulitanai Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged a 38-year-old man for raping a 32-year-old female at a village in Shortland Islands on August 8, 2021.
Initial reports said that the victim was sleeping early in the morning when the defendant knocked at her door calling her. The victim came out and saw the defendant standing in front of the door and the defendant grabbed her hair and forced her to follow him.
The victim refused to accept the defendant’s request to follow him and have sexual intercourse so she tried to escape but she couldn’t because the defendant grabbed her hand and threatened to kill her.
It was alleged that the defendant had sexual intercourse with the victim twice.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The matter was reported to police by the victim and the accused was arrested and placed in police custody.
“The defendant was interviewed and charged with two counts of rape, contrary to section 136F (1) (a) & (b) of the Penal Code Cap 26 as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act, 2016.”
The defendant is remanded at the Gizo Correctional Centre awaiting his appearance in Court at a later date as investigation into the incident continues.
“I appeal to all women and girls to look after yourself.
“Shout out for help or assistance when something is wrong or about to happen.
“I further appeal to all men in our communities to respect our women and girls as such an incident will affect them for the rest of their lives.
Chairperson for NHA and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
MANDATORY vaccination is crucial to protect the under-18-year-old population in the country.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers said this to the media via virtual conference on Wednesday this week.
He said the difference with Delta variant is that it kills a lot more than the original covid-19 strain.
“Why we need the vaccination is because 56,900 doses in four months is just not acceptable, it cannot protect us?” he said.
“And those of us can be protected if we chose not to be protected, our children, our families in the house we live are vulnerable.
“So, this is where the moral and ethical thing come in when you talk about vaccination,” he said.
Under the country’s vaccination roll out programme, the eligible target population is 414,327 of the estimated total population of 700,000 by end of this year.
Rodgers said since the vaccination programme started in March up until last Friday, they have managed to administer 56,900 doses.
He said of that, only 13,188 people are fully vaccinated.
However, Rodgers said to achieve the herd immunity of 80 percent of the 414 327, you need to vaccinate 331,500.
“That is the minimum number that we need to cover that both doses before we have any change of having some herd immunity.
“Herd immunity is important when disease come into the country, those that are not protect are protect by those that are vaccinated,” he said.
Furthermore, Rodgers said even if the 414,325 people are vaccinated, that is only 60 percent of the total population.
He said 40 percent of the total population cannot be vaccinated, not by choice but because they are under 18.
“Those are the people that we have to worry about.
“If we don’t vaccinate, it no just us, because in Fiji, children are dying,” he said.
Rodgers said Delta variant is no longer like the alpha variant.
“Alpha variant does not affect young people, here (Fiji) the delta variant, young children are the most affected.
“In Australia, 70 percent are the old people, 30 percent are the young people and they are dying and affected,” he added.
“How do you step up vaccination to protect the 40 percent?” he asked.
Island Sun understands the vaccination programme has rolled out to Western Province and is expected in Malaita next week.
CALM DOWN: Police Inspector Tex Tafoa addressing a crowd that gathered at Kukum yesterday in anticipation of a protest march to the Prime Minister's Office. Heavy presence of Police on ground at Kukum on Monday calmed the rowdy crowd and dispersed them while their leaders worked with Police to address the issue.
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau is urging students and young people not to participate in unlawful gatherings and protests.
He says this after students were seen participating in Monday’s gathering of a rowdy crowd planning to march on the prime minister’s office.
“Parents, guardians and teachers must remind students that such gathering is illegal.”
He said students and young people must stay away from such.
Mangau said in previous occasions some students were among those caught, resulting in these scholars having a criminal record.
“Therefore, students and young people must away from crime and illegal activities, because it will spoil their future in their education.
“It has been experienced that student and young people who came here for police clearance are struggling because they have a criminal history and I’m sad to see this though they have higher qualification but due to criminal records, it affected their live and their living.”
The situation is now calm and schools should allow classes to continue, Mangau said.
Mangau said police will not tolerate such activities that threaten public safety.
He said there will be 200 police officers on patrol from now and throughout the week assessing the situation in making sure peace and security is maintained.
A 50-metre seawall has been completed at Malakerava, adding value to the beauty of Gizo town and also providing safety to communities from sea level rise.
The seawall is constructed by Fair Trade Company with support from the National Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
According to Fair Trade Supervising Engineer, Jealot Giri, the seawall was completed within three weeks after planning and mapping out of ground works.
The height of the seawall
“Resources such as stones and gravels were on our side so as soon as we collect these important component for the project, we get down to work.
“Additionally, the area was idle for engineering work as the ground was strong with rocks intact, so the task was a bit easy,” he said.
Giri said the seawall is of the many projects that Fair Trade was tasked to carry out in Gizo, Western Province.
He said the purpose of the seawall is to enhance safety and also soil erosion caused by sea level rise and also raging waves during bad weather.
Fair Trade Staff Jealot Giri
Giri stressed that there is a need to extend the seawall along Malakerava shoreline as sea level rise is eating up the land at a rapid pace.
“As we see, the ocean has swallow large part of the shoreline and there is less time left before the beautiful shoreline will be gone,” he said.
Gizo Resident, Sharon Dina said constructing seawall along Malakevara shoreline is the best option to save the shoreline from disappearing under water.
Gizo Residence Sharon Dina
“This seawall is a best start and it would be more helpful to protect the shoreline if the sea wall is extended to the entire of Malakerava shoreline.
“I’m of the view that it is time for the national government and donor partners to fund such project as it protect our urban centers from sea level rise,” she said.
Dina acknowledged Fair Trade Company for the job well-done saying that the seawall will not only protect the communities from sea level rise but will also provide recreation for residents to chill out.
Mr Bix Paul with his healthy organically grown cabbages. On his right hand is Pak Choi and left, Saladia
BY JARED KOLI
Motivated by the healthy growth and harvest of his organically grown variety of cabbages, Mr Bix Paul travels more than 200 kilometres from Bellona in the far south-eastern province of Renbell to Honiara yesterday to promote his produce and share his story.
Mr Paul is the chairperson of the recently formed Bellona Organic Farmers Association (BOFA) and this harvest is a fruit of their labour.
Paul brought his sample harvest of about 30 heads of fresh-looking healthy cabbages in a flight from Bellona to Honiara yesterday morning, a mix of Saladia, Pak Choi and commonly known Slippery Cabbage.
“We don’t depend on fertilisers, we can plant organically,” he started.
“What motivates me to come over here and promote my organic farming is seeing the healthy growth of the varieties of cabbage planted which is entirely grown organically.
Mr Paul said BOFA formed in 2019 and has 75 member families. The association is affiliated to Kastom Garden.
“I come here to promote my Bellona Organic Farmers Association for their hard work. These cabbages were grown on our Phosphate Island of Bellona, given to us by God,” Mr Paul said.
He said currently his association make a garden of 150 meter in length and 35 meter wide in preparation for their 1000 cabbage which were now on nursery.
“We are now do pricking in preparation to plant in this garden,” he said
Mr Paul thanked the Kastom Garden staff for their support in terms of seeds.
“My greatest wish if the National Government to devolve its agriculture development plan to institution such as Kastom garden, it will work better because Kastom Garden has programmes of visiting rural areas in the country,” Paul said.
He said no one from the Ministry of Agriculture visit them.
“If the government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Development devolve all funding in terms of funding on agriculture development to Kastom Garden, they can improve on the agriculture development down to remote rural areas such as in Bellona.”
Paul said one of their long-term objectives is to contribute to supply for the South Pacific Games in 2023 with honey, pawpaw and melon because they can produce these organically with high quality.
He adds this is just a beginning and they still need support from the government and others who might willing to assist the association.
Dulma Zama and Lency Lamupio with Dive Munda Instructor Euna Zio (middle) undertaking Advanced Adventurer dive course requirements in Munda.
110 Solomon Islands youth now certified divers
20 more sponsored youth now in the programme
More youth sponsors invited to join the programme
SOLOMON Airlines, Dive Munda and Agnes Gateway Hotel are marking International Youth Day 2021, celebrating 12 months of their successful Youth Diver Sponsorship programme, and by confirming their ongoing commitment.
The partners will also mark the occasion by bringing six youth from Auki, Honiara and Gizo together with youth in Munda to each undertake a Scuba Schools International SSI ‘Advanced Adventurer’ diving course.
After the closure of international borders in 2020, the national carrier, dive operator and popular hotel joined forces to do something positive for Solomon Islands youth.
Together they created a ‘Learn to Dive’ Youth Sponsorship Programme, inviting individuals or families, businesses and organisations to join them in sponsoring dive training for eligible Solomon Islands youth.
In Phase One of the programme, 110 sponsored youth (60% female, 40% male) received their initial dive training.
During the current Phase Two of the programme launched on 31 July, 2021, a further 20 sponsorships have already been pledged with 10 youth already receiving initial dive training, and two female youth receiving additional training to become dive professionals.
Other projects include youth experience dives, beach clean-ups, coral restoration. Phase Three of the programme is also in development.
“International Youth Day is the one year anniversary of starting the project to encourage more youth to learn to dive and support our ocean environment, and it has been an outstanding success,” said Belinda Botha Operations Director at Dive Munda.
“Initially, we aimed to train 50 youth to dive by the end of 2020, and due to enthusiastic response from sponsors and youth applicants, we far exceeded that goal.
Young divers now certified under the programme – Benjamin Lamupio, Kavana Kama, Dulma Zama, Caroline Daga, Clayton Kera and Lency Kasa.
“We were delighted to received sponsorships from all over the globe, including from corporations and individuals,” she said.
“The theme of this year’s International Youth Day highlights potential solutions developed by young innovators around the world to address challenges to our food systems, issues such biodiversity loss, threats to our environment and much more.
“This is very relevant to the preservation of our oceans as a major food source.
“Oceans sustain us and by introducing our youth to different disciplines within the diving world, we aim to expand their knowledge, capability and ability to drive the sustainability of our ocean ecosystem well into the future,” she said.
Colin Sigimanu Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines agreed.
“This is a very valuable opportunity for young Solomon Islanders to gain new skills and become certified divers under a sponsored programme,” he added.
“Young people need help, mentoring and sponsorship to develop their skills and knowledge, so they too can take their place in our future dive and tourism industries and in turn help educate more people about the vital need to protect our unique environment,” he said.
“Solomon Islands already is referred to as one of the world’s most desirable dive destinations and that is very important for our tourism future,” he added.
“Solomon Airlines is very proud to support this programme, it is an example of what can be done in times of adversity when partners put their heads together to focus on mutual opportunities for the future.”
HOW TO DONATE OR SPONSOR YOUTH DIVER TRAINING
Under Phase Two of the programme, in partnership with Agnes Gateway Hotel, Solomon Airlines, Scuba Schools International, Blue Oceans Program. Coral Sea Foundation and Plasticwise Solomon Islands, sponsors can contribute to support the development of youth including:
Training local girls certified under Phase 1 to launch a Munda plastic recycling project
Training local youth certified under Phase 1 to spearhead a coral restoration & rehabilitation program
Supporting monthly beach and underwater clean-up dives
Sponsoring a local youth to do the SSI Advanced Adventurer certification course for AUD$250
“In Phase Two we are continuing dive education for the certified youth, and we are keeping them diving with a beach and underwater clean-up program, starting with our very own coral restoration, identification and rehabilitation project in Munda, and our “Stop Plastic Pollution” project.
“We are also aiming to train more local female dive instructors,” she said.
To help continue Dive Training and Ocean Preservation education for Solomon Islands Youth, sponsors can participate in the programme by emailing Dive Munda on [email protected].
FISHERIES minister Nestor Giro last Friday received keys to a newly constructed fisheries building at Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province.
The handing over of the building coincided with the 38th Second Appointed Day of the Province.
Speaking on the occasion Hon Giro told the Makira Ulawa Province Premier Julian Maka’a, invited guests and others who were present that the DCGA government is committed to deliver projects to the provinces.
He said implementation of flagship projects is a top government priority and urges the Makira Premier to free up more land to allow for development to take place.
The Minister reiterated that the DCGA government focus is on strengthening the economic subsistence an approach that is envisaged for implementation beyond the current global pandemic”.
Hon. Nestor Giro during the staff House opening in Kirakira.
Minister Giro also thanked the builder, SMU Quantity Surveyor & Construction Cost Consultant Company for completing the building within given time frame.
He praised Company Managing Director, Mary Kouto who played a leading role in the construction process, saying women are equal partners in any development.
Minister Giro said the handing over of the Kirakira staff house marks another milestone achievement and in particular the recognition and continuous commitment of the national government to strengthen and support the fisheries sector of this country in line with the Redirection policy.
“It is my ministries commitment under its development plan to support the provincial fisheries to build fisheries infrastructures such as this residential accommodation for fisheries officers in most Provincial Headquarters this year and beyond,” he said.
The Minister applauded the Provincial government for supporting MFMR to fulfil one of its national fisheries infrastructure development for Makira Ulawa Province.
“In particular, I wish to thank Provincial Government for offering the land in Kirakira for my ministry and the building construction company to build and complete this staff housing project within the given time frame,” he added.
Giro stressed that as a productive sector, the Ministry of Fisheries places a lot of emphasis on recruitment of qualified and competent fisheries officers to serve in rural and provincial fisheries, in the same manner recognise the need to build new or renovate existing staff houses for seconded fisheries officers living and working in the Provinces.
“With this understanding MFMR is embarking on this fisheries infrastructure development plan in the next few years,” he said.
The Fisheries Minister also used the occasion to thank the Fisheries Management, the MFMR Project Management Division and Provincial Fisheries Division, key line ministries including Ministry of Infrastructure Development for driving this project.
Deputy Secretary Technical, Rosalie Masu who also spoke during the handing ceremony said it was in 2019 when a team from the Ministry of Fisheries travelled to Hagapore in Makira Ulawa Province for the official opening of the fisheries centre there that the idea to build a new staff house was first raised by fisheries officers from Kirakira.
Deputy Secretary Technical, Ms Rosalie Masu at the Staff House opening in Kirakira
They then went ahead and pursue the idea with the provincial authorities who agreed to the proposal by allocating the piece of land this building is built on.
Masu said issue of land is the main obstacle standing in the way of development in both Honiara and the Provinces.
“Land dispute and long process of acquiring land through traditional and government bureaucracy has slowed down the MFMR to deliver national fisheries projects. Therefore, I would like to thank you Premier and your provincial government for allocating land for this fisheries staff house,” she added.
SMU Quantity Surveyor and Construction Cost Consultant Company Ms Kouto said it took her company three months to complete the project.
She admitted they encountered challenges during construction period however they managed to overcome them paving the way for the project to be completed as expected.
She acknowledged the assistance of the Provincial Government, business houses and local communities who provided much needed materials when her construction company need it.
She also thanked the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources for the trust and confidence placed in her company.
“Thank you for the trust and confidence you placed in my company. The success we witness today (Friday) is the manifestation of the partnership we build in the last 3 months of 2020,” she concluded.
PRESSURE on Government’s cash-flow is expected to ease this week.
This is after the Ministry of Finance and Treasury began releasing some of the money it collected domestically earlier this week.
Permanent Secretary McKinnie Dentana revealed this during a media Press Conference Cabinet yesterday.
“I am happy to inform the Press from this week we start to mobilise some of the domestic raised resources.
“Later this week the Minister of Finance will sign the first bond agreement from a bond purchaser that will help to implement government programmes especially the Development Budget,” he said.
The Government aims to raise about $300 million of bond in the $3.9 billion budget passed in April this year.
“So hopefully by the end of this week and going forward, this mismatch or the pressure should be eased when we start to receive other sources to fund the Development Budget,” he said.
Furthermore, Dentana said hopefully by the end of this week they should clear some of the arrears both in terms of the development as well as recurrent expenditures of government.
There is $2.7 billion in the Recurrent Budget, $938 million in the Development Expenditure and $258.5 million in the Budget Support Expenditure.
“Although this is a challenge we face, in terms of recurrent budget, at the end of July we implement more than 50 percent because of the prudential cash management in order to meet the priority of the government and ensure we implement the development budget.
“As of end of last week, we execute more than 25 percent of the Development budget,” he said.
Dentana said this is in line with their estimate because the Development Budget began implementation in June.
He said majority of the funding comes from control made on domestic revenue.
“As soon as additional funding help to fund Development budget, the pressure should be eased on the Recurrent Budget as well as Development Budget.”
Furthermore, Dentana said two major revenue streams of the Government, Customs and Inland Revenue Division performed strong up to end of July.
“Customs is striking above budget by 5 percent and Inland Revenue Division is performing above budget by 1.6 percent,” he said.
This is equivalent to $22 million collected by Customs and $16 million for IRD.
However, Dentana said the worrying part is in non-tax revenue where it involves Fisheries.
“Fisheries were below budget by 28 percent up to July.
“Most fisheries revenue not come together at one time. We expect big payments from Fisheries in fourth quarter of this year,” he said.
Moreover, Ministry of Finance and Treasury in consultation with Central Bank of Solomon Islands has revised the Gross Domestic Product growth rate from one percent to 1.3 percent.
