Dr Zelalem Taffese, UNICEF Field officer to the Solomon islands shakes and with Minister of Health Dr Culwick Togamana following the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine into the country on March.
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
UNICEF office in Solomon Islands has assured government of Solomon Islands and its people of continued commitment and support for a successful vaccination drive.
Dr Zelalem Taffesse, UNICEF field officer, echoed this at the AstraZeneca vaccine launch and roll out.
“I wish to assure you of UNICEF’S continued commitment and support for a successful covid-19 Vaccination drive,” said Taffesse.
He said COVAX’s primary goal was to help end the acute phase of the pandemic through vaccinations of at least two billion people by the end of 2021.
Taffesse said in order for that to happen, vaccines needed to start to roll out in the first quarter of the year. Solomon Islands is one of only a handful of nations in the world and the second in the Pacific to receive vaccines through the facility.
He said this would not have been possible without the commitment and sacrifice of donor countries who recognised the importance and stepped up to fund the COVAX facility to ensure equitable vaccine availability.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the donors for their continued support.
“I also wish to thank all the individuals who have been planning and preparing for today and for the execution of the vaccination roll out plan in the emergency zones along the border.
“The real work of vaccinating the country is now before us. We expect to continue receiving subsequent batches of vaccines over the next few weeks to maintain the momentum. “To the people of Solomon Islands, I wish to encourage you to step up and get vaccinated when your turn comes. Every individual has a role to play to ensure that all people are safe,” said Taffesse.
US Deputy Chief of Mission under US Embassy in Port Moresby, Mr Bernard Link with members of Malaita Provincial Assembly in the provincial chamber this week in Auki.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
PREMIER of Malaita province Daniel Suidani has thanked the US Deputy Chief of Mission under US Embassy in Port Moresby, Mr Bernard Link for his recent visit to Malaita province.
He said Mr Link’s visit means a lot to his government since they have established and created a pathway for further partnership between Malaita province, Solomon Islands and the United States of America.
“On behalf of the people and government of Malaita province I thank the US Deputy Chief of Mission to PNG Solomon Islands and Vanuatu under US Embassy in Port Moresby, Mr Bernard Link for his visit to the province.
“This is the first visit by US government officials to my people and province and I’m happy and thank the US government for Link’s visit,” Suidani said.
He said during his visit he met with members of Malaita Provincial Assembly and heard from them scopes of work MPG is ready to work with US under the US USD25 million Scale programme.
“In our dialogue with Mr Link, provincial leaders discussed with him areas from our perspective as we look at ensuring the projects to implement and benefit people.
“Apart from Link’s dialogue with the provincial assembly, he also met with other stakeholders during his visit to the province as he also learned from them,” Suidani said.
He said by now the scope of work is already with Winrock and Malaita provincial government looks forward to a partnership with US government.
Suidani said work on the scale programme has already started in Auki as Winrock Deputy Chief of Party, Dr Morgan Wairiu is on the ground.
“We are just waiting for the arrival of Winrock Chief of Party to be in Auki and hopefully that would be during the proposed launching of the programme next month to see things will go on from there,” he said.
Premier Suidani reiterated his thanks to the US government through the US Embassy in Port Moresby and MPG looks forward for continued visits from them to strengthen the established partnership.
He said under the scale programme there will be a robust economic flow for Malaita province as the programme will focus and MPG also look forward for similar support to other sister provinces.
PREMIER of Malaita province Daniel Suidani yesterday handed over a newly purchased land cruiser vehicle to the Provincial Law Enforcement team.
Speaking during handover, he said the procurement of the vehicle was made through MPG covid-19 allocated fund to help out in logistics in the province.
He said the vehicle will be used by the Provincial law Enforcement team in Auki.
Suidani said securing the vehicle also strengthens MPG’s logistics as an important asset to its service delivery especially during this time of coronavirus.
He said also under a similar fund, MPG purchased another brand new landcruiser for Kilu’ufi hospital in Auki.
Suidani said work on installment of required apparatus on the vehicle is going on in Honiara as the vehicle will be used as an ambulance.
He said the vehicle will be delivered to Auki and handed over to the management of the hospital.
Suidani said MPG is ardent to purchase the two new brand land cruisers as they will boost logistics support to provide service to the people and government of Malaita province.
On that note, he explained that the fund used to purchase the vehicles is part of MPG allocated fund for covid-19 under the 2020/2021 revise budget to establish two quarantine centres in the province.
Thus, Suidani said they were unable to build the quarantine sites due to bigger plans later realised earmarked for each site.
He said for Kilu’ufi hospital site, it was due to the need to expand Kilu’ufi Hospital; a new building project to be funded by JICA.
“At Aligegeo PSS, it’s not possible due to the ongoing security and malpractices affecting the school that we could not able to go ahead.
“In addition, the MARA government is looking at turning Aligegeo PSS into a tertiary learning institute to support the growing population of Malaita province.
“Because of those issues, my government reallocated the funds budgeted for quarantine sites to procure two land cruiser vehicles from Ela Motors,” Suidani said.
He said this decision was made in light of the difficulties his government encountered during the covid-19 response operation to ward 14 at the beginning of this year.
“Where we have received limited logistic support from national government, thus the MARA government has to take on the responsibility,” Suidani said.
A MOTION of no-confidence against Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade was withdrawn yesterday before any votes were taken.
Across in Central Province, Premier Stanley Manetiva survived a no-confidence vote filed against him.
He had nine of the provincial members with him, while four were against him.
Monday this week in Makira-Ulawa, Premier Julian Maka’a saw a similar motion withdrawn in front of him in the chambers of the Assembly Hall.
Towards the end of last year, Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani beat a no-confidence vote the non-executive brought against him.
While motions of no-confidence are part of the democratic process, they are often abused.
And this is true at our provincial government level.
For instance, there were claims that certain national politicians are behind those no-confidence votes.
These national politicians, it was asserted, were backed by loggers.
While it would be difficult to prove such assertions, what’s clear was these premiers have in recent times initiated anti-logging policies as part of their leadership.
Central Province’s Stanley Manetiva, for instance, came out public to declare his anti-logging stance.
Malaita’s Suidani hit the loggers operating in his province hard when he imposed a huge increase in the business licence fees.
Premier Sade of Guadalcanal initiated a battle with logging giant Sino Capital, which has been operating in the province over the last 10 years.
He accused Sino of neglecting to pay his province business licence fees through out the course of its operation.
Sade went further to ask the High Court to stop all Sino operations in Guadalcanal.
In Makira-Ulawa, Maka’a has been exploring ways to reduce logging activities in his province.
The sudden move to oust these premiers left everyone guessing.
But thankfully, common sense has prevailed.
All premiers beat off the no-confidence votes and continue to enjoy the support of their executive members.
It’s sad that certain
Premier Sade summed it up well with this statement yesterday:
“If you’re here for money, if you’re here for power, if you’re here for fame, then this honourable Assembly is not for you.
“We’re here to serve the interest of women, youth, children and men of Guadalcanal.”
The newly elected SICCI Board and CEO. (Front row) Qila Tuhanuku, Chairman Ricky Fuo’o and CEO Natalina Hong. (Back row) Kazi Mushfiqur Rahman, Bob Pollard, Craig Gibsone, Namoi Kaluae and Daniel Tucker. Missing in Frank Wickham. Photos: SICCI Media
THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) hosted its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 24th March, 2021 which allowed members to elect new Board Members for 2021/2022.
Ricky Fuo’o, General Manager of Tropic Group Builders (TGB), was elected unopposed replacing outgoing Chairman, Jay Bartlett.
“Our members’ confidence in the leadership and governance of the Chamber is reflected by the re-election of five current Board Members,” said the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Natalina Hong.
“I would like to thank members of the last board for their ongoing commitment and support in what was a challenging environment. I would particularly like to thank our outgoing Chairman, who has made an outstanding contribution to the Chamber in his six years tenure as Chair,” she added.
Outgoing Chair, Mr Bartlett said Wednesday’s AGM welcomes new leadership and composition to the Board after five years.
“I trust the transition will be seamless as, although roles may change, the Board remains experienced and well suited in continuously building upon current foundational work.
“The new Chairman being a tax paying business owner will truly understand our plight and challenges to address. With the current CEO and the new Chairman and Board composition, I remain confident in our well-established progression governance structure for solid progress,” Mr Bartlett said.
In signing off, Mr Bartlett acknowledged with deep appreciation, each and every valuable member of SICCI who make the organization exist in strength and numbers.
“Thank you to our Platinum and Gold Sponsors both as individuals and companies.
“A special Thank you to the Australian High Commission and the High Commissioner Dr Lachlan and his team for the vital financial support as we would not be here without this continuous base support.
“Thank you all as the Chamber acknowledges that your valuable support has made sure of a unified sector voice with strong advocacy to the interest of our business and national economy,” Mr Bartlett said.
Chair-of SIMA Advisory Committee Joy Ririmae delivers her speech 1
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE Shipping Industry has suffered badly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s according to a shipping company operator and chairlady of the Solomon Islands Maritime Committee Advisory Committee, Joy Ririmae.
She was speaking at the launch of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) as the newest State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), yesterday.
“We, the shipping industry, have suffered from the COVID-19 crisis but at all price we have maintained the best of the services we could provide to our communities,” Riria, who also manages Franjit Shipping, said.
“We are also resolved to support the soon-to-come recovery phase, but we desperately need the recognition and support from the Government and partners to build the shipping industry of tomorrow,” she added.
Riria said it is highlighted through the SIMA Corporate Plan that safe and resilient shipping is the lifeline for Solomon Islands communities.
“Are we the lifeline for Solomon Islands communities? Definitively yes we are.
“Are we safe and resilient?
“Probably not at the level expected by our customers but we work hard for this.
“Is SIMA able to create the environment for safe and resilient shipping in Solomon Islands?
“Probably not yet, but we definitively have the right people and framework now.
“I call to our Government and partners to assist the development of safe and profitable shipping services, resilient maritime infrastructure and sustainable maritime employment.”
President SIMTA SI Maritime Transport Association Charles Rubaha
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
A NEW State-Owned Enterprise was launched in Honiara yesterday.
Previously known asSolomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA), it has now changed to an SOE called Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga said the transitional plan to transform the organisation was introduced following a reform project in 2008 to 2010.
Deputy Prime Minister delivers his speech
Maelanaga said after a long legislative process and debate in parliament, they have passed the much-awaited Solomon Islands Maritime Authority bill in September 2018.
“I am happy to officiate today and officially launch SIMA Corporate Plan,” he said at the launching.
“I have witnessed the last 12-months performance of the SIMA and actions undertaken by the Board and its Director to have the organisation in full power on the 1st of January,” he added.
“I take the opportunity of this opening to congratulate Robert Bokelema, Chair of SIMA with its Board members, and the Director of SIMA, Thierry Nervale, for a major achievement moving from a department in my Ministry to an independent authority.
Guests and members of SIMA pose for group photo
“I know there were many challenges and issues that have been addressed to adopt SIMA’s financial and management systems and to recruit new staff.
“This achievement is also because of the strong and consistent support from Australia which has been a genuine friend of SIMA and an engaging partner.
“ADB, which also provided great support to prepare for the establishment of an independent maritime authority in Solomon Islands. Thanks for that support.”
Maelanga said now in place is the institutional framework for a modern maritime administration governing a profitable and efficient maritime sector.
“It is all about supporting the economic recovery and sustainable development of this country; but also, to ensure all maritime operators apply our laws, prevent pollutions and ensure safety for all at sea.”
Part of the guests witnessing the launching of the SIMA
He added this is not an easy journey to reach, however, “we must continue to remind us of SIMA’s Corporate Plan’s vision of a transformative decade of safety at sea, resilient and clean maritime services and mobility in Solomon Islands”.
“This decade must bring major changes towards safety, cleanness and efficient shipping services that will have to operate carbon-free vessels in the next 20-30 years.
“This is the price of our resilience to climate change and sustainable development.
“We must think about our maritime future and recall our vision, but let’s use today’s event to first celebrate SIMA as an independent authority, that is now established and in full power since the 1st of January 2021,” he said.
Chair of the SIMA Robert Bokelema said the event yesterday was a wonderful opportunity to introduce SIMA and launched its corporate plan and together look at their vision of a transformative decade of safety at sea, resilient and clean maritime services and mobility in Solomon Islands.
“It is also an opportunity to engage the necessary dialogue wit all maritime operators to ensure we speak the same language, are engaged together in the same direction and pursuing the same objectives of a clean seas, safe sea travels and efficient shipping services,” said Bokelema.
Chair of SIMA Advisory Committee Joy Isihanua Ririmae said this change is a call to our Government and partners to assist the development of safe and profitable shipping services, resilient maritime infrastructure and sustainable maritime employment.
Chair of SIMA Advisory Committee Joy Ririmae delivers her speech
Governor General His Excellency Sir David Vunagi receiving his first COVID-19 Jab
COVID-19 vaccination at the Central Field Hospital in Honiara has entered its second day yesterday with the Governor General Sir David Vunagi opening the line of vaccination with his first COVID-19 vaccine jab.
As per the established workflow, the Governor General filled his registration form and card and entered the field hospital where one of the nurses injected the vaccine followed by 30 minutes rest for observation before cleared to leave the hospital.
Following the Governor General was the Speaker of National Parliament Patterson Oti, some of the judges and magistrates including the Ombudsman.
Speaker of National Parliament Patterson Oti showing the V sign to promote vaccination after receiving his COVID-19 jab
Some of the COVID-19 frontliners, from the Ministry of health and fisheries, Ports Authority, and Heritage Park Hotel also came in for their first vaccinations yesterday.
On the first day of vaccination, total of 220 people were vaccinated which included the Prime Minster, Ministers of the Crown, Permanent Secretaries, COVID-19 oversight committee, vaccine national coordinating committee and technical working group members. This also includes some of the frontline workers from health, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Airlines to name a few
According to the updated COVID-19 vaccination roll out plan following concerning increases of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Bougainville, 7000 doses of the first batch of AstraZeneca will be administered in Honiara initially for priority groups such as front-liners, elderlies 55 years and above, those with underlying health conditions and the rest of the Honiara residents once more vaccines arrives.
17, 000 doses will be deployed to Western, Choiseul and Malaita provinces for vaccination of the western border communities. This week the Ministry of Health is gearing up for deployment of relevant national staff to support provincial immunization teams to conduct vaccine awareness and training of vaccinators in these provinces before vaccination roll out for the borderline communities will commence.
Customs Officers, taking his first COVID-19 Jab
COVID-19 vaccines that the government is and will be rolling out are those that are approved for emergency use by WHO and have passed all necessary safety and efficacy requirements thus it is safe to receive and effective to prevent sickness, hospitalization and deaths by COVID-19.
The roll out of vaccination is part of the overall efforts of the ministry of health against the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Get your COVID-19 vaccine Jab when your turn comes and protect our country.
SICCI hopes 2021 will see an increase in its membership after a very challenging 2020 for businesses
THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector, hopes 2021 will see an increase in its membership.
2020 has been an extremely challenging year for business and this is directly reflected on the Chamber’s membership which has seen a 25% reduction in 2020 members with 183 financial members, SICCI reported at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 24 March.
“One of the main area’s we have tried to focus on is providing up to date information but also to get information from our members to decision makers,” Outgoing Chairman, Jay Bartlett, said.
Surveys conducted provided the Chamber with valuable information that guides its advocacy efforts.
In 2020 SICCI conducted two COVID-19 Impact Surveys, a survey on the proposed Facebook Ban and the annual Business Confidence Survey.
“The survey data on Facebook was very valuable and was presented to the Prime Minister early this year which we think may have played a role in the reconsideration of the suspension.
“Our COVID-19 surveys helped determine the level of impact while the Business Confidence Survey gives us an idea of the challenges ahead. Evidence based advocacy works and takes away emotion and opinions from our discussions,” Mr Bartlett said.
As an organisation that strives to achieve excellence in Governance, SICCI have hosted a number of Directorship Programs with the Institute of Directors New Zealand with the aim to deliver another program for an additional 25 participants in April later this year.
On the Advocacy front, advocacy in the last 12 months have been challenging as the Chamber along with its members reacted to the impacts of the global pandemic and the economic fallout that followed.
Mr Bartlett highlighted that in the past year the Chamber made a submission to the Oversight committee on the Economic Stimulus Package.
“In it we had outlined some very practical measures that we believed would support the private sector and the economy. We also lobbied our National Provident Fund to allow impacted workers withdrawals from their contributions, this alone injected 100million into the economy,” he said.
Also, in 2020, the Chamber established two industry working groups for sector specific support and to allow the Chamber to draw on the membership for technical support.
Both the Building Construction Working Group (BCWG) and the Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) are agile teams that can be proactive on specific issues while keeping the SICCI Board free to focus on core issues.
The Chamber have also revised its MoU with the Government in July 2020 and since then have held 3 Advisory Group. Discussing issues of concern such as the Inclusion of Private Sector in National Budget Process, Involvement of SICCI in Oversight Committee, COVID-19 impacts on businesses, Medium Term Development Plan of SIG and the Redirection Policy.
Mr Bartlett said in 2020 SICCI has also hosted three RSIPF-SICCI meetings, “which we have attempted to address the Road Transport Board which deals mainly with traffic issues, Crimes Prevention Strategy, and important updates from RSIPF on COVID-19 border security.”
“More recently we have held Climate Change Workshop with SIG on Accessing Climate Change Funds by the Private Sector and a Position Paper on the case for reviewing Electricity Tariffs in the Solomon Islands.
Finally, as part of its ongoing Advocacy Efforts the Chamber has developed the Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy.
This Strategy will be used to focus SICCI consultations and collaboration with Government and advocacy efforts to ensure tangible action on key reforms.
The first Forum Fisheries Agency coordinated fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance operation of 2021, Operation Rai Balang concluded last week after two weeks of increased surveillance effort in eight Pacific nations.
National organisations in Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have been working together to conduct surveillance, supported by the four Pacific Quad partners (Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States).
Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen said the operation provided maritime surveillance across 13.3million square kilometres of the Pacific and achieved 349 sightings and 30 boardings. The operation included 11 surface ships and 6 surveillance aircraft.
“Working collaboratively to protect the income generated by our oceanic fisheries means protecting the incomes, jobs and livelihoods of many Pacific people,” said Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen.
“This is a great example of the power of united effort. The strength of our cooperation has ensured this Operation was a success. We extend our sincere thanks to all our Members and partners who joined us for Operation Rai Balang.”
RSIPF Maritime, Deckhand, Mrs Tricia Wilimae said Op Rai Balang was a great learning experience for her. “I could see the way the RFSC worked with the different agencies in our country, and how working together we all achieved a better result,”said Wilimae. “I know that I will take back things I have learnt, to share with my colleagues in Maritime Police.”
Speaking from the FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, FFA Surveillance Operations Officer, Commander Robert Lewis reflected that Operation Rai Balang wasn’t just about catching perpetrators.
“Our operation brings many benefits to FFA’s member countries,” said Commander Lewis.“It helps build a national skills base across many Pacific nations. We focus on intelligence driven and targeted operations to create a deterrence effect. There’s been a change towards a culture of greater operational collaboration across the Pacific, and the shared assets participating make the operation more effective.”
“It has also helped us to deliver a sharper picture of what risks this sector faces and how it can be protected. It is sometimes not as obvious as a vessel operating illegally or running “dark”. IUU fishing by the licensed fleet is estimated to account for over 95% of IUU activity in Pacific tuna fisheries. Operation Rai Balang attempted to close these gaps by encouraging FFA Members to actively consider inspections, including monitoring catch and effort reporting, unloading or transhipment, and verification of catch data for licensed vessels during dockside activity or at sea.”
Operation Rai Balang is one of four targeted operations hosted by the FFA annually, however regional surveillance is supported 365 days a year through the RFSC Regional Surveillance Picture. The operation also utilised the Aerial Surveillance Program funded by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, which has a focus on detecting and responding to IUU, but can also be used by Pacific Nations for broader maritime security threats.
