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SI provides medical help to US military member

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USCG Kimball crew member Tyler Deitric and the medical staff from the National Referral Hospital.

ON March 16, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball contacted the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara to say a crewman on board was ill with a suspected inflamed appendix and asked for urgent medical assistance from the Solomon Islands government. 

Thanks to quick efforts by government officials, the crew member, who received the Pfizer vaccine in the United States prior to deployment, was admitted to the country following a risk assessment.

He was rapidly transferred from the ship into the care of the medical professionals at the National Referral Hospital.

After doctors recommended removing the appendix, the medical team quickly mobilized and flawlessly performed the operation.

It is believed to be the first time since World War II that an American military member has undergone surgery in Solomon Islands.  

“We often speak about the enduring relationship between our two nations and this past week demonstrated the true strength of our partnership,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Erin E. McKee.

“On behalf of the United States government, please accept our sincere thanks for the tremendous support from the Solomon Islands government and the entire medical team at the National Referral Hospital.

“Now, as in the past, we are grateful for extraordinary partnership between the United States and Solomon Islands.” 

On Thursday, March 25, the patient left Honiara on a U.S. military C-130 aircraft and returned to his home state of Hawaii to complete his recovery.  

AGAINST ALL ODDS – SOSA Rugby ‘progressing’

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The young SOSA side are improving in all their matches in the Man Up Challenge

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

The road to revival for SOSA Rugby Club is progressing well according to the club’s veteran player and head coach Gregory Ofia.

Young dominated, the team has proved as a competitive side since their return contending in major rugby tournaments in Honiara.

“We are a young team and we are learning step by step,” Ofia told SunSPORTS in a post-match interview.

SOSA entered the 5th edition of the Solrais & Fletchers Man Up rugby 15s Challenge with a new look outfit tracing back to the club’s pedigrees and as the youngest side of the tournament.

The men in strip yellow begin their campaign with a hard-fought challenge against competition’s newcomers Malaita Crusaders losing 29 – 13. They continued their fighting approach against Diesel RC in which the result could have turned either way in a 0 – 12 close match fit.

The young guns put up a brave challenge against heavy weights Henderson Hammerheads losing 3-50 on round 3 of competition – before bagging maximum points so far in the competition in a brave encounter against Islanders 23 – 47.

“Since our first game we did not do too well, but we keep working to improve on areas of the game,” Ofia said.

 “We worked in our defence first and from there we work on how we attack and then on how we can score points and it is evident in our game against Islanders where score points. The boys still not that strong enough just yet especially on their experience as teenagers, but foremost it’s a progressing thing team for us.

SOSA currently sits bottom of the Man Up Challenge standing and will take on MOI Warriors in the final round before both sides head-on again for the 5th & 6th playoff to decide who will escape the competition’s bottom finish.

“Only on the field will decide what the result is, and as always we will put up a good challenge against whoever is our next opponent,” Ofia expressed.

“These are new talents, and we are looking forward for their exposure in more upcoming competitions.

MORE HOCKEY INTEREST

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Two hockey players sweat out in training at the Woodford school grounds yesterday. More in Page 14. Picture PETER ZOLEVEKE II

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) has continued its call for more interest in the sport as it begins rolling out its programmes for this year.

SIHF President Winki Yee told SunSPORTS yesterday that they have received an overwhelming turn-out of emerging talents in the sport.

“Our programs this year will continue and we are still calling on more interested individuals to be part of the development of the sport,” says Yee.

“We are hoping for new ones to join, identifying new potentials, skills who we can groom in lead up to the 2023 Pacific Games here.

Mr Yee also assured the safety of the game with the proper equipment used during such outdoor hockey activities.

He encouraged both boys and girls to take up the sport.

This year the federation received a timely assistant for the first time to hockey proper goalkeeping training with the volunteering help of Australian teacher and hockey player Salot Salt.

“I’ve been playing hockey since the age of 7, and mostly in the goalkeeping position. I’m happy to train athletes here on basic concepts of the position and they are fitting in well,” she says.

She also says that with a week already in training she is hoping that the athletes gain more confidence in themselves in the sport.

In terms of proper training equipment, she is satisfied with the handful of items available to get going with the training.

Hockey activities at the Woodford school grounds will run every Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 PM to 6 PM.

GFA OUTLINE FOOTBALL PLANS

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DC Park Beach Soccer pitch. PHOTO SIFF Media

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

Guadalcanal Football Association (GFA) outlined its plan of activities to roll out this following the successful completion of its Talent Identification beach soccer competition.

GFA General Secretary Joshua Kera in a statement this week revealed upcoming competitions and development programmes for this year for football in the province.

“GFA Under 16 talent identification is coming up in early April. As soon as we receive funds from the Solomon Islands Football Federation, we will confirm dates and venues for these competition/trials. More details of this event will be posted later this week,” the GFA statement revealed.

Another Youth Development program outlined is the Under 14 talent identification for both boys and girls.

“U14 (boys & girls) talent identification is schedule for the first week of August 2021. Interested teams/clubs/schools need to take note of the date and start your planning and preparation.

One of the GFA competition highlights is the proposed U19 Guadalcanal Cup Championship.

“The GFA executive has agreed to introduce this competition this year to give an opportunity for our young talented players. Eight (8) U19 teams representing our 8 constituencies will participate in this competition. The proposed date for this competition is mid October 2021.This is not a SIFF funded event so we are calling on companies, business houses/interested individuals on Guadalcanal Province to come forward and support us in hosting this event. The YOUTH GUADALCANAL CUP CHAMPIONSHIP will take place every two years,” GFA revealed.

Following the GFA talent identification tournament last week, 20 players have been selected and are called to attend a meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday 30 th March) 12PM at the provincial headquarters.

“All selected players must attend this important meeting.

“Thank you to those who came forward and assisted the GFA executive in organizing the recent Beach Soccer Competition last week. Huge thanks to our sponsors DJ Graphics, Hon. Bradley Tovosia and Hon. Anthony Veke who stood in to support GFA. Also, many thanks to those who supported and finance the 7 participating teams, without your kind support the beach soccer competition would not be successful,” the GFA statement reads.

“Lastly, a reminder to our 8 constituencies and 21 Wards to established your football committees and submit their names to us. So far, West Guadalcanal Constituency and East Guadalcanal Constituency have established their football committees. We are still waiting for other constituencies/wards to form your football committees and pay up your affiliation fees. Due date have been extended to end of April 2021. Do let us know if you need any assistance in forming your football committees.

VOLLEYBALL SPACE AVAILABLE

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Taromane Martin
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By Taromane Martin 

TWELVE teams have so far confirmed their participation for this year’s National  Easter Volleyball Championship, the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF)  said. 

The 14th national volleyball  championship is confirmed on the 4th to 11th April 2021 at Town Ground Rugby stadium.

Volleyball President Morris Maitaki said spaces are still available for interested men’s and women’s teams.

“So far we had received 12 teams for men and 7 teams for women.There are only 4 spaces still available for men competition and 3 spaces for women competition,” he stated.

“Three more spaces are available for women’s team to make it to 10 teams for 2 pools of 5 teams per pools, while only  four more spaces for men’s to make it to 16 teams for 4 pools.

“Coaches, team managers and captains please do attend our technical brief meeting on the 1st April 2021 on  thursday at 4:30pm at NOCSI conference room for confirmations of teams and draws.

“Registration fee will also due same on Thursday. Steward Seuika will conduct a pre-brief  sessions on the law of the game.

“Team Registrations is only 12 players and 2 officials,” Maitaki adds. 

The men and women competition entries for the national Easter volleyball championship next month meanwhile are:

Mens:

1. Central Honiara 1

2. Central Honiara 2.

3. West Honiara

4. Rainbow 1

5. Rainbow 2

6. Kana 1

7. Kana 2

8. GPPOL

9. Renbel

10.Kuks Town 1

11.Kuks Town 2

12.Shortland. 

Women competition:

1. Arasina 

2. Renbel

3..Central Honiara

4. Rainbow

5.GPPOL

6. Auki

7. Kuks Town

WPG to fix land titles

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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government (WPG) is taking steps to fix land titles and property ownership on state lands in an effort to help the province get greater benefits.

Premier David Gina said WPG’ Lands Division is embarking on a major exercise to survey, subdivide and allocate the many un-procedural developments in the province with the view to collecting property rates and land rentals.

“All these years people have built and erect residences and structures on unallocated land and the province was unable to collect property rates from them because they do not have FTE titles,” Gina said.

“The same goes for forfeitures with a view of making allocations to genuine developers who will be able to pay land rentals and property rates,” he added.

“By awarding titles, we will be legitimizing their ownership and thereby compelling them to pay property rates and rentals that are due to the province,” Gina added.

He said the exercise has already commenced in Gizo and it is anticipated that it will extended to other areas like Noro, Munda, Seghe  and elsewhere where the government has land.

Matangi: securing our border is not easy

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DC Matanga speaking during the meeting at Samanago Village

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) says it cannot successfully secure the western border with Papua New Guinea from the entry of COVID-19 without the help of communities in the Western, Choiseul and Malaita along the country’s side of the common border.

“The vast area covered by the western border with Papua New Guinea is too big compared to the resources and manpower of the RSIPF,” said Deputy Commissioner, Juanita Matanga when she met with communities at Komaliae and Gaomae in the Shortland Islands on 24 March 2021 and Samanago, Tomua and Kariki on 25 March..

“The only way we can successfully protect our people in the western border from COVID-19 is for people living in the border region to assist frontline officers stop the movement of people across the common border,” Matangi added.

“We can only keep the virus from entering our country from Bougainville if we all work together.

“Police cannot do it alone.”

DC Matanga explained the RSIPF is concern following the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Papua New Guinea including neighbouring Bougainville.

“We have great concern for our good people because we want to avoid this virus entering our communities.”

 “I understand the reasons why our people are travelling across to Bougainville. It is important because of the inter-relationship our people with those on Bougainville and the trading of goods.

“People must be reminded that these are not normal times. We must stop crossing the common border until we are able to get the COVID-19 under control.

 “We have to adhere to the COVID-19 State of Public Emergency regulations put in place by the Government and by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for the safety of our nation.

“Communities have to be responsible and take ownership through changing their attitude. We are not in normal times. If we decide to ignore the regulations then we will face the consequences.

“I call on all communities in Shortland islands to please assist our police officers with information you may have about any member of your community who is still sneaking to the other side of the border to interact with Bougainvillians so we can stop any community transmission of the COVID-19 on our side of the common border.”

Chiefs and elders of each community visited were very pleased with the concern of the RSIPF for the people in the Shortland Islands by sending Deputy Commissioner Matanga to visit them.

They assured DC Matanga that they will continue to work closely with the police officers and will strengthen their community by-laws for the good of their families, relatives and the country as a whole.

SLAP ON PM’s FACE

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Mavis Podokolo
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Honourable-Prime-Minister-receiving-his-first-vaccine-shot

Thousands of frontline workers disobey order and avoid vaccination – ministry of health, HCC, NRH, Guadalcanal health, etc

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare is “extremely disappointed” at public servants of frontline ministries and frontline agency workers who have not turned up to be vaccinated.

Only 600 people including prime minister Sogavare have been vaccinated in the first three days. A very small portion of the 7,000 estimated to be vaccinated in Honiara.

Primer Minister Sogavare had ordered all frontline workers to be jabbed before this Wednesday, March 31. It now seems this will not be possible.

Dr Jimmie Rodgers, deputy secretary and deputy chair to the national oversight committee, has hinted that these workers may face legal action for disobeying the prime minister’s directives under the state of emergency for them to be vaccinated.

Dr Yogesh Choudri, advisor to the ministry of Health, warns that such defiant attitude will weaken the country’s preparations and response to the covid-19 pandemic, especially as the country gears towards resuming international trade.

Attorney General John Muria Jnr has suggested frontline public servants refusing to be vaccinated to submit their resignation letters.

Mr Sogavare in his national address yesterday, said, “As Prime Minister of our nation that is trying to ensure we protect not only ourselves form covid-19 but also protect those around us especially people under 18 years of age that cannot be vaccinated and those living with existing diseases, I am extremely disappointed that many public servants working in front line ministries and agencies have not turned up to be vaccinated against covid-19.

“I am disappointed to learn that we have only vaccinated around 600 people in the first three days of vaccination in Honiara.

“We will not be able to protect this country from covid-19 if most of our population that should be vaccinated are not vaccinated.

“I am extremely disappointed that most of our front liners in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the National Referral Hospital, Honiara City Council Health and our front-line health personnel from Guadalcanal province who have been identified top priority for vaccination had not turned up for vaccinations,” he said.

Sogavare said there had been a lot of questions raised – why vaccinate when there is no active case of covid-19 or community transmission in the country.

“As I stated before, if we wait for community transmission to occur before we vaccinate it would be too late to stop the virus from entering and taking our hold in the country.

“One main reason for vaccinating our population is to stop community transmission from happening by reducing the ability of the virus to enter our country and by containing it,” he said.

Sogavare said a fully vaccinated population will also ensure the virus does not spread into the community.

“Some people are also wondering whether the vaccine we are using had been approved by the World Health Organisation.

“Let me assure the nation once again that the AstraZeneca Vaccine we are using had been approved by WHO on February 16, 2021,” he said.

Mr Choudhri said the health team have been reaching out to front line workers but misconception still remains.

He said vaccination is not an outbreak intervention, it will have very limited roll once the outbreak starts.

Mr Rodgers said the Prime Minister is not giving an option but a directive, meaning when the leader said you do this to protect yourself, protect your family and protect the nation then it doesn’t look good if those employed in public services do not take heed.

Rodgers said the public service’s role is very clear – “you are coming in to serve the country and at the same time to protect the country and protect yourself”.

He adds, for those that do not come for vaccination they will be shifted from front line work because they are not inoculated, they will not be able to participate in front line work.

Rodgers stressed there would be legal issues because the country has a State of Public Emergency (SOPE) and therefore if it is an order under the SOPE then it becomes an offence for not doing things they are not supposed do during the SOPE.

“There is a duty of care, so when you are making your decision think about the implication of your decision,” he said.

Attorney General John Muria Junior said in terms of legality, liability is one issue.

“Solomon Islands government provides a service to full country so it must ensure the public servants are protected and its public servant’s duty also to protect the people of this country.

“In carrying out their duty of care the government has asked its workers to get their jabs. And if you know that you one of the public servants there are certain rules in placed by the government that you have to comply with.

“With this the government has put a rule for frontline workers to be vaccinated and when a person breaches the rule it is called insubordination. Hence, if you do not want to comply with government rules then submit your resignation letter.

“The other thing is that if you do not want to receive the vaccine and want to be part of the front-line workers and you happened to contract the virus should the government be responsible to care for you after disobeying its rules, I don’t think so. Therefore, if you want to work for government adhere to what the government says by getting the vaccine and continue serving this country,” he said.

Safe nickel deposit

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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A recent mining exploration on Isabel Province. Photo by Axiom Mining Solomon Islands.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The more than 70,000 metric tonnes of nickel ores lying idle on San Jorge, Isabel province does not pose any high risk to human lives.

Director of Mines, Nicholas Biliki revealed this to journalists during the reporting workshop on extractive industries and endemic species in Solomon Islands at Heritage Park Hotel last Thursday.

People living close to the mine site have expressed fears on the environmental impacts on their resources caused by nickel ores that have been lying on their land since September 2019.

They claimed during rainy weather, it caused soil erosion which washed down the sentiments from the ores down to the sea.

However, Biliki said these are lateritic nickel ore deposits that have less acid because they are found on surface.

He said lateritic nickel don’t have contents that are a risk to human lives.

However, he said its economic value may deteriorate if it is not exported.

According to reports, the nickel ores on San Jorge costs around $171 million (US$20 million) to $256 million (US$30m) in the markets.

Axiom Mining Limited (AML) which has a lease on the tenement could not export the minerals after the government refused to grant an export permit.

The Mines and Mineral Board rejected Axiom Mining Ltd’s application for an export permit citing the company does not have a Provincial Business licence from Isabel Government.

Axiom has already filed a judicial review in the High Court against the decision of the Minerals Board, as well as a misfeasance claim against the Minister of Mines Bradley Tovosia and Director of Mines Nicholas Biliki.

The reason was they are failing to properly exercise their powers under Regulations 70 and 71 of the Mines and Minerals Regulations pertaining to the company’s export permit application.

Previously, Biliki said the minerals are still the property of Axiom because they have the lease over the tenement.

Biliki said government cannot interfere when the issue is before the court and Axiom owns the lease as well.

MP Maneniaru and others face lawsuit on T27 deaths

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Charles Kadamana
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27 lives were lost on the MV Taimareho in April 2020 when the ship sailed through rough weather.

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

IMMEDIATE families of the 27 people who lost their lives in a tragic sea disaster onboard MV Taimareho are pursuing legal action.

Vice Secretary of Victims Custom Compensation Committee Venasio Huniehu said they have engaged a private law firm to proceed with their case.

The families are taking legal against five defendants; the West Are Are Constituency shipping, the charterer MP John Maneniaru, MV Taimareho, SIMSA, captain Galo and captain Malepa.

Huniehu said in their legal suit they claimed $250,000 for expectancy of dependency, $100,000 for expectancy of life and $50,000 for special expense.

This totals up to $400,000 per life.

He said since the incident happened on April 3, 2020, they have submitted their claim of $250,000 for each life to the shipping company but to no response.

He said because of that they are pursuing legal action against the five defendants.

He said previously the committee was represented by three people which include the Chairman Michael Konia, Secretary Casper Faásala and Vice Secretary Venasio Huniehu.

Huniehu said as of now immediate families of the 27 people will all be represented in the legal suit against the five defendants.

According to a report from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development released on May 30, 2020 it found that:

  • The ship set sail despite a tropical cyclone category 1 existed in Solomon Islands and warnings were issued by the Solomon Islands Government through the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA), Solomon Islands Port Authority, and Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMA) as early as 15:00hrs on Thursday, 2nd April 2020.
  • The incident occurred at 0220hrs on Friday, 3rd April 2020 at an estimated position of Latitude 09’22’.9 South and longitude 160’ 42’.8 East and it occurred as a result of gusty cyclonic wind and very high swells in which 27 passengers were washed overboard.
  • MV Taimareho departed without the clearance of the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA) Boarding Officer.
  • MV Taimareho sailed without any clearance of the boarding officer and with the knowledge of the existence of the category 1 cyclone.
  • The ship on 2nd April 2020, held a valid safety certificate however, the shipowner and master did not comply with the requirements of the safety certificate.
  • The master of the ship also did not prepare and ensure that the following documents; Voyage Plan, Night Order, and Log Book were on board the vessel.
  • MV Taimareho according to the safety certificate required a total of 30 crews; however, the ship only has a total of 13 crews and 10 supporting staff on board at the time of the incident.
  • The conditions of the life rafts were in a good state however, as a result of lack of knowledge that passengers were overboard, the life rafts were not deployed.

In light of these findings the Board concluded

(a) That the Shipowner and Master violated the following:

(1) Sections 78 (1) and (2) of the Shipping Act 1998;

(2) Sections 8 (1) and (2) of the Shipping Act 1998;

(3) Sections 115 (1) and (3) of the Shipping Act 1998;

Meanwhile, section 78 (1) of the Shipping Act 1998 states “Neither the owner nor master shall permit more persons to be carried in a vessel than the number stated in the passenger ship safety certificate issued in respect of the vessel as being the maximum number of persons that may be carried in the vessel. 

Section 78 (2) stated; “Every owner and the master of the vessel who contravenes this section each commit an offence, and each shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars and to a further fine of not more than two hundred dollars for each person carried on board the vessel in excess of the number stated in the passenger ship safety certificate.”

Sections 81 (1) (c) however states every vessel is unsafe if –the vessel is overloaded or improperly loaded and section 81 (2) states “Where an unsafe vessel goes to sea, every person who knowingly sends, and the master who knowingly takes, the unsafe vessel to sea commit an offence, and each shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding sixty thousand dollars.

Section 115 (1) states “No person shall be employed on a vessel as a seaman unless there is in force an employment agreement approved by the principal shipping officer, in writing in the English language, between the owner, or licensed shipping agent, or master and the seaman which agreement maybe-

(a) With respect to employment in one or more vessel; or

(b) For a particular period not exceeding one year; or

(c) For one or more particular voyages.

Section 115 (3) however states every person who acts in contravention of subsection (1) or subsection (2) commits an offence, and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars.

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