WORLD Health Organisation office in Solomon Islands has promised to support government in giving direction for safe administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
This was conveyed by Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO country representative, at the official launch and rollout of AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday.
“WHO is committed to continuing to support the Government in monitoring the safe administration of these vaccines. We will be helping support the setup of the new Covid-19 Vaccine database to evaluate vaccine coverage. Also, we will be ensuring the community is well informed and educated about these vaccines and the country’s rollout plans,” said Sevil.
She said these 24,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine, provided through the COVAX Facility, is part of the global partnership’s effort to ensure the equitable distribution of at least two billion doses of covid-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.
“I would like to remind everyone that as vaccines start to roll out around the world, we must remember that they only complement, and not replace, our other proven public health measures.
“As we still don’t know how long these vaccines provide protection and if they stop us transmitting the virus, we must continue to apply the tried-and-tested measures, including physical distancing, wearing masks if recommended, regularly cleaning our hands, as well as the other measures to test, trace, isolate and treat cases. No country will be safe from the pandemic until all countries are protected,” said Huseynova.
She said the roll out is another step in the right direction towards the ultimate global goal of helping combat this global pandemic.
“And so, once again I reaffirm WHO’s commitment to supporting the Government and people of Solomon Islands in their Covid-19 pandemic response plans and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in its priority health improvement agenda,” said Huseynova.
Chairman of Ward 31 WDC, Mr John Palmar (right) hands over drums of petrol to a rep from one of the church group in Luaniua.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
MPA for Ward 31 under Malaita provincial assembly, John Kehosi through his Ward Development Committee (WDC) recently handed over projects to Luaniua community.
Senior Administration Officer for MOI region, Mr Manford Kelaho told this paper projects handed over included sports equipment, sewing machines, fuel and an OBM & boat.
He said the projects were handed over to different stakeholders within Luaniua communities including youths, church groups, women groups and Luaniua Village Development Committee (VDC).
Kelaho said the sewing machines were handed over to Luaniua women’s club to revive the social club that was run down several years ago.
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He said the project is looking at income generating for the women’s club, especially to produce school uniforms for Luaniua who always find difficulty in getting uniforms from Honiara.
Kelaho said the WDC has proposed a sewing training workshop for the women’s club in Luaniua and will happen if arrangement is made.
Church groups in Luaniua received four 44-gallon drum petrol and their premixes from their WDC.
Kelaho said fuel were received and will be sold to support activities of the church groups like Companions, Mother’s Union and others in Luaniua.
SAO for MOI region, Mr Manford Kelaho (third from left) hands over the OBM to a rep from Luaniua Village Development Committee (VDC) in Luaniua
He said the projects came under Ward 31 ward grant for four quarters of 2019/2020 financial year and they are looking forward for 2021/2022 financial year.
Kelaho said under 2021/2022 financial year, Ward 31 WDC already submitted its work plan are waiting for release of the ward grant to begin their work.
He explained that under WDC’s work plan for 2021/2022, support will mostly be on improvement of communal projects like health and education.
On that note, Kelaho said another project is a 40hp Yamaha engine and a 22ft ray boat that will be used to serve government activities most especially in wards 31 and 32.
CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee, Douglas Ete has congratulated Japan for its generosity in funding infrastructure projects in the country.
Ete made this commendation when the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Morimoto Yasuhiro and his First Secretary, Asano Yoko appeared before the PAC in Parliament on Tuesday.
Ete was delighted to hear Ambassador Yasuhiro mentioned his government’s commitment to fund the Honiara City’s main Kukum Highway phase two project, upgrade Honiara International Airport and its interest to upgrade the Kilu’ufi hospital in Malaita province.
The Phase 2 project is the continuation from where the Kukum Highway Phase One ended.
The Project will cover the 6.3 Kilometers road from the Ministry of Fisheries to Honiara International Airport. This includes 4.3 Kilometers of 4-lane road to Lunga Bridge and 2 kilometers of 2-lane road from Lunga Bridge to the Airport.
This project along with the current Honiara International Airport Project and other major infrastructure projects in the past has changed and will continue to change the landscape of Honiara and will transform the city into a better city for everyone
Ancillaries to the road project include the drainage systems, bus stations, streetlights, traffic signboards and pavement markings.
Ambassador Yasuhiro said the Japanese government has committed $250 million for the Kukum Highway upgrade road project.
He said $340 million was approved to upgrade the Honiara International airport.
Besides, the Japanese government has approved $190 million to support the government combats the coronavirus pandemic.
Ambassador Yasuhiro said his government has also provided $400 million to Ministry of Fisheries under the Economic and Social grant.
Japan has signed diplomatic relationship with Solomon Islands since 1978.
Solomon Islands-based Chinese Construction Company, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation [CCECC] has been awarded the contract to build the seven China Funded facilities for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Li Ming made the announcement yesterday during a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Honiara.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked the PRC government for their wisdom in selecting CCECC, saying his government is confident CCECC will get the job done in time for the Pacific Games.
“Allow me first to convey my sincere gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their wisdom in selecting a successful; company that already has a footprint in Solomon Islands as its contractor for this ground-breaking project.
“Secondly, allow me to congratulate the CCECC through Mr Huang for winning the right to build the 2023 Pacific Games stadiums project.
“Your Excellency, the wisdom of your government’s decision has already proven itself, because I understand that CCECC has already mobilized to build its administration and extra accommodation facilities for the construction of the stadiums.
“This is something that would not have been possible if a non- resident company was selected. Excellency, I am now greatly confident that the construction period of 24 months commencing 1 May 2021 through to 31 May 2023 will be met, because the contractor has already started the preparatory work,” he adds.
The PM said the government through the National Hosting Authority will do all it can to ensure the construction of this project proceeds smoothly so that we can achieve the 31st of May 2023 handover date.
“Now to Mr Huang of CCECC, my government is confident that CCECC will be able to complete 2023 Pacific Games project on time by 31 May 2023, on budget, and to an extremely high standard.
“Excellency, this is an extremely high priority project for my government and for the people of Solomon Islands.
“We look forward to welcoming the first contingent of your engineers on 11th April 2021. Excellency, we also look forward to the Ground-Breaking ceremony on Wednesday 5th May 2021.
Sogavare said the ground-breaking ceremony will further consolidate the relationship between Solomon Islands and China and will mark the start of the 24-months journey for the construction of all elements of the 2023 Pacific games stadium projects.
“Excellency let me close by once again expressing my sincere gratitude to the President, the Government, and the people of the People’s Republic of China for supporting my government and the people of Solomon Islands with facilities that will enable us to host the 2023 Pacific Games successfully,” he adds.
CCECC was represented yesterday afternoon by their country Manager, Mr Huang.
Meanwhile the seven projects for the 2023 Pacific Games is one of the largest infrastructure projects to be funded and built by the People’s Republic of China in any of PRCs partner Pacific Island country.
The seven infrastructures that will be built by CCECC include:
i. A 10,000-seat national stadium which includes 1,000 VIP seats,
ii. An Aquatic center hosting a 50-meter competition pool, and a 25-meter training pool,
iii. A six-court tennis center
iv. A full-sized training track and field with a full-sized soccer/ rugby field
v. A 90 meters by 50 meters multi-purpose hall
vi. A 5-aside competition hockey field
vii. A double story food court and office space building for the
Speaker and Clerk of Western Province who preside the meeting
BY BEN BILUA In Gizo
MEMBERS of the Western Provincial Government will be briefed with the latest update on the status of COVID-19 in the country.
Speaker of Western Province, Adrian S Gina informed the house as part of agenda two (2) of the Order Paper (Messages and Announcement).
He says a team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services will travel to Imagination Island where the Assembly is being held to update the leaders.
Gina says the information session is very important for leaders to get a better and latest information about COVID-19 status of the country.
THE Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCO) has committed itself to empowering its women by adopting an approach that looks to empower women through women.
This is carried out under the umbrella, Discover & Expand your Wings (dubbed DEW) which is an initiative taken by SITCO women to participate in motivational discussions with some of Solomon Island’s most inspirational women.
Women empowerment in Solomon Islands is a hurdle which many are committed to overcome in order to improve the welfare of women and the nation as a whole.
The DEW initiative invited women such as Atenasi Ata (former CEO SICCI), Ethel Sigimanu (former PS Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services), Juanita Matanga (Deputy Commissioner Operations Royal Solomon Islands Police Force), women advocate Dr Alice Pollard, Pamela Alamu (CEO Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants), Ruth Liloqula (Head of Transparency Solomon Islands) and Natalina Hong (Current CEO of SICCI) who shared knowledge relating to personal and professional challenges in their journeys.
Among the messages shared, women were encouraged to be confident in taking up challenges in their respective fields and to persevere during difficult times. Besides this, the importance of having a strong support system from home was also highlighted as key to women reaching greater heights.
The combination of success stories from the speakers was key to transformation of mindsets for the younger DEW members.
24-year-old staff, Kylie Alekevu said that the DEW sessions inspired her to take control of her life at work and also at home.
“Stories shared by the speakers increased my confidence in women- we are definitely capable of taking the lead in improving our society,” said the young lass.
Women empowerment and gender equality is essential for Solomon Islands in achieving its Millennium Development Goal.
At SITCO, about thirty percent of employed staff are women with also thirty percent female representation in top level management.
Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
No confidence motion against Premiere Stanley Menetiva will be decided at the Assembly Chamber in Tulagi today.
This comes after the Speaker of the Central Islands Provincial Assembly, Francis Moah rescheduled the date from Tuesday, March 23 to March 25 to debate the motion.
Premier Manetiva has, since notified of the motion, been openly expressing confidence in defeating the motion.
He claims commanding a majority government, with all MPAs in his team loyal to him.
Meanwhile, Speaker Moah has clarified that the motion of no confidence against Premier Manetiva will be valid on March 25 not March 23.
He said the provincial executives did not debate the motion of no confidence against Manetiva during the Full Assembly Meeting on Tuesday. This is because it does not meet the seven days’ notice required under Standing Order 107.
According to Speaker Moah, his office received the motion on Monday, March 15 and the notice was issued dated March 16 to meet the seven days notice.
Moah said after seeking legal opinions, they were advised to reschedule.
“This is based on Part 1, section 3(f) of the Standing Order which explains the meaning of Clear Days. The seven clear days required by Section 107 of the Standing Order, does not include Saturdays or Sundays or Public holidays.”
THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has consecrated and installed Reverend Arthur Stanley Abui as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Hanuato’o (DOH) at Saint Peters Cathedral, Kirakira on Sunday.
The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the ACOM assisted by the Senior Bishop and Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita the Rt Rev Sam Sahu, the Assistant Bishop of Malaita the Rt Rev Rickson Maumauru, Bishop of the Diocese of Ysabel the Rt Rev Ellison Quity, Bishop of the Diocese of Temotu the Rt Rev. Willie Tungale, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal the Rt Rev Benedict Loe and Retired Bishop the Rt Rev Alfred Karibongi officiated the ceremony.
Immediately after he was consecrated; the Vicar General of the DOH Rev. Clayton Maha installed the Rt Rev Arthur Abui in the episcopal chair of the Diocesan Cathedral as a sign of his role and responsibility as chief shepherd of the diocese.
(From left) Retired Bishop Alfred Karibongi, Bp Sahu, Bp Quity, Bp Abui’s Chaplain (in white), Newly Consecrated Bp Arthur Abui, Archbishop Dawea, Bp Loe, Bp Rickson and Bp Tungale after
‘I have no great intention to come on board with new ideas and developments. I would rather continue on with the vision and mission statement of the diocese passed by the 10th diocesan synod December 2020” the newly consecrated Bishop said in his inaugural address in the church.
“Our vision statement puts emphasis on “to hear, live and joyfully proclaim the gospel of Christ to our people. Our mission statement focuses on our baptismal ministries to build up the body of Christ which is the church. This is trying to achieve our vision statement. Importantly to recognize and serve those who are in need in our society”, he added.
Taken from the Diocesan Vision and Mission statements, the Rt Rev. Arthur Abui said his theme for this year 2021 is “HANUA TO HANUA FOR CHRIST”, meaning the gospel of Christ should begin at home.
Vicar General of the Diocese of Hanuato’o installing the new Bishop on the diocesan chair
“The theme should germinate at home; grow at home, matured at home before it goes out to other people, communities and society. Acts of the Apostle 1.8 states, “Be my witnesses beginning in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the World,” Bishop Abui added.
‘I personally believe and agreed with some writers that the founding stage of human development begins at home in the infant period before other frame work takes their toll. As stated earlier, with the vision, mission statements and the mission theme 2021, they are our bearing for mission and ministry in the diocese.
“ I lovingly and joyfully call on all clergy, parish councils, religious, church ministry groups and parishioners to fully utilise our potential to fully realise our vision, mission statements and our mission theme 2021 aligning with the ACOM Mission Statement” the newly consecrated and installed Bishop of the diocese of Hanuato’o highlighted.
Bishop Sam Sahu (left) prepare to put on the mytre to a new Bishop
“I am confident the diocese will continue to progress through your capable leadership with the support of your clergies.” The Most Rev. Leonard Dawea told Bishop Abui in his speech during the feasting.
‘There is no school for the bishopric; but by working with and listening to the people; you will learn most how to be a bishop’, the Archbishop added.
Before the actual ceremony took place, his immediate successor, Rt Rev Alfred Karibongi in his sermon reminded the Rev. Abui of the words of Saint Paul in Ephesians 4:1-3 – to ‘live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. Be always humble, gentle and patient. Show your love by being tolerant, open-minded, understanding, with one another and do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together”.
Hon. Nestor Giro, Hon. Willie Marau and Hon. Derick Manu’ari together with the Premier of Makira Ulawa Provincial Government Hon. Julian Maka’a all pledged their continual support to the new bishop.
Mr. Silas Hulanga, Diocesan Secretary, speaking on behalf of the Diocesan Administration to the newly Consecrated and Installed Bishop and the Local Organizing Committee, conveyed great appreciation and acknowledgment to all who have rendered their time, finance and resources towards the successful hosting of this Consecration and Installation ceremony.
ACOM Vice Chancellor Gabriel Suri reading the document of election at the Consecration service.
Archbishop Dawea encourages all the clergy and people of the diocese to work closely with the new bishop.
“Bp. Arthur is just one person; he can be able to do greater things for the diocese through your support” he added.
The Archbishop also calls on all members of the church to continue to pray for the Rt Rev Arthur Stanley Abui and his family as he begins this very important role in the Diocese of Hanuato’o and in the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
Members of H.E Link's delegation and MPG team led by Premier Suidani after an information sharing session held at Serah's Hideaway lodge in the Langa Langa lagoon on Monday
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
THE people of Malaita Province this week welcomed the US Deputy Chief of Mission under the US embassy in Port Moresby, His Excellency, Bernard Link to Auki.
Mr. Link was in Auki as preparation for the US Scale programme assistance as well as well as other potential support for the country.
Upon the delegation’s arrival in Auki, they took a site visit to the forestry programmes on communities in the Highlands of Central Kwara’ae and a discussion session was held at the Serah’s Hideaway in the Langa Langa lagoon.
H.E Bernard Link receives a shell neglace from Premier Suidani as a token of appreciation from people and government of Malaita province for receiving H.E Link to the province.
Speaking during a brief welcome ceremony held at Gwariagalu community in Central Kwara’ae, His Excellency Link expressed happiness in interacting with communities and seeing the activities that people are engaged with on the ground.
He said when looking at the future of Malaita province and the Solomon Islands there are wonderful and bountiful resources that are around.
Link said the trees, water, soil and the environment around needs to be preserved and taken care of.
“This is the reason why the United States is here and wanted to support your communities to preserve your resources.
He said in preparation for the support including the SCALE programme, “we are here to hear your ideas and how to work with communities in Malaita and elsewhere in the Solomon Islands.”
Information sharing session at Serah’s Hideaway Lagoon Lodge in the Langa Langa lagoon.
Link said this is to help address the opportunities for the people and communities as the Scale programme was intended with open doors for partnership and support towards communities.
He also identified in his visit to communities on Central Kwara’ae, that it’s important not just to think about the environment or economic opportunity, but also about the cultural norms and value of the people.
“I look forward for ideas from your leaders that will be put forward to us as I’m here with open ears. I am listening and hope to learn and absorb more through the interaction and experience with people in the province.
“Thank you very much for opening doors to us and I certainly look forward to working together with the national government, Malaita provincial government and other stakeholders on how best we can take possession of our plans of actions to move forward,” Link said.
This paper understands that US representative and a provincial team led by premier Suidani had a visit to communities in Langa Langa lagoon while a meeting was also held with the MPG executive yesterday ahead of his return to Honiara the latter part of the day.
