BY JARED KOLI
Solomon Islands students completing their studies in Fiji and Vanuatu will be repatriated on July 31, 2021, however, they must undergo covid-19 vaccination before the flight.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie confirmed the flight in an email circulated to students yesterday.
Mr Rodie said the government oversight committee has endorsed the list of students pending additional passengers to fill the seats to the maximum, which will now include four students to be picked up from Port Vila.
“However, one of the key requirements is for students coming on 31 July to have their Covid-19 vaccine.
“So inform all students coming on the flight to be vaccinated before they travel. Any student who fails to vaccinate against Covid-19 will not be allowed to travel,” Rodie said.
He earlier told Island Sun that this includes those who will be completing their studies at the end of semester one, 2021 and those who have decided to complete their semester two studies at home via online mode.
Meanwhile, the Education Attache in Fiji Mr Francis Tavava said those who wish to go home but their names are not on the list must write directly to Director National scholarship Division.
“Information for travelling will be circulated to students as soon as received from the Over Sight Committee and those travelling will be able to complete and send it to Honiara,” Tavava said in an email sighted by Island Sun.
Tavava continues to remind Fiji students to “adhere to health protocols and safe hygiene”.
Yesterday Fiji Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong warned Fijians should expect the next wave of the covid-19 virus to arrive in four to five days.
He said the virus moves in waves and the next wave to come, they expect will be the most severe yet.
The Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) executive has also warned Solomon Islands students in Fiji not to take the current situation lightly.
“The Ministry of Health of the host government has issued a strong message that indicates the difficulties and complications that lie ahead in terms of personal health and wellbeing. The days ahead will not be easy, we must brace ourselves to face the difficult situation,” SISA told students.
