THE newly-elected Premier of Rennell Bellona Province, Japhet Tuhaika Tuhanuku, said his provincial executive supports the coronavirus protocols, including lockdown put in place by the National Government.
Premier Tuhanuku said the decision was collectively confirmed by the Provincial Executive during its extra-ordinary meeting in Honiara, on Tuesday, 25 January 2022.
“The Provincial Executive is aware that before the first victim of coronavirus was tested positive in the country the highest segment of vaccinated population comes from communities of Rennell Bellona Province. The Provincial Government is proud of this achievement,” Premier Tuhaika said in a statement issued in Honiara.
Since then, the provincial government has adopted a policy statement on coronavirus says that the Provincial Government would “promote vaccination of COVID -19 in the province” and aspire to achieve 100 per cent of vaccination.”
“The Provincial Executive has endorsed the Policy Statement, which will be launched soon.”
In the meantime, Premier Tuhanuku encouraged all peoples of Rennell Bellona origin in Honiara and in the double islands of Mu Ngava and Mu Ngiki to adhere to the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved coronavirus protocols of:
- Get vaccinated;
- Keep a safe distance;
- Wear a face mask;
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow;
- Open windows; and
- Clean your hands.
On the 4-day lockdown in Honiara City, Premier Tuhanuku urged the people of Rennell Bellona in town and the public of Honiara to “respect and obey the Decisions of (the) Solomon Islands Government for the 4-day lockdown. Stay safe at home. Restrict movements only to matters of essentials – only in cases of emergency.”
The Premier said the Provincial Executive has established a “Honiara-based COVID 19 Committee to work with our Honiara-based peoples of Mu Ngiki and Mu Ngava to ensure safety of our people from coronavirus”.
“The Committee will assist the Provincial Health Division to address management of COVID 19 issues in the entire province of Rennell Bellona.
Premier Tuhanuku is the Provincial Member for East Ghongau, Ward 8, on Bellona Island.
