PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Friday has revoked the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) orders within the emergency zones.
This means many of the restrictions within the emergency zones in Honiara, Auki, Gizo, Munda, Noro, Marovo and other declared emergency zones have been lifted and removed.
The order had seen the closure of public space, restriction of movement of persons from Honiara and the provinces, restrictions of movement by vessels, small crafts and aircrafts.
But with the revocation it means people, vessels, small crafts and aircrafts can now move freely without any restrictions.
This is welcoming news for the country after nearly two years of restrictions.
The COVID-19 outbreak early this year had led to increase number of restrictions, lockdowns and curfews.
All these restrictions led to many challenges facing our people from moving freely between our islands.
Not only that many businesses have been affected during lockdowns and curfews.
Many businesses have suffered significant amount of financial loss due to restricted opening hours.
With limited shipping services our rural people have also suffered through lack of food and other services.
However, with improved vaccination coverage plus a decline in COVID-19 infections these had allowed the Oversight Committee to inform Cabinet to make the decision.
The announcement to lift all restrictions is timely and welcoming indeed.
The country has also suffered so much from last year’s looting and rioting.
Thus, the announcement by PM is important to allow the government, businesses and people work towards rebuilding our economy.
Our rural communities have also suffered significantly from restriction of movement by vessels.
As an island nation, our country is connected through shipping services.
Now, shipping services can resume to reach our rural farmers, copra, cocoa and timber producers.
It means they can now participate in the economic activities to earn much needed income for their families.
With the start of the 2022 academic year this week, the revocation order is just in time so that our people can move freely and participate in economic activities.
Our rural fishermen from places like Marovo will now benefit because they can be able to sell their fish catch to buyers which can be shipped to Honiara each week.
In the meantime, its important for the public to continue follow the health protocols and measures because COVID-19 is now with us.
Wearing of masks, social distancing and washing of hands using hand sanitisers is very important.
Thank your Prime Minister for revoking all the restriction.
Now lets get down and start the work to rebuild this country.
