THE COVID-19 situation in the country is affecting normal health services at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) resulting in unnecessary deaths since attention is solely focused on emergency cases only. Speaking to this paper, a doctor said that they are having a big problem but have to accept it because of fear to come out…
THE Government has clarified the question of ‘why it is necessary for a lockdown’. A lockdown is set to take place from 6pm on (Wednesday 20th May 2020) to 6am on Friday 22nd May 2020. The lockdown will only for Honiara between Alligator Creek to Poha River. Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. Jimmie Rodgers has…
THE Government’s Covid-19 Oversight Committee has announced the repatriation of Solomon Islands Nationals who are stranded in Australia and Fiji as a result of flight closures due to COVID-19. Chair of the Covid-19 Oversight Committee and Secretary to Cabinet, James Remobatu made the announcement in the latest Travel advisory number two issued on 14 May…
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the national fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. In his recent nationwide address, the Prime Minister said despite the decision to slowly re-open businesses and schools, it does not mean everything is back to normal. “We must never let our guard down. We must continue to listen to…
Galokale ousted, Shanel retains seat By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN SOUTH Choiseul Member of Parliament (MP) and Leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group Robertson Galokale has lost his seat following a High Court ruling on his Election petition, Monday. This was after Judge Rex Faukona found him guilty of 12 of the 19 bribery allegations against…
ATTORNEY GENERAL (AG) John Muria Junior has clarified that the lockdown is not a mock exercise. AG Muria explained that the lockdown is a legal process to allow Government authorities to test its capability and preparedness against the COVID-19 pandemic. “Any Order done under the state of public emergency is a legal instrument. Therefore, it…
The Government will pay Police and Teachers’ salaries on Wednesday this week ahead of the lockdown period. This was confirmed by the Government following questions regarding the payment of salaries for these sectors this week. The early payment will be made ahead of the 36 hour lockdown period which begins on Wednesday 20 May at…
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale questions the legality of the MOU signed by Solomon Telekom and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, to foster the exchange of communication-related information. According to the Island Sun issue of 9th May 2020, the MOU will enable Solomon Telekom to support the work of RSIPF in its…
The Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Hon Peter Kenilorea Jr has questioned the purpose of the “mock lockdown” this week in Honiara. In a statement to the media, Kenilorea questioned the government’s overall plan for coronavirus management and control. “In our region, there are successful examples of control of coronavirus through social distancing…
HCC Clerk accused for not doing his job By IAN M. KAUKUI THE recent revelation by John Szetu, an Appointed Councillor of the Honiara City Council (HCC) that reveals the name of the overseas supplier has raised more questions over the involvement of the City Clerk in the controversial Fire Extinguishers deal. Last Saturday, the…