BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Central Islands Province(CIP) Premier Hon. Stanley Manetiva has urge his people to adhere and comply with the coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines of the country.
The premier’s call comes after Solomon Islands recorded it’s first COVID-19 community transmission at it’s capital city, Honiara yesterday.
People of CIP are urged to be serious on the COVID-19 community transmission situation as church leaders, village elders and chiefs are also called upon to help the CIP provincial government and health authorities in giving advice to the people of the province.
“To the people of the three Islands of Ngella, Russell and Savo making up the province which also includes citizens of other provinces residing in CIP, this COVID-19 experience has come to our Shores going through communities,” reminds Manetiva.
“As the premier, I want to see the province free from this COVID-19. Inorder to be free from this virus, the people of these three Islands – please you must adhere and comply with all guidelines that the government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) have instructed us to follow. I want us to be serious about this situation.
“I also call on church leaders, elders, and chiefs to also help our provincial government in giving right advice to the people who are closest to Honiara City. When travelling to Honiara I want us to take good care of ourselves, taking precautions as a measures against COVID-19.
“Traveling sometimes puts us in situations but we must be mindful. Small Ngella people who usually berth with their OBM’s at the entrance of Mataniko river, it is very important to take care of your movements. This is very important. For those of you who are from big Ngella, Savo and Russell Islands using the Solomon Ports area near yacht club for berthing, as it is a traveling area, I want you to also take care of yourselves. This is very important.”
The CIP premier finally calls on health authorities and the Police force (RSIPF) and the provincial administration to be proactive in the issue as it’s reality has come to the country’s shores.
“Find strategies so the people of CIP can easily adhere and comply to, with regards to your warnings, instructions and advice. This is so that people can look after themselves safe from the virus in the communities.
“CIP must be a COVID-19 free province meaning when we will be happy especially our family and also the workforce,” Hon. Stanley Manetiva stressed.