BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
ALMOST 200 Solomon Islands Government (SIG) sponsored graduated students from Fiji institutions are still waiting for their ‘repatriation flight’ since December 2021.
It is understood that the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) does not have the authority to decide on the resumption of repatriation flights at this stage since the Solomon Islands first domestic transmission of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
MEHRD Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Franco Rodie in response to queries by Sunday Isles said this is according to the ‘directive’ issued by the government about three weeks ago, that all repatriation flights are to be suspended indefinitely.
“According to the information or directive issued by the Government about three weeks ago, when the first case of COVID-19 Community transmission was reported, all repatriation flights were suspended indefinitely. My Ministry does not have the prerogative to decide on the resumption of repatriation flights,” said Rodie.
Solomon Islands Education Attaché in Suva, Francis Tavava, in an email message to all students this week updated them that there is still no decision for a repatriation flight for Fiji at this stage due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Honiara.
“…thank you all for your continuous support and keeping yourself safe during this challenging time. Many have lost loved ones at home [SI] and as a community here in Fiji we must continue to pray for each other.
“Registration: Continuous reminder to students who are doing registration to send your invoice. Others may not be able to register due to Holds and please kindly request students to send email to EA so that will remind SAS of each institutions to assist.
“Allowance: February living stipend was facilitated and hopefully banks will not repeat the same as last week.
“Priority Rent and Food Repatriation Flight: There is no decision for a repatriation flight for Fiji at this stage due to the increasing Covid-19 cases in Honiara.
“Academic Results: There are few institutions that are yet to send us the 2021 academic results but hopefully students have accessed their results.
“Reminder: 2022 will be very tough for students and be reminded to spend wisely with little funds you receive every month. Students are kindly requested to be scholarly mindful of others and neighbours and friends as per email sent earlier this week. Do not invite problems which you will regret. Continue pray for our people at home especially about the sick and advice them of best things to assist them prevent getting the virus. Finally, wish you all a blessed weekend and stay safe. God bless, kind regards,” emailed Tavava.
Meanwhile, SIG students in Fiji waiting for their repatriation flight have expressed appreciation to SIG, for the continuous support despite facing the economic downturn and challenges with Covid-19.
“Despite all these challenges, our government continues to fulfil its obligations of ‘care’ towards its’ citizens abroad. Residing here [in Fiji] to this present day is okay. Despite we want to return home, there is little we can do in these difficult times. As long as we are supported by our government through allowances then that is okay with us. However, if there is a chance for repatriation, please do prioritize us because we really miss our families,” said SIG students.
SIG students waiting for repatriation include those from University of South Pacific (USP), Fulton College, Fiji National University (FNU) and University of Fiji (UNI Fiji).
