Solomons govt says visiting ship clear of Covid-19

The Solomon Islands government has responded to concern over a visiting ship from China, saying it did not breach any Covid-19 measures.

Earlier the Leader of the Opposition had called for the government to explain how a ship dropped off cargo from China in Honiara last week without port approval.

The Panama flagged vessel, MV Worship Light, travelled from China reportedly with a consignment of medical equipment to assist with the country's Covid-19 preparedness.

But it failed to comply with maritime requirements on arrival and was denied entry by local authorities on 17 April.

However the vessel docked at a privately-owned jetty in Honiara and unloaded its cargo, later travelling to two different locations in the country before departing.

But in a statement the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said the MV Worship Light was fully compliant with Covid-19 entry protocols.

The statement said necessary approvals were also granted by Customs for the clearing of and discharging of cargo.

The government said the issue with the vessel was not Covid-19 related but a matter under the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration Act 2009.

There were no details of why exactly the MV Worship Light was sent a letter denying it entry into the port of Honiara.

However the government statement said the letter issued by the Maritime Authority was not related to the State of Public Emergency in any way.

The government moved to assure the public that it was taking all necessary measures to avoid the potential entry or spread of the coronavirus into the country.

It also accused Matthew Wale of political point-scoring.

"The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is only a call or email away so the Leader of Official Opposition could have asked to get the correct information before making any statement."

"At this critical time, the Leader of Official Opposition should not be engaging in political point scoring but as a responsible leader, Matthew Wale should be endeavouring to provide the public with correct facts and not mislead the public," the statement added.