Features Archive January 2022

Secretary to Cabinet and Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Center Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo said the “day dreaded by authorities for Covid-19 to invade Samoa is here.”

Lockdowns in Pacific States Facing First Serious COVID Waves

Kiribati, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands have entered lockdowns after overseas arrivals brought COVID-19 to the Pacific Island nations, which had largely managed to keep the virus out since the pandemic began.
There should be no visitors allowed during the time that the patient is ill.

COVID-19: Staying Safe at Home

If you are caring for yourself or a loved one at home, how can you keep everyone safe? Who should be cared for at home? How to prevent COVID-19 infection to other family members? What red flags should you look for that tell you it is time to contact the health care provider?
Seasonal workers stranded in Australia at a Church service.

Less Worker Exploitation Under the Seasonal Worker Programme

When the pandemic hit, Pacific Island countries closed their borders to workers hired through the federal government’s Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), preventing them from returning home.
WHO epidemiologist Dr Abdi Mahamud, told journalists that there was still not enough data available to say whether the Omicron variant is less severe than other coronavirus strains.

70% Vaccination Coverage Needed to Fight Omicron: WHO

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to surge across the world, the UN health agency on Tuesday said that it was crucial that more is done to help all countries receive lifesaving coronavirus jabs as quickly as possible.
In Fiji, the incumbent Fiji First government will be looking to secure a third successive win. If successful, that will mean Bainimarama will be looking at having led the country for 20 years (2006 – 2026), initially as head of a military government and then as an elected Prime Minister.

Pacific Predictions 2022!

The new year brings opportunities and challenges for the Pacific. There are big questions being asked across the region – questions that go to the heart of how countries, peoples and regional organisations see themselves and how they relate to the rest of the world.
Natalina Hong, SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer remarked that, “We have received encouraging feedback from the businesses who have attested that the campaign has brought their services more recognition."

SICCI and Meta ‘Influen-shell’ Campaign Boosts Solomon Islands Businesses

The ‘Influen-shell’ social media campaign promoting local businesses, which was developed in partnership between Meta (formerly Facebook) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has successfully concluded its initial run.