All Archive October 2021

The no jab, no job rules has become commonplace in many parts of the world as countries fight Covid-19.

No Jab? Half Pay Starting Today

By Jimmy Nolan
The governments ‘no jab no job’ policy takes effect today.
The Forum focused on unlocking the business potential for recorded customary lands through bridging and initiating the dialogue between the customary landholding groups and a private small and medium enterprises in the country.

Introducing the Customary Land Recording and Bylaw Development Processes

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey in close partnership with the UN Development Programme and UN Women have organized a three-day forum to present the customary land recording and bylaw development processes.
On Friday 5th, there will a virtual cup of coffee dialogue arranged by CAYWA and it shall be held on line with youth workers around the Commonwealth.

Champions of Youth Work

The Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA) is excited to be part of promoting International Youth Work Week from 1st to 7th November 2021.
Police Corrects Report Relating to Break-in Incindent at KG VI Area

Police Corrects Report Relating to Break-in Incindent at KG VI Area

An earlier report by the police stating that the Pacific Games site was broken into and several items stolen has been retracted.
The 132 passengers who boarded the Fiji - Honiara flight on the National Carrier were tested negative for COVID-19 as opposed to the rumors circulated.

Rumors Confirmed as Untrue

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services would like to confirm that the rumors circulating social media yesterday that 3 COVID-19 positive persons had boarded the Fiji-Solomon Islands repatriation flight were untrue.
Demonstrations covered sessions on site and soil section, stalk selection, nursey, transplanting, mulching, pest and disease control, management practices, harvesting, cleaning, washing, chipping and drying.

Farmer’s Broadens Knowledge on Kava Cultivation

A two-day theory and practical training on kava farming practices was successfully held at Halavo village in Central Island Province (CIP) from 22nd-23rd October 2021.
Mr. Levan Bouadze, Resident Representative of UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji emphasized that the long-term goal of the programme is to contribute to building peaceful, just, and inclusive Pacific societies by addressing a range of good governance and corruption issues.

Knowledge Series kicks off for Anti-corruption and Integrity Institutions

The first seminar of the knowledge series kicked off today with the national anti-corruption and integrity institutions of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) for validation of the master-level anti-corruption knowledge sharing programme being rolled out by UN Development Programme (UNDP).
The games venue at the KGVI sports ground east of Honiara.

Items Stolen from Pacific Games Site

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Naha Police Station are investigating a break-in incident at China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) over the weekend at KG VI area East of Honiara.
DCG Dennis Marita with members of the panel at the Russian Space Conference.

Solomon Islands Witnesses Russia's Space Program at World Expo 2020

Solomon Islands representative at the current World Expo 2020 in Dubai has been invited to witness Russia’s Space Programme display.
The Minister meanwhile calls for peace and calm, urging MPAs, chiefs and community leaders to work together to maintain peace and harmony.

Minister of Provincial Government Adjourns Malaita Assembly

The Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has invoked section 47 of the Provincial Government Act to formally adjourn Malaita Provincial Government’s meeting today (October 27) to a date to be determined by the Speaker in accordance with Order 57 or otherwise.
The crowd that gathered outside the motel used by the Opposition group.

Mover Confirms Motion Against Suidani Withdrawn

By Samson Sade
The mover of the motion against Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani told protestors that he has withdrawn the motion.
The report suggests that the the heat from the fire may have created the necessary energy for the galvanized metal pipe to explode, perhaps triggered by flammable materials.

Bomb Did Not Kill Father and Son: EOD

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) say that based on early assessments it appears the blast that killed a father and his son was not a bomb.
"We pray for Malaita and we pray for our future, this is our prayer."

People Power: Motion Against Suidani Withdrawn

By Samson Sade
The motion of no confidence against Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani has been withdrawn.
“The welcome accorded to Premier Suidani when he arrived in Auki demonstrates the overwhelming support from Malaitans from all parts of the Province is very clear."

Sogavare – Stop Pretending

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has labelled the statement by the Prime Minister calling for Malaita leaders to resolve their political issues as hypocritical.
The Strategy was launched by the Prime Minister during the World Food Day programme where stakeholders of the sector showcased their produce.

Strategy to Revitalize the Agriculture Sector launched

A 10-year strategy targeted at revitalising, modernising and commercialising the country’s agriculture sector was launched on Tuesday 19th October 2021.
The keynote address was delivered by the Prime Minister, Hon. Sogavare and the welcome address was delivered by the SICCI Board Chairman Ricky Fuo’o at the opening of the Symposium.

Chamber of Commerce hosts Inaugural Infrastructure Symposium

The inaugural Infrastructure Symposium with the theme “Prioritising Local Content for road to Recovery” attended by more than 100 delegates was held in Honiara on 21 and 22 October 2021.
Members of the Dubai Pacific Family at the event.

Pasifiki Family Meet at Expo 2020 Dubai

Pacific Islanders at the Expo 2020 Dubai convened on Monday 25th October to acquaint themselves on the opening of what is dubbed as the the largest show on earth.
Chief Daoga says Malaita’s reluctance to recognize China continues to divide Honiara and Auki, and has become a thorn in the national government's ongoing attempts to please China.

Chief Says Geopolitics at Play in Motion Against Suidani

By Samson Sade
The motion is not in any-way a surprise to me, Frank Daoga, a prominent Chief on Manaoba in Malaita said.
Just recently over 100 unexploded ordinances were dug up in a residential area in Honiara.

Father and Son Killed in Bomb Blast

By Jimmy Nolan
A father and his son have died after a bomb blast late yesterday around 7pm.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare hands over the copy of the strategy (ASGSIP 2021-2030) to the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Honourable Senley Levi Filualea.

PM Sogavare Launches Strategy to Revitalise Agriculture Sector

A 10-year strategy targeted at revitalising, modernising and commercialising the country’s agriculture sector was launched on Tuesday 19th October 2021.
This sad incident has thrown to light the darker side of social media, and the devastating effect online bullying has on a person's self-esteem.

Cyberbullying Ends Tragically

The rise of social media has also given rise to cyberbullying - this includes, but not limited to, making hurtful comments online, targeting an individual or group.
Prime Minister Sogavare said 44,613 people have completed both doses of COVID-19 vaccines, representing 10.8 % of the total eligible population.

197,643 COVID Doses Administered as of Last Friday: PM

A total of 197,643 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since last week Friday 15th October.
“The postponement is to honour and show our respect to the East Bellona community who lost one of their loved ones on Tuesday."

Game 2 of Warriors Clash Postponed

The much-awaited game two of the Off-Season Challenge between Honiara based Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club and Eastern Highlanders of Bellona, has been rescheduled for Tuesday 26th October, 2021.
MPs Urged to Focus on Agriculture and Fisheries

MPs Urged to Focus on Agriculture and Fisheries

By Ronald Toito'ona
The 50 Members of Parliament (MPs) are being urged to turn their focus on the agriculture and fisheries sector for the next decade, to help boost the economy of the country.
Kelinda staying positive while receiving treatment.

Severe Health Condition Encourages Kelinda to Persevere

Despite being diagnosed with renal failure in December 2019, 41-year-old Kelinda Dame Tsiode from Buada District Nauru Island achieved her dream of graduating with a Diploma in Accounting (Level 5) from The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus.
Sogavare said the Government condemns heinous and brutal crimes, especially, against innocent children and other vulnerable members of our population.

Sogavare Condemns Killing of Innocent Soul

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has condemned in the strongest terms the alleged killing of an innocent seven year old girl last week in Kolombangara, Western Province.
Premier of Malaita, Daniel Suidani.

Police Monitors Situation in Auki as Motion Nears

Police are currently monitoring the current situation in Auki as the motion of no confidence against the Honorable Premier of Malaita, Daniel Suidani, nears.
Prime Minister Sogavare said building on from the 2021 budget, the Government will continue to prioritize the Productive and Resources sectors.

2022 Budget Aims to Build Strong Resilient Economy: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the top-down approach inherited by the Government under the 2021 Policy Redirection will continue to support the overarching twin objectives of the Government.
“If we continue at the current rate of 7,000 doses per week, it will take us about 78 weeks or 17 months to reach the 90% target, which means we will not be able to reopen our borders until March of 2023,” he said.

Only 12% of Target Population Vaccinated

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has reiterated the National Cabinet’s target at 90% vaccination coverage to ensure the country’s borders are fully reopened.
Police officers at Ringi and Poitete attended the scene with a doctor and confirmed that the body found was lifeless.

Two Arrested in Death of 7 Year Old Girl

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands police force (RSIP) at Gizo in Western Province are questioning two suspects in relation to a suspicious death of a 7-year-old girl who went missing on 14 October 2021.
Our homes and communities should always be a safe haven for our girls and children, anything less is a failure on our part – and everybody should be blamed.

Sickening Rape and Killing of an Innocent Young Girl

The rape and killing of an innocent seven-year-old girl is sickening, and should be a wake-up call to all of us. Something is seriously wrong.
MHMS’s Dian Maggie Row presenting to Solomon Power Staff COVID-19 vaccines.

Over 50 Solomon Power Staff to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness

COVID-19 threat to our health and lives is indiscriminate, every single person more especially those unvaccinated are at risk of getting very sick, admitted to the hospital and die from COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 global pandemic has drastically changed our economic landscape, and as a responsible government, we must adapt to the new working environment."

PM Launches 2022 Budget

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has officially launched the National Government’s 2022 Budget Preparation at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara today.
Chairman of BLC, Hon. John Maneniaru during the Hearing in Lata, Temotu Province.

Bills and Legislation Committee Concludes Temotu Hearing

The Bills and Legislation Committee have concluded their inquiry into the Public Health Emergency Bill 2021 in Lata, Temotu province last week.
“My desire to join RSIPF is to serve my people, my community and the country as a whole. I did not hesitate to apply when I saw the police recruitment advertised. I am very fortunate to have been selected out of the several hundred applicants,” says Police Recruit (RCT) Tuanivalu.

“Joining the RSIPF is a Great Privilege”

Twenty eight-year-old Nivaldo Esdale Tuanivalu who hails from Bemuta Village in Guadalcanal Province is one of the 47 male recruits into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) out of the 70 participants in the second group of recruits for this year at the Police Academy at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara.
A group photo taken during the handover of the largest single delivery of vaccine doses to arrive in Solomon Islands to date.

100,000 More AstraZeneca Vaccines Arrive

As the Ministry of Medical Health and Services (MHMS) steps up the national vaccine roll-out to the provinces, Australia continues to provide Solomon Islands with a steady, reliable, and safe supply of vaccines to help protect the community and those on the frontline.
With logging receipts declining, made worse by the current pandemic, the mining sector has been touted as the next big money earner for Solomon Islands.

Promising Results for Nickel Deposits on Isabel

Pacific Nickel Mines Ltd. estimates the Jejevo tenement on Isabel Island has 14.42 million metric tons of nickel at a grade of 1.29%.
“Building vaccine confidence is vital in the Pacific to make sure we reach a critical mass of people vaccinated in all countries."

Palau and Cook Islands Lead the World on COVID-19 Vaccinations

The small Pacific country of Palau has more than 99 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated, contesting top spot in the world for COVID-19 vaccination rates, according to government data.
Bond University students will work closely with SISLI to prescribe fitness and training modules and maximize athletic performance.

Bond University Boosting Solomon Islands’ Bid to Top the 2023 Pacific Games

A new partnership between Australia's Bond university and Solomon Islands Sport Leadership Institute (SISLI) will involve Bond Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science students analyzing athletes across 30 sports, ticking off everything from injury prevention to physiological requirements.
The PFM project aims to strengthen oversight over public financial management in the Pacific region, though improving the budgetary scrutiny, public financial oversight and accountability capacities of parliaments, SAIs and civil society.

Pacific Civil Society and Illustrators Becoming Public Finance Management Experts

More than 50 civil society organization (CSO) representatives and illustrators from Fiji, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea are on their way to being experts as they proceed into the second phase of the ‘Almost Experts’ mentorship program that will be virtually launched on 13 October 2021 at 11 a.m. (Fiji Time).
Solomon Airlines is advising all interested passengers to contact the Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva, or their nearest Solomon Islands embassy or consulate.

Repatriation Flight from Fiji Confirmed

The national carrier, Solomon Airlines, will operate a repatriation flight for eligible citizens and travelers from Fiji.
“I will go out and talk with my people and ask their views. I believe the best way is to go down to the village people and listen to them,” Suidani said.

Thousands Welcome Premier Suidani in Auki

By Samson Sade
Thousands waited patiently in Auki for the arrival of their Premier, Hon. Daniel Suidani, yesterday.
While the court had completed more than half of the scheduled circuits for the year, disposing of more than 250 cases, it became apparent last month that there would not be enough funds to complete all outstanding circuits.

Magistrates’ Court Circuits To Go Ahead With Support From Australia

Magistrates’ Court circuits to the provinces will now go ahead for the rest of this year after the Australian Government agreed to make up the funding shortfall which last month forced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2021 court circuit calendar.
“Boosting farmer’s capacity to ensure they properly manage their pig farms is necessary to guarantee good productivity,” Mr. Atupule said.

Falake Community Pig Farmer’s Capacity Enhanced

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), through its Livestock Department, recently conducted a capacity boost up training on pig husbandry practices and management for farmers at Falake community in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.
The Solomon Islands Government faces a number of impediments, including administering outcomes with limited institutional and fiscal resources to a population of around 650,000, who are widely dispersed across numerous islands.

Access to Justice in Solomon Islands: Formal and Informal Pathways Post RAMSI

By Tom Sloan, Sinclair Dinnen and Mark Rowe
A new survey into justice mechanisms in Solomon Islands shows that significant advancements have been made since the end of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, but also that much more needs to be done.
More than 600 visitors were welcomed to the Solomon Islands Pavilion over the past few days.

Good Showing for Solomon Islands in Dubai Expo 2020

With more than a week now since the Official Opening of the Expo 2020 Dubai, visitors from the various multi-nationalities have also paid a visit to our Solomon Islands Pavilion.
Hon. Prime Minister and the New Zealand High Commissioner at the signing ceremony, witnessed by the Minister for Aviation, Hon. Shanel.

Taro and Seghe Runway Construction Contract Signed

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare said the signing of the construction contract of the Seghe and Taro runways marks another milestone in progressing the implementation of the Provincial Airports Programme.
Investigation into the rape incident is continuing and Auki police are calling on those that may have any information to come forward.

Police Arrest 27 Year Old for Raping 16 Year Old Girl

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Auki have arrested a 27-year-old male suspect for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in a Pajero car along the Ambu main road close to Auki town on 2 October 2021.
Ambrose says that he learnt very early that to do well he must be persistent, consistent and work with a lot of determination.

Young Ambrose Talks of Persistence and Determination in School

By Jimmy Nolan
He is only 17 years old but he talks about plans that are probably well beyond his age.
“Our international speeches, our UN votes all must be deliberately crafted to stand a true middle ground that is truly a friend to all and enemy to none,” Mr. Wale said.

Geopolitics is Dividing Our Nation: Wale

By Samson Sade
The Opposition Leader, Hon. Mathew Wale, says geopolitics is “driving a wedge between us, and dividing the country.”
Acting Australian High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent, New Zealand High Commissioner Georgina Roberts, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka after the contract signing.

Contract to Upgrade Seghe and Taro Runways Signed

Improvements are set to commence on two Solomon Islands runways, following the signing of a significant construction contract between the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Downer New Zealand, witnessed by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara, yesterday.
Ms. Unaisi Bolatolu-Vuniwaqa, who also served in the Solomon Islands under RAMSI, was the first woman to be appointed as Police Commissioner of the world's largest peacekeeping mission, UNMISS.

UNMISS Farewells Police Commissioner

With emotion shining in her eyes, Fijian National and the first woman to be appointed as Police Commissioner of the world's largest peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, Ms. Unaisi Bolatolu-Vuniwaqa watched with pride as her police officers marched in tight formation before her in a special parade of honour to bid farewell to their leader.
Prime Minister Sogavare and Ambassador Ming at the signing ceremony at the OPMC.

PM and Chinese Envoy Signs Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has signed the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation with the Chinese Ambassador Li Ming.
Solomon Water says that this precautionary boil water notice is effective until further notice.

Solomon Water Advise Honiara Residents to Boil Water

With the recent torrential downpour experienced in Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal, Solomon Water has issued an advisory to Honiara residents, particularly those that receive their water from the Kongulai water source, to boil all water for food preparation and consumption.
Police say that causing unnecessary loud noise may amount to common nuisance, an offense pursuant to section 172 and 187 of the Penal Code.

Two Defendants Plead Guilty For Playing Loud Music

It's a common nuisance in Honiara, loud music being played without care or concern for others.
Junior Wale of Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club and Calwyn Tengemoana of Eastern Highlanders Rugby, shook hands after yesterday’s successful meeting to finalise all arrangements for the ‘Warriors Clash’.

Bridging Cultures Through Rugby

Honiara based Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club is set to take on the mighty Eastern Highlanders of East Bellona, in a newly initiated off season tournament named, “Clash of the Warriors."
MASI President receives the funded equipments from Australian High Commission Political Counsellor Kevin Playford.

Building a Stronger Media Association of Solomon Islands

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will be better equipped to carry out it’s important role of building a skilled, independent and ethical media sector in Solomon Islands after receiving new equipment funded by the Australian Government.
Prime Minister Sogavare said we still have a very long way to go.

Target Vaccination Population is 400k Plus: PM Sogavare

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the country’s target population to be fully vaccinated is 414,327 people.
Election results were announced on 24th September 2021 in an online ceremony due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Solomon Islander Joins World Taekwondo Oceania Council

By Jimmy Nolan
Bronwyn Kanainiu of the Solomon Islands has been named as a council member of the World Taekwondo Oceania (WTO).
The call by these Pacific nations has received a boost after eleven Asian nations endorsed their position, which was formalized in the 2021 Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) 2021, Asia Regional Communique.

Solomon Islands Push for USD$100 Carbon Levy on International Shipping

By Samson Sade
Solomon Islands, Kiribati and the Republic of Marshall Islands are pushing to decarbonize the shipping industry by 2050.
The Prime Minister is said to be frustrated that less than 7% of the eligible population have been fully vaccinated, and just over 16% have received their first dose.

“No Jab No Job” Deadline Looms

By Jimmy Nolan
Just over three weeks from now the ‘No Jab, No Job’ deadline will expire and public servants that have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be stood down on half-pay.
Facebook is now back online, but the company's share price slipped 4.8 per cent off the back of the outage.

Facebook Back Online, Loss of USD$5.9 Billion in Global Outage

Facebook's share price has been walloped by the recent global outage, stripping billions out of company CEO Mark Zuckerberg's personal fortune.
The reason for the outage was not immediately clear. However, multiple security experts quickly pointed to a Domain Name System (DNS) problem as a possible culprit.

Facebook and Related Apps Down

Popular social networking site Facebook (FB) is currently down. Other social media services related to FB, including Instagram and WhatsApp, have also suffered outages.
Dr. Patrick Pikacha is a vertebrate ecologist and field biologist, currently a senior lecturer in ecology in the School of Science and Technology at PAU.

Dr. Pikacha Received Recognition For His Work

Dr. Patrick Pikacha has received recognition for his significant environmental achievements in the South Pacific.
Premier Suidani says that the statement by the Ministry, released through the Government Communication Unit (GGU), is false and creates to serve a particular political agenda.

Government and MARA Trade Accusations

Daniel Suidani, Premier and leader of the MARA led government in Malaita province, has been accused of putting unnecessary pressure on his Acting Premier Nelson Lenty to boycott the Premiers Conference since the start of the Conference on Wednesday 22 September.
Commissioner General Ambassador, Moses Kouni Mose and Communications Volunteer, Mr. Kelepi Abariga display customized Solomon Islands face masks at the Solomon Islands Pavilion.

Preparations Finalized for Solomon Islands World Expo Pavilion

For the first time in World Expo history, every participating country will have its own pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020, to which Solomon Islands will also showcase.
Co-facilitated by lead Kava Farmer, Mr. Patrick Soruevo, a total of 22 farmers from ward 12 around Ringi area participated in the training.

Kolombangara Kava Farmers Capacity Enhanced

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Extension Department recently facilitated a Kava training in Kolombangara aimed at enhancing the capacity of local Kava farmers to produce quality Kava.
High value tropical beche-de-mer on sale in jars in Hong Kong.

Local Divers Disappointed with Bechdemer Price

By Jimmy Nolan
Local divers are disappointed in the minimum purchase price for the local market released recently by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

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