Economy Archive July 2021

“Australia’s pledge of up to 1 million doses of AstraZeneca means there will be enough safe and effective vaccine doses to ensure the entire Solomon Islands population over 18 can get vaccinated. This consignment of 50,000 doses is the first of many more batches on their way from CSL in Melbourne,” Dr Strahan said.

50,000 Australian-Made AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive in Solomon Islands

Fifty thousand Australian-made AstraZeneca doses arrived in Solomon Islands on 29 July on a flight from Brisbane - the largest single consignment of AstraZeneca doses yet to arrive in Solomon Islands from anywhere in the world.
“The recent incident of contact by sea-port COVID-19 front-liners with crews of MV Papa Mau Pau who tested positive for COVID-19, 10 days after leaving Honiara Port with ongoing contact tracing, quarantining and testing of all other secondary contacts had led the NRH Executive to activate COVID-19 alert”, explained Dr Malefoasi.

National Referral Hospital Restricts Entry After COVID-19 Scare

The scare caused by the positive COVID-19 cases on board a cargo vessel that passed through Honiara has prompted health authorities to restrict entry at the national referral hospital – with current status raised to ‘alert level’.
While no study has been conducted on its long-term effects on users, these are early signs of the psychological consequences of using them.

Schools Enforce Strong Rules Against “Coupen” Drug Use

By Jimmy Nolan
Secondary Schools are enforcing additional rules to fight against the use of “Coupen” in schools.
Keswar Leelah, UNDP Solomon Islands Operations Manager, and Premier of Guadalcanal Hon. Francis Sade.

Securing Our Greener Future

For the first time ever, the UN Development Programme Small Grants Programme in Solomon Islands handed over the certificate of afforestation project completion to its grantee, Isi Akson Theatre Art Trust (Inc).
“Police has a mandated role to do their duties without any political interest or influence."

Police Has Not Received Any Report Against Suidani: Mangau

By Samson Sade
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has confirmed that the police have not received, or are not investigating, any report against Malaita’s Premier Daniel Suidani.
Consultations with the Island Sun news team.

MASI Conducts Scoping Study to Strengthen Media Industry

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is embarking on a scoping study to strengthen the media industry.
The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Lachlan Strahan (center), Permanent Secretary McKinnie P Dentana (right) and the Deputy Secretary Margaret Moveni (left) participated in the SIG ICT Services launch at the SIG ICT Office.

Australia Supports Upgrades to ICT Services

The Solomon Island Government’s (SIG) information communication technology (ICT) services will be more secure and efficient for users thanks to installation of a full IT Service Management System and upgrades to the Service Monitoring Centre, both funded by the Australian Government.
Dr. Culwick says the results of the COVID-19 tests were released just after 8pm today, and, to his relief, all frontliners tested returned negative.

Frontliners Test Negative After Cargo Vessel Scare

By Jimmy Nolan
Thirteen out of fourteen crew members of a cargo vessel that passed through Honiara have tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Nauru.
In trying to manage a possible COVID-19 outbreak, we already have a crisis that has not been managed – NCD’s are not transmittable but it is still killing our people.

Our Dual Crises: NCD’s and COVID-19

By Samson Sade
Solomon Islands has one of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the Pacific region.
“I have no other option once they remove my river farm, being a mother, I know there will be huge challenges for me, this is the only way I can pay for my children’s school fees."

Company Tells Local Farmers to Leave Mamara, Offers No Compensation for Loss

By Jimmy Nolan
Local farmers are bearing the brunt of the expanding Mamara housing development project.
Tail docking performed by the farmer’s son under MAL officers supervision. Tail docking practice is a vital husbandry method which are done to piglets soon after birth to avoid biting of tail by other piglets which can lead to infection.

Putting Livestock Farmers in the Driver’s Seat

At the New Zealand camp behind Henderson area there is a potential pig breeder farmer called Chris Susa.
Clement Totu, field officer Guadalcanal agriculture extension office explains to farmers the processes of Noni propagation at the Propagation/Nursery booth during the Noni field day at T.W. Enterprise Noni farm at LDA area.

Noni Farmers Told to Seek Guidance from MAL

Existing and prospective Noni farmers in the country are advised to seek technical advice from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), through its extension department, if they wish to cultivate Noni as a commercial crop.
Despite the seemingly bleak situation on their island, people are still hopeful of a better future.

The Resilience of Temotu’s Low Lying Islands

By Georgina Kekea
The outlying islands of Temotu are some of the worst affected from storm surges and sea level rise.
The Honiara city council vaccination team will also set up a vaccination site at the Solomon Ports Car Park Area at Point Cruz today.

COVID-19 Vaccination Sites Expands

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) has established new sites for those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.
The Prime Minister said there is a limit to what the government can do – it can only contain the virus, secure adequate doses and keep the economy running – but people who can get vaccinated must make it their personal responsibility to do so.

COVID-19 Vaccination Drive Targets 415,500 People

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare is pleading to those eighteen years and above to get vaccinated and protect those that cannot get vaccinated.
“I must thank his family for bringing up this noble leader who have contributed to our country’s nation building. His service has honored him a legacy of courage where our future generation will look upon with trust, humility and dedication. This legacy will definitely live on,” Sogavare said.

Prime Minister Farewells Late High Commissioner Barnabas Anga

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare joined the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele and other dignitaries to farewell His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea, the Late Barnabas Anga at a burial Service in Honiara this afternoon (Sunday 18 July).
“Land recording plays a pivotal role in empowering people and building sustainable peace in Solomon Islands’ communities. We are bridging gaps between customary land groups and laying strong foundations for harmonious relations and social cohesion.”

Sustaining Peace Through Customary Land Recording

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, has supported the customary land recording in selected locations in Western, Guadalcanal, and Malaita provinces.
“The formal handing over of the certificate to the Patubasioto Land Holding group is now recognised and protected by law as a landholding group with its own rights, interest and ownership,” Mrs. Tegavota said.

Land Recorder Applauds Western Province Support Towards Land Recording Programme

The Government’s National Land Recorder, Mrs. Mary Tegavota has applauded the Western Provincial Government and Tribal Chiefs for their support towards implementing the Government’s Customary Land Recording programme.
Vaccination is now open for all adults above 18 years of age.

MAL Sets Example by Taking COVID-19 Jab

Staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) have joined citizens both in Honiara and across the country in the fight against COVID-19 by taking their Covid-19 vaccination.
Police say the weather was fine, but the boat owners only had 7 gallons (35 liters) of fuel for the entire journey, which ran out midway through.

Missing Seven at Sea Found Alive

By Jimmy Nolan
The seven people feared dead after their boat failed to reach their destination were found safe and well.
He says the soaring number of confirmed cases of the delta variant strand, which has a higher transmission rate, will have severe consequences if it enters the country.

Wale Cautions Government Over Future Repatriation Plans

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale cautions the government not to down play the recent mutation of the corona virus into the delta variant as it plans repatriation flights for standard citizens abroad.
For now, authorities are confident that relevant procedures were followed and the infected person is being monitored.

Foreigner on Board Logging Vessel Tests Positive for COVID-19

By Jimmy Nolan
A Malaysian national has tested positive for COVID-19.
Prime Minister Sogavare has reiterated his call for all adults 18 years and over living in and around Honiara to get their vaccinations at the Central Field Hospital and other outreach vaccination centers.

COVID-19 Delta Variant Threat Imminent: Sogavare

In his recent nationwide address Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare warns that the threat from the highly transmissible ‘Delta Variant of COVID-19’, which has now proven to be air-born, is imminent.
Herd immunity is important for our future and that of our children.

COVID-19: Can Solomon Islands Reach Herd Immunity?

By Samson Sade
The reason why many countries push for its population to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is so that it can reach herd immunity.
The launching of Bulkshop’s e-commerce platform is part of the Government’s efforts to develop the National Digital Economy Strategy 2021-2025 (NDES) – the roadmap for Solomon Islands in the next 5 years towards a digital economy.

Bulkshop E-commerce Online Platform Launched

Solomon Islands will now have its own e-commerce online platform with the launching of Bulkshop’s e-commerce service.
Cornelius Donga hands over the equipment to recipients.

Local Businesses Benefit from Donated Equipment from Australia

Three small enterprises have received value-adding equipment donated by the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) last week.
The Solomon Islands Red Cross Society is the only organization that has a blood donor voluntary program. Civic awareness on the importance of blood donation is an on-going activity for the Society. However, the fear of needles and sight of blood is an enduring challenge for them.

Voluntary Blood Donation Crucial for Life

By Georgina Kekea
“They cannot give you blood transfusion unless somebody donates blood for you”, Mike (not his real name) tells of his wife's plight, who was a cancer patient.
The partnership with Facebook will offer free training and promotional resources to SICCI and its members, commencing over the coming months.

SICCI Partners with Facebook to Support Digital Growth

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Facebook are partnering to equip local small businesses with the digital skills to connect with customers and support them to grow online.
MHMS has strongly advised that all the covid-19 measures set in place by the Ministry of Health for events must be fully adhered to.

Mass Gatherings Urged to Abide by Covid Measures

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) would like to remind all organizations, committees and individuals organizing mass gathering events to fill up the pre-event or pre-mass gathering assessment form for the National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) to review, assess and make recommendation.
The person obtained nearly SBD$100k from a Malaysian businessperson with intent to defraud between 11 and 14 November 2020.

Man Charged With False Pretense

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Fraud Unit within the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) at the Rove Police Headquarters have arrested and charged a male person for allegation of false pretense on 2 July 2021.
The Iumi Tugeda Holidays programme was announced in March this year by Solomon Airlines in partnership with Tourism Solomons and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Let’s Keep Our Country Moving: Solomon Airlines

Solomon Airlines has announced an expansion of the national tourism initiative ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ in time for Solomon Islands Independence Day, to further support the local tourism industry and encourage more Solomon Islanders to travel on the discounted holiday deals throughout 2021.
"We have reserved these vaccines specifically for people who were to be given their 2nd dose."

Health Ministry Warns Vaccines Will Expire Soon

The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) is calling on those who are due to receive their second COVID-19 vaccine to do so soon.
During the trial of both COVID-19 vaccines results show that the second dose enhances the ability of the human body to fight off COVID-19 once one comes in contact with the virus.

Second Jab of COVID-19 Vaccine Critical for Protection

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is calling on all persons who are eligible for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine either Sinopharm or AstraZeneca to come forward to receive their 2nd dose at the Central Field Hospital (CFH).
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E Dr Lachlan Strahan, with national training providers and students at the handover ceremony.

Australia Provides Transport Support to National Training Providers in Solomon Islands

Australia has provided three boats and a bus to four training providers in order to enhance students’ learning experiences as part of its commitment to strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Solomon Islands.

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