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Honiara, Solomon Islands
Friday, 19 April 2024 10:02 AM

Economy Archive January 2022

“Had it not for the wiggly noodle, such a long protracted lockdown would only exacerbate the already deteriorating economic situation most families have long found themselves in,” he added.

Noodles to the Rescue: A Lesson from the Have and the Have-Nots

Whilst the government is doing all it can to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, the recent lockdown exercise is hurting families.

The Ministry of Health understands the great impact of such measures to those losing a family member, close friend and loved ones. We will ensure that we maintain and uphold the respect and dignity our lost ones deserve and therefore call for understanding especially at this difficult time.

Handling of Deceased Bodies During COVID-19 Outbreak

The Ministry of Health and Medical services has issued an advisory on what to do when someone dies during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Mr Sigimanu confirmed that Solomon Airlines scheduled domestic flights continue to be suspended until Sunday 20 February to adhere to Government requirements, however limited services have been operating with cargo only from Honiara to the Provinces, at the request of the Government.

Solomon Airlines Reopens Office to Support Movement of Critical Medical Supplies

Solomon Airlines has provided an update on the airline’s current flight and office operations in accordance with the latest Solomon Islands Government curfew and requirements.

Commissioner Mangau urge public to go back to your homes as early as possible. Anyone seen moving around after 5pm will be dealt with.

Police Says it Will Enforce Curfew Orders

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) will enforce new Curfew Order within the Honiara Emergency zone that started 5pm 31 January 2022 and will end on 8am next day on a daily basis.

The AFP and partner agencies responded to a request on 25 November 2021 from the Solomon Islands Government to help the RSIPF restore calm in Honiara following civil unrest.

AFP Commissioner and Eight Members Return Home from Solomon Islands

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw and eight AFP members have returned to Australia following their respective trips and deployments to the Solomon Islands.

While no one outside the Honiara emergency zone will be allowed in, a curfew will be implemented for those inside the Honiara emergency zone, starting at 3pm to 9am the next day.

Lockdown Extended to 9am Tomorrow, Partial Lockdown Thereafter

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has extended the current lockdown to 9am tomorrow morning 30th January 2022. A partial lockdown will be implemented with immediate effect thereafter.

The task of the Committee is to receive food donations, organize and distribute to around 22,000 households within the Honiara Emergency Zone.

Public Servants Called on to Help in Food Distribution

Strong and Healthy Public Servants are urgently required to lend voluntary support towards the ongoing food distribution process to communities in Honiara during the current Covid restrictions.

Australia has deployed AUSMAT to Honiara in response to a request from the Solomon Islands Government.

Australian Medical Assistance Team Arrives in Honiara

Today, an AUSMAT rapid assessment team touched down in Honiara to bolster Solomon Islands capacity to respond to the current COVID-19 outbreak.

The national referral hospital’s (NRH) emergency department have implemented an emergency workflow to try and cope with the influx of patients.

Health to Install Additional Emergency Phone Lines

The Ministry of Health and Medical services will be installing additional health emergency phone lines to cope with the surge in COVID-19 cases in the capital.

Restrictions Will Be in Place After Lockdown Lifted

Restrictions Will Be in Place After Lockdown Lifted

Technical advisor at the Ministry of Health and Medical services, Dr Yogesh Choudhri, says there will be restrictions after lockdown is lifted 6pm this evening.

“Chain of infection could be patient to staff, or staff to staff. These lines of infections are being looked into, and there are measures put in place to limit exposure."

Measures Put in Place at NRH to Manage COVID Outbreak

The national referral hospital (NRH) are putting in place measures to control the spread of COVID-19 amongst staff and patients.

Dr Habu says that turnout so far has been good, and it is encouraging to see pregnant mothers coming forward.

3,234 Vaccinated in New Drive to Increase Numbers

The Ministry of Health’s Dr Sarah Habu says up to 3,234 people have been vaccinated since community vaccinations started on Monday.

She says if we are to include the 25 positive cases caught in quarantine in 2019 the total positive cases recorded in the country would be 898.

143 Positive Cases Today

The Health Ministry says that 143 new cases have been reported today after a 24-hour reporting period.

“I want to warn those who are planning to take advantage of the situation that the COVID 19 Police Operation is continuing visibility patrols throughout Honiara City and we will not tolerate anyone that is planning to commit any crime."

Police Calls for Public Cooperation in the Fight Against COVID-19

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is urging residents of Honiara City and other parts of the country to take a leading role in ensuring their families and people act responsibly.

To help them with planning and identifying suburbs (locations) where customers will need gas the public are advised to call or text 7494762 or 7445619 and give them your cylinder size, location and contact number.

Need Gas? Origin Gas Given Go Ahead to Deliver Gas

Origin gas has been given the go ahead by relevant authorities to supply gas to residents in Honiara.

“A total of 101 staff at the NRH have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been withdrawn from patient care,” Dr Culwick said.

“101 Staff Infected:” National Referral Hospital Compromised

The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana says the national referral hospital (NRH) in Honiara is now compromised.

The general public are advised to keep away from these areas until the extent of the spread is identified.

12 New COVID-19 Hotspots in Honiara Identified

The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana has advised the public of new community hotspots following positive tests recorded from residents in the area.

The Health Ministry says vaccination is restricted to those living in these communities, all other communities, even if nearby, are kindly asked not to go to these sites.

Vaccination Sites for Today

The Ministry of Health and Medical services advise the public of the following vaccination sites for today.

A mother purchases fresh vegetables from the mobile market team.

Livelihood Sector Committee Teams Up with Market Vendors

The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) is partnering with Honiara Central Market Vendors Association (HCMVA) to provide fresh fruits and vegetables through mobile markets within the Honiara’s emergency zone during this lock-down period.

The LSC reiterates that a key eligibility to join the distribution team is you must be fully vaccinated and have a negative test result.

Livelihood Committee Calling for Volunteers

The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) within the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) is looking for volunteers to support with food distribution today.

He says as a result tests will be delayed as the lab is currently operating under a skeleton staff and is increasingly relying on rapid antigen tests.

Lab Technicians Down With COVID-19

Two of our Senior Molecular Lab Technicians are currently down with COVID-19. The third is in Malaita to set up the testing lab at Kilu’ufi hospital.

Guadalcanal is the food basket of our capital city; we just need to better coordinate and support farmers and vendors to get their goods to homes in Honiara.

There is Enough Food, Just Need to Better Organize

There is enough food to get us through this current Covid-19 outbreak, we just need to better organize.

The Health Ministry says due to community transmission status in the country, no one from other communities should travel to get vaccinated at these site.

Changes to Vaccination Sites Today in Communities

The Ministry of Health and Medical services has advised the public that changes have been made to todays vaccination program in selected communities in Honiara.

Mr Michael Ho’ota said such generous support and collaboration in difficult times like this is overwhelming as it will help sustain livelihoods of our people.

Livelihood Sector Thanks Australia, PRC and SIPA for Timely Food Donation

Chairman of the Livelihood Sector Committee of the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) Michael Ho’ota has thanked the Australian Government, Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) for food supplies that will be distributed to identified families in the Honiara Emergency Zone during the lockdown.

“Responses from the distribution team could be slow because we are working with careful consideration to Covid-19 protocols base upon advice by Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS),” Mr Ho’ota clarified.

Livelihood Sector Committee Distributes Relief Food Supplies

Lord Howe settlement in Central Honiara is the latest community in isolation within Honiara’s Emergency Zone to have received assistance of food supplies from the Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) since the covid-19 community transmission outbreak was declared.

People that develop severe symptoms of COVDI-19 such as severe runny nose, shortness of breath, coughing and fever are advised to call the Saint John Ambulance on 111 for escort for urgent medical assistance.

Strict Home Isolation Crucial to Reduce COVID Transmission

Restricted movement and home isolation is crucial to reducing the rapid transmission of covid-19 in communities in view of the outbreak in Honiara and other Provincial hotspots.

The public are asked to ensure that they wear their masks, maintain social distancing and wash their hands before and after queuing for their vaccine dose.

Schedule for Community Vaccination

The following is the schedule for community vaccination by the MHMS and HCC mobile vaccination team, which started yesterday, 25th January 2022, and will continue through the lockdown.

Certain crew members of MV Awka had earlier warned the government on social media that they will swim to shore if no assistance is given.

Help Arrives for MV Awka Crew

The Livelihood Sector Committee of the National Disaster Operations Committees (N-DOC) has attended to the needs of those on board the COVID-19 stricken vessel MV Awka which anchored in the Point Cruz Harbour last Sunday, 23rd January 2022.

The Health Minister says a total of 1,790 COVID-19 tests have been conducted since the outbreak last week.

Health to Commence COVID 19 Mass Testing in Communities

The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana says his Ministry will start conducting mass testing of the general population in Honiara.

He says that of those that have tested positive 70% are asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms.

174 Positive COVID-19 Cases Today, 2 Deaths Recorded

Honiara has recorded 174 cases today. Two persons with underlying health conditions have also died from COVID-19.

Mr. Mangau calls on all communities in Honiara to “continue adhere to Health protocols, and cooperate with each other to protect our family, community and the country as we try to manage the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities.”

Police Will Arrest Those in Breach of Lockdown: Mangau

Following the legal approval of the four-day lockdown, officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) will deploy officers to their strategic locations within the emergency as of 6pm today 25 January 2022.

We all know that the medical team is now stretched as it tries to trace and contain the virus. It is important that we do our part to limit our own risks and protect our family and loved ones.

What to do if You Are Exposed to Someone With COVID-19

As contact tracing and testing of primary and secondary contacts continue it is important to take preventive measures if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Dr Culwick says a person must not be on board a bus or taxi, whether as driver, conductor or passenger, unless the person has proof of his COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 Order Breach: SBD$15,000 Fine or Jail

The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana is reminding the public of the penalties associated with breaching COVID-19 orders.

“I therefore call on every person 18 years and above, pregnant women and children 12 to below 18 years of age to get vaccinated,” Dr Culwick said.

Vaccination Roll Out in Honiara Communities Starts Today

Starting today vaccination teams in Honiara will be going out to Honiara communities to administer the COVID-19 vaccines.

This updated figure was revealed by the Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana.

476 Community Transmitted Cases Recorded

There are a total of 476 positive COVID-19 community transmission cases recorded as of 24th of January 2022.

Honiara Emergency Zone will be on a 4 Day Lockdown starting tomorrow. Contact tracing and testing is ongoing with positive cases expected to rise.

PM Appeals for Local and Donor Support As Covid Numbers Soar

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has appealed to the local business community and development partners to support Government efforts to contain the ongoing covid outbreak in the capital Honiara.

The Opposition Leader said millions of dollars had been spent on several mock lockdowns in the past and there should already be mechanisms in place to address food supply and distribution in such situations.

Food Supply Mechanisms Must Be In Place For Longer Lockdown

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has urged the Government to ensure food supply and distribution mechanisms are in place for a longer lockdown period.

The ban remains effective until the time it is revoked, which means all Solomon Islands vessels must not leave the Port of Honiara.

Bans of Vessels and Aircraft Movements Remains Effective

The current ban on vessel and aircraft movement in and out of the Honiara Emergency remains effective.

Similarly, a public van or bus is required to carry a maximum of 2 passengers sitting in each row of seats.

Only Vaccinated Business Owners Allowed to Operate in Emergency Zone

Only business owners and employees that are fully vaccinated are allowed to conduct business services in the Honiara Emergency zone during the current covid situation.

The Health Ministry says mobile vaccination teams are being set up to roll out the vaccines to homes and communities throughout the week.

Vaccination Today for Essential Workers Only, Others to Wait for Mobile Vaccination Team

The Ministry of Health has stated that there will now be a different strategy employed in the vaccination roll out.

Permanent Secretary Nego Sisiolo thank public officers for their cooperation and support to fight Covid19 and at the same time continue discharging needed services to the Government and its People.

Public Service to Resume Official Duties

Public Service will resume official duties with strict safety protocols on Monday 24th January 2022.

She adds that the bulk of those that have tested positive are not vaccinated, including those that are experiencing serious symptoms as a result of the infection.

57 New Cases Recorded Today

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Medical services Pauline McNeil says the country now has an additional 57 positive cases of COVID-19 today, after a 24-hour testing and reporting period.

“It is an Order and police will arrest and charge any person who breach it under emergency powers. Let us work together with the Government in the fight against Covid-19,” says Commissioner Mangau.

Police Enforces Order on Covid-19 Requirements in Honiara

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) is enforcing order on emergency powers on COVID-19 Requirements in Honiara emergency zone starting from 6am today 22 January 2022.

Community transmission has now been recorded in West, Central and East Honiara. With others recorded in GPPOL and Auki.

Positive Covid-19 Cases Surge to 120

The number of positive COVID-19 cases has surged to 120 over a 24-hour reporting period. The total since community testing begun 5 days ago is 264. The grand total including those caught in quarantine is 289.

They say if patients are not showing signs and symptoms of being sick, such as runny nose, coughing, fever and shortness of breath they will not be swabbed for tests.

Asymptomatic Patients Will Not be Tested

The Ministry of Health says the emergency department at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) will not do swabs to test asymptomatic patients.

“Please note that this course of action is in no way undermines nor diminishes our faith in God expressed through our communal gathering around the Lord’s table. Instead, it is a demonstration of our faith in action, displaying the wisdom and knowledge God has endowed upon us."

Anglican Church Postpone Church Services as COVID-19 Numbers Rise

The Head of the Anglican Church in Melanesia, the Most Rev. Leonard Dawea, has asked Anglican churches in the Solomon Islands to postpone Church services this weekend in light of government warnings of a COVID-19 surge.

Health Ministry says they are monitoring the situation to ensure that the flow of shifts and overall man-power does not affect health services during this critical time.

Lab Technicians Stretched as It Tries to Cope with Influx of Swab Samples

Lab technicians and resources at the hospital are said to be stretched thin as it tries to cope with a sudden influx of swab samples taken from recent tests conducted after the COVID-19 outbreak in Honiara.

Todays lifting of restrictions saw an influx of people going into town, and while some wore facemask other safety measures were not practiced or observed.

Public Disregards Safety Measures

The public has disregarded safety measures after the lockdown was lifted this morning.

Those that have tested positive now includes swabs taken from the Good Samaritan Hospital East of Guadalcanal. GPPOL and Foxwood areas are now considered hotspots and people are asked to limit movements.

88 New Positive COVID-19 Cases

88 new positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded today.

If the captain of MV Akwa does test positive for the virus than it is important that those that attended the funeral identify themselves to health authorities and get tested.

MV Akwa Captain Attended Funeral Shortly After Arrival

The captain of MV Akwa is said to have attended a funeral somewhere on Guadalcanal shortly after the vessel arrived in Honiara on the 10th of January 2022.

“Protecting the health and wellbeing of Solomon Islands people, our passengers, crew and staff is our highest priority and we will do our utmost to play our part,” he said.

Domestic and International Flights Suspended

Solomon Airlines has aligned with the lockdown in Honiara and public health measures announced by the Solomon Islands Government on 19 January 2022, closing the national carrier’s Point Cruz Sales Office and Head Office in Honiara, and undertaking only essential aircraft and system maintenance.

Now with community transmission, NEOC has shifted to “Full Activation Mode."

National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) on Full-On Activation Mode

The National Disaster Operations Centre is now on “Full Activation Mode” following the announcement of the sixty hours lockdown for Honiara Emergency Zone effective as of 6pm last night (19th January 2022).

He says the isolation ward already has 50 patients, and will soon reach full capacity, which is 56 beds at any one time.

COVID-19 Isolation Ward Near Full Capacity

The COVID-19 isolation ward, formally the multipurpose hall, is near full capacity as more positive cases are being recorded since the outbreak.

Prime Minister Sogavare says it is very likely the numbers will continue to increase as more tests are being conducted.

48 Positive Cases: “COVID-19 is in Our Community”

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says 48 positive locally transmitted cases have been recorded by the Ministry of Health.

“Any member of the public that knows of a passenger and or contact of a passenger to call the two numbers for attention,” he said.

Lockdown to Determine the Spread of Covid-19 Infection

The 60 hours lockdown that is effective for Honiara Emergency Zone is purposely to give the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to carry out contact tracing of MV Akwa’s trip from Ontong Java on the 10th January after a passenger on that trip was tested positive for COVID 19.

Anyone coming to the hospital, you are strongly advised to wear face masks and ensure all other COVID-19 – safe measures are practiced while at the hospital such as frequent hand washing with soap or hand sanitizer, coughing or sneezing into elbows and maintain social distancing of at least 2 meters to another person.

NRH in Emergency Mode, Only accepting Emergency, Accidents and Referrals

With the current COVID-19 community transmission in Honiara and ongoing response, the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is only accepting emergency, accidents and referral cases.

For those that were on the boat MV Akwa that arrived in Honiara from Ontong Java on the 10th of January 2022 it is important that you identify yourself to health authorities and get tested. Call 155 or 25256 and identify yourself, the health team will come to you.

Get Tested: Let Us Fight This Virus Together

Today we awake to a new normal, while there is a sense of quite and calm, fact is we are now in the fight of our lives - our healthcare workers and frontliners are out there fighting this virus for us, for that we say thank you!

The order reads “A person must not enter or leave the emergency zone on and from 6.00 pm on Wednesday 19 January 2022 until 6.00 am on Saturday 22 January 2022”.

Honiara on Lock Down for 60 Hours

Honiara Emergency Zone will be in lockdown for 60 hours effective 6pm this evening to 6am Saturday 22 January 2022.

“If you are a passenger of the vessel or contacts of a passenger please stay where you are and call the two numbers – 155 or 25256."

Covid Health Team Starts Contact Tracing

The health team would like to make contact with two groups of people as a matter of urgency.

Cabinet will convene today to consider a lockdown for 6pm this evening.

BREAKING: Confirmed COVID-19 Community Transmission in Honiara

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that there is now a positive community tested COVID-19 patient in Honiara.

Health PS, Mrs. McNeil next to Central Islands Provincial Health Director Dr Leslie Bunabo who received key to one of the 3 tonne trucks from MHMS Deputy Secretary Dr Gregory Jilini along-side World Bank and MHMS staff.

Three More 3 Tonne Trucks for Waste Disposal Ready for Deployment to the Province

With the vast majority of the country’s population residing in the provinces, strengthening and improving provincial health capacity and capability to provide effective, efficient and safe services to the people remains top of health agenda.

The Prime Minister says he is greatly saddened by this action which demonstrates a total lack of respect. Lockdown in Ontong Java is immediate as of today. Type of variant is still not identified.

We Now Have Community Transmission of COVID-19: Sogavare

Solomon Islands has recorded a community transmission of Covid-19 at Pelau in Ongtong Java atoll after six people tested positive for Covid-19 following the illegal entry of 10 people from Tasman Island to Pelau.

The onus should now be on border communities, to protect themselves and the country. Positive cases have already been recorded, so this may provide the incentive or urgency to do more - with support from government where possible.

Need to do More for Border Communities to Stop COVID-19 Entry

The recent detection of COVID-19 on Ontong Java and on Shortland is a wakeup call, in that the threat is real and complacency will be our undoing in the fight against COVID-19.

Diginitories and participants at the PNG Investment Forum in Dubai.

Team Solomons Attend PNG Investment Forum at Dubai Expo

Team Solomons at the Dubai Expo 2020 has attended a highly encouraging and successful Forum on ICT and Eco-Tourism organized by the PNG Expo delegation on Friday 14 January 2022.

Professor Aqorau assured “In the short to medium term, we can look to develop one to five days fully cost recovery tailored, but competency-based training for the various government ministries and agencies engaged in natural resources management."

SINU Appoints Dr Transform as Professor and Director of IOISD

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is proud and delighted to announce the appointment of a prominent Solomon Islands academic, Dr Transform Aqorau, as Professor and Director of the Institute of Ocean, Islands and Sustainable Development (IOISD).

The Health Ministry have advised families of people that have tested positive for COVID-19 to stay at home to limit further spread.

Ontong Java to go on Lock Down

A lockdown will be enforced in Ontong Java as soon as legal instruments are in order.

It is understood the male victim had an argument with the suspects on New Year’s Day at a logging camp in Rennell which led to physical altercation, the victim left soon after.

Suspect Arrested and Charged with Murder in Tigoa

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tigoa in Rennell Bellona Province have arrested a second suspect in relation to the alleged murder of a 37-year-old male on 1st January 2022.

They say such weather conditions are not suitable for sea travel, especially in small boats, and advise the general public to avoid unnecessary risk and adjust their sea travel plans.

MET Service Warns of Unstable Weather

The Solomon Islands MET service warns of strong wind and unstable weather conditions linked to an active trough south of the country.

Hon. Hou said the primary objective of the road infrastructure program has been achieved. “Today the communities of Tetele, Ou’oumatawa, Tapa’atewa, Ruru’uhe, Rorongo and Likimaea have direct road access to Matangasi Port. Now you can reach the Sea Port and Afio Government Station within 30 minutes”.

Small Malaita Constituency Launches Phase 2 of its Road Infrastructure Program

The Small Malaita Constituency (SMC) has successfully launched the Phase II of its Road Infrastructure Program on 3rd January 2022 at Rorongo, thanks to the active involvement of the local Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Constituency, Hon. Rick Nelson Houenipwela.

The young child is believed to be one of the missing passengers of the ill-fated boat that traveled from Gizo for Shortlands.

Another Body from Missing Boat Recovered

A body of a young child, believed to be from the missing boat that travelled between Gizo and the Shortland Islands, was recovered over the weekend.

Solomon Airlines also announced it has extended its existing ticket credit validity, allowing unused, valid tickets booked for travel to 2 July 2022, to be used towards a new airfare through to 31 December 2023.

International Flights Suspended Until 2nd July 2022

Considering the current international COVID-19 environment Solomon Airlines has confirmed the extension of its regular international flight schedule suspension to Saturday 2 July 2022.

Data shows that Omicron spreads faster than any of the other variants, making it near impossible to stop, or slow down, should there be community transmission.

The Threat of Omicron for the Unvaccinated

Data shows that the vast majority of those that contract the new variant Omicron experience mild symptoms, and are able to isolate and recover at home without much complications.

The PM went on to cite the 1st January incident where a man from the Shortland Islands was travelling with four Bougainvillean to our side of the border.

Western Border Incursion Pose Covid-19 Risks

The Western Border represents a potential source of Covid-19 incursion into the country.

Sogavare said that all returning citizens have signed compliance forms before they were allowed to board their flights. He emphasized that the quarantine rules are placed in each room and that there should be no excuse for flouting the rules.

Some Returning Nationals Are Not Complying With Quarantine Regulations

Some of our returning citizens have not complied with our quarantine requirements whilst serving quarantine.

Solomon Water says the increase reflects the cost of delivery of water and wastewater services and the continuous improvements that will be undertaken to provide safe and reliable water services to communities in Honiara.

Solomon Water Approves Increase in Water Tariff

In meeting the evolving regulatory requirements, water supply needs and customer expectations in the future, Solomon Water announces to its customers that as of January 1 2022 there has been an increase in water tariff.

“We hope that sense will prevail and there will be a swift resolution so that without risk, things can get back to normal in the near future,” Mr Gebers commented.

Flights to Marau Suspended Due to Land Dispute

Solomon Airlines has confirmed the temporary suspension of flights between Honiara and Marau effective today 7 January until further notice, due to an ongoing dispute between local landowners.

Information obtained by the police say that the couple had an argument and the husband left for Pileni on a dugout canoe, she followed soon after.

Missing Wife Returns Safe After Spending a Week on an Island

A female adult was said to have spent close to a week on an island after an arguement with her husband, many feared the worst.

Central Honiara Constituency funded water supply (borehole) project at Yellow Bamboo Community at New Zealand Camp.

CDF Contributes to Improvements in Livelihood: MRD

"The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has touched many lives and improved the livelihood of many," the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) says.

The incident report states that the suspect went to the victim’s dwelling house and lit a fire on the walling while the victim was sleeping.

15 Year Old Girl Arrested for Burning House

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi Police Station have arrested a 15-year-old female for burning down a dwelling house at Salavo village in Central Province on 4 January 2022.

Both the mother and her baby are medically stable and doing well at NRH Isolation ward.

“New Normal:” First Baby Born in Quarantine Station

Health COVID-19 Operation front liners have successfully assisted a pregnant mother in quarantine to deliver her baby with no breaches to Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) standards set in place for such incidents.

We all recognize the need to improve seafarer attitudes to safety requirements when traveling at sea, and the need to foster a safety-first culture at sea in Solomon Islands.

Tragedy Highlights the Need to Regulate the Use of Small Boats

The recent boat tragedy has highlighted the need for authorities to do more to regulate the use of small boats in the country.

Female Body and Debris From Missing Boat Recovered

Police have recovered a female body yesterday (4 January 2022), and confirmed that she is one of the fourteen passengers that went missing after their boat failed to reach their destination.

Officer in-charge of the EOD team, Inspector Clifford Tunuki says, “The EOD team have responded to the incident and secured the scene for further enquiry.”

Police Investigates Bomb Explosion

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have responded to a report of an explosion incident, which occurred at Mbarana area, North West Guadalcanal on 4 January 2021.

The training was conducted by Australian Federal Police (AFP) Specialist Tactical Group at Rove police headquarters on 4 January 2022.

AFP Conduct Tactical Training with Police Response Unit

Police Response Team (PRT) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) were boosted with level three Public Order Management (POM) training, which was conducted by Australian Federal Police (AFP) Specialist Tactical Group at Rove police headquarters on 4 January 2022.

Solomon Islands Mourns Passing of Eco-tourism Pioneer

Tourism Solomons is leading the tributes for one of the country’s acknowledged eco-tourism pioneers, Kilo Paza, who passed away suddenly last week.

Police in south Choiseul will continue their search today should weather permit.

14 Still Missing at Sea

The national broadcaster, SIBC, says fourteen people are missing at sea after a boat they were travelling in failed to reach its destination.

Starting in the new year, 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, the U.S Census Bureau estimated.

World’s Population Hits 7.8 Billion on New Year’s Day 2022

The world's population is projected to be 7.8 billion people on New Year's Day 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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