Economy Archive February 2022

The cumulative total cases of positive COVID-19 in the country since the outbreak now stands at 7,049.

COVID-19 Update: 112 New Cases Recorded

By Jimmy Nolan
A total of 112 new positive cases have been recorded for the country as of 12pm yesterday.
Police are accused of selling betelnut while delivering emergency supplies to Ontong Java.

Police Deny Selling Betelnut While Delivering Emergency Supplies

Police strongly denied an article published on Solomon Star with the title ‘Patrol Boat Taro selling betel nut in Ontong Java.'
“Solomon Island has seen some improvement but this does not mean that we are out of the woods just yet."

Dr Rogers Gives an Overview of the Covid-19 Situation in the Country

By Samson Sade
The world has recorded 436 million cases of Coronavirus to date. This is roughly a million infections a day. Interestingly, the pandemic is showing signs of slowing and hopefully the trends recorded will continue to improve.
"We also are planning to extend communication and cooperation with RSIPF, to establish long-term and stable bilateral law enforcement cooperation serving the people of both countries,” says Commissioner Guangbao of the PRC police.

Police Receive Riot Gear from PRC

The Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) has received riot equipment’s worth of SBD$12 million plus dollars from the People’s Republic of China during a handing over ceremony at Rove Police Headquarter today 24 February 2021.
Chairman of the LSC Mr. Michael Ho’ota thanked the churches for their generous contribution adding the food support will help the LSC feed those that are in home isolation or in quarantine sites.

SDA Churches Donate Fresh Food to Livelihood Committee

The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) of the National Disaster Operation Committees (N-DOC) received with profound gratitude garden-fresh food donations from three Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) churches in Northeast Guadalcanal yesterday.
The cumulative total positive COVID-19 cases for the country now stands at 6,654.

COVID-19 Update: 306 New Cases Reported

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands has recorded a further 306 positive COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths have also been recorded in Honiara at the National Referral Hospital.
Minister for Police Hon. Anthony K Veke stated that the AFP is the number one partner of choice for security and thanked AFP for its long friendship with the RSIPF and the people of Solomon Islands.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Signs MoU With Solomon Islands Police

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Ministry of Police, National Security Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Rove Police Headquarters today 24 February 2022.
“The handing over of critical life-saving equipment and consumables demonstrates the continuous unwavering commitment of the government of Australia to the government and people of Solomon Islands,” said Health Minister, Dr. Culwick Togamana.

Australia Delivers COVID-19 Medical Equipments and Supplies for All Nine Provinces in the Solomon Islands

In collaboration with the Ministry Of Health & Medical Services - Solomon Islands, Australia has delivered COVID-19 medical equipment and supplies for all nine provinces.
The Health Minister says that the trend shows that the virus is now spreading rapidly in our provinces, where some of our most vulnerable are in terms of access to health services.

COVID-19 Update: 380 New Cases Recorded

By Jimmy Nolan
The country has recorded an additional 380 positive COVID-19 cases. The cumulative total COVID-19 positive cases for the country now stands at 6,348.
He says now that cases in Honiara appear to be easing, the focus now is to mitigate the impact in terms of hospitalization.

COVID-19 Update: 77 New Cases Reported

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands has recorded an additional 77 positive COVID-19 cases over a 24-hour reporting period.
Churches in the Honiara Emergency Zone have been ordered to close their doors since community transmission started just over a month ago.

Oversight Committee to Issue Recommencement Guidelines for Churches

By Samson Sade
The Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Jimmy Rogers said that it is wrong to compare the restriction on Church Services to Casinos.
Solomon Airlines – manager commercial, Colin Sigimanu (second from right) with (from far left), the late Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto, Ministry of Culture & Tourism Permanent Secretary, Andrew Nihopara, and (near right) Ministry of Culture & Tourism director of tourism, Bunyan ‘Barney’ Sivoro.

Solomon Islands Mourns Passing of Senior Aviation Icon

Tourism Solomons is once again leading the tributes for another of the country’s acknowledged tourism pioneers, Solomon Airlines’ manager - commercial, Colin Sigimanu who passed away suddenly on 21 February.
These PRT officers will be trained by the AFP Operational Safety Trainers (OST) in one of the modern firearms training facilities in the Asia Pacific region.

Police Officers Doing Well in Training Programs

On Friday 18 February 2022, all ten (10) Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) officers successfully graduated from the Rifle User Training Program conducted in Australia by full-time Australian Federal Police Operational Safety Trainers.
Colin Sigimanu had served the airline with pride for over 30 years, moving successfully through commercial and operational management roles after joining Solomon Airlines on the 6th of February 1989, as a graduate of the University of the South Pacific.

National Carrier Pays Heartfelt Tribute to a Beloved Member of Management

The national carrier has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines, who passed away suddenly on 21st February 2022.
CBSI Governor Dr Luke Forau (L) and the TCSI Commissioner, Mr Calvin Ziru.

CBSI and TCSI Sign MoU

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and the Telecommunication Commission of Solomon Islands (TCSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday 17th February, 2022.
Under the arrangement several ships have already been dispatched to some provinces and there are more applications still going through the process. The process looks simple but behind the scene there is a lot of small details that must be complied with.

Process in Place to Facilitate Shipping to Provinces

After more than a month since community transmission of COVID-19 was detected in the country, people in the provinces are now in dire need for basic essential services.
The riots in November 2021 has compounded an already weakening financial position of the government caused by the pandemic.

Riots and Covid-19 Have Led to Serious Economic Losses

By Samson Sade
The man-made disaster of November 2021 was further compounded in January when community transmission of the deadly Coronavirus was first detected.
Mr. Sogavare stressed that the primary objective is to manage the community transmission of Covid-19 while protecting the high risk and vulnerable population whilst simultaneously sustaining the economic livelihood of the people of Solomon Islands.

Government Formulates Community Transmission Response Policy

By Samson Sade
To mitigate and manage the economic losses brought about by the spread of the Coronavirus into our communities, the Policy, Implementation and Evaluation Unit has put together a Community Transmission Response Policy Paper.
"Flying empty sectors with no income is a loss-making exercise. This is where the Australian Government is assisting Solomon Airlines. The Australian Government covers the costs that are not recovered from the normal sale of cargo.”

Solomon Airlines Clarifies Current Airfreight Arrangements to Provinces

Solomon Airlines wishes to clarify the current airfreighting of Government and private cargo to the Solomon Islands Provinces under the arrangements supported by the Australian Government.
The update was given by the Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr. Culwick Togamana during his daily COVID-19 situation update on the national broadcaster, SIBC.

COVID-19 Update: 78 Cases Reported, No Deaths Recorded

By Jimmy Nolan
The country has registered 78 new cases of COVID-19 over a 24 hour reporting period. No deaths were recorded over the same period.
Coartem is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Malaria. Coartem may be used alone or with other medications. Coartem belongs to a class of drugs called Antimalarial.

Do Not Treat COVID-19 With Malaria Tablets

By Samson Sade
Those that test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of the virus must not take Malaria prescribed medication.
“This is a welcome relief to our business and will also be very welcome news to many people who need or want to fly to Australia and other countries via Brisbane,” said Solomon Airlines CEO Brett Gebers.

"A Welcome Relief,” Australia Re-opens its Borders to Fully Vaccinated International Travelers

Solomon Airlines has welcomed Australia’s new international border rules, which from today open the country’s borders to all fully vaccinated visa holders, preparing for the return of tourists, business travelers, and other visitors.
He assures other tertiary students abroad that arrangements are also being made to bring them home. This includes students studying in Cuba, the US, Korea, and the UK.

Plans to Repatriate Students in Fiji in March

By Jimmy Nolan
The government is making plans to repatriate Solomon Islands tertiary students studying in Fiji as early as March 2022.
“Our budget will reflect the situation on the ground, and this year 2022 will be a challenging year in our country’s short history,” Sogavare said.

Government Prioritizes 2022 Budget in Upcoming Parliament Meeting

The main priority for the upcoming Parliament meeting will be the passage of the 2022 budget.
“We still need to think of our elderly and those with underlying medical conditions at home. Let us not be complacent with the virus,” the Health Minister said.

People No Longer Taking COVID-19 Health Measures Seriously

By Jimmy Nolan
Health Minister, Dr. Culwick Togamana, says it is concerning to note that people are no longer taking COVID-19 health measures seriously.
The total cumulative cases of positive COVID-19 in the country now stand at 5,565.

COVID-19 Update: 522 Cases Recorded

By Jimmy Nolan
522 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, which includes updated figures from the Central province and in Honiara.
This week the team visited Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda and Gizo hospital in the Western. Similar assessments were also conducted in Malaita and Guadalcanal Provinces earlier this week.

Joint AUSMAT and MHMS Mission Underway in Provinces

A joint AUSMAT and MHMS mission to assess the capacity of Provincial Health Centers is underway as part of the overall response plan to the current covid-19 outbreak.
Soakai says it was alleged that the small boat from Fishing village, in Honiara, had been transporting goods for sale in small Ngella and also provided passengers service to the villages in and around small Ngella.

Goods Smuggled to Ngella From Honiara Breaching COVID-19 Orders

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi have arrested three suspects for breaching orders on restriction of movement of small boats from Honiara to Gumba in small Ngella in Central Province yesterday.
“COVID-19 is spreading faster than the wind from our cities and towns to the most remote communities. Testing and health services are overloaded, and this dangerous virus is running rampant in villages where people are yet to be given a first dose of the vaccine."

Vaccines Vital as COVID Overloads Health Systems in Solomon Islands

Ramping up vaccinations is critical in the Solomon Islands as COVID-19 crashes across the country overloading the country’s fragile health system from the capital city Honiara to remote islands and villages.
Mr Mangau says, “I would like to make it very clear here that this kind of article really is not good. We have a working relationship with PNG and Bougainville Police to have some common understanding to look at what problems both countries faced in policing perspectives."

Tensions at the Border With PNG Article Misleading: Mangau

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) would like to clarify an article published online on 15 February 2022 with a title ‘tension at Papua New Guinea (PNG) Solomon’s border’ is misleading and tarnish the good reputation of RSIPF officers at the border between PNG and Solomon Islands (SI) in Shortland Islands.
He adds, a total of 28,000 tests have been conducted since the beginning of the country’s response to the global pandemic.

COVID-19 Update: 131 New Cases Recorded

An additional 131 positive cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the past 24 hours.
Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

Epidemiologists Arrival Boost Government's COVID-19 Response

Two international epidemiologists have arrived in the country supported by the WHO and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs to provide technical support in the field of epidemiology for the current COVID-19 response.
Autonomous Region of Bougainville Police Minister Emanuel Carlos Kaetavara said the southern command of the Bougainville police service is investigating the incident and will brief the government.

Bougainvilleans Threaten Retaliation After Border Incident with Solomon Islands Police

The Post-Courier newspaper reports that Bougainville Police are aware of an incident at the border in which two fishermen were allegedly assaulted by Solomon Islands border police.
“My Ministry would like to issue a stern warning to any health worker found to be engaged in such illegal activity that you would be reported to the police for investigation,” the Health Minister warned.

Minister Calls on Public to Report Health Workers that Charge for COVID-19 Vaccine

By Jimmy Nolan
Certain health workers are reportedly charging the public for the COVID-19 vaccine, and the public is being urged to report them to the police.
The cumulative total for the country now stands at 4,910 positive COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 Update: 87 New Cases Reported Today

By Jimmy Nolan
87 new positive COVID-19 cases have been reported today.
“I have been requested to issue a strong call to anyone at home who starts to feel weak or dizzy after days of fever must not wait but to seek urgent and immediate medical help at the Hospital,” Minister Togamana said.

Those Feeling Severely Ill Must Seek Medical Attention

People who are severely ill while undergoing home isolation are advised to seek urgent medical attention at the National Referral hospital.
PS of MAL Ethel Tebengi Frances (centre) DS Admin Elda Wate (fifth from left) staff from MAL and Second Secretary Australian High Commission office, Heather Randall.

Livelihood Sector Receives More Relief Food Supplies From Australia

The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) of the National Disaster Operation Committees (N-DOC) has received with boundless gratitude yet another major delivery of relief food assistance from the Australian Government yesterday (Monday 14th January, 2022) for its food distribution program to households within the Honiara Emergency Zone.
He says, “We must work together to fight and stop the community transmission of coronavirus in our communities."

Police to Mount Checkpoints Targeting Public Transport

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) will mount checkpoints in certain locations in Honiara to check public buses and taxis to ensure they are following health protocols when providing services to the public.
The aircraft will also support the delivery of six Australian-supplied ‘bricks’ of medical equipment and consumables to be distributed in provincial hospitals.

Australia Deploys Two RAFF Cargo Aircraft to Assist Deliver Medical and Essential Supplies to Provinces

Australia has deployed two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan cargo aircraft to the Solomon Islands which arrived in Honiara yesterday. This was in response to a request from the Solomon Islands government.
The provincial deployments will ensure that AUSMAT can continue to provide tailored clinical advisory support to MHMS to assist it to support the provinces to access critical supplies as they respond to escalating COVID-19 outbreaks.

AUSMAT Team Conducts Rapid Assessment of Provincial Health Systems

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) is currently assisting the Ministry to conduct a rapid assessment of provincial health systems this week.
The total cumulative positive COVID-19 cases for the country now stands at 4,827.

COVID-19 Update: 202 New Cases Today

By Samson Sade
202 positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded today after a 24-hour reporting period.
The selling of betelnuts and roadside markets along the streets of Honiara had been banned. Selling of betelnut outside private homes are also banned.

Police Warns Betelnut and Roadside Vendors

By Jimmy Nolan
The Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Simpson Pogeava says there will be consequences for those that continue to breach current orders set by the government.
“An assessment will be made based on the risk of spreading COVID-19 but at the same time respect for our culture," Dr Rodgers said.

New Guidelines for Repatriation of Deceased to Provinces

By Jimmy Nolan
Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the COVID-19 oversight committee, Dr Jimmie Rodgers, says there are now new arrangements in place for the repatriation of deceased persons to the provinces.
The Livelihood Sector Committee assists Lord Howe Settlement with relief food supplies during the lockdown.

Localized Lockdowns Lifted for Lord Howe Settlement, Burnscreek, Seghe and Munda

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has revoked the legal notice on the restriction of movements of persons in the Lord Howe Settlement and Burnscreek in Honiara.
The cumulative total for the country now stands at 4,203 positive COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 Update: 229 New Cases Recorded Today

By Jimmy Nolan
229 new positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded today over the past 24-hour reporting period.
He says from the 138 new cases 10 are recorded in Honiara and 128 are in the provinces.

138 New COVID-19 Cases, Most from the Provinces

By Jimmy Nolan
There are 138 new COVID-19 cases in the country, most of which are from the provinces.
One of the main private clinics offering the service say they are charging for the COVID tests because they procured and paid for the test kits themselves and it is not from the government.

Why Are Private Clinics Charging COVID-19 Tests?

By Samson Sade
Private clinics are charging excessive prices to the public for COVID-19 testing using the Rapid Antigen Test kits.
Hon Wale said such self-serving attitude should not be practiced during this time.

Why Are MPs, their Families and the PMO Given Priority for Testing: Wale

Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has questioned the rationale behind the Oversight Committee’s directive to prioritise COVID testing for Members of Parliament, their families and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Health Minister says to date 40 deaths have occurred since the outbreak.

349 New Cases Recorded

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Health and Medical services has recorded 349 new cases of COVID-19.
The new mechanism will ensure that fresh food is delivered to Honiara safely and in compliance with COVID-19 measures.

Mechanism to Facilitate Delivery of Fresh Food Being Implemented

The National Disaster Operations Committee Livelihood Sector is implementing a mechanism that will ensure the safe delivery of fresh food and vegetables from outside the Honiara Emergency Zone into the city and vice versa.
The ADB financing will help fund the country’s response to this increasing health emergency,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez. “This quick-disbursing financing will expedite government activities to manage the crisis.”

USD$5 Million Grant to Solomon Islands From ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced the release of a $5 million ($40.3 million Solomon Islands dollar) grant from its Pacific Disaster Resilience Program (Phase 3) to help finance the Government of Solomon Islands’ response to community transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The three (3) days Lockdown was ordered following recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Committee to the Prime Minister following the rise in infection cases in and around Buala.

Buala Township Under Lockdown

The National Government has enforced a lock down for the Isabel Provincial Capital Buala, effective 6pm pm this evening to 6pm Thursday 10th February.
He says Australia is also exploring the option of deploying an aircraft to the country to assist in airlifting cargos to the provinces.

Goods to Provinces Delayed After Boat Crews Test Positive

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says crew members of cargo boats cleared to resume cargo runs have tested positive for COVID-19, delaying goods destined for the provinces.
That means close to 50,000 people living in Honiara are now infected with the virus.

One in Two in Honiara Infected with the Virus

By Samson Sade
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he has been informed that one in two residents in Honiara are infected with the COVID-19 virus.
These weekly professional development sessions are set to occur regularly throughout the year in partnership with ACU.

SINIS Continue With Online Professional Development

This week the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance Sports Medicine Team continue with their online professional development in collaboration with the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
Commander Telfer says, “The AFP goal was to provide quality and relevant training for the RSIPF and Pacific partners."

RSIPF Officers Undergo Training in Australia

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers who are currently in Brisbane begin their training conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 31 January 2022.
The Health Minister says that brings the total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded since the outbreak to 2,357.

190 Test Positive, New Cases in Makira

By Jimmy Nolan
There are a total of 190 positive COVID-19 cases recorded over a 24-hour reporting timeframe.
Commissioner Mangau says, “Misinformation from members of the public can mislead the public and form rumours that tarnish the reputation of others."

Mangau Reject Rumors Linking Intervention Force to COVID-19 Outbreak

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) rebutted a social media post claiming that the high number of officers tested positive with COVID-19 was through close interaction with the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) during the civil unrest in November 2021.
He says the cumulative total for the country now stands at 2,167 cases, with the majority of the cases in Honiara.

236 New Cases and 3 Deaths Recorded Today

By Jimmy Nolan
The Minister of Health and Medical service Dr Culwick Togamana has confirmed that the country has registered 236 new positive cases and 3 deaths from COVID-19 today after a 24 hour reporting period.
The Health Ministry say the vaccination team will have to reassess how best to proceed with the vaccination drive, one that is safe for health workers and the public.

Health Close Vaccination Sites Citing Transmission Risks

The Ministry of Health and Medical services has closed all vaccination sites in Honiara today.
“We have deployed the rapid test kit (to the province) and our health teams will conduct COVID-19 testing today and onwards and results will be conveyed in the coming days,” the Health Minister said.

COVID-19 Test Kits Sent to All Nine Provinces

By Samson Sade
In an effort to understand the spread of the current COVID-19 outbreak the Ministry of Health and Medical services have deployed rapid antigen test kits to all the nine provinces in the country.
“We are stronger, more abled, and effective when we unite and join forces.”

Health Minister Speaks Out Against Stigmatization of Positive Persons

By Jimmy Nolan
The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana has spoken out against stigmatizing those that have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Leader of Opposition said the Prime Minister in his recent addresses has clearly stated that there will be no incoming or outgoing passenger flights, yet a chartered passenger flight was allowed into the country under the radar.

“Why is Prime Minister Tight-lipped Over China Flight:” Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has questioned the Prime Minister as to why his office is tight-lipped over the arrival of Chinese nationals on a chartered flight over the weekend.
The Delta variant is the dominant variant of COVID-19 worldwide. It is highly transmissible and causes more severe disease than previous variants.

CONFIRMED: It’s the Delta Variant

By Jimmy Nolan
The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant spreading in the country is the Delta variant.
"1,000 kits to each province as announced by the Health Minister yesterday is not enough given the fact that we are in the dark about the real extent of infections throughout the country," Wale said.

"Procure More Rapid Antigen Test Kits:" Wale Urges Government

Opposition Leader Hon. Matthew Wale says the government must procure more Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits.

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