Economy Archive August 2022

Materials for the borehole construction off loaded on site.

Tina Hydro Community Water System Project Near Completion

Bore hole drilling for the Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP) water systems are now complete, with a further 3 water bores holes at Belaha near completion.
The beche-de-mer fishery was open a year ago following revocation of prohibited activities Order 2021 in the Gazette for a period of one year.

Beche-de-mer Harvesting Will Close on 1st September 2022

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) wish to inform the public that the opening season of beche-de-mer fishery will end on 1st September 2022.
Malefo Anisi (centre in white shirt) with villagers that saved him after 47 days at sea.

47 Days at Sea: “The Hand of God Saved Me”

By Nicole Joannes WNBPG
I was saved by God is the emotional confession from a 58-year-old survivor from Solomon Islands Webster Malefo Anisi who went missing at sea for 47 days.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Speaking at a ceremony to welcome the visiting United States Hospital Ship USNS Mercy in Honiara.

Sogavare Says Delays in Approval Prevented Naval Boats from Docking

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has clarified some misinformation currently carried on international media about the visit by the US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry and HMS Spey.
“As we rebuild our operations, we will continue to monitor demand and assess our fleet to ensure that we manage costs and meet future demand as is appropriate,” said Solomon Airlines CEO Mr. Gus Kraus.

Dash-8 Set to Resume Service

Solomon Airlines will ramp up domestic operations across Solomon Islands from October following the return of the airline’s Dash-8 aircraft next month.
The RSIPF and SIAF officers regularly conduct joint POM operational exercises to ensure both police agencies are prepared to respond to any potential public disorder incidents.

RSIPF and SIAF Continue Preparations for Upcoming Parliament Sitting

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) continue their preparations for the upcoming sitting of Parliament.
Mr. Chanel Iroi (R), the SGP's National Steering Committee Chairperson and the Deputy Secretary-Technical for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), acknowledged the community’s hard work and the successful implementation of the project.

Ngoliana Community Improves Sanitation Faclities

Ngoliana Community in Northeast Malaita, Solomon Islands is restoring its mangrove forests and increasing access to improved sanitation facilities through the construction of 18 flush toilet facilities.
During these visits, Police engage with locals to understand issues their communities might have and to conduct awareness sessions.

RSIPF Working with the Community to Prevent Unlawful Activities

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are working with communities to build strong relationships to help maintain peace and security and prevent unlawful activities.
“Vision of the policy is to achieve safe, clean, healthy, friendly, peaceful and vibrant rural communities all throughout Solomon Islands by 2035,” PS Dr. Viulu highlighted.

Nationwide Consultation on Constituency Development Policy Commences

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has commenced its nationwide consultation on the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy (CD).
The two leaders discussed issues on Solomon Islands-US diplomatic relations which was formalized on the 9th of October 1978.

US Senator Blackburn Pays Courtesy Visit to Sogavare

A United States Government delegation led by Senator Marsha Blackburn made a courtesy visit to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara yesterday.
In trying to secure a Protected Area (PA) status, the association has already conserved 44.3 hectares of its forests which are located approximately 358m above sea level.

The Future is Green

The Foirobo Tribe Biodiversity Conservation Association (FTBCA) in the Baegu region of North East Malaita launched its conservation project supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme.
Solomon Airlines plans to resume services as soon as the runway is restored to a safe condition.

Solomon Airlines Suspends Flights to Lata

Solomon Airlines has confirmed the airline has regrettably ceased all flights to Lata effective immediately due to the deteriorating condition of the runway.
The two days’ validation workshop on the Solomon Islands National E-commerce Strategy 2022-2027 was attended by government policy makers and representatives of the private sector.

E-Commerce Allows Small and Medium Enterprises to Access New Markets

E-Commerce once fully rolled out in the country will allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access new markets regionally and internationally with much ease.
They say the drug is now with the National Medical store (NMS) and at the hospital pharmacy, with more supplies expected to be delivered this morning for distribution across NRH wards including the emergency department.

Critical Drugs for Asthmatic Patients Arrives

By Samson Sade
The current flu outbreak has stretched not only medical personnel but also critical drug supplies for chronic illnesses such as asthma.
The Health Ministry explained that a total of 20 medical containers are currently at the ports facility, and 12 have since been cleared stocking up medical drugs and consumables at the national medical stores (NMS).

Health Stocking up on Medical Supplies, Urges Public Not to Panic

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Health and Medical services says it is still in the process of releasing containers at the Solomon Ports and stocking up on medical supplies to health facilities in the country, including the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Manasseh Maelanga officiated the official opening and is witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development Dr. Samson Viulu together with landowners, resource owners, chiefs and community members in and around Kwaiafa.

New Kwaiafa Bridge in East Malaita Opens

A new Kwaiafa bridge in Ward 15 of East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has officially opened to traffic Friday last week (19th August 2022) replacing the old structure that was broken-down for over 20 years.
Government Statistician Douglas Kimi confirmed there was a total of 1,667 in the second quarter, an increase of 59.7 percent compared to the previous quarter.

1,667 International Arrivals in Second Quarter of 2022

The National Statistics Office has recorded a total of 1,667 international arrivals in the second quarter of this year.
The Forum aims to enable countries to achieve health under the Sustainable Development Goals through a whole-of-government approach.

Health Minister Attends the 6th Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health in Seoul

Health Minister Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana along with Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, in his capacity as a parliamentarian and the Deputy Secretary for Health Care Dr. Gregory Jilini have left for Seoul where they will participate in the 6th Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) which starts on the 24th August 2022.
That Pacific Sports Show is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through PacificAus Sports, part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-up and Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy.

ABC Film Crew Documents Solomon Islands Athletes

A film crew from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) are currently here in Honiara documenting for 'THAT PACIFIC SPORTS SHOW.'
Chief Superintendent Robo said the suspects were charged with murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code and are currently remanded at Rove Correctional while investigations continue.

Four Arrested in Relation to Murder at Vara Creek

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Central Police Station re-arrested four suspects in relation to a murder incident at Vara Creek recently.
He says that in terms of admissions at NRH Emergency Department (ED) in the past 24 hours, 72 percent of total ED admissions are respiratory patients - he says of this 68 are adults and 26 are children.

72% of Emergency Department Admissions Have Respitory Problems

By Jimmy Nolan
The current influenza outbreak in Honiara has seen an influx in patients being referred to the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
In preparation for actual construction work to start, Milsearch Pty. Ltd has been conducting survey activities at both Seghe and Taro airfield.

Identification and Disposal of UXOs is Part of PAU Project

News of a large number of Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) detected at the Taro airfield in Choiseul Province is part of activities under the Provincial Airfield Upgrades (PAU) project the government of New Zealand, Australia and Solomon Islands are jointly implementing.
Part of the road construction from Baro to Warihito.

MRD M&E Team Assess Projects in Central Makira

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team were welcomed in Central Makira Constituency (CMC) and received overwhelming support from the rural populace in ward 11.
Police is now appealing to members of the public who may have any information about this incident to come forward with information that would be vital to police investigation.

Police Investigates Death of Young Man

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident in the Kukum area, in Honiara, that resulted in the death of a young person on Tuesday 9 August 2022.
Presented by BBC Radio 1 Xtra’s Jamz Supernova, it is an insight to the bubbling underground scenes from every corner of the UK.

British Council Brings New UK Music Through Paoa FM to Honiara

The British Council together with the British High Commission in Honiara and local radio station, Paoa FM are bringing new UK Music to Solomon Islands.
RAPPP Acting Commander, MPNSCS Minister and PS, RSIPF Commissioner and an elder from Wagina community during the inspection and opening of the RSIPF Wagina Police Station.

RSIPF Wagina Police Station Officially Opened

The Minister responsible for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Hon. Anthony Veke, has officially opened the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Wagina Police Station in Choiseul Province on Friday 5th, August 2022.
Australia’s commitment of SBD$2.3 million will support each province from Temotu to Western to vaccinate against Measles and Rubella.

Australia Supports Health With SBD$2.3M to Fight Measles and Rubella

Australia says it will provide responsive support to the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to roll out a nationwide Measles and Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity.
“Our common goal is to create a safe, resilient and self-reliant community, with schools as an integral part of it.”

Teachers Strengthen Capacity to be Ready for Tsunami

The UN Development Programme, in partnership with Japan and the Solomon Islands local agencies, trained a total of 113 schoolteachers (58% male and 43% female) from 13 schools in the Western Province to be ready for disasters.
As part of Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s ‘Pacific Showcase’ stand, Solomon Islands’ NiuLife, SolTuna and Solomons Gold, are amongst the eight selected to partake at the event.

Pacific Flavors to Showcase at Top Australian Trade Show

Exporters from across the Pacific region are readying to showcase their premium products and unique Pacific flavor at Fine Food Australia, the southern hemisphere’s leading trade exhibition for the food, hospitality, and retail industries, from September 5 – 8 this year.
Hon Pat Conroy, the Australian Minister for Defense Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific opened the new Training Rooms.

APTC Opens New Training Rooms

Australia is boosting its labor mobility program in the Pacific with the help of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Australia’s technical and vocational training program.
By-election date for West Kwaio Constituency is set for 21st September, 2022.

Six Candidates to Contest West Kwaio By-election

A total of six candidates have been nominated for the West Kwaio by-election after the closure of the 7 days nomination period yesterday.
Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau, described the incident as “evil and barbaric,” given the suspect deliberately neglected his duty “as an adult to protect female children against such acts of sexual molestation.”

40-Year-Old Charged With Rape

A 40-year-old has been arrested and charged for allegedly raping two girls ages 10 and 11.
RAPPP member who is supporting the NRD and NRD Deputy Director Supt. Lionel Kapisa farewelling the 2 RSIPF officers who leave for Australia to attend the exchange program.

RSIPF Officers Headed to Australia on Exchange Program With AFP

Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers have travelled to Australia to participate in the ‘AFP & RSIPF Exchange 1/2022’ program with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Former Director of the Ministry of Mines Energy and Rural Electrification Nicholas Biliki last year exposed the export document. He revealed that the gold samples were intentionally spray-painted to look like ground samples for test analyses abroad.

Win Win’s Attempted Gold Smuggling and Tax Evasion Settled: Kuma

The Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma has revealed that the attempted gold smuggling and tax evasion by Win Win company has been settled administratively.
Scabies is a public health problem in Solomon Islands which affects mostly children of school age.

Health Prepares to Fight Scabies Through a Mass Drug Administration Campaign

The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) is planning a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign for scabies in Honiara.
AFP officers serving under SIAF and RSIPF officers during their joint foot patrol at Koa Hill community.

SIAF, RSIPF Patrol Deepen Engagement With Community

As part of their ongoing community engagement, the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) conducted a joint foot patrol at Koa Hill community in Central Honiara last week.
Testing of COVID-19 was also performed for all samples collected and tested and so far, none of them returned positive test. All age groups are affected by this however there is an increasing number of young children being admitted at the NRH Emergency Department.

Increase in Influenza Like Illness Not COVID-19

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is receiving increasing number of reports of Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) from the NRH and other health facilities in Honiara and Malaita.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele (MP) and the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, H.E MIWA Yoshiaki formalized the arrangement.

Japan Increases Grant Funding for COVID-19 Support

The Governments of Solomon Islands and Japan on Sunday 7th August 2022, signed the Exchange of Notes for Japanese grant aid under the Social and Economic Program of Japan for an approximate 200 million Yen, which is equivalent to SBD$10.9 million.
RSIPF officers who attended the training at the Police Academy at Rove.

RSIPF Officers Attend Sexual Offense Training

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers attended a sexual offence training at the Rove Academy last Friday.
Preliminary investigations say that the attacker is mentally ill, and according to the psychiatric health clinic took his last medication in March this year.

Police Investigates Stabbing of Japanese Media Personnel at Bloody Ridge

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into an incident, which occurred at the commemoration ceremony of the 80th Anniversary of the battle on Guadalcanal at bloody ridge on Monday 8 August.
“It is with great sincere regret for such event to happen in front of our guests from Japan, United States, Australia and other countries today morning,” he said.

Premier Sade Condemns Violent Act Against Japanese Media Personal

The Premier of Guadalcanal, Honorable Francis Sade, has strongly condemns the unfortunate incident which involved a local stabbing a Japanese Navy during the 80th World War II Remembrance Ceremony at Bloody Ridge National Park today morning.
Handover of a tractor and agriculture tools and equipment to Don Bosco Tetere Rural Training Centre.

Australia Supports Skills Training at Don Bosco Technical Institute and Don Bosco Tetere Rural Training Centre

The Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) at Henderson and Don Bosco Tetere Rural Training Centre (DBTC) were supported with vehicles, tools and equipment as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the Solomon Islands Skills Strengthening project.
Every visitor will now make a huge difference to the Solomon Islands, our local communities, our tourism sector and our Dive Munda dive team and youth we have trained during lockdown.

UK’s Top Scuba Dive Magazine Highlights Munda in the Western Province

Considered one of the UK’s leading scuba diving magazines Scuba Diver Mag has just highlighted Munda in its latest online edition.
The Permanent Secretary of MECM, the Australian High Commissioner, staff of SIMS and a representative from UNDP during the handover.

Australia Partners with Government and UNDP to Boost Weather Reporting Capacity

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) is the responsible Government office for issuing weather updates and early warning information for most natural hazards such as tsunamis, cyclones, flooding, heavy rainfall, and other potential disasters.
“The RSIPF officers were enthusiastic and committed throughout the course and I am excited to see how they use these new skills,” said RAPPP Forensic Advisor and course instructor, Mr. Ashley Williams.

RSIPF Officers Better Equipped to Combat Transnational Crime

Four officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have boosted their skills in drug and digital forensics after completing the Forensic Phase Two Instrument Training, delivered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
Tovosia pointed out that there have been concerns about human impact especially on the environment and fish stock, as many countries are seeking opportunities to conduct deep sea mining in the Solomon Islands.

Government Says It Will Take Cautious Approach to Deep Sea Mining

The government says it will take a cautious approach when it come to any future approvals for deep sea mining projects in the country.
Former US President, John F Kennedy and Former Marine, Mal Sherman, fathers of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, both fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Solomon Visit Also of Personal Significance

The weekend will see a high-level US delegation travel to the Solomon Islands to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal.
The Taskforce was spearheaded by the MRD Deputy Secretary Technical and Director Governance in collaboration with Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) to lead efforts on developing the policy with a target date of completion by October 2022.

MRD Embarks on First Ever Rural Development Policy

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is currently working on developing the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy.
The Health Ministry says that clearing 20 containers at the ports entail quite significant amount of paper work, and the processes to fulfill is enormous let alone compliance issues. They say this is not an excuse but rather an awareness on factors that are causing further delays.

Health Supplies Finally Arrive

Much needed health supplies have arrived in country, with the Ministry of Health working hard to release the containers urgently, first two was released yesterday.
ABC’s Four Corners program recently revealed that a Chinese state-owned company China Forestry Group Corporation is negotiating to buy a deep-water port and World War II airstrip in the Solomon Islands.

How an Island Within Solomon Islands is Attracting International Attention Yet Again

The secretly negotiated and signed Solomon Islands – China security agreement made international headlines recently, the crux of such concerns is the possibility that China will use the agreement to put a military base in the country.
The declaration is important to notify countries around the world including those without a history of Monkeypox like the Solomon Islands to start planning and taking actions to mitigate the potential importation, spread, and impact of Monkeypox.

Solomon Islands on Level 2 Alert for Monkeypox

Solomon Islands is on Level 2 Alert for Monkeypox, while this is considered low there is still some risk for the general population in the country.

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