Latest News Archive November 2020

Theresa Sirilo showed High Commissioner Strahan her cocoa farm and how cocoa pods are harvested.

Australian Support Helps Solomon’s Cocoa Shine

Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro Commodity Development Limited hosted a visit by the Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan last week on 26 November.
He says a ban on Facebook is unjustified because other options of achieving the desired policy outcomes have not even been explored.

Facebook Suspension Not Evidence Based: Opposition Leader

By Georgina Kekea
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale says it is important that the government's decision to suspend Facebook is evidence-based.
For Julian Maetoloa, Director and owner of Empire Barber, Facebook is the main platform to communicate with his customers. “Empire uses Facebook for marketing and advertising the products and services we provide. Shutting it down will have a huge impact on our business,” said Maetoloa.

Young Entrepreneurs Call on Cabinet to Reconsider Facebook Ban

The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) calls on Cabinet to reconsider its stance on the proposed temporary ban on Facebook and highlight the need for Cabinet to conduct robust dialogue with stakeholders before making a decision to that effect.
“I have a poor background in my education before I got into the cocoa export business, but then I found Facebook, it was easy and a cheap way for me to promote my business both in country and oversea."

“Think Before You Act!” How Facebook Ban Will Affect Small Business

By Jimmy Nolan
A young local woman who is doing cocoa export to countries around the World, including other Pacific Islands, says the government’s decision to ban Facebook in the country will affect her business.
In our time of need it seems likely Australia will once again step up should a vaccine be developed and approved by relevant health authorities.

Australian Prime Minister Remembers Pacific Island Family

By Jimmy Nolan
There is some ray of hope in the fight against Covid-19, speaking to 60 Minutes reporter, Tom Steinfort, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there is great news when it comes to vaccines for Covid-19.
The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines on Sunday reported 2,076 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection, bringing the total number in the country to 429,864. The Philippines has a population of about 110 million.

Philippines Flight Now Rescheduled to 9th December

By Georgina Kekea
The next flight from Manila, Philippines, is expected to arrive in Honiara on the 9th of December 2020. Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr. Jimmie Rodgers revealed this in the Oversight’s weekly talkback show.
Isabel Frigate players celebrate a late come back to defeat Honiara Warriors.

An Exciting Start to the 2020 Solomon Cup

After two years the Solomon Cup once again grace the Lawson Tama stadium.
From Fiji, special flights or shipping lines will be organized for Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Tonga, to ensure they reach their destination.

DHL Sends Healthcare Supplies for WHO to the Pacific Islands

The far flung islands in the Pacific have not been spared the brunt of COVID-19.
Obadiah said he had to explore other options and decided to focus on a crop that has high local demand, good yield, and can be produced all year round.

From Copra to Peanut Farming: “Hard Times for Farmers”

By Jeremy Gwao
Obadiah Malokana is a 45-year-old who has spent most of his adult life as a farmer in Rabakela, Choiseul province.
He said in the words of Malcolm X, ‘the media is the most powerful entity on earth’.

PM Says Media Irresponsible

By Georgina Kekea
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on the media to be responsible in how they disseminate information.
Solomon Islands will now join China, Iran, Syria and North Korea as outlawing Facebook. Other countries have temporarily blocked it, including the island nation of Nauru which prohibited Facebook in 2015 but unblocked access in 2018.

Facebook Ban is an Attack on Human Rights: Civil Society

Civil Society Organisations in the Solomon Islands are utterly disappointed with the Cabinet’s decision to suspend the world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook.
Solomon Islands experience sea level rise at an average of 8mm per year, well above global projections. The rise is a threat to communities living close to the coastline.

Walk the Talk on Climate Change: Kenilorea

By Georgina Kekea
The government is being urged to redouble its efforts on climate change issues.
Hon. Wale points out that using limitations in current laws for the quarantining of persons suspected of carrying the Covid-19 virus is no longer a justifiable ground for the ongoing extension of the State of Public Emergency (SoPE).

Extending SoPE is Not the Only Answer: Wale

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale says, the government has to accept that Covid-19 is going to be here for a while, and the country needs to adjust to it and return to normalcy, instead of relying on State of Public Emergencies (SoPE) to deal with the effects brought about by the global pandemic.
Prime Minister Sogavare says this will be achieved through efficient management, utilization, and protection of the country’s natural resources.

PM Announces Plans to Broaden Economic Base

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has announced the Government’s 5 objectives under its redirection policy to sustain and grow an inclusive broad-based economy.
It is a prerequisite that incoming travelers complete the Public Health Declaration Form and return to the Solomon Islands Government Health Authorities 5 clear days before travelling. Anyone who fail to comply and respond truthfully will be penalized with a $10,000 fine or 5-years imprisonment or both.

Government Confirms December Repatriation Flight

The Government Covid-19 Oversight Committee has confirmed the next repatriation flight on December 6 for our nationals overseas.
The Governor General by a Proclamation has declared last night that a state of public emergency exists in Solomon Islands.

Governor General Extends State of Public Emergency

The Governor General, His Excellency, Sir David Vunagi has extended the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) last night for a further 4 months following the expiry of the country’s second SOPE on November 24.
State of Public Emergency Extended

State of Public Emergency Extended

By Jimmy Nolan
The State of Public Emergency (SOPE) expires today.
Approvals for milling, furniture, crops and vegetable farming is expected to be completed this week.

ESP UPDATE: Gov’t Continues with ESP Support

The Government’s Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Committee continues to progress the implementation of the ESP support this week.
The persons have undergone the required number of tests, all tested negative and have completed a period of fifty-one (51) days in quarantine.

60 Complete Mandatory Quarantine in SIG Facilities

A total of sixty (60) persons have graduated from different SIG Quarantine Stations after completing their mandatory quarantined periods last week.
103 students underwent COVID-19 tests with the hope that they will be repatriated back to the country tomorrow.

Six Positive COVID-19 Cases, Flight to Philippines Cancelled

By Georgina Kekea
The second repatriation flight for students in the Philippines scheduled for tomorrow (24th November) has now been cancelled. Sogavare says this decision is made as six more students in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
He says consultations will be done with relevant authorities and stakeholders before the suspension comes into effect.

Facebook Must Be Regulated Says PM

By Georgina Kekea
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the use of the biggest social networking site in the world must be regulated in Solomon Islands.
"The implications of high remittance costs and de-banking are significant to the future economic wellbeing of the South Pacific Region - and globally.”

South Pacific Central Bank Governors' Committed to Cost Effective Remittances

At the South Pacific Central Bank Governors Forum on 17-18 November 2020, the South Pacific Governors agreed that access to cost effective remittances remains a high priority focus for the region.
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, stated during the launching of the $US37.5 million economic stimulus package that this was an “initial response to the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Solomon Islands' economy and society.”

ESP Updates to be Made Known this Week

By Georgina Kekea
Updates on the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) will be made known this week by the ESP Committee.
The Late Dr John Balavu with the Prime Minister of PNG James Marape during his visit to Honiara.

Solomon Islands Government Conveys Condolence to PNG on the Passing of its High Commissioner

The Solomon Islands government has conveyed its condolence to the government and people of Papua New Guinea on the passing away of PNG’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Dr John Balavu.
The returning officer for Central Honiara Atu Balekana making the announcement.

Efona Wins Central Honiara

Alfred Efona has been declared the winner of the Central Honiara by election.
“A good number of police officers are on high visibility in the two constituencies to ensure our communities is peaceful to any act of violence,” says AC Pogeava.

Police Calls on Voters to Accept Election Outcome

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) call on the people of Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal Constituencies to accept the outcome of the By Election result.
Counting Resumed Today for Central Honiara

Counting Resumed Today for Central Honiara

Counting of votes of for Central Honiara had recommenced 12pm today.
The formal declaration will be made later this evening.

Ethel Vokia Wins North East Guadalcanal

Ethel Vokia has been declared the winner of the North East Guadalcanal by election.
Counting Resumes for 2020 By Election

Counting Resumes for 2020 By Election

Counting of votes for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal Constituencies had resumed this morning with Central Honiara having 9 batches to count and North East Guadalcanal 2 batches.
"We urge the Ministry responsible that when a well-reasoned holiday is to be gazetted, an advance notice period of at least one month be given.”

Lack of Consultation & Short Notice for Public Holiday Irks Businesses

Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on behalf of its members has expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation and the short notice given in regards to the public holiday on Wednesday 18 November, 2020.
Charles Wesley Daveta from Lale village, Ranongga Island, in the Western Province, sits in front of his cocoa shed.

Economic Stimulus Confusion

By Jeremy Gwao
The roll out of the much-anticipated economic stimulus package has caused confusion, particularly for those in the rural areas.
“I’m very happy for this announcement and I’d like to thank Note Printing Australia for a marvelous job. We look forward for continuous collaboration with NPA,” says CBSI Governor Dr. Luke Forau.

Solomon Islands $5 Note Earns Global Recognition

The Solomon Islands’ polymer $5 won international acclaim overnight when the banknote’s SUSI Flip™ feature was named Best New Currency Feature or Product by the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA).
RSIPF Traffic officers are also out on the street controlling the traffic to ensure the road is safe for all vehicles and pedestrians.

Police Secures Counting Venue After By-election

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) are securing the RSIPF Conference Centre at Rove in Honiara, the venue for the counting of ballots from yesterday’s by-elections in North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara, which started this morning.
All persons travelling or intending to travel to Solomon Islands are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with travel requirements.

Government Approves Repatriation Flights for Citizens in Kiribati, Fiji, and Philippines

The Chair of COVID -19 Oversight Committee, Mr James Remobatu has issued a Repatriation Advisory Notice No.14 to all Solomon Islands citizens and non-nationals residing overseas on the next Government Repatriation Plan and wish to announce two government approved repatriation flights scheduled for 19 and 24 November 2020.
“We view social media as a key vehicle with which to maintain our tourism profile in the current COVID-19 environment which has seen our international visitation grind to a complete halt,” Tuamoto said.

Tourism Solomons Calls on Government to Reconsider Proposed Facebook Ban

Tourism Solomons has called on the Solomon Islands Government to urgently reconsider a proposed ban of Facebook.
Voters in Central Honiara casting their ballot yesterday.

Counting Begins for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal Constituencies

Counting for the Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal elections will start this morning. Results for North East Guadalcanal should be known this evening, with Central Honiara sometime tomorrow.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Dr Lachlan Strahan, congratulated the graduating cohort, saying “skills are so important, that’s how people build a new life, how they build a job, a career and how they build things for their family.”

APTC Celebrates Historic Virtual Graduation in Solomon Islands

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Solomon Islands welcomed its newest cohort of 51 graduates today in a virtual graduation ceremony.
Polling Day for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal

Polling Day for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal

By Jimmy Nolan
Today is polling day for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal constituencies. All the polling stations were open since 7am this morning and will close at 5pm.
“If the Solomon Islands Cabinet has any respect for people’s rights, it should urgently rethink its decision to ban Facebook and allow everybody to peacefully express their opinions online.”

Amnesty International: Planned Facebook Ban is Brazen Attack on Freedom of Expression

Amnesty International has responded to the Solomon Islands government’s plan to ban Facebook because of the posting of alleged abusive or defamatory comments against government ministers.
Members of the business community have shared their concerns with SICCI yesterday while others opposed the decision to temporarily ban Facebook.

Businesses Concern Over Proposed Facebook Ban

Struggling businesses have expressed concerns over Government’s proposal to temporarily ban the world’s biggest social networking site ‘Facebook’ in Solomon Islands.
Mrs. Waetara clarified, that public Offices and businesses house that are located within the boundaries of these two constituencies may observe this day as public holiday.

Public Holiday for North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara Constituencies

Wednesday 18th November 2020 is a public Holiday for North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara Constituencies. The two constituencies will go to the polls on that day to elect their new representative in Parliament.
The repatriation flight by Garuda Airways will be the first of its kind from the Asia region since the country closed its international borders.

Garuda Airways to Repatriate Indonesians from Solomon Islands

By Georgina Kekea
A charter flight by the Indonesian government is expected to arrive in Honiara today.
Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, Mckinnie Dentana.

Wale: When Will the List Be Published?

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has called on the Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, Mckinnie Dentana, to state when he will publish the list of Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) beneficiaries.
Mafane says that the Kwikwi boys would gladly represent the country if given the chance to wear the national colors in any upcoming international tournament.

Malaita Kwikwi Crowned Beach Soccer Champs

Malaita Kwikwi are the champions of the 2020 National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship.
Currently only three countries in the world have banned Facebook. They are China, North Korea and Iran.

Solomon Islands Cabinet Passes Ban on Facebook

By Georgina Kekea
Cabinet has agreed to ban the world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook, in Solomon Islands.
"I would like to thank the health ministry and the disaster management office for taking the lead and initiating the work to make this possible," Walter said.

Choiseul Now Has A Quarantine Site

By Jeremy Gwao
Choiseul Province now has a quarantine site, which comes as a huge relief to people in the area.
In most crossings the circular culverts that hold up the bridges have collapsed, making them dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Bridges and Crossings in North Malaita in Desperate Need of Repair

By Jimmy Nolan
People of the northern region of Malaita province have called on responsible authorities to fix and upgrade several bridges and crossings that have been damaged by heavy rain and flooding over the past few months.
All flights into Solomon Islands are Government managed repatriation charter flights. Passengers wishing to travel will need to contact their nearest Solomon Islands Government embassy or mission for details.

Solomon Airlines to Operate Repatriation Flights for Citizens Stranded in Kiribati and Fiji

Subject to regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines will operate a series of further repatriation flights later this month, to bring more stranded Solomon Islands citizens home from Kiribati and Fiji and to enable foreign nationals to depart Solomon Islands to Australia and other onward international destinations.
The Opposition Leader points out that the public mind is animated by what appears to be self-serving and self-interested allocation decisions.

Opposition Leader Urges Government to Publish ESP List

The Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathew Wale again calls on the Minister and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance to publish the list of beneficiaries of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Hon. Anthony Veke hands over the security strategy documents to the Prime Minister.

Security Strategy Marks Milestone in our Sovereignty: PM

Our two national security platforms have marked a new milestone in our nation’s sovereign security.
USA Public Affairs Supports MASI

USA Public Affairs Supports MASI

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has been awarded a funding of more than $SBD 70,000 towards MASI's project to foster media contacts and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report says the pandemic could further increase the level of nonperforming loans (NPLs) and losses for the banking sector due to travel restrictions and business disruptions.

Financial Sector Remains Vulnerable: CBSI

By Georgina Kekea
The Solomon Islands financial sector remained vulnerable to the impact of pre and post COVID-19.
“It is sad that these gaps have jeopardized the opportunity of the much-needed growth we envisage in Solomon Islands,” the statement reads.

FPAS Wants to Address Gaps in Interagency Work

The Government’s Foreign Policy Advisory Secretariat (FPAS) within the office of the Prime Minister, together with other key line ministries have reached an agreement to address gaps within our existing systems that will boost economic growth.
The Ministry says that work on establishing COVID-19 testing capabilities in the provinces is also ongoing with Kilu’ufi hospital a top priority at the moment.

Health Ministry Explains NZ Funding Support

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) confirms that the 3 million NZD (approximately $15 million SBD) COVID-19 funding support from the New Zealand government was deposited into the Ministry’s account in August and utilization of the funds have already commenced.
Guadalcanal was the site of fierce fighting between Japanese and Allied forces, and is still littered with shells and bombs left behind - a lack of funding has impeded removal efforts to date.

Bomb Demolition Exercise, Police Warns Public to Keep Out

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point, in the Alligator Creek East of Honiara tomorrow, Friday 12th November 2020.
This is the first site visit made by the HMSC – the aim is to get firsthand information on the standards and safety protocols being established at quarantine sites.

Parliament Health and Services Committee Visits Refurbished Multipurpose Hall

By Jimmy Nolan
Members of the health and medical services committee (HMSC) of Parliament visited the newly refurbished multipurpose hall, the latest addition to declared quarantine sites in the country.
Wale says the status of the NZD3 million (SBD15m) funding support provided by the New Zealand government for Kilu’ufi hospital is not clear.

Wale Calls on Government to Explain $15m NZ Funding

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to explain the status of the NZD3 million (SBD15m) funding support provided by the New Zealand government.
The National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship 2020 is exposing new talents, a promising outlook for beach soccer in Solomon Islands.

Beach Soccer Championship Gets Underway

The National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship 2020 matchday one produced some exciting results as we witnessed for the first time since 2016 the rival of the abbreviated code in the country at DC Park.
The Permanent Secretary clarified that imprests made to several senior public officers was for the payment of those youths engaged to conduct this price monitoring exercise.

PS Finance Explains Youth Engagement Under ESP

By Georgina Kekea
Youths engaged under the economic stimulus package (ESP) are being paid $150 daily allowances.
"I urge my colleague police officers to be role models for our people and do the right thing – do not drink and drive," Superintendent Satu said.

Police Officer Arrested and Charged with Drink Driving

Traffic officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested a police officer for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in Honiara on 7 November 2020.
Indonesian Vessel Unlawfully Enter Solomon Waters

Indonesian Vessel Unlawfully Enter Solomon Waters

Members of the public living in coastal communities in the Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Malaita and Renbel Provinces have been advised to look out for an Indonesian registered vessel the Metro Teratari that has entered Solomon Islands territorial waters through the western border with Papua New Guinea without the approval of the authorities.
“The many negative energies we endured this year is just beyond what we can handle. Please forgive us for our many weaknesses. For us, we love you all and are looking forward to working together with you to move our country forward. Let us continue to fight together with the right spirit."

“We Apologize for the Many Misunderstanding,” Students from Philippines Set to Leave Quarantine

After spending 41 days in the Quarantine Stations, a group of returning student from the Philippines sent out an appreciation note thanking all frontline agencies and individuals involved in the operations.
He says there are more than 1000 students awaiting repatriation.

Repatriation Plans Underway

By Georgina Kekea
Plans are now underway to repatriate students and citizens from regional tertiary institutions.
“Furthermore, spreading of rumours during state of emergency is an offense under the current Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No. 3) Regulation 2020 with a fine of 10,000 SBD and/or 5 years imprisonment,” the statement reads.

Rumours of Covid-19 Patients and Isolation Ward Guards Sharing Toilets is False: MHMS

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) would like to assure the public that rumours of National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) isolation ward security guards sharing toilets with covid-19 patients is outright false.
“This now brings to 16 the total number of COVID-19 cases registered in Solomon Islands," Sogavare said.

Three More COVID-19 Cases

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that three more persons have tested positive for COVID-19.
Eric points out the area where his house once stood.

Young Father Starts Over After Family Home Demolished

By Jeremy Gwao
“I was helpless, I just stood there and watched as my home was demolished,” said Eric Saru, a 30-year-old father of four.
“Public officers do not qualify for ESP, all officials including the Director of Economic Reform Unit (ERU) that appeared in the list were imprest holders and were not recipients of the ESP funding," Dentana explained.

Dentana Clarifies Payments Made to Public Officers

By Jimmy Nolan
The leaked list of the recipients of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) included names of senior public officers - the public are now calling for an investigation into how the funds have been administered.
He stressed that to approve and process payments to a constituency seat that is without any official representative is both questionable and sets a bad precedence.

Wale Questions Stimulus Package Payment to North East Guadalcanal

Opposition Leader, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Minister of Finance and Permanent Secretary to explain why the government made an ESP Payment of $600,000 to North East Guadalcanal Constituency when the former MP, Lency Vokia left the seat after his election was declared null and void by the High Court, in February, 2020.
Dr Zelalem Taffesse of UNICEF with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Ms Pauline McNeil and her staff during the handover.

Reaching Out to Children in Remote Communities

UNICEF Pacific is pleased to hand over two new boats, as well as office equipment, today to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ms Pauline McNeil, to be used by Social Welfare Offices in Choiseul, Makira and Ulawa Provinces.
She says that as a person living with a disability, she always prefers to talk about what she does and who she is - and not focus on her disability.

Talk About the Person Not the Disability

By Jimmy Nolan
Melvin Vouga is 27 years old and comes from Marau on the eastern end of Guadalcanal. Melvin was only 4 years old when she was in a serious vehicle accident, she was gravely injured which resulted in a permanent disability.
The Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says that the country is still in the SOPE (State of Public Emergency) period and RSIPF has an important role to play.

“No Police Protest,” Mangau Confirms

By News Desk
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Mangau assures members of the public that there will be no protest by frontline officers over unpaid COVID-19 allowances as the Government is dealing with the issue.
Customers in New Zealand holding Solomon Islands cocoa products.

Solomon Cocoa Products Launched in New Zealand

Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro, achieved international success last month, launching a range of cocoa products in New Zealand. Cathliro was supported in this venture by the Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis.
The defendant has been remanded at the Rove Correctional Centre awaiting his appearance in Court on 13 November 2020 as the investigation continues.

"Sick and Depraved!": 23 Year Old Male Rapes 3 Year Old Girl

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Sexual Assault Team in Honiara arrested and charged a 23-year-old man on 29 October for alleged sexual assault on a three-year-old girl in West Honiara on 20 October 2020.
“The decision to put them together in one location, is a risky and bad one, as this could have created the potential for the virus to spread,” says Hon. Wale.

Wale Questions High Risk Quarantine in the Heart of Honiara

The Leader of opposition office, Hon. Matthew Wale is questioning the decision by the Government to allow one high risk passenger to be quarantined with lower risk ones at the King Solomon hotel quarantine centre, right in the heart of the city.
The sprawling informal settlements along the outskirts of Honiara continues to grow, with recent studies suggesting that those living in informal settlements will soon outnumber those on formal registered land.

No Special Favours on Land Matters: McNeil

By Georgina Kekea
The population in Honiara is growing at an alarming rate.
Commissioner Mangau explained that, “Like any other law enforcement agency, the RSIPF is focusing on its operational capability response by seriously considering the establishment of a Drone Support Unit.”

Drones to Boost RSIPF Operational Capability

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) operational capability will be boosted following handover of six drones by the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP). The handover occurred during a brief ceremony at RSIPF Headquarters in Honiara yesterday.
Teue says that what her father taught them is to make a living that is sustainable, and one that keeps their family together. For that she is always grateful to her father.

Maintaining Her Father’s Legacy Through Seaweed Farming

By Jeremy Gwao
Teue Sito started seaweed farming in 2004 when she was only 7 years old. Her father taught her the basics and over time seaweed farming has become her main source of income.
Ethel Matani at the Auki market in Malaita Province.

Shifting to Auki Market Boosts Income

By Jimmy Nolan
A mango vendor from Guadalcanal says that she was fed up with all the fees and poor service at the central market, so she boarded a boat and took her produce to Auki, Malaita Province.
The National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship will be hosted by SIFF from 9 to 14 November 2020 at Honiara at the DC Park.

Two Groups Drawn for Beach Soccer Championship

The four confirmed participating Member Associations have been drawn into two groups at the Official Draw for the National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship which will be hosted by SIFF from 9 to 14 November 2020 in Honiara at DC Park.
Despite being low risk, they have also tested for Covid-19 and all have turned negative results before their release.

Frontliners Rejoins Families After Serving Quarantine

The first deployment of frontliners who served at the quarantine centers and the Isolation Units at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) are now rejoining their families after being considered low risks.
The contractors listed are in a range of business activities, but the majority are in the construction sector.

Deregistered Businesses Receive COVID-19 Support

By Georgina Kekea
Several contractors providing services for the government are deregistered companies.
All key indicators suggest an incredibly challenging situation through to the end of the financial year.

Government Will Repatriate Final and Graduating Students Only

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government can only repatriate final year and graduating students from various regional tertiary institutions - everyone else will remain.
“So, while we try to promote women in leadership we must also try and remain neutral and abide by media code of ethics,” Cynthia said.

Media Prepares for the Upcoming By-elections

By Jeremy Gwao
As campaigning for the Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal constituencies shifts into high gear the media is also prepping itself for extended coverage on polling day.
Five New Cases of positive COVID-19

Five New Cases of positive COVID-19

By Jimmy Nolan
There are five new cases of COVID-19 registered in quarantine.
This tragic death of a young footballer is a cruel reminder of the dangers that lurks in our waters and oceans.

Crocodile that Ended the Life of Young Footballer Caught and Killed

By Jeremy Gwao
The crocodile that tragically cut short the life of young 13-year-old footballer, Kisina Kuliusu Damutalau, was caught and killed by villagers in Havulei in Isabel Province over the weekend.
The nurses started their sit in protest on Friday and called it off yesterday.

Nurses Return to Work Today

By Jimmy Nolan
The sit in protest by nurses working within the emergency zones of Honiara and Guadalcanal has been cancelled with nurses set to resume work today.

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