Latest News Archive December 2020

COVID-19 Had Little Impact on PNA's Tuna Purse Seine-fishery Output

COVID-19 Had Little Impact on PNA's Tuna Purse Seine-fishery Output

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) purse-seine fishery and supply chain largely avoided COVID-related disruptions and had a positive 2020, according to a report given during a government meeting of the eight nations that make up the sub-grouping on 11 December.
Solomon Islands is Eyeing Support for the COVID-19 Vaccination

Solomon Islands is Eyeing Support for the COVID-19 Vaccination

By Georgina Kekea
Dr. Yogesh Choudri, an advisor and international staff in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says some countries have started their COVID-19 vaccination program under what is called the ‘Emergency Use Authorisation’.
Alcohol Consumption an Issue for 'Banana Boats’

Alcohol Consumption an Issue for 'Banana Boats’

By Georgina Kekea
Drinking alcohol while traveling is often an issue faced by sea travelers. Redley Eric from Kologhasi village in the weather coast of Guadalcanal says this is often the case for him.
“I believe the same support will continue in the near future should there be any similar incident of this nature occurs.” Says Commissioner Mangau.

RSIPF Arrests Three Foreigners for Illegal Entry in the Country

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested and charged three (3) Foreigners for Prohibition of entry of non-citizen under the SOPE regulation.
The U.K. government had previously said the mutated variant appears to be as much as 70% more transmissible than other circulating strains.

New Virus Strain’s Transmissibility to Cause More Deaths: Study

By Corinne Gretler
The mutated coronavirus strain that’s been spreading in the U.K. appears to be more contagious and will likely lead to higher levels of hospitalizations and deaths next year, a new study showed.
Rodgers says all of the 10 discharged were asymptomatic thus it is important that regular tests are carried out instead of just monitoring on a weekly basis.

Oversight Wary of Reactivation of COVID-19 in Negative Patients

By Georgina Kekea
Testing of patients who are now cleared of COVID-19 will continue after they are discharged. Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM), Dr. Jimmie Rodgers says this during Oversight's Radio Talkback Show.
To date the findings are reinforcing evidence of COVID19 impact being reported on already by numerous surveys across the country, and the region.

Survey Notes Progress of the Solomon Islands Rapid Assessment of COVID19 Impacts for Employment and Business

A rapid assessment in the country on the impact of the COVID19 global pandemic started early this month is progressing well.
"Yet we fought on, our resilient spirit preserved. It is our faith in the Lord that binds our diverse country."

We Will Persevere Despite Hardships: Sogavare

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare used his Christmas message address to encourage Solomon Islanders to preserve despite the hardships of 2020.
Deacon Clement Netana being accompanied by the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) men’s matching band during the ordination program.

Catholic Church Ordains Priest

By Jimmy Nolan
It might be the festive season, but the Roman Catholic Church of Tangarare Parish in West Guadalcanal had other reasons to celebrate.
“Key to everything is to remain optimistic,” Mr Tuamoto said.

Tourism Solomons Reset and Ready To Go in 2021

Describing 2020 as the “most challenging time most of us have endured in our lifetimes” Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the national tourism office has “reset” and is “ready to go” the moment the global travel situation is resolved and the Solomon Islands can once more receive international visitors.
"These kinds of defensive statements lead the public to lose trust in government to protect the interests of indigenous Solomon Islanders,” says Hon. Wale.

Wale Criticizes Dealings With Logging Company

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has labelled the Sino Capital logging company saga a can of worms, now that the lid has been opened, there is no telling what worms will crawl out.
Attempts to smuggle cigarettes concealed in food items caught by quarantine officers.

N-DOC Confiscates Banned Goods in Quarantine Stations

The Camp Management Sector Committee of the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) has suspended privileges that allowed families and relatives to bring in food and other items for persons in Quarantine Stations (QS) for an indefinite period as of yesterday.
(L-R) Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, Provincial Police Commander Leonard Tahimana and Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana.

High Commissioner’s First Visit to Isabel Highlights Australia’s Deep and Long-lasting Community Ties

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan travelled with Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele and Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana to their home province of Isabel last week to underscore the deep, multi-faceted relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Approves US$23 Million for Solomon Islands

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Approves US$23 Million for Solomon Islands

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting on 15 December 2020 has approved a US$23 million Threshold Program for Solomon Islands.
a total of 450 Foreign Investments in Western, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Rennell and Bellona and Central Province were inspected during an operation by the Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee. As a direct result of the inspections, the Government has so far collected a total revenue of SBD$400,000 with more to be collected.

SICCI’s MIWG Reiterates Call to Improve Enforcement Processes

The Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) reiterates its call for the Solomon Islands Government to seriously work on improving its enforcement processes.
The seats on the airline’s Airbus A320 will be limited to the availability of Government approved quarantine accommodation.

Solomon Airlines to Sell Passenger Seats on Friday Cargo Flights

Following special approvals by the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines have made available a limited number of passenger seats on the airline’s regular Friday cargo flights between Brisbane and Honiara.
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, Deputy High Commissioner Ms SallyAnne Vincent, Minister for Education and Human Resources Hon. Lanelle Tanangada, EVAW Policy Coordinator, Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Ms Koisau Sade and staff of the Australian High Commission.

Australia Launches New Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan was pleased to come together with representatives from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs(MWYCFA) and development partners on 18 December to launch Australia’s new Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands 2020-2022.
“The question remained that the decision could be influenced by the powerful logging company Sino Capital. In the event where this maybe the situation, then the DCGA leadership is heading the wrong direction,” Hon. Wale added.

Wale Calls on PM to Explain Mewa's Sacking

The Opposition Leader, Hon. Mathew Wale calls on the Prime Minister to tell the truth and explain the reasons for the sacking of Hon. Commins Mewa from the Forestry portfolio.
Daniel Ogu Besa’a, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries of Guadalcanal Province (in green shirt) with two female officers from MAL Guadalcanal Province Extension Office hands over the tools to MK Farm Fresh owner and recipient John Maeli Kauvera, flanked by his farm workers.

MK Farm Fresh get Farming Tools to Boost Production

MK Farm Fresh at Takambow Community, Northwest Guadalcanal received new essential farming tools from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Province Extension Office on 14th December to boost its vegetable and fruit crop production.
He says all Public Officers except those who have approved leave will resume duties on Monday 4th January 2021. He says most public service administrative offices will be closed during this period.

Extra 3 Days Leave for Public Servants

By Georgina Kekea
All public servants will receive an additional three-day recuperation leave. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made this announcement in his weekly statement.
The Sutakiki tenement is located in the centre of the main Island of Guadalcanal. The project is 25 km south east of the capital Honiara.

Sanatana Intends to Acquire Copper and Gold Project on Solomon Islands

Sanatana Resources (TSX-V: STA) has received a letter of intent over the Sutakiki mineral tenure from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mining, Energy and Rural Electrification. The Sutakiki tenement is located in the centre of the main Island of Guadalcanal. The area is 25 km south east of the capital Honiara.
He further added that the tight cash-flow situation at Treasury and the projections of continued reduced government revenues for 2021 clearly point to the fact that government has run out of ideas to create growth in the economy broadly.

Government Must Be Truthful on the State of the Economy: Wale

Opposition leader Matthew Wale says the country’s economy is at its worst, due both to the pandemic, but also government’s mismanagement over a long time.
He says they are still working with the families of those that tragically lost their lives during the ill-fated journey on April 3rd, 2020, and says they are hopeful of a positive outcome.

Eight Months After Tragedy MV Taimareho Resumes Service

By Jimmy Nolan
On the early hours of Friday April 3rd, 2020 twenty-seven passengers were swept off MV Taimareho as it encountered rough seas caused by Cyclone Harold. All perished at sea with only some of the bodies recovered.
IFC’s financing will help increase production of vaccines and, thus, competitiveness of the vaccine market geared toward the developing world, pushing other manufacturers to lower their prices when selling through international groups like Gavi and UNICEF to support country-led immunizations.

IFC Supports BioE to Expand Access to Low-cost Vaccines in Developing Countries

An investment in one of India’s top vaccine manufacturers, Biological E Limited (BioE), will expand access to low-cost vaccines for children in developing countries and help increase production of a COVID-19 vaccine when developed, a key step in saving lives and restarting economies.
Solomon Islands students inside the USP Laucala ICT Building, which has been converted into a make shift evacuation centre.

Solomon Islands USP Students in Fiji Brace for Cyclone Yasa

By Georgina Kekea
Solomon Islands students at the University of South Pacific (USP) Laucala campus have been moved to an evacuation center in preparation for Cyclone Yasa.
According to the December survey, nearly a quarter of businesses remain temporarily closed while another 43 per cent are only partly operational.

Survey Shows Unrelenting Impacts Of COVID-19 On Businesses In The Solomon Islands

This year’s final Pacific Business Monitor, a monthly survey tracking the effects of COVID-19 on businesses in the Pacific region by the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) global network, highlights the persistent and severe effects the pandemic has had on businesses in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific throughout 2020.
Sogavare says a comprehensive software underpinning this online portal has been completed and members of the public will be able to view the ESP recipient list.

ESP Portal Launching Soon, Payouts Temporarily Suspended

By Georgina Kekea
The new Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Online portal will be finally launched this week.
Residents wade through the flooded streets in Fiji's capital city of Suva on December 16, 2020, ahead of super cyclone Yasa.

Fijians Told to Seek Shelter as Super Cyclone Closes In

By Leon Lord
Fijians living in the path of an approaching super cyclone were told to hunker down at home or flee to emergency shelters immediately on Wednesday, as authorities warned the storm has the potential to uproot buildings and cause mass destruction.
Front – MHMS Dr Gregory Jilini receiving the GeneXpert Machine and the laptop from WHO, Dr. Magdi Kassem with a handshake. Witnessing the handover were the Director of National Public Health laboratory, Mr. Dickson Manongi, Mr. Oliver Lukos (Medical Lab Technologist) and WHO staff; Ms Lanique Pitasua and Mr. Robinson Minevaleke at the back.

National Public Health Equipped with GeneXpert Machine

Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) remains grateful towards the continuous support from its partners in its ongoing efforts against COVID-19 global pandemic.
Tropical cyclone Yasa, currently category 3, is forecast to intensify to category 5 before impacting Fiji on Friday morning.

Cyclone Yasa Could Hit Fiji as Category 5, Cyclone Zazu to Belt Tonga

The Pacific is being belted by two tropical cyclones - one bringing destructive storm-force winds to Tonga this afternoon and another feared to cause "major issues" for Fiji later this week.
A survey of COVID-19 response packages across the subregion highlights how the Pacific has prioritized social protection to mitigate the pandemic’s most severe impacts on the vulnerable.

Health, Social Protection to Underpin Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19

Growth in the Pacific subregion for 2020 has been further downgraded as the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to squeeze the region’s economies.
Chair of the national Camp Management Sector Committee Mr Karl Kuper also shared with the participants’ his experiences with leading and managing the overall quarantining process since the country declared the state of emergency early this year.

Camp Managers Training for Western and Choiseul Province Completed

A two-day intensive training conducted by National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Quarantine Station (QS) Camp Managers of Western and Choiseul Province was successfully completed on Friday 11th December.
The suspect will be dealt with to appear in Court for a remand application in the next few days.

Police Arrest Suspect in Relation to Death in East Honiara

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province have arrested a 30-year-old male suspect in relation to a death incident that occurred at the Island Night Club, East of Honiara on 6 November 2020.
Renowned local artist Brian Feni with SolBrew’s Managing Director Peralt van der Merwe in front of the newly completed mural on the SolBrew@Sea wall – SolBrew’s new event venue.

Feni Complete Stunning Work of Art for Local Brewer SolBrew

Renowned local artist and former national soccer rep, Brian Feni has successfully completed a work of art at the Solomon Breweries Limited’s (SolBrew) new event centre, SolBrew@Sea.
“Investors are reminded to comply with the Laws of the Country”, Sogavare says.

Assessment on Business Compliance Complete: Sogavare

By Georgina Kekea
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the ‘Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee’ of Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration has completed its assessment on ‘compliances and enforcement’ in various business sectors in Solomon Islands.
Hermas says that such early exposure to music made him realize the power of music, especially how rhythm and harmony can influence a person’s mood.

Young Patterson and his Passion for Music

By Jeremy Gwao
Hermas Patterson is a 20-year-old self taught musician who dreams of making it big one day.
Around 78% of goods exported to China are raw materials – most of it are round logs.

An Assessment of the Non-reciprocal Duty-Free Market Access to China

By Georgina Kekea
The Solomon Islands has entered into a non-reciprocal duty-free access agreement with China.
In the oversights radio talkback show, Rodgers says the government can no longer take responsibility for what it has already paid for.

Government Washes Hands of Students Visa Issues

By Georgina Kekea
The government is calling on relatives to support students with visa issues in the Philippines.
Group 1 Participants with Commanding Officer and XO onboard the SB PPB Auki at Munda Port.

FFA Boosts Protection of Solomon Islands Tuna Resources

Protecting Solomon Islands’ tuna resources from illegal activity has received a significant boost with 24 Compliance officers receiving training from the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) recently.
Annette Kaora in her sup-sup garden nursery at Barana Community.

MAL Delivers Despite Budget Cut Amid Covid-19 Pressures

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) continue to deliver its mandatory services to farmers throughout the country despite reduction on its development budget due to Covid-19 pressures.
Geso Kituru finished off a Sipakana pass for the winning goal in the second half. The game ended 1-0 in favor of the gallant Tomoko lads.

Western Tomoko 2020 Champions!

By Jimmy Nolan
Western Tomoko has won the coveted Solomon Cup, and in doing so created history for the Western Province, their first since the inception of the Solomon Cup.
“The commitment, ambition, and action called for by our Pacific Leaders, who hosted the UN Secretary-General in Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu in 2019, has been consistent and clear. We have gone past the tipping point and the science is showing that urgent and decisive action is what we need to come back from the brink,” said Secretary General Taylor.

No Room for COVID Delays on Climate Action: Pacific Leaders

Pacific Island Forum Leaders are meeting in a high–level event timed to mark five years of the Paris Agreement. Their intention is to ensure urgent climate change action, now, and that we limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Australian High Commission First Secretary (Health) Fiona Mulhearn hands over a Land Cruiser to the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Director Dr Joel Denty. At the handing over was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health Pauline McNeil and her staff.

Australia Provides Provinces with Vehicles and Funding to Support COVID-19 Response

As part of Australia’s AUD13 million (SBD70 million) COVID-19 response package in Solomon Islands, the Australian High Commission recently handed over a Land Cruiser to the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Authority.
Stages of Change is a project that aims to use community theatre as a vehicle for reducing violence against women and increasing women's participation in civil society and peace-making in the Solomon Islands.

SOC Invites People with Special Needs as it Concludes 16 Days of Activism

By Jeremy Gwao
Stages of Change (SOC) held a gathering yesterday to mark the closing of the 16 days of activism at the National Auditorium, the event targeted people with special needs.
The site will be hosted within the Solomon Islands government portal.

ESP Online Portal to Launch Today

By Georgina Kekea
The Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Committee will launch its online portal today.
Kava field demonstration by one of the agriculture officers.

Kava Demonstration Training Enlighten Vella La Vella Farmers

A Kava training for farmers in the Northern part of Vella La Vella Island in the Western Province was deemed successful.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The men entered the compound and introduced themselves as officers of the RSIPF checking on the company work permit and passports as well as hidden high-powered weapons. They then advised company workers to assemble at one location inside the compound which they did.”

Robbers Dressed as Police Officers Raid Mining Camp Site

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province are investigating an alleged robbery at the Win win mining company operating in Central Guadalcanal on 9 December 2020.
(L-R) UNDP Country Manager for the Solomon Islands, Berdi Berdiyev, the Prime Minister for the Solomon Islands, Honourable Manasseh Sogavare and the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr. Lachlan Strahan.

Human Rights Day an Important Reminder for Partnership to Recover Better

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the need for more robust and responsive access to justice avenues, which is more important now than ever before, particularly for the most marginalized.
The government wage bill accounts for a large share of total public spending.

Government to Curb Spending, Public Service to Feel Backlash

By Georgina Kekea
The government will be reducing the number of public servants in its effort to minimise costs.
He says his ministry is looking at new opportunities to ensure that the country’s food and nutritional security requirements are met, and this must involve growing the sector.

Covid-19 and the Threat on Food Security

By Jimmy Nolan
Covid-19 has exposed what many experts have warned that the high dependence on imported goods exposes countries, particularly developing countries, to food shortage in the event of a global shortage.
Thousands are expected to attend the finals at the Lawson Tama stadium.

Eagles, Tomoko in Final Showdown

Malaita Eagles have the opportunity to defend their Solomon Cup title in a rematch against Western Tomoko in the grand final of the 2020 Solomon Cup on Saturday 12 December at Lawson Tama.
The Prime Minister said despite all their effort to arrange the flight from Manila they have received reports that six students failed to board the flight.

133 Passengers Arriving from Manila Today

By Jimmy Nolan
133 passengers from Manila, Philippines, will be arriving in Honiara this evening.
Promoting the 16 Days of Activism and walking against corruption are children, during the Anti-Corruption Day march in Gizo.

“Corruption is the Opposite of Development”

“Corruption undermines development, inhibits economic growth, hinders the delivery of services and undermines good governance and the rule of law” was the conclusion of the participants at the outreach event in Gizo, Solomon Islands, marking the December 9th International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
Third Secretary Laura Wilson and DAP Officer Christina Nonga with the Project Coordinators and representatives of the eight DAP-funded projects.

Australia’s Direct Aid Program Supports Eight New Community Projects

The Australian Government, through the Direct Aid Program (DAP), is pleased to fund eight new community-led projects in the first half of this financial year (2020-2021).
Seif Ples Acting Deputy Centre Manager Clara Rouikera thanked SIPDP saying, “We are extremely grateful to SIPDP for your ongoing support for Seif Ples over the past three and a half years."

SIPDP Gifts Food to Seif Ples During Campaign Against GBV

The Solomon Island Police Development Program (SIPDP) have handed over a large quantity of food and other household items to Seif Ples at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Headquarters in Rove, Honiara on 8 December 2020 as part of the Program’s support for the 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.
Despite their importance to the national economy and to rural households, there has been little investment in coconut production in recent decades.

Government Looks to Cut Copra Export and Increase Value Added Coconut Products

By Georgina Kekea
The Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) is aiming to cut copra export in five years’ time.
Police say the deceased was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara by his relatives and but died shortly afterwards.

Police Investigates Death in East Honiara

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province are investigating a death incident occurred at the Island night club, East of Honiara on 6 November 2020.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with Simon Chottu, Chairman of the North West Guadalcanal Development Association (NWGDA), during the launching of the NWGDA constitution.

Empowering the Rural Population Through Shared Vision

By Jeremy Gwao
Development is important, but it should be guided by a shared vision, one that the people can work towards and feel part of.
Solomon Islands ranks high in search engines for pornography materials.

Christian Beliefs vs Facebook, Porn and GBV issues

By Georgina Kekea
Lack of respect for Christian beliefs and moral values were some of the reasons cited for the temporary suspension of Facebook.
The Solomon Islands Credit Union League board with the CBSI Deputy Governor.

Solomon Islands Credit Union League Elects New Board of Directors

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has successfully hosted the Solomon Islands Credit Union League (The League) special general meeting in Honiara on the 3rd December 2020 to elect new Board of Directors for SICUL.
Artists impression of the new Kongulai water treatment plant.

Major Milestone for Honiara’s Water Supply Improvements

Solomon Water is pleased to announce that tenders are being invited for the construction of the Kongulai Water Treatment Plant and Pipeline Project.
Mbita’ama clinic in the northern region of Malaita province.

Call to Improve Rural Health Facilities

By Jimmy Nolan
People in villages and communities surrounding Mbita’ama in the northern region of Malaita province have expressed disappointment at the level of service at the Mbita’ama clinic.
June Wendy Rarihai was among those that marked this important day. At 34 years of age and having been part of the event for many years, she says this year’s theme is quite different.

Supporting People with Special Needs

By Jeremy Gwao
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was held last week.
A conventional broadband tower will cost between SBD$570,00 to SBD$2 million each to build.

Billions Needed to Build 200 Huawei Towers

By Georgina Kekea
Building 200 broadband towers across the country will cost the government Billions of dollars.
“I want to appeal to all members of the public that they should not be alarmed when they see RSIPF drones in the public,” says Commissioner Mangau.

RSIPF Advises Public of its New Drone Capability

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public throughout the country that it will be using police drones during upcoming operations.
Any abnormal or suspicious activities such as these, must immediately be reported to the authorities, the police or health so that information can reach authorities for relevant and appropriate action.

All Three Foreigners Detained Tested Negative for COVID-19

COVID-19 test results returned negative for all the three foreigners who are currently being detained with their two yachts for an alleged illegal entry into Solomon Borders.
Jesse standing beside his ray boat, behind him is Taro Island the capital of Choiseul Province.

Building a Business from Scratch

By Jeremy Gwao
Patience is a virtue, and Jesse Pitano'e is a perfect example of this age-old adage.
Sogavare in parliament says while DCGA is aware of the great need to bring in genuine investors, it also remains committed to protect its citizens with special attention to indigenous communities and resource owners.

Government Proposes Amendment to Constitution

By Georgina Kekea
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government is proposing an amendment to the constitution.
Dr Lachlan Strahan and Auditor General Peter Lokay celebrate by cutting a cake.

Auditor General’s Operations COVID Resilient, Thanks to Australia

The Office of the Auditor General will be able to continue its important function as the last line of defence for public funds thanks to the new video conferencing equipment provided by the Australian Government.
Investigations have already commenced to establish the reasons for their illegal entry as well as on any Covid-19 related breaches the crew may have committed.

Statement on the Illegal Entry of Two Yachts

By Prime Ministers Office Media Release
Two overseas Yachts that entered the country illegally, have been seized and detained by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Customs Authorities and they are now anchored outside Customs House in Point Cruz.
The Committee also explains that Constituency offices have also assisted to collect and deliver the ESP support to recipients be it cash and materials.

ESP UPDATES: More Applications Approved, Payments Made

Hundreds of applications for the Government’s Economic Stimulus Package have been approved by the ESP Committee.
Despite numerous calls by NGO’s CSO’s and international bodies including media bodies for the government to rethink its decision, the government had decided to go ahead with its decision to suspend Facebook.

Government Seals Decision on Facebook

By Georgina Kekea
The government is adamant that Facebook will be temporarily suspended in Solomon Islands.
"Social media postings can be against the law if they discriminate against, harass, bully or racially vilify a person, incite violence or is used to threaten other persons or procure or aide any acts contrary to law."

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE HON. MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION AND AVIATION ON THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FACEBOOK

Good Morning/Afternoon Solomon Islands. Greetings to you all.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will be submitting the COVAX application to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] on 5 December 2020”, Sogavare says.

Solomon Islands to Make Submission for COVID-19 Vaccine

By Georgina Kekea
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will be making a submission to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] for a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Nobody questions the power of the Cabinet to make this decision. However, the public rightfully questions why the need to lie to the nation about it. That is how interests of foreign nations have become a source of disunity in our nation. The PM must take responsibility for it”, Wale told parliament.

Opposition Leader Blasts Government on Policy Decisions

By Georgina Kekea
Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale says the geopolitical competition must not become a source of tension in the country. Speaking on the floor of parliament during the Sine Die motion, Wale says the government must not allow the nation’s unity to be challenged by interests of outside powers.
The Bina Harbour Onshore Processing Plant and the Aruligo Tilapia Aquaculture Center in Guadalcanal are the two flagship projects implemented by the Ministry as national projects that are projected to enhance fisheries activities for people.

Work on Bina Harbour Onshore Processing Plant Underway

Initial work on the proposed Bina Harbour Onshore Processing plant in Malaita Province has begun this year regardless of the negative impacts of covid-19 on the country.

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