Latest News Archive May 2020
Pasifiki Career Guide Wraps Up
A career guide program for young people was successfully held in the month of May.
Wale Calls on Government to Appoint Commissioner of Police
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to fill the vacant Commissioner of Police position.
Kealoe Resigns, Joins Government
Member of Parliament for Malaita Outer Islands and Opposition MP, Hon. Martin Kealoe has switched allegiance to the ruling Government.
First In-country Covid-19 Test Negative: PM
The first in country testing for COVID-19 has turned out negative.
Gizo Quarantine Site Ready
A quarantine site in Gizo has been identified and now awaits final inspection.
Youths and Farmers Encouraged to Apply for ESP
All youths and rural farmers in the country are encouraged to apply for assistance from the COVID - 19 Economic Stimulus Package, ESP.
Economic Stimulus Committee Reaches Out to Rural Communities
The Solomon Islands Government’s committee looking after the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package (Covid-19 ESP) are currently reaching out to rural communities.
Enough Lobbying: DCGA Caucus
The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) Caucus is making a call to the Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr, to kindly cease from his ongoing lobbying of MPs from the Government side to support a leadership change.
Attorney General Clarifies 7 Exempted Persons
Attorney General John Muria Junior has clarified that the seven people that were exempted upon arrival during the first repatriation flight early this week were Australian based aircrew.
Only Flight Crew Exempted
Seven flight crew onboard the Solomon Airlines flight were the only inbound people exempted from quarantine in Honiara. It is understood that the flight crew onboard the Solomon Airlines flight are staff from Qantas Airways.
Wale Calls for Waiver of School Fees and Access to Internet for Students
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to prioritize the need to ensure that the education of our young people is not hampered by the current state of emergency.
Uncovering the Untold: SISAC Collecting Stories of Health Impacts in Rural Western Province
A media team from the Solomon Islands Social Accountability Coalition (SISAC) successfully completed a weeklong tour in the Western Province to capture issues faced by rural communities on healthcare access and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breaking the Barriers: School Principal Advocate for Menstrual Hygiene in School
“I want to be a male champion for Menstrual Health Management (MHM) for my school”, Mr. Matia says.
Solomon Islanders in US Hope to be Repatriated Soon
12 Solomon Islanders currently in the United States on a Youth leadership program are hoping to be repatriated back to the country soon.
Norconsult Appointed LTA on Tina River Project
Norconsult is to act as the Lender’s Technical Advisor (LTA) during construction of the Tina River Hydropower Project in Solomon Islands, after being selected for the role by the Government of Solomon Islands and a consortium of Lenders led by the World Bank.
Police Uproot 121 Marijuana Plants
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station and Aola Police Post have uprooted a total of 121 marijuana plants in the Jericho area of East Central Guadalcanal on 24 May 2020.
Village Chief Allegedly Ordered Killing of "Vele"
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station have arrested a male person at Titinge in relation to an alleged murder incident which occurred at Malaisu Village on South Guadalcanal on 20 March 2020.
First Repatriation Flight Arrives: Passengers to Undergo 28-days Quarantine
Solomon Islanders stuck overseas have arrived today at the Henderson International Airport and taken to government Institutional Quarantine Facilities to undergo the mandatory 28 days quarantine.
National Carrier Brings Solomon Islanders Home
Solomon Airlines’ repatriation Flight IE663 took off from Brisbane Airport at 1.13pm today with 80 passengers pleased to be heading home to the Solomon Islands from throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Submissions Open for Economic Stimulus Package
The National Government through its Implementation and Oversight Committee (IOC) is now calling for submissions from interested applicants for funding consideration under the covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
Government and Partners Assess Lock Down Simulation
The National Government and its Partners met recently to workshop on lessons learned from last week’s lock down simulation.
Solomon Airlines Confirms Repatriation Arrangements
With the approval of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji Governments, Solomon Airlines will operate a series of additional international repatriation flights on Wednesday 27 May, 2020.
YECSI and Strongim Bisnis Partner up for Youth Innovation Programme
Given the current global COVID-19 pandemic situation dwindling and affecting ‘business-as-usual’ activities, the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) has come up with an innovative approach to use technology to deliver its services and their new in-house programme “Ennovation Blo Iumi”.
Schools Adjust to New Realities as Classes Resume
Schools have resumed in Honiara, but many will have to rethink how they organize themselves - in the classrooms and outside – practices such as social distancing need to be observed.
Urgency to Strengthen National Health Systems to Respond to NCD: WHO
The threat of COVID-19 has accelerated the urgency and need to strengthen the national health system’s ability to treat and manage patients with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Four Murder Suspects Remanded
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at Lata, Temotu Province have arrested and remanded four murder suspects ranging from 18 to 60 years old in relation to the death of a 50-year-old male on Utupua Island on 31 December 2019.
Kenilorea: Public Service Must Not Be Sidelined
Hon Peter Kenilorea Jr, the MP for East Are Are, has called on the government not to sideline the public service. Kenilorea made this call following the announcement of the government’s stimulus package, which has been publicized at the same time as thousands of public servants are on leave with half-pay.
10,000 Households in Honiara Reached with Covid-19 Information
Over 10,000 households in Honiara have been reached with Covid-19 information through house to house awareness programs.
Government Call for Submissions for Economic Stimulus Support
The call for submissions to access the economic stimulus package will be published starting today, and for the next two weeks.
Flying One of the World's Favourite Aircraft, in the Solomon Islands
On May 20 1965, when the world’s first DHC-6 Twin Otter took to the air in Canada, it rapidly became the model for a tough go-anywhere, do-anything aircraft.
22 Arrested For Breaching Lockdown Order
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have so far arrested 22 suspects for the alleged breaching of the lockdown order under the State of Public Emergency (SoE).
Solomon Airlines Confirms 26 May Repatriation Flight
With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will operate a single repatriation flight from Brisbane to Honiara on Tuesday 26 May, making it possible for Solomon Islands citizens who have been stranded offshore, to return home.
Consider Our Front Liners: PM Appeals to Citizens
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has appealed to citizens that feel their rights have been deprived as a result of the lockdown to think of the front liners that have sacrificed to protect our nation.
Australia Officialy Hands Over Covid-19 Test Machine
Today the Australian High Commission officially handed over the qPCR machine to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Police Starts COVID 19 Lockdown Operation
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) operation to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown in the declared Emergency Zone from Poha to Alligator Creek has begun this morning with officers deployed to assist with movement of people from Honiara City safely to their homes before the lockdown starts at 6 pm this evening.
36 Hour Lockdown Starts 6pm Today
Below are important reminders for the 36-hour lockdown which starts today at 6pm and ends 6am Friday.
Wale Wants Clarity on Alligator Creek Poha Zone
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to take note of the issue raised by the Chief Magistrate on the lack of coordinates for the boundary of the Emergency Zone which now also the area of focus for the upcoming lock down.
SAFENET Preparing for Possible Increase in Domestic Violence During Lockdown
The Solomon Islands government has declared a lockdown period from 6pm Wednesday May 20th to 6am Friday May 22nd, 2020.
Galokale Ousted On Bribery Charges
The MP for South Choiseul Robertson Galokale has been ousted on bribery charges - an election petition was lodged by the former Premier of Choiseul Province, and a candidate in the 2019 national general elections, Jackson Kiloe.
Wale Questions the Recently Signed MOU Between Police and Telekom
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale questions the legality of the MOU signed by Solomon Telekom and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force(RSIPF), to foster exchange of communication related information.
It’s Not a Mock Lockdown: AG Muria
Attorney General (AG) John Muria Junior has clarified that the lockdown is not a mock exercise.
SPM Clarifies Why Lockdown is Necessary
The Government has clarified the question of ‘why it is necessary for a lockdown’.
Government Announces Repatriation of Stranded Nationals
The Government’s Covid-19 Oversight Committee has announced the repatriation of Solomon Islands Nationals who are stranded in Australia and Fiji as a result of flight closures due to Covid-19.
IFC Appoints Smiley Giobauta as New Country Officer for Solomon Islands
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has appointed Smiley Giobauta as Country Officer for Solomon Islands.
Fuel Price Drops, Lowest in Years
Good news for motorists in the country, fuel prices are now at its lowest point in decades – petrol is now at SBD$6.85 per liter and diesel at SBD$7.27 per liter.
What to Expect During 36 Hour Lockdown
A 36-hour lockdown will be imposed this week in the emergency zones of Honiara and on Guadalcanal. The lockdown will start on Wednesday 20th May at 6pm and lifted on Friday 22nd May 6am.
Solomon Airlines is Recognising "International Day of Families"
Solomon Airlines is recognizing 'International Day of Families', observed on the 15th of May every year, by sharing some of the family ties that exist between the airline’s current employees and generations past.
Prepare for a New Normal: Dr Forau
The Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Luke Forau, has launched the 2019 CBSI Annual Report.
Response to Unfair Covid-19 Allowances Claim
In such a time like this when the country is facing a global health pandemic, the lives of each and every one of us very much depend on how we work together and critical to this, is the sharing and dissemination of correct, accurate and contextual information.
MAL SBD$2.4M Funding Support for Local Feed Production and Hatchery
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has signed another exciting project worth SBD2.4 million dollar with Food Works Supplies Ltd for hatchery and feed mill services.
Virtual Consulting Lifeline Created to Help Struggling South Pacific Tourism Operators
High profile Solomon Islands dive tourism entrepreneur, Belinda Botha has stepped up with a timely and proactive helping hand to offer virtual business coaching advice to struggling South Pacific tourism operators - COVID-19 Human Capital Virtual Consulting.
Wale Applauds MPGIS Minister For Reconciliation
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale applauds the government for backing down on plans to suspend the Malaita Provincial executive.
Research Concludes Cash Best Way to Help Solomon Islanders After a Disaster
A new study on the use of cash and voucher assistance in the Solomon Islands found that it has the potential to be one of the most effective and dignified ways to support communities hit by disaster.
Seleso-Suidani Dialogue Cultivates Understanding and Way Forward
The face-to-face dialogue between the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional strengthening, Hon, Rollen Seleso and Malaita Premier Hon. Daniel Suidani Tuesday this week has improved the understanding of both parties in relation legal and administrative issues of concern to both parties.
SPTO Launches COVID-19 Recovery Strategy for Members
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has today launched the “SPTO COVID-19 Recovery Strategy”, which has been developed to guide and support the COVID-19 recovery efforts of SPTO and its members.
Several Quarantine Facilities Closed
The country currently has up to 120 quarantine rooms in place now.
Pubs, Casinos and Kava Bars Re-open for Business
Pubs, kava bars and casinos are now allowed to resume operations. This was revealed by the Attorney General, John Muria Jnr in a radio talkback show on Monday.
Minister Seleso and Premier Suidani Resolve Differences
The Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Rollen Seleso and Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani have resolved recent differences during a meeting in Honiara yesterday.
Drink Driving Tops Traffic Violations in Honiara
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, (RSIPF) National Traffic Department have recorded a total of 49 traffic incidences in the period 1 to 7 May 2020 in Honiara. Compared to the previous week this is an increase of 26 cases.
COVID-19 Has Significantly Affected Enterprises, SICCI Survey Reveals
The COVID-19 crisis has significantly affected enterprises in Solomon Islands.
Solomon Airlines Extends Suspension of International Flights
Following the 23 March announcement that Solomon Airlines scheduled international passenger flights will be suspended until 31 May, 2020, the airline has now extended the suspension a further seven weeks, until 15 July 2020.
MASI VP Says Media Must Continue to Promote National Unity
Vice-President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands Douglas Marau has reminded journalists to continue to promote national unity during this current COVID-19 pandemic.
Increased Breaches of COVID-19 Measures
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) said there are reports people are continually breaching measures imposed by authorities on COVID-19.
Solomon Islands Looks to Satlink Technology to Monitor Fishing Activities
The Solomon Islands’ Government has selected technology developed by Spanish engineering company Satlink, to better monitor and manage fishing activity on longline vessels.
Eight Vehicles Impounded Over Mothers Day Weekend
More than two hundred vehicles were checked during a weekend operation by the police, eight motor vehicles were impounded and drivers charged.
Working Together on the COVID-19 Crisis
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health emergency of unprecedented scale, which is threatening the health, wellbeing and security of all Pacific people. This crisis recognizes no borders and requires leadership, coordination, and cooperation from across our Blue Pacific region.
Celebrate Mother's Day Responsibly
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to those planning to celebrate mothers day tonight to do so responsibly.
GeneXpert Testing Cartridges Will Enable COVID-19 Testing in Solomon Islands
Working together with the World Health Organization (WHO), Australia and New Zealand funded the successful procurement and delivery of highly sought after GeneXpert PCR testing cartridges to Solomon Islands. The batch of cartridges arrived yesterday on a special Solomon Airlines cargo flight.
Australia Formally Hands Over Newly Built Quarantine Units at Henderson Airport
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan officially handed over two special-built pre-fabricated units to the Minister for Health and Medical Services, the Honourable Dickson Mua, at a ceremony at Henderson Airport on Friday.
Leader of Opposition Downplays Threats of Police Investigation
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has dismissed the statement by the Prime Minister’s office that they are referring him to the police for investigation under the emergency Covid-19 regulations.
16 Year Old Arrested for Alleged Rape of 28 Year Old
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) in Auki have arrested a 16-year-old male suspect for raping a 28-year-old female at Afetafa Village in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province on 7 May 2020.
44 People Who Breached Curfew Re-bailed
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has re-bailed 44 people who breached the curfew order under the State of Public Emergency which was enforced from 10 - 11 April in Honiara.
Solomon Telekom and Police Can Now Share Information Under MOU
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Acting Commissioner Mostyn Mangau today signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Solomon Telekom Company Limited (STCL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arthur Yen during a brief ceremony at Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara.
Mother Of Three Becomes First Person From Village To Graduate With Masters
Leonora Houma has overcome more than most to complete her Master of Education at the University of Waikato, and she hopes it shows other young Solomon Islanders what can be achieved.
Malaita Leaders Denounce Offensive Video, Offers Apology Through Traditional Shell Money
Malaitan MPs from the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) today, handed ‘Tafuliaes’ to the Prime Minister, his family and to the Government MPs from Choiseul and other constituencies in the Western Solomon region.
World Bank Approves USD$15 Million to Assist Solomon Islands
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$15 million Development Policy Operation for Solomon Islands that will seek to strengthen public financial management while enabling the government to meet the costs of COVID-19 preparedness.
Collaborating With RSIPF Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has assured the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) of its support on behalf of businesses during this time of State of Public Emergency (SOPE) as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Police Investigates Attempted Armed Robbery
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station are investigating an alleged attempted armed robbery incident which occurred at the Galego Resource Company Bahomea logging camp in Central Guadalcanal on 2 May 2020.
SBD$71 Million Funding Support From Australia
Australia has officially delivered SBD$71 million to the Solomon Islands Government to boost COVID-19 preparedness and response activities.
Demand for Seeds High, First Handover Done
A high number of Honiara residents are asking for seedlings from the National Agriculture and Livestock Research Development Centre (NARLDC).
COVID-19 Awareness on Guadalcanal Close to Complete
COVID-19 awareness on Guadalcanal is expected to complete by the end of May.
Government Respond to Opposition Leader's Press Statement
The Leader of opposition is hereby advised by the Solomon Islands Government not to mislead or confuse the Public on the China-Taiwan issue as related to the Malaita Premier.
Betel Nut Vendor's Plea for Empathy
The current ban on informal markets is taking its toll on families.
As Recession Looms Country Looks to the Economic Stimulus
The writing is on the wall, experts are pointing to a historic economic downturn. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) say worldwide gross domestic product will shrink by 3.0 percent in 2020, compared to an initial January projection of 3.3 percent growth.
Niue Launches New Tourism Campaign to Aid Recovery
“Let’s say Fakaalofa lahi atu again soon” is the heartfelt wish central to a marketing campaign launched by Niue Tourism.
Debating Constitutional Change in Samoa
Critics claim Covid-19 is used as a cover, but proposed changes to raise the status of custom have a long history.
Opposition Group Cautions Government
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale cautions the government against the threat to suspend the Malaita Provincial Executive.
Agreement Finalized on Travel ‘Bubble’ Between NZ and Australia
Australia and New Zealand have reached a formal agreement to establish a trans-Tasman travel “bubble” as soon as it is safe to allow flights between the two countries.
Wale Calls for Early Resumption of Classes at SINU
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to review the decision to delay the resumption of classes to 3rd August 2020.
Tourism Recovery Perspective for Vanuatu Following Covid and Harold
In mid-January 2020, Vanuatu formed a National Coronavirus Taskforce to begin preparing the country for the growing global health pandemic.
Guadalcanal Premier Unhappy with Overlapped Boundaries in SOE Orders
The Guadalcanal Honorable Premier, Mr. Francis Sade, had voiced his frustrations and appealed to the National Government to correct the boundaries declared under the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 on March 27.
“Do Not Ignore Auki Communique,” Malaita Premier Cautions Leaders
The Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani said he is disappointed to learn that a national MP saw it fit to bring in China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation - CECC - and conducted feasibility study on Malaita North East Road from Fouia to Manu.
United Stand For A COVID-19 Free Solomon Islands
Five Ministers joined the Australian High Commissioner, high-level Solomon Islands Government Officials, the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and senior representatives of the Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police on a visit to the Shortlands Islands on Saturday 2 May.
Waititi to Direct and Co-write New Star Wars movie
Taika Waititi has been confirmed as the director of a new Star Wars film.
Fiji Reels from Dengue as it Recovers from Covid-19 and Cyclone
Fiji's Government says there are more than 700 cases of dengue in the country and most of them have been found in the northern and central divisions.
Dental Service Available but for Emergency Only: HCC
Public dental health service in Honiara has been scaled down.
Prime Minister Sogavare Launch Economic Stimulus Plan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare today launched the Solomon Islands Economic Stimulus Package at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
Push Up Challenge for Mental Health Raises Funds
It's about hitting two birds with one stone, or in this case, two worthy cause with one small gesture.
Entrepreneurship Way To Go Says Guadalcanal Women
A life skills training was successfully carried out by the Guadalcanal Provincial Council of Women (GPCW).
Guadalcanal Province Propose New Market Site
Guadalcanal province is seeking to establish a vegetable market at the west end of Honiara, purposely to serve the community of West Honiara and restart much needed economic activity for farmers.