Latest News Archive August 2020
MASI SGM Successful: Two Additional Board Members
THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has successfully held its Special General Meeting (SGM) on Sunday 30th of August 2020.
New Law For Public Health Emergency Being Looked At
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic and social problems the World over, it has also given rise to questions on how countries should respond to contain the virus - legally.
EU Provides Solomon Islands EUR 8 million to Heighten Service Delivery of Provincial Governments
The European Union and the Government of Solomon Islands have today signed a new Financing Agreement, which will see the EU provide EUR 8 million or nearly SBD 78 million to the Government of Solomon Islands to strengthen the Provincial Government’s governance system for service delivery within the provinces.
NRH Commissions 4 New Pediatric Oxygen Concentrators
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) last week Friday commissioned four new paediatric oxygen concentrators donated by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) in which the E-Club of Greater Sydney raised the funds for the donation totalling to over 5,500 AUD (more than 33,000 SBD).
NZ Seasonal Worker Talks of Experience
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 400 Solomon Islands seasonal workers have been repatriated from New Zealand.
Border Crossers Sent Back to Bougainville
Authorities from the covid-19 Joint Operation at the Western border with Papua New Guinea have released on Saturday (29 August) the two Bougainvilleans arrested and detained at Kulitanai Police Post in the Shortland Islands after meeting all covid-19-free conditions.
Solomon Airlines Reduce Staff by 20% Due to Impact of COVID-19
Solomon Airlines has today confirmed the company will regrettably reduce its workforce by approximately 20 percent making 59 staff positions redundant due to the prolonged impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the airline’s operations.
Avuavu Mini Hospital Near Completion
People of Weathercoast will soon access better health services. By November this year, work should be complete on the newly constructed Avuavu mini hospital.
Busted At The Border: Two Fishermen From Bougainville Arrested and Quarantined
Two fishermen from Bougainville were arrested and charged for crossing into the Solomon Islands border on Wednesday 26th August, 2020.
Dr. Tautai Calls on Government to Act
Rennell Bellona (Renbel) Parliament Representative Hon. Dr Tautai Agikimua Kaitu’u calls on the National Government to prioritize the implementation of key infrastructure projects in his constituency.
Cabinet Approves China, Philippines Repatriation Flights
Cabinet at its meeting today yesterday has approved the repatriation flights to Guangzhou in China and to Manila in the Philippines.
UK Supports Pacific Countries in Fight Against COVID-19
Solomon Islands stands to benefit from the recently announced covid-19 fund by the United Kingdom.
Risky But Worth It: The Challenges Of Women Empowerment in Rural Areas
“Gathering rural women to participate in such a gathering or forum can be quite challenging”, says Jacinta.
Deputy Police Commissioner Meets With Officers at the Western Border
The Deputy Police Commissioner Operations in the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Juanita Matanga held a musters with the front line officers at the Kulitanai Police Post in the Shortland Islands in Western Province on 25 August 2020 to thank them for their work despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 operation.
PM Guest at Renbel Day Celebrations in Tingoa
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was the guest of honour at the Rennell/Bellona Second Appointed Day celebrations at the Provincial Capital, Tingoa, held yesterday.
RSIPF Meets With Council of Chiefs on Mono Island
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Deputy Commissioner Operations Juanita Matanga has met with the Council of Chiefs on Mono Island in the Western Province on 25 August 2020 to discuss the issue of access to islands for police operations at the western border during the COVID-19 State of Public Emergency.
JANUS Arrests and Charges Woman for Allegedly Stealing SBD$1.3 Million
JANUS, the Joint Task Force between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) yesterday (25 August 2020) arrested and charged a Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) employee.
Shortland Leaders Call on Landowning Groups to Support COVID-19 Frontliners
Leaders of Shortland Islands in the Western Province have encouraged landowning tribes in the area to support the frontline workers in view of the ongoing covid-19 operations at the border region.
Access to Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation Lacking in Rural Areas
Proper coverage and access to clean water supply is lacking in rural areas in the Solomon Islands.
Temporary Ban on Imports of Poultry Products From Australia
The government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Biosecurity Department has temporarily banned importation of poultry products from Australia.
Women in Central Province Meet to Address Challenges
The first of the provincial women's forum is now underway in Tulagi, Central Islands province.
FFA: Aerial Surveillance Critical For Monitoring of Our EEZs
Fisheries Ministers at their 17th Forum Fisheries Committee meeting on 6-7 August recognized the importance of aerial surveillance, including through the Pacific Maritime Security Program-Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (PMSP/FFA), after noting the increased risk of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
PM in Tingoa to Attend Renbel Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has arrived in Tingoa, this morning ahead of the Rennell/Bellona Second Appointed celebrations tomorrow (Wednesday 26th August 2020).
Police Commissioner Urges Public to Report Officers That Demand On The Spot Fines
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to members of the public to report to their nearest police station any officer who demands an on-the-spot fine for any alleged offences.
Climate Change Is Real For Us
In villages throughout Solomon Islands, particularly coastal communities, one does not need science to prove the impact of climate change. Sea level rise is the most notable impact of climate change.
Ministry of Education Expands Learning Tools
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) have stepped up its game in providing resources for students at this time of COVID-19.
Returning Nationals Commend Government’s COVID-19 Response
“I must commend the Government and Supporting Agencies for their response approach to stem the deadly virus from reaching our shores,” Dr. Levi Hou, one of the hundreds of returning Solomon Islands national who have undergone the mandatory 14-days quarantine process said.
24 Year Old Man Arrested for Raping Relative
Officers at the Atori Police Station in Malaita Province have arrested a 24-year-old male suspect following the alleged rape of a 17-year-old female at Hale Village in East Kwara’ae on 25 July 2020.
Police Reach Out to Students at Burns Creek
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the National Crime Prevention Department (NCPD) visited and conducted awareness talk at Burns creek Adventist High School and primary school and Tuvaruhu School in Honiara on 21 August 2020.
Uncertainty Looms for University Students in 2021
It is still uncertain whether government sponsored students repatriated back to the country will continue with their education in various regional institutions in 2021.
SIG Approves Tax Refund for Mobile Top-Ups Used as YouSave Deposits
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Harry Kuma has approved tax refunds for airtime credits (mobile top-ups) used as youSave deposits.
“Stay Out of Trouble”: Police Boss Warns ‘Crips and Bloods’
The Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau has warned youths in Honiara to stay away from so-called gang groups like crips and bloods.
Mangau Clarify Police Recruitment Process
Police Commissioner, Mr. Mostyn Mangau has disputed claims that the police recruitment process was compromised.
Charter Flight Arrives With 24 Nationals
A total of 24 nationals have arrived at the Henderson International Airport this evening 6:00 PM local time on board a Solomon Airlines chartered flight.
Infrastructure is Our Lifeline: SICCI
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) pitched its support behind the large pipeline of infrastructure projects as being a key factor in the country’s economic recovery.
Police Commissioner Mangau Makes First Visit to Western Border with PNG
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Mangau paid his first visit to the Western and Choiseul provinces this week to show the seriousness that he as the new Commissioner considers the role that RSIPF plays in keeping the western border with Papua New Guinea safe from any entry of the COVID-19 from Bougainville.
Manning: China Flight Cancelled
A flight from China, scheduled to arrive yesterday in Port Moresby, was cancelled by Controller David Manning.
Solomon Airlines Plans to Operate Special Charter to Samoa, Vanuatu and PNG
With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government and subject to regulatory approval from the relevant foreign governments, Solomon Airlines is planning to operate a series of private charter flights 23 and 24 August serving Australia, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
Five New Medical Ventilators Officially Handed to Ministry of Health
Five new medical ventilators have been officially handed to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) yesterday morning to strengthen its COVID-19 preparedness.
Australian-made COVID-19 Vaccine Could be Rolled Out in the Pacific and South-East Asia
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine to the Pacific and some South-East Asian countries if Australia develops a supply of working drugs.
Address All Leakages in Revenue Collection: Wale
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Mathew Wale welcomed the DCGA government’s decision to set up a taskforce to plug possible leakages in the government’s revenue collection.
Minister Giro Opens Renovated Observer Program Office Building
Staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) witnessed the opening of a newly renovated building that will house the Observer Program office.
Solomon Airlines Confirms Cargo Flight Between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
With the approval of the Papua New Guinea and New Zealand Governments, Solomon Airlines on Monday operated a cargo only flight between Auckland and Port Moresby after being awarded the contract to do so.
New Zealand Boost Anti-corruption Efforts in the Pacific
A new Pacific-wide anti-corruption partnership has been launched between the Government of New Zealand and the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, in an effort to improve the livelihoods of people in 13 Pacific Island countries.
Memorable Malaita Day for Lui
Malaita day this year will go down as one of the best, says Benjamin Lui, a young long-distance runner.
PRC Refutes Involvement in Port Moresby Flight
An official in the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Honiara has refuted claims the Solomon Airlines Airbus was in Port Moresby to bring the PRC’s head of mission and officials to Solomon Islands.
“Malaita, Our Home Our Pride”: Premier Suidani
“Powers given to the people must be honored and celebrated with pride”, says Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani.
Virtual Concert Unites Pacific with the World in Battling COVID-19
From across the region, the UN in the Pacific brought together artists UN leaders, heads of State and international celebrities in the world’s first regional COVID-19 concert.
Solomon Islands Under Enormous Pressure to Keep COVID-19 Away
Five months into the whole of SIG Response to COVID-19, daily debriefing and observations have confirmed officials gradually experiencing fatigue.
Gov’t Steps-up Border Security: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Government has stepped up border security around the country’s international maritime boundaries.
Police Raids Kwaso Producers in West Honiara
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Honiara City Central Police Station mounted a successful raid at the Karaina settlement in West Honiara confiscating 2,000 litres of kwaso valued about $10,000.00 on 13 August 2020.
Women’s Premier League Kicks Off With Wins for Koloale, RSIPF, Naha and Renbel Ibis
Koloale FC defeated a well-drilled Frigates United side 2-0 to kickoff of the much anticipated 2020 Solrais Women’s Premier League at the DC Park Oval on Saturday 15 August 2020.
Repatriation Flight Cancelled as Laboratory Staff Faces Fatigue
The repatriation flight scheduled for 16th August 2020 has been cancelled.
DPM Assures Malaita Province of Gov’t Support
Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has assured the Malaita provincial government that the National Government will continue to work with them.
DPM Urge Malaitan’s to Take Pride in their Contributions to SI
Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has encouraged Malaitan’s to celebrate the province’s second appointed day with remembrance and pride.
Crips and Bloods in Honiara?
Los Angeles is approximately 10,000 kms away from Honiara (or 21 hours by plane) but the gang culture that emerged in LA in the 1960s has reached Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Or so it seems.
MASI Concern Over Disregard of Workers and Businesses in the Media Industry
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is concerned about the rising dismissal of workers in the media industry.
Australia Supports Solomon Islands Get Into Rugby (GIR) Program
With sport back underway in provincial areas of Solomon Islands, Solomon Island Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) was delighted to receive yesterday a shipment of new Get into Rugby (GIR) equipment, supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports program.
Building Capacity of People with Special Needs to Join Efforts Against COVID-19
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is delighted this week to have supported the initiatives of People with Disabilities Solomon Islands to raise awareness of COVID-19 to their target groups, mainly people with special needs across the country.
Dr. Transform Aqorau Joins SINU as Visiting Professor
Our very own and a renowned academic and SI appointed Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Transform Aqorau joins the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) as visiting Professor at the newly established Institute of Ocean, Islands, and Sustainable Development.
Fresh Orders Issued in Bougainville Following Positive COVID-19 Test
The Controller of the Bougainville COVID-19 State of Emergency, Deputy Commissioner and Chief of the Bougainville Police Service, Francis Tokura, has issued two separate orders on Monday, in response to the first case of the COVID-19 virus and the election which got underway yesterday.
PSO Multi-provincial International Youth Day Celebration
International Youth Day is commemorated every year on August 12th. This year, the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) is celebrating by bringing together young people for a cross city screening of local production ‘Juvenile’ and dialogue on youth justice, under the theme Youth Engagement for Global Action.
Pacific Countries Encouraged to Utilize Funding Options Under Green Climate Fund
“You can quarantine COVID-19 but climate change cannot be quarantined” PIFS Climate Change Finance Adviser, Exsley Taloiburi says.
Young People Our Untapped Resource: PM
Our rapidly burgeoning youth population represents a huge untapped resource that can be transformed into effective nation builders.
Work on Economic Stimulus Package Continues
Screening, approval and disbursement process of all applications for the Economic stimulus package is still continuing.
A Tale of Perseverance and Struggle
Finding a job in Solomon Islands can be quite challenging. In the country, unemployment serves as one of the indicators of economic status.
Bougainville Proceeds with Elections Amid First COVID-19 Case
Bougainville is heading to the polls today amid its first case of the COVID-19. This is the 4th General Election of Papua New Guinea’s autonomous region, since attaining autonomy arrangements in 2001.
Infrastructure Projects Progress Slowly Despite Pandemic: PM
Donor supported projects under the Ministry of Infrastructure & Development (MID) are gradually progressing despite the pandemic.
Fatboys Resort Push for Local Tourism
Tourism operator, Fatboys resort is hoping more emphasis is placed on domestic tourism.
Itinerary for Charter Flight to China Still Under Discussion
Government is still to present a set arrangement for the historical China flight on the 29th of August 2020. Solomon Airlines has been arranged to carry out this charter flight.
MAL, MCILI and Australia High Commission Launch Cocoa Book for Villages
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Australian High Commission launched a book that teaches remote communities how to grow and process cocoa into a range of food products that can be sold in villages and markets.
Prime Minister Calls for Greater Cooperation at the Border
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called for a stronger and more effective cooperation between the National Government and provincial governments.
COVID-19 Emergency Controller for Bougainville Calls for Calm
The COVID-19 Emergency Controller for Bougainville is calling for calm across the region following reports of a first case in the region.
Sup-sup Garden Initiative Shows ‘Impressive Progress’
The Organic Backyard Gardening (sup-sup garden) activity that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) is implementing has made impressive development.
Cocoa Provides Lifeline for Rural Women
Mothers are said to be the backbone of families no matter how much they struggle, most often than not they do so silently.
Fisheries Ministers Strengthen their Commitment to Regional Cooperation amid Pandemic
Fisheries Ministers from member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have expressed serious concern about the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their domestic economies.
Confirmed Case of COVID-19 Recorded on Bougainville
PNG’s National Control Centre for COVID-19 confirmed 25 new positive cases of COVID-19 today, 24 from the national capital and 1 from Bougainville.
PM Recognizes Tough Journey Faced by Provincial Governments
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged that it has not been an easy journey for all provincial governments over the years.
Solomon Islands Receives Medical Supplies from ADB and UNICEF
Personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and procured by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are being delivered to Solomon Islands to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Kokona Women Splash out $100K from Savings
Women of Kokona Community in West Guadalcanal on Tuesday revealed a year-long worth of their savings club, with a remarkable display of SBD$103,465 (USD$12,570).
Japan supports UNICEF to Protect Children and Communities in Solomon Islands Against COVID-19 Pandemic
UNICEF welcomes a US$347,000 funding from the Government of Japan to boost on-going COVID-19 preparedness efforts in the Solomon Islands.
COVID Economic Impact Devastating for the Pacific Region
The economic impact of covid-19 in the pacific region is said to be devastating.
EU Supporting Efforts to Improve Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Solomon Islands
The European Union has this week released the final payment of EUR 6,450,000 (nearly SBD 60,000,000) to the Government of Solomon Islands as part of its partnership signed with the Government in 2014 to improve access to water and sanitation in rural areas, under the European Development Fund (10th EDF).
Australia’s High Commissioner Strahan Pays Courtesy Visit on PM Sogavare
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr. Lachlan Strahan made an official call on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday.
Partnership Brings Hope for Rural Women Farmers
Rural women farmers in the Guadalcanal Plains has expressed gratitude to the government through the Ministry of the Agriculture and Livestock for bringing market opportunities right down to their doorsteps.
Coconut Working Group Appreciates Opportunity to Voice Concerns with PIMEU
The Export Industry Development Department of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on Friday 31 July facilitated a consultation meeting between business operators from the coconut industry and representatives from the Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
COVID-19 Impacts Lead Agenda for FFA Fisheries Ministerial Meeting
The first ever Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial meeting to be held online opens tomorrow, with the impacts of COVID-19 on the regional tuna fishery at the top of the agenda.
Tax Administrative Incentives for Businesses
The Solomon Islands Government through the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) is looking at granting tax administrative incentives to businesses that are seriously affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic as part of its economic response plan.
OFC Will Invest $43 million into Football Development
OFC Will Invest an Unprecedented $43 million Directly into Football Development in 2021 and 2022.
Challenges Faced Without a Clinic
“One time they had to carry a sick man in a copra bag uphill to the clinic because there was no stretcher”, Nester Iputu tells.
Riding The Waves in Choiseul
The sea is his road and the waves, current and winds his signs.
Regional Fisheries Body PNA Faring well
CEO of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), Ludwig Kumoru says PNA is still faring well despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Father Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of 15-yr-old Daughter
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi in Central Province have arrested and charged a father on 19 July 2020 with five counts for alleged sexually abusing his 15-year-old daughter.
Chinese Flight May Have Exposed PNG to Coronavirus
The Chinese tycoon Chen Mailin, who landed in Port Moresby on June 21 in a private jet and took off two days later, did not observe the 14-day compulsory quarantine protocols.
Mystery Seeds Arriving in US Said to be From Solomon Islands
The United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA) is said to be investigating suspicious packets containing seeds from China and the Solomon Islands.
PM Graces Guadalcanal Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has graced the Guadalcanal Province 2nd Appointed Day celebrations at Visale, North West Guadalcanal on Friday.
Western Province Council of Women Connects to Shortland with New Ward Council
The Western Province Council of Women (WPCW) successfully formed another ward council for the women of Shortland Islands, a milestone achievement that now directly connects women from both the inner and outer regions of the district.