Latest News Archive September 2020

“So when such initiatives of a press conference are made, it will also greatly assist the journalists in how they work in their respective newsrooms. Less time will be spent in chasing relevant government representatives to respond to comments or issues raised by the public”.

MASI Thanks Government for Organising Weekly Press Conference

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) wishes to thank the government for the initiative of a weekly press conference.
“Definitely the second flight will go but we will look at options to bring them on a larger aircraft”, Rodgers says.

Government May Look to Air Niugini for Philippines Repatriation Flight

By Georgina Kekea
Government will possibly turn to Air Niugini for the next repatriation flight for students from the Philippines.
Wale Slams PM over Climate Change Speech

Wale Slams PM over Climate Change Speech

Opposition Leader, Hon. Matthew Wale has slammed the Prime Minister’s United Nations General Assembly speech on climate change early this week.
“Since the Taiwan farm closed my labourers no longer receive training, so there is poor quality and low productivity in the farm."

Farmer Calls for Support to Boost Productivity

By Jimmy Nolan
There is growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables in Honiara, and farmers are calling for support to boost productivity.
This initiative has identified 120 women throughout Solomon Islands. This was followed by an election in each of the provinces and in Honiara city which has resulted in the election of 11 Outstanding Women.

Women’s Leadership Workshop Brings Together Outstanding Women from the Provinces

Women empowerment remains more vital as Covid-19 is impacting societies and vulnerable people at their very core, deepening the pre-existing inequalities including gender.
He says that Solomon Island’s fight against Covid-19 has always been about the people and their collective resolve in prayer in keeping Covid-19 away from our shores.

Wale Welcomes Students’ Home: “Let’s Continue Praying for the Country”

Opposition Leader, Hon. Matthew Wale joins all concerned citizens and parents in welcoming home our Philippine based students.
He says as part of the Stimulus Package, four schools namely Selwyn College, Betikama College, St. Joseph’s Tenaru, and St. Martin’s Rural Training Centre have also received $400,000 to support them in agriculture and cassava farming.

Sogavare Explains Stimulus Roll Out

By Georgina Kekea
The government cannot support everyone in the economic stimulus package.
The returning students will be accommodated at government managed Quarantine Stations (QS) at Guadalcanal Beach Resort and Chengs Building both located in East Honiara.

Students in Philippines Arrive Today

The first group of students will arrive on the first repatriation flight from the Philippines today 5:00 pm local time.
“Lack of clarity in our laws leaves room for abuse and corrupt practice by loggers who are only interested in serving their own interests."

Wale Calls on Government to Stop Tubi Exploitation

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to review and amend the laws dealing with logging and our protected wildlife species including tubi, and to put in place heavy punishments for loggers found breaking the law.
From left MHMS Under Secretary Health Care Dr. Gregory Jilini, Health Legal Officer Yvonne Ogaoga, MPNS Deputy Secretary Maktas Forau, Premier of Western Province Hon. David Gina, Attorney-General John Muria Jr. and Provincial Secretary Western Province Jeffery Wickham.

PHEB Taskforce Led by Attorney General Visit Western Provincial Premier

The Public Health Emergency Bill (PHEB) Taskforce team led by the Attorney-General John Muria (Jnr) paid a courtesy visit to the Premier of Western Provincial Government Honorable David Gina yesterday.
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for students in the Philippines is now 18.

Another Four Student in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that another four student studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.

Two Bougainvillians Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Police Officers in Choiseul Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Taro in Choiseul Province have arrested two Bougainvillean men aged 28 and 32 for assaulting a police officer in the cause of the officer’s duty during an incident on 25 September 2020.
The suspect escaped after the incident and is still at large, police appeals for information and assistance from the public.

Wife Allegedly Stabs Husband’s Girlfriend: Police

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at the Naha Police Station are investigating an alleged unlawful wounding incident involving two women in Honiara on 22 September 2020.
The food relief covered about 5000 inhabitants, approximately 792 households in Luaniua, Pelau in Ontong Java Atoll and Sikaiana Atoll.

MOI Food Relief Distribution and COVID-19 Scoping Mission a Success

National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) completed food relief for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) early this month following assessment by the Malaita Province Livelihood Committee, benefiting nearly 5000 inhabitants.
Supizae Beach Bungalow, one of the sites in Choiseul Province.

Construction Materials Sent for Shortland-Choiseul Quarantine Stations

Construction materials to upgrade Quarantine Stations in Choiseul and Shortland Islands has been shipped a fortnight ago.
Manemahaga says the verification process took longer than they anticipated, thus the delay in the roll out of ESP for applicants.

Stimulus Package to Roll Out This Week

By Georgina Kekea
Recipients for the economic stimulus package are expected to be contacted this week.
Sogavare says whilst dealing with a pandemic of global proportions, Solomon Islands continues to battle with the incremental effects of climate change and the negative impacts it has on the livelihood, security and well being of its people.

Solomon Islands Calls on Countries to Continue to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

By Georgina Kekea
“Solomon Islands will continue to reduce its carbon footprint”, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Maka’a said tackling misinformation is a challenge because of how fast bad news spreads.

Tackling Misinformation a Real Challenge: Maka’a

Tackling misinformation online is a real challenge, a Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) executive says.
According to the ADTI, adventure tourism activities include bird watching, camping, caving, climbing, kayaking, white-water rafting, sailing, scuba diving, surfing and trekking.

Solomon Islands Improves Adventure Tourism Ranking

While Coronavirus (COVID-19) has severely impacted the Solomon Islands tourism industry, the country has nevertheless achieved strong success in improving its global ranking as a destination for adventure tourism.
Philippines has recorded a total of 297,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 5,127 deaths. 232,000 have recovered from the deadly virus.

Funding Assistance to Bring Students in Philippines Home Transparent: Government

In the true tenets of good governance, transparency and accountability, government says it has detailed funding assistance from local companies who responded positively to assist governement in bringing the students in Philippines home.
This is not the first-time projects are being used by public officials to siphon money for private use, and it will not be the last.

Waisisi Wairokai Palm Oil Project Under Spotlight Again

By News Desk
In 2017 the Solomon Star released a two-part article on the Waisisi Wairokai Palm Oil project.
SICCI CEO Elect, Ms Natalina Hong says Government procurement process is an important relationship between government and businesses.

SICCI Holds Procurement Workshop for Private Sector

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) recognizes the need to support businesses and companies to better understand Government’s procurement process as the private sector plays a vital role in goods and services delivery to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands.
It is alleged that Hon. Dettke was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle when he veered off the west bound lane, breaking the median stripe fence in front of the Central Market Plaza.

RSIPF Arrests and Charges Hon. Dettke for Careless Driving

The National Traffic Department of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today (24 September 2020) charged the Member of Parliament for North-West Guadalcanal Hon. Bodo Dettke for careless driving following a traffic incident he was involved in at the Honiara Central Market area on 8 August 2020.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and other government MPs welcome Hon. Samson Maneka.

Maneka Joins Government

Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency, Hon. Samson Maneka has switched allegiance to the ruling Government.
"My job is the same as others, I get paid every fortnight, and I use that to support my family, so I am not ashamed."

Cleaning Other Peoples Mess is My Job

By Jimmy Nolan
He says one should never be ashamed of their job. If someone has a job that provides for one’s family than that is all that matters.
“The Solomon Islands government has decided to transform the forestry sector into a sustainable industry."

New Forestry Policy Seeks to Control Rate of Harvest

By Georgina Kekea
The newly launched National Forest Policy is hoped to assist the government manage and sustain the country’s forest resources.
SICCI Media & Communications Officer, Mr Philip Lilomo said the Chamber recognizes the value of building the capacity of the country’s media workers to report well on the business sector.

SICCI Hosts Media Business Reporting Workshop

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) through its Media and Communications Department successfully hosted a one-day Business and Economic Reporting Workshop on Friday 18 September, 2020.
"The United States will await the results of the ongoing Royal Solomon Island Police Force investigation and stands by to offer our support if needed," Ambassador McKee said.

US Embassy in PNG Awaits Result of Investigations into Bomb Explosion

The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is awaiting the outcome of the report into the explosion that killed two bomb specialists in Tasahe, West Honiara.
The signing of the MOAs was made in the presence of the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Chanel Iroi and SGP National Coordinator Teiba Mamu.

SGP Support Six Communities to Implement Environmental Projects

Many communities in the Solomon Islands face unique challenges in the protection, management and sustainable use of environmental resources.
Having completed his application Mathew says he is disappointed and feels that they may have wasted their time.

Where is the Stimulus Package?

By Jeremy Gwao
It has been four months since the government’s US$37.5 million stimulus package was announced, and two months since applications for rural areas closed.
She says both the national and provincial governments should limit the number of Bangladeshi shops in their area, as it is directly competing with locals who are also trying to run their own small business.

Bangladeshi Shops Stifles Rural Business: Locals Say

By Jimmy Nolan
The increasing numbers of Bangladeshi owned and operated shops in the outskirts of Guadalcanal has raised concerns among rural local business owners.
Governor General Sets Date for By-Election

Governor General Sets Date for By-Election

Voters from North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara Constituencies will go to the polls on the 18th of November to elect their members of parliament.
Western province and Choiseul province U-14 boys and girls team arrived this morning for the SIFF Just Play U-14 National Championship in Honiara.

SIFF Just Play U-14 National Championship Groups Confirmed

The dates are set, the groups have been drawn, and teams are arriving in Honiara for the first ever SIFF Just Play U-14 National Championship.
Front liners on Monday this week had also undergone a mock exercise here in Honiara ahead of the first repatriation flight this Sunday.

We Are Ready for our Students’ Arrival From Philippines: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said ‘we are prepared’ for the arrival of our students from Philippines.
He says that in 2018 kava production on Guadalcanal was 1.2 metric tonnes, compare that to other provinces like Isabel which recorded 12 metric tonnes during the same period.

Kava Farmers on Guadalcanal Benefit from Training

By Jimmy Nolan
The Guadalcanal agriculture division recently conducted a weeklong training for kava farmers on Guadalcanal.
Huawei, once removed from a contract in Solomon Islands, is most likely approached by the government to build the 200-telecommunication towers while China is the most likely financier for this project.

Huawei In Talks with Government to Build 200 Telecommunication Towers

By Georgina Kekea
Chinese tech giant Huawei is in advanced talks with the government to build 200 telecommunication towers around the country.
"We must be creative, so we use sticks, stones and whatever we can find from our homes or outside the classrooms."

Sticks and Stones for Learning: “These Kids Deserve More”

By Jeremy Gwao
There are gaps on the classroom walls, during rainy days water seeps through the cracks, and muddies the unpaved floor.
Chris Hapa Chairman Tourism Solomons, PM Sogavare and CEO Tourism Solomons Josefa Tuamoto.

Government to Support Tourism Solomons As it Redirects Focus

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured Tourism Solomon’s redirection strategy with its focus on domestic tourism is well within the bounds of the National Government’s policy redirection in the current COVID-19 driven environment.
“It is a decision that the Government of Solomon Islands carefully and thoughtfully made after more than 3 decades of defying the clear position taken by the United Nations, and thereby placed Solomon Islands, as a member of the United Nations, in the right side of History,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare Praises China: Critical of Those Who Oppose

“The switch to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has placed Solomon Islands at the right-side of history, as a member of the United Nations,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said at the opening of the Chinese Embassy in Honiara today.
Police on site conducting investigation at the likely cause of the bomb blast.

Area of the Fatal Bomb Blast Now Safe: RSIPF

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) reassures the residents living in and around the location of the fatal bomb blast last night at Tasahe in West Honiara, that they are safe to continue with their normal activities.
Two More Students in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19

Two More Students in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19

By Jimmy Nolan
Two more students in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
"If you leave the hotel you will not be allowed back into the hotel," the Attorney General said.

Government to Students in Philippines: "Break the Rules, Miss the Flight"

The government is urging Solomon Island students studying in the Phillipines to respect the rules while awaiting repatriation flights.

Simulation Exercise Today

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and partner agencies will be conducting a full-scale simulation exercise today.
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and Forensics Department examined the fatal bomb blast yesterday shortly after the incident.

Two Foreign Nationals Killed in Bomb Blast

Two foreign nationals were killed in a bomb blast late yesterday afternoon.
The Solomon Islands, like its Pacific neighbors, do not have the means nor the technical know-how to limit, let alone block, such cyber intrusion.

43 Solomon Islanders Data ‘Harvested,’ Linked to Chinese Tech Firm

A special report from New Zealand’s 1 NEWS has revealed that people across the Pacific Islands, including some who do not even have a presence on the internet, are among those whose personal information has been targeted and linked to China's military and intelligence networks.
He says at this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important people have communication access.

Remote Community in Makira Wants Better Communication Access

By Jimmy Nolan
A youth from Tawaraha in Makira is calling on community leaders and elders to address the issue of communication in their community.
Recent Arrivals from China Released Yesterday

Recent Arrivals from China Released Yesterday

Nationals along with Chinese diplomats, technical advisors, and members of the private sector that came from China two weeks ago have been released yesterday after completing the 14-days quarantine period in good health.
In short, Solomon Islands was not prepared for this, there was no “rainy day” fund we could draw from – no wealth fund, no sovereign fund, no budget surplus. Debt levels were rising well before the virus was declared a pandemic.

COVID-19, the Stimulus and Growing Debt Levels

By News Desk
As we write 12 Solomon Islanders have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Philippines.
Gregory Shares His Passion for Making Shell Money

Gregory Shares His Passion for Making Shell Money

By Jeremy Gwao
Shell money making is perhaps one of the most important cultural items in Melanesia. Langalanga, in Malaita Province, is among the few areas where shell money is still produced
All passengers came with at least 2 negative consecutive COVID-19 test results.

104 New Arrivals in Quarantine

A total of 104 passengers who arrived Tuesday night from Brisbane have now settled down in their designated Quarantine Stations to commence 14-days of quarantine.
RSIPF has informed the necessary authorities in Honiara about the illegal crossing and officers manning the border with PNG in MOI are monitoring the situation.

RSIPF Confirms Illegal Crossing from MOI to Tasman Island in PNG

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) looking after the common border with Papua New Guinea border in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) have reported one male adult from Lord Howe travelled to Tasman Island in the PNG side of the common border illegally on 8 September 2020.
6 More Positive COVID-19 Cases for Students in Philippines

6 More Positive COVID-19 Cases for Students in Philippines

By Georgina Kekea
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that 6 more students studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of positive cases to 12.
Police attend to the crime scene in the foxwood area North Guadalcanal.

Dead Body of Man Found Roadside in North Guadalcanal Identified

Relatives of the man whose dead body was discovered in the middle of the road in the Foxwood area on North Guadalcanal on the night of 13 September 2020 have come forward to identify him following a call from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force early this week.
MHMS’s Dr Yogesh Choudhri during presentation of COVID-19 overview.

MHMS Supports By-Election Preparations

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues to provide support to various organizations, institutions and groups to incorporate COVID-19 precautionary measures into their planned activities and ongoing operations as part of its efforts against COVID-19.
Dr. Forau explained that the purpose of the current consultations will help CBSI, and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) including their stakeholders/partners, to develop ideal strategies that utilize these new developments in the country.

CBSI Conducts Provincial Consultations for New Financial Inclusion Strategy

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and UNCDF-Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) are currently conducting a nation-wide consultation to help develop the next-phase strategy for financial inclusion in the country.
“We are proud to be working together with the Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Authorities across the country as they step-up to help prevent the spread of a potential COVID-19 outbreak,” Acting High Commissioner Vincent said.

Australian Financial Support Delivers new OBM, Boat and Vehicle for Temotu

Acting Australian High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent handed over an outboard motor, a boat, and a vehicle to Provincial Health Authorities while visiting Lata in Temotu last week. The equipment will help to strengthen the province’s health services preparedness and response to COVID-19.
The Opposition Leader adds: “The PM need to understand that he is duty bound to inform people about what actually happened. 7 months is adequate time for any government to make decisions and arrangements."

Opposition Leader Slams PM and DCGA Over Philippines Student’s Ordeal

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale blasts the Prime Minister and the government for the predicament that has befallen our Philippines students.
“It must be made clear that the law will deal with the person of interest and his accomplice after they are released from quarantine,” he said.

PM Warns Public, Foreigners to Respect Quarantine Protocols

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has warned the public and foreigners to respect the country’s quarantine protocols.
The Oversight Committee says that on arrival all travelers will undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine period and they will have a further three tests which must all be negative before they can be released.

Solomon Airlines Confirms Repatriation Flight to Philippines

With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of the Philippines, Solomon Airlines is planning to operate three repatriation flights from Manila to Honiara on 27 September and 29 September, with the third flight on 27 October in the process of being confirmed.
“As part of the media plan – we are always looking at creating relationship and better understand how other stakeholders work – at the same time using the opportunity to inform others of what we do and how we can work together,” Mr Lilomo said.

SICCI Hosts Information Session with the Media

The Media and Communications Department of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on Friday 11 September hosted its annual Information and Networking Session with key media professionals from the local mainstream media, Government and other stakeholders.
“Transactions per annum have gone down 77% and active users 82%", Beattie says.

ANZ Ends goMoney Mobile Phone Banking Services

By Georgina Kekea
The ANZ Bank is ending its goMoney mobile phone banking service this November.
Australian High Commission, UNDP and N-DOC members posed with the boats and equipment.

Strengthening Disaster Logistic Capability at the Western Border

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) offices in Western and Choiseul Provinces, Solomon Islands, have received two 23-foot fiberglass boats, two 60 horsepower outboard motor engines, life jackets and other safety equipment.
“The Red Cross has agreed to test all of our students and the Ministry of Health has communicated with them to try and go beyond the testing. We need to have people out there who we can rely on to look after our students”, Rodgers said in the weekly radio talkback show.

Solomon Islands Students in Philippines Under Red Cross Care

By Georgina Kekea
The Red Cross Society will be looking out for Solomon Islands students, studying in the Philippines.
To date 258,000 + cases have been recorded in Philippines, with 4,292 deaths and 187,166 recorded as having recovered from the virus.

Six Solomon Islands Students Studying in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that six students from the Solomon Islands studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
“One cannot afford to be ashamed. If you are the type who is embarrassed to be seen doing this, then you will not be able to do it”, Francis says.

Farmer Shares Experience as a Street Seller

By Georgina Kekea
Francis Paruvata comes from Savo Island. Today, he now settles in the highlands of Aruligo where he has a small area that he does his farming on.
The PAC says the spillover effect on the local economy will only be realized if locals take up bulk of the work, including at supervisory level.

Locals Must Benefit from 2023 Pacific Games Construction Project

With construction of the facilities for the Pacific Games 2023 set to commence soon, attention is now turning to the benefit this project will bring to the local economy.
“The pandemic is inflicting a triple shock on young people: destroying their employment, disrupting education and training, and placing major obstacles in the way of those seeking to enter the labor market," the report says.

Targeted Responses Needed to Combat Youth Unemployment Crises: ADB/ILO Report

Young people in the Asia and Pacific region will be hit hardest and likely bear the long-term economic costs of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Premier of Western Province David Gina, WHO Country Representative Dr. Sevil Huseynova and Minister of Health Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana cutting the ribbon to official open the COVID-19 isolation ward.

COVID-19 Isolation Ward at Gizo Hospital Officially Opened

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in a handing over ceremony this week officially received the Gizo hospital’s COVID-19 isolation facility from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Kylie says that as a young village girl the water project has made a positive impact to her and those in the community.

Water is Life, but so is Proper Sanitation

By Georgina Kekea
“The most common sickness in our area was diarrhea”, Martha Sura says.
"As per the Quarantine protocols, no item can be sent outside from quarantine station without prior approval from the relevant authorities,” the statement from the Ministry of Health reads.

COVID-19 Tests Return Negative

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has confirmed through a press release that the COVID-19 test for all 104 passengers who arrived last week on the China-Honiara flight has returned negative.
"The virus is not transmissible from animals to humans, meaning there is no direct impact on human health, so there is no need to panic just yet," the World Organisation for Animal Health said.

African Swine Flu: Pig Farmers Concerned About Their Livelihood

By Jimmy Nolan
Piggery farmers in Honiara are fearful of the African swine flu (AFS).
This is the first breach of its kind, and the person involved was a passenger from the direct flight from China.

Chinese National Who Disregarded Quarantine Rules Now in Quarantine

By Jeremy Gwao
The Oversight Committee on COVID-19 has identified the person who was part of the quarantine breach at the Pacific Casino.
"Women and children have to cross rivers and walk long distances with heavy loads of bags”, Chief Titus Teddy says.

Please Fix Our Road Access: Babanakira Villagers

By Jimmy Nolan
The people of Babanakira are calling for an upgrade to their roads.
“There clearly is little trust left between the two levels of governments, and this is not good for our country," the Leader of the Opposition said.

Wale Urges Sogavare to Establish Constructive Dialogue with Suidani

The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has called on Prime Minister Sogavare to lead a delegation of government ministers, which should include ministers who are Malaitan MPs, to enter into constructive dialogue with the Premier and government of Malaita province.
Suidani says Malaita province already made its stance clear in the Auki Communique. He says the Auki Communique clearly states that they reject China and its formal systems.

Removal of PS Direct Action Against Malaita: Premier Suidani

By Georgina Kekea
Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani says he is saddened by the removal of the Provincial Secretary Mr. Frederick Fa’abasu.
The office of the Prime minister, in its statement, says: “Members of the oversight committee, through the radio talkback show and public forum as well as the Prime Minister’s weekly statement, continued to reiterate that the flight was to facilitate the travel of the PRC officials, PG2023 technical team as well as Solomon Islands citizens."

Government Responds to Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) Over China Flight

By Georgina Kekea
The government has responded to accusations by Transparency Solomon Islands (TS) that it was not truthful with the direct China flight arrangements.
Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Pacific Oil (SPO), Mr Carson Korowa said the MIWG will support SICCI as an advisory body to ensure regular and informed communication between the manufacturing sector and SIG.

SICCI Facilitates Roundtable with Govt Focusing on the Manufacturing Sector

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector, on Thursday 3 September facilitated a roundtable discussion with a high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) which focused on ‘Standards and Compliance’ in the local manufacturing industry.
“It is encouraging to see another woman take up this leadership role and I believe Ms Hong will add great value to the work of the Chamber,” Mr Bartlett said.

SICCI announces new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) will bring on board another young emerging woman leader to the helm of the peak body representing private sector in the country, it was announced on September 4, 2020.
The protest was streamed live on Facebook by the Youth Online Campaign - a youth movement seeking to empower youths through training and dissemination of information.

Protest in Auki Against Planned Removal of Provincial Secretary

By Jimmy Nolan
A peaceful protest is currently underway in Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita Province.
"As far as we know all the alienated land surrounding Guadalcanal should be given back to the landowners”, Perogolo says.

Land Selling and Encroachment A Big Problem: Guadalcanal Chiefs

By Jimmy Nolan
The Tandai House of Chiefs in North West Guadalcanal is urging the Guadalcanal provincial government to work closely with all the land-owning tribes in Tandai and around Guadalcanal.
Packages were said to have been dropped out of windows and picked up by another Chinese individual.

Newly Arrived Chinese Passengers Breach Quarantine Rules

Newly arrived Chinese passengers from the direct flight from China are said to be breaching quarantine rules.
Australia to Further Support Solomons Gold and Rural Cocoa Farmers

Australia to Further Support Solomons Gold and Rural Cocoa Farmers

The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, through a partnership with C-Corp Limited has been trialling a new drying technology in Solomon Islands.
Police in Lata are planning to travel to Vanikoro and Utupua to check on the yacht.

Yacht sighted at Vanikoro Island cleared at Noro

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) clarify that a yacht sighted at Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province was cleared by Customs and Immigration at Noro recently.
Regardless of the challenges faced at the border, frontline police and immigration officials are on full alert to deal with illegal border crossers.

Border Enforcement Agencies Will Turn Back Border Crossers

Frontline Police and Immigration authorities at the Western border with Papua New Guinea will instantly turn back people attempting to cross from Bougainville into Solomon Islands as part of measures to contain the potential entry of covid-19 at sea.
Pacific QUAD partners, Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States, provided support through aerial surveillance alongside the FFA Aerial Surveillance Programme aircraft, further enhancing the maritime surveillance coverage during the operation.

Coordination and Commitment During Regional Fisheries Surveillance Operation

A fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance operation in the Pacific concludes this week, with excellent cooperation demonstrated between nations despite the challenges of COVID-19 continuing to affect surveillance in the region.
Police calls on people in Isabel Province especially in the Kia area not to panic but to report any sighting of the yacht to police.

RSIPF Monitors Yacht Sighted in Isabel Province

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and other government agencies are monitoring a yacht that has been directed to sail to Kia in Isabel Province after it reported serious damage to its sailing gear, engine and rudder and had requested assistance to be towed to a port for repair.
Health operations at the airport went smoothly and according to the standard operating procedures.

All Arrivals From China Last Night Cleared to Quarantine Stations

Following thorough health screening of all arrivals from the China-Honiara flight on September 02, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), National Health Emergency Operations staff on sight have cleared all 104 passengers to their designated quarantine stations.
“I call on the general public in Noro town to come forward to police if you have any information related to the incident. This will help police at Noro with their investigation into the matter,” Commissioner Mangau emphasizes.

Police Charge 27 Year Old Man With Sexual Acts With Minor

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Noro Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged a 27-year-old male person on 31 August 2020 for alleged sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on several occasions in Noro between May and June 2020.
The meeting agreed that such measures are important to ensure the health and safety of the population of Malaita from COVID-19.

MPG, Police, M4D and Auki Chinese Community Resolve Issue

The volatile situation in Auki was resolved peacefully yesterday by the police, Malaita Provincial government (MPG), M4D and the Auki Chinese Community.
“The relief supply route will start at Luaniua to Pelau and cross to Sikaiana islands,” the statement said.

Relief Supplies and Field Officers Deployed to MOI

The Government through the National Disaster Council (NDC) office is sending relief supplies to Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).
The PHAMA Plus Program, supported by Australia and New Zealand, is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through this MoU to strengthen Solomon Islands’ preparedness and response capacity against any possible incursion of ASF into the country.

MAL Signs MOU with PHAMA Plus

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PHAMA Plus.
PM Sogavare is being briefed on our domestic tourism market during the tourism focus 2020 launch this year.

PM Acknowledge Tourism Sector’s Progress Despite Pandemic

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged the proposed signing of two Memorandum of Understand (MOU) under the Ministry of Culture & Tourism.
“Constructive, positive dialogue and finding the best way forward that protects citizens from COVID-19 and the way we can keep our economy afloat moving forward, that is important,” SICCI Chairman, Mr Bartlett, said.

Need to Prepare Our Economy For Post-COVID 19: SICCI Chairman

Instead of treating COVID-19 as a stand-alone crisis, it should also be a wake-up call for Solomon Islands as a country to rethink on how we want our economy to perform post COVID-19 and into the future.
While vendors might not think much of selling items such as sea shells, for Susan she says it is a lucrative business.

She Sells Seashells, Says its High Demand

By Jimmy Nolan
Ms. Susan Dora says nothing can stop her from selling seashells at the Honiara main market.
The notice says M4D is protesting the Solomon Islands flight to China that left yesterday.

Continuous Protest Against China in Malaita

By Georgina Kekea
Protests against the Direct China flight has escalated in Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita Province. A memo, said to be from the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) Movement, was widely circulated yesterday with the heading ‘Auki evacuation protest notice’.
TSI says that this is especially important in the aftermath leading to Papua New Guinea’s pandemic Controller Mr. David Manning sending back 180 Chinese workers after having learned about the secret vaccine trial.

China Direct Flight Leaves, Raising More Questions: TSI

"The government has ignored the call by its people and yesterday a charter flight left for China to bring the 88 plus passengers from China, both citizens and technical engineers for the South Pacific Games Infrastructures," Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) said in a prepared statement.
The teleconferencing Facility in Gizo, Nila and Taro is now operational, boosting the country’s preparedness plans at the Western border.

Teleconferencing Facility in Western Border is Now Operational: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged work done in setting up the teleconferencing facility at the western border.

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