Latest News Archive December 2021

Known as Glo, she has been promoting Solomon Islands and Melanesian culture, language and values in New Zealand for more than 25 years.

Solomon Islander Recognized in New Zealand’s New Year Honours List

By Nicholas Boyack (stuff.co.nz)
Solomon Islander Glorious Oxenham has been awarded a QSM, in New Zealand’s New Year Honours, for services to Melanesian culture.
Police Commissioner Mangau chat with SIAF team members during the games yesterday.

Police Commissioner Attends Festive Games at Burns Creek

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Mr Mostyn Mangau visited Burns Creek community yesterday during a game that was conducted as part of community engagement with the communities during this festive season.
The theme for the sports day is ‘we can’t build the future for our youths but we can build our youths for the future.’

Fiji Army Organize Fun Sports Day at Burns Creek

The two-day sports tournament organized by the Fijian contingent in the Solomons in partnership with the Community and Religious leaders in Burns Creek, business houses in Honiara and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force got off to a great start yesterday at the Burns Creek sports ground.
"All analysis of COVID-19 pre-departure test results to date have been negative, obviously," the statement from the Health Ministry said.

"All COVID-19 Predepature Tests Negative:" Health Ministry

Simple as it may seem, it is not, COVID-19 test results, especially if initial test is positive, has to undergo a verification process as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Ministry of Health said in a prepared statement.
he vaccination tent in Point Cruz located at Solomon Ports car park is also open from today until Friday 30th November 2021.

Health Ministry Pushes Ahead With COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

The Ministry of Health and Medical service is pushing ahead with its vaccination drive, setting up vaccination tents at the Point Cruz area and at Burnscreek east of Honiara.
His Excellency (HE) Ambassador LI Ming present his speech during the handing over program last night.

China Hands Over Riot Gear to Police

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has officially received riot gears and equipment from China during a handing over ceremony at Henderson International Airport last night.
The PM calls on all citizens to start practicing Covid-19 safety measures – wearing of face masks when you leave your homes, social distancing, avoid crowds and regular hand washing with sanitizers.

Be Prepared for the Covid-19 Virus

By Samson Sade
The rapid spread and the devastating impacts of the Omicron variant in Australia and in other neighboring countries should be a lesson for the unvaccinated to get vaccinated.
The Prime Minister says all vaccines have their shortfalls, but if taken properly all vaccines provide high levels of protection to those that take them, just like measles, TB, rubella and whooping cough vaccines.

Does Vaccination Work?

By Samson Sade
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there are now questions on whether the COVID-19 vaccination works after fully vaccinated individuals tested positive for the virus recently.
The Prime Minister says the chances of these two variants reaching our communities is much higher than in the previous twenty cases. He urges all members of the public to take precautionary measures and start wearing masks in public places and public transports.

Two More Passengers Test Positive for COVID-19

By Jimmy Nolan
Parents of the 10-year-old child that recently tested positive for COVID-19 have also tested positive for the virus.
Japan’s Nikkei Asia reports that Tokyo-based start-up Soramitsu will be providing assistance with the feasibility studies.

Solomon Islands Explore Digital Currency

Solomon Islands is one of four Pacific Island nations that are exploring the possibility of issuing their own digital currencies. The other countries are Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Prime Minister Sogavare says that based on early assessments it is likely that the infection from the passenger who arrived from Fiji may be Delta while the one who returned from Dubai may be the Omicron.

Suspected Omicron and Delta Cases Detected in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands has lost its COVID-19 status after two returning passengers tested positive for COVID-19.
This riot equipment that will be flown into the country includes shields, helmets, batons and other non lethal gears that will further enhance Solomon Islands Police ability in confronting future threats.

Government Accepts China's Offer to Assist Police As Normalcy Returns

The Government and people of Solomon Islands reiterate heartfelt thoughts to all impacted by last month’s civil unrest.
Mr Robo says both suspects are facing a count of arson.

Teenagers Arrested for Burning Parliament Leaf Hut During Unrest

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Central Police Station have arrested two alleged suspects on 19 December 2021 for burning down a leaf hut at the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer recently announced a deal to make this antiviral Covid-19 pill available more cheaply in the world's least-wealthy countries.

COVID-19 Pill Approved by FDA, Solomon Islands Could Benefit

An at-home treatment for COVID-19 that can prevent serious illness was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, offering a note of optimism for the future of the pandemic as the world faces the omicron variant.
"We want to best understand how we can support the NFs to prepare the best team in history to represent Solomon Islands at the 2023 Pacific Games."

SINIS High – Performance Program Begin Partnership with National Sports Federations

Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance program begin its partnering journey with National Federations (NFs) towards the provision of international standard requirements and sports enhancement in the country.
The Department of Defence said some Australian military personnel would remain to provide "command, communications, logistics and air movement" support to the joint peacekeeping effort with police.

Australian Peacekeepers Winding Down as Normalcy Returns to Honiara

A contingent of foreign peacekeepers deployed to the crisis-hit Solomon Islands will begin to return home, the Australian government said.
“We will scale down the military presence across the nations but we will have forces on standby if necessary and the police-led effort will continue.”

Armed Forces to Remain on Standby

While military presence will be scaled down in Honiara, Solomon Islands, contingents from the Fijian, Australian and New Zealand armed forces will remain on standby to ensure stability in the island nation.
“However, how long the country is going to keep COVID-19 away is the important question that we need to ask ourselves and to devise ways to keep us free from the virus,” Dr. Rogers said.

COVID-19 Threat is Real: Get Vaccinated!

By Samson Sade
Since COVID-19 was first detected almost two years ago, there are now more than 275 million cases of the virus globally, and 5.36 million deaths registered.
Based on independent scoping study for the development, the project will be shallow open pit mining operation and eliminates the need for processing or tailings dams.

Pacific Nickel Mines Gets Development Consent for Kolosori Project

Pacific Nickel Mines has received development consent from the Environment and Conservation Division of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment for the Kolosori Nickel Project.
SIPA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eranda Kotelawala, presenting gifts to children at the hospital.

SIPA Staff Visits NRH Children's Ward

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Staff today took time off work duties to visit the Children’s Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.
BSP Financial Group Limited CEO Mr. Robin Fleming.

SBD$17.3M: Cost of Damage to BSP Branch

By Jimmy Nolan
The head of Bank South Pacific (BSP) in Papua New Guinea, Robin Fleming, say the cost of damage to BSP’s branch is SBD$17.3 million.
“For Solomon Islands, having mechanisms in place and formalizing our Virtual Engagement policy, will ensure SIG continue its regional and international engagements and commitments, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, and after,” says Prime Minister Sogavare.

PM Launches Virtual Engagement Policy

Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, MP, has officially launched the Solomon Islands Government Virtual Engagement Policy.
Registration officer May Hale and Sophia Wale recorded the inmate’s information card.

Second Jab Commence at Rove Correctional Facility

The second jab of the AstraZeneca COVID – 19 vaccines commenced on Friday 17 December 2021 at Rove Correctional facility.
The codes that guided our chiefs and traditional leaders predate all the systems that we currently have. So, can we look back at our past and find an indigenous solution? But the question than becomes which indigenous solution?

An Indigenous Solution to the Current Crises

The current political impasse between the government, the opposition group and Suidani’s provincial government requires an indigenous solution. But which indigenous solution?
Products Pacific CEO Mr Ahmed Shak Ahmed and Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Mr Bob Pollard. In the background is Business Representative Bryan Keniasina.

Dubai’s Products Pacific Meets with Kokonut Pacific

Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Mr Bob Pollard has met with Products Pacific CEO Mr Ahmed Shak Ahmed at the Habtoot Palace Hotel in Dubai as part of the continuous expression by Emirati business entrepreneurs to establish business relations with product suppliers from the Solomon Islands.
“There is simply no guarantee that COVID-19 will not enter in our country and community transmission of the virus prevented,” the Health Ministry said.

COVID-19 Kills, Not Vaccines: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health says that there still remains significant level of fear and anxiety around COVID-19 vaccines and this is normal.
The delegation consists of the Minister for Commerce Industry Labour & Immigration (MCILI) and Head of the Solomon Islands Delegation, Hon. Frederick Kologeto, his Deputy Secretary Technical, Mr. Eric George Ongoa and Mr Bob Pollard, Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Limited.

Minister Frederick Kologeta Visits Pacific Pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai

The presence of our Pacific Peoples at the Expo 2020 Dubai is certainly generating a lot of interest especially amongst our global visitors to our respective Pavilions.
17 years old Joshua Pryor and 12 years old Moses Jr Nokali are the first two to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Pfizer Launched: Pregnant Women and 12-18 Year Olds Encouraged to Take Jab

The Ministry of Health is advising the public that the Pfizer vaccine has been launched last week Thursday.
But people like Hauiasi says turbidity is as old as the water source itself, surely someone must be responsible for doing something about it.

Water Outage Hits Hard on Honiara Residents

By Samson Sade
The recent torrential downpour has forced Solomon Water to shut down Honiara’s main water sources periodically.
Those seeking to travel on this service should contact Solomon Islands’ High Commission in Suva, Fiji.

Solomon Airlines Will Operate Nadi-Honiara Flight Before Christmas

Following Solomon Islands Government approval and subject to Fiji regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines will operate a repatriation flight between Nadi and Honiara on Wednesday 22 December 2021.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and members of his cabinet given a demonstration by AFP of the new weapons capability.

PM Given Demonstration of New Weapons Capability

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and a number of his cabinet ministers today attended a weapons capability demonstration hosted by the Australian Federal Police.
China, Wang said, stands firmly with the government and people of Solomon Islands, firmly supports the Solomon Islands government's efforts to maintain domestic stability, and firmly safeguards bilateral relations as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in country.

China and Solomon Islands Foreign Ministers Talk Over Phone on Ties

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Solomon Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeremiah Manele held a phone conversation on bilateral ties and cooperation on Thursday.
Today, the global political landscape has shifted, and countries that are sensitive to such shifts in thinking adjust accordingly.

State Diplomacy: When Love and Hate Collide

In all matters concerning State diplomacy domestic considerations come first. At its core is this one guiding principle: foreign policy is an extension of one’s domestic policy.
Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee chief executive officer Vicente “Ben” Babauta said in all, 1,899 athletes and officials from 21 island nations have so far confirmed their participation in the Mini Games.

Solomon Islands Will Send Largest Contingent to 2022 Mini Games

Solomon Islands has confirmed its participation to the organizers of the upcoming 2022 Pacific mini games.
Adrian Tuhanuku, Senior Sport Delivery Manager at the 2023 Games Organizing Committee (GOC) and President of the Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation, Naoyuki Fujiyama after signing of the first funding agreement with the GOC.

GOC Funding Seek to Enhance Sports Federations

The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) for the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands launched a funding programme to support National Sports Federations in Solomon Islands.
He pointed out that he is hopeful that the new state government system will still build a united country even though, resource wise, other provinces are more ready than few others.

Sogavare Hopeful State Government System Will Keep Country United

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare says he is hopeful the call for the introduction of a state government system will result in a united Solomon Islands.
"It is really a sad rape incident because the alleged perpetrator is reportedly related to the victim," inspector Michael Aluvolomo says.

Close Relative Prime Suspect in Rape of 12 Year Old Girl

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force are currently investigating the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl on 14 December 2021 at a village in the Shortland Islands.
PPC Ake says, “Her aunty called the victim and told her to go and buy a dry coconut fruit at a nearby canteen. The suspect allegedly called the victim and pulled her into his house and raped her.”

12 Year Old Girl Raped, Suspect in Custody

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station have arrested a 29-year-old male suspect for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl at the Lungga farm in Central Guadalcanal on 4 December 2021.
Solomon Islands has been slotted for November 18 & 19, 2022. The itinerary includes a stopover at Tavanipupu, before docking for a day in Honiara.

Are We Ready? Solomon Islands on Luxury Cruise Boat Itinerary

By News Desk
Solomon Islands has been given a slot on the 24-Day Melanesian Islands & Australia luxury cruise trip operated by Seabourn on November 2022.
"As a close friend, neighbour and partner to Solomon Islands, we will always support our Pacific Family in the face of challenges."

Australian High Commission, AFP, ADF and RSIPF Meet With NCW

"The needs and rights of women and girls are a key priority in our response to the recent civil unrest," the Australian High Commission said.
A convergence zone lies over the Solomon Islands, which will result in heavy rain and thunderstorms.

MET Service Issues Heavy Rain Warning

The meteorological service (MET) has issued a heavy rain warning for parts of Solomon Islands at 7pm this evening.
A spokeswoman from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) on Wednesday said about 20 Defence personnel had returned from the Solomons already, after less than two weeks away.

Kiwi Defence Force Personnel Return Home as Tensions Ease

Some New Zealand military personnel deployedas part of the international assistance mission to the Solomon Islands have returned home early.
"We would like to assure the public that to date there has not been any COVID-19 positive case detected amongst the defence and police personnel including their officials."

Negative COVID-19 Test Results for Defence and Police Personnel

Around 200 defence and police personnel deployed in Honiara to assist with restoration of law and order have successfully completed their 10 and 14 days period of health monitoring with all COVID-19 test results returning negative.
“As long as the virus is still around, the country is still not safe."

“New Deadly Strains Coming:” Public Urged to Get Vaccinated

By Samson Sade
Omicron is the latest in an ever-growing line of COVID-19 variants.
AIM Global established its office at the Capital Park building, but has since relocated.

“It’s a Pyramid Scheme:” AIM Global ‘Investor’ Warns Public

A former AIM Global ‘investor’ is warning the public to stay away from promoters of the scheme, saying she now realizes that it is “nothing but a pyramid scheme.”
He was released yesterday on bail and will appear before the Honiara Central Magistrate on the 2nd of February 2022.

Police Charge Kwaita with Unlawful Public Assembly

By Samson Sade
United Party president John Kwaita has been charged with unlawful public assembly, in breach of COVID-19 rules under the current state of public emergency.
Mr Kwaita was arrested late yesterday and was released late evening today after being interviewed by the police. It is understood no formal charges have been laid.

United Party President Released by Police

By Samson Sade
President of the United Party, John Kwaita, has been released by the police.
Solomon Islands Commissioner General HE Ambassador Moses Kouni Mose presented traditional Solomon Islands gifts to H.E. Al Sayegh during the visit.

Top UAE Minister Visits Solomon Islands 2020 Expo Pavillon

A top United Arab Emirate (UAE) Minister has visited the Solomon Islands Expo 2020 Pavilion on Monday 13 December with huge admiration for Solomon Islands cultures and traditions which were on display.
Mrs. Lasaqa has a wealth of knowledge and business expertise in the Telecommunication industry having served the company since 2002.

Telekom Appoints First Local Female CEO

The Chairman of the Board of Solomon Telekom Company Limited Mr. Baoro Laxton Koraua, formally announces the appointment of Mrs. Christina Lasaqa as the Chief Executive Officer of Our Telekom.
U.S. ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Erin McKee, during a visit to the Solomon Islands.

US Ambassador Warns of Aid that Benefits One Person, One Party and One Bank Account

The U.S. ambassador to the Solomon Islands Erin McKee has warned Pacific Islands against "aid that benefits one person, one party and one bank account" - remarks that come after the Solomons were beset with riots last month blamed in part on discontent with China.
“It has taken the Board more than 12 years to achieve this milestone and I would like to thank past SINPF Boards and management who have in one way or another contributed to the proposal of establishing a separate viable credit institution for its members."

Solomon Finance Granted Credit License by CBSI

The Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Dr Jimmie Rodgers has announced that a banking license has been granted to the Solomon Finance Limited (SFL) to conduct banking business as a credit institution.
Despite the return of normalcy to Honiara, police and the visiting peacekeeping force are keeping a close watch on movements in and out of the city.

Police Investigates Threats of Attack on Capital

The Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says there is an active investigation into alleged threats of a “second wave attack” on the capital Honiara.
“We’re so proud to launch this campaign, featuring the brilliant Rebel Wilson,” Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill, said.

Actress Rebel Wilson Kick Starts Tourism Fiji’s Massive Push for Tourists to Return

By James Wilkinson
Australian actress Rebel Wilson is headlining a new campaign for Tourism Fiji, following the nation’s opening for quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated Australians.
Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr. and United Party President Mr. John Kwaita.

Police Arrest United Party Leader

By Samson Sade
John Kwaita, President of the United Party, was arrested last night and currently in police custody.
The celebrations will take place at the John F Kennedy Stadium and the Prime Minister will be the chief guest at the ceremony.

PM Travels to Western Province for Second Appointed Day Celebrations

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation have arrived in Western Province today, one day ahead of Western Province’s second appointed day celebrations tomorrow.
"This referendum, for us, is not the third referendum. We consider that there are only two legitimate referendums - 2018 and 2020. This referendum is the referendum of the French state, not ours," New Caledonia's congress president Roch Wamytan, a pro-independence leader, said

New Caledonia Says No to Independence in Final Vote

A boycott has marred New Caledonia's third and, for the time being, last referendum on independence.
The development of the undersea cable is the latest funding commitment from the Western allies in the telecommunications sector of the Pacific.

US, Australia and Japan to Fund Undersea Cable in the Pacific

The United States, Australia and Japan said Sunday they will jointly fund the construction of an undersea cable to boost internet access in three tiny Pacific countries, as the Western allies seek to counter rising Chinese influence in the region.
“The farm is now overtaken by thick bush, which is a waste, we had some big plans when we started planting noni in 2017."

“Wasted Effort,” Noni Farmer Loses Thousands of Dollars

By Jimmy Nolan
More than 4,000 noni trees now lay waste when the main local buyer stopped purchasing noni fruit.
The Tourism Solomons team doing their best to get into the Christmas spirit as Honiara, now free of curfew, slowly returns to calm following the recent unrest.

Solomons Islands Tourism Infrastructure Intact After Unrest

In the tourist board’s first statement since the disturbance, Tourism Solomons head of sales & marketing, Fiona Teama (pictured far right) advised while many buildings in the eastern parts of the city – Ranadi and China Town in particular – had been badly damaged, fortunately Honiara’s hotel and tourism infrastructure remains intact.
The Kongulai water source has been restored.

Kongulai Water Source Restored, Kombito Remains Closed

Solomon Water has restored water for customers sourcing water from Kongulai.
Despite the lifting of the curfew there will still be strong police presence in Honiara to ensure peace and security is maintained.

Governor General Lifts Curfew

The curfew imposed in Honiara has been lifted commencing today 10 December 2021 by the Governor-General of Solomon Islands.
In a study that explored the relationship between electricity prices and economic growth the empirical findings reveal that high electricity prices do in fact stifle economic growth.

Solomon Islands Has the World’s Most Expensive Power Supply

By News Desk
Out of 230 countries new research has found that Solomon Islands has the World’s most expensive power supply.
“What happened show a clear picture that our leaders are very corrupt and they fail to address what people of this nation are crying for.”

Chief Calls on Guadalcanal Leaders to Push for Federal System

By Jimmy Nolan
A local Chief from Guadalcanal has called on elected representatives from Guadalcanal at the provincial and national level to work together and push for the introduction of a federal system in Solomon Islands.
“Excessive restrictions on civic freedoms imposed by the government under the guise of preventing COVID-19 led to the downgrade of the Solomon Islands," CIVICUS Asia-Pacific Civic Space researcher Josef Benedict said.

Solomon Islands' Civic Freedoms Downgraded to 'Narrowed'

Restrictions to media freedoms, access to information and the right to protest have hurt Solomon Islanders' civil rights, according to a new report.
With the already deteriorating economic situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, things are expected to get worse before it gets better.

Price Hike Hits Honiara

By Samson Sade
The cost of general merchandize have sky-rocketed in Honiara following the aftermath of the burning and looting to businesses on the 24th and 25th November, 2021.
High turbidity at the Kombito water source. Photo was taken 4pm today by Solomon Water.

Kongulai and Kombito Water Source Remain Shut

Solomon Water says the their gravity systems and pumps at Kongulai and Kombito will remain closed as the turbidity level is still very high and it is unsafe to turn on supply.
Maelanga said that there is room to discuss and dialogue on decentralization or the devolution of powers, but not on independence.

Independence Agenda Dividing Malaita: Maelanga

Deputy Prime Minister and MP for East Malaita, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, says Malaita’s push for independence is dividing the province and its people.
The competition will run for two consecutive days, starting on Friday 17th and ends on Saturday 18 December 2021.

Auki Set to Host Pre-Christmas Rugby 7s Tournament

The Malaita Rugby Union Association (MRUA) together with Honiara-based Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club have confirmed that they are hosting a year ending rugby union 7s competition in the Provincial Headquarter, Auki.
The MSG Secretariat had been convening a number of bilateral meetings with FLNKS on the political situation in New Caledonia and is concerned about the way in which the 3rd referendum is being progressed.

Date for Final Referendum in New Caledonia Not Free Or Fair: MSG

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has informed MSG Leaders on the current political situation in New Caledonia with regards to the third and final Independence Referendum, scheduled for 12 December 2021.
“While no deaths have been reported from the cases presented at NRH and GSH, the risk to the health and lives of our children is of concern with such increases in diarrhea cases in our communities."

“Take Care of Your Kids:” Spike in Diarrhea Cases

There is an increase in diarrhea cases at the National Referral and the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Since 2005, the UN’s highest environmental honour has been awarded to the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders. It’s been awarded to 101 laureates: 25 world leaders, 62 individuals and 14 organisations.

Solomon Islands Women Amongst Recipients of UNEP 2021 Champions of the Earth

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the winners of the 2021 Champions of the Earth, and women swept the environmental honours. Also new in UNEP’s history of the Champions, they received a record number of nominations from all over the world.
Warning of More Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding

Warning of More Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding

The heavy rain warning will persist for most of Solomon Islands.
Central Coast FC are the 2021 Telekom S-League champions.

Telekom S-Leauge Presentation Ceremony Confirmed

The much anticipated Telekom S-League 2021 season presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Lawson Tama.
MET service says the strong wind is from an active trough that lies over the Solomon Islands and is linked to a tropical low located in the coral sea.

Strong Wind Warning Issued

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a strong wind warning for southern waters of Western, Russel, Guadalcanal and Rennell Bellona.
A Defence Force spokesman said it would arrive in the waters of the Solomons later in the week, where it would take over patrolling from an Australian ship.

New Zealand Navy Ship Deployed to Solomon Islands

By George Block (Stuff.co.nz)
New Zealand has deployed a navy ship to the Solomon Islands to help peacekeeping efforts after political unrest in the capital, Honiara.
SINIS HP TID and WLP team during their presentations to MERD and Education Authorities at the SIBC Conference room.

“Thriving Inside and Outside of Sports:” Sport Institute Share Vision

By Peter Zoleveke Jr.
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (NIS) well-being & lifestyle performance (WLP) team were invited to present their programs to the Education Authorities (EAs), sharing their approach to supporting the wellbeing of student athletes.
“We know that Parliament is here to look at laws, and we have heard that it is because of coronavirus that we have not done many laws, except passing one on the sim card registration,” Kenilorea said.

We Are Not Doing Enough As Lawmakers: Kenilorea

By Samson Sade
The Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) says the government should work at getting more Bills to Parliament. This statement was made during his contribution to the motion of sine die.
The assessments detected high levels of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide still emanating from these buildings posing moderate to high health risks of lung infection, pneumonia, bronchitis and allergies to surrounding communities and those passing by.

Harmful Toxic Gas Still Detected in Burnt Buildings

Findings from initial assessments conducted on the burnt buildings from the recent unrest found moderate to high health risks.
He calls on MPs in government and the public to respect reconciliation, citing false accusations being made suggesting that the reconciliation held in Malaita was a pretext for the riots that happened in Honiara.

Kenilorea Rejects Any Notion of Involvement in Unrest

Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) says he rejects any notions that he or his colleagues in the opposition bench were involved in the recent unrest.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their positive behaviour during the Motion of No Confidence,” Commissioner of RSIPF Mr. Mostyn Mangau said.

Police Commends Public for Good Behaviour During Parliament Sitting

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) commends the community for the good behaviour shown during the Motion of no Confidence against the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday, (6 December 2021) with no reported disturbances in Honiara.
Gizo is a port town and the provincial capital of the Western Province. The town is located on Ghizo Island.

Western Province Celebrates 38th Second Appointed Day

Western Province will today celebrate its 38th second appointed day.
Taiwan's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Joanne Ou.

Taiwan Denies Involvement in Solomon Islands Riots

Taiwan's government has denied any involvement in the recent protest and riots in the Solomon Islands.
Suidani says that his government will not remain silent, and the people of Malaita will not remain silent. He says he will continue to speak up for the people and interest of Malaita province.

Premier Suidani Calls for Self Autonomy for Malaita

By Samson Sade
Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani has made a public call for self autonomy.
32 MPs voted against the motion and 15 MPs in support of the motion.

Sogavare Defeats Motion

Members of Parliament have defeated the motion being tabled by the Opposition Leader Mathew Wale. Those that voted in favor of the motion was 15, those that voted against the motion was 32 with 2 MPs abstained from voting.
Wale also says that the Prime Minister’s deceptive leadership has also resulted in deep divisions in the country when he decided to switch recognition from Taiwan to China.

Wale Critical of Sogavare’s Leadership Style

Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale says that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has been insincere in his dealings with certain segments of Malaita and its Premier Daniel Suidani.
He says what transpired over the past week was an attempted coup, promoted by foreign agents, and not in the best interest of the country.

Sogavare Says He is a Defender of Democracy

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged those in government that have remained firm despite pressure from rioters for them to resign in the past week.
Tanangada says that investment in education has increased substantially under the current government.

MP Lanelle Tanangada Speaks Against Motion

The MP for Gizo/Kolombangara and Minister of Education Lanelle Tanangada has spoken against the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Philip says that he speaks on behalf of those silent majority that are against violence.

"Leadership Should Not Come from Ashes of Riots," Danny Philip

By Samson Sade
Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova/Tetepare Danny Philip has called on leaders not to allow leadership to come from the ashes of riots.
Togamana says that criminal activities should not dictate political outcomes.

Togamana and Tovosia Defend Government's Record

By Jimmy Nolan
Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and Member of Parliament for Maringe/Kokota Dr Culwick Togamana have defended governments record under the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Commissioner Mangau said police received information from the community that two alleged suspects had buried a large number of stolen property around their residence.

Police Unearth Looted Items After Tip Off

A joint operation between Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant and confiscated alleged looted items buried behind Panatina village yesterday (5 December 2021).
The MP for Small Malaita says the Prime Minister’s political history shows a leader that is always bogged down on forming and maintaining government, and rewarding those that put him there.

Former Prime Minister Digs Up Sogavare’s Track Record

By Samson Sade
The Member of Parliament of Small Malaita, and former Prime Minister Rick Hounipwela, has dug up the Prime Ministers track record in his contribution on the motion of no confidence before Parliament.
He condemns the looting and criminality that took place, but says the looting at the top of government has resulted in a terrible state of affairs for the country in education, health and other sectors.

Motion in Recognition of Anger Based on Political and Economic Issues: Wale

By Samson Sade
The Opposition Leader says the motion of no confidence on the Prime Minister is in recognition of the anger on longstanding political issues.
Shops at the foothills of Parliament this morning.

Honiara Shuts Down Ahead of No-confidence Vote

By Jimmy Nolan
An air of uncertainty fills the air, a cloud of darkness hovers across the nation’s capital Honiara.
The Ministry is calling on the public to allow the peacekeeping contingent to do their job, and to only listen out for official updates from the Ministry and not through social media.

COVID-19 Tests for Peacekeeping Force Negative

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says the latest COVID-19 test for all personnel of the Australia Defence Force and Police, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Defence Force and their officials have returned negative.
As to who has the numbers is anyone’s guess, although sources say if it were a conscious vote Sogavare would not have the numbers to survive the vote.

Decision Day for Sogavare’s Government

By Samson Sade
After the looting and burning of Honiara the democratic process will now test the Sogavare led government’s mandate to lead.
RAPPP Commander takes his oath as Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF to oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force to the Solomon Islands.

New Deputy Police Commissioner Sworn in to Oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force

Commander Paul Osborne of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australia Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) was today (3 December 2021) sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF to oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force to Solomon Islands.
World Bank Approves Further Funding Support for Solomon Islands

World Bank Approves Further Funding Support for Solomon Islands

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$15 million in support for Solomon Islands’ economic recovery from the pandemic, together with US$5 million for technical assistance for Solomon Islands to improve the regulation and implementation of key laws for better transparency in the mining sector.
Damages to the building infrastructures through burning and looting are estimated to be around SBD$306 million.

Half a Billion Dollars: Unrest Damages Higher Than Initial Assessment

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has updated its initial assessment on the cost of the damage of the riot on the local economy.
PS Beck further reiterated that under the Australia Solomon Islands partnership on labour mobility programme, there are shared “Here to Work” values that all candidates are expected to uphold.

Applicants for Seasonal Work Involved in Unrest Will be Removed

The Labour Mobility Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is urging all seasonal worker program candidates to remain focus as they prepare to undertake the employment opportunity in Australia.
If leaders continue to play politics, rioters and looters will continue to riot and loot - it is the hallmark of instability.

Politics of Hate and Division

People are tired of the claims and counter claims, accusations and counter-accusations, it is tiring and not helpful for a country seeking to heal.

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