Latest News Archive May 2021

The Prime Minister said the key priority policy position of the DCGA for the CEMA reforms is clearly stipulated under the Economic Development Fundamental Key Policy Objective 5.1.2(c) (VI) to drive revitalization of CEMA and seek Cabinet approval to re-instate the trading function of CEMA.

CEMA Revitalization & Recapitalization Strategy Launched

The Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has officially launched the CEMA “Revitalization and Recapitalization Strategy” and formally declare CEMA’s trading and commercial functions reinstated.
Pelau in Malaita Outer Islands were amongst those with Health Centers that had a screening surveillance done by Ministry of Health and the tests came back negative.

Solomon Islands Still Remain Covid Free

In his recent nationwide address, the Prime Minister has announced that the Solomon Islands has been COVID-19 free now for more than a month.
“I again call on everyone 18 years and older in Choiseul and Shortland’s to please take your first doses of AstraZeneca vaccines. You are living next to the border. Should there be a case from the border from Bougainville, and you are not vaccinated, you will not be protected,” the Prime Minister said.

15,000 Vaccinated So Far: PM

Since March, more than 15,000 people have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the country.
Ministry of Health is calling on all persons 18 years and above in Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal that can easily access the Central Field Hospital.

Covid 19 Vaccination Now Open for 18yrs and Above

This week, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) wish to reiterate that COVID-19 vaccination at the Central Field Hospital, Honiara is now open for all persons 18 years and above in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province.
Materials being offloaded at a log pond in East Guadalcanal.

GPG Concerned With Offloading of Materials at Log Pond

By Georgina Kekea
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) is concerned about the offloading of materials at a log pond outside of Honiara.
He then points out that the weaponizing of the health situation and condition of a beloved leader for political gain is a dangerous turn of events for our nation.

Wale Condemns Politicization of Premier Suidani’s Health

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has expressed his dismay on what he sees is a case of clear politicization of the medical condition and health woes of the Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Daniel Suidani.
The handing over was formalized with the signing of the transfer document by the PRC’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Mr Li Ming and Health Minister Honourable Dr Culwick Togamana.

Health Receives China's Support for Covid 19 Operations

Following launch of the Chinese made Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine roll out program, last Friday, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has again provided further assistance of 150,000 USD (Approx. 1.2m in SBD) towards the vaccination roll out and COVID-19 operations and logistics.
The proposal to buy houses is still to be approved as the Government has set up a Taskforce headed by the Ministry of Public Service to review the Public Service Rental Scheme to compare financing options for the Housing scheme.

Government Distance Itself From Mamara Development

The Government is yet to make any formal agreement with Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd to buy houses for public Servants that are under construction at the Mamara New City, west of Honiara.
The emerging star is currently an actress for Massive Theatre Company based in Aucklanda and a student at Otago University studying a Bachelors of Science, majoring in Chemistry.

Solomon Islander Stars in New Zealand TV Series

Elsie Polosovai is an on the rise actress that starred in episode 4 of the 5 part series "Teine Sa."
Despite the incidents faced by the St. John staff, they continue to strive to ensure services to communities are reached.

MHMS Calls for Respect for St. John Ambulance

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) condemns the disrespect displayed towards the important service that St John Ambulance has been providing to our communities by few members of the public.
Samoa's first female prime minister was locked out of parliament by the country's outgoing leader - but still sworn into office in a makeshift ceremony held inside a tent.

FAST Party Lawyer Dismisses Claims of Swearing in as Illegal

The lawyer acting for the FAST party in Samoa has rejected claims that the swearing in of the party's Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as Prime Minister on Monday, in a tent outside of Parliament, was unlawful and unconstitutional.
Meetings with the Chiefs of the Western Border and Police were conducted from 20th - 21st May.

Police Review Team Conducted Western Border Mission

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Review Team conducted a COVID 19 operation in the Western Border to meet with the FAMOA Council of Chiefs, Mono Chiefs and elders as part of the review of the police operation.
The event is an initiative under the MoU between Government and the private sector which presents the opportunity for SICCI members to engage directly with the country’s leadership and also creates a platform for the Prime Minister engage to directly with tax payers.

SICCI Hosts Successful Prime Minister’s Breakfast

Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare had the opportunity to address key members of the business community in Solomon Islands on relevant Policy, enhanced partnership and respond to the Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy submitted to his Government earlier this year.
The initiative of a Playroom was supported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP).

Police Enhanced with New Children's Playroom

Sexual Assault Office of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has been enhanced with a new playroom for children at the Rove police headquarters.
Recently, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) removed 101 unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in a residential area in Honiara.

US Commits to Support Clearing Unexploded WW2 Bombs

By Georgina Kekea
The United States says they have a longstanding commitment to helping Solomon Islands address unexploded ordinance (UXO) contamination left over from World War 2.
Galo is New MP for South Choiseul

Galo is New MP for South Choiseul

Sammy Galo has been elected as the new Member of Parliament for the South Choisuel Constituency.
30 health workers comprising of doctors, nurses and data and risk communication officers of the Ministry of Health are now ready to commence the roll out of the Sinopharm vaccines.

Health Ministry Prepares for Sinopharm Roll Out

Preparation are underway for the launch of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine today.
He said despite the low turnout on Anuta island, it was reportedly calm and peaceful in both islands.

Poor Voter Turnout in Anuta

By Georgina Kekea
Only two voters turned up to vote on Anuta island for the ward 16 provincial by-election. On Wednesday 19 May 2021, electorates in ward 16 which is Tikopia and Anuta went to the polls to vote for a new provincial member since the termination of their MPA by the provincial speaker in August last year.
Henry Deva, South Choiseul Returning Officer.

Counting Continues for South Choiseul - Two Batches Left

By Georgina Kekea
A new member of parliament for the South Choiseul constituency is expected to be announced today.
Matisse Walkden-Brown & Cath Cooksley-Little of PTI Australia.

Transforming Digital Design in the Pacific

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia has announced a new collaboration with online visual communication platform Canva, providing tailored training and scholarships for 250 Pacific businesses with access to the Canva Pro platform.
The suspect has been remanded at the Gizo Correctional Centre awaiting his appearance in court later as the investigation into the incident continues.

13 Year Old Girl Raped by 39 Year Old Relative

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Munda Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged a 39-year-old man on 30 April for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl at Lokuloku settlement in Munda on 29 April 2021.
The vessel mooring in Honiara waters contained 501 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value between AUD$125 million and $250 million.

Man Sentenced Over 2018 Drug Bust in Honiara

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years and five months’ jail for his involvement in planning to import over 500 kilograms of cocaine into Australia via the Solomon Islands in 2018.
Tourist business operators that attended the meeting were Munda Guest Haus, Agnes Lodge, Castaway Resort, Ibibu Transit Lodge, Qua Roviana Budget Accommodation and Titiru Eco Lodge.

New Zealand High Commissioner Meets with Western Tourism Operators

The New Zealand High Commissioner last week, met with with members of the Western Province Tourism Association (WPTA) in Munda.
Fiame Naomi Mata'afa (above) unseated the world's second-longest serving prime minister - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi - who has been ruling the country since 1998.

The Woman Who Unseated Samoa's Prime Minister of 20 years

Samoa is set to get its first female prime minister, marking the end of unprecedented political drama in the small Pacific island nation.
Strengthening People with Disabilities Right for Inclusive and Resilient Communities

Strengthening People with Disabilities Right for Inclusive and Resilient Communities

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Solomon Islands, under the Outstanding Women initiative, has launched a series of dialogues to discuss community priority issues, including women’s empowerment and social inclusion, climate change and environment.
USP Center Director Dr. Billy Fito’o 3rd from Left with SIG Officials last week.

Senior Government Officials Meet USP Centre Director

Senior Government Officials on Wednesday 12 May met with the Director of the University of South Pacific, Solomon Islands Center, Dr Billy Fito’o and discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the Government and the University’s Solomon Islands Center.
In South Choiseul, people have been flocking to the Polling Stations since 7am.

Solomon Islanders Go to Polls Today in By-elections

By Georgina Kekea
Today is polling day for electorates in South Choiseul, Kirugela ward in East Choiseul and Anuta/Tikopia ward in Temotu.
The main buyers of products like timber, cocoa, tuna, copra, though hard hit, were able to absorb the country's export.

Solomon Islands Economy Faring Better than Anticipated

By Georgina Kekea
It was this time a year ago that the government and Solomon Islanders were apprehensive about the future following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police Formally Charge Djokovic

Police Formally Charge Djokovic

The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have formally charged the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for breaches of the Electoral Act 2018 and the political party integrity act on 13 May 2021.
The approval was made following considerations by the National Medicines and Therapeutic Committee.

Australian Made AstraZeneca Approved for Rollout in SI: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Australia have been approved to be used in Solomon Islands.
Minister Giro (second from right) and his senior officials were in Noro over the weekend to support and commemorate World Tuna Day in the Tuna Capital.

Fisheries Minister Assures Support for Tuna Industry

The Solomon Islands Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Giro has highlighted a number of strategic approaches his Ministry is taking to ensure the country receives maximum benefits from Tuna fisheries.
OIC Tunuki says, “EOD operators have identified the bombs, they are US 105mm High Explosive Projectile remains from World War II.”

101 WWII Bombs Removed From Residential Area

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has removed 101unexploded ordnance (UXOs) at Gilbert Camp in Honiara in a two days operation.
The aerial view of the Noro Port.

Noro Port Facilities Applauded

Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga has praised the Solomon Islands Ports Authority for continuing to modernize its facilities at its second international Port of Noro, Western Province.
MV Florence was chartered for the electoral officials to Anuta and Tikopia Islands.

All Set for Provincial by-election in Tikopia and Anuta

By Jeremy Gwao
Electoral Officials are now on their way to Anuta and Tikopia for the Ward 16 provincial by-election.
Police reported that during the time of the incident the deceased was drunk and failed to report the matter to police or even attend to medical at Gizo hospital after the suspect assaulted him.

Man Arrested in Gizo for Murder

Officers of the Royal Solomon Police Force (RSIPF) in Gizo have arrested a 41-year-old male from Shortland Islands in relation to the death of a 40- year-old male from Isabel Province at Gizo on 13 May 2021.
Crowds line up outside a Suva supermarket, masked up but not maintaining physical distancing prior to it being shut down for deep cleaning after four staff tested positive to COVID-19 (Credit: Sadhana Sen)

Second Wave of COVID-19 Cases Shakes Fiji

A year after the first border closures and lockdowns, Fiji is again in the throes of stringent containment measures. On 18 April, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama proudly announced the one-year mark since Fiji’s last case of COVID-19 outside of a border quarantine facility.
Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI) has been permitted to carryout awareness and training on regulated pests that are of threat to the community’s Agro-Forest farming project under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between BSI and JICA.

Biosecurity Concludes Pest and Disease Training

Biosecurity officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) successfully conducted a one day awareness training on Integrated Pest and Disease Management for Falake community members in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province on the 5th May 2021.
Charles Noda from Malaita province was an audit supervisor at Morris and Sojnocki Chartered Accountants Firm. He was admitted at the Honiara’s National Referral Hospital this past week with serious injuries.

Another Life Lost from WWII Bomb

By Georgina Kekea
The bomb explosion that occurred on Sunday 9 May 2021 has now claimed two lives.
The guide is said to be a tool that will guide DSE and its member organizations to assist and enable communities to fully participate in the national budget preparation process, advocate and monitor its implementation.

NGOs Launch Government Budget Guide for Citizens

By Georgina Kekea
A simplified budget guide for Solomon Islanders was launched on Monday by the Development Services Exchange (DSE).
Like other democratic governments, Solomon Islands should be calling on China to provide meaningful and unfettered access to the United Nations and other independent observers to ascertain the situation.

Solomon Islands Voted Against its Own Values

By Samson Sade
Less than a year after Solomon Islands switched to China the government was pressured to vote against its own democratic values and principles.
Women working on nutritional projects, part of an education programme to prevent NCDs by promoting a healthy diet.

Addressing NCDs in Solomon Islands

In response to rising rates of noncommunicable diseases, NCD Coordinators like Virginia Legaile work with patients to improve their health from a holistic perspective.
With the recent mobilization, we now have 1053 workers in Australia with demand still growing significantly now that COVID-19 risk management initiatives are in place.

More Workers Fly to Australia Under the Pacific Labour Scheme

A total of 187 workers flew out of the country last week on Friday 7 May to work in various farms and abattoirs in Australia.
(L-R) Permanent Secretary Collin Beck, Governor General Sir David Vunagi, Ambassador designate John Moffat Fugui and Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele during the Commissioning ceremony at Government House.

Solomon Islands Assigns First Ambassador to China

Solomon Islands first ever Ambassador designate to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), John Moffat Fugui was commissioned by the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House yesterday.
Iputu says it is sad that children living with disabilities in the provinces are not captured in the education system. Iputu says the children need education but are deprived of this because there are no services of this sort provided for them in the provinces.

Taking Care of Children With Special Needs Beyond Honiara

By Georgina Kekea
“My greatest wish is to have a learning center of this sort established in the provinces“ says Jiope Iputu.
He said the recent allegations by Mr. Sore sends clear signals that the level of corruption within HCC goes far beyond what was earlier investigated and regrettably, appear endemic and deliberately engineered to serve the interest of Councilors.

Wale Calls for Dissolution of City Council

The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Minister for Home Affairs to quickly dissolve the Honiara City Council and to review its structure.
Honiara based CSO participants with Clerk to Parliament (C), Mr. David Kusilifu.

Budgetary Information Workshop Organized for CSOs

A one week information workshop on the 2021 national budget for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) is currently underway in Honiara.
Handing over of X-ray machine by WHO OIC Dr Sonja Tanevska (centre left) to NRH Medical Superintendent, Dr John Hue.

NRH Receives Much Needed Medical Equipments from WHO

National Referral Hospital (NRH) remains grateful to the continuous support of the World Health Organization (WHO) in enhancing the capability of the hospital to provide essential health services to the people.
Participant, Eagon Pacific Limited Manager, Mr Moon providing an update on his company’s progress.

Forestry’s Redirection Priorities Shared

The Forestry Sector’s 2021 redirection priority policies under the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has been shared with partner Donors, stakeholders and friends of forest at a one-day meeting, the 7th Forestry Sector Technical Working Group (FSTWG) meeting in Honiara.
The vaccines are manufactured from the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories [CSL] in Melbourne, Australia.

Additional 60,000 AstraZeneca Doses Welcomed

The Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has welcomed the offer by the Australian Government to donate 60,000 doses of AstraZeneca to Solomon Islands.
The new OTT service will provide a combination of free-access and subscription, with subscribers receiving unlimited data via their ISP.

Switch Media Wins Telekom Television Contract

Switch Media has won the contract with Solomon Telekom Company Limited (STCL) to provide an online streaming service for its free-to-air television network, Telekom Television (TTV).
“In order to achieve better development outcomes, women must be fully included in developing policies and laws that affect their livelihoods and well-being,” said Mr Chris Tabea.

Developing an Inclusive Traditional Governance Bill, Leaving No One Behind

Close to 30 women gathered in Honiara, Solomon Islands last week to research, develop and validate gender-inclusive recommendations to the Traditional Governance, Customs and Facilitation Bill (TGCFB).
San Isidro special needs students waves their hands as a sign of appreciation/thank you to MAL for the generous support.

MAL Boosts San Isidro’s Farming Capacity to Produce More Food

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has enriched San Isidro Care Centre’s (SICC) farming capacity to produce more food with the donation of vegetable seeds and tools to the centre on 5th April 2021.
Prime Minister Sogavare said the MHMS Technical working group has met to finalize the roll out plan of the Sinopharm Vaccines to be presented to the National Drugs, Medicines and Therapeutic committee for approval.

WHO Approves Sinopharm Vaccine: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the World Health Organisation [WHO] has approved the Sinopharm vaccine under its Emergency Use Listing.
The Prime Minister also stated that a total of 10 previously positive cases had been closely monitored by the Ministry of Health over a 90-days period following their release from quarantine recently.

Solomon Island Still COVID-19 Free: Sogavare

Solomon Islands remains COVID-19 free.
Australian Defence Adviser Southwest Pacific, Commander Mark Northcote, said Defence has worked closely with Solomon Islands throughout the pandemic to boost the RSIPF’s COVID-19 response and preparedness at the western border.

Australian HMAS Larrakia to Boost Maritime Surveillance in Western Border

HMAS Larrakia will arrive in the Solomon Islands this week to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) COVID-19 response.
The RSIPF Forensic and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team have since identified the bomb that caused the blast yesterday.

Aviation Engineer Killed in Bomb Blast

By Georgina Kekea
An aviation engineer at the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) was the victim of the tragic bomb blast in Honiara on Sunday 9th May.
Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan (r) hosted the participants to meet and greet the alumni of the Directorship Programme, SICCI Sponsors and other important stakeholders at his residence.

SICCI Acknowledges Australia’s Continuous Support

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) acknowledges the Australian High Commission office in Honiara for their continuous support towards the work the Chamber does in representing the private sector in Solomon Islands.
Officers of RSIPF at the scene of the bomb blast.

WWII Bomb Explodes in Honiara Suburb Killing One, Two In Critical Condition

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has confirmd that they responded to a bomb blast which killed a male person and left two others in critical condition.
The Prime Minister said the sporting facilities will comprise a strategic investment that will unify Solomon Islands as a nation.

PM Graces PG 2023 Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony

It is yet another significant milestone as Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare graced the ground-breaking ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadiums project in Honiara today.
The shipping agent boarded MV Chefoo with a Port Health Quarantine Officer of the Ministry of Health who cleared the vessel after conducting health assessment and review of relevant health documentation provided by the captain.

MHMS Responds to Opposition Office on Vaccine Roll Out and MV Chefoo Issue

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) as the government ministry leading COVID-19 response, acknowledge concerns raised by the Opposition Office regarding dire situation in India and the government’s plans to acquire bulk of AstraZeneca vaccines from India.
Carlos Aruafa covering a TSL match at Lawson Tama stadium.

Sports Journos Congratulates Sports Journalist as Recipient of PM’s Scholarship Award

The Sports Journalists Association of Solomon Islands (SJASI) welcomes the announcement of the Prime Minister’s Media Scholarship Award for 2021.
“When it comes to the press this responsibility underlines the indisputable importance of verified and reliable information, anything short of this is an abuse of this fundamental right.”

Constitution Protects Freedom of Expression: Sogavare

The fundamental right of freedom of expression will continue to enjoy constitutional recognition in Solomon Islands.
“We will see how technology transcends boundaries and elevates our collaborative efforts to newer heights," says ITSSI President Alice Aote'e.

Girls in ICT Day Goes Robotic

The Girls in ICT day will introduce a lot of changes, says Information Technology Society Solomon Islands (ITSSI) President Alice Aote'e.
Hon. Wale has cautioned the Oversight committee to pay particular attention to this shipping agent, stressing that there is the suspicion that this shipping agent is given special treatment by the Oversight committee in the clearance of their vessels.

MV Chefoo Expose Gaps in Our Covid Preparedness

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, is concerned about the actions alleged to have been taken by the shipping agent of MV Chefoo recently, which was in direct breach of the Standard Operating Procedures governing the clearance of foreign ships.
Representatives from SICCI and Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare.

SICCI Commits to Ongoing Partnership With Government

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has reiterated its commitment to continue growing the strong partnership it has established with the Solomon Islands Government.
“But journalists need to be able to rely on their own independent reporting, without fear or favour, not just media conferences,” said Mr. Pareti.

Pacific Anti-corruption Journalists Call for Regional Commitment to Media Freedom

Marking World Press Freedom Day 2021, the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network (PACJN) has called for a regional Pacific commitment to boost media freedom and help increase reporting on activities at risk of corruption.
The current PINA board members.

“Media Workers Are also COVID-19 Frontline Workers,” says PINA President

As we join the global community in marking the UNESCO 2021 World Press Freedom Day today, the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) acknowledges the great sacrifice and commitment of our media workers in covering the COVID19 pandemic and related issues.
“Engaging in meaningful conversations with young people, who make up more than half of our population in the Pacific, is key to improving understanding of one of the few primary industries accessible to all Pacific Island economies,” said FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen.

Pacific Youth lead the Conversation on World Tuna Day

Amplifying the voices of young Pacific people and addressing their questions and concerns is at the heart of the Teen Tuna Tok campaign, launched this week to mark World Tuna Day (Sunday 2nd May 2021).

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