Latest News Archive September 2021

Group photo of NHEOC IC Dr Nemia Bainivalu, training facilitators including MHMS Advisor Dr Yogesh Choudhri and participants.

Gearing Up For COVID-19 Community Transmission

Despite COVID-19, free status for over 5 months now, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues with its COVID-19 preparedness ahead of a possible COVID-19 community transmission.
"As an employer representative of the private sector SICCI acknowledges SINPF for the modest crediting rate for all members of the Fund."

SICCI Acknowledges SINPF’s 6% Crediting Rate

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), on behalf of its members of the business community wishes to acknowledge and congratulate the Board, Management and staff of Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) for its prudent management of members’ fund despite the difficult times faced due to the global pandemic.
Leite was born and raised in Brazil where he developed a love for futsal and showed real promise as a young player.

Vinny Leite’s Incredible Path to Coaching Solomon Islands Kurukuru

The Solomon Islands are on track for a third straight defeat at the 2021 Futsal World Cup but coach Vinny Leite celebrates each consolation goal with all the enthusiasm of a Champions League winner.
Blood pressure tests were conducted by medical staff from the National Referral Hospital.

Solomon Airlines Staff Participate in Healthy Heart Checks on “World Heart Day”

Solomon Airlines staff took part in voluntary health checks on ‘World Heart Day’, arranged by the airline with the National Referral Hospital.
Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu says, “He was drowned and was not able to survive. He sustained several injuries on his body because of the attack.”

Bechedemeer Diver Dies From Crocodile Attack

A 36 year old bechedemeer diver from Roviana lagoon in the Western province has died after he was attacked by a crocodile.
Wale says that by not having a clear policy document to guide the drafting of the proposed amendments, key stakeholders cannot contribute meaningfully to this important Bill.

Opposition Leader Blasts Draft Amendments to Telco Bill

By Jimmy Nolan
The Leader of the Opposition group Mather Wale has blasted the draft Telecommunications Bill, stating that the intentions of the Bill will not be achieved in its current form.
“We appreciate this support from ADB and the governments of Australia and New Zealand, and will use it to prioritize a comprehensive tax reform agenda to achieve more sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth and development during the COVID-19 recovery phase,” said Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary McKinnie Dentana.

ADB, New Zealand, and Australia to Help Government Reform Solomon Islands’ Tax System

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has joined with the governments of New Zealand and Australia to help Solomon Islands overhaul its tax system to expand and secure the country’s revenue base.
The café has been a favorite among a very diverse range of customers, and is one of the few places in Honiara that provides food that is healthy, local, fresh and affordable.

Red Cross Launches “Evriwan Kaikai Initiative”

Last week, the Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) launched ‘Evriwan Kakai’, an initiative to support vulnerable people and communities with fresh, tasty local food.
"The Kolosori landowners are 20% owners of the project and shareholders of PNM," Pacific Nickel Mines (PNM) CEO Geoff Hiller said.

Nickel Kolosori Project in Isabel to Commence Soon

Pacific Nickel Mines (PNM) is confident it has all three levels of stakeholder approval required to kick off its Kolosori nickel project in the Solomon Islands.
Acting CDA, Miriam Elise Tokumasu de Silva and SPC's Director General Dr. Paula Vivili at the Launch of USAID's PROJECT Governance.

USAID and Pacific Community (SPC) Launch PROJECT Governance

On September 28, The United States of America, through United States Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Pacific Community (SPC) to launch a new activity called “Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent (PROJECT) Governance.”
The desired outcome of the Infrastructure Symposium is to get an overview of infrastructure projects across the country and to gauge its impact on the local economy. This includes bilateral agreements with Development partners such as the Stadium and construction works proposed for the 2023 Pacific Games.

SICCI to Host Infrastructure Symposium

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) will host its inaugural Infrastructure Symposium this year which will bring together key stakeholders in the infrastructure development sector in Solomon Islands.
“We need to improve our postharvest food production and food waste and loss in the food market value chain from harvest – packaging – transport – markets display and consumers,” Mr. Ho’ota emphasised.

Ho’ota: Food Waste and Loss an Important Issue in Solomon Islands

Food waste and loss is an important issue in Solomon Islands that needs to be addressed as a lot of food have been wasted by our producers and vendors says the Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Mr Michael Ho’ota.
Ginger Beach Retreat is one of the 7 new Guadalcanal options available in the Solomon Airlines Iumi Tugeda Holidays program.

Solomon Airlines Expands ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ Program to Guadalcanal on World Tourism Day

Solomon Airlines has chosen World Tourism Day to announce a significant expansion of the airline’s ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ program to include more operators in Guadalcanal Province and the addition of Honiara and Central, West and North West Guadalcanal options.
The full extent of what was discussed is anyone’s guess, but it seems the message was so important that President Xi had to call directly, and not pass the message through his Ambassador in country.

China’s Xi Jinping Speaks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on the Phone

By Samson Sade
China’s President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Friday last week.
A trade deficit means a country is spending more money on imports than it makes on exports.

COVID-19 Takes its Toll on the Economy: Sogavare

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy have been significant.
"We must remember there is more that binds us together as a human race than divides us."

Sogavare Calls for Global Solidarity in Fight Against COVID-19 and Climate Change

By Samson Sade
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called for global solidarity in the fight against COVID-19 and climate change.
“While we continue to encourage our farmers to increase their production on potential commodities, it is also important to inform them on standards that is required for export into international markets,” Mr. Kiriau said.

Malaita Farmers Educated on Biosecurity Export Protocols

Biosecurity Solomon Islands of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has delivered eye opening presentations to farmers in Malaita Province on Biosecurity export procedures to meeting requirements of international markets.
Mr Coward says that he is excited to be returning to Honiara and is also looking forward to visiting Nauru as soon as he can.

Thomas Coward Appointed as New British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands

Mr Thomas Coward has been appointed British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and non-resident High Commissioner to the Republic of Nauru.
The Solomon Islands, often seen as a global center for marine diversity, is also supporting this call.

Countries Call for Protecting at Least 30% of the Global Ocean by 2030

More than 100 countries have publicly committed to the protection of at least 30% of the Global Ocean by 2030, often referred to as “30 by 30”.
Nurses stationed at the Taro hospital in Choiseul province.

Commitment Towards Taro Hospital Redevelopment Project Reinforced

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Senior Executive Management (SEM) held a meeting recently with the Premier and members of the Choiseul Provincial Government on the redevelopment of the current Taro Hospital in Choiseul.
Participants from the Solomon Islands at the Pacific Internet Governance Forum 2021 (PacIGF).

Virtually Connecting and Building Pacific Communities in COVID-19 Pandemic Times

Hosted for the first time virtually from 6 - 9 September 2021, the Pacific Internet Governance Forum 2021 (PacIGF) brought together stakeholders to discuss and debate policies based on the theme ‘Working towards inclusive, safe and accessible services in the Pacific region.’
The new facility is a sovereign Solomon Islands asset, and will be owned and operated by the Solomon Islands Government.

Australia is Committed to a Peaceful and Secure Pacific

Australia is committed to the security and prosperity of the Pacific and wider Indo-Pacific region.
“There can be no doubt Jo has had a massive impact on the Solomon Islands tourism industry in his time here,” Mr Hapa said.

Tourism Industry Devastated by Death of Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto

The close-knit Solomon Islands tourism industry is in mourning following the death of Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto who passed away in Suva, Fiji, on Tuesday, 21 September.
We need to reach that 90% threshold because if the pandemic does not get to us first, it will be the worsening economic situation in the country.

Reaching the 90% Vaccination Threshold

By Samson Sade
The country will open its borders if we reach 90% vaccination coverage, this was the assurance given by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during his nationwide address on Monday.
Whether the target is achievable or simply a delusion will be determined by how well we prepare for the Games.

Is the Target of Forty Gold Medals Too Ambitious?

By Samson Sade
The excitement following the right to host the Pacific Games has hyped the National Hosting Authority (NHA) to ambitiously set forty (40) gold medals for Team Solomons come 2023.
Ongoing development of the domestic terminal at the Honiara Port, Point Cruz.

Ports Authority to Increase Entrance Fees for Domestic Port

By Georgina Kekea
Come October 2021, users of the Domestic Port in Honiara will see an increase in entrance fee charges.
The three-hour workshop aims to equip Solomon Islands businesses with digital skills to successfully engage with customers locally, nationally and globally.

Facebook and SICCI Host Workshop to Support The Pacific Digital Economy

Facebook, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) brought a free digital skills training programme to Honiara today.
The Prime Minister says that the country is ill prepared for any community transmission of COVID-19 and urges those that are hesitant to take the jab to consult health professionals or their church leaders.

Vaccine Hesitancy High in Honiara and Guadalcanal

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that vaccine hesitancy is highest in Honiara and Guadalcanal.
Those that still refuse to get their first dose before 31st Jan 2022 will no longer be employed, or considered for employment, by the government or state-owned enterprises.

Grace Period for COVID-19 Jab Extended for Government Workers

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that Cabinet has decided to extend the time period for those government workers that have yet to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
He said given it is coming from a government officer with no jurisdiction over criminal matters, the statement leaves too many loose ends.

Wale Calls on PS Finance to Disclose Settlement With Win Win

Leader of the Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to explain his recent statement in relation to the allegation that Win Win Investment Solomon Ltd attempted to smuggle 1.7kg of gold out of the country.
More than 100 countries come together each year to participate. In Solomon Islands this year’s coastal clean-ups took place concurrently in both Munda and in Honiara.

Solomon Airlines Partners With Tourism Stakeholders and Local Schools in Coastal Clean Up

Solomon Airlines, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, Travel Solomons, St. Johns School, Tanagai Community High School and Solomon Islands Scout Association joined forces on Saturday to help clean up Solomon Islands coastlines.
Solomon Islands Kurukuru skipper Elliot Ragomo.

Solomon Kurukuru Exit Futsal World Cup

By Jimmy Nolan
It is another disappointing finish for the Solomon Islands Kurukuru, having exited the World Cup at the group stage.
“We no longer have trust and confidence in Premier Daniel Suidani as leader of the Malaita Provincial Government."

Malaita’s Stance on China Will Not Change: Asilaua

By Samson Sade
The non-executive group that is aiming to topple Daniel Suidani’s MARA government says their stance on China will not change should they form government.
The Leader of Opposition stated that, “the shared values and principles of a Christian democratic nation have been at the heart of our continuous dialogue with the MARA government, both the Executive and non-Executive MPAs”.

Wale Responds to Asilaua on Claims of Opposition Interference

The Leader of Opposition and MP for Aoke Langalanga, Hon. Matthew Wale, regrets the comments made by Hon. Elijah Asilaua in a recent SIBC interview insinuating Opposition interference in the current political saga surrounding the leadership of Malaita Provincial Government.
The national stadium workforce during the ground breaking ceremony held recently.

Where Are the Local Jobs Promised?

By Samson Sade
While the country is focusing much of its attention on the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy and the opportunities that come with it, are taking a dive.
Premier Hon. Clay Forau and few other MPAs who were vaccinated during launch day.

Temotu Launch its COVID-19 Vaccination Program

On Wednesday (15th September) this week the last remaining province, Temotu, successfully launched its provincial COVID-19 vaccination roll out program in the provincial capital, Lata.
Solomon Islands and Portugal players after their Group C match at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021.

Solomon Islands Kurukuru Succumb to Portugal

By Jimmy Nolan
It is not the result the Solomon Islands Kurukuru wanted, but it was a huge ask from the get go. Portugal, ranked 6th in the World, was with its star player, the five-time Best Player in the World award winner Ricardinho Filipe da Silva Braga.
Group photo of UNDP, National Youth Congress and Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs representatives with young leaders at one-week revitalization programme in Choiseul Province.

Building Effective Provincial Youth Councils

The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the National Youth Congress and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, led the process of revitalizing the Provincial Youth Council in Choiseul through a week-long programme.
ILO Decent Work & Employment Specialist, Mr. Kinan Albahnasi said “A key challenge for Solomon Islands in response to the crisis is to generate more and better employment opportunities while ensuring that no one was left behind."

Solomon Islands Committed to Developing a Gender-responsive National Employment Policy

The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the labour markets in Pacific Island Countries (PICs), including Solomon Islands, bringing disproportionate levels of unemployment and underemployment across different groups of people, sectors and regions.
The UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager, Berdi Berdiyev.

New Public Solicitor’s Office Branch in Munda to Cater to the Western Province

More people in the Western Province, will be able to access legal information and services with the opening of the new Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) branch in Munda.
The workshop will cover a range of topics, including the basics of Facebook and Instagram for business, how to engage and grow your online community, helpful tools to save you time such as Facebook Business Suite, and the basics of advertising.

Facebook and SICCI Host Workshop to Support the Pacific Digital Economy

Facebook, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), will bring a free digital skills training programme to Honiara on Tuesday 21 September.
David Dennis was sworn-in by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi, at Government House.

New Auditor General Sworn In

The country’s new Auditor General David Dennis was sworn-in by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi at Government House on Tuesday 14 September.
"As a collective of young Pacific people, we will call for greater ambition on climate action. The two-day gathering is designed to empower Pacific youth and leverage the expertise and knowledge we all share to amplify the story of our region."

‘Youth4Pacific: Pre-COP Gathering’

In just over a week, young Pacific people worldwide will convene at the ‘Youth4Pacific: Pre-COP Gathering’–the largest mobilisation of Pacific Youth in the lead-up to this year’s COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow.
Based on our current vaccination rates we still need to fully vaccinate 312,144 of the eligible population.

How Can We Improve Our Vaccination Rates?

By Samson Sade
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that the country cannot stay locked up forever, and has directed the Oversight Committee to look at the possibility of reopening our borders, once certain thresholds are reached.
The KAWAKI Women's Network have been reaching out to communities and schools in the Katupika, Wagina and Kia areas to do conservation awareness which address issues they face in their communities like waste management, logging, mining, and overharvesting.

KAWAKI Women’s Network Elects New Executive

By Regina Lepping
KAWAKI Women’s Network held its first Annual General Meeting on the 8th – 10th September, last week in Wagina, Choiseul Province. About 45 Women from the respective areas of Katupika, Wagina and Kia attended the first AGM where they adopted their constitution and successfully elected nine Executive members.
“These videos provided by the SPD Health team apply Adventist biblical and health heritage,” said SPD president Glenn Townend.

SDA Provide Clarity Around COVID-19 Vaccination

By Tracey Bridcutt, Adventist Record, and Adventist Review
The Health Ministries department of the South Pacific Division (SPD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) has developed a series of videos in response to queries about COVID-19 vaccination.
The match ended 6-0 in favor of Morocco.

Solomon Islands Loose to Morocco in Futsal World Cup Opener

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands has lost to African champions Morocco by six goals to nil at the 2021 Futsal World Cup opener in Lithuania.
The Ministry says that they are also working with relevant authorities to secure additional buildings and spaces to use for COVID-19 isolation both in Honiara and the provinces.

Central Field Hospital Returns to Being COVID-19 Isolation Ward

The Ministry of Health says the Central Field Hospital (CFH) will now return to being used as the COVID-19 isolation ward, to safely isolate and manage COVID-19 cases to prevent any community transmission.
Back L to R. MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Wayne Irava World Bank Health Specialist/Economist. Front L to R. Newly recruited PMU staff Philip Bukah, Unity Kofana, Louisa Fakaia and Jahreth Limarii.

MHMS Launch Project Management Unit (PMU) to Implement COVID-19 SBD$40 Million Emergency Response Project

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has established and launched its Project Management Unit (PMU), to commence the implementation of the SBD40 Million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project that was announced at the end of 2020.
Premier Hon. Willy Tuhagenga taking the first COVID-19 jab for Renbel province.

Rennell Bellona Premier Urges His People to Get Vaccinated

Premier of Rennell Bellona province Hon. Willy Tuhagenga is urging his people to get vaccinated as it is the only way to prevent community transmission.
L-R Health Director George Pego, Premier Hon. Tuhagenga and National Director of Nursing Mr Michael Larui cutting ribbon to mark launch of the COVID-19 vaccination roll out.

COVID-19 Vaccination Launched in Rennell Bellona Province

Rennell and Bellona (Renbel) province is the latest province to have successfully launched its COVID-19 vaccination program.
“CBSI is currently reviewing its ICT infrastructure capability as part of its strategic positioning, not only to mitigate risks like cybersecurity, but also to conform to modern central banking standards,” said Dr. Luke Forau, CBSI Governor.

USTDA Supports Banking Modernization in Solomon Islands

Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a grant to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) for technical assistance to modernize the country’s banking infrastructure.
Children on the Takuu group of atolls, also known as the Mortlock Islands.

Academic Says Hawaiian Language Originated from Outer Islands of PNG

New research on the origins of the Hawaiian language is stirring debate over the long-held theory in Polynesian migration that the islands were settled from Samoa.
“You are ambassadors of the country and anything you do will reflect back on the country."

Beck Reminds Seasonal Workers: “Be Good Ambassadors for the Country”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Mr Collin Beck, has reminded workers flying to Australia today under the Seasonal Work Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) to be good ambassadors for the country.
MFAET PS Mr Collin Beck and Second Secretary Christina Skoumbourdis from the Australian High Commission in a photo shoot together with the workers after the Pre-departure briefing at St. Barnabas Leaf hut.

150 Workers Fly to Australia Today

Good news for rural families, 150 workers are bound for Australia today to work in Queensland under the Seasonal Work Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS).
The SI Samoa Community members met with the NRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Malefoasi and his team at the Hospital’s car park, to hand over the donated items.

SI Samoa Community Donates to National Referral Hospital

The Solomon Island Samoa Community has assisted the National Referral Hospital (NRH) with aluminum chairs and cleaning detergents through a charity donation, following some months of fundraising.
The first symptoms generally appear 7 to 10 days after infection. They include a mild fever, runny nose and cough, which in typical cases gradually develops into a hacking cough followed by whooping (hence the common name of whooping cough).

With Increased Reports of Whooping Cough Parents Urged to Vaccinate Kids

By Georgina Kekea
The government is urging families to vaccinate their babies against illnesses such as whooping cough or pertussis.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold.

Detection of Coronavirus in Infant Explained

By Georgina Kekea
The detection of the Coronavirus 229E in an infant recently is attributed to the use of better equipment at the National Referral Hospital’s molecular lab.
Representatives from MAL, MNPDC, MoFT, MECDM and UNDP at the Risk-informed Development Workshop.

Risk Informing Development Programmes to Improve Food Security in Provincial Areas

The Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) hosted a one-day workshop with key government stakeholders on 25 August 2021, to discuss the inclusion of climate change and disaster risks into the National Food Security Programme Proposal for the 2022 development budget.
Second Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, Christina Skoumbourdis, hands over laptops to Tabak reps.

Australia Provides Laptops to Support Skills Training at Tabaka Rural Training Centre

Australia recently provided 20 laptops and associated accessories to Tabaka Rural Training Centre in the Western Province to ensure access to skills training for young people in the Solomon Islands and to improve their learning experiences and outcomes.
"If we want to reopen our borders, we must aim to achieve between 80 - 100 percent vaccination coverage of our eligible population", Sogavare says.

Plans in Place to Reopen Border

By Georgina Kekea
Reopening of the Solomon Islands borders will now become an agenda item for the Oversight Committee.
“It won’t be easy but I assure of my determination, commitment and dedication towards this role to continue enhancing the operations of the hospital and continue on from the good work that previous MSs have achieved in improving the quality of patient care at the hospital”, said Dr Solomon.

Dr Janella Solomon Appointed NRH MS

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is pleased to announce that the newly appointed Medical Superintendent of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is Dr Janella Solomon.
“Solomon Islands are a team which we can't afford to underestimate as they have players with great techniques."

Solomon Islands Cannot Be Underestimated: Thailand Futsal Captain

By Jimmy Nolan
As the FIFA World Cup in Lithuania nears, competing teams are making their assessment on their road to Futsal glory.
The DBSI says that targeted sectors include agricultural production and related industries, fisheries sector, tourism and agro-forestry.

DBSI Launches Low Interest Credit Line Facility for MSME’s

The Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) has launched a low interest credit line facility for micro, small and medium enterprises in Solomon Islands (MSME).
Mr Stewart has over 30 years of experience working at major events around the world including the Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics Games.

New CEO for Pacific Games 2023 Appointed

Peter Stewart has been appointed CEO of the 2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee, with just over 800 days until the opening ceremony in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The Intercepted landing craft anchored at the Police Maritime base during the lockdown.

Logging Landing Craft Will be Charged: Police

Police has assured the public that the recently released logging landing craft owned by a logging company will be held accountable.
Director NCID, Superintendent Michael Bole says, “The accused was alleged to have committed the offence way back in 2013 when he was the CDO for Temotu Nende."

Former Temotu Nende CDO Arrested for Corruption

The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested and charged Constituency Development Officer (CDO) for Temotu Nende for official corruption today.
“I now know that in any challenging situation I must just face it, and work hard, that is the important thing."

Turning My Life Around

By Jimmy Nolan
“I was heading down the wrong path,” said Divine Sade, now 20 years of age.
Kadavu, with an area of 411 square kilometres, is the fourth largest island in Fiji, and the largest island in the Kadavu Group, a volcanic archipelago consisting of Kadavu, Ono, Galoa and a number of smaller islands in the Great Astrolabe Reef.

Impact of COVID-19 on Kadavu Minimal Because of Healthy Lifestyle

By Inoke Rabonu, Fiji Sun
The dynamics of the clinical COVID-19 response in Kadavu is one every Fijian can learn from as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services continues to fight the pandemic in the country.
Dr George Malefoasi, NRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) explained that the undertaking is crucial for the hospital’s preparedness and actual response to a community transmission situation.

COVID-19 Alert Measures Still in Effect at NRH

The National Referral Hospital (NRH) COVID-19 alert measures are still in place and remains active until further notice.
Passengers boarding the VIP scenic flight prior to pilot briefing and take off at Henderson Airport.

Solomon Airlines Father’s Day Scenic Tour A Success

Solomon Airlines first-ever and fully sold out ‘Father’s Day VIP Scenic Flight’ departed at 9:35am on Sunday 5th September treating its special passengers to a very special joy flight of 75 minutes, from take-off to touch- down with spectacular views of over 300kms of scenery.
Tourism Solomons Nelson Manepura - Selling the Solomon Islands at Virtual PATA 2021.

Tourism Solomons ‘Very Much Still Here’ at Virtual PATA MART 2021

The Solomon Islands’ international visitation may currently be at a standstill but this has not stopped Tourism Solomons and local tourism partners reaching out ‘virtually’ to remind the world “we are very much still here.”
It will be expensive but for certain segments of the Honiara population the government must ready itself to distribute basic food items for free.

The Plight of Honiara Residents During Lockdown

By Samson Sade
It’s been almost a week since the trial lockdown, so it is probably time to make some assessments on what was learnt – not as a government official but as an ordinary Honiara resident.
Raphael Lea’i was taken to the hospital after an injury against Italy.

Raphael Lea’i Injured Ahead of Futsal World Cup

Solomon Islands top striker Raphael Lea’i has suffered an injury during a friendly match with Italy.
SICCI encourages other businesses who are interested in participating directly in this effort to get in touch with the Chamber Secretariat.

SICCI Launches ‘Bisnis for Vaccines’ Campaign

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has launched a campaign with the aim to get private sector support to encourage and drive vaccination as Solomon Islands continues its fight against COVID-19.
The Opposition Leader said, if the shameful NDF is open to all then publish the list of beneficiaries who received these funds in 2019 and 2020.

China Direct Funding to Government MPs Shameful: Wale

Recent revelations of an SBD$200,000 direct funding by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to each of the 39 Members of Parliament (MPs) in government has again brought to light the controversial National Development Fund (NDF) administered by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Back glass of an NRH ambulance shattered after being ambushed by thugs during the lockdown.

Health Ministry Outraged with Attack on Health Workers

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it is deeply and utterly disappointed at several incidents of rock throwing at NRH vehicles and workers including illegal roadblocks in Honiara during the lockdown period.
Mr Pogeava said despite the arrests, he is thankful for the majority of those in the emergency zone that cooperated, making the police operation a successful one.

Total of 32 Arrested During Lockdown

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) says 32 people were arrested before the lockdown exercise closed at 6am, 31st August 2021.
The government says that those who choose not to take their first does of COVID-19 vaccine by 31st August 2021 will not be allowed to access their workplace from 1st September 2021 (today).

Deadline for First Jab of Mandatory Vaccination Lapses

By Jimmy Nolan
The deadline for the first jab of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has lapsed. The government had stated earlier that those government workers that have not taken their first jab by the 31st of August 2021 will not be allowed into their place of work.

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