Latest News Archive October 2022

Scattered islands, growing population and consequently increasing demand for better health care services are amongst the many contributing factors to these challenges.

The Need to Reach the Unreached, an Ongoing Reality and Challenge

The Minister for Health, Dr. Culwick Togamana highlighted that the need to reach the unreached in the Solomon Islands is an ongoing challenge for the government and the Ministry of Health.
“With borders open, now is the time to continue to build up the tourism industry”

Australian Government Reviews Travel Advice for Solomon Islands

The Australian Government has reviewed its advisory for travelers visiting the Solomon Islands and effective immediately, the travel advice level has been lowered to ‘exercise normal safety precautions.’
Supervising Assistant Commissioner, National Operations Russel Tagini presenting certificate of Attainment to Constable Bonsy Paolo.

Officers Graduate with Level 2 International Mine Action Standard Certificate

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team graduated six of its officers after completing the level two of International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) at Hell’s Point, East Honiara.
Tractable and UNCDF will collaborate to develop a smartphone application for Fiji residents to upload images of property damage immediately following a cyclone or flood, perils covered under the climate risk parametric micro-insurance product through the UNCDF-led program.

Tractable and UNCDF Team Up to Bring Artificial Intelligence to Fiji

The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and Tractable this week, announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to bring the speed and cutting-edge accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) to disaster recovery in Fiji.
The graduates received qualifications in four different technical and vocational programs such as Hospitality, Team Leader Skill Set, Leadership and Management and International Skills Training (IST).

Solomon Islands Gain Skills Through APTC

The achievements of 43 men and 45 women were celebrated last week at the first in-person APTC graduation ceremony in Honiara, Solomon Islands since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The MoU will serve as a foundation to cooperate and share information with other national integrity institutions to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption.

SIICAC Hosts Roundtable with Partners

This week, UNDP together with the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) hosted a round-table discussion to frame a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its key partners.
The Corporate Plan sets out the strategy and guide for the MECDM, Community Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), development partners, and Civil Society Organization’s support to the Ministry for the next 2 years.

Through Cooperation to New Achievements

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) this week, launched its new Corporate Plan for 2022-2024.
As part of commemorating the event this year, women and girls of Malango were able to share their stories and showcase their spiritual, economic and cultural experiences and skills through singing, dancing and crafting.

Malango Women Celebrate International Rural Women’s Day

Women and girls from the Malango Ward of Central Guadalcanal have joined hands with the Tina River Hydropower Project Office this week to commemorate International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) at Kaimomosa Village, Belaha.
From Malaita, Sharon (2nd from left) has represented Solomon Islands at two Olympic Games, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and in August, competed at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Firisua Registers for Solomon Airlines Peace Marathon

With just over a week to go to the 2022 Solomon Airlines Peace Marathon, and as registration numbers continue to build, one of the Solomon Islands’ highest-profile athletes, Sharon Firisua has signed up for the 29 October event.
Police are also trying to investigate whether the alleged replica guns are from the replica guns shipment, which was reportedly smuggled into the country in recent months.

Is Win Win Company Above the Law?

By Samson Sade
Win Win company is back in the spotlight, this time on charges relating to the alleged use of replica firearms to threaten a community in central Guadalcanal.
There are now 4,547 Solomon Islanders employed under the scheme. Australia hosts the most workers with 4,135 while New Zealand has 412 Solomon Islanders under the scheme.

Government Targets 5,000 PALM Workers by December

The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), remains steadfast in committing up to 5,000 workers into the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme by the end of 2022, with further opportunities from New Zealand on the horizon.
FMD is a severe and highly contagious animal disease that affects cloven foot animals such as cattle, deer, pigs, goats and sheep. It can be transboundary and can occur sporadically in any area currently free of the disease.

SPC Warns Farmers on Threat of Foot and Mouth Disease

The Pacific Community (SPC) is urging farming communities and travelers to help keep the region free of the animal health threat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The Award received entries from Pacific media workers on published, or broadcast stories that highlighted the region’s climate change challenges and, or the ways Pacific people have addressed these, for survival.

Sera Wins 2022 Vision Pasifika Media Award

The University of The South Pacific (USP) final-year Journalism student, Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti was the proud winner of the 2022 Vision Pasifika Media Award.
Joining the prayer event, Sogavare proclaimed that God is the leader of the country and as God’s servant, he is only a custodian of the highest position of the land.

Prime Minister Says He is God's Servant During Religious Gathering

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was the invited guest of honour in the 30th anniversary of the All Pacific Arise and Sukkot 2022, held in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles during a recent meeting with Anthony Veke, Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Pacific Islands Defence Ministers Meet in Tonga to Boost 'Interoperability'

South Pacific defence ministers will meet in Tonga on Tuesday, with Australia seeking a closer military relationship with the three island nations that have defence forces to counter China's security push in the region.
The two-story community hall 2020/2022 project comprised of six accommodation room upstairs, a big conference room for meetings and an office space. Ablution block (shower & toilet system rooms) located downstairs.

Susuka to Take Ownership of New Multipurpose ‘Community Hall’

Susuka Community in East Choiseul Constituency (ECC) will soon take ownership of a new massive ‘Community Hall’ funded by the government through the Constituency Development fund (CDF) in partnership with community support.
Tahnimana said preliminary reports say that the deceased was felling a massive tree at the time when a branch from another tree nearby got caught, snapped and hit the deceased’s head who died instantly.

Man Crushed to Death at Logging Camp

The police are currently investigation circumstances surrounding the death of a 47 year old chainsaw operator at a logging camp in South Malaita.
DFAT First Secretary Health Dr. Alex Stephens officially handover the lab machines to Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana and looking on Lab Director, DFAT Counsellor Human Development Mr. Mika Kontiainen and NRH Medical Superintendent Dr Janella Solomons.

Australian Charity Group Donates State of the Art Blood Culture Machine to NRH Medical Lab

Health Minister Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana received a state of the art microbiology diagnostic machine from Dr Alex Stephens, First Secretary for Health, Australia High Commission in Honiara on behalf of the “Reach 4 Your Future Foundation,” an Australian Charity Group based in Melbourne.
SINIS partners with Bulk Shop through a partnership agreement signed by SINIS Executive Director Aaron Alsop and Bulk Shop Managing Director Adam Bartlett on Friday 14th October 2022.

Bulk Shop Is Now SINIS Nutrition Partner

The country’s leading food retailer Bulk Shop will be the nutrition partner in supporting athletes at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport - SINIS (SINIS) across a 16-month period.
Pictured at the official prize donation (from left to right): Our Telekom Sales Manager, Barbara Kyere; Solomon Airlines Marketing Officer, David Keru; Travel Solomons Managing Director, Karen Foimua; Our Telekom Marketing Manager, Sean Hiele, and Tourism Solomons Senior Marketing Officer, Nelson Manepura.

Solomon Airlines Peace Marathon Registrations Set Cracking Pace

Just days after the event was officially announced, organisers of this year’s Solomons Airlines Peace Marathon to date have received a flood of registrations for the 29 October event.
Prior to the pandemic, the Solomon Islands was hosting some 28,000 international visitors annually with Australian traffic constituting around 45 per cent of the total.

Solomon Islands Drops Inbound COVID-19 PCR Requirement

Effective immediately, the Solomon Islands Government has announced incoming travelers to the Solomon Islands no longer require to undergo a PCR test for COVID-19 72 hours prior to arrival.
Participants were briefed on the concept of high-performance, and the need to focus on a holistic approach when it comes to athlete development.

Touch Rugby Coaching Session Underway at SINIS

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) is currently hosting a coaching program for touch rugby.
The Ministry says that the main objective of the event is to identify potential music and dance talents to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Pacific Games 2023, as well as the cultural programme for the games.

So, You Think You Can Dance? Or Sing?

By Jimmy Nolan
Is it hip hop, lyrical, free style or fusion that’s your thing? Or is it a combination of dance forms like break or bboy? And break out with the occasional krump solo? Or is rock music, reggae, dancehall, afrobeat or afrofushion more your thing?
Recent data has shown that suicide is now the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally.

Take Care of Your Mental Health: Togamana

By Samson Sade
Speaking on the theme ‘Make Mental Health and Well-being for all, a Global Priority’ the Minister of Health Dr Culwick Togamana appealed to all Solomon Islanders to make mental health and well-being a priority for themselves, their families, work places and their communities in which they live for a better and happier living.
Solomon Islands delegation led by Hon. Harry Kuma meet with Anthony McDonald (third from left), ADB Executive Director and his team.

Kuma Highlights Development Challenges in Solomon Islands During ADB Board of Governors Meeting in Manila

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma returned on Monday, 10th October, after attending the 55th Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors Annual Meeting held at the ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines from 26 to 30 September 2022.
Several pictures uploaded on social media by patients at the NRH show that the Chinese donated medicines do in fact contain English labels, but the instruction leaflet is in Chinese.

Health Ministry Responds to Concerns Over Chinese Labelled Medical Supplies

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has responded to concerns raised by the public on social media over Chinese labelled medicines.
Private Lauren Dam deployed on Exercise Coastwatchers to support small boats familiarisation training with members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Australian Army Medic Plans to Bring Love of League to the Solomon Islands

If Army medic Private Lauren Dam gets another opportunity to deploy to Solomon Islands, she has promised to return with a rugby league ball.
This year the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on 7-18 November 2022.

Young Pacific Leaders Prepare for COP27

As greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat, climate change continues to be the most pressing issue of our time, and we are at a tipping point.
“The demand for mental health services in the country cannot be better illustrated than what is becoming a regular scenario on the streets of Honiara and elsewhere in the country. Individuals who need these services are roaming aimlessly in our society as if nobody is there to care,” said Head of Mental Health Services Dr Paul Orotaloa.

Mental Health Services Neglected for Far Too Long

By Samson Sade
The country joined the global community to celebrate and commemorate World Mental Health Day on the 10th October in Honiara.
Private Brandon Stewart from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, teaches navigation theory to Royal Solomon Islands Police Force members.

Maritime Partnership on Show in Solomon Islands

Fourteen officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) completed a boat-handling course with Army's 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Amphibious), during Exercise Coastwatchers.
Eric was a passenger in the backseat of a car, on his way to have a meal at a friend's house when the accident occurred.

GoFundMe Campaign Set Up for Eric Vavaki

By Jimmy Nolan
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Eric Vavaki, a Solomon Islander who faces possible deportation from Australia after a vehicle accident in Toogoolawah, in the Somerset Region of south-east Queensland, resulted in the lower part of his body to be paralysed.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during his bilateral discussions in Australia.

Sogavare Thanks Australia for Support Towards 2023 Pacific Games

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has thanked Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese for a donation to support the staging of the Pacific Games.
The Prime Minister was in New York for the UNGA, attended the first US-Pacific summit hosted by US President Biden and had a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart in Canberra.

Prime Minister Returns From Engagements Overseas

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation arrived home yesterday after successfully completing his overseas engagements.
Chief Kunuku says the bridge timber slab has deteriorated so badly that nails are now exposed, and the actual iron frame full of rust creating fear and risk for the vehicles that carry heavy load while crossing the bridge.

Kesao Bridge in North West Guadalcanal Falling Apart

By Jimmy Nolan
People in North West Guadalcanal are calling on responsible authorities to carry out urgent repair work on Kesao bridge, describing its current state as high risk for vehicles.
Mr Sherlock emphasized that it is incumbent on the media to quickly embrace and adapt to the changes in digital trend to continue to remain relevant through the dissemination of news and information to the masses.

Media Enhancing Digital Technology is Here to Stay: Sherlock

By Samson Sade
Whether we like it or not, media enhancing digital technology is here to stay and is vastly changing the media landscape the world over.
She says the bill is currently in its draft form, and will form the basis for a new teachers and leader’s administrative instruction guide, which will replace the current teaching service handbook.

Education Minister Promises Education Bill and Scheme of Service for Teachers

By Samson Sade
The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Hon. Lanelle Tanangada has committed to implementing a new scheme of service for teachers, and to bring to Parliament an Education Bill.
Mr Albanese indirectly acknowledged Australia's recent disagreements with Mr Sogavare's government, but stressed that the two countries shared wide common interests.

Sogavare Meets Australian Prime Minister in Canberra

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has used the opening of a meeting with Anthony Albanese to once again reassure Australia over his government's security pact with China, declaring he will never allow a foreign military base to be set up in his country.
Director NTD Superintendent William Foufaka said police detained a good number of vehicles and many are now under investigation.

Traffic Officers Crack Down on Unlicensed Drivers and Vehicles

The issue of unlicensed drivers and vehicles continues to be a problem in Honiara, putting at risk pedestrians and other vehicles on the road.
Prior to taking up his new post, Vaisekavea was the Program Manager of the Rural Development Program for the past 14 years.

Vaisekavea Sworn in as PS for MAL

A new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (NMAL) was sworn-in by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi at Government House yesterday.
Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Collin Bemama Qalokisa shake hands with Alphie Nelson, field Engineer from Fuzionnet Company Ltd after the successful installation.

Internet Service Goes Live in East Choiseul Constituency

The once isolated rural East Choiseul Constituency (ECC) is now connected to the outside world via the internet, thanks to Fuzionnet Company Ltd following the successfully installation of a new internet service at Kumanibae the Constituency’s Development Centre Tuesday this week.
Inspector Lyddiard said the visit with RSIPF to the new terminal has provided the opportunity to get a feel of the aviation security environment there. The provision of safe and secure movement of people and freight through the new terminal will be very important, particularly during the Pacific Games.

Police Visit New Honiara International Terminal

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP), who are part of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF), recently visited the new international terminal at Honiara International Airport.
“Media has and is adapting to this digital world of information sharing and politics and politicians are perhaps caught on the back foot with the fast pace of how information is now disseminated,” Kenilorea said.

Media and Politics Should Complement Each Other: Kenilorea

By Samson Sade
Politicians sometimes see the media as encroaching into their space, especially when issues become controversial, or sensitive.
Police initial reports alleged the deceased left his home for market on Saturday and did not return - his body was discovered inside the well two days later.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Murdering and Hiding Dead Body in a Well

Police in Tulagi have arrested a 56-year-old male, suspected of murdering and hiding the body of the victim inside a well.
The Opposition Leader said meaningful and honest debate in the public domain is good for society and our democracies.

Role of Media Critical for a Healthy Democracy: Wale

The place and role of the media in our region is absolutely critical to ensuring that our democracies can keep growing more open and that our governments increasingly appreciate the need to be responsive to the electorate.
“This is a great step forward towards building a new generation of competition players,” Judo President Eddie Cooper remarked.

Judo Holds Open Trials at SINIS

Solomon Islands Judo Federation held its initial open trials successfully at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport - SINIS for squad selection to access the High-Performance standard of training at the institute.
The Western and central Pacific Ocean skipjack tuna is one of the most valuable fish in the world. Worth more than US $9.65 billion at the final point of sale, it is the third most-caught fish in the world. While it is currently a healthy stock, it needs strong rules in place to ensure that catch remains sustainable.

NGOs Urge Adoption of Science-Based Management to Save Skipjack Tuna

Non-government Organizations including the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Ocean Foundation, WWF and Global Tuna Alliance are calling on the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) members to move away from yearly quota-setting to a science-based, pre-agreed management procedure (MP) for skipjack tuna.
Signing the partnership agreement Solrais Country Manager James Bradford said the company is always committed to recognizing sports development at all levels leading to the international stages.

Solrais Partners With SINIS High Performance for National Athletes Development

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High-Performance program has sealed an agreement with Solrais Company for the in-kind investment of mutual benefit in continuous support towards sports development.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington DC during the Pacific-USA Summit.

Sogavare Thanks US for Aligning Commitment to Forum 2050 Strategy

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked the United States for its commitment to align its programs of support to the Pacific with the ‘Forum 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.'

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