Latest News Archive July 2022

RAPPP Acting Commander, Heath Davies said this is the first six vehicles RAPPP handed to the RSIPF from a total of 22 vehicles to be handed in the coming months.

AFP Supports RSIPF With Six New Patrol Vehicles

Acting Commander of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF)-Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), Heath Davies, handed over six new vehicles to the RSIPF to support its frontline policing operations.
“I feel so proud. The girls they are working hard especially when we went behind and we equalised and I am so proud for them because in Solomons history we have never reached this far and third place is excellent for us as a start," said head coach Batram Suri.

Solomon Islands Beat Samoa, Finish Third at OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022

The Solomon Islands have finished third at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 after beating Samoa 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the third/fourth playoff in Suva, Fiji.
For Australian-based Solomon Islander, Terry Wong, tracking down the shell money for his bride-to-be, Azalea — was no easy feat.

The True Value of Traditional Currency

Solomon Islands shell money is the price some grooms still pay for love.
He says there are people on the dark web that offer counterfeiting service, for Euro the US dollar almost any money in the World. He says these counterfeit bills are of exceptional quality.

Counterfeit Money is Easy, Says Print Specialist

By Jimmy Nolan
Counterfeiting the Solomon Islands dollar is easy, says a print specialist in Honiara.
The expanded schedule across international and domestic operations includes more international flights, and streamlined connections between international gateways and popular tourism destinations.

Solomon Airlines Announces Major Schedule Expansion to Support Tourism Recovery

Following the reopening of Solomon Islands international border, Solomon Airlines has announced a major schedule expansion effective from October 2022.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Health Ministry to promote healthy living and lifestyle, placing focus and attention on the prevention front.

Guadalcanal Conducts Health Promotion Trainings in Schools

Around ten schools in Guadalcanal have received health trainings over the past two weeks, the Health Ministry says.
The theories ranged from an undersea volcano erupting, a UFO, and the most popular theory of all: another dimension called “The Upside Down” from the Netflix TV show “Stranger Things.”

Mysterious Red Glow Over Pacific Ocean

A mysterious red glow above the Pacific Ocean has internet sleuths fishing for answers.
Early symptoms of monkeypox will be followed by a rash of fluid-filled blisters in one to three days.

WHO: Over 18,000 Cases of Monkeypox Reported Globally

The World Health Organization says more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported globally from 78 countries, mainly in Europe.
Reports reaching CBSI indicate that residents, especially local businesses have been receiving fake banknotes of the latest print (or issue) in the denominations of $100, $50 and $20 notes.

Counterfeiting Banknotes on the Rise

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is urging the public to be on high alert and to lookout for fake banknotes following reports of high number of counterfeited banknotes being intercepted by Honiara residents.
Solomon Islands head coach Batram Suri said: “We are underdogs and we have come this far so we are proud and I think the players are happy about where we are now."

Solomon Islands Succumb to Fiji in Semi-finals

Host nation Fiji will face Papua New Guinea in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 final after beating the Solomon Islands 3-1 in front of a passionate home crowd at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The awareness presentation provided by the FMIS project team enabled officers to learn how the SIG’s new payment system operates and at the same time better their knowledge in preparation ahead of the series of hands-on training that will be facilitated by MoFT FMIS project team in the coming days.

MRD Finance Officers Receive Awareness on New SIG Payment System

Finance and Accounts officers of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) went through an awareness session facilitated by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) project team on the government new Financial Management Information System (FMIS), Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365).
On a daily basis, huge number of people congregate in and around the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, labor, and Immigration (MCILI) compound.

Growing Demand for Passport Lead to Over Crowding at Immigration Office

As Solomon Islands continue to send increasing numbers of Seasonal workers to Australia and New Zealand through the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) program, the demand for passport has also tremendously grown since the end of the year 2021.
The World Bank Country Director, Mr. Stephen Ndegwa and Prime Minister Sogavare discussed World bank IDA20 priorities and World Bank’s commitment to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.

World Bank Country Director Pays Courtesy Call to Prime Minister

Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands World Bank Country Director, Mr. Stephen Ndegwa has paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.
These risks, according to Kuma requires the strengthening of the oversight and operations Roles of CBSI to prevent the country from lagging behind in payments systems.

Kuma Highlights Weaknesses in Country's Financial System

The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma has outlined risks in the country’s current payments system which necessitates the passage of the Payments System Bill by Parliament.
Support of SBD2.1 million to March 2023 has been provided under the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ) on behalf of the government of Australia and managed by Deloitte and Adam Smith International.

Australia Supports Access to Justice in the Provinces

Australia will continue to support access to justice in the provinces including mechanisms to resolve disputes and manage grievances through the Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGM) run by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).
Dr Jilini emphasized nurses are at the heart of health teams, playing crucial roles in health promotion, disease prevention and restoring health.

81 Nurses Graduate From SINU and Atoifi College

More graduate nurses commenced their 2022 Nurses Supervised Practice Program, this week.
Australia remains committed in supporting Solomon Islands achieve its labour mobility targets of 5,500 workers by 2023 and 10,000 by 2025.

144 Solomon Islanders Deployed to Australia Under PLS

144 more Solomon Islanders are getting ready to be deployed to work in the meat industry in various locations in Western Australia, under the longer-term Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS).
The new Roadmap provides the technical pathway and implementation framework to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030 and would involve a major reform in the energy sector to create an enabling environment for participation of independent power producers (IPPs) to achieve the target.

Renewable Energy Roadmap Launched

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has launched the Solomon Islands Renewable Energy Roadmap – announcing major reforms in the energy sector in the areas of policy, legislation, regulation, institutional, financial and management arrangements.
Ms. Regatule served the Solomon Islands Government for a total of 40yrs since 1979. Female

Female Appointed as Commissioner to Leadership Code Commission

A retired long-time female civil servant was appointed as one of the Commissioners to the Leadership Code Commission (LCC).
“The penalty for breaching section 69 as stipulated in the offense under section 125 (2) is $20,000.00 penalty units or two years imprisonment or both,” Superintendent Bole adds.

Five Candidates Charged for Breaching Electoral Act

The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) charged five candidates of the National General Election (NGE) in 2019 who had failed to submit their statement of account over the weekend.
Ms. Kennedy - whose father, assassinated US President John F. Kennedy, took part in the Solomon Islands campaign as a patrol boat captain in World War Two

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy Among US Delegation Set to Visit Solomon Islands

US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy will be among a second US delegation to visit the Solomon Islands in recent months, after the April visit by a team led by senior White House official Kurt Campbell.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau with Inspector Gary Power of the FRNSW who delivered the firefighting equipment to the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Service.

AFP Deliver Firefighting Equipment to RSIPF’s Fire & Rescue

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)’s Fire and Rescue Service has received new firefighting equipment from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The Solomon Islands has now advanced into the Semi-Finals after a 1-0 over Tahiti.

Solomons into Semi-Finals After Tense Win Over Tahiti

The Solomon Islands have reached the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022 after grinding out a 1-0 win over Tahiti at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
“The Pacific is who we are and where we are. The challenges facing our region are also New Zealand’s challenges," said New Zealand Defense Minister Peeni Henare.

New Zealand Enhance Pacific Maritime Security with Patrol Vessels

New Zealand Defense Minister Peeni Henare announced Friday the dispatch of patrol vessels to its Pacific Island partners with the intention of strengthening maritime security in the Pacific region.
The 9 Guadalcanal Provincial School teachers and the High-Performance Talent Pathways department staff.

Guadalcanal Schools Confirm for Talent Identification

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) has reached a partnership with the Guadalcanal Provincial education authority to roll out the High-Performance Talent Identification program.
Illegal weapons that were handed in by former militants at the height of the ethnic tensions.

Former Militant Issues to be Addressed Systematically

The DCGA Government is concerned and sees it irresponsible and immoral the way the Opposition Leader is asserting in the media that the Government is going to dish out $300,000.00 as payment to former militants.
The highly contagious Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 are said to be responsible for the surge in new COVID-19 cases globally.

Solomon Islands at High Risk of Importing Omicron Sub-Variants

By Jimmy Nolan
As Solomon Islands opens up to the world, and in so doing dropping all mandatory quarantine requirements on arrival, variants of the highly contagious Omicron are infecting the populations of neighboring Fiji and Australia.
Jenly Wini will lead the team, coming out of a strong performance at the recent Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas where she won three gold medals in the 55kg category.

Solomon Islands Sends Largest Ever Contingent to the Commonwealth Games

Weightlifter Jenly Tegu Wini heads the Solomon Islands' 19-strong team for the Commonwealth Games team in Birmingham.
(L-R) Dr. Raymond Dickson & Dr Jason Diau after completing one of the surgeries.

Health Preserved, Lives Saved, Thousands of Dollars Spared: Thanks to Doctors and Nurses in West

Patient referral is the process of moving sick patients to higher-level health facilities especially when patients require specialized capacity and equipment for medical procedures and specialized assessments that are not available in the provinces.
The theme for this year’s celebrations was “Together we promote Good Governance, Cooperation and Partnership to move forward in Development.”

RenBel Province Commemorates Second Appointed Day

Rennell-Bellona Province has commemorated its 29th Second Appointed Day with celebrations at ‘Alava Community in Bellona Wednesday 20th July 2022.
New Caledonia’s struggle to handle the pace of the Solomon Islands attack became a theme throughout the first-half.

Solomon Islands and New Caledonia Advance After Draw

The group stage of the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2022 ended with a thrilling 2-2 draw between New Caledonia and Solomon Islands, a result that sees both teams qualify for the quarter-finals.
The newly elected Councilor Ezra Fo’oro said he is very humbled with the win and thanked the people for the trust and support towards him.

Fo'oro is Councilor for Honiara Vavaea Ward

The Vavaea ward 5 in Central Honiara has a new Councilor after the counting was completed at the Rove Police Headquarters.
20 shipping containers containing medical supplies are at the wharf awaiting completion of clearance before transferring to the National Medical Store.

Hospital Stocking up on Medical Supplies

The National Referral Hospital (NRH) have now stocked up on medication and inhaler devices that were initially in low supply.
Dr Mae assured the people of Solomon Islands that despite the difficulties the country is going through, the Ministry of Justice and legal Affairs will remain committed to making sure our courts system have the infrastructure required for the disposal of our justice services to the Solomon Islands public.

Honiara Magistrate Court Opens New Semi–Permanent Court House

The Opening of the new Semi–Permanent Court House at the Honiara Magistrates Court is an achievement for the Magistrate Courts in meeting the demand for access to justice under the National Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs as a whole.
Fiji men's captain and OFC Ambassador Roy Krishna assisted with the draw for the OFC U-19 Championship 2022.

Solomon Islands Drawn With New Zealand in OFC U-19 Championship

Excitement is building for the return of age-group football in the Oceania region, following confirmation of the draw for the OFC U-19 Championship 2022 on Tuesday, July 19.
Eligible Voters for the Vavaea Ward have been encouraged to vote.

Honiara City Council Vavaea Ward Goes to Polls

Honiara City Council By-Election for Vavaea Ward voters are going to Polls at 7am and will close at 5 pm.
A total of 28 participants from the Provinces attended the GBV workshop and were awarded with certificate at the end of the conference.

Family Support Centre Concludes Successful GBV Workshop

The Solomon Islands Family Support Centre's GBV Provincial Committees (PC) from seven Provinces concluded their two weeks of Conference in Honiara.
The training are for Presiding Officers, Polling Assistants, Queue Controllers and Polling agents for the 12 polling stations within the ward.

Training Conducted for Vavaea Ward Election Officers

A two (2) day Training for officials for the Vavaea Ward (5) By Election in Central Honiara, commenced yesterday at the Multi Purpose Hall.
Investigation has been launched by MHMS into the media reports of a “NRH Drunk Party”, in the NRH Emergency department.

NRH Initiates Investigation into Reports of “NRH Drunk Party”

The National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) Executive Management has initiated investigations into the media report of a “NRH Drunk Party”, in which staff at the NRH Emergency department were making loud noises and alleged to have been drinking (alcohol) inside the senior nurse office at Emergency Department.
The Telekom S League season 2022/2023 will continue again this coming weekend with more entertaining matches to feature in the round one of match week 2 at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Telekom S League Day 2 Match in Review

The Day 2 Match of week one in the Telekom S League season 2022/2023, round one had seen three matches played at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Tour programs, in the main running from 07 – 12 August, have been designed to incorporate many of the key battle sites in and around Honiara and will also include a visit to Tulagi’s famous Blue Beach and Tokyo Bay in the Florida Islands

Guadalcanal 80th Anniversary Catalyst for Solomon Islands Tourism Recovery

Hot on the heels of its official border reopening, the Solomon Islands tourism industry is back in business in a major way, preparing to welcome international tourists attending the 80th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign.
2022 SINBBF Bodybuilding Championship overall winners. Mr Solomon Is. Bodybuilding - Barnabas Waqa (L) and Mr Solomon Is. Physique - Junior Billy Oge (R) with their awards.

Waqa and Oge Top Bodybuilding Championship

The Solomon Islands National Bodybuilding Federation (SINBBF) Championships 2022 was a success, staged at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High-performance facility over the weekend.
To avoid similar unrest, RSIPF is discouraging citizens from joining illegal protests and encouraging all citizens to show respect for one another and remain peaceful.

Don't Engage in Illegal Gatherings and Protests: RSIPF

As Parliament adjourns for 25 July 2022 the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and members of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) appeal to the Solomon Islands community to peacefully and lawfully engage in the democratic process.
Permanent Secretary of MRD Dr. Samson Viulu and a tour guide check one of the houses fully funded by CDF at Nyialo village.

CDF Continue to Transform Rural Constituents Living Standards in Pele

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme of the national government administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is continuing to transform living standards in Temotu Pele Constituency in Temotu as constituents benefit from the CDF by owning permanent dwelling homes.
“A head count was conducted and revealed that 27 passengers were missing and only six dead bodies were found during the tragic incident.”

Police Charge Captain of MV Taimareho 1 with 27 Counts of Manslaughter

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the National Investigation Department (NCID) have charged the captain of MV Taimareho 1 with 27 counts of Manslaughter on 13 July 2022.
Hosted on the Theme “Promoting Health and Fitness in Solomon Islands, the Championship drew competitors from Honiara and Malaita Province with the aim to identify potential athletes for the national body building squad for the 2023 Pacific Games.

National Body Building Championship Applauded

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has applauded the Solomon Islands National Body Building Federation (SINBBF) for hosting a successful National Body Building Championship over the weekend.
The Hon. Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Culwick Togamana and Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, H.E. MIWA Yoshiaki at the official handover.

Japan and UNICEF Deliver 14 Speed Boats to Boost Health Services in Solomon Islands

This week, the Government of Japan, in partnership with UNICEF, officially handed over 14-speed boats to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services to support the Ministry in its efforts to accelerate health services, especially in the most remote areas.
An ariel view of the campsite at the Tina Hydro construction area.

First In-Country Mission for Tina Hydro Financiers After COVID-19

A delegation of lenders flew into Honiara last week, marking the first face to face supervised Lenders mission for the Tina River Hydropower Development Project since prior to COVID-19 and the closing of international borders.
The Pacific Islands Forum has also released its 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which strikes an urgent tone on climate change and repeatedly calls for accelerated and drastic action to reduce emissions.

Australia Stands with Pacific Family to Declare 'Climate Emergency'

Australia looks set to sign up to a joint statement from Pacific Islands Forum leaders that is expected to declare a "climate emergency" and calls for rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming.
The RSIPF and SIAF officers will continue with POM joint operational exercise programs to ensure both police agencies are ready to respond swiftly and efficiently to any potential public disorder incidents.

Police Prepare for 'Operation Parliament'

In preparation for the sitting of parliament commencing next week (18 July 2022), the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and components of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) conducted Public Order Management (POM) exercises this week.
“There is no military base, nor any other military facility or institutions, in the agreement. And that’s a very important point that we continue to reiterate to the family in the region," Sogavare said.

China Will Not Have a Military Base in Solomon Islands: Sogavare

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has declared his country’s security tie-up with China will not allow the superpower to host a military base there and make his citizens “targets for potential military strike”.
“For most, there is an urgent economic need to begin the border reopening process. This requires a balancing act between maintaining public health and restarting tourism activity," PSDI Tourism Expert Sara Currie said.

PSDI Launches Tourism Reopening Framework Post COVID-19

The Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) has launched a comprehensive tourism reopening framework for Pacific island countries (PICs), providing critical policy guidance as international tourists return in the post-COVID-19 era.
The Ministry says that any persons with flu-like illness need to get tested at the nearest health clinic. Should tests return positive they are to self-isolate at home for at least 7 days.

Health Detects Positive COVID-19 Cases from International Arrivals

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has detected a number of COVID-19 positive test results from recent international arrivals.
Sogavare said having a foreign military presence is not in the interest of Honiara or any other country in the region.

“We Will Not Put Pacific Islands Forum at Risk:” Sogavare

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says his country will not do anything that will put any member of the Pacific Islands Forum at risk.
“Our support for this region does not come with strings attached. It comes because we understand that we have a responsibility as an advanced economy in the region to provide support to our Pacific neighbours.”

First Face to Face Meeting Between Albanese and Sogavare

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warmly embraced Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands leader who embraced China, as Australia works behind the scenes to avoid Pacific nations becoming vulnerable to being picked off by Beijing wielding its economic power.
"This project recognizes the importance of digital transformation, which has become even more important against the backdrop of post- pandemic recovery”, Mr. Cocker said.

Miles Partnership to Design e-learning Modules for SPTO Members

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is pleased to announce that it will be working with Miles Partnership to develop the Pacific Benchmarking Programme and to design, a Digital Skills and Technology Needs Assessment and e-learning Modules for SPTO member countries.
2022 National Bodybuilding Championship Set

2022 National Bodybuilding Championship Set

The Solomon Islands Bodybuilding Federation (SIBBF) will be hosting its national Championship from 15th to 16th July 2022 at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High-Performance centre.
SECSIP through financial support by Australia and UNDP will continue to provide its support to the Commission in achieving its main areas of project outputs.

SECSIP/UNDP and the Australian Government Maintains Support to the Delivery of Electoral Mandate

Two boats with OBM and other Election Support Items were handed over to the Electoral Commission by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager, Mr Berdi Berdiyev and First Secretary to the Australian High Commission in a brief Ceremony earlier this week at Electoral Office’s warehouse.
Some examples of the abandoned unexploded ordinances left over from World War Two.

Police to Conduct Live Demolition of Bombs

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point, in the Alligator Creek area East of Honiara today.
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga signed the condolence book in honor of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Embassy of Japan in the absence of Prime Minister Sogavare.

Sogavare Conveys Condolences on the Passing of the Former Japanese Prime Minister

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare formally conveys heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Government and People of Japan for the untimely passing of the former Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency the Hon. Shinzo Abe.
When Anthony Albanese touches down in Suva today to attend his first Pacific Islands Forum, he will be walking in to a regional meeting that is putting on a brave face.

Power Struggle as Albanese Heads to Pacific Islands Forum

When Anthony Albanese touches down in Suva today to attend his first Pacific Islands Forum, he will be walking in to a regional meeting that is putting on a brave face.
Commissioner Mangau and Deputy Commissioner SIAF Davies, reinforced the message that the team is prepared for the operation, and reiterated that areas to the east and west of Honiara will have high visibility patrols by RSIPF and SIAF.

Police Prepare for Upcoming Parliament Sitting

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF) are gearing up for parliament sitting next week.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare meets with PIFs Secretary General Henry Puna.

Solomon Islands Offers to Host Next Forum Leaders Meeting in 2023

Solomon Islands has made its intention known to the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMMM) that it wants to host the next Forum Leaders Meeting in 2023.
CBSI Warns Public on Latest Email Scam

CBSI Warns Public on Latest Email Scam

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is warning the general public to avoid the latest form of email scam detected only last week.
The Pacific Maritime Boundaries Programme supports Pacific Island Countries and Territories to secure the rights and responsibilities over their ocean space, in accordance with the UN Convention of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Fiji and Solomon Islands Sign Maritime Boundary Agreement

The Governments of Fiji and the Solomon Islands have signed an agreement on their shared maritime boundary, marking the first boundary treaty to be signed in the Pacific region in 6 years.
Guadalcanal Province Premier, Hon. Francis Sade, with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) team during their meeting.

Guadalcanal Premier Sade Meets MCC Team

The Guadalcanal Province Premier, Hon. Francis Sade, met with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) team last week on Friday, 8 July 20222.
Henry Puna says there are certainly high ambitions for the coming week, and encourages leaders to “let our love for the blue Pacific guide us in the coming days.”

Heavy Conversations Ahead of Us: PIFS Secretary General

By Samson Sade
Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Henry Puna acknowledges that there are heavy conversations ahead of us in his opening remarks at the PIFS Leaders Summit in Suva, Fiji, this morning.
Radio communications team leader Major Josh Fordham said, “Once completed, this project will deliver radio communications to every province in Solomon Islands and enable a more coordinated response in a natural disaster or security incident.”

Australia Boosts Border Outposts with Two-Way Radio

A group of 12 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have been in Solomon Islands to progress work on the Western and Eastern Border Outposts and the Solomon Islands Police and Emergency Radio Network (SIPERN).
“Solomon Islands joins the OACPS to urge the EU to fast-track the conclusion of their internal consultations to enable the signing and implementation of the future OACPS-EU partnership Agreement."

Sogavare Address Pacific ACP Leaders in Suva

The Pacific Group of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Leaders must reassess their priorities as a region and be innovative and strategic in their approaches and engagements with friends and partners including the European Union.
According to the survey, despite over half of all responding businesses reporting a decline in export orders over the past 12 months, respondents are confident the future holds promise with two out of three businesses expecting an increase in export orders over the next 12 months.

PTI Australia’s Pacific Islands Export Survey 2022 Provides Critical Snapshot of State of Exports

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia have published the findings of their most recent Pacific Islands Export Survey, a biennial report providing key insights into the activities and opinions of exporters across the region.
The handover was made by Counsellor for Human Development at the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, Mika Kontiainen to the SIAVRTC Director, Billy Mae, and witnessed by a member of the SIAVRTC Board and Education Secretary for Catholic Education, Modesta Hasiau.

Australia Provides New Vehicle to Solomon Islands Association of Vocational Rural Training Centres

Australia has provided a new vehicle to the Solomon Islands Association of Vocational Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC) to support its service delivery to national training providers.
Kiribati President Taneti Maamau said in a letter his country would withdraw from the Forum because it did not agree with forum secretary-general Henry Puna continuing in the role, nor other terms of a deal brokered weeks ago to solve a rift between Micronesian states and other Forum members.

Kiribati Withdraws from Forum Ahead of Leaders Meeting

The withdrawal of the remote Pacific island nation of Kiribati from the region's key diplomatic group has overshadowed the Pacific Islands Forum as leaders arrive in Fiji for the first in-person meeting in two years.
Prime Minister Sogavare and Madam Sogavare escorted on arrival at Nadi International Airport on Saturday.

PM Sogavare Receives Red Carpet Welcome in Fiji

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Hon Manasseh Damukana Sogavare was accorded a red carpet welcome on his arrival in Suva Fiji over the weekend.
Mr. Cocker added that Digital capabilities are critical for the growth of a successful tourism economy. He added that COVID-19 re-emphasized the need for digital transformation which would harness innovation in the use of digital technology to ensure that Pacific tourism remains competitive at the global level.

SPTO Partners With Trove Tourism Development to Enhance Digital Capabilities

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has awarded Trove Tourism Development Advisors its Lead Digital Specialist programme and Digital Content Upgrade, both of which fall under the Pacific Digital Tourism Transformation Project funded by the New Zealand government.
“It can't just be the deaf children who learn sign language, but the communities, so the ultimate outcome is to give those deaf children an opportunity to be active members, which is what people need for good mental health, prosperity and productivity,” said Australian Catholic University’s Associate Professor Mellita Jones.

New Project to Send Sign Language Teachers into Remote Villages of Solomon Islands

Sign language could soon become the common language for people in remote communities of Solomon Islands as a new project aims to increase the number of signers in the Pacific nation.
Chief Superintendent Ramoni says the new capability will help the RSIPF carry out its mandated task to protect our communities when there are active armed offender’s incidents.

Sogavare Witness New Police Capabilities

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his Cabinet Ministers witnessed the Police Response Team (PRT) under the National Response Department (NRD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) displaying the Public Order Management (POM) Interoperability Response Capability Demonstration Exercise at the Tenaru Firing Range yesterday.
TriSI President Joe Ramosaea commended SINIS HP and NSC for making sure that the right support systems are in place to allow athletes and coaches to excel at the elite international level.

Triathlon to Access SINIS High Performance Pathway Program

Triathlon Solomon Islands (TriSI) will now adapt to a high performance strategy that aims to build an aligned performance system from pathways to the podium with support from the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
(L – R) Mr. Michael Ho’ota DS Technical, MAL; Mr Martin Jaiki, Director Supervising Research, MAL; Dr Gregory Jilini, Deputy Secretary Health Care and Supervising PS, MHMS and Dr Yogesh Choudhri, Senior Health Advisor receiving the items last week.

Indian Government Appreciated for Donation of Medicines and Seeds

Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock utters its great appreciation to the government of India for providing over 2 million worth of medication and agricultural seeds.
The Ministry of Health mission team and Wagina nurse, Ms. Beverly Sai.

MHMS Addressing Lack of Medical Service in Wagina

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has taken concrete steps to establish an improved health facility in Wagina, a Gilbertese settlement in South Choiseul.
The MR vaccines first does is usually given to children at 12 months (or 1 year) of age and second dose at 18 months (1 year 6 months).

Measles Health Alert Issued

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is issuing a measles health alert for the Solomon Islands following outbreak of measles in Fiji and new cases being reported in many parts of the World.
This year's Independence theme is “Iumi Tugeda for a Stronger and Peaceful Solomon Islands” and will be kept low key.

Low Key Celebrations for 44th Anniversary

The Solomon Islands Government will celebrate the 44th Independence Anniversary this year with a thanksgiving church service as part of the low key celebrations.
The trainings are the beginning of a series of back-to-back election officials’ trainings scheduled for upcoming electoral events.

Trainings Conducted in Malaita for Election Officers

The Solomon Islands Electoral Office are this week conducting trainings in Auki for the senior election officials for the West Kwaio National Parliamentary by-election and the Ward 18 of Malaita Provincial assembly by-election.
An Employment Court case brought by migrant seasonal workers Lyn Soapi (left), Danny Lau and Mary Lau could benefit all RSE workers and other minimum wage earners.

Seasonal Workers take Employer to Court

A group of Solomon Islanders in New Zealand for seasonal work are taking an employer to court over hours worked and deductions to their wages for things like wet weather gear and travel costs.
“We are a nation of islands. The ocean defines who we are as people and nation. It is a key pillar of our development and the foundation of our future..."

Communities First For Ocean Governance

The Solomon Islands have worked to ensure communities are on the frontlines of ocean governance by taking great strides toward Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

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