Latest News Archive January 2023

Rabuka told AFP he had since received a letter from Maamau that indicated "they were willing to rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum".

Fiji Prime Minister Says Kiribati Returning To PIFs

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says on Monday that Kiribati will rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFs), returning to the strategic bloc of nations as they grapple with China's push for regional influence.
Despite the passage of important legislations, such laws have not necessarily achieved the desired outcome i.e. more arrests and/or prosecution for those who use public assets for private gain.

Solomon Islands Registers Minimal Improvements in Corruption Perception Index (CPI)

By Samson Sade
The country ranks 77 and scores 43 respectively according to the Solomon Islands Corruption Perception Index (CPI) recently released by Transparency International and launched by Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI).
The Prime Minister with the outgoing High Commissioner of Australia Dr. Lachlan Strahan.

Prime Minister Acknowledges Australia's Assistance to the Country

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare used the occasion to commemorate Australia’s National Day to highlight and acknowledge a number of key developments in which Australia assisted the country with.
The "Friendship Hall" one the many facilities that will be used during the Pacific Games has been completed and now in use.

GOC, SIWA Partnership Crucial to Successful Games

The partnership between the Pacific Games Organizing Committee (GOC) and the Solomon Islands Water Authority (Solomon Water) is crucial to the successful delivery of the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands this year.
Miss Solomon Islands Tiare Haro enjoying the sights and sounds of beautiful Samoa.

Miss Solomon Islands Visits Savaii in Samoa

Miss Solomon Islands Tiare Haro has settled in well since her arrival in Samoa for the Miss South Pacific.
Lea'i puts pen to paper, inking his first professional football contract - and the country's first in Europe.

Lea’i Signs Professional Contract with European Club

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands wonderkid Raphael Lea’i has now become the country’s first international professional football player signed by a European club.
SINIS says the Open Day will give them the opportunity to showcase their facilities, programs, and services to the community.

SINIS Welcomes Public to Open Day

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands Institute of Sport (SINIS) has opened its doors today to the public with an Open Day.
Jenkins toured the Friendship Hall, the multi-purpose Honiara City Council Sports Precinct (HCC) and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) facility at the King George VI School.

FIBA Impressed With Pacific Games 2023 Basketball Venue

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Oceania director Amanda Jenkins has predicted that basketball and 3x3 competitions at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands will provide "very high quality and the very best event possible."
The campaign will be led by HCC and Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and will include government ministries, the private sector, NGOs Churches, Government Agencies, State Owned Enterprises and the general public.

Delivering a Safe and Green Pacific Games 2023

The Government is determined to deliver a safe and green Pacific Games when it hosts the regional sporting event in November.
“Our system of democracy and justice systems are different so we will go back to those that have similar systems with us.”

Fiji Prime Minister Terminates MOU With China Police

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says there is no need for Chinese state security personnel to continue working in the Fiji Police Force.
Suspect is currently remanded at Rove Correctional Service and will appear at Honiara Magistrate Court on 9 February 2023.

Police in Tulagi Arrest and Charge a 40-years-old Male for Rape

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi police station in Central Province have arrested and charged a 40-years-old male for raping a 13-years-old female at Savo Island in Central Province on 22 January 2023.
The iMRV helps to strategies, plan, implement, track and assess climate change mitigation actions.

Developing an Integrated Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (iMRV) tool for Solomon Islands

Over 30 representatives from government, ministries, CSOs and private sector organizations that work in the sectors that involve in joined the inception workshop to initiate the design and development of and effective and robust iMRV tool.
The Solomon Islands sit on the "Ring of Fire" area of tectonic activity in the Pacific.

No Tsunami Threat After Earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 occurred at 01:35 am early this morning near Latitude 60.2 Degrees South, Longitude 155.4 Degrees East.
The Games stadium in East Honiara taking shape.

Government Focuses on the Games and Elections

Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement’s (DCGA) key policy priorities for 2023 is hosting the 17th Pacific Games 2023 and the preparation of the National General Election.
The visit by MS Paul Gauguin will be followed by Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Sojourn which arrives on 24 February at Tavanipupu Island Resort in Marau Sound before heading to Honiara.

Solomon Islands 2023 Cruise Season Well Underway

The Solomon Islands 2023 cruise season is off to a cracking start with seven ships already confirmed over the next four months.
“Should Solomon Islands graduate out of the LDC status, trade will be an important tool to sustain the country’s economy,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Solomon Islands Not Ready to Graduate from Least Developed Country Status

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah says the Solomon Islands is not ready to graduate from its least developed country status.
Some of the 84 workers listening attentively to speakers at the briefing last week.

84 PALM Workers Depart for Australia Under Labour Mobility Scheme

A total of 84 people completed their Pre-Departure Briefing last week as the number of workers recruited under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme continues to increase.
“I call on both parties in the incident to refrain from any further unlawful actions and allow police to investigate the matter,” PPC Ngili says.

Police Arrest a Male Person for Arson Incident in Choiseul Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Taro Police Station have arrested a male suspect for burning a dwelling house at Sagasaga village Choiseul Province on 5 January 2023.
“We encourage everyone to apply regardless of age, gender, ability, nationality or any other category to apply and be part of the Games Family," said GOC’s Senior Operations Manager, Jack Smith.

GOC Looking to Recruit 2,500 Volunteers for Pacific Games

The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) will this year recruit 2500 plus volunteers to join the 2023 Pacific Games Collective Workforce.
Search continues in Solomon Islands for two missing children.

Search Continues For Two Missing Children After Boat Overturned

Two children remain missing in Solomon Islands waters after a boat overturned more than a week ago.
Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand are strong, traditional partners in education through the joint Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) which aims to improve access to quality basic education for all children in Solomon Islands regardless of gender, ability, and location.

Ministry of Education and Key Partners Celebrate International Day of Education

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) celebrates the International Day of Education 2023 with Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program government partners.
Ms Jenkins, who is also the Executive Director for FIBA said that the visit was basically to oversee preparations for basketball competitions at the Games this year.

Pacific Games Technical Delegates Visit Honiara

Two Pacific Games Technical Delegates have so far visited Honiara this month.
Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, with PIFS Secretary General, Henry Puna and two senior officials from the PIF Secretariat.

PIFS Secretary General Pays Courtesy Visit to Governor General

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Henry Puna has paid a courtesy visit to Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at government house yesterday.
Raphael Lea’i in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Raphael Lea’i Close to Deal in Europe

The starlet Raphael Lea’i is currently in Europe pursuing his dream to turn into a professional footballer – as reported by Oceania Football Center during the week.
Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, emphasised Australia’s commitment to health outcomes, and to delivering good quality infrastructure.

Ground-breaking for Australia Funded Naha Birthing and Urban Health Clinic

The Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana and the Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan participated in a ground-breaking ceremony today (23 January 2023) for the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.
“I want to urge youth in the Western Province to approach their parents, close relatives or their best friends if they have issues that are bothering them as young people growing up during these challenging times."

Police Investigate Suspicious Death of Young Man

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Noro police station are investigating a suspicious death following the discovery of a young man’s body hanging inside his bedroom on the 17 January 2023 in Western Province.
Solomon Islands’ flag; Ambassador Jane Kabui Waetara, Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, depositing the Instrument of Ratification and David Nanopoulos, Chief of the Treaty Section of the UN Office of Legal Affairs.

Solomon Islands Ratifies Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Solomon Islands has ratified the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) last Friday, 20 January 2023 - the 14th Pacific island nation to join.
The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

5.0 Earthquake Hits Near Shortland

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea, near Shortland Island at around 07:13 this morning.
Mr Apaniai said that the decision to support the Sol2023 Pacific Games was driven by the desire to see the Games successfully delivered through the support and assistance of all Solomon Island citizens and businesses.

SIPC Announce SBD$2million Sponsorship for Sol2023 Pacific Games

Solomon Islands Postal Corporation (SIPC), trading as Solomon Post is now an official sponsor and partner of the 2023 XVII Pacific Games.
Organizers say the Wantok Musik Concert will take the city of Honiara to a whole new level of musical genius.

Wantok Musik Concert Kicks Off this Saturday

The Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Wantok Musik Foundation and proudly sponsored by ANZ, Hatanga, and BYGroup present THE WANTOK MUSIK CONCERT 2023.
High Commissioner Ma’ahanua noted that both Fiji and Solomon Islands are members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and work to advance the two countries interests in the subregional group could serve as a conduit for building a stronger Pacific family.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji Pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji His Excellency Joseph Ma’ahanua has paid a courtesy call on the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka on Tuesday 17th January 2023.
Dynamite fishing is a destructive fishing practice using explosives, often extracted from WWII UXO, to stun or kill schools of fish for easy collection.

Police Clamp Down on Dynamite Fishing

Dynamite fishing is on the rise in the Central Province and police are clamping down on those involved.
Suspect is currently remanded at Rove Correctional Service and will appear at Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court on 24th January 2023.

50 Year Old Arrested for Raping Niece

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi Police Station in Central Province have arrested and remanded a male person in his 50s for raping his 14-year-old niece at big Ngella in Central Province.
Kareba, who hails from Titiana Village, turned in what Western Solomons Surfing Association President, Jeremy Baea said impressed the judges with his speed on the wave and style, in the process edging out his main competition, Kauriri Peter and Tautau Taumeria, who placed second and third, respectively.

Junior Kareba Wins Solomon Islands Surfing Crown at 2023 Titianas Challenge

Gizo surfer Junior Kareba has been crowned the Solomon Islands national surfing champion at the 7th Annual Surfing Championship held in Gizo.
SIWA says they are currently monitoring the source turbidity and will keep the public informed.

SIWA Cuts off Supply from Kongulai Water Source

Solomon Water has cut off water supply from its Kongulai water source because of high turbidity.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the governments of Australia and New Zealand and their people respectively for the assistance. He says the project is co-funded by the national government together with the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

Ground Breaks for Multimillion Dollar Airfield Project in Taro

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has paid homage to the landowners of Taro airfield for allowing their land for the important infrastructure.
This tour will see Solo visit 26 communities and villages in these three regions of the province.

SOLO the Mascot on His Way to Malaita

Solo, the 2023 Pacific Games Mascot resumes its nationwide tour this week.
Newly appointed CEO of Air Vanuatu Mr. Joseph Laloyer (L) and Solomon Airlines CEO Mr. Gus Kraus met in Port Vila.

Solomon Airlines Seeks Greater Cooperation With Air Vanuatu

Solomon Airlines CEO Mr. Gus Kraus met with newly appointed CEO of Air Vanuatu Mr. Joseph Laloyer in Port Vila last weekend, for two days of discussions to further their Melanesian ties and discuss greater cooperation between the national carriers.
So far in his career, he has scored 91 goals in 59 games, including his homeland’s domestic league, OFC Champions League and senior appearances for the Solomon Islands National Team.

Lea’i in Europe for Trials with Professional Clubs

Raphael Lea’i has landed in Europe for trials with proffessional soccer clubs.
Marape said the safety of both countries was intertwined. He said Australia was more than just a bilateral partner and was a parent nation, because PNG had been been under Australia’s administration before gaining independence.

Australia and PNG Finalize New Security Pact

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he expected negotiations to conclude in April and the treaty to be signed in June.
“The project is not only strengthening the health system and services of Kilu’ufi but also the country at large, serving as a significant alternative for the National Referral Hospital in terms of additional and provision of tertiary services in the Province ”, said the Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil.

JICA and Health Minister Progress Kilu’ufi Hospital Project

Ministry of Health and Medical Services together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on 12th Thursday signed Minutes of Discussions on the Preparatory Survey for the Project of improvement and expansion of Kiluúfi Hospital.
An active trough lies to the south of the Solomon Islands, whilst a northwesterly flow persists over the country.

Heavy Rain Warning Still in Force

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands Meteorological service (METS) says the heavy rain warning that is associated with a trough south of the Solomon Islands is still in force.
Ambassador Waetara delivering her letter of credence to US President Joe Biden.

Ambassador Jane Waetara Presents Letter of Credence to US President Biden

The Solomon Islands Ambassador to the United States of America, Her Excellency, and Jane Mugafalu Kabui Waetara has presented her letter of credence to the U.S President, Joe Biden at the White House.
Hon. Billy Veo, the MPA for Noro Ward is the new Premier of Western Province. Choiseul Province also has a new Premier. He is Hon. Togoua Tabe of Wagina ward.

Maelanga Congratulates Newly Elected Premiers for Western and Choiseul

Acting Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga has congratulated the newly elected Premiers of Western and Choiseul Provinces.
RSIPF and SIAF members attended the program and undertook light gym session led by RAPPP’s health and fitness instructor during the opening program.

Staying Fit and Active: AFP Funds Outdoor Gym for Police

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) rolled out a pilot outdoor gym program at Tetere Police Station during the opening program last month (December).
One of the donated tractors being used at the Varivao Ltd holdings farm on Guadalcanal.

Boosting Exports: Solomon Islands Moves to Meet Export Standards

The Enhance Integrated Framework (EIF) Project implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has provided a lot of positive impacts on the export sector to ensuring it meets international standards.
Police are sweeping through the capital Honiara, determined to curb illegal gambling.

34 Busted for Illegal Gambling

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and members of Solomon’s International Assistance Force (SIAF) have arrested 34 suspects during the operation “STOPEM GAMBLING” last week.
The Solomon Islands prime minister assured the US and other Western allies, like Australia and New Zealand, after signing the deal with Beijing in April that he would not allow China to set up a naval base in his country, but concern about Chinese intentions has not abated.

US Moves To Reopen Solomon Islands Embassy To Counter China

The Biden administration is plowing ahead with plans to re-open the US embassy in the Solomon Islands in a bid to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the Pacific.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the visit would reinforce the strong bond between the two countries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Address PNG National Parliament on Two-day Trip

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to address Papua New Guinea's parliament during a two-day visit next week.
Her first flight as a Dash 8 Captain in Command took place today Tuesday 3 January, on the Santa Cruz to Honiara route, operating with Captain Geoff Posala.

Solomon Airlines Congratulates Pilot Lyndah Owen on Promotion to Dash-8 Captain in Command

Solomon Airlines has kicked off 2023 with congratulations to pilot Lyndah Tito Owen, on her promotion from Dash 8 First Officer to Captain of the national carrier’s largest domestic aircraft.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time Pele died on 29 December aged 82 after a battle with colon cancer since September 2021.

FIFA to Ask Every Country to Name a Stadium in Honour of Football Great Pele

Will the Solomon Islands heed the call to name a stadium in the country after football great, Pele?
“Community did not supply any information of anyone suspected but believe that it washed ashore by the sea due to high tide during the day,” Mr Soakai said.

Police Investigates Death of Infant

Police at Tulagi in Central Island Province are investigating an infanticide incident in relation to the body of a female infant found washed ashore at Boromole Village seaside on 21 December 2022.

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