Latest News Archive February 2023

Weightlifting is one of the individual sports that shows strong prospects for medal contention at the upcoming Pacific Games.

Positive Outlook for Weightlifting

Solomon Islands national ‘weightlifting’ athletes carried out their first Oceania League competition in the country at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) last Friday.
The two Prime Ministers meeting at the margins of the PIFs Leaders summit in Fiji.

Sogavare Meets With Rabuka in Fiji

Solomon Islands is in ready mode to cooperate further and work together with the Government of the Republic of Fiji as a close neighbor, members of the MSG and the PI Forum and the UN on issues of common and mutual interests bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally.
METS advise people in those areas that sea will be very rough with moderate to heavy swells. There is also potential for coastal floodings particularly for Southern parts of Temotu.

Tropical Low Over Parts of Solomon Islands

A special weather advice was issued this morning by the Solomon Islands Meteorological services (METS) for Temotu and Rennell Bellona provinces.
SICCI surveys shows that businesses have lost millions of dollars since the outbreak of COVID-19 lockdowns and recent riot in Honiara. Even with the opening of the borders in July 2022, recovery is slow and risks are still high for business given an already tough business environment before the past two years of disruptions and pandemic.

SICCI Concerned With Increases in HCC License Fees

The increase of rates of business operating license fees in 2023 by the Honiara City Council (HCC) raises concern about the impact on businesses operating in Honiara city and the wider economy.
Police Arrest and Charge 20 Year Old For Double Murder in Malaita Province

Police Arrest and Charge 20 Year Old For Double Murder in Malaita Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Auki Police Station have arrested and charged a 20-year-old male suspect for a double murder incident that occurred at Manu area, East Fataleka in Malaita Province on 20 February 2023.
Telekom TV and SIBC Sign MOU for Broadcast of Pacific Games 2023

Telekom TV and SIBC Sign MOU for Broadcast of Pacific Games 2023

Solomon Telekom Company Limited’s television service TTV and the National Broadcaster Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) have agreed on a carriage relationship to broadcast the new SIBC TV service nationwide on TTV’s transmitters and streaming Application TTV Now.
Participants at the training program held at the Heritage Park Hotel.

UK-Solomon Islands Organise 3-day Workshop on Human Trafficking for Journalists

The 3-day workshop on “Awareness of the Trafficking of Women and Girls in Solomon Islands for Sexual and Domestic Exploitation and Abuse” has begun in Honiara.
In order for the coaches to technically communicate well at the upper level Oceania accredited course, SINIS Coach Developer under Portfolio 1 (Combat Sports), Jeffery Pasio said it is good that they (SINIS) are preparing them on this foundation level.

Boxing Foundation Course Conducted at SINIS

A two days ‘Boxing Foundation Course’ is underway at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), starting yesterday, Wednesday.
Masafumi Yabara was in the country to assess country’s economic health and to forestall future financial problems.

Expenditures Relating to Pacific Games and General Elections Need to be Well Controlled

By Samson Sade
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Masafumi Yabara visited Solomon Islands during February 8 to 21 to hold discussions on the 2023 Article IV Consultation.
More than 70 members of ISIA attended the information session that was co-hosted with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury’s Inland Revenue Division (IRD).

New Registration Requirements in Place for Tax Agents

Under the new Tax Administration Act 2022, all tax agents must be registered book-keepers and registered certified practicing accountants with the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA).
CBS Fund interim-committee members after their appointment during the consultation. From left-right, Ishmael Raji, Irene Vouza, Dr Patricia Rodie, and MPA for Ward 9, Malango, Hon. Keith Amosaea.

Establishment of Tina Community Benefit Share Fund (CBSF) on Track

The registration of the Tina Community Benefit Share Fund (CBSF) is on track, following a one-day consultation and the appointment of an interim-committee in mid-February 2023.
Angelo Schirinzi said he is happy to help country’s beach soccer preparations, adding that the players are very motivated, well engaged and their time together was very fantastic as they have learnt a lot.

SINIS Conducts Technical Course for Beach Soccer

Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) and Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) are working together to develop the national ‘Beach Soccer’ team through technical course.
The Royals were chasing their 3rd consecutive first place finish but finished one point off top spot for the 2022/23 season.

RSIPF Women's Football Team Finishes Second

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Mr. Mostyn Mangau, has congratulated the RSIPF Women’s Football Club on their second place in this season’s Solomon Islands Women’s Premier League.
The programme aims to foster cooperation and information exchange between the two Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and specifically focus on strengthening SIFIU’s analysis, supervision and management capacities.

Attachment Programme to Foster Cooperation Between Financial Intelligence Units

The Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) is upgrading its capability to counter corruption and money laundering through an attachment programme to Papua New Guinea’s Financial Analysis & Supervision Unit (FASU).
“So, if what is alleged is true, then we will have a process where we will talk directly to the employer of the person that used scholarship funds for something else, like working under a seasonal program,’’ CEO Nasi said.

SIG Scholarship Committee Investigates Allegations

By Jimmy Nolan
Investigations into the misuse of scholarships awarded by the Solomon Islands government (SIG) will soon be conducted by the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA).
“As Copen is so prevalent in school-aged children, the seminar provided the chance to hear from school representatives and gave the opportunity to plan the implementation of a school-based Copen awareness program for Primary and Secondary schools in the Honiara district.”

Copen Remains Highly Prevalent in School Aged Children

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), held a seminar that focused on Copen Awarenes at Rove Police Headquarters recently.
“They cannot simply address administrative, financial and procurement issues to deal with the medicine shortage in the country so they will try to blame others for their failure,” he said.

Do Not Blame Nurses, Blame Yourself: Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale says it is discriminating for the Government to accuse nurses of illegally selling medical drugs.
Honiara during lockdown, an empty stretch of what is normally a busy part of Honiara town.

$2.5M Issued by MID During COVID With No Payment Voucher

By Samson Sade
After the declaration of a State of Public Emergency (SOPE) on 25 March 2020, the government developed a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan (PRP), and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) played a key role in this plan.
Central Honiara Constituency (CHC) is funding the 40mx80m standard soccer field project with its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation provided by the government and facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

Matariu-Jericho New Soccer Field Nears Completion

Youths of Matariu and Jericho, two of Honiara’s most densely occupied city suburbs, will soon have a brand new, state-of-the-art soccer field on their doorstep.
Building good relationship with schools and their Staff is a priority for the TID SINIS team as they look forward to engage schools through bookings, so that they can try out their talents at the High Performance Centre.

SINIS Visits White River CHS

Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Talent Identification Department (TID) continues to roll out their awareness program at schools on what the High Performance Centre is about.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the Solomon Islands, H.E Fremin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez, Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson Oti and Permanent Secretary of MFAET, Colin Beck.

Catholic Representative to Solomon Islands Presents Letter of Credence

The Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the Solomon Islands has presented his letter of credence to the Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson Oti at Government House.
National soccer women’s team Coach Batram Suri, speaking to SINIS Media, says that his squad is accessing the High Performance trainings to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Games to be held in the country later this year.

National Women's Soccer Aims for Gold

The national soccer women’s team have started training session at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) as of this week, and they are aiming for ‘Gold’ when it comes to this year’s Pacific Games.
The three ministries spent over SBD$90 million dollars on goods, services, and works to support the response to the pandemic, most of it through a truncated procurement process.

Audit Report Uncovers Multiple Internal Control Failures of COVID-19 Funds

By Samson Sade
The Auditor General’s Office (OAG) has identified a range of internal control failures in its recently released Audit reports into the administration of Disaster Relief Funds during the COVID-19 outbreak in Solomon Islands.
Announcing the sponsorship, CEO Solomon Airlines, Gus Kraus said the airline was proud to support and team up with GOC in ensuring that this year’s Sol2023 Pacific Games is a success.

Solomon Airlines An Official Sponsor of Pacific Games 2023

Solomon Airlines is the latest Solomon Islands company to team up with the Sol2023 Pacific Games(PG) as an official sponsor.
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is one of the key accountability institutions established under the Solomon Islands Constitution.

Auditor General Calls for Strengthening of Procurement Processes in Light of COVID-19 Audits

The Auditor General has issued a special thematic audit report calling on the Government to strengthen procurement processes after compliance audits of three key ministries uncovered a series of problematic procurement practices in their management of $90 million COVID-19 response funds.
The public opening of tenders was held at the MoFT leaf hut last Thursday. Assessment/evaluation of all submissions are underway and would take up to two or three weeks.

Assessment of Preferred Suppliers for Constituency Projects Underway

Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA) public tenders for the supply of goods to the government through the 50 constituencies is currently underway.
Participants at the SICCI organized information session.

SICCI Hosts Information Session on Tax Administration Act for Businesses

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in partnership with the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) on Wednesday 1 February 2023 hosted an Information Session for businesses focusing on the Tax Administration Act.
“Even suppliers of medicines and other health supplies are complaining of not being paid for almost 12 months now. The 2023 budget for drugs will merely meet the arrears from 2022. So it's clear this situation will get worse,” he said.

Opposition Leader Slams Governments Negligence on Drug Shortage at the Hospital

Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has lashed out at what he described as ‘total government negligence’ on medical drug shortages in the country.
The girls hockey team in action at the SINIS sports ground.

Hockey Swings Into Action

Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) held its first in-house hockey competition this week Sunday for year 2023.
Paralympians during the trial yesterday at SINIS sports ground.

Paralympians Final Selection Today

Going through trials reaching yesterday, final selection for the nation’s Paralympians before heading into regional tournament will take place today, Wednesday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele (second left) at the 8th Bali Process Ministerial Conference held in Adelaide, South Australia. Here he is joined by Deputy Secretary MFAET, Cornelius Walegerea, H.E. Robert Sisilo and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) Board Chairman Ricky Fuo'o.

Solomon Islands Remain Committed to the Bali Process

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele says Solomon Islands remains committed to the Bali Process.
The nationwide MDA is recommended following a scabies prevalence survey conducted in 2021 that reported more than 23% of the Solomon Islands population live with scabies in the communities.

Fight Against Scabies Reaches 50% of Solomon Islands Population

The nationwide rollout of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) against scabies is progressing well.
L-R Dr Gregory Jilini Deputy Secretary Health Care, Health PS Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana and Australia High Commissioner to SI Mr. Rod Hilton shaking hands, Counsellor Human Development, Mr Mika Kontiainen and Director Policy and Planning Mr. Ivan Ghemu.

Health Minister Meets New Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands

Health Minister Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana and his officials met with the new Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Mr. Rod Hilton in a courtesy meeting, on Friday, 10 February.
This is part of the build up for the upcoming 17th Pacific Games to be hosted in Solomon Islands later this year between November 19 and December 2.

Taekwondo Kicks Into High Gear

Taekwondo Green vs Blue competition under the Performance Services Team 1 at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) commences this week Saturday between 8 to 10am at the High Performance Combat facility.
Tina River Hydro CBSP sponsored students, Rita Soloni and Emelda Bineth (in blue shirts) with their colleagues at the SINU-owned Lokol Fusion Café & Bar, where they are currently doing their internship.

Tina Hydro Project Sponsors 52 Students

Classes are ready to commence for 52 students from catchment communities sponsored by the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) under the Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP).
Ambassador Mose and WCO Secretary-General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya showing membership certificate.

Solomon Islands Becomes Member of the World Customs Organization

Solomon Islands became the 185th Member of the World Customs Organization (WCO) on 26 January 2023, when it deposited its Instrument of Accession to the Convention Establishing a Customs Co-operation Council, with the Government of Belgium as the Depository.
“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds and weather conditions have the potential to impact lives and properties."

Strong Wind Warning for Parts of Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (METS) has issued a strong wind warning this morning.
The Ministry advises that it may take a few more weeks before a decision is made by the Land Board.

4,200 Tenders Received for 360 Lots in South Honiara

People are clearly desperate for formally registered land in Honiara. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey has revealed that 360 Lots of land in South Honiara were put up for tender late last year – 4,200 tenders were received.
PM Sogavare delivering his speech at the opening of CEMA's two new storage facilities at Point Cruz.

Sogavare Pushes to Revitalize Agriculture

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has called on concerned government ministries to continue to support Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s 7 years revitalization and recapitalization strategy.
PM Sogavare in the middle flanked by (from L- R) Solomon Commodities CEO, Patteson Siliota, PS Commerce Riley Mesepitu, CEMA Boad deputy chairman, Belani Tekuku and PS Agriculture Lottie Vaisekavea

Solomon Islands Cocoa Trial Shipment to the Emirates

Solomon Islands cocoa is set to enter the lucrative Emirates market. Pakera Cocoa and Copra Buying Center in Makira Ulawa Province sets history, as it becomes the first Province and buying center whose copra product will be sent to United Arab Emirates as trial export.
“It’s an honor to have the chance to tour Grammy award nominee, billboard charting, and 2018 pacific music awards winner ‘Tenelle’ to the Solomon Islands which is also the first female reggae artist to tour the Solomon Islands in over 13 years," said Victor Lopez, the main promoter of the concert.

Tenelle Touring Solomon Islands from 10th – 11th February 2023

Tenelle, a well known musician of Pacific Island heritage but based in California USA, will be touring and arriving in the Solomon Islands for the very first time.
To understand the threat of ammonium nitrate emulsion, one needs to understand that this is the same compound that caused the explosion in Beirut, the Lebanese capital city, which resulted in 190 fatalities and more than 6,000 wounded.

Villagers Call on Authorities to Investigate and Remove Dangerous Explosives

By Jimmy Nolan
There are fears dangerous explosives stored carelessly and with no regard for the safety of villagers in Ruaniu, northeast Guadalcanal, could wipe out the village if it explodes.
“When Solomon Islands successfully delivers the 2023 Pacific Games, as a country it will be able to showcase a range of venues it has which have the capacity to attract future major events and in turn be able to provide economic development to Solomon Islands and the businesses associated in the country,” Mr Stewart said.

Local Businesses and Communities to Benefit from 2023 Pacific Games

Like any other major event around the world, the 2023 Pacific Games is expected to leave behind long term benefits for local businesses in the Solomon Islands as part of the legacy benefits of hosting the biggest sporting event in the Pacific region.
MRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu and his officials together with representatives from the Accountability and Integrity institutions that attended the consultation.

MRD Holds Consultation on Draft CDF Legislation With Integrity Institutions

The Ministry of Rural Development has successfully held a half-day consultation on the draft Constituency Development Fund legislation with Accountability and Integrity institutions on Friday 3rd February 2023.
The official unveiling of the U.S flag outside the U.S Embassy in Honiara.

U.S Officially Opens Embassy in Honiara, Solomon Islands

The United States of America has officially opened its embassy in the Solomon Islands.
A core part of this funding (SBD54 million) has been allocated for the refurbishment of seven (7) schools and institution’s dormitories and classrooms in Honiara which will serve as athlete accommodation during the Pacific Games.

Australia Funding Helps Prepare Games Village and Athletes Accommodation

The Sol2023 DFAT support Steering Committee has met for their second consecutive monthly meeting this week, since signing the Australian Government Direct funding arrangement for the 2023 Pacific Games Support Program on November 2022.
Participants and stakeholders of the two day workshop at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Advancing Openness, Inclusiveness and Transparency of Political Parties

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a two-day workshop for political parties’ officials and other relevant stakeholders to advance their roles in transparency, inclusiveness and accountability of political parties.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said there was no tsunami threat to the country.

No Tsunami Threat After 5.0 Quake

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service says there is no tsunami threat after a 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit Malango on Guadalcanal, approximately 27 kilometres west - southwest of Honiara.

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