Latest News Archive July 2023
US Not Seeking Permanent Military Base in PNG, Says US Defense Secretary
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Washington was not seeking a permanent military base in the Pacific island nation under a new defense deal.
French President Macron Warns Against New 'Imperialism' in the Pacific
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against "new imperialism" in the Pacific during a landmark visit to Vanuatu, denouncing predatory behaviour by big powers in a region where China is extending trade and security ties.
Legal Challenge Against Extension of Parliament Goes to Court
The legal challenge surrounding the extension of Parliament went before the high court today.
Australia, NZ Concerned With China-Solomon Islands Policing Deal
Australia and New Zealand have expressed concern about a new policing agreement between China and the Solomon Islands that they say would undermine the Pacific’s agreed regional security norms.
Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Holds Meaningful Discussions with Leaders
The Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, had constructive discussions with Solomon Islands’ Ministers during his first day in Honiara.
West Makira Women Learn New Crop Management Techniques
More than two hundred women, girls and men in wards 5,6,7 and 8 of West Makira are now able to produce enough food to feed their families in the face of ever increasing impacts of climate change.
Namoraoni Community Congratulated for No Open Defecation Achievement
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) congratulates the Namoraoni Community, Malango Ward, Central Constituency in Guadalcanal Province for the achievement of implementing the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach and achieving No Open Defecation (NOD).
Solomon Islands Reaffirms Bilateral Relations with Australia
Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Jeremiah Manele has held a bilateral meeting with the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and the Minister for Defence Industry, Hon. Pat Conroy, in Honiara this week.
Rural Development and Police Discuss Areas of Collaboration
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) through its National Crime & Investigation Department (NCID) have discussed potential areas of collaboration to stamp out fraud and corruption in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme.
Solomon Airlines Prepares to Receive New Aircraft This Week
Solomon Airlines Chairman Mr Frank Wickham has confirmed that the national carrier, Solomon Airlines prepares to receive its second International aircraft this week.
Kiribati Delegation Meets Counterparts
A delegation from the Republic of Kiribati are currently in country to meet with key stakeholders on trade between the two countries.
Forging a Path of Progress: Amplifying Collaboration for Enhanced Provincial Governance and Service Delivery
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) have recently formalized their commitment to further cooperation in the area of “Strengthening Provincial Governance and Service Delivery in Solomon Islands.”
Tina Hydropower Project Conducts Gender Workshop
The Tina River Hydropower Project (TRHDP) Office hosted a one-day Gender Action Plan (GAP) workshop in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to continue to raise awareness about gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Australia Happy to Support a Solomon Islands Defence Force
Defence Minister Richard Marles has declared Australia would be "very keen" to help Solomon Islands set up its own defence force and says the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu was also thinking about establishing a military.
Solomon Islands and New Zealand Conclude Talks on Air Service Agreement
Senior officials from Solomon Islands and New Zealand successfully concluded their two-day negotiations to renew the Air Service Agreement (ASA) between the two countries.
Sogavare’s Pivot to China Complete
The writing is on the wall, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s pivot to China is now complete. Nine memorandums of understanding have been signed during his recent visit to China, ushering in a new era of partnership between the two countries.
Regional Meeting on Family Protection and Domestic Violence Legislation Convenes
Heads of Pacific Government Ministries and Departments with a mandate to co-ordinate the implementation of family protection/domestic violence legislation are in Honiara, Solomon Islands this week.
Seconded Officials Prepare to Join Games Workforce
More than 100 public servants, teachers and employees of State-Owned enterprises have been seconded to support the workforce within the Sol2023 Games Organizing Committee for the period of six months starting 17 July 2023.
Wale: PM’s ‘Drop in the Ocean’ Statement Outrageously Insensitive
Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has described the Prime Minister’s ‘drop in the ocean’ cost-benefit statement as outrageously insensitive.
China's Police Chief Meets With Solomon Islands Counterpart
Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with Anthony Veke, minister of police, national security and correctional services of Solomon Islands, in Beijing on Wednesday.
Sogavare Opens Embassy in China
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has opened the Solomon Islands Embassy in China.
"I Am Back Home" Comments by PM Shameful: Wale
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has described the Prime Minister’s statement when arriving in China that ‘he is back home’ as outrageous.
Australia Calls For China-Solomon Islands Police Deal Be Made Public
The Australian government has called on Solomon Islands and China to "immediately" publish a new policing plan between the two countries, saying it is concerned the deal will invite "regional contest" in the Pacific.
Solomon Islands Signs Policing Agreement With China
Solomons’ prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, meets with leaders as part of week-long visit to China.
Six East Are Are Constituents Issued Canadian Work Permits
On the Eve of Solomon Islands 45th Independence Day, six more Solomon Islands nationals arrived in Canada under Solomon Islands growing partnership with Canada on labour mobility.
Government Launches Educator Professional Development Framework
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) recently launched the Whole of Educator Professional Development Framework (WEPD) and new primary schools English and Mathematics curriculum materials.
Recruitment Continues for Labor Solutions Australia
Australia’s leading labour hire and recruitment provider, Labor Solutions Australia (LSA), is currently in the Solomon Islands for a recruitment drive.
SPBD Launches "White Goods Financing"
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Solomon Islands Ltd is proud to announce the official launch of its newest loan product, “White Goods Financing,” in collaboration with Discount Electricals and Home Leisure (DEHL), one of the largest white goods distributors in the Solomon Islands.
Government Acknowledges SICCI
The National Government has acknowledged the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce, SICCI’s resilience and steadfastness despite the country’s critical business environment.
Health Minister Thanks Australian Government
Solomon Islands Health Minister, Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana during the handover ceremony of the High Dependency Unit at National Referral Hospital (NRH) thanked the Australian Government for its ongoing support towards the Health System of the country.
Independence Theme Endorsed
The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has endorsed this year’s 45th Independence Anniversary Theme following submissions from officials early this month.