Latest News Archive October 2024

This project is part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) initiative to expand the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific’s climate investments.

New Solar System Lights Up Good Samaritan Hospital

Families in Guadalcanal Province can now access a more resilient healthcare system powered by 24/7 solar energy, thanks to a partnership between Superfly Limited, the Good Samaritan Hospital and the Australian Government.
More than 40 police officers from 11 Pacific countries are part of the deployment, providing security support for Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, including officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Australia Supports Pacific Policing Initiative

Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other Pacific leaders gathered last week to mark the first deployment of the new Pacific Police Support Group, part of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), backed by Australia and endorsed by Pacific Island Forum leaders in August 2024.
The ceremony at the FFA Headquarters was attended by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Jeremiah Manele, fisheries officials from the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC), and partners involved in the agency’s surveillance work.

FFA Marks Ground-Breaking of New Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) held a ground-breaking ceremony recently in Honiara to unveil the design and commencement of the construction of a new building complex for its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC).
During the Prime Minister’s visit, the Saudi Government agreed to provide immediate budgetary support of USD 1 million (SBD 8.3 million) for the Solomon Islands.

Manele's Visit to Gulf States Brings Substantial Benefits

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s recent visit to the Gulf States of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia has attracted substantial funding support for the Solomon Islands, ranging from infrastructure, renewable energy, budgetary support, and social infrastructures.
Panellists Dr. Luke Forau, Ms Riby Tupiti, and Ms Delilah Homelo participating on the panel discussion on Women at the Helm: Leading Change in Solomon Islands’ Executive Arena facilitated by Ms Georgina Kekea.

Australia Supports Women in Leadership in Business

Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands nambawan development partner.
The event will draw elite rugby talent from across the Pacific and beyond, and will serve as a key qualification event for global tournaments, with two men’s teams and one women’s team earning spots in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.

Solomon Islands to Host Oceania Rugby 7s

In a landmark moment for rugby in the Pacific region, the Solomon Islands Government in partnership with Oceania Rugby and the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation has announced that the 2024 Oceania Rugby 7s will be hosted in Honiara on December 7th and 8th.
PPC Pogesopa expressed his gratitude for the support of various stakeholders, including the Choiseul Provincial Government, which allowed the Provincial Chamber to be used as a court venue

Successful Court Circuit Held in Taro

The Taro Police have successfully hosted a week-long court circuit at the Taro Police Station, with the Principal Magistrate from Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court presiding over the proceedings.
The engagements provided an opportunity to explore collaboration in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure and services, vital for both countries' economic and technological progress.

Bilateral Ties in Communication and Aviation Strengthened

A high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands, led by Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto, recently visited Port Moresby to enhance bilateral cooperation between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the communications and aviation sectors.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific and MHMS Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai.

Minister Highlights Health Priorities at WHO Meeting

The Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the Hon, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai has informed the health leaders at the WHO 75th Regional Committee meeting of Solomon Islands’ challenges and interventions on Health Financing, Oral Heath and Digital Health.
Nester is the Team Leader for Makira-Ulawa Province and the only female in the twelve-member team for Makira-Ulawa Province.

Empowering Communities Through Data

The Household Income and Expenditure Survey, HIES, 2024-2025 has commenced as of Monday 21st October 2024.
The gala was honoured with the presence of the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Honourable Tozen Leokana, Honourable Catherine Launa Nori, Member of Parliament for Isabel (Maringe/Kokota), Acting Australian High Commissioner, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, and Solomon Islands Government dignitaries.

Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association Holds Gala

The Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association held their annual gala recently, celebrating the strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia through tertiary study links.
St. Nicholas College was one of the schools that took precautionary measures and closed earlier in the week.

Police Assures Schools of Safety

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is assuring schools that they are safe amidst reports of abduction and kidnapping in Honiara.
The Helena Goldie Hospital Isolation Unit is expected to complete by mid-November.

Isolation Units under World Bank’s Covid-19 Emergency Response Project Progressing

Construction work at 3 Isolation Units funded by the World Bank’s Covid-19 Emergency Response Project through the Project Management Unit (PMU) within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is progressing well and expected to be soon completed.
Minister Bosawai, is leading the Solomon Islands delegation from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services that includes Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil and Deputy Secretary Dr Gregory Jilini.

Health Delegation Attends WHO Regional Committee Meeting

On the first day of the 75th Regional Committee Meeting of the Western Pacific the Minister for Health and Medical Services the Hon, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai has informed Regional Committee some of the steps Solomon Islands are taking to ensure Health care facilities are climate resilient.
Commissioner Mangau advised individuals with claims of abduction or kidnapping to report directly to the police for verification and investigation, reiterating that the RSIPF is working closely with authorities to address concerns, including issues surrounding unregistered vehicles.

RSIPF Appeals to Social Media Users Against Disinformation

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) is urging social media users to act responsibly when sharing information online.
The project focuses on replacing critical sections of the inner and outer security fencing at the Gizo Correctional Centre (GCC), which have been identified as defective and no longer meeting required security standards.

Gizo Correctional Centre to Receive Fencing Upgrade

A major step forward was taken with the recent signing of a contract to engage a local contractor for the major fencing project of the Gizo Correctional Centre.
Forensic team with new bula shirt gifted by RAPPP.

RSIPF Receives Forensic Equipment from RAPPP

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has received vital forensic equipment and consumables from the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
Ms Delilah Homelo, CEO (Acting), Solomon Power, “A lot of female Solmon Islanders are getting higher qualifications, and there's now an increased pool of women available. So I'm optimistic."

Women in Business Leadership Report Launched

The proportion of women in business leadership in the Solomon Islands has seen a significant increase, as according to speakers at an event held in Honiara to mark the launch of a new report from the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI).
The Inclusive Education Manual will guide and assist the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) staff, teachers, education partners, and those supporting inclusive education programs in the Solomon Islands.

Inclusive Education Manual Launched

The Solomon Islands Inclusive Education Manual was officially last week at a special ceremony held at the New Zealand High Commission.
Left - Right: MRD Deputy Secretary Corporate, Constance Wane, a Constituent Rep, CDO John Butaifai and MRD Director Governance, Noel Matea during the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new constituency office.

East Kwaio Opens New Constituency Office

Constituents of East Kwaio constituency (EKC) will now have easy access to vital government information and development assistance following the official opening of their new constituency office at Lunga, last Thursday.
GNUT has adopted the slogan of transformation in its policy statement where the Ministry of Education has commenced its education transformation agenda through the passing of the new Education Act (2023).

Education Ministry Congratulates Waimapuru Graduates

Director School Service of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Mrs. Jullian Feni Lilo, has congratulated the graduands of Waimapuru National Secondary School who have excelled in their academic performance this year.
The public has been advised that mandatory requirements and processes are almost complete and will pave the way forward for programmes to be initiated.

Constituency Officers Ready to Serve

The 150 constituency officers of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) are ready to discharge their duties and serve our people as the ministry is now preparing to rollout the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program 2024.
Together, the NEAP 2022-2026 and ESF 2016-2030 set the direction and key strategies for education development and reform in the Solomon Islands with the underlying rationale of providing universal education to every child in the country through increased access to education, improved quality of education and improved management.

National Education Plan Review Begins

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) began a one-day internal Mid-Term Review of the National Education Action Plan (NEAP) 2022-2026 with the Senior Management Team and Head of Divisions at Heritage Park Hotel.
“We must recognize that mental health and workplace are integrally intertwined. The workplace can either pose psychosocial risks to employees’ well-being or serve as a safe haven for promoting good mental health for both staff and clients”, said Dr. Bainivalu.

World Mental Health Day Commemorated

The Ministry of Health and Medical (MHMS) together with its partners on 10th October celebrated World Mental Health Day with the theme: “Prioritising Mental Health in Workplace”.
Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele and U.S. Senate Minority Clerk, Mr. Paul Grove.

Development and US Cooperation Discussed in Courtesy Visit

Prime Minister, Honourable Jeremiah Manele, welcomed U.S. Senate Minority Clerk Paul Grove during a courtesy visit as part of an assessment and review of U.S. foreign assistance and security programs by the U.S. Department of State.
Suspect Arrested Following Stabbing at Gilbert Camp

Suspect Arrested Following Stabbing at Gilbert Camp

A suspect in his 20s has been arrested for the allegation of murder after a stabbing incident at Gilbert camp area early this week.
The expansion and improvement project will bolster the functions of Kilu’ufi hospital as it will accommodate the emergency medicine and general outpatient service, medical imaging, delivery unit and operating theatres suite with a central sterilization department.

Groundbreaking Begins Kilu'ufi Improvement Project

The SBD120 million Kilu’ufi Improvement Project, funded by the Japanese International Corporation Agency, JICA, kicked started this week with a ground-breaking ceremony at the project site in Kiluúfi, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.
Government for National Unity and Transformation is seriously pursuing the Labour Mobility Scheme with the UAE Government through the newly opened Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Government Pursue Labor Mobility Scheme with United Arab Emirates

Soon after establishing its Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, Solomon Islands wasted no time in registering its interest to partner with the gulf region in the area of Labour Mobility.
Director of Trade, Ms Patternot spoke on the Solomon Islands Government Policy Directions for external trade, including the sensitization of Regional Trade Agreements that Solomon Islands is a party to.

MFAET Conducts PACER Plus Presentation to SICCI Members

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade recently addressed members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus.
Minister announced that the Bina Harbour Plant is projected to generate approximately USD 400 million in economic benefits over the next 15 years, benefiting the government, salaried workers, the processing plant operator, and the fishing vessel operator through estimated cash flows.

Government Engages Development Partners in Dialogue for Bina Project

The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), held a productive roundtable dialogue with development partners aimed at fast-tracking the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project.
Tourism Solomons CEO (Acting), Dagnal Dereveke (on left) with his team and Bonfire Festival organiser Jeremy Saeni aka Jaro Local (fourth from right) and members of his organising committee.

Tourism Solomons Celebrates Success of Bonfire Festival

The recent Bonfire Festival in Honiara, centered around Melanesian music, has been hailed as a major success by Tourism Solomons, which has called the event a potential model for promoting local cultural, musical, and sporting events to international markets.
Minister Wasi received funding support of $100 thousand dollars for Cocoa tools from His Excellency (H.E) Jonathan Schwass, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands at the New Zealand high commission office.

Minister Wasi Thanks New Zealand for Funding Support

Solomon Islands Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Honorable Franklyn Derek Wasi, has thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for their generous funding support of SBD100k towards the country’s cocoa sector.
Hon Manele has paid tribute to the landowners, Choiseul Provincial Government, Choiseul Bay Association, Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), the contractor, and the National Government for the combined efforts in the completion of the Buying Centre.

Manele Acknowledges Reopening of Tarekukure

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged the partnerships that resulted in the reopening of the Tarekukure Buying Centre in Choiseul Province.
Strengthening the role of churches with awareness around NCD prevention and control is critical as it crosscuts across all socio- economic levels in a society.

Faith and Health: A Partnership for NCD Prevention

The Solomon Islands, known as the “Hapi Isles”, but unfortunately, approximately 70% of deaths in Solomon Islands are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The official opening of the Waneagu Medical Centre signifies a new chapter in the bilateral development between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, especially in the health sector.

Waneagu Medical Centre Opens in Moresby

His Excellency William Soaki, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Soaki joined the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Tozen Leokana who was on an official visit to Papua New Guinea for the opening of the Waneagu Medical Centre in Port Moresby.
This tour is made possible through partnership between Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), Rugby Australia and the Australian Government, as the friendly matches are aimed to support and promote the development of women’s rugby in the Pacific region and foster greater cooperation between the two countries.

Briars Rugby Team Touches Down

Briars Women’s Rugby 7s from Sydney Australia have arrived to participate in a series of friendly matches with the Solomon Islands Rugby 7s women team at Town Ground Rugby Stadium this Saturday.
The engagement offered a wonderful opportunity for the children and residents of Burns Creek to connect with the ADF team and enjoy a memorable morning filled with fun and interaction.

Fun Day Hosted with Burns Creek Community

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) hosted a school engagement activity yesterday with students from Mercy Christian School, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School, and the Burns Creek community in East Honiara.
Police Commissioner, Mr. Mostyn Mangau said the police and the Office of Auditor General had signed an MoU, which provides a simple framework for both offices to collaborate in addressing areas that require further investigation.

RSIPF Awaits ESP Audit Report Referral to Begin Investigation

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) is waiting for the referral of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) audit report from the Office of Auditor General (OAG) before commence its investigation.
The CAPSA Project will first focus on enhancing service delivery capacity, and also work to improve communication and engagement with the wider community through workshops, events, and audit report launches.

World Bank USD6m Project launched to Boost Audit and Statistics Capacity

The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) and the Auditor General’s Office acknowledged the World Bank’s support at the official launch of the Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project in Honiara this week.
The enumerators and their team leaders will get to experience first hand the realities and challenges of going out in the field before the actual survey begins later this month.

Enumerators Deployed for Pilot Testing

More than one hundred and forty enumerators and supervisors currently on training for the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024-2025 are participating in a pilot test for the survey in certain areas in Honiara.
The undertaking of the consultation process for the CDF Act 2023 regulation with all the stakeholders is intended to get invaluable insights and views from the provinces and the communities regarding the proposed regulation.

Provincial Consultation on CDF 2023 Draft Regulation Concluded

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has successfully concluded its provincial consultation on the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 draft regulation and its drafting instructions.
The workshop, organized for WDC members, church representatives, school and health committees, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and local business leaders, aimed to address the gap in citizen engagement in setting development priorities.

Workshop Conducted to Empower Ward Development Committees

Citizen participation is essential for local development, but it is often missed from the planning process in Solomon Islands.
Teachers during the recent International Teacher's Day.

Teachers Look Forward to New Salary Structure

Teachers across the country were overjoyed as their new salary structure and classification have been approved and will be implemented in 2025.
Official guests inside the new Lecture Theatre.

King George School Opens New Lecture Theatre

The government-state owned school, King George Six (KGVI) National Secondary School has officially opened its lecture theatre on this week, to cater for an improved access to a conducive learning environment.
L-R, University of Wollongong Professor Quentin Hanich, Andrew Schloeffel Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Professor Transform Aqorau Solomon Islands National University Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen, Forum Fisheries Agency Director General (outgoing) cutting the cake to officially launch the Australia Awards Short Course.

Australia Awards Short Course Launched

The first Australia Awards Solomon Islands Short Course Award- a Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management and Development- has officially launched.
SINIS, local sports leaders and participants kicked off with 'Level 1 coaching training' for all three sports.

Sports Training Program Rolls Out

Starting today, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is teaming up with Rugby Australia, the National Rugby League, and Volleyball Australia to deliver a sports training program at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
The Visa Waiver Agreement signing charts a new direction for the advancement and strengthening of bilateral relations, economic and commercial interactions, promotion of tourism, support greater people-to-people interactions and part of a broader diplomatic effort to foster collaboration in various other fields.

Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement Signed

The Solomon Islands and Saudi Arabia have signed a ‘Mutual Exemption of Short-Stay Visa Requirements Agreement’ further strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
“Investigation showed the professionalism of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) officers and partner agencies and that the only way to tackle systemic corruption is for agencies to continue to work together and share resources and expertise.”

JANUS Makes Arrest on False Pretence Case

Taskforce Janus have arrested a 47-year-old male suspect for the allegation of multiple false pretenses and uttering false document charges on 26 September 2024.
The team will travel to Fiji tomorrow and will take on the host nation on Thursday 10 October at 6:00 pm at the HFC Stadium.

National Football Squad Named

Solomon Islands National Team squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026—Oceania Qualifiers was announced today in a Press Conference ahead of the team’s departure for Fiji this weekend.
Mataks FC dominated the competition, finishing with 44 points to secure their place as the league's top team.

Mataks FC Defends Title in Futsal League

The SIFF Super Futsal League has officially concluded, with Mataks FC emerging victorious once again, successfully defending their title with an impressive 9-point lead.
The training was well received by the CSSI officers with many saying they appreciated learning how their daily work is reflected in the CPS reducing harm and victimisation by preventing re-offending by inmates when they return to their communities.

CSSI Training on Crime Prevention and Mindset Concludes

Fifteen officers of the Correctional Services of Solomon Island (CSSI) are the latest recipients of a 3 days’ workshop on Train the Trainers (TT) delivered by New Zealand (NZ) Police under Solomon Island Police Support Program (SIPSP) at Rove Correctional Facility in Honiara.
Held at ADFD’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the discussions focused on identifying opportunities for transformative infrastructure and climate-proofing projects that would benefit both nations.

Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Cooperation Discussed

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP recently met with His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwadi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) recently in Abu Dhabi.
Manele Holds Bilateral with IRENA's Deputy Director General

Manele Holds Bilateral with IRENA's Deputy Director General

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele recently held a significant roundtable bilateral consultation with Gauri Singh, the Deputy Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), marking a pivotal step in the Solomon Islands' renewable energy ambitions.
The project was implemented under the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), a collaborative initiative between the governments of the Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand, aiming to improve access to quality education for all Solomon Islands children.

Lambi School Receives New Classroom

Taking a step toward enhancing education infrastructure in Solomon Islands, Lambi Community High School celebrated the official handover of its newly constructed double-story classroom building.
In an emotional reflection, Chris shared that he and his father had listened to Naratana Manu together in the hospital before his father passed away.

Rohoima Wins Pacific Break 2024

Solomon Islands artist Chris Kamu'ana Rohoima shared a heartfelt moment with his family when he received the life-changing call from Nesia Daily’s Jacob McQuire and Michael Chow, informing him that he had won the Pacific Break 2024 competition.
The inauguration of the embassy highlights the mutual commitment of Solomon Islands and the UAE to deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

New Embassy in UAE Opens

This week marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relationship between Solomon Islands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the official opening of the Solomon Islands' new embassy in the UAE.
The USP Open Day is an important annual event designed to provide prospective students with essential information to help them make informed decisions about their higher education goals.

USP Solomon Islands Draws Record Crowd

Over a thousand students from 18 high schools across the Solomon Islands were excited to participate in The University of the South Pacific (USP) Open Day, held today at the new King George campus in Honiara.
Discussions focused on the progress of the Solomon Islands’ Smooth Transition Strategy, a crucial component of its LDC graduation.

Strengthening Collaboration for a Smooth LDC Graduation

The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Launched in celebration of KPSI’s 20th anniversary, the new product celebrates KPSI’s recent value-added cocoa processing and export expansion through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership.

Locally Produced Drinking Chocolate Launched

Australia's investment in the Cocoa Sector has boosted Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) to launch a new locally produced drinking chocolate.
“Australia’s support of the new Kiddies Playhouse Daycare facility will ensure best-in-class childcare services for Solomon Islands families, while enabling women’s economic empowerment through employment and income earning opportunities.”

Australia Supports Expansion of Quality Childcare Services

Australia is backing the expansion of Kiddies Playhouse Daycare to bolster childcare services for working mothers in Honiara.
This process of becoming a member of IALA is the result of a long-standing technical cooperation between the Government of Solomon Islands and IALA through the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA).

Solomon Islands is Now Member to the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation

Solomon Islands deposited its instrument accession to the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) with the Government of France to become the 35th Member State of IALA.

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