Politics Archive October 2020

Such cooperation agreement is not the first of its kind within the region – Fiji and Vanuatu, who have diplomatic ties with China, also have cooperation agreements with the PAPF.

Government Set to Sign Co-operation Agreement with China’s Peoples Armed Police Force?

The Government is in advanced discussions with China on a co-operation agreement with the People’s Armed Police Force (PAPF) – a well-placed source revealed.
Two women candidates Pauline Radoe, second from left, and Rose Anilabata, right, with their campaign managers and workshop facilitators at the Honiara Hotel on Tuesday.

Election Workshop Helpful, says Firisua

Central Honiara by-election contender and female candidate Pauline Radoe Firisua says a workshop organized to assist them in their campaign has been helpful.
The Prime Minister said these are the students quarantined at the GBR quarantine station.

First Group of Philippine Students to be Released: PM

The first group of quarantined students from the Philippines will be released tomorrow if their final tests are negative.
Others on the flight have been quarantined in single rooms to minimize the risk of further transmission.

BREAKING: Four More Positive COVID-19 Case

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that four returning nationals that arrived via New Zealand have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Sofrana Surville cargo boat is linked to a COVID-19 strain never before seen in NZ.

New COVID-19 Strain Baffles Authorities in NZ

A New Zealand port worker, who tested positive for COVID-19, carries a strain never before detected in New Zealand. Genomic testing of the port worker's virus found that it is in fact a new strain.
"Any body found breaching the COVID-19 Maritime Regulation will be prosecuted.”

Stay Away from Visiting Foreign Vessels in Port Cruz Harbour: Police

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) warns against outboard motors (OBMs) going out to foreign vessels while anchored at sea in the Port Cruz Harbor area.
“These four are being kept in isolation as a precaution,” the Prime Minister said.

Four Red-flagged on Arrival from Auckland: PM

Four passengers were red-flagged upon arrival from the repatriation flight from Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday night.
Newly appointed director general of SIICAC John Hugani Kouni taking his oath before the chairman of SIICAC, Sir Frank Kabui.

Anti-corruption Body Appoints Director General

The Solomon Islands Independent Commission against Corruption, SIICAC, has a first appointed Director General. He is John Hugani Kouni.
Meanwhile Togamana says the first three positive cases has now returned negative.

Solomon Islands Records 4th Case

Solomon Islands now records its fourth positive case of COVID-19.
“The government has had ample time to prepare a budget that is attuned to the challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Wale.

Opposition Leader on Current State of Economy

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has expressed grave concern about the current state of the economy and the impact it is having on families and households throughout the country.
Prime Minister Sogavare said it is important that all persons in quarantine must adhere to Covid-19 preventative measures.

We Can Reclaim Our COVID-19 Free Status

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands can reclaim its status as a COVID-19 free country, if we eliminate the virus within the quarantine station.
“The results will tell us which way the Covid-19 situation is heading within our quarantine stations, so we await the results in anticipation,” he said.

Chengs Classified as High-Risk Station: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has disclosed that Chengs is now classified as a high-risk quarantine station.
Muria added that failure to tell the truth is a threat to national security and persons who are not honest will be dealt with by appropriate authorities.

AG Urges Students to Answer Truthfully

Attorney General John Muria Jnr has called on students who are currently in quarantine centres to tell the truth when they are being asked questions by responsible and authorized officials.
Dr. Rodgers says whilst it is good to go to single rooms to limit the likelihood of exposure, it is also risky to move them to another location.

Government Weighs Options to Transfer Occupants

The government is weighing its options whether to move some of the occupants from Chengs quarantine station to other quarantine facilities.
Pauline Firisua, second from right, with US Consul Keithie Saunders and supporters who attended her commissioning.

More Women Needed in Parliament: Saunders

Solomon Islands would be a much fairer and balance country if it elects more of its women into parliament.
Students need to be conscious of the fact that the quarantine stations are becoming hotspots for COVID-19, and they must be more responsible before it gets out of hand.

“Stop Mingling:” Quarantine Stations Now COVID-19 Hotspots

There are now three confirmed cases of COVID-19. All three cases are students who recently returned from the Philippines and were in quarantine.
Sogavare says that despite the new confirmed COVID-19 case the risk for community transmission remains low.

BREAKING: 3rd Confirmed Case of COVID-19

There is another confirmed case of COVID-19.
Hon. Wale says he is confident that Premier Suidani was aware of, and will learn from the challenges encountered heading into the motion.

Opposition Leader Congratulates Suidani, Calls for Unity

Leader of Opposition and MP for Aoke Langalanga, Hon. Matthew Wale congratulates the Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Daniel Suidani, on his success against the no confidence motion tabled against him.
Breaches Identified in Quarantine Stations

Breaches Identified in Quarantine Stations

A report by the health ministry has highlighted lack of isolation by occupants in quarantine stations as a concern.
High Commissioner Robert Sisilo receiving the two Immigration officials at the High Commission in Canberra.

Passport Renewals for Solomon Islands Nationals Continues in Australia

Forty Solomon Islands Nationals residing in Australia will soon have new passports valid for the next 10 years.
Health Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana thanked the Ambassador for the courtesy call and acknowledged the support rendered by China in the country’s efforts against the pandemic.

PRC Ambassador Pays Courtesy Visit to Health Minister

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Solomon Islands His Excellency Mr. Li Ming paid a courtesy visit to the Health Minister at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
A polling station at the 2019 National General Election. Voter turnout for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal were 75% and 92% respectively.

Electoral Commission Hopeful for High Voter Turnout Despite Covid-19

In the 2019 National General Election, voter turnout for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal were 75% and 92% respectively.
The whole community in Piru are now searching for the girl and are also hunting for the suspicious crocodile.

Possible Crocodile Attack: 7yr-Old Girl Feared Dead

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Taro in Choiseul Province are investigating a seven-year-old girl who went missing at Piru Village in South Choiseul yesterday morning.
Premier Suidani was confident going into the vote, stating that the motion is just to satisfy the intention of certain MPAs.

Suidani Defeats Motion

The motion of no confidence against Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani has failed.
Early childhood education (ECE) classes within the Honiara City will close up to 16th October 2020, all other classes will continue as usual until further notice.

Cabinet Issues Immediate Response Measures, No Instant Lockdown

Cabinet has approved immediate response measures under the current Emergency Regulations in light of the two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country and there will be no immediate lockdown until further notice.
"There have since been no reports or sightings of any illegal crossings at our border with PNG including the Malaita Outer Islands."

Borders Remain Secure: PM

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Government has not lost sight of its commitment at our borders.
“Apart from the two COVID-19 positive case, all arrivals that are currently in quarantine have all tested negative,” he said.

Four Tests Return Negative for Suspected COVID-19 Cases

The tests of the four other suspected cases that underwent further tests yesterday have returned negative.
Graduating Students Overseas to be Brought Home in December

Graduating Students Overseas to be Brought Home in December

462 government sponsored students are expected to complete their studies in institutions in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea this year.
According to the Prime Minister, it is the sacrifices of the front liners that “enable us all to continue to live freely."

PM Sogavare Commends Frontline Workers

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare continues to highly commend the work done by front-line workers during the State of Public Emergency.
The Prime Minister said that the second positive student was seated close to the first positive case during the repatriation flight from the Philippines.

BREAKING: Second Positive COVID-19 Student

Solomon Islands has a second positive case of the COVID-19. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that there is now a second positive COVID-19 student and is now currently in isolation.
Sikua became a Member of Parliament in 2006. However, in the 2019 National General Election he lost the seat to Jamie Vokia who later lost his seat in a High Court petition led by Sikua.

I Have Unfinished Business: Sikua

A former Prime Minister who is contesting the North East Guadalcanal constituency by-election says he still has unfinished business to attend to.
“USAID is beginning a USD$25 million (SBD$204M) Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE) Program focusing on Malaita Province in Solomon Islands.”

SBD$204 Million Grant for Malaita Under U.S Pacific Pledge

The United States has announced an SBD$204 Million grant for Malaita Province under the Pacific Pledge of the Indo-Pacific strategy.
The by-elections were made necessary after both MPs, John Moffat Fugui and Jamie Vokia, lost their seats after being found guilty of bribing voters.

Lilo and Sikua Contest By-Elections

At the close of nominations yesterday two former Prime Ministers will be contesting the two seats up for by-election.
“There is a need for more Solomon Islanders to take part in activities that will contribute to the economic development of the country,” he said.

PM Sogavare Reiterates Need to Take Part in Economic Development

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP says there is a need for Solomon Islanders to participate actively in economic development activities.
RO and ARO Central Honiara Constituency sorting nominations received today.

Nominations For By Elections Closing at 4pm

A few more hours and the nomination of candidates for both Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal by elections will close this afternoon at 4pm.
“We now have provincial health workers in Choiseul, Western and Malaita provinces engaged and so the concern is a national one,” says Hon. Wale.

Wale Questions Government Over Legal Protection of Provincial Health Workers

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale questions the government over protection under law for provincial health officials and front liners required to participate in Covid-19 related activities.
CSSI officers escorting the defendants to the Court hearing at Yandina.

Four Men Imprisoned for Assaulting Police Officers in Central Province

Four men have been convicted and sent to prison for a total of more than three years after being found guilty of assaulting police officers, offensive behaviour at police premises and disobeying lawful order during a Court circuit sitting at Yandina, in the Central Province from 21 – 27 September 2020.
“All the staff who are involved in operations underwent daily risk assessment and adequate Infection Prevention and Control procedures that have been put in place and they pose no risk to the community or family members,” Dr Togamana said.

Frontliners Properly Protected Against COVID-19

Frontline workers engaged in COVID-19 operations including support staff have underwent proper training on infection, prevention and control measures and effective use of personal protective equipment.
“The camp management is chaired by the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He provides the oversight in terms of operations in camp management. He has powers to make decisions on the spot. We want to ensure that decision making is where the action is”, Mataki says.

Dr Mataki Says He is Confident in Camp Management Work

Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC) Dr Melchior Mataki says he has confidence in the system in place at the quarantine facilities.
The first COVID-19 positive case is a student that recently returned from the Philippines.

Wale on First Covid-19 Case in Solomon Islands

Opposition Leader Hon. Matthew Wale has called on the government to urgently review its SOPs for the repatriation of the remaining students in the Philippines.
Sogavare said that Cabinet also met yesterday and was briefed on the situation by the public health emergency and surveillance team.

Situation Under Control: Sogavare

In the early hours of Saturday morning the country recorded its first positive case of COVID-19.
Rodgers says the students have so far remained asymptomatic and there were no reports of reinfection.

Quarantined Students in Philippines Cleared

The 18 Solomon Island students in the Philippines who tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the all clear.
“As a responsible government we cannot close our eyes to the plight of our children and bringing them home was the humane thing to do,” the Prime Minister said.

Government Well Aware of Repatriation Risk

The government is aware of the risks posed by repatriating Solomon Islands citizens from the Philippines.
“The Gene Xpert and the QPCR equipments were used to cross validate the results”, Ms. McNeil says.

Negative Results for Two Students Who Were in Contact with First Positive Case

Two students who were in close contact with the first positive COVID-19 student have both tested negative.
“RSIPF appeals to those communities near the two quarantine stations to keep well away from them. Relatives of the students quarantined at the stations are strongly urged to stay away from the stations and do not attempt to break any of the quarantine regulations."

Police Boost Security at Quarantine Sites After First Positive COVID-19 Case

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is boosting static security at the two quarantine stations where the repatriated Solomon Islands students from the Philippines are accommodated as the Government declared the first positive COVID-19 case in the country this afternoon.
"Let us stand United," the Prime Minister said.

BREAKING NEWS: Solomon Islands Records First Positive COVID-19 Case

Solomon Islands has recorded its first positive case of COVID-19. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during a nationwide address this afternoon.
PM's Nationwide Address Delayed

PM's Nationwide Address Delayed

The Prime Minister's nationwide address scheduled for 1.30pm has been delayed.
Prime Minister to Make Nationwide Address at 1.30pm

Prime Minister to Make Nationwide Address at 1.30pm

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will be making a nationwide address today at 1.30pm.
L to R – OPMC National Security Advisor Mr John Wasi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police: Ms Karen Galokale, Director of National Border Security, Mr Trevor Unusu, Representative of the Saraba Tribe: Mr John Mamiong, Chairman of the FAMOA Trust Board, Chief Lawrence Hotomo, and Representative of the Kome Tribe, Mr Remisio Alisae.

Shortlands Patrol Base a Step Closer to Reality

The National Government’s plan to build a patrol boat base at Shortland Island in the Western Province has moved another step closer following the signing of a joint resolution to allow the project to proceed.
PM Sogavare delivers his remarks during the celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China.

Sogavare Joins Chinese Community to Celebrate National Day

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP, was guest of honour at the celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

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