Politics Archive November 2021

The Prime Minster said it is unfortunate that the information was leaked on social media before an official statement or clarification was made by government.

Inconclusive COVID-19 Cases Return Negative

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has admitted that COVID-19 tests conducted on the visiting peacekeeping contingent has returned with some inconclusive results.
The Fiji deployment comes as Honiara residents continue to clean up the shattered capital, where much of the Chinatown area was burned down along with parts of Ranadi, east of Honiara.

Fiji Army Depart for Honiara, Solomon Islands

By Jimmy Nolan
The Fiji Army are on their way to Honiara, Solomon Islands, where they will join a regional peacekeeping force led by Australia.
The Prime Minister is already advancing discussions with development partners to explore ways to help in the rebuilding and recovery process.

Sogavare Says Government Will Assist Business Houses Destroyed by Riots

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has today announced that the National Government will assist business houses that were destroyed during last week’s unrest in Honiara.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has told parliament that another 120 Fijian troops are on standby for deployment if needed to help maintain security.

50 Fijian Troops Will Tavel to Solomon Islands Tommorow

50 Fijian troops will be dispatched to the Solomon Islands as part of a reinforcement platoon embedded with Australia Force elements on the ground following deadly riots there.
There is now some normalcy in the Capital Honiara, thanks largely to the presesnce of the Australian forces supported by PNG.

Parliament Resumes Today

By Samson Sade
Parliament will resume today with the main order of business being the extension of the current state of emergency which will expire soon.
Normalcy has been restored on Saturday while Police will continue to investigate instigators of the unrest.

PM Commends Police and Residents That Stood With Police

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has commended the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and City residents that stood with police to stop the spread of violence during the recent political unrest in Honiara.
The Central Bank Governor, Dr Luke Forau, stated that the Solomon Islands economy is already in a weakening state, and is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse impact on the economy.

CBSI Estimates SBD$227 Million Loss Due to the Unrest

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has conducted an initial impact assessment over the damage to the economy caused by the recent unrest and riots in Honiara since Wednesday.
"To the good people of Solomon Islands, especially those social media users, stop inciteful posts that will create violence and cause division among us," Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ms Juanita Matanga says.

Inciting Violence Online is a Crime: Police

Police says those that use online mediums to incite violence are committing a crime. Police says incitement is a crime whatever medium you use.
Hon. Wale said without a political solution this tragic situation will remain, even with foreign forces supporting the RSIPF to regain control and maintain order in Honiara.

Wale Files Motion of No Confidence Against Sogavare

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has announced that he is today filing a notice of a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister.
Fiji's Prime Minister thanked his Australian counterpart for his swift response and offered his Government’s support to the Australian operation.

Fiji Offers Support to Australia's Operations in Solomon Islands

Fiji says it stands ready to support the Government of Solomon Islands, alongside its Australian Vuvale, following the second day of uncontrollable riots in Honiara.
Requests were made to both Papua New Guinea and Australia and both responded with troops on the ground in Honiara.

AFP and ADF Personnels Fully Vaccinated

The Australian High Commission office in Honiara assures the public that all personnels from the Australia Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are fully vaccinated.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews says the deployment was in response to a request for help from the Solomon Islands government under a bilateral security treaty.

Australian Defence Force Arrives

The Australian Defence Force ( ADF) has arrived in Honiara to help restore law and order.
He says all attempts to disrupt the normal development of relations between China and Solomon Islands are just futile.

China Confident Sogavare Will Restore Social Order

By Samson Sade
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijan says China is confident that under Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s leadership, the government of Solomon Islands can restore social order and stability soon.
The rapid deployment comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday the acceptance of a request for help by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare under Australia's bilateral security treaty established in 2017. It comes as Papua New Guinea officials also announce the deployment of 34 peacekeepers to assist.

70 Australian Soldiers to Participate in Peacekeeping Mission in Solomon Islands

By Kate Banville in Townsville
An agreement between friends saw more than 70 Australian soldiers deployed to the Solomon Islands today as violent rioting continues, leaving potential for Australia’s role to escalate beyond peacekeeping.
A formal request for help was sent by Manasseh Sogavare to his counterpart, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Set to Arrive Later Today

“It’s a hive of activity in Townsville as troops prepare to depart to the Solomon Islands as the south pacific nation continues into civil unrest," ABC Journalist, Kate Banville, said on Twitter this morning.
The request was said to be made from Mr Sogavare for PNG to send assistance to maintain law and order in Honiara.

PNG Looking to Deploy Defence Force to Assist Solomon Islands

Government negotiations are said to be taking place between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to deploy Defence Force and police personnel to assist in the unrest in Honiara.
Given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the civil unrest and public looting, government employees have not been asked to return to work.

Public Servants Without Pay

By Jimmy Nolan
As a result of the looting and riots over the past two days, public servants are today without pay.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare requested Australia's help under a security treaty the country signed with Australia in 2017.

Australian Federal Police Personnel Touch Down in Honiara

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers have touched down in Honiara, the first of a series of deployments coming in from Australia to help maintain peace and security in Honiara.
"If I am removed as Prime Minister, it will be on the floor of Parliament. I have faith and respect in our democratic process, and I will defend it with my life. I say this with deepest conviction."

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s Address on the Current Political Unrest in Honiara

Dear fellow Solomon Islanders, I am addressing you today with a very heavy heart. The past 36 hours have seen our country, especially our city, Honiara brought to its knees. I have been asked to step down and while I acknowledge that call I must also respect our democracy.
“This is not protest. This is vandalism and acts of criminals.”

SICCI Calls on Leaders to Defuse Situation

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on behalf of the private sector and the business community is calling on the country’s leaders both in Government and the Parliamentary Opposition to come out and hold dialogue with protesters to immediately defuse the protests, looting and burning down of businesses in Honiara City.
"Our purpose here is to provide stability and security," he said following a meeting of the National Security Committee of cabinet this afternoon.

Australia Agree to Send Troops and Police to Solomon Islands Amid Unrest

Australian Defence Force personnel and federal police will be deployed to Solomon Islands as the Pacific Island nation faces a second day of rioting.
“This situation will not be resolved by the police, it requires a political solution. It is unfair on the police to expect them to face the people’s anger caused by irresponsible leadership,” says the Opposition Leader.

Leader of Opposition Calling on Prime Minister to Resign

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has called on the Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare to immediately resign.
We are clearly in a state of emergency, but not a public health emergency - our protocols for a general lock down were designed for a public health emergency, not for riots and anarchy.

Looters Moving into Point Cruz

By Samson Sade
Looters have regrouped and are now heading towards point cruz from East Honiara.
Crowd of youths outside the Naha police station.

Looters Defy Lockdown Orders

By Samson Sade
Looters are defying lockdown orders, with reports of looting and attempted break-ins at the Burns creek area east of Honiara.
“The 36-hour lockdown will allow police to further investigate what transpired today,” Sogavare said.

We Will Track Down Those Responsible: Sogavare

By Samson Sade
In a special nationwide address Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government will track down those responsible for today’s protest and riots.
The police are calling on all citizens of Solomon Islands especially those in Honiara to remain calm and refrain from taking any illegal action following today’s protest.

Prime Minister Declares Lockdown for Honiara

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has ordered a lockdown starting 7pm tonight until 7am Friday 26th November 2021.
Two groups of protestors took to Parliament, one from the town council area up Vavaya ridge road, the other group from the foothills of Parliament from Point Cruz.

Protestors Attempted to Storm Parliament

By Samson Sade
What was supposed to be a peaceful protest is turning violent, with protestors attempting to storm Parliament, and reports of thick smoke coming from the Parliament compound.
The statement said nothing good will come out from such actions which is designed to serve the interests of a select few who have no regard for our peaceful co-existence and unity.

Malaita MPs Calls on Protest Leaders to Refrain from Unlawful Activities

Malaita Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Government have called on the proposed protest leaders and Premier Daniel Suidani to refrain from inciting Malaitans to engage in unlawful activities.
Hon. Wale points out that the Prime Minister and his Government have a clear track record in disregarding due process and meaningfully consulting the people on major decisions. The use of internal government processes to secure the China switch, Hon. Wale insists, is a good example of this.

Wale Says Governments Response Deceptive

The Leader of Opposition has rejected Government’s recent article claiming his outburst was baseless, used as a deceptive strategy to respond to the two issues he raised for the public’s attention in his earlier statement.
The International Maritime Organizations’ Marine Environment Protection Committee convenes this week to discuss decarbonization measures.

Solomon Islands Wants IMO to Back Net Zero Target on International Shipping by 2050

Solomon Islands has warned participants at the International Maritime Organizations’ (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee that not supporting a resolution that seeks to achieve net zero emissions from international shipping by 2050 would hurt IMO progress on decarbonization.
Hon. Wale once again calls on the government to be transparent about its dealings with Mamara and make copies of its agreements with that company available to parliament.

Wale Blasts Government Over SBD$13M Payment to Mamara Developer

The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has blasted the government for the payment last week of SBD$13 million for Mamara houses.
"Investigation on both offenses are continuing and I appeal to those who have information to assist police," PPC Toaki says.

Man Arrested for Incestuous Relationship with Two Daughters

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Lata Police Station have arrested a 42 year-old man for having sexual intercourse with his two biological daughters in Temotu Province.
The Minister said that he is happy that the 10 years Strategy was launched by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare on the 19th of October 2021 and "we are here few weeks from that launching talking together on how to implement it. It is exciting!" he said.

Minister Calls for Support from Donor Partners and Stakeholders to Implement Strategy

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Senley Levi Filualea, (MAL) is calling for support from development partners and stakeholders towards the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Growth Strategy and Investment Plan (ASGIP) 2021-2030.
Solomon Islands is ill prepared for COVID-19, experts say. With low vaccination coverage, entry and community transmission of COVID-19 would be detrimental to the people and economy.

Entry of Covid-19 a Real Possibility

By Samson Sade
Solomon Islands remains Covid-free for the last six months.
Late Hon. Fika was the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Conservation in the current Sogavare led government.

West Kwaio MP Passes Away

By Jimmy Nolan
The Member of Parliament (MP) for West Kwaio, Hon. Titus Mokofi Fika, has passed away.
"This is not a matter for general consultations because this decision will fundamentally affect people’s right to vote in 2023. Since this issue was not raised in the last election, the mandate given to Government is to have elections after 4 years."

PM’s Plan to Extend Parliament Deceptive: Wale

Hon. Matthew Wale has criticized the Prime Minister’s recent statement confirming Government’s intention to extend the life of Parliament, describing the move as purely deceptive.
Simaema Neilsen and Uriel Matanani, hosts of the 2021 Business Excellence Awards (BEA).

SICCI Announce Hosts for 2021 Business Excellence Awards (BEA)

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) is pleased to announce two new hosts for this year’s Business Excellence Awards (BEA) which will take place on Saturday 20th November at the Coral Sea Resort from 6pm.
High Commissioner Eliam Tangirongo and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Prime Minister’s Office, New Zealand Parliament.

H.E Tangirongo Presents Letters of Introduction to NZ Prime Minister

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Eliam Tangirongo has presented his Letter of Introduction to Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern on Monday 15 November 2021.
Australia and Solomon Islands are longstanding security partners. This partnership has continued to grow over the past year despite the challenges of COVID-19.

Australia and Solomon Islands Hold 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue

Australia and Solomon Islands held their 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue yesterday, committing to deepening its security partnership including in areas such as policing, border and cyber security.
Such claims are not new, several social media users overseas, often tied to antivax groups online, have shared videos that appear to show magnets sticking to people’s arms where they say they were injected.

“Magnetic Woman” Investigated

By Samson Sade
The woman who claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine contains magnetic substance is now under active investigation. This was revealed by the Attorney General John Muria Jr. during the 14 November talkback show over the national broadcaster, SIBC.
Enforcement agencies at the Western border.

Surge in COVID-19 Cases in Bougainville a Threat to Solomon Islands

By Samson Sade
The border between the Western province and Bougainville is the major flash point for COVID-19 entry into the country.
PRC funding Support for Constituency Development under the CDF Program came into effect in the 4th quarter of 2019, following the approval of Solomon Islands Government to normalise diplomatic ties with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on 16th September, 2019.

MPs Receive SBD$1.8M Each in CDF Grant

The funding assistance normally known as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) targeted at alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods of rural Solomon Islanders has been released to the 50 constituencies this week, Monday 8th November, 2021.
Reckless plunder, environment destruction, collusion and corruption will destroy us first before any climate induced disaster.

Time For Us to Walk the Talk in Climate Change

By Samson Sade
It is very easy to point the finger on big emitters, and call for them to change and adopt the deep cuts in greenhouse gasses needed to curb an impending climate induced disaster.
Prime Minister Sogavare said New Zealand has and will always be a true friend.

PM Acknowledges High Commissioner Roberts for her Services to SI

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has farewelled the outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands H.E Georgina Roberts.
It is understood the decision to charge the vessel was made after the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) produced a technical assessment report that there is no excuse for the vessel to travel to Honiara during the lockdown.

Police Tightlipped Over Logging Landing Craft

By Samson Sade
The mock lockdown exercise conducted in August was to test our ability to respond to an outbreak of Covid-19.
“No one 18 years and older will be allowed to enter the country if they are not vaccinated,” the Prime Minister strongly emphasized.

PM Bans Entry for Unvaccinated Travelers

Any traveler that is 18 years and older must be fully vaccinated before they can enter the country.

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