Latest News Archive October 2020
100 articles
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.
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.
ESP Update: Fisheries, Tourism Applications Cleared
First round of assessment of all applications towards the Economic Stimulus Package under Fisheries and Tourism sector have completed the entire screening process this week.
Nurses Stage Sit in Protest
Nurses at the National Referral Hospital are currently staging a sit in protest outside the outpatient and car park area.
Solomon Islands Competes for Top 10 Global Ranking as a Diving Destination
With just three days to go before voting closes in one of the global dive industry’s most contested awards, Solomon Islands is ranking highly among global contenders for recognition as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Essential Workers for Development Projects a Priority: SPM
The government is working hard to bring in essential workers for the Tina Hydro Project and the Airport Project.
SICCI Congratulates McNeil on Appointment as Commissioner of Lands
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Natalina Hong on behalf of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Board and its members congratulate Mr Alan McNeil on his official appointment as the Commissioner of Lands within the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.
Enormous Fisheries Surveillance Effort by FFA and Members
One of the largest maritime surveillance operation in the world, Operation Kurukuru, concludes on Friday 30 October, after two weeks of international cooperation by aircraft, ships, and national organisations to target Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in the Pacific.
Sikaiana Plans Local Measures as Fears of COVID-19 Grows
Leaders and people of Sikaiana Island are considering imposing restrictions on people traveling from Honiara to the Island following the recorded positive covid-19 cases in Honiara.
What About Us?
86-year-old Luciana Lighoti has been living in the same leafy patched house for most of her adult life.
Taiwan Based Students Await Next Flight
Solomon Islanders studying in Taiwan who have missed the recent flight from Auckland will await the next repatriation flight from Auckland.
Mental Health of Those in Quarantine a Concern
As weeks turn to months the mental health of those in quarantine has become a concern.
Pacific Tourism Organisation Elects New Leadership
For the first time in its history the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has convened a virtual meeting of its Board of Directors; comprising of government representatives from 20 Pacific Island countries and China, along with four representatives from the private sector.
Still No Lockdown: PM
There will be no lockdown despite the announcement of the country’s four new positive COVID-19 cases.
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.
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.
Police Arrest 21-Year-Old Male for Stabbing 22-Year-Old Male in Honiara
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Naha Police Station have arrested a 21-year-old boy for allegedly stabbing a 22-year-old male person at the Borderline bus stop in East Honiara on 23 October 2020.
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.
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.
Fourth Case Tests Negative
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the country’s fourth case has recovered and has tested negative.
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.
Surgery in Canberra Save Solomon Islands Baby Born with Detached Oesophagus
Not yet two years old, Vincent Toto's life was set to end before it really began.
MAL Minister Calls for United Effort in Agriculture Development
Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Hon. Senley Levi Filualea is calling for collective efforts from stakeholders including government, private sectors and farmers towards the development of agriculture in the country.
5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Makira
A shallow magnitude 5.5 earthquake was reported late last night near the town of Kirakira in Makira Ulawa Province.
Still Going Strong at the Age of 76
Tentoa Amon is 76 years of age, he comes from Arariki village in Wagina, Choiseul Province.
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.
Citizens Urged to ‘Eat Healthy Food Not Rice and Noodle’
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Ethel Frances is urging citizens to plant and eat healthy nutritious food and not processed food.
Solomon Islands Records 4th Case
Solomon Islands now records its fourth positive case of COVID-19.
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.
ESP Update: Contract Signing, Disbursements of Funds Ongoing
Signing of letter of offers and contracts with local farmers who are among of the recipients of the Government’s Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) and its committee is currently ongoing.
Low Risk Students Transferred to Vimo and SA Apartment
Eighteen (18) students who were assessed to be ‘low risk’ by the Public Health Emergency Surveillance Unit have been shifted to two other government-managed Quarantine Stations (QS) over the weekend.
NHA Chair: This is a Historic Moment
“This is a historic moment”, the Chairman of the National Hosting Authority (NHA) and Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmy Rodgers made the statement to describe the signing of the Implementation Agreement of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project.
Economic Impact of COVID-19: Government Braces Itself
With repatriation flights set to re-start in the coming weeks, the government is bracing itself for the huge costs involved.
FFA Thanks Solomon Islands Government for its Support During the Pandemic
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency has expressed its gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for its assistance throughout the COVID-19 period, during a visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Mr Collin Beck, to FFA Headquarters.
Police Investigates Burning of Aola Post
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station are investigating the burning down of the Aola Police Post in East Guadalcanal on 17 October 2020.
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.
Chengs Classified as High-Risk Station: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has disclosed that Chengs is now classified as a high-risk quarantine station.
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.
APTC Alumna Inspired to Help Elderly People
“The challenges I faced while caring for my grandfather motivated me to persevere and attain a qualification at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC),” says Alice Houtoro Tara.
“I Hated the Job!” Young Fish Farmer Breeds 20,000 Tilapia
Charles Koria is from Aruligo in North West Guadalcanal. He was just 17 years old when he decided he had enough of school, with little option, and with much reluctance, he decided to help his father breed tilapia.
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.
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.
Sir Dr. Nathan K. Kere is the New Chancellor for SINU
Sir Dr. Nathan K. Kere has accepted his appointment as Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for the next two years.
National Referral Hospital Still on Emergency Mode
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) is still operating in an emergency mode. Medical Superintendent, Dr. John Hue says they have adjusted visiting hours and made restrictions in the number of visitors to the hospital.
“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.
World Food Day Commemoration
Today 16th October is the World Food Day.
BREAKING: 3rd Confirmed Case of COVID-19
There is another confirmed case of COVID-19.
New Advanced Online Workshop for Pacific Tourism Operators
Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia, the region’s lead trade and investment promotion agency has partnered with leading experts to provide an advanced online workshop series for Pacific tourism operators looking to elevate their digital skills.
Faith in Action: Young Bird Catcher Donates to Church
James Ghaua may be young but he understands that faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
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
A report by the health ministry has highlighted lack of isolation by occupants in quarantine stations as a concern.
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.
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).
COVID-19 Impact: Not Giving Up
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on students studying at the University of the South Pacific’s distance and flexible learning centre (DFL).
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.
UN and EU Launch Spotlight Initiative Regional Pacific Programme
The United Nations and the European Union (EU) has launched a multi-year partnership - the Spotlight Initiative Regional Pacific Programme focused on amplifying efforts to end violence against women and girls.
MEHRD Urges School Administrators to Implement SOPs
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is urging school administrators to implement their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
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.
Suidani Defeats Motion
The motion of no confidence against Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani has failed.
“Savage Love:” Young Kiwi Producer Tops US Chart
Savage Love, that catchy viral tune on TikTok has reached the top of the US chat.
Malachite Resources to Begin Drilling in Jejevo this Month
Malachite Resources (MAR) will begin drilling at the Jejevo Nickel Project in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, this month.
Demand for Compost Increases
With the confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country the demand for compost has increased as residents in Honiara turn to backyard gardening.
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.
Borders Remain Secure: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Government has not lost sight of its commitment at our borders.
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.
Seaweed and Honey Farmers Set to Benefit from ESP
Seaweed and honey farmers are scheduled to receive support from the economic stimulus package (ESP) this week.
PM Sogavare Thank Fijian Community in Solomon Islands
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has expressed his sincere gratitude to the Fijian community for their service and contributions to the Solomon Islands.
Capturing Words Unspoken
Michael Wasi is a 20-year-old photographer, shy and reserved he uses the camera to capture pictures of everyday Solomon Islanders.
Government on US Aid Assistance Targeting Malaita Province
The US Department of State has recently announced new funding investments of US$200 million for the Indo Pacific as part of its Pacific Pledge. Under this umbrella of support to the Region is a US$25 million support package for the (SCALE) project in Solomon Islands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Think About Us,” Rural Hospital Raises COVID-19 Measures
Elisa is heavily pregnant and is expecting her baby any time from now. Ellen from the Matepona area is five months pregnant, another standing next to her is six months pregnant.
Wale Urges Premier Suidani to Use USD$25M Funding Wisely
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale congratulates USAID for the decision to prioritize Malaita Province in its allocation of USD$25 million under its SCALE programme for the Pacific.
ESP Committee Approves New Batch of Applications
The Government’s Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) oversight committee has approved the next batch of applications and recipients will be contacted accordingly.
International Day of the Girl (IDG) Campaign: Freedom Online
The Plan International Solomon Islands will organize an event to commemorate the International Day of the Girl (IDG) in Honiara today.
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.
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.
PIF Chair Reaffirms Support for Open, Constructive Dialogues, Human Rights Mission to West Papua
The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Honourable Kausea Natano, has reaffirmed the importance of open and constructive dialogue on the human rights situation in West Papua (Papua).
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.
CBSI Donates SBD$10,000 to Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has donated a sum of SBD$10,000 along with economic resources (reports) to the Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School in Auki-Malaita Province last week.
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.
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.
Air Niugini Opens International Flights to Honiara
Air Niugini has now opened international flights to Honiara, Solomon Islands. Controller David Manning recently announced the new normal and relaxation in travel for Papua New Guinea.
Our Positive COVID-19 Status
Solomon Islands has one confirmed case of COVID-19. People are slowly coming to grips with the fact that we are no longer COVID-19 free.
Ear-resistible – Tourism Solomons Branded Ear Saver Mask
Tourism Solomons has come up with a novel way of keeping the destination in the minds of Australian travel agents while at the same time helping to keep them safe by giving away Tourism Solomons-branded ear savers.
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.
Kava Formally Recognized as a Beverage
Kava is now formally recognized as a beverage.
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.
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.
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.
Health Minister Provides Update on First COVID-19 Case
Solomon Islands’ Health Minister Hon. Culwick Togamana assures that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is working very hard to ensure that the country’s first COVID-19 case remains contained and is limited to quarantine stations and does not lead to community spread.
Situation Under Control: Sogavare
In the early hours of Saturday morning the country recorded its first positive case of COVID-19.
Ministry of Health Clarifies Public Concerns
There are concerns that those living next to quarantine centres expose themselves to the virus. This has been raised through social media, especially after the first positive case of the COVID-19.
Schools Continue as Normal: Dr Rodie
Schools in the country are expected to carry out classes as normal.
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.
Government Well Aware of Repatriation Risk
The government is aware of the risks posed by repatriating Solomon Islands citizens from the Philippines.
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.
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.
