Latest News Archive November 2020
83 articles
“Think Before You Act!” How Facebook Ban Will Affect Small Business
A young local woman who is doing cocoa export to countries around the World, including other Pacific Islands, says the government’s decision to ban Facebook in the country will affect her business.
Australian Prime Minister Remembers Pacific Island Family
There is some ray of hope in the fight against Covid-19, speaking to 60 Minutes reporter, Tom Steinfort, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison says there is great news when it comes to vaccines for Covid-19.
Philippines Flight Now Rescheduled to 9th December
The next flight from Manila, Philippines, is expected to arrive in Honiara on the 9th of December 2020. Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr. Jimmie Rodgers revealed this in the Oversight’s weekly talkback show.
An Exciting Start to the 2020 Solomon Cup
After two years the Solomon Cup once again grace the Lawson Tama stadium.
DHL Sends Healthcare Supplies for WHO to the Pacific Islands
The far flung islands in the Pacific have not been spared the brunt of COVID-19.
From Copra to Peanut Farming: “Hard Times for Farmers”
Obadiah Malokana is a 45-year-old who has spent most of his adult life as a farmer in Rabakela, Choiseul province.
PM Says Media Irresponsible
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on the media to be responsible in how they disseminate information.
Facebook Ban is an Attack on Human Rights: Civil Society
Civil Society Organisations in the Solomon Islands are utterly disappointed with the Cabinet’s decision to suspend the world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook.
Walk the Talk on Climate Change: Kenilorea
The government is being urged to redouble its efforts on climate change issues.
Extending SoPE is Not the Only Answer: Wale
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale says, the government has to accept that Covid-19 is going to be here for a while, and the country needs to adjust to it and return to normalcy, instead of relying on State of Public Emergencies (SoPE) to deal with the effects brought about by the global pandemic.
PM Announces Plans to Broaden Economic Base
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has announced the Government’s 5 objectives under its redirection policy to sustain and grow an inclusive broad-based economy.
Government Confirms December Repatriation Flight
The Government Covid-19 Oversight Committee has confirmed the next repatriation flight on December 6 for our nationals overseas.
Governor General Extends State of Public Emergency
The Governor General, His Excellency, Sir David Vunagi has extended the State of Public Emergency (SOPE) last night for a further 4 months following the expiry of the country’s second SOPE on November 24.
State of Public Emergency Extended
The State of Public Emergency (SOPE) expires today.
ESP UPDATE: Gov’t Continues with ESP Support
The Government’s Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Committee continues to progress the implementation of the ESP support this week.
60 Complete Mandatory Quarantine in SIG Facilities
A total of sixty (60) persons have graduated from different SIG Quarantine Stations after completing their mandatory quarantined periods last week.
Six Positive COVID-19 Cases, Flight to Philippines Cancelled
The second repatriation flight for students in the Philippines scheduled for tomorrow (24th November) has now been cancelled. Sogavare says this decision is made as six more students in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
Facebook Must Be Regulated Says PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the use of the biggest social networking site in the world must be regulated in Solomon Islands.
South Pacific Central Bank Governors' Committed to Cost Effective Remittances
At the South Pacific Central Bank Governors Forum on 17-18 November 2020, the South Pacific Governors agreed that access to cost effective remittances remains a high priority focus for the region.
ESP Updates to be Made Known this Week
Updates on the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) will be made known this week by the ESP Committee.
Solomon Islands Government Conveys Condolence to PNG on the Passing of its High Commissioner
The Solomon Islands government has conveyed its condolence to the government and people of Papua New Guinea on the passing away of PNG’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Dr John Balavu.
Efona Wins Central Honiara
Alfred Efona has been declared the winner of the Central Honiara by election.
Police Calls on Voters to Accept Election Outcome
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) call on the people of Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal Constituencies to accept the outcome of the By Election result.
Counting Resumed Today for Central Honiara
Counting of votes of for Central Honiara had recommenced 12pm today.
Ethel Vokia Wins North East Guadalcanal
Ethel Vokia has been declared the winner of the North East Guadalcanal by election.
Counting Resumes for 2020 By Election
Counting of votes for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal Constituencies had resumed this morning with Central Honiara having 9 batches to count and North East Guadalcanal 2 batches.
Lack of Consultation & Short Notice for Public Holiday Irks Businesses
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on behalf of its members has expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation and the short notice given in regards to the public holiday on Wednesday 18 November, 2020.
Economic Stimulus Confusion
The roll out of the much-anticipated economic stimulus package has caused confusion, particularly for those in the rural areas.
Solomon Islands $5 Note Earns Global Recognition
The Solomon Islands’ polymer $5 won international acclaim overnight when the banknote’s SUSI Flip™ feature was named Best New Currency Feature or Product by the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA).
Police Secures Counting Venue After By-election
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) are securing the RSIPF Conference Centre at Rove in Honiara, the venue for the counting of ballots from yesterday’s by-elections in North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara, which started this morning.
Government Approves Repatriation Flights for Citizens in Kiribati, Fiji, and Philippines
The Chair of COVID -19 Oversight Committee, Mr James Remobatu has issued a Repatriation Advisory Notice No.14 to all Solomon Islands citizens and non-nationals residing overseas on the next Government Repatriation Plan and wish to announce two government approved repatriation flights scheduled for 19 and 24 November 2020.
Tourism Solomons Calls on Government to Reconsider Proposed Facebook Ban
Tourism Solomons has called on the Solomon Islands Government to urgently reconsider a proposed ban of Facebook.
Counting Begins for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal Constituencies
Counting for the Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal elections will start this morning. Results for North East Guadalcanal should be known this evening, with Central Honiara sometime tomorrow.
APTC Celebrates Historic Virtual Graduation in Solomon Islands
The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Solomon Islands welcomed its newest cohort of 51 graduates today in a virtual graduation ceremony.
Polling Day for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal
Today is polling day for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal constituencies. All the polling stations were open since 7am this morning and will close at 5pm.
Businesses Concern Over Proposed Facebook Ban
Struggling businesses have expressed concerns over Government’s proposal to temporarily ban the world’s biggest social networking site ‘Facebook’ in Solomon Islands.
Amnesty International: Planned Facebook Ban is Brazen Attack on Freedom of Expression
Amnesty International has responded to the Solomon Islands government’s plan to ban Facebook because of the posting of alleged abusive or defamatory comments against government ministers.
Public Holiday for North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara Constituencies
Wednesday 18th November 2020 is a public Holiday for North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara Constituencies. The two constituencies will go to the polls on that day to elect their new representative in Parliament.
Garuda Airways to Repatriate Indonesians from Solomon Islands
A charter flight by the Indonesian government is expected to arrive in Honiara today.
Wale: When Will the List Be Published?
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has called on the Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, Mckinnie Dentana, to state when he will publish the list of Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) beneficiaries.
Malaita Kwikwi Crowned Beach Soccer Champs
Malaita Kwikwi are the champions of the 2020 National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship.
Solomon Islands Cabinet Passes Ban on Facebook
Cabinet has agreed to ban the world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook, in Solomon Islands.
Choiseul Now Has A Quarantine Site
Choiseul Province now has a quarantine site, which comes as a huge relief to people in the area.
Bridges and Crossings in North Malaita in Desperate Need of Repair
People of the northern region of Malaita province have called on responsible authorities to fix and upgrade several bridges and crossings that have been damaged by heavy rain and flooding over the past few months.
Solomon Airlines to Operate Repatriation Flights for Citizens Stranded in Kiribati and Fiji
Subject to regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines will operate a series of further repatriation flights later this month, to bring more stranded Solomon Islands citizens home from Kiribati and Fiji and to enable foreign nationals to depart Solomon Islands to Australia and other onward international destinations.
Opposition Leader Urges Government to Publish ESP List
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathew Wale again calls on the Minister and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance to publish the list of beneficiaries of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
Security Strategy Marks Milestone in our Sovereignty: PM
Our two national security platforms have marked a new milestone in our nation’s sovereign security.
USA Public Affairs Supports MASI
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has been awarded a funding of more than $SBD 70,000 towards MASI's project to foster media contacts and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Sector Remains Vulnerable: CBSI
The Solomon Islands financial sector remained vulnerable to the impact of pre and post COVID-19.
FPAS Wants to Address Gaps in Interagency Work
The Government’s Foreign Policy Advisory Secretariat (FPAS) within the office of the Prime Minister, together with other key line ministries have reached an agreement to address gaps within our existing systems that will boost economic growth.
Health Ministry Explains NZ Funding Support
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) confirms that the 3 million NZD (approximately $15 million SBD) COVID-19 funding support from the New Zealand government was deposited into the Ministry’s account in August and utilization of the funds have already commenced.
Bomb Demolition Exercise, Police Warns Public to Keep Out
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point, in the Alligator Creek East of Honiara tomorrow, Friday 12th November 2020.
Parliament Health and Services Committee Visits Refurbished Multipurpose Hall
Members of the health and medical services committee (HMSC) of Parliament visited the newly refurbished multipurpose hall, the latest addition to declared quarantine sites in the country.
Wale Calls on Government to Explain $15m NZ Funding
Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to explain the status of the NZD3 million (SBD15m) funding support provided by the New Zealand government.
Beach Soccer Championship Gets Underway
The National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship 2020 matchday one produced some exciting results as we witnessed for the first time since 2016 the rival of the abbreviated code in the country at DC Park.
PS Finance Explains Youth Engagement Under ESP
Youths engaged under the economic stimulus package (ESP) are being paid $150 daily allowances.
Police Officer Arrested and Charged with Drink Driving
Traffic officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested a police officer for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in Honiara on 7 November 2020.
Indonesian Vessel Unlawfully Enter Solomon Waters
Members of the public living in coastal communities in the Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Malaita and Renbel Provinces have been advised to look out for an Indonesian registered vessel the Metro Teratari that has entered Solomon Islands territorial waters through the western border with Papua New Guinea without the approval of the authorities.
“We Apologize for the Many Misunderstanding,” Students from Philippines Set to Leave Quarantine
After spending 41 days in the Quarantine Stations, a group of returning student from the Philippines sent out an appreciation note thanking all frontline agencies and individuals involved in the operations.
Repatriation Plans Underway
Plans are now underway to repatriate students and citizens from regional tertiary institutions.
Rumours of Covid-19 Patients and Isolation Ward Guards Sharing Toilets is False: MHMS
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) would like to assure the public that rumours of National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) isolation ward security guards sharing toilets with covid-19 patients is outright false.
Three More COVID-19 Cases
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that three more persons have tested positive for COVID-19.
Young Father Starts Over After Family Home Demolished
“I was helpless, I just stood there and watched as my home was demolished,” said Eric Saru, a 30-year-old father of four.
Dentana Clarifies Payments Made to Public Officers
The leaked list of the recipients of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) included names of senior public officers - the public are now calling for an investigation into how the funds have been administered.
Wale Questions Stimulus Package Payment to North East Guadalcanal
Opposition Leader, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Minister of Finance and Permanent Secretary to explain why the government made an ESP Payment of $600,000 to North East Guadalcanal Constituency when the former MP, Lency Vokia left the seat after his election was declared null and void by the High Court, in February, 2020.
Reaching Out to Children in Remote Communities
UNICEF Pacific is pleased to hand over two new boats, as well as office equipment, today to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ms Pauline McNeil, to be used by Social Welfare Offices in Choiseul, Makira and Ulawa Provinces.
Talk About the Person Not the Disability
Melvin Vouga is 27 years old and comes from Marau on the eastern end of Guadalcanal. Melvin was only 4 years old when she was in a serious vehicle accident, she was gravely injured which resulted in a permanent disability.
“No Police Protest,” Mangau Confirms
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Mangau assures members of the public that there will be no protest by frontline officers over unpaid COVID-19 allowances as the Government is dealing with the issue.
Solomon Cocoa Products Launched in New Zealand
Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro, achieved international success last month, launching a range of cocoa products in New Zealand. Cathliro was supported in this venture by the Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis.
"Sick and Depraved!": 23 Year Old Male Rapes 3 Year Old Girl
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Sexual Assault Team in Honiara arrested and charged a 23-year-old man on 29 October for alleged sexual assault on a three-year-old girl in West Honiara on 20 October 2020.
Wale Questions High Risk Quarantine in the Heart of Honiara
The Leader of opposition office, Hon. Matthew Wale is questioning the decision by the Government to allow one high risk passenger to be quarantined with lower risk ones at the King Solomon hotel quarantine centre, right in the heart of the city.
No Special Favours on Land Matters: McNeil
The population in Honiara is growing at an alarming rate.
Drones to Boost RSIPF Operational Capability
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) operational capability will be boosted following handover of six drones by the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP). The handover occurred during a brief ceremony at RSIPF Headquarters in Honiara yesterday.
Maintaining Her Father’s Legacy Through Seaweed Farming
Teue Sito started seaweed farming in 2004 when she was only 7 years old. Her father taught her the basics and over time seaweed farming has become her main source of income.
Shifting to Auki Market Boosts Income
A mango vendor from Guadalcanal says that she was fed up with all the fees and poor service at the central market, so she boarded a boat and took her produce to Auki, Malaita Province.
Two Groups Drawn for Beach Soccer Championship
The four confirmed participating Member Associations have been drawn into two groups at the Official Draw for the National Invitational Beach Soccer Championship which will be hosted by SIFF from 9 to 14 November 2020 in Honiara at DC Park.
Frontliners Rejoins Families After Serving Quarantine
The first deployment of frontliners who served at the quarantine centers and the Isolation Units at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) are now rejoining their families after being considered low risks.
Deregistered Businesses Receive COVID-19 Support
Several contractors providing services for the government are deregistered companies.
Government Will Repatriate Final and Graduating Students Only
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government can only repatriate final year and graduating students from various regional tertiary institutions - everyone else will remain.
Media Prepares for the Upcoming By-elections
As campaigning for the Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal constituencies shifts into high gear the media is also prepping itself for extended coverage on polling day.
Five New Cases of positive COVID-19
There are five new cases of COVID-19 registered in quarantine.
Crocodile that Ended the Life of Young Footballer Caught and Killed
The crocodile that tragically cut short the life of young 13-year-old footballer, Kisina Kuliusu Damutalau, was caught and killed by villagers in Havulei in Isabel Province over the weekend.
Nurses Return to Work Today
The sit in protest by nurses working within the emergency zones of Honiara and Guadalcanal has been cancelled with nurses set to resume work today.
