Latest News Archive December 2020
79 articles
COVID-19 Had Little Impact on PNA's Tuna Purse Seine-fishery Output
The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) purse-seine fishery and supply chain largely avoided COVID-related disruptions and had a positive 2020, according to a report given during a government meeting of the eight nations that make up the sub-grouping on 11 December.
Solomon Islands is Eyeing Support for the COVID-19 Vaccination
Dr. Yogesh Choudri, an advisor and international staff in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says some countries have started their COVID-19 vaccination program under what is called the ‘Emergency Use Authorisation’.
Alcohol Consumption an Issue for 'Banana Boats’
Drinking alcohol while traveling is often an issue faced by sea travelers. Redley Eric from Kologhasi village in the weather coast of Guadalcanal says this is often the case for him.
RSIPF Arrests Three Foreigners for Illegal Entry in the Country
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested and charged three (3) Foreigners for Prohibition of entry of non-citizen under the SOPE regulation.
New Virus Strain’s Transmissibility to Cause More Deaths: Study
The mutated coronavirus strain that’s been spreading in the U.K. appears to be more contagious and will likely lead to higher levels of hospitalizations and deaths next year, a new study showed.
Oversight Wary of Reactivation of COVID-19 in Negative Patients
Testing of patients who are now cleared of COVID-19 will continue after they are discharged. Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM), Dr. Jimmie Rodgers says this during Oversight's Radio Talkback Show.
Survey Notes Progress of the Solomon Islands Rapid Assessment of COVID19 Impacts for Employment and Business
A rapid assessment in the country on the impact of the COVID19 global pandemic started early this month is progressing well.
We Will Persevere Despite Hardships: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare used his Christmas message address to encourage Solomon Islanders to preserve despite the hardships of 2020.
Catholic Church Ordains Priest
It might be the festive season, but the Roman Catholic Church of Tangarare Parish in West Guadalcanal had other reasons to celebrate.
Tourism Solomons Reset and Ready To Go in 2021
Describing 2020 as the “most challenging time most of us have endured in our lifetimes” Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the national tourism office has “reset” and is “ready to go” the moment the global travel situation is resolved and the Solomon Islands can once more receive international visitors.
Wale Criticizes Dealings With Logging Company
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has labelled the Sino Capital logging company saga a can of worms, now that the lid has been opened, there is no telling what worms will crawl out.
N-DOC Confiscates Banned Goods in Quarantine Stations
The Camp Management Sector Committee of the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) has suspended privileges that allowed families and relatives to bring in food and other items for persons in Quarantine Stations (QS) for an indefinite period as of yesterday.
High Commissioner’s First Visit to Isabel Highlights Australia’s Deep and Long-lasting Community Ties
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan travelled with Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele and Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana to their home province of Isabel last week to underscore the deep, multi-faceted relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Approves US$23 Million for Solomon Islands
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting on 15 December 2020 has approved a US$23 million Threshold Program for Solomon Islands.
SICCI’s MIWG Reiterates Call to Improve Enforcement Processes
The Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) reiterates its call for the Solomon Islands Government to seriously work on improving its enforcement processes.
Solomon Airlines to Sell Passenger Seats on Friday Cargo Flights
Following special approvals by the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines have made available a limited number of passenger seats on the airline’s regular Friday cargo flights between Brisbane and Honiara.
Australia Launches New Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan was pleased to come together with representatives from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and development partners on 18 December to launch Australia’s new Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands 2020-2022.
Wale Calls on PM to Explain Mewa's Sacking
The Opposition Leader, Hon. Mathew Wale calls on the Prime Minister to tell the truth and explain the reasons for the sacking of Hon. Commins Mewa from the Forestry portfolio.
MK Farm Fresh get Farming Tools to Boost Production
MK Farm Fresh at Takambow Community, Northwest Guadalcanal received new essential farming tools from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Province Extension Office on 14th December to boost its vegetable and fruit crop production.
Extra 3 Days Leave for Public Servants
All public servants will receive an additional three-day recuperation leave. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made this announcement in his weekly statement.
Sanatana Intends to Acquire Copper and Gold Project on Solomon Islands
Sanatana Resources (TSX-V: STA) has received a letter of intent over the Sutakiki mineral tenure from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mining, Energy and Rural Electrification. The Sutakiki tenement is located in the centre of the main Island of Guadalcanal. The area is 25 km south east of the capital Honiara.
Government Must Be Truthful on the State of the Economy: Wale
Opposition leader Matthew Wale says the country’s economy is at its worst, due both to the pandemic, but also government’s mismanagement over a long time.
Eight Months After Tragedy MV Taimareho Resumes Service
On the early hours of Friday April 3rd, 2020 twenty-seven passengers were swept off MV Taimareho as it encountered rough seas caused by Cyclone Harold. All perished at sea with only some of the bodies recovered.
IFC Supports BioE to Expand Access to Low-cost Vaccines in Developing Countries
An investment in one of India’s top vaccine manufacturers, Biological E Limited (BioE), will expand access to low-cost vaccines for children in developing countries and help increase production of a COVID-19 vaccine when developed, a key step in saving lives and restarting economies.
Solomon Islands USP Students in Fiji Brace for Cyclone Yasa
Solomon Islands students at the University of South Pacific (USP) Laucala campus have been moved to an evacuation center in preparation for Cyclone Yasa.
Survey Shows Unrelenting Impacts Of COVID-19 On Businesses In The Solomon Islands
This year’s final Pacific Business Monitor, a monthly survey tracking the effects of COVID-19 on businesses in the Pacific region by the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) global network, highlights the persistent and severe effects the pandemic has had on businesses in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific throughout 2020.
ESP Portal Launching Soon, Payouts Temporarily Suspended
The new Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Online portal will be finally launched this week.
Fijians Told to Seek Shelter as Super Cyclone Closes In
Fijians living in the path of an approaching super cyclone were told to hunker down at home or flee to emergency shelters immediately on Wednesday, as authorities warned the storm has the potential to uproot buildings and cause mass destruction.
National Public Health Equipped with GeneXpert Machine
Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) remains grateful towards the continuous support from its partners in its ongoing efforts against COVID-19 global pandemic.
Cyclone Yasa Could Hit Fiji as Category 5, Cyclone Zazu to Belt Tonga
The Pacific is being belted by two tropical cyclones - one bringing destructive storm-force winds to Tonga this afternoon and another feared to cause "major issues" for Fiji later this week.
Health, Social Protection to Underpin Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19
Growth in the Pacific subregion for 2020 has been further downgraded as the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to squeeze the region’s economies.
Camp Managers Training for Western and Choiseul Province Completed
A two-day intensive training conducted by National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Quarantine Station (QS) Camp Managers of Western and Choiseul Province was successfully completed on Friday 11th December.
Police Arrest Suspect in Relation to Death in East Honiara
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province have arrested a 30-year-old male suspect in relation to a death incident that occurred at the Island Night Club, East of Honiara on 6 November 2020.
Feni Complete Stunning Work of Art for Local Brewer SolBrew
Renowned local artist and former national soccer rep, Brian Feni has successfully completed a work of art at the Solomon Breweries Limited’s (SolBrew) new event centre, SolBrew@Sea.
Assessment on Business Compliance Complete: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the ‘Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee’ of Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration has completed its assessment on ‘compliances and enforcement’ in various business sectors in Solomon Islands.
Young Patterson and his Passion for Music
Hermas Patterson is a 20-year-old self taught musician who dreams of making it big one day.
An Assessment of the Non-reciprocal Duty-Free Market Access to China
The Solomon Islands has entered into a non-reciprocal duty-free access agreement with China.
Government Washes Hands of Students Visa Issues
The government is calling on relatives to support students with visa issues in the Philippines.
FFA Boosts Protection of Solomon Islands Tuna Resources
Protecting Solomon Islands’ tuna resources from illegal activity has received a significant boost with 24 Compliance officers receiving training from the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) recently.
MAL Delivers Despite Budget Cut Amid Covid-19 Pressures
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) continue to deliver its mandatory services to farmers throughout the country despite reduction on its development budget due to Covid-19 pressures.
Western Tomoko 2020 Champions!
Western Tomoko has won the coveted Solomon Cup, and in doing so created history for the Western Province, their first since the inception of the Solomon Cup.
No Room for COVID Delays on Climate Action: Pacific Leaders
Pacific Island Forum Leaders are meeting in a high–level event timed to mark five years of the Paris Agreement. Their intention is to ensure urgent climate change action, now, and that we limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Australia Provides Provinces with Vehicles and Funding to Support COVID-19 Response
As part of Australia’s AUD13 million (SBD70 million) COVID-19 response package in Solomon Islands, the Australian High Commission recently handed over a Land Cruiser to the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Authority.
SOC Invites People with Special Needs as it Concludes 16 Days of Activism
Stages of Change (SOC) held a gathering yesterday to mark the closing of the 16 days of activism at the National Auditorium, the event targeted people with special needs.
ESP Online Portal to Launch Today
The Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Committee will launch its online portal today.
Kava Demonstration Training Enlighten Vella La Vella Farmers
A Kava training for farmers in the Northern part of Vella La Vella Island in the Western Province was deemed successful.
Robbers Dressed as Police Officers Raid Mining Camp Site
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province are investigating an alleged robbery at the Win win mining company operating in Central Guadalcanal on 9 December 2020.
Human Rights Day an Important Reminder for Partnership to Recover Better
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the need for more robust and responsive access to justice avenues, which is more important now than ever before, particularly for the most marginalized.
Government to Curb Spending, Public Service to Feel Backlash
The government will be reducing the number of public servants in its effort to minimise costs.
Covid-19 and the Threat on Food Security
Covid-19 has exposed what many experts have warned that the high dependence on imported goods exposes countries, particularly developing countries, to food shortage in the event of a global shortage.
Eagles, Tomoko in Final Showdown
Malaita Eagles have the opportunity to defend their Solomon Cup title in a rematch against Western Tomoko in the grand final of the 2020 Solomon Cup on Saturday 12 December at Lawson Tama.
133 Passengers Arriving from Manila Today
133 passengers from Manila, Philippines, will be arriving in Honiara this evening.
“Corruption is the Opposite of Development”
“Corruption undermines development, inhibits economic growth, hinders the delivery of services and undermines good governance and the rule of law” was the conclusion of the participants at the outreach event in Gizo, Solomon Islands, marking the December 9th International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
Australia’s Direct Aid Program Supports Eight New Community Projects
The Australian Government, through the Direct Aid Program (DAP), is pleased to fund eight new community-led projects in the first half of this financial year (2020-2021).
SIPDP Gifts Food to Seif Ples During Campaign Against GBV
The Solomon Island Police Development Program (SIPDP) have handed over a large quantity of food and other household items to Seif Ples at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Headquarters in Rove, Honiara on 8 December 2020 as part of the Program’s support for the 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.
Government Looks to Cut Copra Export and Increase Value Added Coconut Products
The Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) is aiming to cut copra export in five years’ time.
Police Investigates Death in East Honiara
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province are investigating a death incident occurred at the Island night club, East of Honiara on 6 November 2020.
Empowering the Rural Population Through Shared Vision
Development is important, but it should be guided by a shared vision, one that the people can work towards and feel part of.
Christian Beliefs vs Facebook, Porn and GBV issues
Lack of respect for Christian beliefs and moral values were some of the reasons cited for the temporary suspension of Facebook.
Solomon Islands Credit Union League Elects New Board of Directors
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has successfully hosted the Solomon Islands Credit Union League (The League) special general meeting in Honiara on the 3rd December 2020 to elect new Board of Directors for SICUL.
Major Milestone for Honiara’s Water Supply Improvements
Solomon Water is pleased to announce that tenders are being invited for the construction of the Kongulai Water Treatment Plant and Pipeline Project.
Call to Improve Rural Health Facilities
People in villages and communities surrounding Mbita’ama in the northern region of Malaita province have expressed disappointment at the level of service at the Mbita’ama clinic.
Supporting People with Special Needs
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was held last week.
Billions Needed to Build 200 Huawei Towers
Building 200 broadband towers across the country will cost the government Billions of dollars.
RSIPF Advises Public of its New Drone Capability
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public throughout the country that it will be using police drones during upcoming operations.
All Three Foreigners Detained Tested Negative for COVID-19
COVID-19 test results returned negative for all the three foreigners who are currently being detained with their two yachts for an alleged illegal entry into Solomon Borders.
Building a Business from Scratch
Patience is a virtue, and Jesse Pitano'e is a perfect example of this age-old adage.
Government Proposes Amendment to Constitution
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government is proposing an amendment to the constitution.
Auditor General’s Operations COVID Resilient, Thanks to Australia
The Office of the Auditor General will be able to continue its important function as the last line of defence for public funds thanks to the new video conferencing equipment provided by the Australian Government.
Statement on the Illegal Entry of Two Yachts
Two overseas Yachts that entered the country illegally, have been seized and detained by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Customs Authorities and they are now anchored outside Customs House in Point Cruz.
ESP UPDATES: More Applications Approved, Payments Made
Hundreds of applications for the Government’s Economic Stimulus Package have been approved by the ESP Committee.
Government Seals Decision on Facebook
The government is adamant that Facebook will be temporarily suspended in Solomon Islands.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE HON. MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION AND AVIATION ON THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FACEBOOK
Good Morning/Afternoon Solomon Islands. Greetings to you all.
![“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will be submitting the COVAX application to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] on 5 December 2020”, Sogavare says.](https://d2t3awir4hhcxt.cloudfront.net/images/news/47c370a6-3de3-4b76-9046-821e0fd4f378_big.webp)
Solomon Islands to Make Submission for COVID-19 Vaccine
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will be making a submission to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Opposition Leader Blasts Government on Policy Decisions
Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale says the geopolitical competition must not become a source of tension in the country. Speaking on the floor of parliament during the Sine Die motion, Wale says the government must not allow the nation’s unity to be challenged by interests of outside powers.
Work on Bina Harbour Onshore Processing Plant Underway
Initial work on the proposed Bina Harbour Onshore Processing plant in Malaita Province has begun this year regardless of the negative impacts of covid-19 on the country.
Australian Support Helps Solomon’s Cocoa Shine
Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro Commodity Development Limited hosted a visit by the Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan last week on 26 November.
Facebook Suspension Not Evidence Based: Opposition Leader
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale says it is important that the government's decision to suspend Facebook is evidence-based.
Young Entrepreneurs Call on Cabinet to Reconsider Facebook Ban
The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) calls on Cabinet to reconsider its stance on the proposed temporary ban on Facebook and highlight the need for Cabinet to conduct robust dialogue with stakeholders before making a decision to that effect.
