Latest News Archive March 2020
91 articles
Public Service Scales Down Operations to Reduce COVID 19 Risks
The Government has taken further measures in view of the potential risks of Covid-19 by scaling down public service operations starting today.
Global Economy Now in a Recession: International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) declared officially on Friday that the global economy has entered recession thanks to COVID-19.
Incoming Passengers Praised for Following Quarantine Measures
Incoming nationals who have undergone the compulsory 14 days quarantine at Institutional Quarantine Centers East of Honiara City have been praised for cooperating with Government authorities in efforts to prevent Covid-19 from our country.
Government to Provide Financial Support to Students Overseas
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured our students overseas that the Government will provide financial assistance to ensure their safety and comfort in their host countries amidst the current covid-19 global pandemic.
SINPF Formulates System to Control Influx of Members
The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund is concerned about the influx of members flocking to their office seeking payouts.
Stigma Can Increase Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus and this virus can infect anyone.
Mother is Prime Suspect as Police Recovers Body of Missing Child
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in the Makira Ulawa Province have recovered the body of a one-year-old male child that went missing at Hagaehu Village in Central Makira on 23 March 2020.
BRED Bank Solomon Leads the Way With COVID-19 Relief Packages
In this state of public emergency, BRED Bank Solomon says that it will be assisting its customers with financial relief packages.
Australia Supplies Hygiene Kits to NDMO
Australia's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachie Strahan and Operations Manager for World Vision Solomon Islands Shupayi Mpunga today handed over 500 new hygiene kits to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
Solomon Islanders Studying Abroad to Remain in Host Countries
Cabinet has made a decision that Solomon Islanders studying in Fiji, PNG and Philippines are to remain in their respective host countries.
Government Plans Simulated Lock Down Drill to Test Preparedness
The Government has approved a simulated lock down drill in the coming days to test our preparedness should a real lockdown is imposed in an event of any COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Solomon Islands Again Receives Another NEGATIVE COVID-19 Test Result
Of the three most recent reported suspected cases that have been sent for testing in Australia, the first result has now been received, and it is negative.
Churches Allowed to Congregate
“As a country that professes Christianity and the supremacy of God over the affairs of our nation, I am conscious of the fact that this is a decision that must be taken with great caution and with the wisdom of God”, said Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
COVID-19 Testing Kits This Week
Kits to test for COVID-19 will arrive in Honiara this week.
SINPF to Support Members During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) will be making available SBD$5000 to its members under the age of 50.
Honiara Declared an Emergency Zone
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has declared Honiara an emergency zone.
Prime Minister Sogavare Makes Orders to Curb Possible COVID-19 Crisis in Solomon Islands
MP for East Choiseul, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has made orders in his capacity as Prime Minister to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Solomon Islands.
Solomon Airlines Suspends Scheduled International Passenger Flights
Following ongoing consultation with the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will suspend all scheduled international passenger flights effective immediately, in support of the Government’s COVID 19 action plan.
Health Minister Encourages People Not to Panic
Health Minister, Hon. Dickson Mua is encouraging Solomon Islanders not to panic. Speaking to Solomon Times Online, Mua said people should not panic but must try to remain calm.
MP Repatriate Electorates as Measures Against COVID-19 Heightens
Electorates of provincial constituencies residing in Honiara are now being repatriated to their home villages.
Ports Waives Domestic Fees for Berthing
Ships berthing at Honiara Wharf will not be paying fees for a month.
RSIPF Prepares for Orders Under State of Emergency
Acting Police Commissioner, Mr. Mostyn Mangau says they will deal with individuals who breached regulations under the State of Emergency.
PM To Address Nation
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP will be making a nationwide address today.
State of Emergency is Not a Lockdown: A.G
The recent declaration by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi announcing that a State of Emergency now exists in Solomon Islands is not a lockdown.
Honiara City Council Clamps Down on Market Vendors
The Honiara City Council (HCC) is calling on market vendors to voluntarily remove their belongings from informal market spots.
RSIPV Auki Remains in Vanuatu
Officers on board the Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel (RSIPV) Auki are fine after supporting RVS TUKORO and anchored outside the patrol boat base in Port Vila, in the Republic of Vanuatu after operating within the islands to the southern part of the country where a cruise ship called in last week.
Three Suspected Cases of COVID-19 Sent for Testing
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services today confirmed three persons are being investigated for possible suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Governor General Declare State of Public Emergency in Solomon Islands
Governor General of Solomon Islands, Sir David Vunagi has declared a 'State of Public Emergency' for Solomon Islands.
Public Respond to Prime Ministers Call to Return Home
Solomon Islanders are responding positively to the Prime Minister’s call for people to return to their respective provinces as a measure to prevent contracting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) if it hits Honiara city.
Government Regulates Basic Goods Prices
The Government has regulated the prices of basic essential goods to control the price in the country through the “Price Control (Product Substitute Goods) Order 2020” issued by the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
Keeping The Faith In All Struggles
"One eye set, another one to go", said Mr. Billy Bua.
Residents Stock Up As Pharmacies Run Short
Facemasks, sanitizers and gloves are now running out of stock in private pharmacies.
The Myth Surrounding COVID 19 and Hot Weather
Solomon Islands enjoys hot weather and, unfortunately, fake messages are being spread right now that COVID 19 doe not like hot temperatures.
COVID 19 Lock Downs May Not be Enough: WHO Expert
As Solomon Islands considers a range of options in its fight to keep out COVID 19, the World Health Organization’s top emergency expert said on Sunday that lock downs are not enough.
MP Encourages Engagement of Youths in Development
Leader of the independent group Hon Robert Galokale says Solomon Islands needs to engage youths “to utilize their creative talent, develop the country’s rich resources and help boost the country’s economy.”
Quarantine Evaders Could Face Jail Time: Government Warns
The Government has beefed up measures in the fight against COVID-19.
Kenilorea Wins Petition Case
All charges against the MP for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr. has been dismissed.
Popular Hotel Loses Millions of Dollars in Revenue from COVID 19
Up until the month of March, four-star Heritage Park Hotel (HPH) has lost SBD$40 million in revenue.
HCC Health Promotion Team Conducts COVID 19 Awareness
The Honiara City Council (HCC) health promotion team is currently conducting street awareness programs on COVID 19 for the public.
Business as Usual for Australian High Commission Office
The Australian High Commission office will remain open for business and has no plans to suspend its operations in Solomon Islands.
Global Fund Supports 11 Countries in Response to COVID-19
The Global Fund announced today that 11 countries have so far used financial assistance from the Global Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solomon Islands Bans Entry for Non-Citizens
Non-Citizens of Solomon Islands will not be permitted to enter the country as of yesterday (22nd March 2020).
Solomon Airlines Reduces International Flights
Following ongoing consultation with the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines today announced changes to the airline’s Australian flight schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigations into Accident Involving Police Complete
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Professional Standard and Internal Investigation (PSII) has completed its investigation into the traffic incident involving police officers in a police vehicle near Auki, Malaita Province allegedly hitting two pedestrians on 29 February 2020.
Third Suspected COVID-19 Test NEGATIVE
Results of the third suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia over the weekend has tested Negative.
PM Provides Update on 2023 Pacific Games
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has informed Parliament on the update progress on the 2023 Pacific Games preparations.
Government Implements Measures to Protect Citizens
The Solomon Islands government will be implementing the following additional measures incrementally to protect Solomon Islands from the corona virus.
Second COVID - 19 Suspected Case Test NEGATIVE
Results of the second suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia has tested Negative.
PNG Shuts Down Solomon Islands – Bougainville Border
The Papua New Guinea (PNG) government has announced the immediate closure of the Solomon Islands – Bougainville border.
Government Team Conducts Survey on Russells
Experts from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, MCILI, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, MID, has recently surveyed the identified potential investment sites in Russell Islands.
Tourist Arrivals in SI Reaches 16k in 2019 Final Quarter
A record total of 16,233 tourist entered Solomon Islands (SI) during the final (4th) quarter of 2019 spawning an increase of 14.4 per cent compared to the year’s third quarter.
DCGA Recognises Need to Engage Resource Owners: PM
The National Government recognizes the need to engage our resource owners in any investment and economic activities on their land.
Why We Shut Down School
Social media and unfounded rumours certainly had a role to play in the shutting down of Saint Nicholas College yesterday.
First COVID-19 Suspected Case Test Result is NEGATIVE
Results of the first suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands sent to Australia is Negative. That means to date there are no confirmed COVID-19 case in Solomon Islands.
No Confirmation Yet for COVID-19 in Solomon Islands
Currently there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Solomon Islands. Results from samples being sent overseas for possible COVID-19 infection are still unknown as the Health Ministry awaits results from the laboratory.
Time Running out for Solomon Islands PG 2023 Preps
Solomon Islands is running out of time in its preparation for the construction of facilities for the 2023 Pacific Games.
PM Launch PMTA Logo & Website
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare today has launched the official logo and website for the 45th Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance Conference (PMTA).
Australia’s Deep Gratitude to SDA Church for Generous Bushfire Donation
The Australian High Commission has expressed deep gratitude to Solomon Islands’ Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for its generous donation to victims of the recent bushfires at a special handover ceremony.
Guadalcanal Conducts Covid-19 Awareness
For the past two weeks the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Division has been conducting a massive campaign on the Covid-19 virus for communities in and around Guadalcanal.
Form 7 Selwyn Students Offered Support After Floods
The recent torrential downpour flooded Selwyn College and students had to return to the capital Honiara, unsure of what will become of their studies.
Governor General Highlights Challenges Faced by Tourism Sector
Despite the current COVID-19 scare the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, remains optimistic about the future of tourism in Solomon Islands.
COVID-19: Solomon Islands Remains Vigilent
Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the Solomon Islands government remained extremely vigilant in its approach to tackling COVID-19.
Government is Taking Fight Against Covid-19 Seriously
Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM) Dr Jimmie Rodgers has assured the country that the Government is taking serious measures in the fight against the corona virus.
Wife of Indian Cricket Captain Wants an “Isolation” Trip to the Solomon Islands
With the cancellation of the much-anticipated international cricket match between South Africa and India Anushka Sharma, the wife of India’s captain Virat Kohli, has suggested an “isolation” trip to the Solomon Islands. The international cricket match was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Solomon Islands Steps up Restrictions on Traveling Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak
The Solomon Islands government has banned all its public servants from overseas travel. This decision was made by Cabinet in light of the global outbreak of the COVID-19 (corona virus).
Government Set To Gazette Ban on Imported Pork
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) is awaiting advise from the AG chambers to proceed with fresh regulations to ban all pork imports into the country.
Take Precautionary Measures During Current Bad Weather
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public and communities throughout the country to take precautionary measures by thinking safety first during the current bad weather being experienced throughout the country.
Getting Businesses Ready for COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging employers and businesses to develop a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill with suspected COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the workplace.
Authorities Warn Against Spreading False News on COVID-19
Authorities are warning the public not to spread false news or information about the current status of the COVID-19 virus.
Isabel Province Donates Towards Australian Bush Fire Relief Efforts
Isabel Province has donated a total cash of SBD$135,000 towards the Australian bushfire fundraiser drive.
DCGA MPs Undergo NCD Screening
Members of Parliament under the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) today, underwent screening for the risks of having Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Solomon Airlines Supports Promotion of Solomon Islands Culture
The music of Natty Dolaiasi, the culture of Solomon Islands and Solomon Airlines will be prominent in Australia this month during a series of music festivals, performances and other cultural activities made possible with flight support of Solomon Airlines.
EASI Supports SICCI Call for Reduction of Electrical Tariffs
The Economics Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) joins chorus with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in calling for an immediate or temporary reduction on electrical tariffs.
29 YO Man Arrested for Shocking Attack on Wife
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police force (RSIPF) at the Kirakira Police Station in the Makira Ulawa Province have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly causing grievous harm to his wife’s private part with a pair of scissors at Herenigau Village, West Makira on 2 March 2020.
New Airbus "Spirit of the Solomons" Arrives
Solomon Airlines today celebrated the official arrival of the carrier’s new Airbus A320 ‘Spirit of Solomons’ H4SIB, as the aircraft completed its first commercial service from Brisbane to Munda and Honiara.
Access to Justice Study Report in Solomon Islands Launched
An access to justice study report was recently launched in Solomon Islands. Supported by the Australian government and the United Nations Development Program, this report was produced with the aim to better understand the existing justice needs of the people of Solomon Islands.
PRC Reaffirms Commitment to Deliver 2023 Games Facilities
Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet together with Officials from the National Hosting Authority (NHA) and the Cabinet Sub-committee on the 2023 Pacific Games today met with officials from the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for updates on progresses made so far toward the preparation of the games.
RSIPF Female Officers “Blazing the Way for Younger Women”
“Blazing the way for younger women,” and “Women are stronger than men think”, that’s the wise words of two female police constables in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) who got promoted to the rank of sergeant on 5 March, a few days before Solomon Islands joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
Solomon Islands Young Duo Start Trial in Australia
The Solomon Islands duo Raphael Lea’i and Leon Kofana have landed in Australia for a trial with the academy of A-League side Melbourne Victory.
OPMC Responds to One Link Story
The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said ongoing claims in the media that the Prime Minister has encouraged Members of Parliament in Caucus to invest in One Link is nothing but political propaganda and a blatant lie.
Solomon Islands Not Taking Any Chances on COVID -19
Solomon Islands is not taking any chances when it comes to COVID-19. This was stressed by the Attorney General of Solomon Islands, John Muria Jnr.
Government Must Stop USD$100 Billion Loan Proposal: TSI
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) says that the proposed USD$100 Billion loan currently being explored by government must be stopped.
PMO Changes Stance Regarding One Link
Opposition leader Mathew Wale says he’s pleased to note the new position that the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) has taken to side with CBSI and Honiara City Council regarding the pyramid scheme One Link.
Police Investigates Traffic Accident Involving Police Officers in Auki
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) is investigating a traffic accident on Kwainamoro road near Auki in the Malaita Province.
Australia Supports Solomons’ Buy Local Campaign
The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, is supporting a campaign that encourages Solomon Islanders to buy Solomon Islands products over imported alternatives.
Police Uproots Marijuana Plants in West Rennell
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Tigoa Police Station in West Rennell, in the Rennell Bellona Province have uprooted marijuana plants at Kanava village in central Rennell on 27 February 2020.
Health Ministry Identifies Quarantine Site for COVID-19
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has identified a Quarantine site for those that may be infected or suspected of being infected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Establishing Business Links Between Solomon Islands and PNG
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Hon James Marape arrived in Solomon Islands on Thursday 27th February 2020 for has been described as a historical three-day state visit.
Sogavare Ackowledges Support by PNG for PG2023
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has conveyed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and people of Papua New Guinea for its K40 million assistance towards hosting the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
PNG and Solomon Islands Signs Documents to Guide Relationship
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare and PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has signed two documents after their bilateral discussion in Honiara on Friday.
We Must Continue to Look Within Ourselves: Bartlett
Chairman of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI), Jeremy Bartlett has highly commended the PNG Prime Minister, James Marape.
