Latest News Archive April 2020
95 articles
Testing Machine for COVID-19 Is Here!
A qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) machine funded by the Australian Government arrived safely in Honiara last night.
New Standard Size Futsal Court in Malaita
Futsal development in Malaita will see a huge leap as a international standard size court is currently near completion at Faumamanu Community High School in east Malaita.
Public Transport Owners Buckle Up for Tough Times
Public buses are now earning only as much as SBD$400 per day while Taxis are not as well, with less than SBD$100 a day in some cases.
More European And British Citizens Repatriated From Fiji
88 European and British citizens were repatriated from Fiji on a United Kingdom chartered, Fiji Airways operated flight last night, bringing the total number of Europeans repatriated from Fiji due to COVID-19 pandemic to above 400.
Western Border Patrols Boosted with Speed Craft From Australia
The capability of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in the Western border region will be boosted after receiving a second high speed craft donated by the Government of Australia through the Australian High Commission Office in Honiara today.
Government Reshuffles Ministers
Four Ministers of the current Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) have been sworn-in before the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House this morning.
HCC Reiterates Ban on Betel Nut Selling
Betel nuts sold on the streets of Honiara are illegal activities.
Kava Export High on Government Agenda
The Government is seriously exploring export opportunities for Solomon Islands kava.
COVID-19 Could Lead to Food Insecurity
Solomon Islands, and other developing countries, need to be better prepared, the disruptions caused by the rapid spread of COVID-19 are threatening to cut off supply chains and increase food insecurity.
Person’s with Disability High Risk for COVID-19
People with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI) are calling on government to also recognize the needs of people with disability at this time of emergency.
RSIPF investigates alleged arson incident on Small Malaita
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Auki Police Station in Malaita Province together with officers at Maka Police Post are investigating an alleged arson incident at Tawaro Village on Small Malaita on 26 April 2020.
Poor Sanitation a Challenge in Fight Against COVID-19
Majority of communities around North Guadalcanal are concerned about their personal health and hygiene due to the threat of coronavirus.
Government Issues First COVID-19 Domestic Development Bond
The Solomon Islands Government has issued the first COVID-19 domestic development bond of SB$120 million to interested buyers.
“COVID-19 Free Status Must Not Stop the Fight”: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has urged all citizens of Solomon Islands to keep fighting with all means despite the country’s rank as one of the COVID-19 free countries in the world.
WHO Supports Hospital Isolation Centres
The two COVID-19 isolation centres at National Referral Hospital (NRH) are now almost fully equipped, with the delivery this week of medical supplies and equipment worth more than SBD$400,000 by the World Health Organization, Solomon Islands, with support from the Australian Government.
SolBrew Donates Medical Supplies to NRH Pharmacy
Solomon Brewery Limited’s (SolBrew) this week donated medicines and medical supplies to the value of SBD350,000 to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Pharmacy.
Australian Humanitarian Aid Reaches Communities
Australia and its partners in Solomon Islands are getting aid to where it’s needed now.
Health Minister Applauds Staff in Birthing Center of NRH
Health Minister Hon. Dickson Mua has commended doctors and nurses at the labor ward and the National Referral Hospital in general.
SINU Defers Start Date
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has deferred the starting date for lectures.
Hand Wash Facilities Coming Soon to Central Market
To improve personal hygiene the Honiara central market will soon provide a hand wash station.
Solomon Airlines to Operate 30th April Flight From Honiara
Solomon Airlines will operate a one-off commercial flight on 30th April following consultation with the Solomon Islands Government and foreign High Commissions, including Australia and New Zealand.
Mobilizing Youths Through Pandemic
Its all hands on deck for the National Youth Congress (NYC) as it works to revitalize its functions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another Step Forward for Australia and New Zealand’s Education Partnership with Solomon Islands
New Zealand High Commissioner Georgina Roberts and Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan have signed a new Delegated Cooperation Arrangement as part of the two countries’ Education Partnership with Solomon Islands 2020-2023.
COVID-19 Testing Kits and qPCR Machine Arrives in Honiara
COVID-19 testing kits, lab equipment which includes a qPCR machine has arrived in Honiara.
WHO Cautions Early Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned Pacific Island countries against an early easing of restrictions aimed at controlling or preventing COVID-19.
Suaghi Villages Awaits Assistance After Cyclone Harold
Villagers in North Guadalcanal are frustrated their livelihood was shattered by cyclone Harold.
Kastom Garden Promotes Radio Program to get to Farmers
Kastom Garden Association (KGA) is taking steps to assist their farmer members, all in an effort to bolster food security.
Communities Advised to Adhere to Health Advices
“Social distancing is not only a government measure but is everyone’s business”, Acting Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau said.
First Delivery of Medical Supplies Arrives Through the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19
50,000 KN95 facial masks and 20,000 protective masks have arrived in Nadi, Fiji, to be used in the fight against COVID-19. This essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), destined for Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and French Polynesia is being coordinated through the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19 (PHP-C).
Efforts to Assist Families of Taimareho Accident Continues
The government is continuing with efforts to assist families and to resolve outstanding issues surrounding the tragic and unnecessary loss of 27 innocent lives from aboard the MV Taimareho on April 3 during Tropical Cyclone Harold.
Detainees Can Now Call Their Loved Ones
Due to the ongoing global threat of COVID-19, the Corrections Service of the Solomon Islands (CSSI) suspended all family visits as of 23rd March 2020 as part of various measures to prevent the entry of the disease into the correctional centres.
PM Sogavare Commends MHMS
Prime Minister Sogavare has acknowledged the work done by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) as the Government is taking all necessary and proactive measures to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mothers and Babies Need Bigger Room at National Referral Hospital
“Currently we have two or three babies and mothers on one bed. The wards here are very crowded and there is no space”, Dr. Jack Siwainao, Consultant in charge of Labor ward told Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
PM Sogavare Visits National Referral Hospital
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare made a courtesy visit to the National Referral Hospital yesterday.
Guadalcanal Premier Commends NGOs for support
The Guadalcanal Provincial Premier Francis Sade has thanked Non-Government Organization, NGOs for their assistance in providing COVID-19 awareness to communities in the Province.
HCC to Implement Pay Cuts
Honiara City Council (HCC) is the first of government's machinery to implement a pay cut in light of the effects of COVID-19.
Young Child Killed After Family Arguement
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Noro, Western Province are investigating an alleged murder of a –two-year old female child in the township on 18 April 2020.
Rice Stock Good, Supply Chain Risks Being Addressed
SICCI reps and member companies on Saturday 18 April met with Under Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL), Mr. Michael Hoóta for an update discussion on rice stocks in the country.
SIDT Encourages Good Hygiene Practice
Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) is encouraging rural communities to practice simple personal hygiene method as a way to prevent COVID-19.
Schools to Resume in Solomon Islands but Not for Everyone
Schools will re-commence on April 27 but not for everyone.
Inclusive Preparedness Plans for COVID-19 says Solomon Islands PM
Solomon Islands is one of 15 countries that had not recorded any case of COVID-19 as yet.
Solomon Islands Receives the Final Two COVID-19 Test Results NEGATIVE
Today Ministry of Health is pleased to finally receive results of the remaining two COVID-19 suspected case samples that were sent to Australia, and again the samples came back negative with no detection of coronavirus.
Quarantine Facilities Undergo Decontamination
Decontamination of Institutional Quarantine Facilities used by quarantined persons for the last few weeks has undergone a thorough decontamination process and is ready for use again.
Government Continues With Efforts to Assist Families of Taimareho Tragedy
The government is continuing with its efforts to assist families inflicted by the MV Taimareho tragedy.
ADB Approves USD 6M Contingency Financing to Solomon Islands
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma this week has announced that Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board has approved a contingency financing amendment total of US$6 million to support the Solomon Islands Government in its preparedness and response commitments the covid-19 pandemic under its Pacific Disaster Resilience Program (PDRP).
IMF Approve 24 Months SIG-CBSI Debt Servicing Relief
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma has revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board, on 13th April, 2020, has approved a SIG/CBSI joint request for a Debt Servicing relief for Solomon Islands under the IMF Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT).
SICCI Conducts COVID-19 Impact Study
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) has been conducting an enterprise survey with business and industry to better understand the situation and challenges faced due to the ongoing challenges brought about by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the Preparatory measures in country.
Solomon Islanders Encouraged to Use Digital Platforms
Solomon Islanders are encouraged to use digital platforms to pay for goods and services.
Police Will Lay Charges Against 58 Curfew Offenders
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Prosecution Department will charge and re-bail 58 suspects that were released by the Magistrates Court early this week following no charges laid against them for breaching the curfew under State of public Emergency which was enforced last weekend.
Tamboko Bans Unnecessary Visits
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tamboko community has put in place measures to safe guard its people.
PRC Hands SBD$2.5M in Grant to Help Fight COVID-19
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) Government has officially handed a cash grant of SBD$2.5 Million dollars to support the Solomon Islands Government in its efforts to combat COVID-19 in the country.
Police Steps Up Security at Solomon Islands - PNG Border
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and other law enforcement agencies are increasing their presence at the Solomon Islands – Papua New Guinea common border region from the Shortland Islands, Choiseul Province and the Malaita Outer Islands with arrival of the patrol boat Gizo in the western border region carrying more police, Immigration
TC Harold Assessment on Guadalcanal in Progress
Lambi, Sahalu, Savulei, Tadai to Aola are the wards needing immediate assistance from NDMO.
China Says Medical Supplies Are Safe
"Supplies donated by China are safe" says PRC's representative, Counselor Yao Ming.
SICCI Will Facilitate Lockdown Exemption for Businesses
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is facilitating the exemption process for companies and businesses providing essential services, to remain operational during a potential lockdown once imposed by the Government.
Buka Policemen Arrested for Crossing into Solomon Islands
Papua New Guinea police arrested two policemen from Bougainville for illegally crossing into the Solomon Islands – breaching the State of Emergency (SoE) imposed by the PNG government.
New Zealand Delivers Much Needed Health Machines
The Solomon Islands government has taken delivery of new portable x-ray machines on Friday, donated by the New Zealand government.
Power to Grant Exemption Vested on PM: NDMO Director
The Director of the National Disaster Management Office Mr. Loti Yates has clarified that his office do not have powers to grant exemptions to allow for movements or for business houses to operate during a lock down.
Dream Cast Theatre Join the Fight Against COVID-19
Dream Cast Theatre Solomon Islands is joining the fight against COVID-19 through short films.
Solomon Islands Debt Repayment with IMF Cancelled for Six Months
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has listed Solomon Islands as one of 25 countries that has had their debt payments cancelled for six months.
63 Arrested for Breaching Curfew
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested a total of 63 individuals for breaching the night curfew imposed under the State of Public Emergency.
Curfew Not a Mock Exercise
Police Commissioner (Ag), Mostyn Mangau says the curfew in Honiara city is not a mock exercise.
Honiara Curfew $10,000 Fine to Be Imposed
Honiara city will be on lockdown as of Friday evening.
Youths Remember Fellow Citizens in Candlelight Vigil
Over 30 young people from Rotaract, One More Shot and All Saints Youths were united to remember the 27 people lost in the recent sea tragedy.
Ship Operators Urged to Comply with Maritime Safety Laws
The Government has repeated its call on ship operators to comply with Maritime Safety Laws of the country.
CBSI Asses Impact of COVID 19 on the Solomon Islands Economy
The speed and extent of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic around the world has necessitated a revision to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ (CBSI) near-term growth outlook for the Solomon Islands economy.
Australian-funded Medical Supplies Arrive in Solomon Islands
Staff from the Australian High Commission were pleased to greet a special Solomon Airlines cargo flight as it arrived in Honiara from Brisbane on Wednesday 8 April.
Prime Minister Meets West Are’are MP and Relatives of Victims
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has met with the MP for West Are’are constituency Hon. John Maneniaru and relatives of victims to express his personal condolences to families and relatives of the 27 citizens who were washed overboard the MV Taimareho on Thursday 2nd April.
Australia Delivers Communication Equipment to Help Seif Ples Prepare for COVID-19
Australia has provided the Seif Ples Gender-Based Violence Crisis and Referral Centre with vital communication devices and additional drums of fuel to help it prepare for any COVID-19 lockdown.
Four Months State of Public Emergency for Solomon Islands
A state of public emergency is current over the Solomon Islands for the next four months.
Damages Caused by TC Harold Still To Be Confirmed
Damages caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold are yet to be confirmed by the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC).
Police Explains Anchorage of Patrol Boat Auki West of Honiara
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) says one of its patrol boats the AUKI was anchored outside the Kakabona area west of Honiara last Sunday 5 April 2020 because of the recent bad weather associated with the tropical cyclone Harold.
Suspension of Sale of Non-essential Goods at Central Market Questioned
Honiara City Council has suspended sale of non-essential goods at the Honiara’s main central market.
Lord Howe and Ontong Java Call for Shut Down of Borders With PNG
People from Luaniua and Palau are calling for shutdown of the borders between Tasman Island in PNG and their remote outer islands.
RSIPF Recovers One More Dead Body from the MV Taimareho
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today recovered the dead body of a male person at Uhu Village in South Malaita, Malaita Province as the search for the 27 people missing from the MV Taimareho continued.
Solomon Islands Stimulus Package to go Before Cabinet Next Week
The Government’s proposed stimulus package to cushion any negative impacts on the national economy are expected to be presented to Cabinet next week.
Search and Rescue Not Ready to Respond to Emergencies: Maneniaru
Member of Parliament for West Are’are, Hon. John Maneniaru says the Search and rescue department is not ready to respond to emergencies.
Australia Awards Scholarships Deadline for Applications Extended to 30 June 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the deadline for applications for the Australia Awards 2021 intake has been extended from 30 April 2020 to 30 June 2020. Successful applicants will (travel restrictions allowing) commence study in Australia in mid-2021 or early 2022.
Solomon Islands Cannot Be Complacent: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands cannot afford to be complacent.
Search Continues For Missing Passengers
Search is continuing for missing passengers on board the MV Taimareho.
Five Bodies Recovered
A total of five dead bodies were recovered today during the search for the 27 people missing from the MV Taimareho in West Are'are, Malaita Province during heavy seas associated with Tropical Cyclone Harold early last Friday.
Prime Minister Urges Ship Owners to Take Heed of Weather Warnings
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that he is deeply concerned with reports of missing passengers on board the vessel MV Taimareho.
Parliament to Re-convene Monday to Extend State of Public Emergency
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated in his nationwide address today that the Speaker of Parliament has been notified to re-convene Parliament on Monday 6th April 2020.
Another Negative COVID 19 Test Result
The latest test for COVID-19 in Solomon Islands has returned negative. For the latest batch of tests two more are still pending.
Bridge Washed Away by Torrential Rain
The heavy downpour from TC Harold has inflicted serious damage to a bridge connecting communities in North West Guadalcanal to Honiara.
Australia Supports Solomon Islands With SBD$70 Million to Combat COVID-19
Prime Minister Scott Morrison assured Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during a telephone conversation on 1 April that Australia’s support for the Solomon Islands in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic was utterly firm.
Solomon Islands is Bracing Itself for Tropical Cyclone Harold
Last night Solomon Islands weather office issued the first tropical cyclone warning for all provinces.
Market Vendors Propose Mobile Delivery
The Honiara Central Market Vendors Associations (HCMVA) is looking at creating a mobile delivery system for vendors at the Central Market should there be a locked down.
China Joins Battle to Prevent COVID-19 from Solomon Islands
The Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has joined in the battle to prevent the deadly corona virus from infecting Solomon Islands.
Shops in Compliance with Prices Set out by Government Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Shops in Honiara are complying with the prices of goods in their shops. Recently the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration issued a notice calling on all shops to maintain their prices.
Solomon Islands Receives Two More NEGATIVE COVID-19 Test Results
Two more result for COVID-19 suspected cases in Solomon Islands have come back negative. The test results were confirmed by Ministry of Health after being sent for testing in Australia.
RSIPF Arrests a Director of Onelink Pacifica
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara have arrested one of the Onelink Pacifica directors on 30 March 2020 following a complaint raised by mentors and customers who are struggling to have their shares paid by the director.
Guangdong Province to Send Masks, Protective Gear
Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China has expressed their commitment to provide support to the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
Hospital Restricts Visitors
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) is limiting visitor numbers, this is to ensure social distancing can be practiced by staff and patients.
Australia Funds COVID-19 Testing Machine Package to Solomon Islands
The Australian Government is funding the procurement and delivery of a new COVID-19 testing machine to enable in-country testing in Solomon Islands.
