Latest News Archive June 2020
94 articles
Wale Commends Comptroller of Customs for Impounding Tubi Logs
The Opposition Leader, Hon Matthew Wale commends the Comptroller of Customs for impounding a shipment of tubi last week, and urges the government to quickly deal with the overlaps in the relevant laws dealing with protected plant species which provides a loophole for abuse by dubious loggers and officials.
Businesses Informed About the Trade Dispute Panel
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector in the country, welcomes opportunity for companies and industry to be involved in consultations currently underway in reviewing the country’s Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) Act.
Chief Muses Over Traditional Money
“Some of the most valued traditional money on Guadalcanal is now lost”, says Paramount Chief, Francis Peroqolo.
Police Meets with Western Province to Discuss Future Plans
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Assistant Commissioner (AC) Provincial, Joseph Manelugu met with the Provincial Secretary (PS) for Western Province Jeffery Wickham at Gizo on 23 June 2020.
The State of Coral Reefs in the Solomon Islands
Scientists at the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) have published a report on the status of coral reefs in the Solomon Islands.
USAID Supports UN World Food Programme to COVID-19 in the Pacific
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$500,000 from the United States Government in support of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific.
Do Not Ignore Us
At the car park with only small card boxes to shelter from the hot sun was market vendor Janet Lilly.
Improvements At Honiara Botanical Garden
Significant improvements are under way at the Honiara Botanical Garden (HBG). The developments are being made under the Annual Work plan and Medium Term Corporate plan (2020-2022) of the Ministry of Forestry and Research and are also reflected in the commitments under a new HBG Management and Business Plan (2020-2030).
ADB Approves USD$20M to Help Solomon Islands Fight COVID-19 and Impact on Economy
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD$20 million to help the Government of Solomon Islands combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its impact on the country's economy.
World War II Relic Museum Owner Call for Support
Tucked behind a forest cover one kilometre from the main road is Vilu war museum. It is about 25 kilometres away from Honiara in the North Western side of Guadalcanal.
37 YO Male Charged With Murder
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force at Henderson Police station have arrested and charged a 37-year-old male person for the alleged murder of another male person in his 50s at Keuna Village in the Marumbo area of West Guadalcanal on 14 June 2020.
Chief Justice Receives Latest Legal Books from British High Commission
Chief Justice, Sir Albert R. Palmer CBE today received a consignment of books covering the latest legal developments across the Commonwealth.
Central Market Our Beacon of Hope
The Honiara Central Market is the hub of market activities for farmers and resellers. Thousands of Honiara residents frequent the market daily for their grocery.
Rotavirus Vaccine Launched in Solomon Islands
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) this week launched the introduction of a new vaccine into the Solomon Islands National Immunization schedule, the Rotavirus Vaccine.
Guadalcanal Elder Calls for Return of Cultural Norms
An elder from Guadalcanal is concerned about the way of life in the rural community nowadays.
Australia Provides SBD$5.7M to Help Solomon Islands Children Be COVID Safe
COVID-19 has disrupted children’s learning around the world this year. That’s why Australia is supporting Save the Children’s preparedness and response activities in the education sector in Solomon Islands with an additional SBD$5.7 million grant.
Humanitarian Aid is Never a Crime: Kenilorea
Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, MP for East Are Are and Chair of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, has reminded national authorities that humanitarian aid is never a crime.
Stop Towing Beijing’s Line: Opposition Leader
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has hit out again at the seizure of COVID medical equipment donated to Malaita Province by Taiwan on 11 June.
SINPF Purchase Remaining SBD$60M Development Bonds
The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund Board (SINPFB) has purchased the remaining $60M of the government’s $120 million covid-19 development bond on Friday 19 June 2020. The other $60M were earlier purchased by the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and Solomon Islands Ports Authority.
SITIDF Channels Emergency Aid to Tourism Sector
The Solomon Islands Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund (SITIDF) is providing emergency funds to approved tourism operators.
DIVIT RTC on North Guadalcanal Still Without Water Since TC Harold
Two months after Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold passed through the Solomon Islands DIVIT rural training centre at Visale on North West Guadalcanal is still without clean drinking water.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarifies Use of Diplomatic Pouch
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) explains that the use of diplomatic pouch or bags is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Wale Calls for Investigation into Entry of 3 Foreign Sailors
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale blasts the government and calls for an investigation into last week’s blunder which resulted in 3 foreign crew members from an incoming yacht, freely wandering ashore on arrival.
Police Arrests and Charges 18 YO Female Student for Alleged Infanticide
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Gizo Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged an 18-year-old Form 4 female student at Eleoteve Community High School on Vella la Vella Island in Western Province on 17 June 2020.
Prime Minister Reiterates Call for Media to be Responsible
In his nationwide address on Friday, Sogavare made a call on the media to be more responsible and to exercise the required ethics and standards that is expected of them.
Three Expatriates Evaluated for Risk of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) received a report on alleged presence of three expatriates at the Yacht Club on June 19, 2020, who entered Solomon Islands in contravention to the Orders prohibiting the entry of Yachts into Solomon Islands.
Honiara Quarantine Facilities Now Empty
As of 12 noon Friday 19th June, all persons that came through Australia, Vanuatu and Fiji have been discharged from the quarantine facilities.
A Father’s Sacrifice
With fear, Peter discreetly set up his mini market at the Henderson area. Peter is 38 years of age. He lived most of his life at Henderson, just outside of Honiara, but within the emergency zone.
Island Sun Apologises to RSIPF
On 15 June 2020, the Island Sun newspaper printed a front page story with the headline: “Police Brutality” alleging that the RSIPF Central Response Unit (CRU) at the Honiara City Central Police Station was responsible for the bashing of a victim on the night of Saturday 13 June 2020 in Honiara.
More Awareness Conducted in Choiseul Province
Choiseul Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) has successfully coordinated another round of community awareness carried out by their working sector committees.
Opposition Leader Calls on Government Not to Extend SOE
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government not to extend the state of emergency (SOE) period.
Protection Sector Committee Donates Children’s Kit
Protection sector committee has delivered children’s kit to the camp Management committee last week.
Solomon Islands Elected into UN Economic and Social Council
Foreign Minister, Hon Jeremiah Manele, announces that Solomon Islands wins seat on the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the term 2021 - 2023.
IFC Signs Agreement with the CBSI to Improve Credit Reporting
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) to improve credit reporting in the country and improve access to finance for people and micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs).
'Where is My Money': One Link Member Asks?
A father of four has called on ONE LINK PASIFIKA to clarify whether his money will be refunded or not.
Repatriation Flights for Eligible Travellers in Vanuatu, Fiji and Australia
With the approval of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji Governments, Solomon Airlines will operate a further series of repatriation flights on 1 July, linking Vanuatu, Fiji and Australia with the Solomon Islands.
Kira Kira Wharf, a Century Gift for Makira: Premier Maka’a.
Makira Ulawa Province has been given what the Provincial Premier, Mr. Julian Maka’a has described as the Gift of the Century, the Kira Kira Wharf and Ramp.
Australia Gives Training to Support Cocoa Farmers
The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, through its partnership with Cathliro Commodity Development Limited, has supported training for 84 cocoa farmers. This training aims to help farmers improve the quality of their cocoa and increase their income from cocoa.
Local Contractor Beats Odds Despite Pandemic
Managing Director of R&D Construction Company says it was not an easy task directing a construction project during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two Male Suspects Arrested For Indecent Act on Underage Girls
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force at Gizo Police Station in the Western Province have arrested two male suspects for allegedly committing an indecent act on two underage girls at Buleana Village, Vella la Vella Island on 24 May 2020.
SINU Establish Medical Emergency Platform Online
An emergency online platform was created by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
Covid-19, Climate Change Lead Agenda as Forum Fisheries Officials Meet
Measures to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are high on the agenda of the 114th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) meeting, which commences yesterday.
24 Released from Quarantine
A number of persons serving the mandatory quarantine period at various Institutional Quarantine Facilities have been released. Out of a total of 158 occupants 24 were released yesterday.
Opposition Leader Responds to Foreign Minister
The Leader of the Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale described foreign minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele’s recent comments against him, as dodgy and misguided.
SICCI On Quarantine Period & Shipping Exemption Committee
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government and its relevant bodies for taking into consideration requests from businesses in regards to travel restrictions and the impacts.
SICCI Proposes Inclusion of Solomon Islands in ‘Travel Bubble’
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) proposes that the Government promotes the inclusion of Solomon Islands to be in the Australia-New Zealand Travel Bubble.
Guadalcanal Woman Reiterates Call for Active Participation in Tribal Matters
Tadai woman, Ms. Vitalina Labule said women should be allowed to participate in tribal discussions within their society.
SICCI on Re-opening of DBSI
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) announced its support for the reformation of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI).
RSIPF Innocent of ‘Police Brutality’ Story in Island Sun
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) categorically denies that any of its officers including members of the Central Response Unit (CRU) in Honiara City were involved in the “Police Brutality” story which appeared in the Island Sun newspaper today.
Applications for Prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships Close 30 June
Applications for the 2021 Australia Awards Scholarships intake will close on 30 June 2020. Australia Awards Scholarships provide successful Solomon Islanders with the skills and knowledge to drive change and influence economic and social development.
Covid 19-free Solomon Islands Pushes for ‘Pacific bubble’ Inclusion
Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto has called on the Australian and New Zealand governments to ask for their active consideration in allowing the COVID-19 free Solomon Islands to be included in a potential ‘South Pacific travel bubble’ when international travel restrictions are finally lifted.
CBSI Eases Cash Reserves Requirement
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has made changes to the Cash Reserves Requirement (CRR) as part of its responses to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Public Servants Full Salary to be Reinstated: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that Cabinet has agreed to reinstate full salary for all public servants.
FFA Convenes Talks on Impacts of Climate Change on Tuna
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has hosted a one-day online discussion on the impacts of Climate Change on Offshore Fisheries.
Australia Commits Additional SBD$1.9M Funding Towards Tina Hydro
Australia has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project by providing an additional SBD$1.9 million to support its Project Office.
34 YO Arrested for Murder
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi have arrested a 34-year-old male suspect for the alleged murder of a 40-year-old male person at Haleta Village in Central Province on 29 May 2020.
MHMS Receives More PPEs from PRC
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues to be grateful for the ongoing support by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s), along with other donor partners, towards ensuring that the Ministry is well prepared to combat possible entry and outbreak of COVID-19.
Police Arrest Man with Firearm
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara have arrested an adult male person after a firearm was discovered inside his vehicle during the early hours of Saturday 6 June 2020 at Guzo Point in the Bahai area of East Honiara.
Honiara SIG Students’ Questions Covid-19 Relief Allowance
Government sponsored students at the local university are questioning if they are also eligible to receive SBD $5000.00 support from the government.
Emergency Response Team Lauds Red Cross Continuous Support
The National Emergency Response Team (NERT) has acknowledge the continuous support which Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) has rendered towards the National Disaster Operation Committee (N-DOC) and Provincial Disaster Committee (P-DOC) preparedness and response plans.
Australia’s Direct Aid Program Funds Five New Community Projects
The Australian High Commission is funding five new community-led projects in Malaita and Guadalcanal under its Direct Aid Program (DAP).
Sasamunga COVID-19 Committee on Stand-by Mode
Sasamunga COVID-19 committees continues to monitor and maintain their preparedness and response plan to stem any possible importation of the deadly virus.
Tilapia Facility Shaping Up
Work on the National Tilapia Facility at Aruligo, North West Guadalcanal is now taking shape.
Border Communities: Economic Stimulus Package Team Must Consider Us
The closing of the Solomon Islands/Papua New Guinea border has negatively affect the small-scale trading activities of Shortland outer island communities whose livelihoods depend on frequently crossing borders buying and selling goods.
National University Extends Class Hours
The National University has extended its class hours to 13.
Noro Frontliners Call for Quick Action
Government agencies working at the front line in the country’s fishing town, Noro, has called on the national government to build quarantine and isolation centres as soon as possible.
Solomon Airlines Confirms One Way Honiara-Brisbane Repatriation Flight
With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will operate its next one way repatriation flight from Honiara to Brisbane on Friday 19 June 2020.
Hoping for a Better Tomorrow
It is hard enough being a single mother, the challenges posed by the pandemic makes a difficult situation worse.
Government Affirms Commitment to DBSI
The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has affirmed its commitment to the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI).
Athletes’ Commission Condemns Attack on PNG Athlete
The ONOC Athletes’ Commission has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Papua New Guinea (PNG) athlete, Debbie Kaore last week.
Inflation Drops 0.4% in April
The country’s inflation also known as the change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) has dropped 0.4 per cent to 112.2 in April 2020.
Policy Achievement: DCGA Launches DBSI
The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has today officially launched the new Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI).
COVID-19 Facilities for Western and Choiseul Assessed and Awaits Implementation
Institutional Quarantine Facilities (IQF’s) and Isolation Units for Western and Choiseul Province has been identified, assessed, and awaits improvement works.
Two Female Police Recruits Receive Special Awards
Two female in a group of 69 recruits who completed their training at the Police Academy at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Headquarters in Honiara have won three out of the five awards given at the end of the training on Friday.
Manufacturers Call for Fairness in Enforcement of Compliance Issues
Manufacturers in Solomon Islands are calling on the government to be fair when it comes to compliance issues.
Improving Access to Vaccines for Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands children will now have greater access to vaccines through Australia’s new pledge of AUD 300 million to the Vaccine Alliance.
GP Vows to Support Traditional Leaders
The Guadalcanal provincial Government has vowed to support all House of Chiefs within Guadalcanal province.
Council of Chiefs on Guadalcanal to Work in Partnership
The Ghaubata paramount Chief, Mr. John Seketala has commended the Tandai house of chiefs.
MHMS’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Workshop Underway
The Ministry of Health and Medical Service’s (MHMS) is currently holding its five days’ COVID-19 emergency response training workshop in Honiara while the National Health Emergency Operations Centre (NEHOC) is on standby mode for activation at short notice.
Western and Choiseul COVID-19 Coordination and Operational Gaps Addressed
Coordination and operational gaps of provincial emergency response agencies in the Western and Choiseul province has been identified and re-aligned as part of the whole-of-government -approach for COVID-19 preparedness plans.
Working Together to Combat Covid-19 in the Pacific
The Australian Government is working in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum to contribute to its initiative to establish a Pacific Humanitarian Pathway amid global supply chain disruptions.
Australia Supports WFP’s Humanitarian Air Services Across the Pacific to Aid Covid-19 Response
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of AUD$3 million (US$1.96 million) from the Government of Australia to kickstart humanitarian air operations in the Pacific.
Tourist Arrivals Fall 48.6% Due to Covid-19
The number of tourist arrivals in Solomon Islands fell 48.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2020 due to impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide and in our region, the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office said, Wednesday 3 June.
SICCI Roundtable Highlights Opportunities for Raising Government Revenue from Businesses
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) hosted a roundtable meeting on Wednesday 3 June 2020 to discuss ways in which the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) can maximize its opportunities for revenue collection from businesses.
ESP Committee Continues to Spread Message
Members of the Economic Stimulus Committee continues to reach out to rural communities to spread awareness about the Government’s initiative.
IMF Disburse US$28.5 Million to Solomon Islands to Address COVID-19 Pandemic
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today approved a disbursement to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands for an amount of SDR 20.8 million (about US$28.5 million, 100 percent of quota).
Tamboko Community Serious About Social-distancing Measures
Leaders in Tamboko are serious about social distancing, so serious that they are looking at limiting all public gatherings and social activities held in their community.
TB GeneXpert Machine Could Pave Way for COVID-19 Testing in Gizo
As part of their emergency response plans, Gizo health authorities are proposing that the Tuberculosis (TB) GeneXpert machine in Gizo hospital be used to test for COVID-19.
Solomon Islands High Commissioner Thanks Fiji Government
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr. William Soaki has thanked the Government of Fiji for authorizing the permit and clearance for the Solomon Airlines A320 aircraft to repatriate Solomon Islands Nationals who were stranded there for more than two months.
Suspicious Death of Foreign National Investigated
The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is investigating the suspicious death of a 71-year-old Australian national whose body was discovered on his yacht anchored at the Mbokona Bay in Honiara on 29 May 2020.
Police Investigates Traffic Accident Involving Officers
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the National Traffic Department is investigating a traffic incident involving a police officer in a police vehicle at the East Kola Ridge junction in Honiara on 28 May 2020.
New Diagnostic Blood Test Could Help Eliminate Malaria
An international collaborative team from PROS Ehime University and CellFee Science, Japan; the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Australia; Pasteur Institute, France; and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Switzerland developed a new diagnostic blood test which detects recent exposure to ‘vivax’ malaria.
IFC Is Supporting Solomon Islands Companies Through The COVID-19 Crisis
Solomon Islands companies surveyed by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, have all experienced an impact from COVID-19 on their businesses, with 89 percent of them experiencing a reduction in demand and 78 percent a reduction in turnover or cash flow.
Pasifiki Career Guide Wraps Up
A career guide program for young people was successfully held in the month of May.
