Latest News Archive July 2020
84 articles
Six People Missing at Sea in Temotu Province Found Alive on Ulawa
The six people who been missing while travelling in an outboard motorised boat (OBM) from Kala Bay on Santa Cruz Island to the Reef Islands in the Temotu Province on 11 July 2020 have been found safe and well at Ngarangara Point near Su’umoli Village on Ulawa Island in the Makira Ulawa Province at 12.30 pm this afternoon.
Gov’t Concern Over Sale of Alienated Land by Foreign Investors: PM
The National Government is conscious of the issue of land and encroachment of settlers into customary land.
Australia Donates Two Additional Fast Crafts: Border Efforts Ramp Up
Australia has donated two more fast craft boats to help Solomon Islands effectively monitor its border areas.
Solomon Islands Economy to Fall by 6% in 2020: ADB Report
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is highlighting the critical need to support health and social protection systems in the Pacific region, according to the latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Monitor (PEM) launched today.
Tongs Supports Frontline Workers
Tongs Corporation has donated Protective Personal Equipment’s (PPE’s) to help protect front line workers at the Camp Management Sector who are taking care of returnees in the Quarantine Stations.
New Japanese Ambassador Presents Credentials
Japanese New Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Morimoto Yasuhiro has presented his Letter of Credence to Governor General His Excellency Sir David Vunagi on the 30th July, 2020.
CBSI Warns Public to be Vigilant Against Emerging Fast Money Schemes
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) along with the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) is again warning the general public to avoid investing in any new and emerging fraudulent fast money-making schemes.
Solomon Island Gamers Will Have a Chance to Compete in USD$225,000 Online Tournament
ESL Australia and Psyonix today announced the ESL Rocket League Oceanic Championship, a new online tournament series that will offer players across the Oceanic region the chance to compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
State of Public Emergency Extended
The State of Public Emergency (SoPE) has been extended for four months through a Parliament resolution.
Solomon Airlines Suspends International Flights Until October
Solomon Airlines has today confirmed the airline will extend its suspension of scheduled international passenger flying from 31 August as previously advised, until 24 October, 2020.
CBSI Partners with Stakeholders to Initiate Solomon Islands Digital Marketplace Project
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund - Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (UNCDF-PFIP) have partnered with Bulk shop to initiate The Solomon Islands Digital Marketplace (COVID-19 Response & Recovery) Project.
Wale Calls for Covid-19 Legislation to Deal with Pandemic
Leader of the Opposition Mathew Wale says the government needs to seriously explore and put in place legislations designed specifically for the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Cases in PNG Spikes: PM Orders Lockdown
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape says the capital Port Moresby will go into lockdown for a two-week period in a bid to contain community transmission of Covid-19.
Stimulus Package Needs to Be Better Targeted
Temotu man, John Richard Medai is skeptical about the government’s economic stimulus package.
MAL Push to Revive Land Purchase Cooperatives
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has been given the green light to pursue reviving of Land Purchase Cooperatives (LPCs) throughout the country. This came after the convening of the Land Purchase and Cooperative Society (LPCs) Consultation meeting” organized by MAL on the 14th of July 2020, with key stakeholders.
A Determined Path to the SDGs in 2030 Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic
As lockdowns ease in countries across Asia and the Pacific in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is clear—a return to business as usual is unimaginable in a region that was already off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GG Declares State of Public Emergency Still Exists in SoIomon Islands
His Excellency the Governor General Sir David Vunagi has declared that a State of Public Emergency (SOPE) still exists in Solomon Islands.
NRH Conducts Three Days Clean Up
National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) doctors, nurses and corporate support staff conducted a three days major cleanup of all its wards last week as part of its response to recent detection of Superbug, microorganisms that develop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
SICCI Discusses Ways to Manage COVID-19 Impact on Businesses During Courtesy Call on Prime Minister
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) met with the Prime Minister and his senior staff last week Friday to present business concerns and also engage on managing our economy’s recovery from COVID-19 impacts.
Government Plans Direct Flight to China
A charter flight is currently being planned to bring personnel from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Pick Hawkes Bay Offers Official Apology to Solomon Islands Workers
The Pick Hawkes Bay Inc. (PHC) has come out officially to apologize to Solomon Islands workers working at their farms. Below is the official statement.
‘HCC Should Reconsider all its Expenses and be More Disciplined’: SICCI
While businesses operating in Honiara City are required to comply with all obligatory rates and charges imposed by the Honiara City Council (HCC) especially during this time of economic hardship, the Council too must be more disciplined with its revenue expenditure and how it delivers its services.
Mostyn Mangau is the New Police Commissioner
The newly appointed Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) Mostyn Mangau feels very humbled by his new appointment and pledges to serve the people of Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islanders in New Zealand Return Home Onboard Solomon Airlines
For the first time in almost 30 years Solomon Airlines will operate a one-off Honiara–Auckland-Honiara flight.
SICCI Partners with MCILI to Host Free Training for Business Advisers
With the growing need for quality business advisers, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) together with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) this week conducted a training for Business Advisers.
PM Officially Opens PG 2023 Office
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has officially opened the 2023 Pacific Games office in Honiara.
Oxfam Partners with Western Women in Provincial Campaign
The Western Province Council of Women (WPCW) is making preparations from the provincial capital Gizo, to extend their reach to the women of Shortland Islands and Marovo.
126 Passengers Arrive on 5th Repatriation Flight
A total of 126 stranded nationals arrived 7pm last night on board the Solomon Airlines special flight IE690 from Brisbane, Australia.
Futsal Facility to be Completed by December 2021
Construction of the Futsal Multipurpose Courts complex will commence later this year and it will be completed and handed to the National hosting Authority by December 2021.
16 Quarantine Stations in the Country
Recent Amendment to the Emergency Powers (Declaration of Quarantine Stations) Order 2020 (No.3) see new sites being added, there are now 16 Government Approved Quarantine Stations.
SICCI Members Flag Concerns at its First Business Breakfast Event
Last week, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), on behalf of its members, hosted its first Business Breakfast Information Session this year, 2020.
Four Months Too Long for Another State of Emergency: Opposition
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has lashed out at the Prime Minister, saying another four months is too long for the second state of public emergency.
Solomon Airlines Confirms 28th July Repatriation Flight from Australia
Solomon Airlines will operate a further repatriation flight between Brisbane and Honiara on 28 July bringing home Solomon Islands citizens and residents and approved foreign nationals via the airline’s Brisbane gateway.
Government Committed to Host Pacific Games 2023
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands is on track to successfully host the 2023 Pacific Games.
Road Extension at East Malaita
East Malaita will benefit from a road extension towards highland communities, which will improve access to basic services.
Russell Islands Launches Fisheries Association
Regardless of the current covid-19 impacts on the country at large, fishing communities in Russell Islands in Central Islands Province have moved another step ahead with their intention to develop and advance fisheries as source of revenue earner for their people.
Cabinet Approves SOPE Extension: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Cabinet has approved the recommendation from the Oversight Committee to extend the State of Public Emergency (SOPE).
Iumi-Tugeda Against COVID-19 Campaign: Tourism Develops Five Point Plan
Tourism Solomons in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture & Tourism has begun the process of initiating what CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto’ describes as a five-point plan intended to a rekindle and sustain the tourism sector’s fortunes as it looks to adapt to the current – and post – COVID-19 environment.
Covid-19: Monitoring Our Ports and Economic Health
With Honiara the only Port in Pacific quarantining cargo ships and marine tankers at this point of time, the Solomon Islands Government’s Shipping Exemption Committee is mindful of the economic impacts.
MP Launches Development Plan, First of its Kind
The Member of Parliament (MP) for South Guadalcanal has recently launched a development plan for his constituency.
Rift Between East Malaita MP and Nafinua Community Mended
Nafinua Community, Ward 15 of East Malaita Constituency has stepped in to settle differences with their National Parliament Representative who is also the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Hon. Manasseh Maelanga.
Seaweed Farming Can Be a Lucrative Business
Seaweed farming is a very lucrative source of income, says Atarake Ata who has been a seaweed farmer for six years now.
Economic Stimulus Awareness Completed in Malaita
The National Government has successfully completed a weeklong awareness mission on the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package in Malaita Province this week.
NRH Explains Morgue Hygiene and Embalmment Payments
Following media reports claiming unhygienic status of the National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) mortuary and loss of millions of dollars revenue from corrupt practices related to embalmment, the NRH is pleased to respond and provide contextual, correct and accurate information and updates on what has been done regarding the matter raised.
Archdiocese of Honiara Denary Hold Youth Event
More than one thousand youths from the Catholic Church archdiocese of Honiara attended a week long program at Tamboko saint Mary Tanagai Parish North west Guadalcanal.
CITREC Worker Returns Home From Canada Disappointed
A young female from Guadalcanal under the Canadian labour Mobility scheme claimed she was unable to complete her contract due to hard labour.
Superbug Tests Returned Negative
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says that recent tests for the superbug has returned negative.
I Will Remember This Day for A Long Time: Miss Solomons
The usual independence celebration for this year was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner of Lands Encourages Tribes to Record and Register Customary Land
Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil has encouraged tribal land holding groups in the Sandfly-Buena Vista region of Gela to record their customary lands under the name of tribes and not few individuals or trustees.
FFA Coordinates Maritime Surveillance of Solomon Islands Fisheries with NZDF Assistance
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K2 Orion aircraft is currently conducting three days of aerial surveillance over Solomon Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a task coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
Wale Calls on AG to Recuse Himself in Djokovic Case
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Attorney General not to deal with the criminal cases instituted against the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Robson Djokovic.
From Teller to Barber
Timo Kenaz left his job as a teller in 2019.
Call for Respect for the City’s Botanic Garden
A lot of unwanted activities are still happening at the Honiara Botanical Garden (HBG).
MAL Committed to Support Economic Growth Through Partnership
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has reaffirmed its commitment to support the growth of the country’s economy through partnership.
ADB President and Minister Finance Kumar Discuss Support for Covid-19 Response
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa and Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury and ADB Governor Harry Kuma on Friday discussed how ADB can continue to support the country as it addresses the health risks and economic fallout from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Is Thomas Giosa Our Nation’s Flag Designer?
You will usually see him along the streets of Honiara in the CBD area. A tall lanky fellow!
Call for Government to Look to Marine Resources as Other Sectors Decline
A prominent Solomon Islander, Baoro Laxton Koraua says the government should consider lifting the ban on bechdemer.
Access to Stimulus a Challenge for Rural Farmer
A rural farmer says the process to apply for the economic stimulus package is too tedious.
Economic Stimulus Package Awareness for Malaita’s Existing Operators
A Team from the Government will be departing for Auki today to raise awareness on the Economic Stimulus Package for targeted groups in the 14 constituencies of Malaita Province.
Senior Government Officer Charged With Careless Driving
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have charged a senior government officer with careless driving following a traffic accident involving a government motor vehicle, which happened early morning Saturday 4 July 2020 near the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel in West Honiara.
Local Kava Grower Nets SBD$38,000
A local farmer from the highlands of Guadalcanal has finally received payment for his hard work.
Travel Solomons and Solomon Airlines Push for Intra-Regional Travel Bubble
As countries around the World grapple with the idea of re-opening their borders for international travelers, two group in the Solomon Islands are pushing for an intra-regional travel bubble.
100 Repatriated Citizens Arrive Today from Brisbane
With approval from the government the Solomon Islands national carrier, Solomon Airlines, will be repatriating close to 100 passengers from New Zealand and Australia today.
Government Delivers Stimulus Package to Local Exporter
The Government this week delivered an Isuzu 3-tonne pick-up truck to local buyer and exporter of Kava products, Kubonitu Holdings.
Wagina Seaweed Farmers Hopes to Get Stimulus Support
Seaweed farmers in Choiseul province are hoping the government will support them through the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
Wagina Community Celebrates Independence Day
A parade through the main villages on Wagina was held on Independence Day.
Impasse Between SINU Staff and Vice Chancellor Sent to Trade Disputes Panel
The current impasse between the Lecturers Association of Solomon Islands National University (LASINU) and the Solomon Islands National University General Staff Association (SINUGSA) against Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr. Ganesh Chand has been referred to the Trade Disputes Panel (TDP).
42 years of Independence: PM Calls for Unity in Diversity
Solomon Islands today celebrates 42 years of Independence.
Arrested for Spreading Fake News on Social Media
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested and charged one male suspect for the alleged dissemination of false rumours contrary to Regulation 23 (a) of the Emergency Powers (EP) COVID (02) Regulation 2020 in Central province on 27th April 2020.
Solomon Ports Hoists Largest Flag in the Region at Unity Square
Solomon Ports has commissioned the largest flag and flagpole in the pacific at Point Cruz, Honiara, yesterday.
US Congratulates Solomon Islands as Country Prepares to Observe Independence Day
The United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent his government’s well wishes as the country prepares to mark its Independence Day tomorrow.
Earl Cameron Passes Away Aged 102
Earl Cameron, one of the first black actors to forge a successful career in British film and television, has died aged 102, his family has confirmed.
Three Foreign Nationals Arrested for Illegal Entry into Solomon Islands
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara have arrested three foreign nationals for alleged illegal entry into Solomon Island on 19 June 2020.
Workshop Seeks to Create Understanding and Explore Areas of Collaboration
A one-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) for Media reporters was held last week in Honiara.
Challenges of Our Health Sector: A Personal Story
She was chatty and seemed ok, one might think that Joan is admitted at the hospital for a mild illness.
CBSI Releases 2019 Financial Stability Report
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has just released the fourth edition of its Financial Stability Report (FSR) for the year 2019 as pursuant to section 31(4) of the CBSI Act 2012.
Local Farmers Flock GP Agriculture Office Seeking Assistance
More farmers are flocking the Guadalcanal Province (GP) Agriculture Division to seek advice on the Economic Stimulus Package.
Humanity Vs the Rule of Law: Villagers Homeless as Developers Move in
17 families residing in the Mamara area claimed they will be homeless after they were chased by contractors of the company that is developing the Mamara-Tasivarongo area.
Rarumana Community Elder Lauds ESP Initiative
Community elder from Rarumana Island in the Western Province have applauded the government for the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) initiative that focuses mainly on the rural population.
Clothing Back on the Racks at the Central Market
The Honiara Central Market has opened its gates for clothing vendors but with restrictions.
Deadline for Stimulus Package Extended for Rural Communities
Applications for the government’s US$37.5 million stimulus package has been extended for those who live in the rural areas.
SIFF's Bold New Vision: "Advance Our Game, Achieve Our Goals"
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Long Term Strategic Development Plan for the new cycle 2019-2022 has been passed during the 2020 Ordinary Congress held yesterday in Honiara at the Kwaimani building.
Overfishing Highlighted in State of our Coral Reefs Report
Solomon Islands boasts some of the richest fishing grounds in the Western and Central Pacific basin.
MHMS: COVID-19 Testing Machines, Operational
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) would like to correct statements recently made in the media that a COVID-19 testing machine donated by one of our partners is not yet operational due to calibration, technical and language issues.
