Latest News Archive September 2020
97 articles
Farmer Calls for Support to Boost Productivity
There is growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables in Honiara, and farmers are calling for support to boost productivity.
Women’s Leadership Workshop Brings Together Outstanding Women from the Provinces
Women empowerment remains more vital as Covid-19 is impacting societies and vulnerable people at their very core, deepening the pre-existing inequalities including gender.
Wale Welcomes Students’ Home: “Let’s Continue Praying for the Country”
Opposition Leader, Hon. Matthew Wale joins all concerned citizens and parents in welcoming home our Philippine based students.
Sogavare Explains Stimulus Roll Out
The government cannot support everyone in the economic stimulus package.
Students in Philippines Arrive Today
The first group of students will arrive on the first repatriation flight from the Philippines today 5:00 pm local time.
Wale Calls on Government to Stop Tubi Exploitation
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to review and amend the laws dealing with logging and our protected wildlife species including tubi, and to put in place heavy punishments for loggers found breaking the law.
PHEB Taskforce Led by Attorney General Visit Western Provincial Premier
The Public Health Emergency Bill (PHEB) Taskforce team led by the Attorney-General John Muria (Jnr) paid a courtesy visit to the Premier of Western Provincial Government Honorable David Gina yesterday.
Another Four Student in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that another four student studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
Two Bougainvillians Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Police Officers in Choiseul Province
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Taro in Choiseul Province have arrested two Bougainvillean men aged 28 and 32 for assaulting a police officer in the cause of the officer’s duty during an incident on 25 September 2020.
Wife Allegedly Stabs Husband’s Girlfriend: Police
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at the Naha Police Station are investigating an alleged unlawful wounding incident involving two women in Honiara on 22 September 2020.
MOI Food Relief Distribution and COVID-19 Scoping Mission a Success
National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) completed food relief for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) early this month following assessment by the Malaita Province Livelihood Committee, benefiting nearly 5000 inhabitants.
Construction Materials Sent for Shortland-Choiseul Quarantine Stations
Construction materials to upgrade Quarantine Stations in Choiseul and Shortland Islands has been shipped a fortnight ago.
Stimulus Package to Roll Out This Week
Recipients for the economic stimulus package are expected to be contacted this week.
Solomon Islands Calls on Countries to Continue to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
“Solomon Islands will continue to reduce its carbon footprint”, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Tackling Misinformation a Real Challenge: Maka’a
Tackling misinformation online is a real challenge, a Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) executive says.
Solomon Islands Improves Adventure Tourism Ranking
While Coronavirus (COVID-19) has severely impacted the Solomon Islands tourism industry, the country has nevertheless achieved strong success in improving its global ranking as a destination for adventure tourism.
Funding Assistance to Bring Students in Philippines Home Transparent: Government
In the true tenets of good governance, transparency and accountability, government says it has detailed funding assistance from local companies who responded positively to assist governement in bringing the students in Philippines home.
Waisisi Wairokai Palm Oil Project Under Spotlight Again
In 2017 the Solomon Star released a two-part article on the Waisisi Wairokai Palm Oil project.
SICCI Holds Procurement Workshop for Private Sector
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) recognizes the need to support businesses and companies to better understand Government’s procurement process as the private sector plays a vital role in goods and services delivery to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands.
RSIPF Arrests and Charges Hon. Dettke for Careless Driving
The National Traffic Department of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today (24 September 2020) charged the Member of Parliament for North-West Guadalcanal Hon. Bodo Dettke for careless driving following a traffic incident he was involved in at the Honiara Central Market area on 8 August 2020.
Maneka Joins Government
Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency, Hon. Samson Maneka has switched allegiance to the ruling Government.
Cleaning Other Peoples Mess is My Job
He says one should never be ashamed of their job. If someone has a job that provides for one’s family than that is all that matters.
New Forestry Policy Seeks to Control Rate of Harvest
The newly launched National Forest Policy is hoped to assist the government manage and sustain the country’s forest resources.
SICCI Hosts Media Business Reporting Workshop
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) through its Media and Communications Department successfully hosted a one-day Business and Economic Reporting Workshop on Friday 18 September, 2020.
US Embassy in PNG Awaits Result of Investigations into Bomb Explosion
The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is awaiting the outcome of the report into the explosion that killed two bomb specialists in Tasahe, West Honiara.
SGP Support Six Communities to Implement Environmental Projects
Many communities in the Solomon Islands face unique challenges in the protection, management and sustainable use of environmental resources.
Where is the Stimulus Package?
It has been four months since the government’s US$37.5 million stimulus package was announced, and two months since applications for rural areas closed.
Bangladeshi Shops Stifles Rural Business: Locals Say
The increasing numbers of Bangladeshi owned and operated shops in the outskirts of Guadalcanal has raised concerns among rural local business owners.
Governor General Sets Date for By-Election
Voters from North East Guadalcanal and Central Honiara Constituencies will go to the polls on the 18th of November to elect their members of parliament.
SIFF Just Play U-14 National Championship Groups Confirmed
The dates are set, the groups have been drawn, and teams are arriving in Honiara for the first ever SIFF Just Play U-14 National Championship.
We Are Ready for our Students’ Arrival From Philippines: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said ‘we are prepared’ for the arrival of our students from Philippines.
Kava Farmers on Guadalcanal Benefit from Training
The Guadalcanal agriculture division recently conducted a weeklong training for kava farmers on Guadalcanal.
Huawei In Talks with Government to Build 200 Telecommunication Towers
Chinese tech giant Huawei is in advanced talks with the government to build 200 telecommunication towers around the country.
Sticks and Stones for Learning: “These Kids Deserve More”
There are gaps on the classroom walls, during rainy days water seeps through the cracks, and muddies the unpaved floor.
Government to Support Tourism Solomons As it Redirects Focus
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured Tourism Solomon’s redirection strategy with its focus on domestic tourism is well within the bounds of the National Government’s policy redirection in the current COVID-19 driven environment.
Sogavare Praises China: Critical of Those Who Oppose
“The switch to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has placed Solomon Islands at the right-side of history, as a member of the United Nations,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said at the opening of the Chinese Embassy in Honiara today.
Area of the Fatal Bomb Blast Now Safe: RSIPF
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) reassures the residents living in and around the location of the fatal bomb blast last night at Tasahe in West Honiara, that they are safe to continue with their normal activities.
Two More Students in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19
Two more students in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
Government to Students in Philippines: "Break the Rules, Miss the Flight"
The government is urging Solomon Island students studying in the Phillipines to respect the rules while awaiting repatriation flights.
Simulation Exercise Today
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and partner agencies will be conducting a full-scale simulation exercise today.
Two Foreign Nationals Killed in Bomb Blast
Two foreign nationals were killed in a bomb blast late yesterday afternoon.
43 Solomon Islanders Data ‘Harvested,’ Linked to Chinese Tech Firm
A special report from New Zealand’s 1 NEWS has revealed that people across the Pacific Islands, including some who do not even have a presence on the internet, are among those whose personal information has been targeted and linked to China's military and intelligence networks.
Remote Community in Makira Wants Better Communication Access
A youth from Tawaraha in Makira is calling on community leaders and elders to address the issue of communication in their community.
Recent Arrivals from China Released Yesterday
Nationals along with Chinese diplomats, technical advisors, and members of the private sector that came from China two weeks ago have been released yesterday after completing the 14-days quarantine period in good health.
COVID-19, the Stimulus and Growing Debt Levels
As we write 12 Solomon Islanders have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Philippines.
Gregory Shares His Passion for Making Shell Money
Shell money making is perhaps one of the most important cultural items in Melanesia. Langalanga, in Malaita Province, is among the few areas where shell money is still produced
104 New Arrivals in Quarantine
A total of 104 passengers who arrived Tuesday night from Brisbane have now settled down in their designated Quarantine Stations to commence 14-days of quarantine.
RSIPF Confirms Illegal Crossing from MOI to Tasman Island in PNG
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) looking after the common border with Papua New Guinea border in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) have reported one male adult from Lord Howe travelled to Tasman Island in the PNG side of the common border illegally on 8 September 2020.
6 More Positive COVID-19 Cases for Students in Philippines
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that 6 more students studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of positive cases to 12.
Dead Body of Man Found Roadside in North Guadalcanal Identified
Relatives of the man whose dead body was discovered in the middle of the road in the Foxwood area on North Guadalcanal on the night of 13 September 2020 have come forward to identify him following a call from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force early this week.
MHMS Supports By-Election Preparations
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues to provide support to various organizations, institutions and groups to incorporate COVID-19 precautionary measures into their planned activities and ongoing operations as part of its efforts against COVID-19.
CBSI Conducts Provincial Consultations for New Financial Inclusion Strategy
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and UNCDF-Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) are currently conducting a nation-wide consultation to help develop the next-phase strategy for financial inclusion in the country.
Australian Financial Support Delivers new OBM, Boat and Vehicle for Temotu
Acting Australian High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent handed over an outboard motor, a boat, and a vehicle to Provincial Health Authorities while visiting Lata in Temotu last week. The equipment will help to strengthen the province’s health services preparedness and response to COVID-19.
Opposition Leader Slams PM and DCGA Over Philippines Student’s Ordeal
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale blasts the Prime Minister and the government for the predicament that has befallen our Philippines students.
PM Warns Public, Foreigners to Respect Quarantine Protocols
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has warned the public and foreigners to respect the country’s quarantine protocols.
Solomon Airlines Confirms Repatriation Flight to Philippines
With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of the Philippines, Solomon Airlines is planning to operate three repatriation flights from Manila to Honiara on 27 September and 29 September, with the third flight on 27 October in the process of being confirmed.
SICCI Hosts Information Session with the Media
The Media and Communications Department of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on Friday 11 September hosted its annual Information and Networking Session with key media professionals from the local mainstream media, Government and other stakeholders.
ANZ Ends goMoney Mobile Phone Banking Services
The ANZ Bank is ending its goMoney mobile phone banking service this November.
Strengthening Disaster Logistic Capability at the Western Border
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) offices in Western and Choiseul Provinces, Solomon Islands, have received two 23-foot fiberglass boats, two 60 horsepower outboard motor engines, life jackets and other safety equipment.
Solomon Islands Students in Philippines Under Red Cross Care
The Red Cross Society will be looking out for Solomon Islands students, studying in the Philippines.
Six Solomon Islands Students Studying in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that six students from the Solomon Islands studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
Farmer Shares Experience as a Street Seller
Francis Paruvata comes from Savo Island. Today, he now settles in the highlands of Aruligo where he has a small area that he does his farming on.
Locals Must Benefit from 2023 Pacific Games Construction Project
With construction of the facilities for the Pacific Games 2023 set to commence soon, attention is now turning to the benefit this project will bring to the local economy.
Targeted Responses Needed to Combat Youth Unemployment Crises: ADB/ILO Report
Young people in the Asia and Pacific region will be hit hardest and likely bear the long-term economic costs of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
COVID-19 Isolation Ward at Gizo Hospital Officially Opened
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in a handing over ceremony this week officially received the Gizo hospital’s COVID-19 isolation facility from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Water is Life, but so is Proper Sanitation
“The most common sickness in our area was diarrhea”, Martha Sura says.
COVID-19 Tests Return Negative
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has confirmed through a press release that the COVID-19 test for all 104 passengers who arrived last week on the China-Honiara flight has returned negative.
African Swine Flu: Pig Farmers Concerned About Their Livelihood
Piggery farmers in Honiara are fearful of the African swine flu (AFS).
Chinese National Who Disregarded Quarantine Rules Now in Quarantine
The Oversight Committee on COVID-19 has identified the person who was part of the quarantine breach at the Pacific Casino.
Please Fix Our Road Access: Babanakira Villagers
The people of Babanakira are calling for an upgrade to their roads.
Wale Urges Sogavare to Establish Constructive Dialogue with Suidani
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has called on Prime Minister Sogavare to lead a delegation of government ministers, which should include ministers who are Malaitan MPs, to enter into constructive dialogue with the Premier and government of Malaita province.
Removal of PS Direct Action Against Malaita: Premier Suidani
Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani says he is saddened by the removal of the Provincial Secretary Mr. Frederick Fa’abasu.
Government Responds to Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) Over China Flight
The government has responded to accusations by Transparency Solomon Islands (TS) that it was not truthful with the direct China flight arrangements.
SICCI Facilitates Roundtable with Govt Focusing on the Manufacturing Sector
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector, on Thursday 3 September facilitated a roundtable discussion with a high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) which focused on ‘Standards and Compliance’ in the local manufacturing industry.
SICCI announces new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) will bring on board another young emerging woman leader to the helm of the peak body representing private sector in the country, it was announced on September 4, 2020.
Protest in Auki Against Planned Removal of Provincial Secretary
A peaceful protest is currently underway in Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita Province.
Land Selling and Encroachment A Big Problem: Guadalcanal Chiefs
The Tandai House of Chiefs in North West Guadalcanal is urging the Guadalcanal provincial government to work closely with all the land-owning tribes in Tandai and around Guadalcanal.
Newly Arrived Chinese Passengers Breach Quarantine Rules
Newly arrived Chinese passengers from the direct flight from China are said to be breaching quarantine rules.
Australia to Further Support Solomons Gold and Rural Cocoa Farmers
The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, through a partnership with C-Corp Limited has been trialling a new drying technology in Solomon Islands.
Yacht sighted at Vanikoro Island cleared at Noro
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) clarify that a yacht sighted at Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province was cleared by Customs and Immigration at Noro recently.
Border Enforcement Agencies Will Turn Back Border Crossers
Frontline Police and Immigration authorities at the Western border with Papua New Guinea will instantly turn back people attempting to cross from Bougainville into Solomon Islands as part of measures to contain the potential entry of covid-19 at sea.
Coordination and Commitment During Regional Fisheries Surveillance Operation
A fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance operation in the Pacific concludes this week, with excellent cooperation demonstrated between nations despite the challenges of COVID-19 continuing to affect surveillance in the region.
RSIPF Monitors Yacht Sighted in Isabel Province
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and other government agencies are monitoring a yacht that has been directed to sail to Kia in Isabel Province after it reported serious damage to its sailing gear, engine and rudder and had requested assistance to be towed to a port for repair.
All Arrivals From China Last Night Cleared to Quarantine Stations
Following thorough health screening of all arrivals from the China-Honiara flight on September 02, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), National Health Emergency Operations staff on sight have cleared all 104 passengers to their designated quarantine stations.
Police Charge 27 Year Old Man With Sexual Acts With Minor
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Noro Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged a 27-year-old male person on 31 August 2020 for alleged sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on several occasions in Noro between May and June 2020.
MPG, Police, M4D and Auki Chinese Community Resolve Issue
The volatile situation in Auki was resolved peacefully yesterday by the police, Malaita Provincial government (MPG), M4D and the Auki Chinese Community.
Relief Supplies and Field Officers Deployed to MOI
The Government through the National Disaster Council (NDC) office is sending relief supplies to Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).
MAL Signs MOU with PHAMA Plus
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PHAMA Plus.
PM Acknowledge Tourism Sector’s Progress Despite Pandemic
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged the proposed signing of two Memorandum of Understand (MOU) under the Ministry of Culture & Tourism.
Need to Prepare Our Economy For Post-COVID 19: SICCI Chairman
Instead of treating COVID-19 as a stand-alone crisis, it should also be a wake-up call for Solomon Islands as a country to rethink on how we want our economy to perform post COVID-19 and into the future.
She Sells Seashells, Says its High Demand
Ms. Susan Dora says nothing can stop her from selling seashells at the Honiara main market.
Continuous Protest Against China in Malaita
Protests against the Direct China flight has escalated in Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita Province. A memo, said to be from the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) Movement, was widely circulated yesterday with the heading ‘Auki evacuation protest notice’.
China Direct Flight Leaves, Raising More Questions: TSI
"The government has ignored the call by its people and yesterday a charter flight left for China to bring the 88 plus passengers from China, both citizens and technical engineers for the South Pacific Games Infrastructures," Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) said in a prepared statement.
Teleconferencing Facility in Western Border is Now Operational: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged work done in setting up the teleconferencing facility at the western border.
MASI SGM Successful: Two Additional Board Members
THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has successfully held its Special General Meeting (SGM) on Sunday 30th of August 2020.
New Law For Public Health Emergency Being Looked At
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic and social problems the World over, it has also given rise to questions on how countries should respond to contain the virus - legally.
EU Provides Solomon Islands EUR 8 million to Heighten Service Delivery of Provincial Governments
The European Union and the Government of Solomon Islands have today signed a new Financing Agreement, which will see the EU provide EUR 8 million or nearly SBD 78 million to the Government of Solomon Islands to strengthen the Provincial Government’s governance system for service delivery within the provinces.
