Latest News Archive November 2021
100 articles
Inconclusive COVID-19 Cases Return Negative
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has admitted that COVID-19 tests conducted on the visiting peacekeeping contingent has returned with some inconclusive results.
CBSI Calls On Public to Respect Critical Infrastructure
Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is calling on the general public to respect all banks and other financial institutions’ properties in Honiara.
Public Servants Resume Duties
The Public Service has resumed duties on Tuesday 30 November following a joint review by the Public Service Ministry in consultation with the Office of the Prime Minister and cabinet of the “Stay-at-Home” notice on Monday.
‘UKULELE’ Song Makes Global Hit
Solomon Islands well-known solo music artists Bradley Pitua (Blad P2A) & William Kadi (Khazin) are putting the country’s flag on the world map with their 2021 hit island jam ‘UKULELE’ voted first at the DJOOKY Music Awards – the world’s largest online song competition over the weekend.
WHO Warns New Variant Omicron Has High Infection Risk Globally
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a high risk of infection surges around the globe.
Fiji Army Depart for Honiara, Solomon Islands
The Fiji Army are on their way to Honiara, Solomon Islands, where they will join a regional peacekeeping force led by Australia.
Sogavare Says Government Will Assist Business Houses Destroyed by Riots
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has today announced that the National Government will assist business houses that were destroyed during last week’s unrest in Honiara.
Solomon Airlines Resumes Domestic Flights
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the national carrier’s domestic flight schedule has recommenced today, and from tomorrow Tuesday 30 November, the airline will resume regular domestic operations.
50 Fijian Troops Will Tavel to Solomon Islands Tommorow
50 Fijian troops will be dispatched to the Solomon Islands as part of a reinforcement platoon embedded with Australia Force elements on the ground following deadly riots there.
Solomon Islands Image Shattered
It took just three days for years of hard work rebuilding the Solomon Islands 'brand' to be shattered.
Parliament Resumes Today
Parliament will resume today with the main order of business being the extension of the current state of emergency which will expire soon.
Solomon Islands Chinese Association (SICA) Condemns Burning and Looting of Businesses
SICA is the country's longest and well-respected association, with over 70 years of rich and proud history, and represents the Chinese community's social, cultural and business affairs in the Solomon Islands.
PM Commends Police and Residents That Stood With Police
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has commended the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and City residents that stood with police to stop the spread of violence during the recent political unrest in Honiara.
CBSI Estimates SBD$227 Million Loss Due to the Unrest
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has conducted an initial impact assessment over the damage to the economy caused by the recent unrest and riots in Honiara since Wednesday.
Inciting Violence Online is a Crime: Police
Police says those that use online mediums to incite violence are committing a crime. Police says incitement is a crime whatever medium you use.
Wale Files Motion of No Confidence Against Sogavare
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has announced that he is today filing a notice of a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister.
Fiji Offers Support to Australia's Operations in Solomon Islands
Fiji says it stands ready to support the Government of Solomon Islands, alongside its Australian Vuvale, following the second day of uncontrollable riots in Honiara.
AFP and ADF Personnels Fully Vaccinated
The Australian High Commission office in Honiara assures the public that all personnels from the Australia Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are fully vaccinated.
More Than 100 Suspects Arrested For Looting and Rioting
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested more than hundred suspects in relation to the current protest, riot and looting in Honiara.
Australian Defence Force Arrives
The Australian Defence Force ( ADF) has arrived in Honiara to help restore law and order.
China Confident Sogavare Will Restore Social Order
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijan says China is confident that under Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s leadership, the government of Solomon Islands can restore social order and stability soon.
Health Operations in Honiara Affected by Unrest
The Ministry of Health is calling on all Honiara residents involved in arson, rioting, looting to please stop immediately as continuation of such activities will further affect health services with its already out-stretched resources.
Curfew Declared by Governor General
The Governor-General, His Excellency, Sir David Vunagi has declared a curfew for Honiara City from 7pm to 6am daily effective on November 26 until revoked.
70 Australian Soldiers to Participate in Peacekeeping Mission in Solomon Islands
An agreement between friends saw more than 70 Australian soldiers deployed to the Solomon Islands today as violent rioting continues, leaving potential for Australia’s role to escalate beyond peacekeeping.
Police Calling on Community Leaders to Help
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) strongly appeals to the citizens of Honiara to make the right choice by refraining themselves from looting and burning of valuable infrastructures.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Set to Arrive Later Today
“It’s a hive of activity in Townsville as troops prepare to depart to the Solomon Islands as the south pacific nation continues into civil unrest," ABC Journalist, Kate Banville, said on Twitter this morning.
PNG Looking to Deploy Defence Force to Assist Solomon Islands
Government negotiations are said to be taking place between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to deploy Defence Force and police personnel to assist in the unrest in Honiara.
Public Servants Without Pay
As a result of the looting and riots over the past two days, public servants are today without pay.
Australian Federal Police Personnel Touch Down in Honiara
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers have touched down in Honiara, the first of a series of deployments coming in from Australia to help maintain peace and security in Honiara.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s Address on the Current Political Unrest in Honiara
Dear fellow Solomon Islanders, I am addressing you today with a very heavy heart. The past 36 hours have seen our country, especially our city, Honiara brought to its knees. I have been asked to step down and while I acknowledge that call I must also respect our democracy.
SICCI Calls on Leaders to Defuse Situation
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on behalf of the private sector and the business community is calling on the country’s leaders both in Government and the Parliamentary Opposition to come out and hold dialogue with protesters to immediately defuse the protests, looting and burning down of businesses in Honiara City.
Australia Agree to Send Troops and Police to Solomon Islands Amid Unrest
Australian Defence Force personnel and federal police will be deployed to Solomon Islands as the Pacific Island nation faces a second day of rioting.
SICCI Statement on Current Situation in Honiara
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing the private sector, is observing the current security situation in Honiara with great concern.
Leader of Opposition Calling on Prime Minister to Resign
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has called on the Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare to immediately resign.
Looters Moving into Point Cruz
Looters have regrouped and are now heading towards point cruz from East Honiara.
Public Message for Lockdown Period
With the current 36 hours lockdown enforced for Honiara, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services wish to inform the public that during this period the following services will continue.
Looters Defy Lockdown Orders
Looters are defying lockdown orders, with reports of looting and attempted break-ins at the Burns creek area east of Honiara.
We Will Track Down Those Responsible: Sogavare
In a special nationwide address Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government will track down those responsible for today’s protest and riots.
PNG Prime Minister Calls for Calm
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has appealed to the people of neighboring Solomon Islands to “respect the rule of law and democratic institutions and not to take the law into their own hands”.
Prime Minister Declares Lockdown for Honiara
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has ordered a lockdown starting 7pm tonight until 7am Friday 26th November 2021.
Police Secure Point Cruz Area From Protestors
Police have set up a blockade around the central market and point cruz area. The situation is calm but tense.
Protestors Attempted to Storm Parliament
What was supposed to be a peaceful protest is turning violent, with protestors attempting to storm Parliament, and reports of thick smoke coming from the Parliament compound.
Malaita MPs Calls on Protest Leaders to Refrain from Unlawful Activities
Malaita Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Government have called on the proposed protest leaders and Premier Daniel Suidani to refrain from inciting Malaitans to engage in unlawful activities.
SICCI Hosts Business Excellence Awards With the Theme ‘Challenges to Opportunities in a COVID-19 World’
The 2021 edition of Solomon Islands’ leading business event, the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) was yet another success.
Tough Road Ahead for Solomon Islands Vaccination Efforts
New research by the Lowy Institute suggests the Solomon Islands may not be able to reach its target 90% vaccination coverage.
Wale Says Governments Response Deceptive
The Leader of Opposition has rejected Government’s recent article claiming his outburst was baseless, used as a deceptive strategy to respond to the two issues he raised for the public’s attention in his earlier statement.
Josefa Contributes to Evolution of Children's Literature in the Pacific
Josefa Uluinaceva, or Jo, as he is fondly known, has contributed to the evolution of children's literature in the Pacific for many years, in addition to his day job as a Graphic Artist at The University of the South Pacific's Division of Marketing and Communications.
Solomon Islands Wants IMO to Back Net Zero Target on International Shipping by 2050
Solomon Islands has warned participants at the International Maritime Organizations’ (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee that not supporting a resolution that seeks to achieve net zero emissions from international shipping by 2050 would hurt IMO progress on decarbonization.
A Milestone for the Development of Elite Sports in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands marked history with its first ever Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance complex officially commissioned and handed over to the national government on Friday 19th November 2021.
Bangladeshi Accused of Rape Goes to Court Today
The Bangladeshi national accused of raping a 11-year-old girl has been listed for hearing today.
Securing Land Rights for Sustainable Peace
The UN Development Programme in Solomon Islands has supported the Government’s Customary Land Recording programme conducted by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey in three target provinces – Guadalcanal, Western and Malaita.
The Pacific Youth Summit: The Values of Integrity for the Achievement of Sustainable Development
Students and youth leaders from around the Pacific region are coming together to discuss the importance of integrity and stronger youth action on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability towards progress on the sustainable development agenda in the Pacific.
Bechdemer Dividing Rural Communities
While the opening of the lucrative Bechdemer marine product has been welcomed, many communities are reportedly divided. Squabbles over fishing grounds, purchase price and sharing of the spoils is now common place.
Pfizer Vaccines Targets Adolescents 12 to Below 18 Years and Pregnant Women
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) wish to emphasize that the 100,620 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines provided by the government of the United States of America (USA), through COVAX Facility, that arrived last week, will be allocated for adolescents 12 to below 18 years of age and pregnant women only.
“Behind the Jokes There is a Message,” Chai Comedy
Chai Comedy is perhaps the biggest comedic act to come out of social media for the Solomon Islands.
Wale Blasts Government Over SBD$13M Payment to Mamara Developer
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has blasted the government for the payment last week of SBD$13 million for Mamara houses.
Man Arrested for Incestuous Relationship with Two Daughters
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Lata Police Station have arrested a 42 year-old man for having sexual intercourse with his two biological daughters in Temotu Province.
Minister Calls for Support from Donor Partners and Stakeholders to Implement Strategy
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Senley Levi Filualea, (MAL) is calling for support from development partners and stakeholders towards the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Growth Strategy and Investment Plan (ASGIP) 2021-2030.
Entry of Covid-19 a Real Possibility
Solomon Islands remains Covid-free for the last six months.
West Kwaio MP Passes Away
The Member of Parliament (MP) for West Kwaio, Hon. Titus Mokofi Fika, has passed away.
SICCI Acknowledges Initiative to Visit Airport Project Site
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) describes the recent site visit to the Honiara International Airport Improvement Project by Civil Engineering students from the National University (SINU) as a positive step forward.
Gizo Hospital is Open to All, Not Just those Vaccinated
The National and Western Provincial Ministry of Health and Medical Services would like to assure the public that health services at the Gizo Hospital is open to all and not only to those who are vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines.
My Duty is Not Only in the Kitchen
She admits that cultural stereotype was a challenge, but says her passion for carpentry was greater than that.
Home of Sports Ready for Official Handover
Exactly 2 years before the 2023 Pacific Games - the China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC) will officially handover the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance Center facility to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) this Friday 19th November at Panatina, East Honiara.
PM’s Plan to Extend Parliament Deceptive: Wale
Hon. Matthew Wale has criticized the Prime Minister’s recent statement confirming Government’s intention to extend the life of Parliament, describing the move as purely deceptive.
30 Year Old Man Hits Icebox Glass and Dies From Injury
Police at the Naha Police Station are investigating the death of a 30 year old man said to have died from injuries after hitting an icebox glass.
SICCI Announce Hosts for 2021 Business Excellence Awards (BEA)
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) is pleased to announce two new hosts for this year’s Business Excellence Awards (BEA) which will take place on Saturday 20th November at the Coral Sea Resort from 6pm.
H.E Tangirongo Presents Letters of Introduction to NZ Prime Minister
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Eliam Tangirongo has presented his Letter of Introduction to Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern on Monday 15 November 2021.
Australia and Solomon Islands Hold 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue
Australia and Solomon Islands held their 4th Bilateral Security Dialogue yesterday, committing to deepening its security partnership including in areas such as policing, border and cyber security.
United States Government Supports Solomon Islands with COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccines through the COVAX Facility
Today, Solomon Islands received the 100,620 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines from the United States Government through the COVAX Facility – a partnership co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO), with UNICEF as the key delivery partner.
MASI to Host Media Awards
For the first time the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is hosting a Media Awards Event to recognize media practitioners, more so journalists for the work that they do.
Dr Hilda Heine Appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chair of USP Council
The University of the South Pacific at its 92nd Council meeting on Friday 12th November, 2021 unanimously appointed the Honourable Dr. Hilda Cathy Heine to the Office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council for a three-year term commencing 1st January 2022 until 31st December 2024.
“Magnetic Woman” Investigated
The woman who claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine contains magnetic substance is now under active investigation. This was revealed by the Attorney General John Muria Jr. during the 14 November talkback show over the national broadcaster, SIBC.
SPOL Avaiki 7s Kicks Off Today
The South Pacific Oil (SPOL) Avaiki 7s is set to kick off today.
Fiji’s Covid Experience is a Good Lesson to Solomon Islands
The Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers, having just returned from Fiji, is encouraging all Solomon Islanders to put into practice COVID-19 measures to prepare themselves should there be community transmission in the country.
Australia Assists Ministry of Health to Strengthen Linkages with the Provinces
Consistent and timely updates and sharing of information between national and provincial health teams with opportunities to engage in real time discussions is crucial for swift decision-making and actions particularly with the ongoing COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts including COVID-19 vaccination roll out.
Pfizer Vaccine to Arrive Tuesday: PM
The Pfizer vaccine will arrive in the country Tuesday this week, 16th November.
Enhancing MRD Human Resource Competency
Four officers of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) are among hundreds of Solomon Islands students’ who received their academic qualification as graduates of the University of the South Pacific (USP) in a graduation ceremony held on 29th October, 2021 in Honiara.
SINU ‘Games Village’ Agreement Sealed
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) through the National Hosting Authority (NHA) signed the Implementation Agreement of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Dormitory Building project that will be part of the 2023 Pacific Games village.
Main Hospital Trains Staff to Manage an Outbreak of COVID-19
A community outbreak of COVID-19 in the country would be devastating, and the National Referral Hospital (NRH) says it will not be able to cope with a sudden increase of COVID-19 infected persons.
Surge in COVID-19 Cases in Bougainville a Threat to Solomon Islands
The border between the Western province and Bougainville is the major flash point for COVID-19 entry into the country.
Private Sector Partnership with Community Policing Committees, MHMS to Vamp Up COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage
Amid Solomon Islands’ continuous efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates, the private sector aligns with the Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
Solomon Ports Taking the Lead in Waste Management
The foreshore in Honiara is polluted, unsightly debris and garbage gets washed down during torrential downpour.
MRD Commences Monitoring of CDF Support
Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) says it will commence its monitoring of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) on selected constituencies next week.
MASI Hands Over Reporting Guidelines to Media Outlets
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has handed out copies of the revised Journalist ‘Code of Ethics’ booklet and a Court Reporting Guide to its members' newsrooms.
Young Man Takes Out Anger on ATM After Arguement with Girlfriend
A young man in his 20s has been arrested and charged by the police for damaging an ATM machine in Chinatown.
Man Dies Collecting Korokua
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Kirakira Police Station in Makira-Ulawa Province are investigating a sudden death incident of a male person in his 30s on 4 November 2021.
Solomon Airlines Adds Honiara-Sydney-Brisbane Flights in Time for Christmas
Solomon Airlines will commence fortnightly passenger flights from Honiara to Sydney, with the airline’s Airbus A320 then continuing on to Brisbane.
MPs Receive SBD$1.8M Each in CDF Grant
The funding assistance normally known as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) targeted at alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods of rural Solomon Islanders has been released to the 50 constituencies this week, Monday 8th November, 2021.
Three in Custody Over Sorcery Related Killing
Three male persons are currently in police custody, accused of a sorcery related killing in Veravalou village, Aola.
USP Alumnus Paves Way Forward in Tech Business
Growing up in a farming community in Labasa, Vanua Levu, to becoming an entrepreneur at 26 years of age, Sanjesh Kumar believed in the power of his dreams and chased them wholeheartedly.
Another Life Lost Diving for Bechdemer
Another life has been lost after the ban on Bechdemer was lifted some three months ago.
239,438 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered
239,438 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which includes both the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm Vaccines 1st and 2nd doses, have been administered as of Friday last week 5th of November.
Charan Praises USP’s MBA Programme
Meenit Suryadeo Charan, a native of Ba, Fiji, who now lives in Sydney, Australia, believes the University of the South Pacific's (USP) Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme was a fulfilling experience that allowed him to apply his knowledge of business operations.
New Award Category Added to the 2021 Business Excellence Awards
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) announces one new award category to be added to the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) which returns for the 7th time this year and will take place on Saturday 20th November at the Coral Sea Resort in Honiara.
Vital Solomon Islands Tourism Industry Guides Launched, to Help Drive Growth and Jobs
On November 5th, 2021 — Solomon Islands has taken a key step in advancing its tourism industry with the launch of guides for investors and the government, to ensure this vital sector remains a long-term driver of job creation, sustainable economic growth, and benefits for many people.
Solomon Power Officially Opened New Tulagi Office
Solomon Power has opened its new Office at Tulagi, Central Islands Province.
Time For Us to Walk the Talk in Climate Change
It is very easy to point the finger on big emitters, and call for them to change and adopt the deep cuts in greenhouse gasses needed to curb an impending climate induced disaster.
Solomon Islander Heads USP Student Body in Laucala
A Solomon Islander has been elected President of the University of the South Pacific Student Association (USPSA) in Laucala, Fiji.
Niue Premier Installed as the 28th Chancellor of USP
Niue Premier Honourable Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi was installed as the 28th Chancellor of The University of the South Pacific (USP) during the Niue Campus graduation ceremony held at the Niue High School multi-purpose hall at Paliati earlier this week.
