Latest News Archive December 2021
100 articles
Solomon Islander Recognized in New Zealand’s New Year Honours List
Solomon Islander Glorious Oxenham has been awarded a QSM, in New Zealand’s New Year Honours, for services to Melanesian culture.
Police Commissioner Attends Festive Games at Burns Creek
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Mr Mostyn Mangau visited Burns Creek community yesterday during a game that was conducted as part of community engagement with the communities during this festive season.
Fiji Army Organize Fun Sports Day at Burns Creek
The two-day sports tournament organized by the Fijian contingent in the Solomons in partnership with the Community and Religious leaders in Burns Creek, business houses in Honiara and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force got off to a great start yesterday at the Burns Creek sports ground.
"All COVID-19 Predepature Tests Negative:" Health Ministry
Simple as it may seem, it is not, COVID-19 test results, especially if initial test is positive, has to undergo a verification process as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Ministry of Health said in a prepared statement.
Health Ministry Pushes Ahead With COVID-19 Vaccination Drive
The Ministry of Health and Medical service is pushing ahead with its vaccination drive, setting up vaccination tents at the Point Cruz area and at Burnscreek east of Honiara.
China Hands Over Riot Gear to Police
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has officially received riot gears and equipment from China during a handing over ceremony at Henderson International Airport last night.
Be Prepared for the Covid-19 Virus
The rapid spread and the devastating impacts of the Omicron variant in Australia and in other neighboring countries should be a lesson for the unvaccinated to get vaccinated.
Does Vaccination Work?
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there are now questions on whether the COVID-19 vaccination works after fully vaccinated individuals tested positive for the virus recently.
Two More Passengers Test Positive for COVID-19
Parents of the 10-year-old child that recently tested positive for COVID-19 have also tested positive for the virus.
Solomon Islands Explore Digital Currency
Solomon Islands is one of four Pacific Island nations that are exploring the possibility of issuing their own digital currencies. The other countries are Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Suspected Omicron and Delta Cases Detected in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands has lost its COVID-19 status after two returning passengers tested positive for COVID-19.
Government Accepts China's Offer to Assist Police As Normalcy Returns
The Government and people of Solomon Islands reiterate heartfelt thoughts to all impacted by last month’s civil unrest.
Teenagers Arrested for Burning Parliament Leaf Hut During Unrest
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Central Police Station have arrested two alleged suspects on 19 December 2021 for burning down a leaf hut at the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.
COVID-19 Pill Approved by FDA, Solomon Islands Could Benefit
An at-home treatment for COVID-19 that can prevent serious illness was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, offering a note of optimism for the future of the pandemic as the world faces the omicron variant.
SINIS High – Performance Program Begin Partnership with National Sports Federations
Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance program begin its partnering journey with National Federations (NFs) towards the provision of international standard requirements and sports enhancement in the country.
Australian Peacekeepers Winding Down as Normalcy Returns to Honiara
A contingent of foreign peacekeepers deployed to the crisis-hit Solomon Islands will begin to return home, the Australian government said.
Armed Forces to Remain on Standby
While military presence will be scaled down in Honiara, Solomon Islands, contingents from the Fijian, Australian and New Zealand armed forces will remain on standby to ensure stability in the island nation.
COVID-19 Threat is Real: Get Vaccinated!
Since COVID-19 was first detected almost two years ago, there are now more than 275 million cases of the virus globally, and 5.36 million deaths registered.
Pacific Nickel Mines Gets Development Consent for Kolosori Project
Pacific Nickel Mines has received development consent from the Environment and Conservation Division of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment for the Kolosori Nickel Project.
SIPA Staff Visits NRH Children's Ward
Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Staff today took time off work duties to visit the Children’s Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.
SBD$17.3M: Cost of Damage to BSP Branch
The head of Bank South Pacific (BSP) in Papua New Guinea, Robin Fleming, say the cost of damage to BSP’s branch is SBD$17.3 million.
PM Launches Virtual Engagement Policy
Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, MP, has officially launched the Solomon Islands Government Virtual Engagement Policy.
Second Jab Commence at Rove Correctional Facility
The second jab of the AstraZeneca COVID – 19 vaccines commenced on Friday 17 December 2021 at Rove Correctional facility.
An Indigenous Solution to the Current Crises
The current political impasse between the government, the opposition group and Suidani’s provincial government requires an indigenous solution. But which indigenous solution?
Dubai’s Products Pacific Meets with Kokonut Pacific
Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Mr Bob Pollard has met with Products Pacific CEO Mr Ahmed Shak Ahmed at the Habtoot Palace Hotel in Dubai as part of the continuous expression by Emirati business entrepreneurs to establish business relations with product suppliers from the Solomon Islands.
COVID-19 Kills, Not Vaccines: Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health says that there still remains significant level of fear and anxiety around COVID-19 vaccines and this is normal.
Minister Frederick Kologeta Visits Pacific Pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai
The presence of our Pacific Peoples at the Expo 2020 Dubai is certainly generating a lot of interest especially amongst our global visitors to our respective Pavilions.
Pfizer Launched: Pregnant Women and 12-18 Year Olds Encouraged to Take Jab
The Ministry of Health is advising the public that the Pfizer vaccine has been launched last week Thursday.
Water Outage Hits Hard on Honiara Residents
The recent torrential downpour has forced Solomon Water to shut down Honiara’s main water sources periodically.
Solomon Airlines Will Operate Nadi-Honiara Flight Before Christmas
Following Solomon Islands Government approval and subject to Fiji regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines will operate a repatriation flight between Nadi and Honiara on Wednesday 22 December 2021.
PM Given Demonstration of New Weapons Capability
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and a number of his cabinet ministers today attended a weapons capability demonstration hosted by the Australian Federal Police.
China and Solomon Islands Foreign Ministers Talk Over Phone on Ties
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Solomon Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeremiah Manele held a phone conversation on bilateral ties and cooperation on Thursday.
State Diplomacy: When Love and Hate Collide
In all matters concerning State diplomacy domestic considerations come first. At its core is this one guiding principle: foreign policy is an extension of one’s domestic policy.
Solomon Islands Will Send Largest Contingent to 2022 Mini Games
Solomon Islands has confirmed its participation to the organizers of the upcoming 2022 Pacific mini games.
GOC Funding Seek to Enhance Sports Federations
The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) for the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands launched a funding programme to support National Sports Federations in Solomon Islands.
Sogavare Hopeful State Government System Will Keep Country United
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare says he is hopeful the call for the introduction of a state government system will result in a united Solomon Islands.
Close Relative Prime Suspect in Rape of 12 Year Old Girl
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force are currently investigating the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl on 14 December 2021 at a village in the Shortland Islands.
12 Year Old Girl Raped, Suspect in Custody
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Henderson Police Station have arrested a 29-year-old male suspect for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl at the Lungga farm in Central Guadalcanal on 4 December 2021.
Are We Ready? Solomon Islands on Luxury Cruise Boat Itinerary
Solomon Islands has been given a slot on the 24-Day Melanesian Islands & Australia luxury cruise trip operated by Seabourn on November 2022.
Australian High Commission, AFP, ADF and RSIPF Meet With NCW
"The needs and rights of women and girls are a key priority in our response to the recent civil unrest," the Australian High Commission said.
MET Service Issues Heavy Rain Warning
The meteorological service (MET) has issued a heavy rain warning for parts of Solomon Islands at 7pm this evening.
Kiwi Defence Force Personnel Return Home as Tensions Ease
Some New Zealand military personnel deployedas part of the international assistance mission to the Solomon Islands have returned home early.
Negative COVID-19 Test Results for Defence and Police Personnel
Around 200 defence and police personnel deployed in Honiara to assist with restoration of law and order have successfully completed their 10 and 14 days period of health monitoring with all COVID-19 test results returning negative.
“New Deadly Strains Coming:” Public Urged to Get Vaccinated
Omicron is the latest in an ever-growing line of COVID-19 variants.
“It’s a Pyramid Scheme:” AIM Global ‘Investor’ Warns Public
A former AIM Global ‘investor’ is warning the public to stay away from promoters of the scheme, saying she now realizes that it is “nothing but a pyramid scheme.”
Police Charge Kwaita with Unlawful Public Assembly
United Party president John Kwaita has been charged with unlawful public assembly, in breach of COVID-19 rules under the current state of public emergency.
United Party President Released by Police
President of the United Party, John Kwaita, has been released by the police.
Top UAE Minister Visits Solomon Islands 2020 Expo Pavillon
A top United Arab Emirate (UAE) Minister has visited the Solomon Islands Expo 2020 Pavilion on Monday 13 December with huge admiration for Solomon Islands cultures and traditions which were on display.
Telekom Appoints First Local Female CEO
The Chairman of the Board of Solomon Telekom Company Limited Mr. Baoro Laxton Koraua, formally announces the appointment of Mrs. Christina Lasaqa as the Chief Executive Officer of Our Telekom.
US Ambassador Warns of Aid that Benefits One Person, One Party and One Bank Account
The U.S. ambassador to the Solomon Islands Erin McKee has warned Pacific Islands against "aid that benefits one person, one party and one bank account" - remarks that come after the Solomons were beset with riots last month blamed in part on discontent with China.
Solomon Finance Granted Credit License by CBSI
The Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Dr Jimmie Rodgers has announced that a banking license has been granted to the Solomon Finance Limited (SFL) to conduct banking business as a credit institution.
Police Investigates Threats of Attack on Capital
The Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says there is an active investigation into alleged threats of a “second wave attack” on the capital Honiara.
Actress Rebel Wilson Kick Starts Tourism Fiji’s Massive Push for Tourists to Return
Australian actress Rebel Wilson is headlining a new campaign for Tourism Fiji, following the nation’s opening for quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated Australians.
Police Arrest United Party Leader
John Kwaita, President of the United Party, was arrested last night and currently in police custody.
PM Travels to Western Province for Second Appointed Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation have arrived in Western Province today, one day ahead of Western Province’s second appointed day celebrations tomorrow.
New Caledonia Says No to Independence in Final Vote
A boycott has marred New Caledonia's third and, for the time being, last referendum on independence.
US, Australia and Japan to Fund Undersea Cable in the Pacific
The United States, Australia and Japan said Sunday they will jointly fund the construction of an undersea cable to boost internet access in three tiny Pacific countries, as the Western allies seek to counter rising Chinese influence in the region.
“Wasted Effort,” Noni Farmer Loses Thousands of Dollars
More than 4,000 noni trees now lay waste when the main local buyer stopped purchasing noni fruit.
Solomons Islands Tourism Infrastructure Intact After Unrest
In the tourist board’s first statement since the disturbance, Tourism Solomons head of sales & marketing, Fiona Teama (pictured far right) advised while many buildings in the eastern parts of the city – Ranadi and China Town in particular – had been badly damaged, fortunately Honiara’s hotel and tourism infrastructure remains intact.
Kongulai Water Source Restored, Kombito Remains Closed
Solomon Water has restored water for customers sourcing water from Kongulai.
Governor General Lifts Curfew
The curfew imposed in Honiara has been lifted commencing today 10 December 2021 by the Governor-General of Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Has the World’s Most Expensive Power Supply
Out of 230 countries new research has found that Solomon Islands has the World’s most expensive power supply.
Chief Calls on Guadalcanal Leaders to Push for Federal System
A local Chief from Guadalcanal has called on elected representatives from Guadalcanal at the provincial and national level to work together and push for the introduction of a federal system in Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands' Civic Freedoms Downgraded to 'Narrowed'
Restrictions to media freedoms, access to information and the right to protest have hurt Solomon Islanders' civil rights, according to a new report.
Price Hike Hits Honiara
The cost of general merchandize have sky-rocketed in Honiara following the aftermath of the burning and looting to businesses on the 24th and 25th November, 2021.
Kongulai and Kombito Water Source Remain Shut
Solomon Water says the their gravity systems and pumps at Kongulai and Kombito will remain closed as the turbidity level is still very high and it is unsafe to turn on supply.
Independence Agenda Dividing Malaita: Maelanga
Deputy Prime Minister and MP for East Malaita, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, says Malaita’s push for independence is dividing the province and its people.
Auki Set to Host Pre-Christmas Rugby 7s Tournament
The Malaita Rugby Union Association (MRUA) together with Honiara-based Malaita Crusaders Rugby Club have confirmed that they are hosting a year ending rugby union 7s competition in the Provincial Headquarter, Auki.
Date for Final Referendum in New Caledonia Not Free Or Fair: MSG
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has informed MSG Leaders on the current political situation in New Caledonia with regards to the third and final Independence Referendum, scheduled for 12 December 2021.
“Take Care of Your Kids:” Spike in Diarrhea Cases
There is an increase in diarrhea cases at the National Referral and the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Solomon Islands Women Amongst Recipients of UNEP 2021 Champions of the Earth
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the winners of the 2021 Champions of the Earth, and women swept the environmental honours. Also new in UNEP’s history of the Champions, they received a record number of nominations from all over the world.
Warning of More Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding
The heavy rain warning will persist for most of Solomon Islands.
Telekom S-Leauge Presentation Ceremony Confirmed
The much anticipated Telekom S-League 2021 season presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Lawson Tama.
Strong Wind Warning Issued
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a strong wind warning for southern waters of Western, Russel, Guadalcanal and Rennell Bellona.
New Zealand Navy Ship Deployed to Solomon Islands
New Zealand has deployed a navy ship to the Solomon Islands to help peacekeeping efforts after political unrest in the capital, Honiara.
“Thriving Inside and Outside of Sports:” Sport Institute Share Vision
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (NIS) well-being & lifestyle performance (WLP) team were invited to present their programs to the Education Authorities (EAs), sharing their approach to supporting the wellbeing of student athletes.
We Are Not Doing Enough As Lawmakers: Kenilorea
The Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) says the government should work at getting more Bills to Parliament. This statement was made during his contribution to the motion of sine die.
Harmful Toxic Gas Still Detected in Burnt Buildings
Findings from initial assessments conducted on the burnt buildings from the recent unrest found moderate to high health risks.
Kenilorea Rejects Any Notion of Involvement in Unrest
Member of Parliament for East Are’are Hon. Peter Kenilorea (Jr) says he rejects any notions that he or his colleagues in the opposition bench were involved in the recent unrest.
Police Commends Public for Good Behaviour During Parliament Sitting
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) commends the community for the good behaviour shown during the Motion of no Confidence against the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday, (6 December 2021) with no reported disturbances in Honiara.
Western Province Celebrates 38th Second Appointed Day
Western Province will today celebrate its 38th second appointed day.
Taiwan Denies Involvement in Solomon Islands Riots
Taiwan's government has denied any involvement in the recent protest and riots in the Solomon Islands.
Premier Suidani Calls for Self Autonomy for Malaita
Premier of Malaita Province Daniel Suidani has made a public call for self autonomy.
Sogavare Defeats Motion
Members of Parliament have defeated the motion being tabled by the Opposition Leader Mathew Wale. Those that voted in favor of the motion was 15, those that voted against the motion was 32 with 2 MPs abstained from voting.
Wale Critical of Sogavare’s Leadership Style
Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale says that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has been insincere in his dealings with certain segments of Malaita and its Premier Daniel Suidani.
Sogavare Says He is a Defender of Democracy
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged those in government that have remained firm despite pressure from rioters for them to resign in the past week.
MP Lanelle Tanangada Speaks Against Motion
The MP for Gizo/Kolombangara and Minister of Education Lanelle Tanangada has spoken against the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
"Leadership Should Not Come from Ashes of Riots," Danny Philip
Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova/Tetepare Danny Philip has called on leaders not to allow leadership to come from the ashes of riots.
Togamana and Tovosia Defend Government's Record
Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and Member of Parliament for Maringe/Kokota Dr Culwick Togamana have defended governments record under the leadership of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Police Unearth Looted Items After Tip Off
A joint operation between Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant and confiscated alleged looted items buried behind Panatina village yesterday (5 December 2021).
Former Prime Minister Digs Up Sogavare’s Track Record
The Member of Parliament of Small Malaita, and former Prime Minister Rick Hounipwela, has dug up the Prime Ministers track record in his contribution on the motion of no confidence before Parliament.
Motion in Recognition of Anger Based on Political and Economic Issues: Wale
The Opposition Leader says the motion of no confidence on the Prime Minister is in recognition of the anger on longstanding political issues.
Honiara Shuts Down Ahead of No-confidence Vote
An air of uncertainty fills the air, a cloud of darkness hovers across the nation’s capital Honiara.
COVID-19 Tests for Peacekeeping Force Negative
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says the latest COVID-19 test for all personnel of the Australia Defence Force and Police, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Defence Force and their officials have returned negative.
Decision Day for Sogavare’s Government
After the looting and burning of Honiara the democratic process will now test the Sogavare led government’s mandate to lead.
New Deputy Police Commissioner Sworn in to Oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force
Commander Paul Osborne of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australia Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) was today (3 December 2021) sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF to oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force to Solomon Islands.
World Bank Approves Further Funding Support for Solomon Islands
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$15 million in support for Solomon Islands’ economic recovery from the pandemic, together with US$5 million for technical assistance for Solomon Islands to improve the regulation and implementation of key laws for better transparency in the mining sector.
Half a Billion Dollars: Unrest Damages Higher Than Initial Assessment
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has updated its initial assessment on the cost of the damage of the riot on the local economy.
Applicants for Seasonal Work Involved in Unrest Will be Removed
The Labour Mobility Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is urging all seasonal worker program candidates to remain focus as they prepare to undertake the employment opportunity in Australia.
Politics of Hate and Division
People are tired of the claims and counter claims, accusations and counter-accusations, it is tiring and not helpful for a country seeking to heal.
