Latest News Archive March 2021
74 articles
New Order of Priority for COVID-19 Vaccination
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has revised its order of priority as Day 5 of the Phase 1 vaccination program rolls out.
COVID-19 Vaccination Doubles on Day 4
A day after the Prime Minister issued a directive for all frontline workers to come forward for vaccination the number of people vaccinated on day 4 doubled compared to the first 3 days last week.
Vaccination Necessary for International Trade and Travel: Sogavare
The country’s suffering economy can be resurrected only if international trade is boosted by reopening of international borders and the relaxation of travel restrictions, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says.
Prime Minister Disappointed with COVID-19 Vaccination Turnout
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare says he is very disappointed with the poor turnout of frontline government ministries and agencies in the COVID-19 vaccination program.
One New COVID-19 Case for Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands has recorded its 19th case of COVID-19.
SIMA Launches Corporate Plan
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has launched its corporate plan 2020 - 2023.
Governor General Gets COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination at the Central Field Hospital in Honiara has entered its second day with the Governor General His Excellency Sir David Vunagi taking the vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness for Churches Underway
Church leaders and other faith group representatives are currently undergoing awareness sessions relating to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Fuoó Heads New SICCI Board
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) hosted its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 24th March, 2021 which allowed members to elect new Board Members for 2021/2022.
Biosecurity Solomon Islands and Australian Counterparts Hold Virtual Dialogue
A virtual meeting on Regional Trade and Market Access Communication Strategy was held between Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Australia counterparts (Biosecurity) last week.
State of Public Emergency Extended for 7 Days
The current State of Public Emergency (SOPE) was extended for another 7 days after it expired 12 midnight last night.
Sogavare First Solomon Islander Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is the first Solomon Islander to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.
Government Committed to Develop Noni Industry
Developing the Noni industry and others like kava and cassava is one of the key policy priority of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) therefore the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) remains committed to it.
Government Says Finance Stabilized from Deteriorating Further
The 2020 Government Finance is challenging but was stabilized and the country's economy was prevented from deteriorating, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury said in a press release.
COVID-19, One Year On
“From now when you look back, I can see that there are a lot of things that have changed. Our lifestyle and the way we do things'', Anna Maesioa recalls.
PM Amongst First to be Vaccinated Tomorrow
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will be amongst the first to be vaccinated during the official COVID-19 vaccine launch tomorrow.
We Must Vaccinate Everyone: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says it is the Government’s intention to vaccinate every citizen and resident living in Solomon Islands that is 18 years of age and over.
PM to Take First COVID-19 Jab
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will be the first to take the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.
Solomon Islands Receive 24,000 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines through the COVAX Facility
Solomon Islands became the second country in the Pacific islands to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped via the COVAX Facility, a partnership between CEPI, Gavi, UNICEF and WHO.
Border Zone to Receive Bulk of COVID-19 Vaccines
The bulk of the AstraZeneca vaccines that will arrive in the country today will be deployed to the Western border zone where the highest urgency exists to protect our people.
Keeping Our Tradition and Culture Alive in Schools
The Solomon Islands is blessed with various ethnic groupings, who speak their own language and practise their own tradition, culture, and way of life.
Community Cooperation Impressive: Village Elder
A village elder of Riva community in South Guadalcanal says it is quite impressive to see villagers working together in community projects.
Strong 5.5 Earthquake Hits Outside Gizo
A strong 5.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded today at 9.39am local time 222 km Southwest of Gizo at a depth of 10km.
Wale Alleges Meddling of National Leaders in Provincial Government Affairs
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Mathew Wale calls on national leaders not to meddle with provincial government issues for their own interests and those of their cronies and calls on national leaders to respect decisions made by provincial governments.
Australia to Send Coronavirus Vaccines to PNG Amid Outbreak
Australia will ask AstraZeneca and the European Union to fast-track the export of one million doses of the coronavirus vaccine to be able to sent straight to Papua New Guinea as part of a bid to crush the pandemic outbreak in Australia's closest neighbour.
Market Upgrade Means a Safer, Cleaner Environment for Women Vendors in Auki
The Malaita Provincial Government of Solomon Islands has officially received the additional infrastructure work done to the Auki Market through the Markets for Change [M4C] project.
MAL Applauds Lands Commissioner’s Quick Action to Take Back Land for Biosecurity Work
A quick action by the Commissioner of Lands (CoL) Mr. Alan Mcneil to take back (resume) the land at Ranadi sold by Honiara City Council (HCC) to Excellent Resources Management Limited an Asian Company for Biosecurity work is highly commended.
Right to Information and Freedom of Speech are Key Tools for Good Governance
Experts from Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu in close partnership with the Solomon Islands Office of the Prime Minister and integrity institutions, hosted a virtual informative session on Right to Information sharing best practices for building resilient, transparent and accountable institutions in Solomon Islands.
Malaysians Flown Home After Contracts Expired with Various Logging Companies
A group of 68 Malaysians, who were stranded in the Solomon Islands (SI) since last year after their employment contracts with logging companies ended, have left the country.
Sports Facility is Key Legacy for 2023 Games: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has visited the Solomon Islands Institute of Sports (SIIS) to witness first-hand, the progress on the work of the first-ever dedicated investment to Sports Development in Solomon Islands.
New Mobile Emergency Operation Centre to Boost Solomon Islands Government’s Response During Disasters
The Solomon Islands Government has received a much needed boost to their disaster response efforts through the handover of a fully customized mobile Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), which will ensure continuity of coordination and mobile communication capability in the event of any disaster emergency.
We Need Income Earning Activities: Ngalipapa Women of South Guadalcanal
“Income earning activities is what we need to come our way as well”, says the women of Ngalipapa village in South Guadalcanal constituency.
Training for COVID-19 Vaccinators Underway
Around 40 nurses from Honiara City Council, Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and Malaita provinces who are being selected as vaccinators to administer the first 24,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca, have gathered as of Monday this week in Honiara for their one-week vaccination training.
Government Tighten Border Operations as COVID-19 Cases in PNG Soar
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the National Government has stepped up COVID-19 operations at the western border.
Wale Concerned with Current Quantity of Vaccine Supplies for Solomon Islands
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, says the government must do more to secure the much needed COVID-19 vaccines for all Solomon Islanders.
The Power of Art
Plato, one of the greatest philosophers that ever lived, once said that “If you think your child’s academic studies are more important than the arts, think again.”
Marshall and Solomon Islands Demand IMO Set USD$100/Ton Levy on Emissions
With approximately three months to go until the IMO resumes the debate over environmental policies, different factions are already lobbying for their proposals as the best means to realize the goals of decarbonization.
“Discharge Your Mandate Without Fear or Favour:’’ Governor General
The 4th Meeting of the 11th Parliament has commenced with the traditional Speech from the Thrown by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi.
AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Will Arrive Friday
20,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 doses will arrive in the country on Friday, health officials have confirmed.
4.9 Magnitude Quake Recorded Near Lata
A 4.9 earthquake was reported early morning near Lata, Santa Cruz Islands, Temotu Province, Solomon Islands.
Solomon Ports 3 ‘R’s Campaign Commences in Schools
Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) this week commenced its rollout of the 3 ‘R’s campaign around schools in the capital City of Honiara.
Japan Donates Centrifuge Technology and Blood Pressure Manometer
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has today received three (3) sets of centrifuge technology and 358 blood pressure manometer provided by Japan.
Stop Illegal Harvesting of Bechedemer: Director Fisheries
“People found illegally harvesting and buying bechedemer in view of the current ban on the marine product will be prosecuted,” warns the Director of Fisheries, Mr Edward Honiwala.
OPMC Says Djokovic is Still Chief of Staff
The recent High Court decision concerning the citizenship status of Mr. Robson Djokovic in no way impacts on his appointment as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
International Boxing Association President Pledge to Support Solomon Islands
International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev has pledged to support boxing competition at the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games.
Scientists Say Coral Bleaching in Solomon Islands Worrying
Scientists have identified a widespread coral bleaching event on shallow, inshore reefs that had been previously thought to be less reactive to climate stress, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said on Saturday.
Refurbished Space at GSH for Survivors of GBV Officially Opened
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Guadalcanal Provincial (GP) Health Authority, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian High Commission officially opened a refurbished integrated safe space at the Good Samaritan Hospital (GSH).
Wale Calls on Political Party Commission to Investigate Status of OUR Party and PM
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Political Party Integrity (PPI) Commission to investigate the legal effect of the recent High Court findings in the case - Robson Djokovic v Attorney General on the status of OUR Party and the Prime Minister.
Solomon Islands Quite Close to Regaining COVID-19 Free Status
All 18 previously confirmed positive COVID-19 cases have now tested negative after repeated swabs were conducted.
ESP Payments Continue
More than half of the approved recipients of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) program has been processed to date.
“I’m Willing to be Vaccinated to Demonstrate Confidence”: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he is willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine to demonstrate his confidence in its safety.
Women in Fisheries Proud to Join IWD Celebrations
Female staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources have joined women from other organisations to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) in Honiara yesterday.
#ChooseToChallenge: International Women’s Day Celebrated in Honiara
It was a colorful occasion, with women celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 in Honiara, the nation’s capital.
Police Participate in International Women's Day Celebrations
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mostyn Mangau and his Executive joined male and female officers of the Force to participate in the match through the main street of Honiara in support of the International Women’s Day (IWD) which was marked in the capital yesterday.
International Women’s Day: “I Celebrate My Own Challenges”
#ChooseToChallenge is the theme for International Women's Day 2021.
MAL Condemns HCC’s Action in Selling off Biosecurity Incinerator Land
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has condemned the action taken by the Honiara City Council (HCC) to sell off its piece of land that housed the Biosecurity incinerator at Ranadi, East of Honiara.
Trained From the School of Hard Knocks
The phrase school of hard knocks refers to the education one gets from life's experiences, often contrasted with formal education.
Agriculture 10-year Growth Strategy Gets Government Inputs
The first ever 10-year Agriculture Sector Growth Strategy and Investment Plan (ASGSIP 2021-2030) has received overwhelming support and valuable inputs from government line ministries as it goes through final stages of consultations before presentation to Cabinet.
Religious-themed Misinformation on Covid-19 Vaccine Worrying
As the government prepares for the arrival and roll out of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine religious-themed misinformation is being peddled by the public.
No Tsunami Threat to Solomon Islands After Powerful Quake in New Zealand
The Solomon Islands meteorological service says there is no tsunami threat for Solomon Islands after a powerful 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Kermadec Island region, approximately 1,400 km northeast of New Zealand.
Beach Soccer Sponsorship Signed
The Solomon Islands football federation (SIFF) has signed a sponsorship agreement with JQY company this afternoon for the National Beach Soccer in May.
"Through God’s Grace I am Still Here"
It was an unfortunate vehicle accident in 2009 that crippled George Thugea, the memory still haunts him but says he is grateful to be alive.
Flight to Bring in Workers From China for Fourth USP Campus Building Approved
A flight has been approved to come in from Guangzhou, China, this Friday (5th of March) bringing in workers to build the fourth University of the South Pacific (USP) Campus in Honiara.
Biosecurity Destroys Confiscated Goods
Biosecurity officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Friday, last week destroyed the dozen of concealed goods which was impounded from a shipment at the Ports International wharf in Honiara on Thursday 25th February.
“Develop Your Talent and God-given Gifts”
It’s a small hair salon, abit cramped when one walks in, but the energy in the room by the young hair stylist makes it very inviting.
Public Emergency Bill on Track
The public health emergency bill is set to go before parliament this coming sitting. Attorney General, John Muria (Jnr) made the assurance at the Oversight’s recent radio talkback show.
Kukum Highway Phase Two Agreement Signed
A consultancy agreement to begin consultancy services on phase two of the Kukum Highway project was signed in Honiara today (02 February) between the Solomon Islands Government and the CTI Engineering International Co. Ltd of Japan.
"COVID-19 Watch:" PM Beefs Up Security at the Border
Prime Minister Sogavare has ordered relevant agencies to further beef up surveillance at the western border.
Health Minister; “I Will Willingly Take the COVID-19 Vaccine Once My Turn Comes"
The Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Honourable Dr Culwick Togamana told health officials and workers who attended the first sensitization training on the COVID-19 vaccine last week Friday that he will willingly take up the COVID-19 vaccine, once his turn comes.
PM Says Government's Priority is to Protect Citizens
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the priority of the National Government’s redirection policy is to protect citizens from Covid-19.
Bougainville Police Chief Sorry for Border Incident
The Bougainville Police Chief, Francis Tokura told Solomon Times Online he is sorry about the incident that occurred at the border between Solomon Islands and PNG.
PM Sogavare Pays Tribute to Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has expressed his message of condolence following the passing of Papua New Guinea’s first and four times Prime Minister, late Grand Chief Sir. Michael Somare.
Solomon Islands is First Country in the Pacific to Place COVID-19 Order With GAVI
Solomon Islands is the first country in the Pacific to have its COVID-19 vaccine order placed by the Gavi COVAX facility through UNICEF’s supply division.
Wale on Border Incident, Calls on Government to take Immediate Steps
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale expresses grave concern over the incident involving our local border police and a group of Bougainvilleans, at the Western border resulting in the intimidation of our officers and the illegal seizure of a Police drone.
