Latest News Archive April 2021
66 articles
Fiji Records 5 New COVID Cases
5 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Fiji while screening continued overnight after confirmation that a garment factory worker from Kalabu is one of the positive cases.
Anti-Corruption Commission Rolls Out Recruitment Plan
The newly established Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) office is now rolling out its recruitment Plan.
Police Station Established in Wagina
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) was part of the ground-breaking ceremony to start construction of the new police station at Wagina Island in Choiseul Province on 26 April 2021.
MV Taimareho Passenger Recalls Tragic Incident
It’s been a year since the MV Taimareho boat tragedy shocked citizens in the country. 27 people died when they were washed overboard when it encountered Cyclone Harold enroute to Malaita.
MAL Rules Out African Swine Fever (AF) in Death of 21 Pigs at Aola
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has confirmed that the death of 21 pigs at Aola, East Central Guadalcanal, was caused by poor pig husbandry and management practices and not the African Swine Fever (ASF).
Choiseul Province Launches its COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
A fun filled COVID-19 vaccination roll out launch was held yesterday at the Taro Hospital, Choiseul Province with the Hon. Premier Watson Qoloni the first to receive vaccination.
Solomon Islander Seasonal Worker in Queensland Dies in Tragic Vehicle Accident
A Solomon Islander seasonal worker in Queensland Australia has died in a tragic vehicle accident.
PM Says Solomon Islands Has Reclaimed its COVID-19 Free Status
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated in his nationwide address on Monday this week that the 20th case has now tested negative and will be released after 3 consecutive negative tests.
Solomon Airlines New Chairman Very Confident of National Carrier’s Future
Solomon Airlines newly appointed Chairman Mr Frank Wickham said today he was very confident of a sustainable future for the national carrier, despite financial challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of international borders.
DCGA Government Committed in Building Inclusive Economy
The DCGA Government is committed in building a more equitable and inclusive economy by improving the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.
Cooking Gas Supply Boat Refused Entry After Positive COVID-19 Cases
The UK-flagged Inge Kosan with 12 confirmed COVID-19 sailors on board were also denied entry into the Solomon Islands.
International Airport Project Employs 100 Local Workers
The construction phase of the Honiara International Airport expansion project is employing one hundred local workers alongside forty overseas supervisors.
Sogavare Impose Travel Restrictions From High Risk Countries
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has directed the Government’s Covid-19 Oversight Committee to consider imposing travel restrictions from very high-risk countries in view of the current worsening global covid-19 situation.
MASI Pays Courtesy Visit to PM Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had a courtesy visit from the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) yesterday.
CBSI Condemns Appalling Vandalism of Public Property
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is appalled by the recent destruction of the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) automatic-teller machines (ATM) in Honiara over the weekend.
ADB Approves USD$18.9 Million for Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Pacific
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $18.9 million in grants to help four developing member countries (DMCs) in the Pacific roll out safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Sogavare Take Aim at Transparency Solomon Islands
“People in glass houses must not throw stones,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told parliament.
Rhinoceros Beetle Fight Not Yet Over: MAL
The fight to control the spread of the deadly Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) that is threatening the country’s coconut industry and other palms is not yet over says the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Honorable Senley Levi Filualea.
Solomon Islands Confident in Political Dialogue to Restore Pacific Unity
Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele says Solomon Islands is confident that Pacific relationship with Micronesia will soon be resolved.
“Vaccine Diplomacy” Pushed in Solomon Islands?
The hastily prepared press statement released by the ministry of health this week shows something is amiss. What the Prime Minister has been saying seems clear, that the Solomon Islands will wait for the approval of the Sinopharm vaccine by the World Health Organization (WHO) before it will be administered to the public.
250 Seats Now Available for Australia Until Mid-June 2021
Following approval by the Australian Government, Solomon Airlines has confirmed that passenger seats are now available for sale on flights from Honiara to Brisbane every Friday until mid-June 2021.
PM Gives Update on PG 2023 Games Facilities
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says a lot of progress has been made in the planning and construction of the 2023 Pacific Games facilities despite the impacts of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Roll Out Launched in West
Following two weeks of intense COVID-19 vaccine trainings, workshops and awareness by national and western provincial health workers in Gizo, Noro, Munda and Shortland Islands, COVID-19 vaccine roll out was officially launched.
200 Broadband Tower Project Progresses
Five constituencies are yet to identify sites and locations for broadband towers under the Government’s Telecommunication plan for the 200 broadband tower project.
Ministry of Health Clarifies Statements Made by Health Advisor Regarding Sinopharm
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it is aware of concerns raised on social media regarding contradictory statements made by the Prime Minister on his national addresses and health advisor Dr Yogesh Choudhri on the recent Sunday talk back show on SIBC, regarding use or roll out of the Sinopharm Vaccines.
Villagers Concerned with Mamara Tasivarogo Development
Dubbed the “new city” where dreams come true the Mamara Tasivarogo development is slowly taking shape, and so are opinions of people in nearby villages.
MV Cheefo Under Strict Quarantine: PM
The cargo vessel (MV Cheefo) that the latest COVID 19 case was detected on-board has now come under strict quarantine.
Health Ministry Expands Eligibility Criteria for Vaccine Jab
The ministry of health and medical services (MHMS) has expanded its eligibility criteria for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab.
Extension on Life of Parliament Passed?
The Member of Parliament for East Are’are, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, says secret documents supposedly cabinet papers have shown that a decision on the extension of parliament was already made.
Short Bus Route Is Not Our Fault: Bus Conductor
The issue of short bus route has dominated social media for the past few years, so much so that a special select committee was established by Parliament in 2013 to conduct an inquiry into the issue.
Government Sends Integrated Mission Team to MOI
An integrated (COVID-19 and non COVID-19 related) mission to Malaita Outer Islands (MOI), comprising of officers from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Justice and Legal Affairs and the Solomon Islands Police Force is now underway.
Government Loses Vehicles as Ministers Talk of Minimizing Costs in Parliament
Two government vehicles were caught in separate traffic accidents over the weekend.
Health Acquires New Buses for COVID-19 Operations
Management of arrivals into the country in the COVID-19 context has not been cheap.
COVID-19 Outbreak in PNG at 'Critical' Point: WHO
Papua New Guinea's battle with a surging COVID-19 outbreak is at a "critical" stage as health authorities battle a fragile health system, slow and limited testing and vaccine hesitancy.
SICCI Condemns Brutal Attack on Business Owner
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) strongly condemns the brutal attack on a member of the business community this week in the capital, Honiara.
Western Broder Response Plan Developed as COVID-19 Cases in PNG Surge
PNG’s National Pandemic Controller Office says as of this week 170 new cases of COVID-19 cases were recorded, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in PNG to 8,984. 2 deaths were also recorded during the same period. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville also recorded 2 new COVID-19 cases, bringing their total to 149.
Tamboko Chief Calls on Betel Nut Buyers to Respect Area
A Chief elder of Tamboko in North West Guadalcanal is calling on betel nut buyers to respect his community.
Western Province Premier Throws Full Support Behind COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts
“When AstraZeneca Vaccine is rolled out in the Shortland Islands Communities, I as the Premier, the leader of Western Province will be the first to receive the vaccine”.
Government Earmarks Alligator Creek for New Market
The Government will build a market facility at the eastern side of Honiara City, Alligator Creek area.
Bonale Pineapple Factory Project Moves Forward
The National Government is progressing ahead with the Bonale Pineapple processing plant in West Kwaio, Malaita province this year with discussions to set up a Cooperative Society Partnership model for parties to the project.
Government Denounces Brutal Death of Chinese Shop Owner
The Government has issued a statement denouncing the brutal nature of the death of a female Chinese national in Honiara yesterday and vows to bring the perpetrator(s) to face the full force of law.
Police Investigates Suspicious Death of Chinese National in Honiara
Officers in the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) together with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at the Honiara City Central Police Station are investigating the suspicious death of a 44-year-old female Chinese national in Honiara yesterday.
Sogavare Urges Border Communities to Get Vaccinated
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has repeated his call on people over eighteen years living in border communities to be vaccinated when the Government’s vaccination programme reaches them.
AstraZeneca is Safe and Rollout Will Continue: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said on Monday that the AstraZeneca vaccine which is currently used in the country is safe and rollout will continue.
Youth at Work Rescued Me
Solomon Islands has a youthful population, but with that comes huge challenges for the government.
Chinese Shop Owner Found Dead
A Chinese women was found dead this morning inside her shop at Point Cruz.
Government Farming Activities to Move to Tenaru
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will be using the former Tenaru field experiment station to develop for its farming activities.
Business Chamber Encourages Local Content in Big Infrastructure Spending
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) encourages the Government and relevant authorities to ensure there is sufficient local content included in the billion-dollar worth of infrastructure projects that are planned for the next five years to enable the economic benefit to remain inside Solomon Islands.
More Australian Aid for PNG Covid-19 Fight
The Australian Government is providing additional aid to help Papua New Guinea's response to Covid-19.
China’s Sinopharm Vaccine Arrives
50,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine arrived in Honiara Sunday night from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Sinopharm vaccine is yet to be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), government says it will be closely monitoring the approval process by WHO.
SBD$342 Million Allocated for Rural Development
The Government’s Constituency Development Programme has received increased budgetary support in this year’s national budget with an allocation of SB$342 million including a SB$90 million injection from the People’s Republic of China.
Governor General Formally Announces Death of Prince Philip
The Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi has formally announced the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip in a broadcasted message on Saturday.
Aspiring Youth to Reduce Conflict and Build Sustainable Peace
Since March 19, the UN Development Programme in Solomon Islands, in cooperation with the Government of Solomon Islands and the International Labor Organization (ILO), is delivering a one-month training leadership in peacebuilding programme for youths in the Weather Coast of South Guadalcanal.
PAC Calls For An Independent DBSI Board
The public accounts committee (PAC) has presented its report to parliament, with one of the key recommendations being the need to have an independent DBSI board.
Police Investigates Suspicious Death of a Chinese National in Honiara
Police at the Naha Police Station are investigating the suspicious death of a Chinese national inside the compound of the Top Timber Company at Ranadi. The deceased was discovered inside his apartment on the early hours of Tuesday 6th April 2021.
Six Candidates Nominated for South Choiseul By-Election
Six Candidates nominated to contest in the upcoming poll for South Choiseul National By-Election on the 19th May, 2021.
The NDC Hub Launches 10-year Strategy for Climate Action in the Pacific
Laying out the game plan for Pacific climate action through its Nationally Determined Contributions for the next decade, the long-term strategy of the Regional Pacific NDC Hub was officially launched by the Chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States, and Fijian Prime Minister Hon Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama in Suva today.
Sikaiana Reports Increased Number of Influenza-like illnesses
There is an increased number of influenza-like illnesses in Sikaiana.
Government Approves New Tax Measures to Boost Revenue
Revenue collection this year is expected to improve following the government approval of a number of measures to bolster revenue intake in 2021.
Despite Slow Start Vaccination Rollout Program Continues
2,651 individuals have been vaccinated in Honiara since the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program.
Facebook Working with Government to Monitor Fake Accounts
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) has confirmed that the government is currently working with Social Media tech giant Facebook to explore ways to better monitor fake accounts.
Oxfam and Kastom Gaden Join Forces in Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) COVID-19 Livelihood Response
Oxfam in the Pacific and Kastom Gaden Association on Thursday signed a formal partnership that will support Australia’s humanitarian response to livelihood and economic shocks of COVID-19.
Prophetic Voice of Churches Must Not Be Compromised: Wale
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale reminded SICA and SIFGA to ensure that churches maintain a strong prophetic voice to the government and the nation.
Copra Jump in 2020 - Central Province Leads Way
Despite the impact of COVID-19 crisis, copra output has jumped from 8055 tons in 2019 to 11,678 tons in 2020 with Central Islands province leading the way in production.
MHMS Responds to “I Almost Died From Injection” News Article
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) would like to provide some important information in response to the news article released this week titled “I almost died from injection”. This is crucial to ensure balanced information both from the patient and MHMS is provided to the public.
MASI VP Encourages Journos to Get Vaccinated When Time Comes
Media Association Solomon Islands (MASI) Vice-President Douglas Marau has taken the lead in encouraging journalists around the country to be vaccinated when their time comes.
