Latest News Archive May 2021
64 articles
GPG Concerned With Offloading of Materials at Log Pond
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) is concerned about the offloading of materials at a log pond outside of Honiara.
Wale Condemns Politicization of Premier Suidani’s Health
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has expressed his dismay on what he sees is a case of clear politicization of the medical condition and health woes of the Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Daniel Suidani.
Health Receives China's Support for Covid 19 Operations
Following launch of the Chinese made Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine roll out program, last Friday, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has again provided further assistance of 150,000 USD (Approx. 1.2m in SBD) towards the vaccination roll out and COVID-19 operations and logistics.
Government Distance Itself From Mamara Development
The Government is yet to make any formal agreement with Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd to buy houses for public Servants that are under construction at the Mamara New City, west of Honiara.
Solomon Islander Stars in New Zealand TV Series
Elsie Polosovai is an on the rise actress that starred in episode 4 of the 5 part series "Teine Sa."
MHMS Calls for Respect for St. John Ambulance
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) condemns the disrespect displayed towards the important service that St John Ambulance has been providing to our communities by few members of the public.
FAST Party Lawyer Dismisses Claims of Swearing in as Illegal
The lawyer acting for the FAST party in Samoa has rejected claims that the swearing in of the party's Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as Prime Minister on Monday, in a tent outside of Parliament, was unlawful and unconstitutional.
Police Review Team Conducted Western Border Mission
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Review Team conducted a COVID 19 operation in the Western Border to meet with the FAMOA Council of Chiefs, Mono Chiefs and elders as part of the review of the police operation.
SICCI Hosts Successful Prime Minister’s Breakfast
Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare had the opportunity to address key members of the business community in Solomon Islands on relevant Policy, enhanced partnership and respond to the Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy submitted to his Government earlier this year.
Police Enhanced with New Children's Playroom
Sexual Assault Office of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has been enhanced with a new playroom for children at the Rove police headquarters.
US Commits to Support Clearing Unexploded WW2 Bombs
The United States says they have a longstanding commitment to helping Solomon Islands address unexploded ordinance (UXO) contamination left over from World War 2.
Galo is New MP for South Choiseul
Sammy Galo has been elected as the new Member of Parliament for the South Choisuel Constituency.
Health Ministry Prepares for Sinopharm Roll Out
Preparation are underway for the launch of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine today.
Poor Voter Turnout in Anuta
Only two voters turned up to vote on Anuta island for the ward 16 provincial by-election. On Wednesday 19 May 2021, electorates in ward 16 which is Tikopia and Anuta went to the polls to vote for a new provincial member since the termination of their MPA by the provincial speaker in August last year.
Counting Continues for South Choiseul - Two Batches Left
A new member of parliament for the South Choiseul constituency is expected to be announced today.
Transforming Digital Design in the Pacific
Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia has announced a new collaboration with online visual communication platform Canva, providing tailored training and scholarships for 250 Pacific businesses with access to the Canva Pro platform.
13 Year Old Girl Raped by 39 Year Old Relative
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Munda Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged a 39-year-old man on 30 April for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl at Lokuloku settlement in Munda on 29 April 2021.
Man Sentenced Over 2018 Drug Bust in Honiara
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years and five months’ jail for his involvement in planning to import over 500 kilograms of cocaine into Australia via the Solomon Islands in 2018.
New Zealand High Commissioner Meets with Western Tourism Operators
The New Zealand High Commissioner last week, met with with members of the Western Province Tourism Association (WPTA) in Munda.
The Woman Who Unseated Samoa's Prime Minister of 20 years
Samoa is set to get its first female prime minister, marking the end of unprecedented political drama in the small Pacific island nation.
Strengthening People with Disabilities Right for Inclusive and Resilient Communities
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Solomon Islands, under the Outstanding Women initiative, has launched a series of dialogues to discuss community priority issues, including women’s empowerment and social inclusion, climate change and environment.
Senior Government Officials Meet USP Centre Director
Senior Government Officials on Wednesday 12 May met with the Director of the University of South Pacific, Solomon Islands Center, Dr Billy Fito’o and discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the Government and the University’s Solomon Islands Center.
Solomon Islanders Go to Polls Today in By-elections
Today is polling day for electorates in South Choiseul, Kirugela ward in East Choiseul and Anuta/Tikopia ward in Temotu.
Solomon Islands Economy Faring Better than Anticipated
It was this time a year ago that the government and Solomon Islanders were apprehensive about the future following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police Formally Charge Djokovic
The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have formally charged the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for breaches of the Electoral Act 2018 and the political party integrity act on 13 May 2021.
Australian Made AstraZeneca Approved for Rollout in SI: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Australia have been approved to be used in Solomon Islands.
Fisheries Minister Assures Support for Tuna Industry
The Solomon Islands Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Giro has highlighted a number of strategic approaches his Ministry is taking to ensure the country receives maximum benefits from Tuna fisheries.
101 WWII Bombs Removed From Residential Area
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has removed 101unexploded ordnance (UXOs) at Gilbert Camp in Honiara in a two days operation.
Noro Port Facilities Applauded
Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga has praised the Solomon Islands Ports Authority for continuing to modernize its facilities at its second international Port of Noro, Western Province.
All Set for Provincial by-election in Tikopia and Anuta
Electoral Officials are now on their way to Anuta and Tikopia for the Ward 16 provincial by-election.
Man Arrested in Gizo for Murder
Officers of the Royal Solomon Police Force (RSIPF) in Gizo have arrested a 41-year-old male from Shortland Islands in relation to the death of a 40- year-old male from Isabel Province at Gizo on 13 May 2021.
Second Wave of COVID-19 Cases Shakes Fiji
A year after the first border closures and lockdowns, Fiji is again in the throes of stringent containment measures. On 18 April, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama proudly announced the one-year mark since Fiji’s last case of COVID-19 outside of a border quarantine facility.
Biosecurity Concludes Pest and Disease Training
Biosecurity officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) successfully conducted a one day awareness training on Integrated Pest and Disease Management for Falake community members in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province on the 5th May 2021.
Another Life Lost from WWII Bomb
The bomb explosion that occurred on Sunday 9 May 2021 has now claimed two lives.
NGOs Launch Government Budget Guide for Citizens
A simplified budget guide for Solomon Islanders was launched on Monday by the Development Services Exchange (DSE).
Solomon Islands Voted Against its Own Values
Less than a year after Solomon Islands switched to China the government was pressured to vote against its own democratic values and principles.
Addressing NCDs in Solomon Islands
In response to rising rates of noncommunicable diseases, NCD Coordinators like Virginia Legaile work with patients to improve their health from a holistic perspective.
More Workers Fly to Australia Under the Pacific Labour Scheme
A total of 187 workers flew out of the country last week on Friday 7 May to work in various farms and abattoirs in Australia.
Solomon Islands Assigns First Ambassador to China
Solomon Islands first ever Ambassador designate to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), John Moffat Fugui was commissioned by the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi at Government House yesterday.
Taking Care of Children With Special Needs Beyond Honiara
“My greatest wish is to have a learning center of this sort established in the provinces“ says Jiope Iputu.
Wale Calls for Dissolution of City Council
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Minister for Home Affairs to quickly dissolve the Honiara City Council and to review its structure.
Budgetary Information Workshop Organized for CSOs
A one week information workshop on the 2021 national budget for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) is currently underway in Honiara.
NRH Receives Much Needed Medical Equipments from WHO
National Referral Hospital (NRH) remains grateful to the continuous support of the World Health Organization (WHO) in enhancing the capability of the hospital to provide essential health services to the people.
Forestry’s Redirection Priorities Shared
The Forestry Sector’s 2021 redirection priority policies under the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has been shared with partner Donors, stakeholders and friends of forest at a one-day meeting, the 7th Forestry Sector Technical Working Group (FSTWG) meeting in Honiara.
![The vaccines are manufactured from the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories [CSL] in Melbourne, Australia.](https://d2t3awir4hhcxt.cloudfront.net/images/news/c494818e-4e14-4b68-96e4-22545137a23b_big.webp)
Additional 60,000 AstraZeneca Doses Welcomed
The Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has welcomed the offer by the Australian Government to donate 60,000 doses of AstraZeneca to Solomon Islands.
Switch Media Wins Telekom Television Contract
Switch Media has won the contract with Solomon Telekom Company Limited (STCL) to provide an online streaming service for its free-to-air television network, Telekom Television (TTV).
Developing an Inclusive Traditional Governance Bill, Leaving No One Behind
Close to 30 women gathered in Honiara, Solomon Islands last week to research, develop and validate gender-inclusive recommendations to the Traditional Governance, Customs and Facilitation Bill (TGCFB).
MAL Boosts San Isidro’s Farming Capacity to Produce More Food
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has enriched San Isidro Care Centre’s (SICC) farming capacity to produce more food with the donation of vegetable seeds and tools to the centre on 5th April 2021.
WHO Approves Sinopharm Vaccine: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that the World Health Organisation [WHO] has approved the Sinopharm vaccine under its Emergency Use Listing.
Solomon Island Still COVID-19 Free: Sogavare
Solomon Islands remains COVID-19 free.
Australian HMAS Larrakia to Boost Maritime Surveillance in Western Border
HMAS Larrakia will arrive in the Solomon Islands this week to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) COVID-19 response.
Aviation Engineer Killed in Bomb Blast
An aviation engineer at the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) was the victim of the tragic bomb blast in Honiara on Sunday 9th May.
SICCI Acknowledges Australia’s Continuous Support
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) acknowledges the Australian High Commission office in Honiara for their continuous support towards the work the Chamber does in representing the private sector in Solomon Islands.
WWII Bomb Explodes in Honiara Suburb Killing One, Two In Critical Condition
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has confirmd that they responded to a bomb blast which killed a male person and left two others in critical condition.
PM Graces PG 2023 Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony
It is yet another significant milestone as Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare graced the ground-breaking ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadiums project in Honiara today.
MHMS Responds to Opposition Office on Vaccine Roll Out and MV Chefoo Issue
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) as the government ministry leading COVID-19 response, acknowledge concerns raised by the Opposition Office regarding dire situation in India and the government’s plans to acquire bulk of AstraZeneca vaccines from India.
Sports Journos Congratulates Sports Journalist as Recipient of PM’s Scholarship Award
The Sports Journalists Association of Solomon Islands (SJASI) welcomes the announcement of the Prime Minister’s Media Scholarship Award for 2021.
Constitution Protects Freedom of Expression: Sogavare
The fundamental right of freedom of expression will continue to enjoy constitutional recognition in Solomon Islands.
Girls in ICT Day Goes Robotic
The Girls in ICT day will introduce a lot of changes, says Information Technology Society Solomon Islands (ITSSI) President Alice Aote'e.
MV Chefoo Expose Gaps in Our Covid Preparedness
Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, is concerned about the actions alleged to have been taken by the shipping agent of MV Chefoo recently, which was in direct breach of the Standard Operating Procedures governing the clearance of foreign ships.
SICCI Commits to Ongoing Partnership With Government
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has reiterated its commitment to continue growing the strong partnership it has established with the Solomon Islands Government.
Pacific Anti-corruption Journalists Call for Regional Commitment to Media Freedom
Marking World Press Freedom Day 2021, the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network (PACJN) has called for a regional Pacific commitment to boost media freedom and help increase reporting on activities at risk of corruption.
“Media Workers Are also COVID-19 Frontline Workers,” says PINA President
As we join the global community in marking the UNESCO 2021 World Press Freedom Day today, the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) acknowledges the great sacrifice and commitment of our media workers in covering the COVID19 pandemic and related issues.
Pacific Youth lead the Conversation on World Tuna Day
Amplifying the voices of young Pacific people and addressing their questions and concerns is at the heart of the Teen Tuna Tok campaign, launched this week to mark World Tuna Day (Sunday 2nd May 2021).
