Latest News Archive July 2021
58 articles
Exemptions on International Shipments Should be Banned
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Mathew Wale is calling on the government to put a stop to exemptions for international cargo boats.
50,000 Australian-Made AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive in Solomon Islands
Fifty thousand Australian-made AstraZeneca doses arrived in Solomon Islands on 29 July on a flight from Brisbane - the largest single consignment of AstraZeneca doses yet to arrive in Solomon Islands from anywhere in the world.
Ministry of Public Service Clarifies AG Appointment Delay
Claims in the Island Sun Newspaper on July 29 assuming the Government is politically delaying the appointment of the new Auditor General (AG) is misleading.
Sogavare Cautions Journalists of “Yellow Journalism”
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has warned the media that the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.2) Regulations 2021 has provisions relating to Yellow Journalism.
Fiji Sevens Retains Olympic Gold
It may have been the early hours in Fiji, but Fijians were celebrating, with videos popping up on social media of groups of locals taking to the streets to dance and sing.
Solomon Islands World Cup Futsal Team Announced
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has officially released the names of Solomon Islands Futsal Kurukuru team for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021.
National Referral Hospital Restricts Entry After COVID-19 Scare
The scare caused by the positive COVID-19 cases on board a cargo vessel that passed through Honiara has prompted health authorities to restrict entry at the national referral hospital – with current status raised to ‘alert level’.
Schools Enforce Strong Rules Against “Coupen” Drug Use
Secondary Schools are enforcing additional rules to fight against the use of “Coupen” in schools.
Securing Our Greener Future
For the first time ever, the UN Development Programme Small Grants Programme in Solomon Islands handed over the certificate of afforestation project completion to its grantee, Isi Akson Theatre Art Trust (Inc).
Opposition Leader Confirms Receiving Copy of Petition by Honiara-based Malaitans
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale, has confirmed he received a copy of a petition addressed to the Hon. Prime Minister, by Honiara-based Malaitans, containing 8,210 signatures.
Police Has Not Received Any Report Against Suidani: Mangau
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has confirmed that the police have not received, or are not investigating, any report against Malaita’s Premier Daniel Suidani.
UNICEF and Japan Announce US$20.8 million Partnership in Fight Against COVID-19 in the Pacific region
This week, UNICEF and the Government of Japan announce a new US$20.8 million partnership to support Pacific Island governments with their COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts.
MASI Conducts Scoping Study to Strengthen Media Industry
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is embarking on a scoping study to strengthen the media industry.
Australia Supports Upgrades to ICT Services
The Solomon Island Government’s (SIG) information communication technology (ICT) services will be more secure and efficient for users thanks to installation of a full IT Service Management System and upgrades to the Service Monitoring Centre, both funded by the Australian Government.
Frontliners Test Negative After Cargo Vessel Scare
Thirteen out of fourteen crew members of a cargo vessel that passed through Honiara have tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Nauru.
Our Dual Crises: NCD’s and COVID-19
Solomon Islands has one of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the Pacific region.
Company Tells Local Farmers to Leave Mamara, Offers No Compensation for Loss
Local farmers are bearing the brunt of the expanding Mamara housing development project.
Wale Cautions Police on Handling of Premier Suidani’s Case
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale forewarns the Commissioner of Police to thread carefully when dealing with any complaints that might be reported against the Premier of Malaita Province, Mr. Daniel Suidani as suggested in recent media publications.
Young Footballer Dreams Big
At only 15 years of age Terrison Weni is showing great potential, he featured for the Guadalcanal Hornets at the recent U16 Solomon Cup, and after winning the finals, he has big dreams.
Putting Livestock Farmers in the Driver’s Seat
At the New Zealand camp behind Henderson area there is a potential pig breeder farmer called Chris Susa.
Solomon Islands Backs China in Silencing Dissidents
Solomon Islands has backed China yet again, rejecting statements made by the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Beijing’s handling of protests in Hong Kong and its treatment of the ethnic Uighur population in Xinjiang province.
Samoa Observer: For Tuila’epa, What Follows Defeat?
When Australia’s second-longest ever serving Prime Minister faced a complete wipeout at the national elections after 10 years in power — even being voted out of his own seat — he realized that he had lost but only as part of a process much bigger than he was.
Noni Farmers Told to Seek Guidance from MAL
Existing and prospective Noni farmers in the country are advised to seek technical advice from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), through its extension department, if they wish to cultivate Noni as a commercial crop.
The Resilience of Temotu’s Low Lying Islands
The outlying islands of Temotu are some of the worst affected from storm surges and sea level rise.
Two Pregnant Mothers Dies From COVID-19, Both Babies Saved
Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong confirms two pregnant mothers are part of the 21 deaths from COVID-19 for the period of 14th to 20th July, 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites Expands
The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) has established new sites for those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccination Drive Targets 415,500 People
Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare is pleading to those eighteen years and above to get vaccinated and protect those that cannot get vaccinated.
Prime Minister Farewells Late High Commissioner Barnabas Anga
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare joined the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele and other dignitaries to farewell His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea, the Late Barnabas Anga at a burial Service in Honiara this afternoon (Sunday 18 July).
Solomon Islands and Japan Reaffirm Bilateral Cooperation
Solomon Islands and Japan have reaffirmed their bilateral cooperation during a virtual meeting between Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide early this month.
Sustaining Peace Through Customary Land Recording
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, has supported the customary land recording in selected locations in Western, Guadalcanal, and Malaita provinces.
Land Recorder Applauds Western Province Support Towards Land Recording Programme
The Government’s National Land Recorder, Mrs. Mary Tegavota has applauded the Western Provincial Government and Tribal Chiefs for their support towards implementing the Government’s Customary Land Recording programme.
PUBG Mobile Highest Grossing Mobile Game
Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds or more popularly known as PUBG launched a mobile version of its game in 2018 and still continues to dominate charts in 2021.
MAL Sets Example by Taking COVID-19 Jab
Staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) have joined citizens both in Honiara and across the country in the fight against COVID-19 by taking their Covid-19 vaccination.
Missing Seven at Sea Found Alive
The seven people feared dead after their boat failed to reach their destination were found safe and well.
Solomon Islands Women’s Premier League Set to Kick Goals with Australian Gear
Solomon Islands Women’s Premier League set to kick goals with Australian gear Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is the first federation in the Pacific to receive a sporting grant through Australia’s PacificAus Sports Program.
Wale Cautions Government Over Future Repatriation Plans
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale cautions the government not to down play the recent mutation of the corona virus into the delta variant as it plans repatriation flights for standard citizens abroad.
Foreigner on Board Logging Vessel Tests Positive for COVID-19
A Malaysian national has tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Delta Variant Threat Imminent: Sogavare
In his recent nationwide address Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare warns that the threat from the highly transmissible ‘Delta Variant of COVID-19’, which has now proven to be air-born, is imminent.
COVID-19: Can Solomon Islands Reach Herd Immunity?
The reason why many countries push for its population to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is so that it can reach herd immunity.
Bulkshop E-commerce Online Platform Launched
Solomon Islands will now have its own e-commerce online platform with the launching of Bulkshop’s e-commerce service.
ADB Launches Transport Strategy for Pacific
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new strategy to help ADB’s Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) improve connectivity and tackle other core development challenges across the Pacific over the next 5 years.
Local Businesses Benefit from Donated Equipment from Australia
Three small enterprises have received value-adding equipment donated by the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) last week.
Spaniard Coach Targets 2023 Pacific Games Football Gold
The Solomon Islands' returning Spanish football coach Felipe Vega-Arango has revealed that winning the gold medal for the first time at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara is his main target.
Voluntary Blood Donation Crucial for Life
“They cannot give you blood transfusion unless somebody donates blood for you”, Mike (not his real name) tells of his wife's plight, who was a cancer patient.
Solomon Islands Designate High Commissioner to New Zealand Commissioned
His Excellency Mr Eliam Tangirongo has been commissioned to take up his new role in New Zealand.
Wale Questions Delay in Appointment of Auditor General
Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale questions the long delay in government filling up the position of Auditor General which was vacant since March this year, and calls for immediate action.
SICCI Partners with Facebook to Support Digital Growth
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Facebook are partnering to equip local small businesses with the digital skills to connect with customers and support them to grow online.
Mass Gatherings Urged to Abide by Covid Measures
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) would like to remind all organizations, committees and individuals organizing mass gathering events to fill up the pre-event or pre-mass gathering assessment form for the National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) to review, assess and make recommendation.
Accident Claimed Lives
Five people were confirmed fatalities of a roadside accident on Independence Day.
Man Charged With False Pretense
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Fraud Unit within the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) at the Rove Police Headquarters have arrested and charged a male person for allegation of false pretense on 2 July 2021.
Ellen Makes History for Her School with Gold Medal Win
Ellen created history for her school when she scooped the National Secondary School Games (NSSG) 10,000-meter gold medal, clocking 45:22 ahead of thirty-nine other competitors.
Let’s Keep Our Country Moving: Solomon Airlines
Solomon Airlines has announced an expansion of the national tourism initiative ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ in time for Solomon Islands Independence Day, to further support the local tourism industry and encourage more Solomon Islanders to travel on the discounted holiday deals throughout 2021.
Health Ministry Warns Vaccines Will Expire Soon
The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) is calling on those who are due to receive their second COVID-19 vaccine to do so soon.
Second Jab of COVID-19 Vaccine Critical for Protection
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is calling on all persons who are eligible for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine either Sinopharm or AstraZeneca to come forward to receive their 2nd dose at the Central Field Hospital (CFH).
Australia Provides Transport Support to National Training Providers in Solomon Islands
Australia has provided three boats and a bus to four training providers in order to enhance students’ learning experiences as part of its commitment to strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Solomon Islands.
Parliamentary Committee Inspects Provincial Quarantine Sites
The Health and Medical Services Committee has embarked on a 10 day visit to COVID - 19 quarantine sites in the Western and Choiseul Provinces.
Sogavare Vows to Increase PCDF
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced in Tulagi this week that the National Government under his leadership will increase the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) as part of the Government’s Redirection Policy.
Sogavare Reiterates Commitment to "Öne China Policy"
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has reiterated the Government’s respect and commitment to the One China Policy when he attended the opening of a Photo Exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.
