Latest News Archive August 2021
73 articles
Logging Landing Craft Arrested During Lockdown
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Maritime Department who are doing sea patrols during the lockdown have intercepted a landing craft owned by a logging company based in the Western Province.
Twenty Arrested During Lockdown Exercise
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) on operation have arrested twenty people during the lockdown exercise last night.
GPPOL Tests Business Continuity Plans During Lockdown
Ensuring operations continue during lockdowns is the focus of GPPOL’s lockdown initiative from Sunday 6pm to Tuesday 31 August 6pm.
More AstraZeneca Vaccines Arrive
A flight organized to bring in additional AstraZeneca vaccines donated by Japan and Australia has touched down at the Henderson international airport earlier today.
Government Pushes Ahead With Trial Lockdown
Despite calls for the postponement of the trial lockdown by the Opposition group the government is going ahead with its planned simulation lockdown.
Stay Away from Foreign Vessels or Yachts
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has issued a stern warning to communities across the country, particularly those in Makira-Ulawa, Malaita, Isabel, Western, Choiseul and Guadalcanal Province. Stay away from any and all foreign vessels or yachts.
Opposition Leader Calls for Postponement of Trial Lockdown
With just 38 hours to go before the trial lockdown starts, Leader of the Opposition Mathew Wale is calling on the Prime Minister to order its postponement.
Australia Funds Six New Mobile Towers to Boost Solomon Islands’ Security
Australia has agreed to fund the installation of six new mobile phone towers to support the Solomon Islands Government to improve the security and connectivity on its western border area by closing key communications blind spots.
Domestic Violence During Lockdowns
During the trial lockdown our response systems should also be tested for those that may experience domestic violence.
The Role of the Church During a Real Lockdown
As Honiara prepares for a trial lockdown, it is probably timely to make a quick assessment on the impact of a real lockdown, if it ever comes to that.
PS McNeil Visits Buala Hospital
“Not often do I have the chance to visit provincial health facilities, its workers and patients as I have my Deputy Secretary responsible for this regard, but once i have the opportunity i always ensure i do and it’s always beneficial for me to listen to first-hand information from those on the ground themselves."
UNDP Launches Small Grants Initiative to Support Resilient Community Development
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) launched a Small Grants Initiative to fund resilient community projects in seven Pacific Island countries on Friday 20 August 2021.
Study Shows High Blood Pressure Doubled Globally in 30 years
The number of people living with high blood pressure more than doubled since 1990, according to a major study published on Wednesday that found half of all sufferers - about 720 million people - went untreated in 2019.
Solomon Islanders Critical of Stimulus Package Payout
A recent survey conducted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) say Solomon Islanders are skeptical of the recent economic stimulus package (ESP) payout.
High Commissioner Jones is SI Scouts International Commissioner
The Solomon Islands Scout Association has commissioned Dr. Brian Jones, British High Commissioner, as its International Commissioner.
SICCI Facilitates Exemption Process for Businesses During Lockdown
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is providing support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) by facilitating the process of exemption for businesses who are categorized as critical or essential to mobilize during the 36 hours lockdown period.
COVID-19 Vaccination Launched in Isabel
Isabel Province launched its COVID-19 vaccination program at the provincial capital, Buala, yesterday with heads and representatives of the tri-system of governance, Premier Hon Leslie Kikolo, Rt. Reverend Bishop Ellison Quity and Representative of the Chiefs, Oliver Hiromana the first to receive the vaccines from the provincial roll out batch.
Study Says Solomon Islanders Confident with Government’s COVID-19 Response
A recent study conducted by the National Democratic Institution (NDI) says 87% of those interviewed think the government is doing an excellent job.
Australia Assists Solomon Islands with Ordinace Disposal Package
Australia and the Solomon Islands are deepening cooperation on explosive ordnance disposal, with a AUD$15 million package of infrastructure works, equipment and training announced in Honiara.
Attorney General: ‘Adhere to Lockdown Orders’
Attorney General Muria John (Jnr) calls on the public and especially people residing inside the Honiara Declared Emergency Zone to respect and adhere to the lockdown orders, which will come into effect next Sunday, 29th at 6:00 pm and cease on Tuesday, 31st at 6:00 am.
Suspicious Foreign Yacht Reported Outside of Ugi Island
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Kirakira Police Station in Makira- Ulawa Province warned people against going to a sailing ship anchored outside Selwyn Bay in Ugi Island.
Health PS Touch Base with Isabel Province Health Team
With the roll out of COVID-19 launchings across the provinces, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Senior Executive Management (SEM) Members are utilizing the opportunity to also touch- base with provincial health teams.
Let’s Work Together and Prepare for Lockdown
There are those critical of the costs associated with the planned lockdown, and perhaps in this time of financial difficulties there are merits to such argument.
Wale Acknowledges Australia’s Increase in Seasonal Worker Numbers
Leader of the Opposition and MP for Aoke Langa langa, Hon. Matthew Wale acknowledges and thanks the Government and people of Australia for their continued support to the Pacific Island countries and its peoples in these trying times.
Cabinet Approves 36 Hour Lock-down for Honiara Emergency Zone
Due to the surge of the deadly COVID-19 delta variant strain globally and in our neighboring countries, the need to test and sharpen our preparation and response plans is pertinent in preparation for limited re-opening of flights.
Bastion Talk (of the Town)
Bastion Talk is a social media advocacy platform hosted by Israel Trevor Sibia, seeking to voice the frustrations of the people of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islanders generally.
Central Islands Province Launches COVID-19 Vaccination
Central Islands Province (CIP) has launched their COVID-19 vaccination program at the provincial capital, Tulagi, with Premier Hon Stanley Manetiva the first to receive the jab.
SICCI Renews MoU with RSIPF
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) recognizes that there is a definite link between the rule of law in a nation and growth in investment which underpins private sector development and job creation.
GP in Process to Take Hold of Matanikau Industrial Area
The Guadalcanal provincial government is now in the process to claim the Matanikau industrial area in Central Honiara.
Exploiting Desperate People Applying for Seasonal Work
It has come to light that certain government officers are exploiting the desperation of those seeking to join the seasonal worker’s scheme.
Are We Ready for a Lockdown?
Unless a well-planned COVID-19 lockdown strategy is employed, the potential for community backlash cannot be ruled out.
Volunteers for COVID-19 Operations and Vaccination Roll Out Trained
Strategic partnerships, collaboration and cooperation remains crucial towards the Ministry of Health’s implementation of COVID-19 response operations and vaccination roll out efforts.
Health Ministry Reiterates Calls to Stop Border Crossing
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has called for all unauthorized crossings at the western border to stop, as such crossings could lead to the entry of COVID-19 as it could go undetected and unmanaged, leading to a worse case scenario - community transmission.
COVID-19 Vaccines and the Mark of the Beast?
There is growing misinformation spread on social media that the COVID-19 vaccine is in fact a disguise for one to receive the mark of the beast, 666.
Going Beyond Our Personal Best
Sharon Firisua showed that we have the potential to compete at the highest levels, even though she was not able to qualify for medal contention.
Sustaining the Kava Boom in Rural Solomon Islands
Go to any village in rural Solomon Islands and chances are you will find someone cultivating kava, the new craze, said to be replacing more traditional crops such as copra and cocoa.
Government Speaks Out on Threats to Remove Sogavare by Force
The government says that the ongoing rumours of an armed group seeking to remove Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is not in the best interest of peace and stability, particularly at a time when COVID-19 poses a greater threat to the country.
“Joining the RSIPF Maritime Unit is a Dream Come True,” Superintendent Reggie
Superintendent Harold Reggie from Dovele village in Vella la Vella, Western Province, is the captain of one of the new Royal Solomon Island Police Guardian class patrol boats, the RSIPV Gizo.
Solomon Water Cash Water Meter Program
In March this year Solomon Water released a statement to inform the public about the increasing number of faulty prepaid, or Cash Water, meters.
Australia Donates Standby Genset and Water Tank to Lata Police
The Australian High Commission has presented to the Lata police a water tank and a stand-by generator to enhance the work of the police in Temotu Province.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rolls Out in Malaita Province
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and provincial health workers in Malaita Province have launched the COVID-19 vaccination program in Auki, Malaita.
Wale Supports Plans to Increase Age Limit for Labour Mobility Workers
The Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, says he fully endorses recent submissions made by the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Robert Sisilo, to increase the current age limit under the Labour Mobility Scheme and the Seasonable Workers Program in Australia to 55 years old.
Ivermectin is Not an Alternative Drug to COVID-19 Vaccine: Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health together with its partners WHO and UNICEF, have clarified that any suggestion that Ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasite infestation, can be used as an alternative drug to COVID-19 vaccines is misleading.
Government Sponsored Students in Fiji Supported Financially Until December
Government sponsored students in Fiji are well covered till December. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Mr. McKinnie Dentana says the government has advanced the students' scholarship funds to ensure they are supported until December.
Solomon Airlines Offers Big Discounts for Advance Ticket Purchase
Solomon Airlines has announced a new 20% discount airfare available on return economy flights purchased at least 21 days in advance of travel.
Police Maintain High Visibility in Honiara
Officers of Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara will conduct a High visibility presence to monitor the situation in Honiara after a protest was planned to happen today 12 August 2021.
Wale Cautions Government on Delta Preparedness
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has urged the government to adopt a zero-risk approach in its efforts to stop the entry of the deadly delta variant.
Improving Women’s Health in Solomon Islands
Women in Solomon Islands are dying from preventable diseases, one of which is cervical cancer.
Health Receives and Launches the New CT Scan Building
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the National Referral Hospital (NRH) this week received and officially launched the new CT scan building at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Government Installs COVID-19 Testing Capability in Malaita
The government has successfully installed COVID-19 testing capability at the laboratory in Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita.
Sogavare Defends Mandatory Vaccination Policy
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has defended his governments decision to enforce the mandatory administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Emerging Young Pacific Talents Receive Climate Resilience Awards
A total of 20 emerging youth artists, poets, and filmmakers from across the Blue Pacific have been recognised in creative competition documenting climate change and resilience.
Court Clears Way For First Executions in PNG in Nearly 70 Years
A ruling by Papua New Guinea’s national court has cleared the way for the country’s first executions in almost 70 years.
Frontliners Deserve Our Respect: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on the public to respect frontliners as they have sacrificed so much to keep the country safe.
MAL and SIPFA Signs MoU to Support Development of Pig Industry
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Livestock Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Solomon Islands Pig Farmers Association (SIPFA) on 4th August 2021 towards development of the country’s pig industry.
Police Assures Public Protest Situation Under Control
After yesterday’s confusion caused by disgruntled protestors the police has assured the public that everything is under control and everybody should go about with business as usual.
Work on Strengthening Provincial Health Promotion Underway
The National Health Promotion Division of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services have commenced its provincial support to scale up provincial capacity for more strategic interventions and activities to yield and generate increased demand for health services and goods focused on preventative measures, such as COVID-19 vaccines.
New Zealand Welcomes Back Pacific Workers
Central Otago’s horticultural sector has welcomed the news that seasonal workers from the Pacific will be able to enter New Zealand from next month onwards.
Livelihood Committee Reviews Honiara Lockdown Plan
A one-day workshop was held in Honiara to review the Lockdown Plan for Honiara and to develop the Savo Island volcano preparedness and response plan.
Lack of Standardization of Government Vehicle Fleet a Concern
“The lack of standardization of the government vehicle fleet is concerning,” says a former Finance minister and Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo.
COVID-19 Vaccinators Verbally Abused
The Ministry of Health says it is saddened by verbal abuse and threats made against a group of vaccinators in Honiara last week while rolling out vaccination.
Peace and Security of Citizens is Top Policy Priority: PM
The peace and national security of the country and its citizens is a top policy priority of the Government, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says.
Government Committed to Infrastructure Development in Guadalcanal: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Government will continue to support the maintenance and rehabilitation of Guadalcanal province feeder roads.
SICCI Urges Eligible Members to Get Vaccinated
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is urging members, their employees and eligible members of the general public to be vaccinated to protect them from the COVID-19 virus as soon as possible.
More Farmers Benefit from MAL Export Crop Programme
More farmer groups in Guadalcanal Province took delivery of farming equipment under the Export Crop Programme 2021 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
Termination of Employment Looms for Those Who Avoid Mandatory Vaccination
In an effort to increase vaccination coverage in the country Cabinet has now endorsed the mandatory administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
Crew of Foreign Vessel Test Positive for COVID-19
Three crew members of another foreign commercial vessel, MV Run Fu 6, that arrived over the weekend have tested positive for COVID-19. The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana, confirmed the news during his national address yesterday.
CEMA to Set Up Buying Centre at Manekalaku: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has revealed that the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) will set up its main buying center at Manekalaku substation in East Guadalcanal next year.
PM Sogavare Graces 2nd Appointed Day Celebrations in Marau
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has graced the Guadalcanal 2nd Appointed Day celebrations in Marau, East Guadalcanal.
Body of Dead Infant Found at Ranadi Dump Site
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Naha Police Station in East Honiara are investigating an infanticide case after a body of a newborn baby was found at the Ranadi dumpsite on 31 July 2021.
The Struggle is Real for Small Business Owners
Ask any small business owners and they will tell you that it is not easy - they get minimal support from government and getting finance from the banking sector is out of reach for many because of the many requirements.
Marau Sound Welcomes Prime Minister
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has arrived at Marau station, East Guadalcanal yesterday morning (01st August), ahead of today’s celebrations to mark the Guadalcanal Province’s 37th Second Appointed Day.
MAL Trains Cocoa Farmers in Western Province
Trainings on cocoa grafting was conducted for Chale and Uzamba Participatory Action Research (PAR) farmers in the Western Province.
