Latest News Archive September 2021
78 articles
Vinny Leite’s Incredible Path to Coaching Solomon Islands Kurukuru
The Solomon Islands are on track for a third straight defeat at the 2021 Futsal World Cup but coach Vinny Leite celebrates each consolation goal with all the enthusiasm of a Champions League winner.
Solomon Airlines Staff Participate in Healthy Heart Checks on “World Heart Day”
Solomon Airlines staff took part in voluntary health checks on ‘World Heart Day’, arranged by the airline with the National Referral Hospital.
Bechedemeer Diver Dies From Crocodile Attack
A 36 year old bechedemeer diver from Roviana lagoon in the Western province has died after he was attacked by a crocodile.
Opposition Leader Blasts Draft Amendments to Telco Bill
The Leader of the Opposition group Mather Wale has blasted the draft Telecommunications Bill, stating that the intentions of the Bill will not be achieved in its current form.
ADB, New Zealand, and Australia to Help Government Reform Solomon Islands’ Tax System
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has joined with the governments of New Zealand and Australia to help Solomon Islands overhaul its tax system to expand and secure the country’s revenue base.
Red Cross Launches “Evriwan Kaikai Initiative”
Last week, the Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) launched ‘Evriwan Kakai’, an initiative to support vulnerable people and communities with fresh, tasty local food.
Nickel Kolosori Project in Isabel to Commence Soon
Pacific Nickel Mines (PNM) is confident it has all three levels of stakeholder approval required to kick off its Kolosori nickel project in the Solomon Islands.
USAID and Pacific Community (SPC) Launch PROJECT Governance
On September 28, The United States of America, through United States Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Pacific Community (SPC) to launch a new activity called “Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded and Transparent (PROJECT) Governance.”
SICCI to Host Infrastructure Symposium
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) will host its inaugural Infrastructure Symposium this year which will bring together key stakeholders in the infrastructure development sector in Solomon Islands.
Ho’ota: Food Waste and Loss an Important Issue in Solomon Islands
Food waste and loss is an important issue in Solomon Islands that needs to be addressed as a lot of food have been wasted by our producers and vendors says the Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Mr Michael Ho’ota.
Solomon Airlines Expands ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ Program to Guadalcanal on World Tourism Day
Solomon Airlines has chosen World Tourism Day to announce a significant expansion of the airline’s ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ program to include more operators in Guadalcanal Province and the addition of Honiara and Central, West and North West Guadalcanal options.
China’s Xi Jinping Speaks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on the Phone
China’s President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Friday last week.
COVID-19 Takes its Toll on the Economy: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy have been significant.
Sogavare Calls for Global Solidarity in Fight Against COVID-19 and Climate Change
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called for global solidarity in the fight against COVID-19 and climate change.
Malaita Farmers Educated on Biosecurity Export Protocols
Biosecurity Solomon Islands of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has delivered eye opening presentations to farmers in Malaita Province on Biosecurity export procedures to meeting requirements of international markets.
Thomas Coward Appointed as New British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
Mr Thomas Coward has been appointed British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and non-resident High Commissioner to the Republic of Nauru.
Countries Call for Protecting at Least 30% of the Global Ocean by 2030
More than 100 countries have publicly committed to the protection of at least 30% of the Global Ocean by 2030, often referred to as “30 by 30”.
Commitment Towards Taro Hospital Redevelopment Project Reinforced
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Senior Executive Management (SEM) held a meeting recently with the Premier and members of the Choiseul Provincial Government on the redevelopment of the current Taro Hospital in Choiseul.
Virtually Connecting and Building Pacific Communities in COVID-19 Pandemic Times
Hosted for the first time virtually from 6 - 9 September 2021, the Pacific Internet Governance Forum 2021 (PacIGF) brought together stakeholders to discuss and debate policies based on the theme ‘Working towards inclusive, safe and accessible services in the Pacific region.’
Australia is Committed to a Peaceful and Secure Pacific
Australia is committed to the security and prosperity of the Pacific and wider Indo-Pacific region.
Tourism Industry Devastated by Death of Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto
The close-knit Solomon Islands tourism industry is in mourning following the death of Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto who passed away in Suva, Fiji, on Tuesday, 21 September.
Reaching the 90% Vaccination Threshold
The country will open its borders if we reach 90% vaccination coverage, this was the assurance given by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during his nationwide address on Monday.
Is the Target of Forty Gold Medals Too Ambitious?
The excitement following the right to host the Pacific Games has hyped the National Hosting Authority (NHA) to ambitiously set forty (40) gold medals for Team Solomons come 2023.
Ports Authority to Increase Entrance Fees for Domestic Port
Come October 2021, users of the Domestic Port in Honiara will see an increase in entrance fee charges.
Facebook and SICCI Host Workshop to Support The Pacific Digital Economy
Facebook, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) brought a free digital skills training programme to Honiara today.
Vaccine Hesitancy High in Honiara and Guadalcanal
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that vaccine hesitancy is highest in Honiara and Guadalcanal.
Grace Period for COVID-19 Jab Extended for Government Workers
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that Cabinet has decided to extend the time period for those government workers that have yet to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Wale Calls on PS Finance to Disclose Settlement With Win Win
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to explain his recent statement in relation to the allegation that Win Win Investment Solomon Ltd attempted to smuggle 1.7kg of gold out of the country.
Solomon Airlines Partners With Tourism Stakeholders and Local Schools in Coastal Clean Up
Solomon Airlines, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, Travel Solomons, St. Johns School, Tanagai Community High School and Solomon Islands Scout Association joined forces on Saturday to help clean up Solomon Islands coastlines.
Solomon Kurukuru Exit Futsal World Cup
It is another disappointing finish for the Solomon Islands Kurukuru, having exited the World Cup at the group stage.
Malaita’s Stance on China Will Not Change: Asilaua
The non-executive group that is aiming to topple Daniel Suidani’s MARA government says their stance on China will not change should they form government.
Wale Responds to Asilaua on Claims of Opposition Interference
The Leader of Opposition and MP for Aoke Langalanga, Hon. Matthew Wale, regrets the comments made by Hon. Elijah Asilaua in a recent SIBC interview insinuating Opposition interference in the current political saga surrounding the leadership of Malaita Provincial Government.
Where Are the Local Jobs Promised?
While the country is focusing much of its attention on the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy and the opportunities that come with it, are taking a dive.
Temotu Launch its COVID-19 Vaccination Program
On Wednesday (15th September) this week the last remaining province, Temotu, successfully launched its provincial COVID-19 vaccination roll out program in the provincial capital, Lata.
Solomon Islands Kurukuru Succumb to Portugal
It is not the result the Solomon Islands Kurukuru wanted, but it was a huge ask from the get go. Portugal, ranked 6th in the World, was with its star player, the five-time Best Player in the World award winner Ricardinho Filipe da Silva Braga.
Building Effective Provincial Youth Councils
The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the National Youth Congress and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, led the process of revitalizing the Provincial Youth Council in Choiseul through a week-long programme.
Solomon Islands Committed to Developing a Gender-responsive National Employment Policy
The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the labour markets in Pacific Island Countries (PICs), including Solomon Islands, bringing disproportionate levels of unemployment and underemployment across different groups of people, sectors and regions.
New Public Solicitor’s Office Branch in Munda to Cater to the Western Province
More people in the Western Province, will be able to access legal information and services with the opening of the new Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) branch in Munda.
Facebook and SICCI Host Workshop to Support the Pacific Digital Economy
Facebook, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), will bring a free digital skills training programme to Honiara on Tuesday 21 September.
New Auditor General Sworn In
The country’s new Auditor General David Dennis was sworn-in by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi at Government House on Tuesday 14 September.
‘Youth4Pacific: Pre-COP Gathering’
In just over a week, young Pacific people worldwide will convene at the ‘Youth4Pacific: Pre-COP Gathering’–the largest mobilisation of Pacific Youth in the lead-up to this year’s COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow.
How Can We Improve Our Vaccination Rates?
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says that the country cannot stay locked up forever, and has directed the Oversight Committee to look at the possibility of reopening our borders, once certain thresholds are reached.
KAWAKI Women’s Network Elects New Executive
KAWAKI Women’s Network held its first Annual General Meeting on the 8th – 10th September, last week in Wagina, Choiseul Province. About 45 Women from the respective areas of Katupika, Wagina and Kia attended the first AGM where they adopted their constitution and successfully elected nine Executive members.
SDA Provide Clarity Around COVID-19 Vaccination
The Health Ministries department of the South Pacific Division (SPD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) has developed a series of videos in response to queries about COVID-19 vaccination.
Solomon Islands Loose to Morocco in Futsal World Cup Opener
The Solomon Islands has lost to African champions Morocco by six goals to nil at the 2021 Futsal World Cup opener in Lithuania.
Central Field Hospital Returns to Being COVID-19 Isolation Ward
The Ministry of Health says the Central Field Hospital (CFH) will now return to being used as the COVID-19 isolation ward, to safely isolate and manage COVID-19 cases to prevent any community transmission.
MHMS Launch Project Management Unit (PMU) to Implement COVID-19 SBD$40 Million Emergency Response Project
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has established and launched its Project Management Unit (PMU), to commence the implementation of the SBD40 Million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project that was announced at the end of 2020.
Rennell Bellona Premier Urges His People to Get Vaccinated
Premier of Rennell Bellona province Hon. Willy Tuhagenga is urging his people to get vaccinated as it is the only way to prevent community transmission.
COVID-19 Vaccination Launched in Rennell Bellona Province
Rennell and Bellona (Renbel) province is the latest province to have successfully launched its COVID-19 vaccination program.
USTDA Supports Banking Modernization in Solomon Islands
Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a grant to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) for technical assistance to modernize the country’s banking infrastructure.
Academic Says Hawaiian Language Originated from Outer Islands of PNG
New research on the origins of the Hawaiian language is stirring debate over the long-held theory in Polynesian migration that the islands were settled from Samoa.
Beck Reminds Seasonal Workers: “Be Good Ambassadors for the Country”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Mr Collin Beck, has reminded workers flying to Australia today under the Seasonal Work Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) to be good ambassadors for the country.
150 Workers Fly to Australia Today
Good news for rural families, 150 workers are bound for Australia today to work in Queensland under the Seasonal Work Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS).
SI Samoa Community Donates to National Referral Hospital
The Solomon Island Samoa Community has assisted the National Referral Hospital (NRH) with aluminum chairs and cleaning detergents through a charity donation, following some months of fundraising.
With Increased Reports of Whooping Cough Parents Urged to Vaccinate Kids
The government is urging families to vaccinate their babies against illnesses such as whooping cough or pertussis.
Detection of Coronavirus in Infant Explained
The detection of the Coronavirus 229E in an infant recently is attributed to the use of better equipment at the National Referral Hospital’s molecular lab.
Risk Informing Development Programmes to Improve Food Security in Provincial Areas
The Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) hosted a one-day workshop with key government stakeholders on 25 August 2021, to discuss the inclusion of climate change and disaster risks into the National Food Security Programme Proposal for the 2022 development budget.
Australia Provides Laptops to Support Skills Training at Tabaka Rural Training Centre
Australia recently provided 20 laptops and associated accessories to Tabaka Rural Training Centre in the Western Province to ensure access to skills training for young people in the Solomon Islands and to improve their learning experiences and outcomes.
Plans in Place to Reopen Border
Reopening of the Solomon Islands borders will now become an agenda item for the Oversight Committee.
Dr Janella Solomon Appointed NRH MS
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is pleased to announce that the newly appointed Medical Superintendent of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is Dr Janella Solomon.
Solomon Islands Cannot Be Underestimated: Thailand Futsal Captain
As the FIFA World Cup in Lithuania nears, competing teams are making their assessment on their road to Futsal glory.
DBSI Launches Low Interest Credit Line Facility for MSME’s
The Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) has launched a low interest credit line facility for micro, small and medium enterprises in Solomon Islands (MSME).
New CEO for Pacific Games 2023 Appointed
Peter Stewart has been appointed CEO of the 2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee, with just over 800 days until the opening ceremony in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Logging Landing Craft Will be Charged: Police
Police has assured the public that the recently released logging landing craft owned by a logging company will be held accountable.
Former Temotu Nende CDO Arrested for Corruption
The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested and charged Constituency Development Officer (CDO) for Temotu Nende for official corruption today.
Turning My Life Around
“I was heading down the wrong path,” said Divine Sade, now 20 years of age.
Impact of COVID-19 on Kadavu Minimal Because of Healthy Lifestyle
The dynamics of the clinical COVID-19 response in Kadavu is one every Fijian can learn from as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services continues to fight the pandemic in the country.
COVID-19 Alert Measures Still in Effect at NRH
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) COVID-19 alert measures are still in place and remains active until further notice.
Solomon Airlines Father’s Day Scenic Tour A Success
Solomon Airlines first-ever and fully sold out ‘Father’s Day VIP Scenic Flight’ departed at 9:35am on Sunday 5th September treating its special passengers to a very special joy flight of 75 minutes, from take-off to touch- down with spectacular views of over 300kms of scenery.
Tourism Solomons ‘Very Much Still Here’ at Virtual PATA MART 2021
The Solomon Islands’ international visitation may currently be at a standstill but this has not stopped Tourism Solomons and local tourism partners reaching out ‘virtually’ to remind the world “we are very much still here.”
The Plight of Honiara Residents During Lockdown
It’s been almost a week since the trial lockdown, so it is probably time to make some assessments on what was learnt – not as a government official but as an ordinary Honiara resident.
Raphael Lea’i Injured Ahead of Futsal World Cup
Solomon Islands top striker Raphael Lea’i has suffered an injury during a friendly match with Italy.
SICCI Launches ‘Bisnis for Vaccines’ Campaign
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has launched a campaign with the aim to get private sector support to encourage and drive vaccination as Solomon Islands continues its fight against COVID-19.
China Direct Funding to Government MPs Shameful: Wale
Recent revelations of an SBD$200,000 direct funding by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to each of the 39 Members of Parliament (MPs) in government has again brought to light the controversial National Development Fund (NDF) administered by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Health Ministry Outraged with Attack on Health Workers
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it is deeply and utterly disappointed at several incidents of rock throwing at NRH vehicles and workers including illegal roadblocks in Honiara during the lockdown period.
Total of 32 Arrested During Lockdown
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) says 32 people were arrested before the lockdown exercise closed at 6am, 31st August 2021.
Deadline for First Jab of Mandatory Vaccination Lapses
The deadline for the first jab of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has lapsed. The government had stated earlier that those government workers that have not taken their first jab by the 31st of August 2021 will not be allowed into their place of work.
Solomon Islands Scouts is Now Independent and the Newest Member of the Scouting Movement
After 94 years as a branch of the United Kingdom Scout Association, the Solomon Islands Scout Association, is now independent and is the 172nd member of the World Organisation of the Scouting Movement (WOSM).
