Latest News Archive February 2022
100 articles
Opposition Urges Government to Speak up Aganist Russia Invasion at UNGA
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has urged the government to condemn the actions by Russia in invading Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly this week.
Police Constables Graduate from Academy
Sixty-nine probation police constables graduate and take their oath of office during a strict health compliant graduation ceremony held at Rove police headquarters on 25 February 2022.
Vacant Ministerial Porfolios Filled
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has filled the two vacant Ministerial portfolios following the passing away and resignation of respective former ministers last year.
Taekwondo First Federation to Benefit from SINIS Scholarships
Solomon Islands World Taekwondo Union (SIWTU) is the first National Federation to select their 32-member training squad for elite scholarships available with the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High-Performance program.
Police Receive Riot Gear from PRC
The Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) has received riot equipment’s worth of SBD$12 million plus dollars from the People’s Republic of China during a handing over ceremony at Rove Police Headquarter today 24 February 2021.
SDA Churches Donate Fresh Food to Livelihood Committee
The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) of the National Disaster Operation Committees (N-DOC) received with profound gratitude garden-fresh food donations from three Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) churches in Northeast Guadalcanal yesterday.
COVID-19 Update: 306 New Cases Reported
The Solomon Islands has recorded a further 306 positive COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths have also been recorded in Honiara at the National Referral Hospital.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Signs MoU With Solomon Islands Police
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Ministry of Police, National Security Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Rove Police Headquarters today 24 February 2022.
Chinese Police Begin Work in the Solomon Islands
A team of Chinese police officers has begun work in Solomon Islands, two months after the government accepted Beijing's offer to help restore law and order following recent anti-government demonstrations.
Australia Delivers COVID-19 Medical Equipments and Supplies for All Nine Provinces in the Solomon Islands
In collaboration with the Ministry Of Health & Medical Services - Solomon Islands, Australia has delivered COVID-19 medical equipment and supplies for all nine provinces.
COVID-19 Update: 380 New Cases Recorded
The country has recorded an additional 380 positive COVID-19 cases. The cumulative total COVID-19 positive cases for the country now stands at 6,348.
Opposition Raises Concerns on Health Workers Welfare
Reports of health workers welfare not well looked after has irked the Opposition, calling on the government to urgently address their concerns.
!["The provincial governments’ dependency on the MHMS for the past two years has caught us [provincial governments] by surprise. Well, it should not be a surprise, provincial governments should be given more funding to build their own provincial isolation and quarantine centers in anticipation of the Covid-19 outbreak two years prior."](https://d2t3awir4hhcxt.cloudfront.net/images/news/adddbf27-b84f-48a4-ba70-82f0c962af7f_big.webp)
Provinces Want Fair Distribution of ADB's SBD$40M Grant For COVID-19 Response
The Premier of Guadalcanal Province Hon. Francis Sade, says he supports Premier Stanely Manetiva’s (Central Islands Province) call for the national government and all premiers to have an urgent roundtable discussion on the SBD$40 million grant recently announced by the Asian Development Bank, ADB.
Police Officer Suspended After Traffic Accident
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the National Traffic Department are investigating a traffic accident, which involved a Police vehicle and a Toyota caldina car along Kukum Highway, in Honiara on 12 February 2022.
COVID-19 Update: 77 New Cases Reported
The Solomon Islands has recorded an additional 77 positive COVID-19 cases over a 24-hour reporting period.
Oversight Committee to Issue Recommencement Guidelines for Churches
The Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Jimmy Rogers said that it is wrong to compare the restriction on Church Services to Casinos.
Solomon Islands Mourns Passing of Senior Aviation Icon
Tourism Solomons is once again leading the tributes for another of the country’s acknowledged tourism pioneers, Solomon Airlines’ manager - commercial, Colin Sigimanu who passed away suddenly on 21 February.
Police Officers Doing Well in Training Programs
On Friday 18 February 2022, all ten (10) Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) officers successfully graduated from the Rifle User Training Program conducted in Australia by full-time Australian Federal Police Operational Safety Trainers.
National Carrier Pays Heartfelt Tribute to a Beloved Member of Management
The national carrier has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines, who passed away suddenly on 21st February 2022.
Basketball Signs MOU With Sports Institute
The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) is the latest National Federation (NF) to pen down the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to partner with the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance program in time for their preparations for the upcoming 2022 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup in Fiji this April.
CBSI and TCSI Sign MoU
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and the Telecommunication Commission of Solomon Islands (TCSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday 17th February, 2022.
MSG Secretariat Has a New Director General
After a lengthy process, the MSG Secretariat has a new Director General, he is Mr. Leonard Louma OBE from Papua New Guinea.
Process in Place to Facilitate Shipping to Provinces
After more than a month since community transmission of COVID-19 was detected in the country, people in the provinces are now in dire need for basic essential services.
Riots and Covid-19 Have Led to Serious Economic Losses
The man-made disaster of November 2021 was further compounded in January when community transmission of the deadly Coronavirus was first detected.
Government Formulates Community Transmission Response Policy
To mitigate and manage the economic losses brought about by the spread of the Coronavirus into our communities, the Policy, Implementation and Evaluation Unit has put together a Community Transmission Response Policy Paper.
Solomon Airlines Clarifies Current Airfreight Arrangements to Provinces
Solomon Airlines wishes to clarify the current airfreighting of Government and private cargo to the Solomon Islands Provinces under the arrangements supported by the Australian Government.
COVID-19 Update: 78 Cases Reported, No Deaths Recorded
The country has registered 78 new cases of COVID-19 over a 24 hour reporting period. No deaths were recorded over the same period.
Sports Institute Conducts Scholarship Interviews
For the first time, the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) successfully conducted a 3-days Coach Scholarship Interview workshop last week starting Wednesday 16th February, 2022
Wale: Who Authorised MV Solomon Prestige 2 to Travel to Ontong Java?
Leader Hon Matthew Wale has probed the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) as to who authorised Solomon Prestige 2 to travel to Ontong Java.
Do Not Treat COVID-19 With Malaria Tablets
Those that test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of the virus must not take Malaria prescribed medication.
"A Welcome Relief,” Australia Re-opens its Borders to Fully Vaccinated International Travelers
Solomon Airlines has welcomed Australia’s new international border rules, which from today open the country’s borders to all fully vaccinated visa holders, preparing for the return of tourists, business travelers, and other visitors.
Plans to Repatriate Students in Fiji in March
The government is making plans to repatriate Solomon Islands tertiary students studying in Fiji as early as March 2022.
Fight Against Virus Needs a New Approach: Wale
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale says the confession by the health minister that authorities do not know the extent of infections around the country is very ‘worrying’.
Millons Lost During Lockdowns
The country has lost millions of dollars in tax revenue as a result of the recent covid-19 lockdowns imposed at the beginning of community transmission last month.
Government Prioritizes 2022 Budget in Upcoming Parliament Meeting
The main priority for the upcoming Parliament meeting will be the passage of the 2022 budget.
Pacific Games to Create Opportunities for Local Businesses
Businesses in the Solomon Islands will be looking to get in on the action as preparations continue for the 17th Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands in 2023.
People No Longer Taking COVID-19 Health Measures Seriously
Health Minister, Dr. Culwick Togamana, says it is concerning to note that people are no longer taking COVID-19 health measures seriously.
COVID-19 Update: 522 Cases Recorded
522 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, which includes updated figures from the Central province and in Honiara.
Joint AUSMAT and MHMS Mission Underway in Provinces
A joint AUSMAT and MHMS mission to assess the capacity of Provincial Health Centers is underway as part of the overall response plan to the current covid-19 outbreak.
Goods Smuggled to Ngella From Honiara Breaching COVID-19 Orders
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi have arrested three suspects for breaching orders on restriction of movement of small boats from Honiara to Gumba in small Ngella in Central Province yesterday.
Health Distributes Rapid Test Kits As Cases Rise
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services this week has released a total 41,000 Rapid Antigen Test Kits from the National Medical Store and distributed in Honiara and the Provinces for COVID-19 testing.
Vaccines Vital as COVID Overloads Health Systems in Solomon Islands
Ramping up vaccinations is critical in the Solomon Islands as COVID-19 crashes across the country overloading the country’s fragile health system from the capital city Honiara to remote islands and villages.
Australian Aircrafts Airlift Essential Items to West and Malaita Provinces
This week, in close partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, Australia’s C-27J Spartan aircrafts completed their first deployments to Auki, Munda and Gizo.
Tensions at the Border With PNG Article Misleading: Mangau
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) would like to clarify an article published online on 15 February 2022 with a title ‘tension at Papua New Guinea (PNG) Solomon’s border’ is misleading and tarnish the good reputation of RSIPF officers at the border between PNG and Solomon Islands (SI) in Shortland Islands.
COVID-19 Update: 131 New Cases Recorded
An additional 131 positive cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the past 24 hours.
Epidemiologists Arrival Boost Government's COVID-19 Response
Two international epidemiologists have arrived in the country supported by the WHO and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs to provide technical support in the field of epidemiology for the current COVID-19 response.
Opposition Leader Questions Plans for Schools Nationwide
Opposition Leader Hon. Matthew Wale has questioned the Government if there are any plans in place for schools around the country.
Bougainvilleans Threaten Retaliation After Border Incident with Solomon Islands Police
The Post-Courier newspaper reports that Bougainville Police are aware of an incident at the border in which two fishermen were allegedly assaulted by Solomon Islands border police.
Minister Calls on Public to Report Health Workers that Charge for COVID-19 Vaccine
Certain health workers are reportedly charging the public for the COVID-19 vaccine, and the public is being urged to report them to the police.
COVID-19 Update: 87 New Cases Reported Today
87 new positive COVID-19 cases have been reported today.
Those Feeling Severely Ill Must Seek Medical Attention
People who are severely ill while undergoing home isolation are advised to seek urgent medical attention at the National Referral hospital.
Livelihood Sector Receives More Relief Food Supplies From Australia
The Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) of the National Disaster Operation Committees (N-DOC) has received with boundless gratitude yet another major delivery of relief food assistance from the Australian Government yesterday (Monday 14th January, 2022) for its food distribution program to households within the Honiara Emergency Zone.
Police to Mount Checkpoints Targeting Public Transport
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) will mount checkpoints in certain locations in Honiara to check public buses and taxis to ensure they are following health protocols when providing services to the public.
Australia Deploys Two RAFF Cargo Aircraft to Assist Deliver Medical and Essential Supplies to Provinces
Australia has deployed two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan cargo aircraft to the Solomon Islands which arrived in Honiara yesterday. This was in response to a request from the Solomon Islands government.
AUSMAT Team Conducts Rapid Assessment of Provincial Health Systems
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) is currently assisting the Ministry to conduct a rapid assessment of provincial health systems this week.
Sports Institute Partners with Tertiary Sports Association
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance program is partnering with national education institutions to re-establish the Solomon Islands Tertiary Association of Sport (SITAS).
COVID-19 Update: 202 New Cases Today
202 positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded today after a 24-hour reporting period.
Solomon Islands Welcomes US Announcement to Re-open Embassy in Honiara
The Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele welcome the announcement made by the US Secretary of State, Antony John Blinken, to re-establish the US Embassy in Honiara.
Police Warns Betelnut and Roadside Vendors
The Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Simpson Pogeava says there will be consequences for those that continue to breach current orders set by the government.
New Guidelines for Repatriation of Deceased to Provinces
Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the COVID-19 oversight committee, Dr Jimmie Rodgers, says there are now new arrangements in place for the repatriation of deceased persons to the provinces.
Kenilorea Welcomes Plans to Re-open US Embassy in Solomon Islands
Member of Parliament for East Are’are and Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of Parliament, Hon. Perter Kenilorea Jr, has welcomed plans by the US to re-open its embassy in Solomon Islands.
US to Reopen Solomon Islands Embassy
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed the United States plans to open an embassy in the South Pacific nation of Solomon Islands in an effort to counter China’s influence in the politically troubled Pacific Islands.
Localized Lockdowns Lifted for Lord Howe Settlement, Burnscreek, Seghe and Munda
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has revoked the legal notice on the restriction of movements of persons in the Lord Howe Settlement and Burnscreek in Honiara.
COVID-19 Update: 229 New Cases Recorded Today
229 new positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded today over the past 24-hour reporting period.
Police Commissioner Manning Refutes Allegations Against PNG Police
The Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning has refuted allegations levelled against the PNG police currently serving in Solomon Islands.
COVID-19 Breach: Relatives Attempt to Take Dead Body Home
The Oversight Committee on COVID-19 is concerned that there are people in the Honiara Emergency Zone who are covertly sending bodies of deceased persons to the villages under cover of darkness, the government said in a statement today.
Kenilorea Condemns PNG Police Unlawful Actions
Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr has condemned recent reports of unlawful actions by the PNG police force in Honiara.
138 New COVID-19 Cases, Most from the Provinces
There are 138 new COVID-19 cases in the country, most of which are from the provinces.
Government Calls on Opposition Leader Not to Politicize Pandemic
The government has called on the opposition leader, Mathew Wale, not to politicize the current COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
Why Are Private Clinics Charging COVID-19 Tests?
Private clinics are charging excessive prices to the public for COVID-19 testing using the Rapid Antigen Test kits.
Why Are MPs, their Families and the PMO Given Priority for Testing: Wale
Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has questioned the rationale behind the Oversight Committee’s directive to prioritise COVID testing for Members of Parliament, their families and the Prime Minister’s Office.
349 New Cases Recorded
The Ministry of Health and Medical services has recorded 349 new cases of COVID-19.
No Jab No Job Policy Hits Hard on Senior Public Servants
As COVID-19 takes its toll on the health and economy of the country the no jab no job government policy will soon be implemented, with several senior public servants on the firing line.
Mechanism to Facilitate Delivery of Fresh Food Being Implemented
The National Disaster Operations Committee Livelihood Sector is implementing a mechanism that will ensure the safe delivery of fresh food and vegetables from outside the Honiara Emergency Zone into the city and vice versa.
USD$5 Million Grant to Solomon Islands From ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced the release of a $5 million ($40.3 million Solomon Islands dollar) grant from its Pacific Disaster Resilience Program (Phase 3) to help finance the Government of Solomon Islands’ response to community transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Buala Township Under Lockdown
The National Government has enforced a lock down for the Isabel Provincial Capital Buala, effective 6pm pm this evening to 6pm Thursday 10th February.
New Policy Direction Must be Strategic: Opposition Leader
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale said the government’s new policy direction to focus on the new reality of ‘living with and emerging successfully’ from the pandemic must be carefully thought out.
Delay in a National COVID Response Plan a Disgrace: Wale
The Prime Minister’s confession that Cabinet and Caucus are yet to consider the National COVID Response Plan is a ‘national disgrace’.
Tuvalu’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Honourable Simon Kofe, Tuvalu's Minister for Justice, Communication, and Foreign Affairs and a USP alumnus, has been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
Goods to Provinces Delayed After Boat Crews Test Positive
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says crew members of cargo boats cleared to resume cargo runs have tested positive for COVID-19, delaying goods destined for the provinces.
One in Two in Honiara Infected with the Virus
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he has been informed that one in two residents in Honiara are infected with the COVID-19 virus.
SINIS Continue With Online Professional Development
This week the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance Sports Medicine Team continue with their online professional development in collaboration with the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
RSIPF Officers Undergo Training in Australia
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers who are currently in Brisbane begin their training conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 31 January 2022.
190 Test Positive, New Cases in Makira
There are a total of 190 positive COVID-19 cases recorded over a 24-hour reporting timeframe.
Mangau Reject Rumors Linking Intervention Force to COVID-19 Outbreak
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) rebutted a social media post claiming that the high number of officers tested positive with COVID-19 was through close interaction with the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) during the civil unrest in November 2021.
Sports Institute Turf Shaping up
Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance multipurpose outdoor field upgrading and construction is progressing well, despite the uncertainties posed by the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
Tonga on 5-Day Lockdown as More Covid Cases Reported
The Kingdom of Tonga is to go into a five-day lockdown from Wednesday night as Covid-19 begins to spread in the community.
Australian Delegation Discuss COVID-19 Support with Prime Minister
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomed Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Head of the Office of the Pacific, Ewen McDonald and Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw APM to Honiara to discuss COVID-19 response and the ongoing strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.
236 New Cases and 3 Deaths Recorded Today
The Minister of Health and Medical service Dr Culwick Togamana has confirmed that the country has registered 236 new positive cases and 3 deaths from COVID-19 today after a 24 hour reporting period.
Health Close Vaccination Sites Citing Transmission Risks
The Ministry of Health and Medical services has closed all vaccination sites in Honiara today.
COVID-19 Test Kits Sent to All Nine Provinces
In an effort to understand the spread of the current COVID-19 outbreak the Ministry of Health and Medical services have deployed rapid antigen test kits to all the nine provinces in the country.
Health Minister Speaks Out Against Stigmatization of Positive Persons
The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana has spoken out against stigmatizing those that have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Why is Prime Minister Tight-lipped Over China Flight:” Opposition Leader
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has questioned the Prime Minister as to why his office is tight-lipped over the arrival of Chinese nationals on a chartered flight over the weekend.
CONFIRMED: It’s the Delta Variant
The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant spreading in the country is the Delta variant.
"Procure More Rapid Antigen Test Kits:" Wale Urges Government
Opposition Leader Hon. Matthew Wale says the government must procure more Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits.
Tonga’s Volcanic Eruption: Impacts on Seasonal Workers in Australia and New Zealand
At the time of Tonga’s volcanic eruption and tsunami on 14 January 2022, there were an estimated 150,000 Tongans living overseas. Of these, close to 5,000 Tongan workers were employed across Australia and New Zealand under their respective Pacific temporary labour schemes.
Noodles to the Rescue: A Lesson from the Have and the Have-Nots
Whilst the government is doing all it can to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, the recent lockdown exercise is hurting families.
Government Push Ahead with Pacific Games Preparations with Arrival of Additional Workers from China
Additional workers for the 2023 Pacific Games facilities are now in Honiara and in quarantine. The additional staff arrived over the weekend from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) via a charter flight.
Handling of Deceased Bodies During COVID-19 Outbreak
The Ministry of Health and Medical services has issued an advisory on what to do when someone dies during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Solomon Airlines Reopens Office to Support Movement of Critical Medical Supplies
Solomon Airlines has provided an update on the airline’s current flight and office operations in accordance with the latest Solomon Islands Government curfew and requirements.
