Latest News Archive March 2022
100 articles
New Zealand Defeats Solomon Islands 5-0
It was a brave performance from the young Solomon Islanders, but New Zealand proved too strong and had too much arsenal going forward. A Bill Tuiloma brace and goals from Joe Bell, Chris Wood and Matt Garbett secured a 5-0 win over Solomon Islands at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Health Receives 7 Brand New Ambulances for the Provinces From Japan
On Tuesday this week, health excitingly and with great appreciation received seven (7) brand new Toyota land cruiser ambulances with all necessary medical equipment including oxygen concentrators, provided by the Government of Japan.
SIRUF Pens High Performance Partnership with SINIS
Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) takes up the leading role to sign the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance program’s through signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership deal today, Wednesday 30th March 2022.
Veil of Secrecy Defeats Friends to All Enemy to None Policy
The government has been quick to point to its foreign policy of ‘friends to all, enemy to none’ to explain its ongoing efforts to expand and diversify partners in the national security space.
Solomon Islands Football: "A Chance to Make History"
Solomon Islands national football team have a chance to create history when they take on Oceania heavyweights New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Oceania Qualifiers final in Doha on Thursday 31st March 2022.
COVID-19 Update: 373 New Cases Reported
373 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country over the past 72 hours reporting period.
New Zealand Supports Solomon Islands with COVID-19 Vaccines Through the COVAX Facility
Solomon Islands has received COVID-19 vaccines from the Government of New Zealand through the COVAX Facility – a partnership co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO), with UNICEF as the key delivery partner.
Omicron Variant Detected in Returning Passengers
Health Minister Dr. Culwick Togamana says 34 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in quarantine stations from returning passengers on repatriation flights, and says most are likely to be the Omicron variant.
RSIPF Officers Complete POM Training Conducted by China Police Liaison Team
Fourteen officers from Police Response Team (PRT) and Operational Safety Training (OST) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have completed the first Public Order Management (POM) training conducted by China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) on 25 March 2022 at Rove Police Headquarters.
The Important Role of Wellbeing & Lifestyle Development For Our Athletes
Wellbeing & Lifestyle goes beyond athlete’s physical performances. It provides the support to assist athletes in finding the right balance between life activities, training and competition along with the benefits of developing a dual career.
Sogavare Says Security Agreement with China Finalized
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the draft security agreement with China that was leaked to social media has been finalized.
Tourism Solomons Hits the ‘Virtual’ Road in Europe
The Solomon Islands border may still be closed but with the day when the country can re-join the rest of the world looming ever closer, Tourism Solomons has taken the front foot to make sure the country remains top of mind on the international tourism stage.
Second Fiji-Bound Flight Yet To Be Confirmed
The planned second repatriation flight to Fiji is yet to be confirmed despite earlier plans for the 30th of March.
Government Will Unveil Macroeconomic Plan
After taking a number of economic steps to keep the economy afloat during this COVID- 19 situation, the National Government has come up with a Fiscal and Macroeconomic Response Plan.
Australia Issues Statement on Solomon Islands
Australia has issued a joint statement from the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
Solomon Islands Through to the Finals After Defeating PNG 3-2
Solomon Islands Beats PNG to The Solomon Islands have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers final after a brace from Alvin Hou helped them win a 3-2 thriller v Papua New Guinea at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha.
Government Says it is Broadening its Security Cooperation With Other Countries
Solomon Islands is working to broaden its security and development cooperation with more countries. The approach taken by the country is in line with its 2020 National Security Strategy and the Country’s Foreign Policy of “Friends to all, enemies to none."
Australia and Solomon Islands working Together as a Pacific Family
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met with High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan on 23 March 2022 to discuss the ongoing partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.
State of Public Emergency (SOPE) Extended for 14 Days Pending Parliament Sitting
His Excellency the Governor General Sir David Vunagi proclaimed a State of Public Emergency (SOPE) exist for Solomon Islands. The declaration is made following recommendations from Cabinet.
Solomon Islands Gets Approval to Use Tocilizumab for Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Cases
Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana says the country has received approval for the use of Tocilizumab by the World Health Organization (WHO).
COVID-19 Update: 222 New Cases Recorded
The country has registered an additional 222 new positive COVID-19 cases over the past 48 hours. The cumulative total for the country now stands at 10,426.
Lea’i Nets Hat-trick Against Tahiti
Solomon Islands has topped Pool A after a strong performance against Tahiti, finishing the game 3-1.
Solomon Islands Signs Police Cooperation Agreement With China
Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Anthony Veke has commended the Governments of Solomon Islands (SI) and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for entering into a Memorandum of Understanding on Policing Cooperation.
Opposition Leader Says Cabinet Already Agreed to Extend Parliament
The Parliamentary Opposition Group has slammed the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) condemning them to stop ‘deceiving’ people in this country.
PRT Receives Protective Gear From AFP Policing Partnership
To protect police officers as they deliver services to the Solomon Islands community the Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership (RAPPP) Mission Commander Paul Osborne handed over a range of essential Public Order Management Personal Protection Equipment items to the Police Response Team (PRT).
Sports Institute Conducts First Tetiary Talent Identification Session
As part of its preparations for the Pacific Games 2023 the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) held its first Tertiary Talent Identification Testing session, conducted by the SINIS Talent Pathways Department.
Mothers and Babies at NRH Post Natal Ward Safe After Fire Scare
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) is investigating a fire incident that occurred at the hospital’s post-natal ward staff office late yesterday afternoon, that forced staff, caregivers, mothers and their babies to evacuate the ward.
Students Selection Process Fair: Education Ministry
Deputy Secretary Teaching and Learning, Ms. Linda Wate says the selection process for students is fair.
No Decision on Extension of Parliament Yet
The Solomon Islands Cabinet has not made any decision on the extension of parliament.
Solomon Islands Takes on Tahiti in World Cup 2022 Qualifiers
Solomon Islands will come up against Tahiti at the Al-Arabi Stadium, with the two sides battling it out in World Cup 2022 qualifying.
Police Gear Up in Preparation For Upcoming Parliament Meeting
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Island Assistance Force (SIAF) gear up in riot equipment for the scheduled resumption of Parliament meeting next week.
Foreigner Charged For Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at the Sexual Assault Unit at the Rove Police Headquarters have arrested and charged a Foreign National for sexual intercourse with a girl under 18-years at an unknown date on month of July 2021.
Kenilorea Raises Concerns Over Separate Police Trainings
Chairman for Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee and Opposition MP Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr said the Government should be concerned that our police has been trained by two different security partners.
Minister for Women Congratulates the Country's First Female Premier
Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Hon. Freda Rangirei Rotutafi congratulates the country’s first female provincial premier Hon. Rhoda Sikilabu of Isabel Province.
COVID-19 Positive Cases Surpass 10,000
Cumulative cases of Positive COVID-19 cases in the country have surpassed the 10,000 mark, while deaths resulting from COVID-19 has now reached 128.
Police Display Replica Firearms Refuting Media Reports
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) would like to refute an ongoing media publication on recent consignment of alleged gun shipments into the country donated by Peoples Republic of China for RSIPF Training purposes.
Opposition Leader Congratulates Isabel’s New Premier
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has congratulated the new premier of Isabel province Hon Rhoda Sikilabu.
Opposition Leader Slams PM's Request for PNG Forces to Return for Budget Sitting
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has lashed out at the Prime Minister following claims he requested PNG police force’s return to provide security for the upcoming Budget Sitting.
Why Are Authorities Tightlipped Over Gun Shipment?
Chairman for Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee and Opposition MP Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr says he is concerned that authorities might be tightlipped over facts related to the guns shipment.
Biggest Hydro Power Project in Solomon Islands Progressing Well
Work on the Tina River Hydropower Project in Solomon Islands is said to be progressing well despite the country’s war against COVID-19 community transmission.
NGOs Object Government’s Plan to Extend Life of Parliament
Development Services Exchange (DSE) strongly oppose the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement’s (DCGA) proposal for the extension of parliament term from four to five years in order to accommodate the Pacific Games.
SICCI Acknowledges Frontliners and Commends Easing of Restrictions
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), on behalf of the business community and the Solomon Islands private sector extends its sincere appreciation to the hardworking health workers, police officers and all the front liners including the Australian Medical Team (AUSMAT) and other foreign-deployed teams.
Prince Tahunipue Living the World Cup Dream
Everybody indeed needs a second chance in life and that’s what happened to Solomon Islands national team left-back Prince Tahunipue who was in tears when his name was not on the 30-man squad list last year.
Solomon Islands Will Advance to Knockout Stage of World Cup Qualifiers
The Solomon Islands national football squad will advance to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers as Vanuatu pulls out of the competition due to COVID-19.
We Are An Independent Organisation: Mangau
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mr Mostyn Mangau would like to clarify that RSIPF is an independent organisation and is not taking directives from the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) as mentioned by Mr Knoxly Atu on Solomon Star newspaper published on 20 March 2022.
Economic Stimulus Package Report to be Published Soon
A report on the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) will be released soon, says the Finance Permanent Secretary, Mr. McKinnie Dentana.
More than 80 Solomon Islands Students Heading to China Today
More than 80 Solomon Islanders are leaving for China today under the PRC Education scholarship program.
Karate Begins High-Performance Training
Solomon Islands Karate Federation (SIKF) has taken a significant step forward in terms of martial art development.
Sol2023 Engages With Local Security Firms
The Sol2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee (GOC) will be looking at lifting the standard of Security Firms in the Solomon Islands as part of preparations to host the Pacific region’s biggest sporting event in Honiara in 2023.
Pacific Trials New High Tech Tools in Response to Illegal Fishing
Pacific Island Forum Fisheries is building on its high tech response to illegal and unreported fishing with new tools being trialed to complement its existing suite of monitoring, control and surveillance tools.
Government’s Economic Policy Misguided Says Opposition Leader
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has described the government’s economic policy as “misguided and very juvenile.”
Games Administrators Quells Scepticism on Management of Funds
Despite the government’s optimism for a memorable Pacific Games, there is clearly scepticism in how Solomon Islands will handle the games administrative matters including the upkeep of the facilities.
COVID-19 Update: 258 New Cases
Solomon Islands has recorded 258 new COVID-19 cases over the past 48 hours. The cumulative total COVID-19 cases for the country since the outbreak now stands at 9,758.
Solomon Islands Registers First Win in World Cup Qualifiers
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Oceania Qualifiers are underway in Doha, with the Solomon Islands beating the Cook Islands by 2-0. First half goals by Atkin Kaua and Alvin Hou were enough to seal victory, as international football made a welcome return to the OFC.
Opposition Calls on Government to be Sensitive and Acknowledge Peoples Views
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale is calling on the government to be sensible, sensitive and to acknowledge the views of the people.
Four Commissioners to the Political Parties Commission Sworn in
Four Commissioners to the Political Parties Commission were sworn-in by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi at Government House this morning.
SIG and UN Hold Joint Steeting Committee Meeting
The Solomon Islands Government, and the United Nations (UN) jointly hosted the first Joint Steering Committee meeting to discuss the implementation of their joint work in the Solomon Islands, strategic partnerships moving forward, and financing opportunities on Wednesday 16 March.
NHA Supports Capacity Building of National Sports Council
The National Hosting Authority (NHA) has extended its arm to support the capacity building of the National Sports Council (NSC) as the main body established by the Solomon Islands Government purposely to support the development of sports in the country.
Solomon Islands Set to Open 2022 World Cup Qualifiers Campaign Against Cook Islands
The Grand Hamad Stadium is set to host a historic first-ever Oceania qualifier outside of the Oceania region as Solomon Islands and Cook Islands get the FIFA World Cup 2022 Oceania qualifiers underway in the Group A opener on Thursday local time in Doha, Qatar.
The Company Behind Dubai’s Smart City Initiative Engages Virtually With Government Officials
Mr. Victor Polovyan of Nova Reality and Terminus Al City has taken the opportunity provided by the Solomon Islands Expo 2020 Pavilion to engage virtually with various Senior government officials including relevant stakeholders from the Solomon Islands in their bid to introduce the ‘Smart City Initiative’ to the Happy Isles.
Repatriation Flight for Nationals in Fiji Scheduled for 30th March 2022
With Solomon Islands Government approval and subject to Fiji regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines has scheduled a second repatriation flight for 2022, to operate between Nadi and Honiara on Wednesday 30 March, 2022.
Cabinet Defends Proposed Extension of Parliament
Cabinet has defended its plan to extend the current term of parliament to five years.
PM Touting Rumours of Another Riot Alarming: Opposition
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale says it is alarming that the Prime Minister is peddling rumours about a repeat of the 2021 November riots.
Police Prepare for Upcoming Sitting of Parliament
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Solomon Island Assistance Force (SIAF) undergo preparation for the scheduled resumption of Parliament for this year 2022.
Police Minister Launches PRC Police Liaison Team Training Program With RSIPF
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Honourable Anthony Veke has officially launched People’s Republic of China (PRC) Police Liaison Team training program with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) this morning at the Rove Police Headquarters.
World Cup Qualifiers Will Be Live on TV
The World Cup Qualifiers in Qatar for the Oceania region will be televised live on Telekom's TTV.
All Domestic Passenger Flights Resume After Government Approval
Solomon Airlines has confirmed that following approval from the relevant Solomon Islands Government Oversight Committees, effective immediately, the airline can again start accepting passengers and taking bookings for flights between Honiara and the Provinces.
COVID-19 Update: 465 New Cases Recorded
The Solomon Islands has recorded 465 new cases of COVID-19 over a 72-hour reporting period.
People’s Views Must be Honored and Treated With Respect: Kenilorea
Opposition Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr says people’s views must be honored and treated with respect.
Opposition Says It Will Not Support Government Plans to Extend Parliament
The Parliamentary Opposition Group will not support any move by the Government to extend the life of Parliament from 4 to 5 years.
Three Co-accused Interviewed in Case Against MP for North East Guadalcanal and Her Husband
The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have interviewed three co-accused yesterday 11 March 2022, in relation to the 2019 National General Election offences.
CBSI Maintains Expansionary Monetary Policy As Economic Uncertainty Looms
Based on recent assessments of economic conditions and outlook, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Board in its meeting on 10th March 2022 deemed it appropriate to maintain an expansionary monetary policy for the next six months to ensure an incipient recovery takes hold.
RAPPP Partnership Strentghen Police Infrastructure
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) commenced in July 2021.
Kenilorea Says Government Plans to Extend Parliament ‘Fundamentally Flawed’
Opposition Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr has described proposed plans by the government to extend Parliament as ‘fundamentally flawed’.
Prime Minister Sogavare Condemns Rumours of Further Unrest
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has condemned rumours circulating that there will be a possible repeat of the unlawful actions that took place last November.
Government Confident in Delivering Pacific Games 2023 Despite COVID Challenges
The Solomon Islands Government is confident to deliver the 2023 Pacific Games as scheduled regardless of the challenges generated by COVID-19 in the country.
Ambassador McKee Provides Update on US Sanctions Against Russia
As the world watches as the situation between Russia and Ukraine unfolds, the US has announced plans to cripple Russia’s financial sector.
Solomon Islands Football Squad Head to Qatar
The Solomon Islands national football team departs Brisbane today headed for Qatar for the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.
445,384 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Date
There has been a notable increase in vaccination numbers after the COVID-19 community outbreak was first detected in Honiara and in the provinces.
COVID-19 Update: 362 Positive Cases Recorded
The country has recorded an additional 362 positive cases over the past 48 hours.
Australia's Head of DFAT Pacific Department Visits Solomon Islands
Australia’s Head of the Pacific in Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has visited the Solomon Islands to reaffirm the two countries’ ongoing partnership.
Pacific Games Organizing Committee Holds Initial Discussions with City Council
The Sol2023 Games Organizing Committee (GOC) held a meeting with representative of the Honiara City Council (HCC) on Monday 7th March 2022 to have initial discussions on how the two organizations can align their operations in preparation for the hosting of the region’s biggest sporting event in 2023.
Schools Could Re-open As Early As April
The COVID 19 Oversight Committee is currently reviewing the ‘School Reopening Guideline’ with the target to slowly reopen schools by April.
25 Graduate Doctors Joins NRH Medical Team as Interns
25 graduate doctors will join the National Referral Hospital, boosting health delivery services at the country's main hospital.
Sports Federations Encouraged to Practice Good Governance
As part of the legacy benefits of the 2023 Pacific Games, the Games Organizing Committee (GOC) is encouraging National Sport Federations (NSFs) to strengthen their governance and capabilities in preparation for 2023 and beyond.
Health Minister Visits National Referral Hospital
Health Minister Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil and officials from the Ministry of Health together with Senior Management of the National Referral Hospital, yesterday held an onsite discussion around NRH COVID-19 response and COVID-19 patient care at the NRH Golden Ward.
Government Applauds Women's Role in Our Country
The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) conveys heartfelt congratulations to all women and girls throughout the country on International Women’s Day this week.
Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program to Build Six Provincial Markets
Australia’s flagship Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) has agreed to fast track redevelopment of six markets across Malaita, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Isabel and Western Province, improve provincial ports and launch a new SIIP website.
Tourism Solomons’ Women ‘Break the Bias’ on International Women’s Day
This year the theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Break The Bias’, the theme calls for a gender free world, a world that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Celebration of the day remains significant for all women in the Solomons.
Statement by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on International Women's Day
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women and girls everywhere.
COVID-19 Update: 124 New Cases Recorded
The country has recorded an additional 124 positive cases of COVID-19.
A Current and Former MP Interviewed by Police for Bribery
Police have interviewed the current MP and former MP for North East Guadalcanal Constituency over bribery allegations during the 2019 national general elections.
CAUSE Project Engage Four Contractors to do Road Rehabilitation in Honiara
Sixty-eight unsealed tertiary roads in Honiara and outside the town boundary will be restored and routinely maintained for 12 months in the coming weeks.
RSIPF Contingent in Australia Train on Daniel's Defense 5.56mm Rifle
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) contingent in Brisbane Australia participated in Daniels Defense 5.56 mm Rifle Instructor Qualifying Program during the week ending Friday 4 March 2022.
Vanuatu Impose Lockdown After First COVID-19 Detected in the Community
Vanuatu's main island Efate, and its surrounding islands, are in lockdown after the country's first COVID-19 case was detected in the community.
Exam Results Ready This Week
The much anticipated 2021 examination Results for Year 9,11 & 12 will be ready by March 8th 2022.
SolTuna Hits The Shelves in the Emirates
Solomon Islands renowned Tuna products, SolTuna is making a big breakthrough into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market following aggressive promotions at the Dubai Expo 2020.
International Women’s Day: FFA Bolsters Support for Women in Fisheries
As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency announced today it is recruiting a specialist advisor to strengthen its capacity in gender and social inclusion. This is a new position within FFA and reports directly to the Director General.
Curfew and Restricted Entry to Honiara Emergency Zone Lifted
Curfew for the Honiara emergency zone, including the restriction of entry into the Honiara boundary, have been lifted and now cease to exist.
Opposition Slams Government's Claim it Has Reversed Community Transmission
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has slammed media reports that the government has turned around the community transmission within 5 weeks as ‘misleading and outrageous.'
