Latest News Archive August 2022
100 articles
Government Suspends Entry For All Foreign Navy Ships
The Solomon Islands has suspended entry into its waters for foreign navy ships pending adoption of a new process for approval of port visits, the Prime Minister's office said on Tuesday, in a bid to better police its exclusive economic zones.
Australia Supports Report on Impact of Climate Change on People with Disability
Climate change impacts us all, especially those of us who are most vulnerable. Better understanding climate change and the impact it has on persons with disabilities across the Pacific is crucial to ensuring disability-inclusive climate action.
Beche-de-mer Harvesting Will Close on 1st September 2022
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) wish to inform the public that the opening season of beche-de-mer fishery will end on 1st September 2022.
47 Days at Sea: “The Hand of God Saved Me”
I was saved by God is the emotional confession from a 58-year-old survivor from Solomon Islands Webster Malefo Anisi who went missing at sea for 47 days.
Sogavare Says Delays in Approval Prevented Naval Boats from Docking
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has clarified some misinformation currently carried on international media about the visit by the US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry and HMS Spey.
Former SPG Gold Medalist Mentors Young Boxers
South Pacific Games (SPG) Tahiti, 1995 Gold Medalist Timothy Soe is one of the trusted mentors to lead in supporting young and current boxers under the Solomon Islands Amateur Boxing Association (SIABA) - as he eyes a new term with the sport towards 2023 Pacific Games.
Dash-8 Set to Resume Service
Solomon Airlines will ramp up domestic operations across Solomon Islands from October following the return of the airline’s Dash-8 aircraft next month.
King of Rugby 7s Offers Support to Solomon Islands Rugby
The King of Rugby 7s, Waisale Tikoisolomone Serevi met Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare during a courtesy visit yesterday morning.
RSIPF and SIAF Continue Preparations for Upcoming Parliament Sitting
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) continue their preparations for the upcoming sitting of Parliament.
Wale says Serevi 'an Inspiration for Sports Men and Women'
The Solomon Islands Opposition Leader, Hon Matthew Wale has described the renowned world ‘king of 7s’ Waisale Serevi as an ‘inspiration for sports men and women in the pacific’.
Ba Opens Accommodation for Women's Market Vendors
Women market vendors shared joy over the newly renovated Ba women’s accommodation centre, officially opened last week by Fiji’s Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts and Local Government, Hon Premila Kumar.
Ngoliana Community Improves Sanitation Faclities
Ngoliana Community in Northeast Malaita, Solomon Islands is restoring its mangrove forests and increasing access to improved sanitation facilities through the construction of 18 flush toilet facilities.
RSIPF Working with the Community to Prevent Unlawful Activities
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are working with communities to build strong relationships to help maintain peace and security and prevent unlawful activities.
Government Blocks US Coast Guard Port Entry
A US Coast Guard cutter was unable to get clearance for a scheduled port call in the Solomon Islands as concerns grow about China's influence on the Pacific nation.
Nationwide Consultation on Constituency Development Policy Commences
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has commenced its nationwide consultation on the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy (CD).
US Senator Blackburn Pays Courtesy Visit to Sogavare
A United States Government delegation led by Senator Marsha Blackburn made a courtesy visit to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara yesterday.
The Future is Green
The Foirobo Tribe Biodiversity Conservation Association (FTBCA) in the Baegu region of North East Malaita launched its conservation project supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme.
Solomon Airlines Suspends Flights to Lata
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the airline has regrettably ceased all flights to Lata effective immediately due to the deteriorating condition of the runway.
Touch Rugby Name Women’s Squad
Touch Rugby Association Solomon Islands announced 18 female athletes for the women’s touch rugby national squad to begin High-Performance training.
USAID Launches Five-Year Strategy for Pacific Islands
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the launch of its five-year (2022-2027) Pacific Islands Strategic Framework that will guide the Agency’s work in 12 Pacific Island countries. The strategy supports the U.S. government’s goal to promote a free and open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific.
E-Commerce Allows Small and Medium Enterprises to Access New Markets
E-Commerce once fully rolled out in the country will allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access new markets regionally and internationally with much ease.
Critical Drugs for Asthmatic Patients Arrives
The current flu outbreak has stretched not only medical personnel but also critical drug supplies for chronic illnesses such as asthma.
Health Stocking up on Medical Supplies, Urges Public Not to Panic
The Ministry of Health and Medical services says it is still in the process of releasing containers at the Solomon Ports and stocking up on medical supplies to health facilities in the country, including the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
New Kwaiafa Bridge in East Malaita Opens
A new Kwaiafa bridge in Ward 15 of East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has officially opened to traffic Friday last week (19th August 2022) replacing the old structure that was broken-down for over 20 years.
1,667 International Arrivals in Second Quarter of 2022
The National Statistics Office has recorded a total of 1,667 international arrivals in the second quarter of this year.
PM's Increasing Disregard for an Independent Media: Wale
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has described Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare as a person with extreme ‘paranoia' following reports that he instructed government officials to summon the Australian High Commission Office over a Four Corners program aired on ABC TV recently.
Minister Planning in Washington DC to Discuss Development Programs
Solomon Islands Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon Rexon Ramofafia was in Washington DC last week to discuss the progress of several programs supported by the United States Government.
Health Minister Attends the 6th Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health in Seoul
Health Minister Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana along with Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, in his capacity as a parliamentarian and the Deputy Secretary for Health Care Dr. Gregory Jilini have left for Seoul where they will participate in the 6th Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) which starts on the 24th August 2022.
Head of UNICEF Pacific Meets Sogavare
The new United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF’s Pacific representative Mr. Jonathan Veitch has been formally introduced to Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.
Solomon Islands Powerlifting Signs MOU With SINIS and NSC
Powerlifting SI has reached the agreement and requirement to finally sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SINIS and the National Sports Council (NSC).
ABC Film Crew Documents Solomon Islands Athletes
A film crew from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) are currently here in Honiara documenting for 'THAT PACIFIC SPORTS SHOW.'
PM Sogavare Welcome H.E Pedro Rodrigues Da Silva
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare today welcome the Ambassador of Portugal, His Excellency Pedro Rodrigues Da Silva into the country.
French Polynesia Re-affirms Commitment to Improving Regional Tourism
Recognition of the importance of regional sustainable tourism cohesion in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic was the motivating factor behind French Polynesia’s endorsement of the Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment this past week.
Four Arrested in Relation to Murder at Vara Creek
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Central Police Station re-arrested four suspects in relation to a murder incident at Vara Creek recently.
Government Pushes Ahead With 161 Telecom Towers USD$66 Million Loan
The Government has confirmed that the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project or SINBIP for the construction of up to 161 towers has been progressed with the recent signing of a contracting agreement with the vendor and contractor, Huawei/China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.
Proposed Reform Looks at Holding Provincial and National Elections on the Same Day
The Solomon Islands electoral commission (SIEC) are working on a proposed electoral reform that will see both the provincial and national elections being held on the same day.
72% of Emergency Department Admissions Have Respitory Problems
The current influenza outbreak in Honiara has seen an influx in patients being referred to the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Identification and Disposal of UXOs is Part of PAU Project
News of a large number of Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) detected at the Taro airfield in Choiseul Province is part of activities under the Provincial Airfield Upgrades (PAU) project the government of New Zealand, Australia and Solomon Islands are jointly implementing.
MRD M&E Team Assess Projects in Central Makira
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team were welcomed in Central Makira Constituency (CMC) and received overwhelming support from the rural populace in ward 11.
Pacific Exporters to Showcase Products at Exhibition in Australia
The southern hemisphere’s leading trade exhibition for the food, hospitality, and retail industries will be held from September 5 – 8 this year, providing exporters from across the Pacific region a platform to showcase their premium products.
Police Investigates Death of Young Man
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident in the Kukum area, in Honiara, that resulted in the death of a young person on Tuesday 9 August 2022.
Health Minister Declares Outbreak of Viral Respiratory Illnesses
The Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana has declared that there is now an outbreak of Viral Respiratory Illnesses (VRI) in Honiara and Malaita.
SINIS Supports Para Sports Buildup for 2023 Pacific Games
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) continue to support the development of Para Sports and its buildup preparations for the 2023 Pacific Games.
New Look Kurukuru Squad Back in Training
The Solomon Islands national futsal team, the Kurukuru, are hard at training in preparation for the upcoming OFC Futsal Cup 2022 to be held in Suva, Fiji, next month.
British Council Brings New UK Music Through Paoa FM to Honiara
The British Council together with the British High Commission in Honiara and local radio station, Paoa FM are bringing new UK Music to Solomon Islands.
RSIPF Wagina Police Station Officially Opened
The Minister responsible for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Hon. Anthony Veke, has officially opened the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Wagina Police Station in Choiseul Province on Friday 5th, August 2022.
Government Allocates SBD$125M to Assist Businesses Affected by November Riots
The government has confirmed that an amount of SBD$125 million has been allocated to assist businesses affected by the 2021 November riots.
Registration of Voters in Western and Choiseul Provinces Nears Completion
Registration of voters currently undertaken in and for the provinces of Western and Choiseul is nearing its completion.
Australia Supports Health With SBD$2.3M to Fight Measles and Rubella
Australia says it will provide responsive support to the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to roll out a nationwide Measles and Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity.
SBD$5M Worth of Projects Shipped to Lau/Mbaelelea
A total of SBD$5 million worth of projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme of the government were shipped to Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency by their Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture Hon. Augustine Auga last week Friday.
Teachers Strengthen Capacity to be Ready for Tsunami
The UN Development Programme, in partnership with Japan and the Solomon Islands local agencies, trained a total of 113 schoolteachers (58% male and 43% female) from 13 schools in the Western Province to be ready for disasters.
Pacific Flavors to Showcase at Top Australian Trade Show
Exporters from across the Pacific region are readying to showcase their premium products and unique Pacific flavor at Fine Food Australia, the southern hemisphere’s leading trade exhibition for the food, hospitality, and retail industries, from September 5 – 8 this year.
APTC Opens New Training Rooms
Australia is boosting its labor mobility program in the Pacific with the help of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Australia’s technical and vocational training program.
SINIS Take Delivery of Sports Equipment
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) continue to deliver through the ongoing support from the Solomon Islands Government to acquire more training equipment to support National Federations in the country.
Solomon Islands and Samoa Move Up FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Rankings
Following the third and fourth play-off at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2022, there’s plenty more to celebrate for the Solomon Islands and Samoa who were included in the biggest movements made in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World rankings.
Six Candidates to Contest West Kwaio By-election
A total of six candidates have been nominated for the West Kwaio by-election after the closure of the 7 days nomination period yesterday.
40-Year-Old Charged With Rape
A 40-year-old has been arrested and charged for allegedly raping two girls ages 10 and 11.
RSIPF Officers Headed to Australia on Exchange Program With AFP
Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers have travelled to Australia to participate in the ‘AFP & RSIPF Exchange 1/2022’ program with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Win Win’s Attempted Gold Smuggling and Tax Evasion Settled: Kuma
The Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma has revealed that the attempted gold smuggling and tax evasion by Win Win company has been settled administratively.
Sogavare Congratulates Marape On His Re-election As PNG Prime Minister
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare formally congratulates Hon. James Marape on his resounding victory in being elected unopposed as the ninth Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
Health Prepares to Fight Scabies Through a Mass Drug Administration Campaign
The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) is planning a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign for scabies in Honiara.
Kabui Says Misinformation Dominates Discussions on Deferral of Elections
Ongoing misinformation by anti-government groups and individuals on the proposed one-off deferral of the 2023 election have effectively confused and disturbed ordinary citizens, especially, those in rural areas.
SIAF, RSIPF Patrol Deepen Engagement With Community
As part of their ongoing community engagement, the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) conducted a joint foot patrol at Koa Hill community in Central Honiara last week.
Central Coast FC Through to Semi-finals, Defeating Lae City FC 3-2
Central Coast FC of the Solomon Islands are through to the semi-finals of the OFC Champions League 2022 for the first time after edging a five-goal thriller over Papua New Guinea’s Lae City FC at Ngahue Reserve in Auckland.
Increase in Influenza Like Illness Not COVID-19
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is receiving increasing number of reports of Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) from the NRH and other health facilities in Honiara and Malaita.
PIFS and FIFA Put Climate Partnership into Action
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and FIFA have jointly launched a 12-month plan to implement the climate change partnership they signed in April and turn commitment into concrete climate action.
Bill to Delay Elections Reportedly Submitted to Parliament
Leader of the Opposition Mathew Wale has taken to Twitter to confirm that the bill to delay elections has been submitted to Parliament.
Japan, US and Solomon Islands Conduct Joint Drill
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) said Tuesday it has conducted its first joint drill with Solomon Islands maritime police. They were also joined by the U.S. Navy's littoral combat ship Oakland.
Japan Increases Grant Funding for COVID-19 Support
The Governments of Solomon Islands and Japan on Sunday 7th August 2022, signed the Exchange of Notes for Japanese grant aid under the Social and Economic Program of Japan for an approximate 200 million Yen, which is equivalent to SBD$10.9 million.
RSIPF Officers Attend Sexual Offense Training
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers attended a sexual offence training at the Rove Academy last Friday.
Australia to Support Pacific Games 2023 With SBD$100M
The Australian Government will donate more than $A16.5 million, or nearly $SBD100 million, for the Pacific Games.
Wale Slams PM’s Absence at the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal
Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has discredited the reasons given for the Prime Minister’s absence during the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal (G80).
Police Investigates Stabbing of Japanese Media Personnel at Bloody Ridge
The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into an incident, which occurred at the commemoration ceremony of the 80th Anniversary of the battle on Guadalcanal at bloody ridge on Monday 8 August.
Premier Sade Condemns Violent Act Against Japanese Media Personal
The Premier of Guadalcanal, Honorable Francis Sade, has strongly condemns the unfortunate incident which involved a local stabbing a Japanese Navy during the 80th World War II Remembrance Ceremony at Bloody Ridge National Park today morning.
Guadalcanal Battle Commemoration Marred by Stabbing of Japanese Military Man
The 80th Guadalcanal battle commemoration was marred by the stabbing of a Japanese military man at the bloody ride, East Honiara.
PM Raises Several Development Issues with Visiting US Deputy Secretary of State
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare received a US Government delegation on Sunday led by the Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman.
Japan and U.S. Vow to Enhance Ties with Solomon Islands Amid China Clout
Senior government and military officials from Japan and the United States on Sunday vowed to strengthen cooperation with the Solomon Islands amid increasing Chinese influence, as they gathered in the capital Honiara to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal.
Crowd Cheers on Rosefelo at the Commonwealth Games Despite Finishing Last
On Saturday, the packed Alexander Stadium here cheered Rosefelo Siosi of the Solomon Islands at the Commonwealth Games as he completed the Men’s 5000m race in 17 minutes 28.93s seconds, more than four minutes after Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the gold medal.
Boosting US-Pacific Ties a Priority, says Top US diplomat During WWII Memorial Visit
Strengthening ties with the Pacific is a priority for the Biden administration, says a top US diplomat, while warning the region faces a struggle from countries that seek to coerce and pressure the Pacific Islands family.
Former Prime Minister Ezekiel Alebua Dies
Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Guadalcanal Province Premier, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Alebua, passed away last night, Sunday, 7th August 2022 at 10:26pm at Haimatua, his home village on the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal.
Central Coast Fights Back Beating Galaxy FC 3-1
Solomon Islands representatives Central Coast FC have fought back from a goal down to pick up a 3-1 OFC Champions League 2022 win over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC at an overcast Ngahue Reserve in Auckland, New Zealand.
SBD$100,000 Sponsorship Deal Sealed: Solrais Continues Support for Women’s Premier League
The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and Solrais signed a new contract worth SBD$100,000 for the sponsorship of the Solrais Women's Premier League 2022 season.
Australia Supports Skills Training at Don Bosco Technical Institute and Don Bosco Tetere Rural Training Centre
The Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) at Henderson and Don Bosco Tetere Rural Training Centre (DBTC) were supported with vehicles, tools and equipment as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the Solomon Islands Skills Strengthening project.
UK’s Top Scuba Dive Magazine Highlights Munda in the Western Province
Considered one of the UK’s leading scuba diving magazines Scuba Diver Mag has just highlighted Munda in its latest online edition.
Kiribati Welcomes First Commercial Flight Since Border Lockdown
Tarawa, Kiribati yesterday was in celebration mode as the island converged at Bonriki International Airport to welcome the country’s first commercial flight, 2 ½ years since COVID-19 border lockdown.
Wale Raises Serious Concerns Over Tax Evasion and Non-Compliance Issues
Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has raised serious concerns over non-compliance and tax evasion in our country’s economy.
Australia Partners with Government and UNDP to Boost Weather Reporting Capacity
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) is the responsible Government office for issuing weather updates and early warning information for most natural hazards such as tsunamis, cyclones, flooding, heavy rainfall, and other potential disasters.
Tahiti’s AS Venus Defeats Central Coast 3-0
Solomon Islands OFC Champions League 2022 representative Central Coast FC have started their campaign with a loss to Tahiti’s AS Venus.
RSIPF Officers Better Equipped to Combat Transnational Crime
Four officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have boosted their skills in drug and digital forensics after completing the Forensic Phase Two Instrument Training, delivered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
SOLO on a Provincial Tour Drumming Up Support for Pacific Games 2023
The Pacific Games 2023 mascot, affectionately named SOLO, is on a provincial tour, drumming up support and spreading the spirit of the upcoming Pacific Games.
Government Says It Will Take Cautious Approach to Deep Sea Mining
The government says it will take a cautious approach when it come to any future approvals for deep sea mining projects in the country.
Solomon Visit Also of Personal Significance
The weekend will see a high-level US delegation travel to the Solomon Islands to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal.
MRD Embarks on First Ever Rural Development Policy
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is currently working on developing the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy.
Wale Lashes Out at PMs Decision to Control SIBC
The Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale has lashed out at the Prime Minister’s decision to remove the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) as a State Owned Enterprise (SOE).
Health Supplies Finally Arrive
Much needed health supplies have arrived in country, with the Ministry of Health working hard to release the containers urgently, first two was released yesterday.
Pacific Exporters Speak on State of Industry
Last week saw exporters from across the Pacific gather at an event hosted by Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia and Griffith Asia Institute, to speak on the realities, opportunities, and challenges of trading amid the region.
Solomon Islands to Participate in Inaugural Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022
History will be made for the Solomon Islands, as athletes with an intellectual impairment prepare to represent the country for the first time at the Inaugural Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane, Australia on 12 November 2022.
How an Island Within Solomon Islands is Attracting International Attention Yet Again
The secretly negotiated and signed Solomon Islands – China security agreement made international headlines recently, the crux of such concerns is the possibility that China will use the agreement to put a military base in the country.
40 Schools Receive Much Needed Funds for Sports
In his recent visit to SINIS, the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has donated SBD$10,000 each to 40 schools that participated in the 2021 National Secondary School Games (NSSG).
War on Media Freedom Misguided: PMO
The Prime Minister's office (PMO) has accused local media of being involved in a “War on media Freedom” that is misguided, unethical and simply unprofessional.
