Latest News Archive June 2023
97 articles
Hydrographic Survey Begins in Noro
A hydrographic survey in Noro and the adjacent sea area is currently being conducted under the JICA’s Technical Cooperation project for Development Planning.
Work on Access Roads to the Tina Hydropower Sites Progressing Well
Construction works on the access roads to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) dam site (Lot 2-2) and power station (Lot 3-1) is progressing, despite initial delays which included clearance of the final set of Construction Environment & Social Management Plans (C-ESMPs), difficult terrain conditions and bad weather.
Sogavare and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Hold Successful Meeting
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP had a successful bilateral meeting with the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles.
Solomon Airlines Launches Children's Charity Project
Solomon Airlines has launched the LAEFLAEN “Wings of Change” Children's charity project.
Drafting Instructions for New CDF Law Ready for Submission
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is preparing to submit ‘Drafting Instructions’ to the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) for the conception of a new regulation to govern the administration of Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
National Climate Change Policy Review Concluded
The Climate Change Division with support from the Pacific Adaptation to Climate and Resilience Building (PACRES) and the World Bank have completed the National Stakeholders Consultation for the review of the Solomon Islands National Climate Change Policy.
Kurukuru Prepare for Friendlies Against Futsalroos
The Solomon Islands national futsal team is gearing up for an exciting series of friendly matches against the Futsalroos, the Australia national futsal team.
Ministry of Lands Delegation Visit Makira
A delegation from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey is visiting Makira Ulawa Province at the invitation of the Provincial Government to discuss key MUPG land reform policies and local planning scheme for the Kirakira and Huro stations.
Labor Mobility Scheme Celebrates Milestone
Solomon Islands has reached a record number of workers sent to Australia and New Zealand under the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme and the Recognized Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE).
Solomons and Japan Sign Grant Assistance to Improve Kiluúfi Hospital
The Governments of Solomon Islands and Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for a project to implement the expansion and improvement of the Kilu’ufi hospital on Malaita Province.
Fiji Airways Gets Global Recognition
Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Carrier has been recognized as the Skytrax Best Airline in Australia & the Pacific at the prestigious 2023 World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show this week.
Health Responds to “Blood Supply Crisis”
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has released a statement to reassure the public over the “Blood Supply Crisis” raised through various media platforms.
Solomons Ratifies the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Solomon Islands as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 23rd of September 2008, officially deposited the Instrument of Ratification to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 22nd of June 2023.
The Job Shop Looks to Recruit Workers
Australian Company, The Job Shop was in the Solomon Islands last week to recruit workers to pick Mangoes on the Northern Territory in Australia.
Opposition Leader Commends Investigations into COVID-19 Funds
The Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has applauded the Commissioner of Police for initiating investigations into the report of the audit of COVID-19 funds.
Solomon Islands Defeats Tahiti 1-0
The Solomon Islands have struck first in Group C of the OFC Women’s U-19 Championship 2023 following a 1-0 victory over Tahiti at HFC Bank Stadium in Fiji.
Six People Rescued at Sea
This week, officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) rescued six people who drifted at sea between Kolobangara and Choiseul.
World Bank Team Visits Suava Bay and Auki
The World Bank Implementation support mission team to the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project recently paid a visit to the Auki and Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre.
Prime Minister Addresses SIFF Congress
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare MP, was the chief guest at the recent Solomon Islands Football Federation Congress.
Australian Employers Hold Consultations with Government
A team from the Approved Employers of Australia are currently in Honiara as part of consultations with the Solomon Islands government.
Solomon Airlines Opens Auckland Route
Solomon Airlines has now established a codeshare agreement with neighbouring Air Vanuatu, enabling both airlines to sell seats on a new flight between Port Vila and Auckland.
West Guadalcanal Constituency Receive Transport to Boost Economic Activity
Farmers and constituents of West Guadalcanal Constituency (WGC) are set to benefit from a 1.2 million transport initiative funded by the government through the constituency office under the leadership of Hon. Anthony Veke.
Fisheries Ministry Conduct Training in Malaita
A team from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) are in Auki, Malaita Province to conduct a refresher training for seconded fisheries officers attached to the provincial government.
Netball Federation Concludes Successful Workshop
Mrs. Nicola Jones, the Technical Delegate for Netball, recently visited the country to evaluate the Netball facilities and train representatives from the Solomon Islands National Netball Federation (SINFED) as bench officials for the games.
Creative and Production Team for Games Announced
The Wait Is Over - The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) is pleased to officially announce the Sol2023 Pacific Games Ceremonies Creative and Production Team.
Pope Francis Appoints Most Rev. Peter Houhou as Bishop of Gizo Diocese
His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed H.E. Most Rev. Peter Houhou as the current Bishop of the Diocese of Auki and as the successor of Rev. Luciano Capelli to the Diocese of Gizo.
PAU Offers Partnership with Government
Papua New Guinea based Pacific Adventist University (PAU) a tertiary institution operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church has offered collaboration and partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.
MSG Workshop Shines Light on Kava Export
A two days National workshop on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Green Trade Project and the Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE) Programme on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and International Trade Promotions is currently underway in Honiara.
Upgrades to Henderson Runway to Commence Soon
The Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, with support from the World Bank, is set to begin upgrades for the Honiara International Airport runway.
CBSI Collaborates with Commonwealth to Enhance Debt Management
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) along with the Commonwealth Secretariate successfully completed a week-long workshop focused on improving Solomon Islands debt management in terms of the processes and systems currently used in the country.
SPBD Celebrates Significant Milestone
SPBD Microfinance, the leading microfinance network dedicated to empowering women microentrepreneurs across the South Pacific, proudly announces a significant milestone in its journey.
Sir Vunagi Commends Government Efforts Against Covid 19
The Governor General Sir David Vunagi has commended the National Government and its front line workers for ensuring the country remains safe and afloat regardless of the onslaught of COVID-19 in the past three years.
Solomon Islands Unable to Defend Early Lead Against Stronger Malaysia
Solomon Islands national team put early pressure on Malaysia, but ended up suffering a defeat by the scoreline of 4-1 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in its first friendly match in Asian soil since 2019.
SICCI to Support 40 Youths with Internship Programme
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has the potential to play a role in facilitating internships for aspiring youths who are potential employees to its business members through the Pacific Youth Engagement, Empowerment and Economic Pathways (PYEEEP) Project – Solomon Islands.
New Project Launched to Empower Youth Not Engaged in Education, Employment or Training
The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and the Pacific Community (SPC) launched a three-year pilot project in the Solomon Islands which gives an exciting opportunity for 40 young people to re-engage in education and training to gain important skills for a better future.
Sign Language Trainers Acknowledged
Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) congratulates the 16 sign language trainers who were awarded a certificate of recognition for their work to provide basic sign language training to 498 school children and community members across Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province.
Coconut and Kava Markets to Receive Boost through Pacific Based Business
A new initiative to support and strengthen the kava and coconut industries in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, respectively, was being launched by SPC, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Evolt 360 Body Analyzer for Athletes Now in Country
The world’s most intelligent body scanner, the Evolt 360 Body Composition Analyzer is in the country.
Sogavare Commends PNA for Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has highly commended the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) group of nations for its tremendous leadership in ensuring the region’s tuna stocks are managed and sustainably harvested and for providing economic and social benefits to its people since the Organization’s inception.
Solomon Ports Funds Water Tanks for Wagina Parish
Solomon Ports is pleased to announce the generous donation towards the Wagina Parish in Choiseul Province.
New Direction in Environmental Law Enforcement to Protect Wildlife
Representatives from national authorities explored new directions for enforcing the laws to protect wildlife species in the Solomon Islands from illegal exploitation and trade.
SolTuna and NFD Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Ghiro has congratulated the SolTuna and the NFD during celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the country’s Tuna Industry in Noro.
Northwest Choiseul Constituency Invests in Rural Development
Northwest Choiseul Constituency in Choiseul Province continue to invest most of its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation into rural livelihood initiatives with the aim to improve livelihood and constituents living standard.
Australian Employer Raises Betelnut Concern
A major Australian company involved in the recruitment of Solomon Islanders under the Australia Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme has raised concerns over the use of Betel- nut by workers under its establishments.
Maenu'u Wins Golden Glove Award
The Solomon Islands women’s champion team, Kololae FC’s goal keeper Sylvester Maenu’u made history when she was awarded the golden glove award at the end of the OFC women’s champions’ league for her outstanding performance.
Australian High Commissioner Visits Project Sites in Makira
On the second day of his visit to Makira-Ulawa Province, High Commissioner Rod Hilton handed over a water source project at Mwanihuki village in Central Makira.
Health Workers Trained on Violence Against Women and Children
A four days training to enhance capacity of Central Islands Province Health care workers and stakeholders to effectively respond to violence against women and children has come to a successful close.
Irish Fellowship Program 2024/2025 Soon to Open
Ireland is once again offering two fully funded Fellowships to the Pacific region for Masters level studies in Ireland in the academic year 2024/2025, of which Solomon Islands is amongst those eligible.
Australia's Largest Meat Manufacturer in Country to Recruit Workers
Australia’s largest meat and food processing company, JBS Primo is in the Solomon Islands to conduct recruitment under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
SINU Suspends Five Staff Members Amid Allegations of Fraud
The Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, has taken decisive action in response to allegations of fraud activities involving printing by Wakaman Inc by suspending five Staff of the University.
Our Telekom Powers Up M-Selen
Our Telekom made history for financial inclusion in the Solomon Islands as Our Telekom launches its highly anticipated Mobile Money Service, M-SELEN.
Health Prepares for Nation Wide Vaccination of Measles and Rubella
In its efforts to address gaps in the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination coverage affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are gearing up for a nation-wide MR vaccination campaign for all children ages 6 to 59 months old from 19th July when the national roll out will commence.
Outgoing EU Ambassador Visits Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
The outgoing Ambassador of the European Union to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Sujiro Seam paid a final visit to the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka.
Maelanga Commends Our Telekom on Historic Launch
Solomon Islands Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga has commended Our Telekom for launching its new mobile banking service called M-Selen in Honiara yesterday.
Plans in Place to Increase Participation to Labor Mobility
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade’s Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) aims to further increase and expand Solomon Islands’ participation under the Labour Mobility Arrangements with Australia and New Zealand.
Tina Hydro Project Records Increase in Female Employment
Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC), the engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project has recorded an increase in the number of its female employees in the first quarter of 2023, as the project progresses.
Oceania Hockey Federation to Support Hockey Development Programs
Continental Development Manager (CDM) of Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF), Gill Gemming is currently in country to support the development program of ‘Hockey’.
Sogavare Appreciates SBD58m Assistance from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Towards Games
The National Government of Solomon Islands formally appreciates and acknowledge the more than SBD 58 Million dollars (USD7m) in grant assistance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the 2023 Pacific Games preparations.
Shortage of Medical Drugs Addressed
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has noted concerns and experiences raised and shared via print and social media over shortages of some medical drugs including delays with release of medical containers held at Solomon Ports throughout last week.
Child Protection Case Management Training a Success
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Social Welfare Division (SWD) in partnership with UNICEF have successfully completed a Child Protection Case Management training for key staff in Honiara.
Jina's Restaurant Awarded Master's Caterer for Games
The 2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee (GOC) has announced that local catering service provider, Fairyland (Jinas) Restaurant is the official Master Caterer for this year’s Sol2023 Pacific Games.
PALM Soon to Include Family Accompaniment Pilot Program
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will soon include a Family Accompaniment pilot program.
More Athletes Identified Following Trial
Solomon Islands Tertiary Association of Sports (SITAS) ‘Cluster Day’ was recently held at the High Performance Centre to identify athletes.
EU Visits Project Sites in Small Ngella
A European Union and World Vision team visited project sites in Small Ngella, Central Province, Solomon Islands.
Leading Revolution in Football Commentary
Elizabeth Osifelo has made Solomon Islands history by becoming the first female football commentator.
West Guadalcanal Beach Fronts to Receive Support
As part of the Pacific Games preparations, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has been tasked with improving tourism attractions around Honiara, in particular the beaches in West Guadalcanal.
New CDF Law to be in Parliament by September
A new and improved Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act and Regulation is expected to be ready for Parliament by September this year.
Data Shows Increase in Visitors to Solomon Islands
Recently released data for Solomon Islands visitors for the first quarter of 2023 has shown more arrivals than the same period in 2020 before the country initiated a border closure and was completely cut off from the world for more than 800 days.
Sisiolo is New Secretary to Cabinet
The new Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Nego Sisiolo has been sworn-in by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi at Government House.
Gold Coast Council Acknowledged for Support to Sports
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, this week visited Australia’s Gold Coast Mayor’s Office and conveyed the Solomon Islands Government’s ‘gratitude’ for Gold Coast’s support in sports development, through Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports, SINIS.
130 Public Servants Approved to Support Games
The Solomon Islands Cabinet has approved the Secondment of One Hundred and Thirty (130) Public Servants, Teachers and State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) officers to the Games Organizing Committee to support the successful delivery of the Pacific Games 2023.
Solomon Islands and Fiji to Enter Bilateral Security Agreement
Solomon Islands will soon engage in a bilateral security agreement with the Republic of Fiji as part of efforts to fill the gaps in its security space.
RSIPF Maritime Rearmed with Glock Pistol
The Maritime Department of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is now rearmed with Glock pistols as part of the rearmament program.
MK Local Food Reaches New Heights
Australia is proud to support MK Local food Haus, a local Solomon Islands business taking quality local fresh produce, protein, and cooked food from local communities and reselling in Honiara.
YECSI Held Successful Bootcamp in Makira
The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have successfully completed a three-day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for youths in Kirakira, Makira.
Ministry of Police and Halo Trust Sign MOU
The Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with The HALO Trust (HALO), a British and American charity, to map and record the location of unexploded ordnance (UXO) across the Solomon Islands.
Munda Airport Upgrade Progressing Well
Munda is now better connected to the country and the rest of the world through the government run, World Bank supported Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP).
Parliamentarians Attend Consultations on CDF Act 2023
Reforming the existing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act is a top priority policy of the DCGA government says Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Temotu Pele Honourable Duddley Kopu.
Koloale FC Wins Second Match
Koloale FC has scored a second straight win against Kiwi FC at the OFC Women's Champions League in Papua New Guinea.
More Workers Receive Pre-Departure Briefing
114 workers who are preparing to travel to Australia under the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme have attended a two days’ Pre-Departure Briefing (PDB) conducted by the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Teachers Learn about Inclusive Education
Inclusive education knowledge to teachers is vital to ensure all children enjoy their learning and that no child is left out of education opportunities.
Tagibangara Adventist Primary Receives Technology Upgrade
Professional development for teachers at a Solomon Islands school has been significantly enhanced with the installation of internet technology.
Koloale FC Snatch Late Winner to Open their OFC Games
Solomon Islands Koloale FC, began their OFC Women’s Champions League campaign with a win following a stunning late winner against Labasa Women FC in Port Moresby over the weekend.
Makira, a Key Partner to Agriculture
The Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project team and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) recently visited proposed agricultural development sites in Kira Kira, Makira Ulawa Province.
Health Delegation Meets Global Fund Team
The Global Fund, a significant partner to the Solomon Islands Health sector is an international financing and partnership organization with the goal to attract, leverage and invest more resources to end epidemics of HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Solomon Islands Calls For Reduction on Global Plastic Production
The pristine beaches, vibrant forests and colourful reefs of 992 islands of the Solomon Islands are threatened by increasing plastic litter arriving on its shores, and from discarded plastic waste locally.
Biodiversity ESMP Approved for Tina River Project
After years of preparation work, the final construction Environmental and Safeguard Management Plan (C-ESMP) for the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) has been approved.
Games Organizing Committee Conclude Roadshow
The first ever Sol2023 Pacific Games Roadshow program has completed its three weeks visit of communities in and around Honiara City.
Vanuatu Speaker of Parliament Makes Courtesy Call to Acting Prime Minister
The visiting Speaker of the Vanuatu National Parliament, Hon. Seoule Simeon made a courtesy visit to the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga at the Office of the Prime Minister this week.
Parliamentary Partnership Signed with Vanuatu Parliament
The Speaker of Vanuatu Parliament, Hon. Seoule Simeon (MP) and the Deputy Speaker of National Parliament Hon. Commins Aston Mewa, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Inter-Parliamentary Partnership.
PNG Women's Groups Embrace New Technology in Fish Processing
Fisherwomen in Papua New Guinea can now benefit from an innovative fish processing technology to efficiently smoke and market their fish.
Police Force Receive Firetrucks
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has received four firetrucks from the Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW), which will improve the RSIPF’s Fire and Rescue capability.
Sogavare Assures Support for Republic of Korea’s Candidature for Non-Permanent Seat at UNSC
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, has assured the Republic of Korea of Solomon Islands support towards its candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.
Gao-Bugotu Constituency Office Hands Over Community Projects
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has commended Gao-Bugotu Constituency (GBC) office under the leadership of the Member of Parliament Hon. Samuel Manetoali for delivering meaningful developments in Gao-Bugotu rural communities with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Marovo Constituency Office Applauded for Supporting Churches
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has the congratulated Marovo Constituency Office (MCO) for its ongoing support to churches for the furtherance of the Gospel.
BSP is Bronze Sponsor for Pacific Games
Bank of South Pacific (BSP) is officially the Bronze sponsor of the Sol2023 Pacific Games to be hosted in Honiara, Solomon Islands later this year.
Deadline for Community Group Registrations Extended
The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) has extended the deadline for Community Group Registration from 2nd June to the 23rd following the successful completion of the GOC Workforce Services Roadshow program and the widespread interest received from the public.
