Latest News Archive September 2019
RSIPF and Youth Dialogue Successful
Young people in Honiara and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have discussed how to work more closely together as partners to ensure the youth have a safe future.
Kabui Encourages Civil Society to Focus on Civic Duties
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) nation-wide are encouraged to focus their energy on civic duties rather than engaging in political bickering, which, is potentially dangerous for public order and safety.
ADB, Partners Support Delivery of Clean and Reliable Electricity in Solomon Islands
The Asian Development Bank(ADB) has approved an $18 million loan and a $12 million grant to help Solomon Islands reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation through the Tina River Hydropower Project.
Preparations Underway for 3rd Makira Banana Festival
The 3rd Makira Banana Festival will now take place on the 11th October to 13th October, 2019 in Kokana, Makira. Kokana is very close to the provincial capital Kira Kira.
Premier Suidani Refuses to Give Statement to Police: Varley
The Commissioner of Police Mathew Varley says the Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Daniel Suidani, refused to give a statement to Police over bribary allegations he had raised in the media.
Two New Cabinet Ministers Appointed
The Governor General, His Excellency, the Right Reverend David Vunagi has appointed two Ministers today in accordance with the constitution.
PM Sacks Dr Tautai
The Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs and MP for Rennell and Bellona, Hon. Dr Tautai Kaitu'u, has been sacked by the Prime Minister.
Rick Houenipwela Sacked by PM
SBM Online is reporting that the former Prime Minister and Minister of National Planning Rick Houenipwela was sacked this morning.
Fiji Launches First Climate Change Relocation Fund
The Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has launched the world's first relocation fund for people displaced by climate change.
16 Children File Landmark Complaint to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child
Sixteen child petitioners from 12 countries around the world, including children from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and Palau, presented a landmark official complaint to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on Monday in New York to protest lack of government action on the climate crisis.
Government Condemns Bribary Allegations
The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has strongly condemned any bribery-attempts by national leaders as published in the media yesterday.
Bathurst Rotary to Lead Sanitation Project in the Solomon Islands
Seven Rotary Club of Bathurst members are set to embark on a 16-day mission to help a small village in the Solomon Islands install improved sanitation facilities.
Investigate Bribary Claims: Wale
The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission to quickly investigate the allegation of bribery made by the Premier of Malaita Province against Government MPs.
Foreign Affairs Minister Meets With Chinese VP on Cooperation
Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan has met with Solomon Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele on Monday.
Solomon Islands Defeats Samoa 5-0
Solomon Islands has made it two wins from two games at the 2019 OFC Olympic Qualifiers in Suva, defeating Samoa 5-0.
Operation High Visibility Continues
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) continue to conduct public awareness talks in Honiara as part of the ‘Operation High Visibility’ which started after the Solomon Islands Government made the decision to switch diplomatic relations from the Republic of China (ROC) to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on 16 September 2019.
MCT and Australia Launch New Tourism Trails
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and the Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, today launched the new Solomon Islands tourism trails itineraries which connect tourist sites together.
Decisive Day Looms for Group A in Suva
Early pacesetters Solomon Islands and New Zealand will be both looking for back-to-back victories in order to secure their passage to the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier tournament with a match day to spare, while Samoa and American Samoa must produce upsets to keep their qualifying dreams alive Tuesday in Group A action.
SBD$6.4 Billion Loan for Gold Ridge Mining
The Solomon Islands government and China Railway Group Ltd. has signed a SBD$6.4 Billion dollar deal to build and lease infrastructure projects at the Gold Ridge mines on Guadalcanal.
Solomon Islands Formally Establish Diplomatic Relations With China
Just days after the Solomon Islands government severed ties with Taiwan, Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Jeremiah Manele and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed an agreement to form ties at a government guest house in the Chinese capital, Beijing, on Saturday.
Solomon Islands and New Zealand Take Charge in Group A
Both Solomon Islands and New Zealand have produced dominant performances to get their OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifying campaigns off to a flying start in Fiji.
Statement by the Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare On Switch to China
Fellow Solomon Islanders, we have endured many challenges since we attained Independence in 1978 in trying to forge our path towards achieving economic prosperity, social stability and lasting peace for the sake of future generations and the common good of our people.
Police Maintains High Visibility Patrols in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) commends the good behaviour of the citizens of Honiara and throughout the rest of the country over the past several days and urges people to continue with such behaviour.
FIFA Court of Arbitration Rules in Favour of SIFF U17 Case
The Court of Arbitration (COA) has ruled in favour of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) regarding the U17 squads participation at the upcoming U17 World Cup.
Government Says US Still Committed to Development Projects
Despite strong views expressed by leading US lawmakers regarding the switch to China the Prime Minsters office says it's business as usual.
Police Supports Peaceful Public Assemblies
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) wishes to clarify its position on the issue of processions, marches and public assemblies.
Taiwan Assures Students Sponsorship Will Remain Until January 2020
Despite the withdrawal of diplomatic recognition by the Sogavare led government the Taiwanese government has assured Solomon Islands' students studying in Taiwan that that they will be able to continue with their studies under full scholarship until January 2020.
Sogavare Skips UN General Assembly
Prime Minister Mannasseh Sogavare will skip this year's UN General Assembly (UNGA), officials have confirmed.
Police Commends Peaceful Protesters in Auki
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) acknowledges members of the public including men, women, students and children who took part in yesterdays peaceful march in Auki to show their support for the Republic of China (ROC) for their good behavior during the event.
US Vice President Rebuffs Solomon Islands Prime Minister
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has declined to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favor of China this week, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday.
Students in Taiwan Start Returning This Weekend
Soon after the government severed ties with Taiwan Solomon Islands students studying in Taiwan have been told to return.
US Allies Urged to Resist Chinese Coercion
Another US Senator has reacted to the diplomatic switch by calling on the United States to ensure the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to isolate Taiwanese Allies are not successful.
Senior US Senator Wants To Cut Ties With Solomon Islands
A senior US Senator, Sen. Marco Rubio, has taken to Twitter to express disappointment at the decision by the government to cut ties with Taiwan.
No Permission to Protest or March in the City
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) assures the citizens of Honiara and the rest of the country that its ‘business as usual’ in the capital city and no one or any group has been given any permission to stage a march or protest in the City.
Protests In Auki, Malaita Province
People in Auki are protesting the decision by the government to switch it's allegiance to China.
Police Respects Right to Protest Peacefully
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) respects the right of all Solomon Islanders to protest in a peaceful and lawful fashion.
Taiwan Officially Terminates Ties With Solomon Islands
Taiwan has released a statement formally terminating its 36 year alliance with Solomon Islands.
President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan Issues Statement
The President of Taiwan has issued a statement following governments decision to cut ties late yesterday.
Government Cuts Ties With Taiwan
After 36 years of diplomatic relations the government has voted in favour of a switch in recognition.
Caucus Votes in Favour of China
Caucus has voted in favour of switching allegiance to China. Of the 33 present 27 voted in favour and 6 abstained.
Forum Vital in Building Business Confidence: PM
The Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum is essential in building confidence and trust between businesses in both Australia and Solomon Islands.
Switching to China is High Risk: CBSI
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has concluded that the country will not be able to absorb any additional borrowing from China should it decide to switch.
No Need to Rush Decision to Switch: Kenilorea
Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr (FRC) says that he is disappointed that Prime Minister Sogavare and cabinet will be making a decision on the recommendation of the bi-partisan task force (BTF) to switch to People’s Republic of China (China) from Taiwan without waiting to get any inputs from the FRC.
Police Calls for Calm As Decision Day on Switch Nears
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to all citizens of Solomon Islands to remain calm and respect law and order as the country awaits a decision by the Government on the future of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Taiwan Says Taskforce Report Inacurate and Biased
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), says that the report of the bipartisan Task Force set up by the government of Solomon Islands is inaccurate and biased.
Archery in Schools Launched
The Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Games in 2023 and it’s a large responsibility for a national federation that only returned as a World Archery member federation two years ago in 2017.
RSIPV LATA Decommissioned From Service
As the sun set over the Maritime Aola Base on the foreshores of the capital Honiara, the faithful lady, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel 03 LATA ended its service to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands.
Leaked Documents Show No Commitment From China
Leaked documents show that senior Chinese officials did not commit to any Aid assistance should Solomon Islands severe ties with long time ally Taiwan, the Solomon Star reports.
PNG Media Prepped to Tell “fish-story” Ahead of Seventh Pacific Tuna Forum
Media personnel in Papua New Guinea now have a better understanding of the significance and value of tuna fisheries after three days of a fisheries-related media workshop. The workshop was held from 9-11 September in Port Moresby and brought together around twenty journalists, from Divine Word University.
Bilikiki Coach Omokirio Hopeful
Bilikiki coach Gideon Omokirio hopes Solomon Islands will compete against the World’s best at the World Beach Games in Qatar next month.
Landslide in Gizo Kills Young Mother
A freak landslide in Gizo Western Province has killed a young mother, a teacher by profession.
Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Meets With President of Taiwan
Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Jeremiah Manele has met with President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday.
Foriegn Minister Heads to Taiwan as China Diplomatic Battle Heats Up
The Solomon Islands' Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Jeremiah Manele has left for Taiwan on Sunday as sections in the government maul switching the country's diplomatic allegiance to China.
Opposition Office Critical of New Lands Board Appointments
The Office of the Leader of the Opposition has condemned and expressed concerns over the appointment of Silver Dunga and Fred Soaki to the Ministry’s Lands Board.
PM Calls For Roadmap to Halt and Reverse NCDs
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledge that political leadership is key to winning the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Police Warns Public About Erecting Roadblocks to Demand Cash
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) warns members of the public that erecting roadblocks to demand money as a token of appreciation for the work done is an offence.
Australia Supports Development of New Tourism Trails
The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis has worked with Solomon Islands’ tourism operators in Guadalcanal, Western and Central to develop new tourism trails.
FFA-led Surveillance Covers Area Larger Than Russia
The third Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency-led monitoring, control and surveillance operation for the year – Operation Island Chief 2019 (OPIC19) covered an area greater than the size of Russia, the biggest country in the world.
Tourism Solomons Announces New Marketing Manager
Tourism Solomons chairman, Chris Hapa has announced the appointment of senior marketing information officer, Fiona Teama to the role of marketing manager with immediate effect.
CITIES Listing of Bechdemer Will Affect Rural Communities
Solomon Islands is unhappy with the recent listing of three high value bechedemer, or sea cucumber species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species or CITES.
Crocodile Kills Elderly Man in Western Province
A man believed to be in his 70’s has died after being allegedly killed by a crocodile at Olive Village in the Roviana Lagoon, Western Province during the afternoon of 2 September 2019.
Taiwan Looking at Sending Taskforce to Solomon Islands
Taiwan might send a task force to the Solomon Islands to learn more about its need for aid, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said yesterday, amid renewed speculation about a potential switch in the Pacific ally’s diplomatic recognition to China.
Foreign Relations Committee Starts Inquiry into China - Taiwan Issue
The Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) started hearings into the China - Taiwan issue this morning.
15 Arrested on Fathers Day
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara City have arrested 15 people in connection with the Father’s Day celebrations during the weekend.
SICCI Highlights Investment Potential in Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) highlighted what Solomon Islands as a country has to offer in terms of potential for business to invest during the 2019 Papua New Guinea Investment Conference.
RSIPF Officers Participate in Exercise Coastwatchers 2019
Officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western and Choiseul provinces and the Police Response Team (PRT) joined staff from National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and other Government Agencies (OGA) agencies in Taro for the commencement of the 2019 Coastwatchers Exercise on 28 August 2019.
17 YO Girl Investigated for Death of Infant
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Kirakira are investigating an alleged infanticide incident that occurred at a School in East Makira in the Makira-Ulawa Province on 20 August 2019.
Suspicions of Sorcery Leads to Burning of House
A man and his family had to leave their village for their own safety after they were threatened by villagers, accusing the man of practising sorcery.
New Zealand Appoints New High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced the appointment of diplomat Georgina Roberts as New Zealands next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.