Latest News Archive November 2022

MRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu presenting the new and first ever SICD Policy to the meeting audience.

MRD PS Attends Workshop on CDF & Anti-Money Laundering in New Zealand

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Dr. Samson Viulu has attended a regional workshop on Constituency Development Funds (CDFs) and Anti-Money Laundering in Wellington, New Zealand from 28-29 November, 2022.
"What we donated was in fact what we were supposed to sell to our buyers in Honiara. However, many of our buyers evacuated their offices and we could not make sales on the day. We had to decide to either take it back home or do something special. That is when we all agreed to donate to NRH instead.."

Ministry of Health Appreciates Generosity of Farmers

The Executive Management of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has acknowledged the kind-hearted members of the Northwest Guadalcanal Development Association for their generous donation of fruits, vegetables and food crops to the hospital’s kitchen last week.
Project “turnkey” comes fully supplied with associated equipment, reagents, furniture, and fittings, including: a new GeneXpert machine for COVID-19 testing; Haematology; a biochemistry analyser; autoclave machines; microscopes: centrifuges; an incubator; and blood bank freezers.

Helena Goldie Hospital Receives Laboratory

The Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, Western Province, Solomon Islands is setting up its first medical laboratory.
70% of respondents have resumed operations following the earthquake while 14% of businesses say their buildings are still under assessment.

SICCI Conducts Earthquake Impact Survey on Businesses

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has conducted an Impact on Businesses Survey businesses following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Honiara and other parts of the country last week on 22 November 2022.
Mr. Glauser is a career diplomat, having previously served abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, Amman, Jordan and Washington, DC.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Presents Letter of Introduction to Government

The High Commissioner of Canada to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Mr. Mark Glauser has presented his letter of introduction to the government in Honiara on Wednesday (23rd November 2022).
The Western Border Outpost design will include environmentally sustainable features appropriate to regional conditions, enhance resilience and meet the functional needs of the Solomon Islands Government.

Australian Defence and Solomon Government Sign Contract to Enhance Security Outpost

Defence and the joint venture, Reeves Icon and Hall have signed a contract to deliver major infrastructure works with the Solomon Islands Government, helping to support a secure and resilient region.
The BINA project is expected to deliver at least 1,600 jobs to the Bina area once operational.

BINA Habour Project to Set Up Office

The proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant on Malaita moved a step closer with the signing of a contract to set up a project office.
“Taekwondo is not only about kicking it’s about its overall trainings of all aspect that needs weights and SINIS is well equipped to improve their performance."

Former Taekwondo Olympic Medalist Visit SINIS

Dong min Cha, South Korean National Taekwondo athlete, World Champion and former Olympic medalist was part of the small delegation of World Taekwondo Oceania that spent last week at the SINIS Institute during the National Taekwondo Athletes Training Camp.
His standout moment came in the 71st minute when he pulled off a string of four saves to keep the score 1-0.

Japanese Goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda Wins New Fan Base in Solomon Islands

By Jimmy Nolan
Solomon Islanders are always, often quietly, gunning for the underdog. So when Japan played four-time World champions Germany there was quite support for the underdog.
His expertise in Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning along with his coaching background provides a valuable contribution to SINIS coaches and athletes.

Exercise Physiology Expert Lends Support to SINIS

Dr Glen Deakin, an adjunct Senior Lecturer from JCU: James Cook University, Australia is in Honiara for 3 weeks supervising Sport & Exercise Science students at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport - SINIS.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs through International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Street Parade Marks Beginning of 16 Days of Activism Campaign

The 2022 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls has been launched in Honiara, with a street parade to mark the beginning of the campaign.
Deputy Commissioner SIAF Heath Davies said Australia has a strong and long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands, and the AFP remains committed to working with partners to ensure the continued safety of the people, institutions and infrastructure of Solomon Islands.

AFP Marks First Year of Solomons’ International Assistance Force

It’s been one year since the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) was established to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in restoring and maintaining law and order in the country.
SolBrew Commercial Manager, Vivian Wickam, SolBrew Country Manager-SC Director, Gilbert Rothmaier, SIFF Vice President Marlon Houkarawa and SIFF Competition Director, Gerald Oiaka.

SolBrew Major Sponsor for 2022 Solomon Cup

Solomon Breweries Limited (SolBrew) today signed up as the major sponsor for the 2022 Solomon Cup at a signing ceremony with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) at the SolBrew head office in Honiara.
The Australian Defence Force C-27 on arrival in Lata, Temotu province, with the medical supplies.

Australia Airlifts Much Needed Medical Supplies to Temotu

Yesterday an Australian Defence Force C-27 transported much needed medical supplies to Lata, Temotu Province on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
The draw is now official with two pools consisting of five teams. The two finalists from 2020, Malaita and Western, are in two separate pools.

Teams Drawn for 2022 Solomon Cup

By Samson Sade
Teams have been officially drawn for the Solomon Cup 2022 at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).
Further drilling is planned in 2023 to upgrade Inferred Resources and test extensions to the current deposits.

Pacific Nickel Says Kolosori Nickel Project in Solomon Islands Looking Strong

Pacific Nickel has upgraded both the overall tonnage and grade of the resource at its Kolosori nickel project in the Solomon Islands as it moves to start DSO production in mid-2023.
John left the country yesterday for Australia after spending almost six months with SINIS.

SINIS Bids Farewell to Performance Services Mentor

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) has said goodbye to one of the Performance Services Co-ordinator, Mentor & Volunteer John Tascone.
“What we are experiencing now are just aftershocks following the massive shake on Tuesday,” a statement from the MET service said.

MET Service Warns Public of Aftershocks

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands Met service is warning the public to be vigilant as aftershocks is likely to continue for the next few days.
There have been upsets already, making this World Cup a little less predictable. Japan defeated four-time world champions Germany 2-1 this morning.

World Cup Fever Heats Up in Honiara

By Jimmy Nolan
The capital Honiara is heating up with World Cup fever, it is the talk of the soccer mad capital of the Solomon Islands.
The Abu Dhabi based company took delivery of a fully loaded 20-foot container of White Tuna Flakes and Red Tuna Wetem Oel. An additional container of seven varieties of SolTuna products is due in the UAE before the end of the year.

High Demand for SolTuna in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The presence of the Solomon Islands Pavilion at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai from October 2021 to April 2022, has left a lasting impression for the various companies and organizations that established business relations in the areas of Tourism, Green Energy, Medicine, Aviation and Trade and Economic Development to name a few.
The Lungga power station east of Honiara.

Power Cut Off After Earthquake Struck Honiara

By Samson Sade
Power has been cut off for most of Honiara as preliminary assessments of damages to power lines are made.
Vehicles damaged by fallen debris caused by the 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

Tsunami Warning Lifted After 7.3 Earthquake

By Jimmy Nolan
A tsunami warning issued for Honiara and surrounding areas has been lifted.
The Pacific Islands Forum ministers called for strong cooperation to implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and step up action on the second wave of negotiations.

WTO and Pacific Islands Affirm Cooperation

The WTO and the Pacific Islands Forum have affirmed continuing cooperation on fisheries subsidies and other key issues.
The company donated Beach Umbrellas, soccer balls, singlets, water bottles, and wrist bands towards the December event, which will be hosted in East Malaita.

Bmobile Supports Kwai Sports Games 2022

Bmobile Solomon Islands is the first company to support the Kwai Beach Games 2022, during a brief handing over ceremony at the Company’s Headquarter at Grand Plaza Building, Town Ground in Honiara.
As countries transition to sustainable economies, it is critical that the process is done in ways that are fair and equitable. The notion of a ‘just transition’ is key to achieving the Paris Agreement’s global climate goals.

Social and Economic Benefits of a Global ‘Green Revolution’ at Risk

Countries that fail to recognize the opportunities afforded by a ‘green revolution’ run the risk of increasing social inequality, civil unrest, and less competitive economies if proposed transitions to net-zero emissions pathways are not well managed, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"As experienced guardians of the world's largest ocean, the Pacific Island countries played a crucial role in shaping the final agreement. The process was arduous and long, but the results showed that everyone, from the smallest to the largest, can have their voice heard at the WTO."

Oceania's Pride of Place in Global Trade Talks

By Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization
As the world and the World Trade Organization (WTO) intensifies negotiations on the future of commerce, sustainability, and prosperity for all, members are keen to listen to the voice of the Pacific Islands.
The Exercise Longreach/Exercise Island Fire 2022 is intended to support the current review processes and the development of the new Savo Volcano Emergency and Disaster Management Plan.

Evacuation Exercise Tested on Savo

The National Disaster Management Office, NDMO, with assistancefrom The Australian Defence Force, ADF, successfully conducted a one day Evacuation Exercise on Savo Island.
The training provided to RSIPF firefighters would help the RSIPF’s Fire and Rescue Service to become the lead agency for future disaster response.

Fire and Rescue Training Enhances Capacity

Ten officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)’s Fire and Rescue Services have recently completed a ‘Natural Disaster First Responder’ training.
Kimisi said the RAPPP YCEP also used the community visits to listen and learn from the youths and the community. “It’s important that we get that feedback to identify issues that will help prevent and minimise issues affecting youths in the communities”.

RAPPP Rolls Out Youth Engagement Initiative

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) partnership program, RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), has rolled out its Youth & Community Engagement Program (YCEP) starting in Honiara.
Samples sent overseas showed Omicron sub-variant BA.4 and BA.5 as the predominant variants causing the resurgence.

105 New Positive COVID-19 Cases Recorded in Honiara

Honiara is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases with 104 positive cases recorded during the period 24th October to 8th of November.
Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil explained that the rapid surge in cases in the province is concerning thus the swift deployment of the group to support the provincial response.

400+ COVID-19 Cases Recorded in Lata, Tikopia and Dendu

An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared for Temotu Province with over 400 plus cases reported in the past nine days from Lata, Tikopia and Dendu.
The expo’s theme - “Creating New Pathways” - recognises the need for SINIS to support the 85 per cent of its 1200 athletes across the country who are unemployed, have no formal work experience and often low formal education levels.

"Creating New Pathways" Provides Learning Space for Athletes

It was an exciting time for the Australia Awards, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) and Australian Volunteers Program as they support athletes from the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) to learn about study and career opportunities.
The new two-storey dormitory will house up to 60 female students, while the ablution block provides wash facilities including a place for girls to do their laundry.

New Dormitory Built for Gela Ilau

Education in Gela Ilau, Central Province, Solomon Islands has received a boost through the newly built girls dormitory and girl’s ablution block worth SBD 2.3-million.
Pacific states will always be threatened by increasingly powerful cyclones, droughts and flooding which are becoming more common across the region as the weather swings from one extreme to the other.

Pacific Nations Hopeful Despite Pushback on Loss and Damage

Few days into the climate talks and Pacific Island countries have already been strong-armed into taking the short end of stick.
Solomon Islands women’s national team has just defeated Oceania champions Papua New Guinea 3-0 at the Pacific Women’s Four Nations in Canberra.

Solomon Islands Beats Oceania Champions PNG

By Jimmy Nolan
The Solomon Islands women’s national team has defeated Oceania champions Papua New Guinea 3-0 at the Pacific Women’s Four Nations in Canberra, Australia.
The Very Hungry Nomads (Martina on left and Rachel on right) with Tourism Solomons Team Leader Product Marketing, Garedd Porowai.

Very Hungry Nomads Feasting on the Solomon Islands

Tourism Solomons certainly isn’t wasting any time in its efforts to reinstate the Solomon Islands profile on the world travel stage.
All this is in preparations for the 2022 Oceania Rugby Sevens challenge in Brisbane, Australia.

Women’s Rugby 7s Team Learn Importance of Wellbeing and Lifestyle

The Solomon Islands women’s rugby 7s team are currently undergoing wellbeing and lifestyle training at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS).
The Health Ministry has confirmed that the omicron sub variant of COVID-19, BA.5, is responsible for the current outbreak. It's the most easily spread strain to date and is able to evade immunity from COVID infection and vaccination.

Health Tight Lipped Over Possible COVID-19 Outbreak

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Health and Medical services are tight lipped over a possible COVID-19 outbreak in the capital, Honiara.
Transparency International’s corruption perception index ranks Botswana as the least corrupt country in Africa, and ranks just below Portugal and South Korea.

What Can We Learn from Botswana?

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands can learn a lot from Botswana’s economic journey, formerly one of the world's poorest countries—with a GDP per capita of about US$70 per year in the late 1960s—it has since transformed itself into an upper-middle-income country, with one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
WHO Country Representative to SI Dr. Howard Sobel (R) presenting his credential to MFAET Supervising Minister Hon. Peter Shannel Agovaka (L)

WHO Country Representative Presents Credentials

The World Health Organisation in Solomon Islands has welcomed its new Country Representative.
The Royals side includes players who were part of the Solomon Islands national women’s soccer team that created history for the country at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup 2022.

Royals on Quest for Hat-Trick in Women's Premier League

The two-time champions of the Solomon Islands Women’s Premier League, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Royals Women’s Football Club, are eyeing the top spot once again in the 2022 season.
Our Telekom has allocated $150,000 in support of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant, which will take place on the 9th – 10th December 2022.

Our Telekom is Platinum Sponsor for Miss Solomon Islands Pageant 2022

The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant has been confirmed for next month after Our Telekom’s $150K sponsorship.
The National Health Strategic Plan was developed under the theme “A Healthy Future for All Solomon Islanders”

Health Strategic Plan Launched

After almost two years of review, consultations, and compilation, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services finally launched the Solomon Islands National Health Strategic Plan 2022 to 2031.
Pacific SIDS were some of the first countries to raise this issue on Climate Change and will continue to be at the forefront of the climate justice struggle.

New Zealand Announces Loss and Damage Finance for Climate Change

As global pressure mounts for COP27 to deliver on a loss and damage finance facility, Aotearoa New Zealand has announced a dedicated allocation of NZ$20 million in climate funding to address loss and damage in developing countries.
“However, whatever the change may be, the corporation must continue to play its role as the national broadcaster because SIBC belongs to the people of Solomon Islands,” the Chairman of SIBC said.

SIBC’s Editorial Independence Paramount: Dr William Parairato

By Samson Sade
Whatever the legal instrument the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is operating under, it is imperative that the corporation maintains its editorial independence.
The restored runway now has capability to handle Solomon Airlines largest Dash 8 domestic aircraft as well as the airline’s Twin Otters.

Flights to Lata Set to Resume Following Runway Repairs

Solomon Airlines will restart scheduled flights to Lata from this Saturday 12 November following welcome confirmation that Santa Cruz-Lata Airport is back in business after urgent runway repairs.
“I appeal to both parties involved in this matter to refrain from taking the laws into your own hands. Allow police to deal with the matter,” says Commissioner Mangau.

Man Chops Off Brother’s Hand on Suspicion of Witchcraft

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Tetere and Henderson Police are investigating an alleged wounding incident at Kolona Village close to the GPPOL III area.
Non-Communicable Disease National Coordinator, Mrs. Nevalyn Laesango sharing her presentation at the workshop.

Partnership with Churches in Action to Combat NCDs

The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services opened a three- day workshop this week with the theme “UMI TUGEDA to reduce NCD” for Faith Based Organizations and churches under the Solomon Islands Christian Associations (SICA) and Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFCA).
The workshop enabled participants to identify the Health Promotion functions at different levels and learn from open discussions and questioning on how each Province dealt with public/community responses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Promotion Strategies Analysed

A four-day workshop on social and behavioral change in Solomon Islands, that aimed to strengthen the programing capacity in planning health promotion activities to trigger and sustain social and behavior change ended with great success.
The AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) handed over 13 vehicles and 60 Daniels Defense MK18 rifles.

Australia Boosts Police Capabilities with Vehicles and MK18 Rifles

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has delivered specialist training and donated vehicles and weapons with a combined investment of over AUD $1.3 million to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), which is continuing to strengthen its operational capability in the lead up to and beyond the Pacific Games 2023.
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare spoke at the event with enthusiasm about the Project saying “we have already achieved some great things but today, at this ground breaking ceremony, we mark another important milestone.”

Ground Breaking Ceremony Signifies Tina Project is Moving

Major construction work on the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) is moving ahead this month following the official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday 2nd November, at the project site in Central Guadalcanal.
Stakeholders say they are delighted to welcome cruise guests and hopes to see more cruise visits in the near future.

Second Cruise Ship Visits Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands welcomes MS Regatta in Honiara today.
Solomon Airlines has announced a 60th Anniversary International Celebration Sale with savings of up to 25% on return flights between Honiara and international destinations including Australia, Vanuatu, and Fiji.

Solomon Airlines Announces 60th Anniversary Celebration Sale

The celebrations continue for the national carrier and travellers across the Solomon Islands, with Solomon Airlines announcing heavily discounted fares on flights across the airline’s domestic and international network.
Alice and Margreth with their SINIS Field Educator SINIS WLP Misook Ranny.

USP Students Complete Placement at SINIS

Ms. Margreth Asala Hesao and Ms. Alice Alide Samo, students of USP recently completed their 10 week placement at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
The training was part of the university’s plan to ensure all FNU award programmes meet national and international standards.

Micro-Qualifications and Accreditation Development Support Continues for FNU

The third cohort of Fiji National University (FNU) staff have successfully completed micro-qualification development and accreditation training, conducted by the Pacific Community (SPC).
It is understood disgruntled villagers lashed out at their local MPA over the lack of shipping services to the islands.

Local Politicians Home in MOI Torched

The National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) are investigating an arson incident at Malaita Outer Island (MOI).
Private Sami has represented the Australian force rugby teams in the 15s and 7s code – playing against the United Kingdom military team and the Tongan army. She also represented her home state in Netball – in the 15s she played in the center and full back (Backline) and netball as a Goal Defence (GD).

Private Sami Here for Netball and Rugby Trials

Australian Army Private, Ms. Jessica Sami will join the trials for the National Women’s Rugby 7s and Netball squads.

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