Latest News Archive March 2023

Site visit at the Huro hybrid solar farm by Permanent Secretary of the MMERE, Dr. Chris Vehe, and ADB’s Solomon Islands Pacific Country Office’s Unit Head Elmar Elbling.

Huro Hybrid Solar Farm to Reduce Reliance on Diesel Fuel

A recent combined mission including officials from the Asian Development Bank, Solomon Islands Government, and Solomon Power to Makira Ulawa Province was satisfied with work progress at the Huro Hybrid Solar Farm near Kirakira.
In December 2003, The Guardian described the choir as "controversial, professional, energetic, inspiring and spirit-filled!"

London Community Gospel Choir Puts on a Free Show Tonight at St. Barnabas Cathedral

London Community Gospel Choir will be putting on a free combined choir concert for the public in Honiara this evening at the St Barnabas Cathedral.
Para Powerlifting Head Coach from Australia, Simon Bergner, at the SINIS.

Bright Future For Para Powerlifting in the Pacific

Day four now into the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) ‘High Performance Training’ in Solomon Islands and there has been great progress over the sessions of Para powerlifting.
The port reconstruction deal is part of a $170-million project funded by the ADB to upgrade roads and wharves, which saw CCECC awarded the roads component in 2022.

Chinese Company Contracted to Build Port Facilities

By Reuters
The Solomon Islands has awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to a Chinese state company to upgrade an international port in Honiara in a project funded by the Asian Development Bank, an official of the island nation said on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare at the main 2023 Pacific Games stadium at KGVI east Honiara.

Prime Minister Visits Games Facilities

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP has led a delegation of government ministers to visit the Pacific Games facilities yesterday.
Professor Ahluwalia added that USP graduates had filled critical roles and many had gone on to be leaders in their own right across all sectors in their respective countries.

USP Remains the Bedrock for Regionalism

“The University of the South Pacific (USP) has been and continues to be a bedrock for regionalism. A resource owned by the region; for the region and a precious institution that needs to be protected in line with the vision of our forebearers.”
“So our goal is not to make sure that we get medals when they compete, but it is to make sure that they keep improving. And eventually with that improvement we will see the results in the international scene, whether it be the Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships or the Paralympic Games."

Pacific AusSports Paralympic 'High Performance Training Camp' Kick Start Program Today

Oceania Paralympic ‘High Performance Training’ kick started their program today at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
Mr. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific National Security Council, on arrival in Honiara yesterday.

High Level U.S Delegation in Honiara

An Interagency delegation from the White House – United States of America led by Mr. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific National Security Council and his eight member delegates have arrived in Honiara yesterday.
The soon-to-be-open AHC will improve health services including the work safety of the team of nurses serving in Manuopo once it opens.

Manuopo Area Health Clinic Near Completion

Work on the new Manuopo Area Health Centre (AHC) is nearing completion with around 4000 people within its catchment area to benefit from the new facility and the services to be provided once it opens.
Findings indicated the impact of the cyclone was minimal on all sectors. However, due to heavy rains associated with the two cyclones the main food crops on the island (Cassava and Taro) were damaged due to landslides.

Multi-Sectoral Assessment for Tikopia and Anuta Completed

Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) following reported damages caused by the recent double Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin has been completed in Tikopia and Anuta islands in the Temotu Province.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi given the red carpet treatment on arrival.

Japan's Foreign Minister Highlights Security in First Visit to Solomon Islands

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi discussed global security and China's presence in the Pacific with the leader of the Solomon Islands on Sunday, in what was the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to the island state.
One of the deep freezer sets funded by the constituency with CDF for Hautahe Women Association under the income generating initiative. This set which cost about $59,000 include 6x350 watts solar panel including batteries.

East Are'are Constituency Supports Constituents to be Self Reliant

East Are’are Constituency (EAC) has set important targets in implementing its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme as it continues to empower constituents to be self-reliant.
RSIPF Airport Policing Operations Officer-In-Charge, Mr Paul Kalea, said before, during and after the games will be a busy period for the RSIPF and other stakeholders.

Security Preparations for 2023 Pacific Games Progressing Well

Security preparations at the Honiara International Airport for the upcoming South Pacific Games in November has been progressing and is positive.
Elite Para Coaches and athletes being led to their camping spot for the six-day ‘High Performance Training’

SINIS Hosts Para Athletes and Coaches From the Region

Elite ‘Para’ athletes and coaches from the five Pacific countries to undergo the six-day ‘High Performance Training’ at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) have arrived today.
Cabinet members during the presentation by officials from the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

Cabinet approves Constituency Development Policy, CDF Legislation Next

The National Government through Cabinet has endorsed the new Solomon Islands Constituency Development (SICD) Policy 2023-2032, a key policy framework that will lead to the amendment of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act 2013 and regulations.
Athletes preparing for the Pacific Games 2023.

Our Telekom Announces SBD$10.7M Sponsorship for Pacific Games 2023

Solomon Telekom Company Limited this morning officially announced its sponsorship for the Pacific Games 2023, valued at $10.7M Solomon Dollars.
Seasonal work in Australia has helped thousands of families in the Solomon Islands through remittances.

15,000 Submissions Received for Seasonal Work in Australia

LMU has received more than 15,000 submissions from the recent Work Ready Pool recruitment drive.
The partnership aims to bring benefits to more than 100 registered smallholder households. It also employs 10 new full-time staff members of VATA (including three extension officers, one accountant and six band saw operators) and 12 new VATA casual workers.

Solomon Islands-Australia Economic Partnership Benefits Timber Smallholders and Creates Jobs

More than 100 households are expected to benefit from the provision of timber milling equipment to the country’s Value-Added Timber Association (VATA) under the -Solomon Islands- Australia economic partnership.
MRD Permanent Secretary, Dr Samson Viulu and the Japanese Ambassador His Excellency, MIWA Yoshiaki this week discussed possible areas of collaboration.

Constituency Development Fund Reform Agenda Gains Donor Interest

The reform work that is undertaken by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are attracting Donors and international development partners who have shown interest to support the CDF Reform programme.
The Central Honiara Constituency funded the upgrade work through its allocated Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Kombivatu Road Receives Upgrade

The Solomon Islands Central Honiara Constituency in partnership with JED ENTERPRISE LTD and Abraham Eke and family have successfully upgraded the Kombivatu road, from the Island Bakery front to the Home Finance One housing estate.
Prime Minister Hon. M. Sogavare and Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Japan Mr. Takahiro Kitano.

Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Japan Pays Courtesy Visit to Prime Minister.

Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Japan and President of KITANO CONSTRUCTION CORP, Mr. Takahiro Kitano paid courtesy visit to Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP.
Back row from left-right. Mr. Avix Manehava Hospital Driver, RN Eric Zama Kia AHC, Mr. James Datho Kia AHC Driver and Mr. Jonathan Liloro Bauro FC & Advisor-Buala Hospital, Center-RN Joseph Patolo and DoN-s Martin Gavira Isabel Province and Kids of Vageza Area, Kia Village.

New Motor Boat Engine Delights Villagers in Vageza in Kia Isabel

Children of Vageza, Kia in Isabel joined the excitement to receive the new outboard motor engine and boat for their Area Health Centre funded by World Bank.
“The increasing assistance by Japan in the Transport Sector is a very clear sign of strength of partnership between our countries and we hope that our partnership will continue to grow,” the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Sogavare Thanks Government and People of Japan for New Airport Terminal

The government has taken delivery of the new international terminal thanks to the government and people of Japan.
“Today’s site visit is the opportunity to witness first-hand the great progress of this important project that will provide Solomon Islands’ growing youth population with access to quality education and training,” said ADB’s Solomon Islands Pacific Country Office’s Unit Head Elmar Elbling.

ADB Visits New USP Campus in Solomon Islands

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today led a media tour of the almost complete, expanded campus of the University of the South Pacific in Honiara which will provide students better access to higher education.
"Pests and diseases related to plant or animal products are often found in personal effects and cargo carried by travelling passengers,” said SPC Biosecurity Officer Riten Gosai.

Pacific Cooperation Needed to Manage Biosecurity Risks and Ensure a ‘Safe and Green’ Pacific Games

Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Plant Protection Organisation (PPPO) and Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), have urged Pacific countries to ensure biosecurity travel precautions for the Pacific Games are being met to prevent pest and disease entry and spread into the region.
Organizers say the two-day event was a success, and it was good to see HABA and SIABA coming together for such an event.

Boxing Completes Selection For Pacific Games 2023

Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) in support through Honiara City Council's (HCC) request facilitated a two-day boxing selection event for the Honiara team to compete in the upcoming Solomon Games.
SIRL President, Jerry Tengemoana said the signing marks another milestone for the establishment for ‘Rugby League’ in Solomon Islands.

Rugby League Federation and SINIS Enter Partnership

The Solomon Islands Rugby League (SIRL) federation has signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU) with the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) this morning.
Training was facilitated by Dreamcast Theatre Group film producers, who guided the school children through camera work, script writing and scene production.

School Children in Solomon Islands Learn Filmmaking to Mark Commonwealth Day

British High Commission in Solomon Islands partnered with the local theatre group Dreamcast Theatre to train school children in filmmaking.
RAPPP members were joined by RSIPF and SIAF officers, staff from the Honiara City Council (HCC)’s Health Division and Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and an athlete from Solomon Island National Institute of Sport (SINIS).

Police Roll Out Copen Awareness Program in Schools

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and the RSIPF-Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) in cooperation with the National Community Police Department of the RSIPF has rolled out copen awareness programs in Honiara schools.
His Excellency British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, Mr. Thomas Coward emphasized that corruption and money laundering are “complex issues” and they require “all stakeholders to come together to fight against money laundering and corruption.”

Transparency Dialogue to Counter Corruption in the Pacific

Officials and practitioners from the public and private sectors from seven Pacific islands countries, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, engaged in holistic policy and practical discussion, aiming to contribute to combating corruption, stemming illicit financial flows and preventing tax evasion.
Constructed by JED Enterprise a local construction company, this is the largest SIG Project given to the local contractor, providing jobs for locals as well as building the capacity of the local engineers and construction workers.

PG2023 Football Facilities Taking Shape

The National Hosting Authority through its Facilities Committee is on track to deliver the PG2023 Football Training Field and a replacement for the former SIFF Academy that SIFF surrendered to give way for the construction of the PG2023 Stadium Project funded by the government of the Peoples Republic of China.
Speaking at the grant signing, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, HE. Miwa Yoshiaki says, providing essential infrastructures is one of the priority areas of the Grassroots and Human Security Project.

Japan Delivers SBD$2M for Rural Farmers in Malaita

The Embassy of Japan has delivered a grant assistance of over 2 million Solomon Dollars to the Ado Rural Farmers Association in Falake, Malaita Province.
The meeting enabled Ministries to be briefed on the implementation of the work plan and activities and align to the Safe and Green Games Strategic Plan.

Safe and Green Games Ready for Implementation

Government Ministries are now ready to implement the Safe and Green Games in their Ministerial Budgets, following the launch of the Safe and Green Games Strategy by the Hon. Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare on 3 March 2023.
ePhyto Capacity Building Project, Consultant, Peter Neimanis said ePhyto is a project developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to look at the electronic transfer of phytosanitary certificate data.

PACER Plus Assists in ePhyto Refresher Training for Bio-security and Local Exporters

A three-days refresher training on the use of electronic phytosanitary certificate (ePhyto) was held from March 1st – 3rd for local exporters and officers of the Bio-security division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
More than 40 participants from the ODPP, the RSIPF and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), including several senior Solomon Islands Government officials

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Training Conducted

Representatives of the Australian Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) recently travelled to Honiara, Solomon Islands, to deliver a mutual legal assistance training.
Women march through the streets of Honiara to mark International Women's Day 2023.

Today is International Women’s Day 2023

International Women's Day is an important global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and contributions of women.
The panel will also look at the contribution women make in the design and building of infrastructure in the country.

Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) Highlights Women in Infrastructure

The Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) says it will be marking International Women’s Day with a radio panel talkback show.
"Technology is a big part of our lives today and women should be supported to access digital education and access to technologies, as women are huge contributors to our economy and society,” said Beatrice.

Australian Award Alumni Encourages Young Girls to Get Into IT

“As technology improves we must ensure that it is inclusive and accessible for all women too,” says Australia Awards alumna and University of Sydney Computer Science and Information Technology (USYD) graduate Beatrice Keni.
The clean-up campaign will run from now until November 2023.

NHA to Support HCC With Clean-Up Campaign

The PG2023 National Hosting Authority (NHA) with the support from the government will enter into a partnership agreement with Honiara City Council (HCC) to support clean-up programs within respective wards within Honiara City from now till the games.
Sir Albert said Justice Talasasa comes with a wealth of experience, knowledge, understanding and maturity from a long and outstanding career in the legal sector to the Bench of the High Court and the High Court looks forward to his invaluable contribution.

Justice Talasasa Sworn in as High Court Judge

Justice Ronald Bei Talasasa was sworn-in by the Acting Governor General, Sir Albert Palmer at the Government House yesterday.
The training was designed to develop the response capacity of Emergency services in the Solomon Islands when dealing with emergencies such as earthquakes, tsunamis, building collapse and landslides.

Airport Fire and NDMO Joins RSIPF in Disaster Responder Training

A five-day Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) training course was conducted at Central Fire Station in Honiara recently.
Thousands are already in Australia under the scheme, thousands more have applied.

LMU Opens Phone Line to Check on Applications

The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade will establish phone lines to enable members of the public to enquire if their online/email submissions for the LMU recruitment drive is received by the office.
“We must join hands to transform the look of our City. Only by doing this will we present a picture of our city to our visitors that we can be proud of,” expressed the Prime Minister.

Safe and Green Games Blessed During Sunday Service

The safe and green games were officially launched on Friday with Government departments, State-owned enterprises, and the private sector coming out in full force.
Remaining national Athletes for Athletics (Jumps, Middle Distance, Sprints and Throws), Para athletes and Swimmers to undergo training and competitions in Australia leaving the country yesterday with Coaches and SINIS Support Staff.

Athletes Leave for Gold Coast, Australia

Remaining national Athletes for Athletics (Jumps, Middle Distance, Sprints and Throws), Para athletes and Swimmers to undergo training and competitions in Australia have left the country yesterday.
“I am going to write to the Solomon Islands government to present to us the acquittals for these K10m," said PNG's Sports Minister, Hon. Don Polye.

PNG Will Request Acquittal of K10m Funding for Pacific Games

Papua New Guinea’s Sports Minister Hon. Don Polye says that he will soon formally request the acquittal of K10 Million from the Solomon Islands government.
The Sol2023 Pacific Games Ambassadors include Jim Marau, Chris Votu and Primo Higa, former national Footballers turned Coaches: Batram Suri and Timothy Inifiri, Paralympian: Hellen Saohanga, Weightlifting Queen: Jenly Wini, Boxing Icon: Joseph Saimei and national Tennis Player and Coach: Junior Benjamin.

GOC Launch Sol2023 Pacific Games Ambassadors Programme

The 2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee (GOC) has officially launched the Sol2023 Games Ambassadors Programme.
The country is not ready for graduation in 2024, as it has lost three critical years that were intended for wide and inclusive consultations on graduation and preparing a national Smooth Transition Strategy as well as to embark on initiatives that will enable a sustainable graduation.

Cabinet Approves LDC Graduation Extension for Solomon Islands to 2027

The Cabinet of Solomon Islands has endorsed the country position for an extension in the transition and preparatory period for Solomon Islands graduation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) status from 2024 to the year 2027.
The 13 participants in total ranged from school teachers, current sport coaches, former athletes as well as certified coaches level 1 and even 2.

SINIS Conducts Athletics Foundation Course

A two-day workshop on ‘Athletic Solomons Foundation Coaches Course’ was successfully completed this week Monday and Tuesday at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
Minister Agovaka thanked the Government and good people of Japan for the support and assures them that Solomon Islands will continue to work together with Japan to promote and advance matters of mutual interests.

Japan Supports Solomon Islands With Medical Supplies and Equipment

The Government of Solomon Islands and Japan have signed off on a document of assistance that will see the procurement of much needed medical equipment urgently needed by the Solomon Islands Health sector.
The ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ program was initially launched in March 2021 as a collaboration between Solomon Airlines, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Public Service to create much needed traffic for local operators.

Tourism Solomons - ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ Reboot Perfectly Timed

Tourism Solomons has roundly applauded Solomon Airlines’ decision to reboot its ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ domestic travel program, describing the carrier’s move as perfect timing for a tourism sector “still very much in recovery mode.”
Around 25 participants from different denominations are currently undergoing the Sports Chaplainship Workshop that will be completed tomorrow. Amongst the participants are team Chaplains of the country’s different sport teams as well.

Sports Chaplainship Workshop Organized by SINIS

A three-day ‘Sports Chaplainship’ workshop is currently ongoing at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), having started yesterday.
The shores of Honiara were pounded by massive waves, and the force was so strong a constituency owned vessel, VATUD Star, was pushed ashore.

Wild Weather Smashes Honiara

By Jimmy Nolan
Tropical Cyclone Judy may have left the shores of the Solomon Islands, but destructive winds and wild weather continues due to another cyclone, recently named Tropical Cyclone Kevin, located South of the Solomon Islands near Rennell Bellona province, and just outside the coral sea.
The Permanent Secretaries took their Oaths of Office and Oaths of Allegiance before the Acting Governor General in the presence of senior government officials and family members.

Permanent Secretaries Take Oath of Office

Three Permanent Secretaries have been sworn-in yesterday at Government House by the Acting Governor General, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer following their re-appointments by the Government.
The largely incomplete renovation at the MID head office in Honiara is raising questions.

Investigate SBD$7M Contract: Opposition Leader

The Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has called on the Police Commissioner to investigate a $7m renovation project of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) headquarters.
It was also identified that more than 800 submissions for the Work Ready Pool were sent to a non-existent address that has the letter ‘i’’ in front instead of ‘l’ (small L).

MFAET Warns Against Capitalizing on LMU Recruitment Process

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is urging the public not to capitalize on the current Labour Mobility Unit recruitment process for financial gains.
SPC's Riten Gosai guiding Samoa Ministry of Agriculture participants on fruit fly trap installation in a host tree.

SPC Helps Strengthen Biosecurity in Samoa

Biosecurity risk mitigation, pest/import risk assessment, emerging threats, and plant health surveillance, including sample collection, processing and submission for identification and authentication, were all covered during a training and surveillance held in Samoa last week to address pest and disease threat and boost biosecurity in the region.
As of 1st March, the Phase One of the program will initially include holiday deals to 10 properties across Gizo, Munda, Seghe, Suavanao and Santa Cruz.

'Iumi Tugeda Holidays' Relaunched

The Solomon Islands National Carrier, Solomon Airlines has confirmed the relaunching of the popular ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ program, together with industry partners and tour operators, to offer a new range of attractive and affordable holiday packages across the Provinces.

Latest News Archive

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007