Mass vaccinations planned in NZ and assessing the risk travellers bring to the country
Frank Short 06-Aug-2021
Thousands of people are expected to turn up to New Zealand's first rural mass Covid-19 vaccination event at Stratford today and tomorrow.The Covid crisis must not undermine peace or security and weaken the resolve to curb domestic violence at home
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
In the past two days in public speeches he made in Guadalcanal the Prime Minister spoke specifically about the preservation of the peace and securityPrime Minister Sogavare outlines govt policy for infrastructure development for Guadalcanal and peace and security aspirations for all SI citizens
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
Prime Minister Sogavare in his Second Appointed Day Speech in Marau, East Guadalcanal, made some important pronouncements beneficial for Guadacanal anUS President to address Pacific Forum summit
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
The US President, Joe Biden, is expected to address Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their virtual meeting tomorrow.Illustrating the Covid-19 crisis in brief news from around SI’s Pacific neighbours
Frank Short 05-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand today released news reports which help us to see the situation in two of our Pacific neighbours, and I quote.Flight restrictions imposed to protect the country from Covid has affected work on the (JICA) airport project at Henderson.
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
This was revealed by Ms.Asano Yoko from the Embassy of Japan yesterday.New rules for three countries in the (NZ) Regional Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand announced today, Wednesday, that new rules allowing seasonal workers to enter New Zealand without going through managed isolatiGuadalcanal announces plans for provincial headquarters and three new townships
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
GUADALCANAL will establish its headquarters at Mamara, west of Honiara, and build three other townships around the province.The SIG’s stand on the importance of vaccinations
Frank Short 04-Aug-2021
I would like to share with readers the latest news relating to Covid-19 in relation to New Zealand and NSW in Australia.SI’s tough decision to have made on mandatory vaccinations but the Delta strain of Covid proving hard to contain in Australia and a danger.
Frank Short 03-Aug-2021
Radio New Zealand set the scene in a news broadcast this afternoon reporting, quote.CEMA to set up a buying centre at Manekalaku
Frank Short 03-Aug-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has revealed that the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) will set up its main buying center at ManekalakuThe Solomon Islands Government has a duty of care to the population and has approved the mandatory administration of Covid-19 vaccines
Frank Short 03-Aug-2021
An article in today’s Island Sun newspaper gives an account of a recent speech made by the Hon. Culwick Togamana, the Minister of Health and MedPlease don’t be lulled into a false sense of security
Frank Short 02-Aug-2021
The Solomon Islands is still free from the coronavirus pandemic that is ravishing many other countriesThe unrelenting impact of Covid-19 on the livelihoods of Pacific Traders and on small business owners in the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 02-Aug-2021
According to the latest report from the Pacific Business Monitor COVID-19 impacts on Pacific businesses have remained at severe levels since tracThe Fiji government has embarked on a determined vaccination drive.
Frank Short 02-Aug-2021
So far it is reported that 83 percent of the eligible population has received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccination – and 24 percent has had twOrganisers reach goal at mass vaccination event in Auckland
Frank Short 01-Aug-2021
Late this evening, Sunday, Radio New Zealand has reported more than15,500 people have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine at a mass eveCovid-19 cases in Fiji – 1121 new cases and six more deaths
Frank Short 01-Aug-2021
Reported the news from Fiji today, Sunday, Radio New Zealand bulletins confirms there are 294 severe Covid-19 patients in Fiji's hospitals,Help, encouragement and support for the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 01-Aug-2021
In 2014 I personally launched my website on the internet and Google’s 1st page.SINU opens $120m complex fully funded by the national government
Frank Short 31-Jul-2021
The new complex belongs to SINU’s Faculty of Education and Humanities and was fully funded by the national government.Get fully vaccinated as the best protection against Covid-19
Frank Short 31-Jul-2021
My thoughts today are pre-occupied with the delta variant of Covid-19 and how the transfer of that highly transferable and deadly virus would affect tACOM supports Covid-19 vaccinations to protect citizens
Frank Short 31-Jul-2021
The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has come out to voice its support for the covid-19 vaccine.Staff capacity building for the SI Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Frank Short 30-Jul-2021
I have been considering what Sir Frank Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE, the former Governor General of the Solomon Islands is reported to have told the Solomon“Teeth needed” for the SI Anti-Corruption Commission, says the Chair of the Commission
Frank Short 30-Jul-2021
An article published in today’s Solomon Star newspaper written by paper’s Editor, Mr. Alfred Sasako, said a nation’s senior stA plea to get vaccinated before it is too late
Frank Short 30-Jul-2021
Fifty thousand Australian-made AstraZeneca doses arrived in Solomon Islands on 29 July on a flight from Brisbane - the largest single consignment of ANSW reports 239 new Covid-19 cases
Frank Short 29-Jul-2021
Radio New Zealand has just reported this afternoon, Thursday, that the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has recorded 239 new locally acqA wise precaution by the Solomon Islands government preventing entry to the country without being vaccinated
Frank Short 29-Jul-2021
Opening SI’s borders to let people arriving without having been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 could risk importations of new Covid variantsAnti social behavior alleged by a resident in Gizo
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
A “concerned resident” of Gizo, named in the Solomon Star newspaper as Benjandro Piko, complained about anti-social activities allegedly cChurch leaders in the SI meet for talks with the Chinese Ambassador
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
About 14 local church leaders met with the Chinese Ambassador at the Embassy yesterday.Getting the facts right
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
The spreading of false information, false rumours and deliberate false news remains a painful memory, and a set-back to security, of the two years preSecuring a greener future by restoring biodiversity
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
For the first time ever, the UN Development Programme Small Grants Programme in Solomon Islands handed over the certificate of afforestation project cSeasonal mangos could become a valuable export crop for the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
The "common mango" or "Indian mango"—is the only mango tree commonly cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, anFiji reports 715 new Covid-19 cases as death toll passes 200
Frank Short 28-Jul-2021
Fiji has recorded 715 cases of Covid-19 and 11 deaths - including an unvaccinated health worker - in the last 24 hours to 8am yesterday.Has the Solomon Islands considered the export possibilities for green coconuts and coconut water?
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
The Solomon Islands has had success with the manufacture of virgin coconut oil which has contributed to the income of farmers, local employment, and eUS$20.8 million partnership between UNICEF and Japan in fight against COVID-19 in the Pacific region
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
According to press releases, this week, UNICEF and the Government of Japan have announced a new US$20.8 million partnership to support Pacific Island"With freedom comes much responsibility”, says MASI President in the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is embarking on a scoping study to strengthen the media industry.Could ginger be grown commercially in the Solomon Islands?
Frank Short 27-Jul-2021
I have always been keen to see the Solomon Islands prosper with commercial cultivation of crops that bring benefit for growers and boost the nationalSI’s duel health crisis
Frank Short 26-Jul-2021
Samson Sade writing in today’s edition of the Solomon Times Online newspaper quotes “Pacific Possible’ research stating that NCD&rsqThe threat of Covid-19 poses a threat that nobody can ignore and getting vaccinated the only option to be safe from the deadly virus
Frank Short 26-Jul-2021
This morning I kept my appointment at a Bangkok hospital and took a taxi through the city’s main roads practically devoid of traffic and streetsDemocratic rights at a time of Covid-19
Frank Short 26-Jul-2021
Last week, the SI Governor General, His Excellency, Sir David Vunagi, GCMG, declared the country’s fifth consecutive State of Public Emergency (Pacific Youth Leader, Ms Gladys Habu, calls on Pacific Leaders to declare a climate emergency.
Frank Short 24-Jul-2021
Writing in the Solomon Times Online, a respected local freelance journalist contributed an article in which she mentioned how Gladys Habu, of the SoloExiled Malaitans donate medical supplies to Kilu’ufi Hospital
Frank Short 24-Jul-2021
The Solomon Star newspaper today, Saturday, carried a report saying Malaitans living and working in Gatton in Queensland, Australia, have donated mediAustralia Kava market could open this year, according to International Development Minister
Frank Short 24-Jul-2021
The possibility of Kava exports into Australia could begin at the end of this year, according to Australia’s Minister for International DevelopmRefurbished Isolation Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH)
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
It is reported that the PRC Government has completed refurbishing an Isolation Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and the Chinese AmbassadorKukum Clinic regarded as the busiest in Honiara reopens after a year of renovations
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
Kukum Clinic has been officially reopened by the Deputy City Mayor after a major renovation works that started in 2020Difficult times, difficult decisions, difficult choices
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
Two articles in the Solomon Star today give rise to my choice of title for this letterNoni farm in East Honiara receives agricultural equipment from MAL
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Extension Department has supported T.W Enterprise Noni farm with essential agricultural eqESP pilot survey scheduled for next week, announces government
Frank Short 23-Jul-2021
A two-day pilot survey will be conducted at Kakabona and Henderson/ Lungga areas next week.Looking at Covid-19 prevention through the eyes of wantokism and social responsibility.
Frank Short 22-Jul-2021
The Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) has established new sites for those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.Climate change increases health hazards, says SI’s Doctor Edgar Pollard
Frank Short 22-Jul-2021
The impacts of climate change on our weather patterns are a serious threat to our ongoing health problems which needs the attention of our policy makeMarovo fishermen get 20 boats supplied through CDF
Frank Short 21-Jul-2021
Apart from recently witnessing the Seghe Hospital Electrification Project, 20 boats were supplied to local fisherman with funds acquired through the CEnding the nightmare of Covid-19 means people must get vaccinated and make it their personal responsibility
Frank Short 21-Jul-2021
The news media, both print and broadcast media, continues to bring us news of the affect of the deadly Cornavirus that has gripped the world since earGood news for SI seasonal workers with word from Australia
Frank Short 20-Jul-2021
Australia is committed to keeping the doors open for Pacific seasonal workers and to ensuring conditions for workers arriving from Asia on new visa scThe Rural Development Fund (RCDF) aiding rural health requirements in practical ways
Frank Short 20-Jul-2021
A survey of the local newspapers today, Tuesday, highlighted how using Rural Constituency Development Funds (RCDF) the health services has been the beSI. Recording the primary rights of customary landholding groups and sustaining peace
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, has supportWorking to help People with Disabilities in the SI to attain disability rights and promote their dignity and pride
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
I wrote today a piece in which I expressed my appreciation for DFAT in conducting a training workshop in Honiara last week for some 29 women and girlsEquality and human rights as laid down in the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explained to women and girls living with disability
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
Last week, 29 women and girls living with some disability, with support from the the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) met in Honiara forSI Government Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) contributes to economic self-reliance in West Guadalcanal
Frank Short 19-Jul-2021
The North West Guadalcanal Development Association (NWGD) has introduced a new initiative ‘bulk marketing’ for rural farmers to generate iNZ extending financial support to its tourism trade as it expands its domestic travel industry
Frank Short 18-Jul-2021
Just as the tourism industry has taken a hit in the Solomon Islands, New Zealand has been badly affected by the drop of tourist numbers, although not“We’re in the pandemic together.” Casting aside false information and taking decisive action on vaccination the key to ending Covid-19
Frank Short 18-Jul-2021
I read the front page article in the Solomon Star on 16 July which featured an article and accompanying photograph of the Australian and the UK High CTargeted population groups in SI with the special needs of disabled persons in mind
Frank Short 16-Jul-2021
It was encouraging to read in the Solomon Times Online this morning that the staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) have joined citiWill the construction of two new health centres in Guadacanal soon herald the construction of others throughout the SI?
Frank Short 15-Jul-2021
Yesterday, I wrote saying how two rural health centres at recently been constructed and brought into services for the communities at Aola and Avuavu iTwo health centres constructed and brought into service in Guadalcanal Province
Frank Short 15-Jul-2021
According to information to hand, the WHO approached Kramer Ausenco (KA) to provide services from initial investigations, design, documentation, and cA second ESP package being urged and one the Prime Minister will seek advice about
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
In today’s Island Sun newspaper it is claimed the SI Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale is urging the government to consider a second stimulus pNew ADB strategy to help ADB’s Pacific developing member countries improve connectivity across the Pacific over 5 year
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
A press release from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) detailed in the Solomon Times Online today, Wednesday, is quoted saying.Local businesses benefit from donated equipment from Australia
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
Three small enterprises have received value-adding equipment donated by the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) last weekSI launches an e-commerce platform as part of the Government’s policy to develop the National Digital Economy Strategy 2021-2025.
Frank Short 14-Jul-2021
Solomon Islands will now have its own e-commerce online platform with the launching of Bulkshop’s e-commerce service.Statement by the Administrator of the UNDP, Mr. Achim Steiner
Frank Short 13-Jul-2021
Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Covid-19: Positive cases in Fiji pass 800, three more deaths confirmed
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
The Prime Minister is reported to have warned that if the Delta variant of Covid-19 enters the Solomon Islands “people will suffer.”Aiding the Pacific During Covid: An Update
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
While the money is flowing, the outlook for the region has also darkened considerably.Regional Covid-19 cases reported 12 July 2021 which serve to highlight the importance of being vaccinated
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
Fiji Covid-19: 485 new cases and three more deaths confirmed 12 July 2021A future SI Olympic athlete in the making?
Frank Short 12-Jul-2021
Jeremy Gwao in his inimitable easy and encouraging style of writing told the story of 13 years old Ellen Wusia in his piece in the Solomon Times OnlinWard Youth Committees formed in Auki
Frank Short 11-Jul-2021
The establishment of ward committees is to fulfill the National Youth Council (NYC) policy under MWYCFA to have a bridge of youth committees or counciCattle Project at Atori in East Malaita starting off
Frank Short 08-Jul-2021
The Malaita province cattle project is about to begin just as soon as funds are received from the MPG to for the erection of fencing around the stockyKava in high demand and fetching top prices in Australia says a SI journalist
Frank Short 08-Jul-2021
According to a feature story in today’s edition of the Island Sun newspaper, Brian Leztuni said, and I quote.