The 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 tw

Organisers 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 eve

Covid-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 t

ACOM 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 st

A 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 A

NSW 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 acq

A 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 variants

Anti 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 c

Church 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 pre

Securing 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 c

Seasonal 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, an

Fiji 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 e

US$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 national

SI’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&rsq

The 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 streets

Democratic 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 Solo

Exiled 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 medi

Australia 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 Developm

Refurbished 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 Ambassador

Kukum 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 2020

Difficult 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 letter

Noni 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 eq

ESP 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 make

Marovo 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 C

Ending 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 ear

Good 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 sc

The 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 be

SI. 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 support

Working 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 girls

Equality 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 for

SI 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 i

NZ 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 C

Targeted 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 citi

Will 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 i

Two 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 c

A 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 p

New 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 week

SI 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 2021

A 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 Onlin

Ward 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 counci

Cattle 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 stocky

Kava 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.

The shocking reality of unreported incidences of rape

Frank Short 07-Jul-2021

The Family Support Centre says it strongly condemns the rape of women and young girls in the community.

?Positive impact of cocoa production in Makira

Frank Short 07-Jul-2021

The Island Sun newspaper this morning reported that the MARKET Linkage Phase 11 Project of World Vision Solomon Islands in Makira Area Program ha

Solomon Islands largest ever domestic tourism programme wit discounted accommodation packages and 12 holiday destinations

Frank Short 07-Jul-2021

Solomon Airlines has announced an expansion of the national tourism initiative ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ in time for Solomon Islands Independ

Stimulating economic growth in the Central Islands Province

Frank Short 05-Jul-2021

Last week Premier Stanley Manetiva of Central Province told Prime Minister Sogavare during the PM’s visit to Tulaga that the Central Ialands Pro

Count your blessings

Frank Short 05-Jul-2021

Sunday for me is generally a day for reflection and, given my now senior years, there is much that I can look back on.

Singapore's roadmap to living with Covid-19 may preview an 'endgame'

Frank Short 05-Jul-2021

As millions of Australians endured strict lockdowns this week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the government was still working

The Development of Relocation Guidelines is a Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) policy priority

frank short 03-Jul-2021

According to today’s Island Sun newspaper technical studies and community consultation for the development of relocation guidelines for low

New Zealand committed to reprioritising $120m to support Pacific economies devastated by the Covid impact of the pandemic on trade and tourism.

frank short 03-Jul-2021

New Zealand is not only a long-time diplomatic partner of the Solomon Islands but a close Pacific friend and for those reasons alone a good time to ha

The SI’s National Flag and National Anthem are embodiments of national unity

frank short 03-Jul-2021

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration welcomed the month

Fiji hospital staff and patients temporarily without food

frank short 03-Jul-2021

Last week we read much about the NRH and some of the problems the hospital faced and steps being taken to help mitigate and try to resolve some of the

A tribute to SI women valued and respected for their community contributions

frank short 02-Jul-2021

The Island Sun newspaper has reported that a booklet naming outstanding women of Solomon Islands was launched recently with the aim of paying tribute

Vocational Training Centres in SI the beneficiaries of land and sea transport funded by Australia

frank short 01-Jul-2021

Four vocational training centres in the country yesterday took delivery of new land and water transport funded by the Government of Australia through

Prospects for an international airport on 600 hectares of land in East Fataleka, Malaita Province.

frank short 01-Jul-2021

The Fotana tribe from Ward 14 on East Fataleka, Malaita province has praised the government for acquiring 600 hectares of their customary land in past

NRH transforming a ward for day surgery use

frank short 01-Jul-2021

The old labour ward at the National Referral Hospital will be transformed into a multi ward, says Chief Executive Officer to NRH, Dr George Malefoasi.

Quick Enquiry