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 haSolomon 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 IndependStimulating 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 ProCount 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 workingThe 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 lowNew 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 haThe 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 monthFiji 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 theA 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 tributeVocational 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 throughProspects 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 pastNRH 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.“PCDF Funding more effective in service delivery to address development issues faced by Provincial Governments,” says PM
frank short 01-Jul-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced in Tulagi this week that the National Government under his leadership will increase the Provincial CapacityMore than 3000 athletes from 39 schools to participate in a week- long tournament
frank short 01-Jul-2021
According to today’s Island Sun newspaper, the inaugural national secondary school games (NSSG) have begun. The parade through Honiara town remiPrime Minister Sogavare announces an allocation of $700,000 for the assessment and redesign of Tulagi Hospital.
frank short 30-Jun-2021
While visiting Tulagi, the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced an allocation of $700,000 for the assessment and redesign of the Tulagi HospitalDomestic and international seaport infrastructures are vital for the tourism and general trading of goods for export Premier Manetiva says
frank short 30-Jun-2021
Central Islands Province (CIP) though being host to the first national capital is still without an airport.Pacific Trade Investment (PTI) Australia assisted 24 businesses in SI and facilitated over A$659.339 in exports and A$17,120 in investment
frank short 29-Jun-2021
Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia, an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, has launched its 2020 Annual Report, highlighting more thanUNDP and ILO in partnership with SI Government empowering local youths as agents for peace and social cohesion
frank short 29-Jun-2021
The Solomon Island Sun newspaper today revealed that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Labor Organization (ILO), in pa(MEHRD) has commenced its 2021 training program to ensure all teachers in Solomon Islands are qualified.
frank short 29-Jun-2021
Over the next 12 months, the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will deliver certificate and diplomaFaster, affordable and reliable internet services in the SI a pre-condition for business and investment
frank short 29-Jun-2021
A recent survey conducted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has revealed mixed reactions from businesses regarding the iBylaws helping to strengthen and empower communities in Malaita
frank short 28-Jun-2021
The Island Sun today published the following article, which I quote.“Where the clouds meet the mountains”
frank short 28-Jun-2021
Writing a feature travel story in today’s Island Sun, staff reporter Ben Bilua wrote about (and illustrated) a beautiful local tourist spot thatIncidence of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the Solomon Islands.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
???????I wonder how many of the patients attending the National Referral Hospital recently during the reported crisis over bed shortages attended beca3000 youths motivated and discouraged from involvement in criminal activities.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
Over 3000 youths from the South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) are gathering at Maoro School Ward 29 in Central Kwara'ae in Malaita Province for tPrime Minister Sogavare strikes right balance talking of peaceful co-existence when addressing the security and welfare needs of border communities
frank short 27-Jun-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted the significance of security for the welfare of communities along the Solomon Islands and PNG border at aA humanitarian partnership helping rural communities with food security and sustainable agriculture
frank short 27-Jun-2021
I concerned myself at the onset of the Corona crisis in the Solomon Islands on the likelihood of job losses, health issues and particularly about foodConcern for our Pacific neighbour Fiji with 262 more Covid-19 cases, and a 7.4% positivity rate
frank short 27-Jun-2021
The latest news report from Radio New Zealand late today, Sunday, says Fiji's Covid-19 positivity rate continues to increase as health authoDisparaging comments following the posting on Facebook and Linkedin of a picture of a RSIPF fast patrol craft on SI Western border.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
Today, I wrote an article relating to the official ground breaking ceremony for the security base in Lofang.Infrastructure initiative setting a new platform for infrastructure planning and development in the Solomon Islands.
frank short 27-Jun-2021
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last week witnessed the signing of the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) between the Solomon Islands“Lest we forget.”
frank short 26-Jun-2021
On 7 August this year the Solomon Islands will celebrate 43 years Independence as a sovereign country although celebration events this year are most lNSW Covid situation 'worsening', premier warns of tougher restrictions
frank short 26-Jun-2021
New lockdowns have been announced for Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast - with residents living and working in these areas told to remaThe UK’s colour coded air travel plans
frank short 25-Jun-2021
It is widely reported that people in Britain that have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will soon be permitted to travel by air to those countriThe SIPPA receives two ultra sound machines thanks to UNFPA and Australia
frank short 25-Jun-2021
A local newspaper report today, Friday, said with the growing demand for its services, the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPASecurity management approaches today and in the past
frank short 25-Jun-2021
I was pleased to read yesterday that the historic groundbreaking ceremony at Lofung in the Shortland Islands went well and reportedly fulfilled the wiProgress on a new Rehabilitation Workshop at the NRH
frank short 25-Jun-2021
We have all read and heard so much in the past few days of the bed shortages occurring at the National Referral Hospital and, today, the measures adopNRH’s CEO addresses current bed shortages and outlines the greater issues impacting on the hospital’s services
frank short 24-Jun-2021
Quoting from today’s Solomon Star newspaper, Dr George Malefoasi, Chief Executive Officer has spoken for the NRH, on behalf of the MinistrA concerning situation at the NRH where overcrowding is risky in the prevailing Covid-19 precautions that are deemed necessary outside the country
frank short 24-Jun-2021
In separate news today I posted on Linkedin the sad details relating to Covid-19 cases occurring in our neighbouring country, Fiji, but didn’t mShortage of beds at the NRH and sick patients delayed in being admitted to medical wards.
frank short 24-Jun-2021
An article in today’s Island Sun newspaper claimed that doctors working in the Emergency Ward at the National Referral Hospital have raised concFishing vessel cameras aim to curb catch dumping
frank short 24-Jun-2021
A subject that had been debated in New Zealand and somewhat controversial in the past seems to have led to a resolution about fishing boats being equiNRH quickly sets aside two waiting areas for discharged patients
frank short 24-Jun-2021
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) has reportedly set aside two waiting area for discharged patients.Time to focus on our hospitals
frank short 24-Jun-2021
Much as what was expected; the Island Sun newspaper published an Editorial piece in this morning’s edition which was titled “Time to focusSolomon Islands young people desperately need jobs says SI Opposition Leader
frank short 24-Jun-2021
In an article published in today’s Solomon Times Online, The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, has called on the government to take a morNRH - a ‘Titanic’ systematic situation with only the tip of an iceberg seemingly hiding what lies below the surface
frank short 23-Jun-2021
In relation to the current bed shortages at the NRH, the issues at the National Referral Hospital are more than the availability of the beds, says Pau$1.4m for Taro & Seghe airports upgrades provided by New Zealand
frank short 23-Jun-2021
A funding arrangement of SBD1.4 million to support provincial airfield upgrades at Seghe and Taro was signed on Monday at the New Zealand High CoBed shortages at the NRH reportedly compounded by rise in admissions, funding, manpower and procurement issues.
frank short 23-Jun-2021
Responding to adverse comments in the local press and on social media about the current state of bed shortages at the NRH, the hospital’s CEO DrThe NRH should have the best of facilities and be able to cater to all health needs
frank short 22-Jun-2021
In a strongly worded Editorial piece in today’s Island Sun newspaper the prevailing situation at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) came underAdvancing opportunities and job prospects for Solomon Islands youth
frank short 22-Jun-2021
I read reports when the undersea cable was brought to the Solomon Islands that the future would herald many job opportunities once broadband internetImproving food security and economic development through sustainable aquaculture
frank short 22-Jun-2021
The Solomon Times Online today published an interesting piece on seaweed farming, a subject that I have written to encourage in the past.Prevention measures for guidance on breast cancer
frank short 22-Jun-2021
Knowing that breast cancer is a common type of cancer in the Solomon Islands, I want to share with you some general medical guidance notes published iUse of RCDF for community projects aiding development
frank short 22-Jun-2021
I generally go on line everyday to read the published Solomon Islands newspapers but cannot always agree with what is published, but there again livinDonations of medical dressings and over the counter medications
frank short 22-Jun-2021
I was once contacted and told, but not too long ago, that all cargo ships in the oil and gas industry operating in or close to Solomon Islands watersAgricultural development in 2021
frank short 22-Jun-2021
I have been keen to follow the work undertaken by Mal in recent months in terms of its Sustainable Economic Growth and Export Strengthening (SEGES) PrSolomon Islands: Creating better and strong communication links.
frank short 22-Jun-2021
The disruption created by the Covid pandemic brings to the fore issues that have been on the minds of researchers at the Institute for Sustainable FutNational unity in diversity
frank short 22-Jun-2021
Last week St John Dala Catholic Secondary School hosted its annual cultural day event to promote various cultures from different parts of Malaita as wCovid-19: Reopening borders without herd immunity threshold risks lives
frank short 21-Jun-2021
Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, recently said the countries air borders were unlikely to re-open until late 2022, claiming it wouldHistoric and proud occasion with the opening of a new Ghombua Rural Health Clinic
frank short 20-Jun-2021
Writing for so long about the run down state of many of the countries rural health clinics, I was very happy today to see in the Solomon Times OnlineSolomon Power Signs Financing Agreement with Australia for Tina River Hydro- power Project
frank short 17-Jun-2021
Solomon Power and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) have signed a USD22.7 million (SBD180 million) grant aThings to consider about losing weight
frank short 17-Jun-2021
Most recently I wrote about the importance of nutrition and losing weight in relation to health issues in the Solomon Islands, especially in regard toCDF Funds and community projects serving Malaita
frank short 17-Jun-2021
I don’t know how many Malaitan Members of Parliament sit in the National Parliament and to what extent those MPs have or are in the process of fTemotu calls for a ship as a priority
frank short 17-Jun-2021
The Island Sun newspaper today highlighted in a leading article that the people of Temotu are calling on the national government to provide the provinCould pineapples be a new weapon against COVID-19?
frank short 17-Jun-2021
I was focusing my thoughts this morning on the development needs of Malaita Province and thinking in particular of the long promised but still awaitinTragic deaths after eating ‘Balloon Fish,’
frank short 17-Jun-2021
The Solomon Star newspaper today reported that two members of a family at New Takwa village, Kolombangara Island in the Western province died after eaRemaining strong and united as a nation
frank short 17-Jun-2021
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation have returned to Honiara after a week- long successful tour of Temotu Province.There is a reported lag in the vaccination roll out for people with disability, it has been claimed
frank short 17-Jun-2021
It is has been claimed the Government is not keeping track of the country’s persons with disability community in its vaccination drive.Prime Minister makes a historic trip to Tikopia and receives a warm, appreciative reception.
Frank Short 15-Jun-2021
“We are one family, a Solomon Islands family.” (Mathew Vaka Apairotu)Computer Tomography (CT) Scan Project progessing at the NRH
Frank Short 15-Jun-2021
Following media enquiries into the status of the Computer Tomography (CT) Scan project at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), the Ministry of HealthTukutaunga Rural Health Clinic received medical supplies last week
Frank Short 15-Jun-2021
The Tukutaunga Rural Health Clinic, RHC, Tikopia in Temotu Province received medical supplies for the second quarter 2021 last week.Use of drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas in the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 15-Jun-2021
In a letter posted earlier today I raised the prospect delivering medical supplies in the Solomon Islands by using drones.SBD$10 million dollars given by New Zealand to assist SI roll out of Covid-19 vaccination plan
Frank Short 14-Jun-2021
The New Zealand Government, through its High Commissioner’s office in Honiara has announced an additional economic support of some SBD$10 millioFood for thought for the Solomon Islands
Frank Short 14-Jun-2021
Here are some selected extracts of regional weekend news stories in relation to road transport and the agricultural sectorHealth awareness programme held for Ilia school at Gilbert Camp
Frank Short 14-Jun-2021
ILIA School at Gilbert Camp was visited last Tuesday by the Honiara City Council (HCC), health school Promotion team to facilitate a one-day heaMedical check-ups urged for men to avoid getting prostate cancer
Frank Short 14-Jun-2021
Writing as one who is unfortunately no stranger to prostate cancer, I write to urge men in the Solomon Islands to make time for a regular check-up at