Appreciative work of the RSIPF in raising public awareness of the danger posed by Covid-19

frank short 01-Jun-2021

In keeping with the true intentions of community policing, a policy I introduced in the local police operational plans in 1997, I have been following

Solomon Islands remains Covid free after a month

frank short 01-Jun-2021

In his recent nationwide address, the Prime Minister announced that the Solomon Islands has been COVID-19 free now for more than a month.

Governor-General highlights the need for regular physical exercise to ward off illness

frank short 01-Jun-2021

His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir David Vunagi, GCMG, was an invited guest at the annual fun run organized by the Honiara Rotary Club recently.

Plasticwise Gizo, launch programme to address solid wastes sun as plastic

frank short 01-Jun-2021

Plasticwise Gizo is a leading local Non-Government Organisation based in Gizo Western Province. The Organisation has gained regional and international

Is changing mindsets still the biggest concern in respect of gender equality and the ending of domestic and family violence?

frank short 01-Jun-2021

In late December last year, the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahan, together with representatives from the Minist

Australia's PM arrives in New Zealand for talks

frank short 01-Jun-2021

The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has touched down in Queenstown, saying extending the trans-Tasman bubble into the Pacific is a "re

Looking at the success of the Solomon Islands Covid free status in the light of regional coronavirus outbreaks.

frank short 29-May-2021

The Solomon Islands remains free of Covid 19 and, as I have previously mentioned, credit for this is due to the efficient and effective early emergenc

Renovation of the NRH’s isolation ward nearing completion

frank short 29-May-2021

The Island Sun newspaper has reported today that the Covid-19 isolation ward renovation at the National Referral Hospital funded by the government of

Communities expected to benefit from bylaws in Malaita province

frank short 27-May-2021

I read today in the Island Sun newspaper that a total of 34 communities in five wards in Malaita province have launched and enforced their community b

85 year old but stil committed to the electoral process.

frank short 27-May-2021

The story of 85 year old Rinnie Barigakapathe from Malango in South Choiserul who was amongst the first to cast her vote during the recent by-election

Guadalcanal Noni farmers get tools and wheel barrows from MAL

frank short 27-May-2021

According to the Island Sun newspaper, today, it was said the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Agriculture Ext

New road upgrade for Honiara settlements facilitates better access to services

frank short 27-May-2021

People living in Kombivatu, Feraladoa, Ferakusia, and Matariu will no longer face delays when travelling to town to access services like markets, scho

Could you have silent diabetes? Here’s how to tell – and what you can do about it

frank short 27-May-2021

I am back writing about Type 2 diabetes again and I do so because of the prevalence of the disease in the Solomon Islands, the consequences of the dis

St John Ambulance personnel deserve our grateful respect and protection

frank short 27-May-2021

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) condemns in the strongest possible term the disrespect and disregard displayed towards the importan

Family Support Centre assists in reviewing Moli ward by-law after a period of 11 years

frank short 27-May-2021

According to an article in today’s Island Sun newspaper, the Family Support Centre (FSC) office recently conducted a workshop in Sukiki vil

Sawmill operators given hands-on training in West Kwara’ae

frank short 25-May-2021

The Ministry of Forestry and Research together with the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) under the Sustainable Forest Resource Ma

Several Uni undergraduates said to have joined the SES on Australian Farms

frank short 25-May-2021

A handful of jobless local university graduates have left the country to join the Pacific Seasonal Workers Scheme this year in searching for employmen

MAL looking forward to implement MEAs national activities with FAO

frank short 25-May-2021

According to in the Island Sun newspaper in an article published today, Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) is looking forward to

The rights, needs and welfare of amputees must be supported by all advocating disability causes as part of their mandate

frank short 25-May-2021

The first letter I wrote when I introduced my website www.solomonisalandsinfocus.com in 2014 focused on the plight of a relatively young man

Australia working with SolTuna for a childcare centre for its workers.

frank short 25-May-2021

Australia’s Strongim Bisnis is working with SolTuna to establish a childcare centre at the SolTuna cannery in Noro.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment embraced by the UN

frank short 25-May-2021

Last week I read in the Solomon Star newspaper that the Minister for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Freda Rangire

Too many eggs in one basket

frank short 25-May-2021

Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott has said up to 80 percent of the country's GDP was tied up in tourism and wondered if

The MWYCFA Ministry one of the smallest government ministries but with the biggest mandate

frank short 25-May-2021

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) has welcomed the Poverty Reduction China-Solomon Islands virtual dialogue. 

Transforming digital trade and business across the Pacific

frank short 25-May-2021

As the Covid pandemic has brought a change to how business in conducted now and how digital trading will feature more post Covid, I share with you the

General hospital services as well as rural health care needs

frank short 25-May-2021

In terms of what the WHO defines as the services needed to be provided at a general hospital, they include the ability of medical staff to handle surg

Cultural Basis for Development in Solomon Islands

frank short 20-May-2021

Quoting an article by Gordon Leua Nanau and Lincy Pendeverana published in today’s edition of the Solomon Times Onlin

A new approach to CDF leading to tangible development in rural communities

frank short 20-May-2021

In writing this piece my interest is on the way CDF projects are being implemented that is ensuring tangible developments in rural communities with re

UNDP launches dialogues on disabilities rights for inclusive and resilient communities

frank short 20-May-2021

A much welcome initiative has seen the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Solomon Islands, under the Outstanding Women initiative, launch a series o

Melbourne based food supplier wants 100 tons of SI cassava every year to meet local targets

frank short 19-May-2021

It has been reported in today’s Island Sun newspaper that Melbourne-based Vinay Reddy, the Managing Director of Vinay’s Food, has been buy

SI’s Prime Minister gives an assurance to upgrade Tulagi Hospital to a general hospital

frank short 19-May-2021

Last week in a nationwide address the Prime Minister said the government will upgrade the Tulagi Hospital into a fully-fledged general hospital.

Australia helping timber growers on Kolombangara and aiding local jobs

frank short 19-May-2021

Australia’s Strongnim Bisnis is working with Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) to support small timber growers (out-growers) on Kolomb

MAL secures land for a National Agricultural Project

frank short 19-May-2021

 According to news published in today’s Island Sun newspaper, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has secured a 37.5 hectare of

A light steel factory expected to provide local job opportunities

frank short 19-May-2021

Construction of a light steel factory is underway near the Mamara New City project west of Honiara, which will provide more job opportunities for loca

Solomon Islands economy faring better than anticipated despite some shortfalls

frank short 19-May-2021

??????? It was this time a year ago that the government and Solomon Islanders were apprehensive about the future following the declaration of the

Public appeal sees a reported sum of $30,000 donated to-date to aid sick child

frank short 19-May-2021

16-year-old Linta Botho, who is said to need medical treatment and surgery in Australia for a heart condition has been supported by a very generous do

A reflection on the Solomon Islands unexploded WWII ordinance and the aftermath of a recent bomb blast

frank short 19-May-2021

Over 100 US 105mm high explosive bombs that remained after the Second World War were recently unearthed and removed from Gilbert Camp, East Honiara.

Could the Goodridge Foundation in Australia and the Israeli Embassy in Canberra help with urgent heart surgery for a sick young girl in the Solomon Islands

frank short 19-May-2021

This week the Solomon Star newspaper gave details of the plight of 16 year old Linta Mabo of Mabo Roghavolo village in North Guadalcanal who is suffer

Ulawa clinic being repaired with support from Kirakira Hospital and Makira provincial health division

frank short 19-May-2021

It is not very often that one gets to learn of a rural health clinic that was in a poor state of repair being renovated and restored to allow for loca

Considering the proposed West Kwaio pineapple processing plant, and some health facts about pineapples

frank short 17-May-2021

In April this year I wrote about a proposed a ‘Bonale Pineapple processing plant in West Kwaio with then discussions taking place to set up a Co

NZ’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSES)

frank short 17-May-2021

In a speech in the New Zealand Parliament today Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, standing in for the NZ Immigration Minister, spoke about what the govern

Is an investment partnership programme a likely prospect for the Solomon Islands?

frank short 17-May-2021

It is some years since the Prime Minister heralded the prospect of Special Economic Zones being created in selected areas of the Solomon Islands.

At what point could a travel bubble between Covid free Solomon Islands and Australia be considered?

frank short 17-May-2021

In the Solomon Islands 10,000 have been vaccinated against coronavirus and more are expected to be vaccinated in the coming weeks and months – v

Struggling businesses due to the impact of Covid

frank short 17-May-2021

Today’s Solomon Star tells the story of how Ms Kei Tanneberger is struggling to keep her Serah’s Lagoon Hideaway afloat in the absence of

Supporting sustainable agriculture development for Solomon Islands

frank short 17-May-2021

The Deputy Secretary Technical for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Michael Ho’ota said agriculture is an important sector for th

Fiji, US reaffirm climate support

frank short 17-May-2021

Radio New Zealand this afternoon, Saturday, reported that Fiji and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral

A call made for an overhaul of the RSE scheme in New Zealand

frank short 17-May-2021

As I recently wrote, 187 Solomon Islands workers flew out of the country on 7 May to work in various farms and abattoirs in Australia.

Women in the SI working on nutritional projects, part of an education programme to prevent NCDs by promoting a healthy diet.

frank short 17-May-2021

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung diseases are the leading cause of death in Solomon

NZ hoping to ease the burden on the struggling tourism industry. and more SI workers find contract work in Australia

frank short 17-May-2021

The recent announcement by Qantas to delay till the end of the year any plans for its international flights to resume will have come has a further set

MAL with British High Commission help assists San Isidro Care Centre to produce more food

frank short 14-May-2021

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has enriched San Isidro Care Centre’s (SICC) farming capacity to produce more food with the dona

Sir David Attenborough named COP26 People's Advocate ahead of key climate summit

frank short 14-May-2021

Britain has tasked naturalist Sir David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People's Advocate ahead o

Urgent Appeal: Linta needs surgery in Australia. Will you please help?

frank short 14-May-2021

The family of 16 year old Linta Mabo has made an urgent appeal by writing to the Solomon Star newspaper for their daughter who is needing urgent heart

Seasonal migrant workers into New Zealand to increase, says NZ’s Prime Minister

frank short 14-May-2021

About 2400 more migrant workers will be allowed into New Zealand for seasonal horticultural work, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.

Call for the UXO threat to be taken seriously in SI and an expression of sadness from the US Ambassador to the Solomon Islands 

frank short 14-May-2021

Call for the UXO threat to be taken seriously in SI and an expression of sadness from the US Ambassador to the Solomon Islands 

RSIPV Taro officially received by the RSIPF

frank short 14-May-2021

H.E. Robert Sisilo, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, accepted and received Solomon Islands second Patrol Boat the RSIPV Taro on Friday

Local photographers raising funds for girl diagnosed with heart failure disease and needing medical treatment in Australia

frank short 14-May-2021

An appeal first raised in yesterday’s Solomon Star newspaper, and one that I supported in a letter to the media, also yesterday, has met with a

The WHO gives critically important equipment to the NRH’s Ear,Nose and Throat (ENT) Department

frank short 14-May-2021

Early this week the NRH’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department received three new examination headlights from the WHO.

Reaction to bomb blast and resultant fatal injury to an Aviation Engineer

frank short 14-May-2021

Arising from the fatal injury to a local aviation engineer last Sunday following a bomb explosion on the outskirts of Honiara, the United States (US)

SI’s DCGA Government’s seriousness in reviewing and developing measures to sustainably manage forest resources

frank short 14-May-2021

Quoting from a article originating from a press release from the Ministry of Forests and Research and published in today’s Solomon Times Online,

Rheumatic fever and Rheumatic heart disease

frank short 14-May-2021

Concern over reheumatic fever and reheumatic heart disease suggests early treatment for a srep throat could prevent it becoming more serious

Qantas pushes back international flights until end of the year and word on Australian border closures

frank short 13-May-2021

Writing today in the UK’s Independent newspaper, journalist Cathay Adams said, and I quote

Children with disabilities in Solomon Islands have been deprived of both formal and non-formal education for years, says school principal of the RCSDC

frank short 13-May-2021

An article published in today’s Solomon Times On Line struck home with me and the personal feelings and desires of Mr. Jiope Iputu, the school p

Former KG VI students repay their school with a ‘Wash-Bay.’

frank short 13-May-2021

It was considered a mission accomplished recently when a new ‘Wash-Bay’ was officially handed over to King George Sixth (KG VI) School by

Rural Training Centre at Lopo, East Ulawa

frank short 13-May-2021

According to a feature story in today’s Island Sun newspaper, the people of Ulawa Island in the Makira Ulawa Province now have a new Rural Train

Solomon Islands is COVID free

frank short 13-May-2021

The work of the Solomon Islands government together with multiple partners has brought about a situation that is wholly commendable in seeing that the

More UK Funding to Boost Climate Disaster Responses.

frank short 13-May-2021

The UK has announced £12 million in new funding to support developing countries to better prepare for and respond to disasters, including those

A Solomon Islander youth ignoring a disability and proving inspirational to others and to his community

frank short 13-May-2021

The Island Sun newspaper today shares the story of Jabez Manaika from Rennell and Belona province, but one described by many of his friends and family

Developments in a wider context

frank short 10-May-2021

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Stadium held last week, the Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Island, H.E. Li Ming, spoke about th

Aviation Engineer Killed in tragic Bomb Blast

frank short 10-May-2021

Solomon Times on Line, today, reported the tragic news of yesterday’s bomb blast when an aviation engineer at the Ministry of Communication and

Breast screening

frank short 10-May-2021

I wrote most recently about the incidence of breast cancer in the Solomon Islands and, if reports are correct, the rate of breast cancer is worrying a

Reported tragic bomb blast incident in the Solomon Islands.

frank short 10-May-2021

According to a press release from the (RSIPF) Police Media and published on the Facebook page of the Island Sun newspaper a short time ago, one person

Solomon Islands: Job losses and opportunities

frank short 10-May-2021

An article in today’s Solomon Star, which I read along with an Editorial piece in the Island Sun two days ago, both dealing with the subject of

Empowering young people with participation in leadership and empowerment programmes.

frank short 10-May-2021

Today, in a feature article, the Island Sun newspaper tells of the encouraging story of HCC Youth Worker, Mary Tuhaika on her mission to help young pe

Why Cholesterol Matters for Women

frank short 08-May-2021

I want to mention today the subject of cholesterol which is associated with too much-saturated fat or refined sugar.

New RSIPF recruits learning English grammar

frank short 08-May-2021

It has been reported in the Islands Sun newspaper today that most of the new recruits joining the RSIPF have undertaken some English grammar lessons w

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